I had spied on a lot of packs to know this a lot and had gone into their plans and works. In my work, I discovered one or two that were not involved in my mission. In my last mission, I was ordered to spy on the MADCREST PRIDE and apparently, that mission brought me to the list of most wanted persons in the werewolf community.
And now I was meeting a real member of MADCREST PRIDE again, not just any member, but a real squad commander, probably because, according to the intel I learned during my mission, only squad leaders had their pack name tattooed on their bodies.
It explains why my wolf had a hankering for blood from these men and was ready to come out. It becomes clearer as well how they do not smell differently when normal rogues have a bad odor radiating from their bodies.
These dudes are a part of that deranged group. The one lingering question, though, was how Swiftmane Pack was involved in this group that made them attack the pack.
Sara was harshly grabbed by the leader, facing me again "You want to make a deal to save her life? "
“Yes, I am,” I replied coldly.
"Ray, bring her here” the leader commanded.
I watched as the man named Ray walked toward me. With a burn on one side of his face, he had a menacing appearance. He broke the silver chain that linked me to the others. I was hauled toward the stage, making me hiss as the man gripped my forearm tightly. How I wanted to rip this man’s hand off his body.
Ray growled, dragging me to my knees, saying, "You bow down." Since I never bow to anybody, he will have to really force me.
I snarled at him as I was pushed to my knees and felt the silver tug at my wrists.
The leader asked. “What’s your name?”
“Florence.”
“What would you offer me if I could spare this girl? ", the leader asked, liking to see a woman with captivating beauty begging for the girl so he can make her do what he wants.
"What do you want?” Florence gritted the words.
"What do I want?” Staring out over the field, the leader questioned. "What do I want? Darling, it's quite easy. I will spare the girl in exchange for money,”
"I don't have any f*cking money," I snapped.
"But you will give me soon if you consent to be auctioned," the leader said with a sinister smirk.
I snarled at him wanting to curse at them but controlling myself and considering my chances at the moment. It was not wise to respond in a fit of rage. The first lesson I picked up from working as a spy for so long.
I said, more as a statement than a question, "If I decline, you'll kill us both, won't you?"
“A beauty with brains, such a nice combination” The leader licked his lips in amusement and nodded at Ray, who yanked Sara from him harshly and caused her to scream.
“I suppose we've reached an understanding, so tie her up with this one”
I glared at him as I was dragged by a man named Ray along with Sara.
The leader abruptly stated, "Ah, by the way, my name is Austin Byers. I guess we will need to chat at some time so that we are now having a deal."
I didn't say anything, letting myself be dragged off the platform and chained to behind the tree, far from the others. I grimace when the silver chain touches my body and burns my skin. Although I kept quiet since I was accustomed to the agonizing agony of silver, Sara screamed the instant the chain touched her already wounded skin. Blood came out of her skin.
Ray shouted, "Shut the fuck up, b*tch," while grasping and yanking Sara's hair.
I said through clenched teeth, "Get your filthy hands off of her. I and your Alpha had made an arrangement and my condition was for the girl to be an unharmed asshole."
“You never state your terms, and if you both disagree, Austin will just murder you both”
I smirked. If this jackass wanted to play this game, he had another thing coming for him.
"And guess what, asshole, I am ready to die and I am willing to sacrifice the girl's life. If I die, it will be your loss, not mine, since you won't be able to find anybody better to give you a large sum of money right now, right?"
The way their leader—Austin keeps mentioning my beauty or whatsoever, I knew the auction must be something about being a sex slave or anything that involves having a pretty face.
Ray abruptly released Sara from his grip and gave me a hard stare before turning to leave while muttering, "F*ck this."
As soon as Ray disappeared from their line of sight, I let out a sigh.
"What made you do that?”
My attention was abruptly drawn to Sara's question. I turned to her while trying to ignore the horrifying screams of men and women running for their lives. Sara was a lovely, slim girl with big brown eyes that framed her oval face.
