(Anastasia's POV)Everything was packed. The luggage was ready in the car. I wanted to clear my bladder so I went to the bathroom one last time.The Campsite was hours away from here. So, it's going to be a long journey. I brought along Alice and Adam. Damian had ordered 10 pizzas just in case we get hungry along the way and don't see any restaurants.Yes, Damian was coming with us. He just arrived from Australia last night, and Caleb invited him to this camping which makes me more furious as Lianne was joining in too.What a perfect situation!Stepping out of the bathroom, I saw Caleb carrying luggage, striding to the main door. I guess it's time to go.I strode outside the mansion and felt envious of the expensive cars lining down the garage. Damian and Adam brought their sports car Ferrari but we are not using their cars as we were driving Caleb's Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to fit us all in one car instead.Once inside the van, me in the passenger seat as Caleb is the driver today, our
(Anastasia's POV)The surrounding was buzzing with energy and excitement. We were told that the Camp will officially start tonight. Until then, we had to set our tents. We could look around if we wanted to. The boys and girls were separated. So, Caleb, Damian, and Adam had to go to the other side of the river which flowed from a huge waterfall in the middle of the clearing. There was a bridge connecting both sides. It looked pretty cool.When the guys left, Caleb didn't even take a glance at me which makes me feel more annoyed and frustrated.Why is he that angry?I should be the one who's angrier as I saw him kissing Lianne the other day, though it's not him who initiated it.I rolled my eyes at him and scanned the surroundings. All the females present were around our age. There were no old ones which I was glad for. I didn't need those cranky and judgmental ass ladies spoiling and ruining my Camp. There were blondes, brunettes, redheads, and colorful heads like Ally. Some were short
(Anastasia's POV)I turned the card over to see the word, 'Aphrodite' printed in bold font letters. I scrunched my eyebrows up in confusion and looked over Ally's shoulder at her card. Her card also had the word, 'Aphrodite' across it. I smiled in excitement. I don't know what the hell this means but at least we got the same word."Ok, listen up," Bruno said from the mic on the stage. The mic let out a screeching sound and everyone groaned. "Harold, get this shit correct!" Bruno called out and the screeching sound faded away before he tapped the mic once more. "Ok peeps, all of ya folks have a card in your hand?" we all said 'yes' in unison. "Good. That is your group name. There are three groups in total. Group Poseidon, Group Zeus, and Group Aphrodite." Everyone broke out into whispers and Ally hugged me on the side excitedly. "Thank God we are in the same group," she whispered excitedly."Listen up. There are sixty of you present here. All of you will be divided into three groups,
(Anastasia's POV)The crocodile lay motionless on the ground with a mouth gaping stance. Its sharp teeth and battle scars on its face made my heart race. Its still body was basking in the moonlight. I was two feet away from it and I didn't have any weapon with me. I didn't even have anything with me. A sweat droplet rolled down the side of my face. I gulped, fearing for my life. I have never been more awake than I am now in my entire life. My fear awakened to pain as I whimpered a little.The reptile predator's tough and scaly skin was glistening with water. It looked like a still statue but suddenly at a flashing speed, it crawled towards me, its kill. Immediately, I screamed in fright and ran into the dark forest, without a second thought. It stopped, not daring to step into the shadows and I was trying to calm down my racing heart.He growls.I stiffened and tears brimmed my eyes at the unfortunate events that are taking place right now. I didn't dare look behind. I couldn't move.
