Aurora's POVI walked down the stairs to see Zane and Kaizen patiently waiting for me. Well, except Kaizen. He looked anything but patient.He looked up at me, not even taking the time to look at me, he looked back at his watch. “We are running late.” He said stiffly walking ahead of me.I bit back the twinge of disappointment I felt at his dismissal.We walked outside and I gasped when I saw the number of guards waiting outside. They were up to twenty if I wasn't mistaken.“Why are there so many men? We are going for a funeral not for war.” I hadn't meant for it to be a joke but some warriors chuckled.Kaizen turned and gave them all a headed glare, looking unamused as he turned back to me. “We need to go prepared. Anything can happen. I don't trust those bastards and your father is nowhere to be found. It isn't safe out there.”“I still think they're too much. You're probably worrying about nothing.” I said, my mind drifting to the fact that my father was still out there somewhere,
Aurora's POVThe atmosphere was somber as I saw my mother being carried toward her grave. The emotions I'd been trying to bottle up were suddenly shattered as I let out a loud sob. My mother. My rock. She was gone. Away from us forever. And I could have stopped it.I could have gone on with my plans to escape with her, but I left her. I fucking left her on her own and got her killed. My heart tightened painfully as I tried to swallow the heavy lump in my throat. It was all my fault that she was dead. My older brother Alex came to my side and clutched my shoulders as I cried into his chest. “I know you're blaming yourself right now, peaches. It's all on your expression.” He pulled my head from his chest as he held my chin to look at him firmly. “I want you to know that this is not your fault. You were bound to find your mate one day and leave. Andrea and I failed her. We failed to protect her from that monster and the guilt will continue to live with us. Don't cry anymore, peaches.” H
Aurora's POV The day of my mother's funeral was supposed to be a somber one, but for me, it was also filled with a sense of unease. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was about to go wrong. I tried to push the feeling aside, focusing on saying my final goodbye to my mother and being there for my family. As we were finishing the funeral, my unease grew stronger. I anxiously looked around me, trying to pinpoint the source of my anxiety but I saw nothing out of the ordinary. But whenever I looked away, I would feel like I was being watched. Just as I was about to brush it off as my imagination, I heard a loud growl coming from the nearby woods. A loud howl broke the silence in the air. It was clear that this was not only the howl of a werewolf, but something far more sinister. Everyone tensed, ready for battle. It was immediately followed by the sounds of paws pounding against the wet ground as there was a downpour only a few minutes ago. We all snapped our heads towar
Kaizen's POV My blood stilled as soon as I heard a scream that shook me to the core. A voice that was very familiar. It was the voice of my mate. I quickly let go of the rogue I was fighting with as I immediately ran to the direction of the tortured scream. My heart pounded in my chest as I looked around, trying to find her. As soon as my eyes landed on a secluded area that was close to the woods, I felt my heart drop as I saw my mate lying motionless on the wet ground. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, my mind couldn't process the image laying in front of me. Aurora. My Aurora. Laying in a pool of her own blood as a sharp dagger was stabbed into her stomach. I felt numb, as if my entire world had just crumbled to the ground. It already did. I didn't know my entire universe revolved around her until now. Seeing her in that state shook me to the core. My body trembled and my feet felt like they were stuck to the ground. My heart shattered as I fell to my knees, crawling close t
Kaizen's POVTwo weeks later.I took a long swig of the bottle of whiskey and didn't flinch as it burned down my throat. I stared unblinkingly at the wall, I couldn't remember how long I'd been here. A day? Two days? Two weeks? It certainly felt like forever. Seven bottles of whiskey later and I still couldn't numb the pain in my chest. I was torturing myself even more by staying in her bedroom. Her scent was all over the room, and I knew it was only a matter of time before it began to fade away. But I will not allow that. I won't allow any maids to come up here to clean her room.I tore open my third pack of cigarettes today. I placed the stock between my lips and connected it with the lighter. Just as I was about to take a drag, the door was suddenly shot open as a furious Sebastian stormed in.“Kaizen you can't keep doing this! Are you trying to kill yourself?” Sebastian shouted as he came over to me and snatched the cigarette from my lips, crushing it with his shoes. “I want to
Unknown POV“Is she ever going to wake up?” A worried voice asked quietly in the room.“She will. We just have to be a little more patient.” A firmer, more authoritative beautiful voice replied. What were they talking about?“But it's been four months. Maybe her body has rejected its healing?” The voice insisted.“Are you questioning my capabilities, Malia?” The voice was soft but held an accusatory tone.“My apologies, Artemis.” Malia apologized in a low voice. Wait, where had I heard that name before? Where the hell was I? Who were this people and what was I doing here. Why is it dark here?A deep headache hit my head, making me let out a pained groan. I heard a couple of gasps in the room. I tried again to open my eyes, but it refused to open. I began struggling from the bed and a soft hand immediately held mine. Surprisingly, the touch calmed me. The person's hand felt so soft and comforting that I immediately stopped struggling.“Be calm, child. You need not worry, you're safe
