Connor's POV
After warning Hailey, I returned to my room. Truth was, quiet or not, a good night's sleep was impossible for me. Every night, I had to try blanking out my brain. It was the only way I could get some rest. Less noise would make it easier for me to do so, though. Good thing she didn't make a peep after that. The next morning, I woke up as the sunlight shone through the curtains. After washing up, I came downstairs, wondering what Hailey would cook for breakfast. To my surprise, the dining table was empty. I couldn't help but sneer, thinking, 'I knew she was putting on an act! After just one day, she gave up. Well, talk about persistence.' I turned around, ready to leave. But just as I passed by the laundry room, I caught a scene through the cracked door that astonished me—Hailey was lying out cold on the floor. I gasped, a weird surge of anxiety running through me. Then I rushed over and carried her out. Her body was so soft, which keyed up the unease in me. Werewolves rarely got sick, and even when injured, we would bounce back real quick due to our amazing self-healing abilities. I could sense that Hailey was badass. After all, she got an aura that overpowered Matt. So why exactly did she faint all of a sudden? "Ike, I need you in my villa now." I mind-linked the pack doc right after putting Hailey on the sofa. Soon, Ike arrived. "She fainted. Give her a check-up," I told him. Ike wasn't there at the mating ceremony yesterday, so he didn't know who Hailey was. But instead of asking any questions, he did a basic examination on her as I commanded. "It's nothing serious. She just crashed out," Ike explained to me after straightening up. I was confused. "Crashed out? I just carried her all the way here, and we are talking right in front of her. How come she's still not waking up?" Was she just faking it? "It's 'cause her tank's empty, both physically and mentally. Then her wolf forcibly entered a state of dormancy. It's a deep crash, so she won't wake up for now," Ike flicked a glance my way before filling me in. I pondered for a bit before asking again, "Anything else?" Ike shook his head. "Well, seems to me she's in perfect health." After confirming she was fine, I gave a snort. 'I never stopped her from getting a rest,' I thought. "Wake her up," I commanded. Ike nodded, and he took out his phone to play some loud music. After about five minutes, Hailey groggily opened her eyes. When she noticed me, she gasped with surprise. "I fixed the washer," she whispered, a hit of pride in her tone. Then, she fell asleep again. So she stayed up all night just to fix that damn washer? Geez, she was really pulling all stops to stick around. "Connor?" Ike looked at me, not sure what to do next. Since he had done his job, I waved my hand, signaling him to leave. After he left, Vita and the other Omegas came at the appointed time, beginning their daily routine. To not get in the way, I carried Hailey back to the room she was staying. Walking in, I was immediately stunned—it looked neat as a pin, completely different from the way it used to be. There were a few stuffed animals on her bed. I couldn't help chuckling, thinking, 'What is she? A baby?' I gently placed her on the bed, and she was still asleep. There was a calm smile on her face, like she found some serenity in dreamland. Feeling amused, I stood up, ready to go out. Just then, a unique scent caught my nose, stopping me from leaving. It wasn't like the fragrance of flowers. It was a more profound and natural scent—like a mix of damp earth and fresh sprouts from the woods. I wasn't usually one for scents, but this one was something I'd never nosed before. Derek started to get restless, but it was out of glee instead of pain and stress. It was my first time feeling him all buzzing with something other than agony. I looked around, all vigilant. My past experiences taught me to expect the unexpected. After searching the room, I didn't find any potion made of wolfsbane. So I calmed down a bit. I closed my eyes, trying to talk to Derek, but he fell silent after letting out a deep growl. I was puzzled—Derek had never reacted like this before. I had gotten used to his pain and frenzy, but now, he seemed to be dropping hints about something I couldn't wrap my head around. His calmness made me sleepy, which was a rare case since I could remember. Whenever I fell asleep, those painful memories would come back to haunt me. So gradually, sleeping became something I hated. But now, I was actually craving a rest. So I sat down on the sofa next to Hailey's bed, thinking I was just gonna rest my eyes. But unexpectedly, I fell into a deep slumber. This time, I didn't have any nightmares.Hailey's POVThe last thing I remembered was that I finally fixed the washer. And just as I was about to run it, I blacked out.Well, to be precise, I fell asleep.I even dreamed of Connor. Playing some loud music to wake me up.By the time I woke up, it was about noon.To my surprise, I was back in my room instead of lying on the cold floor.'Did Vita find me and bring me back?' I wondered.As I turned my head, however, I found a guy sleeping on the sofa with his back against me.Curious, I crept up on him, and a familiar face came into view. It was Connor.I immediately stepped back, almost screaming out of shock.I thought, 'Why is he sleeping in my room?'So it wasn't a dream? He was the one who brought me back here?'After making sure that he showed no signs of waking up, I sighed in relief.Since I got nothing else to do, I started observing him, my mate. His pajamas' hem was crawled up, revealing a bit of his tight waist. A ray of sunlight filtered in through the curtains and s
