BellaMy jaw dropped as soon as I got to the ballroom, it was well decorated.“Do you like it?” Arthur murmured from beside me.I turned to look at him and my eyes softened at the edges. He had insisted on walking me into the party like every other gentleman.“I love it!”He smiled softly but it turned to a frown when he realized where we were. Most alphas came to this sort of thing to sniff for weaknesses.“Come,” Arthur grabbed my hand and led me to the far end of the room where the bar was.“What would you like?”“Strawberry and tonic.” the words left my lips before I could stop them.I expected Arthur to chide me on the girly drink I had picked but he paid me no attention.“strawberry and tonic for the lady and whiskey for me,” he ordered the bartender.We leaned against the counter and gazed out to the hall, people were murmuring and others openly stared at Arthur.If the attention bothered him, he didn't show it.The bartender soon delivered our drinks and I knocked mine back, i
Bella’s povI sighed to myself and turned to face him. He was looking at me like he was ready to listen and my heart started beating fast.“Go on, he urged.I nodded, “It’s a long story. Girl meets guy, girl falls for guy and guy abandons her for her sister. I don’t know what he wants from me, he wants me to stay and watch him with my sister while I stay on the sidelines.”I took a deep breath to calm myself, “I didn’t care that he wanted my sister, all I care about is making sure that my father is safe. He didn’t do anything wrong and doesn’t deserve to be punished like that.”“Your father is his beta?” Arthur asked.“No, my father was his father’s beta. I don’t know what he wants to gain from all this. He wants to use that to keep me in line,”I flinched when his hand landed on my arm, the same arm Leo was gripping earlier. I sucked in a breathe but he noticed.“What’s wrong?”“Nothing,” I said quickly, maybe too quickly.His eyes narrowed in suspicion as he stared at me, “what happ
Bella's POV The stars twinkled in the night sky, and despite how beautiful it looked, I found it very hard to concentrate on anything else. How could I? Especially with the handsome man just a couple of inches away from me. Even if I had tried to ignore it all night, there was no way I could continue doing so. Nothing was helping to stoke the desire that was slowly beginning to build in the pit of my stomach. If I left it unattended, I wouldn't be surprised if it burst into something more. And that was it, a tiny part of me wanted to see it burst through. I wanted to see what would happen if I let it.Arthur on the other hand, wasn't helping matters. His gaze was hypnotic and it was getting harder and harder to concentrate on anything else besides his dark eyes. Maybe if he wasn't looking too much like a snack, none of this would be happening. His eyes roamed over my body and I shivered. I wasn't sure if he had an idea of the kind of effect he had on me, but I wasn't complaining. A
Leo's POV I paced around my office, my footsteps echoing in the office. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't seem to concentrate. It felt like nothing I was doing was actually working. The more I tried, the more distracted I was. My mind was a literal mess and nothing seemed to be able to fix it.They always said when you knew the source of your problem, it made it easier to eliminate that problem, but that wasn't the case with me. I knew the source of my thoughts, the very beginning of my restless mind, but it didn't do anything to stop it. The fact that I knew what it was, made me all the more restless.Bella.I hadn't expected to see her. Despite the fact that I'd been thinking about her a lot, I never imagined I would bump into her at the ball. The emotions that washed over me when I set my eyes on her weren't ones I could fathom.There was no doubt that Bella was beautiful, but last night, she looked breathtaking. A sleek purple dress wrapped around her body, complement
Bella's POV. I pursed my lips, allowing my thoughts to roam free. I didn't want to think about it, but the more I tried not to, the more my mind wandered in that direction. I'd been thinking about it since it happened and if I was being honest, I was this close to running mad. I could feel it, but that didn't stop me. Not one bit.A small sigh slid past my lips. It was useless, I knew. Nothing was going to change, not now or anytime soon. I didn't know a lot about Arthur, but if there was one thing I was sure of, it was his stubbornness. He wasn't a man to easily budge. You literally couldn't push him or coerce him to do things he didn't want to, and a good example was this lawsuit.I'd tried everything I could do. I'd been stubborn, I'd pleaded, hell I even bought him a gift as a sort of bribe and what did he do? He rejected it. He turned down all of my ideas to get him to help me. What I didn't understand though, was why. Everyone knew he and Alpha Leo were enemies. Not enemies
Bella's POV I froze in my spot. It still felt surreal, almost like I was in a dream or some kind of trance. No matter how hard I tried to think about it, I just couldn't wrap my head around it. What were the odds that I was going to bump into him here, of all places too? If there was anything this proved, it was the fact that the goddess hated me. Nothing more, nothing less.Another explanation that could really fit this scenario, was the fact that I was cursed. If I wasn't, I wouldn't a shit ton of bad luck following me around.“Bella?” The sound of my name was all it took to pull me out of my thoughts. Again, I was glued to my seat. I had thought that if I ignored him for long enough, he would leave me alone. I didn't want to be around Leo that night, and I still didn't want to be around him now. Why didn't the moon goddess get this and grant my wish to be as far away from him as possible. “Didn't you hear me?”I said nothing. I had no idea what I wanted to say to him. Was I sup
