~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
~AUGUST~Barely a few minutes after I had returned back to the packhouse, the guards ran up to me and announced Azalea's disappearance.At first, I didn't believe it, but when I got into the dungeon and saw things for myself, reality hit me hard. She was indeed missing! Where could she have gone?Panic coursed through me as I made up my mind to seek Gray's assistance on this. He was obviously in the best position to help me at this point.But I was disappointed instead as I was met by his absence when I finally arrived at his packhouse.“He made a trip into the woods with some of the guards, and we're not sure when he would return.” His guards had said to me.I felt disappointed, desperation clawing at my veins. I made up my mind to wait for him. He was my only hope left and there was no way I could leave without seeing him. I can't even imagine it.Barely a few minutes after I had made up my mind to wait, I was alerted by some footsteps, as though a group of people were approaching u
~AZALEA~I gritted my teeth in pain as the guards howled me back into the same place I had tried to escape from. This was not just any kind of pain. It was an indescribable pain of agony and regrets—a pain of not being able to get out of my bondage and probably meet my father once again, a pain of being drawn back to my worst nightmare when I thought I was finally out.At this point, I gave up trying to leave the dungeon ever again, as it was clearly obvious that I was never going to get a chance ever again.August didn't look like he was going to let me out of his sight once again. He was so determined to make me pay dearly for attempting to leave at the first instance.I still wondered how he had changed so quickly, just within a few days of Zoe's arrival. If only he knew her real motive of being with him. If only he had an idea that she was in a relationship with his brother and not him, and that they were only using him as a tool to achieve what they wanted.How could he be so bli
~AZALEA~Of what use was it speaking up anyway, when no one would be willing to listen to what I had to say? Not even August would take me seriously if I told him that Zoe's intentions towards him were not genuine.How else am I supposed to go about this if not keeping my lips sealed—at least for now? As much as I wished to save August from the trouble he was about to get himself into, I couldn't just lay down my life in exchange for his safety.The following morning after the encounter with Zoe, I woke up only to find myself lying next to August.It was hard to believe it at first but after taking a close glance at the person lying beside me, my suspicions were confirmed. It was indeed August.His hand was crossed over my shoulder, pinning me in a possessive manner.I rolled my eyes in disbelief and quietly rolled his hand away, but that was before his eyes went open.I scampered in fear, rolling myself quickly away from him. His eyes trailed mine cautiously, his hands scribbling the
AZALEA“There’s no such thing as werewolves,” I said for the umpteenth time to my father as we sat in the dining room that evening for dinner.I had gotten tired of his constant rambling about them and how many he had managed to hunt down. It didn’t make any sense to me, a person having the ability to turn into an animal. I had just gotten home from my college dorm after graduation, and the last thing I needed was him lecturing me.“And how do you think I got the money to feed you and the money for this house that I bought?” he challenged, smirking as if he had just trapped me in a corner that would lead me to believe him.“You work other jobs,” I guessed with a shrug. I didn’t want to say anything about it anymore.“I do not,” he argued. “One werewolf is worth tens of thousands of dollars, and that’s only a small size. Six months ago, I was lucky enough to catch one after catching another one a month before.”I stared at him helplessly, not sure whether it really had been a good idea
~AZALEA~Of what use was it speaking up anyway, when no one would be willing to listen to what I had to say? Not even August would take me seriously if I told him that Zoe's intentions towards him were not genuine.How else am I supposed to go about this if not keeping my lips sealed—at least for now? As much as I wished to save August from the trouble he was about to get himself into, I couldn't just lay down my life in exchange for his safety.The following morning after the encounter with Zoe, I woke up only to find myself lying next to August.It was hard to believe it at first but after taking a close glance at the person lying beside me, my suspicions were confirmed. It was indeed August.His hand was crossed over my shoulder, pinning me in a possessive manner.I rolled my eyes in disbelief and quietly rolled his hand away, but that was before his eyes went open.I scampered in fear, rolling myself quickly away from him. His eyes trailed mine cautiously, his hands scribbling the
~AZALEA~I gritted my teeth in pain as the guards howled me back into the same place I had tried to escape from. This was not just any kind of pain. It was an indescribable pain of agony and regrets—a pain of not being able to get out of my bondage and probably meet my father once again, a pain of being drawn back to my worst nightmare when I thought I was finally out.At this point, I gave up trying to leave the dungeon ever again, as it was clearly obvious that I was never going to get a chance ever again.August didn't look like he was going to let me out of his sight once again. He was so determined to make me pay dearly for attempting to leave at the first instance.I still wondered how he had changed so quickly, just within a few days of Zoe's arrival. If only he knew her real motive of being with him. If only he had an idea that she was in a relationship with his brother and not him, and that they were only using him as a tool to achieve what they wanted.How could he be so bli
~AUGUST~Barely a few minutes after I had returned back to the packhouse, the guards ran up to me and announced Azalea's disappearance.At first, I didn't believe it, but when I got into the dungeon and saw things for myself, reality hit me hard. She was indeed missing! Where could she have gone?Panic coursed through me as I made up my mind to seek Gray's assistance on this. He was obviously in the best position to help me at this point.But I was disappointed instead as I was met by his absence when I finally arrived at his packhouse.“He made a trip into the woods with some of the guards, and we're not sure when he would return.” His guards had said to me.I felt disappointed, desperation clawing at my veins. I made up my mind to wait for him. He was my only hope left and there was no way I could leave without seeing him. I can't even imagine it.Barely a few minutes after I had made up my mind to wait, I was alerted by some footsteps, as though a group of people were approaching u
~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
~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
~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
~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
~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~“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