Shirley I’ve got Ralph wrapped around my finger like a perfectly tied bow. And I let Jean know as much as we go up the escalator together, leaving her to gape at me. “He’s really been messaging you non-stop everyday?” she asks, completely surprised. “Yup,” I confirm happily. “And he also makes sure we see each other any chance we get. But don’t worry - there hasn’t been any funny business.” Not that he hasn’t tried. However, it’s all been fairly harmless. Just a hand on my back here and there or pretending as if it’s a coincidence when our hands brush. But I make sure to keep him talking, placing his focus elsewhere. As I mentioned, we've been seeing each other constantly, planning to see each other everyday - without fail. I can’t say that I exactly love spending time with him, but I can’t deny that I enjoy seeing the way Keith sneers at me whenever he spots us together. Troublesome jerk. Plus, I’m making lots of headway. I bat my eyelashes at him, look at him in wonde
Shirley All I can hear is growling and what appears to be harsh kicks or punches landing against bodies. At one point or another, the sound of bones crunching meets my ears, causing me to shake harder as I can’t see anything. Whoever was holding me is no longer at my side, but I know it’s because they’re currently taking on the group of rogue wolves - I pray that they’re winning. Eventually, my shaking becomes so bad that I can’t even stand anymore. I’m on my knees, hugging myself on the ground as the brawl continues. It feels like a dream - a bad dream as my ears become numb and everything sounds so far away. I don’t know how long I sit there, but it feels like hours as I still shiver and rock, unable to calm myself. I know I’m perfectly capable of removing the bag from my head now, but I can’t get my arms to move. I simply sit there, listening to the fight, and wishing it would all just stop. And soon it does. I hear footsteps as multiple wolves run away or even a few g
Shirley This asshole really had the nerve to call me an immoral minx when he has a girlfriend? Oh, that’s low. So completely low. Especially considering the way he’d been holding, not denying his obvious arousal. I want to shake my head at him, to show him just how disapproving I am by his actions. But apparently I don’t need to. Keith seems to receive my message loud and clear based on my suspicious stare alone. He just glares right back, working out the puzzle as he tilts his chin. And then he’s the one shaking his head. “This is Lily,” he states, sweeping a hand in the woman’s direction. “She‘s my Gamma. And the little sister of Ron - a longtime friend.” Gamma…so not his girlfriend then. Considering Keith’s claims, I allow my gaze to go back to Lily, ready to offer her a nod as a way of greeting. However, my desire to acknowledge her disappears as she snorts at me. What the hell? “And who are you?” she asks me disdainfully. But she doesn’t give me a chance to answer
Shirley Ralph: Hey, beautiful. Sorry about the last few days. I came down with a cold and had to be hospitalized. I just woke up an hour ago. Aww, poor thing. Anya: Oh my! I’m so glad you’re okay. Ralph: Don’t worry about me, sweetheart. -heart emoji- I’m fine. I want to gag as I read his message, but swallow down the sensation as I remember who’s in my company. Plus, I need to search for the perfect thing to say. It’s been days since I’ve heard from Ralph, seen him - a situation that I should rectify as soon as possible. I can’t let the loss of time affect the plan. Finally, I come up with an idea that’s purely sinful. Anya: Well, I’m sorry you had to miss the Halloween party. Especially because you didn’t get to appreciate my costume. “Anya,” Keith begins, trying to gain my attention. But I’m too busy. Following my text, I immediately send Ralph a few photos I’d taken earlier in the night. They’re all of me in my hotel room, striking multiple sexy poses that highli
Shirley I’m beautifully dressed as I pull up to the curb, seeing Ralph’s grinning face as he waits for me. The doctors finally gave him the all clear and he’s able to leave the hospital - and we both insisted that I should be the one to pick him up. “Hey, sweetheart,” he says as he slides into my car. “Boy, am I glad to see you.” “I’m glad to see you too,” I state back shyly. In a way my words are honest this time, but I would have said them more mischievously if I could have. I have high hopes for today. “Actually, I’ve been in a pretty bad mood these last few days since I couldn’t see you,” I tell him. As if feeling sorry for me, I watch as Ralph’s gaze becomes remorseful. And then I catch how his hand begins to move, sliding out of his lap and coming directly toward mind. Sick from the idea of him touching me, I quickly slide my hand away, appearing as if I didn’t notice his advances as I put the car back in drive. “But you’re free now!” I state ecstatically. “I was hop
Shirley As expected, Ralph agrees to have Keith join us. After all, Keith is his Alpha and I know he wants to please him. However, Ralph insists that I decide what we do next, leaving me to try and think of something as we leave the building together - now as a trio. Stupid, Keith. I’m so annoyed by his presence that I can hardly come up with any ideas. That is, until I recall something I’d seen earlier and am finally hit with inspiration. “We should go back to the mall and ride the Ferris wheel,” I claim, looking toward Ralph with a little excitement. “All the way to the top floor.” It has been years since I’ve ridden a Ferris wheel and have to admit I’m genuinely enthused about the idea. Seeing as this day isn’t turning out how I hoped, I can’t help but feel I’m entitled to a little self indulgence. Ralph agrees while Keith says nothing - probably because the Alpha doesn’t care what we do as long as he just gets to keep an eye on us. It’s an annoying discovery, but I tuc
