.ELRISTEYA.I kissed Alec. I kissed Alec. I kissed Alec. I kissed my brother’s best friend. It kept chanting in my head. I still could not believe it. The way he led me to his car and drove me back home. I did not even know what to say to him when I got down from his car. I just scurried even when I knew he had his eyes on me. I slammed the door shut, hoping it was not real but when the weight came mightily on me and I could still taste him on my lips.Gosh! Even the words he spoke. “Elris?” My mother’s voice broke through and I blinked at her.“What Is it?” I asked, picking up my fork.“A little birdie here told us that you went on a date with a guy...” She trailed off. I fought back the urge to roll my eyes. Joe fucking Larsen can't keep a damn secret.I slid a glare across to him and he lifted his shoulder nonchalantly. “They forced it out of me.” He muttered.My parents had come back late but earlier than I had. From my date.“Yes.” I chewed on the beef, trying to make sure it
.ELRISTEYA.I could not get to tell Les about my date with Kayden because as soon as I wanted to start, the bell rang and we had to hurry to class.She still sent me brief accusatory glances that made me quite uncomfortable during the class but nevertheless, I was glad when the bell rang and we were told to dismiss.I could feel Lestiana’s breath on me from behind. I slowly turned my head towards her and questioned her without words. She glared in return and we continue the non-verbal drama.I stopped it by looking away and scoffing. “Okay, okay. I will tell you. Let's go to the cafe.” I told her, giving up the drama contest.We packed our books and headed outside. Stopped by the lockers to drop them off and we went for lunch in the cafe.She did not even wait for me to settle and began to bombard me with questions. “Start telling me everything.”I quirked a brow. “Okay.”I began to narrate how everything went but paused when it came to the part about Alec’s saving me. “Wow, that was
.JOE.I slowly glanced up, trying not to look like I was watching her. Lestiana sat just right before the counter where I was working. She seemed to have changed her uniform and it got me thinking about why she was here late in the evening like this. It looked like she wanted to have a lone time and she did not know that I was working there.I felt a nudge on my shoulder and I turned to see Maria offering a smile at me. I was confused because I did not know why she was smiling. She seemed to have read the questions on my face because she nodded toward Lestiana who was looking around, probably wondering why we were yet to bring her order.“Go and serve her order.” She pushed me forward. I shook my head and grimaced.“She would ignore me,” I whispered.Her brows twitched. “That is why you should serve her yourself. I am tired of hearing you groan about her. Speak to her.” She said.I carried the tray of her order and walked out. The walk toward her felt like a hundred thousand miles jou
.ELRISTEYA.It was raining quite heavily. My eyes were glued to the raindrops that slid down the glass, washing away the dirt.I jerked when I heard a knock on my window. I rose up to my feet and saw Alec waving. Blinking twice, he gestured that I opened the window, and I did. He jumped in and to my surprise, he made no sound as he dropped to the ground like he had been doing it for years now.He paused at the point and I could see his eyes perusing my body from my toe to my head. His throat bobbed as he blinked.I shook my head and closed the window back. “What are you doing here? It is dark and raining. My mother could come in anytime from now.” I whispered-yelled.What he did next made my eyes go wide. He shrugged. Like He shrugged? Nonchalantly. He did not care?“Don't worry, your parents are asleep, and Joe... Leave him.” He said, slumping down on my bed. It was then I realized that he was not wet.He grabbed himself and blew out some breath. “Your room is really warm unlike mine.
