As I entered the flower shop, it felt like walking into a spotlight—everybody's eyes darted my way. Sammy quickly went to my side and led me to the staff room, “Stay here for the meantime”“Thank you, Sammy,” I sincerely replied.She smiled at me and reassuringly squeezed my hand before closing the door. I immediately heard her voice asking the customers if they were going to buy or not.Sighing, I sat down on the long chair inside, leaning on the cold wall. After a little while, Sammy swung by the staff room and plonked herself opposite me, holding out a can of orange juice. "Hey, I thought this might help," she said, offering the drink, “Cause that intense drama earlier was something”I took it with a grateful nod, popping open the can. I let out a sigh, “I really didn't hurt her”I don't know why I am explaining myself but with Sammy, I felt like I needed to. She was a good person and I don't want to lose her trust in me.She leaned back, sipping her drink, "I know" I blinked in
"Uhm.. anyway, thank you for this" I murmured. "Make sure to finish it all," he added with a teasing smile. He was smiling a lot with me lately. Not that it is bad but it was dangerous for my heart. I raised a brow, "Are you keeping an eye on my eating habits now?" "I have to, I don't know if you are stubborn to eat at the right time" His words caught me off guard. To divert the sudden fluttering of my heart, without thinking, I grabbed the water bottle from the brown bag and tried to hit him. “I have healthy eating habits, thank you” He effortlessly dodged the bottle, his laughter filling the car. A faint warmth crept onto my cheeks. Swiftly, I averted my gaze, focusing my attention on the brown bag on my lap and pulling out the lunchbox. Upon opening them, my eyes immediately zeroed in on the chocolate cake and fresh fruits inside. The aroma wafting from the containers teased my senses. "If Samantha cooked this, I might think twice," I blurted out. He glan
He suddenly stopped walking, making me pause as well. I looked at him confused. “What?” “What did you just say?” I frowned, “Uhm…you did great?” Surprisingly, he chuckled, still holding my hand. “Thanks. You're the first person who's said that to me in decades.” I rolled my eyes, and we continued walking, a faint smile lingering on my lips. “Well, I suppose I should consider it an honor then.” Nicholas suddenly entwined our fingers and pulled me along. Confusion and a rush of overwhelming emotions flooded my mind. “We're here” he suddenly announced as we got out at a field of flowers, leading toward a cliff. “Woah!” I instinctively pulled my hand away and bolted towards the expansive field of flowers. “This is paradise!” The wind brushed against my skin, and with a deep breath, I closed my eyes, feeling the cold breeze against my skin and the floral scent of the flowers. I glanced to my left and spotted Nicholas heading towards the cliff, finding a bench nearby
Florence As I slowly stirred from sleep, I became aware of the sensation of being lifted off the ground. I slowly opened my eyes and the night sky greeted me. My eyes shifted to Nicholas who wore a serious expression while I was cradled in his arms in a bridal-style carry. Confusion clouded my thoughts as I blinked. "I'm sorry, you can put me down now," I murmured, attempting to wiggle out of his grasp. “Stay still, Florence if you don't want to fall, '' he commanded firmly. His grasp tightened around me. His serious tone made me pause, and reluctantly, I complied, stopping my attempts to wriggle free. I sighed, “Why didn't you wake me up?” "If I had a choice, I would just let you rest on the bench. But the mosquitoes were having a feast on your blood. I had to carry you away from there before they had a full-course meal." His lighthearted comment made me chuckle, imagining the mosquitoes treating me like an all-you-can-eat buffet. “Thanks” I whispered and I felt hi
Florence “Just leaving me like that after that stunt huh” I muttered through gritted teeth. Heading into my bedroom, I shut the door, needing some space to think things through. Thoughts whirled around in my head as I paced back and forth, trying to make sense of everything. “Two weeks, two weeks” I ran my hands through my hair, “Damn. I need to figure something out in just 2 weeks” My gaze landed on my phone. And one person crossed my mind. “Percival '' I whispered, grabbing my phone but remembering that it was from Layla, there was a possibility it was tracked or bugged. Nicholas might have put something in my phone that can track whoever I contact. I let out a frustrated sigh and thought some more. If I can't use my phone, then I will need to use someone else's phone. ……… The next morning, when I arrived at the flower shop, I got an early start on cleaning and arranging the flowers. Sammy walked in, and I greeted her warmly. “Morning, Sammy” "Hey there, you'r
But as I fished for the key, I couldn't seem to find it. Panic stirred within my chest as I patted down my pockets again, searching. “What the heck?!” I groaned when I didn't find it. My heart sank as the realization hit me – they were gone. Breathing deeply to calm hoping against hope that I had perhaps dropped the keys somewhere along my shift. But there are no keys around. My car stood silent while rain clouds gathered ominously above. Maybe I left it in the locker room earlier. With a resigned sigh, I accepted my fate. It's not like I have a key to the shop anyway. “At least I have a phone to call Percival” I whispered to myself, hoping to find positivity in my afternoon. Walking home was my only option tonight. I tightened the hood of my jacket around my face as the first droplets of rain began to fall. The rain started as a gentle drizzle, but it turned into a full-fledged storm within moments. The cold raindrops pelted against my skin, soaking me through in sec
The rain provided the only soundtrack, a soft patter against the car's roof, as Jake continued to fix his gaze on me. After a stretch of minutes, he looked away, his laughter tinted with disbelief and pain. “Damn it. I'm screwed,” he muttered, “So, that’s why you seemed so hurt whenever you saw Samantha and him. He's your mate.” I tried to lighten the mood, “I guess I am not good at masking my emotions now huh” "Damn. I'm such an idiot," he groaned, banging his forehead lightly against the steering wheel. I couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction, "Hey, cut that out." He turned to me, a faint redness now decorating his forehead, "But seriously, why did he introduce you just as his mistress?" “Well….he dont want me. He wants someone strong for you guys. And I don't fit the criteria” I can't believe how I am still putting a good image of Nicholas here. He shakes his head, “You know sometimes I think my Alpha is an idiot. I would follow his order in a heartbeat to kil
After almost an hour, I exited the bathroom only in my robe, my eyes were swollen from tears, and droplets of water clung to my skin. With a heavy heart, I made my way to the bed, grabbing the phone I borrowed from Sammy. I sat on the floor, hugging my knees. My fingers trembled slightly as I dialed the number I had memorized by heart. The phone rang once, twice, and then a click followed but no one answered first. A sad smile appeared on my lips since I told them that if the call was from me, I would speak first and they should wait for me to speak first. It is for safety purposes. "Hey," I said softly, trying to mask the weight in my voice. A familiar voice came through, "Took you forever, kiddo." I managed a faint smile at the familiar greeting. "Give me a break, Percival. How's Sara?" Then, in the background, I heard someone approach the phone. “Dad, is that Florence?” There was a pause, then another voice, full of excitement, “Florence?! Is that really you?! We we
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