Someone was watching me. I just knew it. But who? I could feel his gaze all over my body.Secretly sniffing the air, all I could make out was the scent of scented candlelight.That mysterious aura sighed and heard his footsteps, away from my bed. I was waiting for the creaking of the door but heard none. He was staying in my room and continued watching me.Was he the killer? The one who was behind Sabrina’s death?If that was the case, I will make sure he will have his last breath today. I snapped my eyes open and scanned my surroundings. And there in the corner, I saw a silhouette of a man. I shot in my bed, was about to shift into my wolf, and pounced, ready to rip his throat when he said, “This is me.”Eli.I lowered my guard but glared at him.I looked around. He was alone. No beta beside him.“How did you get here?”He looked at me for a moment, his gaze settling on my chest. It was then I realized I wore a sexy nightgown, courtesy of Candice thinking I would wear it during Eli
FLORA “LORA” HERNANDEZI did not know how my Father managed to enter the palace at such a limited time. As far as I know, our pack was still forbidden to go outside without the Lycan King’s permission. So how did he manage to stand in front of me?Who helped him?‘Does it matter? As long as your dad stands in front of you, that is the most important thing right now. Or maybe, what if Eli helped your Father to come here? Isn’t it that sweet, Lora? Surprising you using your Dad,’ Iris explained.‘Eli did this? But why?’‘You better ask him later!’ Iris answered, bouncing back and forth. I gulped as I continued watching the most important man in my life. I thought I would never be given the chance to see him. One thing was for sure. I fucking miss him.“D-Dad?” I called again when he did not saunter towards me. He continued watching me, his eyes watering at the sight of me. ‘Move your butt, Lora! What are you waiting for? Hug your dad! I also miss him.’Was this part of a dream? If th
FLORA “LORA” HERNANDEZWhy was I freaking kissing Eli again? It seemed like my mind and heart decided on their own until my body had left with no choice, but to follow what my heart wanted—Elio. I did not know. The more I stared at him, the more I wanted him. It was just he was so cute standing at the doorway while looking at me with those huge eyes. And my wolf was urging me to kiss him as a token of appreciation for allowing me to see Father last night. Father.Eli groaned and deepened the kiss as if he was hungry for me. The way his hands moved around my body was enough to tell me that he already desired me. Wanted me. I moaned and exposed my neck for him to have better access. “Fuck. You’re so good, Eli. I want you. I need you badly,” I whispered. Lost to the pleasure, I jumped on his waist, as I snaked my arms around his neck, wanting to get more of him. He was addicted. I could not satisfy myself by just kissing him. He pushed the door open and I felt him entering the
The kiss was slow and patient. As if we were both savoring all the time we had. I liked this. Fucking love it. This kiss was nothing but pure. No hate. No irritation. No hatred. Just pure me and Eli taking all the time we had, making up for the time we lost.Our first sex was great but was disappointing in the end. But this time, I will make this the most memorable version. Something we will both remember for the rest of our lives. Grabbing the edge of my shirt, Eli yanked it away and tossed it in whatever direction. Did not bother tracing it anymore. He looked at me with pure hunger and awe at my nakedness.My breast was freely exposed. My nipples are on high alert and aching at the same time. The air kissed my bare skin. My body wants to be pleasured. I met Eli’s gaze and lifted my chin as if I was challenging him if he had the guts to touch another woman aside from Eva. For the second time. I felt not even an ounce of embarrassment. What for? He already saw me naked after I sh
I just had the most amazing sex last night. Eli had pleasured me more than I could ever imagine. It was already noon when Eli and I woke up and the first thing I saw was his handsome face. Damn.How could he be so handsome? My cheeks brightened as butterflies were suddenly fluttering in my stomach as I continued watching over his sleeping form. It was I who woke first and when I was about to stand, his arms snuggled around me. “Don’t go. Stay here beside me,” he mumbled.I was not certain if he was already awake or not. I felt sore all over.Memories of what had happened last night flashed in my memory and it was surreal. I was officially Eli’s queen. The mark on my neck could testify to that. I was his and he was mine. “Wake up, you sleepy head,” I exclaimed, pressing a kiss on his cheeks. “It’s already afternoon. Darius is already worried.”I was not sure about that, but maybe the thought of his beta worried about us will make him jump out of bed. “Already told him to prepare
I balled my palms into a fist.The mere fact that Elio was walking away without considering my feelings was making my blood boil in anger.I must tell him something about my feelings. Or he would think that nothing was wrong. That he did not hurt me. “Will you stop, Your Majesty?” He did and faced me while scratching his hands. “It’s getting hot, Lora.”“Why are you suddenly concerned about the sun? Why not what I am thinking right now?”His brows furrowed. “What happened to you, Lora? Do you miss your Dad?”I stomped my foot. “It’s not what I am talking about!”“What then?”“D-do you still hate our pack?”“What made you ask?”“Why didn’t you answer Father’s invitation?”“Is that the reason why we are talking in front of the glaring sun?”“I demand an explanation, Elio.”He exhaled and massaged his neck. “Why does it matter?”Yeah. Why does it matter? My goal was to free my pack and I did. Whether he hated the pack or not was not something for me to say. I had no control of his em