(Anastasia's POV)All of us talked for a few more minutes which seemed like hours. We joked around, and Damian continued teasing Ally, I couldn't be happier with what I have in my life right now. I noticed that Byron is nowhere to be found inside the tent. He might have gone outside.The talk went on for another half an hour and I felt like the events of the night happened a long time ago. It had already started to fade away. There was a small gathering where Vienna mentioned to the crowd that the remaining activities will no longer take place across the river. Everyone was back to their usual selves, except some scaredy-cats who still look a little shaken up."Goddammit, I have to pee!" Ally squealed and I laughed, gesturing for her to calm down. I looked at the long queue in front of us. "Calm down. You are making a scene." I shushed her and she groaned, struggling to stand straight as she bent forward, crossing her legs as she controlled herself. I laughed at her state.After our
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb's voice reached my ears and I smiled as all the girls looked at me and him back and forth. I could see their inner fangirling going on in their heads and I wanted to laugh at the situation. Most of them were swooning over him, but I knew they weren't jealous, and I knew they wouldn't destroy my relationship. They were just finding this entire situation cute for a couple and I could see that. I glance at Lianne, she was busy chatting with a girl beside her, not even taking a peek at us. Is she bitter?"Now, can I have my girl back ladies?""Aww, he calls her 'my girl'." A girl squealed from somewhere. Another girl looked like she was going to faint while the others were mostly fangirling inwardly. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the situation."You can have her, Mr. Caleb." The girl, Ms. Samantha gave me a knowing smile before gesturing for me to get up. I couldn't help but feel butterflies dancing in my belly as I stood up, and brushed the dirt off myself
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb and Mrs. Montes disappeared among the chatting people and I ate the last marshmallow from the stick before throwing it away in the dustbin. I looked around to see everyone having a fun time, especially Alice and Adam making new friends. My eyes wandered until they landed on a stick of barbecued chicken.My stomach growled at that thought and I quickly walked towards the table with food. The table was far away, at the edge of the area. Once nearing the table, I grabbed myself a stick of barbecued chicken. I felt satisfied with the taste and walked around, looking for other items to eat. There was a crowd blocking me and I walked around them, reaching the quiet area and feeling peaceful.As Caleb was taking so long to come back, I decided to take a walk along the edge of the area, near the trees, to have some peace from the crowd. It was a lot quieter and I couldn't help but feel myself relax."How could you do this to me?!"I heard a shrill voice, a voice full o
(Anastasia's POV)"I love you." His voice was low, all gravel in my ear as it came out as a whisper. He feathered kisses down my shoulder and I moaned. His fingers reached the necklace around my neck and he fiddled with it before kissing my neck gently once again. He stops and smiles."What?""I love you." He whispered causing me to grin. He leaned forward to give me a peck before he pulled away."I love you too. Now, let's get up," I said, pushing him away when he pulled me back down immediately. He draped his arm around me lazily and burrowed his face in the space between my neck before mumbling "Don't get up." I chuckled. The sound of his husky voice did wonders for me. He responded with a slow, sleepy kiss to the back of my neck and I instantly relaxed as his long fingers curled over my hip.I rubbed my tired eyes and gave out a big yawn while somehow managing to say, "I have to, Caleb. Can't be late. Samantha will kill me." Since the wedding was soon. Samantha asks for my help i
THALIAMy eyes began to well up with tears of conflicting feelings. Anger, worries, and longing came out all at once. He disappeared without a trace after saying he would come back, and God knows if he’s alive or not. He made me fucking worried for nothing!“Where were you?” That was the only thing I asked.“I have to take care of something–”“Then why did you have to vanish like that?” My voice cracked up in the end as I failed to control it.He avoided my eyes with guilt lingering all over his face. I don't know what to feel. But there's only one thing I could figure out after seeing him again.“To protect you from harm.”I firmly shut my eyes, tears streamed down my cheeks as his words were like hitting my chest with a knife. All he could think was to be my protector, whereas here I am thinking he might have chosen the others over me.Am I being too selfish?I wiped my face as I looked around. Good thing my bodyguards are outside the university. “What happened to Uncle Michae
THALIAI flinched as I was startled when my phone suddenly rang. I got up in bed, sighing as soon as I saw the time. It's almost three, but my eyes won't even close just a bit.My attention was switched to my phone, which still kept ringing. Who would call at this hour?I answered it without looking at the caller.“Wha–”“Thalia.”My brows furrowed at the familiar voice in the end. I checked the number, but it's unregistered.“Ca-Cassie?”“I'm sorry for barking at the wrong tree.” My jaw fell as soon as I confirmed it was her. I jump off the bed and gaze outside the window.“Where are you? Who's with you?” I desperately asked.However, I heard her chuckle and sighed deeply.“I intentionally took the chance that my mother used to work with Laverde and got in as their so-called illegitimate family member.”Her words left me baffled. So… she's not a real Laverde?“What's your reason?”“I have found evidence and took a chance to get closer to the enemy.”“Evidence of what?”“I only want