.ELRISTEYA.Lestiana stood there, her eyes hardened into a glare. Hurt flashed through her eyes as she watched us. Alec rolled his eyes and stepped closer to me, his hand snaking around my waist. I held it in place as I stared at Lestiana like a child that had committed some sort of sin. Worry and guilt washed over me.“L-Lestiana-” I stuttered. She hissed and walked away. I turned to Alec. “We will talk later,” I told him, adding a small sad smile before walking away.I knew he would understand where I was coming from.I ran out and searched around for Lestiana but the bell rang, meaning that we should all return to class. Hurt and disappointment flashed through my heart as I thought about it. I walked to the class and saw that she had already settled into her seat but she had gone two seats backward. I tried to make her look at me but she did not.“Miss Elris, please have your seat.” The teacher said and I realized that I was the only one standing in the class. I trudged towards my
.ALEC.I could not stop staring at Elris. She looked so beautiful in that red gown that I wanted to do was lift that bare leg of hers and finger myself into her inner thighs but I have to tamp down that urge.We were yet to talk about things and even though I have been subtly telling her, I knew she was the type that would not like things to be rushed so I was waiting for her.If only she knew how true the words I told from the day I had decided to give him into the want and urge to have her. Hunter was finally at peace with me but I could still feel his apprehension.I knew. It was one thing to declare my love for her and it was another thing to tell her the truth about me.That would be very hard to do but I knew that she would take it really well but for now, let me enjoy my date with my mate.My heart swelled with pride at the title I had used for her. I stared into her eyes which carried every bit of the emotion she felt for me and I hoped that I mirrored them also.We pulled apa
.JOE.Raw anger boiled in my veins as I stared at Alec. How could he? How dare he?I warned him off her. I told him that she was off-limits but he went ahead... I had followed them since I got home. Actually, I came home earlier than usual and saw Elris stepping out like the princess that she was not then my best friend looking at her like she was everything that mattered to him. I secretly followed them, only to see he was taking my sister out for a date.Traitor!Instantly, I pulled him by the collar and dragged him outside, people around eyed us with confusion. He did not even fight against me.“Joe, please don't hurt him,” Elris begged but all I saw was red and there was nothing to think about again. I want to break his nose and hit in ways he won’t be able to use his brain.“How dare you, Alec?” I snapped.He said nothing as he watched me. That was one thing about him. He won’t speak.“Alec, you-”“See Joe, you can hit me all you want. Call me all sorts of names but please, don't
.ELRISTEYA.I smiled at Alec as I stepped out of his car. He waited till I entered the house before he drove into his compound, the sound of his car parking echoing in my ears. I could not help the blush that coated my cheeks and the lip-splitting smile that spread on my face as I entered.My heart was heavy with joy and gladness. The joy that I couldn't decipher or even explain. It was as if I just wanted to be happy for no reason. It felt like I just found that missing part of me. I did not know but I just did.“Princess,” My father’s voice called and I instantly lifted my gaze to meet my parents who were looking at me with surprise.“You have been going on dates these days. Huh, is it because you began to dress more properly?” He mused, trying to sound a bit protective by failing horribly.I rolled my eyes as I walked towards them. “I have always been dressing properly, Dad,” I said again, settling into the chair. A snort sounded behind me and I turned to see Joe giving me a ridicu
Everyone was shocked. Who had called for a party in the pack?People began to troop in one by one. Hadn't the recent crowning been done here? They got themselves busy with free drinks and food. Never has it been in history that parties as lavish as this one have been held back to back. The pack members were well aware of just how managing the Alpha and Luna had been. Their fist was so tight. Alec’s parents walked down the stairs, confusion etched on their faces. Maria walked alongside them, baffled as well. No one had the power to do it except the Alpha and Luna, the crowned Luna, who cannot be the one behind this because she was in prison, and the acting Alpha… who in this case is fighting for his life in the hospital.“What is happening?” Alec’s mother turned to her husband as she gave him a questioning look. The man shrugged. “I’m not aware of anything.”They both turned to Maria but as they saw the expression on her face, they did not bother to ask her because the answer was etc
.ELRISTEYA.I did not know how I reached my father’s house. All I could remember was Alec yelling after me and entering a cab then rushing into the house.I headed straight into my mother’s room, my heart beating erratically in my chest. I ignored the feeling of lifelessness that surrounded the house as I marched up the stairs. Pushing open the door, I glanced around the room and searched for my mother. I did not see any sign of her. I went down to the kitchen and yet she was not there. I searched Joe’s room before going into mine and then coming out, she was not in any of them.Where was my mother? Fear crept into my heart at the possible thought of what might have happened to her twinkled in my head. At this point, I was no longer afraid of the news of death. In fact, I was starting to brace myself.“Mom!” I called out and went back into her room. My eyes swerved to the bathroom and I instantly rushed over and opened the door.There she lay in the bathing tub, looking so numb. I ran
.ELRISTEYA.Every head turned to me, gasps ringing out from one corner to the other in waves. I looked forward at Alec and especially fixated my gaze on Maria who did not seem only shocked that I was there but also dumbfounded. I noticed her fake lashes flutter slightly. People began to pave the way for me as I walked towards them. I avoided looking at Alec because I did not want to know the kind of expression that would be on his face. Reaching the podium, I stopped and met his mother’s angry stare.“Why would you willingly accept what is not yours, Mariander?” I asked, dragging my gaze away from his mother and perching it on her. She blinked, her mouth opening to speak but before she could, I cut in. “This crown is mine, considering I am mated to Alec, and since he is the Alpha then I should be the Luna. Isn't that right, Alec?” I asked, glancing at him and he blinked twice before nodding in agreement.I faced his mother and inclined my head to the side, giving her an expectant look
