Narrator's POVCatherine was celebrating her 21st birthday with a small group of close friends. She'd been looking forward to this day for a long time, and she was so happy to be able to celebrate with the people she cared about most. But as the night went on, she started to feel a little bit strange. Her head was swimming, and she was having trouble focusing on what her friends were saying. Was it just the excitement of the party, or was something else going on?Catherine was feeling the effects of the heat and the alcohol. Her head was spinning, and her vision was blurry. She stumbled a bit as she tried to walk, and her friends started to look concerned. They tried to offer her some water, but she refused. She kept laughing and saying she was fine. But as the night wore on, she could no longer stay upright. She collapsed on the couch, and her friends could see that she was not okay. Catherine felt her head banging up against the wall. She tried soothing and easing the pain away, b
Catherine finally got to her workplace, after a long unnecessary speech about traffic safety at the traffic court. She was pissed, to say the least. She was having a bad day, and it wasn't even noon yet. For the first time in a long time, she ignored the greetings of everyone at the entrance of The Quinns Co. and just headed straight for the elevator. She wasn't in the mood for any interactions whatsoever. "Hold the elevator!" She heard a voice call out from afar. Philip was ecstatic. He had initially come for a job interview at The Quinns Co. very early in the morning, but he was told the hiring manager wasn't on seat.Fortunately for him, he met with the Vice President, Philip Quinn. "Exceptional! This is wonderful, Philip." Philip had told him with a happy smile as he pursued his resumé. "Thank you." He gave Philip a curt smile."Well, as impressive as your resumé is, I'm still going to have to ask you some questions because an executive assistant has a pretty big role in t
Catherine hurried to her office, only to see Philip already waiting."What are you doing in my office?" Catherine frowned." Boss lady, I only came here to show you the new ex..." Catherine interrupted." But why..." Catherine stopped as someone familiar stepped in."You?" Catherine screamed in shock."You?" Philip looked more surprised than Catherine. "What the hell?!" Catherine suddenly looked furious.The pair faced each other, their faces red with anger as everyone around them watched them recall the details of when they first met. "You mannerless creature." Philip cursed use nose. He was so annoyed to see Catherine again. The Blood Slashing is big and yet, he was called into the office by the crazy lady he met earlier at the elevator."What is he doing here?" Catherine too is so shocked. Someone she never wished to meet again."Um.. somebody explains what's going on?" Roxie broke the silence, as she looked from Catherine to Philip to Philip. "I don't know and I don't care,"
Though Philip employed a new important staff without her acknowledgment, she wasn't going to just sack him. What were the other staff going to think of her?The Blood Slashing wasn't her private life where she would behave anyhow.But why on earth does it have to be the stranger she met in the elevator?Trying, her day was cursed.Everything gave her a headache.Catherine looked up at Philip with disgust. Their first meeting wasn't okay and sacking him might give up the wrong message. And if he tells everyone what she had done, social media won't haste."Can I have your papers?" Catherine requested but Philip's frown has become his new mask."I hope you know, all documents are being submitted so, they should be on your desk," Philip said angrily. " What is your name?" Catherine asked as she flipped through some documents.Even Roxie wanted to act because she didn't understand why her friend was being harsh to the new staff. She wondered but only kept staring suspiciously.Catherine o
Lunch was fun. Both Catherine and Philip had a great time. If given the opportunity both of them would prefer to continue the day elsewhere. Sadly they didn’t have that as an option as they were to return to the office. Catherine’s Blood Slashing was one to envy. Some even said the Blood Slashing ran itself. In reality, it was all due to Catherine’s inbred leadership skills. She’d often be overlooked and undermined but what people couldn’t deny was the effect of her efforts.Catherine took the Blood Slashing to the next level after her father handed it over to her. From that level, she took it even higher. So she had to be there as often as possible, to remind people that she was the boss. Still, an afternoon out with Philip did her good. The conversation and light humor helped her loosen up and clear her head.Heaven knows she’s been choked at work. Philip on the other hand looked giddy, to say the least. From the way he walked, you could tell he was happy. He normally struts aroun
When Catherine got home, she was very tired and thirsty. She went straight to the kitchen to get some water. She grabbed a glass cup and filled it with chilled water from the refrigerator. She gulped the whole glass down and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator which calmed her nerves and relaxed her a bit. She did a lot of work today and needed lots of sleep and rest. She went straight to her room, took a bubble bath fell on the bed like a log of wood, and immediately fell into deep slumber.**The next morningShe woke up feeling energized and better, she slept for about 9 hours. She took a bath and dressed up. Catherine wore a white shirt which had a little black lining along her arm, with a black knee-level skirt and a black blazer then sprayed herself with perfume, looked at herself and the mirror, and posed, “Perfect” she said.She just ate a few slices of bread before she grabbed her car keys and left the house on her way to the Blood Slashing which was just 30 min
