Nero POV Waiting at the bottom of the stairs, I felt a sense of worry growing in my chest as Blake walked down, dressed in black jeans and my hoodie which was big for her, yet looked cute on her."Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" I asked as she stood in front of me with a smile that didn't mask the stress in her eyes.Nodding slightly, Blake's hands grasped mine as if she wanted to not leave me, and I desperately waited, hoping that her lips would tell me that because all I wanted was to shield her and not let anyone harm her. As if reading my mind, her hand squeezed mine as she smiled and said, "I will be fine." How was I supposed to trust those words when I took an arrow to my side because they wanted her dead, and yet, I knew to trust her because why I was wounded, she was fine, and that says much more than words ever could.Nodding, I let go of her hands, clapped my palm over her cheeks, leaned towards her face, and tasted her lips, not wanting to be parted fro
Blake POVMy ear was alert as I hit the break on my jeep and turned off the vehicle, listening carefully for a moment before getting out.Hesitant, I just stood there, staring at the mansion, wondering what lays behind these doors for me. The memories of what happened the other day keep replaying in my head, and I couldn't help but feel reluctant because I didn't want to hurt anyone or cause any more problems that will draw attention to me, for Nero's sake.Drawing a deep breath, I walked over to the front door and rang the doorbell. A moment later the door opened and I stepped inside the grand hallway.Immediately, my nose picked up the smell of all the elders, and my gaze darted around as I slowly followed their scent.Every worker at the mansion seemed calm, and their eyes won't dare meet mine as I walk past them. The atmosphere reeks of fear... like they were afraid that the sight of me might cause them harm.Finally, I stopped at the huge wooden door, inhaling the air that reeke
The room was deadly quiet as everyone kept watching me waiting for my response and I tried to ignore every possible thing that was going through my mind right now that was against my decision, knowing that I was doing it anyway. "Yes, I heard you," I replied. "Do you accept or do you not want to be our leader?" He questioned again, his voice firm, demanding an answer. Eyeing Loretta and Luna for another second, noticing the hate and resentment burning in their eyes, their lips sealed, but their expression told me that this day was something they despise seeing happen, and it kind of made me hesitant with my decision because I wanted to make them watch me take at all before their sight. "No, I don't accept," I said, facing the elders and holding my glare on them. Some of their eyes widened, others had their jaws slightly hung open, and the rest looked satisfied with my response. "Did you hear what Oscar said clearly?" Elder Hall asked, his face turning pale, but still holding that
Nero POV My eyelids raised when I heard the door open, and I turned to see Blake walk inside the room, her face blank as she shut the door behind her. The first thing I noticed was that she had a change of clothes, and I immediately sat up, feeling my heart start hammering hard in my chest as she stood there, silently staring at me with a blank expression on her face. "Are you alright?" I asked, trying to mask the worry and desperation from my voice. No reply... she remained silent, her lips formed into a straight line before she continued walking toward our bed, removing her boots and tossing them aside before climbing onto it, turning her body away from me. Suddenly she rushed into my arms, burying her face in the crook of my neck, holding tightly to me as if she was terrified to let go. It scared me that she was being this vulnerable and soft after visiting that mansion and returning in someone else's clothes, knowing what happened the last time, but I kept my thoughts to myse
********Blake POV******* ‘This was crazy,’ I thought, watching as Nero opened the closet, reached into it, took out all of his shirts, and stuff them in the suitcase. A slight frown crossed my face, and then I chuckled, leaving the bed and walking over to him, complaining, “You need to fold your stuff before putting it in?” Smiling slightly, Nero gave me that confused child look, and I sighed, getting down on my knees, taking all his clothes out before taking my time folding up each piece of clothing in turn, tucking them properly, and putting them back into the suitcase. My brain still had not registered that Nero was serious, even though it has been two weeks since I told him I wanted to leave this place and he agreed, and all he has been doing is getting our paperwork ready and preparing a passport for me since I didn't have one. Today was the date on our tickets and at seven o'clock, this evening is our departure time, and still, I was finding it hard to believe that Nero was
Drawing a breath, I unlocked the car and got out, quickly shutting the door behind me before walking over to Nero, and my eyes widened as he grabbed my hand, lacing his fingers with mine, and started guiding me toward the entrance.When we reached the front of the school, I kept my eyes on his back as he led me into the building, and we walked towards the hallway. My heart was beating fast and my palms were sweaty, and I had no idea why I felt like that, or why my body reacted this way, especially since I didn't have anything to hide anymore. But with all eyes on us, I held onto his hand tightly and focused on his grip… This was the first time Nero had openly claimed me in a sense on campus, and I couldn’t help but feel proud that my mate was standing next to me, claiming me publicly.The whispers were all around us and the people gave us a side glance. But I didn’t care, I just concentrated on the warmth radiating from his grasp, as I followed him.After a quick walk, Nero stop
