My breath caught in my throat. And my entire body went frozen as Tristan’s words echoed through the room."Elaine is my mate. Whoever wants to hurt her will answer to me."I couldn’t believe it. And I refused to believe it.Tristan’s voice was so steady and filled with pride. His instantly smirk widened as he took in the reactions around him. Megan had gone stiff beside him. Her expression was unreadable at first. But soon, her fingers clenched into tight fists. Melina's face darkened with rage. Her eyes narrowed at Tristan as if she was seeing him for the first time.And me?I felt like the floor had been ripped out from beneath me.Mate? The very idea made my stomach churn. Tristan had done nothing but make my life hell. He had hurt me in ways I never thought I could be hurt. He had tormented me, humiliated me, broken me. And now, he was claiming me as his mate?I wanted to scream.But instead, I forced my expression to remain blank. I let my mind work quickly and calculated my nex
Liz’s body felt cold in my arms. Her weight was heavy against me in a way that shattered something deep inside my chest. I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t stop the sobs from tearing through me as I rocked her slightly. It was as if that would somehow bring her back.She was gone.My best friend, my sister in everything but blood, had sacrificed herself for me. And now, she was lifeless in my embrace.This isn’t real.That’s what I kept telling myself. That this was some kind of nightmare. That any second now she would open her eyes and tease me for crying over her. That she would sit up and tell me it was all some cruel joke.But she didn’t move.She never would again.I felt a sharp pang in my chest. It was like something was ripping me apart from the inside. The pain was unbearable and suffocating.And then—A snarl.I barely had time to react before Megan lunged at me again. I braced myself for the impact because I was already too numb to fight back and too shattered to care. But
TristanSeeing someone you care about die is a memory that won’t fade easily. I knew Aunt Melina had done terrible things, but that didn’t erase the love she gave me and Shawn. No one, especially Elaine, needed to know how I truly felt about her. People only saw her as the villain but never the side of her that cared for me more than my own mother. The side I would always miss.“Aunt Melina!” I shouted as I tried to reach for her hand.“No!” My wolf’s voice echoed in my head. “It’s too late! There’s nothing we can do!”The flames swallowed her whole. Her burnt skin cracked and peeled away, slowly turning to ash. My chest tightened, but I didn’t look away. This was her fate. She had chosen hatred, and let revenge consume her. She refused the truth, and now, there was no escaping the cost.Honestly, despite everything, I refused to acknowledge that this was a fitting end for her. I took a sharp breath and forced down the grief. Aunt Melina was gone. Nothing would change that.“Let’s go
ElaineAs always, even in times like these, Tristan found the perfect moment to reveal his true nature. His boasting about how he saved the day was enough to make my head shake. But I wasn’t in the mood to deal with it. My mood changed when I saw Mr. Smith and Mr. Everett approaching me.“Oh my god, Elaine! Are you okay?” Mr. Everett exclaimed. He was examining me from head to toe.“Yes. Luckily, I wasn’t hurt seriously,” I replied softly. Although, I was still haunted by the horrors of what had happened at the warehouse.Mr. Smith let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you’re safe,” he said as he smiled at me.They both gazed at the burning warehouse. They stood there for a while and were probably reflecting on what had occurred inside.The officers rushed over. “We apologize for being late. It took us a while to track down Melina’s hideout.Tristan, surprisingly, just nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, the officer addressed his men. “Secure the perimeter. Report anything that might h
Elaine"But I really feel okay. Aside from these small bruises, I think I’m fine," I insisted to Mr. Smith.He sighed upon hearing my disapproval. Then, he shook his head."Did you even look in the mirror?" I tilted my head slightly to catch my reflection in the windshield of the ambulance beside us. Mr. Everett gently tapped my shoulder."Your head took a lot of blows. Those bruises look serious. Whether you like it or not, we’re sending you to the hospital for some tests."I couldn’t say no. This was the first time Mr. Smith had demanded something from me that I couldn’t resist. Their concern slowly surrounded me, and before I knew it, I was surrendering to the medics.Before boarding the ambulance, Mr. Smith and Mr. Everett rushed to their cars."We’ll go with you."I smiled at their sweet gesture. For a moment, I felt like I had a father…not just one, but two father figures. Their genuine concern warmed me inside.The medics assisted me into the ambulance. We drove for a bit unti
Elaine"Trevor, let me explain..." I rushed to get inside."There's no need to explain, Elaine. Just answer the question. Are you mated to Tristan? Yes or no?"Trevor was still calm. But it still somehow makes me scared. He wasn’t shouting but the tone of his voice was enough to make me almost break into tears. This was the nightmare I prayed not to experience. The thought made me tremble. A lot was running in my mind. And fear surrounded me not knowing where this confrontation would lead us both.I stood in front of him. Trevor’s eyes were locked on me. His stares sent some cold shivers into my spine. I know at that point Trevor was upset with me.Something I never made him fell before.He stood up and heaved a deep sigh. “Are you not gonna answer?”After hearing this, my body instinctively rushed to him. I’m clearly not used to this side of Trevor. I couldn’t even remember the time where we had a huge fight. Who would have thought Trevor could be this scary when upset? His sweet an
