KAI-VII The days I spent reading through Dawn Holland's diary were extraordinarily long. I got to learn only two things from the first journal. One, she carried out far too many experiments for a supposed medical doctor. Two, she was a psycho! Her entries in the journal showed that she was desperate to make something. Something that would change the game in our world. For the most part, she called the thing "IT". Sitting in Seven's studying, the air was stuffy as I opened all the diaries in front of me. Curiosity was getting the best of me. Worse still, time wasn't on my side. I had to find a lead now that Ratio was breathing down my neck. I picked up a diary and opened it in half. The first few lines were all German to me. But just as I was about to flip another page, my eyes caught a glimpse of a few words at the end of the page. It read, "The Phoenix Orb is almost complete. It's still too dangerous to use, but I and the others are working on making it safe before the D-Day."
WINTERThree months. That's how far along I was now. I already had a little bump which I spent most mornings looking at in the mirror.Some of my jean pants no longer fit. I wore more of baggy pants and shirts just to feel more comfortable and hide traces of the bump.I had yet to tell my friends that I was pregnant. I knew they would freak out. Or worse still, suggest that I take out the baby. I knew how much they hated Seven because of what he did to me.Chances were that they were going to dissuade me from keeping the baby or confront Seven and ask him to man up.I wanted neither of those things. It was bad enough that I was pregnant at such a young age. I couldn't add boy drama or friends drama to the list of my problems.Since Seven wanted to be single and sleep with everything on skirts, I was going to keep my distance and raise this child alone.There were times I felt overwhelmed with the pregnancy. The baby didn't go easy on me. I skipped classes a couple of times and dozed o
WINTERThis was an illusion. It had to be. Seven couldn't possibly be standing at my doorstep at the moment. The pregnancy must be messing with my mind the same way it messed with my body.I shook my head and shut my eyes for a long time. When I opened them again and looked through the hole, I expected to see no one standing there. But that wasn't what happened.I still saw Seven's face!What was he doing here? Was the blue truck his? How did he know I lived here? Had he been stalking me since I left Luster Falls? But why? Didn't he say he never wanted to see me again?A thousand and one questions swirled in my head. At this moment, I went cold to the bone. The pan in my hand shook. My heart was beating so fast that I thought it would jump out of my chest."Don't shut me out, Win. I know you are in there. I just saw you walk in. Open up!" he said, still banging the door with his fists.I inhaled a lungful of air and shouted, "Go away! I don't want to see you!""Come on now, love," he
KAI-VIIThis was all new to me. I had no idea that Seven broke up with Winter, let alone told her that he never loved her. I thought Winter left Luster Falls and never called because she was still mad after the episode at the club.I had come here hoping that with Winter's help, I could find the Phoenix Orb. Ratio had almost killed me the last time. My body was still yet to recover even though Dr. Longman had tried to do some rewiring a day after.The motors that helped with the running of my heart had been tampered with when Ratio dug his claws into my chest. After Dr. Longman attended to me, my brain became a mess. I couldn't entertain any thoughts aside from finding Winter and getting the ring.It seemed he had inputted something into my brain. Maybe even on Ratio's command. I don't know... All I knew was that I had to get Winter back and use her to find the Phoenix Orb. Otherwise, I would be toast.I was tongue-tied for a long time. All the while, Winter glared at me as if she was
WINTERMy heartbeat stopped for real this time. I couldn't breathe. Couldn't blink. Couldn't think. Couldn't do anything!The words Seven just said kept echoing in my head. He was down on one knee, asking me to marry him.In the past, I had imagined Seven proposing to me. But never did I imagine that it would be like this. I stopped having hopes after he broke up with me in the cruelest way.It was like a dream to me. If I couldn't hear my heart beating so hard, I'd have thought I was dead and just living out my fantasies wherever I was. My eyes were fixed on the solitaire diamond ring in the box. I swallowed hard to drive the lump in my throat away, but it wouldn't budge. I couldn't bring my mouth to function. Even my brain stopped sending signals.I was in a fix.Sincerity glimmered in his eyes as he looked at me and said, "You are my mate, Winter. And I want to spend forever with you."Forever? That was what I have always wanted since I met Seven. But why now? Why did he make a U-
SEVEN"Hold it right there, mister!"I was on my way to spend the evening at the seashore like I always did, but a voice suddenly stopped me. I turned around. And sure enough, it was Alaric, Becky's brother. He walked over to me with his hands in his pockets. From the look on his face, I could tell he wanted to stir up trouble as always.Alaric hadn't failed to make it clear that he didn't like me. Although I didn't feel like he was obligated to like me, I couldn't help feeling that he was being such a douche."Don't you think you have overstayed your welcome?" he asked, stopping right in front of me.The only words I could say were, "I beg your pardon.""My pardon refuses to be begged!" he snarled. "You heard me loud and clear, but since you want to act dumb, I'll say it again. When are you going to leave? Don't you think it's high time you disappeared?""I'll leave soon.""Make it sooner!" he snarled again. "You have gotten a lot better. My sister and father might not see that, but
