Grace
“God, I am tired.”
Filling the entry of our last buyer, I saved the file and finally shut my computer. With Christmas around the corner, my shift ended at 10 p.m. today. The reason was that people came in large droves turning the shop into a fish market. I and Rachel were having a hard time handling them.
Getting up, I hurriedly packed my stuff. Just the thought of returning home turned my cheeks on fire.
Today, he’ll be back. My best friend and true love, Felix Hughes. We practically grew up together. Me and Felix were both omegas of the Dark Moon Pack, the most powerful and oldest pack of the Brimstone Mountains. Dark Moon was considered to be the originator of the werewolf clan but despite being the ultimate rulers, there was a yawning gap between the ruling families and the people at the grassroots level, in short people like me. The Alpha of the pack was one crazy bastard Damon Hunt, who held the purest and deepest hatred for omegas. That psychopath had wiped out a major portion of omega families by falsely accusing them of crimes they never did. That’s why not many omegas are left in the pack. But like all other monsters, Damon too had reasons to justify his monstrous deeds.
His wife was unfaithful.
As it is said, the devil was also an Angel. There was a time in our pack when wolves weren’t divided based on rank. Damon was very kind-hearted and loved his wife, Elisa. But Elisa’s heart beat for his best friend Ronald, who was an omega. Ronald and Damon were like brothers so Damon never judged his closeness with Elisa but they took advantage of it. Even after having a child with the Alpha, Elisa ran away with Ronald. That night Damon cried for the first and last time.
A major portion of our pack sympathized with him but I don’t because every coin has two sides. Damon didn’t love his wife instead he was insanely obsessed with her.
If he was so good then why did his wife leave him in the first place? I don’t know why this question never bothers people because they blindly trust him and curse the Luna.
My mother worked for Elisa. Even though it was restricted to gossip about the noble family, she used to tell me and Dad how Damon used to keep so many tabs on Elisa. His love was unconditional but highly insecure because he never let Elisa come near to other men except Ronald. To keep his image, he showed people how much he adores Luna but only her maids knew how he used to threaten them to report every single detail of Luna. Any sane person wouldn’t call this normal. Elisa was tired of his restrictions so she used to share her grief with Ronald who also supported her and was there for her whenever she needed him. He even tried multiple times to make Damon understand but that bonehead would justify it by saying it was his concern for her.
But his stubbornness brought the two love birds together and with time their bond grew much stronger which made them prioritize their love over loyalty.
Damon turned rabid. Elisa and Ronald turned him into a standing joke in front of the whole world. Ronald and he were called brothers from different mothers, that much faith he had in him but Ronald not only cheated him but also snatched his life from him. His image was vandalized and so was his reputation. So Damon decided to punish Elisa’s staff first. He didn’t give them a chance to explain and killed them including my mother.
That man isn’t liable for sympathy. His wife cheated on him so why is he making everyone hate the omega? We aren’t welcome in our own pack.
Because of his cruelty, the few families that somehow managed to survive decided to leave the Brimstone Mountains immediately. That freak was determined to wipe out our whole existence. After months of traveling, we finally stopped in Riverdale, a small town, and decided to settle there. Since then, we’ve been living here away from those maniacs. Unfortunately, we couldn’t risk exposing ourselves so we embraced human life.
Coming back to the present, I work as an accountant in Elegance Porium. Felix is my childhood friend and also my mate. We both went to the same school, and college and even kicked off our career together. Felix works as a Data operator in Trek Corporation.
His obsession with his job sometimes gets on my nerves. Felix told me once that his job is everything for him. His hunger for fame and power sometimes irks me but I respect that because he has really faced so many hardships in his life.
Recently, Felix got the best performer award last week from his company, and as a reward, he was given free tickets to visit Paris. He insisted on taking me with him but I had to decline his offer because unlike him, my Boss wasn’t very fond of me. I was well aware that she would never give me leave so it was useless persuading her. So, Felix had to go alone but today he will be returning, and I am so excited.
“Grace, you want me to drop you to the airport?” Rachel shouted as she trotted to me while zipping her purse.
“Yes please, Rach. Wait, I’ll bring my coat.”
*****
Rachel left after dropping me off. She insisted on staying but it was already so late so I told her to leave. Moreover, Felix will be coming so it’s obvious that I won’t be going alone.
Standing in the crowd, I anxiously waited for him to show up.
“Shit, I forgot a bouquet. Damn, I came empty hands to receive him.”
This is not how I had planned but I am sure Felix would understand. He always does.
