Thank you for reading. I mixed up the naming of the previous chapter but I corrected it already. This is where part 4 begins. So the truth is out, cards on the table and I feel excited. I know we all want Aaron and Mia together but we have a long way to go. Thank you guys for the votes yesterday! Over 60 new votes, I was shocked out of my mind! Your love for the book is overwhelming and it makes me sit up. Thanks again for reading. I'll have another chapter up in no time..
Three hours later. I was in a red polka-dot sundress that reached my knee and a pair of black slip-on I found in the wardrobe, which was the perfect match. I figured Aaron had gotten them for me because they fit so well. My curly hair I made into a ponytail, and once done, I stared at myself in the dressing mirror one last time to make sure I looked okay. I did, and now I was waiting for Aaron to call for me. Leaving gave me a bittersweet feeling. Bitter because it meant I wouldn’t have the Harts around me anymore, especially Aaron, and sweet because this was what I always wanted. Not long after I finished dressing up, the male servant, Blake, came to usher me out of the room. I came downstairs for the second time in the days I’ve been here, and I found the three younger Harts standing close, waiting. It warmed my heart to know that despite the chaos I caused while here; they were still here to say farewell. “Promise you I’ll visit?” I asked with expectant eyes as I stared at Sesi,
My heart sank like the Titanic after she said he was involved in a crash, and my mood changed.“He was taken to the hospital and has been there since,” she finished, bringing me out of my thoughts to focus on her.“Where is he now?” I asked, barely holding my trembling voice together.I saw Aaron stare at me from the corner of my eye with worried eyes, and I knew he had heeded my warning and wasn’t listening to this call. However, judging from the quietness I got from behind, I wasn’t sure the same could be said for those seated in the back seat.“Saint Louis General Hospital,” she replied, and my brain did a mental location of the hospital and realised it was in Beverly Hills.I nodded. “I’m on my way.” I ended the call and turned to look at Aaron.“Where?” he asked, not waiting for the rest of the story. He must have drawn his conclusion based on the change in expression and realised I needed to be somewhere.He just saved me a lot of stress with his words.“Saint Louis General Hospi
I came out of the building and towards the parking lot where Aaron had parked the car earlier, and I saw him there holding onto Zion while talking to his siblings. It was nice to know that some people understood what family was and valued it, unlike mine. At least I still had Lionel for support and comfort, no matter how bad it got.They noticed me approaching, and they turned to look at me.Aaron was the first to speak. “Hey, are you okay?” The concern in his tone made my heart flutter, and I nodded. “I am. Thank you for earlier.” I flashed him a smile.“I did nothing.” He brushed it off casually.‘It was enough to scare the life out of Betty, and that was enough for me.’ I said to myself.I nodded, then turned to Sesi. “Thank you for the snacks. I didn’t plan for the detour we took; it just happened, and I was so concerned about my brother that I forgot about my son.”“It’s fine. We’ve got you, always.” She assured me with a confident voice, and that was enough for me.Their eyes wan
#angryrantI am never one to complain about a reader’s criticism, but when it’s done with malicious intent, I can’t stand it. The reader Jane rated my book 1½ over 5 stars because the chapter is short (every short chapter is followed by a long chapter to maintain balance) my editor when I started on GN advised me to write shorter chapters so readers can easily afford it and not complain about too much coin. That advice had stuck for over two years. 5 days ago, Jane, who didn’t know why I do what I do, rated my hard work 1½ over 5, bringing my book from a 10 rating to 9.1. If you have an issue with a book or writer, ask questions or, better still, do not read the book. Rating it poorly because of what you don’t even know is cruel and malicious.I am sad and angry. I am a reader as much as I am a writer and I have read books with short chapters and understood what short chapters meant.Most times my chapter ends at 2.5k or 3k words, but because I know the coin consumption would be higher
We arrived home, and Aaron carried the still sleeping Zion into his arms and rested his small head on his shoulder as we both approached the house. The little boy must have felt the change because he woke up and his dull eyes lingered on me.“Mommy.”“Yes, my love.”“Are we home yet?”I bobbed my head and said, “We are. We are going in now.”Aaron opened the door, and I followed him inside. “I’m hungry,” he whined.“I know, and I will get you something to eat in no time.” I reached out and ruffled his hair. I felt exhausted from the stress of today, but I had to put him first and put his needs above mine, like always.“Okay, mommy.”My eyes strayed from him and moved around the room. I hadn’t even taken the time to notice the massive change that had taken place in the room, and now that I had; I realised nothing had changed. Everything was the way it used to be, and it felt as if there had never been an attack to begin with. Aaron had spoken about taking care of things, but I never tho
