***Henry****
I shook my head, trying to get up, but the pain in my leg was too intense. But I somehow managed to stand up, gritting my teeth through the pain. I wish I could just lie down and rest and not have to do anything else for the rest of the day. The throbbing ache in my leg was a constant reminder of the pain and abuse that had happened to me earlier. A cough broke from my mouth as I leaned to pick up the dirty laundry from the ground that Cody and his friend had crushed under their boots. I winced as I straightened up, the weight of the laundry causing a sharp pain to shoot through my ribs. I knew I had to finish this chore or I might not get any dinner tonight. The thought of a warm meal waiting for me was the only thing keeping me going as I pushed through the pain and exhaustion. I somehow managed to go to the laundry room and put the clothes in the washer before collapsing onto the couch. My body is aching, and my mind is foggy, but at least the laundry is started. I’ll rest for a bit before tackling the next step of folding and putting everything away. Before I knew it, my eyes got heavy as sleep overtook me, the exhaustion finally winning out. ******* “Henry…” Xavier's voice called out softly as I saw a 10-year-old Xavier running behind him, a smile on his face. “Brother…” a 5-year-old Henry called back, his own smile mirroring Xavier’s. The two brothers embraced, the weight of exhaustion lifting as they found comfort in each other’s presence. Xavier scanned Henry’s face, noticing the bruises and scratches on it. “What happened to your face, Henry?” Henry shrugged. “Just playing rough with the other kids in the neighborhood.” Xavier chuckled, ruffling Henry’s hair affectionately. “You know, Hendry, you are never good at lying; tell me what really happened.” Henry hesitated before finally confessing, “I got into a fight with Cody. He said I should bow down to him because I am Omega and he is a warrior wolf.” Xavier’s expression darkened, his protective instincts kicking in. “You don’t have to bow down to anyone, Henry. You are strong and brave just the way you are.” Henry’s eyes lit up with gratitude as he hugged his brother tightly, feeling safe and loved in Xavier’s presence. “Am I, but everyone says I am an omega, not an alpha like you?” Xavier smiled reassuringly. “Being an omega doesn’t make you any less important or valuable. You have your own unique strengths that make you special.” Henry nodded, feeling a sense of pride and acceptance wash over him. “And next Cody fight is going to regret ever crossing paths with you,” Xavier added, his voice filled with determination. Henry’s confidence grew as he thought about standing up for himself in the upcoming confrontation. With Xavier by his side, he knew he could face any challenge head-on. Henry nodded his head, hugging Xavier. “I know you will always have my back, no matter what.” Xavier brushed away Henry’s hair. “Always, buddy. Always. After all, you have an Alpha as your brother.” “Hhheee...” Henry chuckled. “I love you, brother.” Xavier smiled, “I love you too. Let’s show them what we’re made of." Henry nodded in agreement, feeling grateful for his brother’s unwavering support. That day, Henry beats the shit out of Cody and his friend, proving that no one messes with his brother. Xavier stood proudly by Henry’s side as they walked away from the confrontation, knowing that their bond was unbreakable. Henry felt a sense of relief and empowerment, grateful to have a brother like Xavier who always had his back. “Brother...” Henry mumbled as a lone tear escaped his eye, overwhelmed with emotion. It was that day, and now, so much has changed that brother, who once stood by his side, now hates his presence and avoids him at all costs. Henry is left feeling lost and betrayed, wondering how their unbreakable bond could have deteriorated so quickly. He can’t help but reminisce about the days when Xavier was his rock, longing for the connection they once shared. ***** “Wake up, you fool!” a voice shouted, snapping me out of his slumber and back to reality. As ice-cold water was thrown on me, I jolted awake, realizing I had fallen asleep while doing laundry. “What the fuck do you think you are doing?” The voice continued, full of anger; it belonged to one omega of his pack members, who, like everyone else, thinks himself superior to me. I scrambled to his feet. “I am sorry... I...” I shuttered, trying to come up with an excuse for my mistake. The omega’s eyes bore into mine, filled with disdain and superiority, making me feel small and insignificant at that moment. He pulled my hair roughly, forcing me to stand up straight and face him directly. “Just because you are the Alpha’s brother, don’t