LilyAs I returned home, every part of my body weighed me down. My body ached and I could barely think.The rest of the night was a blur as I stepped into the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed.The mattress embraced me and I closed my eyes, slipping into a fitful sleep.In the morning, I woke up with a gnawing hunger. It was my fault for sleeping off without eating. I sighed getting off my bed.My bare feet padded across the cool, hardwood floor as I made my way to the kitchen. Opening the fridge for food, I stopped as I recognized a large pack. The same pack Lisa had given me yesterday.As she had instructed I waited in the hotel lobby after work. When she'd arrived, she came with a small pack, handing it over to me.“You can try it now or put it in the fridge for later.” she'd winked at me before bidding me goodbye.Even in my exhausted state, I still followed her instructions. Taking out the pack, I opened it, only to gasp.There, nestled within the container, was steak, accompani
Lily It was as if time had ground to a halt, and I found myself trapped in a nightmarish reality that I couldn't escape. Panic surged within me, twisting my gut into knots as I struggled to comprehend it.My hands shook uncontrollably as I tried to process what had just happened. My mind coursed through in denial. Maybe the test was wrong? Maybe there was a mistake somewhere? But deep down, I knew the truth. The symptoms… I couldn't ignore them any longer. The dam of emotions that I'd been holding back burst. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I bit down hard on my trembling lip, desperately trying to stifle the sobs threatening to escape.‘I was pregnant.’ The thought echoed in my mind horribly.How could I have been so careless? I'd barely remembered anything else of that night, not even whether he'd used protection. Like a fool, I had forgotten about it.I had dreams. Heading into this city for college and then for work. I had left my home so I could be successful, so I could t
LilyI swallowed, standing in front of his office for the second time ever.I didn't know what he was going to say, but considering the look on his face, it wasn't going to be good.Sucking in a deep breath, I braced myself for what was to come,.Twisting the lock, I finally entered.His back faced me, his large frame more of a silhouette with a his black suit and hair.Closing the door behind me, I felt the tension thicken as silence grew. Holding in my tremors, I silently prayed for the best.“Sir-”"Do you…” my blood ran cold at his icy voice. “Know what you've done?”I curled my hands into fists, trying to stave away the panic. “Sir, I'm sorry for my blunder in the meeting today. It… it's been a difficult day.” I apologised, hoping it would be enough.As he turned to me, I knew it was all for naught.“I see." He drawled out “So will you say this to all the other members present? Perhaps you think your apologies are worth anything in the business.”“No sir. I-”He quieted me by
LilyReaching home, I took up Lisa's food, warming it to eat. Fortunately, just like before steak was amongst it, and I relished every bite.From eating to rearranging my place slightly, I had done everything until there were no other options.I stalled my decision for long enough.My fingers twitched toward my phone on the bedside table. My heart raced with trepidation, the weight of the decision to tell them hanging heavy in the air. I hesitated, my finger hovered just above the screen. I convinced myself that I would make the calls tonight, but now, at this moment, hesitation gripped me.Perhaps I could do this another time, I wondered. Maybe they were asleep. Especially Malina, who was also busy with her own job.All my thoughts fell flat. Excuses. That was all it was. I couldn't delay this any longer. Taking a deep breath, I finally dialled my mother's number first.“Hey baby.” her voice was weary yet warm, filling me with nostalgia.I hadn't spoken to my mother since I began
LilyI remained frozen in place, my mind reeling.I could have sworn I'd heard my name. It wasn't something I could miss.Were they talking about me? Or had I mistaken it for something else?Looking at the door, my curiosity piqued. It was wrong to eavesdrop, and yet. Looking around to find nobody in sight, I quietly shuffled closer to the door, pressing my ear against the door.Their voices were still muffled under the door, but I could pick up their words easier.“You…hiding…from him.”I furrowed my brows as I strained to hear more. Some parts were still difficult to hear, but no doubt that was Mr Collins' voice.Alexander's voice made me perk up, clearer "I understand your concerns Nathan, but we must tread carefully. We can't afford a direct confrontation at this stage."“And as for the other matter,” he said, emphasising the word 'other'“There's no need to worry about it. Nobody knows. For now, things will remain as they are."‘Know what?’My curiosity grew at the vague words.
LilyI groaned, slowly returning to reality.The ground underneath me was frosty, biting at my skin. It pushed me further till I was awake.My head was pounding painfully and I tasted bile. Still I cracked my eyes open, meeting darkness. For a moment everything was blank confusion surging in me. I closed my eyes, fighting off the nausea and pain and tried to remember how I got here.The recent memories flooded through my mind like a broken dam, and with them a chilling realisation. Fear gripped me as I remembered being attacked, the screaming, the struggle, and then…nothing.Cold dread coursed through me as the pieces fell into place. I had been taken, abducted and brought to this place. Panic surged within me. I tried to move my hand but I soon realised both my wrists were bound tightly together.Slowly, my eyes adjusted to the darkness till I could finally make out my surroundings.The place was wide and empty. I could barely make sense of the echo surrounding the place, till I noti
LilyBlood, Pain. No..Red. Blood. Wolves…Blue…‘Somebody help.'I jolted awake, darting up immediately. I took in ragged breaths as the cool air hit my body.My breath hitched once it all came to me. Where was I?Panic clutched at me as I looked around the dimly lit place trying to make sense of what had just happened. But as my eyes adjusted to the darkness, a startling realisation came to me.I was in my room.My gaze fell to the sheets, finding my familiar sheets all around me.I was back in my own bed, safe and sound.‘What the hell?’ I wondered, my breaths still came out shaky as I looked around.My gaze fell upon my bedroom door, and I stilled. It was perfectly intact, standing on its hinges with no signs of the violent assault I had witnessed last night. I blinked in disbelief, my mind struggling to reconcile the vivid, horrifying images from the night before with the smooth unblemished surface.I cautiously got off the bed. My bare feet made contact with the cool hardwood flo
LilyA sense of profound unease settled over me, like a dark cloud obscuring any hope of dismissing what I had experienced.I stood, under the silence if the bathroom. The shampoo was long forgotten.I was lost in a maelstrom of emotions—fear, disbelief, and a gnawing sense of dread.I didn't know how long it took my to finally move. How many minutes had passed before I reached out to turn the shower back on. The water from the shower continued to cascade over me, but my mind was in turmoil.‘It was real.’Everything I had seen then. The imagery of wolves tearing down people. Of that man. It was all real.Fighting my growing panic I took what was the bare minimum of a shower, running out immediately i was done as though something chased me by the heels.Stumbling into my room I fell onto my bed curling up and trying to ease the panic wavering inside me.Slowly, my gaze drifted to the undamaged bedroom door, to it's soft polished surface standing resolutely on its hinges, betraying no
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