ALIYAH’S POV
"You can always move the rook in a straight line, either vertically or horizontally…" Reid explained it to me while he was teaching me how to play chess.
I scratched my head. Even after watching him defeat Klaus twice in a row, I couldn't figure out how this game worked.
I moved my last pawn forward, and it was eaten by Reid’s Queen. I looked at him and noticed that he was enjoying the game and was eager to win against me.
I pouted my lips. "What are the moves that the king could make again?"
"Only minimal moves like these." He then moved his king a few times to teach me, but my forehead creased even more,
"She seems not to be enjoying the game, Reid." Klaus laughed a bit as he tapped the Alpha’s shoulder.
My eyes widened.
"It’s not that I’m not enjoying the game. I—I’m having trouble following the rules," I honestly said," and lowered my head.
I used all my w
ALIYAH’S POVReid’s eyes widened at my vehement confession. With a shuddering breath, I looked away, and for a moment I wished I hadn’t admitted my feelings for him.It was totally embarrassing...I badly wanted to scold my wolf inwardly. Because of this strong desire that engulfed me and made me vulnerable as hell, those words of admission slipped out of my mouth at the wrong time."Aliyah..." he paused, his voice sounding so sensual that it sent shivers down my spine.I waited for his proper response. In the back of my mind, a small part of me was hoping he’d say something that would make me flutter. But I guess that was only wishful thinking. Seeing the firm expression on his face, as if he was forcibly holding himself back from perhaps anger or embarrassment, made me want to take back all those words I said.If only it was that simple.‘This is your fault...’ I told my wolf as I bit my lower lip
REID’S POVRage. That was the only emotion that welled up inside of me after learning how my mate was treated by her own family. She was abused because of the lame reason of her father; tortured and starved instead of being taken care of and loved being the only daughter of former Alpha of Silver Moon Pack.My jaw clenched as I fisted my hand. Deep within myself, I knew that I would never let it slide. She never deserved to experience such horrible things. They were the sole reason why my mate turned so thin, fragile and traumatized.Those who made her suffer would pay at all costs.“However, even though they maltreated me, I still love them. They are the only family I have, and it may sound foolish but I still hope they will love me unconditionally,” she said. Her tears fell while her shoulders shuddered in high emotions.“They don’t deserve to be your family, little wolf,” I said firmly.“Still, th
ALIYAH’S POVNeedless to say, Reid did not fail to impress me every day.I watched him in excitement while he was preparing the ingredients that we would be using to bake a chocolate cake. Who would have thought that an Alpha had a thing for baking? I tilted my head to the side and smiled. My face lit up even further when he took a few glances at me. His blue eyes sparkled and indicated an emotion I struggled to name."So, you love to bake?" I asked him curiously, walking near the countertop table and taking a look at the ingredients and kitchen utensils he was preparing to bake."Not that much. But I baked muffins to feed the children a lot of times," he replied."You’re feeding them?"He nodded, and once again I was deeply impressed by his kindness. He may have looked so ruthless and uptight, but deep within lies his warmhearted readiness to help anyone in need.I couldn’t stop myself from comparing him to my own b
ALIYAH’S POVMy dream made me pant, featuring me running through the deep part of the forest and chasing after a familiar white wolf. I ran... and followed it, but it disappeared into the thin air. All I did was catch my breath. Sweats formed on my forehead as my eyes looked around the darkness of the forest.Then, all of a sudden, the sound of the bushes rustling got my attention. My forehead creased as I turned my gaze in its direction, until I saw a big black-coated wolf that came out of it. Its crimson red eyes radiated dominance and power, lust and need.My breath hitched. The mating pull washed over me like cold water. No matter how I tried to resist it and run, my body seemed to be overtaken by the base desire of the bond. I slowly walked towards the wolf, feeling the need to slide my fingers into its shiny jetblack coat."Mate," I whispered, my heart pounding violently inside my chest.The wolf howled, and I could feel my gut twisting
REID’S POVI had never been this delighted for most of my life, not until Aliyah came and changed the way I viewed the world--from dark hues, it was painted bright colors. I was used to the robotic routine as I took responsibility for my pack after my parents died, and the thought of feeling happiness never crossed my mind.But Selene seemed to have a plan for me.When the mating pull happened, the little organ in my chest, as well as my veins, were alive with its force that drew me closer to my mate. It completely changed me, my perspectives, and my life principles. Having Aliyah around gave me a sheer amount of positivity and I would trade anything just for us to stay this way for as long as we could."Are you full?" I asked her after noticing that she had already finished her dinner."I am. Thank you for the food," she replied with a shy smile.I thought it would take a very long time for Aliyah to figure out that we were mates, but
ALIYAH’S POVIt was the first time that someone appreciated the food I cooked, and I was glad it was none other than my mate. I couldn’t hide my smile as I watched him eat every pancake I made. He chewed it as if it was the most delicious meal in the world.I recalled the way my family snarled at me whenever I cooked for them. Even though I knew that the food I served them tasted good, they would always find a way to insult it and act as if I was trying to poison them. Little did they know, I only wanted their appreciation.An individual's mood is greatly influenced by appreciation. I believed I would have endured everything longer if only they appreciated me. However, they simply hated me for breathing and for existing in their sight."Aliyah, are you alright? Is something bothering you?" I heard the familiar soothing voice of Reid, which made me come back to my senses."I am!" I said, slightly startled because of his sudden question.
