Eloise’s POV:He is fuming. Adeline pointed out, peeking at his reddened face through my own eyes.You got to admit, he’s more handsome when he’s mad. My wolf chuckled shamelessly and I rolled my eyes at her.I’m not trying to make him jealous. I defended myself. Adeline clapped back with a scoff.You know you can never lie to me, El. We’re basically one and the same. She prodded.This time, I did not pay my wolf any attention as I glued my eyes to Kaden’s face. His features, I noticed, had gotten sharper and darker.He did not even try to hide the fact he was angry with me for choosing a seat far from his side.“Hello,” the silky-smooth voice eased into my mind, and I raised my eyes.He extended his palm to me, “I’m Caleb, by the way,” he smiled, the man with light blonde hair who invited me to this seat.His eyes twinkled brightly and his smile reached his ears. It was contagious, I admit, and to think he was actually more handsome up close. There are specks of sky blue that surroun
113Eloise’s POV:Alpha John kept his mouth shut during the meeting.Adeline scoffed in my head.He made the right choice. She commented.I giggled, knowing she is right.Kaden gave him deadly stares the entire time, even when it was not his turn to speak. I found it amusing that the dark Alpha could influence the other alphas into submission. Well, despite the huge age difference. From what I heard, Alpha John is already over his forties. I won’t lie though, he still looked good. He would be more handsome if he wasn’t such a prick.Adeline snorted.Yeah, right. What are the chances for that?I shook my head when Kaden’s voice tuned into my mind.“In conclusion, training for the females will begin as early as tomorrow.” He announced. Then his eyes scanned the crowd, landing on mine. The moment our eyes locked, my heart stopped.“Any other questions?”The crowd fell silent. Just as I thought nobody was going to speak, the handsome bloke beside me cleared his throat.We all turned to h
Eloise's POV:The run to my old home went by without a hitch. My senses on high alert, and I’m sure I would have picked up something if I felt something is odd.With my clothes between my teeth, I shift back into my naked form and quickly pull on my clothes. It is gloomy outside, and as I scanned the forest, I didn’t feel any presence. The track I have left was mine and mine alone, which meant nobody could have followed me all the way back.On my way here, I took a shortcut that only I knew without being spotted by the guards around my father’s territory. It’s a secret he taught me ever since I was a child, saying that if I ever needed an escape or emergency entrance to the house, I should use it.I did not use it to get in or out when I was banished, I didn’t feel the need to. Nor did I want to. It was clear he wanted nothing to do with me anymore, which stopped me every time the thought occurred.With a shake of my head, I knocked on the door.While waiting, I noticed that some of t
Eloise’s POV:Turning around, Dad marches back into the kitchen before he rummages every drawer. He’s avoiding me, that much was obvious.With a deep sigh, I step further inside the kitchen. My eyes following his jittery moves when he finally stops. He grabs something from the pantry and spins around.“Aha, there’s cereal. A good chunk, too. It’s not much, but…” he shrugs, and proceeds to rotate to snatch a bowl as I walked forward.I pick up the box of cereal he placed on the dusty island bar and scanned it for its expiration date. A frown easily fell on my lips.“This expired over a year ago, Dad,” I sigh, and he stops whatever he was doing to turn around to face me.His pale face turned whiter than a sheet of paper. His eyes looked defeated, and he slumps down on the stool beside him.“I’m sorry, El…” he croaks and hangs his head.He rubs both his hands down his rugged face, and I was able to glimpse at the tiny beads of tears that slid down the sides of his face from the corner of
Eloise's POV:The man practically tried to kill you, El. Adeline hissed, but at this point, I’m not so sure anymore. I’m not sure because when I look into his eyes, all I see is the pain he’s hiding inside.There’s something more that he isn’t telling me. I can feel it. He’s hiding something, but I am yet to figure out what.He pulls down his sleeves, tucking it away and off of my sight as if thinking it would disgust me. But it don’t.“What can I do?” I choke, staring blankly at his covered sleeve.Then, determination surged through me as I glanced at the basement door where my Mum is locked. A weak thumping sound can be heard behind the door as if she was asking to be let out.Dad glances in the same direction, when something dawned over me.“I can help,” I whisper, staring off into the locked door of the basement.All my life, I never thought Mum would end up at such a place. Forced into a cage in our own basement… I shudder, feeling my heart tighten in my chest. So much so, I coul
Eloise’s POV:“Run! Don’t stop, don’t look back, run!”Dad’s voice boomed in my head just as I clamped my eyes shut, anticipating the closet doors to be yanked open when I felt cold breeze rustle through my hair instead.When I open my eyes, I blink. Once, twice, until I finally came to a conclusion that what I am seeing is real.I stood frozen at the forest just outside of my father’s house, my heart thumping harder than I remember as it threatened to explode in my chest.Panting, I look around and back at the house as questions filled the back of my mind.What the h*ll just happened there?And how did I even get out of the house before I could bat an eye?I don’t understand…It seems we were teleported here. Adeline finally spoke, however the words she just said was the last thing on my mind.Teleported? You’re not making any sense… I say to Adeline, who immediately fell silent.When it takes a while for her to respond, I turned my gaze back to the house and squint at the largest wi
