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A Painful Picture
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2024-08-14 00:01:00Related chapters
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Kindred Spirits
[Elise’s POV]I stare down into Serenity’s face as she greedily sucks the bottle that I offer her while wishing that I could be so easily appeased. If only I were still a child who was oblivious to the viciousness and darkness of the world. Maybe then I wouldn’t have to live day to fucking day with all this pent-up rage and sorrow.“She sure was hungry, wasn’t she?” Marty murmurs, kneeling down in front of me and poking at Serenity’s cheek. “Keep that up, and you’re gonna get chubby.”“Let her be chubby.” I sigh, leaning back into the soft cushion of the seat I sit in. “She’s nothing more than a child. If she wants to be fat, let her be fat. If she wants to be afraid, let her be afraid. Soon enough, she is going to grow into an adult and begin to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders like the rest of us.”Sure, I was being pessimistic, but after seeing that photo of my mother smiling so fucking happily with Denali, I couldn’t help it. All these damned questions just kept haun
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Her Redemption. His Second Chance. His Past
[Elise’s POV]I keep my gaze fixed on Marty as he stares at me. It’s clear from his expression that he is being serious with his words, but how could we possibly be the same? I was a criminal with a lot of bad deeds under my belt that most likely guaranteed that there was no place for me when I died other than hell. And he was someone that Rosco trusted unconditionally, which meant that he couldn’t be all that bad.“Wanna know how Rosco and I met?” Marty asks as if he were reading my thoughts. “It is a pretty amusing story.”“Amusing.” I repeat, raising a brow. “Are you telling me that your first meeting with the big lug was one that could befit a comedy?”“Something like that.” He chuckles. “Maybe at the time it wasn’t too funny, but now I can look back and laugh at it since it was my biggest mistake to date.”His biggest mistake. What in the world was that even supposed to mean?“Before I met Rosco, I was a bounty hunter.” Marty explains, passing the alcohol to me. “I killed for the
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Ghosts Of The Past
[Elise’s POV]Phantoms swirl around, their eyes glowing red. Their clawed fingers reach out and attempt to grab me while their words echo in the air.“Freak.”“Monster.”“Demon.”“Bad Omen.”They echo again and again, tearing at my heart and causing pain to shoot through me.These were the words I was used to, and these were the phantoms that kept me company. They taunted me, tearing me down bit by bit as I tried so hard to build myself back up. Of course, that was only wishful thinking.“How dare you gallivant around pretending to be normal?”The voice pierces through the others as my hair is grabbed and I’m pulled forward toward a much too familiar scene, one that almost turns me feral as I try desperately to flee before I reach. However, just like every other time this familiar dream has come, I'm unable to do anything. All I can do is let myself be dragged back to that shed and wait while the scent of gasoline fills my nose and makes my eyes sting.When it becomes too much, the sm
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Her Redemption. His Second Chance. His Jealousy
[William’s POV]I’m moving before I even know what I’m doing, and when I move Marty’s hand off of Elise’s shoulder, I realize much too late that I’ve made a huge mistake. Eyes widening, I release the hand that I’m holding and shake off any lingering emotions I may be feeling.“Aw,” Marty pouts, reaching out and grabbing my hand again. “You don’t want to hold my hand?”Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue, but stop as he gives a pointed look over my shoulder, and I don’t need to turn to know that Rosco is watching me. I could only imagine the look on his face as he understood what has gotten into me.“Should I maybe leave the two of you alone?” Elise asks, looking at our joined hands. “It looks like you are having a moment.”“Don’t be too upset, beautiful.” Marty chuckles. “I know that you were becoming interested in me, but it seems that William isn’t willing to share me.”Shit. These two were making the butt of a huge joke, but at least with this, the tension that could have formed b
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Her Redemption. His Second Chance. His Arrival
