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2024-10-29 19:42:56Claudine’s Pov
"An excellent choice!" Exclaimed Miz Lucaz, who would have made the same pronunciation for anyone who happened to be selected."If you all come into my office, we can prepare the paperwork for you guys," she continued.Ariella's mother, Janey, clapped her hands delightedly. "Yes, yes, please." she turned to her daughter and asked, "Aren't you excited, too, love?""Sure, mum. A foster sister at long last", she responded sweetly and with an innocent look on her face for the sake of bystanders.The truth was, she didn't care either way if she had gotten a foster sister or brother or whatever else they put up for adoption in this rundown, shitty orphanage home. It was just that being an only child could be tedious at times—no one to have rows with. Or punish. Or torture. An evil smile started to spread on her lips.Claudine had caught the evil look that had flashed across Ariella's face after she smiled, and it had given her a bit of chill for reasons she could not quite put her finger on. But what could be worse than growing old in an orphanage home because no one else ever wanted you?"Run along now, kids. Get back to your duties for the day. Your supervisors would be at their stations", said Miz Lucaz in quite an authoritative voice. A voice Claudine wouldn't have to listen to anymore, and the thought of that made her smile.As the children scattered back to their duties as commanded by Miz Lucaz, Claudine saw Annette's sad face, and for a moment, just a tiny moment, she felt for her. In reality, they all would like to escape the drudgery of the orphanage home and live in a natural home with grownups who could care for them. Or pretend that they do, at least.Janey, her husband, and daughter marched with Miz Lucaz into her office, with Claudine bringing up the rear. Miz Lucaz's office was like all the other rooms in the orphanage. It was small and cramped, with several cabinets crammed full of papers. Miz Lucas had once mentioned how running an orphanage on a very tight budget had made it unable to afford certain things like the services of a personal assistant. So the result was having her office look like it did now."Please sit," Miz Lucaz gestured to two of the chairs placed in front of a desk that had chipped surfaces, "Mr and Mrs—?""Zaynader," responded Ariella's dad in a flat monotone. He could not wait to get this bit over and out of the cramped little room. Crammed spaces always made him nervous and gave him heart palpitations. He had never admitted it to anyone, though. In his work about life, it was better never to admit weakness. That's how you get killed easily. So, he shifted uncomfortably in his chair and tugged at the neck of his collar to loosen it up.Ariella and Claudine stood against the wall as there weren't any chairs for them to sit on. Ariella was careful not to touch any parts of her body on the wall, which looked quite grimy to her.After five awkward minutes, Miz Lucaz whipped a file out with a flourish. The clutter made it difficult to find things."So if you could just read through, sir and ma'am," she glanced at Janey and her husband as she spoke, " you could sign right at the bottom if you agree with all that is on the paper."A minute or two of silence as Ariella's dad and mom scanned the documents."What's this it says here about visitations? I thought you guys had already sent someone to see our place and ensure it was conducive enough to house another human?" Janey asked in a tight little voice that Ariella and her father recognized.It's the same one she took up with cashiers at malls and grocery stores, the voice that said, 'Hold up, I know you would love to rip me off, but I ain't about to let ya.' Yep, that one.Ariella's dad allowed his wife to do the talking. She had always been the smarter one out of the two of them."Ah, it's—well, you're right. We did send our representative to check out your house and its living conditions. But the clause on the paper is for future visitations." she looked at them as she talked, darting her eyes from one person to another. When Miz Lucaz was sure she had their attention, she continued."So if we get any report from Claudine here about any maltreatment, we would like to know in advance that we can send our representative to come over to your place and investigate.""Okay, that's fair, I suppose," responded Janey as she signed the paper and pushed it over to her husband to do the same.Miz Lucas beamed at them. "So, that's it. We're done here.""Thank goodness," muttered Ariella's dad as he made his way out of the cramped room fast before the others.One