My eyes sparkled when his smell hit my nostrils. Not able to resist any longer, I dashed to jump into his arms when my whole world crashed in the blink of an eye.
“W-Who’s she?”
I watched the couple in a daze who emerged from the crowd with their fingers intertwined.
He came back with a girl?
Blinking my tears which I didn’t notice were running down my cheeks, I saw Felix coming towards me while laughing with a girl who looked no less than a model. Her hourglass figure cladded in branded clothes, her silky locks bouncing in her air, and those diamond studs were marvelous. The same goes for Felix too. Today his crisp cross-check shirt, slacks, and sports shoes were nowhere in sight. He looked handsome in that leather jacket and ripped jeans. His high black boots and the silver piercing in his left ear made him look hot but it didn’t flutter my heart. The duo looked like a power couple who made everyone’s heads turn but all I felt was pain. An unbearable pain.
This is wrong. I shouldn’t judge him like that. My love isn’t that weak.
Hurriedly, I cleared my tears with the back of my palm and took a deep breath before confronting him. My presence interrupted their chitchat as Felix removed his gaze from that supermodel. But the moment his eyes landed on me; his face morphed into shock.
“Gracie?” He mumbled, his eyes widening as if he didn’t expect me here.
Now I grew more suspicious because he was behaving weirdly. Still, I flashed him a smile and was about to speak when that blonde interrupted.
“Who’s she, love?”
Love?
LOVE???
That’s it.
I lost my cool at her endearment. How dare she call my mate love?
I instantly shot her a glare and took a threatening step in her direction when Felix gripped my arm, stopping me.
“Sophie, will you wait here for a while?” He said and gestured her to stay which she surprisingly obeyed. Nodding her head, that witch looked at me with judging eyes while I was dragged away by Felix.
“Leave my hand,” I shouted and yanked away his arm as Felix took me to a corner.
“Gracie, please. Just listen to me.” Felix tried to calm me down as he held my shoulders but was startled when I raised my hand in front of his face.
“I bet no word leaving your mouth could justify your actions. Your betrayal is your decision, Felix. You chose to cheat on your mate and that’s the bloody truth.” I screamed in his face. Felix clenched his jaw and lowered his gaze. His silence was my answer that further tore my heart into pieces.
A chuckle escaped my mouth. Yes, I laughed, laughed at myself, at my foolishness for putting so much trust in this man.
“I wouldn’t cry Felix because you have always made your point clear. It was me who never took it seriously. You really can go to any limit to get the upper hand. Sophie is your door to money and fame, isn’t it?”
Felix shot his head and glowered at me. He was clearly offended as I ridiculed him.
“You’re damn right Gracie and you know what? I don’t regret it. If you had been this rich, I would have never left you. Don’t you even think of comparing yourself to Sophie!! And when you’re already accepting your mistake then I don’t think there is any need to clarify. I am not bound to you, Gracie. It’s my life, my choice.”
“BUT I WAS YOUR MATE, BASTARD!!”
I couldn’t tolerate his nonsense anymore and slapped him hard. Grabbing his collar, I threw a hard punch in his face making him stumble back. Felix spat blood and looked at me in shock.
“You... You aren’t the Felix I knew. Or maybe I never knew you. I fell in love with your facade when in reality you’re just a leech, a greedy money sucker.”
Snarling, I wrenched the promise ring out of my finger he gave it to me and threw it on his face.
“Don’t you ever show me your face, cheater? You’re dead to me from now on.”
I shouted like a mad woman and ran away from there. Felix stayed rooted on the spot but soon I heard him calling me from behind.
What more is even left to hear?
I paid no heed to him and continued running on the road while sobbing out loud.
