Vivian’s POV
“Ouch!” “I told you that you were weak.” I glared up at Chris from my position on the ground. He had just swept my feet out from under me, landing me flat on my back. He hadn’t been kidding about 4:30am, and he hadn’t been kidding about me being weak. I was surprised when he reached a hand out to me to help me up. I wasn’t surprised when he quickly took that hand away, and I fell backward. “Gotta keep you guessing, Vivid.” “Stop calling me that.” “Nope.” A howl signaled the end of training. Chris left me there, glaring at his retreating back. I still hated him, but at this point, he was all that I had. I scrambled to my feet and ran to catch up with him. “Where are we going now?” He arched an eyebrow at me. “We?” “Well, what does the pack do after training?” “Breakfast, then patrol. You’re just training, though. So you can play in some dirt or something. You can’t go on patrol yet if it’s something you can earn the right to do.” “Oh.” “What?” “I’m just…nothing. I’ll figure it out. Thanks again.” He nodded and jogged away to join his friends, leaving me alone. Again. I needed to get used to this. Without Zeke, this was going to be my new norm, especially with the pack now treating me like I had a contagious disease since my birthday. Nothing but looks of pity and whispers being spoken around me. I still couldn’t understand what happened. Just then, I saw my ex-best friend exiting the mess hall, laughing loudly, his arms around the new girl. Samantha. They both looked at each other like they couldn’t get enough of one another. I froze, wanting to disappear into the ground beneath me. Maybe they didn’t see me, and I could slip away and skip breakfast. I started to turn, but Zeke caught me at the last second. “Vivian!” I froze. Why was he calling my name? I spun around. “Yes?” “Come here.” I narrowed my eyes, moving closer to where he and Samantha stood. “Yes, Zeke?” “I heard you’ve started training with the warriors this morning.” “Yes.” “Why?” “I want to make myself useful to the pack.” He nodded. “I think you’d be better suited as a maid. My maid, to be exact.” I jerked my head up. “What? No.” “Excuse me? You should be honored I allow you in my presence, mutt,” Zeke sneered. Gasping, I looked over at Samantha, who I’d never spoken to but hoped she’d see some reason for how he was treating me. But a smirk played across her lips. She didn’t even know me, but it was plain that she hated me. “You shouldn’t be so disrespectful towards your future Alpha.” “You’ll report to my chambers every morning to serve me breakfast at 7am and will work until 7pm every day. That’s how you will be useful to the pack.” “I still have time to train then. They start at 5am.” Zeke rolled his eyes. “Fine. Do what you want in your free time. Just don’t burden the warriors with your bumbling around. Since I’ve already had breakfast this morning, run to laundry and get started.” “Can I go eat breakfast first?” Rolling his eyes again. “Fine. Just go.” I nodded again and ran, not wanting to further annoy him. This was not the same person I grew up with. When I looked back, Samantha was whispering in his ear again. What secrets did they already share? ***** My first day as Zeke’s maid had been exhausting. It was full of laundry. He had me on wash the entire pack house’s laundry today, along with the curtains and the linen. It didn’t need done but he had insisted. He wanted to start our professional relationship fresh, he said. Whatever that meant. By the time I was slinking my way back home, I forgot I had needed to go grocery shopping. Our small pack town was meant to be all walking distance but it was still a distance to go everywhere. And the grocery store was the opposite direction of home. I sighed, turning around and making my way back the way I came. Foot steps behind me had me swirling around to catch a glimpse of movement before I was on my back. “I can’t believe you let me catch you off guard like that. Where are your wolf instincts?” Chris stood over me, glaring. Ivy was silent on me since the rejection. I hadn’t heard her at all. Not even during training. She was upset and confused. But at the question of her instincts, I felt her bristle inside. She was still with me. “I’ve had a busy day today, Chris. Can’t you just leave me alone?” “Nope. Where you headed?” “I need to get groceries.” “I’ll come with you. You need a lesson in the proper diet of a warrior so you aren’t so weak.” I stood up, ignoring the fake offer of his helping hand. “Thanks but no thanks. I can handle groceries by myself.” “It wasn’t a request, Vivid.” “Shut up.” “Whatever you say, Vivid. Now let’s get going. We have an early day tomorrow. You can prattle on about your day while we walk and why it was such a long day. Figure out a way to be less of a waste of space?” We started our way towards Nelly’s Grocery, as I started detailing my day, him grunting in return. “And why did he want you to be his maid?” “To humiliate me more, I guess?” Chris grunted in response. I grunted back. He grunted. I grunted. He paused and looked at me. “Why are you grunting?” “I’m just doing what you’re doing. All you do is grunt. It’s so weird.” “I do not.” I grunted. He made the noise back, and I continued the cadence. We burst out laughing. I continued laughing, doubling over and holding my side, tears filling my eyes. Was I really here in the middle of the