We're nearing the end of this love story. what do you think of this book so far? Happy reading!!
MARILYNIt had been two days already since I had that talk with Aylin and following after, I had a discussion with Balin. I felt like we couldn't be walking on eggshells anymore and we needed to address the issue and we did.Which was namely the reason why the celebration in the pack house had started but I was still standing in my room, my gaze locked on the vanity mirror, staring at my reflection. I looked different. And it was in a good way.The slight knock on my door made me jolt back to reality and quickly grab my lipstick knowing that it was probably Aylin.The door pushed open and Aylin shambled in, her green maxi dress accentuating her curves while her hair was tied up in a bun and adorned with flowers.That was the event of today. We had faced devastation not long ago but tonight…It was the celebration of summer and apparently flowers were a big part of the night which is why everyone had a flower on their person tonight.My hair was still casually dropped down as I was still
MARILYN SPLASH!Thrown into the pool with a force that sent water splashing dramatically, I found myself amidst a whirlwind of commotion. Fellow mermaids quickly huddled together in a corner, their hushed murmurs of gossip filling the air. Their words were directed at me, but I paid them no mind. I knew their whispers were meant to sting. Just then, Mr. Alphonso rushed to the poolside.“I heard you returned Marilyn. What could be wrong, sir?” he asked, a touch of panic in his voice.“I trusted Star Ocean management and decided to purchase a mermaid here. You assured me that the mermaids here were obedient and well-behaved. How is it that the mermaid you sold me has turned out to be a fucking idiot?” The dark-eyed wolf growled. “Isn’t this the fourth time she is returned here?” One of the mermaids asked, and others murmured in agreement.“What a fool she is,” Another added, and I glared at her.“I’ll scrape out your eyes if you look at me that way again,” the green-tailed mermaid flar
BALINMy Maserati MC20 glided to a stop in front of the Star Ocean mermaid center. I leaned back, studying the building’s facade.“Are you sure you want to get a mermaid from this center?” Jarek, my Beta, asked for what felt like the hundredth time today.I brushed off his question, my gaze still fixed outside. Lin, my wolf, simmered with unrest while my spirit remained battered and bruised. As the Alpha of the Boldbite pack since I turned 18, and now at 32, I still hadn’t found a mate. Crossing 30 without a mate was a dangerous threshold for a werewolf. Mates were ordained by the moon goddess, gifted with the power to rein in every male wolf. Any werewolf passing 30 without a mate usually succumbed to a wild transformation, becoming a rogue wolf. I had managed to contain it thus far, mainly due to my Alpha status. But my 33rd birthday loomed, and if I didn’t find a mate, the consequences weighed heavily on my mind.Lately, I noticed my temper spiraling out of control day by day. Hence
MARILYN “Bring her to me immediately,” a deep, authoritative voice reverberated, sending shivers cascading down my spine.The mere sound of that voice drew me to the pool’s surface, and my curiosity piqued. I strained to catch a glimpse of the speaker, but distance kept him veiled from my sight. Since he arrived at the foundation, I had been eavesdropping on their conversations. Even though my healing ability had faded, and I no longer shed pearls, my sense of hearing had sharpened, allowing me to pick up sounds from miles away. It was a unique talent I possessed—one that I hadn’t witnessed in any other mermaid. Mermaids tended to flaunt their special abilities, eager to outshine their peers.“What are you waiting for?” the voice demanded, snapping me out of my musings.Turning my attention toward the expansive pool, a frown creased my brow. Since Alphonso unceremoniously cast me into this wretched pool, I’d spent my time hidden away, honing my skills. The pool he’d chosen for my conf
MARILYNN With my mouth hanging open, I gazed in awe at the godly figure advancing toward me. My heart raced, and I couldn’t help but drool slightly. This werewolf was, without a doubt, the most breathtaking I had ever encountered. His eyes emanated an aura of danger, and his physique exuded sheer magnificence—every facet of his being exuded perfection.“I want him,” I whispered, instantly forgetting any plans of leaving the foundation.At that moment, his gaze locked onto mine. My cheeks flamed crimson, and I blinked rapidly, attempting to hide my embarrassment by turning away.“He’s looking at me,” I mused excitedly, a surge of anticipation flooding through me. “Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea if he became my owner.” My excitement was an understatement; I felt positively joyful. I was eager to follow a werewolf home for the first time since my capture.“I should be on my best behavior,” I resolved, my determination fueled by the prospect of being chosen by him. However, Alphonso
BALINThe mermaid in the dirty pool is the most beautiful sea creature I have ever seen. Even without scales, she still looked stunning. When I came over to her, I felt a strange thud in my heart. The feeling was so foreign that it nearly scared me. Even Lin, my ever-fierce wolf, seemed subdued by the mere sight of her.I wanted to take her with me, but Lin protested, insisting we find another mermaid since we couldn’t figure out why my heart was reacting this way. I agreed with him. However, I was suddenly enraged when tears rolled down her cheeks. Lin raged, and before I knew it, he took over, killing Alphonso and the unfortunate man. He felt satisfied and let me take control again.I caught sight of the mermaid smiling excitedly at Alphonso’s dead body.“We should just take her home,” Lin said.I didn’t protest; I, too, wanted that. So, I stretched out my hand to her.“Leave with me,” I said, my voice so calm that Jarek stared at me in shock.The mermaid placed her hand on mine, and
