SeraphinaI quickly fixed the button for him, my fingers brushing against his with a tenderness that spoke of our closeness. He helped me up, his touch gentle and comforting as he pulled me close. He stroked the skin beneath my chin with a care that seemed to express his deep affection and concern.His expression was a mix of worry and vulnerability, as if he was afraid of disappointing me or making a mistake. But I wasn’t concerned—I knew, deep down, that Alexander would never intentionally hurt me. His genuine care and protective nature were constants in our relationship.“Hey, Alexander,” I said softly, trying to offer him the reassurance he seemed to need.“I get a bit anxious around you,” he admitted, his cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment as he tried to hide his blush. “But you always manage to calm me with just a look or a touch. I promise, Seraphina, I’ll never be like that guy.” His words were a promise, a vow to always be the person who cherishes and protects me ra
Seraphina He had this natural grace and happiness about him that made it clear he was fair, kind, loyal, and honest—qualities you don’t often see in a leader. Back where I come from, leaders tend to make people uneasy, but seeing Alexander like this, surrounded by his friends and clearly appreciated, made me feel proud. “You all have really made an impact on him,” Alaya continued. “He’s always cared about his people, but now he can truly see and value the amazing things he’s accomplished.” …Seraphina "So, how long have you known him?" I asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. I was curious about what others thought of him, even though it seemed like everyone adored him. I could feel a knot tightening in my stomach—nervous about other women because I couldn't compete with a determined she-wolf aiming for the Alpha's bed.She started talking about how she used to secretly meet up with Jeremiah, and her unique accent made her words almost funny. Back then, doing somethin
AlexanderXandriel's unexpected tactics had completely disrupted our carefully laid plans. I was really surprised by how proactive he was, considering he usually just went with the flow. "It's gone," Kane said, staring blankly at the table, giving me an eerie feeling. A warrior so extensively trained that he'd lost his ability to speak really needed a wake-up call to bring him back to reality."They've all vanished," I remarked, lounging in my chair and casually tousling my hair. I was feeling pretty bummed out and annoyed with myself for being so careless. I should have sent help right away. "Oh man, Alexander." The sight of burnt churches and ruined barns on the hills made me feel sick. I could smell the charred flesh from far away. It seemed like there was nobody left in Dunmoor."Hey, what's the plan to make sure we're ready?" I asked, trying to stay practical. My heart was pounding, but I needed to focus. "We've only got about a month to train," Percival said, sounding a bit down
Seraphina I pulled the navy box from my jacket pocket, my fingers trembling slightly. The weight of the moment hit me as I thought about the top jeweler in our group who finished it today. I wanted Seraphina to know how much she means to me, no matter what happens with this war. As I held the box, a wave of emotions crashed over me—fear, longing, and determination.The sky over the estate was covered in dark thunderclouds, casting a gloomy shadow over everything. The clouds hung low, shrouding the treetops and giving the scene an eerie feel. The oppressive sky mirrored my mood, thick with impending doom.I imagined a bunch of guys charging out from the treeline like a nightmare. The thought of footprints all over the mud where we’d played just hours before made my stomach churn. Even though they’d be together, they'd be armed. A flickering torch could easily bring a fatal end with just a touch. My mind spun with faint whispers of ghosts, the horrors of what could happen. Xandriel wou
Seraphina I turned on the vintage faucet and let the crystal-clear water cascade into the deep, richly-colored tub. As I glanced down at my bloodied hand, I traced the crimson streaks along Alexander's pristine walls. It was just one of the things I accidentally broke while I was here. I couldn’t help but think we might have been immature. Just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, Xandriel had to come in and ruin it all. Outside, the wind battered the window panes as a storm brewed, its fierce power sweeping over the hillside.So, am I totally broken now? Is this what it feels like? Even after cleaning up the mess Xandriel caused, I couldn’t shake this never-ending nightmare. I felt like I was clinging to a reality that wasn’t mine, trying to convince myself it was the whole truth.We all mess up sometimes, but unfortunately, there’s no way to undo our errors in this world. The realization settled heavily on my shoulders, a reminder of my own helplessness.“Hey there!” A voic
Seraphina "I was worried you might distance my dad, and he really doesn’t deserve that," I said. Even though I was pretty upset with him for hiding me, I understood his reasons. He was different when you came home; I hadn't seen him like that in years, maybe since the day you left. The rain had finally stopped, creating a calm atmosphere over the lake. A gentle breeze ruffled the water, making the boats sway and the leaves dance. The birch tree had stopped tapping on the window, and a peaceful silence filled the room."My dad's always dealing with those ghostly encounters, and being the alpha means he has to make tough calls that I couldn’t handle," I continued. "I know this might sound a bit self-centered, but I really hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him. Just between you and me, if he ever found out I spilled the beans to you first…""This is just between us," Jamie said, his eyes shining like the ocean, just like his father’s, conveying a sense of ease. I had made so
Seraphina I hadn’t bothered to clean up the mess from last night, and honestly, it was the least of me concerns right now. "Hey, got something to share?""I was pretty ticked off," I said, but even as the words left my mouth, I knew they weren’t a good enough excuse for Alexander to just brush it off. "Hey, Alexander, I wanted to apologize for breaking those things," I continued. It felt like a hollow gesture, but it was all I had. He’d filled a void in my life that I’d felt for as long as I could remember, and finding genuine love like his was something rare and precious."The stuff you broke that meant a lot to me—they’re not just objects," he said, taking a seat beside me on a freshly painted wooden bench. The bench was the only thing that seemed untouched by time, a small oasis of newness amidst the weariness of everything else. He gently held my hands and examined the smaller cuts from my previous actions. The touch was tender, but his gaze was steady, searching for answers."Wh
Seraphina I regretted being so quick to judge Alexander and assume the worst about him, especially just because he was a man. It felt like a complete waste of time. If Xandriel were to come and burn down this estate, Alexander’s young son would return to claim his father’s land, piecing together the shattered remnants to make it his own."Greece?" I exclaimed, the shock evident in my voice. "Hey, Alexander, are you serious? I can’t believe they expect me to go all the way across the world without you, leaving you here to defend the territory by yourself! That’s not happening!" My voice rose with frustration. I was determined to stick to my own thoughts, even though I knew Alexander would be preoccupied with the looming threat. I’d been feeling down all day, and this news only added to my sense of despair. It was clear that Alexander’s intentions were good, but it felt like a twisted dream—or a nightmare. Xandriel was already making trouble, and abandoning anyone in the aftermath of H
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