*Poppy*I sat there, overwhelmed by a wave of emotions, staring at Tanner's peaceful sleeping face. The sight of him and Logan, both in a medically induced coma to rid their bodies of toxins, was a stark reminder of the guilt and turmoil I was grappling with. I'm no doctor, but the thought of cleansing such a complex organ as the brain in this way was unfathomable.I didn't expect Seamus to go so far as to poison people so he could change their perception of reality. It's like taking one person out of them and putting in another, completely different and unrecognizable.Doctor Kyle claims that the body cleanses itself the fastest during sleep, hence the idea of keeping them in this state. The only questions are how long they will sleep so soundly and how he determines that the toxin has wholly left their system. Unfortunately, Doctor Kyle could not give me a specific answer to these questions. I sighed and grabbed Tanner's hand."I'm sorry. I hope I can tell you this to your face soon
*Poppy*We entered the crowded gym, and all eyes were on us. I could smell the scents of many vampires, but I was also surprised to find a few humans and werewolves in the area. Everyone bowed to Andrew or greeted him with kind words, and I followed him in awe as so many people treated him like a king here; after all, seeing how he takes care of the entire valley, you could say that about him. Andrew is the law and order here, and it is to him that people come for help. I greeted the instructors politely when we entered the hall with a vast ring where someone was celebrating a victory over a fallen opponent. Seeing Andrew, everyone quickly got up from the ring, and the knocked-out guy was carried out by two thugs and revived on a nearby bench.Andrew directed me to the aisles of training clothes for the forgetful, and after stocking up on some cotton leggings and a T-shirt, I headed to the changing room to change. When I came out a minute later, I found Andrew in the ring wearing only
*Poppy*I read another text message from Rose, who informed me about every change in the boys' flight and sighed, seeing that another day was passing fruitlessly. I don't know what I expected after those few days spent in Piemonthelm, but deep in my heart, I prayed for a miracle that unfortunately has not come yet.I spent many more days at Andrew's house than I had initially intended, not because Logan and Tanner were in comas but for my daughter's sake and the slowly developing friendship between Rose, Amara, and me. I got to know them better and discovered they both had huge hearts and were wonderful people. Rose and I visited the boys together and supported each other through difficult times.The toxin used to poison the boys turned out to be so strong that completely removing it may be time-consuming, but Dr. Kyle promised to use all his power and knowledge to speed up the process.It turned out that Dr. Kyle Velikov is a vampire over a thousand years old, with such extensive kno
*Rose*I sat anxiously in the stiff hospital chair, my gaze fixed on the motionless figure lying in the hospital bed. Tubes and wires snaked from Tanner's body to various machines, monitoring his vitals. I reached out to hold his hand, seeking the warmth that had always comforted me, but found only the clammy touch of illness.Tears welled in my eyes as I remembered the events that had led us to this moment: his sudden appearance at my house with a nervous expression on his face, his frantic rush to help me pack my most necessary belongings, and the last words of love he said before running away. I did what he asked me to, but in my wildest dreams, I had never thought that we would reunite like this. Of course, there was a vast possibility that we would never be together again, but I prayed. I prayed so hard that God would allow us to find our happy ending.And now I got the chance to reunite with my Tanner to cry, overhearing the doctor's grim diagnosis of poisoning. I couldn't beli
*Poppy*I struggled to maintain a steady breath, my nerves on edge as I sat in the courtroom for an eternity. The absence of the Council and Seamus only heightened my anxiety. Easton's attempts to reassure me fell on deaf ears, my heart pounding in my chest, a relentless drumbeat of anticipation.My phone vibrated in my pocket again, and I pulled it out to see what disheartening update Rose had sent me this time."Put it away. They're on their way." Easton, my new loyal friend and ally, leaned down and whispered. Without looking, I put the phone back down and glanced nervously over my left shoulder, meeting the cynical gaze of my mate, Seamus, who had appeared alone this time without his vixen clinging to his arm."I hope we can get this over with quickly. After all, it's New Year's, and there's no better way to celebrate it than in the Werewolf Council building."His representative threw it our way as he walked past to sit in the dock reserved for the accused. Seamus didn't say a wor
