Marcella shut the door to their small flat behind her and sneaked in quietly to her room in order not to rouse her Nana. The small clock in the sitting room told her it was almost midnight and although her Nana wouldn't scold her, she would want to hear everything about the party but she wasn't sure she could handle talking at the moment.Tiptoeing to her room's window, she shifted the curtains aside a little to peek at her professor's car which was still parked outside the gate of the apartment block. She suddenly wished she had binoculars to see his face, to see if he had that heated expression he had given her earlier.The car then slowly reversed and drove out with her watching until it was out of sight before she turned around and leaned against the window, letting out a sigh as she waited for her racing heart to slow down. She didn't know if she had imagined it but it seemed like he had wanted to kiss her and even though she was supposed to be shuddering at the thought of kissi
Marcella woke up with a jolt, her body covered in a thin sheen of sweat with her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to regain her composure and slowly sat up in her bed, looking around at her surroundings to confirm that she was actually awake, before feeling a slight wetness between her legs.The blurry memories of the dream that seemed to be evaporating all came rushing back in sharp detail to hit her with every detail of the very naughty dream she'd just had of her professor. Flying off the bed in mortification that she'd stained it with her…release, she quickly took off the bed covers and went to throw them into her laundry basket before putting on fresh sheets which wouldn't be odd because Sundays were laundry days.She hurried into the bathroom to stare at herself in the mirror if only to convince herself that she wasn't going crazy. She slowly ran her fingers across her lips as she recalled his words and the way he'd been staring at her like a man starved, before feedi
At just six months, Lucas had just said his first recognizable word. His mum had screamed in utter delight when their little boy had pointed at his dad who had just stepped into his room and called him a 'wolf' with as much excitement as his little flapping hands could muster."Look, Richard, our little genius just said his first word!" Amelia exclaimed, her eyes brimming with joy as she picked him up and cradled him in her arms to coo at him and shower him with kisses before hugging him to herself. Richard's face lit up with pride and amusement as he came around to look at his son, having just finished working on his latest piece in his workshop. His little boy was gazing at him with wide eyes and babbling from his mother's shoulders while blowing raspberries. "Wolf, huh? Looks like he's already recognizing stuff from all those books you insist on reading to him every night," he chuckled, as Lucas had held on to his outstretched finger and was holding it as tight as his tiny hands w
Amelia tried to be diligent in concealing her illness from Richard, determined to shield him from the pain and worry that consumed her. She would immerse herself in heavily scented baths, hoping to mask the subtle changes in her natural scent that accompanied her declining health. The fragrant oils and soaps enveloped her, momentarily transporting her to a realm where she could forget the weight of her reality.However, she knew she would not be able to hide it for long from her mate, especially with his heightened senses as an alpha werewolf. It was a delicate shift, and it would almost be imperceptible to any ordinary werewolf, but not to her mate.The dreaded day finally arrived one evening, as she emerged from yet another scented bath, her body relaxed and her mind momentarily at ease, Richard was waiting for her in their bedroom. His gaze held a hint of concern, as he waited expectantly for her to get dressed."Amy," he began gently, using his pet name for her with his voice fill
Amelia's days were no longer filled with the physical exertion she once knew. There was no more running around, and her mate had even taken up the cooking. Instead, she now found solace and joy in the quiet moments spent with her little son. They would sit together in their cozy reading nook, surrounded by shelves filled with books of all kinds, their pages worn from countless readings.Lucas, with his bright eyes and insatiable curiosity, would eagerly flip through the pages, absorbing the words and illustrations with an intensity that far surpassed his tender age. Although he was just a few months over a year old, she admired his thirst for knowledge and encouraged his inquisitive nature and together they would embark on intellectual journeys exploring the realms of science, history, and fantasy hidden within book pages.He would often ask questions that seemed beyond his years, his mind hungry for answers and understanding and she would try to patiently explain. That fateful afte
Richard sat in the living room playing peekaboo with his giggling son while surreptitiously glancing at Amelia, who was resting on the couch with a book in her hand, her tired eyes betraying the toll her condition had taken on her. He was thinking of ways to cheer her up when a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and he hurried to open it, revealing a beaming Mateo, his trusted beta and his mate Laura, accompanied by their respectful son, Torrez. Amelia had also come over to welcome them with a hearty smile.Mateo may not have been the tallest or the most physically imposing member of the pack but his unwavering loyalty and dedication made him an invaluable asset. He was his trusted confidant and his no-nonsense approach to pack matters earned him the respect of their fellow wolves."Richard, my friend!" Mateo greeted with a hearty handshake, while Laura hugged Amelia gently. "Laura figured you both needed some help with the little champ, so we brought our secret weapon: Torr
