TristanThe sound of a metal tray hitting the floor startled me from my thoughts. I glanced up sharply. There I met the sneering gaze of the peacekeeper who stood over me. He was smirking with disdain. He kicked the tray closer with the tip of his boot. “Here’s your food, Alpha jerk,” he said.I glared at him with my fists tightening at my sides. Every instinct screamed at me to stand up and to remind him who I was. But I didn’t move. My pride had already been shattered enough in this place. And I wasn’t about to hand them another excuse to beat and punish me under they stupid laws. The peacekeeper leaned in slightly. His smirk widened as he taunted, “What’s the matter? Got nothing to say now?” I clenched my teeth as I forced myself to hold his gaze without a word. I could still feel the bruises from their last “lesson” throbbing on my ribs and jaw. That humiliation was enough to remind me that no amount of talk would help me here. I have to be smart if I want to get out of he
ElaineWhen I woke up, the first thing I noticed was Trevor lying beside me. His arm was draped protectively over my waist. The second thing I noticed was that I wasn’t wearing anything. My face flushed as the memories of last night came rushing back. Trevor had made me feel like I was the most beautiful woman in the world. His every touch and every kiss had been filled with a love and tenderness I never imagined I’d experience. He hadn’t just been passionate. He had been patient, attentive, and wholly focused on me. The thought made my cheeks burn even more. Carefully, I shifted. I tried not to wake him as I attempted to slip out of bed. But Trevor stirred. His arm tightened around me as his sleepy voice stopped me. “Where are you going?” he asked. There was that familiar husky voice that sent a shiver down my spine again. “I was going to make breakfast,” I answered. I tried to avoid his gaze as my embarrassment grew. Trevor grinned. His eyes went half-lidded but mischievou
TristanThe silence in the car was suffocating. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and silver outside, but my focus wasn’t on the scenery. My mind spun as I stole glances at Megan behind the wheel. She looked calm. Her hands were resting lightly on the steering wheel with her gaze fixed on the road ahead. For someone who had just pulled me out of chaos, she seemed almost calm. “Who told you I was there?” I finally asked. Megan didn’t flinch. Instead, her lips curved into a smirk. Then she tilted her head slightly, just enough to throw me off balance. “What you did at the orphanage was all over the internet,” she began. She sounded so casual as she said this. “I mean, seriously, Tristan? You blew your last chance to be with Elaine. It would’ve been different if only you’d listened to me.”Her words hit like a gut punch. I turned my gaze to the passing streetlights. I didn’t want to let her see the anger tightening my jaw. Elaine. The orphanage. The humiliation. Trevor...I
ElaineThe bathroom was quiet except for the sound of water dripping into the tub. Warm steam covered the mirror and made the air feel heavy. The smell of lavender soap was still in the air, but it didn’t help me feel calm.I stood still in the middle of the room, staring at the water as it swirled down the drain. The ripples circled again and again, just like my thoughts. My hands hung by my sides while my chest felt tight and heavy.The droplets of water on my skin started to feel cold, making me shiver. My mind was running fast. My heart was beating so hard it felt like I could hear it.Everything inside me was chaos, and nothing around me could make it stop.For years, I believed I didn’t have a mate. I had accepted it. I had moved on. It was a bitter truth, but one I had made peace with.But now, out of nowhere, Neeya had told me I did have a mate. And that I would meet them soon.Why now? Why when everything was starting to fall into place? My heart twisted painfully. Trevor’s
ElaineI stared down at the plate in front of me. I idly pushed pieces of food across my fork. I couldn’t eat. My appetite was long gone. It was replaced by the unease because of Neeya’s words. They kept echoing in my head.You’ll meet your mate soon.The statement lingered. It was like a dark cloud hanging over me. I had already accepted that I wasn’t like others, that I wasn’t destined for the kind of connection everyone else seemed to find so naturally. And now, after everything I’d been through, after I’d finally found peace with Trevor, this was the last thing I wanted to hear.Was Trevor not my mate? The thought alone made my chest ache. I glanced across the table at him. The man who had stood by me through my worst moments, who had loved me even when I felt unworthy. He was everything I needed. He was everything I’d ever wanted. But if Neeya was right, then fate might have other plans. Plans I didn’t want to face.The stories about mates came rushing back to me. The overwhelm
ElaineTrevor tilted his head. Curiosity flashed in his eyes. I continued. “It’s about my about my spirit wolf.”“You didn’t get a wolf then, right?”I nodded. I was relieved that he remembered. “Exactly. That’s why I didn’t participate in the mating ritual. I didn’t have a wolf to guide me, to help me find my mate. I thought I never would.”Trevor’s grip on my hand tightened slightly as if to steady me. “And now?” he prompted gently.I looked away. My gaze dropped to the table. The next part was harder to say, but I pushed through. “When I had the accident… when I almost died… something changed. At first, I didn’t understand it. But over time, I started to feel it.”“Feel what?” he asked, filled with concern.“A presence,” I said quietly. My fingers were curled slightly against the tablecloth. “At first, I thought I was imagining things, but then it became clearer. I have a wolf spirit, Trevor. She’s been dormant all these years. But she’s awake now.”Trevor’s eyes widened. A spark
