RATIOThere had been no news from Kai for days. Although I asked Nora to keep an eye on him, she hasn't reported anything strange to me since her last visit. All was well. Even my wound hadn't bled in two days.I sat playing chess all by myself like I always did. Just as I moved a piece, I heard a scream from downstairs. I froze and listened, only to hear Dr. Longman say, "Shit!"In the years he had been working for me, I knew that the leprechaun only cursed when an experiment didn't go as planned or when he stubbed his toe on one of the numerous equipment.Either way, I stood up, went to the corridor, and looked down. "Anything the matter?"Dr. Longman who should no signs of physical discomfort looked up to me with his face filled with fear. He stammered, "No... Nothing.""Don't lie to me!" I roared, my eyebrows arching.Dr. Longman jumped and trembled. By the time I took the stairs downstairs, he was sweating all over as if he had just been dipped in water. He stumbled backward on t
WINTER"Sit, honey. Look, I made your favorite, avocado toast."I looked down at the plate in front of me as Alaric forced me to sit at the table. This was a routine since the day I woke up to find him staring at me. He was rather sweet and caring, but no matter what he did, I couldn't remember him nor recall ever getting married."Don't worry. The doctor said you will remember once you are completely healed. You still have a nerve injury, but it's going to be just fine," Alaric had explained a few days ago.According to him, I was in a freak accident that should have taken my life. The wounds on my body had healed completely, but the one in my head was taking its time. He also told me not to beat up myself when I said that I didn't remember being married to him and that he needed to stay away from me.He did stay away from me. But after I saw all that he did to make me comfortable, I felt bad for being mean to him. To feel less guilty, I decided to have breakfast and dinner with him
WINTERThe distant look in Alaric's eyes instantly turned to alarm, and then, worry. I couldn't help but wonder why. Was it because he was really hiding something from me? Was I on to something? Was my suspicion correct?Although it felt very weird to confront him in such a manner, I stood my ground because he was the only one who could give me answers right now.Strangely, Alaric smiled as he stood up and looked at me intently. "What's the matter, honey? Why do you look so tensed?"I should be asking you that, Mr. Husband! Isn't that tension I sense from you? And why did you answer a question with another question?"That doesn't answer the question, Alaric. When were you going to tell me?"He chuckled awkwardly. "Tell you what?"I took a deep breath before saying, "That I had a child."Another strange glimmer flashed through his eyes. Unlike the previous times, I was able to catch what it was. It was guilt. Pure guilt.My heart leaped. So I was right? I indeed had a baby? Why didn't
SEVENSettling back in my house was tougher than I had imagined. Although I had yet to inform members of Blood Crest Pack about how they had been deceived for years, I knew I could only put it off for so long.There were two reasons why I couldn't do that; first, Winter was still missing. Second, I was yet to trace the real enemy. After that text from a strange number and the call I had taken on Kai's phone, I was so sure that the battle hadn't ended.I wanted to leave a drama-free life with Winter and our daughter. But I couldn't go about chasing some hidden enemy when she was out somewhere. The Moon Goddess knows how much I would pay to see Winter now and hold her.More so, I had run out of excuses to give Dawn. She and I were beginning to get pensive. Earlier tonight as I was lulling her to sleep, she asked me if Winter would never come back. It had taken me a great deal of effort to convince her that I would make sure Winter came home. How? I didn't know, but I was sparing no cost
BECKYGrief was my middle name since the fire accident that took Seven's life happened. Not only had I not heard from Alaric, I had also refused to go home regardless of how many times my father called.I was afraid that he would try to broker peace between us. And that was the last thing I wanted. Alaric deceived me, so I must have my revenge. I had spent days holed up in a hotel, crying and scheming.Alaric had only one source of motivation. He killed Seven because he wanted Winter. Since he destroyed my only chance at true love, I was going to do the same to him.I had to kill that bitch too!Putting my hair up in a tight bun, I stared at my horrifying reflection in the mirror. This wasn't good. If I showed up looking like this, Winter would smell something fishy.I grabbed a lipstick and brushed it over my lips. Then, I applied some foundation and powder. Once I was convinced that I no longer looked like a widow who had just been through hell, I stuffed the necessary gadgets into
BECKYLot's wife had nothing on me as I froze on the spot. What was happening? Was I seeing things now? Was all the crying I did for days finally catching up with me? How in the world was I seeing Seven now? It was him, wasn't it? Or was it that impostor? But how did the impostor know my name? I had never met him!Someone please tell me what the hell going on before I lose it!"Becky?" the man called out again as he got out of the car. He walked over to me with an unreadable expression on his face.Strangely, the soldiers let go of me. I looked at them and asked, "Are you seeing this? Are you guys really seeing this man?"They gave me looks that clearly said their minds; is this woman crazy?"Becky Williamson, you look like you have seen a ghost."Once the man spoke again, I shuddered. I also felt butterflies in my belly the same way I felt whenever Seven called my full name."Seven! Is it really you?" I took a step towards him.He nodded. "Yeah.""Oh, my God! I thought you were dead.
SEVENBecky jumped, almost startling me. She scratched her temple. "Oh, you are back!"I handed her the glass of water and sat down beside her. "Where's Dawn?""Oh!" she exclaimed again and then took a sip of the water. "She went upstairs after saying something about a doll."Glancing upstairs, I assumed Dawn went up to play. I faced Becky again. "So, who was that on the phone?""No...no one."My brows knitted. How could she say no one when I overheard her tell someone good luck and at the same time say she wasn't going to forgive that person? Not that it was my business anyway, but since when did Becky start keeping secrets? She was always so chatty."If you say so," I finally said with a shrug.Becky raised the glass to her lips and took a tiny sip again. I watched her lashes flutter and couldn't help but notice that her eyes were sunken. "So, why are you here?"After a small cough, she set the glass on the table and wiped her lips with the back of her hand. Without looking at me,
SEVENTo say that I was both confused and impatient would just be putting it lightly. Nothing Tyrone was saying made sense. I just wanted him to get on with it and tell me where the hell Winter was.That's if he even knew..."I know you must think that I betrayed you--"I roared, "I don't think, that's exactly what you did. You ghosted me when I needed you the most. Now, you show up here to tell me about a real enemy. You kidnapped Winter, didn't you?""I didn't!" Tyrone denied with his face twisted with hurt. "If you didn't mention it now, I wouldn't even have known she was kidnapped. And I didn't betray you, Alpha. I never would!"For some reason, his words made me hesitate. There was no trace of insincerity on his face. It was almost as if he was offended that I would accuse him. I took a deep breath. "If you don't know anything about it, what's this talk about a real enemy? Were you the one who sent me that text from a strange number a few days ago?"Tyrone nodded. "I know you mus
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