LilyIf I thought I could get any more surprises, I was wrong. So, very wrong.Life went on. Every single day I was carried from the Pack Mansion to work and back. Aside from the location, it was something I was slowly but surely getting used to.But the main crux of the change was none other than Alexander.Aside from the brief times we spent at work, I only saw him during dinner which I was constantly called to join. It was a change from the usual dinners spent in my new bedroom, but one I could accept. He said next to nothing during dinner, leaving me to break the silence through asking questions at will. After the first three nights of the same treatment, I didn't speak anymore, embracing the silence to eat. He'd never held my hand or said anything like the first day.Still, it didn't deny the changes, especially his attitude towards me.It felt like a complete 180. Well, not exactly. He was still the same, neutral distant boss, but it was in the little things, so subtle one would
LilyWe chatted throughout until the sun was setting. Being around her was like a breath of fresh air, but it inevitably had to end. I waved her goodbye as she left the cafe, waiting for a few minutes before I texted Nathan to pick me up.He must not have been too far behind considering that in a matter of minutes, he was there.“Are you ready to go?” Nathan asked, a small smile brightening his scarred face.I nodded with a curt smile of my own before entering the car. In no time we drove off.The ride was silent and I took my time looking at the window.How things had changed. Before I used to walk comfortably on these streets. This city felt like it was mine. And now I was in a car that cost more than my yearly rent driving to a mansion and being under constant watch and supervision.Despite my initial fears and reaction, it didn't feel confining at all. I had grown comfortable. Under the protection I felt safe and no matter how strange it was, it was a better alternative than get
Lily The next day I woke up early. It was only 8 am. Had it been any other day I should have been sleeping and savouring the weekend while I still had the chance but it was different this time. Not while I was freaked out last night.I picked up my phone and hurriedly called Malina. There was a chance that she was still asleep but I couldn't stop myself against my hammering heart.After several rings she finally picked up and a groan was the first thing I heard.“It's far too early to call Lily.” She groaned. I chuckled to myself. Wasn't she the morning person between us?“Had a long night?” I teased.“Yes. Me and Joshua did. And more, until you called” She answered dryly, emphasising his name. That meant…oh.I cleared my throat and ignored the heat on my cheeks. It seemed like I had interrupted what could have been a morning romp for her. Perhaps I could throw this under and apologise to save myself the humiliation. “Well, out with it. You called for a reason.” She said before I co
LilyI kept sneaking glances at him throughout the drive. He didn't seem too different, yet he looked more relaxed. Lighter.When we finally reached our destination a gasp let me. The restaurant he picked was one of the most expensive ones. It was already a privilege thanks to Malina to have entered the club all those months ago. This felt like a dream.A sudden sound startled me. I turned to the side to find the door open with Alexander hanging.‘Shit.’ I silently cursed. I spaced out, what was wrong with me?Either way, I had to rectify my mistake. I stepped out as quickly as I could, careful enough to not touch him.The place looked like a dream too, with the chandeliers, flowers and the reflective syrface. My breath hitched as I looked through everything.I walked with him until we were brought to the table.“Any orders for you?”All the letters and orders were jumbled in my head.“She’ll have the steak and some it's g juice.”I tensed when Alexander spoke, but soon relaxed. Steak
LilyMy heart hammered as he led me out of the restaurant into the outside. The car was still outside, but he didn't lead me into it. Rather, he locked his arms with mine and walked through the streets.I had never been to this part of the city and with good reason too. The street alone was filled with many glittering lights that told enough of the opulence surrounding it. I would've never imagined ever being in a place like this if not for Alexander.I tried to not gape in wonder. The sight wasn't as fancy compared to everything else seen in Luminous Works and living in the mansion, but something about the evening hues and the stars sent a different aura. I could swear there were hints of music in my ears. It seemed so… romantic.“Where are we going?” I asked.“You'll see.” He answered, squeezing my hand in a way that made me nearly stumble in shock.The more we walked the more I realised that the music I heard wasn't just my imagination. The sound of violins grew closer and closer a
Lily“Come on Nate, why do you think I'll go through all these lengths?”His voice still echoed in my head as I entered the office, shutting the door behind me.“She'll be obedient and under my control. It's as simple as that.”As simple as that, as if I had any agency in the matter.He wanted to control my emotions, make me more amiable to him by making me infatuated with him. He thought that by treating me nicely he would get me to calm down. What did he call it again? Oh yes, an illusion.It was insulting, inhumane and disrespectful, treating me like I was some dog or an animal to be trained.The sound of his chuckle rang loudly in my mind. Even if I'd stormed away from the office long ago. I didn't care if either of them heard me when I did, if Alexander heard me. He could go to hell for all I cared.And yet, he was still haunting me.Looking down I was suddenly reminded of the object I held in my hands. My eyes over the wrapping paper, the small box I held something far too exp
