WINTERThere were no words to describe how tired and helpless I felt when I finally woke up. My hands were heavy and so was my head. I opened my eyes slowly, but I couldn't make out anything. I could feel a light shining down on me. However, I still couldn't see anything. I didn't know where I was or how I even got here."Think, Winter! Think!" I tried to snap back to my senses. All but unfortunately, it didn't work.A voice in my head suddenly asked, "Who are you?""I am Winter Sharp!" I said without skipping a bit."And how old are you?""I am... I am..." I stammered. "I don't know. How old am I?""Twenty-three, Winter. You're twenty-three," the voice responded."Oh...""How many kids do you have?"Shocked, I closed my eyes and opened them again. "I have kids?""Remember, Winter. Come back to your senses."I bit my chapped lower lip. "I have... I have..."Suddenly, the image of my face flashed in my head. It wasn't technically my face. It was a smaller version of me. The girl's gre
SEVEN My last visit to the doctor had led to nothing but another dead end. Even worse, the doctor thought I was imagining things. It took a great deal of my self-control not to beat the shit out of him after that comment he made. "You know, sometimes, pain can just be a figment of our imagination."Upon leaving the hospital, I returned to the motel. And that was where I have been ever since. I spent the next few days exercising like never before. I also massaged my legs how best I could. But no matter how I tried, I didn't feel that pain again. The words of the doctor also kept echoing in my head. At one point, I wondered if he was right. Maybe I was so focused on getting better that my mind started to mess with me. Maybe I was never going to recover like I had been told before. Maybe I would one day be known as the crippled Alpha after taking my rightful place.As much as this fear tried to break my soul, I woke up every morning to exercise and also make more plans to usurp that i
SEVENNothing beat the shocked expression that leaped onto the doctor's face as soon as my mask dropped. The pen he had just picked up dropped on the desk and then rolled off to the floor.His right hand trembled as he pointed at me. "You...you...you are...""Yes, I am," I said patting my chest. "It's really me, Seven Greywolf."The doctor suddenly broke out in cold sweat. His cold face instantly turned to that of a scaredy cat. I could see his chest heaving at this moment. "How... Why did you come here?""To receive treatment, of course," I responded with a shrug.He shook his head vigorously. "I mean, why did you come to this hospital? There's an excellent hospital in Luster Falls, and you have the best doctors there. Why didn't you go there?"I waved indifferently. "It's a long story. One that you don't need to know. Just know that you can't tell anyone that I was here.""W-why?"The corner of my lips curved upwards. "Isn't it obvious? I don't want anyone to know. Besides, are you
SEVENBecky's voice came through a second later. It was extra chippy and filled with worry at the same time. "Hey, Seven! You finally remember me! I have been trying to reach you. What's up with you? Where are you? How are you?""Answer the damn question, Becky! What the hell did you do to me?" I roared on the phone. The doctor took a step back, the metal clips rattling in the tray he was holding.On the other end of the line, Becky drew a breath and stuttered, "What...what are you talking about, Seven? I haven't heard from you for days. Why did you call me to yell at me? Are you still mad at me because I stalked you?""Don't be ridiculous!" I snapped. "I'm sure you can tell what I am talking about!""I can't! I really don't know why you are yelling at me, Seven. If you are going to yell, you should tell me exactly what I did wrong to deserve this. What is it, Seven?"A ball of fury brimmed from the deepest parts of my stomach up to my throat. I ran my fingers through my hair and took
SEVENThe nurse's eyebrows drew together in an instant. She sized me up and then leaned to the side to whisper something to her colleague.With a corner of her lips upturned, she looked back at me and asked, "And you are?"I glanced at the other nurse, only to find that she was glaring at me too. Finally, I replied, "One of his old patients. I need his help with something.""One of his old patients?" the first nurse repeated, turning to her colleague. I saw them communicate with their eyes. However, I couldn't make out what they were saying.Neither of them said a thing to me for a long time. Impatiently, I said, "Could you please direct me to his office?""You are an old patient of his, yet you don't know where his office is?" the second nurse uttered, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.I kissed my teeth. "Like I said, I am an old patient. That alone should tell you that it has been ages since I came here. Now, will you give me directions or not?"Both nurses glared at me. They whisper
SEVENA warden at the gate of the hospital tried to slow me down. I stepped on the gas, instead. Fortunately for him, he jumped out of the way before I crushed him."Sorry..." I mumbled as if he could hear me. I drove at a high speed for a long time. Every turn I made was blurry. I didn't realize where I was going until I read a sign that said, "Welcome to Luster Falls.""Oh, no!" I muttered, looking around. I should have known better than to have lost myself while speeding.My father's death anniversary was today. I know I said it was risky to be in Luster Falls today. However, I realized that I couldn't stay away. Something kept pulling me towards home. Also, my wolf was restless. I couldn't help feeling that I'd get to see Winter again today. Maybe I'd see her when she's on her way to visit my father's grave. Dawn had told me that the impostor never allowed them to go out.But on such a memorable day, wouldn't he go out with them just to keep up appearances? It might seem I was w
WINTER"Come back to me, Dawn. Wake up so we can play together. I miss you so much."Teardrops from my eyes fell on Dawn's face as I looked down at her face. I sucked my lower lip as I tried to hold back my wail.My fingers wiped my daughter's pale cheeks gently. Her skin was moist even though it felt cold to the touch.Days had passed, but Dawn had yet to wake up. We were still locked up in this room. There was no escape for us. The guards were outside the windows and balcony 24/7.I had run out of all the modes of escape that came to my mind. Even the door was as hard as a rock. I suffered a broken arm from slamming my body against the door.Countless times, my heart broke. I fell asleep crying and woke up still crying. Dawn didn't move no matter what I did. I tried to keep her warm as much as I could. I also wiped her body with a warm towel several times a day. Nothing worked."Wake up, my love. Mommy is so worried about you," I said taking her hand in mine.Her eyelids remained s
WINTERA bubbly, fizzy sensation coursed through my veins. The hairs at the back of my neck stood tall at the same time. I spun on my heels slowly.I knew that rich and earthy scent anywhere. Even if I was deep in slumber and was woken up, I'd be able to tell who owned that scent. It was Seven's. I swear!It was just like I last remembered. The scent came to my nose as the breeze continued to blow. I walked back to the handrail and held it. My eyes wandered in all directions.What was happening? Why could I smell Seven? Was I hallucinating?The bubbly sensation suddenly found its way to my chest. My hand slipped off the handrail. However, I held it with the other. I looked down and then to the side.It was already dark out. The crescent moon was out and the lights in the compound were already turned on.When I looked down, the only people I could see were the security guards. One of them looked at me. He scowled like they had been doing anytime I came out to the balcony.There was n
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