34Lily‘No.’‘No, no no no.’I couldn't move, could barely breathe. I wished the place was different altogether so I didn't have to face this mortification.But this was reality. Nothing could be taken back. Especially not this.His hand was still there, still like a stone. It was then I noticed that he wasn't moving, not even taking a breath.‘He knows.’He was a smart man, as he never failed to remind me. I had no doubt that he was piecing it all together now.I couldn't be here while that happened. I needed to leave. Now.With newfound strength I pushed him away, watching him stumble backwards. It should have been strange, considering how built he was to waver so easily, but I could barely think anymore.I turned away and ran out of the office, slamming the door behind me. The sound rang across the hallway, but I didn't care if anyone had noticed.My lungs burned as I raced back to my office the fastest I could. I shut the door, closing my eyes against it. The surface around
LilyI stared in horror at the man in front of me. The man who I had considered a friend.He looked like a different person now with his face contorted into a look I had never seen before.My wrist still ached, a reminder of what he'd done. I never imagined that he would ever use force on me My stomach recoiled facing him in pure terror.“Haven't I done enough?” He asked, spreading his hands out.“After all this time I wasted. I've done everything to be a good and supportive friend. I listened every time you spoke, learned your favorite coffee and. Even when you acted like a slut and got knocked up, I supported you. Learning crap about pregnancy and buying all this pregnancy shit! I've been so good to you.” he said, his voice went up an octave.“And yet.” His focus returned to me, eyes blazing with anger. “I don't get anything in return.”I couldn't speak, still frozen under the shock of what he had done. I could only watch, body trembling as he began to pace in front of me.“You've
AlexanderI watched the slow rise and fall of her chest in silence. With how still and ashen she was, that was the only way of knowing she was still alive.We had long arrived in the mansion whilst she still remained fast asleep. My gaze drew up to her face.Her hair circled her like a halo. She looked so peaceful if not for the tear streaks marrying her face.The pack doctor came only minutes ago to check on her by my command. I knew it wasn't necessary. I could see that she was evidently fine.But I needed to make sure.Once she was done, her verdict was as I should have expected.“Aside from some signs of shock and bruising, she and the baby are alright.”The baby. My baby.Those words still echoed in my mind long after she left. Sat on her bedside, so eerily similar to the day I revealed her new reality.My gaze trailed down to the duvet where her hand was placed on, as though she instinctively protected it. There was no need to check again. I felt it while carrying her here. If
Lily“Mmm” Everywhere around me was warm, as though I was in a cocoon. I was nearly reluctant to let it go.But slowly I lifted my heavy eyelids, squinting against the dim lights. My eyes adjusted to the lights , bringing more confusion.‘This place…’I blinked blearily as I tried to make sense of my surroundings.The place looked familiar. It looked like..The puzzle piece in my mind clicked. I knew where I was.And everything that happened before? Ron. Alexander. I sucked in a harsh breath, fighting to get up when a hand stopped me in place.‘Don’t move too much.’Whipped my head to meet a pair of familiar icy blue eyes. ‘Alexander’That was right. He saved me.I was okay.At the realization the tension slowly left my body and I soon relaxed but I didn't lay down. I opted to sit up slowly, my back resting against the headboard.Looking around I could piece the place easily this time. This was the same room I was in the last time I was rescued. Meaning I was in his mansion.I sigh
LilyWaking up in the morning, panic spread through me at the unfamiliar surroundings. Then the memories of the day before came rushing back and I had no choice but to relax.‘Oh.’ I inwardly sighed as I sank into the plush mattress. Despite sleeping in it easily the feeling was still unusual. I should have been happy or relaxed under the softest mattress I had, but I couldn't. I wasn't used to this.Everything around me was unfamiliar. Looking around at the room and the decorations, I gripped the sheets hard.The place looked just like the last time I'd been here. Vases on the shelves as decorations with the space so wide it might as well be an apartment of its own. Every crafted detail was lavish and luxurious, though in a muted form. I was the sole outlier in this room. I didn't belong here.I missed my hard and worn bed, my apartment with all the little knick knacks I'd pushed up along the way. Even the little worn couch I used. They weren't as expensive as anything here nor were
LilyExhaustion took me not too long after the call. I woke up in the evening, squinting against the orange rays with more energy than before. Looking around, my eyes widened as I noticed my luggage was present.People had entered the room. How did I not wake up to any of that? Looking at my beside I noticed a note. Reading it my eyes widened.‘All your belongings have been arranged. You may check to confirm.’It wasn't a familiar writing, yet it made my chest tighten.I stood up immediately, looking around. I had to make sure.By the time the sky was getting dark I had walked through the whole room. True to their words everything was present, but the mass of the room shocked mr.Everything was near unbelievable. There was a walk-in closet, appearing like a normal wardrobe from the outside only to reveal a large room space. All my clothes were arranged in place, yet they didn't even take up a quarter of the space. The bathroom was equally wide, with shiny timed floors. It felt like
41LilyI stayed there for a time, lost in the greenery and open scenery nature had to offer.“Where exactly is this place?” I breathed out in wonder. It was one of those questions that hung in my mind the first time, yet the despair of Alexander's revelation had robbed me of enjoyment.“We are on the outskirts of the city. Nobody is here for miles away. Miles of forest for our home.” Emilia answered, her lips curling into a smile that seemed more easy and relaxed.“This is our solace from the human world. Has been for generations. It's all under Alexander” I spun to face her in awe.“How?” The word spilled out of me. How was this place here for ages without anybody taking notice? Alexander was a billionaire no doubt. But this wasn't just a mansion but what looked like acres upon acres of untouched land. How was he capable of this? How had no other person in the city noticed it?She sighed, shaking her head.“There's plenty of history behind it and this pack. I can't tell you everyth
LilyI sighed. Looking out at the morning sky, at the first rays of dawn breaking the lightening sky hues, All of which was done with no Alexander in sight.Just like that, a week had passed without much fanfare.I missed it already. I would never have thought I would feel this way. It wasn't because of the luxury, of being taken care of. It was the ease at which I could forget the city I'd lived in, the job I still had.The continuous nightmares I woke up to every morning.I hadn't spoken to anyone else about it, not even Malina. Every night flashes of Ron's sneer and actions plagues me, mixing or merging with the kidnappers. Sometimes they turned into him and other times, it was all of them together.I woke up with chills everytime. But with every new morning, there was Emilia there to show me new things. People in the pack to meet and learn from. Nathan and Claire who cheered me up during the times they came around. But now, it was time to come back to reality.I spread my hands
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