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.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
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
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.True to Dylan's words, the next few days have been a blur of preparing for the big day. He was not kidding when he said our parents were going all out for this because they were truly. I think even I underestimated just how big they were willing to go. But, they were going big or going home, apparently,Thankfully, they did not drag me into the preparations, save for them occasionally asking for my input. At one point, I told him that I trust whatever choices they would make, just so I would save myself some of the stress. That was all they needed though, and they went on to handle everything simply leaving the outfits, amkeup, and hair to me.But that truly is the only part I am looking forward to as well. And Gracie and I made the best of it over the next few days, taking as a vacation of ours where all we had to do was go around the pack, sight seeing and enjoying our moment. My family still insisted on me staying strictly on bed rest, but I think they too realized at
SEBASTIAN SALVATORE DE LUCA.Fuck, I think I might have underestimated those rogues' poison quite a lot, because when it knocked me down, it did so badly.A slight groan escaped my lips as I peeled my eyes open, welcomed by the rays of light coming in through the slightly opened curtains of my room. From what I could tell, it must be morning or afternoon. I tried to move, my whole body feeling weak, as if something was weighing me down. My body was sore, and I cannot remember the last time I felt that way really.I pushed myself to a sitting position, my gaze falling on the digital clock by the side of my bed, only to see the time read 11:00AM. I blinked, trying to push past the grogginess and then get out of the bed, making a direct beeline to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I stayed back and took a shower as well, to get rid of the sore muscles as I tried to recall my last memory and recollect all that had happened.By the time I was done and made my way back into t
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
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
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