ALIYAH’S POVWhen Reid mentioned meeting his pack, I didn’t expect it to happen the same day around afternoon.My palms were both sweating in front of all the members of the Jewel Pack as I formally met them. I could feel the loud thud of my heart against my chest and my knees were feeling jelly. I’d fall to the ground at any moment because of my anxiety.I was wearing the white long sleeve dress that was brought by Klaus’s mate. I stood up beside Reid in the center part of the main chamber, swallowing hard and trying to compose myself."I’m glad that this day has finally come. Like I had announced prior, I had found my mate and she’d be leading the pack in the same way as I do. Together, we will work to ensure the betterment of the pack, and I look forward to doing my responsibility with my mate on my side," Reid intoned in his deep and authoritative voice.He spoke like a true and admirable leader. Despite the
REID’S POV"What is that thing that just made an enticing sound?"Aliyah moved her seat closer to me. Her eyes were too focused on my phone. My hunch that she didn’t know anything about phones was right when she questioned me about it."It’s a smartphone, Aliyah. A hi-tech device we use to communicate with people digitally. Didn’t you have one from your previous pack?" I asked.She pursed her lips while shaking her head."This is the first time I’ve seen a device like that. Was it like an analog telephone?" she asked as innocence radiated on her face."Yes, it’s like old telephones. But this smartphone will let you speak with anyone by typing messages," I explained further and had her see the phone for herself.Her eyes sparkled with amazement when she touched my phone, and all I could do was give her a more curious look. I wasn’t sure whether her previous pack was a typical outdated group, bu
REID’S POVThe moment I heard the bell rung, I hurriedly opened the door to let the doctor in. Because of his presence, I breathed a sigh of relief."She's inside, severely injured, and she's already lost consciousness," I told him, acting calm despite the fact that my insides were already churning with fear.When I saw that he was scrutinizing the area before approaching where Aliyah was, I growled, "Start moving!"I didn't have time for foolishness. He only needed to make sure that he would treat my wife; that was all I asked of him."Please pardon my rudeness, Alpha."I aggressively moved my jaw as I followed him as he moved toward the unconscious Aliyah who was lying on the sofa.He set the equipment he was carrying to the side and began by taking her pulse. He was moving too slowly, and I was growing frustrated with him, but I also realized that I had no knowledge of what he was doing, so I needed to calm the fuck down.I silently howled when he attempted to remove the white clot
REID’S POVAnger, groans, howls, and pain were felt and heard all over the hotel. Many were crying in fear of getting slashed and bitten, and many were courageous enough to defend those who were innocent.But I and my wolf were already preoccupied with Aliyah's bleeding body so I made sure no one on my way would win over me.I bit their tails, and their neck, made them bleed, and slashed their bodies. Everything I saw became the enemy in my eyes."We'll take over," howled the other wolves that helped me with the fight.But it did not stop me; I made sure I slaughter each of them. No one would get away from hurting Aliyah.Some of them fearfully pawed the ground as a result of my vicious snarl. I glided on the other wolf's side, causing an incision that resulted in an audible yelp of pain.The second white wolf growled and made an effort to shrug me off as I leaped upon him and nipped his leg. However, I was able to easily injure him since his wolf was too weak—far weaker than mine.I
REID ‘S POVWe were supposed to be taking pleasure in this vacation. It was our time for peace, it was our time to be together, to enjoy. And yet, as a group of rogues attacked the east coast, I realized it would not be an ordinary time for leisure at all.Inside the hotel where the unwanted visitors took place, I growled in annoyance."Reid, it's dangerous," Aliyah mumbled behind me while holding my arm. I could feel her trembling with that hold. I knew she was feeling fear for my life again.I craned my neck and looked at her. "They are mere weaklings. Don't worry."I saw how she sighed with worry filling her stunning orbs. "Just please be careful, okay?"The innocent people who were left inside the hotel were cowering in fear as they saw how the rogues surrounded the place. Quickly, my eyes locked on Aliyah who seemed scared about what would happen."Run away from here, I'll take care of everyone," I said in a hoarse voice. But my little wolf was stubborn as ever! I knew there was
REID’S POVWhen I made the decision to stop taking her repeatedly, it was already late and deep in the evening. I was so ravenous for her that I almost lost control of my desire.My arms were tightly encircling her waist as I leaned back against the headboard with her wedged between my thighs.Aliyah played with my fingers and became completely engrossed with it while I was gazing at her, fully enjoying that she was finally in my arms, not mad, but tired of how many times I pleasured her."What are you thinking so deeply?" I asked her.She tilted her head and looked at me for a bit and smiled. "Well, I'm wondering if it's possible to have a vacation with you. Uh, but never mind, I know you have a lot of obligations to fulfill and—" I cut her off and buried my face in the side of her neck. She smelled like me.I closed my eyes tightly and inhaled sharply."We can do that."Since I brought her back, I had already been considering taking her someplace. However, as everything flipped upsi
