Chapter 4
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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.
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“You’re such a great baker, Leila. Thank you for this.” Mrs. Johnson proudly commented as she stood beside her.
Mrs. Johnson contacted her to create a customized cake for her daughter’s birthday. She was slowly building her name in the community and words were easily spread all throughout.
Those words brought her back to reality and gave the kind woman a gentle small smile.
“I really love baking. Thank you for trusting me on this, too.” She sincerely replied.
“I’ll surely help you market your pastries and cakes, then. Maybe you can give me your portfolio so I can share it with my friends.” Mrs. Johnson excitedly told her.
That made Leila ecstatic.
“Sure, Mrs. Johnson. I’d do that. Thank you for giving me an idea.” Her voice was filled with happiness and anticipation.
Leila was walking absentmindedly down the street a few more blocks away from her house. She didn’t use her bicycle because the cake was just so big and heavy that it might be ruined, so she just assiduously took the ten minutes’ walk away from her house.
It was all worth it, though.
She was busy staring at the full moon, watching her every move. She loved how it shines so brightly in the midst of darkness.
But the moment it was hidden in the dark clouds, someone had grabbed her from behind.
She yelped, but whoever it was instantly covered her mouth with his filthy hands.
He was so strong that he immediately dragged her out of the road. The attacker forcibly moved towards the dark forest.
Leila was so scared that her eyes instantly moistened. She was praying so hard for her life. Whoever was trying to kidnap her was just so strong. She regretted the times that she disregarded entering the taekwondo class, when her mother offered her to enroll. She even regretted bringing her baseball bat with her.
She could hardly breathe so she tried to calm her nerves. She needed to get away and to make that happen, she needed to think hard and fast.
Leila gathered her strength to step on the foot of whoever her attacker was. She tried to escape, but he grabbed her long wavy hair and forcibly dragged her down the ground.
She felt pain in her knees and elbow because of the harsh impact. She let out a hurtful sob as she tried to stand up and ran away, but the attacker grabbed her both arms and tied it together with a thick rope.
“Help!” She agonizingly yelled.
“Help me! Please!” She helplessly cried but a loud laugh resonated in her ears – making her look at whoever her attacker was.
“Even though you scream at the top of your lungs, no one would hear you.” A familiar voice sarcastically commented – making her heart beat crazily.
Her eyes turned into thin slits as she tried to look at his face, but the darkness wasn’t helping her.
“Who are you?!” She furiously exclaimed.
The man sarcastically chuckled.
“Oh, dear Leila. You just left home and you have already forgotten all about me, huh?” The man mockingly replied as he stepped out of the darkness.
Under the bright full moon, she was able to recognize who it was – her eyes widened in shock and fright.
“Donovan…” She lowly uttered.
Her tears flowed down from her eyes down to her cheeks. She felt disgusted and scared.
It was none other than her stepfather, Donovan Harrow. He was the main reason why she left home and decided to live independently even though it hurt her so much.
He was always giving her malicious stares, and at night, he always tried to open her door – that she even bought an install three more locks just to feel safe.
Unfortunately, he always found ways to touch her hand and arms – and worst – her bottom when her mother, Sheila, wasn’t around.
She was just so furious and disgusted that she decided to live independently, for she couldn’t find the strength to tell it to her mom. She couldn’t find it in her heart to ruin her stepbrother’s father and their relationship.
Now, she thought she had already gotten away from him, but he resorted to this kind of thing.
“What do you want?” She asked while gritting her teeth.
She needed him to talk as she tried to untie the rope in her hands.
Donovan let out a hearty chuckle.
“That was so obvious, my love. I want you.” He smugly answered.
She wanted to puke.
How could he do this to her? Even to her mom?
“You’re sick!” She angrily yelled.
“Whatever you say, dear Leila. I wanted to collect your debts. I am the one who raised you. Now, that you’ve grown up so stunningly beautiful, I wanted you.” He maliciously said those words as he touched her face.
“F*ck you!” She cursed at him as she helplessly stared at him.
The knot he had put in her hands was just too tight that it was making it hard for her to untie it. She was feeling pessimistic now.
“You don’t even try to think of my mom?! How dare you do this!” She bitterly accused him.
He just smirked at her.
“Your mom was aging, dear. I wanted a new one.” He seriously told her as he licked his lips and looked at her entire body using his ghastly stares.
“No. No, please… Don’t do this…” She eagerly pleaded.
But it was making Donovan more turned on that he grabbed her hair and sniffed it.
“I just so love your smell, you know.” He whispered before running his filthy tongue over her left cheek.
Leila shut her eyes tightly. She could feel the hair at the back of her head stand up because of pure repugnance.
“Beg, Leila… I want to hear your sweet pleadings.” Donovan whispered into her ear.