Shirley I no longer hear approaching steps and I know we’re safe. Especially as I feel a body peel away from mine, allowing me to open my eyes as I see we’re no longer in the midst of the crowd as the other wolves are still fleeing twenty feet away. I don’t focus on them for long, though. No, I’m too busy glancing toward my side in search of who had just saved me from being stomped to death. And as I find them, my lips fall open. “Keith.” He’d saved me - us. I’m reminded of the mother and child’s presence as the woman begins to cry out “thank yous” while Keith helps us to our feet. I’m barely able to offer her a goodbye as she rushes off as I’m still too busy staring at the Alpha. He can teleport. Keith can teleport. And he’d used it to get us out. I’m just about to offer my gratitude, but I’m hindered as there are new screams filling the air. The fire is only growing, blocking off previous exits as wolves cower away. At this rate, we could all be trapped. “Everyone, do no
Shirley I would love more than anything to leave Ralph to rot in his cell, but I know that I can’t. Not only because I need to continue impressing him, but also because I need to see if the conditions of my charm were met. Sneaking in was easy as I stayed within the shadows and waited until the guards were in the middle of a shift change before I slipped by. Ralph’s eyes had lit up when he saw me appear at his cell door, showing him that I brought plenty of food and water for him to enjoy. But now we’re standing within the dark together - both of us tucked into his cell as I was able to get in with the key I’d swiped from the guard. I was surprised Ralph didn’t suggest we just escape together, but I think we’re both aware that the consequences are too great. So instead, we’re just staring at each other and Ralph’s eyes still shine with adoration. I know that’s my cue, my sign that it’s time to initiate the next phase of my plan, so I take a breath…and I remove my glasses. I
ShirleyRalph.Ralph did this. He took his own crimes and tried to save himself by making a counter strike and pinning them on Keith.This isn’t over. It’s far from over.And the Alpha King is unable to help me now unless I can provide evidence. Which is exactly what I plan to do. But first, I need to get Keith released.I called the police department following my conversation with the King. He’d been right - Keith’s bail was absurdly high and would need to be paid immediately. Though paying it won’t clear his name completely - it will at least be a first step among plenty.I’ve already talked with Arthur too. Unfortunately, I don’t have the money to pay the bail myself. But Keith's father said they may have the funds to cover his son’s release, but the money may need to be moved around.That’s where my skills come in. I’ve been sitting at Keith's computer all morning, looking at accounts, assets. I’m trying to figure out what can be pulled from where so we can save Keith and also not
ShirleyThe room is silent and the men are gone. Keith is gone.All Arthur, Ruth, and I can do is stand within the room, breathing as we try to soak in everything that has just happened.They took Keith because he’s committed a crime they wouldn’t explain, but I know for certain that they’re wrong. Whatever it is - he’s been wrongly accused.I want to know for what, why, and who made the accusations. But most importantly, I want to get him back - I need to.As my shock disappears, fire begins to course through my veins - determination soon filling me to the brim. Then the wheels in my head begin to spin.“Arthur,” I say, turning to look at him. “We need to contact the Alpha King.”I watch as Arhur turns to me blinking - apparently still stunned.“What?” he asks.“The Alpha King,” I state. “We need his help. We need to clear Keith’s name.”Arthur continues to blink at me, as if he still hasn’t grasped what’s going on. But we need to act fast.“Ruth,” I say next, looking toward the woma
ShirleyKeith holds my hand, keeping me close as we walk through the Lock Heart airport. Looking at our intertwined fingers keeps a smile on my face, which can’t be smoothed even as people stare our way.“Who is that?”“Do you see the Alpha?”They’re whispering, staring wide-eyed. Some people smile, others - mainly women - scowl at me. Apparently Keith notices too because he only squeezes my hand and brings me closer.However, it’s not in a domineering or protective manner. Instead, he holds his head high, seemingly proud and happy to have me at his side.I have to admit I like it - I like this. Finally being able to touch him and look at him however and whenever I want is like a personal gift from the Goddess.It certainly felt like a gift yesterday when we’d made the most of my final moments in my room - we’d locked ourselves in there all day. But eventually, I had to go meet with my counselor, let her know that I wasn’t going to finish the semester and that I’m withdrawing.Since t