Bella’s povI winced when the needle pierced my arm, the doctor gave me a gentle smile.“I forgot to warn you that it will hurt,” he said.“It’s okay,” I said.It was. I would do absolutely everything for my sister. Kate needed blood and I was a match, not that it was a problem.I would search the world to find her blood type if I wasn’t.The doctor took out the needle and carried the blood out to the lab. I gently stood up to avoid getting dizzy.My head swayed but I held onto the chair, I had to be near my sister. I didn’t want to be away from her.I headed back to her room , the dark spots dancing around my vision. I got to her room and I was surprised to find it locked.We had asked for a private room but I left the door open just in case. I placed my hand on the handle when a shiver ran through me.I furrowed my brows.I turned the knob and pushed the door open, my eyes narrowed on the two figures on the bed, naked.I bowed my head, “I am so sorry,” I mumbled.Afraid that I just
Bella’s pov“What?” I asked,“I was wondering if you would follow me to go buy the ring, our mating ceremony is coming up soon.” Kate said.Her grin was the opposite of the sneer on my face,“Your what?” I asked.“My ring, Leo knows how much I need you by my side so what do you say, will you go with me?”I looked at her, her eyes were hopeful while mine was filled with dread.“N…no, I am busy, I am sorry.”“Why not?”“I am sure you don’t want me there, Kate.”She narrowed her eyes at me like she knew something was wrong, “Bella? You are acting weird,”I chuckled nervously, “no, I am just exhausted and in no mood to shop for rings,”Kate’s smile .“Not everyone has to add to the cake of your love." This was the first time I had rejected my sister, who had always been spoiled by my stepmother and me.His hands moved to rub Kate’s shoulders and my eyes followed the movement.“I am sorry, Kate. I would have to sit this one out.”Kate nodded like she understood me. Normally, I would move t
Bella's POV I froze in my spot. It still felt surreal, almost like I was in a dream or some kind of trance. No matter how hard I tried to think about it, I just couldn't wrap my head around it. What were the odds that I was going to bump into him here, of all places too? If there was anything this proved, it was the fact that the goddess hated me. Nothing more, nothing less.Another explanation that could really fit this scenario, was the fact that I was cursed. If I wasn't, I wouldn't a shit ton of bad luck following me around.“Bella?” The sound of my name was all it took to pull me out of my thoughts. Again, I was glued to my seat. I had thought that if I ignored him for long enough, he would leave me alone. I didn't want to be around Leo that night, and I still didn't want to be around him now. Why didn't the moon goddess get this and grant my wish to be as far away from him as possible. “Didn't you hear me?”I said nothing. I had no idea what I wanted to say to him. Was I sup
Bella's POV. I pursed my lips, allowing my thoughts to roam free. I didn't want to think about it, but the more I tried not to, the more my mind wandered in that direction. I'd been thinking about it since it happened and if I was being honest, I was this close to running mad. I could feel it, but that didn't stop me. Not one bit.A small sigh slid past my lips. It was useless, I knew. Nothing was going to change, not now or anytime soon. I didn't know a lot about Arthur, but if there was one thing I was sure of, it was his stubbornness. He wasn't a man to easily budge. You literally couldn't push him or coerce him to do things he didn't want to, and a good example was this lawsuit.I'd tried everything I could do. I'd been stubborn, I'd pleaded, hell I even bought him a gift as a sort of bribe and what did he do? He rejected it. He turned down all of my ideas to get him to help me. What I didn't understand though, was why. Everyone knew he and Alpha Leo were enemies. Not enemies
Leo's POV I paced around my office, my footsteps echoing in the office. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't seem to concentrate. It felt like nothing I was doing was actually working. The more I tried, the more distracted I was. My mind was a literal mess and nothing seemed to be able to fix it.They always said when you knew the source of your problem, it made it easier to eliminate that problem, but that wasn't the case with me. I knew the source of my thoughts, the very beginning of my restless mind, but it didn't do anything to stop it. The fact that I knew what it was, made me all the more restless.Bella.I hadn't expected to see her. Despite the fact that I'd been thinking about her a lot, I never imagined I would bump into her at the ball. The emotions that washed over me when I set my eyes on her weren't ones I could fathom.There was no doubt that Bella was beautiful, but last night, she looked breathtaking. A sleek purple dress wrapped around her body, complement
