Seth’s expression softened, the worry in his eyes giving way to amusement. “You had a rut?”Mason lowered his gaze, embarrassed. “That’s not funny, Seth… I had to use the restroom to… you know.” Heat crept up his face.“Relax. Wow, I never thought a human would actually experience that.”“Well, it happened, and I need to know what the hell it means.”Seth exhaled, then leaned forward. “Alright, listen carefully. A rut is something Lycans and werewolves go through—it’s an intense, primal need for their mate. Usually, it only happens to us, but since you’re bonded to Ste-phen, your body is reacting to him, even though you’re human.”Mason’s face twisted in disbelief. “I can’t believe this.”“Me neither. But, Mason…” Seth’s voice turned serious. “Maybe you should consider accepting things as they are.”Mason blinked in confusion. “What do you mean? Like… accept Ste-phen? Be with him forever?”Seth pressed his lips together. “I know this is probably too much to ask, but… the bond cannot b
Seth snorted on the other end. “I guess that means you’re already falling for me.”Twilight pressed her lips together at his words, but his voice soon turned serious.“Remember what I told you about Professor Ste-phen?”“Yeah, I do. He scares me. I knew what he was the moment he stepped into the class, but I stayed quiet since my scent is low enough for him to mistake me for a human,” Twilight muttered.“He’s not a bad person. Soon, I’ll introduce you to him,” Seth assured.“Do you have to? I think we should fix us first before letting anyone else know,” Twilight suggested.Seth stayed quiet for a moment before speaking again.“Courting like a human. Alright, Sparkles, I’ll give you time. We’ll take things slow.”A warm smile spread across her lips, but it quickly faded when she saw Bella stepping into the classroom.“Thanks… I have to go,” she said and immediately ended the call before Bella reached her.Bella folded her arms, her expression one of pure frustration.“You bitch,” she
********Ste-phenWith another issue unsettling his pack affairs, all Ste-phen wanted to do was travel over there and kill them all—every last one of them.His absence from the pack was attracting enemies, ones slowly clawing their way in, searching for any hint of weakness.First, it was the business issue. Now, they were using something far more dangerous—betrayal from within.His Beta had been keeping him informed about the situation back home, but it was worse than he expected. There were whispers of discontent among the ranks, with some of his trusted warriors beginning to doubt his rule. A select few—foolish, power-hungry, and blind—were already making moves against him, emboldened by the belief that his focus on the human world made him weak.Ste-phen scoffed. Weak?Oh, they would see just how weak he was when he fished them out and ripped their still-beating hearts from their chests.A knock sounded on his door, but before he could give permission, the person opened the office
“Stop!”Mason's voice pierced the incredibly suffocating silence of the room. He hadn't realized how hard he was already breathing.The rage was slowly clutching at his nerves. A weird weight blossomed on his chest, making it hard for him to breathe.Ste-phen glanced over Bella's shoulder, meeting Mason’s gaze.“What?” he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.“Don't do it,” Mason quickly said, and Ste-phen’s smirk widened.“Why, Mason?” Ste-phen asked, still holding Bella's chin. “Would you like to replace her then?”Mason froze, even Bella, who was in between his legs, frowned with a questioning look.“What are…?”“Shh,” Ste-phen whispered to her, running his thumb over her lower lip and silencing her with those dark, charming eyes. “Let him talk.”Mason's nerves were on fire.In between Ste-phen’s legs… I should be there. Not her! Fucking damn it!“Let her leave first,” Mason demanded, his voice almost a whisper.“No. She wants it so badly,” Ste-phen didn’t shift his gaze away from he
____Twilight sat nervously, fidgeting with her fingers as she waited.Soon, the door opened, and a cop led her father into the space opposite her, separated by the transparent glass barrier between them.Christopher sat down, placing his cuffed hands on the table and leaning forward slightly. A scoff tore from his throat."Who was that Alpha?" he asked."I didn’t come here for that...""Answer my fucking question!" he snapped, and Twilight’s jaw clenched. "He came out of nowhere, beat me up, and threw me into this jail. Since when did you start involving yourself in the werewolf world without my knowledge?"Twilight's lips parted in disbelief. "I can't believe you," her voice was low, dripping with anger. "For years, I did nothing but try to please you, to win back the love you showed me before everything... went wrong. But now, I... I'm starting to wonder if you're truly my father."Christopher scoffed. "Maybe you're right. I might not be your father. Your mother was just a bitchy w
*******The next day, Mason barely spoke a word. No greetings. And if Ste-phen asked him something, he either gave a short response—yes or no—or simply nodded his head.Even while they shared the same bathroom, Mason barely glanced at him. During his leisure time, he preferred to keep his distance--going to the hospital or studying for exam.For the first time, Ste-phen felt ignored—ghosted. He found himself wanting attention… slowly reconsidering what Mason had told him.A date?But telling Mason about his past was out of the question. It was dark—too dark for him to understand. Ste-phen decided not to bother him. First, he had his own issues to deal with, and Mason needed to focus on his exams.Two days later, it was time for the Gothic and Literature exam—the course Ste-phen was currently handling.That morning, the moment Mason stepped into the bathroom, Ste-phen’s eyes widened slightly at the faint scent mingling in the air.His gaze settled on the cold boy as he walked over to s
Ste-phen's eyes dilated, watching Mason hanging onto him. His wreck pitiful position, the desperate gasps of breath and sweat dripping down his face, its drop hitting the floor.A human facing rut as hard as this, it must be a tough. Never had he expected Mason to actually admit he desire.For a moment concern flashed in Ste-phen's gaze but it quickly disappeared as it came. A scrowl formed on his face.What's with the emotions suddenly surging through him?