Xavier“Oh, come on, Xavier, don’t be like this. He’s your Dad. It’s his responsibility to teach you. You don’t have to be mad about it-”*Slam*Before Phil could complete it, I slammed the glass on the counter with full force causing it to break into pieces. A deafening silence followed in the room as I whipped my head toward him and shot him a glare making him gulp.“I didn’t share it with you so that you could also lecture me. I think I made a mistake by coming here.” Gritting my teeth, I stood up ignoring the shards of glass sticking to my flesh, to grab my jacket from the couch when Phil stopped me.“Hey man, relax. I was just trying to make things easier for you. But I think the timing isn’t right. Maybe I should give you some privacy so that you can clear your mind.” He apologized pathetically and exited the room hastily without even waiting for my reply.A scoff escaped my lips.Nevertheless, I plopped on the couch and rested my head on the headrest. Staring at the ceiling, I
Xavier was blown away by Grace’s revelation. His brown eyes instantly turned into a darker shade as he lunged at her and grabbed her throat. Grace who was drowned in her grief froze as soon as her teary eyes contacted with his grim ones.“HOW DARE YOU INVADE MY TERRITORY? FROM WHICH PACK DO YOU BELONG?”Xavier thundered and tightened his hold, crushing her windpipe. Grace coughed out loud. She flailed her arms desperately trying to free herself but her strength was incomparable in front of the massive Alpha. Xavier on the other hand was infuriated. Though the club belonged to Phil, he was an Alpha and his friend. He wouldn’t let any werewolf trespass his territory.She might be a rogue, a spy, or worse a vampire on a mission. Xavier had numerous enemies so his list of trusted men was limited.His gaze raked all over her face trying to find any traces of familiarity but he had never seen her ever which confirmed his suspicion that she was from a different pack.But Grace was dumbfounde
The dazzling golden lights illuminated the room, erasing the darkness and blurring the sinful deeds of last night. Tortures which the Alpha reflected to sate his insatiable hunger were printed on the fragile figure who was wrapped in a thin white sheet. His handprints were visible on every inch of her skin as Xavier made sure to carve his name deep into her soul so that she remembers him forever.Feeling the scorching rays of the sun on her face, Grace groggily opened her eyes. Unlike the usual days, she felt much refreshed and energetic. A smile ghosted over her lips but no sooner she turned, a wince escaped her mouth as she was welcomed with a searing pain that nearly cracked her bones.“Ahh!! What the-”She groaned out loud and tried to move her legs only to hiss out in pain. She couldn’t feel them. Mustering up some strength, she tried sitting up when a bone-chilling shock struck her.A man nearly thrice the size of her was lying beside her. The first thing she noticed was a giant
Xavier tossed in the bed and stretched his arm to touch the beauty whom he had taken multiple times. But can he be blamed for it when she was a fucking enchantress who captured his heart? Eyes still closed and a smile lingering on his lips, he waited to feel Grace only to grasp air. His eyes shot open.“Grace?”Xavier mumbled, shock plastered on his face watching the bed empty.“Grace, Grace?”He continued calling his name as he got up from the bed. Suddenly his eyes landed on the ensuite bathroom.“Oh, she must be in there.” He chuckled to himself and padded there.“Grace? Baby, are you in there?” Xavier asked as he knocked gently on the door.“Oh, come on. Don’t need to be shy. Open the door so that I can come inside.” He said and smirked. His eyes holding mischief as he anxiously waited for her reply only to be met with a deadly silence that turned him worried.“Grace, open it. Babe” Xavier again spoke softly but when he found no response from the other side, all his concern turned
Soulless emerald hues brimming with pain were staring at the beautiful scenery that was painted with the most exotic and vibrant colors. Grace can’t even think of comparing that piece of art with her bland and dull life. There was a time when her life was more enchanting and livelier than this tranquil nature but now the tables were turned.The wheels glided over the smooth tarmac carrying away from the lost soul that doesn't even know her destiny. She just came out of one relationship only to entangle herself in another unknown bond. Ended up trusting someone whom she didn’t know. Neither the face nor the name. He was just a dark shadow, an esoteric outline of her depraved past that would haunt her forever. Just that mere thought gives her goosebumps."The weather seems pleasant today, lady." The driver tried to initiate a conversation. For some reason, he wanted to cheer up the broken girl. Grace as usual ignored him and kept staring outside the window. She wasn't in the mood to tal
"Why is it taking so long?"Grace was a bundle of nerves ever since she got stuck in traffic. And to pile up her miseries, it abruptly started to rain heavily. The pitter-patter of cheerful raindrops striking against the glass pane wasn’t pleasing instead it made her heart race in fear.Fear of getting caught.Fear of getting recognized.Fear of meeting him... again.She placed her trembling palms over her left knee which was bouncing nonstop. Just that thought was enough to make her run for hills. She had come this far and now only a few miles were left to meet her destination but now she was stuck. What scared her more was that it was the tollway. If Xavier was chasing her then it could prove the perfect spot for him to catch her."Do something." She couldn't help but scream. The driver looked at her agitated."Madam, I can't run over the cars. The way is getting cleared. Hold on for a minute please." He tried to reply as politely as possible.Grace looked away annoyed. She was head