ShirleyA silent breath brushes through my lips, making my shoulders fall an inch as I swallow Keith’s declaration.I just want you. Four simple words and yet it feels like my world has been shaken. Deep down, maybe I already knew, but it’s different hearing him say it aloud.“Want me…” is the only thing I can murmur once my lips choose to move. And in turn, Keith silently nods, waiting for me to say more.But I’m not sure what to say - just like I haven’t known what to think for the last week. Maybe even since the day I met Keith...I’ve never known what to think.Keith is my mate, and when I look back at everything that has happened…I’m still so drawn in. But that doesn’t mean I’m not afraid. And because I only want the truth to be spoken between Keith and me, I tell him.“I’m afraid,” I say aloud, quietly.Again, Keith nods.“I know,” he says.He knows - because he always knows. But why else would I have run away if I wasn’t afraid? The only thing is…he may not know what exactly I
ShirleyI want to say that I’m happy I’m gone - that I’m relieved. But I can’t.I don’t know what to feel. I know I’m the one who decided to leave without saying a word to Keith…or anyone really. However, that hasn’t left me rejoicing in my seat as I sit on the plane - heading to my next destination.Keith doesn’t know where I’ve gone - no one does, really. I’d sent Jean a message right before I’d disconnected my phone, letting her know I needed to get away. Only, not even she knows where “away” is.Sitting on this plane, I’ve already watched miles fly by as we coast through the air. I watched the sun go down, leaving my eyes to only scan flickering lights of the cities below. And now the plane’s cabin is quiet as most passengers have fallen asleep.But I’m awake - I don’t know how I’ll ever sleep again with all the thoughts going through my head or the heaviness in my heart. The ache in my chest is horrible and I wish I could just make it go away. But it only becomes worse each time
KeithKeith’s head hurt like hell when he woke up the next morning, groggy as he tried to blink away the pain also sitting within his eyes. It caused him to reach his hands in his hair, groaning as he felt a strain in each of his muscles.Holy fuck - he felt like shit. It was as if he was hung over, the pounding in his head only becoming worse. However, as he ran another hand through his hair, alarms began to ring within his head.He hadn’t been drunk - he’d been drugged.Eyes snapping open, Keith bared the pain as memories began to dance within his mind. Sitting at home, Lily coming over, realizing she’d put something in his drink, kicking her out. He could remember it all, but it’s what came after that was foggy.Keith continued to stir then, unsettled by the holes in his own story. Only, as his limbs brushed the bedding around him, he came to a new discovery.This was not his bed.Startled again, Keith sat up, fighting through discomfort as he stared down at the sheets and then up
ShirleyKeith wants me. I heard it from his very lips, felt it rumble through every inch of me being. It’s not a conclusion I made based on a look he gave or from reading between his words. He actually said it.And following his words, his teeth scrape against my neck, gently biting me. It makes me completely lose all sense, my mouth acting before my brain as I jerk and give a muffle cry.“Yes,” the word falls out of my mouth, my approval feeling as though it could shake the earth beneath my feet. But it also has Keith growing more wild.“Do you want me to fuck you here? Or the bed?” Keith asks next, sending sparks into my stomach.Yes. Neither. Both. All answers fly into my head, but only one leaves my mouth.“Bed.”Keith peels his body from mine, and I instantly miss him. But then he’s picking me up, carrying me through the office.My lips are on his neck now, burning him with kisses that make his steps stagger as he moves into my bedroom. He groans from deep in his throat, causing
ShirleyI’ve returned home after being out all day. I’ve been trying to come to terms with what happened last night, but I know it was just a moment of weakness caused by Cicy’s influence. However, that doesn’t explain why my powers are weakened, why my scent slipped.I wish there was a way to gain answers to what’s happening, but there’s no one I can turn to. Not even Jean as I know she’s currently busy with her new mate. For now, I have to cope as best as I can.Still feeling defeated, I walk up the front door of Keith’s home. I brace myself with every step I take, knowing that the Alpha must be home as I can see his car in the driveway. All I can hope is that our paths don’t cross again tonight.Reaching the top step, I go to slid my key in the lock, but I pause as I notice the door is already unlocked. That’s strange…normally whoever comes and goes makes sure it’s secure each time, not wanting anyone to somehow sneak in.Still puzzled, I let myself inside, making sure to lock the
KeithThe house was quiet as Keith sat in his office, drinking from a glass filled with the last of his scotch. Usually, he wouldn’t make a habit of drinking alone, but tonight the alcohol felt necessary.He felt run down in every sense of the word - though, he’d never admit it. So much had occurred over the previous weeks and it was moments like these where everything caught up to him.Only, he couldn’t ignore what captured his thoughts tonight, had his vision glazing over as he looked at nothing in particular. Instead, he was met with images of Shirley as the woman’s face took up every inch of his mind.“Stop!”The way she’d thrown out the word the previous night had struck him straight to his chest. Her voice had been so raw, anguished. And he still didn’t know what he’d done to cause it.However, that wasn’t even the oddest thing about the whole occurrence. No - Keith was still left in confusion as he remembered what else had happened during Shirley’s struggles. As she stood withi