The archery lesson will start today.I was so excited that I woke up earlier than usual and began my routine exercise.“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, and one…”As I wrapped my left arm around the bent leg and gently turned my torso, I noticed that Hogan was glancing at me while he was stretching.Since he was looking, I felt more vigorous, like a student who wanted to boast to her teacher.When I jumped up and down, swinging my arms, I did it energetically as if to show off to Hogan that I am prepared enough to start our new training.Hogan peeked at me, turned around, and tried to hide the smile. He was laughing at me, but I didn’t feel annoyed at that.As a matter of fact, I prefer seeing him smile.Hogan was cold and expressionless when we first met. But nowadays, I noticed that he smiled more often than before, which is a good thing.I finished my routine exercise in a flash, and it was surprising that I didn’t feel tire
On the verge of giving up, Hogan's rough voice came from behind. “Your movements were tense." A huge body overlapped mine as Hogan stood close. His chest rested on my back. And when he stretched his sturdy arms, I was locked in between. 'He’s too close.’ “The reason why you kept on messing up is because of your upper body’s posture. Keep your shoulders down,” he whispered, and his baritone voice bounced left and right in my ears. It sent shivers from my skin to my spine, and down to my toes. I wanted to move away, but I was rooted in my spot. “Bring the bow up to shoulder height. Like this,” he said, guiding my shoulders. I inhaled sharply, and when I did, Hogan’s earthy and minty scent penetrated my nose. It reminded me of a calm sea, but my mind was far from being serene. “Your arm should be fully extended, and turn away your elbow as much as you could,” Hogan said, pulling the wrist gently. He drew the bow back in a straight line that my hand touched the side of my face.
“WHY DID YOU OPEN THIS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION? WHY?!” His gruesome shout boomed in me like thunder that froze each of my active nerves. From his hand to his eyes, I could see wrath. They were clouded with a mixture of disapproval and disappointment. My breath went shallow, every time I exhaled, I felt my lungs drying. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I stepped back from Hogan. “H-Hogan.” After I called his name, there was an enormous silence, leaving only the sounds of his rough breathing and my huffing voice. I stepped back. He stepped closer without soothing his murderous gaze. ‘He looked so angry that I thought he would kill me right now.’ The rumors about him being a merciless murderer flashed back in my mind. And there was underlying proof behind those rumors now that I could see Hogan’s eyes narrowing vertically. His eerie eyes were enough to make me feel as if my skin was ripped apart. Innate fear took hold of me, and goosebumps rose the moment I faced a beast wit
Hogan’s POVElizabeth was really scared and sad after I yelled at her.When I saw her standing in front of the open door of that room, I felt so mad, I couldn’t control myself.I thought she deserved it since she did things she should not have done. But after I walked out and cooled my head, I realized that I was too rough.Even if she did it on purpose, I knew from the moment I saw her scared face that I would forgive her in the end. Elizabeth just opened the door, and she didn’t step in. That was on my mind at first. However…[“I am not l-lying. When I went there, I was surprised to see it open either. I thought you were inside, so I was trying to check if you were there.”]Recalling what she said, she seemed honest saying that it wasn’t her fault. I failed to listen and jumped to conclusions out of impulse.‘Maybe, I should apologize to her instead.’But how?After a minute, I went back inside and saw Elizabeth sitting on the chair. I told her to come out and continue her training
Elizabeth’s POV“I felt so sad and mad when you accused me. So, please apologize to me. Apologize to me, Hogan.”My heart was fluttering after I asked Hogan to apologize to me.Way back then, I had no guts to ask the people around me to apologize.[“Good for nothing!”][“It’s your fault because you’re unlucky!”][“When things went wrong, you need to beg for forgiveness, Elizabeth.”]My stepmother and stepsister’s words were still embedded deeply in me. I learned that even if other people wronged me, I should just lower my head, pretend that I am okay, and apologize. However…[“If you feel wronged and sad, you should express your anger. Shout. Say that you're mad and fight back.”]Hogan taught me to fight for myself. Feasibly, this is the first time I was encouraged to fight for myself ever since my mom died. And I wanted Hogan to know that I deserve his apology.Hogan’s eyes doubled their size but soon subsided.“I am sorry, Elizabeth,” he sincerely apologized.His face showed it all,
When Hogan’s tongue licked the honey dripping on my arms, it gave me a static feeling of being electrified. His tongue was warm and wet. The tip of it which was encircling my flesh made me ticklish, and there was a tingling feeling from my curling toes up to my scalp. Goosebumps. One-of-a-kind goosebumps. I don’t know how to explain how good it was to see him licking me. It was a pleasure that I had for the first time. Slurp. Hogan sucked the dripping sweet honey. When he gulped, his Adam’s apple moved up and down. My head churned in a fire. But I couldn’t move, as if I was toasted in my spot. I must pull my hands away. I must ask him what the hell he was doing. But Hogan seemed so into it, that if I stopped him, he might bury his teeth on my flesh. Imagining that, I gulped. The moment the sound of my gulping echoed around the kitchen; his heavy eyes went to me. Our gazes met. His pupils dilated and he gasped. “…!” As if he was also surprised at his own action, Hogan mov
