I dashed across the corridor, desperate to reach my destination. The corridor appeared to be quite longer than it used to be, but I didn't let it deter me. I had to save the vampire's life.
I paused for a second when I approached my father's room. What if he found out what I was up to? What if he got angry? I didn't want to deal with his anger.
I took a deep breath and carefully turned the doorknob. As I opened the door, it made a creaking sound. I entered the room gently, looking for the medicine that my father had hidden.
I saw a little box on a high shelf. It was made of wood and locked with a silver key. I knew my dad kept the key in his desk drawer. I quickly went to the desk, feeling very anxious.
I felt my heart race as I looked through the drawer. I could hear someone coming towards the room. I started to panic as I searched for the key, my hands shaking nervously.
"Lily, what exactly are you doing in here?" My father's voice stunned me, and I hurriedly shut the drawer while pretending to be looking for something else.
"Oh, I was just looking for a pen. I couldn't find where I kept mine. I needed to jot something down," I muttered, my voice trembling.
For a brief while, my father looked at me suspiciously, as if he could see straight through my deception. To my relief, he then shrugged and went to exit the room.
"OK, just be careful," he added, sounding worried. But then he stopped and looked back at me with a fine line appearing on his forehead.
"Lily, are you okay?"
I didn't understand what he meant by that question till I did, then I sighed, even though I felt the air entering my lungs was constricted. Lunch didn't go out as planned and it wasn't anyone's fault; well, except for that Audrey of a sly fox.
I smiled nervously and nodded, "Yeah…all good." My thumbs up only made his eyes twitch as he was considering what else he wanted to ask me.
Thankfully, I felt relieved when the door closed behind him as he walked out. I opened a drawer and found a silver key. Excitedly, I took it and hurried back to the bookcase.
With the key, I unlocked the small wooden box. Inside were vials of the antidote. I picked one carefully and closed the box, holding the precious vial tightly as I went back to my room.
As I walked down the hallway, I worried about what would happen if someone found out what I was doing. I couldn't tell anyone about the injured vampire. I was saving a life, but others might see it as a betrayal. My thoughts were racing as I tried to figure out what to do next.
My mother appeared in front of me, obstructing my path, just as I was about to enter my room. Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at me, a questioning expression on her face.
"Lily, where were you just now?" she said with an apprehensive voice.
My palms became moist as I swallowed hard. "I was just around the corridor. Why?"
Her attention was fixed on me, and I could sense her doubt. "I swear I heard something...Are you sure you're all right?"
"I'm fine, Mom," I said, my voice slightly shaking. "I just needed some time alone."
She stared at me for a while, trying to understand what I said. She then placed a hand on my shoulder and spoke with a low tone, "Lily, I didn't know you and Tyler…"
Oh, shit. Someone's told her.
"...were having an argument." I gulped and scrunched my eyelids inwards. Who had told her that? Tyler and I having an argument? Well, from the way we interacted just a while go, anyone would think that, but I knew my mom was smarter. Still, I didn't want to give my inner emotions away like that.
"You could've told me and I could've postponed it till when you both reconcile." She added.
I almost rolled my eyes. If not that she didn't know what was happening between both of us, I could've walked out on her. I didn't want to hear anything about Tyler, not now, not anytime soon.
"It's okay, mother. Besides, it's nothing." I blatantly lied. My grasp on the vial got tighter as I tried to remain composed.
"You know couples fight, Lily. It's normal. That shouldn't make you both be hostile to each other in front of others when you're facing-"
I held her arm with my free hand and stroked it, "I'm fine, mother. Seriously….and yes, I know all these things. I'll be fine. I just need some time alone, please."
She kept staring at me pitifully which somewhat annoyed me but eventually, she nodded and moved aside, allowing me to go into my room.
I felt so relieved as I closed the door. I had lied to both my mom and dad, and it made me feel bad inside. I knew I had to lie to protect the hurt vampire, but it felt like I broke their trust. I felt guilty, but I couldn't let it bother me too much. I had a bigger worry: saving a life.
I hurried to where the vampire was still lying on the floor. He was barely breathing, and his skin looked pale compared to the red stains on his body.
Oh no...he is dying.
I felt so sad seeing him in pain, so I gently held his head.
