XADENI had her right where I wanted her. But damn it all, why did she have to look so good? Standing there all disheveled and soft and so early in the morning at that. I knew she'd just woken up since I’d made sure to show up early. I needed the upper hand for what I’d decided to do and I knew catching her off guard was the best place to start.My eyes lingered as they traveled over her frame— the way her tousled hair cupped her face and her lips parted in surprise at the sight of me. I could relate, but I doubt my surprise was unpleasant— unlike hers.Still, I hated the way my breath caught in my throat at the sight of her.It grated at me that Jeremy— that bastard— had gotten to see her look this way every morning for the past few years. My blood boiled at the thought, but I kept my expression neutral. It took everything I had to school my features into a blank mask when all I wanted was to pummel that son-of-a-bitch into the ground. But I reigned it in because soon enough, she’d b
XADENI couldn't let it happen. This was my mate. How could I let her be with another man when she was supposed to be mine. I knew this was hurting her. But it had to happen. The thought of Jeremy married to her… She'd be his in name and he'd have rights to her body. She’d spend her nights in his bed, his ring on her delicate finger, his hands on her porcelain skin…“Fine,” I snapped, harsher than intended. She flinched but I couldn't hold back anymore— it was hard to stop a rushing dam once it's been broken. “If that's how you want to play it, Soraya, then you've forced my hand.” I bit out the remaining words, my voice ice-cold and detached— the calm facade I'd carefully built had begun to crack. “I'll have my people draw up a petition for the council. I will ensure your so-called wedding is postponed, and eventually canceled. And Jeremy can definitely expect a summons from the council soon enough.” I wasn’t going to let that marriage happen. No matter how much she thought it was so
SORAYAI’d forgotten how just easily my life could get turned upside down in the span of a few days—two, in this case. Who would've thought?How could Xaden be here? After all these years? And not only was he ready to take Kaylee, but he wanted me too. What kind of sick joke was this?And how the bloody hell could he even bring up such a thing after two years? Two whole years.Where was his conscience?— Okay, I was sure he didn't have one.But what made him think he could just show up out of the blue, intent on ripping me away from the stable life I had finally managed to build? What gave him the right?And Jeremy… how could I face him after this? What words could I possibly even say? The thought of abandoning Jeremy after everything he'd done to help me made my heart ache. He'd been an anchor in the storm that was my life, offering me the security and love I craved just when I needed it the most. Could I really leave? Could I give up everything we have together to remain with Kayle
SORAYAI stared at the words, the ink smudged by my tears. It was far from enough. It didn't say how much he meant to me or explain how grateful I was to him for… well, everything. But what more could I say? Nothing. Nothing could make this right or possibly soften the blow of what I was about to do. My heart was heavy as I slipped off the cold metal of my engagement ring, leaving it next to the note— a final heartbreaking gesture of the life I was giving up. With a wracking sob I went back upstairs. I grabbed my single bag and took a deep breath, ensuring all of the tears on my face were gone before I stepped outside, holding Kaylee close to me. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the yard.And there he was. Xaden. Leaning against the car in— the smug smile plastered on his face only deepened my resentment. How could he stand there so calmly after everything he had done?“Is that all?” he asked casually, his eyes flicking to the small bag in my hand.I bit back the urge
XADENShe hated me, that much was obvious. The anger radiating off her in waves was unmistakable. But despite the chaos surrounding us, they were here with me— my daughter and my mate. For the moment, that was all I could ask for. I’d brought them to one of my properties. It was a secluded place I’d kept so I could come to unwind, away from any madness,– which had basically become the constant in my life– not as grand as my primary home, but it was comfortable, quiet, and… mine.Funnily enough, Celeste had never set foot in this place but I’d still kept our picture up. For appearance's sake, especially with my status as Alpha. Just in case an ally or someone important came by. I needed to maintain the illusion that I was happily married. But the truth was, I’d been living here alone for the past two years, ever since Soraya left. Two long years of trying to piece together why she'd vanished without a trace. Afterward, I simply couldn’t stomach being in the same house with Celeste any
SORAYAHaving to settle into a new and foreign home had me feeling out of place. It was undeniably spacious, much more so than Jeremy's smaller place. But I preferred to think of Jeremy's place as cozy, and I’d come to love it over the past two years. No matter how nice Xaden's place was, I wasn't used to it. It wasn't home.And Xaden… being in his space again after all this time brought a wave of emotions I wasn't prepared for. I didn't know what to expect from him. My mind raced, tangling in a web of conflicting thoughts: Did he really not know I’d been in his office that day? The surrogacy contract… the threat of taking my child away… Had he really not planned to force me into any of that? My chest tightened, a hard knot forming beneath my ribs. Had I been wrong about everything all along? It all began to seem so clear, and more doubt crept in— pressing itself painfully against my chest. What if I’d been wrong about him? That would mean…No.I refused to think down that path. E