“Is that your stomach or a trapped animal?”“Very funny Philip. You’re such a comedian.” Philip loved to tease her. He knew she was hungry, and he was too but it seemed she was a tad more so than he was. The whole meeting felt like one long blur to her. She had had enough meetings today and couldn’t wait to wrap this one up. The presenter kept on talking and talking and talking. It felt like hell to her.A hell made personally for her. She imagined how much more enjoyable life would be if she could fast-forward certain moments. She’d speed up this moment in a heartbeat. But as much as she’d like to speed up certain moments she’d love to rewind and relive others even more. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to relive certain moments, especially the ones with Philip in them. Her mind had wandered off for a moment but hunger pains brought her back to earth. Her stomach growled once again and this time it was louder than it was the previous time. “Can’t you just adjourn the meeting? I mean the
They walked back to Catherine's office, Philip's arm around her shoulder, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the halls. As they walked, Catherine couldn't help but notice the way her employees looked at them, the way they were being glared at. She fought the urge to control herself. The rumors didn't die down, instead, they skyrocketed even. The next day, Philip and Catherine arrived at Catherine's office, and Roxie excused herself, leaving Catherine and Philip alone. They sat down in front of Catherine's desk, Catherine's hands on her lap, Philip's hand covering hers. "I'm sorry for any trouble I might have caused you," he said, his voice sincere. Catherine smiled at him, her heart full. "It's okay," she said. They sat there for a moment, lost in each other's eyes before Catherine leaned in for a kiss. As the day progressed, Catherine couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The employees seemed to be avoiding her and she couldn't help but notice the way
CATHERINE'S POV As I entered the community meeting area, where pack members gathered for talks and declarations, I could feel a sense of anxiety in the air. As soon as I walked in, whispers and whispered talks stopped, and interested eyes looked at me. Skepticism and uncertainty weighed heavily on the air, like an unsaid query demanding a response.I felt the wave of unease that went through the group, a sign of their misgivings about my abrupt promotion to a leadership role. Many were confused by the swift change from a Luna behind confinement to a leader guiding the pack's future, and the doubt that pervaded the atmosphere was reflected in their gazes.The scrutiny became more intense as I got closer to the temporary platform where pack leaders normally addressed the members. The looks on the sea on faces ranged from mistrust to flat-out incredulity. It became very apparent how difficult it was for me to gain their trust.I inhaled deeply before going up on stage, with everyone in
CATHERINE'S POV I was faced with the enormous issue of bringing the pack together, which was weighing heavily on my mind. As two women propelled into roles of authority, Lizzie and I took the lead in this initiative, trying to mend the broken strands of trust and create a unity of sorts.Lizzie and I met in the large study, which was filled with expensive cherry furnishings and bookcases that held innumerable books. As we sat opposite from one another, the weight of duty falling on our heads like a thick blanket, the environment crackled with a feeling of purpose."I had not signed in for this one," Lizzie said, her resolve and doubt visible in her eyes. I sympathized with her; the unanticipated course of events had thrown us into unanticipated roles."Not a single of us did," I said, looking her in the eye. However, we have been given the responsibility of keeping this pack together. We must figure out how to make it function."The stone walls of the study, covered in the understand
CATHERINE'S POV The load of Philip's faith descended upon me as I neared the magnificent assembly hall, the scene of the pack's gathering for a funeral. Seeking a ray of light amid the ocean of sorrow, the weeping werewolves shifted their focus to me. I realized then and there that true leadership is a careful balance between sensitivity and power.I inhaled deeply, calling up the inner power, and entered the hallway prepared to face the obstacles that lay ahead. The mansion, which had once been a stronghold of authority, now served as a furnace whereby the pack's connections would be put to the proof and renewed.The force of the Luna cloak pressed down on me as I waited at the entrance to the magnificent assembly hall. The collective look of the pack, looking for guidance and comfort, made the weight of my newfound responsibilities even more real. I looked to my confidante, Lizzie, and saw tenacity and compassion in the deepest parts of her eyes.The weight of the mission ahead hun