I opened the bottle with the special medicine and gave it to him to drink. I poured it into his mouth carefully, hoping it would help him and make him better.
I waited and watched his face, hoping for a sign that he was getting better. Time felt like it was going very slowly, and I started to worry. Was it too late? Had I waited too long to save him?
I saw his fingers move gently, and it caught my attention when I was already feeling sad and worried. I held my breath, hoping to see more signs that he was alive. His eyelids slowly opened, revealing his beautiful green eyes once again.
I felt a huge wave of relief wash over me, and a smile appeared on my face. He was still alive, and I had saved him.
He struggled to sit up, his gaze fixed on me with replenished strength. His eyes showed a connection between us, something unspoken but deep. We kind of had a bond that went beyond just being in that particular situation. It was a strong connection that didn't make sense, but it felt familiar and special.
"Thank you," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, yet every syllable rang true within me.
My voice was teeming with passion as I flashed him a hesitant smile. "You're welcome. I couldn't just let you die."
He looked at me, and we understood each other without having to say any words. We didn't need to explain or justify anything. We just knew. Our understanding went beyond the different worlds we came from. This was very weird.
As some time passed, he grew stronger. I watched as his wounds healed right in front of me. The antidote had worked, reversing the poison and saving his life. I was amazed at how powerful it was and grateful that it existed.
I turned to him, and his ambience filled the room. He had a noticeable glow, and his wounds had disappeared, leaving only faint scars. He seemed more powerful now, like his true self had returned.
I gave him a glass of water from my table. He reached for it, and our hands touched. It made me feel a strange sensation, and my face turned red. I quickly drew my hand back and fondled it with my other hand.
I watched him drink, amazed by how charming he was. He looked like a work of art, with sharp and elegant features. His hair was black and flowed around his face, and his eyes sparkled with a mysterious and bright look.
I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to kiss him. His strong jawline and nicely shaped lips had a kind of allure. Even though he seemed weak at the moment, he had a confident and attractive presence that was hard to resist.
But, as I admired his good looks, doubt started to grow in my mind. Was it right to help him? I was taught to hate vampires, to see them as dangerous creatures that hurt innocent people. Yet, here I was, risking everything for one of them.
My inner struggle got stronger as I watched him, waiting for him to get fully better. I questioned my choices and the path I had taken. Was I making a big mistake? Was I going against everything I had learned for a just reason?
Finally, I gathered the courage to ask the question that had been bothering me. "What is your name?" I asked, feeling both scared and genuinely curious.
He looked at me with a visage that held a depth I couldn't quite grasp. He paused briefly before speaking, his voice noticeably filled with regret. "I'm Adrian. Adrian DuMont." Adrian DuMont. The name struck a chord with me, evoking a flash of reminiscence. It was a name with weight, one that triggered something deep within my memories. But I couldn't remember where I'd heard it before. He responded the question before I could think more about the mystery surrounding his name. "What about you? Can you tell me your name?" I paused for a moment, unsure whether to reveal my true identity. But there was something about him, something in the way he looked at me, that made me want to believe his every word. "Lily, Lily McGregor." Adrian's face lit up with surprise, as if my name meant something. His eyes widened slightly as a flash of recognition passed through them. "Lily McGregor," he said quietly again, as if testing the name on his tongue. "The daughter of the renowned pack hunter, H
I was really anxious when I left my room because I wanted to make sure my plan worked out smoothly. But when I unintentionally ran into Audrey, the same girl who had caused me so much pain in such a short period of time, things only became worse. Tyler choosing her rather than me still shocked me. The pain and rage I felt intensified as a result of how misled and played I felt. "Oh, how are you doing, Lily?" Audrey asked, her voice filled with disdain. "I noticed you weren't looking too well during our lunch so I decided to check up on you." I breathed in and out. "Such a shame. Don't tell me you're still heartbroken?" I attempted to ignore the hurt of her words and push past her. I needed to concentrate on finding Adrian and assuring his safety. Tyler's decision and Audrey's presence were unnecessary distractions. I walked past her and wandered the corridors, lost in my thoughts. My head was still reeling from the recent incident - I actually found a vampire in my room and I save
