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89: BLOODHOUND
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2023-08-14 22:36:52Related chapters
The Mate Agreement 90: WOMAN AND WOLF
Bingo!The lights go out.I kick out my legs, jamming my foot into Lucien’s knee. He goes down with a grunt. The gun skitters out of his hand and I lunge for it, the darkness ebbing at my vision.I hear the ring of a thin blade drawn as fast as lightning, the sound of bodies dropping, and then the lights come back on, flooding the room.I gasp.Mom.Still in the hospital gown, mom is standing with a drawn katana that drips blood on the floor. The rest of Lucien’s men are bleeding out on the floor. Her braids have come undone, sweat making her short brown hair stick to her forehead. She grins at me, panting. “Surprise.”I’m too stunned to even speak.Exhilaration and relief and shock floods my system all at once, and I can only stare at her in disbelief, my mouth agape. I’d seen and felt Wilma’s presence creeping towards the light switches, but I thought she turned off the lights to give me the advantage.But no. She’d turned them off for mom.Mom, who’s awake, standing before me with
Last Updated : 2023-08-15The Mate Agreement 91: NOTHING BUT DARKNESS
Luke Ravenstone looks to me, and a silent agreement transpires between us. I understood what is about to happen; the price Ethan and Lucien have to pay. I’ve already crossed a line. I give him an imperceptible nod. His gaze falls to William, in a deep, unnatural sleep on the floor, and a heavy sadness settles underneath the stone cold expression etched into his face. And then he glances towards Mom, attempts a polite smile that comes out as a grimace. “I’m pleased to see you’ve awoken, Mrs. Caillou.” He states, sighing.Mom nods back at him, a little bewildered. Normally, she’s more chatty than this, but I’m sure the events of the night have taken a toll on her. It has taken a toll on all of us. She’s clutching my arm, and I keep a reassuring hand around her shoulders although I’m so tired it feels as if I might slip out of consciousness.Luke clears his throat. “I need two chairs, Wilhelmina.” He requests, crossing his arms. “From the kitchen. And a bottle of vodka.”Wilma jumps at t
Last Updated : 2023-08-17The Mate Agreement 92: IN THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS
I slowly open my eyes, the room coming into focus around me. It's as if I'm emerging from a deep, heavy fog. The world seems still, peaceful. I blink a few times, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. I realize I'm lying in my bed, the somewhat familiar surroundings a comfort to my weary body. My head throbs gently, a dull reminder of the exhaustion that had finally taken its toll. And of last night. Memories rush back to me in unpleasant waves. All that blood, all that violence, that had happened just last night feels like a nightmare, like a recollection of events that have happened ages ago. But with it comes relief. A soft groan escapes my lips as I attempt to sit up, my head throbbing slightly as I move. Movement to my side catches my attention, and I turn my head to see Mila and... wait, my eyes widen in disbelief, is that really Bibah? My heart skips a beat as I take in the sight of her, in the flesh, sitting on the edge of the bed with a wide sm
Last Updated : 2023-08-19The Mate Agreement 93: HEARTS INTERTWINED
By the time I’m done brushing my teeth and my hair in the bathroom, the dull pain in my head is gone. However, my limbs still feel heavy, and a stinging sensation continues to radiate up my arm. I wouldn’t mind a few more hours of sleep -in fact I feel like I actually need it- but I don’t think I can rest easy without checking up on William.The ruckus of renovation invades my senses the second I open the door and step outside my room. Each hammer strike resonates through the walls, jarring my headache, stoking it’s dying coals back to life. The relentless drilling seems to pierce the air, disrupting any semblance of tranquility the bedroom walls had offered me.Mila was right.It’s definitely not an ideal place of ambiance.I close my eyes and attempt to block out the cacophony as I make my way upstairs to the third floor. My footsteps are swallowed by the soft carpet in the hallway, and as it stretched ahead, bathed in a soft, dim light that cast delicate shadows on the walls, I pay
