Emma.Every muscle in my body froze. I couldn't feel the world around me. Everything ceased. All the noise stopped and it felt like the floor tilted beneath me. I reached out for support, grabbing the edge of a chair, but my trembling hand knocked over a glass. The drink splashed onto my dress, soaking through to my skin. "Watch where you're going!" someone snapped at me. I couldn't breath, I couldn't take my eyes off Kael who still stood by the corner. I was still struggling with my wet dress when another woman rushed over to my side. "Are you all right?" she asked, her eyes fell on my stomach and I recognized her as one of the guests who had greeted Roger and I on entrance. "Is it the baby? You look pale. Maybe you should sit down for a moment."I shook my head, my voice barely a whisper. "I'm fine. Thank you." I tried to force a smile but failed miserably.I was desperate to escape, I stumbled toward the door, gasping and trying to move, begging my legs to move faster, to car
Emma.I walked into the estate with Roger, my eyes cast down. I couldn't help my racing heart. I couldn't look into Roger's eyes. My heart was still hammering wildly, like I'd just seen a ghost. And maybe I had. Kael. Kael was in the city. He'd been just a few inches from me. He'd almost taken me back. Roger had saved me. As soon as we stepped inside and he slammed the door shut, Roger turned to me with a fierce look, "Emma, we need to talk." My lips still hurt from the kiss. My hands moved slightly to my lips and I couldn't help but feel his roughness. “Don't do that," he hissed as he watched me slowly touch my lips. Quickly, I put my hands down but slightly bit it. For a second, I could see the hunger in his eyes and I looked down, mumbling an apology. “Are you trying to get in my head or are you just trying to avoid what happened tonight?” I shook my head. I didn't know what to say. "You know what you do to me, don't you?” He asked and with each word, he came closer and c
Emma.I woke up with a start and looked around the room. The space beside me on the bed was cold and empty. For a minute, I panicked as I sat up quickly. Where had Roger gone? Had he left me? My mind raced with all the worst possibilities. After everything that had happened between us last night, I didn’t want to be abandoned. The thoughts alone made me quiver. I threw off the sheets, my hands trembling as I fumbled with the sheets. Where had he gone? He didn't sleep beside me? Had he left for his quarters because he couldn't face me? Just as I was about to climb off the bed, I heard the sound of the door opening. U froze and quickly pulled the sheet under my chin, hiding my naked body under the thick fabric. The door opened to reveal Roger standing in the doorway. My heart skipped a beat and I couldn't help the relief that flooded me at the sight of him.He wore only a bathrobe, his tousled hair falling over his forehead in a way that made my heart flutter. A maid stood behind
Emma.Roger couldn't stop pacing. His shirt hung loosely on his frame, partially unbuttoned, and his sleeves were rolled up, exposing the veins in his large forearms. His hair was a disheveled mess, as though he’d been raking his fingers through it over and over. When I stepped into the room, he stopped abruptly and turned to face me. I stood by the door, not knowing what to say to him. How to look at him. “You’re here,” he said softly, gesturing toward the armchair by the window. “Sit. Please.” I hesitated for a few seconds but finally obeyed, sinking into the plush seat. Roger grabbed a decanter from the side table and poured himself a drink. I wondered how his fingers didn't tremble. I wondered how he was holding it all together. “Have you eaten?” he asked as he passed me a glass and then gulped his in one throw. I shook my head. “I’m not hungry.” “You should eat,” he said, almost as if he were speaking to himself. “You’ll feel better.” “Roger,” I cut in. “I’m not int
Emma.I barely had the time to sleep when it was already morning. I sat in the corner of Roger’s room, watching him prepare. He has a handsome smirk on his face as he dressed up, as if he were going to a formal dinner and not stepping into a fight that could cost him his life. He stood before a mirror, adjusting the leather straps of his armor. “Roger,” I began, my voice trembled despite my efforts to stay composed. “You don’t have to do this. You can back out.” He paused for a second, staring at me in the mirror, but said nothing. I stood up with my legs shaky as I crossed the room. “Please,” I fell to my knees before him. “Don’t go through with this. You can’t face Tristan. He looks dangerous, you don’t know what he’s capable of, especially now that he's desperate to take your place.” Roger turned and sighed as he looked down at me. “Tristan is my cousin. I know him," he replied. "He is a desperate man, you can do anything. Please listen to your mother, please.” Shaking h