street laughing at grunts with my bully? When we finally stopped, I stood up straight, and Chris was staring at me. “I got to go.” “Okay.” Without a word, he shifted and took off into the darkness. I smiled softly, maybe I could have half a friend.Vivian's POV The following day, Chris was there at 4:30am sharp. I almost wanted to grunt at him in greeting, to rekindle our inside joke, but I didn't want to run it into the ground and look desperate. I was already getting too attached, and it'd only been a couple of days. And this was Chris. I hated Chris, and Chris hated me. "What did you get for groceries?" "Chicken, rice, and broccoli." "Good for you!" "Just kidding. I thought that's what you wanted to hear. I got a lot of junk food." Chris glared at me. "Seriously?" "Kidding! I got the boring stuff! I'm taking this seriously." He rolled his eyes and started walking down the street. "Come on, you're gonna make us late. I don't have time for your games." His strides were long, but I was light on my feet, so it was easy to keep up with him. For the first time, Ivy finally spoke up. 'He's fun.' I almost stumbled at her comment. 'No, he's not. We don't like him. He's a jerk. Remember who
Vivian’s POV I kept running when I was out of the pack house. I kept running down the street. I kept running out of town and into the woods. I just kept running. I didn’t have a place in mind. I just kept running. I burst into a clearing, finding a little pond, and finally stopped. I looked around. No one was chasing me. I hadn’t shifted. Running would’ve been easier if I had, but I needed the long-winded running to exhaust me. To exhaust my brain. I stood there panting. Everything was quiet. Where was I? I’d never ventured this far into the forest. The pond had a small waterfall, and it looked mystical. This entire place looked otherworldly. Surely I wasn’t the only person who’d found this place. I narrowed my eyes when I heard a twig snap behind me. When no more sounds followed, I continued my examination of the pond. I could go for a quick swim. But there might be something gross in the water. Better to examine it and test that theory for a later date. I needed to
Chris’s POV I helped Vivid pack her belongings the same day we struck our deal. Her goodbye to her parents was lackluster at best. They patted her on the back and wished her well. They didn’t even question our sudden relationship. Her father didn’t even give a fake “if you hurt my daughter” speech. Did anyone care about this girl? ‘We do.’ Rock reminded me. I smiled to myself. We always have. Since we saw her gorgeous blue eyes on the playground, we’ve always cared. To cherish and protect. She might not have seen it the same way, but I was always there. Too bad she let that snake into her garden. The first time I realized what a pile of shit he was, it was in the locker room after gym class. He was bragging that he had seen her shirtless after they’d gone swimming and going into detail about what he’d seen. I’d found an excuse to start a fight and he’d ended up with a black eye. Of course he’d told Vivid I’d attack him for no reason and she’d chastised me the next time she saw
Vivian’s POV Zeke wasn’t kidding about making my life a living hell. And be really put that to the test the second breakfast was over with Chris. He had me cleaning every bathroom in the pack house. With a toothbrush. Then after that, I had to clean the kitchen and every single dish. Even the clean dishes. The kitchen is built to feed a pack. And the dishes are enough to feed…a pack. By the end of the day, I just wanted to crawl into bed and cry myself to sleep. I didn’t think I’d get it all finished by 7pm but Ivy came forth and helped me speed things up. She was a champ. As I wiped sweat off my brow and let the cool night air hit my face, I saw Chris leaning against a pillar, like he was waiting for me. “Hey, Vivid.” “What are you doing here?” “Came to walk my mate home, of course.” “That’s so sweet.” “Are you okay?” I smiled at him weakly. “Just another long day.” “Zeke give it to you that badly?” I dragged my feet slowly. “You have no idea. I’m starting to wo
Chris’s POV “Good morning, sunshine!” Opening one eye, I saw Vivian sitting cross legged on the bed, looking way too chipper for 4am. In her hand, she held two cups of coffee though, which perked me up slightly. I leaned up on my arms but froze. My boxers were stiff. Did I cum in my boxers while I slept? Vivian sat there grinning. “Everything okay?” Shifting and keeping the covers covering my lower half, I sat up. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t they be?” “No reason. You just seemed a little weird for a second. Time to get dressed now, sleepy head.” I sipped my coffee. “You gonna sit there and watch me? Pervert.” “I already slept next to you like that. Doesn’t bother me.” “I’ll need fresh boxers, so unless you wanna see me in all my glory, I’d suggest turning away, Vivid.” Her eyes widened. “You just showered last night. You’re just saying that.” I reached down, pulling down my boxers and bunching them up and then throwing them across the room. Now