The burial procedure for a Luna werewolf was usually a sacred ritual, a blend of nature and the mystical ties that bound the pack together. It was a solemn affair that honoured her connection with the pack and acknowledged her role as a guiding force in their lives, even after she had passed on. As the pack gathered, each member was donned in their ceremonial attire, reflecting their status within the pack hierarchy. The burial site itself was prepared with meticulous care. A circular pit, ringed with smooth stones and adorned with fresh flowers and herbs, served as the focal point. The aroma of sweet-smelling incense wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest, creating a solemn ambience.Before the burial, a ceremonial fire had been ignited, its flickering flames dancing in reverence to the Luna's spirit as the fire served as a symbol of transformation and purification, the smoke carrying prayers and blessings to the ethereal realm.Richard stood at the edg
Richard had turned to his craft to seek refuge, his sanctuary from the constant ache of loss and with each stroke of his chisel and every precise cut, he poured his heart and soul into his creations. The pieces he crafted were more than mere objects; they were an extension of himself, a tangible expression of his emotions as the scent of freshly cut wood filled his senses, grounding him in the present moment and allowing him a temporary respite from the haunting memories that still lingered in his mind.While he sought solace in his workshop, his son Lucas spent more time with Mateo's family. Laura, of course, welcomed his boy into their home with open arms, providing him with a nurturing environment and companionship while Torrez became his constant playmate and also began acting as a big brother.Although he was thankful for their support, his heart ached as he watched his son flourish under the care of his beta's family as it was a reminder of what he would never have again. He kne
Marcella's apartment felt different as she moved through it while packing up her belongings. It was still quite early in the morning and finally learning the truth about Lucas, about their bond and the depth of his suffering, had transformed her world. There was nothing left for her in Willowdale now; she had to find Lucas and make him understand that she had always wanted him, no matter the circumstances.With each item she placed into her suitcase, she thought about the life she was leaving behind– her friends and the place where she had grown up. After packing all her essentials, she took one last look at the apartment, a place that had been her sanctuary for years, and then locked the door behind her. The journey ahead of her was uncertain, but her mind was already made up. As she travelled to Mystic Pines, the location Anna had given her, her mind was filled with thoughts of how he would react, whether he would be receptive to her feelings, or if he would turn her away. She felt
As the graduation ceremony concluded, Marcella and her friends joined the crowd of jubilant graduates and their families outside the college auditorium, basking in the joyous atmosphere. But amidst the sea of familiar faces and the cacophony of congratulatory voices, there was one person noticeably absent: Professor Lucas.She had scanned the rows of professors seated on the stage during the ceremony, her eyes searching for his familiar face. Yet, his absence couldn’t be any more loud. It was strange not to see him there, especially after what they had been through and a gnawing sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach. Was he ill? Or was it something else entirely? Would he skip the ceremony just to avoid talking to her?She was mulling over different reasons for his absence as she excused herself to make her way to the ladies' room when a familiar face appeared on the periphery of her vision.Carlos.Her heart skipped a beat for a moment and she paused, contemplating whethe
As the days passed, Marcella's life resumed some semblance of normalcy. Her graduation ceremony was just around the corner, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was a significant milestone, a culmination of all her years of hard work and determination. Yet, there was a shadow of unease that hung over her, a nagging worry that refused to dissipate.One of her main concerns was Gina. Despite her attempts to reach out, there had been no response from her friend. Text messages remained unanswered, and calls went straight to voicemail. It was unlike Gina, and it left Marcella deeply concerned. She had hoped to share this important moment in her life with her closest friend, but it seemed that fate had other plans.Marcella sat cross-legged on her bed with her laptop open before her to a graduation checklist. There were so many details to attend to – her cap and gown, and the endless paperwork required for the ceremony. Yet, her mind couldn't help but drift
