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Delilah's POV:Footsteps halted outside my cell. Fully shocked, I blurted out, "What are you doing here?"Luke stepped forward, "I pulled some strings to meet you down here."I breathed out, "How is Adeline?"He wiped his hand through his hair, "Devastated, of course."My shoulders slumped, "Please take care of her."A tired smile broke over his lips as he lifted his hand, "She asked me to bring it for you."My eyes took in the small bag dangling from his hands and I chuckled lowly, "Sounds like her."Luke passed me the bag by squeezing it through the bars. Taking it, I held onto it tightly. His eyes did a sweep around the dungeon and he winced, "You'll not be here for long.""Yeah, just till tomorrow when they'll take me out for assigned punishment." I chuckled, trying to cool down the tension but it came out more like a bitter laugh.Luke appeared tired, "Alpha is still outside the country if you..."I didn't let him finish, "My answer is still the same, Luke. I don't want his pity
Delilah's POV: I waited for his answer and strained my ears to catch any whisper but he didn't respond. I wanted to talk to this stranger as I was in no mood to spend the night in my own misery. But apparently, he was in no mood to talk to me. Deciding not to disturb him anymore, I stood up. I was just about to go to the other end and lie down when I heard a really low and rough whisper, "Ryan. Ryan Hooper." My ears perked up at that. I knew he wasn't a talkative person but I was glad he was at least making an effort. I flopped back to the earlier spot and said his name aloud, "Ryan." He grunted and I chuckled, "That's a nice name." Silence followed once again which was broken by his almost inaudible whisper, "Thanks for the apples." Smiling slightly, I admitted, "I am glad you ate them." Leaning back, I rested my head against the wall, "How long have you been here?" "100 years, 4 months, and 28 days to be exact," he bit out. I inhaled sharply, "You are counting the days." Hi
Delilah's POV: The sunlight peeking in through the tiny window stirred me up. My mind woke up even before I opened my eyes. Jerking up in the sitting position, I hastily looked around to assess any enemy nearby. Akira yawned in my mind, "Relax, we are safe." After taking a sweep around the cell, I took a breath of relief. Standing up, I stretched my body only to find it all stiff due to sleeping on the hard, stony floor. "You're up," came a hoarse voice from the next cell. I rubbed my eyes, "Yeah. You are up too?" Ryan mumbled in a deep voice, "I hardly ever sleep." Crouching down, I took out the water bottle from the bag and opened the lid. My throat was parched and dry and it felt amazing to gulp down the water. After a few sips, I stopped myself and moved to the bars, "Do you need water?" I heard some movement from his cell, "I am fine." I rolled my eyes as if he could see me, "Rolling it your way." With that, I kneeled and rolled the water bottle toward his cell. I waited
Delilah's POV: My head whirled toward the gate and I stopped breathing as the gigantic beast stomped into the grounds. His intoxicating scent wafted toward me and flared my senses alive. A new hope ignited inside me as I watched Xander Stoneheart making his way inside. He was in his wolf form; the giant beast, the most vicious and ruthless Lycan King. He was a raging mess and that was quite apparent from his blazing golden eyes. I watched over his huge shoulders and found Luke and Adeline rushing inside. Raising his head toward the sky, Xander let out another vicious growl and it was full of power and authority. I felt the shift in the air as his aura turned to the most powerful and angry. I turned my head around and saw Xander looking at the people circling the altar. I sucked in a breath as I saw the most unusual thing happening right in front of me. Where Xander moved his gaze, one by one, every person fell to their knees in utter submission and surrender. My eyes widened as he
Delilah's POV: All four of us made our way out of the building where Luke's car was parked. Luke opened the door and me and Adeline silently hopped inside. Xander, on the other hand, went back to the car trunk and slipped on the spare pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. To divert my attention away from his bulky muscles and hot dips and ridges of his six packs, I turned toward Adeline, "I thought humans were not allowed inside the council building." She wiggled her brow in mischief, "Who can stop me when I have Lycan King on my side?" I raised my eyebrow even higher, "Well, that was peculiar watching you and Xander together without trying to rip off each other's heads." Addy sighed, "It's a long story," and clamped her mouth shut when the front doors opened and Luke jumped behind the steering wheel with Xander occupying the passenger seat. Luke looked over his shoulders, "You ladies good back there?" I nodded my head while Addy murmured, "As good as we can be in the situation."