think of yourself as invincible,” he sneered, his grip tightening on my hair. “You are nothing but a weak link in this pack. Remember your place.” With a final yank, he released me and walked away, leaving me feeling humiliated and powerless in his wake. “No dinner for you tonight,” he called back over his shoulder, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. “NO…. wait..,” But before I could finish my words, he was already gone, leaving me alone with the weight of his words echoing in my mind. I stood there, trying to shake off the feeling of defeat that threatened to consume me. My stomach was groaning in hunger, but I knew that the ache of emptiness inside me was nothing compared to the ache of shame and helplessness that lingered after his cruel words. I didn’t even have lunch or breakfast today as there were no leftovers after everyone’s meal, and now there is no dinner to look forward to either. The emptiness in my stomach mirrored the emptiness in my heart, both aching for something to fill the void left by his harsh departure. And pain in my body only intensified the pain in my heart, a physical reminder of the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. I don’t think there will be a day in my life when I have peace after that incident changed everything, taking away everything that was once familiar and comforting. I lost my parents, my brother, and my home all in one fell swoop, leaving me feeling utterly alone in the world. The only thought that is left now is the constant ache in my chest, a constant reminder of the deep loss I have endured. It is a pain that seems to never fully heal, a wound that will always be a part of me. And to make things worse, the abuse I endured before the tragedy only adds to the weight of my sorrow. Despite the darkness that surrounds me, I hold on to a glimmer of hope that one day I will find peace and healing amidst the pain.****Xavier*****“Did you find the culprit behind the incident?” I asked, brushing my hair in front of the mirror. “No, not yet,” my beta replied with a worried expression.“Five years have passed since the incident, and we still have no leads,” he added, his tone filled with frustration. “Maybe you should let go of the past and focus on the present,” he suggested, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.I closed my fist, turning my head towards Dean, my eyes filled with determination. “I will rest until I catch the one responsible for what happened,” I declared, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “Just do what you have asked to do,” I stated, wearing my shirt and heading out the door, ready to start my day.Dean bowed his head in understanding, knowing that I was not going to give up until I found the one who ruined everything in my life.As I walked out into the morning sun, staring at the horizon with a steely gaze, “What day is it?” I asked, walking towards my car.Dean opened t
***Henry****A new day, a new beginning. I thought of pushing myself out of bed even if I didn’t want to. My body is still aching from the abuse from last night, and the lack of food only increases my fatigue. But I know that I have to get up and do my work or I might get punched yet again, and I don’t think my body is strong enough to handle any more abuse. So, I take a deep breath, muster up my strength, and slowly start my day, hoping for a better tomorrow.I took a cold bath in the common bathroom that is shared by the entire floor, feeling the chill seep into my bones; it was so cold that I could barely feel my fingers. I wish I could have warm water for a change, but that luxury is far out of reach for me. Despite the discomfort, I remind myself that this is just a temporary situation and I must stay strong.I made my room, changing and wearing the same clothes that I had been wearing for days now, but I didn’t have any other options at the moment. As I look around my small, dim
****Xavier*****“Mate,” my wolf growls, recognizing the scent before I do.But my world shook as a similar face came into view—the one I thought I would never see again. My heart raced with a mix of emotions, unsure of how to react after all this time apart.“Henry...” