Ava was sitting on the floor on the balcony while hugging her knees to her chest staring at nothing. She had woken up early in the morning and Mr. Taylor was there in the room. He was standing quietly in the corner and offered her water. She took the glass and drank it slowly. Her head pounded and she felt lethargic. Her feet, knees, arms, and palms throbbed. She had bandages on all the scratches and road rashes. Slowly all the memories came knocking back and she felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She tried to kill herself last night. How could she do that? To her father? To Annie? Aiden had driven her mad. She couldn't think of anything else to get away from him. She hobbled to the restroom and did her business; she noticed that all the sharp items were missing from the bathroom. Mr. Taylor still hasn't left the room. Ava left Aiden's room and stepped into her room. My. Taylor tried to step in, but she blocked his way. Apologized and then slammed the door in his face bef
Two weeks have passed, and Ava hasn't said a single word to him. The only three words that left her lips were when she asked him 'Is Evan alive.' He despised those words from the bottom of his heart, but they were the only words through which he heard her voice. If it was a couple of weeks ago. He would've ignored it, but it was different now. She was starving him. It was plain torture. He yearned to hear her soft voice, but she wasn't gracing him with it anymore. She was punishing him in her twisted way. No, she knew she couldn't punish him, and she didn't know what was going through his head, so she preferably hated what she showed him that night. The vulnerable side of her and now she had bottled up her emotions and refused to let them out. Aiden had planned to let her live freely like before despite her escaping stunt, he thought of putting Cole on her bodyguard duty, but the girl didn't leave the house in the past two weeks. He had asked her once why she wasn't going t
"You can't play me again." Her voice was small and soft, yet so impactful and held the emotion that nothing in the world could hurt her anymore. As if she had faced all the hardships alone. Aiden was glad that she didn't try to hurt herself again. He was on edge the past weeks thinking of it all the time. He didn't want to walk into her lying in the pool of her blood. The thought was scary enough. "I'm not playing you. Not this time," he said earnestly but the repulsion in her eyes poked the beast inside him. He restrained himself from lashing out. Aiden pulled out the stool near the island counter and the next second, he was grabbing her, she gasped and found herself perched on the stool as he stood in front of her. So close. "I'm sorry." He breathed, a scowl on his face and his face donned a pained expression. As if saying those words took everything from him. Ava stared at him blankly. No emotions giving her away. It frustrated him because somehow, she was imitating his s
Ava was having the best day of her life. She caught up with her friends, they complained she ghosted them. She apologized. They filled her with the latest news that Daniel and Alice were seeing each other, which she had anticipated a while ago when she caught them stealing glances at each other during their gatherings. When Vanessa offered her a drink, she didn't shy away. Ava drank and drank. She just wanted to forget everything and live freely for a little while. She danced with the girls and like usual the boys surrounded them and provided them with enough safe space so they could dance their ass off. Ava had texted Cole and sent him her location before she began drinking. She didn't want them to think she was trying to escape again. One lesson was enough. She was tipsy and could barely stand on her feet without any help. Not only that, but she was also spouting gibberish nonsense. Her friends were by her side. Jasper was holding her up and took her to the sofa. She or
Aiden bit on her neck earning a whimper from her as he sucked on the tender spot and nibbled on her skin gently, she shuddered on top of him fisting his hair. Her chest heaving up and down wildly as she rubbed herself on him. Aiden grabbed her ass with his free hand and forced her in place a little away from his crotch and stopped the torture she was putting him through. He trailed open-mouthed kisses down her neck to her collarbone and she let out a sweet moan which sent tingles down his spine. "Keep moaning for me. I could listen to it in a loop." He rumbled, licking her throat and she gasped. "Aiden." She whispered his name as if it was a sacred spell. "Yes, baby." He rasped, pulling back to look into her beautiful eyes. "I like it," she said meekly. "Like what?" "The way you called me, baby." She was shy, casting her eyes down. F*ck. "What are you doing to me, baby?" She blinked at him innocently. "What am I doing?" "You're making me go crazy for you." "Good.
