Chapter 17***Leila felt her heart pounding so fast – like a horse was tailing her. She bit her lower lip as her fingers slightly trembled before they moved towards Hunter’s shoulders.However, she inaudibly gasped when Hunter placed his hands on her waist. Her cheeks turned pale pink as she looked away.“Let’s just get this done.” Hunter coldly stated.His words were rude, and they were piercing her heart, but the electrifying sensation from the warmth of his hands was creeping into her system. It was way too much – making her head go haywire – that she didn’t really care about any other thing anymore.The slow and sweet song resonated throughout the entire place.They started swaying with the music. Leila felt like she couldn’t breathe with the distance she had with Hunter.This was the very first time that she had seen him this close. His clenched jaw was making him more mysterious and charismatic. His cold demeanor was making her flinch, but in a weird way – because it was not be
Chapter 18***“Whoa! You really are a great cook, Leila!” Myrtle commented using her fascinated and amused voice after she tasted her special freshwater fish dish called Herby Fish with Wilted Greens and Mushrooms.She was so excited to work with fresh ingredients from their garden. And the forest is also accessible, and she saw a lot of fruit-bearing trees around.Leila felt like she wouldn’t be bored because of these.Myrtle brought her to the garden a while ago. There were lots of herbs, vegetables, and fruits around. Even spices and other herbal medicines were present. She enjoyed harvesting and thinking about what she could cook using the ingredients, and now she had come up with this.It’s a good thing that Myrtle also wanted to learn. So, she enjoyed talking to her while cooking.“I am not that good at cooking yet. I am still working on it,” Leila humbly stated.“Oh, you’re so down to earth, Leila. I can’t believe that you still call this an amateur one,” Myrtle told her as sh
Chapter 19***Leila stared at the various types of berries that were planted a few minutes’ walk away from the pack’s garden. She heard Myrtle talking about it yesterday, and she couldn’t believe that the path going there was easy to follow.Or perhaps, the pathway was already paved by the weeds and tall grass, and she had easily found her way to the magnificent place.She giddily looked around.The place was quite refreshing.She was excited to bake using the fresh berries, and she was so excited to surprise Myrtle with it.Well, Hunter’s face flashed in her mind, and she instantly blushed.Yes, she was certainly doing this for Hunter. She knew how much he loves berries, and she wanted to bake him some Mixed Berry Tarts. She saw some materials and an old-fashioned model of an oven in the house, and she wanted to use it. She was just hoping that Myrtle could let her borrow it.Leila was busy gathering the berries when she heard some sort of noise breaking the cozy silence. The birds
Chapter 20***Leila heaved a deep sigh as she walked towards her kitchen.After what happened, she decided to go back to her old house. It might be a bad decision to make, but she was truly hurt by Hunter’s words.However, the mere fact that she saw the broken glasses, windows, and other things inside her house made her shake in fear. But she didn’t want to be a burden – more of one to him – so she must go back.So, she told Myrtle about going back to her grandparents’ house. She was hesitant at first, but Hector agreed with her decision – more of a good riddance, perhaps. She didn’t want to think about it.She must start cleaning her house, and that will eventually occupy her mind.Leila, then pouted her lips. And as her eyes darted towards the huge mansion beside hers, she instantly scoffed while rolling her eyes heavenward.She couldn’t believe what just happened in a snap.***Flashback…“I want to go back…” She calmly stated as she gave Myrtle a small and forced smile.She tried
Chapter 21Visitor***Hunter didn’t know how the heck did he found those cheesy antics. But Butler Henry told him that it was an effective way of apologizing.And he thought that it must be an effective way since Leila had been giving her those sweet smiles again. It was a miracle that it made him at ease.However, he still couldn’t believe that Butler Henry could be this enlightening in terms of wooing a woman. Perhaps, he shouldn’t underestimate him.“I heard you cook something for Leila.” Myrtle teasingly commented as he was looking at the woman she just mentioned – who was washing the dishes now.He chuckled inaudibly as he saw her swayed her hips – as if he was dancing with her own tune. But he instantly pursed his lips and swallowed hard when he heard Myrtle chuckled.Hunter looked at her – but her face was glued to Leila, who seemed so oblivious about what was happening around. She seemed to be more focused on the dishes and must be in her very best mood.“It’s just nothing.”