ALIYAH’S POVGuilt crept into my system. It had been days since I realized that my Alpha left and ever since, I failed to function normally.I did not even have the strength to eat and socialize. /"We should have talked to him properly last time,"/ Kae mumbled, also saddened because of not having the presence of Reid around.I gulped and did not answer. Slowly, I regretted fighting with him that day. If only I was a little wiser, if only I could control my emotions, if only I tried to listen.Tucking in my bed, totally displeased with everything that had transpired, I let the lone tears drop.I was in the middle of those when all of the sudden, I heard a constant knocking on the door of the room.Annoyed, I deliberately stood up and opened it only to see Klaus, the Beta of the pack.I lazily eyed him. "What is it?""Our Alpha is injured after fighting against the panther in the forest. He's in Charlotte's clinic and—"Without further ado, I pushed him aside and run toward the clinic.
Reid's POVIt was as if there was something hard to swallow after hearing how she yelled at me. Seeing my mate, my Aliyah looking like a mess, as if she no longer knew what to do made it even more painful."I-I need some space, Reid. I need time to think and breathe, so, please... I'm so suffocated. Just leave me alone."Suffocated. Was it really hard to deal with me? Was she that angry to the point that she felt suffocated when I was near? My jaw moved aggressively as I tried to contain the overwhelming misery I could feel deep inside."Is that what you want?" I asked with my hoarse voice, hoping that she would tell me the opposite, that she did not mean those words, that she was just tired so she spat those words without thinking.I was about to take a step nearer but I stopped when I heard her answer."Yes... I don't want to see you in the meantime. I just need time for everything."She needed time. Something I had to accept, something I had to give her.I shook my head and bit my
ALIYAH’S POVDays and I finally had the motivation and strength to be outside with my friends who kept on asking for me.When I went out of my room and went downstairs, I saw Alice and Liana who were eyeing me as I walked toward them.Alice hugged me all of the sudden, my eyes widened because of that but after a few seconds, I smiled and let myself feel her warmth.My wolf, Kae, was delighted that I finally would spend time with other people aside from Jaxon."Oh goodness, we missed you!" That time around, it was Liana who talked, I saw tears brimming in her expressive eyes.Being with them made me feel guilty about how many times I brushed them off. They had been trying to get a hold of me but I was too in the depth of grievance to even think of anything. Not even them."We are so worried, Luna Aliyah," Alice told her after she loosened the hug.I gave a thin smile and glanced at the two of them. Ever since I came back, I neglected a lot of people and until now, I was not in the righ
REID’S POVAs days passed, the more my rage grew harsher. I clenched my jaw repeatedly while looking at Aliyah and Reid from afar, under a tree near the forest. They were talking again and I swear to the Moon Goddess, I was so near exploding in so much anger and jealousy.I had no idea why he was still here, in the pack I was leading, completely ignoring my murderous gazes on him.Indeed, I was beyond bothered seeing them together. If it was a normal occasion, I could probably stomach my mate talking continuously to another wolf. But not this time, not when there was a rift between us. Definitely not when she was obviously mad at me for reasons I knew was not right! She kept on believing that I already moved on when fuck it! I was not! I knew being the Alpha of a pack like this was hard. I had responsibilities and I needed to act right, not driven by emotions at all. Yet I also knew she was in so much pain to understand any of that.I could understand her but I would always fail to c
ALIYAH’S POV"Your brother, Shawn Harper died, Aliyah. Unfortunately, even though he's an Alpha and he has capabilities for fast healing, his body cannot keep up with the blood loss. Some of his organs are ruptured as well. That led him to death."My eyes widened hearing what Jaxon disclosed. Of course, I was surprised. Knowing him and knowing what he could do, I always saw him as someone formidable. He looked undefeatable to the point that hearing his death felt like a nightmare in the middle of nowhere.If I would be truthful to myself, despite everything that had happened, despite what he did, I could not help but feel sad. He was still a brother, a family at that. Yet again, those signs of grieving disappeared totally when I remembered how he hurt me the past. How he made me suffer, how he connived with that witch. He was allied to her, to Samarra who was the reason why my baby died! Anger crept into my system after remembering how miserable I had become because of them. Why wou