VENITA:I didn't need much convincing to go and rest. All the emotions that had burst out left my head pounding. Following a guard absentmindedly, I found myself in front of the guest room door. As soon as I stepped inside, I let my body slump to the floor, my face buried in my hands. Life seemed to always throw challenges at me without care whether I could handle them or not.After some time, I gathered a bit of energy and dragged myself to the bathroom. It was pristine, everything neatly arranged—the towels and toiletries, a sense of order in the chaos of my thoughts. A good shower could be a sanctuary, promising relief from the burdens of the day. The familiar sound of water rushing from the shower greeted my ears, and it felt like a refuge within those four walls, ready to wash away the grime of worry that clung to me. I turned the knob from cold to hot water, and the warm liquid streamed over me as if cleansing my soul from the day's burdens.The water felt like a gentle caress
LANDON:“Now, to what do I owe this reunion, Family?” I asked. "Let's keep it short and simple. I have other important things to do." "Not even a hug, I'm excited to see Mum and Dad, or how did you guys survive that long in exile? Really, Son?" my mum asked. A sly bitch. The very source of my hatred for dubious women. My mum, Mrs. Ashley Kurt, at fifty-five years old, possessed a pair of striking green eyes - a feature I had inherited from her. Those eyes held an undeniable power, an intense gaze that seemed to run in our family. Tiny wrinkles clustered underneath her eyes, evidence of a life lived making calculated moves. Her face had a striking beauty, the kind that commanded attention and demanded respect. High cheekbones and a perfectly shaped nose added to her captivating charm. She spared no expense in maintaining her youthful appearance.Her tastes were extravagant, reflecting her love for luxury. From designer clothes to exquisite jewelry adorning her neck, she exuded class.
LANDON:I looked around the room, meeting each of their gazes. "Now, who's got the courage to step forward and explain all the shady dealings that led to someone daring to decide who I'm going to marry?" Council member Azrael bowed respectfully before speaking, while seated on a couch near my parents, along with council member Dean. On the opposite side sat Alex, the representative from the Dark Knight pack. I'd deliberately selected this building as our meeting place, an extension of our headquarters in Nashville, to ensure maximum security. If any of them harbored ill intentions, I was ready to deal with them swiftly. "Council member Azrael, tell me why you think it's acceptable for someone to make decisions about my life and mate," I demanded."The council has reached an agreement with your parents to have Luna Mirage chosen as your wife," council member Azrael announced. I couldn't help but chuckle, shifting my gaze from one face to another. "Why should my own subordinates be th
LANDON:"What? Why rush things so fast? We could take our time with the engagement; there's no need to hurry into the wedding," Michael pointed out. My temper flared. "How dare you question my decision? Are you the one getting married, or am I? Don't speak unless I've given you permission!" I snapped. "I'm sorry, Alpha Landon. I'll be more cautious," he apologized. "Good." I exhaled. "If that's all on the marriage subject, Alex, please take your leave. I'd like to have a private discussion with my pack members." "Yes, Alpha," Alex acknowledged, standing up and exchanging greetings before departing, guided by Cross. "Cross, have a seat," I instructed, and he promptly took the chair to my right. "Now, I'd like to hear a report on recent events in the pack," I stated, focusing my attention on Cross. While I spoke with him, I knew that Ashley and Michael were having a silent conversation through their mate bond. As much as I could eavesdrop, I chose not to delve into their thoughts.
VENITA:Sasha had finished her treatment and, to our surprise, couldn't remember a thing about the incident. She acted perfectly normal, and it was easy to forget the panic that had gripped us. We headed back to our new home after Dr. Grant assured us that Sasha was completely fine. I settled her in, and now we found ourselves at the kitchen's entrance, deciding what to make for her because her appetite seemed insatiable."Mom, how about cheesecake?" she asked, pouting her lips and crossing her arms.For a moment, I was lost in admiration for my beautiful daughter, whom I had nearly lost. "Whatever you want, my darling, we'll make it.""Cheesecake. Let's make a big one for everyone and save some for Mr. Kurt. Speaking of Mr. Kurt, I haven't seen him."She was right. Landon hadn't returned since he rushed out of the hospital. It was now past two in the morning, and there was still no sign of him. I couldn't help but wonder if he had eaten or if everything was alright. Then, I mentally
LANDON:As I continued working into the night, my surroundings faded into a blur, and time seemed to slip away. The seriousness of the recent revelations hung heavily on my thoughts. Dr. Grant's information about Sasha's condition and her impending shift had me on edge. My wolf was persistent, nudging at my consciousness, urging me to embrace the transformation that had become second nature to us. With a sigh, I yielded, undressing quickly, and letting my wolf win by transforming.In an instant, I shifted, my form melding from human to the magnificent white wolf that was my other half. The freedom that came with the shift was reliving. The transformation from a human into a werewolf was a breathtaking yet agonizing journey that I was all too familiar with. It always began with an unsettling sense of restlessness as the moon's influence became more pronounced. My heart quickens, echoing the rapid pace of my racing thoughts, and my senses sharpen to an almost overwhelming degree.It pro
LANDON:I sat alone at a sophisticated five-star restaurant, my patience growing thin as the minutes crawled by. Having arrived half an hour early, I dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, my sharp green eyes scanning the entrance with anticipation. Mirage was late, a predictable move, but I knew the show had just begun. Finally, Mirage strolled in, a stunning sight with her vibrant red hair trailing down her back. Her presence exuded confidence, bordering on arrogance, and I had to admit, she knew how to command attention. She was dressed in a short, strapless red gown that defined her curves, flaunting her charm and charisma with each graceful step. As she approached, I rose from my seat, putting on the front that was necessary for a meeting like this. Her ego demanded a display of public affection. I embraced her, the clinking of cutlery and murmurs of fellow diners providing the soundtrack for her late entrance. Mirage pulled me in for a kiss, her voice a sultry whisper, reminiscin
VENITA:I dropped Sasha off at school, and with Landon caught up in his business duties, I decided to wait near her school for the dismissal time. It made more sense than making an extra trip. I settled in a peaceful park not too far from Sasha's school, where the gentle breeze and the melodious songs of chirping birds provided a calming atmosphere. I needed this time alone to gather my thoughts, away from the complexities that surrounded me. Watching the kids play, and the parents chasing after them, brought a brief smile to my face. I was living a part of my childhood through those youngsters. I was determined to give Sasha the experiences she deserved. One of those was having a loving family. Despite the challenges life had thrown my way, I held onto the dream of giving Sasha what my parents had: true love and a complete family. My worries nagged at me, though. I feared I might never find the right person to be a great father for Sasha, something she longed for deeply.Sitting on