of the orderlies had packed Claudine's stuff and brought it out by her new family's car.When Claudine passed Ariella, she suddenly yanked the beaded necklace from around Claudine's neck, which caused the string to cut and the beads to scatter all over the floor. "What an ugly-looking necklace. I've been wanting to do that all day."Claudine looked at the beads as they scattered on the floor; it was the only thing she had of her birth parents. Miz Lucaz said it had been in the basket that was left on the doorstep of the orphanage. Claudine didn't know when the tears started to roll unchecked down her face."Oh crap. The mousy girl is a big crybaby too. Just get in the dumb car, dumb girl", said Ariella as she shoved her hard into the backseat of the car while her foster parents looked on like it was alright to shove teenage girls around.Related chapters
Tangled With The Fated Mates 3| The Full Moon
Denzel’s PovDenzel Anderson stirs; he doesn’t open his eyes yet as he’s still groggy from sleep. He’d just woken up from a profound sleep. The previous night, they had marked the time of the month when the full moon was at its highest point. The Wolves of the Blackmoon pack, him their Alpha included, had stayed up till very early the next day running and fleeting through forests of aspens and beech and pines with dense undergrowth, frolicking and hunting, fevered baying and barking wolves scattered all over rolling hills deep in the woods that formed the heart of their territory. The full moon was high in the sky, and they had felt its pull, the substance of the Lunar body tugging at their whole hearts. The sheer energy of its light had seemed to course through their lupine veins.At intervals last night, Denzel had climbed onto ledges and rock outcroppings, lifted his snout at the moon, and howled out of his whole heart his worship and affection for the moon. All over the territo
Tangled With The Fated Mates 4| The Betrayal
Denzel PovSee, one of the curses of wolf hyper senses was you could never sleep deep enough. If sounds from a quarter mile away didn’t disturb you enough to cause you to wake, your sixth sense would, the tingling along your spine along with the increasing nudge at the back of your mind. He knew he’d been jarred awake by that feeling that something - or someone as it had turned out to be - was approaching, as well as the crunching sound the gravel on his driveway made whenever a person was driving up the long path leading to his house’s grounds. By now, though, the vehicle had come to a stop at the end of the driveway, and peering out his window, he had seen Reid hop out of his sizable red truck and head for his door. Talk of the devil. Reid definitely would be getting it from him this morning.As he moved away from the windows, he paused and took a quick glance around for his shirt, the one he had pulled off just as he crawled into bed next to Nira’s already sleeping form the previ
Tangled With The Fated Mates 5| Amidst Pain
As the car doors finally started to get slammed, Claudine jumped with each slamming sound she heard. The truth was that she was scared, quite scared. Janey, who rode shotgun with her husband, with Claudine sitting directly behind her, suddenly raised her eyes to catch Claudine's in the rearview mirror. Their eyes locked for an instant, and it did nothing to lessen Claudine's mounting fear. If anything else, it had increased it because Janey had given her a malicious grin just before she looked away.Ariella had been looking at Claudine's hair, comparing it to hers, and she had been feeling jealous until a plan had formed in her mind.She suddenly piped up. "I do hate Claudine's hair, mom. Look at it; I'm pretty sure it's infested with lice too, don't you think so too?"Janey turned her head backward to get a better view of the back seat. Claudine was glued to her side of the car with her tensed body tightly pressed against the car's right door while Ariella sat behind her father and h
Tangled With The Fated Mates 6| Overzealous
"He's lying," the words echoed in Denzel's mind as he descended the last few stairs. He wondered why Reid would lie about his whereabouts last night, and he was eager to get back to Nira to ask her why she had said so. He never doubted her, though, not even for a split second.Denzel, now standing at the center of the living room, took one look at Nira, who had assumed his position on the overlook, and nodded. She headed to their bedroom, and finally, Denzel turned his attention to Reid again."Hey, Denzel, I'm sorry for being impulsive," Reid said. "You are right; it won't happen again.""Damn right, it won't," Denzel said gruffly and sat on the opposite couch.For a while, silence just hung in the air. Denzel had been dwelling on what Nira had said, and Reid, well, with his head bowed and fingers interlaced, was waiting for Denzel to tell him more of anything he had on his mind."So, the intruder escaped?" Denzel suddenly spoke, causing Reid to lift his head.Reid freed his fingers,