[Rosco’s POV]‘Have you gone mad?’Fabian’s question sends a wave of annoyance through me as I continue to watch William while he eyes Elise, who is completely oblivious or just doesn’t care.‘Maybe.’ I grumble.‘You’re softening around the edges.’ He chuckles, angering me even more.‘If you’re just going to nag me, you can fuck off.’Instead of responding, Fabian lets out a laugh before I feel his presence disappear, so that I’m in my head alone again.Sighing, I let my gaze travel across the warriors who are still doing their stretches, and when I feel they’re more than ready to begin their training, I draw in a breath.“Fall in line!” I command.Growing quiet, I wait once again as everyone does as instructed, falling into an at-ease position. Once no one is left moving, I begin to pace.“As all of you are aware,” I begin, deciding to address the reason for this sudden training. “Our lands have been attacked by a skilled enemy. A few of our ranks have already lost their lives defend
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Her Redemption. His Second Chance. His Parents Start
[Rosco’s POV]I don’t speak as I examine the man in front of me, finding more and more family traits. So this was the uncle who was a skilled tracker. I had to admit, he moved fast since it didn’t take long for him to get here at all.“Are you just going to sit there and stare?” Jose asks now. “Or are you going to show your poor uncle around?”“Alpha, should we believe him?” Riley asks as I open my mouth to give the command. “What if he is with the enemy and…”“No,” I say, raising a hand to call them off. “There’s no mistaking the family resemblance.”“We do make some lookers, don’t we?” Jose chuckles, revealing that he is a cocky bastard too. “It’s the reason that our people are sought after so strongly. Why the hell else would your father insist on marrying that sister of mine?”Tensing, I try to ignore what he is hinting at.”Mind your words.” I warn him, turning and motioning for him to follow. “Whether it was her looks, powers, or even her skills, my mother suits my father well.”
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Invading Her Space
[Elise’s POV]I let out a sigh of relief as steaming hot water ran over my body. Who knew that Marty wouldn’t go easy on me while we were training and would leave me so damn sore? I felt my muscles screaming at me.“I’ll make him pay.” I growl, beginning to wash my body. “Just wait. Come tomorrow, I’ll make sure that he is the one who is hurting.”‘All those months of being locked up took a toll on your body.’ Anna notes, joining me in my misery. ‘You need to get back in shape.’‘No shit.’ I huff, turning off the water and stepping out of the shower. ‘Tell me something I don’t know.’Letting out a growl of frustration, I grab my robe and pull it around my body. Once it is secure, I head out of the bathroom to find Marty relaxing on the couch with a beer in hand.“Took you long enough.” He says, turning his gaze toward me. “I was beginning to wonder if you drowned in there.”“If I did, it would have been your fault.” I shoot back, snatching his drink from him and downing it. “Do you ha
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Her Resistance
[Elise’s POV]I yank my wrist free of Jose’s grip and attempt to leave, but am stopped as Marty and Rosco block the doorway. Frowning, I slowly look from one man to the next while debating what the chances were of me actually escaping.“Where do you think you’re going?” Rosco asks when I try to come up with a plan.“Isn’t it obvious?” Marty chuckles. “She is trying to flee.”With wide eyes, I look at Marty as betrayal shoots through me. What happened to us being birds of a feather and all that bullshit? This was exactly why I refused to trust anyone, even if I wasn’t being used right now in the way that Alexander used me, I was still being forced to do what others wanted of me.“So this is how it is going to be.” I growl, letting my aura begin to trickle off of me. “Either I go along with what you want or you’ll force me? I should have known better than trusting that you would actually trust me.”Growling, I begin to extend my claws while only one thought hits me, and that is to kill
Last Updated : 2024-08-14
Latest chapter
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Epilogue: Her Choice