"What's happening here?" I asked. I was really confused and my voice was trembling. The air in the room choked me with tension, and I could feel the intensity of their gazes on me. Tyler's grip on Adrian tightened and he said triumphantly, "Look who I found snooping around your chambers, Lily. He could be a thief, or worse, an assassin." My mind raced as I tried to figure out how to fix this. I had to act quickly and find the perfect thing to say to distract them. I wandered why Tyler was suddenly acting like the hero in all this. Summoning every ounce of composure I had left, I straightened my posture, meeting Tyler's gaze head-on. "Tyler, let him go," I commanded. "He is not a threat. He's here under my protection." Tyler's expression hardened, "What? Are you commanding me, the Alpha-to-be? And why is he here under your protection? Who the hell is he to you?" My father stepped forward, his expression stern and questioning. "Lily, why are you showing sympathy towards this strange
Without looking at him, I replied, "No." I tried to move through the door, but he blocked the way again, "I won't beg you." "And I don't want you to." "Why are you being difficult?' "Just let me pass!" I jerked his hand off the door rail but he banged the door behind us, making me flinch back. I glanced at him, my gaze piercing. "What do you think you're doing?" "Is this how you want things to be between us from now on? Weird? Awkward? Toxic? Shitty?" The words came out of his mouth like garbage. "You made it this way…" My voice broke with every syllable. He sighed and looked the other side. I walked back and folded my arms, eager to get this over with and get away from him. "Talk." He hesitated, "Lily, I understand that our breakup was difficult for both of us, especially you…" "Oh gee, look who's just finding out." "You won't even let me speak." "Look, to be honest, I don't even want to hear anything. You've said all I needed to hear already. We just need to find a way to
Don swung a punch first but it barely reached Adrian. He let out a corny laugh that made me roll my eyes. "Was just warming my reflexes…I'm gonna pulverise you..." As Don continued swinging his fists in the air, Adrian remained still, observing his movements with careful attention. I couldn't help but wonder what Adrian was planning. What was his strategy? The anticipation slowly built within me. Jaxon took a seat beside me, breaking my focus on the fight. He leaned closer and asked, "Why do you trust that guy so much, Lily?" I paused for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "He saved me, Jaxon. There's something about him, something I can't quite explain," I replied shakily. Jaxon tilted his head at me, "Lily, you know you can't keep things from me right?" "I'm not trying to." "We'll get back to that… I talked to Tyler." His voice faded. "You didn't have to. You really shouldn't have." "I can see that it's been bothering you. You don't have to carry it all on your own," he said, h
As nightfall descended, I carefully tiptoed through the house, leaving a note in my room for my mom, informing her that I would be out with Sarah for a party. I doubted she had read it. I quickly got ready, choosing a flowing dress that shimmered under the moonlight, accentuating its vibrant colors. I dabbed on a bit of makeup and let my hair fall in soft waves around my shoulders. Satisfied with my appearance, I quietly made my way downstairs, cautious not to make any noise to attract attention. Following the plan Adrian and I had devised earlier that day, I waited in the corridor near his chambers. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and my instincts kicked in. I quickly turned and pushed the person to the floor ready to stomp on his stomach, only for me to realize that it was Adrian. My cheeks grew hot red in embarrassment, "Oh no, I'm so sorry…" I helped him get up slowly and he dusted his shirt. "It's alright, you really have fast reflexes." "You scared me." I exclaimed
My eyes were deceiving me. It was only Sarah standing there. Adrian and I gave each other a knowing look. We totally got each other. As my cheeks started turning a bit rosy, I scooted away from Adrian, feeling really embarrassed. I quickly looked over at Sarah, praying she wouldn't ask about our private moment. But nope, she went right in. "What's up with the two of you?" she asked with a sneaky smile. I tried to pretend I had no idea what was happening and acted chill. "Nothing. We were just soaking up the chill by the stream." Adrian seemed to get the hint and left us alone. Sarah wasn't buying it though and kept pushing. "C'mon, Lily. I can tell there's something else going on here, right?" I stood up, feeling uneasy and refusing to meet her eyes. "Sarah, seriously, it's nothing. Let's not make a big deal out of it." Sarah could tell I was feeling uncomfortable, so she tried to change the topic. "I heard about Audrey being a bitch to you…" It felt like a punch to the chest
I wasn't sure if I was quite ready for such an important role in the pack, but I also knew that there was no escaping this moment. I had come of age, but I wished the occasion had come at a later time. My father prepared for the journey and it reached a day before they both were to depart. I did tell myself I would try my best to lead our pack in his absence. Though, I didn't know how hard this was until I actually got my first case when the boundary keepers complained about the navigators. Now how the hell was I supposed to fix that? •••••••••• After a grueling afternoon with the boundary keepers, later that day, as the sun began to set, everyone was busy with their duties and I was satisfied that I had completed my tasks for the day. Adrian was confined to his chamber so I couldn't go visit him without suspicion from the guards. I became bored out of my senses so I found myself drawn to my father's study. I had so many questions that I wanted answered from my parents, but my mo
