Bennet's words hit me like a kick to the stomach. "Crush the pack?" Horror twisted in my blood, I whispered. It feels like my heart is going to burst out of my chest. I'm not alone anymore. Victor isn't merely chasing me. He is chasing everyone. Each and every one.Bennet is standing a few feet away, his attitude serious. His eyes are gloomy and dark with sorrow or regret. I am unable to tell. "Yes," he answers softly but with a shiver of certainty. "Aurora, he will attack soon. And everyone you care about will perish if you don't stop him. My throat tightens every breath. The world seems to have fallen away from under me. I feel as though my legs could fall at any time. The seriousness of what he's saying is beyond my understanding. Victor's goal is to destroy everyone. Callum, my pals, my pack... I turn to face Callum, and my eyes lock with his angry, protective look. I can nearly hear his teeth grinding together because of how tightly his jaw is locked. His body language is screa
The room seems oppressively tight. With our hands securely clenched together as if the tie were enough to hold us planted, Callum and I stand side by side. However, the weight of everything hangs down on me like a thick fog, regardless of how tightly I cling to that warmth. For individuals I care about, every decision we make might be the difference between life and death, and the tension is intolerable. I can feel my chest becoming tighter as we start strategizing how to reply to Victor's attack. As he provides guidance and advise, Callum's voice is solid and steady, and I can tell he's doing all he can to keep me safe. But every time I talk or look at Bennet, I'm reminded of an old grief I thought I had long ago forgotten. The sensations swirling in my chest are bewildering and disturbing. I thought that I had moved on. I assumed I had ignored Bennet. But now that he's so close, those memories are emerging and fighting to grab a footing. I can't get rid of Bennet's presence like a
Everything around me is poisoned by Bennet's words, which linger in the air like a curse. I suddenly lose my capacity to breathe as my heart thuds forcefully in my chest. As his revelation sets in, the ground wobbles under me, sending the sword of betrayal even farther into my heart. Unable to take my eyes off of him, I take an unsteady step back. "You did this, did you?" His statements have upset me so badly that my voice cracks. "My family was destroyed because of you?" Bennet's eyes implore me to understand and forgive him as his face contorted with humiliation. However, how can I? How am I ever going to forgive such a thing? The guy I once loved is now standing in front of me recognizing that he contributed to the devastation of my family and my world. Bennet adds, "I didn't know," in a voice that is hardly audible, as if raising his voice may fracture the tiny thread of control I'm holding to. "Aurora, I had no clue it would end this way. Victor took advantage of me and manipu
As we run through the woodland, Callum's hand firmly holding mine, the tension in the air is palpable. Every stride Victor's army takes gets louder and closer until I can hear it echoing in my ears. The trees appear to close in, winding around us like a prison, and my heart thuds in my chest."We must continue to move," Callum exhorts in a stern yet quiet voice. Even though I can feel the weight of the looming conflict bearing down on us, his eyes spark with resolve.I nod, but my body is exhausted from the mental maelstrom roiling inside of me as much as the running, and my legs feel heavy. Though Bennet's revelation still taints my thoughts like a poison, I can't afford to be weak right now. Not when we are about to die.The rustle of leaves in front of me abruptly stops me in my tracks. As others start to appear out of the darkness, I know what's happening and my blood chills. Victor's outlaws. They are present. There were dozens of them, encircling us from all sides and obstructin
Aurora's pov I never imagined it would end this way, not even in my wildest dream.My head was pounding, my eyes rolling in my head, my hands shaking as I stood in his office doorway and tried to catch my breath. But my y breath was taken away from me by the sight in front of me which was like a punch to the stomach. There he was, my mate, the love of my life sitting behind his desk with his shirt unbuttoned and a woman not just any woman but my step Alicia. They were kissing and smooching.Having sex before me.Their guttural sound filled the air.My heart pounded against my chest as I froze. As I watched them the weight of the rooms silence felt oppressive and their intimacy seemed so... natural. Bennett had never kissed me that way before and to think I had come here so we can prepare my birthday party and met this.Then Bennet eyes locked with mine. There was no surprise in his eyes. He was slow to apologize or offer an explanation. Rather a half-smile that was all too famil
Aurora's povThe sting of Bennet's words was still fresh in my mind as I sat there in the silence of my room.Just as I was about to be crushed by the silence and heartbreak, my phone buzzed. The emptiness I had felt had engulfed me completely that I was confused on what to do.I stared at my phone, It was my best friend Mia. " Get dressed girl. We are heading out. Whether you like it or not Im taking you to the bar tonight. " She giggled into the phone I looked at the clock and hesitated." My stepmother would be upset if I left the chores." But I felt needed to take a break and put the whole rejection stuff behind me. I was too weak to give a damn about her anymore but I wasn't brave to do that.I ran a hand through my hair and muttered ."You know she'll be mad if I dont help to make dinner. "" Fuck her!" Mia angrily said. You have been enduring their nonsense, a lot girl .You need a break and a drink. I promise you'll feel better. Head straight to the bar." After another