Chapter 22Friend***Leila was just so flabbergasted as she saw Duncan in front of her grandparents’ house.“What are you doing here?” She managed to ask him.But Duncan’s hug became a bit tighter – as he shook his head.“I am just so happy to see you, Leila. My God, I am very worried.” He said – full of concern.Then, he broke his embrace and held her both shoulders. His light brown eyes reflected worry as he looked at her from head to toe – as if he was trying to check whether she was really alright or not.Leila chuckled to lighten up the mood.But a warm and big hand pulled my arm – causing me to step away from Duncan. My eyes widened as I saw Hunter’s dark expression as he looked at Duncan.She swallowed hard – as her lips slightly ajar. Her eyes moved from Duncan’s now serious expression, then Hunter’s cold and annoyed face.“Uh, I am fine. Why are you here, anyway?” Leila inquired curiously.But the two seemed like they didn’t hear what she just said.“Who are you?” The two as
Chapter 23Blood***Leila was torn between the two. Her widened eyes looked from one to the other – until she could no longer hold the tension between them. She pulled her arms away from them.Hunter glared at her while Duncan let out a deep sigh as he gave her a short glance.“What is wrong with you two?” Leila asked curiously – as she folded her arms in front of her chest.She wasn’t annoyed – but she was purely intrigued and bewildered. She couldn’t understand the sudden animosity between them – when they had just met.“I think, your neighbor likes to talk to you. I will just be outside, Leila.” Duncan suddenly stated – and went out of the house before she could say more.Leila let out a deep sigh as her lips parted because of what happened. Then, she faced Hunter.“What is your problem?” She asked him seriously.To be honest, she was totally unaware of the reason for his irritation. Prior to their journey back here, he was fine. He even watched me while I prepared the ingredients
Chapter 24Cure***Hunter heard the loud and eerie growling sound from a distance. His eyes widened as he dashed out of the house. He almost bumped into Duncan, who was going inside the house.“Where the hell is Leila?” Hunter inquired critically.But based on Duncan’s expression, he seemed so oblivious as to what he was asking him.“What do you mean? I didn’t see her. I am-”Hunter didn’t wait for his words to finish and immediately ran to the woods where he heard the loud growl.“Look around! Haven’t you seen Leila?” He promptly inquired about the hunters around, but they simply shook their heads.Damn it!‘I should have known!’ Hunter thought to himself.His heart was beating so loudly inside him because he knew… He could identify that kind of growl. It came from a rogue.“Damn it!” Hunter murmured as he smelled the rogues around.He knew right there and then that rogues were truly around the area.‘I shouldn’t have not asked her to come here. It is not yet safe for her! Damn it!’
Chapter 98Another Side***Content Warning: This chapter might contain violence, abuse, crime, or triggering factors that may be harmful, disturbing, or traumatizing to some. Reader’s discretion is advised. Thank you.***After visiting his parents, Hunter knew that he had to go to Tamika’s home. He received a letter from her saying that he had to go to her house.Despite of his pure resolve and desire to go straight to the Triad base and talk to Leila, as soon as possible, he knew that he had to go and asked her the reason of her letter.‘Maybe… Leila is there already?! Did she convince her?!’ His heart began to thump hard and fast as he immediately went to Tamika’s house.However, he hadn’t found Leila there.“Why do you ask me to come here? I have to talk to Leila. I have to go to the Triad base. I saw her there and I want to work things out between us again. If not, perhaps, I can try telling her the truth and-”“She will come here.” Tammy cold voice cut his words.His forehead c
Chapter 97Discern***Leila was panting so hard as she finally got into the woods.She had finally escaped the guards when she saw them talking in the hallway and laughing hard. She knew their routine already and she managed to escape.The very moment she arrived, even though she already agreed to the marriage – she planned some blind spots where she could use whenever she wanted to get out unnoticed.She tried asking for permission in meeting Tammy – but the eerie masked master wouldn’t just let her go.So, she had to get a move and get out of the place by herself instead.She had to know the answer that she had been looking for.And she knew that it was only Tammy who could help her.Leila didn’t know where she might be – but she had to go out of that place while she still can. She was confused and she had to ask Tammy – if n
Chapter 96Dream***Leila opened her eyes – just to be surprised at where she was.It was kind of familiar, but she couldn’t pinpoint where she was at the moment. Her forehead creased – as she tried to remember what happened to her and why she was in that particular place.“Hello?” She called – but her voice simply echoed.It made her shiver down her core.‘What the heck is happening? Where the freaking hell am I?’ She asked herself – as she got up from the dried leaves that she was lying at a while ago.She looked around, bewildered.“Silver?” She called her inner wolf – but no one is answering.Leila felt the intensifying fear that was slowly creeping into her bones.She was in the middle of nowhere. The tree
