VeraTraining was a great diversion for me and not only a great diversion, it was also needed in my course. I had fully recovered and I had lost count of the days. After my recovery, I trained so hard and Killan couldn't stop me.He acted like a big brother. No, like a babysitter and I didn't like it. But he was also my instructor and I had no choice. As I advanced in training, we began to spar and had duels. Of course, he always won, but Fred always got beaten up. Beating up Fred seemed to be a great achievement for me but I knew it was just the beginning. Fred was a small fry.I achieved one thing that had become my dream on the day that I won against Killan. At first, I thought it was because he went soft on me, but the shock in his eyes proved my victory.I rose up from the dust and he pulled me into his embrace. "You have finally emerged," he muttered, kissing me on the forehead."Perhaps, I could fulfil your fantasy and succeed where Fred failed… you are so alluring…" he cupped
VeraLeaving Fred and Killan was harder than I had thought. I had built a life around them and with their help, I was able to achieve the first part of my dream. Without power, I can't achieve anything.We shared a parting hug and they finally let me go. "Common! Why are you all gloomy? It's not a funeral and It's not like I am going to die or something," I put up a bold front and walked away from them in tears. I was going back to being Alpha Joash's maid. It had never been easy and I knew it would never be. Danger lurks ahead. When I got back to my room and opened the door, I expected to see it dusty and dirty. I had deserted it for about a year, but surprisingly, it was clean. The maids must have been sent to clean it up.What the heck is Alpha Joash up to? All that had transpired between us flashed through my head and I wondered what facing him again after a long time would look like. I still had my fears, but I was also enthusiastic! Partly because I wanted to see what it would
VeraDespite his drunken state, the artist was an expert. Although we finished late, his creation was mesmerising. Despite my fading memory of the man's face, the resemblance between the drawing and the man's face was uncanny. Staring at it sent shivers down my body.When we were done we were called to brunch and after that, the artist was released. I made my way down to the Alpha's office, but Alpha Joash wasn't there. I breathed in relief and returned to stay in my corner. He must have gone for some official duties and was probably joking about the sparring. It would be condescending for someone of his status to spar with me.A guard walked in and summoned me, "His Highness, awaits you in his chambers." What? His chambers? I wasn't expecting that!I swallowed my surprise and followed him. I remembered the night that he was drunk and invited me to pour his drink. It ended in a disaster. Just the thought of it made me shrink. As I followed the guard I felt insecure. All the enthusi
JoashI stood transfixed, looking at Vera as she walked away. That was an incredible performance! It's been a long time since I had seen such an incredible performance.I smiled widely, anticipating the next day's game. Although I still had some residual fear in me, it was from earlier when I almost struck her. It was too late when I realized that she couldn't dodge the hit. If I had struck her with that force, I was sure that she wouldn't be able to survive it. Saving her was just because luck was on my side, I thought I had lost her. I quit sparring with my men because of such accidents. Many years ago, during my rising, most of my men died accidentally in my hands during sparring My heart still tingled from the memory that I almost killed her, but the most wonderful part was saving her. When I crash-landed on her, I heard the crazy sound of her heartbeat. It felt like it was beating for me.Relishing the memories and anticipating for the next day, I left the training range. I was
VeraWhen I got to my hideout. I was deadly tired. I crashed at the base of one of the trees that had become my fighting buddy and I tried to regain some strength.Is this some sick joke? It better be real. I was really late and I expected that whoever summoned me should have arrived already. But apart from the usual cries of birds and cricket, everything was as still as usual.I tried to relax but I couldn't. I kept thinking about what the truth would be. Although I had a glimpse already, I wasn't satisfied with the direction. I needed someone to feed me with what I wanted to hear. Yes, my conviction! My reason for living! It's that my parents were innocent and wrongfully killed.An alien sound erupted and I looked around, judging the direction. It was an arrow with a strange speed, aimed to take me out.Quickly, I dived out of the way and hid well behind the tree. I could tell that whoever took the shoot was highly skilful and was out to kill. Is this the person that drew me out or
JoashWhen I woke up, it was dawn. I was the only one in the room and I reeked of alcohol and sex. I felt a pang of ache in my head and I groaned as I pushed myself up from the floor.Different layers of my regalia lay strewn here and there and I still wear the innermost layer of my regalia. I didn't remember walking in, sleeping on the floor of my living room last night or having sex with anyone here.Sniffing again, I caught a whiff of another smell in the room, it was a familiar sweet fragrance. It was an underlying smell, one I was used to.It smelled like Jenny… it must surely be her… Was she the one I made out with? Holy fuck! "Jenny…" I muttered and my eyes shone wider, trying to remember all I did overnight. Right on the floor was a scarf that I had bought for Jenny. It was carefully folded like it was kept there deliberately to pass a message. Typical of Jenny! "Jenny was here! It was her!"And I did all that to her? When I was on the verge of breaking up with her! What th
