AnastasiaThe drive home was a blur of monotony, the car’s engine humming along as we rode in silence. It wasn’t that we were upset or uncomfortable; it was more like we were both lost in our thoughts, knowing full well what lay ahead.Everyday existence.We’d made a decision earlier, one that we repeated more than once throughout the night. It was exhilarating, like chasing the highest high I’d ever felt. Sex had turned out to be so much more than I’d ever anticipated. I couldn’t shake the powerful pull I felt towards Frederick every time I looked at him.As we approached the grand gates of the estate, its grandeur lit up against the dark sky, I felt a pang of familiarity mixed with comfort. The bedroom windows glowed warmly, and the chandeliers in the front hall sparkled through the glass entryway. We had some really nice stuff here, though we were quite skilled at making a mess of it too. We were just a bunch of lovable screw-ups.I stepped out through the back gate and spotted Hug
Anastasia“Do you really think he goes easy on me?” Hugo asked, casually leaning over my shoulder as I flipped through the pages. “You’re his daughter; I’m sure you’ve had to deal with this a lot more than I ever will.” Frederick was sitting in a creaky chair nearby but soon got up, leaning against a bookshelf right behind us. He was quiet, but there was a restless energy about him, as if he couldn’t stay still.“Check this out,” I said, pausing on a page featuring an old illustration from 1702. The drawing depicted a girl with vibrant fire-red hair, sketched in pencil. “Yep, that’s definitely her.”“That’s Anastasia Dunnell, named after the moon goddess,” Hugo said, squinting at the picture as he tried to recall what he’d learned in school. I looked at the illustration and couldn’t shake the feeling that she looked a lot like me. It made me uneasy. “Oh, by the way, I used to go by Anastasia.”“You think it’s just a coincidence that I share the same name as the goddess?” I stopped, no
Anastasia“This ring has no connection whatsoever.” Frederick leaned back, his muscles tensed and his breath coming out in short, heavy bursts. He looked like he was about to blow a gasket, clearly annoyed with the whole second mate situation. But it wasn’t new to him; he’d already heard the news. “Why would Gray have it, aside from being a Gomez? Gray doesn’t care at all.”“Yeah, it does.” I glanced at him, noting the shift in his expression. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, the intensity in his gaze softened. “Hugo said,” he continued, his voice taking on a lighter tone. “Anastasia gets really mad the longer she goes without it.” His words carried the weight of unspoken frustration. It seemed like the ring was a barrier between Anastasia and us, and it made sense why Gray would hold onto it. Anastasia was fiercely independent, refusing to give herself something she couldn’t have.“Oh, what on earth do you think is happening here?” Frederick’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “D
Anastasia“Yeah, Frederick, it’s the only way.” I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. “I get that safety might not be your top priority, but it definitely is for me.” I hesitated, my throat tight. I wasn’t about to shed a tear over another guy. “I’ve got this. No need for your help.” I could already imagine my dad coming after him, especially after messing with those guys up in the mountains.“Hey, Anastasia!” His voice cracked a little, and I could see the struggle in his eyes, like he wanted to reach out and hold my hand but was fighting the urge. “It’s hard for me to handle the idea of you going back to him. I just can’t let you go.” His voice was soft but filled with desperation. “So, what’s it gonna take to convince you? I know it’s a big ask to trust me right now, but it’s my responsibility to keep you safe.”“If something happens to you because I didn’t step in, it would be unbearable for me.” His concern was touching, and it made me long for our special hi
AnastasiaThe house was super quiet, like nobody was home or anything. The billiards remained untouched, beer bottles lay scattered and shattered, and ashtrays brimmed with discarded cigarette butts. There was a strong smell of smoke and alcohol. I found myself back in Pack House Four, greeted by the familiar, unpleasant smell that instantly triggered painful memories.With a couple of deep breaths, I casually turned the corner of the hall and entered his room, which was slightly open. I thought it was pretty strange, but for me, it was way simpler than going up and requesting permission.Man, it was a total mess! Every single drawer was emptied out in a fit of rage, and not a single piece of fabric, not even the carpet, was left untouched. A photo of me was scattered on the floor, with broken glass all around. Man, the clothes I left here got totally destroyed. They were yanked off the hangers and torn to pieces. His anger filled every corner of the room, leaving my heart pounding in
Anastasia“We can stay here, Gray; I won’t back down.” I tried to stay firm, but the anxiety gnawed at me. As soon as I stepped away from the estate, a chill of unease settled in my gut. It felt like the ground was shifting beneath me, and I couldn’t shake the fear of never finding my way back. “Can you please let go of me?”Gray’s grip tightened around my thighs, his voice carrying a mix of challenge and curiosity. “Did you do the same thing initially?” He moved with such power that my body swayed with every step, like a boat rocking on rough waves. Normally, I’d be high on something, barely aware of the chaos around me. “Run?”“No,” I said, watching the estate shrink behind us as we headed toward the highways. I had been expecting a sailboat, something to anchor me. “I didn’t run; Hugo insisted on meeting me.”“I know someone who can help us. He’ll let us join his group. Trust me, it’ll be perfect.” Gray’s grip was unyielding, his focus entirely on the road ahead. We weren’t heading