SEVENIt was obvious that my words were a bombshell, but there was no better way or time to do this. Alaric was right. It was high time I left here. Aside from getting back to right all that was wrong in Luster Falls, I couldn't allow myself to grow on Becky. Her crush on me seemed to be getting stronger by the day.Becky held my arm tightly and cried so hard. Suddenly, she paused and looked up at me. "But I thought you said you didn't have anyone? You told me you were an orphan and that you were all alone. How come many people are waiting for you now?""I lied, Becky," I responded sadly. "I can't really explain my situation, but I'm an orphan who has a lot of people to cater to. I really need to leave. You have gotta let me go.""Take me with you, Seven. There's nothing for me here. I have no friends or even enemies. My father and brother are always keeping me indoors. And the few times I go out, they hover over me like eagles. I am sick and tired of being so caged. Take me with you
WINTER"You look thin. Have some more bacon," said Seven as he picked up the platter of bacon and shoved some on my plate.The smile on my face reached my eyes at this moment. Although I didn't quite agree that I looked thin, it filled my heart with great joy that he was this caring.Since I moved back to Luster Falls, I had been wondering if I made a good decision. There were little changes here and there. Seven spent most of his time in the study, but he always kissed me good night and was by my side when I woke up.He also had breakfast with me. Whenever he was out, he called several times. He also returned home early to have dinner with me whenever it was possible."You know, I'm in talks with some business partners for the cobalt mining. They are coming to town in a few and they would love to have a dinner party after the deal is made.""Oh, okay," I said, taking a sip of tea. "What kind of dinner is it? Would you like me to help you pick a tux?""Just a boring one. But you can h
WINTER Seven allowed me to hold a small wake for Eric after his body was sent over to his father. I also intended to visit his grave with flowers once I got news about his funeral. As much as a part of me wanted to hate Eric for all the mental strain he put me through, I just couldn't. Despite being infatuated and impulsive, he was still a good friend of mine. His assurance to rescue me was one of the things that made me persevere during those six torturous years. More so, he had protected me from his sister. I wasn't sure I would have survived getting stabbed after barely surviving a gunshot wound with the aid of the Phoenix Orb. As for Becky, she was whisked away while shouting, "Seven, if I can't have you, no one else can!" Last I heard, she was going to be tried for two counts of attempted murder and murder. It turned out that after investigation, the bomb blast that almost took me and my baby's life was her doing. I had lost count of how many times Seven apologized. For some
WINTERI really died. I died with Seven's voice replaying in my head. Then his voice was replaced with a couple of others. I drifted in and out of consciousness as a bright light shone above me.When I finally woke up, Seven's face was the first thing I saw. He grabbed my hand with both of his and smiled brightly. "You're back!"My throat felt dry as I said, "What happened?""You were in a coma. The doctor took out the bullet and..."He picked up a ziplock bag from the table and held it up to me. I saw a bullet inside it. There was something else."Is that...is that what I think it is?" I muttered, staring at the strange-looking shiny ball.Seven nodded. "Yes, this is the Phoenix Orb.""How did it even get inside me?"He sighed. "On the night we had sex for the first time while we kissed, I put it inside of you. I did it to protect you, but I am sorry for not asking for your consent."I went silent for a while, replaying that night. "So, this thing has been inside my chest for six yea
SEVENEverything froze over as soon as Winter's body fell into my arms. I stared for a long time before my brain processed what just happened. "Aargh!" I roared as soon as I saw the blood on Winter's chest.Clutching her shoulders, I looked at her face which was fast becoming pale. "Winter! Why did you? Why!"She smiled at me. "Because I love you and you would have done the same?"I buried my face in her neck. "You shouldn't have. You shouldn't--""Good riddance!" A snarl interrupted my words all of a sudden.I raised my head only to find Nora still aiming the gun at me. With the swiftness of a thousand wolves, I let go of Winter and lunged at Nora. My claws pierced into her chest. And when I pulled back, her heart came with it.Her eyes bulged from the sockets as she fell to the floor with a thud. Ratio, whose head was still on her lap, growled at this moment.Blinded by immeasurable rage, I squeezed the bloodied heart in my hand. Then dropped it to the floor."You!" Ratio shouted a