MARILYN The Alpha gently placed me in the car, and I felt pampered. My eyes fluttered, and I felt dizzy, probably because my body was adjusting to being out of the sea. Though I can live on land, my body needs time to adjust.The Alpha glanced at me and said, “Get some sleep. We will be there in a while.”I didn’t need to be told twice. I honestly needed to sleep. In a few minutes, I dozed off to dreamland.My eyes fluttered open, and the Alpha said, “You are awake,” with his eyes focused on the road.I rubbed my eyes and looked out the window. I was welcomed by a breathtaking view, far grander than Star Ocean Pack, where I had been. The Alpha’s home was an awe-inspiring mansion, making my previous residence seem like a tiny village in comparison.“Here it is,” the Alpha said as he pulled up in front of the magnificent white mansion.“You live here?” I gestured to him, surprised.He nodded, and I was amazed he understood my gesture so effortlessly. “He’s perceptive,” I thought, feelin
BALINI followed the guard out of the main hall, my mind racing with the realization that today was the Empire meeting day. With the full moon approaching, we needed to plan the hunting grounds and address the issue of young wolves going rogue during their first shift. As the empire’s greatest and strongest Alpha, my presence was crucial. But my thoughts kept drifting back to the mermaid I had left behind.Suppressing the urge to go to her, I focused on the meeting grounds, where the other Alphas stood to welcome me, except for Ryker, the old wolf whom I wondered what he was still doing alive.“Pay your respect to me,” I growled in my Alpha voice.Ryker was thrown off his feet. He fell flat on his face, making me nod in satisfaction. All the other Alphas tried hard to suppress their laughter.“Let the meeting begin,” I pronounced, even though Ryker was still on the ground, probably too embarrassed to get up.“Is the ground more comfortable than the couch?” Alpha Smith, Alpha of the Dar
MARILYNIt had been two days already since I had that talk with Aylin and following after, I had a discussion with Balin. I felt like we couldn't be walking on eggshells anymore and we needed to address the issue and we did.Which was namely the reason why the celebration in the pack house had started but I was still standing in my room, my gaze locked on the vanity mirror, staring at my reflection. I looked different. And it was in a good way.The slight knock on my door made me jolt back to reality and quickly grab my lipstick knowing that it was probably Aylin.The door pushed open and Aylin shambled in, her green maxi dress accentuating her curves while her hair was tied up in a bun and adorned with flowers.That was the event of today. We had faced devastation not long ago but tonight…It was the celebration of summer and apparently flowers were a big part of the night which is why everyone had a flower on their person tonight.My hair was still casually dropped down as I was still
MARILYNIt has been two days and Balin was out of bed already and already resumed his duties in the pack while I still hung around.I don't even know what I was still doing here, I should leave but I was in no hurry, everyone was nice to me and kept thanking me for saving them.Even though I wanted to be angry at them, I knew how they must feel at this point. They didn't even know what to believe. Alicia had turned out to be a demon, I turned out to be not as weak as they knew, Dmitri finally attacked, they lost people. Things must be hard for them.So because of that, I was nice to them and accepted their every apology while listening to them and getting to know them on a more personal level.I think something that earned me more respect was the fact that everyone now knew that I was a Maren. Occasionally my mind would drift back to the mermaid foundation and I wondered if they were okay.Yes, the mermaids there hurt me and mae life a living hell for me. But I couldn’t stop myself from
MARILYNThe cool stone of the fountain stood in sharp contrast to the warmth of my own stormy feelings. I sat by myself, the soothing splashing of water providing background for the recurring scenes in my head.Balin intertwined with another woman, the vision of that night came back agonizingly clearly. It had been the reason for my leaving and the reason I was still madI felt doubt biting at me. Should I have judged more quickly? Had I let wrath distort my view?Aylin joined me beside the fountain, a consoling presence among my swirling thoughts."Marilyn," she asked softly, "are you okay?"Though it felt empty and stupid, I forced a grin. “Aylin, I'm good. Just... contemplating.”She sat next to me, staring across my field of vision. "Regarding Balin?"Not sure I could meet her eyes, I nodded."I know you're hurting," she said gently. “Still, I know Balin as well from the short time I spent here. And I would never think he would act in such a manner."Her remarks caught me off guard
