CHAPTER 1
TAYLOR'S POV …Run Taylor. Run… I rammed my face into a signpost. Pain coursed through me, whistling sounds ringing in my ear. I stumbled back a little, finding balance. I could hear my wolf yelling in my aching head. ‘Taylor, you gotta keep going. He is catching up. Run!’ I opened my eyes. I was hurt a lot but I forced my limbs forward, propelling myself into the road again. I could hear the horn of his car, the scream of his friends. They were gaining in on me. With each second, my heart beat faster. Tears burned my eyes and fear curled around my lungs, squeezing the air out of me. I am such a fool. What was I thinking? Challenging the Alpha’s son. That bully. The moment my shoe hit him, I knew… I had fucked up big time. Now he and his betas were after me and with the bloodthirst I saw in their eyes, I knew that they would beat me to death. I jumped into a puddle, the dirty black water baptizing me and wetting my feet. I didn't stop running. I couldn't. I was so scared. I was approaching a sharp bend now. If I could make that corner then I would lose him in the crowd on the next street. I might actually survive this. The thought brought fire into my bones. I tore through the air, forcing every muscle in my body to move faster. I was just five steps away… four… three… two… Something hit me. The impact shattered the left side of my head, I flung sideways, slamming into a row of trash cans. Shock stole my voice and so I couldn't even scream. The whole world was spinning. My head was in excruciating pain and buzzing sounds rang in my ear. My vision blurred but I didn't need to see to know he had caught up with me. I heard them laughing and then their feet landed hard on the pavement as they jumped down from their car. I crawled, my nails digging into the cement floors. They bled. I couldn't get away now, I knew it but I still had to try. I felt a presence loom over me and then a hand grabbed me, yanking my body off the floor like a ragged doll. He forced me on my feet, I wobbled, unable to stand. Then I felt his hand grip my throat, pinning me to the wall. I couldn't pry his hands away. My body was shaking as I felt oxygen leave me. “Come on, Taylor.” He said, his lips so close to my ear I could feel his breath. It made my skin crawl. “Beg for your life like the worthless omega you are.” I struggled to break free. I was at his mercy but I, Taylor, was not going to beg. “I… I…” “Come on, spit it out.” He hung a smug look on his face. “I…. beg you to please… fuck yourself, mateless idiot.” The smile vanished. A dark frown settled in. I could see anger lit up in his eyes. “You are so dead, Taylor.” He squeezed, I gasped. His hands were so tight I couldn't claw them open. I was completely out of breath, light fading in my eyes. At this rate, I’m going to die. “Hey, Zephyr. Let that girl go!” An unfamiliar voice broke into my subconscious. It was like a fleeting epiphany I had never felt before. The voice sounded elderly but firm. The instant he spoke, Zephyr let go. My body crumbled to the ground. I didn't gasp, I didn't cough, I lost consciousness immediately When I woke up, I was on my way home in an old golf, muted color. The driver introduced himself as a shopkeeper. He saved my life from Zephyr, the Alpha's son. To be honest, it was unbelievable. It has been more than five years since his bullying began but this was the first time someone saved me. I limped into the house after he dropped me off. I had a broken neck, blisters on my feet. A terrible headache, a bashed skull and zero tolerance for any living being. I just wanted to go upstairs and cry. Immediately I stepped into the house, Dad was the first to spot me. His face lit up with bewilderment. “What the hell happened to you?” He tried to come close. I flinched back immediately. “It's nothing, Dad.” I muttered my voice barely audible. “Nothing?! You look like rouges had you for dinner.” “I'm fine, dad.” I tried not to raise my voice. I wasn't in the mood for all this. Why does he never notice that? Yeah, I understand he was worried but now just wasn't the time of his pity talk. “Look Dad. I am… It's all good, Okay. Whatever this is will end tomorrow when I turn 18 and find my mate.” I glanced at him. There was a pained look in his eyes the instant I said that. “I am your father.” His voice was firm but loud. “I will protect you not some mate! Now, Taylor … what on earth happened to you?” “Dad, can you just quit it? I am fine. Give it a rest will you.” He got angry and tried to grab me. I snapped. “Don't touch me.” I ran for the stairs. “Stay away from me!” The last thing everyone heard was my door slam before an uneasy silence fell. I