Karina.A wolf stood at the distance, green eyes penetrating mine. I wouldn't let him near me. I couldn't.I opened my eyes, greeting the sunlight with squinted eyes. Instinctively looking at my phone, I spotted the time.Less than a week. A few more days and less than 24 hours.I was more than thankful when I received yet another text from Lola and Willa within the same hour the next morning.Lola's text said: ‘Don't come to work. See you at Bella's wedding. Greet Levi for me 'On the other hand, Willa's text said:‘Lola just told me the news. So lucky of you. I just heard about the wedding from her and Penny. Thanks for keeping it a secret.'I rolled my eyes at the visible sarcasm in the last sentence. Penny, in fact, was her best friend from the Red Eclipse pack. Although I'd never seen her in the flesh, I learned it was one of the reasons why she knew of werewolves and packs.Looking at the text however, filled me with relief. It meant that there would be no need to work in the ci
Kiara.“I don't have anything else to do today,” I spoke to Levi, curled within his sheets and went to the world.Isabella and Leo's Mating ceremony was merely a day away.There was still plenty of time. The rest of the next day when the sun is up will still be considered time for the preparations. The ceremony ensued at night after all.However, with every ticking second that passed, I felt the minutes waste away, dragging us closer to the moment.It was strange, after the strains of exhaustion I'd borne, I found myself too restless to sleep on my free day.Standing up, I took one last look at Levi before aiming for the door.He was asleep and would be safe even without me present.Taking in the cool night air, I blinked at the plethora of decorations and hangers made to the entire pack.People walked around without a care, children running and waving through the decorations as they went. Stepping down, I spotted a few of the other pack members walking around and tensed slightly. Wa
Karina.The sound of the wind mixed in with the rushing of my blood, overwhelming my senses to the brink.People. Noises. I stumbled across everything, uncaring of the decorations. It was too much.I remembered their faces, right before I turned unconscious. The malicious grins they had as they advanced into me.“Rogues like you are only good for one thing."My body crashed onto the bark. I let my hands reach out to hold it tightly as I forced breaths out of me.This wasn't the first time it happened, and it was far from being the last. But first, I had to breathe.Scraping my wrist against the rough tree bark, I let the rhythm sway me while every exhale I let out. Slowly, the rushing feeling wanted down. The continuous drum in my chest slowed and the voices in my head waned with reassurances from Germaine filling me.I wasn't there. I was safe, in a pack full of people like me. A pack that cared.I would never be there again.“Karina!”My breath hitched at the voice, mixing with the
Connor.The lump in my throat didn't go away. With every step I took, I felt the stretch of the bond of the person I left behind.Along with the broken pieces of my heart.Stepping into Isabella's home, I could only pray that nobody was in sight. Time had passed since I left with the excuse of seeing through the remaining preparations.But my hopes were gone. Isabella was nowhere to be found, but my uncle and aunt were.So were my parents.They looked up in a scarily synchronized fashion, there eyes and smiles bright. I had no doubt that they were reminiscing in nostalgia, the same way I left them.My mother's face fell first. She walked toward me with a worry ridden expression.“What's wrong, darling? Why do you look so down?” I should have been more careful, and acted slightly cheerful.Neither of them knew the truth of my mating. It had taken pleading from Isabella's parents to keep it a secret. A secret which I was supposed to reveal after I had gotten Karina's favor. I remembered
Karina.The next morning I woke up tired, angry, and empty.The day felt listless, a hollow feeling in my belly that I was sure wasn't because of food.“I'll leave this place.” His words echoed in my head.“Is that what would make you happy?”‘Is it?’I growled at the reminder of those words, shutting my eyes so tightly I could see stars beneath them.It was what I needed. Safety and peace. I had every right to it. I shouldn't feel angry for making the best decision for my child and myself.And yet…Shaking my head fiercely, I sat off the bed.It was time to prepare for the work for today. I was distracting myself, I was more than aware of that, but it didn't matter.Picking up a sleeping Leo, I rocked him lightly.“You can't sleep all day today, you know. There's a big celebration coming up.” I pouted, kissing his belly and forehead before rocking him.He still didn't budge, though his breathing and the feeling through the bond reminded me that he was safe. Dropping him back in the c
Karina.For a moment, time froze. Left under his gaze and the stars above us, I could imagine that this was a different scenario. A different time, a different place.But just like all things, the moment passed. The rushing in my head stopped, bringing back all the noises around me.I looked into his gaze, focused on Levi.‘No.’Even now, Levi bore tufts of hair that was evidently his. There was no way to cover it. Whether by his appearance or simply the calculations, there was no way I could deny it.‘He knows.’‘After all this time.’‘We were almost there.’‘He knows.’Words rushed into my head until they grew into a cacophony within my mind, but one was louder than the rest.‘Run.’I pushed him away, cradling my son carefully to mitigate whatever shock. “Karina, wait!”I didn't stop, couldn't. Stopping would mean the end. It would be me having to face Con
