SHELLY.“How could you?” he snarls."How could I what?” My eyes don't leave his huge frame pacing back and forth. “Why...” He breathes in and then out, slowly. He comes closer to me and squats right in front of me. "Why did you tell Lord Asher, without seeking my permission or even as little as consulting me?” now his voice is a low growl. “Because?” I’m livid, almost about to snap if he pushes this further. He places his hand on my thigh. "Because I’m still the father, and I should have a say in his justice.”I snort. "Amazing! This ought to be the most awesome speech of the century. Shouldn't it?” I stare at him. "Shelly, this is not some cheap joke."“Of course, it's not. Rather It's an expensive one.” I give him a round of applause. “Then stop being ridiculous.”"Ridiculous? Now I’m being ridiculous!” My tongue swipes over my teeth. "You, a papa? Who would have imagined? I mean, suddenly you're acting up and being all sneaky, and now you want to claim papa to my children, es
SHELLY.“When do we strike?” Lady Agnes is eager. "Lord Asher asked me to confirm. He's gotten his ammunition in place, and incited the people to prepare for a just cause...”"We won't be needing all of those. I don't intend to make it a gore battlefield with heads and cold blood as decor. Just her, her baby, and her mates. She will be my weapon.”"Regardless, we can't just do nothing. You know when planning events, especially fights, you don't completely exclude unforeseen circumstances, like the what-ifs. It could go south and cost our lives if we're caught unaware. It could even get worse and our tribe will be burnt to the ground. What if...”“It's fine, Agnes. I get it. There are plenty of what-ifs. I just don't want to drag good people into my mess. I mean, I’m excited to have the support of everyone including yours and Lord Asher, but I want to limit the risk that hits anyone to as little as none.”"We're not complaining.”"You don't have to. Besides, Petian would need a home wh
AALIYAH.I open Nanny Mellissa’s room to find her quietly sitting on the bed, repetitively fondling her dress. The fluorescent bulb is switched off and the curtain is let down, leaving the room almost completely dark. "Mel, I only heard from the other maids that you are back, truth be told, I wanted to debunk it but then again I couldn't.” I stop to let her explain herself. She looks up at me but is still quiet. Like I’m a stranger. “Mellissa?” I find myself on the verge of yelling. Everything seems off. I feel so sad that I heard the news from the other workers. And to think that she's acting up... I puff. Perhaps it's just me making a mountain out of a molehill. "What's the problem? Are you okay?” I take a calmer approach. I can only pray silently to the moon that her mama is okay and nothing is out of control. “Good day, lady Aaliyah.” She bows to greet. Her voice is more like a whisper. I hesitate, not happy at all, and still careful enough to not blow things out of proport
AALIYAHFor the first time in forever, I slept without my baby. Normally, Mellissa would nurse him till noon and bring him to my bedside or leave him in his nursery, but yesterday was different. She didn't show up, neither was I moved to check up on them. Perhaps I was too excited to be relieved of the stress I endured in her absence for a week. Baby Hendrix is a handful. Matter of fact, I was enjoying my liberty and I still am. She must have missed him so much to want to keep him for the whole night. And honestly, I don't mind him being with her for the longest. “Your bath is ready, my lady.” One of my maids informed me. "Alright, I will be out in a minute. Get my dress ready, the lengthy flay gown with rhinestones bearing a good amount of net, and my gloves. I want to take a stroll.”"Very well, my lady.” She gets to work immediately. I climb down from the bed, put on my footwear, and head for the bathroom. The smell of floral soap and honey mixed in the water is giving. Just
HECTOR.“What are these rascals doing without me?” I stroll into Hudson’s room and straight to where they are seated, playing a game of numbers. "Having fun, I know you can tell.” Hudson is swift to respond. “Without me? I barely spend time with you both.”"That's what happens when the world is on your shoulders.”Hunter scoffs, not darting an eye to not be defeated in his favourite game. “A couple of times I wish Beta Arlo didn't go wild, I mean I will be free.”"Good riddance." Hunter speaks for the first time. “Not like it's your type of fun anyways.” Hudson continues in his comical jest. "What's my type of fun?” "Boring books and ledgers and journals, I’m sure your library should be outpouring by now.”"Hudson! Shush, would you?" Hunter casts a light warning. "Hector doesn't need to say much, you will see yourself in the woods in search of an imaginary relic.”That cracked us up and takes us back to how we nearly lost our lives over some stupid artefact. Shit.“Well, the goo
HUNTER."Please, don't start. I know the exact reason you're here, to taunt me and drag me to filth...”"Aaliyah, don't leap yet. First, let me start...""No, I don't need that.” She settles on the floor, her back is rested on the frame of the bed. I pace back and forth, combating the urge to scream. I want to fucking scream out my lungs, at her and everyone in sight. For the agreement with Hudson, I try to follow suit and play the calm mate he deems appropriate. But right now, it isn't working, the only thing on my mind is to hunt nanny Mellissa myself and tear her to shreds, and keep my baby away from everyone, including Aaliyah. If she most likely failed in her role as his mother, he needs to be protected from her inclusive. Damn! Calm down Hunter, it is no one's fault...actually, not hers. And the irony is that you know it. I stop to look at her, the fear and terror this one act of nanny Mellissa has done, the reckless damage to a mother, the pain searing through her heart and