Hugo “This whole situation is absolutely absurd,” I said, unable to remain in my room and pretend that everything was alright. Frederick drifted near the kitchen island, leaning on it to rest his weary muscles. Hours had passed with no word from her, and the uncertainty gnawed at me.“I doubt she has any freedom; he’s constantly monitoring her,” I added, letting out a heavy sigh. My mind was a storm of worries, each thought tumbling over the other. “I have faith in her.” Outside, the skies had darkened, and a relentless rainstorm was hammering down. A cool breeze filtered through the room, carrying a damp chill that seeped through the windows.“I’m not sure I’ll make it until Friday morning,” Frederick said, his restlessness palpable as he paced like a trapped animal. His frustration was clear, though he hadn’t directly mentioned her. The thought of her being in danger amplified his fury, tenfold. I had advised him to keep his distance, even though his instincts seemed to pull him in
Hugo “Yes, sir,” Eros said, his voice firm and resolute. His determination to see justice served was clear. “It’s absolutely horrifying, one of the most disturbing sights I’ve come across in a while. They had a unique complexion. The attack seemed deeply personal.” He paused, glancing at Frederick. “I knew if Frederick had found this, he’d have remained completely unfazed. In his current state of mind, he would welcome any conflict or battle with open arms. It’s where he truly comes alive when he’s filled with anger.” He looked back at me, his expression tense. “Could it be that mysterious individual?”I responded with a subtle nod, making sure Frederick didn’t overhear. We entered through the back door, with Dallas and Jericho trailing behind us. Frederick was already on his bike, ready to head out, as the relentless rain hammered against his helmet and hoodie. I could see how troubling this was for him; it was a constant reminder of Anastasia’s danger. But despite the turmoil, we
As Frederick closed in on Zion, his eyes burned with a fierce desire for revenge. The effects of the sickness still lingered, fueling his rage. “I’ll get you, you traitor!” Frederick roared, his voice echoing with anger.Zion, though fully aware of the gravity of the situation, fought not just for his own survival but for the peace they all desperately sought. “Anastasia only needs you, Frederick!” he pleaded. “Don’t let your anger destroy everything we’ve worked for!”Just as Frederick was about to strike, a voice cut through the chaos. “Hey, hold up!”Anastasia stepped between them, her eyes a mixture of sadness and resolve. “Frederick, come on!” she called out, her voice trembling with a blend of fear and determination. “We need to find another way.”But Frederick, driven by rage, didn’t even glance her way. His focus remained fixed on Zion, and he ignored her plea.Desperate to reach Frederick, Anastasia called out again. “Frederick, it’s me! It’s Anastasia!” Her voice was laced w
“She’s with Zion,” I said casually, watching his face change as fear and anger flashed across his features.“Who is Zion?” His confusion was clear, and I could see that talking about my sister was only making things worse. My hesitation to be completely honest had led us here, but I had to face the consequences.“Xandriel’s kid,” I explained. The fear in Frederick’s eyes was unmistakable. The gravity of the situation was sinking in.Frederick’s frustration flared again. “Are you serious?” he demanded, his voice rising. “Where are they?”“Hey, Frederick, let’s just hang tight,” I said, trying to calm him. “We’ve got a plan, and I’m confident it’s going to work. You’ve got to trust me on this one.” To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I believed myself, but Victor was our last hope. If this plan failed, it would be the end of the line.“I’m here to lend a hand and sort this out,” Frederick pleaded as I removed the final sensors from him, triggering the beeping monitors once more. Despite his
“You’re not feeling well,” I said nonchalantly, not even bothering to look at him. It was like fate had led us to this moment. It was wild to think we’d end up here, but it felt like it was meant to be.Frederick let out an exasperated sigh, clearly uncomfortable. “I’ve never been sick,” he said, sounding both frustrated and bewildered. The bed creaked as he shifted, and the sheets rustled around him.“Hey, there’s a first time for everything. Just chill,” I advised, watching as he struggled to sit up. To my surprise, he actually listened, though it was clear the pain was taking its toll. “You’re not the strongest, but that’s totally fine.”“I can’t be weak,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, as he noticed the IV tubes snaking into his arms. The sight of him, once a formidable Warrior, now so vulnerable, was unsettling.I was still angry as he said, “You would either be this way or dead.” The room fell into a heavy silence as he stared at me, his expression one of confusi