Fighting back my urge to shift, I forced myself to look away from Mr. Blade's eyes because his energy was just too much to handle, and I couldn't bear it anymore.“Bl-- Blake?”Opening my eyes, I saw that Nero was standing in front of me, holding my wrist as he stared down at me concerned, his other hand resting on my shoulder in support.I nodded weakly, trying my best to ignore the urge that had suddenly started to grow stronger in my gut as if my heart was trying to break free from my chest cavity and run off.Slowly, Nero lowered his grip on my shoulders and grabbed my chin with his fingers, forcing me to stare up into his eyes, whispering, “Babe, talk to me,”Taking a deep breath, I glanced around and said, “It’s-- It’s nothing. I just feel kind of... Umm, I can't explain.”“Your wolf is obeying its lineage… That's what happened... You are one of us... An Ultima. The video was not edited.” Mr. Blade's voice came from behind us.Turning around, I looked at him and nodded, “That’s
Nero PovNo matter how much you want to bury a secret, it never stays hidden forever. But for Blake, I want this to stay buried just a bit longer as I stared at her teary eyes and then at her grandfather… but I knew that the end was near. From the moment I woke from my coma, called the University back, and found out that Mr. Blade was looking for her, and I dug into him, finding out that he was an Ultima, I could see the end of us, but I still wanted to believe that we could escape the beginning of the end... Our traveling was supposed to give us a new beginning, but now...“Loki disappeared overnight with his pack when your mother was in the last trimester of her pregnancy, and before the word reached me that they got attacked by another pack, it was too late. He was nowhere to be found and I thought you, him, and your mother... That's why... That's why...” Mr. Blade trailed off, unable to form another word due to the tears that began flowing down his face again. “I thought you guys
As I descended the stairs, the smell of fresh coffee greeted me. Jason was in the kitchen, pouring a cup for himself. He looked up as I entered, a warm smile on his face."Morning," he said, his voice gentle. "I made coffee.""Thank you," I replied, taking the cup he offered. The warmth of it seeped into my hands, a small comfort. "I appreciate it."We stood in companionable silence for a moment, sipping our coffee. The morning light filled the kitchen, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the frenzy inside me."Blake," Jason began, his voice hesitant. "I know I keep pushing this but you have been restless since yesterday... I can feel it without you telling me... every second, every time you block me out of your head, you can't stop me from feeling what your heart is going through. Are you sure you're okay? I mean, okay?"I met his gaze, the concern in his eyes evident. I wanted to reassure him, to tell him that everything was fine, but I couldn't bring myself
Blake's POVI woke to the pale light of dawn streaming through my curtains, casting a soft glow on my bedroom walls. I stretched, feeling the comfort of my warm bed cocooning me, reluctant to break free from its embrace. As I sat up, a sharp knock echoed through the quiet room, pulling me from my sleepy haze."Blake? Are you awake?" Jason's voice, laced with urgency, came from the other side of the door.I threw back the covers and reached for my robe, slipping it on hurriedly as I padded across the room. My heart pounded a little faster. Why was he here so early? I opened the door to find Jason standing there, his expression a mix of concern and frustration."Jason? What's wrong?" I asked, tightening the belt of my robe.He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, a sign that he'd been restless. "Blake, you've been blocking your mindlink from me. I can't hear your thoughts, and it's driving me insane. I can tell something's troubling you."I hesitated, looking away. "I don't know what
Nero's PovThe terminal's buzz of activity faded as we stepped out into the brisk evening air. My business partners, Victor and Raymond, chatted animatedly beside me, discussing the upcoming meeting at the resort. I nodded along, only half-listening. My mind was elsewhere, stuck on the strange encounter with the boy named Nicholas.We piled into a sleek black SUV waiting at the curb, and I slid into the back seat, the leather cool against my skin. Victor took the front passenger seat, continuing his conversation with Raymond, who was driving. They were both seasoned businessmen, used to these trips and the high-stakes negotiations that accompanied them. I should have been focused, mentally preparing for the discussions ahead, but I couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity that had struck me when Nicholas had looked up at me with those wide eyes.As we drove towards the resort, the cityscape gave way to more serene surroundings. I stared out the window, trying to piece together why