SORAYA“I… I’m sorry, Soraya. For everything.” The words hung in the air between us, but I didn’t reply, refusing to engage with him. After all there was nothing to say. It wasn't like he would let Kaylee and I go because he was ‘sorry’.I stood up, gathered the plates– still refusing to look at him–, and finally managed to put them in the stupid high tech dishwasher. It was to his credit he didn't try to undermine me by ‘helping’.I snatched Kaylee up and retired to the bedroom I’d chosen for us. I couldn’t deal with him right now— I was done dealing with him for the day. My emotions were raw and my head was a mess.I occupied my raging mind by bathing Kaylee and getting her ready for bed. It was still early— just after 4pm, but our day had been so tumultuous, I wanted us to go to bed early. If only for the reason that I wanted to slip into a dreamless sleep where I wouldn't remember how terribly upside down my life now was.Just as I set her down for her nap, my phone buzzed from t
XADENMy gaze fixed on the divorce papers spread out on the table before me, the words blurring— after two years of staring at the same lines for what felt like the millionth time.I probably had it memorized by now— every sentence a reminder of the nightmare I had been trapped in— a marriage without any semblance of love or happiness; formed out of convenience and solely held together by Celeste’s desperation. And Celeste had never signed them. Every time, she’d waved them off, her excuse being the same: "You haven’t found your mate yet, you're going to be an Alpha without a wife?" And she always seemed to take delight in pointing out that it was the only prerequisite for a divorce, in the marriage contract we'd signed.But now, the relief I had been chasing for so long was within reach. I had found my mate— two years ago, in fact— and it was time for this charade to end. I couldn't hold back anymore. I needed to be with Soraya. I needed to be with my daughter.When I got to the ho
SORAYAI tried to make a stance and defend myself to the best of my abilities. I wished with more than anything in me that Xaden would find me right now. I could really use the help. I watched as the Rogue continued to run at me, preparing to pounce. He came at me, claws first as he dove over a vehicle that separated us. I closed my eyes out of instinct as I waited for the killing blow. It never came. All I heard was a sharp wince that seemed to come from the Rogue as it collided with something—or someone.I opened my eyes, promptly locating the rogue on the pavement. He was been pounced on by someone. I couldn’t make out who exactly but I silently thanked them—feeling extremely lucky for their timely intervention.I moved slowly towards them and I noticed that it was a woman. She continued to beat the Rogue savagely. Clawing and biting at it with every intention of killing him. When the Rogue stopped struggling, probably from passing out or dying, I tried to thank her for coming to
SORAYAI quickly located the car in Xaden’s parking spot after a brief glance around the lot. It was a little corner spot that overlooked the faculty and I made my way to it before unlocking the trunk. I retrieved two large picnic baskets and set them down gently on the floor beside the car.It was really nice being out of the house again. Kaylee definitely needed it but I may have needed it more. The poor kid, it’s unfortunate she has to grow up in such less than ideal conditions. But at least for today, she could be happy playing in the sun and feeling the wind on her face. The atmosphere was clear and the sky was blue with very few clouds, it was perfect for a little family day out. The morning sun shone brightly, it’s golden rays sparkled with radiance. I felt renewed and content. Life couldn’t be better. Our enemies seem to have all been defeated and the pack finally accepted me as their Luna—I couldn’t explain the feeling I felt. Celeste had been banished, along with her father
MALCOLM“Can I see some Identification?”“Definitely. Uhh...let me check...” I stumbled through my jacket pocket and retrieved my business card. It still had the dark moon insignia from our previous business together.Thank the blessed goddess.She picked up the card and glossed over it intently, resigning only when she found no faults with it.“Well, it seems authentic to me Mr Malcolm. Being affiliated with a pack, especially one as influential as the Dark moon pack, gives you certain privileges.” She started as she folded her arms across her chest. “One of those privileges is free passage to and from the borderlands as long as you don’t plan to stir up any troubles there. However, it is my job to keep you informed on how dangerous a place it can be.” She said, looking up again. “Everyday, we are swarmed with reports of many going in, and only very few returning. Do you understand what I’m saying Mr. Malcolm?” She inquired as she made eye contact with me. I remained silent. I knew t
MALCOLMI mustn’t fail her. I must not fail Celeste again. I thought to myself as I made my way to the corner closet. I had to get her the yellow wolf’s bane even if it meant breaking the rules and crossing the border.Failing her would basically spell doom for me. Money was drying up fast and the business was basically dead in the water. Those spineless cowards! The community Pack leaders and the Alphas. Refusing to do business with me because they were afraid of him. Afraid of that bastard Xaden! I sighed at my impossible situation, knowing it was all my doing. This was all by my design. They would however be sorry in the end. Those spineless fools! When Xaden was finally back on my side. They would then understand the true meaning of pain.I drew out a large suitcase out of the closet. I didn’t know how long I was going to be gone. It was going to be dangerous. But I needed this. Desperate times required that I suck it up and get my ass across the border.What had I been thinking?
