In the kitchen, Dimitry and Hazel blended ingredients for cookies, the rhythmic music enhancing the moment's warmth. The melody worked its magic on Hazel, gradually lifting her spirits. Soon, she found herself shaking her head and tapping her feet, reveling in the aromatic creation unfolding in the kitchen."Pass me the chocolate chips," Dimitry requested, seamlessly flowing with the musical rhythm. Flour scattered around the kitchen as their playful mixing escalated into a flour fight, laughter echoing through the mansion for the first time in ages. Intrigued by the newfound joy, Ruben ventured into the kitchen to investigate. Hazel, amidst the floury mess, welcomed him with a grin."Hey, Ruben. Wanna taste our cookies?""Yeah, sure," Ruben agreed."It's in the oven," Dimitry informed a rare smile on his face. "She taught me," he added. It was the first time Dimitry appeared genuinely happy. Hazel's presence seemed to breathe life and liveliness into the once somber atmosphere of the
Hazel descended the staircase for breakfast and determined her decision to ignore Wyatt's teasing from earlier. She greeted Dimitry with a warm smile, determined to maintain a sense of normalcy."Good morning, Dimitry," she nodded to the elderly chef couple who had welcomed her earlier, their warm smiles making her feel more at ease. The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filled the room. Hazel took a seat at the table, keeping her attention towards Dimitry and the cheerful morning atmosphere. However, Wyatt's teasing eyes couldn't go unnoticed; his gaze scanned her in a way that made her beauty seem to perplex him.Ruben and Silas entered with a cheerful "Morning, folks!" Ruben playfully directed his attention to Hazel. "Do you have any issues with my Alpha? Why no good morning for him?" he teased, settling into his chair.Hazel shot him a quick, candid look. "There's nothing good about the morning if it starts with Mr. Romano."Wyatt, always ready to add fuel to the fire, teased, "Ma
The eerie silence that followed Hazel's plea was abruptly shattered by a spine-chilling howl, sending shivers down her spine. As she anxiously awaited her fate, the wolf in front of her unexpectedly shifted its attention, its fierce gaze now fixed over her shoulder, gawking an unexpected guest.Turning to look, Hazel was met with another shocking sight. A massive black wolf, majestic and imposing, had emerged from the shadows. Its fur glistened in the moonlight. The ominous darkness that enveloped the night. Without a moment's hesitation, the black wolf charged at the intruder, and a fierce battle erupted. The blow was a chaotic dance of fur, fangs, and snarls. The two wolves wrestled, their movements a blur of primal charge. The black wolf displayed a lethal grace, its killer instinct evident in every calculated strike. Against this formidable opponent, the brown wolf could only accept its forthcoming defeat. It retreated, dashing into the depths of the jungle, conceding to the autho
Hazel witnessed something unimaginable, an experience that defied the norms of human understanding. Though she survived the trauma, the aftermath left her heart shattered. Cursing herself every time she looked at Wyatt, she wrestled with the paradox of living under the roof of someone who desired her death.She started to believe Dimitry's words about Wyatt protecting her, but Wyatt's own words echoed relentlessly in her mind day and night."It's because of Dimitry that I'm alive in this house."It had been two days since she had left her room. Everyone else had come to check on her except Wyatt.Wyatt punishes himself through grueling exercises and long runs as if trying to physically distance himself from the guilt that weighed on him. Hazel, on the other hand, sat alone in the middle of the bed, a journal in hand. She intended to pour her feelings onto the pages, but the overwhelming sense of loneliness and suffocation stifled her words.Hazel heard a gentle knock on her door, prom
Silas stepped into the garden first, discovering the trio drenched. Wyatt, deliberately indifferent, played along, emphasizing his apparent disregard for Hazel. Smiling, she gathered their belongings and headed inside."Having a good time with our Alpha?" Silas inquired, grinning."Oh, no, not with him. Dimitry and I went for a picnic," Hazel replied, her dress clinging to her and wet hair framing her face. Silas glanced at Wyatt, who was engaged with Dimitry. Hazel's response seemed to please him."Don't be upset. I'm sure he likes you.” Silas complimented, "You're so beautiful," his eyes paused on her soaked dress, accentuating her alluring curves and the valley between her breasts. Mrs. Cox brought towels for them. As Hazel reached for one, Silas swiftly intercepted it."Oh, let me help you. Gosh, you are soaked," he insisted, guiding her to a chair and taking charge of drying her hair."I can do it," Hazel offered, but Silas remained stubborn. He intentionally wiped her neck and s
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Wyatt's piercing red eyes surveyed the scene. The rogue bodies lay still, the evidence of the skirmish tainting the once serene woods. He turned toward Ruben with a stern expression."Ruben, clean this area. Leave no trace. We don't want Silas tracing us back here," Wyatt commanded, the authority in his voice cutting through the tension-filled air.Ruben nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll take care of it." As Ruben began the task of erasing any sign of the struggle, Wyatt's gaze fell on Hazel. She lay unconscious, a pawn in the supernatural battle. Wyatt's expression softened momentarily with a flicker of conflict in his eyes.He approached her with a mixture of determination and regret. Lifting her gently in his arms, he murmured to himself, "I didn't want you involved in this, doc. But there's no choice now."Navigating through the darkened woods, Wyatt carried Hazel back to the mansion. He entered her room, carefully laying her on the bed. As he
