CHAPTER FIVE
-SERENA-
In the morning, I woke up to the smell of a hearty breakfast floating up from the kitchen. The savory scent of frying bacon, scrambled eggs and freshly brewed coffee was intoxicating, yet my stomach churned uneasily at the thought of the impending confrontation. Pushing off the covers, I moved quietly to the door, peering out into the hallway. The twins, Bellatrix and Rae, walked out of their shared room clad in their matching pink pajamas, their youthful faces unmarred by the worry that plagued me. They giggled softly, their voices harmonizing in a comforting melody that momentarily lessened my anxiety. Their innoc
CHAPTER FIVE-DERMON-We, Wilhelmina and I, came into this world together, our bond unbreakable from the start. We shared everything - matching outfits as children, the same classes in school, and even a circle of friends. Mina has always been more than just my twin sister; she is my other half, my closest companion. But even with our similarities, there were noticeable differences between us.I bore a striking resemblance to our father, while Mina took after our mother's graceful beauty. She effortlessly captivated everyone she spoke it, charming them with her easy grace an
CHAPTER FIVE-DERMON-Mina and I made our way downstairs. Seated in the living room, our mother, father, and Weldon anxiously awaited Mrs. Parella's arrival. Their gazes shifted to us as Mina and I descended the stairs. The worry lines on their faces disappeared upon seeing Mina's now confident demeanor.Our mother stood, rushing towards us with outstretched arms. She took Mina into a warm embrace. "My brave girl," she whispered into her hair."I see you've managed to give her some courage," Weldon remarked.
CHAPTER FIVE-WELDON-It had been a couple of days, and I had gathered all the details about Maximus Arnet, the werewolf, and Elina Arnet, the Lycan. They resided on the border of the Gravemaw territory with their granddaughter, Maria Arnet. Mina and I were headed towards their residence. The drive was quiet. Mina appeared lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. She didn't seem interested in starting a conversation.A scent, delicate as a whisper, began to permeate the air. It was vaguely familiar - a sweet, comforting aroma that brought fo
CHAPTER FIVE-WELDON-I gestured for Mina to approach us, and she walked over from where she was standing by the car. I could feel Maria's hand squeeze mine a little tighter as she watched Mina. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was apprehensive about Mina, as if she suspected we were romantically involved."This," I said, looking at Maria and then her grandparents, "is my younger sister, Wilhelmina Growler." She sauntered over, her red eyes glinting in the soft evening glow, her snow white curls bouncing with each step.
CHAPTER FIVE-SEVERA-I heard a gentle knock on my bedroom door in the afternoon."Come in." I called.My parents entered, their faces filled with worry. In my mom's arms, Ariston slept peacefully. "Severa, I have received a call from Trisha," my dad began, his voice filled with a gravity that made my heart sink.I eyed them warily, a gnawing unease creeping up in the pit of my stomach. "About what?" I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.
CHAPTER FIVE-SEVERA-I had driven to the Gravemaw Mansion. The journey was quiet, only accompanied by the faint hum of the car engine and Ariston's soft snoring in the backseat. The mansion loomed over us, its intricate Victorian architecture silhouetted against the sunset. Its stone walls, weather-beaten by time, seemed to groan under the weight of secrets they held within.Ariston clung tighter to me, trembling slightly."Shh... It's okay, Ariston," I whispered to him as we approached the grand entrance, "Rem
CHAPTER FIVE-SEVERA-We arrived at the meeting door at the end of the corridor. Boris opened the door and stepped aside, motioning for me to enter. I walked into the room. I couldn't believe what I was seeing - the sentinels were holding my parents down. Meanwhile, the Luna Mother and my grandfather sat calmly at the meeting table, seemingly unperturbed by the situation taking place involving my parents."What are you doing? Let them go!" I demanded.Boris just laughed his gravelly laugh again and moved to join
CHAPTER FIVE-WELDON-An hour had passed since Wilhelmina and I were welcomed into the Arnest's farmhouse. Maximus and Elina were eager to get to know us better. I sat beside Wilhelmina, with my mate Maria on my other side. We all sat around the large oak dining table, the wood scratched and worn from decades of use. An open fireplace crackled merrily, filling the room with a warm, comforting glow. As the conversation flowed around us, my gaze never strayed far from Maria. Our eyes often met and we couldn't help but smile at each other. We both knew our mate bond was strong.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-As we moved further away from the council room, I finally broke the silence and elaborated on the situation. "Thorin, keep your distance from Boris. I don't want him discovering that Severa has left her mark on you."Thorin, normally stoic and composed, swallowed at my words. There was conflict in his eyes, a stormy sea of fear and longing. "If you didn't want him to know it was me, why did you tell him?"I paused, feeling my gaze linger on Thorin's visibly anxious expression. "It will make him para
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-Weldon and Thorin exited the room first. I trailed behind them, but paused at the doorway and looked back at Luna Mother and Boris."Also, just so you're aware," I added, drawing their focus. "Due to the ongoing investigation, all ceremonies will be suspended until further notice."Boris leaped up from his chair, his anger evident on his face. "How dare you?" he roared. "I am to be married tonight! Do you expect me to cancel the wedding?!"
