*HECTOR* I'm concerned since Aaliyah has changed so drastically. She has a mind of her own, though I knew she wouldn't be able to take the stress that comes with her wild thoughts, I also knew she would lose it if I tried to intercede, even if it would have been in her best interests. Despite the fact that the guards have informed me of the physician's coming, my curiosity prevents me from waiting indoors, until Aaliyah informs me of the meeting's outcome. After that night, a lot of things changed. She ceased being a maid, so she no longer gets to clean and take care of my needs, in addition to becoming odd. It's challenging getting used to a day without her arguments, touch, or fragrance, or to a strange dawn without her. There is a knock on the door, a familiar scent I've gotten to miss locks around. I sniff, to be sure I’m not hallucinating. It doesn't go away with my doubts. In a rush, I open the door and I was right, it was her... The one who makes me want her so badly even w
*AALIYAH* Could Nikki be waiting for me at the opposite end of the room? I see her standing there. Possibly, I suppose. She's trying to make up for those lash outs, but she shouldn't worry; I've always known her to be sweet, so one argument won't change anything—not that I didn't deserve it anyway.“How long have you been standing there, Nikki?”“As long as you can envision." She smirks.I encircle her with my hands and take comfort in how warm she is. "Thank you so much, but you didn't have to—I'm not a baby. I'll be all right.""But you're having a baby—our baby," She takes my hand and releases me. "Are you already feeling hungry? Do you need anything?”"Yes, to a degree. The problem is that having a baby is draining me of strength. I massage my flat belly.”"Reason why you need to eat"“True, but without the mixture the chef always adds.”"Ouch! That's a problem now. I never gave it much thought. Been so accustomed to receiving poor care that it seems normal.” After we enter the
*AALIYAH* I remember the story my dad told me when he was showing me his scars, he said I am special and I consumed Mama's energy from the inside; if it was a similar experience, how was she able to pull through? Obviously, she wasn't a prisoner. My baby bump is still very much invisible, but it consumes my energy so badly that I can barely walk or be useful to myself.I'll be left with Hunter, and once his era is done, getting rid of him won't be an issue, as Hector and Hudson will be fighting tooth and nail for a say in the baby's life. However, Nikki and Linda are not the people I need to keep me warm and comfort me right now. After struggling for many minutes, I find it difficult to stand. I bang on Hunter's door, even though it seemed like I was knocking. My shaky legs give way as soon as he opens the door, and I collapse into his arms. He lifts me onto his shoulders while holding me still so I don't have to walk. He places me on his bed and shuts the door.“I thought the doct
*AALIYAH* His masculine frame stands still, surveying the pen that once used to house Jim and Jay. How time flies, from a distance, I can feel his pent-up emotions pouring out, the hurt embroidered in his hard mass.With gentle steps, I approach him. I encircle his solid frame from behind, my tender touch seeking to offer solace. His strong arms find their place upon mine, fingers tracing delicate patterns along my skin. I rest my head upon the sturdy expanse of his back, silently urging him to confide in me"Thanks, Aaliyah," he murmurs. With a tender gesture, he guides my hand upward, bringing it to his lips, his warm breath caressing my skin in a gentle kiss. "They are greatly missed," I respond softly, my voice laden with compassion. He turns, his eyes locking with mine as my arms remain wrapped around his strong frame. "Yeah, if I had the power to change certain things, there's one thing I wouldn't alter: the scars on Hector's chest caused by my claws," His gaze shifts to hi
*AALIYAH* I move slowly as my thoughts race all around me. The most recent meeting was a disaster; I had no idea Hector was still the regular stalker who exaggerated everything. Even though I almost harmed myself, I enjoyed that they collided but not right away.Clair hasn't stopped laughing in my face while the alpha females continue to whisper, and it surprises me that Linda has only now learned of my predicament. I thought Nikki must have filled her in a long time ago.A familiar voice yells, "Aaliyah!" and I quake like a scared dog as panic fills my body. My heart skips a beat when I see Lady Sasha.I hurriedly stood up, bracing myself for the worst. When I realize that her hand is not a whip, it slightly eases my heart. She slaps her hand over my face, making me feel sick to my stomach from the taste of blood. She grabs my throat and forcefully encircles it with her arms. “What in the world is wrong with you? Why are you so challenging and dim-witted? You wish to destroy me. N
*THIRD PERSON'S POV* Tension and rage are deeply laced throughout the space. Beta Arlo is pacing in close proximity to the entrance. He is undoubtedly also feeling uneasy due to the recent commotion in the pack.The locks that overlap his brows are now gray, a symbol of distress. He is holding his hands behind him. The door opens, and Lady Sasha enters. She carefully considers each step she takes as she approaches the Beta because she is scared to confront him. Her hands are plainly shaking, and her eyes are on the ground.The Beta throws her against the wall while advancing and wrapping his fingers around her throat before lifting her into the air. He bellows, "You incompetent fool! A mere petty slave was under your care, and you were unable to get rid of her before she developed wings.”"I didn't realize she would exaggerate things," "You never ever know," He silenced her by bringing his free hand to her face. "That you allowed them to entangle with her so tightly, you ought to
*AALIYAH* Days have passed since the incident, yet the emptiness is still there and is eating away at me. In my imagination, the trauma is blooming like new flowers in the summer. Knowing my infant died in my stomach, I am so terrified that I am sitting on the floor with my knees to my chest, arms around them, and head on my knees so that my hair falls out. I'm still very much in the grip of the experience.Clair sighs, and when I turn to look, there she is, silently standing before me for hell knows how long. Her eyes were sadly fixed on mine. I'm at my wits' end when she finally says, "How the mighty has crumbled."I leap to my feet, already enraged, and unconcerned about losing anything because, in my opinion, I have already lost everything. What I haven't yet been able to comprehend is how a child I had only recently begun to want has suddenly become the boon of my existence. "Clair, please leave so that you can do yourself a favour. Already I'm losing it."It's clear,""One mo
*AALIYAH* I'm not sure how long I slept for hours on end, but right now my body feels rested. Still lying in Nikki's bed, Linda and Nikki are keeping watch over me as I awaken."Hey, guardian angels." I smile in jest. "Hey, sleeping beauty." My shoulder is rubbed by Nikki. "How was your beauty sleep?" "Splendid." My scratchy eyes itch. I haven't had one in a very long time. I speak slowly.“I understood you required that.”“Will you not seek evacuation? You're aware that your fetus is dead, right?” Linda's eyes are fixed on me."What?" Nikki scoffs. "Linda, I know you're direct, but not as direct as I am, trust me. There are better ways to say things. I'll go violent with you.”“Don't misunderstand me; I had no malicious intent.”“Oh, like now is the appropriate time to act insensitively?”"Don't you think now is the safer time?"Nikki turns around and looks back at me; she can see that I'm relapsing since my arms are now across my chest. She is the only person who has ever seen