I stayed in this small room for three days, barely going out. Outside, the street grew busier day by day. Susie and Abel would go out for a few hours every day. They invited me several times, but I declined. Rather than being a third wheel, I preferred to immerse myself in reading books. Besides, Herman is so small; I was worried about the awkwardness of bumping into Norton.At six in the morning, car horns from outside woke me from my sleep. I closed my eyes, trying to fall back asleep, but it was futile. I turned on the table lamp and picked up Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own," leaning against the headboard to read. After an hour or so, I put the book down, got out of bed, and changed into a loose, purple cotton maxi skirt. I headed to the bathroom to freshen up but found the toothpaste was empty. I made do with a quick rinse and then left the room to go to the dining area for breakfast.At this time, only a few people were in the restaurant. I picked up a tray at the counter
About ten days later, news came that our storm-damaged house had been partially repaired. This brought immense joy to us. We woke up early, planning to catch the earliest ride back.We walked along the street towards the bus station when a silver Mercedes pulled over at the roadside. The car was filled with the scent of cedar. The window rolled down to reveal Norton's handsome face."Are you headed back to the Nightwalker Tribe? I'm going that way and can give you a lift," he said, taking off his sunglasses.Before I could decline, Susie spoke up eagerly, "That's terrific! Abel, help load our luggage."I reluctantly got into the car. It was awkward! I hadn't seen him once during our two-week stay, and now, he unexpectedly offered us a ride. I couldn't believe it.Susie and I sat in the back, with Abel in the front passenger seat. I couldn't help but sneak glances at Norton. A couple of times, our eyes met in his rearview mirror. My heart pounded as if I were a child caught doing somet
I named the baby Noah. He's a mischievous little one who keeps us on our toes. He can sleep all day but insists on being awake and fussy at night. Aunt Mary and Uncle Marcus dote on him, taking turns to soothe him in the evenings. Typically, Aunt Mary handles the first half of the night, and Uncle Marcus takes the latter. Noah is like a mini-me, inheriting my brown skin and green eyes. He's nothing like Drake, which eases my worries.Five months after Noah's birth, Susie's baby arrives too. It's a girl named Giselle. Giselle is a chubby, adorable baby with sapphire-blue eyes, fair skin, and dimples on her cheeks, a spitting image of Susie. Abel adores his daughter and proudly parades her around the tribe, showing her off to everyone he meets.When Noah was ten months old, I graduated from college and passed the entrance exam for Herman College. I entrust Noah's care to Aunt Mary and Uncle Marcus and head off to Herman for my studies.On the first day of school, I found myself rooming
"Lola, take your drawing board and go to the art room to play by yourself. I need to have a talk with Miss Zoe," Eliza said, pulling a small drawing board from the toy box and handing it to Lola. "Fine," Lola reluctantly left my side, casting a parting look and saying goodbye before walking into a large circular room. "Lola, are you sure about this job? Have you decided to take it?" Eliza asked me. I closed my eyes, sniffed the lingering scent of violets from Lola, and felt an unusual sense of comfort. This child and I had a connection. We liked each other from the first moment we met. "Yes, I've decided," I replied. "Well, that's great. Please wait a moment; I'll get the contract from my office," Eliza said as she got up and headed upstairs to the room on the right side. Inexplicably, this lavishly decorated house gave me a feeling of déjà vu. I tried to identify something familiar inside it, but unfortunately, I couldn't pinpoint anything. It wasn't a particular object that gav
His thin lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he clenched his mouth shut, swallowed hard, and his sexy Adam's apple bobbed up and down. After a while, he finally managed to say something less awkward."What's the baby's name?""Noah.""It must be tough raising a child on your own.""Not really. Aunt Mary and Uncle Marcus help me take care of the child. I'm really grateful for them. And,"I was tired of beating around the bush. He had so many questions, yet he insisted on maintaining this cool demeanor, keeping his inquiries bottled up inside."Are you wondering why he isn't taking responsibility for the child?""You guessed it," he nodded.I sighed and shrugged my shoulders. Since he wanted to know, there was no need to hide it any longer."He doesn't know the child exists. I was forced back then, and when I found out I was pregnant, I escaped to the Nightwalker Tribe. I didn't want that beast to know about it. I was afraid he would harm my child, jus
"Sorry, it's just a child's nonsense, please don't mind." Norton took two steps back, and his misty eyes quickly returned to calm. The warm yellow light shone on his face like mist, making his brows and eyes softer. His eyes stayed on my face and he couldn't bear to look away.Strong love spreads in my heart. Guided by Cupid's arrow, I gave up my reserve and let impulse and passion take over. I walked up to him, stood on tiptoes, and pressed a gentle kiss on his lips.A sweet smile spread between his lips, and he stroked his lips, seeming to reminisce."Dad, Mom, can you open the door for me?" Lola shouted outside the door."Okay." Norton turned the door lock.The moment the door was opened, Laura's cute little head squeezed in with a bright smile on her face."Dad! I like Zoe, and I want her to be my mother, okay?" She jumped in, hugged her father's legs, and said coquettishly."Baby, you have to ask Zoe if she is willing." Norton rubbed her head and said softly, his eyes full of lov
For a long time in my life, I have managed to be a better version of myself. To compensate those whom I’ve owed to. To retrieve what I’ve lost. I’m Zoe Ernest, a plain she-wolf, residing in the Red Moon pack with my mother. My mother is filled with excitement for my upcoming eighteenth birthday, as Drake and I have been in a relationship for nearly a year. Despite the widespread belief that we are a couple, many individuals hold doubts about the viability of our bond. Some disdainfully look upon me, while others reveal their jealousy. From their perspective, my mother and I, as newcomers to this pack for less than two years, seem ill-suited to ascend to Drake's elevated status. Indeed, he is the object of affection for every young woman in this pack, possessing a robust physique, a strikingly handsome visage, and a pair of deep, expressive, hazel eyes that can enthrall any lady. Beyond his striking appearance, Drake's esteemed lineage sets him apart. He is the only son of Beta Morg
I hardly slept a wink that night. Throughout the entire evening, my mind replayed all the things he had done to me in the past year, filling my heart with anger, regret, and resentment. ‘Just break up with him, and everything will be fine,’ I kept consoling myself, attempting to calm down, but with little success. The next morning, my mother's call roused me from sleep. I glanced at my phone and cursed under my breath; it was only six in the morning, and I had barely slept for an hour. There was a birthday message from Aunt Mary with a kiss emoji. I quickly replied with a kiss emoji back. Dragging myself to the bathroom with messy hair and heavy footsteps, I looked in the mirror and almost thought I had seen a ghost. My face was pale, dark circles marred my eyes, and my lips were devoid of color. Oh, my goodness, what happened to me! "Hey, girl! Stop dawdling; you have a date with Drake today!" Mother's voice echoed from upstairs. "Coming!" I shouted back at the door. After fresh