ALPHA KNOXX:Dante was watching my expression as I watched Sunshine leave as if she was excited about her coffee date. I had to stop myself from running after her. If I kept on guarding her like a dog, I would not be able to think and decide for tomorrow. “You can stop her, Alpha Knoxx,” Dante suggested. “She’s bound to listen to you since you are the alpha. If you’re jealous of Alpha Jericho, then you can…”A low growl escaped my throat, stopping Dante from finishing his sentence.My blood boils in anger, but I should keep my emotions at bay. “Silence.”'You are weak, Knoxx. You’re an embarrassment in the alpha bloodline.''This is not the time to say shit, Alessandro.''Do not accept that bastard's condition. Have you no confidence in yourself? We can solve this. We can force him to sign the peace treaty!' Alessandro roared in my head. 'We can protect our mate on our own. Let me roam free and I will hunt those bastards for you!'Letting Alessandro roam free was one of the worst
SUNSHINE:The neon lights had been flicking on and off while my body could not stop from moving and following the beat. There were a lot of people surrounding us who were also dancing on the dance floor, and some even started kissing as if no one was watching.'Aren't you tired, Sunny?' Jericho asked through our link. Still moving my hips while sweat dropped down from my chest, I answered, 'Nooo! I'm still enjoying myself.'It was already three o’clock in the morning. I should be at home now, tucked in bed beside Knoxx’s bed. But instead of doing that, I was dancing myself to the beat of the music.'Okay. Tell me if you want to go,' he answered. Jericho had introduced me to this club found in the middle of the heart of the town. The place was cramped and looked abandoned during the day, but became alive during the night. Thalia never told me about such places. I thought this town was boring in the evening. I jumped while raising both of my hands at the beat of the music and danc
SUNSHINE:Don’t choose Knoxx, huh?How could he tell that I would choose him for sure? Did Jericho already know what was running in my mind?Men around me believed they could boss me around because of my personality before like a lamb who was scared whenever there was a wolf. They believed they had the power to dictate what they wanted to do with my life just because they were an alpha or someone powerful in the pack.“You’re talking nonsense, Jericho. You’re drunk. So let’s go and sleep.”“We can sleep together,” he suggested. “Like we used to. I missed your warmth, Sunny.”I lifted my chin and looked at Jericho. “Why would I do that? Why would I not choose him? Why would I sleep with you?”“The mutt does not like you at all. It is I who liked you and loved you, Sunny. I missed you so much that it hurts to close my eyes every single night.” I sucked in a breath.“You think I would believe you? Do you think Knoxx had no feelings for me? That’s not true.” Knoxx said he had feelings
SUNSHINE:Instead of going home, I found myself entering Thalia’s coffee shop. She automatically smiled at me upon seeing me enter as I approached the counter.Dawn was already breaking which also meant a couple of hours from now, Knoxx would be giving his decision.Jericho's confession about Amy and her child was still ringing in my mind. I wanted to ask Knoxx about it. If those were true, how would I start? Knowing Knoxx, he was good at denying it. Or he might evade it. Whatever. All I wanted was to disappear for a moment to think of what I should do. The smell of coffee here made my mouth water. I so loved coffee more than the beverages inside the bar. “Hi, Sunny!” she said, stopped for a moment, looked at me, and scrunched her nose. "Hi."“Oh. Seemed like someone had a wild night,” she commented while raising her eyebrows. “You smell of...let me think. Did you go to a bar? Hey. You never invited me.” Thalia pouted."I'm so sorry, but I will make it up to you next time."Actu
SUNSHINE:"You and Brody were once mates?" I asked in disbelief as I tried to wrap it around my head. Brody and Thalia? It could not be. I did not see any signs that they were once mates. My head felt like it was going to spin, not because of the alcohol I had consumed last night, but because of this revelation.Thalia nodded. "Yeah. I was the unlucky one, always meeting assholes.""Who rejected whom?" I could not help but ask."It was him, of course. I was happy at first knowing it was him. Did not have any prejudice against him. But my happiness was only short-lived. He destroyed it."I leaned in, already engrossed in her story. Thalia continued. "That man. I hated his guts. He did some background checks on me. He found out I was once a hooker, killed someone, and he instantly rejected me. Believe me when I say that man is not good for you, Sunny. Been through that," she explained, lengthily.I heaved a sigh and massaged my neck. "Damn. This is too much." Just as I was ninety per
SUNSHINE:The men were agile and fast and had the intention to kill. Thalia fought the three of them while I could not move my feet to fight alongside her. Gael was already helping Thalia and the man could fight while all I could do was watch them. This was my fault! If I did not enter that bar...if I did not come home...if I did not leave Jericho...then...then...A gasp escaped my lips when Thalia was wounded in her legs. Blood poured like a waterfall. The man was about to attack again, but not minding her wound, Thalia was able to attack first and stabbed him in his stomach, putting enough pressure.The man cursed loudly and was about to hit him, but adrenaline kicked in and I was able to move my feet and kicked him in his stomach with all my might, especially on his stomach. The man staggered and writhed in pain on the cold floor. Two more to go. Gael was fighting with agility as if he were a warrior. Maybe he was one of his pack's warriors. If not for him, Thalia and I would
SUNSHINE: Knoxx was not a bit happy about my question. Which only meant he had no plans of telling me about Amy and the child.Why?“Who told you about them?” he asked, his voice dangerously close to snapping. That clarified it. Jericho might be telling the truth. “It was true? Everything about Amy and the five-year-old kid?”“It’s that dog right?” Knoxx uttered and sat on the edge of the bed. I followed him and sat next to him. Dante was again nowhere to be found. “Jericho told you. What else did he tell you? That dog doesn't know how to shut his mouth.”I gave him a blank look. “Who would have told me except him? And I am glad he told me about it, or else, I would be left in the dark, stepbrother. You don’t have plans to tell me about Amy and your child.”Was he the type of man who did not want a child? I mean the responsibility could be great, but who would say no to those cute little pups?Knoxx glanced at the ceiling and back at him. His shoulders dropped. “What did he tell
SUNSHINE:I waved my hands, and retorted, "I am tired from fighting those thugs, Knoxx. I almost cannot move my body. You can tell me your answer later after you return."I believed it would be better that way. Less stress for me and I could relax. At least that was what I believed. Knoxx continued watching me as if I had grown horns on my head. "Are you sure?" he asked for the second time. "Yes? Why? Is there something else that you will do there that needs my presence?"After what Thalia had confessed, I was not certain if my views on Brody remained the same. Why did the men around me sound so complicated?"Why?""Why what?" I asked when he did not stop giving me weird looks. He opened his mouth and it took longer before words came out of his mouth. "H-Have you already decided, Sunshine? Am I too late? I-is there no chance for m-me?"I could not believe that Knoxx was stammering in front of me now. He was an eloquent speaker. So sure of himself and now he was stammering? Impos
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