Riley's POV
"Yes, mother.""How many times do I need to remind you that I'm not your mother?"I stood still, brought up my right hand, and held my lips together. "Good," she said. "You're learning fast."She always told me to hold my lips whenever I said something she didn't like. It was something like a sign; one that depicted acknowledgement of a fault and a promise to do better. I didn't think I was wrong. I just had to do it.I lost myself in my thoughts as I wondered why she hated me so much. There wasn't a day when I wasn't reminded that she wasn't my mom."We found you by the witch's pond.""We picked you up and saved your miserable life.""You'd have been better off dead by the witch's pond. Perhaps, we made a mistake bringing you here, you worthless girl."It was all the same. Same thoughts. Same meaning. Same reaction. Just a different way of saying it. I was already getting fed up with all that was happening to me but what was I to do?"Don't tell me you're ignoring me, Riley.""No, I could… I mean, I– I didn't hear you, ma'am," I stammered. "I was a bit lost, ma'am. I'm sorry.""You're going to the alpha's house to help them out. Sharon demands your presence," she said. "I don't need to remind you that you must be on your best behaviour, which is thrash if I must say. Try sweeping the compound before going inside to meet her.""Yes, ma'am."I went back to my room and took off the black dress that I wore, which had a tear on either side. I didn't want to go to the alpha's house, putting on something so horrible. I opened my box and began to take out the clothes there, one by one, hoping to see something that would be a bit tolerable."Aha!" I screamed, rather subconsciously, as I picked up a brightly coloured yellow dress that had a few white patches. I'd had the dress for a little more than four years but I still loved it. For sure, it was simply a rag, just like the other clothes, but it wasn't torn. I quickly put it on and went on my way.On getting to the alpha's compound, I swallowed my spit. It wasn't that this was the first time but I was always amazed each time I got there. The land was so vast and the garden. Oh, the garden! The beautiful flowers and the sweet scent they produced could make anyone have the urge to spread a mat just outside and sleep till whenever. It had crossed my mind a few times. At least, it was better than that thing I called a bed. Anything was better than that.I walked right past the gate to the mansion and almost knocked when I remembered that I was asked to sweep first. Silly me! I looked around the compound for a broom and I found one, lying around, almost close to the waste bin which was just a stone throw from the mansion.I picked it up and began to sweep as carefully as I could. I didn't want Sharon to have any reason to yell at me, except for the fun of it. As I kept sweeping, I saw something on the floor, just a few meters away from where I was and my curiosity was piqued. I had to find out what it was.As I moved a bit closer, I saw that it was a book; a very small book and I wondered what could have been written inside. As I bent to pick it up, I felt a restriction from within me. What if it was a trap? What if it was something I wasn't supposed to see? Then again, I couldn't think of any reason why someone would leave something important lying around so I assumed it must have been of little worth. I picked it up and began to go through it.Then I heard a sound. Soft, subtle sounds that got much louder with time. Soon, I could hear war chants from just outside the gates and I knew who it was. The warriors of the pack were probably on their way to the alpha's house to give a report or whatever else they wanted to do.The warriors were feared by everyone and for a good reason too. They were fierce, strong and very skilled in the field of battle. It was their duty to protect the pack from intruders. They were trained by the alpha himself. No other pack members got that sort of privilege. I'd always admired them from afar; the way they fought, the speed they possessed, everything about them. I dreamed of being one of them. I never stopped dreaming, yet it looked impossible. Just like being treated like everyone else in the pack seemed.Yet, from a closer view, there was nothing to admire about these bullies. What's the use of having so much power if you'd use it to oppress the very people you were tasked with protecting? They poked fun at me and hit me whenever they felt. I always did my best to avoid them but it was simply impossible."Hey, you, what is it that you're holding?" One of them quickly approached me as soon as he sighted me from the gate. He dashed towards me, three other warriors with him, and grabbed the tiny book from my hand. