—HADES As the dinner party reaches its midpoint, the atmosphere is electric, with every guest mingling and laughing, passing cocktails, and engaging in effortless conversation, just as they do every year. The room is filled with the clinking of glasses, the murmur of voices, and the occasional burst of laughter. I try to focus my mind, to corral my thoughts into a single, simple thread, but it's proving to be a challenge. My attention keeps drifting, pulled in different directions by the various conversations and interactions unfolding around me. I force myself to take a deep breath, to calm my racing thoughts and concentrate on the present moment, I don’t want to look at her. I can’t.But my mind is a jumble of emotions, worries, and distractions, making it difficult to achieve any semblance of mental clarity. I feel like I'm stuck in a whirlwind, struggling to find my footing amidst the chaos.I’ve lost my appetite and can only drink.I notice Alison’s eyes and me and turn to
—HADES contd. Now that the party has transitioned into mingling mode, I figure it's the perfect opportunity to break the ice with Jasmine. What's the harm in saying hello, right? It's a simple, friendly gesture that can help ease any tension and potentially lead to some enjoyable conversation. I take a deep breath, gather my courage, and make my way through the crowd towards her. As I approach, I notice she's not looking at me anymore but is now engaged in a conversation with a small group of people, but she catches my eye and flashes a warm smile. Shit. I didn’t expect that smile. She looks so good. And suddenly red is starting to become my favorite color. I didn’t know one could wear it so well. As I draw near to Jasmine, my body undergoes a sudden and intense transformation. My heart rate accelerates, and my blood surges through my veins like liquid fire, as if fueled by a primal urge. My wolf, normally a dormant entity, awakens with a ferocity that catches
—JASMINE Hades doesn't look his best, a rare sight to behold. Despite being impeccably dressed in a billion-dollar gray suit that perfectly complements his tanned skin and dark hair, he is carrying an air of fatigue. His beautiful eyes, normally bright and piercing, appear tired and sunken, with dark circles etched beneath them. His smile, usually a dazzling display of charm and confidence, now looks forced and unconvincing, a faint, weary curve of his lips that doesn't quite reach his eyes. The overall effect is one of subdued elegance, like a sense of a man who's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.What’s going on with him?I shouldn’t care but my curiosity is taking a toll on me.But I need to remember where I stand.Before cutting ties with him, Hades and Alison had remembered me as someone who lost her memory, and I have to continue to maintain that facade. My past, my identity, and my memories are all a jumbled mess, and I have to keep it that way. The
—JASMINE“Alison, You look tired,” I say.“Don’t change the subject. You have kids? For who? When? How?” She is relentless with her questions and I just want to shove her purse in her mouth.She’s worse than an FBI"Alison, me? A mother?" I scoff, trying to sound incredulous as if the idea is absurd. Her eyes fall, her gaze drifting down to my chest, then my stomach, before returning to my face. She shrugs, already sounding defeated, her voice laced with a hint of resignation. "Well, you look healthier, I'll give you that," she says, her tone dripping with skepticism. "But not like a mother, for sure." She adds, her eyes narrowing slightly as if searching for something in my expression, a hint of the truth perhaps. Her words are a subtle dig, a reminder that I don't quite fit the mold of a mother, my denial and body aren’t giving it away.I'm so grateful to Denzel for arranging for his team to help me get my body back in shape after giving birth. It's been a game-changer, both p
—JASMINEI look down at Hades, my gaze drawn to the way his fingers are still wrapped around my wrist, his grip firm yet gentle. It's as if he's hesitant to let me go, even as his eyes follow mine, tracing the path of my gaze. And then, suddenly, he seems to snap out of his trance-like state, becoming conscious of his hold on me. His fingers release their grasp, and he takes a step back, his face etched with apology. "I'm sorry," he says, his deep voice laced with regret, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. I take a step back too, my eyes darting around the dimly lit space, ensuring we're not being watched. The last thing I need is for someone to misinterpret this situation and tarnish my reputation. I glance sideways, my mind racing with the potential consequences of being seen with Hades in such a compromising position. The shadows cast by the faint light seem to grow longer as if they're trying to snuff out any remaining secrets. "What's going on?" I ask, my voice bare
—JASMINEI look away from Hades and take a seat in front of Denzel, trying to process the unexpected turn of events. "Denzel," I call softly, my voice laced with a mix of confusion and trepidation. He immediately starts talking, as if he's been waiting for this moment. "It's not a proposal, Jasmine. You becoming my wife is more like a partnership between us. We will help each other grow. Not because we have feelings for each other." I shake my head, my mind reeling with the implications. I've just walked out of a crappy, loveless marriage, and I'm never going to put myself in that situation again. The thought of entering into another loveless partnership, no matter how practical or beneficial, is unthinkable. "I don't know, Denzel," I say, my voice firm but hesitant. “You do,” He says. “We get married, continue the way we are. What’s the difference?”“It’s eerily the same thing I agree. But it’s not possible” I state.“It’s not?” He says.“Well, I decline and I’m sorry” I lay
—HADES.Did I just hear correctly?I am sure I just did.As I watch Jasmine and Denzel leave the party, the realization hits me like a ton of bricks. Jasmine never lost her memory. She only pretended to. The truth slaps me in the face, and I feel like a fool for not seeing it sooner. Alison had even suggested it, but I dismissed it as mere speculation. Now, it all makes sense - the way Jasmine seemed to recall certain details, the way she navigated the situation with ease. She's been playing us all along. I feel a mix of emotions: shock, anger, and embarrassment. How could I have been so blind? I think back to all the times I doubted Alison's instincts, all the times I defended Jasmine's supposed innocence. I've been a fool, and it's a hard pill to swallow. The memories come flooding back, and I'm transported to a time when I'd lost Jasmine forever. I believed that along with her memories gone, she'd also forgotten about me, about us, and our bond. The pain and despair were
—HADESI gawk at Alison.She has proof that she saved me? This is absurd because I already know the truth.But I will not decline her.“Fine. Show me this proof?” I begin and she nods.Time seems to slow down as I watch Alison's deliberate movements, her hands grasping the arm of her dress and slowly pulling it down. The fabric slides down her body, revealing her skin inch by inch. I'm frozen in shock, my eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before me. "What are you doing?" I demand, my voice low and even, trying to hide the turmoil inside me. Alison's response is laced with defiance, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and desperation. "You wanted proof?" she retorts, her voice dripping with sarcasm as if daring me to look away. I narrow my eyes, my gaze locked on hers, trying to process what's happening.“That’s what I said, not a strip show”She rolls her eyes at my words, thinking I’m being dramatic, but then I'm met with a sight that makes my breath catch in my throat. She
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