Last Updated : 2023-08-20The Mate Agreement 94: NOT GOODBYE
After spending one more night in the Ravenstone estate, Bibah leaves for Sohdan the following morning, after extracting a promise out of me that I will visit her as soon as I can.As I watch the limousine arranged by Mila to take her to the airport pull out of the double gates of the pack estate, my mind returns to William, and a gnawing worry settles within me.The doctors have been placing him on heavy sedatives and monitoring his brain activity, all in preparation for the surgery. Since the last time he’d told me about his decision to go through with it, I haven’t had much chance to be by his side.At least not when he’s awake.I sigh and pull the cardigan around me tighter against the slightly chilly morning air. Although all the renovations are done, I don’t exactly feel like going back to my room, so I take a path through the gardens, checking my phone to take note of the time when Mom and Wilma will be leaving for our pack house in Deveras. Without me.More than anything, I wan
Last Updated : 2023-08-21The Mate Agreement 95: TRANQUIL
Three days pass me by in a blur, engulfed in anxiety, uneasiness, and anticipation of what is to come. When I can’t stay glued to William’s sleeping form, I go on long walks to clear my head and try to envision everything going smoothly.Most of the time, I’m out of luck.On the morning of the surgery, I wake up early and get ready, throwing on a black cardigan and a white maxi skirt. The weather here is starting to get colder.Soon, winter will roll in.I move to the large windows and gaze out to the view, sighing.Outside the window, the serene garden unfolds like a painter's masterpiece. Lush emerald grass stretches like a velvety carpet, adorned with an array of vibrant flowers that dance in harmony with the gentle breeze. Sunlight filters through the leaves of ancient trees nestled into far corners of the estate buildings, casting intricate patterns of dappled shade upon the scene.The closer I look, the more beautiful it gets.I try to allow it to clear my mind of its worries.A
Last Updated : 2023-08-22The Mate Agreement 96: TRANQUIL II
He doesn’t remember.He can’t remember.The world continues to spin for me as I try to come to terms with the possibility of the situation. Each passing second that William continues to stare at me like I am a stranger feels like my heart is being dashed against a rock.It’s been three minutes since the doctor came in, and I stand anxiously by the bedside, fidgeting with the ring William gave me. The ring he doesn’t remember giving me.In my head, I am pacing, but my body physically stays rigid, unable to move an inch, listening only to the hammering of my heart and the mechanical humming of the machines.I take in a shaky breath as the doctor straightens from flashing a light in William’s eye. He’d asked him a series of questions to understand the extent of his memory loss. "Ms. Caillou," he begins with a sigh, his tone gentle, "I understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for you. William’s surgery was complex, and the brain is a delicate organ. Memory loss can sometimes o
Last Updated : 2023-08-23The Mate Agreement 97: MEMORY BY MEMORY
I rise from my stupor with a throbbing deep in my head and heavy eyelids. Memories and reality try to coax me out of the blissfulness of oblivion, but I keep my eyes closed, hoping if I did so long enough; if I don’t open them, I will not have to be confronted by the truth of the events that have unfolded in the near past. But the nightmare of reality follows me behind my closed eyes, and I find myself imaging William’s face; his eyes staring back at me blankly with no tender emotion except confusion and pity.Still with my eyes closed, I scrunch up my face, the impact of a mere imagination like physical pain inflicted on me. “No…” I groan, trying to bury my head deeper into the softness of the pillows and the sheets beneath me.“You’re awake.”My eyes fly open at the sound of William’s voice, and his face looming above me. There is a beat of silence as I dared to hope, tracing the contours and angles of his face with my gaze while he watches me back curiously. He’s in the bed with me