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought they were going all out for one mighty man who had defied death in several battles. I didn't want to believe that they spent all that energy on a wimp like me."Have you read this book?" He flipped through the pages and glared furiously at me."No, I haven't," I replied. "I don't know what the content of the book is."I lied. Well, not totally but I did lie. I opened the book and tried to find out what was written but I couldn't. So I was being truthful when I said I didn't know what the content was because as much as I saw it, I didn't understand it at all."This book belongs to the alpha's daughter," said one of them to the other. All seven guards had arrived at the scene, wearing very long faces."How did she get her hands on this book?" The other one asked before turning to me. "You're a thief, aren't you?""Thief? No, not at all, " I answered, quite surprised that they'll think that of me. I had never stolen anything all my life and I didn't plan to do so. Sadly, they didn't know me. All they could see was a lowly peasant who would do anything to survive."Liar!"I saw stars flying around in my head as something heavy landed on my left cheek. When I regained consciousness, I was already on the floor, buttocks on the ground and hand on my cheek. I couldn't understand what was going on. What was in the book that made them so serious about it?"Let go of me!" I screamed, as one of them pulled me by the legs. I kicked him as hard as I could, and stood up, holding out my hands with my fists closed right and ready to fight. "Don't come any closer to me please.""What are you doing, girl? You want to fight?""No, I don't," I answered, lowering my hands. I didn't stand a chance as there was no point trying.Two of the warriors held my hands, one hand each, as they led me to the mansion. "You're going to explain to Sharon how you got your hands on this book.""But I didn't steal it. I picked…"A hard slap landed hard right across my face, forcing me to end my speech. Then I felt another, and yet, another. My eyes did see my ears and what they saw was too big for my mouth to say. I felt the urge to cry but I held it. We got to the door of Sharon's room and as they tried to knock, Imanaged to free my right hand and with it, I held back the hands of the one who wanted to knock and he turned around to look at me."Please, don't do this," I cried. "Please…""Get down! Get down!"I ducked as a silver spear almost went through my head. Lucky man, I was. It just grazed my hair as it flew. I wish I could say the same about the pack member behind me, whose throat provided a resting place for the speedy arrow.The rogues had grown a lot of wings over the years. A bunch of rebels who simply didn't know their place. Things could have been a lot better if only they had resorted to pleading their case in a better way. There was no need for bloodshed. They didn't need to capture women and children from the pack to set an example. They didn't need to chop anyone's head and drop them at the square to pass a message that the mouth could have passed.Do I blame them? They were simply cowards. They must have feared what would happen to them if they challenged the alpha to his face. I was pained that they didn't even try. They just went ahead to make their grievances known in the way that they deemed fit. They went against the authority. Now, they had to
"Please guys, you don't have to do this.""Why shouldn't we?""I didn't steal the book," I replied. "I swear, I didn't."One of the warriors knocked and when I heard, "Come in," I knew I was in trouble. If only they'd just let me be. Those warriors never passed up an opportunity to torment me and this was no different.They dragged me in as soon as they opened the door. I thought about kicking my legs as hard as I could to break free of their hold but I decided it wasn't worth it. I was already right in the same room as Sharon, the alpha's daughter and I needed a good explanation that would convince her that I didn't steal her book."What seems to be the problem?" Sharon asked, turning towards me. "What has she done?"Sharon was a very beautiful lady. There was this charm around her that couldn't be denied. As she turned to look at me, I couldn't help but have my mouth wide open in awe of her beauty.Her long, golden hair and deep brown eyes just stood out for me. I always thought the
Lita's POV"Owwwww!" I yawned as the warming brightness of the sun touched my skin. "It was morning already?" I asked myself.I groaned as soon as the sun caused its light to hit my face, slightly o ending my eyes in the process, and forcing me to turn the other way.I looked across the bed and found no one, no one at all. Darrius was never that way. He had never left me on the bed all alone in the morning. It was so unlike him.It was already bad enough that he let the sun wake me up instead of him. He'd usually kiss me on my forehead, causing me to wake up to his reassuring smile. Then we'd cuddle. Yes, we'd cuddle for a minute, two minutes or even more. I never wanted to let him go on those occasions but I knew I had to. I loved the way that I felt whenever I was engulfed by his powerful arms. I felt like he was all I could live for. That feeling of security was pure bliss.Yet, here I was, with nothing else to cuddle but these little pillows, consumed by the thoughts of he, who ha
