Still confused? Don't worry, anticipate. Some things are getting clearer. Grindley seems to have a brother after all. How did Ava's parent's death come in? Wait, and watch how a rogue, and a Lycan display themselves
Ava's POV It was pouring. Heavily.My peach-colored dress was soaked, and my phone kept vibrating in my pocket.I stood there, watching from a distance as the blood of my parents mixed with the rainwater that filled the streets. My eyes drifted to the car, still open. I could see my mom's hand, limp, hanging from the side. I started walking toward it, my legs feeling like lead. I didn't dare get too close. My voice came out as a whisper, shaky, barely audible, "Mom, mommy... are you... are you okay?"My dad's lifeless body lay flat on the floor, his eyes wide in shock as blood from his severed head pooled beneath him. My heart raced, terror creeping through me, but I couldn't shift into my wolf form. I just kept mumbling, "Daddy, Dad... please wake up! Mom! Don’t leave me! Somebody, anybody, help!"But my heart remained calm. Too calm. My body felt numb, detached from everything. I blinked twice, hoping—praying—that I was hallucinating. Maybe this was just some twisted illusion. The p
Ava's POV Matthew was definitely a man of few words. As I sat in the passenger seat, the silence between us was palpable. The town seemed to grow more unfamiliar the deeper we went, with streets twisting and turning into areas I didn’t recognize.I couldn’t help but break the silence. "So... the new Alpha, what family is he from?"He gave me a brief side glance, the corner of his lips tugging upward, but that was the most reaction I got. "You can ask him that when you see him.""Are the four packs still united?" I tried again, hoping to get more out of him.This time, he chuckled lightly. "I see you were told stories. Yes. Still very united." He didn't look at me again after that, his focus solely on the road. The conversation hit a dead end, and I took it as a sign to stop asking questions. He clearly wasn't interested.Eventually, we arrived at a huge mansion, and I climbed out of the car, gripping my bag tightly as I followed him. The mansion was intimidating, and I couldn’t help b
Ava's POV Horland had never seen me before, and it could only mean one of two things.One, I might have come to town in search of supernatural creatures. After all, rumors about this place ran rampant beyond its borders, and the name of the town only fueled them.Two, I was new here, and judging by his guarded expression, the latter was more likely.The town rarely had new people, but I’d heard there were a few. A male from the Commoners pack, a wandering werewolf taken in, and then… the weird Goldington girl. The one who was me."Who are you?" he asked, his voice deep, measured, though there was something else behind it. A strange pull that mirrored my own. My heart was beating faster now, and I could tell his senses were just as heightened as mine.I took a step forward, trying to steady myself, and looked at the gun still aimed in my direction. "Can you drop the gun, please? It’s kind of scary," I asked, forcing a boldness into my voice that I didn’t quite feel.He didn't answer at
Ava's POVWhen I slowly opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the ceiling, which appeared a bit blurry. Confusion washed over me, and I turned my head to the side, only to find my aunt sitting nearby."Welcome back. But for now, just relax, because you have a lot of explaining to do," she said before leaving the room, her voice and expression filled with anger.I tried to piece together my memories, but my head throbbed, making it difficult to recall the last events before everything went dark."I was trying to escape... I remember trying to shape-shift, and then..." I started to explain, sitting up with my back against the wall.The door suddenly swung open, and the doctor walked in—the same one who had been monitoring me without my consent."Don't be too hard on yourself, and don't strain your mind trying to remember. It's important for your mental well-being," he reassured me as he approached, holding medical instruments."Can you tell me how I ended up here? Do you have any ide
Ava's POV"Aunt! Please, just let me go. I promise I won't go back again. Please!" I begged, but Aunt Janet didn’t believe me.She had lived in sorrow ever since my parents died. Not a day passed without her thinking of my father, Mark, whom she lost to the cold hands of death. And now, it seemed like I was following the same path, and she wasn’t ready to lose me too."No, Ava! I won’t. Until I see some changes in you, I won’t let you out," Aunt Janet lashed at me, clenching her fists as she tried to control the tears that rolled down her cheeks.I knew she didn’t want to chain me up, but she felt like she didn’t have a choice. It was the only way to stop me from going back to Lyconia."I won’t go back to Lyconia again. I’ve learned my lesson. They never loved me," I cried out, sweating profusely, the chain digging into my wrists."This is the same lie you told me before!" Janet yelled, her hand almost flying toward my face before she broke down in tears."I took you in, Ava. I clothed
