I was awoken by a warm hand rubbing on my arm, the familiar scent of my sheets surrounding me, and the sounds of my heater kicking on. As I opened my eyes, I saw Mark leaning over me."I've been trying to call you, you scared me half to death." His voice was soft but his face told me how worried he had been."Sorry," I whispered, sitting up. "I had to leave the office and I was exhausted, so I came home."He slightly nodded but it was clear that he didn't believe me. "Says the girl with a tear-stained face, little bruises on her neck, and jeans with dirty knees." He ran his hand through my hair. "What happened?"The memory of my stalker invaded my mind as my bottom lip trembled. "It was so scary, Mark!" I turned my face into my pillow and bawled. "He came out of nowhere in the parking garage at work. He held me against the car and told me he was coming for me real soon." I visibly shook."Hell will freeze over before I let that son of a bitch near you." He continued to soothe me by ru
"You must be Tyler's girl. I'm Tristan!" He stopped in front of me and shook my hand."Yes. My name is Layla. Is the client ready to see me?" My professional side came out and Tristan must have noticed because he lightly laughed and then nodded."He's just finishing up with the press, but you can go in and see him anyways." He waved for me to follow him as we went inside.My heart pounded and in just a few minutes, I'd be face to face with Asher again, but this time I'd be in his world, not a romantic cabin in the mountains. I could do this.I took a deep breath and followed Tristan down a long hallway. It was filled with conference looking rooms with windows into the hallway but they were all empty as we passed by.Except for one.The one where Asher sat at the head of a table and smiled and laughed with some people taking notes as he spoke. I noticed two very beautiful women sitting next to him and they were looking at each other as if they'd known each other for years and maybe the
I let out a breath after I finished telling Asher everything that I needed to tell him, and by the look on his face, I knew he wasn't taking this well. My heart pounded in my chest and I stared into his eyes hoping he'd say something, anything."He... he was at your apartment? He knows where you live?" He sounded completely horrified, and it mirrored how I felt.I nodded, biting my lower lip. "Yeah, and I don't know what else he knows..."Now Asher looked more furious than before as he stepped away from me and started pacing back and forth, his hand going through his hair as he sighed out."Why didn't you call me?" He finally asked as he turned to stare at me, scolding me with his glare."We weren't exactly talking, Asher, and I didn't think you'd give two shits after I walked out on you." I swallowed, a lump forming in my throat, knowing that I should have called him but I just didn't have the guts to do it. Not to mention I didn't have his number either."Upset at you or not, Layla,
His pacing was making me more nervous and anxious than I already was and I wanted to yell at him to stop but my fear was holding my voice back. As I sat there in this chair, I felt my knee jumping up and down and my hands were shaking. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on out there. Had anyone been able to successfully call the cops? Was anyone else hurt? Was Alex dead? That last thought made me cringe. That poor kid. And finally the question that I had tried to ignore came roaring its ugly head. Was this linked to my stalker? Had he found me?But, how was that possible? I took a private jet here and I doubt the airport crew would tell a random stranger where the plane was headed, right? If it was my stalker, we were in trouble."I have a landline in my office, we can get over there and try to call out. If all else fails, at least my office is safer than this room. There are no windows and the door is reinforced steel, only a bulldozer is tearing that thing down once it's been
My heart was pounding and my arm hurt where Mark was digging his fingers into me."Mark, what are you doing?" I tried to pull my arm free once more but he gripped tighter which caused me to cry out in pain. Then I watched him reach behind him as he pulled a small hand-gun from his belt before pressing the cold metal against my cheek. I cried out in fear as hot tears filled my eyes."You wouldn't listen to me about. Creed or warnings from your best friend about her own brother. You keep crawling back to the two-timing piece of shit. So, I need you to see it from our point of view, that's what I'm doing, Layla." His voice was laced with a venomous sound and I had never heard it from Mark before. He was always such a gentle soul, not at all the person who was standing in front of me now.But his words confused me like none other. "What are you talking about, Mark? You never said anything to me about Asher other than he better treat me right or you were going to kick his ass." Or somethin
The pain was searing hot across my already tender skin as I cried out again, this time flying in the opposite direction of Asher and landing with a thud."You... mother-fucker!" Asher barked out, his voice filled with a gritty emotion. "I will f-fucking... kill you!" He was out of breath and clearly in pain.I turned to look up at Jake, who was now smiling and walking towards Asher before bending down in his face. "I'd be careful what you say, Creed, I'm not the one tied up on my knees right now." Then he laughed an awful laugh that sent chills over my skin as he got even closer to Asher's face. "I was going to kill you fast and get it over with, but now I think we'll keep you alive long enough so you can watch us fuck your girlfriend in all her holes."I felt my blood run cold again and then watched Asher struggle against his holds with pure rage, but Jake quickly quieted him up when he punched him in the jaw. I winced at the cracking sound it made as I watched Asher fall onto his si