*Poppy*All eyes were focused on a snarling, angry Seamus, who had risen from his seat, dug his claws into the table before him, and glared murderously at Easton and me. "I don't have to tell you what that reaction means, do I?" Easton asked the Council members, staring at our scene with mixed emotions. Seamus, the current Alpha, and I, the challenger, were the main focus of their attention. Some were wiping their foreheads in surprise, others were writing something vigorously in their notes, and a few were looking at Seamus with such contempt that I almost burst out laughing with happiness.'Damn right, princeling. Let's take down that shitty mate of us.' Iris shouted her encouragement as she howled in joy in my head at Seamus's reaction.My heart was pounding, and I was still trying to cool down after that scene Easton put on me and the intended kiss, but I gazed at Seamus, who wasn't expecting me to play dirty. His fur was almost bristling, and his eyes were narrowed in anger and
*Poppy*I stumbled out of the Council Headquarters, my mind a foggy void, my legs unsteady, and my heart thudding so violently that I couldn't discern reality. The next thing I knew, I was seated in the car, Easton's laughter reverberating around me. Like a rushing river, his words failed to breach the invisible barrier that had enveloped me.I felt as if I were trapped in a hermetically sealed bubble. Glancing at my hands, clasped tightly on my lap, I saw them shaking. Looking up through the window and watching the warm sunshine, my mind was whirling with emotions. I could hardly believe it—I had won the case against Seamus, and justice had finally been served.Relief washed over me, knowing I had fought tirelessly for what was right and had come out victorious. It was a victory that echoed with the sound of justice served. But beneath the surface, bittersweet nostalgia and lingering pain threatened to overshadow my triumph. Memories of happier times with Seamus flooded my mind, and
*Poppy*Easton's words echoed in my head like a mantra, encouraging me to fight, rebuilding my self-esteem, but above all, strengthening my belief that this duel would be the final stage in my life, cutting myself off from Seamus, Larch Groove Pack, opening the way for me where I can build my future with a clean slate.That short stop in the park was exactly what I needed—a breath. I needed to catch my breath and distance myself from what had just ended. I never thought that when I finally got the freedom I wanted, instead of being thankful for the end of suffering, I would be mourning my former lover and those beautiful moments we had together. But in that moment, the park was a sanctuary, a brief respite from the storm of emotions.That's why I had this panic attack; I forgot that Seamus used to be a loving and caring man who cared for my every need as if I were his queen. What happened to him? I don't know. But I don't want to find out. That stage is behind me now, closed. This rea
*Poppy*I stood at the entrance of the grand living room in the Piemontesi house, a familiar yet foreign feeling washing over me as I stepped across the threshold. Iris stirred, agitated, making my nerves skyrocket. What was that strange sensation at the back of my neck? Was it nerves or something entirely different? I wondered as I walked inside, holding Gemma's hand, with Dante and his sister by my sides.As I caught sight of Amara in Andrew's arms, a rush of happiness surged through me. I hurried forward with Gemma, my heart swelling as I reached out to hug my newfound best friend. "My sweet girl," Amara whispered, squeezing the life out of me. Despite the lack of oxygen, I felt relief upon returning to where I felt safe and peaceful."You had us worried, young lady! You better have a better explanation than making new friendships to bring us
*Dante de Gallo*The sun was setting over the quaint Valley of Piemontesi, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape. I stood by the window of the small coffee shop we passed yesterday on our way to the vampire's mansion, and the memory of Poppy's bright smile while entering this mysterious town, hiding its secrets, popped into my head. It was a cozy place, and even the omnipresent vampires looking around me furtively did not take away its charm.Poppy spent the night with her daughter, who radiated joy at seeing her mother and offered her undivided attention. Allegra and I quickly retreated to the background, dealing with the mansion's hosts as they inquired about rooms- a first for us. As royals, we’re always served first, never last, and certainly never left to handle things on our own.It was quite an experience, particularly when
*Dante de Gallo*The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the forest path leading to Poppy's home. I sat close beside her. My sister Allegra was in the front passenger seat of our SUV, her laughter mingling with the sound of silly reels she watched on her phone and the soft murmur of music. The tranquil sounds of the radio were a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions stirring within me. With every moment, I couldn't shake the sensation that Poppy was meant for me, that she was my mate. Yet, the lack of recognition from my lycan Aldo gnawed at me like a persistent ache I couldn't ignore.I have no idea how I convinced her to join me on the trip back to her daughter's. Still, perhaps a huge part of it was thanks to my younger sister Allegra, who not only charmed Poppy with her colorful personality but also, thanks to her ability to subtly but effectively man