Aaron had ordered grilled beef while I was still asleep, so even when he made us breakfast, he had himself sorted out. He served breakfast, and we sat at the table to eat. His pancake tasted delicious, and it was perfect with the milk. Yet, I wanted the grilled beef, which he ate, and when he noticed my longing stare at the piece in his hand, he offered it to me. Of course, I couldn’t take it. Zion sat at the table, and I had always taught him this thing called contentment and wanted to lead by example. So I shook my head and thanked him.Aaron informed me he had also ordered clothes he could change into since he knew I had none in the house, or I would have given them to him.I had no issue with that, and I thanked him for breakfast before standing up. Today was a long day, and I had a few things to do. I had to start by cleaning up and bathing myself and Zion.I did not know if I said it out loud, but Aaron beat me to it, picking up the plates and heading back to the kitchen. When I
I didn’t know if I had the strength to go in, but I had to. I couldn’t stay out all day and wallow, and so I dragged myself in. Shutting the door, I pressed my head against it with my eyes closed, reminiscing about all that had happened so far.A few good things happened, but this one seems to have ruined it all. I still wanted to believe there was a way around this; there had to be. I didn’t diminish my role in all of this, nor did I think I was sinless, but I didn’t prepare for the nightmare or the pain I caused Daniel. He was a good guy with a good heart. He was the best among them, and he deserved better.I heard a crack in the door from not so far away, but I didn’t even open my eyes to see who it was. I knew who it was, and a part of me didn’t want to see him.“He’s already laid in bed,” Aaron announced after the door closed behind him, and I just hummed. My head stayed pressed against the door, and my eyes closed.“Are you okay?” he asked, sounding a little worried.I doubted hi
The month that followed flew by. I divided my time between work, Zion, and Lionel.Four weeks ago, I reported to the university because, though it was the exam period when I disappeared, they still needed my presence there. Mr Tobi, the vice chancellor, however, told me Aaron had stepped in and informed him why I wasn’t present. I didn’t know what Aaron told him, but it sounded genuine enough because Mr Tobi believed it and granted me pardon for the days I missed. I didn’t know what exactly he told them, and I didn’t ask.Daniel also came back two weeks ago and apologised, claiming he had overreacted. When I asked him what changed his mind, he admitted Aaron had come to his house to speak to him. In his words, Aaron had admitted to kissing me and that I only kissed back because he made me. He also told him that in the week I spent with him, I had welcomed no form of entanglement because I had him in mind. Somehow, Daniel believed him and returned.I was happy about his return. I was al
Eight months later,“I know you’re there; you can come out of hiding now.” Zera said before turning to the mirror she stood in front of.Diya came out of the spot where she had hidden herself beside the door since her arrival a minute ago.“Zera. Hey.”“This baby might have robbed my other senses, but I still have a strong sense of smell. I sniffed you out the minute you stepped into the hallway.” She said this and turned to Diya in her white dress, which stopped over her knees.Diya looked ready for the day, and here she was, not even recognising herself in her dress. She had chased Aaron out of the room because he kept complimenting her overgrown bump and calling her beautiful. She didn’t feel beautiful, and she felt he only said it to make her feel better. That infuriated her and made her send him to Zion’s room.Davine told her eight months ago at the Hart Lab opening that she was a few weeks pregnant. Of course, she didn’t believe him because she was a sage and also because her bo
The Dominio pack has experienced peace like none other since the rest of the packs that survived the war moved back and continued their lives on their own. “Do I look presentable for the night?” Zera asked, turning away from the mirror to face Aaron.He glanced at her from head to toe, and there was satisfaction on his face. “You know, you always look presentable.”She rolled her eyes, giving her silver sweetheart dress one last glance before stepping away from the mirror. “I think you might be talking about yourself, Mr.”He smiled cockily. “I will take it as a compliment,” he said as he brushed over his grey suit. “Shall we go?” he asked, extending an arm to her.“Yes, we shall.” She accepted his hand, and together they stepped out of the room.The opening of Hart’s lab was a small ceremony, but many dignitaries from all over the world welcomed it. After the war, Damor began his work of testing the lab and going through the final reviews. It took him three months, and though he had
Aaron, just like Damor, had moved to attack Lucius, but his minions were willing to put themselves in the way. He had taken down three werewolves, one sage, and is currently battling another sage. It was easier said than done because, unlike the first sage he fought, this one seemed stronger, if there was such a thing. His healing abilities were kicking in to repair the damage to the broken bones and ribs, but they were not fast enough for the assault his body was taking. The sage had kicked the golden dagger away, and he was forced to fight with his hands, which wasn’t a fair fight.“You’re the alpha Aaron from the strongest line?” The sage, who had told him his name before the battle but didn’t care to keep it in mind, spoke. “This is a joke. You do not pose any threat to our alpha.” He spat on the floor.Aaron laughs, and this made the sage raise a brow. “What is so funny?”Aaron pulled himself to his feet and asked, “If I pose no threat, why does your so-called alpha want me dead