Karina.I jerked back immediately, near stumbling from the shock.“Are you deaf, Connor? Didn't you hear everything I said?” I barked out, my voice raised an octave higher.“Did you let me say anything?” He retorted, eyes blazing with anger.“You said you'd leave. You said so,” I pleaded.The seam of his lips tightened. I could sense the mounting tension in the air ready to burst at any moment.“Things have changed.” He bit out. “I can't leave knowing that my child — our son — is living away from me, not knowing who his father is.”I could barely breathe as the panic crept up on me.‘No.’‘He wouldn't.’Terror filled me to the brim. It felt like the nightmares, the more recent ones were coming true.He couldn't do this. He couldn't force me out of this pack. He couldn't take Levi away from me either.“You don't have to care about him,” I screamed out irrationality had taken over my senses,“Who are you to dictate anything about my or Levi's life? You wouldn't understand—”“—You aren't
Connor.I stormed through the pack area with clenched fists and cold rage coursing through me.I was ready to let go. I simply walked away, taking a final look at the pack to remember the place she was going to be.And then, I spotted the banner falling.I had seen my baby pictures. Every few times my mother would bring it out, reminiscing in nostalgia. I complained every time, but would still follow her as she described moments that I could barely remember.Even though he was still asleep, I could tell the similarities easily.She had a baby. A son. My son.I stormed into the house, ignoring everyone there. I vaguely spotted the dark haired Sierra with Duncan talking to Isabella and Leo. Without hesitation, I cut in, grabbing Isabella’s wrist.“Excuse me , we need to talk.” I addressed her as everyone else before pulling her away.“Hey!” I sensed everyone's aggression, including Leo's, but paid it no mind. I didn't know what Isabella had signaled for them to stop. I continued advanci
Connor‘Alpha? Alpha!”I snapped back to reality to face Fallon who looked at me with a mix of worry and confusion. Rightfully so, considering how I'd just acted. Had I spaced out for that long? I wondered. Shaking my head I gave him a terse smile.“I'm sorry Fallon, but I'll have to talk to you later. Tell the others not to worry, I think I have the solution but I can't give much details yet.” I said, patting his shoulder firmly to affirm myself.He didn't look too pleased or assured despite it all, but I fully understood.“Why don't you guys take a break for today? You can get drinks at Aunt Abby’s place, my treat.” I smiled, encouragingly at him.I could tell how the idea circled his mind temptingly by the way his frowning eased slightly. It was a good idea on both ends to relieve stress and boost morale by a little bit. They had been working hard nonstop since I proposed the project and I had to help them now.Finally he conceded, nodding.“Okay then. I trust you Alpha.” He said.
Chapter 227Elizabeth's POV I woke up later that day and realized that I was in a different room. It was all white and had a window that led out to the hospital courtyard. I got up from my bed and stood by the window looking out at the garden and watched as the wind blew the leaves of the plants gently. I had to admit that the garden was beautiful.As I continued to gaze at the scenery, I heard a knock on the door and I turned around to see who it was. It was Winston."You're awake" he said as he came to stand beside me."Hi" I smiled at him and he smiled back. "Hi""I'm so glad to see you looking much better," he said and I nodded."I'm also glad that the surgery was a success. How is Tiana doing?" I asked and he gave me a genuine smile."She's doing so much better. The doctors say she's progressing very well" he replied and I heaved a sigh of relief."That's good to know. When can I go see her?" I asked eagerly. I was eager to see how she was doing for myself."The doctors say that
Karina.“Hi.” I blinked in surprise as it wasn't only my voice but his. Concern was all over his face as he closed the door behind me. And despite everything that I thought could have gone wrong between us all these while, I still couldn't believe that he would be surprised by everything that was going on. But then again, it was not just him that has been surprised by it all. I also have been.“You seemed strange in the dining room. Did something happen?” he asked. I could read two expressions on his face as he asked the question.One was that of curiosity, the other was that of annoyance. And maybe a hint of worry was etched on the sides of his face despite how obvious he tried to make it appear like it wasn't so.But then again...Oh the irony. I had asked him that same question once before. I shook my head in negative.“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked. It made me huff in response. Small talk, that was what we mostly went for now. I was already getting tired and bored of stu