TrevorI took a deep breath. Then I brushed my thumb lightly over the back of her hand. “Honestly? I understand why you’re scared,” I admitted. “I get it. The mate pull… it’s no joke. It’s strong. And it’s not something you can just ignore. But…” I paused, and then I met her eyes with mine. “What do you feel about it?”Elaine hesitated. Her lip was trembling slightly. “I feel terrified,” she almost whispered. “We’ve only been together for two days, Trevor. Just two days. And now this… this thing is hanging over us. What if… what if it ruins everything?”Her voice cracked. I instantly felt a pang of guilt for the weight she was carrying. “I love you, Trevor,” she continued. “I know that. But the mate pull… it’s hard to fight. What if I’m not strong enough?”Her honesty struck me. And suddenly I didn’t know how to respond. She was scared. And I couldn’t blame her. But I wasn’t about to let fear take over. “Elaine, I understand, really. More than you know.”Her brows knit together in con
TristanThe tires hummed softly on the road as Megan drove. I looked at her. The streetlights lit her face for a moment as we passed them. Her hands held the wheel gently like this was just any other drive. She didn’t blink much or show any feeling. Her calm made my chest feel tight like something wasn’t right.I didn’t like not knowing where I was going. Normally, I’d never allow myself to be taken to an unfamiliar location without assessing the risks first. Yet, Megan had insisted, practically demanded, that I trust her. She rarely overstepped like that, which was enough to intrigue me.Still, I stayed alert. I rested my fingers lightly on the hilt of the blade concealed in my jacket pocket. I wasn’t taking any chances, even with Megan. Trust was a luxury I couldn’t afford anymore.The car slowed as we pulled off the main road, winding through a secluded, forested area. My jaw tightened as unease clawed at the edges of my thoughts. Finally, Megan stopped in front of a modest yet sh
ElaineLiz didn’t say anything. Her mouth opened a little, yet no words came out of it. The usual brightness in her hazel eyes turned into something uncertain She glanced down at the floor, then back at me. The pink color in her cheeks earlier was gone. Now, her face looked pale. The happy look she had when she arrived was replaced by sadness. Her lips pressed together tightly as if she was trying to hold back her feelings.“I’m sorry,” she finally said. “I didn’t mean to ruin the mood. I should have kept quiet instead of sharing—”“Stop,” I said gently as I cut her off. I reached out and took her hand. I held her warm hand firmly to let her know what I really felt inside. “You don’t have to say sorry, Liz. You were just telling me something about your life. And I’m happy you did. That’s what best friends are for.”Her brow furrowed. "Yeah. But I don’t want to make things harder for you. I didn't even know what you were going through. What kind of best friend am I?”"It's my fault a
ElaineTrevor and I were sitting on the sofa. We do not talk much but feel relaxed in each other’s presence. This was how we normally spent the rest of the night before going to bed. Then, we heard a knock at the door. Trevor gave me a quick nod before telling me to stay while he got up to check. My heart was pounding inside my chest. Eventually, I reminded myself to stay calm and don’t let my overthinking get the best of me. The door opened, and Liz rushed in before Trevor could say a word. She was so full of energy and was like she was bringing the sunshine into the room. In one hand, she held a paper bag that smelled amazing. In the other, she carried a pile of colorful board games that wobbled as she moved. Her smile was so big, it made me smile too. “Hope you’re both hungry!” Liz said, setting the bag on the coffee table. The smell of sesame chicken and fried rice filled the room right away. Expectedly, it made my stomach rumble.“I’m in the mood to play some games tonight. Wh
Elaine“Hmm…”The kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of coffee brewing and the faint sizzle of something cooking on the stove. Trevor stood at the counter with his sleeves rolled up. He was too focused on chopping vegetables with such precision that seemed almost out of place in such a casual setting. I leaned against the counter opposite him as I watched his hands move.“You’re really good at that,” I teased to break the silence. “Where did you learn to cook like this?”He glanced up at me. A playful smile appeared at the corners of his lips. “A man’s gotta eat, Elaine. Besides, you’d be surprised what a few cooking shows can teach you.”I laughed softly. And it sounded light and free. Something I hadn’t felt in days. It amazed me how easily Trevor could make me forget the heaviness that seemed to cling to me lately.“Do you want to help? Or are you just going to stand there admiring me?” he teased before tossing a piece of chopped carrot in my direction.I caught it mid-air and
