In a dimly lit room in which the only source of light was the gentle rays of sunlight reflecting through the tiny space that the thick and vintage curtains hung on the double door window missed covering, a small figure could be seen curled up in a queen-sized wooden bed. Her mid-waist fiery hair was sprawled over the soft pillows - a stark contrast to the grey cotton linens. She let out a low groan as she slowly drifted awake from her deep slumber. Her head was pounding as though she carried the weight of the entire world alone.Genova's groggy, sapphire blue eyes took a moment of adjustment to her surroundings and noticed she was back in her bedroom. A slight frown graced her smooth and youthful forehead as she wondered if yesterday's event was only her imagination?!Could she have merely dreamt of all that happened on her sixteenth birthday?She shook her head to arrange her thoughts, but the pounding in her head was impossible to ignore. It was making her reasoning and focus unsta
"Well, your father and I both decided to have you move in with your aunt in Wooddale." She continued, "You know your chances of finding a better job are higher in big cities. A small town like Roseville has too little to offer a girl like you, my child."Genova went stiff upon hearing that. Her eyes shut up at her mom, looking so taken aback.Mary let out a deep sigh seeing the look of shock on her daughter's face. Admittedly, the older woman had expected this exact reaction because anyone close to them would have deduced how inseparable their family of three was. Genova was a child who had never been away from her family since the day she came into their lives. So this sudden news would surely be hard for her to digest. Leaning over the table to take her daughter's hands, "Child, as parents, you have to believe that we will always do what's best for you. Your betterment will always come before ours. And this decision is one that we have pondered greatly about and decided it was th
Genova inched closer to her mom and wiped the tears away from the older woman's eyes with her thumb."Mom, dad. Please take good care of yourselves. I will phone you once our flight lands in Wooddale," she said while fighting back her own tears.Mary sniffled. "Okay honey… please be safe out there.""Be vigilant and always watch your back. Big cities aren't that safe for young girls like you; avoid getting deceived by some bastards that might try to sweet talk you into doing anything with them." Her dad chimed in.Mary and Genova both turned to look at him and burst into laughter.The man's jaws were clenched as though the mere thought of it was about to make him go on a killing spree."Our little girl isn't a child anymore, honey. She will find her right match one day and have her own family. I'm even more glad she's being sent away because no man will dare to pursue her knowing her dad will rain hellfire on them," Mary chided her husband.Ferd uttered no word. However, one could tel
Eva decided to spare the girl, who was all flushed from her tease. "Okay, Gen, let's head home now, shall we? You must be tired!?Genova quickly nodded her head. Indeed she was exhausted. And thank God her aunt wasn't planning on teasing her even more. She would have blown up for real if this had gone on. "Let me help with your luggage," Eva said with her arm stretched out to grab the large red suitcase. "Oh, I can manage-" Genova trailed off as the elegant woman beat her to it. "I know you can manage, dear, but let me at least be a good host and a supportive adult," she stated while transferring the baggage to her most significant hand. Genova tucked locks of fiery hair behind her ear, and her lips stretched into a smile. "Thank you, aunt," she muttered. "My pleasure. Now let's get you home."-----Unlike many who chose to live in a city's center, Eva's house was far from it. The ride took them 45 minutes.Genova was amazed at how much Wooddale had developed over the years. She
Genova only got an hour of sleep before she began to twist and turn on the bed. Something was urging her to take a walk in the forest and the pull was incredibly strong. She had tried to fight it during the past thirty minutes but each preceding second made it impossible to ignore. Unable to endure the compulsion any longer, her blue eyes finally snapped open while blowing a puff of frustrated breath. 'Now, why on earth is going for a walk so important? Where did this sudden energy materialize from?' Genova pouted because she could barely keep her eyes open not more than two hours ago. Genova continued to huff and puff while venting her displeasure on the pillows for a few more minutes until she couldn't fight the call anymore. 'Fine. Perhaps that walk isn't a bad idea after all. Anything that will douse this unwanted energy so I can get a good sleep is more than welcome.' She sat up on the bed and stared at her reflection in the vast wardrobe mirror facing her bed with a frown.