slid into my bed sheets, ignoring the pain all over me. I cried into my pillow. Cursing Zephyr and his gang and every freaking person that raised him. All this was about to end. Tomorrow I would meet my mate and I swear over the grave of my dead parents, I was going to make sure he wished he was dead. Carly Ann’s song broke into my dark reverie. My phone was ringing in my pants pocket. I really didn't want to talk to anyone but when I looked at the caller and the ID and it read, My Best Friend Delaney, all that reluctance jumped right out the window. “Hello Delaney.” “Hey girl. Have you picked?” I quirked a brow. “Oh, no.” She gasped in shock. “You forgot borfire night.” I rolled my eyes. ‘Oh that.’ “Listen girl, you will attend, even if I have to drag you with me.” “Delaney-” My voice was weak. I really wished we weren't talking about this. My eyes fell on the several cuts on my leg. They were healing painfully. “Look Taylor.” Her excited voice faded and she reverted to her sweet, gentle tone that I loved so much. “Something happened. I’m your best friend, I can tell and we will talk about it but not in that cramped room of yours. Chatting under the stars, beside a blazing fire and hot romantic seniors, is a comfort you will not miss.” I shut my eyes for a moment, sucking in a breath then I exhaled shakily. Delaney had a way of convincing people. It worked all the time. “I will be there.” She cut the line. I shut my eyes. Who knew that a few hours from now, I would wish I never listened to Delaney. I never had that house.CHAPTER 2TAYLOR'S POVAlthough I said yes, my heart was plagued with second-guesses all day long. And even when I had finally made it there, I still thought of turning around but Delaney’s perfect timing saved the day.“For a second, I actually thought you wouldn't make it.” She said, enveloping me into a warm hug.“I had to or you would have killed me.”She patted my back gently. “You better not forget that.”I chuckled, finding it funny although there was something about her tone that made me feel like it wasn't supposed to be a joke.Delaney led me to a nice spot beside the big fire made of tons of giant logs. We sat alone. I glanced around. There was no one close to us. Everyone was standing in one corner or the other chewing at their partner's lips.She was right about the privacy and the icky romance too.“Here.” Delaney held a cup of beer to me, smiling childishly.“No. I pass.”She frowned. “Do you think I didn't notice? You walk with a limp. Zephyr bullied you again, didn't
CHAPTER 3 TAYLOR’S POV I opened my eyes slowly. I felt numb and my eyelids weighed like they would shut again. I tried to move but then someone pulled me closer, pressed me tenderly on their body. Like I was an egg and they feared I would break. My eyes searched for his face. To find who has such a gentle touch. It felt so unreal and for a second, I thought the moon goddess had finally come to take me.But then, my gaze fell on a set of blue eyes, staring back at me with a pained expression and a hint of concern. This face was familiar. I felt my skin crawl instantly. My gut twisted and fear jilted me right out of my fathom. I struggled immediately, wiggling with difficulty. He tried to hold me, to calm me down but I was adamant. I didn't want to be in the arms of Zephyr.“Let go! Let me go!”I tried to yell. A desperate need to flee written all over my face. He must have seen it. He must have felt my fear because instantly, he let me fumble out of his arms.I found my footing imm
CHAPTER 4 TAYLOR’S POV_TWO DAYS LATER _I looked out my window, onto the quiet streets below. The window blew through my hair, a slight chill in the air. It rained last night, that's why. Unconsciously, my mind drifted back to that night. The wounds were gone but the scars never left. Everytime I stood in front of the vanity, they reminded me of my sick faith. Like the goddess had taken care to make mine especially miserable.First my best friend betrayed me, then I got mated to the one person I hate with every bone in my body, my dad finds out about my bullying and then a mysterious someone tells the whole pack I am mated to the alpha’s son, now I am officially a town clown.Could things get any worse. I let out a sharp exhale, throwing my hands on the window pane. Loose strands of hair covering my face. I took a peek inside the room to find my brush, that's when I heard itThe honking of cars as their engines made those vroom sounds while they drove down the road. I nearly threw