Hazel felt a growing confusion as the three of them returned home. She stood at a corner and observed the commotion between Ruben, Wyatt, and Silas. Wyatt hadn't said a word to her about where he was going or when he would be back."Are there any signs of rogues performing this act?" Wyatt questioned, locking his gaze on Silas."No."What was Silas talking about? Didn't Wyatt kill the six men who came to harm her? Were those people merchants or rogues, as Dimitry had mentioned earlier? She wanted to ask, but looking at the serious atmosphere, she hesitated, afraid of making Wyatt angry. Wyatt loaded a gun on his belt, and as his gaze met Hazel's face, her mind raced with questions. Was he going somewhere? Was he planning to kill someone today?"It could be dangerous, Wyatt. We have to be careful. Last time, they attacked you in the very same place, and now they killed the merchants," Silas warned, his voice carrying a note of caution.Wyatt hadn't given her any information about where
Hazel wandered into the garden, where her newfound rabbit friend eagerly awaited its morning treat. She offered a handful of vegetables, particularly favoring the carrots.Wyatt's voice, unexpectedly close, made her turn. He held two coffee mugs in his hands."So you two have become friends," he remarked, kneeling beside her.Hazel cradled the bunny in her hands, rubbing its nose affectionately. Wyatt issued a playful warning, "Be careful; it might just bite your nose."She raised an eyebrow, gently placing the bunny back in the garden. "And what are you doing here?""I thought the morning looked good, so I came to keep an eye on you," he confessed."And where is your... overnight guest?" Hazel teased, not bothering to look at him. Unbeknownst to her, Wyatt's expression shifted, realizing she had no knowledge of him sleeping next to her the previous night."Speaking of which, you scared off my overnight guest yesterday," Wyatt responded with a smirk.Hazel noticed the playful spark i
Startled, she turned, meeting cyan-blue eyes. Wyatt's expression was a mix of happiness and hope, tinged with annoyance. He tried to calm down, but he hadn't slept all night. He'd been outside, feeling her presence, thinking about everything. How could a girl in this house be the golden wolf? And how could she be his mate? This place belonged to the woman who still had his heart, his wildflower. And then he saw her. He couldn't believe his eyes. Hazel was alive. When and how were questions for later? Right now, all he wanted was to hug her and tell her how much he missed her."You really thought I wouldn't find you?" His voice, low and rough, sent shivers down her spine as he approached her."How did you find me?" She stammered, her eyes wide with shock as he closed in on her personal space."How could I forget your scent, Hazel? How could I forget my wildflower?" His words seemed to hang in the air, filled with hope, but something was empty in her gaze.
"What? No, Aurum. You know..." Hazel's protest was cut short.As they dashed through the mountains, Hazel's pulse quickened. She reached out to stop Aurum, her voice tinged with urgency. "Wait, don't go."'Relax, Hazel. Remember, we're in our wolf forms. He won't recognize you.'They sprinted through the mountain, the mansion looming in the distance—a place where Hazel had been imprisoned once before. Her heart pounded as she tried to hold Aurum back."Wait," she urged. But their senses tingled with the presence of others, unseen but felt."The shiny wolf is there," a voice whispered.Aurum tensed, her golden fur bristling as she darted towards cover, Hazel hot on her heels.'We need to hide; they might pick up our scent,' Aurum whispered urgently, disappearing into the shadows."Who could smell us?" Hazel asked.'Maybe his pack or other wolves,' Aurum replied.Together, they sprinted towards the nearby stream, where Hazel and Wyatt had often lingered. They concealed themselves from t
Hazel's heart raced as she spotted the figure Aurum was thrilled about. Her steps faltered as she approached, anticipation tingling in her veins. But her eyes locked onto his face, her world crumbled. Clutching the nearby pillar for support, she stumbled behind the decorative plants before fleeing. She cupped her mouth, escaping the painful sight of encountering someone she never expected to see again. The ache in her chest brought back a flood of memories. She never imagined her wolf would lead her to Wyatt. How could he possibly be her mate? 'Hazel, what's wrong?' Aurum asked gently. Tears filled Hazel's eyes as she ran, her heart pounding with the urgency to escape Wyatt. She dashed into the restroom, breath ragged, collapsing against the door as tears streamed down her face.'What happened, Hazel?' Aurum's voice was soft, filled with concern.Hazel struggled to speak through her sobs. "He can't be our mate," she said.'Why?' Aurum inquired, trying to understand.Hazel's eyes clos
