Anastasia When I hit ten, I opened my eyes and realized he had vanished without a trace. It was as if he had never been here at all. Overwhelmed, I turned over and let out a scream into my pillow, my tears flowing freely.Yeah, my old man went ahead and signed those papers, and Jordan did the same. I was actually married to Gray before the end of that terrible night, and I had no clue about it. I didn't feel anything anymore. I felt like a complete void, just going through the motions without any real engagement or vitality.I was married to one, and I had slept with another—all in the same night.Mrs. Anastasia Manett, what a gloomy sound it has! I checked myself out in the mirror, my reflection looking a bit dull and gloomy. I grabbed my brush and casually ran it through my curled hair, taking a moment to simply observe as it effortlessly glided through the bristles. I really didn't like the amber hair, and even though Frederick was so fond of it, I felt like I wasn't the same girl
Anastasia "What happens when your father has to step down? He needs a successor." He dug into the pocket of his dress shirt and pulled out a small velvet bag tied with a bow. I watched him approach me again, pulling a string of pearls from the bag and draping them around my neck.Gray had never gotten me a gift, no matter how charitable he was feeling. He didn't know the word kind. This gift told me that he had done something while he was away last night, and I figured as much anyway. It was his way of apologizing without apologizing, or gaslighting me in his best efforts."Thank you," I said. I rolled them around between my fingers, and he watched me with such a heavy, intent stare. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing what I could of a smile. He carried on now, continuing to dress, changing out his boxers for new ones, and slipping on a pair of tight-fitting joggers. I could smell his dress shirt that lay in a heap on the floor beside me, soaking in perfume, sex, and alcohol.
HugoI sighed, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. "Nah. Can you please stop keeping yourself so occupied all the time? Hey, why don’t you freshen up with a shower and grab a drink?" I suggested, hearing him huff across the desk. I could see the restlessness in his eyes, the need for action. "If you're feeling antsy, go ahead and put up the Christmas tree."Frederick leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I'd prefer to take an assignment," he said, but I knew exactly what kind of assignment he was looking for. One that involved some bloodshed. "I can totally take a pack house out for training; I got this!"I interrupted him, my voice gentle but firm. "Hey, you could use a break." I looked directly into his eyes, hoping to connect with his spirit. "I sympathize with you; I get where you're coming from, but you need to take care of yourself too." The tension in his shoulders eased a bit, and I hoped my words had reached him. He was unique, no doubt about
Anastasia"Just for tonight. Gray asked me to drive back tonight, but it's just too long of a journey." I placed the coffee on the table and let my hands rest in my lap. Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit me out of nowhere. I closed my eyes and instinctively placed a hand on my belly, which seemed to be expanding at an alarming rate. The sensation was unsettling, a stark reminder of everything that had changed."Didn't he send anyone with you?" Hugo inquired, hoping to uncover additional details."Yeah, he's a driver, but he's just crashing at this motel owned by the Winona on the highway." I watched Hugo make himself a cup of coffee, his movements deliberate and methodical. He didn’t add any sweetener or creamer, just drank it black. The bitterness was something I never quite understood. "I don't think it's a good idea to have him in your territory.""Ah," he paused, tidying up the leftovers from what I assumed was dinner. The sight made my stomach growl softly, reminding me I hadn’t eat
AnastasiaI just wanted to hear his voice, any kind of words off his tongue."Um," I started to say."Wow, your scent really fills up this place! I didn't even realize it had spread throughout the entire house. I had no idea you were here," Frederick admitted, sounding a bit held back. "Apologies for intruding and disrupting your personal space.""Hey," I murmured, glancing down at the floor, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me, squeezing my heart. "No worries, Frederick.""Hey, could you do me a favor and not mention my name?" He casually brushed past me, making his way towards the door, and I should've just let him go, but I couldn't resist."I apologize," I could feel my voice cracking as the tears welled up, refusing to be held back."Nah, I haven't been in touch with you. That was Hugo's rule," Frederick paused right before the door, unsure whether to look back. His voice sounded different, not like the Frederick I knew. Something had changed, the love had faded. "The restrain
Anastasia“So, you’re gonna take our daughter once she’s born?” I asked, my voice trembling. “I won’t let Gray have her. She deserves better than that. I’ve got to give it a shot if I can save her.” Tears welled up in my eyes again. I could barely make out his face through the blur. “I’ve got to keep you alive for her.” I looked at him desperately. “Hey, just take a moment to think about what you’re doing, okay? That’s why you’ve stayed with Diego.” Frederick released my hands, his gaze scanning me with a mixture of frustration and disbelief, as if he suspected I had meticulously plotted this entire scheme. “If she’s born here, this is her rightful territory,” he said, his voice edged with resignation.“Hey Frederick, do me a favor and save her, even if you can’t save me,” I said, my voice shaky. He embraced me, his fingers running gently through my hair. His breathing was erratic, tickling my ear, and it was clear that his thoughts were racing, tangled up in a mess of anxiety. Frede
Anastasia"Just for tonight," I replied, putting the coffee on the table and letting my hands rest in my lap. "Gray asked me to drive back tonight, but it’s just too long of a journey." Suddenly, a wave of nausea washed over me. I closed my eyes and instinctively placed a hand on my belly, which seemed to be expanding at a rapid pace."He didn’t send anyone with you?" Hugo’s curiosity was piqued."Yeah, he had a driver and all, but he's just crashing at this motel owned by the Winona on the highway," I mentioned, observing Hugo as he made himself a cup of coffee. He usually preferred it black without any sweetener or creamer, which I found quite bitter. "I don't think it's a good idea to have him in your territory.""Ah," Hugo said, taking a break from tidying up the leftovers from what I guessed was their meal. I couldn’t help but feel a bit hungry as thoughts of food danced in my mind. "Hey, how are you doing?""I feel exhausted constantly and easily annoyed. I’ve been feeling nause
AnastasiaI felt a rush of breathlessness as I watched him from across the room. He looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar—guilty, surprised, his eyes wide and vulnerable. It was almost too adorable; the urge to pull him into my arms was overwhelming. I longed to feel his touch, taste his lips, hear his voice—just to know what he had to say."Uh," I started, my voice catching slightly."Whoa, your fragrance is really strong in here." Frederick’s eyes darted around, and he admitted, "I didn't even realize it had spread all over the house and that you were here. Sorry for barging in and causing any trouble." His tone was restrained, a bit off from the Frederick I knew."Hey," I whispered, my gaze falling to the floor as a wave of melancholy washed over me, tightening around my heart. "No problem, Frederick."He hesitated at the door, his back turned to me. "Hey, can you do me a favor and avoid mentioning my name?" he said, his voice carrying a note of finality. He brus
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