I was laughing at what Eli was saying in my ears as we entered the palace. Along the way on going back, he kept on barking orders to the driver to make it faster.Eli kept on whispering things he would do to me inside our bedroom. Words he would certainly do. Promises I kept on looking forward to. However, my smile died in my eyes when we saw the Council waiting for us. Beside them was the man whom I was talking about Eli earlier.Our smiles both vanished upon seeing the Council's impatient look. It seemed like they had been waiting for us for quite some time now. 'These bastards. What do they want now?' Eli suddenly said in my mind.'Maybe they just want to say their congratulation remarks, Eli.'He snorted. 'They will never congratulate me wholeheartedly. They are waiting for me to commit a mistake.''See that man beside them? That's what I was talking about earlier. Know him?''I am familiar. But not that familiar.''Maybe he is the one they are wanting they will replace you on
I definitely did not like that statement. More like Prince Albert wanted to verify if I was the woman he had seen before or not. The prince’s eyes darted to mine and I made my expression blank.He was not allowed to connect the dots.The crown was at stake.If the Council finds of my past, they will rejoice and use it against us to depose me and later Eli. My guilt won’t accept that. I must be careful from now on. Maybe the prince was only looking for opportunities he could use to commit a mistake. I was certain he was being used by the Council.To whatever purpose? I did not know. “I said do whatever you want,” His Majesty growled.Prince Albert smiled. “Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty.”“Is there anything you want?”Still smiling, he answered, “Nothing, Your Majesty. Everything is fine. I will make myself comfortable from now on.”Eli pulled me and together we stepped inside our chamber.His playfulness was now gone. He looked like he was worried about something. The
One year later…Something was wrong with me.I had been noticing the changes in my behavior and I did not like it all. I was suddenly grumpy and sick at the same time. Something which made me panic. Elio was attending some business and I could not call him and tell him to come to me.“Your Grace. The sun is already out. You need to move your butt.”I glared at the woman in front of my bed. Candice. One year ago, the Lycan King had assigned Candice as my personal attendant. At first, I rejected the idea, but Elio kept on forcing me to have one. He was always saying that he did not want anything to happen to me again.If that would happen, he was afraid he could not control himself from killing anyone. Another bloodbath will take place, something I did not want to happen.“I’m not feeling well, okay?”“You haven’t eaten your breakfasts.”“Oh, please. I will eat anything if I am feeling well, but I am not.”“Did you eat something yesterday?”“That’s the problem, Candice. I haven’t eaten
Howling PackEli and I finally visited my pack. They prepared a lot and were excited to see us. It was Dad who welcomed us and the alpha beside him.They prepared signs welcoming us.I cannot help but feel giddy at their warm welcome.“We are grateful for your presence, Your Majesty,” the alpha exclaimed while his gaze darted in my direction. We shared a look, and his eyes were back to the Lycan King. I would never go back to the path I had chosen a couple of years ago. That was already a closed chapter of my life. I was no longer an assassin and a killer used by someone else.Later, I will ask for a private talk to the alpha. I want to tell him that I will be the one to tell the Lycan King about my past. I wanted it to tell him directly.“The pleasure is all mine.”Eli’s eyes scanned the surroundings and his eyes darted at the remnants of his fury. Burned buildings. Statues. Withered black trees. The alpha could tear down the burned buildings and replace them with something new, bu
One week had passed after that incident. I could say that I was healed already. Iris was making the best of her ability to heal my wounds and broken bones. After a week of bed rest, my body was brand new. “Stay still, Lora,” Eli ordered. He was reading some documents while guarding me. I tried to sneak and go outside, but he caught me and gave me a proper scolding telling me that I nearly died. This was my second life. I should have taken care of this one. No matter how many times I told him that I was already healed from my injuries, he wouldn't believe me. He refused to believe me. Eli filled me out with the details of what happened to Ayla. She was imprisoned behind bars. Rooting in the cold prison. Day and night, she was requesting His Majesty’s presence, asking for his kindness. I felt sorry for Ayla. Sometimes. But when I remembered my sister. Of how she was killed, my hatred changed my pity. Ayla already confessed to all the crimes she had committed and that his accom