Blake's POVI stepped off the plane, the cool air of the terminal a welcome contrast to the stifling cabin. Nicholas's small hand gripped mine tightly, his eyes wide with excitement and curiosity. We maneuvered through the crowd, making our way to the immigration counters.The lady behind the counter looked up as we approached, her eyes scanning my passport. “Bella Greene?” she called, her voice smooth and practiced. “Yes,” I replied, my heart racing slightly. The name had become second nature, a part of the disguise I had maintained for years.The woman smiled warmly and then glanced down at Nicholas. “And who is this handsome little fellow?”“This is my son, Nicholas,” I said, returning her smile.She leaned forward slightly, her gaze softening. “How old are you, young man?”Nicholas beamed up at her, his pride unmistakable. “I’m eight.”The lady chuckled, handing back our documents. “Well, you have a very charming boy, Bella. Enjoy your stay.”“Thank you,” I said, taking the passp
Every fiber of my being screamed in agony as I reached out through the mindlink, desperately trying to connect with Blake. But she wasn't there. The connection was broken, severed by some unseen force, leaving me stranded in a sea of darkness, alone."Blake?" I whispered, my voice trembling with fear and desperation. But there was no response, only the echoing silence of my own mind.My wolf paced restlessly within me, its primal instincts urging me to break free from the chains that bound me, to unleash its fury upon the world. I fought against it, struggling to maintain control, but the bonds that held me were slipping, fraying with each passing moment."Nero, snap out of it!" Scarlet's voice cut through the haze of my thoughts, her words laced with urgency and concern. "You'll get yourself killed!"But I couldn't heed her warning. All I could think about was Blake. I had to find her, no matter the cost."I have to get to her," I muttered, my voice hoarse with emotion. "I have to fi
Blake POVMy body felt cold as I stood naked in front of Jason, opening the mind link between Nero and me. I felt his pain, and it was time for him to feel mine.Jason's jaws clutched, and I could see that he was fighting to restrain himself, but his wolf had always wanted me. Now that I was standing vulnerably before him, bare, his eyes darkened, his gaze burning with a mixture of desire and conflict. I could sense the tension radiating off him as he struggled to maintain control over his instincts. With the mind link open, Nero's anguish surged through me, his voice echoing in my head, "Blake, the guard took Jason away. What are you going to do with him?""Can't you feel it in my body, Nero... I am breaking our bond." I hissed back, the pain was so intense... I could hardly breathe. I could feel his fear, his anxiety, his fear of coursing through my veins."Jason... You and Jason... Blade, kill me before you do this. Blake..." Nero groaned in my head. "Please, just end me now. Don'
Jason's POVI was startled awake by the sudden commotion, the clanging of metal against metal echoing through the dimly lit cell. The guards burst in, their faces hidden behind stern masks, their intentions unclear. My heart pounded in my chest as they approached, their eyes cold and unyielding."What's going on?" Scarlett's voice trembled beside me, her hand reaching out in confusion. "Where are you taking him? Where's Blake?"Nero's voice joined hers, his tone sharp with concern. "Answer us! Where are you taking Jason?"But the guards remained silent, their grip firm as they yanked me off the chains that bound me. I stumbled, my legs weak from hours of confinement. Fear gnawed at my insides as I was forced out of the dungeon, the darkness of the cell giving way to the flickering torchlight of the corridor."Please," I pleaded, my voice hoarse. "Tell me what's happening. Where are you taking me?"But my words fell on deaf ears as the guards dragged me further away from Scarlett and N
As my grandfather's question hung in the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt creeping into my mind. What proof did Scarlett have? Could I trust her account of that fateful night? After all, my entire worldview had been shattered once already today."I... I don't know, Grandpa," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "But something just feels off about all of this. I can't explain it, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more to the story than what we've been told."My grandfather nodded solemnly, his expression mirroring my uncertainty. "Trust your instincts, Blake. They will guide our family for generations after I am gone. So remember, as the next leader of our pack, you cannot afford to trust easily. There are those who would seek to deceive and manipulate you for their own gain."His words struck a chord within me. Was I truly ready to take on the responsibility of leading our pack, especially in the midst of such turmoil and uncertainty? Did I even want th
I stormed through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, my mind a tumultuous storm of conflicting emotions. Each step I took echoed through the empty halls, a stark contrast to the chaos raging inside me. As I reached Loki's cell, I could hear the faint sound of chains rattling, and I scowled.Pushing open the heavy door, I was met with the sight of Loki, chained up in the corner of the room, bruises marring his once proud features. His eyes widened in fear and desperation as he caught sight of me, and he lunged forward, only to be yanked back by the chains that bound him."Blake, please, spare me," he pleaded, his voice raw with desperation. "I... I'm your father. I didn't mean for any of this to happen.""Okay," I said blankly. I didn't feel like hearing his pathetic apology. After everything that had been done to me over the years... what right did I have to pity him or offer even a tiny shred of care to anyone? Even to myself. And certainly not to him. Not after everything. Lok