MeganI was knee-deep in paperwork. My desk was full of piled files and documents demanding attention. The sound of the clock ticking faintly in the background was the only company I had in the silence of my office. I barely glanced up when Marie entered. But she sounded like something was urgent which made me pause.“Miss Megan, the peacekeepers are here. They said it’s about Elaine Scott,” she announced.Elaine Scott. My hand froze mid-signature. I looked up sharply and masked my unease with a calm smile. “Send them in.”Marie nodded. Then she stepped aside to let them enter. Two officers walked in. Their presence was shouting authority. I gestured toward the chairs opposite my desk. “Please, have a seat.""Thank you," They uttered before settling in. I put down the pen I was holding and smiled at them before asking, "How can I help you, officers?”One of the officers, a tall man with a stern expression, got straight to the point. “We’re investigating an incident involving Miss Ela
TristanI had not planned to follow them. It wasn’t something I’d intended to do, but the moment I saw them leaving Elaine’s apartment together, curiosity turned into an uncontrollable pull. Trevor’s car disappeared into the distance. And I found myself trailing them. I couldn't resist it. The mere sight of Elaine beside him stirred a storm within me. I noticed how she smiled at him so easily. My blood was boiling as I realized that it seemed to belong to that bastard now. It was hard to believe that she would easily give it to another wolf just like that. It felt like all the moments we shared had disappeared. It felt like those were replaced by something I couldn’t reach.“As if you shared something wonderful with Elaine. You’re not fooling anyone, Tristan,” My wolf uttered sarcastically inside my head which I chose to ignore.Even if I walked a few distances away from them, they didn’t seem to notice me. They were too engrossed in their world. Trevor’s hand guided Elaine protecti
ElaineThe drive to my apartment was quiet. Trevor was driving beside me, and his calm presence made me feel safer. That was something I was so grateful for.Earlier, Trevor said something that stuck in my mind. He told me I couldn’t let my fear control me. He was right. If I stayed afraid forever, I would lose who I was. I've come so far to claim my life back from my failed marriage and I couldn’t let all those efforts go to waste simply because I was afraid to die.As we arrived at the apartment complex, Trevor parked near the entrance. He looked at me and smiled. “I’ll wait here,” he said gently. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”His words made me feel a little braver. “Thank you,” I said softly before stepping out of the car.Walking into the building, I felt a mysterious chill. Everything looked the same, but it didn’t feel the same. My heart started beating faster as I opened the door to my apartment. Suddenly, the memory of that awful box flashed in my mind. I stood
ElaineI couldn’t shake the heavy feeling brewing inside me. It stayed like a shadow, always following me wherever I went. The thought just wouldn’t leave me alone.Someone wanted me dead, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.Even when I tried to feel safe, my mind kept overthinking. I was even afraid to close my eyes, feeling that, at any moment, someone might barge through the door and kill me. Despite Trevor being here to accompany me, it did nothing to ease my fear. Not because I doubted his ability to protect me, but because I was afraid he would get hurt because of me again.My concerns were valid, right?Trevor must have noticed my distance. He always did. I heard his soft footsteps walking toward me and soon, he was sitting next to me. He didn’t have his usual smile. Instead, he looked worried.“You’ve been quiet all day,” he said gently, “I am not used to you being like this.”I let out a shaky breath and held the edge of the chair tightly. “How can I not be? Someone out t
TristanMy room felt like a prison. The walls were cold and suffocating. I was a free wolf, but I obviously didn’t feel like one.I smirked at my own thoughts. As an Alpha, I shouldn’t have felt this way. Mom and Dad had given me a little kingdom of my own to rule. I had money to spend on anything and servants willing to do all my bidding.But none of that mattered. My mind wouldn’t stop racing. No matter how much I tried to distract myself, every thought dragged me back to the same place.After the council meeting earlier, I felt like even my birthright as Alpha could be taken away from me at any moment, just because they weren’t satisfied with my rule anymore.Pathetic, wasn’t it?I felt alone. Truly alone. I had no one to turn to. Nothing to quiet my thoughts or provide comfort when I needed it. For the first time in years, I felt the burden of being alone.My parents were long gone.My best friend, Shawn, had died years ago.Aunt Melina had lost her mind to the point where I could
Elaine“Yes, Mr. Smith. It’s been… a challenging few days. I appreciate your understanding.”Mr. Smith’s voice echoed through the receiver. “Elaine, you don’t have to explain. Take the time you need. You’ve earned it. In fact, take as long as necessary.”I sighed. I was touched by his generosity but shook my head instinctively. Even though he couldn’t see me, I knew that the message would be clear. “A week will be enough,” I replied. “I just need a little time to clear my head and settle things. If I need more, I promise I’ll call.”“Good,” he replied after a pause. “But remember, the offer stands. Call me if you need an extension. We’ll manage, Don’t worry.”“Thank you,” I murmured, feeling a swell of gratitude. “I’ll keep you updated.” With that, I ended the call and set my phone down on the coffee table.A quiet moment passed before Trevor appeared. A steaming cup of tea was in his hands. He offered it to me with a small and warm smile. “Here. I thought you could use this.”I too