XANDER'S POV"You crossed the line, Xander." Allen was saying to me. I knew I had but seriously I was wondering what had been wrong with me. I had never felt so much anger at my best friend being around my woman as I had today. When I had returned, the maids had told me he had come calling but I was not in. However, he probably would be back. I had been confused as to how they knew or if Allen had left a message when they said he left with Nicolette. I could not believe my ears when I heard those words. I demanded to know where they had gone but neither of the servants had any idea. I had been infuriated and maybe, I had angrily clawed one of them across the face in my vexation. How could it be that the woman who had been ignoring me for the greater part of my time with her had the time to step out with my best friend. I could not even figure out the last time I had seen her up close and that made it even more disheartening. I had gone up to the study but nothing seemed to be ad
NICOLETTE'S POVI woke up that morning feeling like hell. I was half way naked on just my panties but was securely covered with the duvet. As I sat up, my head hurt just a little as I tried to wrap my head around what had happened and how it was that I was in Xander's bedroom. Something was not adding up seriously. Begging the question was his lack of presence in the bedroom also and then in a haze, I recalled that I had seen him but could not pinpoint what had actually happened.I felt confusion sweeping through me as the things I remembered were not adding up to being in his bedroom. I had been in my room drinking, so how was it that I could be in this space. Wait a minute, had I done something stupid? I mean, I should have since I was naked and in my panties right now. I slapped my cheeks hard in vain hope that I would remember something, anything at all but no. Being a werewolf when drunk was not something really fun as it sometimes leads to absolute blackout. I was still there se
LAUREL'S POV I woke up feeling rather angered as I could not believe Xander had let her into his bedroom. To think that I wanted that opportunity was something even more thought provoking. The maid I asked to spy on the house for me had come to my bedroom the previous night to let me know that Nicolette had drunkenly gone into his bedroom. I could not believe my ears and somewhat, I suspected that she was well aware of what she had been doing. I had been excited after I returned from where I had been all day and was told about the altercation between Xander and Allen because of her.She sure as hell must be feeling like the queen and on top of the world now she had the guy at loggerheads with each other over her. It must be exciting. I was certain that although he might not know it yet, Allen sure as hell was feeling something for her which would have been great for me had Xander not joined in the whole vexation. He should have been happy and pushed her to his best friend so he coul
ZIBELLE'S POV I had to make a choice clearly. Laurel was putting the choice before me and it was either to roll with her or lose everything I had worked for all these years. I had spent time staring at my work and even though I tried hard to push aside the thought of her to the back of my mind, it was seemingly impossible as I just could not. Knowing Laurel, I knew that if I do not comply with her demands whatsoever, it would mean trouble for me and my life. She could make everything go away with a puff. At this point, anyone could think of me as being selfish because no one was in my shoes right now. I might choose to defend my friend but then, when she hears this horrid story of my past, when the entire world would turn their backs on me, would she be there to stand by me? Would she at least give me the benefit of a doubt and the chance to prove my innocence because sure as hell, I was not totally at fault for what had happened with bloody Sophia but I did play a role alongsid
LAUREL'S POV I could hear the rapid beating of her unsteady heart and I smiled. She still feared me like in the past and I could not have wished for anything more. I led us all the way into the old school that would certainly pass for what anyone would use to make a good haunted area screenplay and went in through the door."Laurel, where are we going?" She asked as we entered the narrow corridor. Her voice reverted throughout the open space and I smiled.I found her fear amusing."Just keep up, will you?" I said."I am keeping up. You're the one hoarding information." She said to me,"Well, if you want to find out things about me then I suggest that you keep up. Trust me, this would certainly be fun." I said to her and continued. The sound of both our heels echoed in the empty building as I led us up the staircase. I heard her hesitate but to show I was unmoved, I continued on my way upstairs smiling devilishly. I had the plan already set in motion. Should Zibelle try to leave
ZIBELLE'S POV As I drove home now, I recounted what had transpired between Laurel and I. The fear in my eyes when she had held me over the edge like she was actually going to toss me over. I had never been more scared for my life as I had been a few minutes ago. She had a preposition for me on what I was to do for her and she promised me something greater in return. She was going to write me a signed confession stating she had orchestrated Sophie's death all by herself without external assistance. She would give me the confession that she would sign with her name and her blood just to make it as solemn as possible. The offer was too great to reject. I mean, she was actually promising to let me live my life for once without her interference and I could not have wished for anything more. All she sought was for a smaller price and that was to assist her ruin Nicolette's marriage with Xander. She began pointing out to me for the sake of my conscience on how Xander did not love Ni
