******Nero POV******
Staring at me, Scarlet smiled, and I felt my anger stab me when she asked Blake, "Who is he?"
Hesitation settled in Blake's gaze when she took a long peek at me. Then she looked at Scarlet and shuttled, "Umm. He's my…"
A slow uncoiling of anger seared through me as I stared at Scarlet, and knowing the exact kind of orders my father usually gives to her, something snapped inside me.
Without giving myself time to think straight, I grabbed Blake's hand and pulled her away, not letting go, even though she was walking stiffly.
When we got to my car, I opened the door, frown at the touch of annoyance in her expression, and said,
******Luna POV*******The room was quiet for quite a while as the elders stood around an oval table, and I heard one of them mumble, sounding disappointed, "Where is Blake…"I too was wondering where she was, hoping that she stay the hell there and didn't show her face. But when I looked at my father, he seemed more worried than angry, and that just pissed me off even more.After he finally sat down at the head of the table, the rest of us took our seats. Then my mother glared at him and said softly, "Your daughter is late."Swaying his gaze away from my father's fierce stare, Elder Grand focused on the other elders and said, “We all know how reckless Blake has been acting these days. But she can
The dragging echo of nothing but silence in the room as I waited for Loki to give me an answer about my grandfather was infuriating, and yet, I was patient, hoping that I would not have to lose my damn mind before someone gave me an answer.But after a couple of prolonged silence, I stood to my feet, looked Loki directly in his eyes, and said, "Nero, get up. We are leaving!"This wasn't me calling a bluff. My anger was going like a bat out of hell, and I felt like talking to Loki about this now would only make me even more frustrated, and I might do something insane.Even though rage was the only emotion I felt at that moment, the instant Nero didn't hesitate and woke from his seat, I felt a sense of comfort like I wasn't alone in this mess.Before all this, I thought I had some kind of identity for myself. The wolfless hybrid whose mother abandoned her, leaving her in the care of the monster and his wife. But now, I don't even know who I fucking am anymore, and when I gazed at Nero'
*************Nero POV*************Each time my shoes tapped against the tiles, the sense of nervousness I felt got the best of me. Why they were staying so freaking long was messing with my head, and I kept having these what-if thoughts that were not helping my resentment for Loki and myself.Since Blake and Loki left, I could feel everyone's eyes on me, and gosh, it was pissing me off even more, and yet I knew this was a piece of the price I had to pay for love and betrayal.My gaze stayed down the entire time after they left. But when I finally raised my head and drew a breath, Luna and I locked eyes, and she looked hateful, coldly staring into my eyes. At that moment, the sound of the door opening got my attention, pulling my gaze toward Loki and Blake as they entered the room.One look at her eyes and I could tell she was angry and hurt, and for the first time, I despised it. The sadness in her eyes, how vulnerable she looked, and the hint of anger in her expression, I hated.Y
Luna POV At first, I thought Blake was acting about her not having control over her wolf. But then I saw a look in her eyes that I have seen in the past. It's a look that tells that she is helpless and scared, and that's when I realized that this was real. She was genuinely afraid, and I couldn't stop my lips from pulling upward in a smirk. Imagine believing that you have lost every damn thing, and then realizing that your opponent is just a sad, unstable mess, who can't even control her wolf. It felt too surreal to believe and yet it was happening right before my eyes. Gosh, I feel so pathetic right now for even being bothered by her. But to be honest, she had us all fooled, believing that there was something special about her. Swaying my gaze from Blake's teary eyes, I looked at Nero, and the first thing that crossed my mind was, 'Are you regretting choosing a weak bitch over me.' "Blake, this is no place for jokes!" My father let out, and I held in my urge to sneer because I
Blake POV I was staring at Loki, and it was so hard to believe how mentally ill he has become, and yet it felt normal that he would suggest something this sick. Because of the past couple of times, he had been nice to me, I kind of forgot just how brutal he can be and why I had called him, "monster," in the past. But it's moments like this that wake me up from my stupidity and show me the devil in Loki that makes me hate him to the core with everything in me. After all the mumbling I have heard so far from the elders, no one in the room was on my side, except Neron. But his silence was making me question if he was willing to risk himself for me. To be honest, I didn't want him putting himself in a crossfire because of me. If he gets hurt and it's my fault, I don't think I will ever forgive myself. So yeah, I rather he stays quiet because I know what Loki is like when he gets pissed, and I don't want Nero in any way involved with this situation. "What's wrong, sis? Afraid that
Nero POV Finally, it was clear as broad daylight as I stood between Blake and Luna with Luna's wrist in my grip that there was no way I could be mutual in this situation. It was either Blake or everyone else, and now I know it was her because I would have never risked everything for someone who meant nothing to me. I mean, I did try to make myself believe that I could but seeing her tears and blood woke up a rage that I have never felt before, and as I stared at Luna struggling to pull her hand out of my grip, my fingers only got tighter around her wrist. My wolf was awake, and the smell of Blake's blood was making him aggressive. I have never felt my wolf this out of control before, and it was becoming hard to suppress him and mask my scent at the same time because all he wanted was to be set free. "Let her go," I heard Blake say, and yet, her word meant nothing until she raised her voice, "Nero, stop!" She sounded scared but more pissed, and I didn't understand why she was a
"Stay the hell away from me!" Luna shouted, finally jumping from the tile as Blake got closer.Her scream was so deafening that it hurt my ears a bit. But my pain and annoyance were the least of my concern as I watched Luna try to make a run for it only to get whacked fiercely in the back by Blake's wolf arm.I could only imagine the force of the blow as Luna flew a few distances before meeting the wall harshly, her head slammed into the concrete, and then she hit the floor.Blood immediately started rolling from her ears, mouth, and nose as she lay there, and when I noticed that she wasn't moving, my heart stopped for a second, wondering how traumatic that was going to be for Blake. After all, she and Blake share the same father, and they are blood, despite their conflict.Finally, Luna's finger wiggled and a moan echoed from her lip. But her eyes remained closed and other than her fingers, nothing else was moving.It wasn't hard to tell her wounds were more internal than external, a
***************Jason POV********** It feels like I am losing Nero bit by bit. I had always thought we were close, but it's like I never knew the entire him, and only perceived the side of him he wanted me to experience. A saddened sense of frustration circled through me as I stared at his number on my screen, wondering if I should call him because we haven't talked for days. Ever since he took Blake and left me to handle Scarlett, I have become a freaking babysitter, and she's not talking to me either, even though she's staying in my suite. The things I do from Nero is fucking annoying… Giving up my personal space and sleeping on the couch should be my breaking point, but I don't even know what my damn breaking point is at this moment. After all, I gave up Blake for him, and now, I am stuck with Scarlett who is bossy as fuck, and Harley is not speaking to me either. Suddenly, I have become just a customer than a friend to her since I brought Scarlett in, and I don't think I am h
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