Joash"Welcome… The invincible Alpha Joash. What a great aura. Just like your father's! I have perceived your presence since you were about a mile away," the prisoner said gleefully without fear or anguish."... Since you are so used to the royals' aura, I presume that you dine daily with my father," I responded as I took my seat carefully studying him."Who are you and why did you want to kill me?" I asked point blank knowing fully well that I didn't have all the time."Do you think I'm a fool? I will rather stall for time until my rescue comes than tell you a thing," he said with bravado."And what made you think I won't kill you before your rescue team arrives?""Your father will kill you!" He yelled, looking threatened for the first time."Since you will be dead when he kills me, I don't think you should be distressed over my death! Guards!" I commanded and about five guards showed up.The cell tingled loudly as the prisoner shook violently as my guards approached him."Stop!!!" H
JoashMemories from the past flashed through my head, making me feel sick to the bones. I gripped the edge of my seat as I remembered occasions when I hid in the woods to get away from my father. I had always wondered about the reason behind his hatred… Now, I get it. I am the son of his enemy and he wanted to get rid of me at all costs.Why did my mother do that? I wished she was around to answer my question… She caused this mess! She did it because she pitied the dying man? That is lame and unacceptable to me! It felt like there was more to it. My mother believed in fated mates. She believed that she was Alpha King Jason's chosen mate. Aren't fated mates supposed to stick together? Why did she do that?Heaving a sigh, I rose to my feet. My legs felt weak but I pulled them forward, urging them to support my weight."Derrick, get a henchman that is not one of our affiliates.""Yes, your Highness.""Ensure that our captor returns to his abode safely. Wait until his return and safety is
JoashSilas tried to mind-link me several times but I shut him out of my mind. I didn't want to speak with him. He put my mate in the lion's mouth and wanted me to speak with him, no way!My men and I were done and it was time to leave. The one who was costumed to look like me sat confidently on the horse like he was winning an award. He was wearing my robe and his face was well covered. His frame on the horse looked just like mine. The resemblance forced a bitter smile on my lips."What is your name?" I asked him as I walked towards the horse. "Yobe Yasmine," the man responded tightly."Yobe…" I called but became speechless. I could feel my heart in my mouth… my heart was pounding fast. I had conquered lands and packs but I wasn't immune to this. It was the first for me. No one has ever willfully died in my place."I can't protect you… but from this day on, your people have become my people," I said in a whisper. He heard and nodded. He drew his right fists to his chest. I did the s
VeraThe walk was as long as I had expected. It was just like the way it was when I was brought down there.I was wary of Blake. I was not just following him blindly, I was alert. But after following him for a while, I simmered down."He won't try any trick now. He knows that you will overpower him easily." "Viola!" I yelled. It's been a long time since my wolf spoke up. She whimpered wearily inside of me and went quiet again. The recent turn of events must have been overwhelming for her.Suddenly, Blake came to a halt. I also halted and clenched my fists as I waited for him. He turned around slowly and looked at me, his eyes were filled with hatred and disdain."We should go our separate ways from here. Follow the next turn on your left, it will lead you to a familiar path… We will meet again," he said with a chilling voice.I was about to speak up when two men jumped out of nowhere. I froze and thought they were aiming for me but I wasn't their target. They fell in front of Blake
Vera I was very close, so close to the shrubs- a precise long jump would take me out of the grass less terrain. But I was already out of breath. My heart was beating fast and my strength was no more.I couldn't dare to look back anymore, the sound was so close. I knew if I continued to linger in the open, I would be caught.With the last ounce of strength in me, I lifted myself up and pushed myself forward. It was my last try but I didn't make it. Instead of stumbling into the grass, I landed just by the side.Without looking back, I felt the arrival of the horde. They were still at a distance but I was sure that they would be able to see me since that had emerged. The hair on the back of my head stood up and I choked up. Fear gripped my heart and I couldn't look behind me. I swayed to the right and to the left as I tried to maintain my balance and surge forward. I just needed a few steps to get out of the way but my legs suddenly felt heavy. They were so heavy and I couldn't lift t