TrevorIt’s been two days of silence. No calls, no text, no meetups. Just nothing. I left the apartment with a firm goal in my head. It wasn’t easy. But I have to do this to ensure a healthy relationship between us.“Are you sure you don’t want to be back yet?” Dillon asked me as I scrolled through my phone.I wasn’t heartless to the point that I would forsaken my responsibility with Elaine. All the bills including the utilities of our apartment were still taken care of through online transactions. I know we’re in the middle of a misunderstanding but it doesn’t change anything about my duties as her boyfriend. I don’t want to add more things to Elaine’s head. The space we’re having with each other is already more than enough to handle.As I paid the last remaining bill on my phone, I heaved a deep sigh and responded.“No, I can’t at the moment.”“Why? It is obvious you still love Elaine. Is this really necessary?” Dillon asked me.It was clear Dillon didn’t understand the depths of my
ElaineI felt empty.Since Trevor left, everything felt dull. It was like I had lost something too precious, and the colors in the world had faded away. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. My mind always went back to him, and how much I wished I could change things.I tried calling him again but it was always routed to his voicemail. I sighed and looked at my screen. I’m sorry. I typed it, then deleted it. I typed it again. This time, I hit send. Maybe, just maybe, he would read it. I wanted him to know how sorry I was. I wanted him to understand how much I regretted what happened.The hours at work felt so long. I couldn’t focus on my job. I stared at the papers on my desk but didn’t understand what I was reading. I had to review a report, but my mind wasn’t working. Every time I tried to read, I thought about Trevor. Gosh! I missed his smile, his thoughtfulness, his jokes, everything! My heart was aching with the thought of him far from me. “Elaine?” A voice pulled me out of my tho
TristanOnce the final decision was made, the council members quickly moved on. They gathered their notes and folders and stacked them on the table without a second thought. Their focus was elsewhere. Their movements were smooth and natural. Again, they acted as if I wasn’t even there.Not one of them looked my way. Not one of them showed the slightest hint of interest or even acknowledgment after the meeting ended. It was as if I was just another wolf sitting among them. That I was present only out of formality and nothing more.As they got ready to leave, a tight feeling settled in my chest. I couldn’t ignore it. My pride as Alpha wouldn’t let me sit there in silence. I couldn’t hold back anymore. So, I raised my hand and tried to get their attention.“I don’t appreciate being made to feel like I’m no longer needed here.”My voice was calm enough but I am sure they all realized the firmness and authority I wrapped beneath those words. I might be disregarded but I am still the one
TristanThe morning air was crisp as I woke before dawn. The faint glow of early light barely crept through my window. I stretched, running a hand through my tousled hair My mind was already set. Today, I had made a decision, one I hadn’t made in a long time.Pushing back the covers, I rose from the bed and moved through the familiar routine of getting ready. The mirror showed a face I hardly knew. I saw a wolf with tired eyes, a hard jaw, and a shadow of the Alpha I once was. For too long, I had stayed away and neglected my duty. My mind had been full of thoughts of Elaine and all the mistakes I made and the things I could no longer fix. I forgot my responsibilities while drowning in my past.But now, the divorce was final. The last connection was broken, and nothing could hold me back anymore. Today, I decided to pick up the pieces and focus on the work I had neglected for so long. For today, it was time to get back that Alpha side of me. My shoes tapped against the wooden floor a
ElaineSpending time with Trevor always made me happy. Dinner was wonderful. We decided to go to a nice French restaurant for a change. While we both loved Chinese food, we agreed to try something different this time.I twirled the last bite of pasta around my fork and enjoyed the creamy sauce. Across from me, Trevor leaned back in his chair. He was looking happy and relaxed. The soft light from the restaurant’s chandelier made his eyes shine.I felt my cheeks warm. He looked so handsome in my eyes! "You always do that," he said with a small smile, looking at my plate.I tilted my head. "Do what?""Save the best bite for last."I laughed. "Of course! The last bite should be the best one, right?"Trevor chuckled. "That makes sense. Maybe I should start doing that too.""Or maybe you should stop eating so fast," I teased.He laughed louder this time, shaking his head. "Hey, it’s not my fault. The steak was really good."I smiled and felt warm inside. Everything about this night felt ri
Trevor"Good morning, Sir Trevor!" A she-wolf from the distant desk enthusiastically greeted me.As usual, these she-wolves never let me have a peaceful morning at work. One of them approached."Are you free later for lunch? A new store just opened right in front of our building. Wanna check it out?"She leaned her body against my arm. I slowly pulled away and freed myself from her grip."Well… I already told you, I have a girlfriend. And she wouldn't be impressed with the attention you're giving me." I chuckled playfully.“Aww…But it’s just lunch—”"Sorry, ladies, you came too late. Someone already owns my heart."The she-wolves surrounding me pouted."Come on… saying yes just once wouldn’t hurt her feelings."Awkwardly, I tried to change the topic."If you want, I can set up a date with some guys I know from our sister company. I’m sure they’d love every single one of you.""But no one will ever beat you.""YEAH!" another one exclaimed. "I mean, who wouldn’t want a guy like you? YOU
TristanMy hands shook as I held the piece of paper I had received on my desk.“This can’t be real.”I checked every corner of the paper to verify the legitimacy of the signature and the mail. Seeing the real signature and stamp made it even more convincing. At that moment, reality hit me like a slap.“It’s over…” My soul whispered to me.Yes, Elaine was gone. She was no longer tied to my life, and this divorce paper served as proof. I had lost this battle, despite doing everything to win. My hands slowly pulled the paper into my palms and crumpled it with all my might.How had I let myself lose my wife? The thought alone was unbearable. Maybe it really was too late. Maybe, at some point, Elaine’s decision had been right. My anger crawled through my veins, surfacing in my office. I growled before slamming my arms onto the desk, which seemed fragile under the force of my rage. I shoved everything in front of me…pens, papers, even the glass of water and sent them crashing to the floor.