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. The memories flooded back, both painful and beautiful, as I struggled to process the sudden connection that had reignited between us. Henry’s eyes held a mixture of regret and longing, mirroring my own conflicted feelings.Henry is my mate. How can this be possible? I thought to myself in disbelief. The bond we once shared seemed unbreakable, yet here he was, standing before me. As our eyes locked, I could sense that he, too, was grappling with the same overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume us both.But before I could say anything, Henry ran away from me, leaving me with an overwhelming thought of our new connection and the unanswered questions that lingered in the
***Henry****“It’s you,” Xavier whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the pouring rain outside as his lips connected with mine in a soft, gentle kiss. For a moment, my mind went numb with shock and disbelief. The feeling of his touch sent shivers down my spine, making me forget about everything else at that moment. His smell fills my nostrils, making my wolf howl in approval, recognizing its mate.But the human in me knew this was wrong and dangerous. I pushed Xavier on his back, breaking the kiss abruptly, and took a step back, trying to regain my composure. “What are you doing? This... this doesn’t seem right,” I stammered, my heart racing with conflicting emotions. “We can’t do this.”Xavier rubbed his chin, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes dark with desire. “I know it’s wrong, but I can’t fight this pull between us,” he whispered, stepping closer. “I need you.”Xavier’s words made my mind race with desire and confusion. Despite knowing the consequences, I coul
****Herny****Tears started forming on my face as I struggled to hold back the flood of emotions overwhelming me. Xavier’s words: “You are bound with me forever; I will not mate, but also not allow you to mate with anyone else. You are mine, and that is not a choice you get to make.” Echoes through my mind, leaving me feeling trapped and suffocated by his possessiveness. The weight of his declaration settled heavily on my shoulders, making me question if I would ever be able to break free from his control.I lowered my head, trying to hide the tears streaming down my face, as I realized there was no escape from Xavier’s possessive grip. His words echoed in my mind, haunting me with the realization that I may never truly be free from his control.I always wanted a mate, and I always wished that my mate would be loving and supportive, not suffocating and controlling like Xavier. Not someone who is my stepbrother, not someone who hates me for reasons I can’t understand. I yearned for a l
****Xavier****“Reject me….” Henry’s voice echoes in my mind as I struggle to comprehend the pain in his words. His eyes, filled with hurt and disappointment, pierce through me, leaving me with a sense of regret and longing. And the bruises on his body who could have hurt him so badly? And the bloodstains on his shirt, evidence of the physical violence he endured. My heart aches at the thought of someone causing him such harm, and I vow to punish whoever is responsible for hurting him in such a cruel way.But even so, why do I care if he rejects me or not? Why does it matter so much? Was it because we are mates or because, deep down, I know he is the one who truly understands me like no one else ever could? His rejection feels like a betrayal of the bond we share, making me question everything I thought I knew about our connection.“You looked stressed...” Dean’s voice broke through the silence in the car, bringing me back to reality.“It’s nothing serious,” I replied, forcing a smil
*****Henry****A whole day has passed since the last time we spoke. And his words still echo in my mind: “I will make you feel rejected and unwanted every day if that’s what you truly desire.” What does he mean by that?And why is he soon keen about the mate bond? He hates me more than anyone else. But he still wants me, his stepbrother, to be his mate, even though the thought of it digs me.It’s not like I don’t feel any bond with him; I do, and my world is jumping and howling when he smells our mate bond. But the idea of being with Xavier in that way is unsettling. It’s a confusing and complicated situation that I’m not sure how to navigate.If there was anything that I wanted more than anything, it was someone to love me, a mate who would cherish me and make me feel complete. But the thought of being with Xavier in that way makes my stomach turn. I’m torn between my desire for love and my discomfort with the idea of him as a mate. I don’t even know why he is back in my life after f
****Henry*****The wolf’s eyes glowed in the darkness, its snarl revealing sharp teeth that glistened in the moonlight. Cody and I exchanged a look of silent understanding before slowly backing away, knowing that our chances of survival had just become even slimmer.“Rogues...” I mumbled under my breath, recognizing the dangerous predator in front of us. Cody’s grip on my arm tightened as we continued to retreat, hoping to escape without triggering an attack.