“What do you mean?”
"Ask them to spare me? In order to keep me alive, you turned over your soul to that monster” Sara's eyes were red and puffy.
“I did what I had to. You don't deserve to die when you haven't even seen the world”
Sara mumbled, "I'm sorry, and thank you so much for saving me”
I nodded and remained still to lessen the stinging pain of the silver chain. “That is the reason I had to save you”
“Why? No one would want to save an orphan like me. They only tolerated me because my parents had been pack members up to their deaths”
I said with a sorrowful grin, "I'm also an orphan. An orphan protecting another. I guess it sounds better."
My mother also abandoned me when I was 10 years old and it made my father drive me into madness until he killed himself, leaving me behind to fend off myself. Maybe because I was a half-breed having the blood of a Lycan and a werewolf. I can still remember how my mother didn't want me because for her I was an abomination. It was a bitter memory that no one had thought of me.
My father loved my mother so much but I guessed my mother had chosen her mate over us. Or maybe she just doesn't want to see me anymore. Somewhat of a reasonable choice. After being alone in the forest for two years, trying to survive, I was adopted by a man who raised me not as a daughter but as a tool that he can use to spy on the business of others.
The same man who I vowed to kill the next time I had the chance.
Sara asks with disbelief, thinking that Florence's family was still alive, "You're an orphan too?"
I chuckled cheekily, "Yeah. It's tough right?"
And in that second, Sara’s voice cracked as she said, "Yes, it's tough."
I can't help but see myself to the girl, "But you will get over it and learn better at living while ignoring the agony"
We fell silent once again. As our pack crumbled, the sounds coming from them grew fewer and softer. I turned to Sara and said, "I'm sorry about your pack." Sara shook her head, her voice filled with rage. "They deserved what was coming to them." I was taken aback by the intensity in her voice. "What do you mean?" "I don't know if this is true, but I heard Alpha Jason joined forces with a bunch of rogues. Some of our pack members have gone missing since then. I overheard him saying that sacrifices need to be made for a brighter future. I don't understand it, but it sounds off," Sara explained, biting her lower lip in thought. My anger flared at the revelation. Madcrest Pride was associated with Swiftmane Pack, led by Alpha Jason. "That f*cker," I hissed, the pieces fitting together. "He's a terrifying man," Sara chimed in. "There are people scarier than him, trust me. But at least that filthy wolf is dead now," I replied, my voice tight with determination. After two hours, Austin
I felt the space on my left bounce a little as I sat on the class-A couch, something I had first assumed the club could not afford given its location in the middle of the woods. It was my first time being here, but it wasn't my first time pretending to be a club employee. To complete the tasks assigned to me, I performed nearly all of the jobs that anyone could imagine at a bar. "Nervous?" a woman seated next to me asked with a charming accent. Her golden complexion, complementing her brown eyes, and her auburn curly hair that fell to her waist made her look stunning. She tapped her gold heels on the ground and said, "Yes," with all honesty. "It's normal because it's your first time setting foot here," the woman said, extending her hand. "I'm Lynne, by the way." "Florence," I said, taking her hand. Lynne grinned and said, "Such a wonderful name for a gorgeous face." I simply smiled, not trusting the words that came out of her mouth. I was aware of how I appeared and how, occasion
Later, we would be led along a corridor from behind the door until we arrived at the stage where we would be showing our bodies to be sold off to a beast and be a mistress for one month. And the money that would be placed on my head would be sent directly to Austin. He was one of the second on my list to kill, along with many others. But it's not like I would be under a man's control for a month. I would escape as soon as I got the chance. When I heard the door open once more to reveal Austin, I let out an exasperated breath and dragged my fingers through my hair. He brazenly swept his eyes over us while whistling, but we were too preoccupied with looking presentable to spare him a glance. Much he deserves. I knew he would visit. Heck, I even saw more of his men going in and out of this place yesterday and earlier. It was entirely plausible though because rogues felt safer in packs, especially in their cases where they were being hunted by a lot of werewolves right now. Austin's en
