SEVENThe light which had been raised up to my face soon bounced to my feet. At this moment, I saw both men stagger backward in astonishment."Alpha Seven? What are you doing here!" Stuart exclaimed, pointing at me.Tyler was slack-jawed. His eyes were bulging out of the sockets as he regarded me. Soon after, he stuttered, "But... But we just saw you yesterday at the memorial. Why... Why did you... Why did...""No, you didn't see me yesterday, Tyler," I began, taking a step closer. "The person you saw yesterday and have been seeing for the past five years is an impostor.""What!" they exclaimed at the same time.I pointed at myself. "I mean, I am Seven Greywolf, the first son of Luka Greywolf and Dawn Holland. But the person you guys saw at the memorial of my father's passing yesterday was actually an impostor who has been passing off as me for the last five years."In shock, Stuart put his fist into his mouth. His eyes glistened with utter disbelief. I noticed that Tyler gripped his
SEVENA lot of talking was done for the next one hour. Both Stuart and Tyler were shaken up as I gave them further insight into all I had been through in the past few years. On several instances, the usually calm Stuart couldn't help cursing. It wasn't exactly pleasing to the ears, but I put up with it since it was directed at my greatest enemy.Tyler was silent for the most part. However, now, I knew that he no longer disbelieved me. It was almost as if he felt angry with himself for not noticing the discrepancy early enough."Guys, it's not your fault," I said, regarding Tyler. "No point beating yourself up for not noticing soon enough. Actually, I have to hand it to that thief. When he confronted me, it was as if I was staring at a freaking mirror. Since he could clone my face so well, I can only imagine how he cloned my mannerisms and deceived you all with it.""But still..." Stuart said with a regretful look.I waved my hand. "That is all in the past now. Very soon, I will get my
NORAThe fear in my son's voice drove the little bit of drowsiness I had been holding on to since I retired to bed for the night. As I wriggled my right arm which had fallen asleep, I said on the phone, "What's wrong, son?"Robert heaved loudly. "I was out partying when a text came in. I think it's Seven.""What did the text say?" I asked, sitting up. "Why does it worry you so?""Hello, brother. Having fun," Robert said. "That's what the text said."I breathed a sigh of relief. "And why does that worry you?""I think Seven is mad at me. Remember he usually complained about me partying too much. He stopped complaining years ago, but it seems he's about to resume that habit."I did a facepalm. "You are getting worked up over nothing, son. This text doesn't mean anything. Seven isn't mad at you. Maybe he was just trying to check on you. He's so uptight. Clubbing is not his thing.""I know. But it was as if he was present at the club and saw what I was doing. I could feel his ice-hard eye
NORAThe person on the other end let out a deep sigh before saying, "I am afraid the boss can't come to the phone now.""And why is that? Why do you even have his phone?" I asked, my voice impatient."He's currently having a nap. You know how it goes. The medication knocked him out again. I suggest you call him tomorrow morning.""I can't wait until then!" I snapped. "Look, doc. It's really urgent. Wake him up and put him on the phone!"Dr. Longman sighed again. "He's going to be mad at me if I wake him.""I don't care! Just do as I say! Wake him up and tell him I am on the phone. I have got to speak to him tonight."On the other end of the line, Dr. Longman grumbled. I heard him shuffle and stamp his feet for a long time. Then I heard him say in a fearful voice, "Boss, I am so sorry. But your... Your... She wants to speak to you.""Who?" Ratio gruffed in the background and then said, "Nora?""Yes, yes! I told her you were asleep, but she says It's pretty urgent.""Fine, hand it over.
NORAThe phone in my hand almost slipped away the second I heard that question. I quickly pressed the screen on my belly and feigned a smile. "Son, you are still awake? I thought you already went to bed. Is anything the matter? Would you like me to prepare something for you to help you sleep better?""Don't try to change the topic, Mom," Robert said seriously, walking into the bedroom. "Who was that you were talking to on the phone?"A pensive knot went up my throat. I swallowed hard and waved. "It's no one. Just a friend."Robert raised an eyebrow which had two lines in it. "Just a friend, huh? But I just heard you call this "friend" darling? Why is that?"The knot returned to my throat. This time, two sizes bigger than it was a minute ago. Avoiding his eyes, I shrugged. "And why is that a big deal? Us, girls call our friends sweet names, you know."From the corner of my eyes, I noticed that the frown on Robert's face only got deeper. He took two steps towards me. "Don't lie to me, M
WINTER "Munchkin, please eat your vegetables," I said, looking over at my daughter who was seated beside me at the table."Yuck!" Dawn tossed the tiny broccoli on the plate and then pouted. "I don't like it. It tastes like paracetamol!"I couldn't help laughing. "Come on, dearie. It will help me become stronger and healthier. You want to grow into a big girl like Mommy, don't you?"Dawn's eyes lit up. "Did you grow this big because you ate this?"She pointed at the boiled carrot on her plate. "And this too?""Yes, I ate a lot of vegetables. My mommy always cooked them for me when I was still as small as you. Because I didn't toss them around, they made me grow tall and beautiful.""I want to be tall and beautiful too!" Dawn squeaked.Smiling brightly, I patted her head gently. "Then eat your vegetables. If it tastes bitter, just close your eyes and continue chewing."Dawn took in a deep breath. Afterward, she dug her fork into the broccoli and then shut her eyes tightly. I watched a
WINTERDawn gave me a gummy smile. Between her tiny teeth were red particles that hadn't made it through her throat. She raised the glass and took big gulps.Half of her face was hidden behind the glass. However, I noticed the mischief in her eyes. She stopped gulping the juice. But held onto the glass to her mouth."Dawn?" I began, tilting my head when she averted her eyes. "You heard my question, didn't you? Who is Mr. Grey?"Dawn remained silent. Before I could say another word, I heard a chittering sound. It wasn't until I took a closer look at her that I noticed she was tapping her front teeth on the glass."Don't do that. You might hurt yourself." I took the glass from her and returned it to the table.Spinning around at about the same time I sat back down, Dawn reached out to the platter of cupcakes with her soiled little hand. I pulled her back quickly.When she turned to look at me again, her tiny red eyebrows were knitted towards each other. She licked her lips. "Can I have
SEVENA week had passed since my meeting with Stuart and Tyler. Both men had sworn their allegiance to me in my quest to return to where I belonged. While I gave them time to get busy with the plan, I exercised rigorously to make my legs better.And I was already seeing results.As of today, I could now stand and walk with only one crutch. I had gone to the hospital to take the stitches out two days ago. To say that the doctor was pleased to see my improvement was an understatement.The man couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear as he took out the stitches and massaged my legs. I thanked him profusely and promised to pay him for treating me and keeping it a secret.Sweat dripped down my chiseled abs as I got off my exercise mat and went to the fridge in a corner. Uncapping a fresh bottle of water, I gulped down its contents without stopping. I let out a loud grunt, tossing the empty bottle in the trash.I went to the table and picked up my phone. Dialing a number, I pinched the shutter
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