Mark’s POV
“Easy with that painting,” I instructed the carrier.
I didn’t realize having a solo exhibition would be this stressful. Also, I had picked a unique venue which had put the gallery hosting in a bit of a fix on how to handle my request. Because of that, I am subjected to monitoring the movements myself.
“Wow! You have her face plastered in every piece.” Carl bolted behind me.
I rolled my eyes at him. “Why do you keep talking and doing barely any
Kate’s POV“Why does it feel like you were Mark’s muse for all this painting?” Miguel asked as he peered intently at a painting. “Is it because of the red flowing hair?” I asked, even though I couldn’t help but notice they were all in the artwork. Still, it definitely has nothing to do with me. “It’s not just about the hair. Your eyes are in it too. But I bet your hair is something he loves about you. It reminds him of the sunset.”
Mark’s POVA pleased chuckle escaped my lips as I swung my feet enjoying my beer. I should go for a run in the woods and howl loudly. Only that my wolf doesn’t seem to be in the best of mood. Doesn’t seem like I have been this delighted within myself in a long while. Dad would have had a swell time if he was here. I grinned sadly, I miss him so much.“He is proud of you. Stop overthinking it.” My wolf interjected.I beamed feeling better once again. The exhibition sales went off the roof and I even got commission requests from people. Even though I have spent and saved more than the money I made today. It still feels different and exciting because this time it didn’t involve my father’s influence. It is all my money. I can boast of making my money by my own hands.Swinging the beer in my mouth, I let out a satisfied sigh.“Hey, man. I have been searching all around for you. What are you doing here?” Carl queried behind me and took a seat.I sniffed, gesturing towards the unopened beer
Kate’s POVMy head ached slightly from tossing and turning on the bed all through the night. It made my body sore too. That damn Mark! This is all his fault. It seems like I woke up earlier than everyone else. Feeling stiff, I decided to go for an early morning drive instead of running in the woods. That would have been a better idea, but I feel lazy.Mark is no doubt my nemesis. The way he keeps coming at me with no mercy for my emotions is something I might not figure out. I thought my lips would tingle from the kiss like the last time. I was wrong. This time it feels like Deja Vu. My heart races and I can feel his lips with his smell filling up my nostrils.Lois might be right about my need to get laid. It seems the fog of no orgasm has clouded my reasoning. It would be a shame for me if I got fooled by him again. Whether he is having issues with Rayna or not doesn’t concern me. I refuse to be used as a rebound.Whatever this heart racing us, I am sure it would leave me soon. I sto
Kate’s POVPerplexed, we all ran out of the house to find out what the commotion was all about. My heart almost stopped when we almost stomped over Karen who laid in between opened boxes all at the foot of my car.“What the hell, Karen?” Marilyn screeched at her angrily.“Oh, my goodness. I thought the car was on fire.” Mark added, pulling at his hair.I just stood there, not having the words to describe the feeling.Karen staggered as she stood up and waved meekly. “Hey, guys. So I was trying to get my luggage in then it hit the car which caused it to go off. I tripped and the box went open. Then you all know the history.”“Why shout out for me then?” Her mother queried.She shrugged nonchalantly. “Because I needed you to come help me.”“Aren’t there better ways to let out your words, instead of using such a terrifying scream?” I finally found my words.Karen rolled her eyes. “You all should stop being dramatic. The car alarm was what got you concerned. This wouldn’t happen if you j
Mark’s POV“Hmmn, this coffee tastes so good.” Carl complimented, putting down the cup.I smirked with pride. “Didn’t I tell you he makes the best coffee? I didn’t just get close to him because of Kate, I have had a taste of his awesomeness,”“Is that me?” Lois asked above us.“Hey, man.” I stood up to embrace him. “Please join us. I actually came here to see you.”“Okay, this is nice. I am guessing this is your friend Carl.” He said.“Yeah. Carl meets Lois, he is a mutual friend of Kate and me. Lois meet my best friend, Carl.”“Nice to meet you.” They both chorused as they exchanged handshakes.“I hope you aren’t too busy, Lois?” I asked.“It’s not something my staff can’t handle.” He replied.“So, Carl and I wanted to go on a road trip for vacation. We stop at will wherever we please and have fun. Kate and Karen will be joining us. I just wanted to know if you and Bianca might want in too.”Lois chortled, “That's a nice thought.”“It was all Carl’s idea.” I gave him his flowers and