When Darius mentioned dinner plans, Zion grabbed my arm and pulled me away, his urgency almost making me forget we were pretending. As we walked down the hallway, Darius called out, “This party is going to be one for the books!” I clung to Zion, gripping his wrists for support. My mind raced, trying to take in my surroundings in case things went wrong. Zion guided me into a bedroom and closed the door behind us, marking the end of what felt like an interminable journey.“Hugo,” I breathed, my anxiety spiking as I turned to face Zion. Hugo seemed like a real threat to our plans. “Nah, Zion, I just can’t—I really can’t.”Darius’s voice was reassuring as he said, “I won’t let him lay a finger on you, Anastasia. You just have to trust me.” He mentioned a dinner with friends to celebrate Victor, just as Zion had said. “Just gotta get through dinner, and our armies will be here.”I shook my head slightly, grabbing Zion by the shirt. “Can’t stop him. He’s a force to be reckoned with.” Hugo
“Oh, it’s for Frederick,” I said casually. His name stumbled awkwardly off my tongue. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I wished we could just be together as we should be—he was the only one I truly loved. We started this journey together. When Frederick wakes up, I’ll be gone, and I have no clue how he’ll handle that.Zion’s curiosity piqued, “How do you do this? Despite everything that’s happened, you still think it’ll get better?” He seemed to have his own scars, a hint of betrayal in his voice.“One day, there’s gotta be a light in the dark,” I replied, trying to stay hopeful. “I didn’t come all this way just to stop now.”Zion placed his hand over mine on the middle console, a casual gesture but one that held a lot of weight. “You good to go? Can you trust me?”“Yeah, I don’t,” I admitted. Looking back, trusting him seemed like my only option. Tomorrow could be a game-changer for Frederick. It’s funny—never thought I’d be the one to take down Winona. Many had tried before me an
“I’ve got a couple of things to mention,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “My aunt Margo gets away with it. Frederick keeps his distance. I don’t want him anywhere near them.” I gave a nod to indicate that was settled.“Yeah, I agree,” Zion said, casually crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. “He won’t be waking up for a few days. Diego has enough power to keep him out for a while. Can we wrap this up?” His casual demeanor masked the gravity of the situation as I paced back and forth in front of Nereus, discussing our sneaky plan.“I can work as quickly as you need me to, sweetheart,” Zion assured, though the term of endearment stung. I felt a pang of guilt for going behind Frederick’s back while he lay unconscious, the weight of my actions heavy on my conscience. “This is our only chance. If we mess this up, we’re all going to end up six feet under on that Winona farm. This is our one shot, so we’d better not blow it.”“So, what’s the game plan?” I asked, trying to f
Curiosity nudged me as I trailed behind Diego and the others. “Do you think he’ll remember anything he did while the wolf was in control?” I asked casually, my voice barely above a whisper.“No way,” Jamie replied. That was the answer I’d hoped for. The thought that he wouldn’t remember my lies or the sting of the needle brought a small, bitter relief. Still, the guilt gnawed at me for causing him pain. Cassius stayed close, a quiet presence as we watched Frederick being carried down the hallway.“You did the right thing,” Cassius said softly, as if sensing my turmoil. But something felt off. The pain of betrayal cut deep, a raw ache I had never experienced before. The treachery felt like a knife twisting inside me.“I wish it didn’t hurt so much,” I whispered, trying to shove the painful memory aside. Suddenly, Nereus burst back up the stairs, blocking our path.“Hey, Anastasia, you might want to come downstairs,” Nereus said, his voice tinged with unease. I shot a look at Cassius, w
Eventually, footsteps roused me from my restless sleep, guiding me to the other side of the bedroom door. When Frederick walked in, I let out a sigh of relief. The deep concern I felt for him was overwhelming, and I could barely stand it."I swung by Diego's office first, but you weren’t there," Frederick said casually, loosening his tie. I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the nagging thought of that ring sitting untouched in the desk drawer."I'm feeling much better," I said, forcing a smile. If he’d been paying attention, he’d have seen through the lie."I noticed that," he remarked, unbuttoning his shirt with a relaxed air. I shifted restlessly on the bed, trying to play it cool and hoping he wouldn’t catch on."Where have you been?" Frederick chuckled as if it was the most ridiculous question. "I got a bit concerned when you weren’t around when I woke up.""I left Rollo to take care of you," I said, watching as he turned away. He placed his rings on the desk and reached for two ne
I tread carefully, trying to avoid rushing and risk encountering more trouble at the cellar stairs. The silence around me was eerie, and I kept my eyes sharp, scanning for any sign of danger. My mind flitted to the idea of calling my dad, but I hesitated. I didn’t want him dragged into this mess, fearing he might try to drag me back home. Maybe it was pride, or maybe it was the fear of his interference.Then there was Estelle. I thought about her growing up, reaching her prime, and hoped she’d never have to rely on her body like I had. It was comforting, though, to see her following in her father’s footsteps in her own way, even if it wasn’t ideal."Anastasia?" I heard Nereus’s faint voice. I picked up the pace, jogging towards the sound. As I rounded the corner, I saw the boys restrained in separate corners, but Nereus was the only one awake."Nereus?" I knelt beside him and quickly worked on untying the ropes burning his wrists. They smelled strongly of wolfsbane. "What did those pe