Tangled With The Fated Mates 7| Good Samaritan
Matt grabbed the wheel so hard his knuckles went white. He turned the wheel as fast as he could to correct the car's motion, but when he saw how fast they were going, he tried to press the brakes even harder to know if he could entirely stop the car's motion.Women, he thought snidely amid the action, all they ever did was scream in a moment of crisis. Why couldn't they just shut up and shout out ideas for him to try out instead, saving them all from getting killed?Matt's eyes widened in horror as the car flew past green shrubs and grass on its way to collide with the tree. He shut his eyes when he suddenly felt that the situation was out of control and they were all going to die.But Janey had seen her husband close his eyes and prepare himself for death; she could almost hear him say, 'All man shall die someday.' The bloody fool.Well, not today, Matt. Not today. She leaned over and took the wheel from her husband's hand, jerking the gear while simultaneously rotating the wheel. At
Tangled With The Fated Mates 8| Banished
Nira turned to face Denzel, left hand supporting a towel, right hand running through her wet hair with the towel. Her lips parted to speak, but she drew in a breath and paused; she strode towards him and, looking deep into his eyes for a moment, was finally ready to talk.“I saw it,” she said cryptically, still looking into his eyes without breaking eye contact, “but you knew that already, so I’ll just assume you asked that question out of a place in your mind that doesn’t want to believe that Reid just lied to your face.”"You know I don't doubt you," Denzel said firmly. "I just want to know what you saw."Turning away, she walked towards the closet, leaving Denzel motionless. Dropping the towel wrapped around her body as she went in, she said over her shoulder, “I had the vision early this morning just after I woke up.”At around 5 am that morning, just before Denzel had returned, she had woken up pressed and had headed into the bathroom to pee. When she had finished taking care of
Tangled With The Fated Mates 9|Devil for a sister
"Knowing me, knowing you, there is nothing we can't do. Knowing me, knowing you…."Ariella and her parents crooned the ABBA classic without harmony of any kind, Ariella's voice being the loudest as she sang at the top of her lungs. The wind carried their voices as they weaved through the forest with Matt's trusty Chevrolet.The music was on full blast, and Ariella could not help herself but remember all the reasons why she loved a good road trip. She sighed contentedly as she saw her mum and dad take up the next tune on the track. It was funny how people quickly adapted to things. Just a few minutes ago, they were nearly killed in a car accident, but they are now singing and feeling so alive.But her last thought made her ponder a new scenario. What would happen if Claudine adapted to her torture and tongue-lashing? What could she do to remedy such a thing? Then another thought placed itself over the one she just had; Claudine wasn't in the car with them; they had left her behind in t
Tangled With The Fated Mates 10| Pained Alpha
Denzel frowned as he swerved to avoid a cyclist, damn cyclists.“I really should focus on the road more.” He breathed. The problem wasn’t that he had difficulty driving at night. Even under the limited light of the waning full moon, he could see more than enough to be aware of his surroundings, and he wasn’t new to driving. His father had taught him to drive just after he’d clocked fifteen. He’d gotten his license the week after he’d turned eighteen, and now, at twenty-five years old, he’d been driving for about ten years, so he could drive with headlamps at night like he breathed air, so having to drive with headlamps was not the problem either. The problem was that he was too preoccupied with his many tumultuous thoughts to focus on the present continuous task of driving, but how could he not be absent-minded?From the moment Nira had spoken her vision to him till the present, his mind had gone into turmoil, thinking about the numerous “whys.” “Why would Reid want to kill him?” “
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Tangled With The Fated Mates 105: Our little wolves
