—JASMINE.-As I gaze into the mirror, the reflection staring back is almost amazing. I don’t know how they did it, but I look youthful.Three hours of meticulous pampering makeover has transformed me into a vision of elegance and poise. Every strand of hair, every curve of my body, and every nuance of my expression scream confidence.My hair, once a dull, lackluster brown, now cascades down my back like a rich, velvety waterfall. The ombré effect graduates from deep auburn at the roots to subtle hints of brown at the ends, framing my face with warmth and depth. Bobby pins secure stray strands, keeping my face clear and accentuating my features.I slip on my dress, and it shimmers like the night sky, a dazzling blue that seems to shift and change with every movement. The fabric hugs my curves, accentuating my waist and highlighting the gentle swell of my hips. When the light catches it just so, the shimmers explode into rays of colors, mirroring the sparkle in my eyes.Next, I s
—JASMINE- I walk up to the lady, my heels clicking deliberately on the marble floor. Without hesitation, I grab the glass of wine from her hand, feeling the cool crystal between my fingers. Before she can react, I tilt the glass, pouring the crimson liquid over her designer gown. The wine splashes across her chest, staining the fabric an ugly red.Perfect.The lady gasps, shocked, as I release my grip on the glass. It shatters on the floor, the sound echoing through the hall. The guests nearby draw in a collective breath, their faces a mix of horror and fascination.The music stops playing and everyone’s attention turns to us. "What's going on?" someone asks, voice laced with excitement."Oh goodness, it's Jasmine creating a scene," another guest whispers, eyes wide with scandal.Multiple murmurs follow, a cacophony of shock and gossip. But I tune them out, my focus fixed on the lady.They can call me whatever they want – dramatic, slut, or attention-seeking. But involving Wayn
—JASMINE.-I grab a glass of wine and chug it down immediately, seeking the warmth that usually spreads through my chest and down to my throat. But tonight, the wine passes through me without effect, leaving me numb. I crave something stronger, something to ignite a spark within me.After that drama with That Marilyn lady. My eyes scan the bar at the end of the room, settling on the row of colorful shots lined up like soldiers. I go over there and signal the bartender, and he hands me a glowing blue shot glass. I raise it to my lips, feeling the cool glass against my skin."Bottoms up," I whisper to myself, tossing the shot back.The liquid fire burns down my throat, and I welcome the heat. For a moment, it distracts me from the suffocating atmosphere of this party.As I turn to rejoin Wayne, two familiar figures step into my path. Members of the pack's council, men I never thought I'd see tonight, stand before me with somber expressions.I push the lingering taste of the shot t
—JASMINE -As the dusty air begins to settle, the chaos subsides, revealing the devastation. Brick walls, once standing tall, now lie in ruins. Denzel emerges from the rubble, his rugged frame dust-covered, his eyes locked onto mine.He did this! He cradles Azrael in one arm, my child's tiny chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. Beside him stands a hulking woman, her imposing physique present, even under the layers of tattered clothing. Her meaty hand envelops Astria, wrapped in filthy rags.My instincts erupt like the wind, urging me to protect my babies. A primal roar builds in my throat as I charge towards Denzel, ready to tear him apart. My vision blurs with rage, my muscles coiled for the attack.Just as I'm about to lunge, Hades grasps me from behind, his iron-like grip restraining me. "No!" he growls, his voice low and urgent. "Wait!"I struggle against his hold, my eyes fixed on Denzel and the woman, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "Let me go!" I sn
JASMINE—-"You will not dare to speak that name in my presence," Denzel growls, his eyes blazing with fury. His face twists into a menacing scowl, and his voice drops to a low, ominous tone.I scoff, rolling my eyes. "What do you think this is? Your sanctuary?" I challenge, my voice dripping with sarcasm.Hades swiftly intervenes, grasping my hand in a firm but gentle grip. He shakes his head, his eyes pleading with me to back down.But I'm beyond reason. Denzel's arrogance is infuriating, and I can't resist pushing his buttons."Come on, Denzel," I taunt. "You think you own this place?"Denzel's face purples with rage. "It's not my sanctuary to be precise," he snarls, "but it will be in a very short amount of time."The room falls silent, with all eyes on our tense standoff. Denzel's gaze sweeps the room, his eyes lingering on the cowering guests huddled in the corner.I follow his gaze and catch his sly grin. It's a fleeting moment, but I see the calculation in his eyes. He's enjoy
—JASMINE.-"You just made a grave mistake," Denzel growls, his eyes blazing with fury."I'm the one holding a claw over your throat; be wise," Hades warns, his voice dripping with menace.With a swift motion, Hades shoves his finger into Denzel's neck. The claw penetrates the skin, but surprisingly, there's no blood, no reaction.It's as if Hades has stabbed a lifeless doll, a hollow shell.Hades doesn't seem shocked; instead, he adapts quickly.He withdraws his claw and grabs Denzel by the neck, squeezing with supernatural strength.Denzel's voice sounds hoarse, but his words remain defiant."Bold of you to assume your little trick you should perform for your kids would end me," Denzel scoffs.His eyes flash with amusement."That's because you're already dead; you've been dead a long time ago," Ezra declares.His voice echoes through the space, commanding attention.Ezra steps forward, positioning himself me and in front of Denzel l.He faces Denzel, his gaze piercing."You see, Den
—JASMINE."I am ready to move, now," I say, adjusting the dress I had just thrown over my head down to my body to cover my legs. "The kids are safe with Enora, but we can't waste time getting to them," Ezra announce.I burst out of the cramped shed, the cool night air slapping me in the face. The full moon hangs low, casting an eerie glow over the deserted streets and making me feel like I haven’t done enough. "Hades had a bad feeling about tonight, right?" I ask Ezra, my voice low and urgent. "He's been prepping for this night after getting warnings from Denzel” Ezra replied“Well Denzel isn’t human to be precise and I just hope Hades—“Hades will be fine, come on we have to leave” Ezra presses.We exchange a curt nod, and I fall into step beside him, our pack members shadowing us from a distance.The sounds of chaos escalate – snarls, screams, and the sickening crunch of bone on the pavement. My senses go into overdrive, my werewolf instincts on high alert.As we sprint through
JASMINE-*Alison's voice drips with sarcasm as she begins, "Never thought we'd end up like this." She takes a deliberate step forward, her blonde hair bouncing with each movement. Her tired eyes betray her otherwise composed demeanor, but I know she'll never let that weakness show.She's here to taunt me, to revel in my captivity. I refuse to give her the satisfaction of a response, instead letting out a dismissive scoff."I never thought seeing you here would give me so much joy," Alison continues, her voice laced with false enthusiasm. But I see right through her. She's bluffing.I rattle the chains binding my hands against the bed frame, the sudden clatter making Alison flinch. She jumps back, her composure momentarily shattered. I laugh, the sound echoing through the room.Alison's expression twists into a snarl. "Shut up!" she spits.But I won't be silenced. "For a captor, you have no balls," I say, my voice steady. "You're shaking in your boots."Alison's eyes flash with anger,
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