Elaine“If there’s no problem, then I guess it’s settled. We can now proceed to the contract signing—"Before I could even react, Mr. Smith stepped in. “I think we can postpone that thought for a moment. While we’re excited to get into this new project, I need to consult with my team first just to make sure we can deliver what’s expected of us. The last thing we want is another failure. Can you give us a few days to study the proposal? We’ll be sure to update you before the end of the week.”I breathed a sigh of relief as Mr. Smith spoke. His words were a saving grace from the pressure I felt inside my chest. Mr. Everett seemed momentarily taken aback but quickly, he recovered with a reassuring smile.“Well, of course. I apologize for being too eager. I was just excited to get started.”“No need to apologize,” Mr. Smith replied with that professional smile of his. “We’re grateful for the opportunity. I’m confident we’ll find the best way forward.”I made myself sit still, trying to kee
Tristan"See? What did I tell you? One heroic act and Elaine would come crawling back to you."I watched the light catch on the glass edges as I swirled the alcohol inside. Seeing my phone on the table and remembering my previous call with Elaine made me smirk. As much as it pained me to admit, Megan was right with her words. I drank the whiskey and felt the warmth slide down my throat. I hated sharing the spotlight, but this victory was partly hers. Megan deserved credit for her counsel, whether I liked it or not. I wouldn’t be in this situation if I hadn't listened to her. As much as I thrived on being the sole architect of my success, Megan had played a huge part in this.It had been too easy. I still couldn’t believe it was this easy. All it took was being her "hero," and Elaine’s defenses crumbled. It was a smart move to involve Mr. Everett after finding out how close Elaine was to his grandson. I had seen her interact with that twerp the night of the presentation and knew they h
ElaineI kept checking my wristwatch. Thirty minutes had passed, and Tristan was still nowhere to be seen. I couldn’t help but feel frustrated. He was never late on anything yet here I was waiting for him to come. Where the hell is that jerk?The thought bounced around my mind, only making my frustration grow. Every time I looked at my watch, I felt like I was being slapped. It was another reminder of how Tristan treated me in his life, how he was constantly making me feel I was nothing but a dirty doormat he could step on anytime. Then, the waiter came over again, his polite smile starting to add pressure on me. He had checked on me many times, and I could tell he was becoming impatient with me.Worried that I might get kicked out, I decided to order. “I’ll have the Salade Niçoise and sparkling water,” I said with a smile. The waiter nodded and left, but I could still feel his eyes on me. He probably wondered why I was still sitting here after waiting too long. I tapped my fingers
ElaineTristan stared at the paper in front of him. His brows furrowed as he scanned the details. "Is this for real?" His jaw clenched as he caught on to something. “Wait a minute. You’re saying I can’t come within a hundred feet of you? And you’ve specified that I can’t contact you or be with you at the same place? That’s absurd! I’m your fucking husband, Elaine. You can’t just lock me out of my own life.”I smirked, leaning back in my chair. “After what happened when you barged into my apartment without consent, I figured this was the best way to go.”His expression darkened, fury brewing in his eyes. “Do you really think the pack will allow this? They won’t stand by while their Alpha is treated like this.” He leaned closer, voice low and menacing. “This order undermines my authority. As your husband, I have every right to be with you. This is just plain stupid.”“Oh, did you miss the part where I’m filing for divorce? The moment I walked away from your beloved Silverwolf Pack and y
ElaineThe mall buzzed with noise. The mixture of voices and footsteps echoed around me and yet, I felt I was all alone. It was like I was there in that place yet my mind was wandering elsewhere. “Hey! Watch where you’re going!”The frown expression of the woman I bumped returned me to my senses. Quickly, I bowed at her and apologized. The woman sneered and rolled her eyes before going on her way. I heaved a sigh as soon as she passed by. I continued strolling the busy hallway. Wolves rushed by around me. I tried to slip between groups of mall goers and dodged their strollers. I almost regretted going out of the apartment as today is the weekend and the mall was filled with werewolves but it’s too late to get back to my apartment now. It had only been two days since I slapped Tristan with the restraining order but I already felt lighter. Since the incident inside the French bistro, Tristan hadn’t shown up his face to me. He hadn’t trespassed my apartment again nor appeared at Roma o
ElaineI pointed to myself hesitantly. “Are you talking to me?”The woman’s smile widened. “Of course, I am, you silly girl!”I was caught off guard. I tried to think hard about how could she possibly know me but all I could do was to show an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry… but I don’t recognize you.”She nodded. Instead of saying she could have made some honest mistake, I saw acknowledgment and understanding in her eyes. “Liz mentioned about your selective amnesia after your accident. I’m so sorry to hear about what happened.”Silence hovered in the air. I was sure she genuinely knew me judging by how she knew about my best friend Liz but I was still embarrassed from the inevitable awkwardness of not remembering her. The woman broke the quietness between us. “Would you mind if I joined you?”“O-Of course,” I replied hesitantly, then gestured to the empty seat across from me.As she settled in, I couldn’t help but feel an odd familiarity in her presence. The woman reached her hand afte