“We don’t know how many they are or where they might be hiding,” Cody whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling of leaves. “Let’s stick together and stay alert,” I replied, my heart pounding with fear as we navigated through the moonlit forest.I nodded my head. No matter how much Cody bullied me or hurt me, I knew that he was a warrior, and trusting him right now was best for our survival. Letting go of my fear and placing my trust in Cody’s instincts, we pressed on, determined to make it out of the forest safely.“S
****Henry***The storm outside raged harder, its winds howling against the fragile walls of the hut, as if echoing the chaos inside Xavier. The tension in the room was unbearable, suffocating even. His anger rolled off him in waves, crackling like static in the air, and I could feel it deep in my bones.Xavier's wolf was clawing at him from the inside, desperate to break free, to tear through the world in a frenzy of violence and rage. I could feel it—his pulse quickening, his breath shallow as though every part of him was about to snap. The physical pain from his injuries was still there, but it was nothing compared to the battle waging in his mind, his wolf fighting for dominance, threatening to overtake everything. His wounds—if the wolf took control now—would never heal. And that knowledge, that fear, made every muscle in his body tense, every inch of his frame rigid with control."Henry…" His voice was rough, like gravel scraped against skin, but his eyes, wild and desperate, loc
****Henry**** The storm outside howled, battering the hut’s fragile walls with all the fury of a wild beast. But it was the storm brewing inside that had me on edge, a storm that was far more dangerous, one that could rip apart everything I held onto. Xavier’s body was rigid behind me, his breath shallow, his pulse erratic as we both waited—silent, still—like prey caught in a predator’s grip. Diego and Cody were still out there, their voices low and sharp, threading suspicion through the air like a blade. Their presence hung in the air, thick with the promise of discovery. It was only a matter of time. And then came a shift. A soft thud. The unmistakable sound of paws padding against the ground. A growl rumbled through the room, and a dark shape slid into the shadows, its glowing eyes filled with urgency. Xavier’s muscles tensed, every fiber of his being on alert. I could feel his anger rising, like a fire building under his skin. His control was slipping—just barely. And I knew, d
*****Henry****The wind howled outside, battering the walls of the abandoned hut, but the cold couldn’t touch us—not like it should have. We were different. Stronger. The storm outside was nothing compared to the one brewing inside, a storm that threatened to tear us apart from the inside out.Xavier’s body was pressed against mine, so close I could feel the heat of him seeping through the thin fabric of our clothes. The hut was small, cramped, and suffocating, but we didn’t dare move. Every shift, every breath, every sound could give us away. We had no choice but to stay still, to hold on to the silence, to hold on to each other.His hand was on my waist, gripping me as though I was the only thing keeping him grounded, as though the tension between us could break at any moment. We were too close. Too exposed. I could feel his heartbeat hammering against my back, his chest rising and falling in time with mine. It was a shared rhythm, but one that only amplified the fear creeping into
****Henry****The wind howled outside, like an animal snarling at the walls, but inside, the storm was something different. It wasn’t just the rattle of the windows or the chill creeping into the room—it was Xavier. His presence was like an electric current in the air, humming with tension, too thick to ignore. My heart beat faster, but it wasn’t just the danger outside that made it race. No, it was the way Xavier stood there, so close, so impossibly close, that it felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of us."Don’t focus on the storm," Xavier said, his voice low, almost a whisper. He stepped closer, his body shifting just slightly, like he was testing the distance between us, like he could feel the pull too. And I hated how much I wanted to close the gap.I forced myself to breathe and to focus. Cody and Diego were out there, getting closer with every passing moment, but all I could think about was Xavier and how every part of me responded to him. It was insane how quickly
**Henry**The storm outside howled, pounding against the walls like a beast trying to break free. But it was nothing compared to the storm inside me. My heart raced, drumming in my chest, every beat echoing in my ears as I stared at Xavier. His