[Elise’s POV]I stare at the Goddess while she waits for me to decide what my next path will be. Of course, remaining here where there was no more suffering or pain was ideal, but I couldn’t just leave Serenity and those who I cared for back on earth to fend for themselves. However, even if I went back there, I wouldn’t be able to be a part of their world like I had been.A pang of pain shoots through me as William’s face appears in my mind, and the thought of him with another woman slams into me. Even if I were beside him again, I couldn’t tell him that I was me and that I would be so much younger than him.“Have you made a choice?” The Goddess asks when I meet her waiting gaze.“I…” I begin, knowing what would be the right thing to do. “I have.”Even if I went back there, where no one truly knew it was me, I could be with those I cared for once more, and I could keep my promise to Serenity. I would also get to redo the childhood that I was never given until it was time to attend the
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. A New Beginning
[Rosco’s POV]I wrap my arm around Denali and pull her against me as she stares at her father’s unmoving form. Where we touch, I can feel all of her emotions and know that what she did couldn’t have been easy but was necessary.“He got what was coming to him.” I murmur, kissing her cheek. “Don’t think too much about it.”“I know.” She sighs, finally dropping her weapon. “But do you truly think that all of this is over?”Was all this over? That was a damn good question. I knew that those responsible for threatening my daughter's well-being were taken care of, but that didn’t mean that more wouldn’t pop up in the future.For the time being, the best thing we could do was learn more about the original members of Denali’s mother’s pack and the curse that their leader brought about. With knowledge was power, and it would help us better understand what was happening and plan accordingly.“As long as I’m here, I won’t let anything happen.” I assure her. “I’ll protect you and Serenity with al
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. A Funeral
[William’s POV]The next day, I stand between Jose and Charlie while members of Rosco’s pack work to prepare pallets for Elise and Uncle Hamilton. Once they’re in place, Rosco comes forward with a torch in hand. He doesn’t speak as he begins to set the pallets ablaze.As Elise’s body goes up in flame, I feel the last remaining pieces of my heart begin to shatter. This was it; there was no continuing to trick myself into believing that she would magically come back to life.I fix my gaze on Elise’s face as flames surround her body and lick at it, slowly burning away her clothes so they can begin on her skin, muscles, and bones.Swallowing the yell that wants to escape me, I watch on. As she disappears, it feels like a piece of me disappears with her, and when she is finally gone, I feel empty.“I’m sorry, man.” Charlie murmurs, clamping a hand on my shoulder. “I know you…”“Don’t,” I say slowly. “Just don’t say anything.”Although I know that he means well, I know that if I let him con
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Please Don't Leave Me
[Rosco’s POV]I keep my gaze fixed on Charlie as he looks from me to William, who keeps his back to us. Despite my words, I can tell he wants to stop William, but this is a sensitive matter.“Fine.” Charlie finally sighs, deflating. “Go,” he continues to say to William. “Go to that hospital and cause trouble since you’re so hell-bent on it.”“I will.”Not bothering to look at us, William moves, storming out of the packhouse and disappearing. Only once he’s gone do I focus on Charlie again.“Since he is going to deal with retrieving the bodies, I want you to tell me everything that actually happened.”Although I had a general idea of what went down, I was sure there was more to the story.Why did Uncle Jaxon take William back there?What led him to think the only option was blowing up the building?How did Elise and my father end up dying?So many questions raced through my mind, causing my head to spin and my ears to ring. Or maybe it was the illness taking over again. I didn’t know,
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. His Suffering
[Rosco’s POV]“I told you I was fine!” I hiss as Maria and Olga fight to keep me in bed. Many hours had already passed since Elise, Charlie, and Jose went to save William and retrieve my father, and despite the time, no one had contacted me yet. “I can’t just sit here while my people could be in danger!”“Rosco!” Denali sighs. “You can’t take your frustration out on the ones attempting to help you.”Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue, but I stop as I realize that she is right. However, that didn’t mean that this was frustrating. To sit back and not do anything with such things happening in my old pack lands drove me crazy.Sighing, I prepare to try to reason with them, but stop as the sound of a car pulling in reaches me.Hearing it too, Denali moves, making her way to the window, and when I see her tension disappear, I know that the others have returned.“Thank the Ggoddess.” She sighs, bringing a hand to her chest. “This means that they won, right?”“It has to.” I agree, forcing m