I shook my head and sighed, feeling my body tense up once again. The Alpha King was here. I knew what the man looked like because I had seen him in pictures. And he was just gorgeous beyond words. Honestly, I kind of wanted to meet him. I was certain that my photographs did, but only as a wanted person. But I was sure the picture the Alpha King received of me had an image that was far from my real face or from years ago probably. When I was still a spy, well, I still was, just on a break, the man I was working for named Keith Cadwell met me twice a year. That man only knew me as Makayla Ellis and not Florence Lancaster—my real name. Meanwhile, others called me Veilios, which means shadow, known as the conniving spy. My father hated my mother so much that he changed my name to Makayla Ellis because my real name sounded like hers. He even made it a rule for me to wear contact lenses whenever I would go see him because apparently, I got my hazel eyes from my mother. Since I started to
I patiently waited for the next woman to be presented, observing the crowd's reactions. To my surprise, none of the men placed any bids on the remaining women, and I could sense the announcer's growing worry as he scanned the crowd, searching for Madam Barbara. The women in line grew visibly impatient, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread building within me. The host's whimsical tone cut through the air as he motioned towards the blonde woman in front, Elaine, who smiled seductively at the gentlemen in the audience. But before he could continue, a bulky man sitting in the front row interrupted, demanding my presence. Here goes nothing. Fear shot through my veins as his finger pointed directly at me. It seemed my time had come. The host's face lit up with excitement as he faced me, beckoning me to step forward. His words fell on deaf ears as I fought the urge to punch him in the face. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself and walked confidently towards the front even tho
I turned my focus back to the formidable man standing a few meters away, ready to smile at him and accept my fate. But my idea was shattered when he nonchalantly left, slipping out the door just as a young man in a tuxedo stepped out of the shadows and onto the stage. In the corner of my eyes, I noticed the other Alphas releasing a sigh of relief when Nicholas disappeared. I turned my attention to the newcomer, feeling the strong aura of power emanating from him. Although his force was almost on par with that of normal Alphas, he may have been the gamma or delta of the Moonstone Pack, the pack of Lycans. Their intimidating presence and naturally dense aura of power made them easily distinguishable from other werewolves. The man held out his hand and positioned himself beside the steps that led off the platform. Tentatively, I placed my hand in his, my brows pinched in uncertainty, as I descended the stairs. When I reached the floor, the man guided me away from the area. I quietly fol
I could already feel the bond between us tightening into a knot. However, the bond also carries pain, and I was dying within because my mate had just slapped and rejected me. Nasya, my wolf, stopped wagging its tail and howled in agony within my head, escaping to the recesses of my mind. I keep my focus on him as I take in all of his features, including those breathtaking green eyes. “Then let us reject each other,” I announced, forcing the word out of my mouth. The words felt like a knife being stabbed deep into my heart. He suddenly laughed darkly, causing me to arch an annoyed brow. His voice was too enchanting for my ears. Gosh, I hate that thought. Clearly, the mate bond is still trying to fix this broken bond between us. It was one thing I hate about the mate bonds. It didn’t recognize that the feelings of two people were not always mutual and the other was just hurting. "I will not accept your rejection even if you chanted it like a prayer. Our bond will only be broken
NicholasI gave Florence a long, intense look, ignoring her words. My eyes no longer contain fury, instead, they now contain malice. My gaze fixed on her hazel eyes that were warmed by inner gold. Her irises flicker with hurt and rage. I could hear my beast growling at my head. Fortunately, I blocked him. I cannot succumb to the bond and let my wolf control me. The woman before me was utterly powerless. I saw her profile earlier and it states she cannot shift and the fact that I cannot sense her wolf just confirmed it. It was kinda funny because her surname—Lancaster was the same as that strong and infamous crazed rogue but she was the exact opposite of him. And it was basically impossible that I would acknowledge a lady that was not a Lycan.It was almost unacceptable to think that she was related to that Rogue King. I grabbed her chin. A high-pitched cry came from her red and luscious lips while her soft hand grabbed my wrist. It was funny seeing her struggle in vain. I then dragg