Last Updated : 2023-08-25
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The Mate Agreement 111: EPILOGUE
I can't help the grin as it stretches across my face. Even when I tone down my teeth display for the camera, my giddiness makes my grin return to its full glory.These are the kind of joyful moments in life when everything aligns perfectly, and the future gleams with a brilliance that outshines the sun.Similar to tiny fireflies, the fairy lights surrounding us emit a soft glow in the approaching evening. My gaze shifts to the rows of people smiling and mingling, the white roses gathered in their transparent vases, the band playing an old classical melody that Akio Kamio has cherished for most of his life, and ultimately to Bibah's radiant smile, outshining even the stars in the sky.Bibah stands gracefully in her wedding gown, a vision of elegance and modesty. The gown's creamy hue complements her radiant complexion, and the intricate lace patterns and delicate beadwork trace enchanting designs across the fabric.Her head is adorned with a delicate hijab, carefully draped to frame her
The Mate Agreement 110: THE END
The idea of dying... it's like staring into a dark abyss, wondering what lies beyond. Am I ready for it? Is anyone ever truly prepared to let go of everything they know? It's as if life is this intricate tapestry, woven with memories, experiences, and dreams, and death is that final thread that could unravel it all.I've heard people say that death gives life meaning. That the inevitability of our mortality forces us to seize the fleeting moments and savor them. Is that why we laugh, love, and strive to make a mark? To counteract the impending darkness?But what if it's not about the mark we leave, but the mark we've made on ourselves? Like, how every heartbreak, triumph, and mistake molds us into this intricate sculpture of a person. And maybe death is the moment when we step back and see the whole masterpiece.It's terrifying, though. The unknown. The thought of losing consciousness, of the world carrying on without me. Will I be forgotten? Will my laughter fade into the wind, like
The Mate Agreement 109: PREMONITIONS OF CHAOS
The mountain top stretches out before us, bathed in the silvery glow of the moonlight. Jagged rocks and hardy shrubs dot the landscape, offering scarce cover. The air is crisp and thin, carrying with it a sense of anticipation. A veil of darkness conceals the treacherous precipices that lie beyond the edges.My heart races as we stand on the precipice, the night sky a blanket of twinkling stars above. The wind whispers of secrets yet to be revealed, as William's gaze scans the vast expanse. This was the kind of place he used to love—a rooftop under the sky.His eyes narrow, a flicker of recognition passing over his features, like a spark trying to ignite a long-dormant memory. I hold my breath, hoping that this moment will be the catalyst, the key to unlocking the past he's lost.Before my thoughts can fully settle, a guttural shout splits the air, shattering the tranquility. My head snaps towards the disturbance, and my heart lurches as seven figures emerge from the shadows, armed wi
The Mate Agreement 108: MOTORBIKE
“Are you sure this is the place?”“Absolutely.” I whisper back at William, uneasily glancing around the empty expanse of the beach. It feels like we’re about to break into a bank and steal cash. “Unless she invited me for breakfast in a friend’s apartment, then I guess we’ll be knocking on a strangers door.” I add in a rush of huffed out breath.William looks skeptic. “Isabe-”I step forward and press the ringer, cutting off William’s words. Time had passed us by while on the boat, and now it’s past the normal curfew of the resort. The demarcated areas outside the resort -including the mountain we’d impulsively decided to go to- were now closed off for the day. Since Tamie has been here her whole life and her family owns the resort and I somewhat feel as if we’re friends now, I thought that maybe asking for her help would be a good idea.Silence continues to answer me.“Mochi definitely came out of here.” I mutter, frowning at the whole modern shack like it had personally offended me.