Chapter SevenRiley's POVI felt something moist on my skin in a very small amount, and then in larger amounts and I wondered what it was. Then, I felt it again, this time, all over my body as I jumped to my feet in record time."Wake up, you sloth!""I'm sorry, ma'am."I fell asleep on the floor as I worked for the alpha's daughter. Close to me was the rag Iwas cleaning the windows and the furniture with. I couldn't remember sleeping though. The last thing I could think of was the fact that I felt really weak but was determined to finish up the task given to me. It was true, what they always said, that you can't cheat nature.I was so cold. I couldn't tell if it was the water that was poured on me, the clothes that I wore, which had become very soggy or the fever that was building up within me. All I knew was that I was very cold.I clenched my teeth as I stared at Sharon, hoping she could take pity on me and let me rest for just a while. I had hoped that deep down that outward beau
Darrius' POVI opened my eyes to see that the darkness remained. Yet, it wasn't as it was before I went to bed, so I guessed it was quite early in the morning. I yawned, still feeling a bit weak from the intense sex that I had with Lita.I stared at her as she lay right next to me and caressed her hair gently. I didn't want her to wake up. She looked so beautiful even as she slept and I wondered what kind of man would leave a woman as beautiful and charming as Lita for anyone else. Yet, Iknew she wasn't my mate and I wasn't willing to be with anyone who wasn't mine. My father married his mate, his father too and his grandfather also. I wasn't going to be the exception, as tempting as it was. Lita was truly tempting.She was all that any man could wish for. She knew just how to do things and exactly when to do them. I would have said that I fell in love with her but if I did, I wouldn't be thinking about being rid of her. Yet, I did feel something for her, something very strong and if
Darius’s PovI stood up and left my secret chamber immediately. I got to do something real quick. The affection I had for Lita has just been destroyed by her.“Tell Danny to meet me in my chambers.” I said to one of the wolves guarding the palace: He bowed and left immediately, while I headed for my chamber.I opened the door and went in.The scent of Lita still lingered. I am an alpha, and I can pick up the tiniest scent from anything or anyone.I looked at the bed and was reminded of the hot moment I had last night. I still admired her, but not anymore. That scent and the bed disgust me now.She involved my mom in this. I wouldn’t forgive her for that. I always made sure not to get my mother involved in anything I did so I wouldn’t cause her any trouble at all. She is the only family I have left, and I wouldn’t put her in trouble for any reason.Danny walked in and closed the door behind him. “Darius, what did you do to Lita?”“Nothing. I just cut ties between the both of us. "I am
Riley’s Pov I rushed out of the house, heading for the Alpha’s house, dressed in one of my rags, but at least better than others, even though the yellow gown was much better. It got torn yesterday while working. I was able to finish up my work at nightfall and rush back home, but here I am, rushing back to the Alpha’s house because Sharon called and said my service was needed at the Alpha’s house. How miserable can my life ever be? I am feeling very sick, but no one would even give me a stare or ask why I was so sick. I am worthless to them and mean nothing. “Riley…” Mother called behind me. I halted and turned back with my head bowed. “Yes mother?” I felt dizzy at that moment and so had to close my eyes, trying to get stabilized. I heard footsteps walking towards me and then stopping right before me. What does Mother want again? I opened my eyes and wanted to raise my head, but a hand connected to my face and forced me to shut my eyes again. I should receive the award for bein
Chapter eleven Riley’s Pov My breath hitched and my legs gave way, making me fall to the ground. I began to panic as she stared down at me in disgust and hatred. “This is who you truly are; you tried to kill the son of the beta." "You will be punished for it.” She said it angrily. “Please. He tried. He tried to force himself on me. I pleaded, with tears falling from my eyes. I looked at Bruce beside me and noticed that he wasn’t moving. My world came crashing down. My life, which I never started, is over. This is it for me. Bruce is no more, and that means my life is over too. “You murderer!” she thundered, making my body hairs rise up. I am done for. “Please forgive me. Please.” I pleaded, but there is no way I can be justified. Oh my life! “Guards, take this thing away.” She yelled. Why does she have to come in? Why Sharon of all people? The guards, hearing her call, quickly rushed in and took me away, not hearing my pleas for mercy. “I can explain. is not what you think.”