Ava's POV Entering my room, I pulled out a series of clothes: a few chimney tops and some short clubbing gowns. I wasn’t sure what to wear, but Aunt Janet was quick to decide."I think this is good," she said, pointing at a red shiny gown."Don't you think it's too flashy?" I asked, rolling my eyes as I tried to put it back. But of course, Aunt Janet wasn’t having it."It’s not flashy, Ava. Come on! If you don’t do this, how on earth are you going to get settled? You’re twenty-six, remember?" she emphasized my age as she adjusted my shoe rack.She picked up one of my highest heels and smiled. "I think this works," she added, winking at me."Aunt, this is way too high. I only wear them for special occasions. I can’t possibly wear them now," I said, rolling my eyes again."Nonsense! You need to catch a big man—someone who can take care of you and also be handsome. Didn't you tell me big men come to your bar?" Janet rolled her eyes right back at me."Okay, fine!" I gave in, taking the cl
Ava's POV My boss was growing impatient as we lingered, signaled from afar, urging me to take the lead on the dance floor. Time was running out, and he wasn't happy with my hesitation.I cleared my throat nervously. "I'm... sorry. Let’s just dance," I muttered. The strange man sighed and pulled me gently to the middle of the dance floor, and the lights dimmed around us.Since this man was clearly an important figure, both in society and at Lavenda’s club, everyone else stepped back, leaving the stage for us."Keep the music going," my boss commanded the band, and the music resumed. As we danced, the man started asking me questions, which took me by surprise. There was something in the way he spoke—it felt like he knew something about me that I didn’t quite understand yet."Were you born here?" he asked as he spun me around effortlessly."Yes," I nodded, my body relaxing against his as the crowd clapped in approval."Tell me something," he said, gripping me at the waist, his hand b
Ava's POV The buzzing of my phone jolted me awake from a deep slumber. Scratching my itchy head, I managed to grab my phone, my hair a tangled mess.Placing the phone to my ear, Penny's frantic voice blared. "Where the hell are you, Ava?!"My eyes, still closed, flew open as I looked around the unfamiliar room. Throwing off the blanket, I gasped, "Oh shit!""Ava? Get your lazy ass here. Aunt Janet is worried about you. The boss is asking after you. And—" Penny's voice cut off as I hung up the call in shock. I scrambled out of bed, only to find the man from last night was gone."What did I do?" I wondered aloud, scratching my head in confusion. My eyes were shut tight as I tried to piece together what had happened."Damn, damn, damn! Why can't I remember anything?" I slapped my face in frustration. I put on my bra and started pulling on my pants when flashes of last night suddenly crashed back."Awww... Please...""Did I say that?" I scratched my head in total confusion. "Oh my goodnes
Ava’s POVJust as I heard him instruct his soldiers to get rid of me, I walked towards his werewolf soldier, racing my neck and waiting for the next judgment.“Ava, what are you doing?” Neva, my wolf, screamed.And as she tried to restrict my movement, I shut her down.“You are going to die because you couldn’t get to the root of everything, Ava?” Neva started.With my eyes closed, I ignored her words. “Kill me!” I screamed.I could hear everyone gasping. I knew they were amazed at how courageous I was.And to be candid, I didn’t know what came over me.I knew going back to the city would only mean that I would be voluntarily going back to my bondage.Aunt Jane was never going to let me go, and this would cause a war between humans and werewolves.I’m sure Alpha Grindley wants something from me, and he will go to the ends of the earth to get it.“Let her go,” Alpha Lucian commanded.And just as he said that I opened my eyes, blinking them countless times, as I looked at my palm drippi
Grindley's POV"Hey Lance! Mommy and Daddy are waiting for us," I reached out to my brother."I wanna play a little. Can't we just swim a little?" Lance asked as he jumped into the flowing water.Apparently we have gone swimming behind our parents, and Lance doesn't want to come back home again."Lance!" I called out in anger."C'mon, the water is cold, you are going to love it," Lance smiled spilling some water at me."No, thanks. But can we just go now?" I asked, trying to reach out to him when I suddenly heard the bushes rustle.At first, I didn't want to believe it."Lance, can we go now, please? I don't think this place is safe for us," I replied, but just as I looked behind me, I couldn't see my brother again."Lance!" I called out but I heard nothing. It was then I started to panic, jumping into the water to look for him."Kill them all!" I heard a husky voice command.And as they came running, I knew I had to submerge myself into the water. Just after they all left, I quickly
Ava's POVI could see the shock in people's eyes. It looks as if I had committed one sort of taboo.I watched this god in front of me blink multiple times, watching me with awe before bursting into laughter."You know you are so funny, bold, and stupid!" His last words came like a bomb.I can't believe someone would call me stupid. I mean, I know Alpha Grindley uses force on me, and makes me want to do a lot of things with him, but he has never called me stupid."Maybe if you had waited, he might have broken the rules like this one is doing?" Neva interrupted."You know I do love a challenge," The Alpha in front of me replied."Whether you like a challenge or not, read my lips," I stood confidently before him. "I.Am.Not.Going.To-""Take her to the darkest place in the dungeons, and make her learn her lesson. Now!" he commanded.Just immediately the guards held me again, just like they had done earlier, dragging me towards the unknown."Neva, I feel dizzy," I replied, and soon I blacked