As the full moon rose high in the night sky, the pack gathered in the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering trees that swayed gently in the breeze. The air vibrated with excitement and anticipation as they celebrated the ancient ritual of the Lunar Festival. A majestic bonfire crackled and danced in the center of the clearing, casting a warm, golden glow over the sea of faces. Ronald and Cordelia, hand in hand, mingled with the others, their joy infectious. Kris and Kate laughed and chatted with Mary, while the rest of the pack shared stories, played music, and danced under the starry canopy. Just as the festivities reached a crescendo, a murmur of welcome rippled through the crowd as Denzel and Claudine emerged from the darkness, their twin bundles of energy, Ember and Ash, perched on their hips. The twins' eyes sparkled like fireflies as they took in the vibrant scene, their chubby fists clinging to their parents' shoulders. Claudine smiled warmly, her eyes shining with hap
Tangled With The Fated Mates 104: Ember and Ash
Claudine savored the warmth of her coffee, cradling the mug in her hands as she settled into the plush couch. The morning sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the dust motes dancing in the air, casting a serene ambiance over the living room. Her tranquil moment was short-lived, as the sound of tiny footsteps echoed from the hallway, growing louder with each passing second. Suddenly, Ember and Ash, her rambunctious three-year-old twins, burst into the room, their bright blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Mommy!" they chimed in unison, launching themselves at Claudine. She opened her arms, embracing the chaos that came with her tiny tornados. Ember climbed onto Claudine's lap, spilling coffee everywhere, while Ash tugged at her hair, playing a game of "Mommy's hair salon." Toys scattered across the floor as the twins' energy infectiously spread throughout the room. Blocks, dolls, and crayons flew through the air, creating a colorful whirlwind. Claudine's coffee mug teet
Tangled With The Fated Mates 103: A happy beginning
Three years had passed since the battle-scarred days, and Claudine's world had transformed. Her home, once a sanctuary from the darkness, now resonated with laughter and joy. In the sun-drenched living room, her rambunctious twins, Ember and Ash, chased each other, their giggles echoing off the walls. Claudine sat on the couch, watching with a contented smile, her eyes shining with happiness. The room was filled with the warm scent of freshly baked cookies, wafting from the kitchen, where Denzel had spent the morning cooking up a storm. As she gazed out the window, Claudine's thoughts drifted to Ezrianna, remembering the sacrifices made for their freedom. Just then, Denzel entered, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. He swooped behind Claudine, enveloping her in a gentle hug, his lips brushing against her ear. "Hey, love. Enjoying the chaos?" Claudine leaned into his warmth, feeling the tension melt away. "Every minute," she whispered, twisting to meet his lips in a tend
Tangled With The Fated Mates 102: Aftermath
Claudine's legs buckled as she reached Ezrianna's side, her body wracked with sobs. She gently cradled Ezrianna's lifeless form, holding her close as tears streamed down her face. "No, no, no... Ezrianna, please don't leave me," Claudine whispered, her voice trembling. Denzel approached, his eyes red-rimmed, and wrapped his arms around Claudine, holding her steadfast as she mourned. "She saved me, Denzel... She saved us all," Claudine stammered between sobs. Denzel's grip tightened, his own emotions barely contained. "We'll honor her memory, Claudine. We'll make sure her sacrifice isn't forgotten." Claudine's hold on Ezrianna's body tightened, as if unwilling to let go. "I couldn't protect her... I couldn't save her." Denzel's gentle voice countered, "You did everything you could, Claudine. Ezrianna knew that. She chose to give her life to save yours." Claudine's anguish only intensified, her cries echoing through the desolate landscape.Claudine's grief-boiled rage propelled her to
Tangled With The Fated Mates 101: Sacrifice for victory
Ezrianna and Lyra clashed, their magic swirling in a spectacular display, the air crackling with energy as they exchanged blows. The battle-scarred terrain around them bore witness to their relentless struggle, the earth scorched and smoldering from their clashing powers. Lyra summoned a maelstrom of dark tendrils, but Ezrianna countered with a burst of radiant light, the shadows recoiling before the purity of her magic. Undeterred, Lyra conjured a massive shadowy entity, its jaws wide open to devour Ezrianna, but the ancient magic surged through her, calling upon the land itself to aid her. The earth trembled, and a burst of stone and soil engulfed the entity, shattering it into nothingness. Lyra stumbled back, her eyes widening in desperation, her dark magic faltering.Ezrianna's eyes blazed with fury as she unleashed her devastating banshee scream, the sound wave crashing into Lyra like a physical force. Simultaneously, she channeled her ancient witch powers, summoning a maelstrom