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Her Sacrifice
[William’s POV]I look around, trying to figure out what the source of the sudden rumble is, and I quickly get my answer as a loud boom sounds and the roof above our heads disappears.“Shit!” Charlie hisses, beginning to move. “These bastards really are fucking crazy.”Crazy was an understatement. Was this my father’s way of saying that if he couldn’t have Crystal Fang, then no one else could? He was destroying the whole fucking building and any type of proof toward what it was he was doing.Looking around, I try to spot the bitch that was working with him, only to find that she has already escaped. But what about my father? Continuing to search, I finally find that Jose, who is approaching us quickly, has him thrown over his shoulder.“Don’t just stand there!” Charlie continues. “We need to get the hell out of here before the building collapses.”Nodding, I pull Elise, who is fading in and out of consciousness, closer to me and begin to move. However, when we reach the stairs that wi
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Bring An End
[William’s POV]Disgust rushes through me as the crazy woman behind me lets her canine touch my skin, and when I feel the rustlings of her mark begin to come to life, I move, yanking my other hand free from its bindings.Ignoring the pain that shoots through me, I use my wrists to grab the woman’s head and then heave, throwing her toward my father and Elise so that she lands between them.“ELISE!” I roar as they remain momentarily distracted. “LEAVE THIS TO ME!”At my words, Elise’s gaze takes me in and then shifts to my feet, which are still chained, and I can almost hear her sarcastic remark.Smirking, I feel a wave of relief knowing that she is still in one piece after barging her way into this place, but how did she do it without getting caught?Nevermind. Now wasn’t the time to be worrying about that. Instead, I need to focus on getting my feet free and taking down my bastard father.Tearing my focus from Elise, I start to work the cuffs around my feet as my hands heal. The metal
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Stake Her Claim
[William’s POV]I stare ahead, taking in the scene in front of me in disbelief. How? How could this be happening? I knew that my father was a monster for power, but to go as far as killing his own brother in order to achieve it was not something I believed he could do.As I watch on, so many memories begin to flash before me—images of his kind smile, though those were rare—and of him comforting me. Were all those actions a lie to trick me into believing that he was good?“Why?” I growl quietly. “Why the hell is this happening?”Even if it was my father doing everything, I still felt as though I was also guilty. It was because of his absolute need to make me the alpha of Crystal Fang that he was doing this. Didn’t that make me guilty by association?“Stop.” I hiss, drawing my father’s crazed gaze toward me. “STOP THIS!”Beside me, the woman who my father wished to marry me off to gives a giggle, causing the anger that is slowly building to begin to bubble over.“You’re cute,” she sighs
Her Redemption. His Second Chance. Save Him
[Elise’s POV]I wince at the big lug’s words. Man, that was harsh to hear. Not only did William’s crazy father kidnap him while I wasn’t here, but he even managed to murder Hamilton.“Any means necessary?” I ask slowly, needing confirmation of what I could do. “Because I’m pretty fucking close to exploding.”“By any means.” The big lug confirms.“Rosco!” Denali gasps, her eyes growing wide. “You can’t possibly...”“By any means necessary.” Rosco repeats.“Bahahaha!”Feeling my anger spike, I turn to take in my bastard father, who is listening in carefully.“Shut the fuck up, old man.” I snap, lifting a foot and slamming it into his face.Pulling away, I watch with satisfaction as his freshly busted lip and broken nose begin to bleed. Serves him right for finding pleasure in others suffering.‘That was just us a little over a year ago.’ Anna points out. ‘My sweet Elise, you’re growing into a reasonable adult finally.’‘No chance.’ I sigh.I wasn’t being a reasonable adult. Or maybe I w