CHAPTER 5TAYLOR'S POV“With all due respect Alpha. I don't want this. Your son is a mateless idiot who spends all day bullying people. I don't want to be mated to an asshole like him. You all should get it out of your dumb heads.”The Alpha raised a brow,a grin tugging on his lips. I may be mistaken but he seemed charmed by my audacity.“How dare you talk to the Alpha like that!” Zephyr yelled at me.“Zip it tiny dick.”Gasps erupted in the crowd. Zephyr visibly turned red with Anger.“You know what, do you bloody think I want to be mated with you.” My lips pursed into an ‘Oh’, feigning shock in the most mocking way possible.“You were eager to jump into my pants that what I know.” I pointed at the hickey on my neck.He frowned.“Look who is talking. You were practical begging for it. Moaning like some whore.”“Well at least I am not the puny alpha who can't get it up even when he is rubbing his bulge against a girl's cunt.”He growled at me immediately, his voice shaking the room
CHAPTER SIX TAYLOR’S POV“Alpha please there has to be another way.” My voice pitched a little higher then it should. The Alpha raised a brow, giving me a cautioning gaze. I bit down on my lip, shutting myself up immediately.The Alpha rose slowly, his towering figure looking down at us. At me. “If you really think the godess is mistaken you have to prove it to her. If you have a better option, you can say.”Zephyr got off the bed, walking over to the window and ignoring us like this whole shit wasn't so bad anymore. It made my gut twist and my anger boil.“Maybe if I kill him then she will understand.” I muttered underneath my breath, making sure no one heard me. The Alpha pouted a little. There was a hint of pity in his eyes but I didn't want to look as it. Once again I was being placed at the mercy of this asshole and no one cares to help as usual.I heard the sound of the bedsheets rustle. I looked up, the Alpha had pressed a hand down on the bed and leaned in slowly. He whispere
CHAPTER SEVENTAYLOR’S POVHonestly, with the way my engagement with Zephyr was made and the past we shared. You would expect everyone to be fuming and making plans on how to beat him up on my behalf. But the exact opposite was happening.I shut my eyes for a moment, sucked in a breath and exhaled. I looked down aslt the guest list again. Father had invited everyone, literally. Mother was on the phone all morning bragging about it and my friends, the few I had left, were flaunting my engagement like it was their own. I was about to marry the devil himself and everyone seemed to think this is reason to be happy.I threw the invitation list on the couch and grumbled my way to the kitchen. I held onto a mug of coffee and stared down on it with lazy eyes.Then a thought hit me. A smug look colored my features as I leaned on the kitchen slab. ‘I wonder how Zephyr is doing?’ I giggled. He was probably pulling his pants down and having the pack doctor examine his big dick. I could almost se
CHAPTER EIGHTTAYLOR’S POV The palor was full, guests buzzing like flies from corner to corner. Cocking win bottles and making merry. The host, which is I, stood somewhere across from them all, like the ghost of the occasion. An overly adorned ghost. My eyes darting from entrance to entrance. I wasn't going to let Daisy and her guest take me unaware. I took a few deep breaths and sipped my cocktail in my glass. For a moment, mother's laugh distracted me. The whole crowd seemed joyful. Talking about me and the wedding like something magnificent was about to happen. It made me want to cringe. Zephyr is a control freak, arrogant, impulsive and a Bully. Everyone knew that and yet it seemed like him being the alpha’s son meant all his sins were forgiven. I scoffed, wrinkling my nose. They can play blind all day for all I care. I wanted no part of it. I gulped down what was left of the drink and turned, my mind set on the mission when I spotted her. Green dress over white heels. They co
CHAPTER NINEZEPHYR’S POVSOME HOURS AGO “I swear if I have to pull my pants down one more time, I will kill someone.”A small mocking laughter was heard in the background. I eyed the only fool who could dare to make jest of me right now. Theo, my best friend. “Don't look at me like that.” He said, his gaze fixed on the painting he was making. “I do remember telling you to stop messing with that Taylor girl.”“Shut up, Theo.” I growled at him, straightening up on the bed.“Whatever you say, my King.” He mouthed, sarcastically. “Well, it's not like It matters if you take my advice. You are still gonna get your ass whooped again, or dick whooped.”He burst into a crackle. Filling the room with his voice. I gritted my teeth. His anger made my blood boil.“If I come over there, I will break your neck.” I snapped at him, getting off the bed difficulty. Gosh, the pain stung like a bee sting. I could barely move my legs right. I knew Taylor was wack but not insane. I mean who digs their n
CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHTTAYLOR'S POV I took a little step closer so I could hear them clearer. Zephyr seemed to have moved away a little because his voice was faint. That however, did not stop me from hearing the last thing he said.“It's… it's about the bond. I'm fighting to keep calm and I'm losing.”I breathed, shutting my eyes for a moment. Damn, so he still feels that way. “You want to mate with her.” Alpha Kaden asked him.“No… I mean yes but that is not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the one year rule. Everytime I touch her and she lets me, I feel like we aren’t doing it because we want to or because we desire each other. I feel like it's just a way we satisfy the need to mate. A way we survive in this relationship till the year ends.”He stopped for a moment. I peeped at him. He was staring at his glass like it was emptiness. Then he sighed. “I sometimes think about us when the year ends. Whenever I do, I can't help but feel a hard ache in my chest and that remind
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVENZEPHYR'S POV “Taylor, can you go upstairs and get some books in the library?” “Okay.” She replied, hurrying off. I walked to Dad and took a seat beside him. He was still beaming.“Can you please close your mouth?” I muttered, massaging my temples in frustration.“I can't. I just can't. Do you know how happy I am to see what I saw?”he asked me in a time that seemed like he was about to break into tearful joy.“We are not…. A thing yet.” I emphasized, shyly. “I don't care. This is amazing as it is. I mean, it's not everyday you get to see real life porn.”I frowned, darting a dark gaze at him. “What?” “Relax boy.” He patted my shoulder heavily. “An old wolf like me needs a little entertainment every now and then.”“I'm pretty sure this old wolf did not come here because he wanted to let her turned on watching his son and his wife.”“Ah, as sad as it may seem, it's true.” He placed his hand back on the table and stared at the wine a little, as if lost in thought
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIXZEPHYR’S POV “Taylor, don't joke about this.” I said, keeping our eyes locked. Whenever she lied, her gaze gave her away. I was looking for that gaze. I couldn't find it.“Come on. Don't tell me you are scared?”I bit back a laugh. “Please.” I took a step, climbing into the shower. I whispered into her ear. “Don't make me gag.”She grinned.I gripped the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head, tossing it to the floor. “Top first huh. Daring.” She mouthed, coquettishly. Biting her lip.“I like to work my way down.” I licked her ear and she purred just the way I liked. She roused me with just that. Excitement ignited inside me. She had worn a strapless bra with those hook and eye closures that I loved. They were so easy to clip open. Taylor rested her body on me, allowing me to unhook the brassier while she turned the shower on. Little drizzles of cold water rolled down my skin and hers. I slipped the brassier off and threw it out of the bathroom. Her warm
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVETAYLOR'S POV I heard a growl outside. A very loud one. It startled me. I slipped out of my room and hurried downstairs to see. I heard Lana screaming immediately I ran out of the house. She was been pursued by an angry half-shifted Zephyr. Well more like he was walking towards her while she was running. I had never seen Lana so scared in my entire life. She couldn't even remember to transform. She just flew through the bridge and into the woods, most likely heading towards her car. I held my breath, trying not to laugh but I just couldn't. I was tempted to go back inside and grab my phone. I had to take a pic of this. But I gave up on the idea, choosing to just continue laughing instead. It serves her right. No one messes with Taylor.I turned around and went back inside. Zino deserves a reward for doing what that punk Zephyr couldn't. I took the food out and warmed it up. By the time Zephyr had returned, I was serving.He was still in his underwear. He looked