KarinaI sat up straighter at the mention of ‘connor and scrutiny.Was Connor going through anything?I recalled how stressed he previously looked when he was usually at dinner fresh from working. What were the Elders saying about him? Was he going through any problems?Was it something to do with me?She seemed to recognize my worry as she stood up straighter, frantically shaking my head.“Oh no, please don't think too much about it. It really isn't serious, at least from what I heard.” she quickly corrected.“What did you hear then?” I asked She shrugged looking down at her cup.“This talk was here far before you came, and I would hear people talking about it all the time from the moment he became Alpha.”“Apparently the Elders were complaining about how he hadn't found his mate.”‘Oh.’ I relaxed in my seat, now fully understanding.An alpha usually rises with a Luna. “Is that so?” I raised my eyebrows before taking a sip of the cider drink.“It was strange that he hadn't found hi
KarinaI spent another hour with her before leaving.Emma was kind and compassionate. She was willing to meet me with a smile and a cup of whatever new concoction she had whipped up. She also cared for Alya more than anything. There was nothing wrong with her in any way which made me even more incensed that others had simply decided to ignore her.Shed spoken about it on that same day.“I don't think that theyre doing it fully on ourpose anymore. It feels more like, that's how it is now. My parents are old, but they never reached out even though we aren't so far apart. But aside from that, other treat me relatively normal.”“I think I've also come to embrace the solitude in a way.”‘Thats what happens when your pushed into it.’ I thought to myself. I didn't want to think beyond what was necessary, but at the sane time, it felt like I had no other option other than that to do.By the end of the day after I left with a promise to come back my decision was already firm. In the evening I
Karina The air might as well have been sucked out of the room because the silence was too heavy.The more I waited the more antsy I got and the more uneasy I felt. Her fidgety attitude did nothing to ease my worries.Was this some kind of joke? What motives did she have.“Well,” she cleared her throat blinking frantically fro a moment.“I can't hide it. In all honesty I'm..nervous. and afrair.” she said, lowering herr head slightly.‘Of me.’ the unspoken word hung true.“Bevause I'm a rogue.” I deadpanned, waiting for her reaction, she stiffened before shaking her head, but I stood up already. I was thankful I didn't bring Levi here. Leaving would be easy.Standing up, I headed for the door only for a hand to stop me in place.“Wait, please don't leave just yet.” she cried out.I spun around whipping my hand harshly away from her. The hurt look on her face made guilt bubble up.“You really didn't need to invite me out if obligation. I would have done just fine without.” I said icily.
KarinaI laid there in silence. Perhaps it was that exhaustion or the overwhelming events of the day but I didn't know when I fell asleep. I was woken up by Levi's cries in what felt like hours later. The place gleamed a bright orange spelling the evening.I moved to action quickly, patting him and feeding him whilst pacing. It took time to grow fully conscious but after, it was easier to process everything that happened, especially the woman. She had invited me for tea. It was like a fever dream of sorts.After I silently agreed she had given me her directions and told me her name. I listened to it all listlessly, nodding.‘Her name was Emma.’ I noted, nodding to myself.The real question I needed to ask was if I was going. A part of me wanted to reject it, but I didn't want to be rude.Thinking back to the look in her eyes, a part of me resisted. She wouldn't want me to come in the first place.‘Then why would she ask?’ Minutes passed as I patted Levi while he fed from me. There w
My breath hitched as I recognized her. She was hanging on a tree on her own, yet didn't look bothered. About the height.It's dangerous height. How on earth did she even get there?I was moving before I could think, pulling Levi closer while my heart hammered in my chest. Nobody else was in sight. If she hadn't seen her…By the time I reached , she fell and I wanted to scream before Harriet's frame came into view. She'd caught her.Relief instantly flooded me as I came closer. Harriet put her to the ground.“That was dangerous! Where is your mother? Goddess, what if you'd gotten hurt? Goddess.” Harriet was speaking, her voice raised a full octave higher, her hands were threading through her red locks and I could practically feel the panic bleeding from her.The closer I came I could see the young girl clearly. She was staring blankly at Harriet before she caught my gaze. “Miss Karina!” She squealed, quickly recognizing me. Before I could think she ran past Harriet and towards me.As
KarinaAfter that, all the tension from earlier seems to seep away. She didn't speak a word for a moment, but peeked at the bundle in my arms several times.A minute or so passed before her voice came.“Is that Alpha Connor's baby?” she asked.I stiffly nodded, “Yeah.”Another pause came, this time lasting for half a minute before she spoke “Can I ask what his name is?”“Levi.” I quickly replied, nodding slightly. She hummed and looked away. My insides clenched. Maybe I wasn't being too forthcoming.“How old are you?” I finally asked, turning to her.Her head turned towards me and she blinked in surprise.“Twenty years old. I just turned two months ago.” She said tentatively though her gaze glittered slightly. She seemed excited that I was asking her questions.I couldn't fully read her. She was wary at first but turned a complete 180 at knowing my identity. She was young and seemed to wear her heart on her sleeve. I couldn't find a hint of ingenuity in her actions.The change I cou