Connor's POV
I walked into Twilight Café, a coffee shop that stood in stark contrast to the familiar haunts I frequented. Hand-painted coffee cups adorned the walls, and the wooden tables and chairs radiated a rustic simplicity. My gaze swept through the store, finally locking onto Hailey. She noticed me too, and seemed surprised by my presence. She did not come over immediately, but instead watched me from afar, her eyes a mix of emotions I couldn't quite describe. A subtle displeasure emanated from her stare, stirring up an inexplicable feeling within me. My wolf, Derek, seemed to sense my emotional turmoil and began to stir from the depths of my heart. Walking to her, I tried to keep my voice steady and composed. "A cup of coffee, please." She didn't say a word, merely nodding before turning to prepare the coffee. As her figure receded from view, a wave of complicated emotion welled up in my heart. I found a seat by the window and looked at the street outside, my thoughts drifting. After dealing with some matters at the packhouse today, I found the villa unusually silent upon my return. Without Hailey's presence, the entire villa was empty and quiet. Surprisingly, I felt uncomfortable. I immediately mind-linked Benjamin. "Find out where Hailey is now." Not long after, Benjamin replied, "She's working at a café called Twilight Café." I hesitated but eventually decided to visit the café myself. "Here you are." A voice interrupted my thoughts. It was Hailey. She placed the coffee in front of me, the rich aroma filling the air. But it wasn't to my taste. It was far from the coffee I was used to. I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my nerves, and then said to Hailey, "Sit down, let's talk." She paused, then shook her head, "No, I'm still working." Frowning, I expressed my discontent, "I would provide you with enough money, so you don't have to work." There was a hint of determination in her eyes as she said, "It's not about the money. I have my own life to live." I looked around, sneering, "Your own life? Do you mean working in this shabby café?" "What's wrong with this place? I think it's just fine." she retorted. "Come back to the villa with me." I was a bit impatient. Hailey didn't hesitate before she firmly refused, "No, I'm not going back. It was you insisted I move out yesterday, and now you want me to return? Is it amusing for you to toy with people's emotions like this?" I was seldom confronted with such direct rejection, and it ignited a spark of anger within me. The next moment, I thought about Benjamin's words and the true reason for the visit. So I suppressed the anger and tried a gentler approach. "I apologize for what happened before." Hailey was shocked. Her large, watery eyes, reminiscent of a doe in the forest, were alive and clear as she gazed at me. Suddenly, she smiled and said, "I accepted your apology." She seemed like the type of person who could catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. If pushed to a confrontation, she would not yield without a fight. But if I apologize, she wouldn't hold a grudge. I breathed a sigh of relief somehow, a slight smile forming on my lips. "Then come back to the villa with me." My only purpose for coming here was to bring her back. I had no special feelings towards her, nor did I appreciate this sudden entanglement between us. Apologies were just a means to an end for me. It appeared simpler than Benjamin had anticipated. However, the next moment, Hailey shook her head, her decision unchanged. She said, "Connor, I won't go back with you. I've got a job and a place to live. I wasn't aware of your misunderstanding before, and I'm sorry for any trouble I've caused. I know that you don't want me around, so once I get a suitable chance, I'll discuss ending our relationship with Frank." Her resolve was unyielding. My smile died on my lips. She noticed my displeasure and spoke tentatively, "Connor, is there anything else you need to discuss? If not, I should get back to work." "No," I replied coldly. My pride wouldn't let me continue pursuing her. I turned around and left the café. Returning to the villa, Vita had already prepared dinner for me, but I had no appetite. That evening, Derek grew restless, and I felt a powerful urge to unleash the chaos within me. I shifted and ran outside, letting my wolf vent his emotions. By the time I got home, I was completely exhausted and took a shower. Lying in bed, I realized the truth—I needed Hailey. The next morning, I made up my mind to go to her again. Rather than entering, I stood outside of Twilight Café. There through the floor-to-ceiling window, I witnessed a scene, which filled me with anger—Nancy pushed Hailey down. I mind-linked Benjamin, and he responded almost immediately. "Benjamin, I need your help," I said with an unmistakable determination. "Connor, what's wrong?" Benjamin's voice revealed a hint of curiosity. "Remember the café I asked for? Teach it a lesson," I commanded coldly. After a brief pause, Benjamin responded, "Got it. I will handle it."Hailey's POVIt was a workday, and there were only a few customers in the café.The sunlight poured through the window, casting a warm glow inside. Everything was calm and serene.Nancy and I were busy preparing desserts and coffee beans for the day.Then, several customers walked in. While they looked ordinary, their scrutinizing gazes made me feel uneasy.They took their seats, and all they ordered was a glass of free water.However, they didn't seem interested in drinking it. Instead, they were whispering among themselves, casting furtive glances our way.Their behavior struck me as suspicious, so I warned Nancy to keep an eye on them.Not long after, one of them suddenly clutched his stomach and exclaimed loudly, "Something wrong with this water! I've got a terrible stomachache after drinking it."Nancy immediately rushed over and asked, "Sir, are you alright? Should I call for a doctor?"The man persisted, "A doctor? Call the police! There must be problems with your water. You ha
