Chapter 4
***
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.
***
“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 128Mother***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 felt like everything was slowly crumbling down right in front of her very eyes.Especially when she finally saw her mother… full of tears inside the prison cell.She chose to be in the prison cell with her – well, before the servant omegas, who were left to serve Donovan, finally get her out of there to prepare for the upcoming wedding.“L-Leila…” Her mother called her name brokenly.She wanted to break down in front of her, too. But she wouldn’t. She couldn’t. She had to stay strong. So, she immediately blinked the tears that were slowly blurring her eyes.&ldq
Chapter 127Letter***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 smiled at her reflection in the mirror.Myrtle helped her prepare for her date with Hunter.She couldn’t stop smiling as she remembered Hunter’s face a while ago when he asked her to go out with him.Well, it wasn’t really “going out” – just a small dinner date with him near the Black mansion. It was what Hunter only told her a while ago. He was trying to be secretive about it.Actually, he was doing a great job at that. She really didn’t know where they were going. He simply asked him to go out with him and have a date – and that’s all.And of course,
Chapter 126Gone***Everyday kept on getting better and better for Leila.Hunter’s parents were very kind and accommodating – that she couldn’t asked for more.She took a deep breath – as she looked at the scenery of the garden in front of her. She just wanted to take a break and reflect about her life now. She was thinking that she needed to visit her mother and younger brother soon.Especially now that Donovan is dead.Everything was still slowly dawning her.Sooner or later, she had to tell them. And looking at the Blacks – she just missed her family so much. And she had to tell them the truth. She had to – in order for her to be at peace.However, despite everything that happened – and that even if she knew her mother so well, she still couldn’t stop thinking a lot of what ifs.What if she wouldn’t believe
Chapter 125Blessing***Leila opened her eyes the very next day – with a bit of a heavy feeling.The truth was finally revealed.Well, it was such a roller coaster of emotions for her. She couldn’t stop thinking about everything. Even when she went to bed last night.Heck! She didn’t even know how she managed to get back to her room.Her mind was in haywire – and so was today.The sunlight was already peeking inside her room.She took a glimpse at her bedside clock – only to see that it was just five in the morning. She only has a few hours’ sleep. Well, it was a good thing that she did sleep anyway. She couldn’t afford to think of the things over and over again – especially that she was already feeling so exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally.However, even though she wanted to stay in her bed and think about everything that Hunter’s parents told her, she had to stand up and face the day.Besides, if she stayed that way – she could not stop herself from thinking more. She
Chapter 124Forgotten Memories***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 bit her lower lip – as she tried to calm herself. She even closed her eyes – however, that only made her memories became more vivid to her mind.Her head was throbbing in pain – but this time, it was as if her memories had triggered, and it was flowing in her mind like a river.“Leila… Are you okay?”She could hear Mrs. Black’s voice – but the excruciating pain was just too much for her to bear, that she couldn’t even nod or open her eyes, just so she could assure her that she is fine.“Stay with her… I will call Doc Fridger…&
Chapter 123Played Trust***Mrs. Black let out a deep sigh – as she was looking at her intently.Even Mr. Black stared at her the same way.Leila felt like the emotions floating in the air didn’t change. It was still light – but a bit gloomier. This time, she saw some pain and sadness written in their eyes.It only added guilt into her heart – which she didn’t know for what or for who.She didn’t know but there was something in the way they looked at her – something that made her heart a bit heavier.“Lindon Mercado…” Mrs. Black called her father’s name – as she was slightly nodding her head.Then, she looked at the huge window on the right side of the room.It was as if she was lost in her own thoughts all of a sudden.“Leila…” Mr. Black called her seriously &ndash
Chapter 122Blame***Silence filled the air – as Mrs. Black called her in the library instead of staying in the living room.Leil agreed.It was better that way since what they might be going to talk about was all serious and private. And it seemed like they were both thinking the same thing.Mrs. Black is a light conversationist.“We heard that Hunter is already awake, but we just arrived. Maybe we can talk to him tomorrow.” Mrs. Black told her – as they sat on the single couches.She sat across from her while Mr. Black sat on the other side.Mr. Black rested his elbows in the armrest – as he intertwined his fingers right in front of his chest. He was staring at her and his wife. His eyes were dark.This time she realized where Hunter got his features.The first time she met them – she couldn’t look at them that i
Chapter 121Conversation***Hunter just wouldn’t let her go – not until Leila threatened him of not baking his favorite tart again. Well, she all knew that if he had another choice, he wouldn’t let her go. But he knew that his body is still frail – and he was easily exhausted.Well, Leila was just so happy that Hunter was fine now.He only needs to rest peacefully – and rejuvenate fully.His wounds were still fresh and no matter how much he tried to spend time with her – the medicine that Uncle Bob gave him made him drowsy.So now, he was already fast asleep.Leila looked at how peaceful Hunter was while sleeping.She couldn’t stop herself from smiling from ear to ear.After everything that happened to them – she thought that they deserved to take a break and have this peace of mind.Finally, Donovan was dead.They could breathe properly now.Leila looked at Hunter once again – before planting a soft kiss on his lips.“Good night…” She murmured under her breath.She still couldn’t st
Chapter 120Medicine***Leila’s face was still in bright red – while looking at Hunter being checked by Uncle Bob.She couldn’t believe that she could be such an aggressive woman.‘Damn it, Leila… You really have to do that a while ago? You should have asked him if he was okay – not kissed him right there and then.’ She murmured inside her head.Then, her face turned redder when she realized that if Hunter didn’t groan in pain – she wouldn’t stop the kiss yet.“You are really an aggressive one, Leila…” This time, Silver tried to throw her a playful remark.Her lips protruded.Well, she had no excuse for that.She was just so happy – that she couldn’t stop herself.However, seeing how Hunter looked at her with that playful smirk on his face –