Aurora's pov When I opened my eyes the next morning , the sun light coming through the curtains hit my face. I tried to clear my head of the fog as I blinked confusedly.I was in pain as I tried to sit up. Something between my thighs throbbed with a pulsing discomfort and my legs felt heavy. It took me a moment to realize whyThe memories then rushed back. His hand. his mouth. The way his body pressed against mine lifting me and drawing me in, that a sense of unadulterated desperate need. Then I realized that I had lost my virginity to a stranger.A wave of shame swept through me seeping into every part of me as I drew the sheets over my body.What had I done?This is not how I wanted to lose my virginity. Not to some stranger who I barely remember now. I felt shame crept up my body like cold waterThen I caught sight of something. . I looked at the mess of sheets next to me and I realised that I was all alone. He wasn't here and his side of the bed was cold. I felt a surge o
Aurora's povOne month had passed since that evening. It has been a month since a stranger stole my innocence. I had been caught up in the whirlwind of Bennet's betrayal and rejection a month ago. I really made an effort to move on but it wasn't simple though. Cassandra my stepmother had been making my life miserable. Cooking, cleaning and other household duties made me feel like a maid in my own house. My stepsister Alicia wasnt any better either. She was the prim little princess who was the queen of the house and never had to do a thing. She was everything I wasn't and I detested her for it. What I detested most about her though was how incredibly *perfect* she was around my father. As I scrubbed the floor I heard her voice on the phone, her high-pitched giggle like nails on a chalkboard. She was preparing for tonights ball which my father had assured her she could go to with Bennett as her date. I felt sick to my stomach at the thought of him. I should have spent time with h
As we run through the woodland, Callum's hand firmly holding mine, the tension in the air is palpable. Every stride Victor's army takes gets louder and closer until I can hear it echoing in my ears. The trees appear to close in, winding around us like a prison, and my heart thuds in my chest."We must continue to move," Callum exhorts in a stern yet quiet voice. Even though I can feel the weight of the looming conflict bearing down on us, his eyes spark with resolve.I nod, but my body is exhausted from the mental maelstrom roiling inside of me as much as the running, and my legs feel heavy. Though Bennet's revelation still taints my thoughts like a poison, I can't afford to be weak right now. Not when we are about to die.The rustle of leaves in front of me abruptly stops me in my tracks. As others start to appear out of the darkness, I know what's happening and my blood chills. Victor's outlaws. They are present. There were dozens of them, encircling us from all sides and obstructin
Everything around me is poisoned by Bennet's words, which linger in the air like a curse. I suddenly lose my capacity to breathe as my heart thuds forcefully in my chest. As his revelation sets in, the ground wobbles under me, sending the sword of betrayal even farther into my heart. Unable to take my eyes off of him, I take an unsteady step back. "You did this, did you?" His statements have upset me so badly that my voice cracks. "My family was destroyed because of you?" Bennet's eyes implore me to understand and forgive him as his face contorted with humiliation. However, how can I? How am I ever going to forgive such a thing? The guy I once loved is now standing in front of me recognizing that he contributed to the devastation of my family and my world. Bennet adds, "I didn't know," in a voice that is hardly audible, as if raising his voice may fracture the tiny thread of control I'm holding to. "Aurora, I had no clue it would end this way. Victor took advantage of me and manipu
The room seems oppressively tight. With our hands securely clenched together as if the tie were enough to hold us planted, Callum and I stand side by side. However, the weight of everything hangs down on me like a thick fog, regardless of how tightly I cling to that warmth. For individuals I care about, every decision we make might be the difference between life and death, and the tension is intolerable. I can feel my chest becoming tighter as we start strategizing how to reply to Victor's attack. As he provides guidance and advise, Callum's voice is solid and steady, and I can tell he's doing all he can to keep me safe. But every time I talk or look at Bennet, I'm reminded of an old grief I thought I had long ago forgotten. The sensations swirling in my chest are bewildering and disturbing. I thought that I had moved on. I assumed I had ignored Bennet. But now that he's so close, those memories are emerging and fighting to grab a footing. I can't get rid of Bennet's presence like a