ElaineThanks to Trevor, my normal routine was back on track. Those little things that always warmed me inside were finally back. His presence made everything brighter. Trevor was finally home. And this home finally felt complete.“Let’s eat,” I said, smiling at Trevor.Trevor’s smile suddenly faded. I looked at him, wanting to ask what was wrong.“Umm… you know…” he said hesitantly. “About what happened.”“Shhh.” I stepped closer and hugged him. “It’s alright now, my love. Let’s leave that in the past.”I saw the relief in his eyes as he hugged me back.“I’ll try to be better… for us,” Trevor assured me.“You’re always doing your best, my love.”Trevor pressed a sweet kiss to my forehead and thanked me.“Did you order the usual?”I nodded and carefully laid out the food on the table. He went to the kitchen cabinet and grabbed some plates for both of us. As he carefully served the food, I noticed a change in his smile. And I knew mine had changed too. Our happiness was intertwined. Wi
ElaineFinally, after a long week, Sunday came. No office papers, no work, no pressure. Nothing beats the morning sun with nothing ahead in my time. It’s 8 o’clock. My body is already used to waking up early even during the weekend. A quiet and peaceful day. I played some soft music and decided to start my day doing some chores. During my work days, I didn't have plenty of time to clean. So usually, Sunday is a cleaning day. The soft music calmed my brain activity. Every worry left in me. For the first time in a week, I feel lighter and stress free. I started cleaning the living room. It didn’t have much mess since I was here all alone. The 2 rooms were also almost nothing to clean aside from the dust remaining in desks and shelves. Since I haven't been preparing food much lately. I only ordered food outside and was expecting a Chinese food delivery around lunch time. “A good day isn’t it?” I suddenly told my spirit wolf. “Hmmm. I’ll say a better day compared to what you had late
Elaine I didn’t know why I let myself mindlessly follow him. Tristan was walking in front of me all quiet. Even I didn't even dare to speak to him. Though my head has a lot of thoughts running tirelessly. “This clearly is not a good option either.” I told myself while staring at his back. But anyone with their right mind would do the same thing. Compared to those perverts from that bar, Tristan was a lesser jerk. Still, I couldn’t even imagine where I have to deal with him again. The truth annoys me too. No matter how badly I think of him, Tristan saved me tonight. Unfortunately, I knew saying my gratitude would be like swallowing a whole piece of watermelon. “What if Tristan did that so he could do something to me?” This question that randomly popped in my head sending shivers into my spine. My heart pounded like crazy. It was possible for this jerk to do that. He was basically the same as the perverts if I would give it a deep thought. I grabbed my purse so hard from nervousn
ElaineEveryone turned around immediately. My eyes widened seeing Tristan standing behind me. His eyes were glaring at the two guys. “What’s your problem?” The one with the red hair confronted Tristan. The other one smirked, clearly unbothered with his appearance. And yet, he shared what was on his mind. "Another wolf who wanted to play the hero.” Tristan scoffed. The guys didn’t like the smugness in his face and pushed him on his chest. “If you want to impress a woman, go find someone else. She’s ours.” Tristan removed the dust on his chest while smirking. “Unfortunately, I can’t do your request. This girl is mine.” He proudly said. “WHAT? ARE YOU CRAZY?!” I shouted inside my head. But I was smart enough to know I wasn’t supposed to go against Tristan. If I pushed Tristan like usual, these guys wouldn’t let me get away. So I remained tight on my lips. “Why don’t you guys find something else to have fun with? Aside from harassing my girl.” Tristan demanded them. He waved