AALIYAH.The atmosphere takes a swift turn from the intense heat of vexation to an intense heat of desire. I tilt down and press my full lips on his, slowly and gently, tasting the saltiness and lust encased in his taste buds with every kiss and tongue swipe. His hand cups the back of my neck, pulling me closer and deepening our contact. With my broad hips settled on his slender one, I roll and rock his bulge to hardness, slow at first then roughly, obeying the jolts of electricity coursing through me. I break the kiss to catch my breath, sitting upright with him between my thighs and my aching cunt on his hard rod. Hastily, I pack my hair in a ponytail, not wanting anything to disrupt this moment. And in the spirit of taking off distractions, I loosen my blouse and toss it to the end of the room. Leaving in sight my voluptuous boobs, my nipples are erect pink and hard, and ripe. I push downwards, pressing my warm soft boobs ok his face, before dangling them and giving him boob
AALIYAH The night sky is almost out and neither Hector nor his search team are back. I wonder how far they've gone and if any progress is made. Oddly, I find myself worrying about Hector and his team, what if it's a ploy to penetrate the pack?I pray silently to the moon goddess, wishing for a second chance to be the mother of the most precious thing on earth. How careless of me. I truly was careless with my baby. If the moon grants my wish, I know better than to trust him with anyone and anything. I recall how Mellissa struggled to get past my guards, seriously pleading to speak with me, fighting off the guards and pushing her way through, wanting to have at most two minutes of my time. Such desperation from a young girl, and curious as to what might be the case, I succumbed. I asked the guards to let her be and gave her an audience. Like a child, she poured out her heart, revealing her hurt and lack. Not for once did it occur to me to do a background check before believing her
THIRD PERSON’S POV. By nightfall, the alphas, Aaliyah and Nikki ride in a carriage, while the warriors of Orlando match quietly to the border of Moon Howlers pack. It takes them long hours to arrive at the spot and the place is as quiet and deserted as can be. The only presumptive sign was the sacks of sand heaped on themselves to form a shield. Nikki takes the lead and directs them to the shelter at the secluded spot, very well hidden from the border. The three alphas replace her, with Aaliyah by the side, ready to rescue her baby once they burst in. Fortunately, the door is made of ancient wood that's already rotting away and the hinges are half gone. In a silent count of three, they kick the door down in unison and rush in. The noise sends Shelly and Chris flying and baby Hendrix crying from a disrupted sleep. Shelly instantly rushes towards the baby, to use him as bait and protect herself. But before she gets to him, Hudson is swift to throw a pocket knife in her directi
THIRD PERSON’S POV Nikki arrives at the pack house tired and weak. Her dress is torn in some places, with her skin bruised from falls and scratches from wild plants. Her feet are the worst, it look so dirty like she trekked in gutters and pits. The door opens with the guards signalling the others to call Lady Aaliyah and the alphas. “Welcome, lady Nikki.” The guard by the hate greets as Nikki walks in, heading towards the house. He looks out for insiders and satisfied none is forthcoming, he jams the door and closes it. Aaliyah rushes down and meets Nikki dragging her feet like a child, with her muddy footsteps evidence of her traces. "Nikki darling, what happened to you?” she holds her firm, not minding that she both looks and smells horrible. Rather, Nikki begins to sob. Hot tears burn her cheeks as she keeps sobbing. "Go ready her bath." Aaliyah orders a maid who takes to her heels immediately. When they arrive in Nikki's room, Aaliyah dismisses the maids, strips her frien
AALIYAH. The night has me rolling recklessly on the bed. I keep counting every second, down to noon. With each passing minute, the promise of having my baby by my side becomes clearer, and the risk of dragging the three alpha there more scary. Curiosity eats me deep, the need to know the location burns hotter than any desire. And somehow, I'm glad that Nikki is away, for reasons best known to herself. It's barely 11:45 pm, and the night draws on, much longer than expected. Frustrated, I sit up, still lost in my thoughts. Unable to sleep, I wear my robe and go to the gate. The servants are half asleep and one gasps when he finally wakes up to see me before him.“Good evening, my lady.” He wipes the last of sleep off his eyes. “Evening. I'm expecting a letter tomorrow, I don’t know when it's coming, but please, stay off the gate to not scare anyone away.” I want. I'm scared of the consequences if we nab one of them. “Alright, ma.” He assures. I go up, and happy that nothing would
