LEILA MILLER With one hand holding onto the stranger’s hand, Sebastian pulled me behind him with his other hand, so his body was shielding me from the man. He towered over the man, his hand twisting his arm in a position that is certain to be anything but comfortable, judging from the look of pain that took over the man’s features. He was quick to start pleading, “Look, bro, I am sorry, I did not know she is with you. Please. Let go.” Sebastian twisted his arm further, and even I started to feel bad for the man because I cannot imagine my hand being twisted in such direction. I could not see Sebastian’s face, but when he parted his lips to speak, I could detect the fury in it. His voice had dropped octaves lower so only the three of us could hear, and there was a low growl in his voice that I knew his wolf is about to show. “Or what?” Sebastian repeated his earlier words to me, as he stepped closer to him, the man’s body shaking. And then I heard it. The sickening sound of b
LEILA MILLER.Not in the least bit able to think clearly. Sebastian devoured my lips so quickly that I had little time to respond, and I was forced to yield to his touches.The only thing that came to me in the hazy mess that was Sebastian was his kisses, his touch, and the way he made me feel hot and fuzzy inside. When I tried to kiss him back, I was unable to equal the passion of his kisses, but I was able to free my hands from his and wrap them around his neck.I knew that I should keep my distance, pull away, and keep him at arm's length, but none of those things mattered to me in this situation. I am not sure whether I was caving in because I am too caught up in lust, or whether my heart was starting to sway to him but I knew one thing for sure: I am craving his touch, intensely so.So, I melted in his arms, throwing away all those thoughts that were making me second guess the situation, and simply caved into the passionate kiss. Sebastian's lips finally left mine, allowing me t
SEBASTIAN SALVATORE DE LUCA.I caved into my desires after all. I was not sure what was the final breaking point for me exactly. Was it from being ignored by her throughout the night since the mention of Anastasia? Or was it when I saw her being hit on by that drunk man? I am not sure exactly, it could be it all to be honest.But as we sat in that car, on the way back to her house, I held onto the very last thread of patience I have before I would do something i definitely would not regret. Her scent was too strong, it was messing with my senses. I could not stare at her, I dared not to because by doing so I would be losing that bit of composure I have always prided myself in having.I could feel her gaze on me occaionally, but i forced myself to keep my gaze out there, exhaling a few calming breaths to myself. As much as it was torture itself, I still wished the ride was longer because way too sooner than I would have liked, the car pulled up in front of her apartment, and she stepp
LEILA MILLER.I let out a sigh as I opened my eyes, only to be greeted by the faint glow of light peeking through the drapes. As I drew the pillow in my arms closer to me, I closed my eyes once again and let out another sigh of relief and satisfaction. However, I stopped when I smelled something.Taking another smell of the scent emanating from the pillow, my eyes sprung wide, and sure enough, it was Sebastian's... I was reminded of everything that had happened the previous evening, as though the aroma had opened the gates to memories that came flooding in almost instantly. From his picking me up from work to the fundraiser dinner, to dress shopping at Lerouxe, and even sleeping together.I clenched my eyes shut immediately, silently screaming in my head as I realized I had slept with Sebastian after all. Blood rushed to my cheeks as I buried myself under the pile of duvet before I realized there was no point in regretting really. What is done is done, and though I still feel like sma
LEILA MILLER.His words brought me out of the trance I was lost in for a moment, and then I blinked, my lips parted as I released a shaky breath. My eyes then narrowed at him, though I did not exactly push him away. "You did not answer my questions," I pointed out.He hummed, as if he was aware of it. And then, one of his hands went to my waist, slipping under the shirt so his bare hands touched my bare skin, and I found myself swallowing down a lump, suddenly beginning to feel hot all over again--and judging from the look on his face, he is very much aware of it. "How was your night?" He asked in that same husky tone. "How are you feeling now?"I sighed, but decided to answer after all. "I am fine," I said, trying to keep my expression blank. "But you need to leave," I said, "I have to go to work, and you do as well." I saw the time on the clock earlier, it already is past eight in the morning--making us both late for work.But here we are, acting as if we do not have work to head to