JEREMY“Where are you?” I asked, speaking into my phone and attempting to dust off my shoes as I entered the building. It was futile. I disposed of them and put on some hiking boots that had been left by some of the other groundskeepers. He was holed up in the basement. I found a small flashlight and went down the flight of stairs. “Cyrus..” I called out, peering in the dark and reaching for a light switch. Turning it on, the dark and dingy basement came to full view, completely lighting up. I spotted Cyrus sitting in a corner of the basement, clutching tightly to a steel black box. He was bruised and bloodied badly, looking quite roughed up.“Boss..” He managed to call out to me as he fumbled to get to his feet. He placed the box on a wooden slab, turning it to face me.“What the fuck happened, Cyrus?” I looked him over. He seemed to be healing but not quite fast enough. His jacket was completely shredded and he seemed to have lost an eye. I looked over at the box. I picked it up a
JEREMY“Take me back to the compound!” I said to the driver as I walked out the cemetery gate. I had been quiet in my arrival, slowly creeping up on him, startling him. He was leaning over the bonnet, probably smoking.“Arrgh...yes Sir...right away sir.” He said, dusting off the ashes and crushing the cigarette butt.It had such a rancid smell.“You were gone for quite sometime sir. I was beginning to worry but you’ve warned me never to interrupt you when you visited, no matter what.” He said looking at me and gesturing me into the car as he pulled the door open.“Yes I was and you were right not to disturb me.” I said, looking up at him. “I took sometime because I needed to take sometime and that’s the end of it.” I said, making my way into the car and pulling my phone out from my pocket as he locked the door.“Yes sir.” He said and made his way to the driver seat. I had indeed taken quite some time. The sun had set already and we slowly approached twilight. The autumn falls made e
CELESTEThe things I had done for him. He drove me so crazy and what was crazier still, was that I would do it all over again without missing a beat. That was how much I wanted to be with him.My train of thought were completely cut off by movements in the front porch. I heard someone stumbling against the door. It was probably my father again. He had been a loose cannon of recent, drinking himself rotten, only able to feel a little buzz with each binge. He was taking it hard. Business had basically grinded to a stop as he could no longer namedrop Xaden to the surrounding communal packs. He had become a disgrace, a pariah, almost executed even had it not been for the benevolence of Xaden and my own naïvety. The packs didn’t want to work with him for fear of Xaden and the humans would not work with him for fear of the packs. He was lost.It was his fault. I thought callously as I finished the last bit of scotch in my glass. He was a stupid man and the architect of his own misfortune. W
CELESTEThings had begun to fall pleasantly into place and it seemed like for once, the fates were finally on my side. I thought to myself as I took a swig of scotch before setting the glass on the counter. The bottle was almost empty and I let out a low growl—father couldn’t even afford to replace our liquor anymore.I poured myself another cup and made my way to the couch, kicking off my shoes and reclining into the sofa.The moon goddess was however very gracious to me. Even from the point of despair and sadness, a ray of hope seemed to burst through, casting away the shadows and banishing my worries.Jeremy. I thought to myself trying to remember the series of events that had led up to today’s meeting.I had been so down and bad, almost depressed to an inch of my life—how had things gotten so bad, so fast? I had it all. Everything I could have ever wanted lay in my hands and I lost it. I still could hardly believe it. Where had it gone oh so wrong?Soraya. I bit my lip at the thou
XADEN“Well hello Mr. Professor.” Soraya said, fondling the threads on my robe and wearing a mischievous grin. She drew me closer for another passionate kiss. “Lupine would be perfect for a little picnic and Kaylee could play with other kids.” She said as she hugged me tight. She had needed this. “Thank you Xaden. I’ll go get dressed.” And like that, she was gone. Hurriedly making her way upstairs.“And I’ll get the car ready!” I managed to call out after her before looking over to Kaylee. She was playing with her spork, messing up her leftovers.“And as for you little lady...” I begun, picking her up. She giggled loudly.“...we’re going to get you in a nice little dress.” She was on my shoulders again and we headed for the nursery. I could only stare blankly, in total awe, as Soraya made her way down the stairs. She was wearing a bright yellow maiden gown and a sky blue cashmere scarf. Both colors looked marvelous on her and she was radiant. I could fall in love with her all over aga