NICOLETTE'S POV I had been troubled all through as I could not get a grasp on my emotions. Especially not with all the taunting I had readily received from Laurel. It hurt really bad but I had to find better control and try not to lash out at her. That clearly was all she sought after, to get me really pissed and then what? Make it look like I had been busy creating ruckus in the pack house and then Xander would want to do away with me. I could not let that happen and neither could I let her win. I walked away to my bedroom with the glass of milk I had come for and remained there sulking.I clearly had made a total fool of myself the previous night. Of all rooms to go to in a drunken state, it had to be Xander's. I seriously needed to remember what things I had done and said that had probably ticked him off. The more I tried to think about it, the more my haziness grew and I drank from the glass. I sat there on my bed as I remained with my thoughts. Eventually, I had to let them se
XANDERS POV The day had been so hectic and all I craved for was a little rest for myself. I had to meet up with the members of the First which were our council elders as regards my suspicions over Maxwell and his minions. It had become clear that he was pulling the string somewhere from behind and I needed to detach it. I had a couple of conversations with Ethan and he reassured me that for my sake, he would return to the town just to assist with the whole process of figuring out what they were up to. The members of the council had been of the opinion that we do not declare war yet as we would be monitoring them and setting our traps ahead of time. After the meeting, Allen, who had to be present alongside the Gamma, met up with me. We had to talk about how we would be handling things this time. As we did, I found that my mind was restless over my best friend. To put it straight, I was suspicious of him and what his motives were. I found myself wondering if he would want to take
XANDER'S POV I could not believe I had missed all of that in my rush. To think that Zibelle had been so aloof should have told me all I needed to know about what was actually happening. We arrived at the place she was hosting her show and then found the luxury cars that were scattered around outside the premises. It was clear the attendees were no persons of ordinary caliber. I turned to my men coming down from their car behind mine. "Smoke the area to make certain there are no other wolves. If she has taken Nicolette, then she's not in this alone." I said to them, "What about me, Alpha?" The werewolf who had driven me to the place turned to ask. "You're coming with me as backup. Where's the gamma?" I asked, noticing Adriana was nowhere to be found. "None can tell, Alpha. She's been missing since the proclamation of Allen's banishment." He said. I nodded my head knowingly. That could be understood knowing how much she actually cared about Allen. She probably was out there weepin
XANDER'S POV"Don't do this, Xander. You know I'm innocent." Allen said to me as he stood before me in the dark woods.I had already declared him a criminal and he was to be banished. The more I looked at him now, all I could think of was the fact that he had probably won Nicolette's heart."Tell me then, where is she?" I asked him."Buddy, I swear this to you. I have no idea where she is but together I know we can find her." He said to me,My face grimaced. He still had the nerve to lie to me after all this while. What was so hard about the truth."I actually thought you were my friend but apparently, you're a cheap liar. These are the borders, go and don't return." I said to him avoiding his eyes."Xander, please." He said to me,His voice was shaky and I knew he was probably crying at this point. "The next time I lay eyes on you,.it shall be your death. I'll give you the grace and time to get these fixed. Return my wife to me or I shall hunt you for the rest of your miserable life
NICOLETTE'S POVI could not go the way out as there was no telling how many men had been left out there to tame me. The only way I could think of was the high scaled window and what I needed now was a really big leap. One mistake and I would certainly be caught again. I thought of the baby, breathing within me and all I had endured all along. Nothing would have to go wrong, right? No way was I going to lose my child for my friend that so easily had backstabbed me.I looked right at the concoction that had been given to me. Who's to say it is not actually poison?Either way, I took a deep breath right now as I made the biggest leap yet of my life. It was a lot for me to take in as I jumped really high until I hit myself against the window pane. It suddenly burnt and I nearly let go and lost control as I had not been prepared to find that it was made out of pure silver. My feet had lost their footing and it took me a while to balance up. I started to climb over the window, burns and a