LilyI held my head high against his stare as he passed files towards me. “The Kieran family has decided to sort out a deal with us for their stay here. These are the files on the non disclosure and everything else. Sort through it and hand it over to Nathan when you're done.”I didn't bother saying a word, giving a simple nod, taking the files and turning away. The sooner I left the sooner I could be away from him.“Wait,” I stopped in place as he called out, turning to him.“Yes, Mr Sinclair?” I asked.It was the formal greeting we were both used to, yet this along with everything I said sounded harsh and distant in my ears.He didn't give any indication that he'd noticed, leaning towards me from the desk.“You didn't come down during dinner. They said you were sick?” he asked.His words almost sounded chastising, grating on my ears, but what irked me the most was the look in his eyes. He looked at me like he expected an explanation.Cold anger rushed in my veins. How dare he? Did
LilyA shiver ran down my spine. His gaze bored into me, cold ice freezing my blood.From my periphery, I would have noticed other women murmuring with their eyes on him, but I couldn't. Not when his focus was solely on ME.He wasn't supposed to be here.A nudge beside me brought me out of my trance, but I still couldn't escape his stare.“Is he your boyfriend?” One of the nurses asked. I barely heard her voice through the blood rushing in my ears. On a normal day I should have noticed how nosy they were being, probably even offended. If only I wasn't fixated on his glare.My grip on the folder tightened.What was I doing? Was I going to be cowed solely because he was here? ‘No,’ I thought to myself, determination filling me.“He's nobody,” I muttered, uncaring if they heard me or not as he moved towards me.“Miss Grace.” He spoke in a stony voice. It sent shivers up my spine with how unnaturally calm it was. I had faced his ire only once and it felt like I was being scrutinised now
Lily“I know what my next question is.” I saidHe looked up from the documents while the taste omelette I'd just had was fresh in my mouth.He'd called me to his office again for breakfast. My instinctive refusal died at his stare. I had a feeling that this was going to be a regular thing.Without giving him a chance to speak, I asked.“Why did you choose me to plan the Gala?” I asked, “Was it because of our agreement or Emilia?”“Thays two questions,” he pointed out,“Oh,” I flushed instantly. I didn't know why I was so embarrassed when it was just a fluke but either way, I wasn't taking anything back. The seconds felt longer as I waited for his answer. I wasn't searching for validation, I just wanted to know.His icy blue eyes met mine.“I know you don't believe in what I say— for good reason, but that's the truth. I wouldn't entrust this to anyone else out of pity or a whim.” he said,“Every word I said in the meeting room was true. Your work as an event planner before entering t
LilyWhen dinner came hours later, I'd stepped down wearing the pyjamas I'd taken. There wasn't any need to dress fancy when there was nobody to impress.The air held that same awkwardness from before, yet my heart was more settled. Ignoring the tumble in my belly as I murmured a greeting, I focused on the food immediately for the second time that day to stave away the tension.I'd barely forgiven him, so I was far from eager to start a conversation. That is, until his throat cleared next to me.“How was work?” He asked“It was fine. I did everything you told me to.” I replied curtly before finally looking up to face him, “This isn't part of the deal.” I said. The clunking of cutlery stopped when he looked at me.“What do you mean?” he asked. Under his gaze I could only shrug.“We…we only agreed on you asking things regarding the baby. There's no need to make any other conversation.” I faltered at first, but at least I made my point clear. I was already weary of false pleasantries
Lily “What?” I gasped, were it not for her smile I would have believed it was a prank. But her expression remained the same. “It's true. I'm guessing it'll be revealed in a meeting later, so try not to act unsurprised.” she said as she pulled away. I could still barely catch up with her words.“But…why?” I asked incredulously. As far as this company was concerned, I was hired as a secretary. “I suggested it, but it was Alexander who gave the final call.” she replied, shrugging.My mind went blank instantly. Yes, I was an event planner before losing my job. Yes, I enjoyed it and despite my initial joy when I first got this job, I still couldn't compare it to the thrill. But why would he do this?And a Gala at that? I had dealt with planning for large parties and weddings, but a Gala wass something else, much less an Annual Gala of what was one of the largest conglomerate hotels.The real question was what he was thinking when accepting this. Did he decide this the night before afte