Mark’s POVI pushed past the crowd quickly to get to Rayna. The truck had stopped and people had gathered around it. My heart thumped crazily as I was beginning to imagine different scenarios of Rayna lying on the road in the pool of her blood. To my relief, she was standing on the other side of the road pale-faced. Luckily, she was able to make it to the other side before the truck came falling.I staggered backward, feeling my legs give way. Just when I thought I would fall to the ground, two strong arms grabbed me to hold me up. It turned out to be that of Lois and Carl.“It’s okay, man. You are fine, she is fine too.” Carl’s voice assured me.I breathed hard, feeling choked. My panic attack was almost creeping in but I had to fight it back. They helped me back to the cafe. I sat down staring into space. Lois made me a relaxing tea to keep me calm.“Damn, that was heart-wrenching. I thought she was gone.” Lois noted.Carl tuttered. “Everything flew out of my head. Why would she ru
Kate’s POV“Ouch,” I exclaimed as the coffee burned my lips.Blowing on it, I read through the email Lance had sent to me. Since I won’t be around, I had to update him and make sure nothing is amiss for Dame to tamper with. I have decided to keep his suspension on the side for now. But that doesn’t mean he is off the hook. I have eyes on him just in case he misbehaves again.Mark made his way to the kitchen, he didn’t bother to acknowledge me. I giggled to myself knowing he must have met with Rayna.“Good morning to you too, Mark. I bet your outing yesterday went well.” I taunted with my lips to the cup.He thinned his eyes at me, lips parted like he planned to say something. He seemed to have a rethink and turned away instead. Wow! That's a first. Whatever happened between him and Rayna must have touched him a bit. It won’t be a surprise if they already got over their differences. These folks will never cease to amuse me.The doorbell rang and I went to get it. “Lois.” I giggled, hug
Mark’s POV“Are you sure it is advisable to drive the car yourself?” I asked Carl, not fully convinced about his ability. “Shouldn’t we just hire an available driver?”He held up a snort. “The worst that can happen is me handing the wheels over to you. Don’t forget we have Lois too.”“Carl, I get that you are excited about this trip. But you should know that there is nothing wrong with seeking assistance.”“Of what use would the road trip be if we have someone else driving us and meddling in our private discussions?” He was beginning to sound cranky.I shrugged, “does that even matter? What matters is that we get what we want and that is enough. The destination is what matters.”“You coward, just admit that you are feeling too lazy to drive and would prefer to not be involved in it.” Carl sneered.I gasped dramatically, “Wow, am I that obvious.”“You are an asshole.” He sucked his teeth and walked away from me.I sighed in exhaustion, putting the bags in the car booth. This is my firs
Kate’s POVFor some reason, the sight of Rayna has my breath unstable. I turned to look at Mark and then back at her. “How did you get here? Did you tell her about this place, Mark?” I asked the both of them at once. Mark seemed genuinely confused. “I never did.” He stepped forward with a cold glare in his eyes and a wolf growling furiously. “What the fuck is all this about Rayna? How dare you show up at my home unannounced? And how did you get the door code?” Rayna scoffed, “I guess you all are too trusting. I found my way in when the party was going on yesterday. Must say it is a large house. I didn’t need to strain myself too much to get the door code. Was just observant. And as regards how I got here, I had you tracked, my darling.” She grinned sheepishly at Mark. He clenched his fist tightly. “Get out of here right this minute.” “No, I have a lot to do here.” She said, settling into the couch and crossing her legs like she owned a part of the house. “Didn’t you hear what I
Kate’s POVShit! It feels like I was hit with a brick. My head ached badly. I tried to adjust it to the burning light in my face. At first, I thought someone was putting an actual light close to my face. Only to open my eyes to see that it was coming from the window. It took me a moment to process my feelings. I glanced around the room and Karen was nowhere to be found. My hair felt like a ruined nest as it fell apart. Checking the time, it’s past noon. I am never drinking again. Rubbing at my swollen face, I struggled to get up and went straight into the bathroom after almost falling forwar
Mark’s POVWaking up felt like a task. I had too many glasses of wine last night and my belly went on a wild chase. I had no idea what went wrong as I ended up in the toilet too many times. It dawned on me that I hadn’t eaten much when I indulged in drinking. I dragged my feet lazily to the bed feeling empty. Checking the time, it’s barely morning yet. I bet no one would be awake now. My belly growled like it was reminding me of its presence. I have to feed it or I might be found in bed by morning unconscious. My usual routine, when I wake up this early, is to shift and let my wolf roam freely until the sun rises. But I have no strength as it is. I went out to the
Mark’s POVI had to keep myself together by taking my wolf on a long run. Everyone that came had something to say about Dad. How amazing he was and the many help he had rendered then. At one point, I saw the look in their eyes at how much expectations they had of me. Hoping I would be the same as my dad. But I was never like him and I still am not. The overwhelming feeling took over and I just wanted an escape badly. It didn’t help that the people who were invited took their time before taking their leave. Finally, I got the chance to sit at a table with Lois, Carl, and surprisingly’ Miguel.
