Xzen's POVThere's no way. There's simply no way. I run a hand through my growing hair. When had things gotten this messed up? I can be as delusional as I want to but it won't change the fact that things can't work between us. The sound of repeated tappings of my feet echoes as I pace back and forth in my study. My mind is troubled with doubts and concerns.Perhaps I should have been a bit softer with my approach. No, I don't regret my decision to keep a bit of distance between myself and Aura. I do regret ever taking up the task to train her. I shouldn't have gotten myself in that circle to begin with. "Why does she affect me like this?" I mutter to myself, frustration etched on my face.The not-so-timid Omega has somehow managed to burrow deep into my heart. Her mere presence ignites a raw fire within me, making me feel alive. But I know I must resist because there no way we'll be together. "She's not mated, Xzendray" I groan to myself. I need to take something, anything to stop
Xzen's POVI stride calmly across the courtyard, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The warm sunlight casts a serene glow, contrasting with the turmoil brewing within me. Aura follows quietly behind, her soft footsteps and gentle rustling of clothes the only sounds betraying her presence.When I stormed between her and Ace, I'd ft foolish and stuck without an excuse for my presence but then my lips had moved on their own. My desperation forcing me to think at a rushed pace. “Training starts in two minutes, Aura. Come along.” I'd said and walked off. At first I thought she wasn't going to follow but she's proved me wrong once again.The air is alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant chirping of birds, a tranquil atmosphere that belies my inner conflict. My mind is a chaos as warring thoughts clash like opposing forces.I have no idea why I interrupted her moment with Ace? Why do I feel this primal urge to claim her attention all to myself?I push aside m
Chapter 25With a sob I stand frozen, my back against the door, my heart racing. Why does he keep toying with my emotions? Why deliberately make my heart skip a beat, only to crush it once more?Tears stream down my face as I replay his words. He was going to call it a mistake again. His intense gaze, his gentle touch, his whispered words... all contradict this his harsh rejection.It already hurts enough to be avoiding Hanna. I know I won't be able to bear seeing how happy she is without me. Our friendship lies in tatters if there's anything left of it at all.Although Hanna's betrayal hurt me, Alpha Xzen's actions cut deeper. He must enjoy seeing me so vulnerable? Why does he take pleasure in my pain?I angrily wipe away tears. I won't let him break me. I won't be his plaything.I turn to step away from the door, that's when I hear a faint sound.." Aura..."My heart skips a beat. Alpha Xzen's low, husky voice involuntarily sends shivers down my spine. What does he want now?"What
Xzen's POVAura's words take me by surprise. I gently pull away from her, her lust-heavy eyes lift up to meet my stunned gaze. As if sensing my doubt Aura leans in. My hard cock jolts at the sweet contact of her feminine body against mine. “Please,” the word leaves her lips with an undeniable assurance that leaves me reeling. My grip on her waist tightens as I slide a hand under her top. “Aura, when I take you…I won't stop.” At my words, a gasp escapes her wet swollen lips. My gaze drops as she watches with a flush in her cheeks, my hands sliding her dress down, over her breasts, and past her hips. The raw want in my gaze reflects in hers and my fingers move between her soft thighs, deftly sliding her white panties aside. Slowly my fingers curl into her, easily finding their way into her wetness. Aura gasps, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of pleasure.Her hands fly to my head, fingers tangling deliciously in my hair as she holds me close.“A…Alpha,” she whimpers, grinding against
Chapter 27I am sitting at the dining table, trying to focus on my meal, but my eyes keep drifting to Xzen. He's sitting opposite me. Our gazes meet and I feel my cheeks flush with warmth. I quickly look away, attempting to compose myself.Alpha Elena's voice breaks the silence, "Alpha Gerald will be visiting next week." She informs, her gaze trained on her first son. Alpha Xzen's reaction is immediate. His fist clenches, and his jaw tenses up. I can sense his annoyance, and my first instinct is to reach out and offer him some form of comfort. But I hesitate.Just as I'm wondering how to respond, his gaze locks onto mine. The atmosphere shifts, charged with a newfound intensity. Alpha Xzen slowly licks his spoon. He doesn't break eye contact. I freeze, my heart racing, as he holds my gaze.His pink tongue darts out and twirls around the golden object, effectively reminding me of how he'd used that part of him on my hardened nubs last night.Alpha Xzen's eyes seem to bore into my sou
Chapter 28I heave a sigh of relief when we step out of the pack mansion into air free of all that tension inside. Hanna's cautious eyes lock onto mine, filled with remorse. I glance ahead, my healing class is visible far ahead. The green scenery around it, a beautiful sight to behold."Aura, I'm sorry," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.I swallow, my right fingers pulling at my left sleeve. I hadn't expected her to apologize. "For what, Hanna?" I murmur, refusing to face her. Hanna takes a deep breath. "For claiming to be sick. For not being honest with you."I study her face, searching for sincerity. "Why…why did you do it?"Hanna's gaze drops, shamefaced. "I was jealous. I…I saw how close you and Xzen were getting, and I just…I felt... betrayed." “B…betrayed?" I repeat, confusion etched on my face. If anyone should feel betrayed, it's me. Hanna's eyes well up with tears. "I'm 22, Aura. Still without a mate. I'd hoped... I'd hoped Alpha Xzen would notice me, since his m