TrevorI stared down at Elaine’s previous messages. [Hi! How are you?][You seemed busy these days. I hope you are well, though.][I’ve got a lot of things to update you about. I hope to see you when you’re available.]The messages were so straightforward yet it made my chest tighten. I knew I should’ve replied the moment I saw them but instead, I just sat there with my phone in my hand unable to type a single word back. What the fuck was wrong with me?My wolf, Dillon, spoke up inside my mind. “How long are you planning to keep ignoring her?”His voice only added to my frustration. In the end, I chose not to answer him. I just picked up my wine glass and took a long drink, hoping it would dull my pent-up emotions. But Dillon wasn’t about to let this go. He’d been at me ever that night… pushing… trying to get me to forget about what happened that night.“You’re making a mistake, Trevor,” Dillon added. “You should go to Elaine. I have a feeling that Elaine needs us. She’s reaching out
Elaine"Home at last!"My feet dragged as I stepped inside and quietly shut the door. I double-checked each lock I’d installed and made sure everything was secure. The last thing I wanted was to face another intruder and end up in a dangerous situation again.I let my bag drop to the floor lazily before sinking into the couch. The cushions wrapped around me, providing some comfort I needed at the moment. A deep sigh slipped from my lips. Somehow, I’d thought a day at the mall would help me relax and clear my head but I was wrong. Because now, I felt even more exhausted than when I’d left earlier and I didn’t even know why. I shook my head and I almost laughed at myself. Emotional exhaustion.That was the only way to describe it. It was like there was a heavy, invisible weight that suffocated me. Unfortunately, no amount of shopping or casual distractions could lift it. Dang! How did I end up in such a miserable state? I brought my hand to my temple to massage it a bit. The pleasure
TristanEveryone turned their gaze to the door. Elsa approached me, looking unpleasant at what I had said. “My father gave everything to support you. He lost his life to defend you. And in return, you will disgrace our pack and his legacy by turning down our help?” Her cold stare put us into silence. Elsa’s presence alone carried the whole cabin to a whole new level. She was different from the first time I met her. “We are not cowards, Alpha Tristan. We would rather die on the battlefield than be humiliated like this.” Ruther and Mike’s eyes suddenly changed. Their souls were already crying for revenge. As a warrior, I knew how they felt, and I couldn’t blame them. They could no longer contain the rage stirring in their hearts. Though I completely understand their desire to avenge the death of Alpha Earl, I cannot allow any more blood to spill. Another life loss would be too much for me to handle. I cannot risk any more lives because of my own problems. “I will never disgrace th
Elaine“Let me go, Tristan! I have to save Trevor. He’s in danger.”I shoved Tristan’s hands away and rushed to the pack’s entrance. There’s no point in waiting another second while Trevor is dying in Travis’ hands.“Elaine! Wait!” Tristan ran after me and blocked my way. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you go out of this pack.”I pushed Tristan in front of me. Hard. Saving Trevor was the most obvious thing to do now. I no longer cared what was gonna happen to me. Nothing would stop me from saving Trevor. Not Tristan, not anyone. “I won’t stand here doing nothing, Tristan. So get out of my way.”As soon as I took another step, Tristan pulled my arms. His face flushed in anger. “Are you out of your mind?! What can you do against Travis? It’s suicide!” His hands were still on my arms, gripping them hard.I scoffed at his statement. I looked straight into his eyes, showing no fear in facing our enemies.“We didn’t train for nothing, Tristan. You know how special I am. They would be no matc
ElaineElsa embraced the lifeless body of Alpha Earl. She didn’t let go for a long time until Ruther gently approached her.“Alpha Elsa… your father needs to rest now.”With a cold, expressionless face, Elsa nodded. Ruther and Mike signaled to the warriors gathered around. Tears still streamed down their faces as they carefully lifted Alpha Earl’s body.Mike stepped forward and addressed the Silver Rose pack.“Let’s give the Alpha his final rites.”In silence, everyone began to move. Tristan and I were left alone. I observed the others for a while. It was like they all instinctively knew what to do.Night fell quickly. Everyone moved in perfect synchrony. It almost felt like a ritual embedded in their hearts. Tristan and I sat quietly on a wooden bench to the side and silently watched them.“Hey, Tristan…” I whispered. “Do you have any idea what’s happening?”Maybe he knew. After all, he was an Alpha. But Tristan sighed and shook his head.“I don’t. But out of respect for the late Alp
