Alexander I leaned casually against the wall, trying to stay composed as Jordan flipped through his clipboard for what felt like the hundredth time. The routine had become a dull blur over the past few days, each moment blending into the next. Exhaustion was starting to wear me down, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that my partner had done something to upset me. Naturally, I was starting to blame myself.A gnawing thought kept circling in my mind: was there something I’d done centuries ago that was causing all this chaos now? It was a tormenting shadow that seemed to follow me, no matter where I turned.Jordan’s voice broke through my thoughts. “The injuries she’s sustained are pretty severe,” he said, glancing up with a grim look. “It might take a while to heal—possibly even a year.” My heart sank at the news. “It’s risky, especially with a war on the horizon,” he added, making the stakes even clearer. If it came down to it, she wouldn’t be able to defend herself, and that was a th
AlexanderThe news hit me like a jolt. I flicked the cigarette to the ground, the embers sputtering out as I stared at Percival, trying to process the shock. Kida being alive was a game-changer, and the weight of the day’s events suddenly felt a little heavier....Seraphina I listened to everything Jordan and Alexander had to say, their voices drifting through the open door. The alpha responsibilities weighing on Alexander felt like an impossible burden, and I wasn’t sure how to manage him or this role. It left me feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.I’d never really figured out the fine line between right and wrong. I used to think it was okay to take hits now and then, but Alexander had shown me otherwise. Reality was more complicated than I’d imagined; I was stuck choosing between two bad options.Rushing into marriage seemed like it could lead to more problems and serious frustration. But Alexander had no clue—I was already married. He might have suspected something; he had a knac
Seraphina Here, I saw women genuinely loving their husbands, not burdened by monstrous shadows or chained up like animals. Their bones weren’t sticking out. It was a relief to witness this.I chuckled to myself. “Hey there, it was a surprise to see that she was a woman—I haven’t seen a woman over thirty in ages.” I could now go outside whenever I wanted, grab a bite, freshen up, chill, watch TV, or call anyone on my cell phone. Margo and I even went to the mall together, just the two of us. No guys this time. Yeah, I’ve got the reading, writing, and speaking thing down now.“I got so wrapped up in Alexander's world that I totally forgot about the potential consequences,” I admitted, not intending to share this with Jordan, but the words just flowed. The more I opened up, the more relief and satisfaction I felt. “It’s really nice here, and I genuinely appreciate it,” I said, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.Jordan paused, then shook his head with a small smile. “Nah,” he replie
Seraphina Xandriel really got to me this time—he made sure of it. If I can't be with you, then nobody else will. Unfortunately, there's no medicine that can make you feel better right now. The infections are spreading through your body and into your bloodstream, which is why you’re not improving, why your skin feels uncomfortable, and why you’re so drained.“Does Alexander know about this?” I asked, my eyes locking onto Jordan's. My mind raced with thoughts of what this meant for Alexander's future and our potential together.“Nah, Jordan's truth hit me hard because of how it would affect Alexander,” he said, his expression showing deep sympathy. “I’m sorry for him. He’s aware of your condition’s progress, and I’ve given him some advice about it.”“Hey, pretty soon, I won’t be able to keep it a secret from him because he’ll be able to smell it on you,” Alexander said with a grin, though his eyes betrayed a hint of hesitation. “He’ll totally be able to smell it on you.” My heart sank.
Seraphina "Hey, Alexander, I really don’t want to hurt you," I said softly. "You’ve done so much for me already, and I don’t need your life either." I gently placed my hand on his cheek, but he turned away, saying nothing. I wasn’t ready for a serious commitment or anything intimate, even though Alexander made it seem easy. Why would I matter to him when I barely care about myself?"You’ve done a lot for me, and you might not even realize it," I continued. "You were there when I died. I saw you in what I thought was paradise."After a pause, he finally spoke. "You were there, and you are my heaven." He coughed and looked away, tugging at his tie so forcefully I worried it might snap."I really like you, alright? I can’t bear the thought of losing you again." His voice cracked, and he looked like he was on the verge of tears. "I see someone who’s scared to admit her feelings."Alexander stood up abruptly, knocking his chair aside. "What’s your deal, Seraphina?" he shouted. "I’d give m
Seraphina “Sure, just one game,” Percival said, strutting out the door with that confident air of his. I chuckled, watching him leave with a sense of amusement. Alexander shot me a look that clearly said, "Shoot me now." The thought of him actually playing a game like that was almost comical.“So, there’s still a lot I don’t know about you,” I said, smirking as I tried to lighten the mood. He responded by sticking his tongue out at me playfully, and I couldn’t help but laugh. My gaze drifted over to the bed, where my injured self lay beneath the blanket. The idea of dragging myself out of bed was daunting, and making it to a football game felt like an impossible feat.“Hey, Alexander,” I said, wanting to wrap up our conversation as I settled back against the pillows. “No need to stress; it’s just a silly game,” he said, as if he could read my mind. His calm tone was reassuring, and he took my hand, kissing the back of it with a tenderness that made me shiver. As he settled back into
Seraphina Alexander gently placed me on his bed, and I winced at the pressure of my body against the soft blankets. The quilt was a deep blue, while the sheets and pillowcases were bright white, feeling incredibly soft against my skin. The bed was massive—I’d never seen a four-poster bed this size before. A white canopy draped over it, adding a touch of elegance.The room was pretty amazing for just one person. I couldn’t help but wonder how Margo’s room compared.The pillows were incredibly soft, offering a level of comfort I hadn’t felt in ages. Still, any fabric touching my skin felt uncomfortably hot. I shifted restlessly, trying to get comfortable, but the lingering pain from the bite on my hip made me wince. The thought of how much worse it might be on my neck made my stomach churn.Alexander moved around the room with an ease that seemed almost deliberate. He lit a couple of candles, the soft glow casting a warm, flickering light across the room. The subtle pine and evergreen
Seraphina One tattoo, a tree on the left side of his torso, had names written on each branch. I guessed that Lilith and James were likely his parents’ names, and there was also Margo—a name I hadn’t heard before. Could she be connected to the other boy in the picture?“So, who’s this Giuliano guy?” he asked casually, a small smile on his face as he looked away, lost in thought.I hadn’t meant to surprise him with “my brother,” but I’d never heard him mention that name before. “Giuliano went back to Greece after the pack chose me to step in for my old man,” I explained, a hint of nostalgia in my voice. “He ended up working for my grandfather after he passed away, so I guess he got what he wanted. I haven’t spoken to him in about fifteen years.”"You seem to be missing him," I said finally, noticing the shift in Alexander’s mood. He looked a bit down as he talked about his brother, his expression a mix of regret and a hint of hope for reconciliation."At one point, he reached out with
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