Xander's POV:Following her finger, I turned around to find Antonio at the mansion's front door. Hands clasping at his back, he was scrutinizing Delilah under his hard gaze. The way he was staring at her made my blood boil.I had a bad feeling about it. Over the last few days, I was getting a feeling that Antonio was hiding something from me. I even tried to inquire, but when he didn't indulge in that conversation, I decided not to force him as yet. But if the matter was related to Delilah, then he made a huge fucking mistake to hide it from me.Balling my fists at my sides, I moved aside and blocked his line of vision, "What did he do?"Delilah raised her eyebrow and answered in a mocking tone, "Don't you know, Mr Alpha? As much as I know, he was just fulfilling his Alpha's orders."I closed my eyes to calm my jittery nerves and bit out, "Don't play around the bush, Delilah. Answer me."Her eyes narrowed down as she deadpanned, "Don't you dare use that tone with me again. I am not yo
Delilah's POV: On our way, Adeline told me that after returning from the trial, Luke relayed to her all that happened. I glanced between them, "But why did you guys bring Xander into this when I strictly told you not to?" Luke looked at Adeline from the mirror but stayed quiet. Turning her body toward me, Addy held my hand, "I know you didn't want to involve him in all this, but what choice did I have? Did you really expect me to throw you in front of those vultures and watch them eat you raw?" I looked out the window, "Still, I could take it all but turning to him for help was the last thing I'd ever resort to." Luke spoke up from the driver's seat, "No, Delilah, you are kinda wrong there. I heard and saw how the trial went. I witnessed how the council members played their cards with their own personal agendas. They ganged up against you and you are wrong to think that it would have all ended with just 100 whips." Adeline squeezed my hand, "The bastards forbade you to join any p
Delilah's POV:The next morning, I awoke to the sunlight peeking through the curtains. Sitting on the bed, I glanced at the still-sleeping Adeline and then at the clock. It was only 5 in the morning and I was already up. Sliding to the edge of the bed, I kept sitting there for the next ten minutes, trying to sort the jumbled mess of thoughts in my head.Too much has happened in such a short period and I was having the feeling that so much more was yet to come. Due to trial, I have been pushing back the revelation of me being a healer but now it was high time to accept that fact and acquire those powers. Moreover, Dorian was still unconscious and the only hope was Asteria now.Slipping on the running gear and shoes, I tied my hair up in a ponytail. Locking the door behind me, I made my way out of the hostel and into the woods behind.It felt alive and refreshing to finally be back in nature. I inhaled deeply the fresh morning air and relished the way it was relaxing my mind. Right at t
EPILOGUE AFTER 7 YEARS: Delilah's POV: "But Mommy, I asked for the chocolate cake. I do not like pineapple one." Elina stated with finality. "Why does it matter, Ellie? It's okay if mommy couldn't get a chocolate cake," responded Liam. At that, Elina narrowed her eyes menacingly at her brother and reprimanded the innocent soul, "Some of us do have tastes and standards, Lee. It's my birthday, I get to have all that I want today." "As if that doesn't happen every other day of the year," Adeline chuckled. Elina pretended to gasp and hooked her hands on her hips, "Aunt Addy, that's not fair. You ought to be on the girls' team." Liam reminded her as an afterthought, "By the way, it's my birthday too." Eline tried to roll her eyes, another thing she had learned from her beloved Aunt Addy, "Ugh, please don't keep reminding me that. I don't like the fact that I even have to share a birthday with you, Liam." I have no idea how I got to have two kids with completely different personali
Delilah's POV:A moment later, the whole lawn glowed in the soft, golden glow. The whole setup was looking even more beautiful at night, exceeding all of my expectations. His footsteps halted as Xee was taken aback by the arrangements. Tilting his head to the sides, he assessed the whole area twinkling in the fairy lights and fresh flower decor. And then, his eyes widened as they landed on me. He took his time to gawk at me from head to toe multiple times, reincarnating all the butterflies in my stomach. Resuming his steps, which were slower now, he walked over to me. Grabbing my hand in a gentle hold, he lifted it and placed a soft kiss on its back, "I am 100% sure that I am not forgetting any important date. It isn't your birthday today nor any important day for us." I let out a soft chuckle, "You are kinda right." Letting go of my hand, he wrapped his big palms around my waist and whispered in my ear, "Then to what do I owe the pleasure to behold such a glamorous beauty today?"
