Damien I stepped into the boardroom where Leo was in deep conversation with Sean Thomas, a brilliant bastard who couldn't do without tea and cared nothing for the world beyond money. He was one of the government representatives in charge of real estate on the Northern and Southern coasts and his approval was crucial for me, unfortunately. "Sean, good to see you," my voice rang out, pretending to be pleased. "We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with us." Sean looked up and gave me a small nod of recognition, sipping on his steaming cup of chamomile tea. "Good to see you too, Alpha Damien," he said in a deep, measured voice. Sitting across from Sean in the airy boardroom, my nerves tensed as Leo launched into a well-rehearsed pitch, talking about the plight of increased accommodation problems and the way immoral entrepreneurs sold leaking roofs and drafting walls. "Everybody deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home," I emphasized, sitting
Katana I ran away from Damien, heading towards the duplex, my heart pounding in my chest with every step I took. It would be stupid to tell him what Anysia and her friend did to me. Wiping the sweat from my brow, I rushed over to a nearby tap and splashed my face with water, the liquid refreshing against my flushed cheeks. As soon as I opened the door, the aroma of freshly baked cake filled my nostrils. I made my way toward the living room, where I heard the sound of kids' laughter and the incessant babble of cartoons emanating from the massive plasma screen. I smiled at the sight of them, their bright eyes glued to the screen as they giggled and laughed uncontrollably. Losing myself in their laughter, I watched them. They looked healthier fed, in contrast to their thin bodies when we lived outside the border. My muscles relaxed and my worries dissipated with each exhale as I sat down on one of the empty sofas, reaching for a bright red pillow on the adjacent seat. Memories o
Katana The episodes were becoming more frequent, and I didn't understand why. My mom said the only solution was to become bold and fearless and confront the ghosts, or else they would keep torturing me. I kept the little encounter with Damien's baby mama to myself. I couldn't tell my mom because she was going to get paranoid, and I couldn't tell Damien because I knew he would become so mad and do irrational stuff. I threw myself into my books, instead of trying to read ahead for the forthcoming exams. Concentrating was tough, especially with everything that was happening to me. I couldn't focus on anything other than the thoughts of Damien. Tired of trying, I slammed my book shut, and my mind wandered to the incident with Anysia. Her cruelty made me sick to my stomach. I needed to avoid her like the plague. I gathered my books and pencils, stuffing them haphazardly into my bag, and headed out for a walk. I passed by several duplexes and headed west toward the vet clinic. I had no
Damien My heart pounded with maddening rage when Xena reported all Anysia and Isadora had done to Katana. The poor girl had suffered in silence, and I felt so guilty for not seeing the signs earlier. My fists clenched in anger, and I stormed upstairs. Anysia had no right to maltreat my mate; that was a very stupid and disgraceful thing to do. After all, the girl didn't force herself on me, and if Anysia had to heap blame on anyone, it should be me. I saw red. Baby or not, it was time to do the needful. I didn't give a shit about what anyone thinks about my bond with an Omega. I loved that girl and would pounce on anyone who treats her cruelly and tear them to shreds. It was time to put a stop to this nonsense. "Leave my house," I yelled at Anysia, swinging the door open. "Now that the baby's born, I have no business with you. If you thought your actions would go unpunished because you have a child with me, then you are sorely mistaken." She glared at me with disgust, shaking her h
Katana "Get dressed, I'm taking you out," Damien said to me and turned off the TV in his bedroom. "Can't it wait?" I groaned. "I was enjoying my movie." Damien rolled his eyes and ruffled my hair playfully. "Trust me, you'll love this." True to his word, Damien moved me into the pack house. Leo and his wife gave me dirty looks and Xena welcomed me with open arms. I felt guilty for Anysia but Damien informed me that she was in one of the duplexes in the pack house because of his daughter. Rising, I grumbled making Damien laugh. I changed into a black tank top and jeans and Damien lifted me off my feet, making me giggle like a baby. Downstairs, we got into the car and he sped off, turning up the volume of the music, and singing to the pop music playing from the speakers. Damien sang with me and I gagged. "I used to think you were perfect, but now I know one of your flaws. Your voice is terrible!" He threw his head back in laughter. "Who cares?" We headed to an ice cream p
Katana The weekend passed in a blur and I prepared for school, sitting behind the dressing mirror and applying my basic makeup, brow gel, highlighter, blush, and mascara. I had so much fun with Damien and saw the side of him I never knew existed. He was funnier than I thought and never ceased to amuse me. And the lovemaking…ugh, it was perfect. He made me feel like a woman and drove me to waves and waves of ecstasy, so much that my body was awash with overlapping waves of pleasure I stared at my hair in the fancy vanity mirror Damien got for me and noticed a difference in my hair texture. Thanks to Xena, who recommended shampoo to help my frizzy hair, I no longer had to worry about a bad hair day. I saw the sides of Xena and her mate, Grey that endeared me to them. They were nice and friendly, and I bonded with Grey because he was a robotics engineer, my dream profession. The other day we spent the whole day in his makeshift office and I learned a lot from him. He, o