Ava’s POVMy eyes were blindfolded during the journey, but I was sure of one thing, I’d been taken so far from the Mooner’s pack, and even from the city at large.“Hiya!” I could hear some men hitting the horses, while they neighed louder.“We are not stopping, the Alpha is expecting us tonight.” I could hear the voice of their commander.Since I’d been tied with a rope that I couldn’t seem to break loose from, I decided to let go.But just as I was trying to sleep, I could hear some muffled voices behind me. It was then I realized I wasn’t alone.“I can sense many people in here, we are not the only ones,” Neva my wolf replied.“Neva, are you okay now? Can you help me break off this chain?” I communicated with Neva through my mind.This is rare, not everyone can do that. But for some reason, I could.“I can’t. I’m still weak. I can smell wolfbane a few miles from here. It’s weakening me.” Neva replied.“Fuck! But who the hell was Alex? Something tells me he’s not real. I shouldn’t hav
Ava’s POVI froze on the spot upon hearing Alpha Grindley’s voice from behind.“Do you think he heard us?” I whispered, my palm becoming all sweaty.“I don’t know,” Neva purred.And as I trembled on the spot, I felt so confused and lost. I didn't even know where to turn until I felt a hand pull me inside one of the corners in the palace.“Please don’t–” I wasn’t done talking when he placed his hand on my lips.“Don’t speak,” he whispered, looking out to be sure Alpha Grindley was gone.“I thought I heard Ava’s voice?” I could hear Alpha Grindley talking to the werewolf soldiers who had turned me back from entering my room the other time.“Yes, Alpha. We didn’t allow her inside. Just as you commanded,” The werewolf soldier reported.“Good,” he replied, surveying around before leaving.And just immediately he left, I heaved a sigh. “Who are you?” I suddenly became conscious of the man that was standing beside me.“I’m John’s friend,” he stepped away from me, bowing to show some respect
Ava’s POVJust after he said that he turned towards me, throwing my clothes at me annoyingly.I blinked countless times, as I looked at him, shocked.“W–What are you doing?” I questioned, holding the bedsheet closer to my chest, as the clothes he threw landed on my face.“Get into those, and get out of my room.” He ordered, looking at me so weirdly like he wasn’t just all over me a few seconds ago.“Can I have my phone now?” I asked.“Didn’t you hear me? Or have you suddenly gone deaf?” He snapped at me, growling.Just as I saw his red eyes, I quickly put on my clothes and dashed out of the room.“Get out!” he roared.Slamming the door shut, I ran into Sandra who pushed me away, causing me to hit my head against the wall which was close by.I could hear the maids giggling, and just when I seethed, they scurried off quickly.I slammed my hand on the floor in anger, picking up my underwear, and for the first time, I looked Sandra in the eyes.“What exactly is your problem?” I seethed.“S
Ava's POVJust as he pulled me closer, I felt his beard brush against my neck, as he left some hickey on my neck, while I held the door handle tighter.I felt more tears roll down my cheeks.I know I'm supposed to resist this guy here after I've lost one child to the cold hands of death. But I find myself fighting so hard with this unrealistic emotion that exists between us."Grindley, why are you doing this?" I gasped as I felt his hand trailing my thighs from beneath.What is this? Are we doing this again?! I thought to myself as I quickly yanked his hand off."Leave me alone, please!" I shouted.The more I tried to avoid him, the wetter I felt.I mean, the heat, and the tension in this room--the aura he exhibits, they are just too much for me to say no to.If only I can avoid the air this monster breathes in.I knew I was stuck with Alpha Grindley, and he would stop at nothing tonight other than to penetrate me. I can see it in his eyes.And the worst part was, there was no way I wa
Ava's POVJust as I watched this creature who was backing me, turning himself to face me gradually, a hand reached out from behind, and I woke up to reality.My breath became unstable, and my heartbeat raced faster.I was back to reality.Back to the whole pain, I thought I had left behind. I'm back to the Mooner's pack where all my troubles had began.And as tears rolled down my cheeks, I tried to reach out to Avanti, the lady that had helped me, but I finally came back to my senses."It was all a dream, Ava," I spoke silently to myself.I was mad at myself. I felt so angry. “Neva, we were close to seeing him,” I burst into tears.Wiping my tears as I tried to comfort myself.Maybe it’s time to go back home. This is useless anyway. Maybe I was doing too much. I couldn’t help but recall Aunt Janet’s voice in my head."You know Ava, I want you to have a good life. Marry a good man, and set aside any grudges you hold against your parent’s mysterious murderer.” “But Aunt, I can’t just f
Grindley’s POVNo sooner had I laid Ava on the bed than I noticed some strange voices from unusual quarters.My senses heightened, and my ears became sharper, causing me to leave Ava with the doctor who was attending to her.“I will be back. Nothing must happen to her, because if she dies, you will pay with your blood,” I threatened solemnly.“Yes, Alpha,” just as he bowed towards me, I reluctantly left Ava and started trailing the sound I kept hearing.Just as I got to one of the guest rooms which was a bit far from my main room, since I had lots of visitors.The scene happening right in front of me had left me dumbstruck.“When did they start this?” I questioned myself.I have always known it. Elara wasn't going to change, and now she has the guts to do this with my beta?I felt disgusted and angry. I can't believe Elara was still a whore even up till now.I thought she had changed.Flashback“Pack your things, Elara. I don't want to see you in this pack again.” I had sent Elara away