~Azalea~I turned around swiftly, and nothing ever prepared me for what I saw next. There on the table lay a stack of pictures and diaries, flipping all over by themselves.I was startled at first, but moving closer, I took a closer glance at the items, and at once, it stopped flipping. The room also returned to its normal state, it was no longer spinning or turning.I stood still, unable to comprehend what had just happened. I packed a handful of the pictures, scrutinizing them carefully, like they contained a mystery puzzle which I was interested in.They were all father's pictures, none of them had my face nor that of mom. I couldn't help but wonder what exactly was going on. When father was still here, our pictures were all kept together, but right now, it's only his I could see. Could it mean that he had discarded them before his demise.While I was still trying to get an answer to what was happening, I heard the sound of the door opening. At first I ignored it, believing I was
~Azalea~My body stiffened. I felt like I had been punched in the guts. How could father have borrowed such an amount of money knowing fully well it would be so difficult for him to pay back?My head began to spin as I couldn't bring myself to face the beast anymore. He looked so deadly and fearsome, his intimidating presence lingering around me.When I eventually mustered the courage to look him in the face, I finally caught a glimpse of an extremely opposite side of his frame. His face was sculpted into perfection, his full blonde hair, though messy, giving him a wholesome and gentle appearance. His jaw, long and smoothly carved, gave his face an exquisite look.I gasped, totally forgetting what he had told me earlier. I sure wasn't in my right senses, because how would I be getting attracted to the same person who had threatened to punish me for my father's crime?Crossing my arms, I went on my knees, now trembling at his feet. “Kindly spare me some time to raise the money. I don'
~Azalea~I froze at the spot, dead scared as the stern voice crashed in my ear. It sounded coercive and at the same time possessive. No, no, it can't be him.I gritted my teeth as fear took over my whole being. The stranger's fierce voice sent cold chills running through my spine, making me so uneasy that I couldn't get myself to raise my head.The mere thought of returning to that bondage all in the name of debt was what fueled my fears. I know I was indebted to him and I would do anything to offset the debts, but becoming his partner was completely out of it.Like how the hell does he even expect me to just go with him and become his breeder? I shut my eyes firmly, hoping all these would be over as soon as I opened them.Just then, I felt someone's arms firmly wrapped around my waist, and at once, I believed it was August. I stayed still, not bothering to resist his touch anymore—I would rather choose to be with him than be with that beast–someone I knew absolutely nothing about.As
~Bruce~I stormed out of the room to go meet my mother. I noticed her usual countenance when she saw Azalea but the only difference was that she didn't bother to say anything to us this time.Now she had sent for me, and I couldn't stop wondering what was going on in her mind. I still don't understand the reason why she was so indifferent about having Azalea around. The fact that she always wants to impose her decision on me is just so crazy.As I approached her door, I flashed back to the moment when she had looked at me with a disdainful look. There was no iota of peace in her eyes. It was just so obvious that she must have called me for one of those usual sermons of hers.I approached her room nonetheless, hoping she would prove me wrong this time by not talking about Azalea.Standing in front of the door, I heaved a deep sigh before going on to open the door. I didn't wait to be told before taking a seat beside her.“You sent for me.” I said, avoiding her sinister gaze. But someho
~Azalea~The more Bruce tried to convince me to believe otherwise about everything his mother had said to me, the more I found myself getting even more scared of my presence in the palace.In just a short period of her arrival, everything had turned upside down. The palace which used to be once peaceful had suddenly turned into a warfront and an argument ground.Frankly I wasn't cut out for any of that, and I still don't understand why Bruce was refusing to see things from my own perspective.He said and did a lot of things, just to make sure that I saw reasons with him to remain in the palace. Well, after a while, I gave up arguing with him. I decided to trust him for his words this time. The last time, I had left the palace back to my house without his knowledge, just because I was scared of facing his mother.And at the end of the day, I almost ended up in the hands of my enemy. I made up my mind to listen to him and remain in the palace. After all, a trial wouldn't hurt.~After s
~August~After that encounter with Azalea in the woods, I still couldn't get my mind off her. I know I had wronged her so many times in the past, and sincerely, I was ready to make up for everything I had done to her, including when Zoe was still in the picture.The fact that Zoe and Gray had actually connived between themselves to deceive me and have my pack all to themselves was not just disturbing but also unbelievable.Like how the hell could they even think of such a thing after everything I had done for them?Now I know my palace and my pack at large was at stake, and if nothing is done on time, they might as well succeed in everything they've been planning all this while.The only right thing I could do right now was to seek help, and the only person who was capable of helping me out in this kind of situation was King Bruce.He had a lot of connections and power to himself which would give me an edge over Zoe and Gray, thereby reclaiming that which rightfully belongs to me.But
~August~“Okay? How about them?” Bruce asked, stealing glances at Azalea. There was something about Azalea's countenance that suggested that she wasn't really surprised anyways. Of course, she wouldn't be. I could remember vividly she had warned me about them, but all I did was take her words as a joke. So I never even expected her to display any form of surprise.I could see the sudden interest spewing from Bruce's gaze, and that gave me an edge to be confident and say what I had to say.“Zoe is not who you think she is.” I began. Bruce crossed his arms, his brows creased with enthusiasm as he adjusted his stance. “Okay, this is what happened. Remember when you locked me up in your dungeon for days. By the time I was released and returned back to my palace, I realized that everything had been turned upside down.”“How?” Bruce and Azalea chorused at the same time, cutting in abruptly.Their enthusiasm was palpable, and I couldn't stop thanking them in my heart for paying attention to
~Azalea~As soon as I stepped into the doctor's office, I was stunned to meet Bruce instead. He blocked my path, his countenance a clear evidence of how furious he was. But why the hell was he upset? Did he really expect me to leave August right there to die? I know August had wronged me so many times in the past, but that was still not enough reason to let him off just like that. He clearly needed my help—our help.Before I knew what was happening, Bruce grabbed my hands, lifting me effortlessly towards the doctor's table. He forced me to sit, and when I did, he clenched my face, his eyes burning with rage. I was so terrified because I have never witnessed this side of him before.“You still love him, don't you?” He asked, his gaze suddenly melting, like he was broken. My jaw dropped. “What?” How could he even think of such a thing about me? “What's the meaning of this? Don't tell me you're jealous because of a simple gesture I rendered to a helpless person.”“Your ex lover you mea
~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