~AZALEA~I could feel it in his gaze—the worry stretching through those eyes. He looked worn out, like he had just completed a marathon race.I waited patiently for his words, staring into his eyes like a lost lamb waiting to meet its owner. Then he cleared his throat, breaking the choking silence.“I'm sincerely getting worried about all the troubles looming over this pack.” He said, sighing deeply. His eyes wandered afar off, like he was lost in a trance.He remained still, gazing into thin air and saying nothing else. He held my hands for comfort, and at that instance, his gaze returned to me.I nodded, encouraging him to go ahead with what he had to say. “Azalea, I seriously do not want to bother you with the pack's troubles. It is more than you can control.”“And who says you are bothering me, August? This is where I belong right? Don't I deserve to know what happens around and outside here?” I asked.For a moment, I just stared at him, my heartbeat accelerating as I studied hi
~AZALEA~My heart raced with unanswered questions as I waited for August to step out and tell me this was all a prank.He had left the packhouse, but I never expected him to have returned with Zoe. I thought he said he never liked her. I paced about restlessly, my mind racing with endless thoughts and what-ifs.While I was still trying to figure out what to do next, the door screeched open and Zoe stepped out, striding majestically towards me like she owned the house.She let out a menacing smile, arms crossed. “I see the king's favorite is having a great time staying here all alone. I thought you were going to join us for some fun.” She said, her voice dripping with mockery.My jaw clenched and the anger in me boiled. I was trying so hard not to do something stupid to her.I looked on silently, masking my anger with a subtle frown. Zoe really had some guts to stand before me and say those words to me. But that was not the point right now. The fact still remains that August was in t
~AZALEA~“You are going nowhere, Azalea. Step back!” He yelled, his hand clutched firmly around my neck. I gasped for air, screaming endlessly for help but none came. He eventually left me, but not before he had made sure that the gates were locked and out of my reach.“Last I remember, you are still my mate. You are mine and nothing or no one can stop that!”“You already have Zoe, of what use am I to you?” I asked, tears already filling the brim of my eyelids. He grabbed my wrists firmly, and I struggled to get out of his grip, but all efforts seemed futile. “Let me go! I no longer want to be with you.”“In your wildest dreams, sweetheart.” His loud voice filled the air. Merely staring at him, I couldn't help but shudder in fear. Everything seemed to have changed about him. He was no longer the sweet Alpha I used to know and love back in the days.He looked more like a stranger to me right now—someone I couldn't even tell what his next move would be.His eyes narrowed and he furrowe
~AUGUST~I ran out of the manor as soon as I heard the guard's announcement. As I left, I couldn't help but wonder what the problem might be this time.Upon arriving at the gate, my eyes widened at the person standing before me. Gray was standing right in front of me, and the most surprising part of it all was that he didn't look like he had come to cause trouble.He was as calm as a storm, and I couldn't help but stare at him in awe. “Gray?” I muttered slowly, trying to be sure I wasn't actually dreaming. He nodded, a welcoming smile on his lips. He stretched his hand for a handshake and I immediately grabbed his hand, not thinking twice.“May I come in?” He asked, gesturing towards the entrance. “Of course! After you.” I said in excitement as I made the way for him to pass. I was quick to notice the shocked expression on Azalea's face the moment Gray walked into the manor. She fidgeted, hands trembling as she suddenly lowered her head.To my utter surprise, Gray ignored her com
~AZALEA~My eyes traveled from where Gray was, then to August, my heart racing with fear. How was I supposed to explain to them that he was one of my father's workers? They would surely rip me apart for being related to their killers.I gulped hard, noticing August's hands clenched into fists. I was aware of the fact that he now despised me badly, following Zoe's reappearance into his life.I lowered my head and took a second glance at the corpse, terror washing over me. Realizing the kind of trouble I would put myself into if I attested to the fact that I knew who this man was, I came to the conclusion that I would deny him.That seemed to be the only way out of this looming trouble. There was no way they would find out if I lied to them, right?“I don't know who this is.” I said, masking my initial fear with boldness.August exchanged puzzled glances with Gray, their faces shone with disbelief.Doubt was written all over August's face, but he chose not to go further with the questio
~AZALEA~He turned to face me, a mischievous smile creeping on his lips. “From the picture which I have just shown you all, it's obvious Azalea here is related to the man in the picture. And since the man in question is a human hunter, I suspect she is working with him underground, and is obviously planning to get us all captured.”The hall erupted into a loud noise as everyone turned their gazes on me, their mouths wide agape.It felt like the whole world was crumbling on me as their stares lingered around me.I slowly turned to face August, and I was met with the coldest reaction I have ever received.His face stiffened, his jaw clenched in anger as his eyes remained glued to me. “Azalea, is this true? Tell me this is all a joke.” He yelled, anger seeping through his voice.I was both ashamed and frightened by his words. I lowered my head in fear, unable to clear my name off these accusations, because they were actually true.But how was I ever going to say that to them? How was I g