Vera Blake rose to his feet and swayed here and there. I couldn't tell if he saw me or not but as he rose up, he began to limp in my direction. This was my chance, he was broken and I could kill him now. If I killed him, I would be helping my mate who had vowed to kill him and at the same time, I would be disrupting whatever Prince Silas had in mind for keeping him alive. But he was once my mate… Even if I had rejected him and our connection had been severed, I still couldn't kill him. No, I can't do it.Seeing my timidity, I jumped ahead and went my way. One thing was sure, I must not be caught by him.The sound of the on coming armies was getting closer. I lifted my head and took a long look into the wild. My heart skipped a beat as my wolf eyes caught some sparks of dust from a distance. I felt light headed as I looked in front of me. The armies were closing up on me, and not only that, I seemed to be running in their direction. Quickly, I changed direction, my destination was th
VeraBlood trickled down my wrist as the guard dragged me on. This can't be happening. Am I really escaping from here? I must be dreaming.The guard stopped in front of the door, pushed the door open and threw me out like I was an unwanted piece of garbage.I didn't resist him as my strength was non-existent compared to his. He flung me out and I landed on the ground with a great fall. With my eyes shut, I remained sprawled on the floor and groaned in pain. It felt like all the bones in my body were broken. Heavy breath escaped my lips and I shuddered and continued to breathe until my breath became stable. Slowly, I shook the dirt from my body and began to rise up. Cold and thick darkness had descended into the night and I was in the middle of nowhere.I staggered off the ground with my eyes seeing stars. When my vision cleared out, I turned around in circles as I looked here and there. I didn't know where I was and nothing looked familiar. The only familiarity was the disguised ent
JoashThere on my seat, I watched Derrick and others return. I could tell that the hunting went well as their hands were not empty. Each one of them had games in their hands and hanging over their shoulders.At the same time, those who went to get water returned. They had some crooked jars with them and I could tell that they were filled with water."Yay!!!" The men making fire shouted as they sighted them. They all teamed up and got ready to debowel the meat.As I watched them jubilate, my heart sank. In my head, I could hear the hooves of my father's army lurching towards us. I should send them away, I can't beat my father with the number of men with me. If I was the only one, I could play hide and seek with my father just like I did in my early days. I should send them away. Vera… she came to my mind and I gritted. The fact that she was in the palace made me giddy. That bastard! Silas! What the heck is he up to? If Vers falls into the hands of my father, Silas will pay with his li
Vera "Where the heck is this place? Am I a prisoner here?" I charged at the guard who now stood rigidly against Blake's door. The guard remained unfazed and ignored me. Seeing that my ranting wouldn't yield any result, I let him be and retired to my bed. I should conserve my strength. "Think, Vera," I muttered to myself. I needed to escape from this hell hole, but how? I didn't even know where we were and how to navigate. I remembered the dangerous steep wall and the tunnel. How do I get to safety? I tried to mind-link my mate but all I felt was blankness. I must be far away from him. Blake then came to my mind again. Hatred surged up within me immediately. But I had to convince myself, I needed him now. If we escaped together, he might know how to navigate… But as sweet as the idea was it was still dangerous! Escaping with Blake with his level of injury was almost impossible. Moreover, who knows where he would lead me after getting him out of here? "Argh! Where are those b
Joash Swords clanked, arrows danced and gunshots rocked the air as the combat peaked. The few soldiers who escaped the explosion battled hard with my men, but they couldn't beat us. Either way, they were going to die. They either die at my hands or die at my father's hands for losing me. Their fate was decided since they were assigned to this battle. Derrick and I pounced out of our hiding places alongside our subordinates. We charged along the open space making us visible to the enemies. Seeing me, they went mad! Yes, I was their target and it was their chance. Their strength doubled and they attacked without mercy. While they battled with my men to get through to me, I dodged every shot, dart, dagger, and arrow that came my way. Simultaneously, I fired my muskets, taking some of them down while Derrick and the two men who were with us covered me on every side. Speed was an essential tool, our enemies were well-trained but we outshone them with our incredible speed. In a brief
Silas My heart bled as I peeked at the ex-lovers. Having them together was more intense and heated than I had thought. I felt sorry for them, they were caught in a web of conspiracies and were victims of circumstances. What if the adults did their job? What if they weren't greedy? Those two might have been together and their love would have blossomed. When Vera accepted Blake's rejection, I saw him quake and my heart bled. The tiny bit of humanity that bound them together was shed off. In that instance, the anger in Vera's eyes turned murderous. Blake became nothing but one of the bastards that she wanted to kill to avenge her parents' death. But with a brave restraint, she stopped herself and walked out on him. "Vera!!!" He yelled her name but she was done. Love has always been complicated. As for me, I had seared my emotions and love was out of the picture. No love, no fated mate, just the throne! Heaving a sigh, I lifted the lid to the dungeon to return to my bedroom.