.ALEC.I stared at the well-ironed tuxedo that was hung before me and I could not help the feeling of dread that filled my stomach. I was standing before the mirror with a towel wrapped around my waist. My father had refused that I leave the pack till I was installed as the acting Alpha and Mariander, the crowned Luna. Anger and pure fury clashed against each other in my heart and pumped into my veins.The urge the punch the mirror heightened. I stepped away instead and swiped everything on my desk away, the glasses clattering on the ground, making a noise. My chest heaved with heavy breaths as I stared at the shattered glasses. Someone rushed in and a scream rang out. I looked up to see my mother glaring daggers at me and I scoffed, turning away from her.“What is it?” I bit out, trailing the tuxedo with my fingers.“You should have gotten ready. The guests are arriving and you should be the one welcoming them and not your father.” She hissed. I caught the sight of her hands on her w
.ALEC.As I gently lay Elris on the bed, my phone beeped and I knew who it was but I did not bother to pick it. I did not want to, at least not at this point. I was needed here. I watched Elris for a few seconds, waiting to see if she would wake or not. When she did not, I walked out of her room, closing the door gently to prevent her from waking up.I walked down the stairs, her mother’s chatter filled the air. Joe had walked out of the ward, leaving Elris and his mother. I was worried about him but with Alerix with him, I knew she would not let him hurt himself so I was a little bit relaxed.I went to meet his mother who kept talking to her. The death of her husband affected her to the extent that her head was now upside down. All she needs is just a deep sleep and she would be normal again, feeling the agony of her losing him.She looked at me and rose to her feet. “Please, take care of my children.” She said and my eyes narrowed at her. I did not understand what she meant by that
.ELRISTEYA.I jolted out of the haze I was in and scrambled down the bed. With wide eyes, I stared at Alerix who was soaked in sweat and my heart dropped to my stomach at the fear of what she had just said. I ignored the itching on my neck.Joe was in an accident?“Where is he?” I asked, glancing around for the pair of my sandals and I found them at the corner. “He is admitted to the hospital. He is currently unconscious.” She said breathlessly. I wanted to ask her how she knew about it but I knew it was not the time to ask that so I rushed outside. Dad and Mom must not know that their son was involved in an accident. Alec got into the driver’s seat as I did also to the passenger’s seat. Alerix settled into the back seat, and without asking if we were ready or not, he ignited the car’s engine and hit the road.A few minutes later, we stopped before a hospital building and rushed down. We headed inside and Alec took the initiative to ask the nurses at the desk where he was being admit
.ALEC.Alerix was yet to come back and Joe’s phone was unreachable. I paced to and fro as several thoughts lingered in my mind. She had hurried out of the house and I could not even ask her what was wrong. She also left her phone at home.Gosh, I was so worried about her.“Lestiana has left the city already, Alec,” Elristeya said, staring down at her fidgety fingers. No wonder she has been quiet since morning. I did not know how to console her. This was how it was going to end, I already knew since the beginning. I let out a sigh and sat close to her. “We were not even able to talk out our differences yet.” She added.I pursed my lips, contemplating the next words I was going to say. “Little Moon,” I drew her closer to her and she placed her head on my chest. “Sometimes, some issues should be left undiscussed till you get to a particular stage of maturity where they can be addressed without much arguments and with more understanding.”“But what is the guarantee that I'd meet her again
.LESTIANA.I was finally leaving this city. I watched how my secretary moved around to do the necessary things and what did I do? I stood right on spot, feeling numb from crying through out the night. I remember what my mother had told me she video called me this morning.“Les, make sure you hide those dark eye bags. You know your father don't like seeing them.” She said, not even caring to look at me with concern. I sniffed in and nodded like the princess I was. Like the princess who could not be rebellious. Like the princess who would be told to jump and she would not ask how high it was. Like a princess who hated the title but still has to act according to it.“Yes, mother.” I swallowed hard. I stared at my mother who was quite busy arranging some files and I wanted so much to bear my heart to her. I just wanted to tell how I was feeling and why I did not want to leave this city but before I could say anything, the call got disconnected and there was no even any goodbye. I never go
.ALEC.My stomach coiled with rage as I glared at the sleeping figure on my bed. Fury pumped through my veins in place of the blood and I could not help but seethe. How could she? How could she do that to me? I thought we were already beginning to trust each other and she could tell me everything. My first curled as I tried not to let the rage engulf me but I could not tamp the feeling of distrust. How could she not tell me that?She was keeping a lot to herself and I did not like it one bit. I was even coming off what I was. She knew how strained the relationship between my parents and me was. She knew everything about it and she hid this from me. She let out some inaudible words as she rolled to the other side of the bed. Maybe I should go for a run, I needed that. I needed to clear the fog in my head before I table this matter before her because I knew if I were to do it now, more damage would be done than repair so I turned on my heels and walked outside, the midnight air slashing