Nicholas’s POV The air crackled with energy that buzzed right through me. It wasn't my own, though. Mine simmered low, a slow burn fueled by nervous excitement and a simmering pride. No, the nervous energy radiating like heat waves originated from the room itself, a collective held their breath as the music swelled and the double doors at the far end of the aisle creaked open. There she was. Lily. No, Florence. Not quite. Today, she was a vision in white, a goddess emerging from the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. The years hadn't touched her, not a single cruel line etched onto that face that had haunted my dreams for so long. She is still that beautiful being in my eyes with her dark blonde hair and hazel eyes that were sparkling brightly at the moment. She was wearing a white gown and a white veil on her head while her hand was clasped on a bouquet made of Lily of the Valleys. I noticed a nervous tremor in the hand that gripped Percival's arm as his, a
The salty breeze ruffled the pages of my book as I leaned back in the wicker chair, the sun already hidden, painting the sky with a darkness filled with stars. A contented sigh escaped my lips. It’s already been six months since Nicholas and I started over again which means dating for real like a normal couple. Both of us pushed our work stuff and it was one of the best decisions I made. Six months of travel, dates, adventures, and laughter-filled days. We'd tried everything from visiting ancient ruins in Greece to white-water rafting in New Zealand. Right now, we are in one of Nicholas's owned islands, perched beside me on the balcony of his secluded beach house, absorbed in his own book, a glass of amber whiskey swirling in his hand. I set my book down with a soft thud, the sound breaking the comfortable silence. "So, Nicholas," I began, his blue eyes locking onto mine as he glanced up. I directly asked the question that popped into my head, "Why are we still mates?" Surpris
Soon after, the night had fallen, painting the sky a canvas of inky blue dotted with a million shimmering stars. Dressed in a stylish, midnight-hued dress that clung to my curves in all the right places, I emerged from the bathroom. A gasp escaped Charlotte's lips, and even Sara, usually so composed, let out a surprised whistle. "Wow, Lils," Charlotte breathed, her eyes wide with admiration. "You look incredible!" Sara, her phone clutched in her hand, held it up to my face. On the screen, a video call connected me to the familiar faces of Percival, Quinn, and his husband. "Hey guys!" I greeted them, my voice filled with a genuine smile. "There she is!” Quinn exclaimed, his booming laugh filling the room. “Hey, kiddo" boomed Percival's voice, "Our own famous artist" Quinn chimed in, "You look stunning, honey! We can't wait to see you smash this exhibition!" His husband, a kind-looking man with warm brown eyes, offered a shy smile and a wave. "Good luck," he mouthed si
6 years later….. My fingers traced the worn frame of the photograph hanging on the plain white wall. A simple black-and-white capture: a lone tree silhouetted against a fiery sunset, its branches reaching out like gnarled fingers. It evoked emotions that felt like a lifetime ago, not the picture itself. "Just making sure, Lily," a soft voice broke through my reverie. "Tomorrow's the big day, you know. Your fifth exhibition and your first appearance." I chuckled, glancing to my left. A beautiful woman stood beside me. Her closely cropped hair, a riot of ebony curls, framed a face that, though small, held a radiant warmth. Her skin, a rich, warm brown, seemed to glow with an inner light. "Tenth time this week, wouldn't you say?" I asked. She grinned, a flash of white against her warm brown skin. "Maybe. But this is different. People are buzzing about you, Lily. The mysterious artist finally makes an appearance after four years." My gaze swept across the gallery, taking in