Ava stirred in her sleep. Her eyelids were heavy, and her head throbbed with the intensity of a brutal earthquake. It took her some seconds to adjust to the pain as she slowly blinked her eyes open. Throb. Throb. Throb. What the hell happened to her? She massaged her temple recalling she met up with her friends and then she drank. She even danced and then Cole came to pick her up. Jasper not letting her drink and then... Her eyes widened when slowly last night began to play on a loop in her head with some missing snippets. But the picture was pretty clear. She f*cked up. Her face turned red in absolute embarrassment. The very next second horror struck her feeling a heavy arm draped over her waist and a sturdy chest pressed on her back. Ava froze up and stayed like an ice block for a couple of seconds before she let out the air in a silent whoosh. She blinked again to be fully awake as she carefully grabbed his wrist and tried to pry his arm off of her bu
"Text me and I'll be there to pick you up," Cole said as Ava nodded and he left. "I bet he's your bodyguard," Vanessa said as soon as Ava stepped into the bakery. "Why didn't you tell us, Aiden was a freaking billionaire," Vanessa asked as both the girls got to work. Ava has decided to rejoin because she was bored out of her mind at home and if Aiden was giving her freedom willingly, she should take it until it lasts. "I've told you I didn't know that. I just found out when I got married to him." She sighed. Her friends had bombarded her phone with messages regarding Aiden after that night when she was drunk. Bryson had told them everything about Aiden except for Aiden's secret which even Bryson didn't know. Ava had told them that she found out about Aiden's status when she married him, and they lost it when she accidentally revealed the marriage part. They barged into Aiden's house and demanded an explanation. She didn't even tell them the address, but Bryson tracked he
He let go of her. "What.... What are you doing here?" Ava asked, flabbergasted. Her eyes darted to the door as she tried to get out, but he was so tall and big, taking all the space in the stall and cornered her. "What does it look like?" "Aren't you using that phrase way too much in one day? This is the ladies' restroom. Get out of here before you get caught and get flashed in the news tomorrow." She said hurriedly in a low voice, but Aiden wasn't listening. His eyes were fixed on the droplets of water kissing her face. He leaned closer and her eyes widened as she placed her palms on his chest to stop him from getting further closer but who was she kidding? Despite all her pushing he leaned in closer with ease until she was pressed against the wall with him just inches away from her. "You enjoyed torturing me. Didn't you?" He rasped. She opened her mouth to retort but sealed it shut before tipping her head away and glaring at the wall beside her. "Didn't you hear what
8 years later. Her brows furrowed and a moan slipped through her lips. Confusion washed over her sleepy state as she slowly opened her eyes, Ava felt it and her eyes widened. There was something inside her. Moving. The familiarity soaked her senses. Her gaze flickered to the man on top of her. "Good morning, baby." Thrust. Her lips parted, feeling every inch of him. "Aiden," She breathed his name. He had a pillow resting beneath her hips, holding her legs wide open, he slowly moved in and out of her. "You should've woken me up," she said in her slurry morning voice. "I want to wake you up like this. The expression of surprise and pleasure on your face is a treat to my eyes," He mused. Voice deep and husky with a perfect sleepy edge to it. His hair was a mess, brows furrowed as he moved inside her. She opened her arms, and he leaned in, pressing his lips on hers in a soft kiss, his chest pressing on her bare breasts. His hand slid between them as he grabbed
Ava sat at the edge of the pool with her legs immersed in the water while gazing at the beautiful sky which resembled a dark storm. The ghastly grey clouds scattered over the sky veiling the twinkling stars and glorious moon as a chilling breeze swept past her. It was calming. She loved this weather. The serenity before the rain. The storm. The darkness. The wild breeze. The weather seemed to be in ruthless chaos. Mayhem, and then it bursts in the form of rain. With rain, everything blurred out and all that mattered at that moment was just the present. As the heavy downpour tumbled down, the breeze felt ecstatic. The darkness felt soothing. The fresh scent of after-rain felt surreal. Ava smiled a little startled when the clouds grumbled wildly. A promise of a downpour in its wake. A month had passed since Ava came back to live with Aiden. He took care of everything and wouldn't even let her step out of bed. Ava got better in a week, but he was just too caring. Aiden would s
"What the f*ck are you doing here?" Jacob growled, his hands fisted on his sides and by the dark look on her father's face, she knew he was mad. She had never seen him this pissed in her entire life. "I came to see my wife," Aiden said calmly, pulling to his feet. His eyes lingered over Ava for a couple of seconds before he faced Jacob. There was something about Aiden. He stood tall with his shoulders squared, staring down at her father with that blank look. He resembled a hidden menace. "Your wife? She's not your wife!" Jacob barked. Aiden's jaw ticked as he noticed from his peripheral vision that Ava had stepped out of the bed. "She is my wife, Jacob. I've thought hard about it and concluded. I can't let her go and no one can make me think otherwise." His voice was firm. "Are you in the right state of mind? She is in this condition because of you. It's better if you leave my daughter alone." Jacob fumed. "As I said. I cannot let her go." Aiden's tone oozes out fin