[“I prepared a wedding for you and Hogan. You need to persuade Hogan to attend the wedding with you.”] Reading it once wasn’t enough. Therefore, I read it again with my voice. “I prepared a wedding for you and Philip. You need to persuade Hogan to attend the wedding with you.” I lifted my head and processed Philip’s command. I think the Alpha’s real power is to make me illiterate. Because every time I read the letter Philip wrote, I lose the ability to read. I can understand each word, but the whole sentence confused me. “He said he prepared a wedding for me and Hogan,” I mumbled. I could understand each word, but the whole sentence confused me. It was so strange that Hogan and I would have a wedding, and we were not prepared. Why would Philip arrange such a thing? We all knew that Hogan and I weren’t each other’s mates. And Philip even promised to let me go once he reached his goal. Then, it sunk it. The reason might be because Philip wanted to… “Kill Hogan,” bitter words
I promised Hogan that I wouldn’t give him trouble. But after walking for too long, I felt thirsty and hungry. I looked at Hogan’s back while following him behind. ‘Should I tell him or not?’ In the end, I could not tell him. I was afraid he would ask me to go back home if I complained. “I should have brought water and bread before coming,” I whispered, only enough for me to hear. Suddenly, Hogan stopped walking. If I didn’t lift my head, I might have bumped into his wide back. “The river is far from here,” Hogan said. He looked back and tossed a question. “Aren’t you thirsty?” It’s amazing that Hogan knew what I felt even if I would not tell him. I was insanely touched. “A little bit,” I shyly answered, biting firmly my lips right after. “Wait here. I’ll bring something to drink.” Hogan left me. Like an obedient kid, I stayed in my place moveless. After a while, Hogan came back with two large round things in his hands. “These are coconuts,” he said, placing one on the gr
Hogan, Elizabeth, and Klide finished their dinner together. Klide went to sleep, and the couple went to take a bath together, to release the fatigue of today’s activities. Hogan cautiously put Elizabeth, with her clothes still on, down in the bathtub filled with warm water, looking anxiously into her. “Did you meet with Regis?” Afraid that her meeting with Regis would spike up her husband’s jealousy, Elizabeth quickly explained, “Yes. He came to wish me a good life. And bid his goodbye.” Hogan, who knew so well why Regis finally met his wife, only nodded his head. Actually, he was happy for Regis to sort out his feelings. And he wasn’t really scared that he would lose Elizabeth. No matter what happened, Elizabeth would remain on his side. Thinking that, he looked at his wife. The moonlight that melted into the thick darkness was seeping through the window. And Elizabeth was right under it. Lips that smiled at him and a cute nose bridge. Even her green eyes shone softly. Silve
Elizabeth’s POV It was a very emotional reunion for me. Although Regis and Hogan became close friends during the years they worked together, I did not have the chance to meet Regis alone and talk to him. It was as if he purposely avoided me for a reason that I did not know. Now, we’re sitting along the riverbanks. “The sun will go down, but I haven’t caught anything for our dinner,” I complained. “Thanks to the guy who stole my arrow.” Regis showed me his deep and sincere smile as he laughed. “Don’t worry. I caught a boar in advance.” Regis then pointed to the dead boar from afar, which he probably caught before meeting me. “And that’s the reason why I was complaining,” I said. “I noticed the boar and prayed you would give that in exchange.” We chuckled together before our eyes caught the beautiful sunset. “I heard that Elaina is dead,” Regis started. “Yes. She came into the King’s castle and even tried to kill me. Hogan and I sorted it out.” “As expected to the King.” “
Elizabeth’s POV Deep in the woods lies a log cabin where Hogan and I built our memories. Even if years pass by, the cabin has its natural beauty lit up by happiness. It was a place that many rogues avoided because of the curse, but for me, it glows even miles away. After Elaina died in public, Hogan and I finally went on vacation with our son, Klide. We will stay here for maybe a month. Being the Alpha King and the Queen of the Lunas came with huge responsibilities. And so, Hogan and I really prayed that no problem would arise during our stay in our cozy home. Inside the cabin, we were in front of the fireplace. We set a bed covered with soft cotton sheets, that would invite us to rest in our contentment. Lying on the bed together with Klide in our center, our kid began to ask us questions. “So, Mom and Dad met in this place?” I met Hogan’s red eyes before answering our son’s question. “Yes, Klide. Your dad and I first met here.” Klide looked up to his father and tossed ano