NIKKI. I remain quiet for a while, and totally immobile. "I bet I heard something.” Shelly insists. My breath is almost on hold, as I struggle to fathom what is behind me. At this point, I didn't care much about being busted or punished or yelled at... I just didn't care at all. It's more like life is playing a trick on me. All along, he has something to do with Shelly. Why then was he always riled up when I mentioned her name or went to seek for her welfare? Why then did he make it seem like she is the monster? Not like right now she is any short of it. How low Chris has reduced me to. Hot tears burn my cheeks and I let it flow slowly as I remain numb for the longest. Footsteps approach, and I find myself creeping like a child away from the window, crawling and crying and praying I don't meet one of them. This is indeed a risk, and I honestly can't tell how much it's worth, because it leaves me mentally insane. The window opens, and I’m already on the other side, crying my lun
NIKKI. The box I am in lifts from the ground halfway and then drops. I hear the faint grunting of a lady, I suppose it's the maid. It stops soon after the box returns to the ground. It goes up again, and then levels flat on the ground. "Is it that heavy? Try harder, Alpha Chris will soon be on our necks.” A male voice pleads. Seeing what Chris did to the poor driver, I feel sorry for him, hoping he doesn't take the fall yet again. "It surely is heavy, I bet you know. Please, you would need to seek the help of your fellow. This is the best I can go.” "Jeez, you ladies, and bailing out on the slightest hardship.” He sighs. Somehow, I'm silently laughing inside, thinking to myself that these two have some chemistry. Because this argument can't be about my weight, a petite lady like myself that Chris scoops at will. “I don't know what you mean, but I can't do this. Even if I did, I wouldn't go beyond the corridor, and I would end up breaking my back.” "So?" He lifts up his
NIKKI We ride pass the market, with very few people and it's almost as quiet as a graveyard. It's quite early, and I won't fault them for being in bed, either sleeping to their death or cuddling in the arms of their lover. And I don't have the luxury to afford any, so yeah, I’m busy studying their lives and praying mine doesn't fall apart. Down from the central areas to the outskirts, we journey quietly and it takes long hours to get out of Orlando pack. Such a powerful pack, Aaliyah is lucky. I sigh. It's still very early in the morning, the sun is yet to rise fully and I can barely appreciate the landscape, my little way of freeing my mind and not exploding. It takes very long hours before we arrive at Wild Crest pack’s border. When we get closer to the main house, I ask the rider to stop. I take out a pair of black pants from my bag, bathed in a random servant’s perfume, to go undetected by Chris. Taking off his hoodie, I sniff it for the last time and throw on a baggy polo. I
NIKKI.Still in shock and unsure of what to believe, I decide to confront Chris, and doing it over a letter, would mean him denying it or nothing to him at all. Of a truth, I’m done with this sham of a union, but for the longest that he received me, I desperately need an explanation. And if she's wrong, there's a high possibility that I would give him a second chance to be a better mate. Either way, it's a win for me. I proceed to pack my back, not all of it, just a few things I would need if I decide to remain in Wild Crest pack for a few more days. Ready, I walk out of my room, tightly clad in a big hoodie, to prevent the cold. Chris’ hoodie. It's one of the possession I stole, sniffing it every damn minute I think of him. I'm almost at the hate when I halt. I'm yet to tell Aaliyah. Do I still want to make it a secret? Yes. But she would make a big fuss if I didn't tell her a good reason for my sudden departure. She only needs to be briefly informed. Besides, the second letter
SHELLY. He went on and on until I had no more strength to continue. I simply quake in beneath him and moan for mercy, the same mercy I asked him to never grant me. And as he promised from the onset, he remains firm in his words. He bends me over, switching positions like a messed-up child and bringing me to tears. After a while, he lets me be, but I’m certain it isn't because he's exhausted. He settles on the floor and levels my naked skin on himself, skin to skin, providing the best warmth and tender touches. I sniff his masculine scent that's now mixed with a fine blend of our juices in the cold night’s air. His sudor that's sweet smelling rather than a stench to me. Weak and satisfied but greedy regardless, I nestle like a baby in his arms. Just cuddling and mild romance would do, so long as I feel him on myself. His warmth is enough to keep me from the cold, and his muscles, were my shield from the wild. I rub on the bare of his arm, stroking my fingers along its length. Inde
SHELLY.Bored, I take a stroll around the premises, careful enough not to wander too far. Lady Agnes has gone home with Petian, leaving me alone with baby Hendrix like it's always been for almost two weeks now. The night is cold, and so is the weather, as a cool breeze kisses my skin, awakening goosebumps on my bare flesh. This isn't the safest place, but I've not dismissed Lady Agnes’ offer to send guards down here. I believe it shouldn't be a bother, because it would mean drawing much attention to what needed to be as discreet as imagined and you can't guarantee they won't spill. Plus, I've not seen a reason to want their help, besides, the plan is yet to ripen, and two days before the said date, I would accept her offer. Ready to retire for the night, I turn around to retrace my steps, when I see a huge frame in the dark, the dim night light is of little help. I take a step backward, two and then three, until I’m out of count. The huge frame keeps walking towards me, at the sam