Alpha Xzen's piercing eyes locks onto mine, his hungry gaze burns with intensity. My body heats up as the air thickens with his Alpha pheromones. My heart races in my chest when he closes the distance between us, his movements swift and confident. I moan into his kiss as his tender lips capture mine. Fire burns through my veins and I press against him, submitting to his ministration. A shiver runs up my spine when he kisses a beating pulse in my neck, just above my collarbone. Then Alpha Xzen pulls back, a smile on his face, and goddess, no sight can ever be better. My heart warms at the knowledge that I'm the one who pulled out that expression from him. A beautiful face I've never seen him pull before. “You have no idea,” Alpha Xzen murmurs, his breath whispering against my skin. My lips part slightly, anticipation coursing through my veins.“How long I've waited to do that.”His long fingers graze my jaw, sending a hot shiver down my spine. His touch is gentle yet possessive, sp
Xzen's POVMy heart blossoms with an odd feeling as I sit behind my study desk, a smile spreads across my face as I reminisce my passionate night with Aura. His uncontrollable heart races, pounding in his chest like a drum. I place a palm over my heart, feeling the rapid beats, lost in the thoughts of Aura.I throw my head back with closed eyes, savoring the recollection. Collins’ voice suddenly pierces through my reverie, forces me back to reality. My eyes refocus, and I clear my throat, steadily composing myself. My smile still lingers, betraying my efforts to maintain a stoic demeanor."Collins," I say with a cough in an attempt to control my malfunctioning facial expression. "What brings you here?" I question, my gaze drifting back to the papers on my desk, but my stubborn mind lingers on Aura, the memories of our night together refusing to be silenced.Collins walks in, shaking his head at me. "You, my friend, are whipped," he says with a knowing smirk.I frown, quickly caution
Aura's POVAt first we don't notice the sky darkening, too lost in the heated kiss to realize. But then raindrops begin to fall, gently at first, then it intensifies into a relentless downpour. “Hmm,” I moan against Alpha Xzen's lips a second before he pulls me up to wrap my legs around his waist. My fingers tangle in Alpha Xzen's hair while his hands roam my curves like a starved man. But our bliss is short-lived. A squeak leaves my lips when the rain suddenly becomes a torrent, forcing us to seek refuge. Alpha Xzen grasps my hand, “follow me!” He shouts under the rain, pulling me along with him. Laughter escapes my chest as we run like two pups in the rain. Xzen glances back at me, his eyes warm. I run after him, feeling my heart lighten as I'm led back to my shelter. Our footsteps splashing in puddles.Michel and Henry must be in their outside rooms on both sides of the small house, as they are nowhere to be found when we burst through the shelter's entrance.The door barely ge
As I walk up to meet Alpha Xzen, my heart pounds heavily in my chest. He stands a few feet away, two guards standing beside him but not too close. His eyes are fixed on me as I step closer, expecting him to say something– anything that'll give me some indication of why he's waiting for me. But instead, Alpha Xzen's eyes shine as he simply gently tugs me away from the rising murmur of the small groups of individuals standing and sitting in the green field. A kind shiver graces my spine at the warm contact. I inhale, noting how good he smells. Alpha Xzen's thumb rubs softly the back of my tensed hand and I instantly relax, feeling a calm heat course through my hand to my heart. I stumble slightly, caught off guard by his sudden quick movement, like he's scared I'll refuse to follow him. "W...where are you taking me?" I ask, trying to hide the uncertainty in my voice. No, it's not that I'm scared of Alpha Xzen, but because I'm not sure what to expect from him. He doesn't respond resp
Aura's POVThe grass is wet today. Wet drops quickly slip into my sandals as myself and Bay stroll down to class. Today's our exam. It's our final practical class, one that I and Bay have been studying hard for. Like every other day, Bay came to wait at my door so we can stroll to class together but I don't believe that's the only reason. Considering how interested in Henry she was when I got out, I'd say he's the main reason she keeps showing up. As we stroll, I silently listen to Bay rant on about how Michel is always ruining her fun with Henry and how unfair it is. “I mean, I'm no longer with that cheating count so why can't I mate with a mateless beauty?!” Bay unsurprisingly yells.Yes, she's is... a lot. She's loud, blunt, and very dramatic, but somehow it all just works. Most days she's like a breath of fresh air to my worrisome mind, stirring things up and keeping me in the present.I realize, as we walk, that I've never known anyone like Bay. Someone who's so unapologetical