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I raised a skeptical eyebrow and asked, my gaze turning icy. "And who do you think is the mastermind behind your beloved cub's strings?"The Luna Mother let out a deep sigh, her frustration evident in her rising voice. "How am I supposed to know?" she asked, shaking her head. "I'm just making assumptions here."Before I could ask any more questions, she fixed her cold stare back on Weldon. "You mentioned Wolf's Bane, did you not? Are you talking about the unfortunate incident where the Luna
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-We walked into the manor. The servants were bustling around us in a chaotic yet coordinated manner. However, I couldn't ignore the palpable tension that hung in the air, likely due to the commotion outside which they had undoubtedly heard and seen."I shall tell my mother and father of what has happened," Lady Basia announced. "Good luck with confronting Boris.""Thank you, Lady Basia," I replied, dipping my head in acknowledgment. Her gaze was steady but I could see the concern in her eyes
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-It wasn't long before we arrived at the Alpha's Estate. As we approached the estate, I could see that there was a disturbance unfolding near the grand entrance of the manor. Outside, the Alpha Father and a group of servants were gathered around a young man who appeared to be enraged. They were trying to calm him down."Sh*t," Weldon mumbled, his brows furrowed."It's that your brother?" Thorin asked, his voice full of concern.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I gazed out the car window, replaying the events of the previous night in my mind. The spot where Wilhelmina had bitten me was concealed beneath the fabric of my shirt, but the fierce heat of it seemed to radiate outwards like a beacon.I didn't sleep a wink last night. My mind was full of thoughts about Wilhelmina, replaying her touch, her seductive whispers in my ear and the sensation of her teeth and lips on my neck.Every time I closed my eyes, I found myself subjected to vivid images o
CHAPTER TEN-WILHELMINA-I woke up in the early hours of the morning, greeted by sunlight. As I slowly opened my eyes, I shielded them from the bright rays. I looked around the room. This wasn't any bedroom I recognized. Where am I, I thought confused. I felt the mattress beneath me move slightly, and I turned my head to look at the other side. Severa was fast asleep, her breathing calm and steady. I'm not alone. If Severa is here, we must be-, I thought.
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-Unexpectedly, the car came to a sharp halt. The abruptness of the stop forced us apart. We panted heavily, flushed and disoriented from the sudden interruption. My shirt was half unbuttoned.I shifted my gaze out the window and was greeted by the sight of a dense grove of towering pines. In front of our car stood a charming two-story farmhouse, crafted from a beautiful mix of timber and stone. Next, I focused on Thorin and Severa. Just like me, Thorin had his shirt unbuttoned and there were smudges of lipstick all over his neck. Severa was leaning against him,
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-We quickly fled the manor, making our way outside. Thorin directed us towards his vehicle. It was a sturdy bronze jeep."Careful with her, Thorin," Lady Basia instructed as Thorin climbed into the backseat with Severa on his lap. He was careful, not once jostling her too much."Of course, Lady Basia," Thorin responded, his voice barely above a whisper. He settled Severa down onto the backseat. Her head lay on his shoulder while her body curled up against him. Thorin was absentmindedly stroking Seve