Hey Pack, Wow, you made it to the end! Huge virtual fist pumps to you. 🌟 Thanks a million for all the howls of support and the crazy enthusiasm you've shown for this story. Seeing your reactions has been better than getting a call that a lecture has been cancelled on a Monday morning, lol. Now, drumroll, please... anticipate Book 2! It's coming and it's coming hard. We're talking more drama, more twists, more romance, more tension, and a few surprises that might just make your jaw hit the floor. You won't want to miss this. Seriously, your excitement is like fuel to my writing engine. Thanks for giving this story a chance. There are more adventures, more drama, and more 'what the heck just happened?' moments coming your way. This is just the beginning of the howl-fest. Stay awesome, keep those pages turning, and get ready to dive into Book 2 real soon. Until then, my pack, take care, and may your days be as thrilling as the full moon nights. Bye-bye till Book 2 drops! Howling l
~ LILY'S POV~ I sat upright on the bed. I could hear my heart beating wildly, and felt beads of sweat clinging to my forehead. The dream, the same recurring dream, had invaded my sleep again. I felt a chill creeping through me as those words in the Lythian language echoed in my mind. Adrian, still half asleep beside me, sensed my restlessness and gently kissed my forehead. His voice was soft and soothing as he asked, "What's troubling you, luv?" I turned to him with widened eyes. I recounted the details of the dream. It's the second time I had that dream. I saw Cathro in the dream warning me about a certain "Darram" but she was speaking in Lythian language. Saying, "Beware, Darram comes soon and we fear you will be the last Guardian this realm will ever know." Adrian's concern was evident, but he didn't want to add to my distress. He pulled me close into his strong arms, and reassured me with the warmth of his presence. "You shouldn't think too much about it, at least not now. You
Jaxon found himself behind a runty herb stall in the hidden market. The canopy above offered shade from the scorching sun. The cloaked man stood in front of him, carefully arranging an assortment of herbs in clay pots and glass bottles. Jaxon had come to appreciate the familiarity they both shared with nature's offerings.Jaxon took a deep breath and finally spoke, "The salves you've been giving me have been a great help to Tiana. Her scars are slowly healing, and I can't thank you enough for your help."The cloaked man nodded, his deep and wise voice always leaving Jaxon in wonder. "It's an honor to assist."Jaxon's eyes never left the cloaked man. He spoke with a sense of urgency in his voice. "Tiana's scars are fading, but her new wounds... they keep reopening. I know it's as a result of the remaining dark magic that's around her. I need something to ease her pain until I take her to the healers at the Cave"The cloaked man nodded, "I have just the thing, but be cautious. These her
×××××××××In the quiet of the night, Audrey was preparing herself for bed, or really, for Leo. She sat, fixing her hair while looking into the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her, and behind her, she sensed Leo watching. He lay on the bed, his eyes never leaving her.The night's silence was broken only by the gentle rustle of her clothing. As Audrey gazed at her own reflection, she couldn't help but remember the image of Leo's lifeless body. It was a haunting image that often crept into her thoughts, and tonight was no different.A shiver ran down her spine as she realized how frequently she feared his death. Audrey couldn't quite understand why his demise, or the mere thought of it, was such a constant source of dread for her. What would she do if he were to die again?Leo sensed the worry in her posture and voice, prompting him to ask, "What's the matter?"Rather than revealing her deep-seated fears, she shifted the conversation toward their recent meeting with Viktor. Audrey
×××××××××As Leo and Audrey stepped out into the courtyard, the air was filled with residual tension from the meeting. Leo nodded to his henchmen, silently instructing them to move forward and prepare the car for their departure. As they scurried off, leaving the two of them alone, Leo's demeanor changed.He swiftly pulled Audrey into his embrace. Her lithe form fitted perfectly against his own. It was a gesture that had become all too familiar between them. There was always a genuine attraction and the thrill of their dangerous partnership. Their flirtatious banter began as he gazed into her eyes, wanting to start something."It's about time I commend you for your loyalty. What you did back there -""Was nothing. I was tired of being in the midst of three grown-up men bickering like kids."Leo laughed and pulled her closer, "Oh, Audrey, you've been holding out on me. You've got a sense of humor buried in there."Audrey kept a straight face but he tightened his grip around her waist.
