—HADES I'm exhausted, both physically and emotionally, as I sit beside Alison's sleeping body. Her hand is finally bandaged, and her skin has turned a pale, almost white color. She's lost a lot of blood, but thankfully, she's receiving IV fluids now. Her wounds will take time to heal, and she'll be in a lot of pain when she wakes up. But I guess that's Alison for me- stubborn and determined, even in her self-destruction.I sigh for what feels like the hundredth time, feeling trapped and helpless. I'm sick of her tantrums, sick of her manipulation, but I'm not a bad person, so I can't just leave her. I'm stuck in this toxic cycle, and I don't know how to escape.As I gaze at her sleeping form, I think about the consequences of her actions and chuckle bitterly to myself. If she dies, it won't be on her, but on me. It could spark an uprising, and I'll lose my position, and everything I've worked for. I can't let that happen.But it's not just about power; it's about Alison herself.
—JASMINEIt's been a day since Denzel's return, and that feeling of him being an entirely different person still lingers heavily.I think to myself as I sit at the breakfast table, staring blankly at my food.Now we're having breakfast, and I just can't help it anymore. It feels like playing pretend. Like a life, you just can't seem to reach into and get into your senses that you're real or not. I don't know. It just feels like I'm being controlled.The only thing keeping me sane is that I am watching my babies grow. They're saying more words now, like "no" and "hey," and at least I know they're real.I stare at my food, the scrambled eggs and toast blurring together on my plate. I don't mind if it goes stale. I don't even care if I eat it at all."You're not eating?" Denzel points out, his voice breaking the silence."I know," I nod, my voice barely above a whisper.Denzel looks at me, concern etched on his face. "Jasmine, what's wrong? You've been acting strange since I got back."
—JASMINE -“Excuse me?” I stare at Denzel, my eyes wide with shock, my mind reeling with confusion. I don't even know what else to say or how to twist my mouth into succumbing to my own words. I feel like I've been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me."You don't have a choice, Jasmine," he repeats, his voice firm, unyielding. "I'm picking you. You're my fate. And if you want to know about my past, then you'll have to wait until the marking festival, which is in a few days."I'm stunned. I don't understand what's happening. I thought we had an agreement, an understanding. I thought we were just going to be allies, partners in a sense. But now, he's talking about making me his Luna, his mate."I don't understand," I say, my voice shaking, my hands packing my bag nervously. "I thought you said-"I stop talking because I realize I am about to sound stupid. He clearly said his act of kindness would warrant nothing in return, and now he wants to make me his mate when I t
—JASMINEDenzel's eyes narrow, his jaw clenched, as I turn to walk away, my anger and fear simmering just below the surface. He takes a step forward, his movements are fluid and deliberate, and his hands are shoved deep in his pocket."Why do you hate me so much?" he asks, his voice low and husky, his dark eyes glinting with a subtle intensity.I spin around, my eyes flashing with anger, my heart racing with fear. "Hate?" I scoff, my voice trembling with emotion. "You think this is about hate? You think you can just kiss me, and expect me to be all sunshine and rainbows?"I take a step closer to him, my fists clenched, my body tense. "You know that's the last fucking thing I want. And I made it clear to you. Did your illness mess you up?”I want to make him mad but he’s just not letting my words get into him.He’s like a brick wall.Denzel shrugs, his expression unyielding, his eyes never leaving mine. "That's the only word for it," he says, his voice dripping with conviction. "You
—JASMINEI shriek and shake my head, the exhilarating and burning feeling from the liquor coursing through my veins like a wild animal. I'm a loser when it comes to drinking, I can barely hold my alcohol, and moments like this make me proud that I can't. I just want to drown, to forget, to escape."Another one, Mason," I say to the bartender, my voice slurred and sloppy. We've become friends, I guess. I don't know. I'll probably never come back here again. I've been here for twenty minutes, and I think Mason seems to like me. Maybe only because I'm drinking and paying for the most expensive alcohol, and he would simply want me to drink more because that equals more money.Mason raises an eyebrow, his throat moving heavily as he speaks. "You can't be at the counter and drink so much. Would you like to order a booth?" he asks, his deep voice tinged with concern.I gaze up at him, my eyes squinting slightly. Such a huge Adam's apple. He has nice brown honey skin, and he's really tall and
—HADES—I pull up in front of Judbar, the neon lights of the bar reflecting off the wet pavement. The sun is starting to set, so everything will shine brighter than the day soon.I loosen my grip on the steering wheel, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I can't believe I'm back here, at this place that holds so many memories, so much pain.I used to come here when I learned Jasmine lost her memory when I felt like everything was unfair like something big was taken away from me. I would drown my sorrows in alcohol, trying to numb the pain, trying to forget. But after ending things with Jasmine and settling with Alison, I stopped coming back here. I realized that drinking my problems away wouldn't solve anything, that it would only lead to more heartache.But here I am, back at Judbar, tempted by the familiar comfort of alcohol. One drink won't hurt, I tell myself. I'm tired of breathing the same stuffy air with Alison, tired of the tension between us. She's still asleep,