Genova stirred awake from her sleep later that evening. Beads of sweat covered her forehead, and her breathing was uneven as though she just ran a countless-kilometer marathon. She sat up on the bed and placed her hands over her banging chest as she tried remembering her terrifying dream. She rummaged through her mind to find out what the nightmare was about, but nothing came no matter how hard she tried. Perhaps it was too horrifying, and it was best not to remember anything of it. Sighing, Genova reached for her phone on the nightstand and pressed the lock button to check the time. The phone screen showed it was 6:45 in the evening."Oh, shit! I have overslept!" She cussed and quickly crawled out of bed. Her eyes were still drowsy, and her body demanding for more sleep.She had to stand up earlier that day and prepare to leave for the airport. Moreover, she barely got a wink of sleep the night before. Genova couldn't close her eyes last night as her heart felt too heavy to say go
The two people at the dining table whipped their heads in the direction to see an appealing young figure in a floral over-the-knee dress walking down the stairs. Her heavy caramel waves hung freely over her shoulders to her back, and her grey eyes were sharp.Zoe! Genova almost couldn't recognize the girl should it not have been the unmistakable resemblance the female shared with her aunt.Zoe was Eva's daughter and only child.Eva's husband, Zoe's father, died in an accident a few years back. Zoe was just a toddler at that time. As such, she never truly experienced the love of having a father in her life. Her mom had been the only parent she had.The last time both girls saw one another was over six years ago. And like her, Zoe had also grown into one dashing young lady."Hi, Zoe!" Genova beamed. In contracts, Zoe's expression turned grimly to see the last person she ever expected to be in their home.She was not at all pleased with the idea that Genova would be staying with them f
Genova spent the last two days exploring the vast estate that seemed unending. The place was its own village with many other residents, and she met quite some of them during her expeditor.Initially, Genova felt crept out to being stared at whenever she passed by any of the estate’s co-inhabitants. But that odd feeling disappeared when she bumped into familiar faces again. She had almost forgotten how she had made a few friends, ones she had always looked forward to seeing after her last visit six years ago. However, this longing gradually faded as she aged and focused on building her life in her hometown. Genova was ecstatic to see the twins, Kaden and Karla, her favorite child playmates. Kaden had grown so tall and well-built with a cold personality that she almost didn’t recognize him at first. Karla was no different. The girl was nearly as tall as her brother with unmistakable feistiness. Genova was not at all hoping the twins would remember her because they had been kids the l
“Will you two quit with the saliva exchange? It's grouse!” Irene pouted at the two who had been eating each other's lips for no less than ten minutes in the school garden. “Look away if it gives you an eyesore!” Genova said drily. “Whatever!” Irene rolled her eyes irritatedly. “Break is over; we still have classes to attend. I suggest you either take this somewhere private or continue when you get home and focus on making sure you make it to the final exam. I will leave you two to it either way.” With that, she pushed herself off the wall her back rested on and proceeded to the lecture hall. “I should go,” Genova said while wriggling out of Noah’s limbs. “But I don’t want you to leave.”“Come on, Noah, it is only for two more hours.”“Who knows if your dad will prevent us from seeing each other again?” Noah pointed out. “I am not going back there again!” Genova felt rage building inside her as she recollect how her dad had slapped her. He went too far! “But I will leave for
"Gen!“Genova’s angry steps halted to hear her name. She turned her head to the side and saw the familiar figure hiding behind the bush of roses that stood as a fence outside the condo.“Irene!?” Genova was surprised. “What are you doing here? I mean… how did you find this address?”“Come quick. I will answer your questions once we have fully escaped your parents,” Irene said, beckoning her friend to hurry towards her.“I heard the little argument between you and your dad. Are you alright?” Irene asked as they moved in long strides toward the flashy car parked just a couple of feet away from them.It looked familiar. However, Genova couldn’t point out where she had seen the vehicle before.“Yeah, I am good! Let's just get away from here,” Genova responded.“Sure! Someone is dying to meet you!” Irene smirked.&nbs
A police car with two officers in the front seat drove through a narrow path in the early morning hours. They were completely absorbed by the blaring old-school tune on the radio."How's your daughter doing at school, Jerry?" The officer in the driver's seat inquired as he deftly maneuvered the car around a sharp turn. "I'd say she's making commendable progress for a girl who once despise opening a book. I just hope she doesn't deviate from her intended path in life." The officer named Jerry responded casually."Isn't that what we all want for our kids?" The driver laughed.They were completely at ease as they drove down the road, completely unprepared for the unexpected obstacle that brought their journey to an abrupt halt. A dark, bedraggled and hungry figure suddenly appeared out of the blue. "Watch out, Kent!" Jerry yelled, causing the police car to skid to a halt just yards away from the enigmatic silhouette.“Phew!” Kent exclaimed almost breathlessly, "That was close. But wha