Kate’s POV“Am I supposed to give some sort of speech?” Lois whispered in my ear as we stood in front of Jake’s grave putting down our flowers. I elbowed him on the side trying not to laugh. A few people were invited to honor Jake with us. Surprisingly the mood wasn’t as gloomy as we would have imagined it to be. Even though Mark hasn’t been much of himself since last night. Marilyn advised we let him be. He needs the time to himself. We returned to the house afterward to entertain the few guests. I know a few of them as Jake’s friends but didn’t associate
Kate’s POVI didn’t realize how much I missed the Diamond pack until this moment. The air feels so different. The people we came with also made it super special with their wits. Karen and Carl wouldn’t stop cracking us up through the entire ride. I have never felt so pleased on a travel before. Even though we are here to celebrate a loss. It doesn’t feel like it. It feels like Jake is still a very part of us. Marilyn had cooked up a storm for our arrival. One would think we were preparing for a packed festival and the family gathered. While they all chatted, I found my way to Jake’s old room. Marilyn has done an amazing job with the room. She left it as we have always known it. It
Mark’s POVRayna blinked rapidly, the expression I saw on her face seemed to fade away too quickly. Now she had a shocked look on her face. “Mark, why would you curse at me like that? You showed me a video that I do not understand and now you are making vile comments at me. I do not appreciate that. If you didn’t want me here, you could have said so. I bet I will just take my leave.” She made a move to stand up. “If you take a step from that place, I will make you regret the day you ever met me. I bet you haven’t seen that side of me. It is why you are so irritatingly bold to mess around with me and any of my things. Sit your fucking ass back down and start telling what it is
Mark’s POV“How the hell did this happen?” I stared in disbelief at the slashed car tires and broken windshields. “Why would anyone do this?” Lois put his hand on his waist, cursing under his breath. “Kate can’t see this. She would lose her mind.” “Wait a minute. You think this was done by that same person?” “Definitely.” “Whoever it is has gotten very bold from the last time. I can’t believe this is what we have to deal with. We have to call the police.” Lois shook his head. “No, we can’t let Kate know. She is already depressed by the death anniversary.” I sighed tiredly. “That’s true. What do we do?” “We have the car fixed before we take it back home and also check the CCTV around. Let’s not talk about this to anyone else. It should be between us.” I don’t know if I can keep it to myself for long. But I didn’t say that to Lois. “Okay, go get the footage. I will call the car shop.” While Lois went to check the cameras I leaned against the car waiting for it to get towed. We
Kate’s POVI should have just hired a designated driver. That way I would just get to enjoy the ride without any pressure of focusing on the road. I needed to get out of the house before I ended up losing it. Can’t tell exactly where my annoyance comes from. Either from discussing Rayna with Mark or the entire idea of talking about her. I hate just how much effect she still has on Mark. Always getting him to act kind towards her. It’s as if he is trying to avoid becoming the person he was in the past. And I just wish he would just so he can put her where she belongs. That stupid bitch! I growled slapping the steering wheel. I had gotten so carried away almost hitting a car in front of me. Thankfully, I stopped just in time. It’s not about the money to fix it. I am not just in the best of mood to accommodate anyone. So to avoid another brewing disaster waiting to happen. I drove to one side of the road and parked there. Leaning into the chair, I stared at people as they moved back a