The next morning… As soon as the darkness was lifted and the sun rose, a guillotine was set up in front of the Alpha King’s castle. Those who heard the news gathered in a hurry as they wanted to witness the death of the Alpha King’s mate who tried to kill the Queen of the Lunas. The execution was so sudden that not all Alphas were present. It was partly due to the fact that it was no longer a serious issue. It was the execution of a rogue she-wolf, and no one cared about Elaina. Even so, the lady was related to Elizabeth, and many respected the Luna and showed kindness sitting in the seats next to the execution table, and onlookers who would enjoy others’ misfortunes and deaths for entertainment filled the area. Elizabeth also waited for Elaina, preparing to let go of the terrible past. Soon, Elaina appeared with chains around her wrists. She had a dazed look than Elizabeth had expected. “Get down!” Elaina was pulled by the coercive power of he-wolf and she was dragged onto t
Third Person’s POV It was after dark that Elaina woke up. Elaina opened her eyes in the black darkness because they had blocked all the windows and did not come in a single light, and she stared blankly at the darkness for a moment. Then suddenly, she heard the sound of a chain outside her room as if someone was opening a door that was locked using a chain. “You were awake. Tie her up!” Suddenly, several werewolf soldiers came into the room, and began to tie her up. “Let me go!” She shouted, but they only added strength to their hands, saying that she was making a noise. “No, set me free!” “Shut up! You’re a sinner. How dare you!” “You can’t do this to me! I am the King’s mate!” “The King’s mate! You are so shameless!” The soldiers seemed to have a lot of bad feelings toward Elaina, who had tried to kill the Alpha King, who had shown mercy on her. “How do you still have the nerve to say that you are Hogan’s mate after what you’ve done?” “I’ve seen so many sinners, but I’ve
Elizabeth’s POV Before going to the garden where my husband asked me to have tea with him, I asked him, “Why did you only invite me?” Hogan looked my way. “Kilde might want to join us too.” “He should not,” Hogan said before intertwining his hands in mine. “There are people and things I don’t want our kid to witness. And what might happen today will hurt Klide. So, I only took you.” Hogan stopped walking and held both of my shoulders. His expression was sweet, but his eyes were a bit sad and apologetic. “Elizabeth, I really wanted to act on my own and avenge all the bad things you had experienced in the past. But in this case, I knew that I should let you decide what to do.” I couldn’t understand what he was saying, not until I saw Elaina waiting for us in the garden. ‘So, this is what Hogan wanted to tell me. He wanted me to punish Elaina with my own hands.’ Just like how he punished Philip before. “Elizabeth, it’s been years since all the mess we faced before. I was kicke
Elaina’s POV A time for me to exact my revenge came. Once I succeeded in killing Elizabeth, I will comfort the King and treat their child as my own. And what will happen after that? Of course, as the King’s original mate, Hogan will fall in love with me, and I will be the new Queen of the Lunas. But before that, I have to make a plan on how to kill Elizabeth. I heard that b*tch is a Gypsy. I can’t attack her right away and stab her with a knife. ‘Hogan will kill me for sure.’ If I use poison, her power as a Gypsy will heal her either way. ‘Think Elaina. Think of a way to kill that annoying b*tch.’ “What are you holding?” While washing the dishes, I turned my head and looked at the other maids conversing here in the kitchen. “This is a Gabro Poison. I used this to poison the rat in the castle. There are many of them recently.” “Are you nuts? Why are you using Gabro? The Alpha King banned using that since last month.” “Really? I did not know. Why?” “It seemed that the Lun
Elaina’s cheek reddened because of the maid’s slap. “Did… Did you just… raise your hand on me?” dumbfounded, Elaina asked. “You are so shameless. You don’t even know it gets dirty every time you walk.” Elaina, accustomed to the compliments given to her before, trembled with shame at the maids’ one-sided insults. “You b*tches. I’ve been so annoyed that you talked down to me. I am the King’s guest. You’ll definitely be punished if Hogan knows of this!” She shouted as if she was above the maids, and the maids hardened like ice water in the bathroom for a while. Elaina calmed herself as if she thought she had given a fatal blow at them and regained her lofty look, which did not suit her appearance. But she was mistaken. The maids looked at each other and soon laughed as if it was ridiculous. “Did you hear that? Oh my god, she must be crazy.” “Did she say she is the Alpha King’s guest?” “You’re saying that with that dirty, miserable appearance. Excuse me, Miss, you are just a lowl
Third Person’s POV Elaina was brought into a dark and cold room. ‘Even if he knew that I was his mate, he gave me a cold room!’ Cursing inwardly, Elaina crouched roundly as it was hard to overcome the cold, worry, and fear. As soon as her face was buried in the arms on her crouched knees, she waited for anything that would lead her to Elizabeth. ‘I need to see you. And once I do, I will kill you, Elizabeth. Hogan will be mine.’ Suddenly, the tough footsteps gradually came to Elaina, and shortly afterward, the footsteps stopped in front of her room. “Come one.” Elaina looked up at her head in a flash, as she heard a voice. It was one of the guards Hogan asked to look over her. The guard opened the door and his furrowed forehead glanced over Elaina’s shabby and miserable appearance. “Come out. Quick.” “Y-Yeah. Wait a minute.” Elaina, who was known for her beauty back in the Black Lake pack, stood up pathetically. She gave her feet full of power and got out of her small room.