It's been days since I last saw Alpha Xzen, and weeks since I moved out of the pack house. Through out this time a lot of things have been inconsistent. Although I hate to say it, I'm better off within the pack house where every thing is set in motion for me. Here at the shelter I can hardly coordinate myself. It's only now that I've tried living on my own, without the help of the pack that I realize just how much was being done for me back there. I never had to make my own meals, never had to wash the dishes, never had to worry for anything materialistic, Alpha Elena ensured I had it all even before I asked. It saddens me to remember I never once really thanked her before moving out. I'd been too blinded by hurt. Also I have noticed how most pack members tend to stare when I pass by. At first I'd quicken my pace and hurry off but ever since Bay made it her duty to walk me home, I've realized they all are simply curious about me. Most times whenever Bay waves at them they run up
Xzen's POVOne look at Aura and I'm suddenly transported back to that evening…when I saw her with Ace. My frustration rises as I remember how close they both were to each other. I felt a pang of jealousy then, and I feel it now.I've tried so hard to get her to open up to me but she chooses to share space with Ace. Someone who's barely in the pack these days. How could she spend time with him so easily, when every time I take a step towards her, she takes a hundred back? It doesn't make sense. Hell, I thought I knew her, thought I understood her fears and her boundaries. But now, I'm not so sure.Aura's expression is confused, her brow furrowed in concern. She takes a cautious step back, her eyes darting towards the door like she's reminding herself of the available escape. Her stance is frightened, her weight shifting on to a leg as if she's ready to flee at any moment.I also notice how her tiny hands are clenched into fists, her knuckles white with tension. She's trembling, ever
Xzen's POV"And where is he?!’’ I glare deadly at the guard, my demand shaking the room. The man, a tall, confident figure with chiseled features and a strong jaw line, bows submissively, but answers calmly, ‘'I do not know, Alpha.’'I take a step closer, my anger escalating. ‘'When last did he report to duty?!'’ I question, my chest heaving. I'm hit with a pang of irritation when I notice Collins sitting at a corner of the room, frowning.'’Relax, Alpha,'’ Collins says as he tries to intervene. '’It's just a training session. I'm sure someone else can stand in for Ace.'’I whirl around, directing my fury at him. '’You've been gone for a while, you have no idea just how lackadaisical he's been,'’ I snarl, my eyes flashing with anger.The guard seems to sense ann opportunity and speaks up, '’Alpha Xzen, I could fetch Ace if you desire.' He lifts his head a bit, his confident demeanor permanent. Just as trained.I frown, my eyes darkening. ‘'From this day forward, he ceases to be the Pa
Ace's POVI'm aware that whatever I'm about to say will possibly make no sense to Aura at this moment. My words might hold no value to her but I must at least try. I've tried getting her alone, in a quiet setting where my thoughts would be more organized but if I keep waiting for that time, I may never find it. That bright and radiant eyes or the petite omega now look dull. The sight causes an unpleasant feeling in my chest, and although I'd like to wipe it off with a joke, I know now's not the time. We are sitting on a bench in the open filled outside her healing class. I notice some trainees checking us out but I pay them no mind.As I prepare myself to speak, I notice how Aura's shoulders are slumped, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, as if trying to hold together the shattered pieces of her heart. I should have been there for her. I would have been there for her. I still wish to be there for her, if she'd let me.. I take a deep breath, my own heart racing with a mix of
My heart drums in rhythm with my feet pounding against the damp earth, mud coats my bare feet, slipping through my toes just like my breath coming in ragged gasps as the wolves close in around me. Panic claws at my heart when I spare a glance behind me. Their eyes glow like lanterns in the dark, the zeal to kill burning like wild fire in their orbs. I move faster, my soul freezing, blood curdling as my mother's scream pierces the air. I don't see him at first but as I get closer, the trees around me blur and I see my father standing in the direction I'm heading. Blood pours down his eyes and the open slit in his throat. My steps falter as hot tears break free. “P…Pa!” I scream. He gazes at me with accusing eyes. His voice is barely above a whisper, "You caused this." Those words sear into my mind like a branding iron, the guilt and horror boldly threatening to consume me.“NO! NO!” I scream in fright when sharp claws dig into my skin, scraping against my bone. Alpha Mich pays me
With a drop in my aching shoulders, I step out of the warm pack house, and the silence itself is deafening. No one speaks, not even a whisper. Everyone's eyes follow me, their faces etched with sadness and…guilt. Some gaze down, unable to meet my eyes, while others watch with muted emotions that mirror my own.I feel like I'm walking through a sea of regret, their unspoken words hanging in the air like a challenge. But what's there to be sad about? I'd been the one to make the wrong decision of running away. I'd caused the death of my unborn pup. I'd caused it all and now that I think of it I feel I've mistaken their pitiful stares for guilt. But they have every reason to pity the weak omega. The fool who lost her pup when she tried to find a better route in life. Two guards approach me, their expressions calm. They both offer to help me move my belongings. I nod at them, grateful for their assistance, as I'm still a bit tired. It's been over a week but my body is still recovering.