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 FORTY-SIXZEPHYR'S POV I raced up the stairway, as fast as I could. The medicines Oscala sent for were surprisingly harder to find than I thought. He was waiting for me when I made it to that top room.“Almost no one had this on sale.” I held up the drugs for him to see.“Nevermind those, we don't need them anymore.”I raised both brows in astonishment. “You are joking right? I had to run half way across town…”.Oscala had already left. I heaved, placing the bag on a table and following him. He led me back to the room Taylor was in. Her eyes were closed but she was twitching.“Whats wrong with her?”“She is in pain.” He said, casually.“Why?!” “Two reasons; one, you didn't think there was need to tell me that Taylor has been exposed to dark magic. The residue is still in her blood. Its rejecting my magic.”While he spoke, he fummled with a device, using it to raise Taylor's lips so I can see her fangs.“What's the second reason?” He stopped for a second, a puzzled look on h
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVETAYLOR’S POVI leaned back on the kitchen sink, a pot of spaghetti boiling away on the gas cooker. I was staring at it but my mind had drifted off to last night. I grinned, unconsciously. Zephyr looked like a kid begging to be laid. Standing by my door, with his robe sagging off his chiseled body. He was a hunk, no doubt. His body riled me up each time. I wanted to touch him the instant I opened the door but I wanted him to beg. That's what my mission was, anyways. I let out a sharp exhale. Oh, how much I loved to look at him on his knees, swearing heaven and earth just so I could touch him. I felt a tingling feeling on my palms. It reminded me of the feel of his skin when I massage his dick. When I get so naughty. I couldn't stop wanting to touch it again. It was exciting. He let him rub against me, was exhilarating. I rolled my eyes and went over to the food, stirring it. I sighed. I never thought that one day I would be considering letting Zephyr bang me. I li
CHAPTER FORTY-FOURERETRIA’S POVSitting across from the second most feared wolf in the entire realm, was surprisingly, nothing special. He was an old geezer with a stiff smile and a crooked look. He didn’t even show that he was entertaining a guest and not a war criminal. I tried to keep the mood light none the lss, for my protection though. He was drawing too much attention.“Why did you ask me to come here? I am a very busy Man.”I raised a brow. “With what exactly? Listen, you came here because you know that if I need something and I’m asking you instead of Kaden, it means I have a lot to offer. Stop playing that innocent game, it’s disgusting.”He cleared his throat and looked away. I grinned, my fangs revealed. I might not so much dislike this meeting after all. “:Let’s cut to the chase. Do you still have excess to Ghosts?”His gaze darted to me sharply. Astonishment riddled his features. “How did you get to know about that? Every wolf swore an oath of secrecy to keep them hid
CHAPTER FORTY-THREEALPHA KADEN'S POVI was gone before Zephyr woke up. I chose the carriage and instructed the driver to use the old roads. I didn't need to draw any attention to myself especially since I would be crossing into another pack uninvited.The ride was going to take a while. Roughly three hours if we made no stops which was impossible so, I lay back, crossed my legs, folded my arms over my chest and closed my eyes. In the somewhat silence of the empty road, my mind drifted to the last night I saw her.FLASHBACK A WEEK BEFORE ZEPHYR'S WEDDING I threw the large windows open so she could see the stars then I joined her on the sheets spread out on the floor. She was in bath robes like me, A complimentary gift of the hotel. She snuggled next to me and placed her head on my shoulder.“This is so beautiful and so close, almost like I can touch it.”“I'm glad you love it.”She looked up, at me. “I don't love it. I love you.”I smiled. “Nice one.” She giggled, grinning and feeli