*Poppy*The day of the funeral dawned heavy with unspoken grief and uncertainty. The air was thick, and a heavy fog was rolling over the river's surface as the Larch Grove Pack members gathered at the pier. Their eyes cast downwards, and their hearts were burdened with the loss of their Alpha, Seamus. I stood among them, my shoulders squared, forcing myself to remain composed despite the wave of turmoil. It had only been a matter of days since Seamus's death, and now I faced the moment of farewell.The makeshift altar at the end of the pier was adorned with wildflowers and tokens of respect, symbolizing the bond shared between Alpha and his loyal followers. Torches had been placed around the pier, ready to flicker to life and send Seamus off in a blaze of tribute when the time came. I could hear the low murmurs of those in attendance, their whispers punctuating the profound silence
*Poppy*I stood at the helm of the Larch Groove Pack, the warmth of the sun streaming through the expansive glass window of what had once been the grand hall and now was my makeshift command post. The air was thick with tension as I surveyed the faces of my pack members, their expressions a mixture of uncertainty and expectation. This wasn't just a new chapter but a complete rewrite of the history that had plagued them for far too long.Clearing my throat, I took a deep breath, channeling the strength of my daughter Gemma's memories, my mentor Gamma Tanner's wisdom, and the resolve hinted at in the dungeons. "We have a priority," I declared, my voice steady and unwavering. "The water supply—our lives depend on it. I'm demanding an immediate change of the w
*Poppy*The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow that filtered through the trees of Larch Grove Pack. I gazed over Easton's shoulder and saw Prince Nanyou standing solemnly among the gathered members of the pack, his princely demeanor calm yet authoritative. I finally learned his name after mistakenly calling him Nintendo once, and I almost burned with shame for misspelling it. Luckily, he was understanding, but Princes Dante and Easton made fun of me every time they could.Given the recent events that have deeply affected everyone, it was evident that the pack required a leader, a guiding voice amid the turmoil following Seamus's death. Today’s meeting was specifically held to reveal the verdict reached by the three royals."Thank you all for coming," Nanyou began, his voice resonating through the clearing where they had co
*Poppy*I took a deep breath as I settled into the worn leather chair beneath the dim light of the small room. The weight of the past days felt as heavy as the bars that kept me locked in the dungeons—the unrelenting reminder of the turmoil that had engulfed my life. Today, however, I had the chance to reach out to the most important people in the world—my daughter, Gemma, and my trusted friend, ex-Gamma Tanner.I set my phone on the table, the screen flickered to life with a steady pulse, and I dialed Tanner's number. The signals went one after another as I watched my reflection on the screen, waiting for the call to connect. As it did, anticipation filled the air. Just hearing Gemma's voice would be worth my treacherous journey."Mom?" Gemma's bright voice broke through the static, and I felt relief. Seeing her smiling face, with its blue eyes and blond pigtails, made me choke on my sobs, and I clapped my hand over my mouth."Sweetheart!" My voice blended warmth and care, and my hea
*Poppy*For the past thirty minutes, three handsome princes have been discussing my situation fervently, even though I'm sitting right next to them, hearing every word they say and wondering why no one has let me out and allowed me to contact my daughter. I have some rights, don't I? We may not be subject to the human justice system, but for God's sake, I have the right to a lawyer, to remain silent, and to make one phone call. Unfortunately, I've been denied that for the past three days. I'm not going to sit here idly wondering when and if I'll be able to hear my daughter's voice and see her sweet, smiling face. I got up from the small bed, walked toward the silver bars, and cleared my throat loudly. Unfortunately, my attempt to get the attention of the three powerful Lycans failed, and each of them began to discuss various matters, interjecting words whose meaning was a mystery to me. Well, yes, I have not learned to speak Italian or Mandarin. Spanish is the only language I have lea
*Poppy*“ How did I end up here? “ I wondered as I sat in the barred cell, pulling at my hair. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. This wasn't how my case was supposed to end. This wasn't how my life was supposed to unfold, for fuck's sake. What the hell had gone wrong?! I shouted these questions like a catapult, creating an even bigger mess. I lifted my head and stared at Easton, pacing back and forth, tearing at his hair as I did, questioning our situation. His footsteps could already make a path the size of the Great Wall of China. Chairman Pullman glared at me as if I'd killed his cat with a hammer. Where had he even come from? And how on earth did he manage to convene some extraordinary council that was supposed to decide my fate? When did my life turn into a series of endless disasters?"What will happen to me? I mean, what could be a punishment for this?" I asked quietly, pondering how to escape this impasse. Easton paused and glanced my way. His eyes were eerily stormy as i