“Hey, Mason” his voice grew softer. “Can you hold it in until we get back to the apartment?”Mason shocked by Ste-phen’s words slowly looked up to Ste-phen as if he had grown another head. “What?”“Do you wish it to be done here?”Again Mason swallowed with surprise. The Ste-phen he knew would pin him straight to the desk and fucked him hard. Though, that was what he wanted, at least a while ago, but now that he thought of it… they are still at school and Ste-phen was surprisingly considering that fact—even though Ste-phen's eyes w
************SETH'S CAR“Will he be alright?” Twilight asked as Seth drove toward her address.“Ste-phen's got him. Why worry about another man when I’m here? You should be worried about me instead,” Seth teased, and Twilight scoffed with a small smile.“He left in the middle of an exam, so I’m a little worried about him.” Twilight shrugged. “Mason doesn’t joke about his studies.”“He can take the exam anytime. It’s Ste-phen’s course, and even if it wasn’t, Mason wouldn’t have a problem,” Seth replied, but Twilight let out a long, deep sigh.“Well, I owe Mason an apology. I’ve been such a bitch to him, and it was all to impress Bella,” Twilight admitted, her face dropping. “I’m a terrible person, you know… especially to Mason.”“I once watched James and his friends torment him—drag him to a quiet spot and hit him over and over again. Despite how much he bled and cried, they didn’t stop.” Twilight’s voice grew quieter. “They laughed at him, hurling insults in his face, and all I did wa
Epilogue – One Year LaterThe forest pulsed with life.Soft beams of moonlight filtered through the trees of the Moonstone Grove, dancing along leaves and casting sacred light upon the ceremonial stones. Music drifted through the air—low, harmonic chants of the old tongue blending with flutes, drums, and the sounds of celebration. Lanterns floated between tree branches like fireflies.It was a night of unity.A night of destiny.A night when the past was finally put to rest.Mason stood at the heart of it all, surrounded by wolves, elders, friends, and family, all gathered in a wide circle. He was dressed in silver ceremonial robes trimmed with blue—the colors of peace and courage. Around his neck hung a pendant of a half-moon, the symbol of a chosen mate.He glanced across the clearing at Ste-phen, standing tall and proud in charcoal-gray robes embroidered with gold threads. His golden eyes never left Mason’s, not even for a moment.There was nothing but love in his gaze. Deep, unsha
****************************************************** The scent of mahogany and aged tobacco clung to the air like an old ghost, curling through the velvet-draped study as Zeno paced across the floor. A storm roared in his chest, but his steps were calm—measured, even. He hated when he lost control. The smashed wineglass glittered in the corner, a silent reminder of that slip. He pressed a finger to his temple, breathing through his nose, then exhaled with a soft hiss. “Tell me again,” he said, his voice icy smooth. The man standing by the doorway—a lean figure in a gray suit—cleared his throat. “Mr. Black is asking questions in Rosedale. He’s already spoken to the Lennox family.” Zeno’s jaw tightened. “And?” “They’re cooperating.” Zeno turned sharply, the sudden movement startling. “Of course they are. They lost a daughter. They’ll do anything to cling to the hope of justice. But why now?” He stared down at the floor as if the wood grain itself might offer answers. “Two
The ward turned silent. Too silent—one could hear a pin drop.Mason could hear his heartbeat racing—too hard, too fast—and he thought he might really faint right then, but that wasn’t his concern right now…What in the motherfûcking world had Ste-phen just spilled out?Ste-phen winked at him, and Mason felt like gouging those eyes out—perhaps even cutting off his tongue too.“We’ll see again, Mrs. Allen,” Ste-phen inclined his head gently and began leaving.Then Yara’s laughter broke the silence, her eyes shut as she almost collapsed back on her bed.Ste-phen, who was about to touch the door, froze and glanced back at her.m, wondering why she suddenly find him funny.“Your boss is so funny.”Mason, getting the hint that his mother hadn’t believed Ste-phen, quickly rushed to shove him out before he could say anything else.Yara blinked in confusion.Ste-phen, who staggered outside, shot a glare at Mason as the door slid shut.“What the fuck…”“Shh!” Mason quickly clamped his hand over