The entire pack was already outside as the night came along. Many had already been training for hours and didn’t see the point of going inside. A lot took it as their last day and just trained, regardless. They had a point; they didn’t know the numbers of those coming against them. It would be safe to consider giving it all, even though they wouldn’t make it out alive. That would be the right way to go.They noticed the presence of Aaron, and those training out in the open field paused and stepped back from each other.“The enemy will be here any minute. They will come with forces stronger than ours, probably more savage than ours; however, there is something they don’t have. The zeal we have.” They mumbled their agreement with his words.“They are coming with the sole aim of taking control, and we will fight with the sole aim of living. They do not get to decide our lives. I know many of you are scared, but so am I. I am afraid, but with that fear, I will use it to fight this battle,
Four nights later,Agitation grew within the pack after the fourth night came, and no attack from the Legion of Sages followed. It created doubt in the hearts of many, as they wondered if Lucius was even going to attack. No one slept as they anticipated the attack throughout the night, only to be proven wrong twice.Aaron had nothing to tell the pack; he had known that Lucius was not a man of his word, and this was to be expected. It didn’t mean he wouldn’t attack, but he wanted to play with them first, stretch their patience, and see how far it would go.Zera didn’t care that Lucius didn’t attack; she saw it as an opportunity to train Lionel. She had seen him battle Aaron days ago and thought he could do better with a little training. Though she didn’t get the chance immediately, she got it the next day and has trained with him since. She set out as soon as the day broke and has been at it since. She didn’t see them losing to Lucius despite his advantage, and he also wanted to think
Lionel took it better than Zera had initially anticipated because he just nodded and said he was fine with it. She didn’t want to believe his words, but she had to trust that he was telling the truth.When Manon finally arrived, Lionel was one of those to welcome him, as he had no prior visit to this one. There was no bad blood or grudge held, or at least she couldn’t see it.He shook hands with Manon and told him he was the luckiest man alive to have Sesi as his mate. Then he told him to take care of her, or he would hunt him down and kill him. It was a threat, and from the sound of his voice, he was dead serious. That should have been Aaron’s line, but Lionel didn’t care; he said it. He obviously still cared about Sesi and wanted only the best for her.Manon nodded and told him he would not forget his words in case he ever did something to hurt Sesi. Lionel tapped his shoulder and walked away.Zera turned to Aaron and asked him if he had any threats left for Manon, and he shook his h
Aaron was barely awake when he felt a hand on his body, and it wasn’t just any hand, but an arousing one. His skin tingled at the contact, and he squirmed and moved to continue the sleep, assuming it was just a dream. The touch came again, and this hand knew his body well. It knew all the right places it needed to touch and how softly and firmly he wanted each part held. A moan erupted from his mouth, and his eyes opened to find Zera between his legs. He drew a sharp breath at the realisation of what was happening.“You’re awake,” she said, grinning at him, and then stroked him at a medium pace.“Were you hoping I wouldn’t?”“I hoped you would stay asleep a little longer; bite me,” she said.His hand reached out to stroke her face lazily. “With that mouth of yours, I will do whatever you tell me to.”She chuckled and took his head into her mouth. “Fuck! Oh my, Zera, that feels so good.” He moaned, and his head fell back into the pillow, and his eyes fluttered.“Do we have time for thi
With Alpha Kol’s permission, Aaron sent the members of his pack along with the members of the Dominio pack later that day. They went out in threes following his instructions. The reason was because he knew the packs outside might not want to follow the words of the members of the Domino pack to join forces; however, with the presence of the members of the retribution pack among them, their messages would be accepted in a different light. The retribution pack members will help convince the other pack Alpha to join forces in the coming war once they learn about the enemy from them.While at home, he tried to prepare himself.“Am I overthinking this, or is Ivan an even bigger dick than I am on my dick days recently?” Damor asked, stepping into the study and shutting the door behind him. His presence and words moved Aaron’s attention to him. “Ivan had changed a lot, ever since he had ventured into the past of the wise ones, just moments of their execution. It was sure to happen. Whatever
Getting a letter from Alpha Lucius was the last thing Aaron expected the next day, but it came in the morning. No one knew how it came, as Nigo and Lawrence, the betas on watch, had seen no one drop it and only saw the letter much later into the dawn of the day.Greeting Alpha of the Dominio Pack, I would use this as a formal announcement since you already know and there is no point in hiding and seeking anymore. We are coming for your blood first, and then your head next. You have these last four days to put all your houses together. Because the cleansing is coming. You had luck taking out my favourite sage girl, but I will attack with a legion of sages, and I would love to see you die trying to take them down. I wish you all the best, but cleansing is a natural order of things, so there are no hard feelings.Your friend, LuciusAaron squeezed the letter after reading it and tossed it to the ground.The arrival of the retribution pack as well as the presence of Alpha Viktor over the