SUNSHINE:Jericho wanted me back and did he think I believed him? I did not.Only a fool would believe him. That was what he was good at. Confusing my heart. Making me fall for him and the next thing he does, he will crush my heart using his own bare hand. Then, he would laugh at me and will say that I was stupid and foolish for falling for the same tricks over again. "You think I was the same fool in the past? Jericho. You cannot say that you want back without even apologizing for what you did in the past. Apologize first!”“I admit I was a fool, Sunshine. But I already reflected on my past actions.”"Say you are sorry."If he did, then the pain might disappear and I could move on. "I wasn't wrong, Sunny. Why would I say sorry?"“You hurt me. You cheated on me. You think those are not enough reasons to ask for my forgiveness?”“Do I have to say those words? I am an alpha.”He was hopeless and I could no longer stay with someone who was not even aware of his mistakes. “An alpha i
SUNSHINE:My feet led me to Thalia's coffee shop and I walked aimlessly around the town. Even if I already told myself that she was not my friend, I could not stop coming here. Unfortunately, with the status of my mind at the moment, I needed someone to talk to. Thalia was the best candidate for that. So what if she tried to seduce Knoxx? If she knew our relationship, and she persisted in seducing him, that would be the time I would be angry. But she did not. I should be more understanding because of her past.'That does not mean she should also take our mate away,' Helena blurted.Her mood became sour when she realized we would be going to the coffee shop.For Helena, Thalia was her rival.'She didn't know, Helena.''Then, tell her. Is that a problem?''Knoxx don't want anyone to know. He was scared that people might judge him if he took me as his mate.' And that was okay. In the beginning, my intention was not to have a mate but to have succeeded in this mission.With no other acq
SUNSHINE:"An eye for an eye."How scary. If the investigators do not do their job well, an innocent person will likely be killed. "Yes. There will be no due process or whatever. As long as it was sure that you were the murderer, you would be killed the next day after. But since the suspects are Alpha Knoxx and Dante, Brody's move is calculated. A single decision will create a domino effect. They will be annihilated instantly by the alpha's father the moment they touch the three of you. So you don't have to worry a lot, okay?"Don’t worry? It was not his life that was at stake. It was Knoxx, Dante, and mine. How could I stay put while our lives were on the line?We would only be safe if the real murderer was caught. How? I hope Knoxx will do everything in his will to catch the person behind this. "I'm not worried," I lied and sipped the coffee. Damn. It was super hot and I even burned my tongue. “My stepbrother won’t leave me.”Are you sure about that? The other part of my mind ask
SUNSHINE:I looked at Thalia with a horrified expression on my face.She knew? How? I was careful that no one would know about it. Thalia laughed seeing my expression. “I knew it,” she confirmed. “No matter how careful you two were, my observant eyes would always catch something.”“How?” I asked in disbelief. She gave a knowing smile. “Like I said, I read your body movements and the way you stared at the alpha and the way he stared at you.”“He never bothered to look at me.” And if he did, he only glared as if I did something against him. “That’s what you are wrong. When you are not looking, he is watching your every move. The longing in his eyes. His soft expression. Then it will turn cold when he realizes something. He is fighting against his own emotions.”I never noticed any of that.“Why did you think he was fighting about it?”“Only the alpha knows about it.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me back into my seat. “You cannot run away now that you’re busted. Come on, Sunny. You
SUNSHINE:Talk of another demon and he will come, I thought. Dante and Knoxx were standing side by side with Knoxx’s gun bulging in his hips. The two instantly prepared for the incoming fight. Fight between Jericho and Knoxx. ‘That man arrived here? Since when? How come you never told me about it?’ he asked through our link. 'It slipped from my mind and I never thought he would arrive today. Stop glaring at me. It's not like I invited Jericho here!' I snapped. With long strides, Knoxx closed the distance between us and pulled me away from Jericho. "You're not allowed to touch any part of her body," Knoxx muttered protectively. “If you did, I will kill you myself.”A shiver ran down my spine.Such possessiveness. If only this was real. "Stepbrother. Stop making a scandal. We will again be the talk of the town," I reminded him, but leaned on him, nevertheless. He stiffened for a moment, before he relaxed. His hold on me tightened. My heartbeat quickened. Knoxx smelt so good. "
SUNSHINE:The corner of Knoxx's mouth lifted. "Do you want me to?" he asked. "Killing someone is not a problem," he coaxed. "It will be quick. The moment he realized he was wounded, he would die. How is that? A simple order from you is enough."A lump formed in my throat. Jericho might have done a lot to me, but were they enough to kill him? I did not think so. First. Helena did not want to. Second. I was not a murderer. A muscle in my jaw twitched. Knoxx was watching me. As if he was waiting if I had the guts to order him to kill my ex-mate. "Don't make me the villain here, stepbrother. I don't want anyone to get killed because of me. Whatever plans you have for Jericho, don't you dare get me involved. Leave me out of it.""I'm expecting that you would answer the opposite, step-sister."I felt a flicker of irritation. "I will not ask someone to kill Jericho," I declared the second time. "You have feelings for him," Knoxx scoffed, sounding disappointed. "After what he did to you