•••••••“Mason.” Yara’s voice snapped Mason back to earth.Mason, whose lips were parted in shock, shifted his gaze from Ste-phen to her.“Hey, Ma,” he chuckled awkwardly, glancing back at Ste-phen just to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. But the male was right there, lounging on the chair beside his mother with his arms folded across his chest.Again, he questioned himself.What in the world was Ste-phen doing here?“Are you planning to stay there and watch? Come on, sweetie.” Yara smiled so brightly it warmed Mason's heart.Mason stepped inside with the lunch he had bought for himself and his mother. Now it felt awkward. He wondered if Ste-phen might be hungry.Ah, right—Ste-phen doesn't like to eat outside.While Mason set the food before his mother, his heart raced in his chest as he could feel Ste-phen’s gaze on him the entire time.Ste-phen hadn't spoken a word.“Finally, Mason! I got to meet the one taking care of you—your boss. The one behind the sudden brightness in your ey
____“You seriously think this will work?” Xander asked as they both sat in the café having lunch.“I don't know, Xander. We can only hope,” Dexter replied, unsure of his words as well.“Yo! What's up, guys?” Jericho and the other boys came over to join them. Lately, Dexter and Xander hadn’t been too active, and the others were getting worried.They had even canceled their upcoming show, and knowing how much these two loved dancing, the rest couldn’t help but try to figure out what was going on—until they got the gist. Mr. Luther was in town.Settling down with them, Jericho who didn't hesitate like the others, broke the silence."I heard your father’s in town, Dexter."Cole, on the other hand, simply stared at Dexter with an unreadable expression.“Don’t worry about it,” Dexter mumbled curtly.“Why did you cancel the dance show then? Is he still against it?”“I said don’t worry about it!” Dexter snapped, making Jericho’s mouth snap shut. Dexter stood up abruptly, the others' eyes foll
“Pens up.”Mrs. Katherine’s voice resonated through the classroom. Most of the students groaned under their breath. It was the last exam, and it had been pretty tough for them.Very few were able to complete their work, including Mason and Twilight.Bella sulked throughout. She no longer sat or spoke with Twilight and minded her own business.Dexter, on the other hand, had changed seats and was awfully quiet the whole time. He and Mason hadn’t exchanged a single word—not even once. But Mason was still curious. Dexter had mentioned him being in danger, and then the shooting incident happened.Even though Ste-phen refused to tell them who was behind it, Mason couldn’t stop wondering.“Dexter?” Mason called in a whisper, careful not to let Katherine hear so she wouldn’t mistake it for cheating.Dexter’s movement paused, and without a word or even a glance, he rose from his chair and walked over to Mrs. Katherine to submit his work.Mason sighed. Dexter must be really mad at him. Perhaps
Moore clenched his phone tightly, his heart racing nonstop, lips quivering.“Mr. Black, let’s talk about—”Three beeps echoed in his ear, indicating the call had just been disconnected. Sweat beaded on Moore’s face, his eyes darted around the room as though searching for somewhere to hide… but there was nowhere.He was alone.And now, sooner or later, his heart was going to be ripped out of his chest. The thought made his knees buckle. He felt stupid for ever playing with Ste-phen’s words.His son was dead. He couldn’t even grieve—he was next.His trembling fingers slid across his phone screen, dialing a number. When the person on the other end picked up, he yelled:“Fuck! Thank God you’re not dead. Prepare any possible way for me to leave this country right away. I don’t care how you do it, I need to leave now! I’ll pay you anything—just find me a way immediately!”The voice on the other end responded, “Sir, you could follow the goods you're about to ship to Korea. If it’s urgent.”R
••••••••Twilight let out a cry as she climbed to her peak, Seth's fingers thrusting in and out of her wet core while his tongue flicked over her sensitive nub.The heat coiled in her stomach, her mouth parting in a silent moan before the sensation exploded within her, making her collapse back onto the bed.Her breathing came in heavy bursts, chest heaving as she struggled to steady herself. Her eyes were shut, a hint of tears pricking the corners.Her heartbeat pounded so loudly she could’ve sworn Seth heard it.She felt a kiss on her jaw, prompting her eyes to flutter open and meet Seth’s dreamy gaze. He brought his fingers to his lips and licked them clean. The sight was so sensual, Twilight had to bite her lip to suppress a moan.“First time?” he asked softly, his eyes gentle—Twilight could see stars in them.“Mhm,” she nodded, and his brows arched.“Really?” He clearly hadn’t expected that answer. She nodded again, and something primal flickered in his eyes.Twilight might’ve gon
Twilight was drying her hair when Seth stepped in as well. Her eyes lit up at the sight of him, and she immediately dropped the towel and approached.“Seth, how did it—”Seth grabbed her waist, slamming his lips against hers, shoving her words back into her throat with a hard, passionate kiss. Twilight melted in his arms, letting his warm tongue slide into her mouth.Her sweet moan echoed through the room, her hand sliding onto his neck, threading her fingers through his hair.He grabbed her by the waist, lifting her as though she weighed nothing. Her back met the wall with a soft thud, her breath catching in her throat as her towel slipped down, pooling at her feet like a whisper.“Seth…” she breathed, her voice trembling with need, but he didn’t let her speak.His mouth was on hers again, harder this time—desperate. As if he needed to remind himself she was real. As if he’d lose his mind if he didn’t taste her right then and there.Her legs wrapped around his waist, locking him in.