BALIN"I'm awake." I blinked, my eyesight fuzzy, the world around me a hazy swirl of forms and hues. My body felt heavy, as though I had been asleep for a thousand years and my head throbbed with a dull agony.Marilyn's face came into focus as I tried to squint, her lovely features marked with a mixture of relief and... something else. Fury? Indifference?"Marilyn," I said, my voice hoarse from neglect. “You're here.”She showed a look of warmth, but it was fleeting and soon she was wearing a guarded look.I reached out to her, my hand shaking just a little. "I'm so glad you're safe," I said, heart aching with a love that refused to die.Her eyes hardening, she withdrew from my touch. "Don't," she murmured, her voice hard. "Just... do not."I felt confusion sweep over me. Why was she pulling away? She had not disappeared. She had stayed and she had been here. I could faintly still feel her lips on my head when I was coming back to consciousness even though I didn't hear what she had
"I'm sure," I replied, my voice firm. "I need to make sure everyone is getting back on their feet."Jarek nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You've done a remarkable job, Marilyn. The pack... they respect you now. You're doing an amazing job even I'm not sure that I could have done."I scoffed, a bitter taste in my mouth. "Their respect is a fickle thing, Jarek. Earned through bloodshed and fear. It's not the kind of respect I wanted but it's what I got."He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I know it's not ideal, but it's a start. You've given them hope, Marilyn. We underestimated you, you're clearly one of the best things that have happened to the pack."I sighed. “It's fine. You know I always wanted revenge and now I'm helping rebuild. Ironic”Jarek cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. "I have the casualty report, Marilyn," he said, his voice a whisper "We lost twenty-three pack members. Another fifteen are severely injured, but the healer is hopeful they'l
MarilynI didn't move for a good 5 seconds, my eyes fixed on nothing and the sounds of the battle ravaging around me faded Into nothing. All I could see was Balin, his lifeless body slumped against mine, his words—his final words—ringing in my ears."I love you, Marilyn."A sob tore through me as I realized he was still slumped against me, unmoving, I had been harsh on him, I never got the chance to tell him that I didn't hate him, and now he was gone. Because of me.A weird feeling engulfed me. Was this grief? Pain? Regret? Whatever it was, it hurt like hell.My body refused to move, paralyzed by a grief so profound it threatened to consume me whole. I slowly pushed him off me and fell to the ground, my face staring up at the sky, the sound of the demon's laughter echoing around me and the sound of the battle around me. I wouldn't mind death at this point. It was a part of me that had been torn away.Aylin, her face streaked with tears, rushed to my side, her voice a desperate plea."
MARILYNAlmost as terrible as the battle, Alicia's fall had been the cause of the silence that followed. The expressions of the people revealed confusion, incredulity, and a growing fear.Ever the protector, Balin responded first, his focus on the slumped figure of Alicia. He hurried toward Alicia's almost lifeless figure, crouching next to her, his hand extending to feel for a pulse."Alicia?" he asked, his voice full of a desperate hope that made me angry for some reason. "Alicia, can you hear me?"Many pack members, startled, gathered around Alicia, their voices a cacophony of worried questions.“Someone got the healer!”“Is she breathing?”"What happened with her?"Her face was white and her eyes were wide with panic, Aylin grabbed my arm firmly.She said, "Marilyn," her voice shaking, "What's happening? There's a weird energy"I shook my head, confused yet my gaze fixed on Balin who was worried. "Aylin, not sure. But something doesn't seem right.""She's the demon!" Aylin yelled
MarilynAfter my shout, the stillness that followed was dense and weighted with a mix of amazement, terror, and incredulity. Once a site of wild violence, the battlefield was now terribly quiet.Rushing to my side with a look of mixed concern and shock in his eyes, Balin broke the quiet first.I staggered back unconsciously as he neared me, my heart aching in my chest. He didn't deserve to be this close to me. What was stopping me from speaking to him? Everyone said I should hear him out but what they didn't understand was that the sight I met that day was not something that I could recover from. Ever.He said, "Marilyn," his voice strained, "Are you alright?"I scowled at him, my wrath blazing with every once-over I gave him. I pushed him away quickly, my senses heightened and wary."Don't touch me," I growled, hatred tinging my voice. "You have no rights."He staggered back, his face a mixture of pain and bewilderment.Elder Oakwood, with his pale and drawn-in face, came gently up to
MARILYN"Game on," I echoed, my voice calm and my fingertips flexing as I cracked my neck. I was certain that I could kill Dmitri after practicing for a while.Dmitri unsheathed his dagger and cocked his head at me. “I think it's only fit that we face off against each other” he suggested.Balin immediately opened his mouth to protest but I beat him to it.“Deal.”“No weapons? Is that how confident you are, Maren?” Dmitri asked with a smirk.My hands swirled and a blade materialized on my hand, shining with a blue unearthly glow. Dmitri's eyes flickered to the knife and I knew it unnerved him by the way his smirk wavered but he kept his ground.“Since we're playing dirty,” He muttered, tucking his blade back in his sheath.Ah, he was going to be using his wolf to attack me instead. More the challenge for me."You think you can defeat me with that?" he scoffed, his voice laced with disbelief.I merely smirked. "This is just the beginning, Dmitri," I said, my voice laced with a newfound