Katana Prom Day Music swelled and diminished as the doors opened and closed. My Jimmy Choo lace strappy sandals clicked on the wooden gym hall, where the sounds of chatter and laughter rang throughout the hall. A few of my classmates were sitting in their designated seats, talking amongst themselves. I was late and scanned around, trying to find an empty seat. "A queen doesn't arrive early," Xena beamed earlier while helping me with my makeup. She had a mischievous glint in her eye, and I giggled at her comment. "Isn't this rather much for prom?" I asked while gazing at my reflection. "I look quite overdressed, and I don't want to be the center of attraction." She laughed softly as she applied mascara. "You look wonderful. Who cares about what others say? Prom is a once-in-a-lifetime event." I lifted my dress, which hugged my chest and exposed way too much cleavage. She pinned my hair into place and styled it into a sleek updo. "You look perfect!" She clapped her hands in excit
Damien The clock struck eleven, and I anxiously glanced at the front door, wondering why Katana wasn't home. My worry grew with each passing minute. I grabbed my phone and dialed her number, but her phone rang from the dresser Great, she forgot her damn phone. I paced around the patio, waiting for her, my concern increasing by the second. Tired of waiting, I headed to the room and lay on the bed. My eyes were shut when my phone rang. It was a call from the pack house security unit. "What's going on?" I asked, sitting up. "Sir, the omegas are here. They are demanding to see you." I got on my feet immediately, and my mind screamed a warning. Something was wrong. I raced downstairs. Leo sat alone on the couch in the semi-dark living room, and when he heard my footsteps, he jumped to his feet. "Alpha, what's the matter?" "Katana isn't home yet.” I got to the gates to find Irene, Katana’s mum in tears and Zayn, shaking with fright. "What's going on? Where's Katana?" "I- she's
Alexis "Shit. That was close. He rasped out, his eyes glowing like a wildcat's and bulging with fear. "These bastards are mean and are out for us." "What are we going to do?" I said to Craig with my voice trembling. Craig grimaced, glancing outside the window, and swallowed hard, trying desperately to form coherent words. "I have no idea. But we have to stay here for now and run for our lives when this blows over. It's only a matter of time before they find us." "Fuck," Zarek winced while I paced frantically. Zarek broke the silence. "Are these buildings connected? They could destroy innocent lives while searching for us." "We need help," I said with every fiber in my body trembling nonstop. "We cannot do this on our own. They have outnumbered us." Craig turned to face me, his face congested with fear "Alexis, you have to stay here for now. I don't want you to get hurt." "Stay here?" I gasped, my eyes doubling in size. "Are you kidding me? I can't and I won't leave your si
Alexis My heart was racing so fast. I heard Craig and Zarek coming up, and I composed myself, watching them enter the room, laughing. Craig came to my side and knelt in front of me, kissing my stomach, and Zarek looked away. "How do you feel now? Better?" Craig said, concerned. I shook my head in a no, and Craig frowned. "Do you want me to get you something?" I got on my feet. "Craig, I called my dad," I blurted. "He thinks we are not safe, and is on his way to get me." Craig cursed under his breath. "We need to leave," he said firmly. "I don't trust your dad." "Come on, Craig. My dad may be an enemy to you, but he's my father. He's going to help us." Just as I made that statement, we heard a commotion downstairs, as if a riot was taking place. My heart skipped so fast. "Did you hear that?" I whispered to Craig. My breathing became raspy, and my lips trembled with fear. "I think they are here," Craig trembled and grabbed the bag where the staff was. Zarek rushed to the windo
Alexis Dora had warned us to be very careful and lay low because Dimitri had informants everywhere. It was even dangerous for us to call her, as Dimitri could trace the call and hurt her. Craig couldn't sleep and kept thinking the worst. Zarek joined us the next day and my thoughts were filled with self-loathing and the nagging urge to ask for my dad's help tugged in my heartstrings. But it was very unlikely that my dad, a werewolf, would help Craig and the vampire king. The possibility was almost impossible. He was never going to hand that staff to me. I could sense the frustration in Craig's eyes. He was like a locked-up bull, searching for a means of escape. He had stopped smiling, answering questions with minimal responses, and kept sighing constantly. He seemed to prefer talking to Zarek more than me, and that infuriated me because he made me feel like I had betrayed him in some way. And he poured out his frustration when I asked Dora how Oliver was doing. "I've warned
Alexis Craig's lips kissed my throat up before capturing my lips, and our breaths fused into our mouths. I was in divine ecstasy, and my wolf almost threatened to come out of my body. Our kiss was raw, rough, sloppy, and filled with weeks of longing and a mountain of passion. He went hard, soft, then hard again, and I had no desire to back out. Burying my hands into his thick hair, I let him scoop me up, nibbling his lips. Our kisses were messy because of my tears and the world disappeared around me. I pulled away, staring into his eyes with so much love. "I can't believe I'm seeing you. I hope someone doesn't wake me up if this is a dream." "It's me," he said. His voice thickened with emotion. "I'm here in flesh and blood." A comfortable silence settled between us and we exchanged glances, smiling. His gaze was mad with lust and molten desire, and a raging beast of need was in his eyes. "I dreamt of this day for weeks,"he whispered, kissing my neck and making my knees loosen.