THALIAI inhale sharply as soon as I exit the building. My chest feels heavy and tightened, and I don't know how to cope with the pain deep inside of me.My fingers firmly curled around the handle of my handbag.It's just my hunch. It's just my guts. It's just my suspicion that it was Damon. But why don't I feel this suspicion is real?I hate it.My phone rang, and Damon's secretary was plastered on my screen.“How was it? Is it Damon?”“No.”Then why did that jerk get Damon's phone?I scratched my temple as I walked to my car. I entered my car with a frown.“Where did that robber find it?”“He said a woman came and sold the phone.”I paused and confusedly thought about who that woman could be.“Woman? Who?”“He couldn't recognize her because she covered almost her face.”Why do people love covering their faces? Scared of the sunburn or hiding from the authorities?Since it's a woman, there's no way Damon is in trouble. So, I don't give a fuck with that woman who stole Damon's phone a
THALIAMom and Dad quickly went to Paris last night. Leander and I left here in New York so that we wouldn't be embroiled in the quarrel with Laverde.It's my mother's family, so I'm afraid Mom will break down. I heard her screaming to Uncle Adam on the phone before they left. I sighed as I put down my spoon on the table. I glanced at Leander, who was also in deep thought in front of his breakfast.“What's gonna happen now?”“What else? Mom possibly cut her ties with them.” I tightly shut my eyes in frustration. Why are there traitors in our lives? “Are we just going to stay here and wait? Mom might break down.”Leander let out a frustrating sigh. “Dad is with her. Also, they won't let us tag along with them.”It's been two decades since that happened. Doesn't the grandfather's case have a statute of limitations? I wonder how they found evidence despite the long period since it happened. Anyway, if it really proves my granduncle was the suspect of my grandfather's death, I hope he
THALIAOne week.It's been one week since Damon went missing. I even helped in looking for him but to no avail. Not even the authorities could find Damon Kane. There's no body or anything that can lead to his whereabouts. It was as if he vanished into thin air.I was depressed and cried every night while I had this hope every day of finding him together with the authorities.My parents and Leander didn't complain about how I poured everything into this search and rescue. They can see through me how desperate I am just to find him and I was hoping he's alive and in a safe place.Uncle Michael, who caused all of this, was on the run and hiding somewhere. Where's his courage to kill off my father's happiness now? Maybe he was also the reason why Leander's secretary was abducted and injured. Leander poured his soul into finding her but was also abducted by Uncle Michael. As of now, I don't know why Leander's secretary was abducted.I refused to talk to Frederick. Not because I hate his
THALIAI mustered my courage to point my gun at the person who was about to invade the car, but I stopped to see someone as my reflection, sticking his head through the window.“Leander!”“Thalia? What the hell are you doing here?!”I immediately jerked off from the car but was greeted by a woman leaning at the car. She was wearing corporate attire without a coat, and a red stain was visible on her dirty, white sleeve. “Who is she?”“My secretary. She's injured.” Leander opened the door, and I helped him place the girl in the back seat.Why is his secretary here? Did he come to get her?A rustling sound inside the forest, followed by repeated shouts from men, made us freeze.“They followed us.” My brother growled.He pushed me inside the backseat and entered the driver's seat. He was about to start the engine hastily, but I immediately stopped him.“Wait, Damon is still not here!”“We don't have much time.”He shoved off my hand, but I stopped him again.“No! We need to wait for Dam
THALIAI immediately wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me and kissing him harder than before. He lifted me and placed me on his lap, wrapping my legs around his waist. Our lips remained sealed. It was like we couldn’t get enough of each other, devouring one another. His hands were moving down, under my shirt, his fingers skimming over my skin, sending a rush of blood to every part of my body. His touch gave me the feeling of longing, and I relished every second he pushed his tongue and lips against mine. I lowered my hands and yanked his shirt up. He broke apart long enough to pull it over his head and toss it aside. His hands slid around my head, pulling me back to his mouth. I ran my hands down his abdomen. It was firm, with the perfect amounts of dips and ripples. His lips traveled down my neck and shoulders as he whispered sweet words in my ear. I gasped when he suddenly reclined the seat and softly moaned as I grabbed his face to meet my lips to communica
THALIAThe whole ride was filled with silence. He is driving his Ferrari while I'm here, sitting in the passenger seat with a lump in my throat. I don't know why I suddenly felt anxious being alone with Damon. The last time we saw each other, we were both fuming in our situation. But still, here I am, wanting to be with him while ignoring the supposed protocols.I gazed at him and saw his furrowed brows and solemn eyes focused on the road. Did he feel the same? Did he feel the awkwardness between us?"H-How did you find us?" I killed the silence."Actually... Leander and I talked before the abduction."I immediately gaze at him. "A-Are Are you the one who caused his wounds?" "Of course not. Do you think I'll harm your brother in that way?"I looked away while reprimanding myself for thinking he would do such a thing."N-No... you would not.""When I was going home after meeting him, Leander's secretary called me and tracked his phone." He explained, which left me with no choice but
THALIAI held my chest and felt my pounding heart while hearing his voice, calling my name repeatedly. Is that really him? Did he come to rescue me just like in fairytale movies?It's only been weeks since I haven't heard his voice and not seen his face, but it felt like I hadn't heard from him for years.The back of my eyes warmed, and I chuckled silently at my thoughts.He's always there when I'm in danger. He came to my rescue when I needed him the most. He's really indeed my knight in shining armor--"HERE!" I flinched when Leander shouted near my ear as he pounded his fist on the wall.That woke me up, and I immediately screamed at the top of my lungs. "DAMON, PLEASE SAVE US! THE CONTAINER IS BURNING INSIDE!""FUCK!"I leaned my ear on the wall when I only heard him cuss but eventually distanced myself from the wall because it was getting hotter."Are you sleeping?" He said while coughing.I raised my gaze and glared at Leander but he only scoffed annoyingly. I was about to talk