Vivian's POV31,768 pieces of rice. That's how many pieces of rice that jackass had me count. I was fuming by the end of the day, and I just wanted a hot bath.Throughout the day, I couldn't shake off what he told me about my parents. I resolved to put off seeking answers until the weekend, provided I had days off. Despite my eagerness for immediate answers, I understood the matter of creating every possible question to ensure precise answers. I had a hunch that my father wouldn't willingly divulge everything. Our relationship was never one where we openly shared our thoughts and feelings.A hand on my shoulder had me snapping, my fangs slightly extending and spinning around.Chris stepped back. "Didn't you hear me calling you?""I'm sorry. No. I was too much in my own head.""What happened?""Don't worry about it. Just another rough day with Zeke.""Want to talk about it?"I rolled my eyes and turned away, determined to continue the silent trek home. "I just said don't worry about it
Vivian’s POV “Let me run you a hot bath.” I looked over at Chris, a look of appreciation crossing my face. “That would be amazing. Thank you.” He rubbed my arm as he walked by. I headed toward the kitchen to start the oven and casserole I had waiting in the fridge for dinner. It’d be ready by the time I was out of the bath. Maybe after dinner, Chris would want to watch a movie. I plopped down on the couch to start browsing Netflix while I waited for the oven. After finding a movie about a shark that looked interesting, the oven was ready and I slid the casserole inside. Chris came out of the bathroom at the same time. “Your bath is ready. I’ll keep an eye on dinner.” I grinned at him. “Thanks. Timer is set.” When I entered the bathroom, I was taken aback. The bathroom was dark and set with candles. And the bath had bubbles and I could smell scented oils. It was honestly kind of romantic. Did he honestly do this for me? I didn’t give myself a chance to think too much in
Chris’s POV Vivid was silent getting into bed, keeping her eyes from meeting mine. I did catch her eyes glancing over my bare chest briefly but look away just as quickly. That was interesting. I laid back on my side of the bed, letting my mind wander to the scene in the bathroom wondering what had been going through her mind as she had her hands between her legs. Had she called out my name? Or was that wishful thinking on my part? I groaned and rolled over, squeezing my eyes shut. I needed to sleep and get images of her out of my head. ***** Vivian’s POV Growling woke me up. Directly in my ear. My eyes shot open. I felt hands on my hands on my hips as a dick was being rubbed against my back side. Vigorously. A hand reached around and groped my breast roughly, causing me to cry out in pain and pleasure. The hand froze. Chris whispered in my ear. “Vivid?” I hesitated. “Yes?” “I…I’m so sorry. I was sleeping. I didn’t mean to…” I grabbed his
VIVIAN'S POV "Hello, beautiful," Chris whispered in my ear. "Hello, handsome," I whispered, trying not to wake our twin boys in the bassinet before me. I turned around, wrapping my arms around his neck, pressing my lips to his, and continued in a hushed voice, "Are our guests here?" He nodded. "They just made it. I think she and Killian are fighting, though. But she's as big as a house." I grinned. "He probably said something as stupid as you just said." Chris opened his mouth to argue, but I held my finger up. "Don't. Just accept that you shouldn't say a pregnant woman is huge and go on about your day." He shrugged. "You're right." I glanced at our boys before slipping past Chris and heading towards the living room, where our guests were waiting. Divinity and Killian tried to visit at least once a month when time allowed. Despite the demands of being Alpha and Luna of our packs
KILLIAN'S POV "Zeke is dead," Vivian stated. Chris stood there, covered in blood, Vivian, too. I listened as they both explained what had happened. Marcus was already on the way to the cabin to verify their story, but I was sure what they had said was true. I could already tell by Chris's new aura that what had happened was undoubtedly true. Chris had killed an Alpha and was now an Alpha. I narrowed my eyes at him, suspicious. An Alpha should never trust an Alpha who murdered another Alpha. But he had done it to save Vivian. So, I should give him a little leeway. Turning back to Vivian now, I brushed her shoulder, ignoring the blood that covered her. "Are you okay?" She nodded. "I'm okay now. Chris saved me. I was initially upset, but...it had to be done." Damn. Chris is saving the day, of course. I should have been the one to kill Zeke. Now Chris looked like a damn hero. Vivian stepped closer to Chris. Oh, no. Th
CHRIS'S POV "Have you seen Vivian?" Killian asked, running up to me. I held up my hands. "I've been waiting for her just like you have. I thought we were supposed to meet her in that backroom before the ceremony so she could tell us her choice. So obviously, no, I have not seen her." Killian looked around. "Marcus went to her room to escort her without an answer. Her bed was stripped. There could have been laundry done. But no one can locate her. I'm worried." My ears perked up. "You don't think it's highly suspicious her bed is stripped? And she's missing? Where's Zeke?" He scanned the crowd. "He's not here either." Fucking hell. Zeke had taken Vivian; I had zero doubt in my mind. It is evident that the choice was down to me, and Killian and Zeke had no chance in hell, and he must have realized that. Killian was running to Marcus, commanding him to get their soldiers in line to start hunting for Vivian.
