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.My parents were not exactly happy to hear that I planned on going back to the city a day earlier than I said I would initially since I did tell them I would stay over for the weekend along with Dylan. Not to mention, he as well did seem to have his questions about why I would need to return instead of enjoying some quality time with them.But when I mentioned Gracie, they were convinced. My parents had met her once before—shortly after I had returned to them, she came to visit me once, and they clicked almost instantly. Dylan was not around then, as he had to visit a nearby pack to discuss some issues, so he has never met her. But I and my parents spoke nothing but good of her. So, despite his wariness towards the woman he has never met before, he seemed to be a bit more accepting of me spending time with her than someone else unknown to the family.So, he did not make a move to stop me by the time I decided to drive back to the city. He did mention that I should text hi
LEILA MILLER“I cannot believe you agreed to marry Rick,” I said, wishing I could muster as much enthusiasm as she wants to me to. I held her hand in mine, staring at the marquise rock seated there on a gold band.It’s beautiful sure, but my issue is not with the ring but rather the one that gave it.“It’s a dream come true,” Gracie, either oblivious to my tone, or just chose to ignore it. It’s obvious she is over the moon though, and I hate to be the one to rain on her parade. But still, it’s Rick we are speaking of here. “I mean we have been together for almost six years now, you of all people know how long I’ve been waiting for him to pop the question.”“Yeah, and I also know you’ve broken up a dozen times over those six years because of his inconsistent ass.” I deadpanned, holding back an eye roll as I took a sip of my drink.In case you haven’t noticed, I do not like the man in the slightest. But my reasons are valid. Aside from him stringing her for six years in a toxic relation
LEILA MILLER.Believe me, after everything that has happened, the last thing I need is a grand birthday party. I did not need one before, and I certainly do not want one in this moment of all times as well. Were they not the ones that wanted to keep me cooped up in this house on strict bed rest? Tell me why we are suddenly having a party and inviting quite possibly the whole pack and beyond.I have enjoyed living without being known to outsiders. It was my little secret and triumph card that might come to be useful later on. But, certainly not now of all times. "Tell me you're kidding." I released a dramatic groan, flopping back on the bed. I saw Gracie smile at me from the corner of my eyes, no doubt finding me amusing. I am glad I could lift her mood, but not the time really.I happen to have an equally brooding brother that held my gaze, his expression difficult to read when he then asked. "Does it seem like I am kidding?" He does not.Damn it. This is bad.Gracie's voice suddenl
LEILA MILLER."Let us go shopping." I suddenly declared, after my little moment with Gracie opening up about her relationship with my brother.Gracie blinked, before her eyes widened and she quickly shook her head. "No, no. Before I cam here, your brother warned me that you are not supposed to leave your bed." She stated, and I was a bit surprised she was heeding to his words. The Gracie I know would be too stubborn to listen to what he would say, especially not in the current stage they are in. "Your brother would have my head if I let you go out really.""Who said anything about going out?" I arched a brow, my lips forming a mischievious smile. "We can always shop online. Going outside is the last thing I want in this moment either." I could go out within the pack, but going beyond it? Not yet. Not until I feel safe out there again. "Or we can go to the boutique in the pack, they bring the most stunning dresses. Or we can have them brought here. That would be perfect..." I was alrea
DYLAN MILLER.Gracie seemed like she had something to say about the whole thing, but she did not. Instead, she caved in wordlessly, shutting herself as she did before. I asked her if there was anything she wanted to do before we leave, but she shook her head otherwise. So, we both bid Sarah farewell, before we made our way out together, getting back in my car. This time around, before I could open the door for Gracie and strap her in, she did so herself. She did not spare me a glance, and seemed as though she wanted to make a point clear.That she does not want me.Too bad. I may not be cruel, but I can be selfish. And when it comes to my mate, I will be as selfish as I need to be in order to keep her with me. The drive to the pack house took a while, as it was a bit farther from the city. The pack closest to the city and occupying most of the territory is Salvatore's, ours is a bit farther.I appreciated the drive really, because it gave me more time with my mate before we head to t