Keith let out a cruel laugh. "I used all my strongest rogues to deal with the Lycans," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "And your dear Nicholas... Well, let's just say he put up a good fight. The man was a monster indeed. His regenerating ability was remarkable" My gaze fell upon the jacket he wore, a small device embedded in one of the pockets like a dark eye staring back at me. "Is that the button?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My eyes seem lifeless. Keith raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. He nodded curtly. "The button for the chips in the rogues? Yes. One press, and they all die a quick, painless death. Useful to threaten them to do something" My face was cold and unreadable as I turned to him, watching him light his cigarette. “Want some?” he offered. I reached for the cigarette he offered, lighting it. As I inhaled, a single thought echoed in my mind: everything had to end. “You know you need to cooperate with t
Seizing the opportunity, I turned and ran, deeper into the dense darkness of the forest to the clearing. I can see it. I had made a choice, a terrible one that left me torn between self-preservation and the agonizing cost it had come at. But as I ran, I couldn't shake the image of Nicholas, wounded, facing the wrath of the rogues because of me. The burden of that decision would be a heavy one to bear, one that I knew I would bring to my death. Suddenly, a blur of fur shot out from my peripheral vision. I snapped my head around just in time to see another rogue, its red eyes zeroing in on me. I reached for the gun. But my hand met only empty air. “Huh, of course it is gone” I scoffed in annoyance. I flung myself aside, barely avoiding the snapping jaws of the beast. But the momentum of my dodge carried me off balance, sending me tumbling to the ground. As I lay there, sprawled, the rogue loomed above, its fetid breath washing over me. An instinct older than thought, deepe
A glance in the rearview mirror confirmed five wolves, their sleek fur gleaming in the daylight, chased after me, led by the imposing figure of the black wolf. He was larger and faster than the rest, impossibly so, but I couldn't stop. They were so fast that our distance was just so small. “What the f*ck?”I cursed. Suddenly, the walkie-talkie crackled inside the car came to life, a very familiar voice cutting through the sound of the engine. I know it belongs to Keith Caldwell. "Hurry! Meet me at the cliff. I've set the GPS coordinates. I know you can hear me Florence. Hurry, if you want to finally escape and save your pack. It's just right as you are their Luna” I gritted my teeth. I am not surprised he already knew that Nicholas and I were mates. Taking deep breaths to regulate my emotions, I glanced at the GPS, memorizing the route, then opened the glove compartment seeing a grenade and a tear gas grenade. Without hesitation, I grabbed the tear gas grenade. “We should
With a shriek of pain, my mother staggered back, releasing her hold. I gasped for air, collapsing onto the forest floor. As my vision cleared, I saw my mother clutching her face, a crimson stain blooming across her fingers. "How… How did you find me?" I rasped, my voice hoarse from lack of oxygen. "Olga," she spat, her voice laced with venom. "Keith and I made a deal. I’ll help him get the rogues in the borders in exchange for… getting rid of you." The revelation made my stomach churn. My mother had orchestrated my capture, colluding with the very threat she swore to protect the pack from. "I even gave her guard schedules," my mother continued, her voice dripping with vindictive satisfaction, "making sure the rogues wouldn't be stopped at the borders long enough… for you to be… eliminated. But I hate their plan. Keith wanted you alive but I wanted you gone so the attack was merely an excuse for me to kill you" My mind reeled. The woman who had birthed me, the woman who had
I was shaking in anger as I asked, “Why are you doing this?” Olga just shrugged and a sadistic gaze glowed in her black and gold eyes, “Simply because I wanted for the line of the Lycans to end. We are living too long” I hold myself back from killing her. I still need her to find the way out. No matter how I wanted to help up there, I could only be of help to them if I killed Keith and got out of their lives. After all, everything happened because of me. “Enough chit-chat. Let's move now” Olga said. The urgency tightened its grip on my heart. I followed her silently, my steps light and quick trying my hardest to ignore the loud footsteps above and screams. After countless turns and twists, the staircase ended in a narrow tunnel. Without hesitation, we crawled through the cramped passage, the damp earth brushing against my skin. I was a little frustrated since Olga moved a little slower and honestly I am more concerned with how she was short of breath. Finally, after what