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOURZEPHYR'S POVThe night turned out terrible and the morning wasn't any better. I had a throbbing head ache and I odd craving for Lana. To be honest, I couldn't explain why I began to want her so badly after I woke up in her arms that day.Everything Taylor said last night, got me feeling bad but my head was full of Lana and I couldn't think. I was beginning to hate it because I felt like she controlled me and that wasn't possible. If anyone controls anything, it's me.I heaved, sitting up in bed, the sheets slipping down my abs and clustering inbettwen my legs. I thought about just staying in bed for the rest to the day. There wasn't much in the palace Theodore couldn't handle but something changed my mind. A smell to be precise. I wraft right into the room and with so much audacity, pulled me right out of bed. I followed the scent like a dog. Stomping down the stairs in bid to find where it was coming from. At last I ended up in the kitchen. The sight that graced
CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREETAYLOR’S POVI had not seen Zephyr this upset in a while. I leaned on the railing like a doll, watching her next move. She looked up to me and the n her countenance turned into a very sad one.“Taylor, are you just going to stand there? Tell him you gave this to me?”My smirk disappeared immediately. Zephyr looks at me. I boned, making sure he didn’t see anything in my features that would compel suspicion. “Oh seriously Lana, come on how do you expect him to believe that? Last time I checked you are the chick lurking around the house with him. When did I have the time to give it to you when I’m stuffed in my room? If you are going to lie, tell a good one.” I hissed. Zephyr turned to him bitch for an explanation. At this point, I expected her to break act but she kept her head high and remained adamant.“Taylor, i know you are not okay with our love but trying to frame me is petty. I just came here. How am i supposed to find the place this book comes from?”I ro
CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREETAYLOR'S POV After hearing the story I just couldn't help but feel really happy for them. Unlike me and Zephyr, they were having a lovely time together and I could see it in the way she looked at him while she told their tale. I offered to take the couch for the night. They refused of course but I didn't care that they did. Obviously Theodore did not sneak up to her house dressed the way he did and wearing the perfume he was, just for fun. I wouldn't get it the way of whatever they had planned.A few hours later, I regretted that. I had to plug my ears and listen to music all night but even with the bass blazing high I could still hear faint sounds of Daisy moaning and the bed rocking hard. Lucky them.I left before the day broke. Lana would definitely want to be in that house as early as ever and so I had best her to it. It was bright and shining when I returned. I had a key so I let myself in. I went upstairs immediately, strolling quietly down to the study.
CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO DAISY’S POV I turned to Taylor, who was seated back on my couch, Theodore hanging by the door like his mother caught him stealing meat. I cleared my throat and started my explanation.“I’m mated to Theodore. I found out a while after you and Zephyr got married. But I didn't want It. I went to see Oscala and I throwes Tantrums. Lucky for me I wasn't as important as you so I was told I could get a second chance mate but when was uncertain. So long as I didn't nate with Theodore I would be fine. He found out about it too and I told him straight up that I didn't want him. It was all mixed feelings and awkward silences after that. Until one night.”Taylor raised a brow. “Night?”“Just listen.” (FLASHBACK TO THE NIGHT AFTER TAYLOR CAME TO SLEEP OVER AT HER PLACE BECAUSE OF THE INCIDENT IN THE CAR WITH ZEPHYR)I knocked at his door and then folded my arms akimbo. My silver purse hanging off a chain on my shoulder. I had chosen a black over white net socks. Perfect bat
CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE TAYLOR’S POV “What have you got for me?” I pressed my ass on the couch in her parlor, crossing my legs.“A boat load of stuff. Wait for me.” she exited the room.and returned a moment later with a big suitcase. I helped her place it on the glass table at the center of the parlor and she unzipped it. “This is my mother's special works of art. Father once had a mistress that mother could not get ride of, at first. She was his faithed mate but mother was father’s chosen mate. So mother spent days inventing these. She went from keep he away to chasing her off completely.”She graced the objects in the suitcase gently almost like she was caressing it. She seemed rather proud of them.“You need the chaser I believe which means you will have to use some of these.” She pulled out many things. Lingeries, Ropes, sprays, even concoctions. When my eyes inspected all of it, I knew I had to cut her short.“Hold on a sec. All this stuff is for sex.”“Yeah of course it is. You h