This was going to be my first party and I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to be here but Ken was a rather popular person and he always attended parties. This was going to be our first appearance out together and we were undecided if we should go as a couple or individually but we ended up taking the same car on our way to the party. The ride to the club was quiet, my mind replaying the possible events that might happen in there and the possibility of a heartbreak if I saw Zach or Zayn in there. I was falling in love with Ken l so much that I invested my all into the relationship without holding back. Some people may consider it silly considering that I had no mate bond with but that was how much I cared about him, but unlike everyone else, I hoped that he wouldn’t end up betraying me like the others.I got out of the car and we walked into the club together, ignoring the whistles from the familiar faces I knew as we headed directly for the bartender. “Don’t pay them any attention, A
My eyes fluttered open, and I found myself being held by a pair of strong, muscular arms. I could feel the warmth of the person's body as he pulled me close, and a soothing scent filled my nostrils, calming my frazzled nerves. I tried to listen but I couldn’t hear anything, only feeling my body being moved without my permission and I was floating in and around, too weak to say anything. As I tried to focus on the person's face, I saw a group of people and heard growling sounds around me. My mind was foggy, and I couldn't make sense of what was happening either. The last thing I remembered before succumbing to unconsciousness was the feeling of safety that enveloped me in the stranger's embrace.*****Consciousness slowly returned and my eyes began to flutter open. At first, everything was a blur, but as I blinked a few times, the room slowly came into focus. The bright lights overhead were painful to look at, and I squinted, trying to get my bearings. My gaze immediately fell onto
I paused and waited for either of them to burst out in laughter, telling me that all of this was only a poor attempt in trying to pull my legs but they didn’t.The stoic expressions on their faces remained as they stared at me with something recognizable as pity in their eyes. “Ken wouldn’t do that to me,” I shook my head, wiping away the tears cascading down my cheeks angrily. “You don’t know him like we do, Ari. You were away for so long and he’s a new face that’s been corrupted already.” “Neither of you are saints and you’re worse than whatever you’re making him out to be.” I snapped, slamming my fist into the bed. “The thing is, the difference between us is that we're not going to lie to you in order to score some cheap points. You might not believe it, but we’ve got an incredible amount of decency and there are some lines that we wouldn’t cross.” I couldn’t believe that they were trying to whitewash themselves and their actions towards me while trying to vilify Ken, who’s be
It felt like the world was crashing down on my head. I could see it happening but I was rooted to the spot, my legs unwilling to move. No matter what I did, no matter how fast I wanted to run, the crash was going to happen and there was nothing I could do about it.I raced all the way to Ken’s house after my conversation with Zach and Zayn, eager to figure out the truth, to know what had truly happened last night. On getting there, I saw Fallory’s truck parked in his driveway so I decided against walking in like I often did. I rounded the corner, making my way to the back door, only to discover it was slightly ajar and that was when I heard them talking. Zach and Zayn weren’t lying. Everything they said was the truth but I had been wrapped up in the bubble of faux romance to see right through Ken’s disguise.For the first time in my life, I wanted to feel what it was to have someone desire you in ways you wanted. Maybe my mother’s condition left a gaping hole in my heart that I de
As a young girl growing up in the Silver Reed pack, I always felt like the black sheep. I was different, and I knew it. Maybe it was because of my red hair that blended in among all the blonde wolves, or maybe it was the fact that I always felt more comfortable with books than with the pack's usual activities. Nonetheless, I never thought they would hate me so much and the worst part of it was that, there wasn’t an end to the constant bullying. Everything changed when I was caught in a room with a rogue. Nothing happened, I swear, but they didn't believe me. They called me the whore of the pack, disgusting, and accused me of sleeping with him. From that moment on, I was shunned by everyone. No one wanted to be seen with me, talk to me, or acknowledge my existence.At school, it was even worse. They bullied me every chance they got. I was an easy target and didn't have any friends to stand up for me until I went to college and came back to see that my mother had gotten married to the
They helped me up and into a chair Maya had brought before turning to face Fallory and Dina who were standing in fear of what might happen to them. “You’ve taken this too far,” Zayn began, his voice loud and thunderous. “You’ve constantly flaunted our orders without any regard for me or for my brother, neither do you have any respect for our authority and you’ve proven it despite the fact that we’ve overlooked your excesses and asked you to turn the other way whenever Ari is involved.” “You just tried to murder her after everything you’ve done to her and I don’t think Zayn and I can continue to look the other way any longer.” Zach said this time around. I held the pack of ice against my head as I listened to every word coming out of their mouths. For as long as I could remember, Zayn and Zach have been dating Fallory and Dina. They were rarely seen without each other and the common thought of every one in the pack was that they were going to be mated soon and take their place as t