Ava was lying in bed. She was sleepy but she didn't let herself doze off. She waited. Patiently. Hours passed and he didn't show up. Maybe it was all her imagination. Ava buried her face in the pillow and tears of frustration gathered in her eyes. She wants to kill him. Maybe she could; once she gets better. Burying her face further in the pillow she let her body relax and tried to sleep. The ticking of the wall clock was the only faint noise in the silent room. Her breathing relaxed and she tilted her face, her eyes droopy. Just when she was about to drift into her sleep. She heard a light noise. Followed by a heavy thump of boots on the balcony. Ava's eyes flew wide when she heard the subtle creak of the window. A light shuffling and she slammed her eyes close, evening out her breathing and calming her heartbeat, pretending to sleep. She didn't hear a single sound but suddenly goosebumps rose on her flesh when she felt an intense gaze followed by a soft caress on her che
Three days went by in a state of daze and blur. Most of the time she was sleeping and when she was awake, Ava just stared at the ceiling and reeled that barbaric night in her head on a loop. In these three days, Aiden didn't show up. He had abandoned her. The more time passed, the more she felt she was losing herself in silent distress. She hasn't said a single word in the past few days. Ava would sleep most of the time, have small portions of soup or porridge twice a day, and just lay in her bed. Lilith would sit beside her and talk nonstop, sometimes Marcus also joined in; talking about his trainee days and telling her how Jacob made his life hell because he was such a strict leader. Evan did show up in her room twice but both times he would just stand in the corner while Lilith and Marcus talked, and he would quietly leave with them. Thankfully her father hadn't told Annie anything, and she was oblivious to everything. She'd visit them in summer and there were still a
A cry of pain tore through her lips. Ava glanced at the girl who helped her kill the guy hoping she could do it, but she was sprawled out cold on the floor. The fire was reaching close to her. The people trapped in those cages were screaming, banging on the electric wall, and getting electrocuted. Ava was crying full-blown now as she forced her body to move. She had to save them. She had to. Ava dragged her body up with the help of the wall, she put pressure on her wounded leg and the stitches tore her skin and opened making her scream in pain as she jumped forward slamming her palm on the button before falling. Water mist splashed water all over the place. Sirens of emergency and evacuation were ringing, and it felt like she was hearing them through the end of a tunnel. Cold water touched her skin. A shuddering breath left her lips as she closed her eyes hoping for all the pain to go away and softly whispered Aiden's name for the peace of her heart. Ava was in a beau
Bullets were raining behind him and he got hit in the back causing him to stumble forward crashing into her as she held him. "Aiden," She whispered shakily, feeling wetness on her hand. There was a wild commotion behind them. Animalistic growls and snarls but all she could hear was a numbing whistle ringing in her ears, seeing red coating her palm. "Take cover," He rasped in her ear before pulling back. Aiden roared like a wild beast, and she noticed his canines extending and claws expanding as he lunged at the scarred old man. Ava noticed Enzo and more Aiden's men infiltrating the place like charged canons. A guard tried to get to her, but someone blocked his way in a flash and knocked him down with a solid punch. It was Jacob. "Dad," She breathed shakily as Jacob hurried over to her. "F*ck, I'm late. Hide, Ava. Don't let them see you," Jacob said, forcing a pistol in her hand. "Use it to protect yourself. Kill if need be. Don't even hesitate when it comes to your safe
Ava banged on the door with all her might until her hands throbbed in pain. They had locked her in that room and then left. Cole was still unconscious while Ava had searched for every possible escape but there was none. She could hear two guards talking right outside the door. They were keeping an eye on them. It didn't matter how much she screamed or yelled at them to let her out. They didn't pay any heed to her. Ava was scared and drowning in anxiety with each passing second. Her pendant didn't electrocute her which meant she was close. Aiden would find her and be there any second now. A groan from behind had her head snapping to Cole. "F*ck," He cussed while trying to move but couldn't because of the wounds and pain. "Stay still. We are locked here. Your injuries are serious, you shouldn't move much," she said in a hoarse voice. Upon seeing her relief washed over him, his eyes fleeted to the gauze on her thigh and the number of bandages and patches that covered her face
"Are you done for the day?" Cole asked when he ordered his usual honey donut and Vanessa grumpily prepared it for him. They both hate each other's guts she could swear on it. They both left no chance to get on each other's nerves. It was fun to watch them, but Ava didn't want her friend to be dragged into this werewolf's world. "Yeah, I'll be out in a minute," Ava said hurrying to the staff room as she changed into her clothes and stepped out. Cole was waiting by the door watching Vanessa who was putting the chairs away. It was her turn to close tonight. Ava said her goodbyes to Vanessa while Vanessa yelled after her, reminding her of the brunch tomorrow with Alice and Audrey. The girls’ day out. Ava yelled over her shoulder that she remembered as she walked down the street with Cole to their car. Cole handed the donut to the homeless man and Ava watched him. "Why do you buy it, when every time you don't even eat it?" Often when there was no homeless person around, he wo