Hailey's POVAs we walked out of the supermarket, Connor abruptly halted at the exit, then he looked at me, saying, "Hand over the groceries."I stared at him, taken aback by his sudden offer.Before I could respond, he had already seized the shopping bag from me with a firm grip."Connor, I..." I wanted to say that I could handle it myself, but he just glanced at me, saying, "Let's go, don't keep Grandpa waiting."I had no choice but to keep up with his pace.When we got in the car, he suddenly broke the silence with a short and direct question, "Are you cold?"I paused for a moment before shaking my head, "No, I'm good."He nodded and didn't say anything more, but I caught his fleeting glimpse at the thermometer as if verifying my answer.Quietly observing him, I found something different—he seemed to shed some of his air of superiority and looked more genuine.Soon we arrived. With the groceries just purchased in hand, we walked into the villa together.Frank was already there, sea
Hailey's POVJust as I was about to leave, Connor suddenly stood up. He strode directly towards me with a calm yet resolute look. "I'll send you back," he said.I was taken aback, then smiled and shook my head, "No need, I can handle it myself."He ignored my answer, grabbed the car keys, and walked out. As he walked past me, he commanded coldly, "Follow me."Surprised yet oddly touched. I followed him to the car and got in.Soon, he drove me to the warehouse near the café, where I was living.Connor glanced around my place as if scrutinizing there. "You live here?"I quickly said, "It's good and safe here. And Vernon said I don't have to pay rent."Hearing my words, his lips tightened. After a moment, he took my hand and said, "Come back with me.""I really like it here," I pulled my hand back and explained earnestly.He didn't press further. He just nodded gently before turning on his heel and walking away.I watched as he receded into the distance, leaving me somewhat at a loss for
Hailey's POVI stared at Matt, a surge of anger rising in my heart, while at the same time, I engaged in a conversation with my wolf Iris in my mind."Iris, can you feel it?" I asked in my heart."I can. They are all ordinary werewolves from the same wolf pack, except for Matt, who has the Alpha bloodline." Iris' voice revealed a hint of disdain."Let me take over your body to give him a lesson. He's too arrogant!" Iris expressed her dissatisfaction.I felt the breath of my wolf starting to release. Perhaps sensing my pressure, Matt and the others took a few steps back in fear.Seeing humans passing by, I realized it was not a proper time."Iris, it is not the time now. We need to be patient," I persuaded."Alright, but don't endure for too long," Iris replied reluctantly.I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, and then smiled at Matt, saying, "Sure, I'll hang out with you guys. But you gotta arrange my work."Surprised that I changed my mind, Matt quickly said, "Great, let's go."
Connor's POVI stood at the edge of the Shadow Forest, and in the darkness, the werewolves of Matt's pack seemed somewhat fidgety.They didn't expect my appearance, and I had the accompanying guards of the Blaze Pack quickly hold them.I walked quickly to Hailey's side. She looked fragile, her eyes revealing helplessness and pleading.Hailey's face turned pale as if all her energy had been drained. She couldn't stand up.My heart tightened, and I immediately lifted her up.Hailey, like a broken doll, leaned against me, trembling uncontrollably.Since I had known Hailey, I had seen how energetic she was when she smiled and how resilient she was when she cried. I had seen a bright and cheerful Hailey. But I had never seen such a fragile Hailey, as if her life was about to be severed.I wrapped Hailey with a coat, holding her in my arms."Ike, have a check."Ike quickly stepped forward. He was an experienced pack doctor.He carefully inquired about Hailey's situation and picked up the gl
Hailey's POVMy heart pounded. I could only hear the intense thumping in my chest amidst the ringing in my ears.Unwilling to see me get hurt, he even risked his life to protect me.Why was he so good to me?Soon, the car arrived at the door of Connor's mansion.As the car door opened, a lot of people gathered around to carefully help Connor out.I couldn't stand steady and was pushed to the side.I saw the wounds on Connor's back and shoulders. His clothes had been torn by the rogue's claws, leaving deep scratches, and his shirt was already stained red with blood.Connor was surrounded by those people, about to leave. With wobbly steps, I tried to get closer but failed due to the crowd.Just then, Connor suddenly turned around and said, "Hailey, come with me."The crowd made way.I hurriedly ran towards him.Connor smirked imperceptibly.My heart was in a mess.I ran to Connor and instinctively grabbed his sleeve amid the chaos, while he didn't push me away.At night, the pack guards
Hailey's POVThe roar of the airplane faded into the background, replaced by the bustling noise of Los Angeles.Walking out of the airport, I was welcomed by the blinding sun. As I shielded my eyes, the glitzy scenery came into my view.Edifices scrapping the sky; streets buzzing with traffic; pedestrians wearing chic and stylish outfits…Everything here was a world away from the Mountain Pack I was most familiar with. I was totally amazed and thrilled.Digging in my backpack, I took out my acceptance letter once again. Actually, I had flipped through it like a hundred times, just to confirm that heart-racing news—I'd been admitted to UCLA!The school wouldn't be starting till a month later, but you didn't always get a cheap flight. So I booked a ticket as soon as I saw a discounted one and arrived in Los Angeles ahead of time.I got the acceptance letter from UCLA about a week ago. Thrilled, I showed it to Alpha Johnny immediately.The news brought a joyful smile to his weary face."
Hailey's POVWhat the heck?I was about to give him a piece of my mind, but he just walked away without a backward glance."How rude!" Iris grumbled in my mind."Well, perhaps his wolf is a proper gentleman. You never know. Did you guys have a nice chat?" I asked."All he did was howl nonsense. He wouldn't even tell me his name," Iris snorted before fading out from my mind.Just then, someone tapped my shoulder. When I turned around, I saw Frank smile at me."Where did he go?" he asked after looking around."You mean Connor? He just left," I replied, pointing towards the door.Hearing what I said, Frank flew into a rage. "What? He left right after he completed the mating ceremony? How dare he?""No biggie. Just give me the address and I'll find my way there," I comforted him."Problem is, he doesn't live in the Blaze Pack," Frank sighed. "What a gruff and clueless kid. Now you see why he couldn't find a mate. You're not gonna reject him, are you?"I replied in a serious tone, "Of cour