Emma.I couldn’t breathe. I couldn't say a word. My vision blurred as the scene before me unfolded like a nightmare I couldn’t wake from. Roger’s lifeless body lay crumpled on the ground, his blood soaking into the dirt of the arena. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Thomas’s voice rang out, cheerfully commanding the crowd’s attention, “we have a victor.” I turned my head slowly, my limbs were heavy, my mind numb. Was this a dream? Would I wake and warn Roger to not fight? Was this real? Thomas stepped into the center of the arena, with a triumphant look on his face. “Tristan,” he continued, gesturing toward the Tristan who was still holding the bloodied sword, “has proven his strength and valor today. He is the rightful heir to the estate, and Roger’s foolishness has met the fate it deserved.” I couldn't find words to describe the vile man standing before me. But one thing was for sure. This wasn't a dream. I couldn't possibly think of such cruelty all on my own. This was real. “Rog
Emma.The first thing I noticed was the blinding whiteness. Bright lights stabbed at my eyes, making them water as I blinked against the harsh glare of the florescent. My body felt like it weighed a thousand pounds, each limb aching and unresponsive. I tried to lift my arms and I couldn't, I winced at the sudden sharp pain that ran through my neck. “Ouch," I hissed and blinked away the tears that almost fell. Slowly, the sterile scent of antiseptics and faint floral soap crept into my awareness. Where am I? I turned my head, my neck protesting with the movement. The room around me came into focus slowly. I could see white walls, a small window with curtains drawn, and a single chair by the bed. Machines beeped steadily beside me as I looked around. The second of the machine was about the only noise in the room apart from my breathing. I tried to sit up, but the moment I moved, a sharp pain shot through my ankle, making me gasp again. My fingers instinctively reached for it,
Emma.The guards all surrounded me. They looked scary and intimidating and my knees felt weak. The mean man had somehow kept Cathy on the wall and I was alone with these fierce and ruthless looking men. "Please," I whispered weakly. "I didn’t do anything wrong. You don’t have to take me—" One of them cut me off with a grunt. “Orders are orders. No use pleading.” I clutched the wooden door frame and tried to struggle with my fingers trembling. “I’m not a threat,” I tried again. “I swear. Please, just listen to me!” The taller guard grabbed my arm. His grip was firm and even a little cruel. “That’s not up to us,” he said gruffly. “Let’s go.” For a second, I panicked. I didn't know what to do. My legs refused to move, but they wouldn’t care about that. I knew they’d drag me if I didn’t cooperate. How long would I be a prisoner to these men? To different men in different packs? Just as I was about to break into sobs, I heard a very loud voice call out. “Let her go. Now.” Th
Emma.The pain was unbearable. I wanted it to go away. I wanted to be numb. I was shaking as I felt the warm gush of water dripping down my thighs. My legs couldn't hold me up anymore. It gave out beneath me, and I crumbled to the ground. It wasn’t just the pain, it was the fear. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not now, not here, not like this. I heard Cathy’s voice right beside me as she tried to grab hold of me. “Emma! You have to breathe!” I couldn’t. The contractions hit me like waves, each one stronger than the last. My body convulsed and I cried out. “Take deep breaths," Cathy urged and held my arms. But I couldn't breathe. I couldn't pull in air into my lungs. It felt like a task. Something so simple felt like a Herculean task. I could see Derek gazing at me worriedly. Like he didn't know what was happening to me. And maybe he didn't. “Emma, what’s going on?” Derek asked in confusion. Cathy turned on him impatiently. “What’s happening? The baby is coming!” Derek’
Emma.The news hit me like a thunderclap. An attack on the pack. My heart raced as Derek’s eyes turned to meet mine. What would happen to me? Would he be safe? Would he end up like Roger? I was scared. Scared for him, scared for me. Scared for what would happen to me and my child if he ended up dead. “I need you to stay here,” he said firmly, “I’ll go check on what’s happening.” I shook my head, stepping closer. “No, please don’t go out there. It’s too dangerous.” He looked at me oddly for a second. He didn't understand. But of course I didn't expect him to. “I can’t just stay here while my pack is under attack. I’m their alpha. It’s my responsibility to protect them.” “You can’t protect anyone if you’re hurt or worse,” I argued. I didn't expect him to understand. I knew that he wouldn't understand. He placed his hands on my shoulders softly and drew his face closer to mine. “Emma, you’re vulnerable right now. I need to know you’re safe. Stay here. Don’t leave this room.”
