WINTERNo words had ever made my heart break so much. Dawn was naturally a cheerful child, and after she grew past the baby stage, she rarely cried. She leaned into giving anyone a piece of her mind instead of crying.So, you can guess how shocked and heartbroken I was after she made such a demand in tears.As a child, when I fantasized about having my own kids, never in a million years did I imagine that I would be raising any of them in captivity. I tried to shield Dawn from all that was going on. However, it seemed she was catching on. No child would ever ask for a parent to be replaced if they didn't sense something wrong. I dreaded the day I'd have to explain to Dawn that Kai wasn't her father, but a knockoff of the original. I thought I still had a lot of time. Little did I know that it would come knocking on my door so soon.After taking a deep breath, I said in a choked voice, "Baby, what happened? Why did you say that?""I don't like him. He slapped me!""He did what!" I exc
WINTERThe guest was none other than Eric Kester, my friend from NYU. The last time I saw him was about five years ago. He had tried to save me, but ended up jumping to his death.How the hell was he here now? And why did Kai address him as Gary Blake?Eric glanced to the side before whispering, "Shhhh! He's going to hear us."I glanced at Kai, who was staring at a series of champagne bottles while rubbing his chin. His mere back filled me with fear. A scarf was wrapped around my neck, but I couldn't forget how he almost strangled me to death. My mind also went to Dawn who was still unconscious last I checked.Curiosity was killing me. However, it was nothing compared to the fear for my life and that of my daughter. I quickly straightened up and picked up my fork, unwilling to talk to Eric anymore."Can you give me your phone number so we can talk some other time?" Eric uttered in a low voice."I can't!" I whispered, glancing at the bar. "I don't have a phone."Eric didn't take the h
KAI-VIIThe strong mass of flesh and bones that I had for legs suddenly turned mushy. I struggled to hold the door as my palm became sweaty and slipped down."Mas... Mas..." I could barely get a word out. My lips trembled and my heart began to race as I glared at the man standing at the other end of the door. He was wearing all back. He also had on a black baseball hat that shadowed most of his face. But I knew exactly who it was. His aura was intimidating and his figure towering. When he raised his head, I almost peed in my pants and fell to my knees.Back in the dining room, the clattering of spoons on plates stopped. I could hear Winter and my guest whispering. About what? That I do not know.The sudden appearance of the person in front of me was a much bigger problem for me. I hadn't expected that Ratio would come here. Every week, I went to the underground lair to report to him. I had also lost count of how many times he also waylaid me outside.But never had he come all the
SEVENDid I just hear you say finally? What do you mean? Finally, you would get insight on what I have been up to? Or finally, you get to hear that I have recovered fully.Sorry to burst your bubble. I'm still confined to this goddamn wheelchair. To say that the last five years were the hardest for me is an understatement. Every day, I tried to walk on my own two feet. And each time, I landed on my butt like a damn little kid. My legs were just as good as fine useless sticks. Physiotherapy was useless. I went through so much pain, but it didn't help matters.On most days, I spent my time all alone in my room. The Williamsons put up with me for some reason. Maybe because Becky had threatened her brother and father that they would never see her again if I was ever thrown out. Her father probably didn't give a damn whether I stayed or left. But Alaric... I was sure he would give anything to get rid of me.Anyway, that's that on how I have been living for five years. Tonight, I was feel
SEVENMy father was loved by all. To this day, I didn't think I could ever be loved by the members of Blood Crest Pack the way my father was loved.His death shook the entire pack. No one had anticipated that his reign would be cut short. He was one of those who were expected to live forever.I could still remember how people came from far and wide to eulogize him. Also, I remember how I was supported by many after his death. Of course, I didn't accept all the help because I peeled away into solitude shortly after I was made Alpha. I only came out when needed, but I knew that most of the love I got came due to the love people had for my father.This immeasurable love was why I couldn't understand why anyone would dig up my father's grave. And what was that person looking for?I looked down at the coffin and saw that the lock hadn't been tampered with. Could it be that the person ran away before they could open it? Was it because I appeared?My mind was working a million miles by the m
SEVENThere was a serious look on Becky's face as she looked at me with her hand stretched out. I avoided her eyes and took the flash drive. Wheeling myself into my room, I went to my desk and turned on the laptop. "Thank you. If you don't mind, could please excuse me?""Actually, I do mind." I felt her gaze heat up my back. Standing behind me, she snorted, "I helped you get the footage. Don't you think I should at least watch it with you?"I placed my elbow on the desk and rested my head on my palm. Couldn't she just take the hint? Why did she always have to pry?"Can you just give me some privacy?" I asked, turning to look at her.Becky smirked and then walked over to my bed. She plopped down on it and crossed her leg. "I'm afraid I can't.""What are you hiding, Seven?" she continued. "I didn't want to complain before, but now, I can't help it. You are so secretive. Why don't you want me to watch the footage with you?""Because it's personal!" I snapped.Nodding her head, Becky chu
SEVENThis tunnel had been formed during the groundwork construction of this house many years ago. My late father was the one who insisted that a tunnel be made.I was about fifteen or sixteen at the time. When I saw the plan, I thought it was ridiculous. I couldn't fathom why my father insisted on making a tunnel for a house that wasn't going to be lived in. For a long time, the house wasn't even completed. I didn't even know why he insisted on building it since we had our own magnificent villa which had many rooms.But after the bomb blast that killed many, I realized why. My father was no fortune teller, but he sure planned for the future. To think that as a boy, I always felt that he was so paranoid.Look who was about to use the tunnel now?I pulled on the wall of thorny grass. Although a few thorns pierced my hand, I endured the pain. A pile of grass lay on the ground by the time I was done making a pathway.The tunnel was dark. So dark that it unnerved me. I switched on my pho
SEVENSweet mercy! The second that name rolled off her lips, I had an epiphany. Dawn? Her name was really Dawn? That was my mother's name? Did this mean that this was Winter's child? And Winter named her after my mother? So... So... So she's my child?A lot was going on in my mind. I stretched out my hands to grab the little girl."Don't do that!" She pouted, flinching.In a heartbeat, I withdrew my hands. "Sorry. I am so sorry. You said your name is Dawn?"She nodded, looking at me warily. My heart was about to burst. I couldn't keep calm. Sweating profusely, I rubbed my palms on my hat. "What's your surname?"Her eyebrows crinkled at that question. "What's that?""Like your other name," I explained. "What is your second name after Dawn?"She shrugged in confusion. "I don't know."I clasped my hands, trying to come up with another question that would give me the answer I was looking for. After a brief moment, I asked again, "You go to school, don't you? What do they call you in sch
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