CHAPTER FORTY-TWOALPHA KADEN’S POVI sat comfortably on the navy blue couch on the terrace, legs crossed and sipping homemade hot coffee. I rubbed my temples after each sip, trying to make out why Zephyr would drag me out of my sleep to sit with him at 2am in the morning.“You know, this is one of the sure fire signs of a broken marriage.” “What the fuck is that?” I looked at him, a brow raised. “Are you kidding me son. It's still dark-” I gestured to the moon. “but you here… with me.”He had a blank expression, just staring at me like I wasn't talking. I sighed. Another bad trait he inherited from his mother.“Why are you here so early in the morning?” “I need your advice. I'm losing my manhood to Taylor.”I glanced at him from the corner of my eyes and then chuckled, mockingly. “To be honest, I'm surprised it took her this long.” “You are not helping.”“Ha, that's what you get for waking me up so early in the morning.”“This is serious, Dad.” He said, his tone held no hint of
CHAPTER FORTY-ONEZEPHYR'S POVI watched her until she disappeared in the hallway leading up to her bedroom. I scoffed, going over to pour myself a drink of water. If only Taylor knew how hopeless her efforts were.That night she had me sitting in the dark, wondering where she had been, made me realize I was losing myself. I have power. Taylor quivered at the mention of my name but now she was talking back and fluttering around with her new found wings. An alpha that cannot control his woman, where has that ever been heard of? This mate bond and Zino’s petty feelings were making me a weak wolf. That night I built the stamina to overcome it. She can play any kind of game she wants, it won't get to me. I sat on the stool before the counter and poured myself some cold water. I swirled liquid around in the drinking glass, staring at the water whooshing. Unconsciously my mind flashed back to Taylor standing on those stairs. She was barely footed like she stepped out of a beach. The light
CHAPTER FORTYTAYLOR'S POVWhen I was younger, I used to sneak out some 18+ rated romance from the library. The writers from the pack's writing society had a lot of those made. One thing I will never forget about the stories was that the female lead always described the male lead’s lips as coated in Honey. I never believed that until Oscala’s mouth pressed against mine.There was almost melted butter softness about it. He was tender, like my lips were glass and he didn't want to dent it. The force he applied on the back of my head so he could hold my lips in place, was careful and gentle. I held my breath, my heart thumping faster and faster.He heard the sound of him inhaling and then he exhaled. It felt like frozen air bursting out on my burning gums. I groaned a little when I felt a piercing pain. ‘It’s just your fangs growing.’ I heard him say. His voice was in my head. ‘Bare with me. Just one more blow and I will stop.’ He took another blow at it and then, his lips left mine.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINETAYLOR'S POV I had a plan. I spent all night hatching it. By morning I had perfected it. But before I could get it to work; a guest came to see us. A face I had become familiar with. I opened the door for him. “Good morning Oscala.”“Morning to you too.” He said. His voice was subtle, deep and seemed as though he spoke absentmindedly. He searched my face with his eyes and then he sighed. “May I come in?” “Yes. Please do.” I stepped aside. He strode past, slowly brushing me while he walked.“I suggest you wear a perfume that smells like lilies. It will help a lot.” He whispered.I turned around sharply but he was already seated on the couch. I couldn't ask him what he meant. “You are early.” Zephyr’s voice echoed through the hollow house. It gave me the chills. I carefully found myself a place to stay. A place which was too cramped for Zephyr to even be near. He noticed it immediately when he entered the room. He found himself another position.“I have to return
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT TAYLOR'S POV I drew in a breath and braced myself. It was obvious, I had fucked up. Well on the bright side if I was going to die tonight, I would die beautiful.“Where have you been?” he finally spoke. I smiled hoping he could see the sweet look on my face and spare me though I doubted that because the lights were out and only the glow of the moon gave the room some sort of illumination.“Shopping… with Daisy.”“Do you know what time it is?”“Late. Its late.”He eyed me. His gaze shone in the dark. The couch creeked as he rose. “Do you think this is funny, Taylor? I’m here waiting for you and you are out there doing what you like.”I frowned. I just told him I went shopping. How is that _being out there doing what I like_?“I just went shopping. Bought stuff, got a spa treatment and…” I paused for a second, looking down at my hands. Something was missing… Shopping bags. I slapped my forehead, grumbling “Apparently I forgot what I bought. Great.” I put my hand