—HADES.The moment Mason leaves, I turn to Jasmine, and she looks like a lost child waiting for her mother. Her eyes are wide and vulnerable, and I wish I could crawl into her head and know what happened to her and why she's here. I don't say anything and just lay my back on the couch, trying to process everything.Jasmine stands and walks wobbly towards the table where my drink is and starts to open a bottle. I think she's going to drink it, but she doesn't. Instead, she walks up to me and hands me the bottle. "Drink with me," she insists, her voice soft and pleading.I take the bottle, feeling the weight of her gaze on me. I mean, after all, I came here to drink. And I can really hold my liquor.I unscrew the cap and take a swig, the liquor burning down my throat. Jasmine watches me, her eyes never leaving mine, and then she takes the bottle from me and takes a sip herself.We sit there in silence, passing the bottle back and forth, drinking and not speaking. The tension betwe
—HADES.As I kiss her, my heart racing with anticipation, I wait for Jasmine to knock my senses out and smack me for kissing her. But instead, I'm surprised when she kisses me back, her reciprocation slow and tentative at first, but growing bolder with each passing moment.Her lips are soft and inviting, and I can feel her warmth spreading through me like wildfire. I deepen the kiss, my thirst for her taking over, and she responds in kind, her mouth opening to mine, our tongues entwining in a sensual dance.I wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer, feeling her body melt into mine. Her hands slide up my chest, her fingers tangling in my hair, and I feel a shiver run down my spine.The kiss is exhilarating, leaving me breathless and wanting more. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, my pulse racing with excitement. Jasmine's body feels like home, like the missing piece I never knew I needed.As we break apart for air, I gaze into her eyes, seeing the desire and passion refle
12YEARS LATER JASMINE—-.The kitchen bustles with activity as servants scurry about, their hands moving swiftly to prepare for the evening's festivities. The clock ticks closer to dusk, and the pressure mounts to complete the decorations before our party guests arrive.I lend a hand where I can, expertly arranging a centerpiece of fresh flowers. Hades burst into the room, Jason perched on his broad shoulders, giggling uncontrollably."You'll make him throw up again," I warn, eyeing Hades's energetic swinging."Aw, he likes it," Hades replies, grinning mischievously, as he makes another sweeping arc."Mommy, I love it!" Jason squeals, his tiny hands grasping Hades's hair.I shake my head, concealing a smile. "If you throw up, don't expect me to come to your aid."Jason's face sets in determination. "I'm four. I can help myself."I chuckle inwardly, recognizing the stubborn streak he inherited from Hades. Jason's words echo his father's confident tone, a miniature replica of the man w
—JASMINE-Stepping foot in Silvermist feels surreal, like a dream I've longed to awaken to. The word "home" echoes through my soul, resonating with a depth I never knew I craved. Every step carries me closer to a sense of belonging.As I wander through the pack's grounds, a somber atmosphere envelops me. The usual bustle seems muted, with fewer pack members in sight. Some may be busy with their daily routines, but the scarcity of familiar faces weighs heavily.My heart quickens, anticipation building as I approach the main pack house. I've yearned to hold my children close, to see the spark in their eyes. And Hades...my mate, my rock.The pack house comes into view, its wooden facade weathered to a warm, golden brown. Smoke drifts lazily from the chimney, carrying the scent of warmth and comfort.I push open the door, and a sense of peace washes over me. I'm home.After weeks of navigating the unfamiliar city, I'd finally found my footing. The initial disorientation and panic had g
—HADES.-I trudge back to the Silvermist pack's main house, weighed down by the crushing burden of defeat. The familiar scent of home and family offers little comfort, as the ache within me grows with each step.Until now, I hadn't grasped the depth of great sadness. The hunt, once fueled by determination and hope, has yielded nothing. No sign of Jasmine, no hint of Denzel's whereabouts. The abyss of uncertainty gapes wider, threatening to consume me.As I enter the pack house, my gaze falls upon Enora and Ezra, their hushed conversation halted by my arrival. Their eyes, attuned to my emotions, widen in concern.Ezra, one of our pack's strongest members and a trusted ally had opted to remain behind, watching over Enora and our children while I pursued the hunt. His presence provides a sense of security, allowing me to focus on the search.Now, as Enora and Ezra take in my worn, defeated appearance, they sense the outcome without needing words. Their expressions mirror my despair."