presence—unshakable, magnetic—pulled me in with a force that defied reason. With every flicker of his gaze, every subtle shift of his body, I felt that magnetic pull growing stronger, like the space between us was shrinking with each passing second. I tried to focus on the danger, on Cody and Diego outside, but it was impossible. Xavier was too close. His every movement, every breath, was like a temptation I couldn’t resist. My pulse quickened, and I couldn’t tell if it was the looming threat of the storm outside or the storm that raged between us."Xavier," I said, the words coming out lower than I intended, almost a breathless whisper. "What’s the plan here?"The sound of my voice—it was barely a murmur, soft with need. I cursed myself for i
*****Henry******“Xav…,” Before words can come out of my mouth, Xavier takes his hand over my mouth and whispers, “Shh...” He shook his head, his turning black eyes locking with mine, silently warning me to stay quiet. The tension in the air was palpable as we both strained to hear any movement around us. My mind raced with questions, wondering what danger could be lurking nearby.What should I do now? Xavier is injured, so I have to be responsible for making sure we both stay safe and protected.Xavier tried to stand, but I held him back, not wanting him to strain his injured body; his legs hadn’t yet healed because of the effect of wolfbane on his body.Xavier seems angry at my decision, but I know it’s for the best. I place my hand on his shoulder to reassure him that everything will be okay. “Shhh, let me protect you this time,” I whispered softly, with my lips close to his ear. I can feel a heart hammer in my chest, with my stomach twisting in knots with a sense of danger and a t
*****Henry******A loud howl pierced the night, interrupting our conversation and signaling the presence of danger nearby. Xavier’s eyes widened in alarm, his instincts kicking in as he prepared to face whatever threat was approaching. I turned my eyes on Xavier, both senses on alert.I could see the tension in his body as he braced himself for the impending danger, his wolf's side ready to protect us both. As the howls grew closer, I knew that whatever was coming our way would test our bond and trust in each other like never before.Xavier tried to stand but pushed his shoulder, stopping him to move. “Seat, your legs are injured,” I said firmly, my own instincts urging me to protect him as well.Xavier tried to push past me. “Henry, maybe the rogue is trying to flank us; we need to be ready,” he insisted, his voice filled with determination.“I said seat,” I repeated, holding my ground as the howls echoed through the night, signaling the approach of danger. Xavier finally relented, s
*****Henry******“You must be Omega, but you are not weak; you have something that made people exploit you.”“Tell me then, what is it that made others exploit me?” I asked, feeling my heart sink with disappointment. Xavier paused, his gaze softening as he replied, “The blood that runs through your veins has the power to rejuvenate and heal others, like a medicine for their ailments.” He took my hand in his. “But unfortunately, that same power makes you vulnerable; every time someone exploits it, they weaken you little by little until you are left drained and helpless.” I felt a mix of anger and sadness wash over me, realizing the truth behind my constant struggles.“Is that why I always feel so exhausted and drained, both physically and emotionally?” I questioned, looking for some clarity in Xavier’s words. He nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting understanding and empathy for my plight. “Yes, because without your knowledge and consent, others have been draining you of your energy and
*****Henry*****I sighed and braced myself for the shocking revelation that was about to come. “Tell me, Xavier, I can’t handle the suspense any longer. It’s eating me up inside,” I urged, my voice barely above a whisper.Xavier took a deep breath, his expression grave, before finally revealing the truth that would change everything. “First, promise me you won’t hate me for what I’m about to say,” he said softly.I look at his face, my heart sinking at the seriousness of his tone. “I promise,” I replied, my voice barely audible. “Just tell me.”I watched as Xavier signed loudly and hesitated for a moment before finally confessing, “It was a month after I found out that you are mate and that you are not an ordinary wolf or omega if I am being honest.”I regretted waiting for him to continue, my mind racing with the possibilities of what he could possibly be about to reveal. “I didn’t want to believe it at first, but the signs were all there,” he admitted, his eyes filled with regret. “T