DYLAN MILLER.Sarah finished the soup, and then handed it over to Gracie who thanked her with a soft smile on her features, and in that moment I realized the two have become close somehow. Then again, Sarah is easy going, and my mate seemed so as well. The way she smiled, she seemed much more beautiful really, and i could only hope one day she would be able to smile with me the same way. Sarah after preparing my breakfast as well, quietly left the kitchen for the two of us, not before giving me a look I knew as her encouraging me to make some effort into stirring something upw ith Gracie, but how could I do so without making her hate me more than she already does?I quietly ate my food as she did as well, but she was quick, as if wanting to finish it up as soon as she can and leave. She finished in record time, and then made a move to get off the stool, but I was having none of it."Sit." I said, my tone firm, while finishing up my food as well.She folded her lips in, glancing at me
DYLAN MILLER."Where is Gracie?"Things have been a whirlwind really, a rollercoaster of emotions that it felt as though there was too much ongoing, and too very little time to process it really. Somewhere in between leaving my mate back at my house, returning to the pack borders to fend off the rogues, whom retreated at the very last minute that is, giving us the victory this time around, and in between getting a call from my Beta about Leila's disappearance, there was too much ongoing really.But, everything that happened afterwards, from trying to reach out to her to no avail, to tracking her phone to Sebastian Salvatore's house, and what went down between us passed by pretty quickly. I did not even have time to process and wonder why she would go to his house of all people. Could it be because of Matt? Does she still have any feelings for him? Is he why she went to his Uncle's place or otherwise?Now thinking back, after everything has blown down, Matt was nowhere in sight at the
DYLAN MILLER.I am not a saint, nor the holiest out there. I am not a man without any history with women, I do have, quite a lot.But, that was in the past, when I was much younger and in my teenage years. I am not using that to defend myself, not that there is anything to defend really. I am just saying, I have my own history and moment with women, quite a number of it, and it is now in the past. It has been something over thre eyears since I have entertained any women, or thought of being in any fling or casual relationship with anyone. Since I took up the role of the Alpha, I have devoted myself to it wholly, giving it my all. I kept aside my habit I had prior, knowing I now have a lot of people counting on me.My parents, my sister, and my pack--they were all depending on me and there is no way I would let them down. That is not something I could afford, so, I dropped it aside and focused on becoming a good Alpha. Of course, I see those around me finding their mates, and building
LEILA MILLERAfter I was discharged from the hospital, my parents refused to let me go back to my apartment in the city, and instead practically forced me to go along with them back to the pack house. I tried to get Dylan to help me out but who am I kidding? Of course he would not offer me the lending hand I want. So, I succumbed to their wishes and followed them back, though deep down I knew I would prefer being back at home for the meantime as well. I am still not fully healed and if I am being honest, I am not fully satisfied with the thought of going back home alone, only because I know if I do so I would be alone and keft to wander away with my thoughts.I could not afford that. So, I would pick being back home and pampered any day.And pampered I was, because my parents would not even allow me out of bed unless when extremely necessary. They arranged for everything to be brought to my room at my own comfort so I would not have to stress out and continued to hover over me like I
LEILA MILLER.I suppose I was mistaken. Sebastian was not the one who saved me. And perhaps, it was wishful thinking on my part that he was, given our last interaction, how it went down, and who I saw him with.I initially thought perhaps, he was the one, and even thought he would come visit me in the hospital or something. I do not want my family to know about us, but in that moment I could not give a single damn really. He could have showed up and they would all know, or he would sneak in when there is no one, I did not care. I just wanted him close, I wanted him to be here, I was craving for his warmth and his touch. I wanted him to wrap me in his embrace and assure me that everything is going to be okay, but I got none of that. Sebastian remained like a shadow in my memories, and I could not find him anywhere no matter how I tried to reach out to him.I even swallowed my pride and texted him, called him even because I so much believed he was the one that saved me. I was so sure i
LEILA MILLER A dull ache welcomed me the moment I tried to peel my eyes open, my head pouring as the bright light in the room threatened to blind me. I closed my eyes almost immediately, taking a few seconds to accustom myslef to being conscious again to begin with before I slowly parted my eyes open again. My gaze fell on the white ceiling first, adorned with bright lights that made the place seem more clinical. The scent of disinfectants was heavy in the air, along with beeping from beside me. I need not look around to know where I am. The hospital. Fuck. A slight groan escaped my lips as I tried to move, only for a painful force to push me back down, stopping me from doing even the simplest action of moving. The fuck? My body feels heavy, and I could not move my lower body as a whole while moving my upper body simply felt like a huge struggle. Thankfully, my groan seemed to have gained the attention of the others in the room, whose presence I had not realized earlier on. “My