She opened her eyes and clenched her fists before hardly biting his ear.
Donovan automatically cried and slapped her hard – wounding her lips and cheek. She finally untied the rope!
“You b*tch!” He irritably spat while holding his bloody ear.
He was about to hurt her when they heard a loud growl.
It was so eerie that her heart almost stopped beating.
Before she could even run, a huge dark brown furred wolf appeared in between them.
Leila was rooted to the ground while Donovan tried to get a stick and whipped the wolf.
It let out a furious snarl – showing its bared long canines.
Donovan’s eyes widened in horror, and without thinking twice, he instantly ran away – leaving her with the enormous wolf.
Should she be thankful? Or should she be praying now; for she might be its next prey?
The massive wolf stared at her and groaned before leaving her – stunned in the middle of the woods.
Chapter 5 *** Leila was dumbfounded, but she tried to stand up with her trembling knees. She had no idea why, but she followed the massive wolf that actually… rescued her! She couldn’t believe that there’s a meek wolf like that – not to mention that it was so huge and bulky. She had seen them on television, and they were predators – mostly wild and fierce. Leila ignored the bruises that were throbbing in some parts of her body. All she could think about was following the massive wolf and finding out who owned it. She wanted it! She wanted one for herself! Well, that might serve as her best friend while living here in the village. Her mind was clouded with the gratitude towards the wolf that saved her. She couldn’t believe that during that hard, awful, and hopeless time – she could find someone unexpectedly. She was panting inaudibly – breathing in her mouth as she tried to keep up with the wolf, which was slowly walking like it had nowhere to go. The owl cooed, and it echoed
Chapter 6 *** It happened so fast that Leila couldn’t believe how she had come this far. She was flabbergasted upon discovering that it was Hunter Black, whom her mother had been indebted to. Well, technically, it was all her stepfather’s fault, but her mother had been his collateral. That man really had to give them a headache after what he had done to her! She couldn’t believe him! A heartless beast if she might add! But what’s worst was that she couldn’t believe how she had come this far and how fate was truly playing her right now. She stared at the huge mansion in front of her as she managed to press the doorbell. Butler Henry’s cold and blank expression welcomed her and ushered her towards the pathway. She mentally heaved a deep sigh. Now, she was welcomed here already, and that was because she had no other choice but to be the one who would pay for everything instead of her mother. “There are few rules that you had to remember while working here, Miss Leila.” Butler Hen
Chapter 7 *** Leila was so guilty that she couldn’t just leave Hunter’s mansion. She wasn’t allowed on the second floor of the house, and she hadn’t seen Butler Henry go down. She had eaten the steak that she had cooked, and she had a tiny tinge of pain, thinking that she hadn’t even asked for Hunter’s food preference. How could she ever forget something as important as that kind of information?! “I should’ve asked…” She murmured under her breath. Then, a loud bang of the door suddenly interrupted her thoughts. Her eyes widened like a saucer as fear and worry instantly attacked her. She hadn’t heard the doorbell, and she knew that no one would enter the place – for it was only Hunter and Butler Henry leaving in this huge mansion. “Then, who the heck is this?” She asked herself as she immediately held the vase just beside her. Whoever, this intruder was, she would instantly shout to Butler Henry and alarm them. But that also meant that her life would be in danger. Her heart be
Chapter 8Leila didn’t know how many times she had heaved a deep sigh as she plopped down the comfy sofa.Everything that happened that day was already wearing her out.However, what made her more perplexed was about what Butler Henry told her about a while ago.***Flashback…“But Hunter – err, I mean Master Hunter – seems like he is pushing his brother away…” She inquired nosily.She even corrected herself as Butler Henry shot her a knowing look.‘When can I ever get used to calling him ‘Master’? Tsk!’ She rolled her eyes inside her head as she mentally thought.Butler Henry heaved a deep sigh – like he was already worn out. She had been asking him too many questions since Hector went out of the mansion, and he might have cut his cord of patience because of her prurience.She swallowed hard – hoping that Butler Henry wouldn’t throw him out of the mansion for being too meddling.Leila just wanted to drop that topic when his next words made her more curious.“Master Hunter didn’t want
Chapter 9In the forest, the eerie silence was being broken by a loud and fierce growl from a hurt animal. The owls’ hooting suddenly stopped – afraid that they might disturb the creepiness growing around the place.“You are not going to get away with this! You skank! I swear they will know who you are eventually!” A man furiously screamed as blood flowed into the corner of his lips.Behind his eerie black mask, a man wearing all-black jeans and shirt with a hooded long cape smirked.“Just try. I have already eradicated half of all the packs in here. No one will come my way, especially since I already handled the group.” He plainly stated – using his low and cold voice.He saw how the dying man in front of him suddenly looked so worried and scared.The man in his mask let out a loud bark of laughter.He was suddenly amused by how the dying man tried so hard to pretend that he was strong enough to stand in front of him. ‘What a fool…” He mentally thought.“Don’t make me laugh, you idi
