~AZALEA~“Aug…August?” I managed to choke out, my voice trembled, feeling the entire world crash around me. Time seemed to stretch endlessly and I thought he was bluffing until I saw some men marching towards me boldly.They grabbed my hands and pinned my knees down to the floor, forcing my head up.My eyes locked into August's once again, but this time, it looked like nothing but betrayal. I could feel the remaining pieces of my heart being shattered as I met his gaze.I waited earnestly to see if he would go back on his words and tell these hungry-looking fellows that he never actually meant what he had said earlier.But none of that happened. Instead, he nodded in approval, and it was as if that was the only thing the men were waiting for as they lifted me to my feet and dragged me out of the meeting arena.“Where are you taking me?” I asked in tears, not minding what the repercussion of my question would be. At this point, they had done their worst, and there was absolutely nothin
~August~I felt so fulfilled as I returned to the packhouse with Zoe by my side. For us, it was a mission accomplished. We had finally gotten rid of Azalea and that was obviously the best decision I had ever made in a long time.When we arrived, Gray walked up to us. At first, I was worried, seeing him in the packhouse at such an hour. I never expected him to be here, let alone sitting patiently and awaiting our arrival. But I maintain my composure, approaching him with a smile.“August, where are you coming from?” He asked, looking around restlessly like he had lost something. His gaze came resting on me all of a sudden, and he paused, grabbing my clothes. “Where is Azalea?”My eyes narrowed, reeling in suspense from what I just heard. I raised a brow at him, expecting that he would rephrase his statement, but he never did. His eyes were like a burning fire, fierce and filled with intense anger. “Where the hell is she?!” He asked once again, pushing me slightly.I staggered and man
~August~“Okay, what now?” I asked, keeping my eyes glued to the paper like my whole life depended on it. I couldn't help but wonder where he was trying to go with all these.Gray sighed and locked his eyes in mine. “I was just thinking we could come up with something. You know, maybe we should restrategize and make out a way to capture the real culprit—the man behind that face in the picture which Azalea was found in. What do you think?”“Oh. Of course, that's a good idea. But I'm still skeptical about how we're going to achieve this considering the fact that they are also on the lookout for us. I mean, we are literally a prey before them.” Gray nodded, hand slightly inclined below his chin. He remained silent for a while before raising his head to speak.“Well, in that case, I would only advise that we carry it out in the smartest way possible.” He said, staring at me for affirmation. “We need to be extra careful this time, and we need the guards also to be on the lookout. We can't
~August~Zoe withdrew her gaze, obviously shying away from me.I was trying so hard not to believe that she had said anything about Azalea's whereabouts to Gray, but it was clear enough that she really had.My fists clenched in my sides, my gaze fixed on her. Then I turned to Gray who was still fuming with anger. “Gray, I–”“Save it!” He cut in, shooting a terrifying glare at me. “Save yourself the stress. Why did you have to lie to me when you knew fully well that the person in question was no longer in the pack? Why?!” “Listen, I was about to. But—” “But you didn't deem it fit to tell me? No, go ahead and say it. Just tell me I wasn't supposed to know about it.” His voice laced with venom as he raged out and went on his feet.He turned towards the exit, his heels clicking on the marble ground as he walked away.I walked up to Zoe at once. She had a lot of explaining to do concerning what just happened.“Why did you do that?” I asked, gradually losing my patience. “Talk to me, Zoe
~August~“What just happened in there?” She asked, her voice calm yet demanding.I shot her a puzzled look, wondering if it was really me she was speaking to. “What do you mean? I just saw your father in bed with my mate, yet you stand here and ask me what happened? Are you serious right now?”“Your mate?” She asked, feeling no ounce of shame in what her father had done. “Do I need to remind you that she is no longer your mate? I am your mate, not her!”“Is that what you think?” I asked boldly, closing in the gap between us. For the first time since her arrival in my life, I felt fulfilled telling her my mind.Her eyes narrowed, anger brewing in her eyes. There was no doubt that those words had hurt her deeply.She turned on her heels and walked away, not sparing me a second glance.I headed back at once to the king's chamber, but this time, Azalea was not there.I walked up to the king, and as I got closer to where he was, I couldn't shake off the anger I felt towards him.He had ju
~Azalea~August's eyes remained glued to mine, and at that point, though I was still upset with him for the way he had treated me, I was determined to tell him everything that had transpired behind his back between Zoe and Gray.I lowered my head slightly, anxiety clawing at my chest all of a sudden.“It’s about Zoe and Gray.” I started, not sure if I had said the right thing. I could feel my legs trembling from the weight of his stares. “What about them?” His voice, deep and coarse, resounded in my ear, creating a lasting effect of panic on me.I was suddenly growing cold feet towards telling him about it. What if he doesn't believe me? What if Zoe steps out from nowhere and twists the story to her favor?It's no longer news that August had changed drastically since that woman came into his life. He had turned into a nuisance entirely and no one could tell when he would get out of her spell.After a long thought, I finally mustered the courage to say something—anything. The least he
~Azalea~August came running into the room at the sound of my voice. He froze at the spot as soon as he saw Zoe. His eyes reeled with confusion, traveling between Zoe and I. “What's going on here?” He asked, but before he could get closer, Zoe fell on her knees, screaming her lungs out.“Help me! She tried to kill me.” She cried. August was quick enough to grab her and stop her from falling completely. His eyes burned with rage as they met mine, his fists clenched beside him. I stared in awe, utterly surprised by what just happened. Zoe was such a drama queen. How could she have accused me of trying to kill her when in the right essence she was the one who had kicked me and tried to dismantle my legs?I stood there, perplexed and unable to say a word. It was of no use trying to explain myself anyway, because I was certain August would always take sides with her.And of course, he did! He squeezed his eyes shut, yelling aloud to announce his emotions.“What is going on here?” He ask
~Azalea~“From your facial expression, I guess you already know who this is. Am I right?” August asked. I rolled my eyes, still unable to believe that this was really happening. I threw a quick glance at my father once again, but this time, I wished he could read my mind asking him what he was doing here.Why does he have to show up now… at this point? I fixed him with a cold, hard stare as I came to a standstill.“Azalea!” His voice rang out, his gaze suddenly meeting mine. His eyes reeled with panic. “What are you doing here? I've been searching for you everywhere? Do you even realize where you are?” He asked, his eyes searching my features from a distance.He was unable to move an inch as the guards had him pinned down with their firm hands.“You know her?” August asked as he stared at him, surprised. A mean smile appeared on his face, spreading to his lips. “I guess this is where the whole thing gets interesting.”I felt my heart jump out of my chest as it dawned on me that my fa
~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