SUNSHINE:I haven't moved on? The audacity of this man! What the fuck did he think the reason I was here? I was here trying to forget everything about him, especially the pain!I haven't moved on because my feelings for him were true! I did love him. Cried a bucket of tears after what happened to us. And now he will come here to make me feel as if it was my fault that I had not moved on?"I am aware I'm not the type to be easily forgotten. That singer? She begged me not to leave her. She groveled in my feet like you used to do. But I left her. Because I choose you. You should be thankful for that.""Should I be thankful that you chose me in the end?""You should," he answered, nodding in agreement. "You will now be the Luna of my pack and will lead the pack with me. Come with me, Sunny. Let's leave that forsaken place."A Luna. What a tempting offer. Something I wanted before. If I became the Luna, that would be the reality of my dreams. By being the Luna, I would finally feel that I
SUNSHINE:My eyes narrowed at Knoxx."Do I look like I still have feelings for that bastard?""Yes. You did. Instead of arguing, why don't you accept that you did something foolish?"I heaved a sigh. Arguing will not help at all. "Fine. I admit that I was not looking.""What if I was not here? You would fall and break your neck.""I may or may not fall.""Father will be mad at me.""He won't. I assure you." I sauntered towards the right path and reached the river. "Put the basket down," I ordered. "I'm your alpha." He did not like to be bossed around. It was his fault for tagging along. He insisted and I listened. I gave him a stern look. "If you don't want to be ordered, you can leave me and give me peace. I will make this quick. The washing of clothes I mean." And maybe a little swimming in the river. I was already feeling sticky all over. "No," he answered. He put the basket down, went to the nearest rock, and leaned on it. "I will wait until you are done."I raised my eyebrow
SUNSHINE:I felt like I was an eggshell when I returned to the pack. My mind was a mess and I did not know whether I should be happy or not at the turn of events. Jericho had just broken the engagement and wanted me to be with Knoxx as if it were simple. It was not. How could I be with someone after knowing I hurt the person who truly loved me?“Sunshine? You okay?”I lifted my gaze after I stepped out of the car. Knoxx was at the garage, washing his car. Good for him. He turned off the faucet and wiped his hands on his pants. He was shirtless and sweat decorated his chest. Or maybe it was the water from the faucet. If I was not in shock at what happened earlier, perhaps I was already licking my lips upon seeing his body. “Do I look okay after seeing you?”“You were already not in a good mood when you stepped out of the car.”A low growl escaped from my lips. “You shut your mouth.”He heaved a sigh. “Have you eaten?”“Why does it matter?” I snapped. “Don't pretend like you care
SUNSHINE:Knoxx loved me. He finally loved me. Too bad, when I already gave up, he came chasing me. Why did it have to become this way? “What do you expect me to say?” I asked. “Do you want me to say that I have feelings too? How many times do I have to remind you that I already have Jericho? Why can't you see that?” I growled.Please don't confuse me, too. I pity Jericho. He was a changed man and I did not want to sin. My conscience won't allow that. “I…I don’t expect anything, Sunshine. I just wanted to tell you my feelings. I don’t…want to have any regrets.”“You really don’t care what your pack would say?”“Anyone’s opinion doesn't matter anymore, Sunshine. This time, I will pursue what I want. I won't stop unless you are already married. I don't want to live in regrets.”I inhaled deeply and pocketed his handkerchief. If only he confessed when I had not accepted Jericho…then maybe…there might be a chance between us. A sad smile spread on my lips. “Is this the kind man you ar
SUNSHINE:“Alright, Jericho. That’s good. Tell me if everything is okay.” I had to marry Jericho so that Knoxx would stop pestering me. I meant he already made it clear that he did not want me. So, I hoped he would stick to that. Sensing that someone was watching me, I looked around and found a pair of eyes watching me intently. Shite. My heart skipped a beat when I caught sight of Knoxx. He was about to enter the hall but stopped upon seeing me. If I stayed here, our paths would always cross. I had to get out of this pack as soon as possible.“I’ll be calling you back later, Jericho. T-thanks,” I muttered, in a hurry. Knoxx's steps faltered. As if he debated on approaching me or not. “Yes. Take care, Sunny. I love you so much. I hope this will be the start of something new. I love you,” he whispered lovingly. My mind went blank. He loved me. Until now? But my love for him had already disappeared when Knoxx entered the picture. What should I say?I bit the inside of my cheek
SUNSHINE: Out of reflex, I stood at the bed and scrambled away, losing my balance and landed on the floor with a loud thud. I gasped when a wave of pain exploded. I cursed loudly. Knoxx was suddenly on my side and asked, “Are you okay, Sunshine?” His voice was full of worry. His eyebrows raised and that was the time when I realized he was clean-shaven and his hair was also cut properly. He looked handsome…that I could not stop myself from thumping loudly against my ribcage. Jericho's face flashed inside my head. Guilt swallowed my heart. How could my heart jump because of someone else? Disgusting.“Do not touch me. Stay away from me. Your touch repulses me.”Knoxx let out a shaky breath. “Sunshine. I’m only checking if you are hurt.”“I’m not that weak. Why did you come here?”My heart continued to hammer against my chest. What was he doing here? Staying in the same room with him brought so many memories. I wanted to run away from him and hide.“I’m glad you're not in pain.”