As they boarded the flight to Charlotte, Misty's excitement was evident. It was her first time venturing beyond her hometown. However, Hazel's mind was a battlefield of conflicting emotions. Memories of Wyatt's behavior resurfaced, stirring a mix of feelings within her.Driving towards her home, a two-hour journey, Aurum and Hazel exchanged silent conversation. Despite the emotional turmoil, there was a comforting familiarity in returning home. Hazel felt a tug of nostalgia, as if she'd been away for ages. Yet, beneath it all lurked a sense of dread. What if Wyatt discovered her secrets? How would he react? But amidst her doubts, a newfound confidence surged. With the strength of the wolf spirit within her, she felt empowered to face any challenge Wyatt posed.'If this Wyatt Romano dares to cause trouble,' Aurum's voice echoed in her mind, 'We'll give him a run for his money.'Hazel chuckled softly, catching Misty's curious gaze."What's so funny?" Misty asked.Hazel shrugged, a smile
"Let her go," Jenna pleaded, her voice soft but insistent.Zain glanced at her, a rush of emotions flooding through him, none of which he could quite grasp. He hadn't anticipated Hazel's sudden announcement about returning home. He had been so sure he had everything under control, waiting for her wolf to surface, believing he could handle it by marking her. But now, faced with this unexpected twist, he realized he wasn't prepared."How could you even consider that, Mom?" He struggled to maintain his composure, fighting the urge to lose it."You promised her. She's free to make her own decisions. I'm certain now that she's accepted your proposal, she wanted to tell her parents and get their approval like any good daughter," Jenna still believed in what they saw during the proposal, but little did she know Hazel had already informed Zain needed time to make up her mind."Mom, come on, you gotta understand. I didn't bring her here just to let her walk away without making sure she feels l
Standing in front of the mirror, he gazed at his reflection. In the depths of his turmoil, Wyatt couldn't shake off the weight of his guilt. The physical wounds might fade with time, but the ache in his soul remained, constantly reminding him of his actions. Memories of that moment reignited the pain as if Hazel's spirit demanded answers he couldn't provide. Every night, he found himself haunted by regrets, wishing he could undo what he had done to her. He couldn't escape the responsibility he felt for her death, blaming himself for failing to protect her. Doubt gnawed at him, making him question his worthiness as an alpha.Despite saving several warriors, he couldn't shake the guilt of failing to protect a valuable human life. Tears welled up as sorrow pierced his heart once more. "Brother, let's head to the battleground," Dimitry's voice broke through his thoughts. Gritting his teeth, he pushed down his emotions, channeling his anger into preparation for the impending battle with h
Hazel felt a knot of nerves twist in her stomach as Zain's interruption caught her off guard. She quickly smoothed down her clothes and made her way to the door, her mind buzzing with the dilemma of whether to reveal her wolf or keep it hidden.Zain's concerned gaze met hers as she approached. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice betraying his worry. "I'm sorry if I caught you off guard with the proposal. I didn't mean to rush things, but I just didn't want my parents to feel.. I understand if you're not ready yet, but..." He trailed off with a heavy sigh, leaving the rest of his thoughts unspoken."It's okay," Hazel said softly, surprising him. He had braced himself for her to be upset, but instead, she seemed calm. He reached out and gently held her face in his hand."Thank you for understanding," he said, relieved. "I'm glad you're considering being my partner."Hazel hesitated, her expression uncertain. "I haven't decided yet, Zain. I need more time to think."Zain nodded,
FlashbackIn a sudden flashback, Hazel found herself standing on the familiar ground, clad in pristine white attire. She scanned her surroundings in search of the mysterious girl from before, but she was nowhere to be found. Determined, Hazel retraced her steps, leading her to the same ominous house that had haunted her dreams. With an unsettling feeling gnawing, she pushed the slightly ajar door open and stepped inside.The house was eerily quiet, devoid of any signs of life. A strange metallic smell lingered in the air, making her nose twitch. As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she was met with a horrifying sight. Anna and Aztec, the couple, lay lifeless on the floor. Dread washed over her as she realized they had been murdered. Panic seized her as she looked around, searching for any sign of the baby or the woman who had assisted with the birth."They've been murdered," Unexpectedly, a presence in the room drew her attention. She turned to find someone standing there, her eyes fi
Hazel blinked, her eyelids fluttering open to greet the sight of her bedroom ceiling. After a few steady breaths, she realized she felt surprisingly refreshed, devoid of any remnants of a troubled sleep. There were no signs of struggle or haunting dreams lingering to unsettle her. As she sat up against the headboard, a surge of curiosity washed over her, prompting her to inspect her body, her hands, her feet - everything appeared normal. With a quick movement, she threw aside the duvet and rushed to the mirror, scrutinizing her reflection for any clues. But everything seemed unchanged. A nagging question tugged at her thoughts: What had transpired during her sleep? Did she communicate with that mysterious presence that often visited her dreams? Or had she departed entirely? Closing her eyes, she attempted to recall her dreams, hoping to uncover even the slightest hint of their interaction. Yet, to her dismay, her mind was blank, devoid of any recollection. Her eyes widened in realiz