VIVIAN'S POV Today is the day. The final day that everyone will be holding their breath around me, walking on eggshells. Afraid that I'll break. Tonight was the Blood Moon and when I'd finally decide on my mate and our future. I stared at the ceiling, holding my stomach, the butterflies refusing to settle. I just wanted to skip to tomorrow, when this was over and done with, and my future could finally start. Tomorrow would be a better day than today. I threw back the covers, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. First things first, I needed to eat. Make an appearance, act normal, be normal. The party wasn't until tonight, and I couldn't just hole myself in my room all day beforehand. I'd been doing that for days already while I healed. I wobbled over to my dresser, finding a pair of leggings and a tank top to slip into, then a pair of boots I could also slip on easily. I wasn't going for fancy right now. I'd dress fancy and nice ton
KILLIAN'S POV I stared at the bottle in my hand. I could do this. I could do it. One day, we would laugh at this. She wouldn't even be mad, right? Not after a few years of happiness and bliss together. I stared harder at the bottle, willing to answer my questions. To tell me what to do. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I hid the bottle under my pillow quickly before striding to the door and flinging it open. Divinity stood there, looking nervously at the ground. "Hello, Alpha; I came to check on you." I looked around to see if anyone was in the hall to see her at my door. "Come in, D. You don't have to call me that, ya know." She smiled at me, slipping inside. "Thanks, Killian. So, how are things going for Vivian? You think she's going to choose you?" "I don't know," I groaned, heading over to the couch and flinging myself down. She settled down at the table, where I had left uneaten food, picking at m
KILLIAN'S POV "He's back." "Who's back?" I asked Marcus. Marcus looked around, making sure no one heard him as he leaned in and whispered, "Caleb." I set down my fork. "Let's go. You didn't bring him inside, did you?" "Of course not. He's outside the walls with my men." "Good." Standing, I let him lead me, not paying attention to those we passed. Caleb had a lot of nerve showing up here. Vivian had told me about what had happened with Caleb after they'd left, and I had assumed he had either died or maybe run off with his tail between his legs. But he was showing up here for some reason. To beg for mercy? To try some underhand scheme again? Arriving at the gate, we nodded to the guards as they opened up. Marcus led me to the side, where a group of men was waiting. Right in the center, they held Caleb down on his knees. He looked like he hadn't eaten in a while, and he was filthy. He probably
VIVIAN'S POV Outside with Zeke had left me exhausted. And now I was ready for a nap. Zeke asked if he could nap with me like in old times, but I was a woman now. It felt wrong. So I declined. His annoyed expression didn't escape me. Crawling into bed, I curled up with my pillow and immediately drifted into dreamland.***** Burning. It was so warm. I looked around, and I was back. I was back to the day of the fight with Sarah. I looked down at my arms, and they were charred. Had I killed her already? This didn't seem right. Why was I standing? I saw her laughing at me; her skin was burnt, hair frayed, and barely sticking to her scalp. "Little baby Vivian is scared," she mocked. I was on the ground. Vines wrapped around my legs now. I couldn't move. When did I sit down? "I'm not scared," I argued. Sarah walked towards me. "You're scared to choose him. You're scared of what Killian might do to him." I cri
KILLIAN'S POV "Can I talk to you?" Vivian looked around me before nodding. "Sure, come on in." I stepped inside, resisting the urge to wrap my arms arounds her, holding her against me and never letting her go. But instead, I waited for her to motion for me to sit down and do the same. "So what's up, Kill?" I reached over, grabbed her hands, then stared at her and caught her eyes. "The Blood Moon is coming up. Are you any closer to a decision?" She pulled her hands from mine. "That's what this was about?' "The war is over. It's time to get things in order, and it's time to choose a mate, Vivian." Her eyes narrowed. "And getting me in line and mating with me is just on the agenda?" I reached for her again, but she just moved her hands. "No, it's not like that. I was also reminding you that the reasons you delayed before are no longer relevant. And you can focus on this—on us." "Yo
CHRIS'S POV "I think you should spend less time with Vivian and more time on getting better, Zeke," I said, narrowing my eyes at the food tray in his hands. He was, once again, bringing her breakfast in bed. Like he'd done several days in a row now. They were attached at the hip again. Just like they'd been in high school. It was getting under my skin. Zeke looked down at the food he was carrying. "Well, V doesn't quite feel up to taking her food in the mess hall, and someone has to bring her something to eat. And since you're busy doing whatever you're doing, I thought I was the best candidate." "I'm helping Killian and his pack reorganize after yours attacked them. It's a lot of work after your pack decimated their gate and set fire to a lot of their homes." Zeke flinched. "Look, that's not my fault. That's Sarah's fault. I was under a spell." "Which is why you should focus on getting better and not flaunting how well you are. You should at le