Bennet's words hit me like a kick to the stomach. "Crush the pack?" Horror twisted in my blood, I whispered. It feels like my heart is going to burst out of my chest. I'm not alone anymore. Victor isn't merely chasing me. He is chasing everyone. Each and every one.Bennet is standing a few feet away, his attitude serious. His eyes are gloomy and dark with sorrow or regret. I am unable to tell. "Yes," he answers softly but with a shiver of certainty. "Aurora, he will attack soon. And everyone you care about will perish if you don't stop him. My throat tightens every breath. The world seems to have fallen away from under me. I feel as though my legs could fall at any time. The seriousness of what he's saying is beyond my understanding. Victor's goal is to destroy everyone. Callum, my pals, my pack... I turn to face Callum, and my eyes lock with his angry, protective look. I can nearly hear his teeth grinding together because of how tightly his jaw is locked. His body language is screa
At last, we reach a depth of the forest, far enough that the rogues' noises are muted. The breeze hardly stirs the leaves around us, and the night feels uncannily calm. Running has left my legs burning, and my heart is still racing. However, despite the brief security, I can't get rid of the growing doubt that makes my chest tighten like a knot.Bennet. He helped us, but why? What would make him suddenly change sides after everything he's done? The uneasiness that is churning in my stomach won't go away, and it doesn't make sense. I turn to face Bennet and stop walking, removing my hand from Callum's hold. My voice is shaky and my breath comes in short spurts, but I'm able to hold it steady enough. "Bennet, why did you assist us?" I ask, breaking the quiet with my words. Bennet's dark, mysterious eyes meet mine. My worries just get bigger when he doesn't reply right away. With a tight body, Callum approaches me, prepared to assist if Bennet makes a mistake. With a harder tone now,
Bennet, with his massive shoulders straight and his weapon still burning weakly in the darkness, stands tall between us and the outlaws. With a determined fire in his eyes, he swings around to face us when his vicious stare latches onto Victor's fleeing body. With a forceful and uncompromising voice, he announces, "I'm not letting Victor win this fight." My body trembles from the adrenaline of the near-escape, and I blink in amazement, still leaning on Callum for support. Why is Bennet now aiding us? I wasn't even positive whose side he was on until a few seconds ago. Tension pervades the air, and I can feel Callum's muscles tensing up next to me. He holds me protectively behind him as he moves forward Bennet, his jaw tightening into a snarl as his body emanates rage. "Bennet, you're the reason we're in this mess," Callum says in a low, frightening voice. "They came here because of you. We were put up by you! Bennet's expression stays uncompromising. He maintains his cool, but as
Callum takes a strong grasp of my hand and leads me over to the wood's edge. My legs feel weak from worry of the rogues chasing us, and my heart thuds in my chest. He hangs on to me when I fall, his arm surrounding my waist to keep me going. Behind us, the rogues' growls became more evil and louder. I peek over my shoulder and gasp, "They're getting closer." There are rogues everywhere, and they're coming closer. As I look straight at Victor, who is standing in the middle of the chaos and watching us with his chilly, twisted grin, my stomach flips. His chuckle makes me shudder. Callum mutters to himself, "We'll make it," but I can hear the fear in his voice. His body is straight and his jaw is tight, as though he is ready for the worst. Panic growing in my throat, my heart pounding. I shake as I say, "There's no way out." "We're confined." Callum's grasp on me becomes stronger. "Aurora, I will not allow him to take you. Never, ever now. Even though his comments are harsh, I can fe
Everything was a blur of noise and dust. Before I can react, the earth is wrenched from beneath me as the explosion sends debris soaring into the air. I'm propelled back, my body smashing into the ground. The great activity around us dulls the ache that burns through me. I struggle to make sense of what just occurred while gasping for oxygen and blinking against the fuzz. My ears are ringing from the explosion, and my head is whirling. All I can hear are the distant screams ringing in the distance and the deafening sound of falling debris. "Aurora!" Callum's gruff yet earnest voice bursts through the commotion. He's at my side, hauling me up off the ground before I can completely realize what's happening. I'm sheltered from the falling debris by his arms enveloping me. "Are you in pain?" His eyes are wide with horror, seeking my face, and his speech is frantic. "I am... I'm all right. Despite my pulse thumping in my chest, I manage to choke out. I feel as if I am imprisoned in a ni
Victor's eyes gleam with a deadly promise, and his hand is extended, fingers slightly curved in invitation. Like poison wrapped in silk, his voice is enticing and velvety. "Come with me, Aurora," he begs, twisting every syllable. "I'll answer all of your queries. The truth about your family and your own self. You can't trust Callum. His hand is hovering in front of me, and I gaze at it as if grabbing it will make everything different. My head is whirling from the gravity of what has occurred, and my heart is still beating. Callum deceived me. He concealed from me something extremely crucial about myself. However, following Victor is like walking into the unknown, a risky journey with no certainty of protection. I can feel the weight of their gaze coming down on me, and there is a lot of tension between the two guys. With a soft but forceful tone, Victor says, "Come on, Aurora." "I won't keep you in the dark like Callum has. I'll give you the replies you're due. His lips curve into a