Tangled With The Fated Mates 100: Battle ready
Reid strode through the mist-shrouded forest, his boots pounding against the earth as he returned to the Bluefur Pack's territory. The familiar scent of his pack's lands enveloped him, a calming balm after his prolonged absence. As he emerged from the trees, the pack's village came into view, its wooden structures bathed in the pale light of dawn. Reid's eyes swept across the gathering area, where his warriors awaited his return. With a nod, he signaled the start of their campaign against the Blackmoon Pack. His warriors, battle-hardened and loyal, fell into formation behind him. Reid's gaze burned with determination as he addressed his pack. "Today, we reclaim our honor and assert our dominance. The Blackmoon Pack will know our strength." His words were met with a chorus of growls and snarls, the warriors' eagerness palpable. Reid's transformation from werewolf to human was complete, his powerful physique and chiseled features now clad in battle-worn leather armor. "We march for Bl
Tangled With The Fated Mates 99: We'll be ready
Inside the warehouse, Denzel leaned over a large map of the territory, his finger tracing the borders. "We need to strengthen our defenses here, here, and here," he said, his voice firm. "Reid's been quiet for too long. We can't assume he's given up." Kris nodded, his eyes scanning the map. "I agree. We should also increase patrols and train more werewolves for combat." Jacob scribbled notes on a nearby chalkboard. "I'll work on strategizing patrol routes and scheduling training session. Let's move on to border reinforcements." Meanwhile, in a secluded clearing deep within the nearby forest, Ezrianna stood before a glowing crystal, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. Her eyes closed, focusing on the ancient magic coursing through her veins. "Astra, lignum, ignis," she whispered, conjuring a blazing sphere of light. The sphere danced before her, responding to her every gesture. Claudine's paws pounded the earth as she sprinted across the training grounds, her werewolf fo
Tangled With The Fated Mates 98: Away
As the moon dipped below the horizon, casting a dark shadow over Gettysburg's battle-scarred landscape, Reid and Elena prepared for the forbidden ritual. They stood within a circle of candles, their flickering flames dancing across the faces of the ancient tombstones. Elena's hands moved with deliberate precision, etching intricate symbols into the earth. Reid watched, his eyes burning with determination, as she poured a crimson liquid into the center of the circle. "The blood of the innocent," she whispered, "to awaken the Devouring Shadow." Reid's jaw clenched, his voice low and urgent. "Will this truly grant me the power I need?" Elena's gaze met his, her eyes grave. "The spell will tap into the underworld's darkness, channeling its energy into you. But remember, Reid, this power comes at a terrible cost. Your soul will be forever changed." Reid's resolve didn't waver. "I'll do whatever it takes to avenge Ariella. Let's begin." Elena nodded, producing a small, leather-bound book
Tangled With The Fated Mates 97: Whatever it takes (2)
Reid paced restlessly within his chambers, his mind racing with growing unease. Ariella should have returned by now. Something was amiss. His instincts screamed warnings, and his heart clenched with worry. He strode to the window, gazing out into the darkness, his eyes scanning the horizon as if willing Ariella to appear. Suddenly, he spun around, his fingers flying across the communication device. "Keeran," he growled, his voice low and urgent. His beta's voice crackled through the line. "Yes, alpha?" "Has Ariella returned?" Reid demanded, his patience fraying. Keeran's hesitation was palpable. "No, my lord. There's been no sign of her." Reid's grip on the device tightened, his knuckles whitening. "Find out what's happened," he snarled, his voice dripping with menace. "Now." The line went dead, and Reid's eyes burned with a fierce determination. He would uncover the truth, no matter the cost. Ariella's safety was paramount, and he would stop at nothing to ensure her return.After a