×××××××××The room was covered with such a thick tension as Viktor and Leo threw eachother assertive glares as they sat opposite eachother at the roundtable. The flickering chandeliers gave enough light to the polished wooden surface below it, and their henchmen stood behind them, ready to leap into action at any given moment.Leo's calculated move broke the silence. He nonchalantly tossed the Bodessa medallion onto the table, its precious metal clinking against the wood. His piercing eyes bore into Viktor's as he opened his mouth, "I brought this," Leo always sounded ambitious and too cocky, despite who he was addressing, "in exchange for men. I need more troops to raid the werewolf pack. It'll benefit the clan, and I know you've been planning a raid on one of their lower towns too. I could help with that."Viktor, the more composed and legitimate senior of the two, regarded the medallion for a moment. He gestured for one of his men to give it to him to which the latter did. His fin
THE WORLD OF "FORBIDDEN MATE"Someone once asked me about the world setting of the story since they saw elements of modern and mediaeval worlds in the story.This is your answer, dear:In Story 1, the setting and world are a blend of supernatural elements and modern-day life. The narrative features caves and packs, which are key components of the werewolf culture. These caves serve as communal spaces and dens for rebel groups, where they hold meetings, make important decisions, and discuss their strategies. The packs, as you already know, represent a strong sense of community and hierarchy.Amidst the supernatural background features, modern elements are also included into the story. This includes the presence of everyday technology like phones and digicams, used for communication and recording events. Weapons such as daggers are also part of this world which reflects the need for self-defense and conflicts that arise.The characters frequently visit bars, where they socialize, and so
Out of nowhere, Audrey appeared. She was surrounded by a dark and eerie aura. Her eyes glowed with evil as she summoned the powers of her devil goddess, Ashtarah. The air around us crackled with strange energy.When she saw my present form, she seemed to rethink facing me but she proceeded still, "So you're a Guardian? An unworthy bitch like you?"I studied her."Why did you always have the good things, hunh?You should have never been born, Lily! You're my bane and I want you cut you off once and for all!""Your hatred will only lead you to your grave, Audrey!" I was trying to get to her."No! I will send you to your grave, right here!" But alas.With a furious battle cry, Audrey lunged at me, her claws extending like sharp blades. I quickly used my wings spreading wide to shield me from her attack. We clashed in mid-air, feathers and fur flying as we struggled for dominance.Ashtarah's power flowed into Audrey, making her incredibly strong and quick. She easily dodged my attacks wit
The air felt heavy with anticipation as the BlueMoon pack and Shadow Clan armies stood facing each other. Their eyes locked in a fierce confrontation. The clearing, once a peaceful neutral space, had now transformed into a battleground.Tyler stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Leo, "This ends here, Leo. We won't let you harm our pack any longer," Tyler declared with a resolute tone.Leo smirked, his fangs glinting in the moonlight. "Oh, dear Alpha boy king, you're so naive to think you can stop us. This is just the beginning of our dominance," he replied with a sinister chuckle."Chargeeee!" Tyler's voice echoed through the crowd."Make me some blood!" Leo shouted out and burst into incredulous laughter.As the armies clashed, the forest became a battleground. The air filled with fierce sounds of bodies colliding, claws slashing, and fangs biting. Both sides were driven and determined, expressing it through battle cries and roars.Tyler led his pack with courage, giving his all in the