ElaineI thought our return would be filled with smiles and laughter. It was the total opposite of what we imagined about the pack welcoming us. Instead of smiles and messages of how proud they were about our success, the Silver Rose pack welcomed us with their cries.Alpha Earl tilted his head, faintly smiling at us. “I’m glad you made it.” Alpha Earl coughed blood as soon as he spoke.Elsa delicately held him. I held my mouth, terrified by the nightmare I was witnessing in front of me. Ruther and Mike flooded their faces with tears. Tristan bit his lip, turning his gaze away from the dying Alpha. Strangely, Elsa didn’t show any emotions and just held her father.I took a step back when I saw the ugly lash on his side. I felt like my knees would give out any second. Tristan held my shoulder for support.More blood oozed from Alpha Earl’s mouth. Shortly, their spot was filled with more blood coming from his wound. Every wolf around him was alarmed.“He must have fought with someone s
ElaineMike and Ruther looked at each other. I didn’t know what they were thinking. But I saw something in their eyes that I hadn’t seen in the days we were together. Fear. Worry. Something…serious. My stomach turned. I suddenly felt my throat dry all of a sudden. There was something eerie hovering in the air that made my skin crawl. And yet, all I could do was to stay quiet and observe. I felt Tristan stepped beside me. He was close enough for me to feel the heat from his body. His body became tensed. I wasn’t looking at him but I could feel through his whole posture that he was preparing for something worse. He was ready to protect. To protect me. Elsa walked a few steps and crouched low. By the looks of it, she was looking for something. Or to describe it exactly, she was investigating the ground for any clues. Suddenly, I heard her growl. It was enough for me to be nervous more. “There’s blood,” she said. Her voice was cold but full of concern. “It’s still fresh so whateve
ElaineEight days since we left Silver Rose Pack.I still couldn't believe that we had reached the final stage of our training. I watched the trees outside by the window of the cabin that became our temporary home with gratitude. It was like they were waving goodbye to me. I smiled at the thought. Maybe, they did. After all, they were the sole witness of the things we’ve been through here. And I was so glad that those sufferings yielded positive results that we were all grateful for. Tristan was packing the last of his things behind me. Meanwhile, the others were outside getting ready for our journey home.I pulled the straps on my bag and took a deep breath. I tried to keep my mind calm. So much had happened in the last few days. And today, we were finally leaving those things behind and ready to move forward. Towards our goal. I remembered our training under the waterfall. The water was freezing cold and hit our bodies hard. We had to stand under it for six hours without falling.
TristanI felt the oozing lust in the way Elaine looked at me. But at the same time, I caught a glance of tremendous desperation in her. That broke me into pieces.“I promise. We will get through this night together,” I responded.Elaine smiled. There was still some sense left in her. I knew it was the drug that was doing this to her.Soon enough, Elaine folded her knees and held onto her chest. The pain struck her.“I feel warm inside… so warm that I can’t take this anymore… help me, Tristan.” Then violently, Elaine pulled my arms into a hug.After years of struggling through a life without her, the embrace that felt like home touched my skin again.“Your hug is like water quenching decades of thirst in my body.” Her breathing became heavy in my ears.Elaine pulled the back of my head.“Hey, handsome.” Her voice started to sing a different melody. Elaine now wore a tune of seduction.I instantly pulled away from her embrace.“No, Elaine. Stop this.”Earlier, Elaine was begging desper
TristanI carried Elaine until we reached the camp. I put her inside our quarters before confronting Elsa. Elsa was completely calm. From the outside, we could hear Elaine’s agony, but these wolves seemed to have no care at all. By the way they stood and portrayed strange calmness, it was like everyone expected it to happen.“Something is off about your medicine!” I shouted at Elsa. “You’re not deaf to hear those screams, are you? Why are you standing here doing nothing?!”Elsa suddenly jumped from the porch, launching at me. It was good that my reflexes were fast enough to dodge the attack. I jumped away from her group.“What the fuck was that?” I exclaimed. Ruther and Mike didn’t bother to help and just watched.The second I removed my eyes from Elsa, she launched another surprise attack. This time, I saw an injection in her hand. I jumped to the side, dodging another shot.“Stop running away,” Elsa told me.Elsa twisted her left ankle and pounced on my whole body. She managed to
TristanI looked at Elaine, checking every detail of her body. Clearly, the exhaustion in her body was pushed to its limits. We made it up to the last second. The training was a success. But at what cost?“Elaine… Can you hear me?” I asked her.I felt something was odd with her body heat. I touched Elaine’s forehead using the tip of my fingers. It was as hot as a kettle. Her body temperature was soaring high.“This is bad…” I muttered, turning my head around, seeking Elsa and Ruther.Elaine started moaning because of the fever. She twitched her body in different directions. I saw how Elaine clenched her fist, battling against the pain in her.“Elsa!” I called out to her.I gently placed Elaine’s head on the soft pillow and grabbed the towel I threw earlier. Then I soaked it deep into the water in the sink, ran back to Elaine, and placed it on her forehead.“Don’t worry, you’re gonna be alright.” I carefully wiped her head down to her neck, hoping the wet towel would help with the high