“What am I going to do?” she silently mumbled to herself as she frantically tried to come up with a plan to avoid facing her own wrath. All of a sudden, she felt a firm grasp upon her arm, pulling her back behind the safety of a pillar near a nearby window, away from prying eyes. She felt relieved and surprised – until she realized who exactly had grabbed her and whom she recognized.. Her heart sank slightly. Of course. Why wouldn’t it? It was Rachel. She had heard rumors that there was a consummated marriage between Darius and Rachel after her mating ritual to Darius. Apparently she’d had no intention of marrying either of them, much less Darius, but Rachel had always loved Darius anyway. Now, it seemed like they were having problems reconciling their differences over Darius. That didn’t matter anymore though, she supposed. Rachel hadn’t shown herself to be happy or supportive during Darius’ mating ritual, which was why she’d refused to speak to him when she’d returned
For the longest time, she hadn’t even thought about whether or not her feelings were reciprocated. To hear such heartfelt reassurances was definitely overwhelming…but what was she supposed to tell him? That she wasn’t interested in anyone right now, even though he was the one person she most desired to spend time with? How could she possibly confess something like that without sounding like she was lying to him? And yet…how could she convince him otherwise? Couldn’t he tell she was just playing along? Hadn’t she been doing the exact same thing? Before she could respond, a knock came to her door, effectively cutting short their discussion. Both of them turned to find a servant standing outside her chamber door. “Excuse me Your Highness, but your chambers are ready,” the servant informed her politely. “Please follow me.” Darius glanced in her direction briefly before nodding his consent. Once the servant had withdrawn, he released Riley’s hand and made his way inside his room w
Darius’s expression hardened once again, and he motioned towards the door. “Go to your chambers,” he instructed, his voice distant. “We’ll talk more later. But for now, I suggest you start by apologizing to the guard at the door for your behavior.” Feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension, Riley nodded and stood up, her legs feeling weak beneath her. She made her way towards the door, aware of the lingering gazes from the pack members around her. Whispers filled the air as she passed by, and she couldn’t help but feel the weight of their judgment. As Riley approached the guard at the door, she noticed the hesitance in his eyes. He seemed wary, as if unsure of how to react to her presence. She mustered up a small smile and spoke softly, trying to convey her sincerity. “I’m sorry for my actions,” she said, her voice filled with remorse. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.” The guard’s gaze softened slightly, but there was still a hint of caution. “Just don’t let it happen
Finding Clyde.Jason:Clarissa’s resilience was the strongest I had ever come across, to apologize for an offense she had it committed, to hold back her anger and pain as though she too did not need to be taken care of. She was in so much by the conversation concerning Clyde’s pack, It worse obvious that we were digging up old wounds that had clearly not healed. Maybe that was why she was distant from me, and ask why she channeled her pain into trying to build a family for the lost ones like her. She inspired me so much, and I felt her pains so much that I wanted to pull her into my arms and ease all the pain away with my warm embrace, but I knew I could not do that, so I just watched.Apart from the stories they told, I was also very concerned about the whereabouts of Clyde. There’s no how he would have survived the dungeon for that long alone, without food, water. We had brought back all the war prisoners with us and we were slowly planning to begin a plan for a bigger and better p