Chapter 10“I need you to do something.” Hudson said using his serious and cold tone.Hunter was all ears at his father’s words. He surely wouldn’t want to miss any of it.Right after his brother’s wedding, he instantly went towards their house. He didn’t want to be seen with his parents – more with Myrtle and Hector. It was too awkward for him to see the curious eyes of the people in their pack again.He let out a sigh inside his head.Apparently, his father decided to go home right after, too. So, that only means that this is something important. He was just too curious as to what it was.He had been away from the pack for a bit long and only Butler Henry was the one who visited the pack. He didn’t want to go home, as he tried to live independently.“What is it, Dad?” He coldly inquired as he looked at him with his serious eyes.Alpha Hudson let out a deep sigh. He looked a bit problematic despite his grim expression.Now, he felt like he needed someone to help him with this.“A lot
Chapter 11“Why am I thinking about it anyway? As if it does matter?” Leila muttered under her breath as she walked towards Hunter’s mansion.She was thinking about Butler Henry’s words. And it was her third time thinking about whether to continue to go towards the mansion or not.But she had to go… as if she had a choice.Leila rolled her eyes at the mere thought of it.“Did he really marry someone already?” She said unconsciously as she pouted her lips.That certain thought made her heart sink.“Wait, why am I thinking about it anyway?” She still couldn’t stop herself from taking her monologues, and she frowned.“Why would I even be surprised? He’s handsome, tall, and hot… not to mention that she was also hot-tempered, snobby, and…” She tried to create her own inside joke about it but the sulking feeling attacking her system just wouldn’t budge.“He might not come home now, huh? Because… he’s married. Now, what?” Her lips pouted at that.“Why am I so bothered about it anyway? Ugrh!
Chapter 12It took her time to gather herself together after her encounter with Hunter a while ago. She simply cooked some pancakes for Hunter – the best recipe to deceive time and escape any more encounters with Hunter.Right after Leila prepared his breakfast, she told Butler Henry that she needed to go home. She told him that she wasn’t feeling well and that she needed to rest.To be honest, she just didn’t want to see Hunter in the meantime. She felt hurt and wanted to calm herself.She was just grateful that Butler Henry told her that she could go home and rest for the entire day. However, she had forgotten her things at Hunter’s mansion.Leila scratched the back of her head as she stared at the huge gate – thinking twice about whether she would enter or not.Before she went home, Butler Henry gave her the spare key to the gate so she could go inside freely. It was better for
Chapter 80For Now***Leila wiped away the tears that fell from her eyes.She didn’t know how long she had stayed that way.It was as if she had finally seized the moment – even though what she could only do was to stare at the man that her heart is yearning for.Leila knew that deep in her heart – she was still confused. However, even though she wanted to follow her heart, she could ignore the fact that seeing Hunter’s parents could remind her of the pain… The pain of losing her own father. The reason why her family was ruined.And it was like adding salt to the wound – that fate wanted them to see each other again.She didn’t even know how the heck did Hunter found them in the deepest part of the South. She knew that even if Tammy wanted her to forgive and let love overtake her heart, she wouldn’t let anyone enter this part of the forest.Leila let out a deep sigh as she was about to stand up and simply go towards the small couch she was sitting from a while ago – when she stopped
Chapter 79Heartbreaking***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.***Leila didn’t know how to react.All that she knew that time was the fast beating of her heart – and it was something that she could already hear from her ears.The moment felt so surreal – but in a negative way.She could feel the sudden fear engulfing her entire being – something that she didn’t even feel a moment ago while fighting the rogues.The moment she saw blood dripping from Hunter’s body, she knew that she was scared – not for her own life but for him.‘Isn’t that what you wished for? Isn’t that what you meant to do when you discovered what happen to your father?’ A part of her mind reminded her.She gritted her teeth.Right now, she didn’t know anymore.“Damn it!” She whispered under her breath – as she watched Tamika tried to cure Hunter’s wound from a
Chapter 78Stay Still***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.***“This is not good, Leila…” Even Silver commented inside her head.Leila knew that they might be doomed right now. They were caught off guard. And she wanted to blame herself for that.‘How the heck could they freaking conceal their presence?’ She asked herself – annoyed.She only noticed three rogue presences a while ago.But now…There might be a dozen rogues around them now.Damn it!She just couldn’t believe it.‘How the heck did that happen?’ She mentally asked herself once again – for she thought that she had already improved.That time, she just felt so annoyed and hopeless.“We are in the depths of the South, Leila. This is their territory. Don’t be hard on yourself.” Silver answered deliberately – as if she was trying to console her.She let out a deep sigh in