“It's strange, isn't it? How your heart burns… and burns… and suddenly turns to ice.” –Pyroman.SEVEN YEARS LATERIt was a typical Friday night at the club and the atmosphere was electric. People were drinking and dancing, the bass of music vibrating through the floor. I stood in the center of the stage, gyrating to the beat with a captivating grace. All they saw was a stripper, twirling around the pole and the crowd was entranced by my performance.A black mask covered the good parts of my face, hiding my face from their view. It made it more exciting and earned me more money. They'd be curious to know what's underneath even if it meant paying huge amounts of money to achieve that.I was wearing a tight black corset that hugged my chest and curves perfectly. It was paired with a lacy hot red thong. Over the years I'd grown in places I'd never imagined. I was skinny even years ago, but now, I am filled in all the right places. The crowd was spellbound, their eyes fixed on me as I dan
As soon as Raphael and Maximus left the room, I took off my sweaty clothes and changed into a more sexy lingerie. It was bright red and cut very low, my breasts were practically spilling. I added red lipstick to my face and caked my face with makeup. If he was willing to pay that amount of money, then he'd want to be impressed.Looking at my reflection through the mirror, I nodded in approval. There were rules whenever I was having a private session with a client. They could only sit and watch. No touching. I'd been offered hundreds of dollars to go home with them, but I'd nicely declined all the time. That didn't seem to stop them though. They were very persistent.Getting paid to be fucked made me feel like a whore. I'd prefer getting fucked for pleasure and nothing more. 'As if being a stripper doesn't classify you as a whore.' Mia chirped inside my head. Yeah, Mia was still here. She hadn't died, thankfully. Though, she had been quiet for almost six months before she started tal
SIX MONTHS LATERAurora's POVI woke up with a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach as the urge to vomit hit me hard. Kaizen's body was pressed flush against my back as his arms draped lazily over me. I tried to ignore it and snuggle more into the warm body next to me.Just as I closed my eyes to go back to sleep, the urge to puke got so strong that I couldn't hold it in anymore. I immediately scrambled out of the bed and made a beeline into the bathroom where I hurled my guts. I tried to control my breathing as I vomited every content I ate last night. This has been going on for a while now and there was no other explanation to it than what I was thinking. “Fuck,” I groaned out, running my hands through my messy blonde hair.“Rory?” Kaizen's voice called out from the door, before I could give him a response another wave of nausea hit me suddenly and I hauled my tired ass into the water closet, puking my guts out.I dry heaved and felt a warm hand softly stroking my back. Kaizen f
Aurora's POV“You probably think I'm a horrible person,” Lucious whispered into my ear and I suddenly felt the urge to curl away from him in disgust. Thinking of everything he has done for power was enough to make me haul right there. I thought Kaizen was a monster but Lucious' was the real cold hearted monster.I felt something warm on my ear and realized Luscious' mouth was on my ear, biting and sucking on my earlobe. I fought against his grip but he was more stronger than me.“Get your fucking hands off her.” Kaizen gritted out. “Or what?” Lucious taunted with a smirk. “You and I know you're completely defenseless and powerless when she's here.” He said, pointing at a grinning Saffra. “So, I guess I'm free to do whatever I want, sí? I could decide to undress her...” He tugged at my dress. “Or I could even fuck her so hard right in front of you and you will watch in pain knowing you can do nothing about it. Would you want that, Rory?” He proceeded to run his filthy hands on my skin
Kaizen's POVA cold chill ran down my spine at the mention of her name. It was as if I could already feel her presence before even seeing her. She was here, flesh and blood. After so many decades, after ruining my life and turning me into a monster. This was my chance. The opportunity I'd always been waiting for has come right in front of me and I'll be damned to let this go in vain. It was time to get my revenge, time to revive myself, time to become a new man who doesn't have to kill to feel satisfied.And the only way to go about that is if she dies. “ Saffra is known to be the most wicked witch in our coven. She misuses her powers and abilities. Kills the innocent, binds them by her curse so they would become her puppet. The curse would only be broken if the one who placed it on you dies. Once she breathes her last breath, the chains of the curse would be broken.” Those were the exact words I was told by a witch.No matter how hard I had tried, I never got my hands on her but I k