“You can’t be serious, Zach.” You’re going to leave me after everything we’ve been through?” Dina said, her voice cracking. The color had drained off her face and if it weren’t for the fact that this was a serious situation, I’d have burst out in laughter. Fallory’s face wasn’t any different. The color has drained off her face as soon as Zayn broke up with her as well. They had connived to ruin me but the tables had turned on them so fast that it was getting difficult for me to control the excitement coursing through my body. “We were only having fun with her, Zayn. We never meant for it to get blown out of proportion in the manner it did.” Fallory pleaded, trying to save what was left of her relationship. Zayn and Zach didn’t look the least interested in their pleas, their minds were made up and nothing was going to change it. “We’ve been meaning to break up with the both of you and this only propelled you into doing it earlier than we intended. For what it’s worth, I think you
I couldn’t help but look around the castle as we walked across and towards the staircase made of marble. Its opulent grandeur had caught my eye and that wasn’t just all there was to it. The castle itself was the epitome of architectural perfection, you could find no fault in it. The golden and crystal chandeliers, display of marble-covered floors and columns, and intricately decorated wooden furniture were a sight to behold. We walked past a foyer decorated with one of the golden chandeliers dropping low from the ceiling covered with architectural designs detailed expertly. I caught myself before I could let my hand roam over the plush velvet carpet, the silk upholstery, and the sculptures placed at strategic locations in the room. The estate was simply breathtaking and I could now understand why they never let me in here in the first place. This place felt ethereal, like a place pulled from a fairytale book. Maya had told me that they built a new castle when I left but I’d been l
I shrugged off his hand and slammed the door shut before he had the chance to say anything else. I was fuming as I turned to face Danielle who had a worried look on her face and I couldn’t blame her. Everyone on campus would be intimidated standing in front of Zach and Zayn. They were simply breathtakingly beautiful and imposing as well, it wasn’t an exaggeration but they’d be at least three inches taller than the tallest person on campus. “Do you think they’re going to leave?” Danielle asked. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know why they were here and why they sought me out. It could be anything ranging from a serious matter to a prank like the one they carried out on me before I ran away. “I don’t know, Danielle. But if there’s one thing I’m sure of it’s that they’re not going to be here for long.” I said. I could always wait them out until they had to return to the pack. Also, they won’t be able to come here every day and I could live without seeing them every couple of ho
“How was school today, Ari?” Danielle began. “I couldn’t help but notice the scowl you had on your face as you walked towards me.” “I met a rude guy in class today but I handled the situation perfectly, I don’t think he’ll be bothering me ever again,” I replied. “Someone has been making a statement,” Danielle laughed. “Did it happen in front of the whole class?” “I stared at her mortified that she would even think I was capable of doing such. “You’ve lost your mind, you know that, right?” I laughed. “I was only teasing you.” Danielle nudged my shoulder. “Tell me, how was your day at college today?” I asked. “Do you know Tyler and I share the same class—not all of them obviously, but we share a couple of classes.” Initially, I thought this thing she had going on with Tyler was going to be nothing more than a distraction at first, but over time, it had developed into a relationship and I was happy for her. One of us deserved to be happy, we both couldn’t be single and miserable
“It’s barely 8:00 AM and my day is already ruined.” I sighed, running my hands through my already disheveled hair. I was already feeling exhausted and I just woke up. Maybe getting out of today had been a mistake, I should’ve listened to my instincts when it was trying to warn me that today was going to be a bad day and stayed in bed. I could always resume college tomorrow, it wouldn’t hurt anyone. “I know that look, Ari. And if you’re about to do what I think you’re planning, it’s not going to work.” Danielle said, her eyes glued to my face. “I’m not in the mood to argue with you, Danielle. Can you just let me be, please?” “I can’t do that, Ari. I’ve watched you in your lowest moments and I know how horrible it was for you, when you finally got over those dumb twins, you were at your happiest. I’m not going to let you slide down back there because of a loser like Tristan.”She had a fair point and it took a minute of scolding from Danielle before I saw it. “We better get dresse
