As I woke up, my blurry vision cleared to see Nicholas standing nearby, seemingly observing me. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and grabbing the blanket to cover myself. I sat up, grimacing at the soreness in my center. I looked at my arms, seeing hickeys all over it. I was sure my whole body had. Nicholas was getting dressed, buttoning his white polo. His hair is still a little messy from last night. I cannot stop the blush forming on my cheeks at the memory of me gripping it. He moved gracefully, but his actions were a little frantic like he was late for something.Before I could speak, he stopped me with a calm yet authoritative voice. "Just stay there," he commanded, leaving no room for disagreement.Reluctantly, I obeyed, observing as he took money from his wallet and placed it on my bedside table. Confusion clouded my thoughts."What are you doing?" I asked, puzzled by his actions.His reply lacked any warmth like always, "You can use it," he said flatly.I looked at the money, stunn
My words trailed off as I saw Nicholas’s gaze turned away from me and in front of him. Then his face lit up, and a smile effortlessly formed on his lips in response to the voice.Smile. He smiled. It was my first time seeing him smile.The cheers and giggles of the pack members reverberated behind me like there was some celebrity that came to the pack. Curious, I turned my attention to the gate. I saw a woman, her beauty captivating with her blonde hair and electric blue eyes, smiling brightly and running in Nicholas's direction. The woman has gentle and soft features. Her face was round with a delicate jawline, adorned by full, rosy cheeks. I watch like they are in slow motion as the woman gets closer to Nicholas. Like I am watching a movie. My heart grew heavy with every passing second for an unknown reason. The cheers and laughter around me faded into the background as I stood there. Watching a woman run towards Nicholas.As soon as the woman was close, she spread her arms and hu
Lost in a whirlwind of emotions, I lost track of time, unsure of how many hours had slipped by. Layla and I are sitting side by side on the sand, neither of us spoke. I didn't know how Layla found this breathtaking place but I am glad to be here. The gentle rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore filled the silence between us. I watch the ocean, as the tempting waves come back and forth and the sound slowly eases the pain in my heart just to make it numb. I don't have any tears to cry anymore. It seems like my energy had gone along with my tears. As Layla broke the heavy silence, her voice carried a somber tone as she spoke, "Samantha was Nicholas's longest girlfriend. They seemed perfect together." She paused, “They even both promised to reject each other’s mates when they saw them. That's how great their love for each other” “He did,” I choked, my lips trembling as the memories of Nicholas not accepting me as his mate flashed in my mind. "Nicholas proposed to her, but la
I groaned at the warmth of the sunlight seeping through the curtain in my window. My eyes were heavy with exhaustion as I pulled the blanket over my face, craving a few more minutes. “Argh” I grumbled, pulling the blanket over my face. But just as I nestled into the comforting darkness, an unexpected knock echoed through the room. Irritation flickered across my face as I glanced at the clock, registering the ungodly early hour: 9 in the morning. Rubbing my eyes, I stumbled toward the door, dazed and disheveled. Just who was the person who would wake me up in this godly hour?! As I swung the door open, my sleepy haze was shattered by the sight of Samantha standing on my doorstep. Shock coursed through me at the unanticipated visit, leaving me momentarily speechless and unsure of what to say or do next. How could I react to seeing my mate’s fiance after the yesterday’s fiasco? Goddess, I need some time to recharge! I sighed, gathering any polite cells I had in my body. Samantha ha
As the sun started to dip, I headed to the pack center with one goal: finding the shop Jake mentioned on his business card. I needed to continue my painting agenda to keep my mind off Samantha and Nicholas for a moment. Enough drama for today. I also used the time to ask for vacancies or job offerings. Luckily, I was able to find one. It was a flower shop owned by old couples. “Canvas Cove,” I muttered, looking around. The place was a beehive of activity, shops bustling with life. I clutched Jake's card and scoured the center, dead set on locating the shop he had mentioned. Upon spotting the shop, I swiftly parked my car. In the corner of my eyes, judgmental gazes followed me. “She is the current mistress of the Alpha right?” “I heard she was rude” “But she was gorgeous” The murmurs of recognition and disparaging comments about my status as a Mistress brushed against me like an unwelcome breeze. I just sighed, ignoring all of it. It's not like I can slap each one of them. En
He continued to provide tips and tricks to achieve a smooth and consistent coat of paint. His patient instructions eased my nerves, and I listened intently, absorbing each piece of advice with the intention of mastering the art of painting my walls. Well, duh it's my walls. "You'll find it kinda therapeutic once you get the hang of it," Jake mentioned. "I'm already feeling it," I replied, dipping my brush in the paint. "Seeing the walls change with every stroke is strangely satisfying." "Exactly! That's what I always felt when I am painting” “You must be good,” I said, my focus still on the paint. “Nah, I think I am great,” he joked, “I was lucky that my old man supported me. A lot of artists hide their talents since their own family was against it” “Is he also managing the shop with you?” “No, he was always away, meetings” I glanced at him suddenly curious, “What exactly is the work of your father?” Jake grinned at me, “I'll tell you next time” and suddenly held my hand.
My legs felt jelly, causing me to collapse on the floor. Everything happened so fast. For Pete's sake, I just wanted to paint! Before I could make sense of the situation, Layla burst into the room. She rushed towards me. “Hey, are you okay?” she asked, handing me a glass of water. “Here” I drank the water, feeling that my throat was suddenly dry. I shake my head, laughing bitterly, “I don't understand him. I just don't” Since the first time I saw him and him buying me in that auction, I can't understand him until now. My train of thought stopped when I heard Layla giggle. "What's so amusing?" I asked, confused. I don't know how she can laugh after what happened. Layla's laughter died down as she said, "The Alpha's a tad jealous, I think." "Impossible. There's no way." I said, shaking my head. "It's possible. He's your mate, after all. Possessiveness is a natural instinct especially since he was an Alpha” "That's ridiculous. He's not possessive. He just….. want to hurt
I peered at my reflection in the mirror. I've never been much of a morning person, but here I am, all dolled up. Layla hooked me up with some seriously killer dresses from her stash, specifically for occasions like this. She's got a knack for handling the mistresses of Nicholas, as she claims. Now, I'm strutting in this curve-hugging red wine dress that leaves little to the imagination. It's doing wonders for showcasing my assets—emphasis on cleavage, of course. The hem barely hits mid-thigh. Lips, eyeshadow, hair—everything coordinated in shades of red. Red was my vibe this morning. And don't get me started on my nails, they're matching too. Red. All. Over. Then I paired it with sleek black heels that highlighted my long and fair legs. Hey, beauty was my first weapon, after all. Stayed up late last night painting my nails in that fiery red shade too. So, the plan? Crash that breakfast thing and mess around a bit with Nicholas. I mean, he ain't the only one who can play the ‘What's
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