CATHERINE'S POV The devastating news that brought shivers of sadness through the Blood Slashing Pack was heavy on every stride, and the vast house resounded with solemn tones of loss. With sad heart, I made my way through the corridors, dodging the sea of dejected expressions and muffled cries that seemed to permeate the space. The pack was enveloped in grief as word of Philip's passing raced like lightning.The group was in disarray after learning of Philip's alleged death, and their souls were left with a chasm that could not be filled by words of sympathy. I felt the burden of the pack's sorrow bearing toward me as Luna, and I had a duty to stand as a rock of support at this time of sharedThe somber tones of sadness filled the vast estate, resonating through the enormous hallways and passages like an eerie sonata of sorrow. As Luna, I felt the weight of duty bearing upon me, the sorrowful news that had covered the whole Blood Slashing Pack in sorrow weighing down on myself with e
CATHERINE'S POV Every day that passed seemed like a lifetime spent inside the confines of my room. What had previously felt like a golden prison had become a painful expanse of loneliness over two weeks. Furnished with opulent furniture, the room had turned into a haven and a jail.With Ana, my darling little daughter curled up in my arms, there was only one thing to feel better in this stuffy environment. Her innocent look was blind to the struggle swirling inside of me as I attended to her needs, the burden of duty pressing down on me. Even with the room bathed in a subdued brightness from the glowing sunlight filtering through the drapes, the cold that persisted in my heart persisted.The loud ticking of the elaborate wall clock reverberated throughout the room, serving as a constant reminder that time was passing at an excruciatingly slow pace. Two weeks had passed between my fingers like sand grains, and I was left entangled in the opulent maze of affluence that had become a res
LIZZIE'S POVI jumped through the table, my chest still thumping from the rage, and the opulence of the mansion's dining room vanished behind me. I was drawn outside by the scent of the neighboring garden in the evening air. To process the storm of feelings Philip's plea had unleashed inside of me, I wanted the comfort of wide-open spaces.Stepping out of the warm shelter of the evening, I was met by the expansive estate stretching before me. The sky was tinted pink as well as orangeas the sun sank low in the horizon, creating a pleasant glow. I took cover from the deluge of contradictory ideas on a seat tucked away in the garden, the calming sounds of the natural world providing a moment's reprieve.My thoughts raced with questions as I sat down on the bench. What made Philip decide to stage his death t
PHILIP'S POV The sound of my footsteps reverberated across the lavish area, which was opposed to the secret choice I had chosen. Lizzie was sitting at the dining table staring at me expectantly and with anxiety in her eyes.I said, quietly but firmly, "Lizzie, we need to talk."A frown began to develop on her eyebrows as she lifted her head from her plate. Our dining room was spacious and well-furnished, which only served to heighten the significance of the talk that was about to take place."What's happening, Philip?" she said, searching my eyes for information.I sat down across opposite her, the enormity of the speech I intended to utter amplified by the oppressive quiet of the room. "I've accepted a choice, and that's significant because it includes the pack's safety and the possibility of Stanley's treason."Lizzie's eyes narrowed, a mixture of worry and fascination. "Exactly what somewhat choice?"Leaning forward, I placed my palms on the shiny dining tabletop. "I'm about to fa
PHILIP'S POV As I left my house and the small comforts of the family behind, I was met by lengthy shadows from the rising light and relentless trials ahead. Dissatisfaction echoed like spirits in the air, and the familiar smells of the complex told narratives of a pack in disorder.I couldn't stop thinking about Catherine's captivity in our house; the conflict between my responsibilities as an Alpha and a parent kept me restless all the time. I was having trouble sifting through the complicated web that had been created by the pack's requirements, Stanley's lurking danger, and Catherine's deceit.I could hear the pack members' disgruntled whispers as I strolled around the complex. With each second of hesitation that went by, the once-unwavering loyalty that held us together appeared to wane. As the second mate to Philip, I found myself in a difficult position where my loyalty was needed to balance the pack's expectations with Philip's unclear objectives.Beneath my skin was a seethin
LIZZIE'S POVMy wolf was aware of my uneasiness and was restless, just like me. An eerie silence had descended upon the pack ever since Catherine's duplicity was exposed, leaving me to deal with the unnerving fallout from my choice to reveal her.I had known all along just what I wanted to do: expose Catherine's betrayal, provoke Philip's fury, and see as he banishes her, cutting the treacherous thread that jeopardized the cohesion of our pack. However, when the days grew into evenings, the anticipated removal never occurred. Rather, Catherine stayed imprisoned within our Alpha's house, a live symbol of the treachery that hung over us like a shadow.My thoughts were tinged with doubt. Why was Philip so attached to Catherine, the beast who had woven a false web to get within our pack? Was he unaware of the threat she created, or was perhaps a more nuanced reality at play that I was unable to discern?I walked erratically into the center of the courtyard, a raging sea of questions racin