It was three weeks after I submitted applications to different organizations when I finally got a call from one, asking me to come over for an interview. I was hoping that I wasn’t going to mess it up, seeing as I had spent most of my first months here working as a waitress—a job that I despised because of the rude customers and the drunk men who couldn’t keep their hands to themselves.Today was the first day of college and I didn’t know if I felt thrilled or nervous. Nevertheless, it didn’t quite matter. This was my first day giving myself another chance at starting all over and I had no choice but to look forward to it. I woke up earlier to the aroma of coffee. Usually, that smell would delight me, but today, I immediately felt a wave of nausea that hit me hard as a thunderstorm.Whenever I felt like this, it often meant that something wasn’t right or I was probably going to have a fucked up day. Every morning, it was a routine for me to start my day with a cup of coffee and Dani
The shock set in as my eyes tore open and was greeted by the morning sun, the weight around my waist was his arm, the arm of the man whose name I wasn’t even sure that I remember from the club last night, draped over my body as he still slept peacefully, snoring light and unmoving as I slipped out of his hold as quietly as possible. He drank a lot more than I did last night, it wasn’t a wonder that he was still knocked out compared to me who took a few shots and turned down the rest I was offered. I spared a glance around the big spacious room, my jaw slightly dropping at the sheer size of it, and due to the glass that made up half of the walls of the room, I got a perfect view of the city from up here but I didn't have the time to be enthralled by the sight as I hurriedly looked away.This was nothing more than a one-night stand and I had to leave before he woke up. A soft moan escaped my lips at the soreness between my legs as I tried to walk. I looked back at the man sleeping pe
We entered a club that was filled with people. Dim lights and loud music filled the atmosphere. I could feel people's lingering stares at us but I didn't know if they were good or bad. I knew their eyes were on me and I felt uncomfortable. I tried to push it aside and went to the dance floor with Danielle and Valerie walking ahead of me. Danielle had said that everyone’s eyes would be on us and she wasn’t wrong. It was almost like we stole the whole show as soon as we walked in through the front door.Soon my hips let loose and started swaying to the music playing. Danielle and Valerie left to get themselves drinks, they offered to get me another glass of wine but I turned down the offer and within a couple of minutes, they were gone but I didn't notice I was alone.I could see him watching me from the bar. I tried not to pay him any attention but it was difficult to ignore the intensity in his eyes. It was pretty obvious that he found me gorgeous and interesting, but I wasn’t inter
A couple of hours later I slipped into the dress I'd gotten earlier today after Danielle’s constant persuasion. I didn’t want to do this but it was pointless arguing, there were some fights you weren’t going to win and this was one of them. I smoothed out the dress and looked at my reflection in the mirror."I think it’s perfect, Ari. I really do. I think all you need now is just a little bit of makeup to make it look super perfect!" Danielle complimented me, giggling as she did. She was excited about the prospect of having out with Valerie and I, she loved to party whenever she could. She was very much my polar opposite in many things but I loved her dearly. Valerie grabbed one of my liners and walked into my bathroom with it. "Emergencies, I ran out of mine!" She called out at the top of her voice.I chose a pair of red stilettos to match my dress and then I sat on the bed to put them on.I hadn’t dressed up in a long time and I kind of liked this feeling. It was a nice distra
"Yeah, that too," I let out a long sigh, "I just can't believe that they would gang up on me like that, and with all their friends involved at that, I still can't wrap my head around that thought and the pain I feel every time I remember how stupid I was to have kept myself for them. A part of me knew it was stupid but at the same time, I thought that they would be the…""Right person," we said in unison."It really hurts, my heart hurts and the fact that they would do that to me after all we shared just sparks the thoughts that you can never really know who to trust or who is genuine, Well, except you and Valerie, I guess. I think I've been destined to remain single for the rest of my life, just like the sisters in the Catholic Churches I see around." I confessed, a sad pout on my lips as I looked up at her.I was being dramatic but I didn’t care."And who told you the sisters in the church aren't married or at least have someone they're fucking?" Danielle asked looking away from he
My feet tapped the ground continuously almost like they had a mind of their own as my mind continued to race, willing a mix of random unimportant things to fill it out with, that being the only thing I could do to keep it from venturing into dangerous territory, the memory of that image that felt like it'd been burned into my thoughts. A memory as fresh as the wound was. One of my friends was in my apartment and she was crashing out badly and I could relate with everything she was saying because I’d passed through the same pain and I hadn’t even started my healing process talk less of getting over what happened to me. “One of my now ex-boyfriends, Carter, was in bed with Alicia, my assistant from the bar I used to work at. Two years spent together, are now down the drain. Well, so much for the man I planned to spend the rest of my life with.I would not fault myself for wanting to wait until we got married, I wasn't some traditionalist stuck on some boring rules of religion. I grew