Eloise’s POV:No.No, no, no, no.I’m not going to ask for his help.Why not? My wolf grumbled.He’s our only chance.I shook my head.There is another way. You know what Dad said. If he finds out Mom turned into a vampire because I told him about this, he’ll kill her. Hell, maybe he’ll even conspire with the other alphas to kill us all, for protecting a vampire.I could feel Adeline’s hesitance, but thankfully she didn’t add anything more to it and retreated back into the depth of my subconscious.I groan, willing my heart to stop thundering like crazy in my chest.Anyone, anyone but him. Kaden Kyson is known for his mercilessness and power unmatched by anyone. Surely, he would not spare a turned vampire. Not even if she’s the mother of his mate.I tossed and turned all night, unable to forget everything that transpired from the black and blue bruises I saw on Dad’s arms and the mysterious guys who sauntered into the house like it’s their own.My father didn’t look like he was about
Eloise's POV:CL? Who the hell is CL? My wolf growled, racking my brain for any clues behind the initials.I stared at the note blankly for a few seconds.Shaking my head, I stripped off my bra and leggings, and rummaged for fresh clothes with the note still in my hand before the sound of the door unlocking had me straighten as I thrust the note into my locker.Kaden Kyson walked in with a dark look looming over his face, his eyes scanning the room before falling on me and my near-naked body. His dark eyes took in my undressed state, and I grit my teeth as I shoot glares at him.I had no choice but to wrap my arm around nipples, preventing Kaden to notice how they became hard in less than a minute when he stepped into the locker room. I shifted in my barefeet.He likes what he sees… Adeline giggled at the back of my mind, making me shush her and roll my eyes.“If you haven’t heard, training is over.” I declared, shooting daggers at him.He clenched his jaw as he walked over to me, ign
Eloise's POV:CL? Who the hell is CL? My wolf growled, racking my brain for any clues behind the initials.I stared at the note blankly for a few seconds.Shaking my head, I stripped off my bra and leggings, and rummaged for fresh clothes with the note still in my hand before the sound of the door unlocking had me straighten as I thrust the note into my locker.Kaden Kyson walked in with a dark look looming over his face, his eyes scanning the room before falling on me and my near-naked body. His dark eyes took in my undressed state, and I grit my teeth as I shoot glares at him.I had no choice but to wrap my arm around nipples, preventing Kaden to notice how they became hard in less than a minute when he stepped into the locker room. I shifted in my barefeet.He likes what he sees… Adeline giggled at the back of my mind, making me shush her and roll my eyes.“If you haven’t heard, training is over.” I declared, shooting daggers at him.He clenched his jaw as he walked over to me, ign
Eloise’s POV:No.No, no, no, no.I’m not going to ask for his help.Why not? My wolf grumbled.He’s our only chance.I shook my head.There is another way. You know what Dad said. If he finds out Mom turned into a vampire because I told him about this, he’ll kill her. Hell, maybe he’ll even conspire with the other alphas to kill us all, for protecting a vampire.I could feel Adeline’s hesitance, but thankfully she didn’t add anything more to it and retreated back into the depth of my subconscious.I groan, willing my heart to stop thundering like crazy in my chest.Anyone, anyone but him. Kaden Kyson is known for his mercilessness and power unmatched by anyone. Surely, he would not spare a turned vampire. Not even if she’s the mother of his mate.I tossed and turned all night, unable to forget everything that transpired from the black and blue bruises I saw on Dad’s arms and the mysterious guys who sauntered into the house like it’s their own.My father didn’t look like he was about
Eloise’s POV:“Run! Don’t stop, don’t look back, run!”Dad’s voice boomed in my head just as I clamped my eyes shut, anticipating the closet doors to be yanked open when I felt cold breeze rustle through my hair instead.When I open my eyes, I blink. Once, twice, until I finally came to a conclusion that what I am seeing is real.I stood frozen at the forest just outside of my father’s house, my heart thumping harder than I remember as it threatened to explode in my chest.Panting, I look around and back at the house as questions filled the back of my mind.What the h*ll just happened there?And how did I even get out of the house before I could bat an eye?I don’t understand…It seems we were teleported here. Adeline finally spoke, however the words she just said was the last thing on my mind.Teleported? You’re not making any sense… I say to Adeline, who immediately fell silent.When it takes a while for her to respond, I turned my gaze back to the house and squint at the largest wi