Chapter 77Strong***“I am a seer, Leila.”Her lips slightly parted ways – as she stared at her.Tammy’s expression didn’t even change, but she knew that she wouldn’t even joke about it. However, it was just so shocking to know.Leila took a deep breath – as she tried to process her thoughts.“I know that it is hard to believe… But I am… And I know what situation you are into…” Tammy stated seriously – as if she was completely trying to persuade her.But Leila slightly shook her head. She gave her an unbelievable look – it was as if she had her own thoughts, disagreeing with her.“You see the future… And you let them… You are just too kind, Tamika…” She uttered coldly.However, Tammy shook her head.“I can’t see my future, Leila… And all I can do is to be kind… There will never be wrong in being kind…” She contradicted – causing her to groan in annoyance.Then, she smirked at her.“There will never be wrong in being kind… That’s a ridiculous thinking, Tammy.” She said – emphasizing h
Chapter 76Seer***Leila smirked at Tammy sarcastically.She couldn’t believe that she could hear those words from a peculiar woman like her. It might be really true that looks could really be deceiving – and that odd words could come from someone you less expect to come from.Then, she shook her head as she smiled without humor.Leila looked at her with her cold and serious expression. Her dark brown eyes turned a bit darker – almost close to black.And right there and then, Tammy could feel the seething anger from her.“Kindness? Love? The old Leila?” She sardonically said those words – as if it was something so disappointing and disgusting.Then, she chuckled without humor – and shook her head once again. It was as if she couldn’t believe what she heard from her. It was as if she could hear something so ridiculous – but it was something that she could be annoyed for.“You must be joking, Tamika.” She uttered in pure irritation – as she gave emphasis to each and every word.This ti
Chapter 75Old***After those simple talks with Tamika, Leila didn’t know how to react. She didn’t even know how to face her the next day.She didn’t even know how to interact with her.***“Sometimes it is better to share things with stranger. That way the lesser the person knows who you are, the better. There would be lesser judgment. Don’t you think, Leila?”***Those were the words from Tamika before she finally left her in the kitchen.Leila felt like everything that she heard from Tamika – were all meant for her. It was as if even though she didn’t share anything to her, she already knew. And as if she was telling her that she was not there to judge her – but to understand her.It was one thing that she was hoping for.Someone that would hear her pain.Besides, she couldn’t tell all of those to her mother. She had no one beside her. She had no one whom she could lean on nor be her crying buddy. No one could even listen to her stories… her pains… her side.Not until she found he
Chapter 74Start Again***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.***“What the hell?!” Leila couldn’t stop herself from uttering those words.She couldn’t believe what was happening.Tamika simply broke her glance at her and simply went towards the sink to rinse her hand – as if she had no serious injury to her hand.Her lips were still ajar – as she watched her, like she wasn’t hurt at all. Even though she knew that her wound was a bit deep and there was a lot of blood.“Don’t worry, this is just a small cut.” Tamika explained without any trace of emotion at all!Leila pursed her lips together – as she went towards her.“Just a small cut?! Look at your hand!” She uttered in pure disbelief.However, before she could even get closer to her – her feet stopped.She inwardly shook her head.‘No… I shouldn’t trust her… Not yet… Or simply…
Chapter 73Void***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.***“What do you mean by that?” The man wearing a mask, their master, inquired Viego – as he was standing in front of him.He was trying to explain his men’s report to their mater – especially right now that he wanted them to find Leila and finally capture her.Viego swallowed the lump in his throat before looking at their masted – who seemed to be all ear for his news.“We can’t find anything about what happened to Miss L-Leila, M-Master.” He replied nervously.Their master groaned disappointedly.“And the Moon Howlers Pack?” Their master inquired coldly – as if he was waiting for good news for them and would instantly have his head if that happened.Viego let out an inaudible sigh.“We are sure that they also didn’t know where Miss Leila i-is, Master. It was as if she vanishe
Chapter 72Unanswered***“Who are you?”Regardless of how dry her throat was – and how her senses mess up with her, because an unknown and strange woman appeared in front of her, she managed to utter those words.And Leila wanted to clap at herself for that.Especially when it came as coldly and as bravely as she thought it could be.However, the woman’s expression didn’t change – even a bit – as she asked her that question.It was as if she was just looking at a mere object that she had seen her like forever.She was certainly – no, totally – weird.Then, in a matter of a few more seconds, she felt her body become weaker and weaker – making her swallow hard.“You are still weak. That’s understandable. You have fought death – you have to eat.” That was her answer instead.That made her forehead creased a bit more.It was as if she didn’t mind her words. It was as if she had her own world to deal with. And that she was just there for her to take care of.Well, that was what her guts w