The car soon pulled up in front of an unfamiliar condo. Ferd killed the engine and stormed out with the car door slammed behind him. Genova was quick to follow suit. She dragged her feet on the floor, fearing the worse was yet to come.Chills run down her spine the moment she stepped inside the house and saw the silhouette seated on the brown leather couch and tapping her foot on the floor. Just great! Her mom was also here. ‘I am so done for!’ Genova muttered to herself as she closed the gap between herself and her parents."Mom." She mumbled meekly, keeping her gaze fixed on the ground."Don't you mom me now! Do you have any idea what you've gotten yourself into?"“I am sorry,” was the only words Genova could say. "Sorry isn't going to cut it, honey. I understand that you are of legal age for these things, but I expected you to finish your education before having such thoughts. Even if you couldn't control your desires, you could have at least settled for our kind," Mary voiced
Genova felt chills run down her spine at the aura emitting from her father. It looked like a murder was about to take place judging from how irate he seemed at this moment. She scurried to her feet, her heart racing with panic. "Dad! You… y-you are here?!” Genova stuttered. Noah’s lips formed a thin line to see her look so scared. Did she not have any trust in him to handle the situation? Also, why was her dad acting like he had committed a grave sin by fucking his daughter? Admittedly, this was nothing unexpected from an overly-protective father. But wasn’t the man the same as him? What about the woman he had been fucking all his life? Did he forget how she was also someone’s daughter as well? "Come here, babe." Noah ordered in a gentle tone while stretching out his arms. However, a frown graced his face when Genova shook her head and carefully took steps back.Ferd's expression darkened even more.How dare this useless bastard ignore him like this?He took a step forward to gra
"Alpha!“ Brooks' voice could be heard as he approached Noah, who had just arrived at the breakfast table with an exhausted-looking Genova.It’s been over three weeks since she got claimed and introduced to the pack and Noah barely gave her any breather. He had been all over her flesh at any given opportunity.Genova hadn't returned home since then.“We got word from the Great City. It’s an invitation to the Century’s combat that is to hold in a few months,” Brooks informed.“The Century’s Combat…?!” Noah’s eyes went large. “That’s… That’s huge! And our pack is invited?” he had to ask in order to make sure he heard it right.“Yes, Alpha! According to the invitation, the Alpha of 'Night's Walker's Pack is expected to attend with his mate and high-ranking members," Brooks confirmed.Noah gave a nod. "I am honored to have been invi
"I see," Meredith said quietly. "It appears we are on the same page, son. I was right to believe you wouldn't want someone like her to carry on your legacy. A power-hungry bitch's offspring is not welcome in my home!!"Meredith's words hung in the air as it was filled with a mix of conviction and disappointment. The gravity of the situation was palpable as she acknowledged the shared understanding between them.It was a relief for her to know that her son also recognized the potential dangers that lay in allowing someone with such a voracious appetite for power to carry forward their family name. The legacy they had built together held great significance, and Meredith's unwavering belief in its sanctity was evident.She made it clear that there was no room for the offspring of someone driven solely by ambition within the walls of their home. The weight of her words emphasized her commitment to preserving their heritage and ensuring that it would be passed
~Back in the Great City~Meredith sat on her opulent patio, her gaze fixed on the breathtaking sunset. The cool evening air encirc1led her like a warm embrace.A darkened presence suddenly approached from behind as she savored the peace."Don’t just stand there Vernon, come and sit with me," she spoke to him in an amused tone without turning her head."Even as a child, you were always trying to sneak up on me. But no magical shielding could keep your presence from my senses, my boy... You should be aware of this by now."Vernon simply raised an eyebrow in response. He remained silent, his face guarded and distant as he approached slowly and took a seat next to his mother.Meredith was concerned and wistful as she observed her son's cold demeanor. "You've grown so far away, Vernon," she remarked softly. "I've always tried to be there for you, but you've erected barriers between us. You’ve built walls around yourself."
Genova's eyes widened in awe to behold the grandeur of the estate. The mansion stood as a testament to the highest power within the pack.“Woah! Is this your home?” she asked to be sure."Yes. And soon... it will be our home Gen. A place where we'll build our life together." Noah said.Genova’s head began running wild with ideas of a perfect life and future together. What would they be doing most of the time? Would their relationship remain this rosy?A familiar figure opened the car's passenger door from the outside, allowing Genova to glide out.Brook’s eyes gleamed with respect as he lowered himself in a deep bow before his Alpha.Noah nodded appreciatively at Brook's gesture as an acknowledgment to his loyal friend. "Thank you, Brooks," he said while placing a reassuring hand on Genova's back and smiling. "You’ve already met Brooks at school, but allow me to properly introduce him. He&rsquo