LEILA MILLER.Sebastian left shortly after breakfast, leaving me stunned by his sudden confession. I did not know what to make of it, or how to wrap my head around it really. Everything that happened in the last twenty-four hours seemed like a messy blur to me, almost as if it happened all in the blink of an eye—as if I am living a dream. After a while of simply sitting there staring at nothing, I decided to get up and get ready for the day. I am late already, and I hate being tardy. So, I made my way back to the bedroom, took a shower, and the changed into a work outfit of my choice. I did however decide on a high neck blouse, just to cover up the marks that decorated my skin. It took me less than an hour to get ready, and by the time I was done, i picked up my car keys on the way out before heading down to the underground parking lot where I got into my car, and then drove off to work. My apartment is not far from the office, just about fifteen minutes drive if there is traffic, an
LEILA MILLER.My lower lip was between my teeth as I stared at Sebastian's card, the words circling in my mind. I wanted to throw his bouquet and card too, but something inside of me fluttered in ways I couldn't quite explain. But as I made up my mind, I let out a sigh, and the door opened just in time to see Kiana."Miss Reed?" She stepped in and said, "You wanted me to take the roses out?" with her brows drawn together as she gazed between me and the flowers.Dropping Sebastian's card back into the bouquet, I nodded and said, "And the lilies too." I stated that as I was determined to discard it.I would not be swayed that easily; the thoughts of what happened in the past came flooding in, strengthening my resolve.Kiana's confusion was evident on her expression, and I could understand why. She is someone with a simple mind and thought. To her, getting two bouquets is probably the best way to start the morning. To me, it is nothing but a constant reminder of what I was made to go thr
LEILA MILLERMatt left on his own, but the damage caused by him was left in its awake--exactly what he wanted.He had managed to instill the ideas in the mind of those that were present, ruining my reputation, and in less than thirty minutes, the news has spread round the office. I saw it in the way the workers stared at me when I am passing, in their hushed whispers in between themselves, and what they gossip to each other in the restrooms, unaware that I am there as well.But, I did not address it, there was no point in it. One, none of them can come to my face and say those words to me, and two, rumors disappear as fast as they come—especially since there is no concrete evidence as well.One thing I am grateful for however, is that Dylan was not back yet. His flight is scheduled for night time, so he will not have the time to come to the office much less, hear about what happened with Matt. Even though Matt should be the one worried if Dylan hears about it, I did not want to deal w
LEILA MILLER."Miss Miller." Ian gave me a nod of acknowledgement, his lips curling into a teasing smile as he gave me a nod. "A dance, please?" He extended a hand out to me, hoping I would take it.I shook my head, unable to hide the smile on my face. "Of course, Alpha Abbot. How can I turn you down?" I stretched my hand out, carefully placing it in his, and his hand instantly wrapped close around mine, wrapping it in its warmth. Ian gently pulled me into his arms, one hand going to rest on the small of my back while the other held my hand. Then, carefully, we started to sway to the music, side to side, slower than when I danced with the others which I very much appreciated because my feet were aching. "And please," I found myself saying, finding his gaze. "Just call me Leila. I prefer you call me that." Miss Miller feels too formal--a name that would be used by those I am not particularly close to. Ian on the other hand, though I am not close to him, I feel is better than a strang
LEILA MILLER Everyone in the hall clapped in acknowledgement, but I think I broke some people because they all seemed too frozen in their position in shock. Two people in particular. One, Matt fucking Wilde. And two, Sebastian asshole de Luca. Oh and of course, Anastasia who watched with a mouth that fell open, it nearly touched the ground. If I was close, I would have reached out and helped her close it because with the way it was wide open, something might actually fly into it. Though I think I would love to see her face as she chokes really. I ignored them, grinning as Pa turned around to face me. “My princess,” he started, “My daughter. Happy birthday.” He reached out and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace. “Thank you, Pa,” I leaned into his embrace, loving how secure and protected I felt being in his arms. And then he pulled back after a while, Ma coming in next as she pulled into her embrace. “Happy birthday, honey.” She said, giving my back a pat.