~AUGUST~This was the highest humiliation I had ever received in my lifetime, and I swear never to let it slide this time.Zoe was right about Azalea after all, but I was so blinded, thinking she was only speaking from a side of hatred and anger. As soon as the guards had locked Azalea in the dungeon, I dismissed the rest of the pack members, rescheduling the meeting for another date when I must have made my decision on what to do next concerning her.But something surprising happened after she had been locked up—Gray, who used to be solely against me, was now weirdly close to me and always visited my packhouse more frequently than I can count.It got so strange to the point that he became a vital part of us in no time. Everyone in the pack respected him and sang his praises for saving the pack from such a huge damage despite our differences.Things took a great turn following Azalea's detainment in the dungeon. It was as though she had been a barrier hindering the pack's progress al
~GRAY~That was a close catch, I guess. My legs trembled as August questioned me repeatedly. I felt hot within me and I prayed silently that he doesn't find out about anything that happened between Zoe and I.Well, it was as though the moon goddess listened to my prayer instantly. The fact that he didn't bother anymore with the questions was what baffled me most.He instantly gave up asking further the moment I made him understand that Zoe was no longer in the packhouse.I couldn't imagine what would have become of me if he had found out that Zoe and I had a hand in everything that was happening to Azalea at the moment.I heaved a deep sigh of relief as I saw him off to the gate, and as soon as he had left, I dashed into the manor to fetch Zoe.“You have to leave right away because he is just on his way to the packhouse, and he would be worried about you if he gets there and doesn't find you.” I explained as soon as I saw Zoe come out of her hiding place.Her eyes rolled in panic as t
~Azalea~“I thought—” I said, staring at him quizzically. But father didn't grant me an opportunity to finish as he turned to sit beside August.“You said you had something to say to us.” He quizzed, his attention fully on August this time. I couldn't help but stand still, staring at them, confused.I could feel the tension rising in August's eyes as he struggled to speak. I had no idea what he was about to say, and it only made me more restless than ever.Before I knew what was happening, he dug his hand into mine, looking down at me. “Yes, I have something to say.” He acknowledged, and the air around me grew even more tense.What could he be up to this time?He got to his feet, still holding me firmly while his gaze traveled to where father was.“I… I would love to go with Azalea to my pack.” He said, his voice trembling. Father sat up, his gaze darkened. “I promise, I will make sure nothing happens to her. I just want her to help me achieve something in the pack, and I need your su
~Azalea~Thank goodness everything was gradually falling in place. It was surprising to know that August had also been reborn just like me. In no time, we'll both team together and destroy Gray's plans before he even thinks of launching them.When I arrived home, mom and dad wore a surprised look on their faces. “How did you two meet?” They asked as soon as I was seated, like they had been waiting for me to return.I stared at them, wondering where they were driving at. I registered my father's expression, and surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as in my past life.Father had never wanted me to do anything with any werewolf. When he saw August, he had attacked us, attempting to kill August in the process. But this time, there was a shocking difference in his countenance and reaction. The way he welcomed August… the way he discussed with him like they were old friends… the way he was so excited having him around. It was both surprising and unbelievable.I couldn't thank the moon goddess
~August~As soon as the men released the bullet, I fell with a loud thud, and the last thing I heard before my eyes went shut was Azalea's voice towering around me.In no time, my eyes fluttered open once again, but this time, I wasn't in the midst of Gray and his guards—I was back in the woods, groaning helplessly.My eyes reeled with disbelief. I've just been reborn?! How's that possible?I could vividly remember this particular day when I had killed a stranger who happened to Azalea's mother in my past life.I froze. This can't be!I suddenly began to get flashbacks on how Gray had betrayed and killed me in my past life. He had succeeded in taking everything from me, including my mate and my pack. But this time, I won't give him a chance. He'll definitely pay for everything he did to me.While I was still trying to piece out the whole scenario, I heard the rustling sound of leaves. That only implied one thing—someone was approaching.I fixed my gaze on the spot, curiosity taking t