Grace who had herself plastered to the door appalled by his barbaric acts jumped after hearing her name. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers."H-He knows me-" she whispered in disbelief when Xavier shouted again making her flinch badly."GRACE!! COME OUT OR IT WON'T END WELL WITH YOU TOO!!" His demonic roar sapped her energy. Grace could the pure rage and frustration in his voice. She palmed her mouth and shriveled into the seat. The driver had already fled leaving her behind. He knew that Grace would also run away just like others but Xavier’s fear had bound her limbs. She so badly wanted to escape this destructive reality but now he was here and the worst part was that he knew her. And the way he didn't even hesitate to murder the cops was a clear sign that he was bad news. She entangled herself with a murderer. A psychopathic killer."O-Oh, my God." Sobs escaped her mouth when she watched Xavier through the misty window who was coming straight in her direction. She couldn't see
A few days later“Anna, table 2 demands two of your finest lattes.”“Aye Captain,” the girl chuckled and hurriedly wiped her hands on her apron. Grabbing a cup from the counter, she picked up the jar and started pouring the espresso.“Make it extra creamier. That brunette had especially mentioned it. I don’t know why girls demand something like that. It’s a coffee, not an ice cream.” The man spoke as he leaned his rear against the counter.Grace stifled her smile as she started adding the milk, “It’s not the same with every girl, Adam. I also don’t like extra cream and sugar.”Adam smiled, “I am really lucky to have a barista like you.”Grace scoffed and looked at him with raised brows, “Oh come on. Don’t flatter me.”Two weeks have passed since Grace relocated to Springfield. To make ends meet, she started working in a coffee shop as a barista. She had to fake her identity to save herself from that psycho who might be on a hunt. She even changed her sim so that her father couldn’t tr
The chirping of birds woke up the beauty from the sleep. Grace rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up straight. Her eyes mindlessly danced all over the room before halting at the side of her bed.A sigh escaped her lips watching Xavier who was sleeping beside her. With his right hand shielding his dark eyes, he looked so peaceful that made her wonder that he was the same who kills people ruthlessly. Her gaze slowly wandered to his bare chest. Tingles erupted in her belly watching the rhythmic rise and fall of his buff chest. An urge to listen to hear his heartbeat swirled inside her but Grace immediately averted her gaze scolding herself for even thinking something so absurd. Well, it wasn't a new thing because Xavier prefers to sleep without a tee or shirt. Grace shook her head but once again her eyes shifted back to him. She couldn't help but admire his eight-pack and toned chest. The sight stirred her emotions and no matter how hard she tried to resist it, she failed.After their fight,
"What's wrong?" Xavier who was also shocked by her actions asked her with knitted brows.Grace was looking at him with horrified eyes.'No way. There's no way I can forget it.'She started to shiver. How can she be so selfish? How can she be desperate to start afresh with the people who falsely accused her mother and didn't even think twice before beheading her?Xavier's gaze turned sharp when he noticed her increasing the distance between them. That instantly blew away the clouds of love that he had weaved around them. Fury swarmed in his eyes as he stalked closer to her and gripped her arm tightly."I am asking something," he roared not even caring that his grip would surely leave a nasty bruise on her flawless skin. Grace winced in pain and tried to pry his hands off him but he growled in response silencing her on the spot."I-I, I just can't erase the image of you killing those people." She confessed. Xavier cocked a brow, not getting what she was directed to. And that only turned
Grace was on the balcony enjoying the fresh air while sipping her brew. She was staring at the large stretch of green grass bedecked with vibrant flowers. She never knew that the mansion had such a beautiful garden but unfortunately, she could only admire this beauty from afar. Ever since encountering Nicholas, Grace limited her adventure and simply remained in her room. She got very dark and eerie vibes from that man who looked ravishingly handsome but his lecherous gaze had instilled a deep fear inside her.Xavier was out on a mission and no matter how embarrassing it sounded; she was missing him badly. He was the only person with whom she could talk. Grace didn't want to meet Nicholas and other than him no one wanted to meet her. It wasn't like they didn't want to but because of Damon's order who had strictly warned them to not socialize with that stranger. She somehow managed to survive two days but now it was becoming unbearable. Grace was never a caged bird and having not a sing