Aurora's POVOur moment of pure Bliss was abruptly cut short as the demon charged towards us with inhumane speed. Without a second thought, Kaizen's body started to shift, his bones cracking as his muscles bulged and his black fur sprouted. I watched in awe and fear as he transformed into his beast, a fierce and powerful creature.The demon didn't hesitate, launching itself at my mate with claws extended. But Kaizen was more faster and agile, dodging the attack and striking back with his own claws. The demon snarled in frustration, its red eyes glowing with anger.The fight was brutal and intense, the demon's strength matched by Kaizen's ferocity. The ground shook with the force of their blows, furniture and decorations crashing to the floor.Despite the demon's otherworldly abilities, Kaizen was more stronger and determined. He fought with all his might, using his teeth and claws to rip into the demon's flesh. Blood spattered across the room, mixing with broken glass and shattered w
Aurora's POV “P-please don't hurt him, he has done nothing wrong! Leave him alone, please!”“This has always been his fate, little Aurora. Your mate wronged me and it's time for payback.” A raven haired woman said with a sick smile.“Dont, please! NO!” Series of loud howls pierced into the air and i jumped awake as my body body completely covered in sweat. Kaizen immediately wrapped his arms around my sweaty body. “It's fine, baby. You're fine. It was just a dream, okay?”“N-no, i don't think so... It felt so real. I could still hear your screams.” I said, my body trembling with fear. My eyes watered with tears as I looked up at him. “S-she killed you... In the dream— I can't lose you. N-never.” “Nothing will happen to me, okay? Relax. Take deep breaths. You're going to be fine. Come on, go back to bed.” He said in a soothing voice as he ran his hands through my wet hair.“Are you sure?” I murmured into his chest, my mind still replaying the horrifying nightmare. It felt so real. I
Aurora's POV“Are you okay?” I asked Kaizen as he came back to the room after going to the balcony to pick his call.He sighed. “Not really. News has gotten to me that they would be attacking in two days time. And I have a feeling it's going to be brutal.” He ran his hands through his dark matt of hair. The moon glowed around his skin and I couldn't help but worship the sign of him.I immediately snapped out of it as there were more pressing matters on ground right now. “Do you think we can trust him?” I said, finally voicing out my worries. “Rostov? You have nothing to worry about, little one. I believe we can trust him in this. Just trust me, okay?”“How can you say that? You barely even know him. He could still be working for Lucious for all we know. I just hope we aren't making a bad decision once more, Kaizen. I don't want to lose you.” I said softly, rubbing my palm on his jaw.He gently took my hand and placed a kiss on my open palm. “You're not going to lose me, baby. And I d
Rostov's POVThree days laterThe sheer shock on Lucious'face was so fucking obvious as I walked into his chambers. He dropped the glass of wine he was currently sipping as he acknowledged my presence. “They let you out?” I could see that he immediately regretted the words as soon as they were out of his mouth.I feigned confusion as I casually walked over to him and poured myself a glass of red wine. “What are you talking about? I was never caught, do you think that lowly of me?” I said with a chuckle, barely controlling myself from storming over to him and choking the life out of him.I couldn't believe this was the same man. The sane man I called a brother from another mother, the sane man who I trusted with my whole life, he has been lying and deceiving me for the better days of my life. How could I have been so fucking dumb?I was really starting to believe Kaizen's words about me being Lucious' puppet, who he uses to do his dirty jobs. I was so fucking foolish and restarted to h
I walked into the basement with Zane trailing right behind me. After telling him everything I've never told anyone, I could say there was a noticable difference in our relationship.Zane was a man I cared for deeply, his mother included. When I had 'episodes' with my deadbeat parents, he was always there. Understood me and listen to my worries like a brother would. At first he was disappointed that I would keep such a huge secret from him for so many decades. But that was immediately replaced with immense anger and rage.It felt... refreshing to finally let people in. I had been taught that telling your problems to others made you weak. I lived with that mentality for the past 300 years of my life. Never opening up to someone, while letting it eat at me and pretend I was fine.We finally stood at the middle of the basement where Rostov was tied up and badly beaten and bruised. I felt rage bubble within me as I looked at me, it took all will power not to snap his fucking neck and call
“Scarlett?” I asked in surprise as I looked at her. She looked so different and even more beautiful than I remembered. She suddenly engulfed me in a bone crushing hug. “When Zane told me, I couldn't believe it. I had to come see for myself. It still feels like I'm dreaming. I missed you so much. We all did.” She said with a sniffle.“I missed you all too. If I could change things I would have done that a long time ago. I was deceived. Deceived info thinking that my mate was my murderer.”She gasped, pulling away from me. “What? Are you serious?” I nodded my head solemnly. “Sadly, I am. I lived seven years of my life hating my own mate, plotting for revenge without even knowing the actual truth. I did this all for nothing, only to find out that Kaizen was impersonated. They made me believe he killed me by impersonating his face.” My anger grew as I explained to her. I was in doubt before, but I was starting to believe this was all a plot.And I couldn't help but suspect Lucious was i