6 MONTHS LATER"Babe, you ready?!" Asher's voice echoed up the stairs and I smiled at my reflection in the mirror."On my way down!" I yelled back as I applied a layer of lip gloss and shut the light off.The last six months have been brutal for both of us as we were still healing from our battle wounds, or so Asher liked to call them. I still had a small limp when I walked and was still going to physical therapy twice a week, but I wasn't hopeful anymore that all the feeling would come back to my toes and the doctor's didn't think it would either. At least I can still walk though.Asher on the other hand, had suffered far worse than me with his three broken ribs, cracked jaw bone, and several lacerations all over his body. Jake really did a number on him but it was good to see that he was almost back to 100% with a few waves of pain coming from his ribs.After the scariest day of our lives and living through it, I gave up Seattle and he gave up San Clemente and we were back in Portla
"If you can leave things in the past, then so can I. I just want you to be happy and if Creed makes you happy and he's good to you, then I'm cool with him."I felt tears well up in my eyes as I hugged him again. "That makes me so happy. I'm so glad you're home. But... what happens now? Are you going back to the military? How long are you going to be here?"He laughed. "Slow down, killer. I'm home for good. I was medically discharged. Driving over and IED and messing up my shoulder was enough to let me come home. Now I just have to figure out what to do next," he smiled at me, really smiled at me, "it's good to see you, little sister, you look great."My heart sunk when he told me about the IED and the thought of him being hurt, but I ignored it all for right now, knowing that he was just fine and sitting right here in front of me was enough for me to forget about it for now."You're looking pretty good yourself, soldier.""Layla?"I watched Dillon look over my head and for a moment a
Shifting perspectivesMADALINAMy stomach was upset, and my mouth was dry. Apparently, my body underwent a range of reactions due to the most important event of my new life. I would be the center of attention, all eyes filled with judgment on me. Even before, I never enjoyed public events or parties, and rather let my brother fulfill such a role. Alex was an extrovert like no other, never experiencing an increased heart rate or sweating when giving out a speech. And although I wasn't afraid of speaking up my mind, my attitude was more... military oriented? I was not good at sugarcoating or putting on a perfect-smile façade. And yet, that was exactly what I was about to do tonight.I stood before the mirror, my gaze fixed on the reflection staring back at me. Who was this woman and what did she do with Madalina Crud?Carrie had chosen for me a stunning long dress with bare shoulders in the shades of dark red. It was definitely a departure from my usual style of leather pants and milita
When I first learned about Carrie's idea to throw a big welcome party for Madalina, I was a little hesitant. Ever since we arrived at my pack, my mate has faced a barrage of unwarranted prejudice due to her different background. No one dared to confront her or me directly, but the silent whispers were there. People stared. At me. At her.It was mostly due to all those horrible crimes her family was responsible for. Her family had tortured lone wolves, treating them like slaves. Sadly, even my mate took part in it, blindly manipulated by her parents. Though with each new day, I could see how much she regretted all her past actions. I may have gotten a second chance at love, but Madalina got her second chance at normal life. And she was going to prove to everyone that she no longer was the ruthless, stone-cold werewolf slayer.The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the preparations for the grand evening were in full swing. Decorations adorned every corner, bringing vibrant colors an
Unwelcome newsAIDENUpon Jerome's resignation, I was faced with an enormous workload that made me truly grasp the extent of his responsibilities on my behalf. An Alpha was like a lost puppy without his Beta. Despite Scott shadowing Jerome for many years, he struggled to fulfill the role with the same efficiency. Regrettably, Scott was caught between his previous Gamma duties and attempting to assume the Beta position. Our pack was huge in size, and leading it was never meant to be a solitary endeavor. It necessitated a cohesive team, which, unfortunately, I did not have.Days started to merge, and I couldn't tell the difference between light and dark, granting me less and less time for my mate. And I hated it. I hated leaving Maddie alone, even though I could count on Carrie to keep her company. But it would be irresponsible of me to just ignore the escalating situation in my pack and simply lock myself in the room with my gorgeous woman. I was an Alpha and sometimes I needed to put