85FLORA “LORA” HERNANDEZ Ayla? The fucking bitch was the culprit. Was she the one who also killed the others? Especially my beloved sister?She perfectly blended herself with the other servants. And the innocent she-wolves had no idea that a snake was with them.She smirked when I realized it was none other than her.Ayla clapped her hands like a kid. “Yes. You finally recognized me. I thought we would kill you without you recognizing your killer. Something I don’t want to happen, darling.”Damn.My hair hurts so much. She was pulling it forcefully.“Why are you doing this?” My voice sounded weak. My body felt like it was burning so much.“Simple. I don’t want His Majesty to be happy. He doesn’t deserve to be the king. I realized he valued his servants so much. But I did not understand why. Especially that Sabrina. Oh. I forgot. She was your sister.”I spat in her face.Her angelic smile was replaced with something demonic. “Shit!” She slapped my cheeks continuously until I could
Damn.That statement made sense. I had not made sure that Eli wanted to go there. What if he was indeed forcing himself? To my excitement, I never considered that thing. I was focused on bringing him to the pack without even thinking if he was okay with his decision or not.Still.I should gave Eli the benefit of the doubt. “I-I’m sure…it’s not the case. Eli had already forgiven the pack, wholeheartedly and wanted to give us a chance to show him how much we were sorry for what happened to Eva. He no longer hated us.”Because who in their right mind would visit a place in which he did not want to step foot?‘You better ask Eli about that. To make it clear, Lora.’‘You think I did not think about that? Will you stop bossing me around? It’s irritating, okay?’Besides, it was not only him who was hurting. We also had our own fair share of wounds. But the most important thing of all, we were starting to heal from the past. Noticing the hesitance on my face, Miss Dacianna smiled and decl
“You two are leaving?” I jumped, surprised to see Prince Albert suddenly popping out of nowhere. I was about to see Miss Dacianna to do an errand courtesy of His Majesty. Eli wanted me to talk to Dacianna about our plans of going back to Howling Pack so that the woman will be the one to inform the King.I just hoped he would give us his blessings. If not, I did not know anymore. I like that king and it would be better if he gave us his approval.Without thinking about the damage he did to my heart, Prince Albert continued, “Your Grace. I came here right away when I found out about it.”Indeed? But why did Beta Darius tell us that the one who informed him of us stepping down was the Council and this man? Who among them was telling the truth?‘Does it matter?’ Iris asked in my mind. ‘The mere fact that you and His Majesty will be returning to our pack mattered the most.’She was busy licking her paws while watching me.‘Do you think he still remembers?’‘Lora. When will you use your
Eli and I spent the next few hours preparing our things for our departure.Sighing, I gave our chamber a final look. This place had so many memories and I could not help but feel lonely at the thought of me and him leaving.“Wife. Are you done?”I blinked a couple of times and faced him.Grumbling, I muttered, “I don’t understand why we have to pack ourselves. We have servants, Eli.”It was not like I was lazy. It was only because I had no strength to do anything after the thought that we would be leaving the palace had finally sunk into my mind.“They will know I am leaving. It should be a surprise. Finally, I would be leaving them. They will rejoice, you will see.”Pouting I answered, “You sounded sure about it.”“I am certain. They are waiting for another king.” I taste the bitterness in his words. “Why? That bad? Perhaps you are wrong, Eli. Not all of them wanted to leave you. Take Candice for example. That woman is loyal to you.”“Except for her. I am talking about the others.”
My heart forgot how to breathe.This was what I was scared about. That Prince Albert will finally realize that we two had met before. What to do?I’m afraid I will be the reason why Eli would be ousted from his position as the king.Be calm. You can find a way to get out of the situation, okay?This fool had not realized anything. I must continue pretending that I did not know him.I chuckled. “Why would I be familiar to you? As far as I remember, we never had the chance to have a proper conversation before. Perhaps you are already mistaken, Prince Albert. We did not meet before.”His brows formed a straight line.“Indeed? But I cannot shake off the feeling that you are truly familiar.”I paled. Dammit. His eyes continued to question my statement. "I don't think—"“Nonsense. My wolf had an excellent memory. She will tell me if we meet or not. But right now, all she was saying is that we never encountered each other before.”“Oh, I see.” He bowed at me. “My apologies, Your Grace. I
It finally dawned on me that Inez died in my arms. However, I could no longer grieve about it since nothing could be done. My mind was already tired. Going back to our chamber, with the warriors on my back, my mind wandered to what had happened. I failed her. A couple of times. I closed my eyes as memories of her eyes continued to haunt me. No matter where I look, I always see the expression in her eyes. Her fear. Her shock. "Lora."I froze on the spot and sniffed the Lycan King's scent as it hit me hard. The warriors disperse upon seeing him. Maybe he ordered them to leave me. After one year, he finally showed up. After someone had already died? What a great timing. If he was not the king, I would think that he was the killer. I'm too tired to get angry at him. It was not worth it. I went past Elio and stepped inside our chamber, with him hot on my tail. "What happened?" he asked. I smelt no alcohol. He did not drink. Was true to his promise. But the mere fact that he did