—JASMINEAs Enora leaves the room, I watch her go with a sense of gratitude. She's just helped me enjoy a warm, relaxing bath, and even assisted me in changing into something comfortable. Now, with my little ones tucked away in bed, fast asleep, I decided to indulge myself in a different kind of relaxation. I pick up Aurora's diary, its leather cover soft and worn, and settle in for a quiet evening of reading. I'm so glad Enora helped me get my hands on this; I was starting to think I'd never get the chance to peek inside. And I hope she did it secretly, without anyone else's knowledge. As I open the diary and begin to read the first page, I can feel my heart beating in my throat, pounding out a rhythm of anticipation and trepidation.Holy crap! I can feel my pulse quickening, my breath catching in my chest, as I delve deeper into the diary's secrets. The room around me fades away, and all that's left is the book under my eyes and the pages written by Aurora.*—July 2ndI scar
—JASMINEI clap my hands together loudly, the sudden noise echoing through the air and making me look like a complete idiot. The sound startles Denzel, his eyes widening in surprise as he takes a step back. I feel my face heat up with embarrassment, but I try to play it cool. "I just recalled," I say, attempting to sound nonchalant, "Enora and I have something to do, so I have to go." I turn to leave, but Denzel quickly steps in front of me, blocking my path."No, you don't," he says, his voice firm but gentle. I try to brush past him, but he doesn't budge. "I know you're trying to avoid me," he accuses, his eyes narrowing slightly.I scoff, trying to act as calm as a statue, but my heart is racing. "And why would you think that?" I ask, trying to sound innocent.Denzel takes a step closer to me, his eyes locked on mine. "Because of last night," he says, his voice low and husky. I nod, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. I know exactly what he's talking about."Look, I'm sorry," he s
—HADESI'm struggling to find the words to explain my presence here. The truth is, I'm not here for anything or anyone else. I'm only here for one reason: to see Jasmine. The past few days have been a never-ending nightmare since the party. Watching her leave with another man has haunted me every second of my life. I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of regret and longing.I can't shake off the feeling of emptiness that's consumed me since that night. I've tried to distract myself, but nothing seems to work. I'm a shell of the man I used to be. The party was a turning point, and I've been spiraling downward ever since.Alison has tried everything to get my attention, to seduce me into forgetting my pain. But I just can't. I'm not interested. My heart belongs to Jasmine, and I can't betray that, no matter how hard Alison tries.I need to see Jasmine, to talk to her, to explain how I feel. To be honest I don’t know what I feel exactly. We already went out different ways but it feels
—JASMINE I watch the look in Hades' eyes as he takes in the sight of Azrael in my arms. It's a mix of shock, disbelief, and a hint of longing. I can sense it, he feels it. He knows. He knows the child in my arms is his. The air is thick with tension as the truth hangs between us like a challenge.Denzel immediately steps in front of me and my child, his broad shoulders blocking us from Hades' view. He clears his throat, his deep voice firm. "You're not welcome here," Denzel says, his eyes flashing a warning.But Hades doesn't back down. He takes a step forward, his eyes fixed on me, his voice calling out to me like a siren's song. "Jasmine?" he says, his tone dripping with a force that tugs at my chest. It's a mix of longing, possessiveness, and a hint of desperation.I feel a shiver run down my spine as our eyes meet. The connection between us crackles like electricity, and for a moment, I forget about everything else. I forget about Denzel, about Azrael, about the danger that
—JASMINE Hades leaves the Bluemoon premises, and I'm left standing there, my mind reeling from all he has said. This is not how I wanted him to find out about his children. Yet, the deed cannot be undone. I think this was a better way he find out, though. I don't think I could have found the courage to confront him, to tell him that I have a child for him... two, actually.I like the fact that he realized I never lost my memory. I like the fact that he took the hint himself. And I want him to know that our marriage was insufferable. That's why I left.I take a deep breath and go back inside the house, trying to compose myself. Denzel immediately approaches me, his eyes searching mine before I can even speak."Hey, are you okay?" he asks, his voice soft with concern.I nod, trying to reassure him. "Yeah, I'm fine."But Denzel's eyes linger on mine, and I know he can see the turmoil brewing inside me. "What happened?" he asks, his voice gentle.I take a deep breath, trying to find the
—HADES"I'm pregnant," Alison’s voice greets me as I walk into the living area of the main pack house, her voice barely above a whisper. I freeze, my mind struggling to process the words. Slowly, I turn to face Alison, my eyes locking onto hers. But she's not looking at me. Instead, she folds her arms under her chest and gazes away, her eyes fixed on some point beyond me.What?I close the door behind me, the soft click of the latch echoing through the room. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the news, my thoughts racing with questions and emotions. I just gaze at Alison, taking in her profile. Her jaw is set, her lips pressed together. She looks...resolute.The silence between us stretches out, thick and heavy. I try to speak, but my voice catches in my throat. I clear it, trying again. "What?" I manage to say, my voice is soft. "What...what does this mean?"She doesn't respond. I don’t think she heard me.She just keeps staring off into space, her expression unreadable.
—HADESAlison takes a step back and I watch her eyes flicker as she stares at me, and for the first time in ages, it feels like I can finally see her and who she is.A liar.Her hand falls to my chest, her palm warm against my skin as she smoothes out the wrinkles in my shirt. Her touch is gentle, but her eyes are serious, and she pushes me back, creating some distance between us. "You're messing things up," she says, her voice low and urgent. I raise an eyebrow, intrigued, and clear my throat, waiting for her to elaborate.Her eyes dart back and forth, scanning the room, lingering on the maids who are trying to blend into the background. She seems nervous, anxious to keep our conversation private."We should talk somewhere private," she suggests, her voice barely above a whisper. I scoff, feeling a surge of frustration."And why the fuck would we do that?" I ask, my tone dismissive. I'm not sure what she's getting at, but I'm not interested in playing games or having secretive conve
—JASMINEDenzel's grip on my neck is like a vice, his fingers digging deep into my skin as he slams me against the floor. My twins' cries pierce the air, their tiny bodies shaking with fear as they watch their mother being brutalized by the man I once thought was kind. My back throbs in agony, my head spinning like it's about to detach from my body. I try to beg for forgiveness, to plead with Denzel to release me, but my throat is constricted, my voice barely a whisper."Den—..." I gasp, my airway closing in. "I'll die at this rate." I manage to croak out, my voice is hoarse from the pressure. "Please..." I plead, my words barely audible.Denzel's face twists in rage, his eyes blazing with fury. "Please?" he thunders, his voice like a crack of lightning. "That's not the word I'm looking for, Jasmine. When will you learn?" He bellows, his anger boiling over like a cauldron.With a sudden jerk, he tosses my body aside, sending me crashing into the bookshelves by my bedside. I feel the
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