*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
AALIYAH It's strange how Nikki helped me continue on to live a normal life. I'm taking her with me when I escape these walls, without a doubt. I never want to lose her since our love can create more than just heart-breaking memories.Lady Sasha enters the room with deep claw wounds from Alpha Hunter still visible and some parts of her body are covered in bandages. Since I had misjudged Hunter's power, Nikki told me everything she had heard, including how he had jumped on her and lost his temper. I grin internally, so pleased with him."Your life is only but temporal, I assure you, you will pay for every mark I got." She promises that.Since I have nothing to say, I choose not to reply. I can't go crazy on her and have him lose me along with the child because my shield is deep in the woods.“I learned that you lost your child." She laughs. She says with a wider smile, "Because of me. I will make sure to frame my accomplishment because that is the best life I have ever led. Speaking of
THIRD PERSON’S POV In a bushy area, concealed beneath a verdant canopy. The foliage, a tapestry of vibrant greens, is woven together to form an impenetrable fortress. The air hung heavy with the earthy scent of damp soil and the chorus of unseen creatures added an eerie ambiance to the scene.The three alphas are scattered like sprinkled seedlings, each of them looking exhausted, the colour of their shirts dark shade because of profuse sweating and their sword sheathed to their sides.“Could you both at least wait?” Hunter yells baritone echoes in the air. "It's getting dark and we still need to find a shade while we still can.” He gasps with his mouth open, trying to catch his breath.“We? I’m afraid you're alone in this. I didn't come this far to give a cute little bro speech in the woods. Save it for when I become alpha.” Hector's voice is void of emotions.“In your dreams brother. Quit being delusional, it doesn't suit you, I can tell you for free.”Hector turns to face Hunter,
AALIYAH My excitement doesn't just come with the dawn of a new day, but the fact that my baby is blooming and thriving within me and of my energy. I wasn't a failure after all.It's such a pity that the three alphas are still away, Hunter would be very much useful now, and Hudson’s offer of great importance. The bed has all of a sudden become too rigid, my back aches a fortune and the mix in the food is not advisable in my state.“Hey dear.” Nikki comes to my side. "How are we faring?” she chooses to use the 'we’ word so only the both of us can decode it.“Pushing.” I smile. "Although things above my reach are what I want.”“And that could be?” Nikki laughs, expecting the thrash I am about to spill.“The brain of grilled fat pigs.” We both chuckle. "I’m in one of those moments.”“Poor dear, when you crave the head of the fierce lady, let me know.” She whispers.I giggle. "As my lady pleases.”“Get out.” Lady Sasha's voice interrupts us. I look at Nikki, praying she didn't overhear u
THIRD PERSON’S POV As darkness falls and the night sky looms overhead, obscuring all visibility, a sense of trepidation washes over them. The situation is dire, worsened by the fact that the rogue they were up against is dressed entirely in black, blending seamlessly into the shadows.The three alphas, masters of their lupine heritage, embrace their primal instincts. Their bodies contort, morphing into their half-lupine forms. Their once-human eyes now shimmer in various shades, their hands sprouting fur and extending into formidable claws that tightly grip their swords. Their heightened senses sharpen. With a sudden onslaught, the rogues pounce, launching their assault upon the alpha brothers. The clash of swords reverberates through the air, the metallic symphony amplifying the eerie ambiance of the night. The alphas, skilled in the ways of combat, assumed their defensive positions, parrying each strike with precision and grace.The rogue adversaries, on the other hand, fight with
AALIYAH I rub my little tummy, wishing my baby would survive the tempest. In a few minutes, I was broken from the hurt of Nikki's betrayal. Never would I have imagined I would get sold out by her, for what really? Money or food? Or maybe her freedom?The same freedom I freaking wanted for her my whole life? She is a lady I would cross huddles for just to be with and even take a bullet for her. I weep, my heart bleeding profusely.I resolve that I am not going to weep anymore and give her the satisfaction she seeks. I wipe my tears from my cheeks and smack dirt off my butt. “Aaliyah...”Nikki comes into view. "We need to talk "I act as though no one spoke, ignoring her as I go about arranging my space and humming to a false melody.“Please, just one moment.” She begs almost in tears.“You’re onto a cheap emotional blackmail? Girl, you ripped my heart. A moment is too much for a snitch, I could get sold double the initial amount.”"Snap off it."“Nikki,” I say her name with uttermost
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