SEVENEveryone froze on the spot. I looked upstairs just in time for a pair of heels to appear out of nowhere. Tracing the plump legs up, I was shocked to find the face staring down at me."Mother?"My stepmother, Nora, eyed me as she descended the stairs. The gun in her hand scrapped the banister in the process. Once she got to the end of the stairs, she barred her teeth. "I am not your mother! Don't ever call me that!"Another jolt of shock coursed through my body. I stammered, "What...what's happening? What...what are you doing here?""What does it look like I am doing here!" she barked.At this moment, Ratio growled. I saw him reach out his hand to Nora. "Come, my love."What the...My jaw dropped to the floor as I watched Nora walk over to where Ratio was lying. She placed his head on her lap and touched his face. She cried, "What have they done to you, darling? Oh, my God!""Nora!" I shouted. "What do you think you are doing? You know this guy?"At my question, Ratio flashed his
SEVENIt wasn't just any white wolf. It was a she-wolf. She landed on her thin long legs with stealth and barred her equally white teeth at Ratio who was down on his knees.Suddenly, the wolf’s head turned in my direction. My heart had just taken a great leap when I locked eyes with the she-wolf. I instantly felt a sense of connection and smelled that familiar scent.“Winter?” I called out, still skeptical.The she-wolf glanced beside me. She ran behind the coffin-like box. Seconds passed before she showed up again. This time, in her human form and fully dressed in a flannel dress.“Why did you come here? It's too dangerous. Go!” I shouted worriedly.Winter shook her head hard. “I am not leaving you. I only just got you back.”“He’s going to kill you,” I said, glancing at Ratio who was still down and groaning. “Listen to me, please! Leave!”Winter walked over to the cage. She reached out her index finger and touched it slightly. Her skin instantly sizzled. Seeing this, I got even more
SEVEN I stood still, trying to figure out where exactly the voice was coming from. "It's you. Ratio?""Yes, that's me," Came the proud voice. "But you don't get to call me that, Seven. It's Uncle Darren to you."I couldn't help chuckling. "Uncle, my foot! Considering all the atrocities you have committed, you don't even deserve a name, let alone to be called uncle by me.""Ha-ha-ha!" The laugh reverberated on the walls again. "I must say I am quite surprised, nephew. You are not like your father. Unlike him, you have got a very big mouth! Luka must be turning in his grave.""Keep my father's name out of your fucking mouth!" I roared.Ratio chuckled. "And if I don't?"My breathing was getting heavier at this time. I clenched my fists despite the burns on my palms.That voice came again. "It's not like you can do anything to me. You fell right into my trap, so I can say whatever name I like. Luka...Luka! Luka! Luka, that stupid cousin of mine.""Shut the fuck up!"Ratio didn't listen.
SEVENNo one could tell me nothing. The sex Winter and I just had blew my mind. I had gone over this moment several times, but it never occurred to me that it would be this good. I couldn't have enough of her body. Fortunately, she felt the same way.When I finally came, we were both breathing heavily. I collapsed beside her and pulled her into my arms. It didn't take long before we both dozed off. It was already dark outside when I was awoken by the ringing of my phone. I looked at the pile of my clothes that lay on the floor and saw a light coming from the pocket of my pants."Shit! Who could that be?" I cursed as quietly as possible.Winter stirred in my arms. She turned away, her bare butt rubbing against my groin. I held my breath and groaned. I knew it was only a matter of seconds before my little man began to think for me.Quickly and gently, I pulled my arm from underneath Winter's head. I got out of bed and took out my phone. I pressed the volume button before even looking a
WINTERThe moistness of Seven's lips threw me off guard. I wanted to pull away, but I found myself frozen. When he bit my lower lip hard, my whole world tilted.Sparks erupted in my closed eyes. Reels upon reels of pictures filled my head. There were images of Dawn in a princess gown. Then, there was an eruption. After that came the Seven's face. He was roaring at me. No, that's not him. That's...that's...I know him. But that's not Seven. That's... Oh, God! Why can't I reach that name?I was still struggling to remember that name when Seven parted my lips with his tongue and it found its way into my mouth. It sent a shiver through my gooey body. Images continued to pour into my head. No, they were more like motion pictures...videos. Seven's face appeared again. This time, he was smiling at me. He said something. When I read his lips, he seemed to say those magic three words. "I love you!"His voice sounded in my head at this time. "I love you, Winter, and I want you to be my Luna.""
SEVENWinter let go of her head. When she looked up at me, I realized that she had lost so much weight. She wasn't this thin when I saw her at Dawn's birthday party. More so, it seemed she had been crying a lot.What happened to her?I was just about to say something when Winter pulled away from me and ran over to Alaric. She squatted beside him as the soldiers pressed him to the floor. "Honey, please tell me that guy is saying nonsense?""He is!" Alaric declared without skipping a beat. "He's a bad man. In fact, he was the one who caused your car crash.""What!" Winter and I exclaimed at the same time.I saw her look at me. Rage sparked in her eyes. I sensed her blood boiling at the same time. Suddenly, she pointed at me and cried, "So, it was you! You almost killed me. You caused the accident that took my precious daughter away from me!"For a second, I was speechless. What crash were they talking about? Winter's only bad encounter with a car recently was from the abduction which ha