Lily‘Was I doing the right thing?’That was the first thing I thought the moment I locked my door. Leaning onto it, I closed my eyes.The buzz of adrenaline hadn't stopped racing and my thoughts were still going to haywire.It was Malina’s words yesterday that was the tipping point. She was trying to assure me that I could leave, yet it had done the exact opposite. Somehow her talking about ‘fathers’ sent a different trim of thought entirely. It remained stuck in my mind throughout and the day after, especially after the incident with Alexander.My mother raised me just fine and I hadn't borne any resentment, especially not after knowing the truth of his absence, but could I say the same for my child? Not to mention that he wasn't going to be entirely human in the first place. That issue had bothered me for the longest time, settling doubts even if I was stubborn enough to try to deny them at first. It wasn't just being a werewolf. Even if I was resolute on helping there was noth
Alexander ‘They were footsteps.’That was the first thought that entered my mind as I met her gaze. The tapping sounds were footsteps coming from her and I hadn't noticed it until she was right in front of me, just like the last time she was here. It was ironic. I'd been so focused on her that I didn't notice her presence until it was too late, twice.But then came the question; why was she here?Under the lights, she looked slightly flushed. I could sense her slightly quickened heartbeat yet her face remained neutral and expressionless. There was something different about her gaze. The hardness from the walls shed built up was still there, yet there was a hint of something else. Resignation? Curiosity? It took me a few more seconds to realise that I was openly gaping. Before the embarrassment could set in, she'd moved away, taking her place on the seat beside me, her usual place.I trailed her frame but then noticed the empty space on the table. I took action swiftly, sending a qu
Alexander “I would have thought you'd be asleep by this time.” He chuckled. It grated on my ears.“If you thought so, you wouldn't have called.” I replied smoothly, keeping the scathing anger inside.“So you were expecting my call then?”“My Beta informs me of every contact coming through the pack. You of all people should understand.” He chuckled again as if I'd told a joke and it took everything in me to not crush the phone with my bare hands.“Isn't that funny? My Beta has the tendency to run around, being in places he's not supposed to be in. He's quite a troublemaker you see.”A knot formed in my gut. Of course, now he would mention Sirius. He'd left the city anticlimactically after days of monitoring, less than a week after I'd moved Lily into my home. After his disappearance, there had been no other ‘incidents’, hunters or rogues or otherwise. His presence alone was proof of Marcus's actions yet now he was pinning it on Sirius being a ‘troublemaker’.“Does that explain his p
Alexander Ever since that night she suffered the nightmare, I'd been paying more attention to her. The only things I knew or wanted to know in the past were the things that I counted as important. Things to let me take advantage of her, but now I was taking notice of everything, even if it was in our spare interactions and my glances in meeting rooms.‘She bites her pen when she's nervous.’‘She knows that I'm staring at her.’‘She's stubborn. Immensely stubborn.’‘She's better at hiding her emotions than I thought.’As I continuously offered dinner and expectantly got rejected, I still kept that in mind, noticing what she often asked for and what the pack members brought her.“She prefers meat, no doubt due to the baby.”“She likes anything citrus aside from peaches.”‘She still isn't sleeping well.’I knew that her nightmares still persisted. Every night the tug of restlessness that woke me up told me so. I stayed at the locked door, wondering if it would be acceptable to break it
Lily In the night, I was prepared for another round of nightmares. Skipping over the melatonin, I silently braced myself for the semi-sleepless night.I woke up as usual in the middle of darkness. I didn't feel any different nor did I have a nightmare. Sitting up, I was about to pick up my phone when th I noticed the shadow beside me A scream nearly left my lips until I realised who it was. My fears instinctively turned to anger and hostility.“How the hell are you here?” I bit out, hostile despite my racing heartbeat.On the other side of the bed, sitting on the chair, Alexander stared agape, like he hadn't expected me to be awake.‘My suspicions were correct then,’ I thought. It came together, the slight hints of scent so faint I thought, hoped, was my imagination. The occasional feeling of warmth and the strange emptiness when I woke up.Not to mention the hints of voices I heard in my dreams. Comforting words I swore were just my imagination.‘I’m here. Nothing would hurt you,’
Lily“Alright then,” Claire smiled victoriously, “I'll leave you alone now.”I smiled tiredly as she packed up her tools, taking the empty dishes with her. Under Claire's instructions — which were more like commands, I was forced to take things easy, eating constantly and sleeping or relaxing every other time in-between. She often came over to make sure I was eating well.The results were drastic. The weakness that had plagued me for weeks faded during the first few days and I felt fuller. Even though I was set on going to work the day after the first few days, the routine hadn't changed. The results of her second search were partly disappointing yet not. I should have known that sleeping pills weren't allowed for pregnant women and the last thing I wanted was to endanger him in the first place. She gave me melatonin pills in its stead which was equally as effective yet I couldn't take them constantly. I didn't mind. Some sleep was better than none at all. Although napping in the