Bella's POV The stars twinkled in the night sky, and despite how beautiful it looked, I found it very hard to concentrate on anything else. How could I? Especially with the handsome man just a couple of inches away from me. Even if I had tried to ignore it all night, there was no way I could continue doing so. Nothing was helping to stoke the desire that was slowly beginning to build in the pit of my stomach. If I left it unattended, I wouldn't be surprised if it burst into something more. And that was it, a tiny part of me wanted to see it burst through. I wanted to see what would happen if I let it.Arthur on the other hand, wasn't helping matters. His gaze was hypnotic and it was getting harder and harder to concentrate on anything else besides his dark eyes. Maybe if he wasn't looking too much like a snack, none of this would be happening. His eyes roamed over my body and I shivered. I wasn't sure if he had an idea of the kind of effect he had on me, but I wasn't complaining. A
Bella’s povI sighed to myself and turned to face him. He was looking at me like he was ready to listen and my heart started beating fast.“Go on, he urged.I nodded, “It’s a long story. Girl meets guy, girl falls for guy and guy abandons her for her sister. I don’t know what he wants from me, he wants me to stay and watch him with my sister while I stay on the sidelines.”I took a deep breath to calm myself, “I didn’t care that he wanted my sister, all I care about is making sure that my father is safe. He didn’t do anything wrong and doesn’t deserve to be punished like that.”“Your father is his beta?” Arthur asked.“No, my father was his father’s beta. I don’t know what he wants to gain from all this. He wants to use that to keep me in line,”I flinched when his hand landed on my arm, the same arm Leo was gripping earlier. I sucked in a breathe but he noticed.“What’s wrong?”“Nothing,” I said quickly, maybe too quickly.His eyes narrowed in suspicion as he stared at me, “what happ
BellaMy jaw dropped as soon as I got to the ballroom, it was well decorated.“Do you like it?” Arthur murmured from beside me.I turned to look at him and my eyes softened at the edges. He had insisted on walking me into the party like every other gentleman.“I love it!”He smiled softly but it turned to a frown when he realized where we were. Most alphas came to this sort of thing to sniff for weaknesses.“Come,” Arthur grabbed my hand and led me to the far end of the room where the bar was.“What would you like?”“Strawberry and tonic.” the words left my lips before I could stop them.I expected Arthur to chide me on the girly drink I had picked but he paid me no attention.“strawberry and tonic for the lady and whiskey for me,” he ordered the bartender.We leaned against the counter and gazed out to the hall, people were murmuring and others openly stared at Arthur.If the attention bothered him, he didn't show it.The bartender soon delivered our drinks and I knocked mine back, i
Leo POVI kept looking at Kate to make sure she was okay. The frown on her face was heavy and it was making the ride kind of uncomfortable.“Babe,” I called to her.“Hmm?”“Do you want to eat out?” I asked, I know food was one of the things that made Kate happy and I was grateful for times like this.“Yes, I could use some food. Cheeseburger and some fries, please.”I nodded. Fast food it was.“You know how excited I am that we would soon do the mating ceremony? It’s like a dream come true.”“I can only imagine. My job is to stand there and look handsome.” I teased.She rolled her eyes at me playfully and I was grateful that the tension in the car had reduced.I took Kate to the diner my mother used to take me to. The worn-out sign creaked as we entered, but the nostalgia hit me like a wave.The memories of my childhood flooded back, and I was eager to share this piece of my past with Kate.As we settled into the worn booth, I ordered the cheeseburgers , one of the things in this dine
Leo’s povI entered my mother’s home, accompanied by Kate, as morning light filled the room."Good morning, Mom," I greeted, nodding at my mother seated in the living room."Leo, my dear! It’s been a while. Do I have to cry in a river before my son can visit me?" Hannah smiled, her eyes focusing on Kate."Kate made me,” I said, observing the subtle approval in my mother's eyes."Thank you,” my mother said to Kate. “I am glad he has you by his side," Hannah praised, casting a subtle glance toward Kate.I felt a twinge of discomfort as Kate smirked, seemingly pleased with the acknowledgment.“How are you doing?” I asked her,She shrugged, “I can be better.”I shook my head. She refuses to tell how she feels even when it’s clear on her face that she is in so much pain.“Mom,”“Enough of that! It’s not everyday my son comes to visit me.” She said with a fake cheer.She had the servants bring out snacks and tea as they chatted.“Honey, Kate tells me that you sent her sister away.”“Step si
Bella’s povThe next morning, I came down to the kitchen because I was so hungry. The events of the past days are forgotten.In a way, I could understand why he did what he did but at least I get to move in today.I prepared breakfast for myself since I had no idea how the rest of them worked, a simple toast with eggs.I sat on the island when Alpha Arthur walked in.“Good morning,”I returned the greeting and continued eating when I heard him sigh.“I apologize for yesterday, Bella. I shouldn't have gotten your hopes up just to smash them on the floor.”“It happens.” I shrugged.“Not with me,” he said sternly. “And it won't happen again, you can count on that.”I nodded, “thank you,”“You were wonderful out there. Where did you learn how to run like that?”“It just came naturally to me. Most times when I felt down, I ran till I couldn’t feel my legs anymore.”“Did you get training?”“Yes. My father ran with me and also trained me.” I admitted.The thought of my father brought tears t