SUNSHINE:I am going to marry Jericho a month from now. That was our agreement. Jericho’s parents were both excited and I had already told everyone in the family about it. Yes. That includes my stepbrothers as well. Mother was thrilled but my stepbrothers were not. It was as if they wanted me to wait for Knoxx. I sighed and rolled to my side. Leaving this room was not something I wanted to do now even if Jericho and I both agreed that we would be choosing wedding dresses even if the wedding ceremony was only simple. His Mother insisted that we should choose my dress properly for a prosperous life.I did not want a luxurious dress. All I wanted was a peaceful life. A peaceful married life. Marriage. Am I going to do this or am I only using Jericho?He said he was willing to be used, another part of my mind said.He did, but the guilt…If you don’t want to feel that, try loving him so that it will fade.I was not the type to use other people. I would rather be used than to be anoth
DANTE:The alpha was drunk again and stayed at the river, while watching the bonfire, I mused to myself as I hid on the large tree. I wanted to be disappointed, but I also understood why he was acting like this—his youngest brother's death. I wanted to pretend that I did not know what was happening to him, but I did.My heart tightened when he would call his dead brother and sometimes Sunshine when he was so drunk. I looked at the sky which was full of stars. I wished the day would come when Alpha Knoxx would stop blaming himself. He got worse after Miss Sunshine went back to the pack. Did the two have a falling out? If I were the alpha, I would not let anything separate me from my mate regardless of the reason. May it a step sibling or not.Alpha Knoxx emptied the contents of the bottle and put it aside. He already drunk five bottles of beer. There were five more left for him to empty. Still, he continued taking care of his people. Little by little, they accepted him as their
SUNSHINE: Jericho knew he messed up the moment he saw my expression. It turned sour until it darkened. His mouth opened and closed until he fell silent.I clenched my fist and put them on my side. “You think it’s about Knoxx?” That man who left me? That man who never wanted me? “What do you think of me, Jericho?”You liar! How could you lie with a straight face?Isn’t he the reason for all of this? Isn’t he the reason why you could not move on to the present, Sunshine? The other part of my mind asked.Jericho went to the window, pulled out something from his pocket. A cigarette. As if reminded that I hated the smell of it, he grabbed one stick and snapped it into two. “It was him. You loved that man,” he insisted. I lifted my chin, feeling my lips quivered.I was glad that he was not looking at my direction or he would know that he was right. I loved Knoxx. I loved the man who said he liked me but never loved me. At all.My chest went heavy. Fuck.How long will I continue to dea
SUNSHINE:“Mom. You don’t have to pressure Sunshine about that. We did not come to visit here for that,” Jericho declared in my defense. Lifting my gaze, I saw how his cheeks flamed with embarrassment. Cute. Cute?I chuckled nervously, but his mother won’t stop any moment from now. She pinched his son’s side.“Oh, come on, Jericho. Have you been slacking off? How many times will I tell you that you should win her back? I want her as my daughter-in-law!” his mother scolded.Mentally, I sighed in relief. She did not hate me for what I did to their son.‘Why would they when it was Jericho’s fault?’ Helena interjected. ‘It was right to reject him.’‘The last time I remember, you were bawling your eyes out when I rejected him.’Helena sneered. ‘That was all in the past. I want Knoxx to be better.’“Honey. Let’s just let the kids deal with it.”“That’s right, Mom. Right now, Sunny and I are friends.”“Friends?” His mother’s disappointment was evident on his face. “I never said that you two
SUNSHINE:The heart hammered against my ribcage as I walked in the hallway while clenching my fist.How could the beta ask me what would happen to Knoxx if ever I married Jericho when the alpha specifically showed me that he had nothing to do with me? Men. Did they think women had all the time to wait for them? Like the heck!I should seriously consider if I want to marry Jericho or not so that this will stop.‘What will happen to our mate, then?’ Helena asked, whimpering. She had been silently crying in the corner of my mind.‘That is no longer my concern. Knoxx has chosen and it’s time for me to do the same.’“Sunshine. Wait!”I heard footsteps and I did not need to stop to know who it was. Cayden. The rational one among the brothers. And he was also the most sane person who never blamed me for what happened to the youngest brother. How unfortunate we were never given the chance to be closer as siblings. “Sunshine. Can we talk?”I stopped and faced him. Sweat coated his forehead f