LEILA MILLER.Pa's words had everyone keeping shut, the entire hall becoming so quiet, a pin drop could be heard. It turned still, breaths held in anticipation, as curious eyes looked around the room, as if the birthday girl would mysteriously show up. I pushed Sebastian away from me, my heart hammering behind my ribcage so loudly I feared he would be able to hear it, and thankfully, he did not hold back, letting me get back up on my feet though his strong arms remained around me to ensure I was standing on my feet steadily. But, he did not move away, and instead stood beside me, almost protectively. My gaze fell on a fuming Anastasia who tried to fake a smile on her face but it was not working.She was rather glaring between Sebastian and I. Still, she forced a smile on her face, her lips curling uowards almost robotically before she then parted her lips and said. "Sorry. My hand slipped." She said, her apology half baked.I scoffed. As if. Who is she trying to fool?My scoff seemed
SEBASTIAN SALVATORE DE LUCA.The Millers sent out an invitation to their birthday party, and they allowed me to take two guards of my choice, and a plus one. Now, rationally, I chose to go with Eric and Drake, leaving Xavier and my Delta to look after the pack. And for a plus one, I really did not want to take anyone. But apparently my health status was still in jeopardy. I did not believe it before, but when I started getting dizzy out of the blue, it became apparent that there might be a need of Anastasia closeby, which was why I had to take her with me as well. I already Drake in the background searching for a good toxicologist doctor as well that would fill in for her. And once I get one, which i am hoping would be soon, I would have, then she would be out of the picture. I could not keep her around any longer, and I know what I am saying. It already is a stretch having her here. The Millers decided to host it at one of their hotel's grand halls, a smarter choice than having a
LEILA MILLER.Truly, why was I not surprised to see her in his arms? She was with him that night as well. I still remember what was said that night at the fundrasing gala, something about them being together before. I guess, they got back together, and I no longer matter. That must have been why he ignored my messages and calls. Great, just great.On the other hand, I could feel Matt's piercing gaze on me as well, but that was the least of my concerns. I moved my gaze away from either of them, holding my head up as Ian and I walked past them, and we made our way to a table amidst theirs, one where I spotted the Abbot name tag sitting there nestled perfectly. My brows drew in surprise, and I found myself leaning forth to ask him. "Who are you exactly?" I could not help but ask, because by all indications, he is a very important person to get front row seat, but I could not remember where I must have heard his name before or heard of him.Ian folded his lips in for a moment. "Yeah, a
LEILA MILLERRecognition dawned on me as I remembered the familiar face and scent, the memory of our meetup clicking in my head like missing puzzles of a jigsaw. It was as if something in my mind clicked, and in an instant, I was taken back to where I knew him from, and how we met. The man outside my apartment that day, the one I hid behind when evading my brother’s beta as I ran away. I had only been with him for that brief moment I hid behind him, using him as a shield until I made my way out of the apartment building. We did not even speak, at least I told him that I owe him one, and then ran off before he could say a thing.I did not think much into it, I just thought that if by some chance we run into each other, I owe him one for helping me that day. But of all the places I thought we would ever cross paths, my birthday party was not one of it.What is he doing here? And who is he?My confusion only grew when he offered me a warm smile, and then he helped me get back on my feet
LEILA MILLER.The birthday party was set to take place in on Eid the hotels our company has. They initially wanted to host it at the pack, but they figured it would be a high security risk to allow so many people into our pack lands. So, they decided to have it in the city, which is practically no man’s land, a place where all the guests would feel much more at ease being as well.Ma and Pa left earlier, as they wanted to arrive and welcome the guests first. We were supposed to go with Dylan, but his Beta came to accompany us instead because Dylan apparently had an unexpected work call that came through so he would be joining us later.Gracie seemed a bit disappointed when she heard that but she did not let it show for long. All I could do was offer her smiles of encouragement and assure her that he will be around later, and it will be worth it when she sees his reaction.The drive to the hotel seemed too much longer than I would wanted it to be. Or perhaps I was just too stuck in my
LEILA MILLERBy the time Gracie and I had our makeup and hair done, we had basically transformed into more beautiful versions of ourselves. Personally, I know I am beautiful, and I own it, but in that moment, I could not help but stare at my reflection in awe.Who is that beauty? She’s is so fine.I glanced at Gracie, who was staring at her reflection as well, her lips parting as she fan over herself. She truly looks good. Her usual glow and ambience these past few days was dimmed, making her glow disappear but it was back in that moment.I could tell she felt that as well judging from the way her eyes seemed to have this glint as she stared at herself in awe.I parted my lips, and then threw in an earnest comment. “We are about to have my brother down on his knees.” I stated, because I just know it. I gave her low whistle. “Damn girl, you are getting some tonight, even if I find it disgusting to even think about my brother doing such things…” I shuddered, before I grinned and then ad
SEBASTIAN SALVATORE DE LUCA."DAMN IT! WHY CAN'T ANY OF YOU FIND HER?!" I yelled, pushing away the content on top of my work desk, sending them flying across the room as I heaved out heavily, my hands tightening around the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white. From behind me, I could feel them exchanging looks amongst themselves. They were quiet for a while, and then Eric's cautious voice came as he took a step forward. "Alpha, she could be well for all we know...""Then why can't you find her?" I snapped, turning around to look at him as I gritted my teeth, my nose flared. "Huh? Why can't any of you find her anywhere if you are so sure she is alright?!" It has been hours since I woke up, and there has not been a single second where my mind was not flooded with the thought of Leila. I went to her house earlier, and I have waited there for a while, but there was no answer on the other end. I had to check in with the receptionist, but she said Leila has not been around in days