Darius blushed furiously, averting his gaze. “Uh, yeah. Well, um,” he stumbled and cleared his throat nervously. “You see, I just…uh,” he struggled to find words as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “What I mean to say is…um…” he muttered, glancing back up at her. His pale cheeks flushed even deeper red as his eyes met hers. “Well, um, I’m just…hmm…I guess I like talking to you.” His face grew impossibly more crimson as he spoke, his blush becoming nearly unbearable as he attempted to justify himself. Riley giggled, enjoying the way he floundered. “Well, Dai, how come you never spend time with me?” I asked. “ I’m busy” he abruptly replied her. “Besides, why do you care anyway?” Riley’s eyes narrowed as she gazed sternly at him. “I know what kind of life you lead,” she told him bluntly. “We’re not really friends, are we? You never ask for my advice or my help. In fact, your attitude towards me has always been completely hostile.” A frown m
She was no stranger to the hurt she felt after each rejection. Her heart ached as she realized that Darius didn’t feel the same. She smiled as she gazed at Darius’s beautiful blue eyes, a smile so tender that Darius felt his heart tighten. ‘No, it isn’t you.’ She thought with a bitter laugh. ‘How could he possibly return my love if he cannot bear the burden of keeping secrets?’ She glanced away. ‘Perhaps I should just leave him and live out the rest of my life alone.’ Her voice cracked slightly, as though her resolve was crumbling. As tears brimmed in her eyes, she fought the urge to cry out, ‘I’ve lost everything! Why should he care? What does he see in me? A sudden, sharp pain erupted in her chest, as if a dagger had pierced it. She gasped sharply as she doubled over in agony, clutching her injured heart. It felt as though someone had stabbed her repeatedly, rendering her unable to breathe or move. Pain shot through her entire torso, threatening to ri
“Darius, I have received some distressing news,” the elder began, his voice laced with concern. “Your father’s sudden withdrawal has put our community in a precarious position. We have made commitments to Rachel’s family, and we cannot afford to break them.” Darius’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean, commitments? I thought my marriage to Rachel was already arranged.” The elder sighed, his gaze fixed on Darius. “Yes, it was. But your father’s decision has created a complicated situation. We need to salvage the agreements and ensure the stability of our community. There is an alternative plan we have devised.” Darius leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “What is this alternative plan?” The elder’s voice dropped to a hushed tone. “We can arrange a consummated marriage for you with Rachel, in secret. This way, we fulfill our obligations to her family while maintaining the appearance of your marriage with Riley, as was originally planned.”
She needed someone who would guide her. Someone who would help her. Her head snapped upright suddenly as a loud, deafening sound filled the air. The noise pierced her ears, making her wince. The sound continued to grow louder and louder, shaking her whole being, until it became impossible for her to hear anything else except for the terrible shrieking noise that was echoing around her and reverberating inside of her skull. Suddenly it stopped, leaving a painful emptiness in its wake, as she lay on her side, panting heavily. She opened her eyes wide and stared blankly into space, her hands covering her ears. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she struggled to breathe. She looked up, searching blindly for the source of the sounds; the sudden silence made her panic and she screamed for help. She waited for several minutes, trying to make sense of the events surrounding her, trying to grasp what was happening. Suddenly she realised that a door had creaked open somewh
She pressed a soft kiss against his lips. “Me too.” She whispered. He turned his body so they were lying on their sides facing each other, mirroring each other’s position. He gazed down at her with pure adoration in his deep brown eyes. “I love you,” he whispered. She raised herself up on her elbow, reaching out and stroking his stubbly chin with her finger. “I love you, too.” Their gaze locked into each other, feeling the same overwhelming emotion. They both leaned forward until their lips were only millimetres apart. Rachel’ eyes widened as he began to lean towards her, pressing their bodies together. Their lips met in slow motion as their tongues mingled together in an intense, sensual embrace. As their lips parted they remained connected as they savoured the moment, breathing heavily. He moved his arms underneath her bottom and picked her up, carrying her over to the bed and laying her down gently. She s