NICOLETTE'S POVI was locked in this room in the cabin. The cabin was divided into two parts and I could not help but notice how it was being built to have just a single entrance. My prison room had a window that seemed really high for me but I knew I needed to figure out a way to escape.As commanded, Maxwell's men did not attempt to lay hands on me for now because there was actually no telling what would become of me when the evil duo decided to come for me. They were working together crying out loud!Who knows right now what Zibelle has been up to acting selling me out cheaply. It was a little wonder as to what Laurel must have promised her and right now, I was beginning to question our entire friendship that seemed to be based on a lie.Was there a possibility that all these years together had meant nothing or had she been spying on me from the very beginning? I was confused at this point that I could not even begin to think about it. I sat down there, recounting and wondering if
MAXWELL'S POVSeeing Nicolette after all this while was really something and I suddenly felt this tinge of elation towards her. She seemed not so happy to see me and I could have sworn that there was fear in her eyes when she looked at me. Was she by any chance thinking that I would hurt her or something? I would never...I guessed I spoke too soon as suddenly I heard it. The faint beating of that steady heart that he had implanted in her womb. It made me feel a surge of anger swim through me as I watched her steadily."You're indeed pregnant." I said to her,"Let me go." She said to me,"Go? You're free to go, Nicolette. That's the way." I said pointing out where she had just come from.She looked rather confused as she stared back at me. It would come to seem as though I have begun playing games on her.A couple of seconds and she turned back to find that there was no one on her path. Not even Laurel stood there as they all cleared a way for her in the middle.Nicolette was skeptica
XANDER'S POVI suddenly felt restless after I had left the witch who apparently had been shot. She probably died on the way but something seemed to be bugging as suddenly, I felt a heart wrenching pain on my chest."Nicolette..." My wolf cried out weakly. "Trouble."I had to hastily return to my car and start the ignition immediately. Whatever this was, I would be needing to get to the root of it immediately. I tried to start the car again but the damned pain returned again, this time more searing and I knew she was in trouble.I quickly decided to dial Allen. He had probably gotten to her or something. The guy took the phone immediately on the second ring and then I asked if he had seen Nicolette today."Not really but I received a call from the pack house security. She's gone missing and is not taking her calls." He said to me,"Why didn't you call me immediately?" I yelled at him, putting the car in motion."Because they said you would react badly. We were hoping to find her before
NICOLETTE'S POVI could not believe that this was happening as I tried to take a quick glance at Zibelle who apparently averted her eyes. She was clearly not going to look at me after her sore betrayal.Laurel walked over to me and right then I saw some persons with torches go over to the entrance and block it off with the caution sign. That way, no vehicle would pass this way again."How could you do this to me?" I asked Zibelle who kept looking away as she came off from the vehicle."Oh, so sad but you should know that Zibelle and I have always been best buddies right from our school days. We love and care about each other. Hence, it should not come as a surprise that you have been sold out." Laurel said as she opened my side of the car. "Out."I hesitated but reckoned that she would deal with me even as I noticed eyes glowing in the dark. There were other werewolves here but certainly, not from our pack. They reeked and I knew being pregnant and outnumbered was not the time to fig
ZIBELLE'S POV"Just act naturally and lead her to us. We'll take it from there." Those were her words on the phone when she called me on this day that the plan had been set up.It was only a couple of days to Nicolette's birthday party which we all could tell now that in anticipation, Xander was making bigger plans. I have been keeping up tabs with her and playing the caring friend and anticipating godmother to Nicolette.I had a thing tomorrow also. My fashion show and hopefully, should things go as planned today then I would be a free woman and minding both my business and my show.Clearly, I had been lacking good sleep as all my thoughts were filled with the fear of being found out or betrayed by Laurel who had always been known to be up to no good.I got out of bed sluggishly dressing up and eventually got prepared. I decided that I would call Nicolette just so we could do some shopping."Zibs, what's up?" An excited Nicolette said to me over the phone.The happiness and innocenc
DELA'S POVI found out.To think that I had been smart and careful all along only to let down my guard upon my very first encounter with Xander was really something. It had been years since I stayed in the background, secretly watching Nicolette and seeking the best ways possible to get closer.We had separated at some point when I felt she would be able to stand on her own two feet as I went into seclusion which was a thing with us witches. It used to be the best time when we could gather up the potency of our powers and also return stronger.Mine had taken me years as my times out of practice when playing nanny to the child had been something else. I reckoned how young she had been when I fled away from her with a promise that I would always be watching her. It had been long years in the dark cave where I lost track of time.I returned to find my dear child as that was what I saw her as, married to someone dangerous. Xander was never supposed to happen and the more I dug into his fa