Shirley Once again, I’ve found myself drinking a cup of coffee as I sit inside another cafe. However, this time it’s not Jean who sits across from me - it’s Keith. We’ve been eyeing each other for a few minutes, both of us barely moving as we don’t even take a sip of our drinks. Ron is long gone at this point - after he heard me accept Keith’s invitation, the man had quickly said his goodbyes. So now it was just Keith and me, and I really can’t understand why he was helping me. “Why are you suddenly so eager to talk to me about Ralph?” I finally ask, getting nowhere with my silent thoughts. “Why now?” Keith huffs at my questions. “Eager might be an overstatement,” he insists. “But I guess I had a slight change of heart considering I can tell you’re serious about Ralph.” I blink as I take in his words, waiting for a “but.” However, Keith surprises me as he continues. “I still have my reservations, seeing as I believe in the sanctity of fated mates, but…” But. “I’m als
Shirley Leaving the cafe has my head in a spin as I try to juggle all of the information I just learned. I walk down the street as I think about Jean first, considering what she told me. However, as I realize most of it has to do with physical intimacy and secrecy, I abandon the details. Next, I think of Ron. He didn’t give me much to work with, but he had mentioned how Ralph and he had drifted over the years. He claimed it was “this and that,” but I can’t help but feel there’s something written between the lines. And finally, there’s what Keith told me. I’m still blown away that he was willing to talk to me about Ralph after all that he’s said and done, but regardless I’m thankful. He gave me more insight than either Jean or Ron had. But how is it helpful? He said that Ralph is a motivated and committed Beta, but he also mentioned Ralph’s mission to become the leader of the Beta. And since Keith wasn’t willing to just hand over the title to him simply because of friendship
Shirley I’m certain Ralph has seen the paper by now, and there’s no way he missed our story - it’s on the front page for Goddess’ sake. However, I have yet to hear from him and I know I can’t risk the chance of reaching out myself. So I have to take another route. It’s lunchtime and I’ve “coincidentally” decided to catch a meal at the Root - Ralph’s tried and true lunch spot. Seeing as he hasn’t come to me, I’m taking it upon myself to ensure that we “bump” into one another so he has no choice but to face me. I’m assuming the only reason he hasn’t rushed to my side is because he’s trying not to seem too eager with the information at his fingertips. Either that, or he’s still trying to process everything. After all, suddenly discovering that the girl you’ve been seeing is secretly the Alpha King’s niece isn’t an easy pill to swallow. Making my way down the street, I can see the restaurant in the distance, watching as people come and go out the front door. I don’t spot Ralph among
Shirley I feel them both waiting for me to respond, though I realize now that Keith has shifted backward, giving me a little space. His actions allow me to feel the fall breeze on my skin, making my head clearer. “No, of course not,” I tell Ralph, appearing scattered as I brush him off, attempting to hide the “truth.” “Yes, you are,” he insists, giving a nod. “I saw the paper this morning. There was a story on the front page saying the Alpha King is going to receive his niece.” “That has nothing to do with me,” I try, shaking my head before I gesture to Keith. “We were just joking around.” I try to laugh him off, looking to Keith for backup. However, the Alpha doesn’t budge as he stares at Ralph as if hanging on every word. “But your picture was included,” Ralph presses ahead. “Right in the middle of the article.” Faking surprise, I make my eyes grow wider as I take a step back. “What?” I ask. “But…but how did they -“ “So you’ve been faking your identity this entire time
Shirley As I watch Ralph tearing down the street, getting farther and farther away from us, I begin to feel panic rise up from my toes. Ralph is leaving. And his urgency suggests that he’s on his way to somewhere specific, or rather - someone specific. Jean. He’s going to reject her. Right now. And everything in me can’t help but feel things might go south. “I have to go,” I say aloud suddenly, taking myself by surprise. But I soon realize that maybe the words aren’t necessarily for me, but for the Alpha still standing at my side. Simultaneously, we both look over at each other. The furrow over his brow causes me to swallow as I begin to back away. “I’m sorry, Keith,” I start. “I have to go take care of something urgent.” I then try to swivel away, but I’m stopped as I feel his hand wrap around my arm. “Wait,” he says, leaving me to look back at him as I can’t move my arm even a centimeter within his grasp. But I can’t wait. I need to go. So I tell him. “I need to
Shirley As quiet as a mouse, I step out of the room, my eyes scanning the entryway as if expecting to find shattered glass and carnage. However, everything is still perfectly in its place and my eyes are left landing on the only movement I can spot in the hallway. Jean is standing there, hugging herself as she looks toward the door. I don’t say anything as the seconds tick by, giving her space to gather her thoughts as I prepare myself for whatever reaction she’ll have once the adrenaline wears off. It takes a good five minutes and my feet are sore as my heels press into the ground, but finally - Jean blinks. Then she repeats the action, but her eyelids become more rapid, fluttering quickly before tears begin to fall. The moment she looks over at me, she releases a sob. “Shirley,” she tries. I rush over, throwing my arms around her as I shut my eyes tight and squeeze her tighter. She trembles in my arms as her cries fill the hall, and I just let her empty out every single emoti
Shirley After finishing the errands, I return to Jean’s to find that she has finished packing up the rest of her things. Thankfully, we were able to pull some strings for a moving company to pick up everything within the hour and booked a flight for this evening. Even if we had to pay a ridiculous amount, we figured it’s worth it just in case Ralph changes his mind and returns - though I doubt that will happen. He thinks he’s about to have the Alpha King’s blessing - he’ll never turn back. Once the movers arrive, they’re quick to load all of Jean and Eliot’s belongings into the truck. However, that’s likely because Jean and I both seem a little frantic and they can sense our desperation. I swear everything gets packed and strapped down within the blink of an eye. Now it’s just Jean, little Eliot, and me standing in front of her house, holding each other's hands as we stare at the flourishing rose bushes and forest green shutters. As Jean inhales slowly, her hard stare sweeping
Keith The sun had gone down hours ago and Keith kept finding himself glancing outside to see the black silhouetted trees just beyond the window. It was as if someone was standing out there, wildly trying to get his attention - but he knew there was no one. And yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something might be wrong. “Do you need help with anything?” a purring voice called from his doorway then, drawing his eyes over. Sure enough, there stood Lily, her eyelashes fluttering as she gave him a coy smile. “No,” he rumbled out, his brows bunching. “How did you get in?” “The key you gave me. Duh,” Lily said with a scoff as she leaned away from the doorframe. However, she didn’t decide to leave upon hearing he didn’t need help. Instead, she welcomed herself in, even making herself at home as she swayed over to his desk and took a seat on the edge. “What’s the matter?” she asked, still smirking as she seemed to notice his irritated gaze. “You seem a little pent up.” “I have a
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