Alexis One week later My heart pounded like a frightened bird, racing to escape, as I ran through the night. The darkness was consuming, making the hairs on my nape raise with raw fear, but I moved swiftly along, ignoring my rising panic. Oliver confessed to Dora and agreed to help us. I was heading to a vampire coven, so I couldn't shift into my wolf. Several nasty thoughts kept flying in, causing me to get frightened beyond measure, but I put a fire under my feet, attempting to lighten my mood with the hope of seeing Craig tonight. "I'll see Craig tonight," I chanted like a mantra. I hastened because it was almost midnight. The hotel Oliver recommended didn't seem to be popular. I stopped to take a breath when I began seeing spots in my vision and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to regain control. A stray cat darted behind me, sending chills down my spine. I sighed in relief when I burst out onto a surprisingly busy street with half-naked girls and men who couldn't walk
Alexis I edged closer to Dora until our eyes met. Dora held her head high and a broad smile graced her lips.My curiosity heightened, wondering what she wanted from me, considering that we had only met once. There was only one way to find out, but something in me suspected Craig sent her, but why would he when we’d gotten back together? "Hi," I formed a cheeky smile, hugging her. "What a surprise to see you here." "Hello, Alexis, right? I can never forget your name, considering how my boy never stops gushing about you," she said and hugged me back. When she pulled away, she stared at me with kind, observant eyes. The clouds darkened and it began to drizzle."You might want to come into the hall," I said to her. We found a secluded corner in the empty hall and sat opposite each other. Silence settled on us like mist, filling the air. I waited for her to speak but she didn't, making me uncomfortable. "Does Craig know you are here?" I managed to say. She let out a soft chuckle
Alexis Confusion was an understatement for how I felt right now. My spirit was in chaos. I couldn't believe that Craig had asked me for my forgiveness and wanted me back, even though I ended up whacking his face, which I had the right to, after all, he'd put me through. Something was off, no doubt. Yet, I couldn't deny that I still loved him. Our brief relationship brought me back to life in ways I'd never imagined. I lay on Tara's bunk, staring off into mid-distance at the star design on her ceiling, lost in thought. I didn't want to be involved in a game of back and forth where I would be easily swayed by Craig's seduction. I wasn't that stupid. Tara didn't see a big deal in Craig wanting to come back to me. "It was bound to happen," she chuckled, scooping the last of her vanilla ice cream."I know you don't see it that way, but I knew his relationship with Beverly was not going to last." "I'm not buying that bullshit," I sighed. "I know something triggered him to ask for my f
Craig Days and nights passed, and I was still trapped in Bloodline Manor like a helpless butterfly, but I had completely healed and grown stronger. My desperation grew by the second. I wondered what was going on in the outside world. Dimitri hadn't come to threaten me in days. For sure, he was surely up to something sinister. My only companion was a damn diary where I scribbled all my plans to escape, waiting for the perfect time to hatch my plan. I was staring at a cow giving birth. The mother lay exhausted on the ground after pushing her calves far enough out. She was too weak to stand and the smell of its dung and blood was strong enough to kill, but the cows were the only distractions I had because I was so close to going insane. I loved video games and being with my phone. Not having that luxury was killing me. My ears perched when someone knocked on my door. "It's open," I said flatly. Anna, who was the only innocent person in this manor because she had no idea I was s
Oliver I winced, rubbing my stinging cheek. The force of Alexis's slap remained. I deserved it for being so stupid to think she'd jump on me like a lovestruck puppy after I asked for her forgiveness or be easily manipulated without questioning me. Rooted on the spot, I watched her walk away, cursing under my breath. The girl was petite but bold and hostile. Thanks to that bastard, Dimitri, I'd received an unwarranted slap. My shoulders sagged like a deflated balloon. Dimitri forced me to gather information from Craig's friends, including his girlfriend, about the staff of authority. I had two days to come up with something, and the consequences of not getting sufficient information would be brutal. But how could I ask them a string of questions without them becoming suspicious? Craig's friends, especially Zarek, were discerning and were beginning to sniff my fakery. It was a miracle that I hadn't gotten caught at this point. "Oliver, you're a man. I didn't raise you a coward!"