Delilah's POV:It was that time of the year.The Claiming Ball was to be held by the Lycan/ Werewolf Council so that all the unmated males and females come in proximity and have a chance to meet their fated mates.As a member of the council, I and Xee were invited to attend the Claiming Ball and we had a good chuckle at the remembrance of our bittersweet memories of the last Ball.I was standing at the side while unmated males and females indulged themselves in the dance as per ritual. My eyes spotted Xee busy in a conversation with the other members of the Council.I was just about to make my way over to him when a tall figure blocked my way. I lifted my head to find a young man whom I had never seen before.I tilted my head to the side, "Have we met before?"He kept staring at me and then finally shook his head, "I hate to say this but no, we haven't met before."My eyebrows creased together. He was probably from some other territory who was attending the annual ball in the hope of
Delilah's POV: The next morning, I woke up to the sound of commotion. My eyes peeked open and I yawned, already feeling the soreness in my body. I winced at the pain when I stood up and slowly walked to the window. My eyes widened with shock as I saw Ethan standing in front of the mansion, hollering at the top of his lungs, "I don't give a fuck. Let me go inside this instant or otherwise..." He clamped his mouth shut when a new guard stopped by the gate, "The King said to let him inside." The guards opened the gate and Ethan huffed angrily before making his way inside the mansion. What the hell was he doing here? Quicking donning my PJs, I made my way downstairs slowly, thanks to the soreness. I arrived in the hall just in time to see Ethan entering. Xee was sitting on the couch in a suit, sipping his black coffee whereas Ethan was looking all disheveled and upset. He stopped in front of Xee and yelled, "What the hell is wrong with you?" Xee kept his calm and only raised his eye
Delilah's POV: As a wedding present, Xee had gifted the Europe tour for Luke and Addy. Due to some issue with tickets, they had to leave the night of the wedding day. After the reception was over and the guests were gone, we returned to the mansion. Everything seemed to happen in a fast motion and none of us rested until after bidding farewell to the newlywed couple for their honeymoon. It was only once they were gone had I returned to my room. It was such a hectic day and I couldn't wait to don my comfortable PJs and hit the soft mattress. Standing in front of the vanity, I was removing my makeup when the door flung open. In came the Lycan King, looking heavenly gorgeous in the black tuxedo. Hot lava spilled inside me as I noticed his eyes traveling down my body. His hand curved around the nape of his neck and he smiled, "You were looking so beautiful today that it was practically impossible to peel my eyes off of you." I knew he was right. I had constantly felt a pair of eyes g
3 Months Later: Delilah's POV:"I am really getting concerned about you, Delilah," I heard Xee behind me.I looked over my shoulder and found him with a tray in his hands, "Why is that?"He placed the tray holding a glass of milk and cookies on the coffee table and walked over to my desk, "Because for the last 3 months, you've been working nonstop."I let out a soft chuckle, "Now you are exaggerating."His eyebrow quivered higher, "No, I am not. Can't remember the time when I've not seen you hunched up on the desk, sticking your nose in all those books, jotting down your notes, and whatnot."Well, he was kind of right about that. Lately, I have been having a really hectic routine. After waking up early in the morning, I'd go to training. After breakfast, I'd be in the clinic that Xee had recently built me in his territory. I have been working hard to polish my skills as a Healer.I have started treating patients and I loved interacting with all the people. Occasionally, I'd even go on
Delilah's POV:Once again, I became the target of everyone's attention but I didn't let the nervousness or panic get hold of me as they all turned their eyes toward me.Instead, I took a deep breath and got up from my seat. Addy rushed in my direction, "What happened, Dee? Why are you interrupting?"I made a mental note to have a proper talk with Addy after returning to the mansion but for now, I had something more important to take care of.Without responding to her, I turned around and jumped down the stage. Gasps chorused around me as I landed on the Duel Ground but I paid none of it any heed.I kept walking to where Xee was pinning Ryan to the ground. The frown between Xee's brows deepened. He opened the mindlink, "What are you doing here?"He didn't sound pleased at all. Well, we were on the same page then. Shutting the mindlink down, I reached him. I tried to keep my calm but my nostrils still flared when I ordered Xee, "Get off of him, Alpha."A flash of betrayal shone in Xee's
Delilah's POV:"What have you been doing all day?" Addy asked curiously.I closed the journal I was writing on and shrugged lightly, "Just working on a few important things."Her gaze shifted to my study table but she passed no comment. Nodding her head, she said, "I am waiting downstairs. Be quick."Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I turned toward my closet and took out a pair of black jeans and a black shirt. It took me no more than fifteen minutes to get ready.When I climbed down the stairs, I noticed that the mansion was eerily quiet and empty. My eyes swept the area, "Has everybody gone to the duel?"Addy raised her eyebrow and remarked, "Who exactly would want to miss the chance to experience such a duel?"At this point, I was confirmed that my best friend had gone crazy just by living among the lycans for a few months.The car was already waiting for us outside the mansion. As soon as we settled inside, the driver revved up the engine and started driving toward the Council
Delilah's POV:In the room, I kept pacing the floor restlessly with a thousand thoughts swirling in my mind. It was only when I heard a knock on the door I took a breath of relief.I rushed to open the door and inhaled sharply at the sight of Isabella standing on the other side with a cup of coffee.I ushered her inside and closed the door behind her. She smiled lightly and placed the cup on the coffee table. She was about to go back when I blocked her way to the door.She eyed me nervously. I wondered whether she was thinking the same thing that I was.My eyebrow quivered higher as I inquired, "What do you know about Ryan Hooper, Isabella?"Her eyes widened as she swallowed the lump in her throat, "We are not to talk about him in this mansion."I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to make her understand calmly, "I don't care about that, Isabella. Just know that it is very important for me to know all that you do."She fidgeted her fingers together nervously, weighing her options.