JASMINE.-I'm so cold, my body numb and trembling. Hunger pangs gnaw at my stomach, and my throat feels parched, desperate for a drop of water. The night is wearing on, and I've lost all sense of direction.The convenience store manager's words echo in my mind: "You're miles away from Maple." The reality hits me like a ton of bricks. I'm stranded, alone, and scared.This place is unfamiliar, its streets twisting and turning in ways that make no sense. I don't know how to navigate these dark alleys and deserted roads.Fear creeps in as the streetlights cast long, ominous shadows. Every sound makes me jump – the rustling of leaves, the distant hum of a car, the creaking of trees.Denzel's face flashes in my mind, his cruel smile etched in my memory. He's a monster for bringing me here, for tearing me away from Maple and everyone I love.My hand instinctively goes to the cut on my chest, the pain still throbbing. Infection is a constant fear, and without Lira's healing touch, recovery w
—HADES.-Denzel's minion leads us to the outskirts, just as he promised. But I should've known better. The guy's a total liar. This is a setup, a trap.Denzel's goons are waiting in the warehouse, ready to pounce the moment we step foot inside.But I'm on it. I brought my pack here to track down Jasmine, not to get caught up in Denzel's twisted game.As their alpha, I prioritize their safety. "Fall back!" I yell.My wolves obey instantly, falling back as I unleash the full fury of my inner beast. Adrenaline surges through my veins, fueling my fight response. I become a whirlwind of teeth and claws, taking down Denzel's wolves with swift and deadly precision.With each swift kick, I send opponents crashing to the ground. My bites are targeted and merciless, crushing bone and sinew. My claws slice through fur and flesh, leaving ravaged bodies in my wake.These amateur wolves, thinking they could take me down? It's almost laughable. My strength surpasses theirs by a landslide, honed fro
—JASMINE-“You’ve fucked me up” Denzel begins.“Now come closer”I move closer to Denzel, my body betraying my will. His hand reaches out to claim me, his touch looming like a dark specter. The night air thickens, cold and oppressive, as if conspiring against me.Alison seethes behind me, her rage palpable. "Stop this madness, Denzel!"Denzel's smirk twists into a snarl. "Shut up, you filthy traitor. I'll deal with you when I'm done with her.""Traitor, says the traitor himself!" Alison spits, her voice venomous.Hunter joins the chorus of outrage. "You deceived us!"Denzel's laughter sends shivers down my spine. "I didn't deceive you. You're both just blind fools. It would've been nicer to claim one of your bodies."His words drip with malevolence, and I feel a surge of revulsion.I turn to face Alison, our eyes locking in a silent understanding. She wore the cursed necklace around my neck; she could free me.Alison's gaze flashes with recognition, and I turn back to Denzel."Now le
—JASMINE-I want to die.Seriously it feels like the only safer option I have.My body is cold and I feel like I’ll pass out any minute from now.I need warmth.My body has been naked for hours.After devouring the bloody soup, Denzel rises to his feet, his movements eerily robust considering his previous frailty. He strides towards me, his gaze burning with malevolence.I attempt to retreat, but Hunter's grip remains unyielding. "You almost escaped," he growls, his breath hot against my ear. "Not this time."Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I force them back, sniffing away the emotion.Denzel summons the old lady who has been feeding him like a creep, his voice dripping with impatience. "Ophelia, bring out the pendant. I'll do it, either way."Ophelia's wrinkled hands tremble as she produces the pendant from a hidden compartment. Her voice quavers with a warning. "It's against the rules, Denzel. You cannot use her until you bed her."Denzel's response is explosive. "I
Trigger warning: This chapter contains some repulsive content that some readers might find disturbing.—JASMINE contd.-I open my eyes, grogginess dissipating as I realize I've dozed off. But as I move my limbs, I'm surprised to find I'm no longer as weak as I thought I'd be. The brief sleep must have rejuvenated me, providing the energy boost I desperately needed.Panic sinks in, however, as I take in my surroundings. The bathroom. Memories of Denzel's assault and the black leeches come flooding back. My heart racing, I plunge my body forward, cupping my hands under the faucet to drink water. The cool liquid revives me, quenching my thirst and calming my frazzled nerves.As I drink, I feel my vitality returning. My senses sharpen, and my thoughts clear. I'm alive, and that realization spurs determination within me. I must escape, no matter what.With renewed resolve, I straighten up, water dripping from my chin. My gaze falls upon the bathtub, where the black leeches lie motionle
—JASMINE contd.—I shut my eyes, desperate to escape the nightmare unfolding before me. My mind races to happier memories, visions of my children's smiling faces, their laughter, and warm embraces. I cling to these thoughts, trying to distract myself from the horror of Denzel's rippled, decaying flesh touching my body.But even those cherished memories can't block out reality. Denzel's cold, clammy fingers probed my skin, digging deeper into my core, seeking to awaken an arousal that's impossible to give. My body recoils, repelled by his touch.I shut my eyes even tighter, willing myself to escape, to find solace in the depths of my own mind. I reach for Lira, my wolf. But she's still trapped, locked away and I’ve come to realize that it’s because of the black liquid they forced down my throat.That poisonous brew, designed to suppress my true nature, to sever my connection to Hades and my inner wolf. Tears fall drastically from my eyes as the realization hits me. They manipulate