Chapter 95Safe***“This might something be too important that you have to go here instead of waiting for us in the pack community.” His father, Hudson Black, commented seriously – as Hunter entered his office.He knew from Butler Henry that they will be meeting the elders tomorrow and planned – since they have already talked to the Alpha King and Queen and had their go signal for the Triad’s eradication.However, he couldn’t wait for them anymore.And he had to tell them about the news – even if he knew that they might have known it already. He didn’t want Leila to get hurt.He knew that this decision might mean that he might lose being the Alpha’s son – and worst got disown, but he didn’t care. He had to come clean – and hope that Leila could be safe, if worst comes to worst and Leila might be drag to thi
Chapter 94For Always***“Just stop staring at me and tell me what is it? What is that something that I shouldn’t know?” Hunter repeated his question – because Hector, Myrtle, and Butler Henry were just looking at him.He couldn’t stop himself from raising a brow – especially when they exchanged that kind of look.And he knew that something was up.They shared that meaningful glare – making him to feel upset.However, when his eyes moved to a piece of paper. From the looks of it, there was a slight clue as to what was happening already. And even him – he just hoped that he didn’t have to know.But he knew that regardless of the things that he knew, he pretended not to care.“I should have stayed at the garden – even if it is already too hot.” He commented on himself.In that way, he might not have experienced that harsh reality – right in front of him.He smirked inwardly – a sarcastic and painful one.‘Reality slapped him really hard this time, huh?’ He mentally thought.Myrtle let
Chapter 93Invitation***“Master…” He heard Viego call him.There was an undeniable worry etched in his tone of voice – and he knew what it means. He smiled evilly while wearing his half-faced mask.He was now sitting in his throne – while playing a chess all by himself. He was holding the queen piece in his hand – as if it was the most precious and amazing that caught his attention.Viego went to him silently. He didn’t have to think profoundly about his words – he knew him very well. And even if he didn’t want the way he said the words – he had to be patient to him.For now, he was in the crucial part of his plans, and he had no time to get a newbie as his second in command. Besides, so far, he had no other problems about him – except the fact that he was just too cautious and intimidated by his presence.Wel
Chapter 92Mess***“Master Hector…” Lio called him – as he arrived at the place where he left them a while ago.He looked like he would kill those who would dare cross him.Well, he would – especially that he was in the foul mood right now.And the three knew that. They wouldn’t want to test their leader right now. They wouldn’t stake their lives – when they knew that they might be doomed if they try doing so.“Where the heck is he?” He asked dangerously.The three of them swallowed hard as they looked at each other for a short while – as if they were trying to tell each other who would explain and answer to his question.Because right now, they knew that they were all in the middle of something that’s inevitable. They couldn’t stop whatever chaos that might unfold once they open their mouth
Chapter 91Heartbreak***‘L-Leila…’Hunter was confused – as his mind was fighting with his heart screaming in pain.This was something that he had to settle aside for now.He tried to calm his mind – as well as his inner wolf – from screaming that she betrayed him.It wasn’t easy – when all that was running in his mind was pure anger and betrayal. It wasn’t helping him when Tracker, his inner wolf, was also wanting to take over him.He gritted his teeth – as he clenched his hands into balled fists.‘No… She couldn’t do this… She won’t join these people. She won’t join the Triad…’ He tried to reason out – as he found himself waiting for the right time to get in.This is the only chance that he got – and he only have a lesser time before Hector discover what he had done.He had to make sure to talk to Leila. He had to clear things with her.However, he knew that this might be the end of everything between them. And if it did – the least that he knew was the fact that he had done every
Chapter 90Found***Silence.It was one of the things that he hated the most now.Especially the deafening silence that was filling his ears.If not from the crickets around – this might be too creepier for everyone.However, for the time being he had to embrace the silence – for it was the only way he would now what was happening.‘Are you really here, Leila? I hope that you are not…’ A huge part of him was hoping that everything that he heard wasn’t all true.He looked around – making sure that they were still hidden in the middle of darkness.The place was already disturbing – and he couldn’t believe that the Triad had managed to hide in this place. They were pretty clever for hiding in this very secluded place.Who would have thought that they were close to their pack?Hunter let ou