Notre DameMADALINAIt has been a whole week since I moved to Black Forest pack, but nothing has changed significantly.My mate was incredibly busy, leaving our room early in the morning and returning at night. His Beta stepped down and he now had only his Gamma to support him. Aiden's father tried to help too, but it wasn't common practice to see a retired Alpha interfering in the pack's business. Moreover, it would shed a bad light on Aiden, putting him in the position of not being competent enough to lead the pack if daddy needed to hold his hand.. Eventually, it would motivate ambitious males outside the pack to come and conquer the place, seeing Aiden as a weak element that could be easily challenged and eliminated. Status was everything in the werewolf's world.Aiden spent the entire week searching for a proper candidate for the Gamma position. He wanted to promote the current Gamma to Beta. That man seemed to be one of a few who were loyal to Aiden and openly supported him desp
"Go back to your own kind. Leave our pack before facing further humiliation."I cleared my throat before speaking, controlling the fiery rage that tortured me. Oh, the fantasies that danced in my mind - to give her a taste of her own venomous words, to unleash that never-ending thirst in me, and sink my fangs deep in her flesh until she begged for her life. To punch that nasty mouth and show her true fear.But could I afford such scandal on my first day among werewolves? As much as I wished to make her pay, I concluded she simply wasn't worth the trouble with my mate. I came here to be a better person.Hence, I put my old habits aside and kept the fight on a verbal level."Oh, wow, thank you so much for your unsolicited prophecy! How fortunate I am to have you... whoever you are, enlighten me about my inevitable fate. Your concern for my well-being and humiliation is truly heartwarming. Clearly, your wisdom knows no bounds. Perhaps I should bow down and seek your guidance on all life
Fire tangoMADALINANerves fluttered in my stomach when his family first approached me. Will they grimace in disgust? Will they be bothered by the presence of a vampire? I had all those questions clawing at my mind, terrifying me. But what I experienced... it was something entirely unexpected.In a flurry of introductions and warm smiles, my unease began to dissipate. I stared at Aiden's mother, who exuded a genuine kindness which I found both comforting and bewildering. Not like my own mother, who only veiled her real personality under a sweet, innocent face. My mother carried the mask of kindness, pretending to be a good person, a victim of horrible crimes for which, after all, she was primarily responsible. But the warmth in Amelia's eyes and the way she squeezed my hand indicated she was genuinely happy for her son and accepted me as I was.Aiden's sister, Carrie, was a vibrant young woman. Her presence required attention as she effortlessly owned the room with her wild and loud p
"I'll get some drinks. It's time to celebrate." Carrie winked at us and rushed to one of the Omegas, splashing instructions."Okay, I guess." Maddie placed a light kiss on my lips to ensure me she would manage to survive my family. I didn't need to worry about her. My mate wasn't any shy damsel in distress. If anyone annoyed her, she would deal with it. I promised her not to be away for long and left her with mom and Carrie.On the way to my office, I met my dad. He had arrived at Black Forest pack before us."Jerome knows." He informed me shortly. I sighed, feeling how a big lump formed in my throat. My Beta had already learned about the death of his son.~~~~~~~"We are currently providing shelter for over a hundred lone wolves. The majority of them have already applied for asylum but some haven't decided yet. They still consider returning to their original village once all is settled. Anyhow, we can't accommodate them all permanently. We are running short on resources. But the disc
. Bitter tollAIDENMadalina squeezed my hand when we passed through the main gate to my pack. The Black Forest pack was one of the largest packs in Yukon, providing a home to thousands of people, mostly werewolves. We had several witches among us, as well as humans. Overall, it was a great place to live in. Despite the isolation within the mountains, our civilization thrived.The air carried the scent of freshly bloomed flowers, intermingled with the sweet aroma of home-cooked meals waffling from the houses. The streets were alive with the joyous spirit of community, as people strolled leisurely, their smiles radiant and genuine. Children reveled in their innocence, their laughter echoing through the pathways, while the sun cast a gentle glow upon their carefree games.We lived in peace, surrounded by beautiful nature, and I couldn't wait to show it all to my beautiful mate. Therefore, I was stunned when we finally arrived at my pack and the streets were empty. Gone was also the melo
Raindrops farewellAIDENI was glad that my mate agreed to live with me in my pack. I understood the depth of sacrifices she had undertaken to be with me. Her departure from her family was due to forbidden love and it led to her being estranged by her own parents. They cut off any future physical contact with her and although she tried to be strong and not to show it, I knew it bothered her tremendously. At least her brother, despite being a sick psychopath, stood by her side.And now, I was going to be her family and I would do anything to make her happy.When I returned to the safe house together with Madalina, the place was emptied. Only my father stayed with a couple of soldiers. He was eager to meet my mate and shook her hand a bit too enthusiastically that I had to remind him to keep it cool. As surprising as it was, my dad was very open-minded and didn't care about Madalina's origin. I assumed after all he had to go through in his life, he understood how precious true love was.