Marcella listened intently as Anna told her about the supernatural creatures who had abducted her; werewolves. Things she would have never believed were real if she'd heard it from someone else.Her worry for Lucas and the consequences of their rescue operation were skyrocketing with every piece of information Anna shared. "Anna," she cut in with an apologetic tone, "Are you guys in danger? I mean, with the police and all... What about Lucas?"Anna offered a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with a reassuring warmth as she seemed to understand what she couldn't say out loud. "Marcella, you needn't worry. Everything has been taken care of."Marcella couldn't help but feel more worried. If this information got out into the wrong hands, they would be hunted. "What about the bodies? The girls saw them and if they're questioned…" She was going into panic mode until Anna leaned forward to grasp her hand and instantly calmed her down, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone."I disposed o
Marcella slowly stirred from the depths of unconsciousness, her senses returning in fits and starts. At first, there was only a vague awareness of warmth and comfort, as if she had been cocooned in a soothing embrace. Then, as her consciousness sharpened, her eyelids fluttered as she transitioned from the depths of unconsciousness to a hazy awareness. Her surroundings felt familiar, and it took a moment for her to piece together where she was. The soft, muted light filtering into the room, the subtle hum of a ceiling fan, the comforting scent of fresh linen—all these sensory fragments coalesced into a realisation.She was in Lucas's apartment.As her vision cleared, she turned her head slightly, a dull ache thudding in her temples, and there, at her side, was Lucas his handsome face etched with worry as he sat perched on the edge of a nearby chair. A shiver of recognition rippled through her as memories flooded back. He seemed to be lost in thought as there was a sad and solemn dispo
Lucas knew there was something important he had been overlooking, a detail that might turn the tide in his favour. His mind raced, searching for the missing piece of the puzzle.Bolton continued to advance, his taunts growing more menacing. "You still don't have what it takes to be a leader," he sneered. Despite how much his taunts stung, he ignored them as certain pieces began to click into place. He had noticed that, despite Bolton's incredible regenerative abilities, there was a pattern to the way he protected certain parts of his body, most especially his chest. It was most likely his Achilles heel.This realization ignited a spark of hope within Lucas. If he could exploit this weakness, he might have a chance at defeating the seemingly unbeatable rogue leader. With newfound determination, he charged at him and launched a series of relentless attacks aimed specifically at Bolton's chest, each strike calculated and precise.Then, it happened. During their savage exchange, Lucas ma
Marcella, Esmeralda and the other captive women had felt the first tremor beneath their feet in their cell, a low rumble that reverberated through the concrete floor before they heard animalistic growls that grew louder. Their heads turned, their curious expressions morphing into fear as they slowly got on their feet and huddled backwards together. What kind of fighting was happening outside their cell that could cause such ground-shaking tremors? Before they could form answers to their unspoken questions, the rumbling intensified, causing the women to stumble and clutch at each other for balance. The cell's dim, harsh lighting swayed above them, casting eerie, elongated shadows on the cold, damp floor. Marcella turned to glance at Esmeralda, about to ask if this was a common occurrence but the baffled expression on her friend's gaunt face was all the answers she needed. She hadn't spent a day here but from the looks on everyone's faces, this wasn't normal at all.Then, without warni
The corridor stretched out before Anna and Lucas, a dimly lit passage that seemed to extend endlessly into the underground base. The walls looked like they were made of cold concrete, their surfaces marred with scuffs and scratches.It was a wide corridor, with three distinct pathways branching off from the central route and they had company. Very angry company. "That's her!"“That's the Shaman we've been looking–”"Get her!"Loud angry grunts and fiery growls filled the air as the rogue werewolves who were around the corridor when the main door was blasted open instantly charged at Anna. Her lips tightened into a determined line as she mentally prepared herself for the battle that was about to unfold.It seemed she had become something of a celebrity as she could see the deep malice and hatred in their gazes as they had instantly recognized her, probably from her distinct features as the ‘lady shaman who had killed their recruits.’ There was a thrill of excitement going through her
As Lucas slid into the driver's seat of his car, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, he felt the pull of the bond with Marcella guiding him like an invisible thread, leading him to the unknown location where she was being held captive. It was a sensation he had never experienced before, a deep connection that went beyond anything he had felt even with his pack. He had full trust in it because there was no time to analyse it; Marcella's life depended on it. "I can feel her," he said to Anna who had joined him in the passenger's seat, his voice filled with urgency. "She's terrified out of her mind.""Stay strong, Lucas," Anna said, her voice soft yet filled with conviction. "The bond will lead us to her. We'll bring her back home."He pressed his foot on the gas pedal, the engine roaring to life as they sped through the streets. The bond seemed to grow stronger with every passing moment, pulling him in a specific direction. It was as if Marcella's presence was imprinted on h