Mini was Phil's twin and a witch. The sixteen-year-old was madly in love with the brooding Beta. Yes, she loved Nicholas despite Phil's advice who had warned her a thousand times to leave this stubbornness. He always reminded her of the age difference but Mini's love was blind. She had given her heart to King and now there's no going back. Phil was aware that Nicholas didn't like her a bit. In fact, he hated both the brother and sister but their skills were his weakness. The duo was one of the most renowned witches in the entire clan.Mini scrunched her nose at his rudeness but soon let out a sigh."Fine. So, yeah you told me to find out how come Alpha remembers Gassy-""Grace." Nicholas corrected her making her roll her eyes."Whatever. Let me come to the point. How he remembers her even after raking the pills. Well, the answer is... pa pa para." She chimed before bringing her hands to the front.Nicholas cocked a brow, "What's this?""It has the answer to your question. Now come on
"The coast is clear."Grace padded and quickly hid behind the pillar. Holding her breath, she peeked at the guards who were deployed near Damon's room.Nicholas’ lie saved her life but ended up snatching her sleep. So, she decided to take a tour of the house but that was just an excuse to get her hand on Nicholas, the mysterious man who was her unexpected angel. He saved her but Grace wasn't pleased. She didn't know him and she was sure that he mustn't too then why this favor? It only hinted one thing that he knows her. But again, how?Suddenly heavy footsteps echoed in the area. Grace quickly hid behind the pillar and palmed her mouth when a deep voice rang in the hallway."Mike, go along with Draco. Call others too and get them ready for patrolling."'Who is he?' Grace thought as she tried to figure out the owner of that dominant tone. She was sure he wasn't Xavier."Aye, Beta," Mike said and turned his heels. Nicholas took a deep breath and then tilted his head to the left. A smirk
My eyes widened."A true Alpha never does that." Xavier drawled out.I quickly rebutted, "But you- you also-""I am cruel in your eyes, isn't it?" He justified his actions and threw me a sarcastic smile. "I am bad but you're good. Why didn't you help them and don't feed me the crap that you were trying to protect the baby because you can’t get pregnant in a day." Xavier said and in a flash caged me to the wall. I flinched in response and looked back only to realize that I was trapped now.It is the truth though. I was looking out for myself.Placing his palms on both sides of my head, he shifted closer. His eyes were dark and I knew he had caught me. But I said nothing and continued staring at him.'Are Alphas really that brave? But how would I know? The only Alpha I've known in my life was that monster. And after him, Dad changed my world. Felix was never happy with his past life so he readily accepted the human traits and I was so down for him that I did the same without any qualms.
GraceI have no answer to his question. Even if I manage to hide that I am Lara’s daughter, the one whom Damon accused of helping his wife elope with her lover, the mere fact that I am an omega is enough to get my neck sliced. We aren't welcome her, I know that but the billion-dollar question that arises is what should I do? What should I tell him? That I am a beta, a gamma, a rogue. Probably Lycan would work but then what about my pack? I don't even know the name of any other pack. It is because I was too young when we escaped and since then we embraced human life. Dad always kept me away from pack activities and the result is that apart from Dark Moon, I am completely clueless about the other clans."Come on, answer me." Xavier inquired with a raised brow. A flicker of irritation crossed his eyes because of my silence.My palms turned clammy.'I don't know. I know nothing, God.'Tears pooled in my eyes but I bit my lips suppressing my cries."I-I... I, uhm, I.." I stuttered pathetic
Xavier turned around and closed the door before bolting it. That was enough for Grace to run. Without thinking twice, she made a quick run to hide in the bathroom but Xavier was faster. Grabbing her left arm, he hurled her towards himself and held her firmly."Why the fuck are you always trying to escape from me?" He shouted on her face eliciting a loud cry from her mouth.Xavier was pissed at his father and Grace only fuel his anger more by constantly running away from him."N-No, please... Help!!" she started to thrash in his arms, her struggles turning violent. Grace was dead scared. The face of her mother drenched in blood and her wide dead eyes staring right into her teary eyes was all she could see at the moment. Damon killed everyone as a punishment but his hatred for her mother was more prominent and deep-rooted considering her closeness with Elisa. That beast purposely beheaded her in front of the whole pack to send a clear message of his hatred for the omegas.But Xavier was
"Who is the girl you brought here?" Damon asked Xavier who was slouched on the couch munching a packet of chips."And I've already told you that she is my girlfriend," Xavier answered him in a bored tone. Damon wasn't pleased at all. He approached him in three fast strides and snatched the packet from his hands before tossing it on the floor."Don't fucking play with me, boy. You know damn well what am I asking? Who is that girl? You can't just bring anyone here." He lashed out at him.Damon was furious when was informed that Xavier had returned with a girl. It wasn't a big concern until he got to know that the Alpha had strictly instructed the house staff to respect the girl and locked her inside his room and again, not before warning them not to disturb her.Damon instantly grew suspicious because his ruthless son who ruled the pack with an iron hand had abruptly taken a 360-degree turn. He was behaving like a possessive and protective boyfriend which Damon always feared.Xavier onl