Eloise's POV:The man practically tried to kill you, El. Adeline hissed, but at this point, I’m not so sure anymore. I’m not sure because when I look into his eyes, all I see is the pain he’s hiding inside.There’s something more that he isn’t telling me. I can feel it. He’s hiding something, but I am yet to figure out what.He pulls down his sleeves, tucking it away and off of my sight as if thinking it would disgust me. But it don’t.“What can I do?” I choke, staring blankly at his covered sleeve.Then, determination surged through me as I glanced at the basement door where my Mum is locked. A weak thumping sound can be heard behind the door as if she was asking to be let out.Dad glances in the same direction, when something dawned over me.“I can help,” I whisper, staring off into the locked door of the basement.All my life, I never thought Mum would end up at such a place. Forced into a cage in our own basement… I shudder, feeling my heart tighten in my chest. So much so, I coul
Eloise’s POV:Turning around, Dad marches back into the kitchen before he rummages every drawer. He’s avoiding me, that much was obvious.With a deep sigh, I step further inside the kitchen. My eyes following his jittery moves when he finally stops. He grabs something from the pantry and spins around.“Aha, there’s cereal. A good chunk, too. It’s not much, but…” he shrugs, and proceeds to rotate to snatch a bowl as I walked forward.I pick up the box of cereal he placed on the dusty island bar and scanned it for its expiration date. A frown easily fell on my lips.“This expired over a year ago, Dad,” I sigh, and he stops whatever he was doing to turn around to face me.His pale face turned whiter than a sheet of paper. His eyes looked defeated, and he slumps down on the stool beside him.“I’m sorry, El…” he croaks and hangs his head.He rubs both his hands down his rugged face, and I was able to glimpse at the tiny beads of tears that slid down the sides of his face from the corner of
Eloise's POV:The run to my old home went by without a hitch. My senses on high alert, and I’m sure I would have picked up something if I felt something is odd.With my clothes between my teeth, I shift back into my naked form and quickly pull on my clothes. It is gloomy outside, and as I scanned the forest, I didn’t feel any presence. The track I have left was mine and mine alone, which meant nobody could have followed me all the way back.On my way here, I took a shortcut that only I knew without being spotted by the guards around my father’s territory. It’s a secret he taught me ever since I was a child, saying that if I ever needed an escape or emergency entrance to the house, I should use it.I did not use it to get in or out when I was banished, I didn’t feel the need to. Nor did I want to. It was clear he wanted nothing to do with me anymore, which stopped me every time the thought occurred.With a shake of my head, I knocked on the door.While waiting, I noticed that some of t
113Eloise’s POV:Alpha John kept his mouth shut during the meeting.Adeline scoffed in my head.He made the right choice. She commented.I giggled, knowing she is right.Kaden gave him deadly stares the entire time, even when it was not his turn to speak. I found it amusing that the dark Alpha could influence the other alphas into submission. Well, despite the huge age difference. From what I heard, Alpha John is already over his forties. I won’t lie though, he still looked good. He would be more handsome if he wasn’t such a prick.Adeline snorted.Yeah, right. What are the chances for that?I shook my head when Kaden’s voice tuned into my mind.“In conclusion, training for the females will begin as early as tomorrow.” He announced. Then his eyes scanned the crowd, landing on mine. The moment our eyes locked, my heart stopped.“Any other questions?”The crowd fell silent. Just as I thought nobody was going to speak, the handsome bloke beside me cleared his throat.We all turned to h
Eloise’s POV:He is fuming. Adeline pointed out, peeking at his reddened face through my own eyes.You got to admit, he’s more handsome when he’s mad. My wolf chuckled shamelessly and I rolled my eyes at her.I’m not trying to make him jealous. I defended myself. Adeline clapped back with a scoff.You know you can never lie to me, El. We’re basically one and the same. She prodded.This time, I did not pay my wolf any attention as I glued my eyes to Kaden’s face. His features, I noticed, had gotten sharper and darker.He did not even try to hide the fact he was angry with me for choosing a seat far from his side.“Hello,” the silky-smooth voice eased into my mind, and I raised my eyes.He extended his palm to me, “I’m Caleb, by the way,” he smiled, the man with light blonde hair who invited me to this seat.His eyes twinkled brightly and his smile reached his ears. It was contagious, I admit, and to think he was actually more handsome up close. There are specks of sky blue that surroun
Eloise's POV:Before I could answer for myself, Kaden’s muscular build moved in front of me, blocking me protectively from Alpha John’s heated glare.“She is here for the same reasons you are, John, she’s an Alpha staying at my pack territory. You will treat her with the respect her rank demands," Kaden growled, his voice carrying the authority of a true Alpha. His stance was rigid, his shoulders squared as he shielded me from John’s unwarranted hostility.My eyes fell on Alpha John who looked past Kaden towards me, a permanent sneer etched on his face.John scoffed, his lip curling in disdain."Are you f*cking serious, Kaden? You invite this rogue wannabe Alpha into such an important meeting, and expect us to give her respect?” he barked back, allowing his own aura to spread throughout the chamber in his anger.Adeline growled at the condescending tone and the rudeness of this man who calls himself Alpha.I raised my brow at him, amused.“What’s so funny?” he gritted, shooting me a s