~Azalea~I could see the eagerness in August's eyes. Obviously, he was expecting me to state my experiences back at Bruce's palace. But I honestly wasn't prepared to discuss any of that. The encounter was a cruel one, and speaking about it would only ignite the pain I had long struggled to bury off.I hesitated, my heart pounding. “Gray is a beast. That's all I can say now.” I muttered, holding back my tears from spilling.August leaned forward and cradled me in his arms, his touch warm and comforting. He offered me a deep smile, stroking my hair. “It's fine, Azalea. You're with me now.”While he was still speaking, the door burst open right before us. Before any of us could react, Gray stormed in with some other men. They were armed with guns, pointed directly at August and I.As soon as I noticed their presence, I ran off and hid behind August, shivering like I had just been struck by a jolt of electricity.Gray strode forward, his presence intimidating—choking. A mocking smile sp
~August~“Azalea?” I called out, still finding it difficult to believe my eyes. How come she's here all of a sudden when I had barely even stepped foot in the palace? “How…how's this even possible?”My voice was shaky now, showing just how confused I was. “Calm down, August. I'll tell you everything you need to know.” She muttered as she took my hand and led me towards the palace.When we were settled, she leaned close to me, her eyes both confusing and disturbing.I was getting hell sick of her silence already. “Can you say something already? Why the hell are you still quiet until now? You're keeping me in the dark.” “I understand, but you need to be patient. I'll definitely tell you everything you need to know.”“Then go on!” I blurted out, completely unconscious of my tone. “Go ahead and say something. I'm tired of this suspicious game you're trying to play.”Her eyes darkened and she leaned back, a tight frown on her face. “I heard everything that happened back there between you
~August~“Why does the king seem to despise you so much?” He asked, his eyes turning pale and concerning. It was as though he was reading my mind all along. This is exactly the same question I've been asking myself since Bruce suddenly started acting funny towards me. I could swear that I had no idea why he was that mean towards me.What was more surprising was the fact that he had now gotten close to Gray more than he was with me. It made me wonder how Gray possibly managed to maneuver his way into his life and make him get fond of him all of a sudden.Well, that's nothing to worry about anymore as it's obvious the deed has been done already and the only thing I should be worried about now is how to get my way back to Bruce's life.And now, with Henry asking me this question, my determination only grew. I shook my head, my voice low. “I also have no idea why he's acting that way. But I promise you, I'll make sure I get my way back by all means possible.”Henry froze. His eyes spelt
~August~ As we approached the palace, I already sighted Bruce from a distance. He was seated as usual in his manor, but this time, it seemed as though he was in the company of someone. The moment he saw me approaching, hauling Zoe behind me, he sprang up to his feet, his eyes burning with a raging anger. “What's going on here?” His voice rang out, fierce and enraged. Then he walked up to Zoe, accessing her carefully. His gaze spun to me, his face boiling with anger. “I demand an explanation for this. Why is she being dragged this way to my palace?” Just then, I heard a soft hum behind me. Turning back, my eyes reeled with disbelief the moment I saw Gray. He didn't look fine—not one bit. He looked like he was in duress. He kept his gaze ahead, acting blindly to my presence. “Gray?” I called out his name, but still no response. Worried, I released Zoe and crept up to him, hauling his clothes aggressively. “You must think you're wise huh? After rendering me useless with your mistre
~August~Henry let out an exaggerated laugh. “You're joking right now, aren't you?” He asked, somewhat drawn aback by what I had said. “Where do you intend to take her this time?”“Well, we'll find out tomorrow.” I remarked, sighing in resignation as I bent down to pull Zoe out of the car. The same way, I hauled her onto my shoulder, holding her legs firmly as I took her into my room. ~Next Morning She jolted awake with a startled snort, her eyes drifting off like she was daydreaming.“Where am I?” She choked out as she wiped her face with her palm. I couldn't help but laugh, clapping my hands at the same time to gain her attention. “Wakey wakey.” I teased, approaching her.I raised my face over hers, watching her with a victorious smile. “Surprised, aren't you?” I asked, shoving a strand of her hair gently to the side. She winced, her puffy eyes glaring at me with a heated intensity.“What am I doing here?” She sat up and began to access herself. Then she returned her gaze at me
~August~When the waiter went off to get the requested drinks, I stood up, taking an excuse to visit the restroom. “I'll be right back.” I said, offering Zoe a tight smile before I finally made my way out.I was already stepping out, going back to meet her when I felt a person's hand on my shoulder. Fear gripped me, and I shuddered, turning around slowly.But I was rather relieved when I saw the spy standing behind me.“What are you doing here?” I muffled under my breath, turning around to be sure no one was eavesdropping on us. I lowered my head, my voice barely a whisper. “Aren't you supposed to be there watching her every movement?”“Of course, yes. That's the exact reason why I'm here.” My eyes flashed with disbelief, his words echoing in my ear repeatedly. I nodded and leaned forward. “Okay tell me, why are you here?” “It's about Zoe.” He started, making my anxiety rise. “She… she has just drugged your drink. I don't know what she's up to but you have to act fast and smart.” A