Connor's POVBack in the room, I stood in front of the wardrobe, trying to pick out today's outfit. After pondering for a while, I chose a deep blue shirt, figuring it could bring out my chill vibes.After fixing up my collar in front of the mirror, I started clipping my cufflinks. Thinking of Hailey, I couldn't help sneering.'Wanna butter Grandpa up and manipulate me? She's cunning indeed! Well, maybe I should just let her invite Grandpa. See what she's got up her sleeve.'Snapping out of it, I went downstairs, only to find Hailey buzzing around the dining room.The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden halo on her.She looked a bit down, probably 'cause of how I brushed her off earlier."You wanna invite Grandpa? Go ahead," my voice cut through the silence.Hearing my words, she stopped what she was doing, turning around with a surprised look.Didn't see that coming, huh?"Y-you're cool with that?" she asked hesitantly.I sneered, "Of course. Make sure you
Hailey's POVI thought Connor had already forgiven me, as he didn't mention what happened this morning again the entire day.Now that he was kicking me out, I realized I was being too naïve.But I never meant to hurt him. It was just my gut.Iris let out a whimper in my mind, seeming disheartened."It was all my fault," she murmured."No," I immediately reassured her. "It's great to stay alert. It's what saved us from those boars, remember?"She just replied with a grumble.I tried to cheer her up, saying how living here wasn't free. There were too many rules, and we both needed some breathing room."Iris, I know it's tough, but we gotta stay strong," I concluded.She signed, "Hailey. I get it, but it sucks seeing Connor treat you like that.""He doesn't get us, and probably never will," I replied, feeling a bit down."But we can't just throw in the towel. We've promised Frank," she said, sounding all determined."Hell no, and honestly, I'll have to spend all my time doing chores if I
Hailey's POVThe name sounded incredibly familiar.One of Connor's buddies mentioned it the first day I rocked up at this villa. Saying things like she was a good match for him.Putting on a polite smile, I greeted, "Hello."Elena gave a curt nod, then sauntered over to the living room, plopping down on the sofa. With a tone that commanded attention, she piped up, "I'd like a cup of coffee, please."I froze for a bit. Eventually, I still went to the kitchen.Just as I was about to get brewing, however, Elena suddenly changed her mind."Hold up," she said, a disdainful smile curled at the corner of her mouth. "Almost forgot Matt told me you sucked at making coffee."I paused, feeling embarrassed."Never mind. I'll do it then," she went on, her tone filled with pride. "Now, watch and learn."Elena took out a bag of coffee beans from the counter and poured some into the coffee machine.Part of me wanted to bail, but leaving her here felt kinda rude.So I just stood aside, quietly watchin
Connor's POVElena stood in front of me and looked reluctant. She seemed to have something to say to me.I gave her a cold glance. She was in no place to question me. I was sure that she could feel it from my aura."Connor, I..." Elena hesitated."Elena, you shouldn't be here," I cut in. My voice was devoid of any emotion. "You know I don't like it."Elena was startled by my sudden indifference.She hesitated for a moment, then forced a smile on her face. "I'm just concerned about you, Connor.""There's no need," I replied briefly and firmly. "I can handle my own business."The color drained from Elena's face. She would only embarrass herself more if she stayed. So, she quickly cleared her mood and gracefully turned around to leave.As the door closed, she turned back and glanced at me. Her eyes were filled with complex emotions.I sat in front of the table, thinking about what had happened earlier this day.When I woke up this morning, I was surprised that I slept so soundly again.D
Hailey's POVAs I walked toward the kitchen, I heard Elena talking to Connor in a begging tone. Apparently, she didn't want to go.I was not interested in eavesdropping, so I closed the kitchen door.At the thought of leaving here quickly, I opted for the quickest fix—sandwiches. I reached for the peanut butter and jam, and some whole-meal bread from the cupboard.After smearing one slice with peanut butter and another with strawberry jam, I sandwiched them together and cut them into neat triangles.With swift action, I diced up some carrots and cucumbers into crisp strips as side dishes.To round off the meal, I whipped up a pot of tomato vegetable soup. I tossed in fresh tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery, poured in some water, sprinkled a pinch of salt, and let it simmer on low.When I walked out of the kitchen with the food, I was surprised to find that Elena had already left.That was out of my expectation. But it was good for me though. Without Elena here, I could leave more
Hailey's POVAs I left Connor's villa, I felt an unexpected sense of relief, despite the uncertainty ahead.With my luggage in tow, I passed through the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Finally, I arrived at a Twilight Café.As I pushed open the door, I was greeted by the comforting aroma of coffee and the cozy ambiance.I inhaled deeply, anticipating the fresh start of my life."Hi, you're here early." A gentle male voice interrupted my thoughts.Looking up, I saw the café owner, Vernon Rice, approaching me with a warm smile.Fine lines crimped around his eyes as he smiled and reached out a friendly hand to me, saying, "I thought you'd come tomorrow.""I don't have much to pack, so it took me little time," I replied, feeling the rough marks of hard work on his hand as I shook it.Noticing my luggage, Vernon remarked, "Seems you're preparing to settle in here?""Yes, sir," I replied somewhat sheepishly, "I hope I won't be a bother.""Not at all. I have a small room here, originally in
Connor's POVI 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.