Emma.I would rather be anywhere than here. Yet, I found myself walking closer to him. Seeking his touch, his warmth, his eyes. . My fingers trembled as I toyed with the fabric of my dress, my gaze fixed on the ground. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. Derek was there, just a few feet away, and yet it felt as though an ocean stretched between us. My stomach felt hollow with doubt and fear, and I hated myself for even being here. “Emma," he called out to me again and I blinked. “Alpha Derek," I replied meekly. “Why are you here?” His voice was cold, distant, “Is there something wrong with your room?” I flinched at his tone. It was dismissive and I looked down. “No, the room is fine,” I stammered. My voice cracked, and I cleared my throat quickly. “That’s not why I’m here.” Derek's eyes bore into mine. “Then why?” My breath hitched as tears pricked my eyes. I hated this feeling. I felt small, exposed, and foolish. “I’m sorry,” I muttered, backing toward the door. “I s
Derek.Madrid’s voice was like background noise as I sat in my study just across the throne room. We had to restrategize for the attack against Jonathan's pack. It was getting out of hand and I was losing patience. But still, something else played out in my mind. A memory I didn't want to relive and yet it was stuck in my head. I had my hands splayed out in front of me, but my mind wasn’t there. It hadn’t been for a while now. Madrid night as well have been speaking with himself. “Alpha?” I heard him still, he sounded like a fly disturbing my thoughts. “Alpha Derek?” Madrid repeated, his voice sharper this time. I blinked and turned to him, nodding absently. “Did you hear anything I just said, Alpha?” He sounded bothered at my being distracted. I gave another small nod, though the truth was, I’d caught only fragments of his plan. Something about baiting the enemy and making them attack first. “You said we should bait them in,” I replied, hoping it was close enough. Madr
Emma.I froze. The massive wolf stood before me, its green eyes glowing wildly. My breath hitched, and I instinctively removed my hands from my breast and crossed my arms over my chest, shielding myself as best I could. But the wolf suddenly snarled and stepped closer intimidatingly. I was lost. I was trapped. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. I tried to turn away but at this time, the wolf growled and moved towards me, each step made me back away until I was now completely immersed in her shrub. “I'm sorry," I mumbled helplessly. I didn't know what I was apologizing for. Seeing him naked? Or being so moved by it that I couldn't help myself? The wolf didn't stop, it moved even closer and its eyes remained firmly on my breast, staring intensely. “Please,” I whispered, my voice trembling. The wolf moved even closer until the space between us was a few inches. I stumbled back, my foot catching on the uneven ground. It followed. My back hit the rough bark of a
Emma.I hadn't slept well. No, I was plagued with visions of Cathy trying to hunt me down and finish me off. The thought of the poison still lingered in my mind and I couldn't help but wonder how much the hybrid from her past had hurt her. I was a hybrid. But I'd never transformed. I didn't want to see the monster I'll be. Or were the doctors even right? Could I ever transform? My head was filled with these questions as I swung my heavy legs off the bed and padded to the door. I was a little hungry and Derek had warned me against starving. The knock at my door startled me as I reached for the handle. Pausing, I moved away a little. “Come in,” I called softly. The door creaked open, and Daniella stepped in, balancing a tray with a cup of latte and a plate of pancakes. Her face lit up with a shy smile at the sight of me. “Good morning, Miss Emma, you look beautiful as always.” My cheeks flushed. I felt heavy, like a bear or something. But I guess the pregnancy glow was still a
Emma.Cathy sprang to her feet, looking at me guiltily. I started, transfixed. Cathy. Cathy poisoned me. “You," I caught myself saying before I could stop myself. “What? Emma, how could you say something like that?" Her face went pale, her hands trembling slightly as she held them up in surrender. “Why would you?” I started, but my voice broke. Cathy had been my only friend in the whole pack. She was my stronghold. Why would she poison me? Why would she want me dead? Was she trying to save her pack from me? Did she think I was a spy? Words failed me. I looked at Cathy and tears poured down my face freely. “Wait,” Derek stepped between us. His voice was calm. “Cathy, did you give her the tea?” “Yes, but—” Cathy stammered, shaking her head. “I didn’t know! I swear, I didn’t know anything was wrong with it. I just made it the way I always do!” “Nightshade doesn’t accidentally end up in a cup of latte,” Derek said, his tone hardening.“I didn’t do anything!” Cathy cried out
Emma. When I woke up, I could hear the soft beeping beside me and I knew I was at the clinic again. The smell of antiseptic hit me and for a second, I heaved dryly. I had an aching temple and I wanted nothing more than to just sleep. “Hey, are you okay?" I heard a voice say softly and touch my face as I blinked my eyes open. The doctor’s face was scrunched into a slight frown as he scanned the clipboard in his hands. When he finally looked up at me, he sighed. “I’ve made a rather shocking discovery,” he said, his voice low, as if trying to soften the blow. Cathy shifted beside me, and for the first time, I saw Derek was standing in the clinic too and he crossed his arms but didn’t say a word. “What is it?” I asked, my voice shaky. The doctor glanced at Cathy briefly before looking up at me. “Emma, your body is being weakened by the hybrid nature of your child. It’s wearing your system out and your body just isn’t strong enough to sustain the pregnancy in its curr
Emma.I stayed behind the pillar, barely breathing as Tristan and Regina exchanged pleasantries with Derek. My eyes wasn't playing tricks on me. Tristan was really there and Regina was right beside him. Regina. What did she want with Tristan? Did they know each other? Did she have something to do with Roger's death? Most likely. Tristan’s presence alone was enough to unsettle me, but Regina's fake smile made it even worse. I shifted slightly to get a better view, my fingers gripping the cool stone of the pillar for support.For a second, his eyes darted in my direction and it narrowed. Had he seen me? My heart thundered as I quickly stepped back behind the house and fled the lakeside, hurrying into my room. The rest of the day became a game of avoidance. Every creak of a door, every approaching footstep sent waves of anxiety through me. I practically stayed in my room, avoiding any room I thought Tristan or Regina might enter. I was still in my room, a little too absorbed