The Mate Agreement 107: SPEEDBOAT DINNER
“Maybe we should call it a win win and stop here.” I suggest, leaning back as the last few chuckles escape me, my laughter finally subsiding.William raises a triumphant eyebrow as he rearranges the chess pieces back to their normal starting formation. “Giving up already?” He taunts, smirking.“You wish.” I reply, rolling my eyes before sighing. “I’m just tired of staring at the pieces.”We have been playing cheating chess since after breakfast when I got back to the suite from my conversation and walk with Tamie. William had brought his chess board along from the pack estate, and had suggested we play it, in hopes that he might remember something again. There has been no luck in that area, but at the very least, we’ve had an unexplainable amount of fun as the hours flew by. We fixate on morals of the game, creating new rules, and finding more ridiculous ways to justify breaking the classical rules of chess.The sun is setting now, painting our beach-side view of the window a brillian
The Mate Agreement 106: LUCKY GIRL
The very next morning, I wake up early, get out of the ball dress I ended up sleeping in, and took a quick shower, changing into more comfortable beach shorts and a loose tank top.When I leave the bedroom, William is still curled up in the sheets, sleeping. I call the room service and other an elaborate breakfast, hoping to return the heartwarming gesture he had done to me when we got here.Out of the breakfast of waffles, fruits, and a jug of a fancy cocktail blend fresh from the Island’s own produce, I only manage a single waffle before leaving the suite and closing the door softly behind me.Now, where the heck do I start looking for Tamie?I go out to the beach, taking the trail where William and I had first seen her walking her Pekingese dog. Well, more like where we saw her dog about to drown and rescued him.It’s a sunny day, the sand warm as the soft, fine grains slip in and out my flip flops. The ocean’s waves laps eagerly at the shore, and I squint into the far distance, in
The Mate Agreement 105: YOU’RE KINDA HOT WHEN YOU NAG
Leaving the chaotic ballroom behind, we retreat to the quiet safety of our room. The tension of the night still lingers between us, though now it's wrapped in a cocoon of slight awkwardness.William doesn’t say anything, still steaming with remnants of his anger, and neither do I, as we enter the bedroom and he shrugs off his jacket. I notice a few specs of blood staining the front part of his white shirt.“You shouldn’t have done that.” I sigh, retrieving a first aid kit from a nearby drawer, sitting him down at the edge of the bed and gently begin tending to the cut on William's lip, my touch both soothing and reproachful.He winces at the disinfectant that touches the small split flesh where the silver rings had made impact."Oh, now you can feel pain?" I chide softly, dabbing the wound with an antiseptic swab. "Stop being such a baby. I know you were defending me, but there are better ways you could’ve handled the situation."Like poisoning the bastard.Or gutting him in a dark al
The Mate Agreement 104: LOST TO WHIMSY
We spend the rest of the night and the following day simply talking and exploring. William asks a lot of questions about our time in Acadia Academy, and I try my hardest to answer him to the best of my ability, although none of my answers end up triggering his memory.Soon, the night of the ball arrives.Preparing for the ball is a whirlwind of anticipation and excitement. The vibrant energy that courses through me is infectious as I carefully choose my attire for the evening; my makeup already done and my hair painstakingly pinned up into an updo. The dress, a delicate masterpiece of flowing midnight blue silk, shimmers with an iridescent glow in the soft light of our suite. Its off-shoulder neckline adds a touch of elegance, and the intricate lacework along the bodice and hem hints at the craftsmanship that went into its creation. With every twirl in front of the mirror, I feel like a character from a fairytale.I don’t even remember when I bought the dress.The air is electric as I
The Mate Agreement 103: IMMERSED
I gradually stir from my peaceful slumber, the room cast in a gentle twilight as the sun dips below the horizon.I yawn.How long have I been asleep?As I stretch and sit up, I notice a beautifully arranged plate of dinner on the nearby table and a goofy smile overtakes my face. William must’ve kept it there for me. I glance around the bedroom and the living room for the second time, looking for him, but I don’t spot him anywhere.Where did he go?My stomach rumbles in response to the inviting aroma of the garlic butter stake and potato skillet, and I find myself savoring the delicious flavors as I sit at the edge of the bed with the tray and devour the food.Sated and content, I decide to take advantage of the cool evening air and to also look for William. I change out of my t-shirt and jeans into sleeping shorts and a bralette, despite the cool weather. The sliding glass door leads me to the terrace, where the world is adorned with the soft glow of moonlight. My gaze is drawn to the
