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#Chapter 63: Softly, as I Leave You
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Kadeem
Ardal flung open the door, her face an exquisite portrait of frazzled despair. Her eyes widened in disbelief when she saw him - quickly replaced by a harried disappointment flooding her face. She looked like a drowning woman who had fought desperately for the shore, only to find the island she finally reached was just a mirage. "Kadeem?" A choking endearment welled up in Kadeem's chest as he took her in, framed in the threshold of the doorway, the unedited chaos of parenthood all around her. Her beauty was unadorned and wild - hair undone in messy waves, her face scrubbed clean of make-up. She stood barefoot, hairbrush in one hand, phone in the other, with Lottie clinging tightly to her soft pink dress. Lottie tugged at Ardal’s dress excitedly, jumping up and down to get closer to Kadeem. "Hi," he said, his voice nearly drowned out by the ear-splitting screams of rowdy little boysRelated chapters
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 64: The Picture
Ardal Kadeem’s hand interlocks with mine and a familiar warmth floods over me. Five children are giggling and hollering feet away, but they fall to a dim background hum. Amber afternoon light spills from the windows, highlighting Kadeem’s chiseled features and chocolate brown eyes. The worn leather band of his watch is pressed against my wrist, a gentle reminder of the passage of time, even in a moment that seems endless. We’re standing so close, I can find the rippling scar that lines his neck - a badge of survival from a vicious fight when he was 17. I can see the jagged one at his right temple - a trace of the car accident Susan used to erode what was left of our marriage. Just as easily, I see the constellations of freckles that dot his arms, and the dimple in his cheek that deepens when a smirk plays upon his lips. There’s the dark hair I used to rake my fingers through, the lip I used to softly bite, and the eyes that seem to darken when he grows angry or detached. The same
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 65: The Mask
ArdalI can feel my heart pounding in my chest and I see Kadeem’s eyes flash with anger. He steps forward, looking Jack squarely in the eye.“What if there was? What would it matter to you?” His words drip with contempt as he gazes at Jack, challenging him.My mind reels at this sudden confrontation between them and I try desperately to think of something to say that will diffuse the situation before it gets out of hand, but before I have a chance, Jack speaks up, his face now bright red with indignation.Jack swallows hard to compose himself, but his hands are trembling. “It’s clearly not just me who finds your attention unacceptable,” he spats out in an appalled tone.In an instant, Jack has won me over. He’s sensitive to my writhing discomfort, and he’s not just trying to win a pissing match with Kadeem. Instead, he’s focused on a chivalrous defense to preserve my dignity.“And it matters to me,” he says, “Because Chelsea is my girlfriend
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 66: “Bob’s Your Uncle”
KadeemKadeem strode away from Ardal’s with such an inexplicable calmness, even he didn’t fully understand it. Whatever the reason, he was glad his cooler head had prevailed. He was ready to go to battle, and he wasn’t about to succumb to his own self-destructive impulses.As he walked down the sidewalk, he wretched his phone out of his pocket and quickly scrolled for Riley’s number.He waited for what seemed like ages for her to pick up, but there was no answer - only her voicemail greeted him. A surge of annoyance swept over him.“Riley,” he growled, “Call me back.”He clenched the phone in his fist as he marched down the sidewalk, the sunlight radiating off the pavement as he moved.Finally determining it may be a longer delay than he’d hoped, he slid the phone into his pocket with a sigh. Riley’d better respond soon, though, or he’d go knock down her door. Kadeem passed by a string of storefronts. He lingered for a second
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 67 A gemstone
KadeemBob squirmed in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the threat that lingered in Riley's voice. His voice trembled slightly when he spoke again."Okay," he said quietly. "Maybe I did meet with him a few times." He swallowed hard and continued speaking quickly, as if trying to get it all out before he changed his mind. "He's been looking for something for years - some kind of ancient artifact or relic that's supposed to have immense power or something like that."Kadeem leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Bob. "Interesting," he mused, trying to keep his tone casual. He could feel the flutter of excitement in his chest, like a butterfly trapped in a jar. "And you've been helping him?"Bob hesitated before nodding slowly. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I've been helping him gather information. In exchange, he promised me a cut of whatever he finds."Riley snorted in disgust. "And you don't care what kind of damage
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 68: Chipper
ArdalThe bats are out.Their leathery wings flutter in the sky overhead, their dark bodies casting a silhouette against the pale morning light.“Are those vampires,” Ezra asks, as we stare up at the sky, all of us rooted to the porch.I take a drink of my coffee, letting its warmth soak into me before addressing."No, they're just little animals, completely harmless." I pat his head. "They're on their way back to their roost a little late, though."I take a breath, trying to ready myself for the day."Okay, let's get going," I say, trying to break through whatever spell we've found ourselves under. I motion for the quints to hop in the van. They groan their useless protests, picking up their backpacks and lunchboxes with little huffs, and grumbling while they tote their things to the car."Last week of school," I say cheerily. "You can do
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 69: Passion
ArdalHere we go.My insides start to boil. I expect to see a look of jealous anger surface from within Kadeem - but instead, there's worry spread over his face. I let the fake smile fade from mine."I don't have solid details to share," he says, "But I have some information about him that's a little troubling."I cross my arms over my chest. "What are you talking about?" My tone is slightly hostile, but I don’t try to hide it.“Gloves off already, huh?” Kadeem regards me with a wry sort of hesitation.“You’ve already made it abundantly clear you don’t like him,” I say. “Let’s just agree to disagree and leave it at that.”“It’s not for my sake I’m bringing this back up,” he says. “I found out some more information yesterday and -“I take a step forward, the words bursting from my mouth. “Why are you trying to wreck something good in my life?” I can barely choke out the last word, the painful hurt suddenly tumbling to the surface.Ka
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 70: Fever Dream
ArdalAt the clinic the next day, Erbao is playing cheerfully with Leah during his dialysis session.I nursed my wounds with Kadeem the day before. Nothing a little Skinny Pop and a White Claw before bed didn't fix.My mind ticks away as Peggy explains the mechanics of home dialysis and what I have to do. Thankfully, a nurse will come in to help me initially.
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 71: Second Attack
KadeemSo much for winning her over.Kadeem’s hands balled into fists, white-knuckled and trembling. He watched as Ardal sped away, his rage boiling over like a cauldron set to stew. The urge to smash something consumed him, but he resisted.Instead, he withdrew his phone with a quivering hand and changed that stupid Bon Jovi ringtone. But his thoughts lingered on her safety as he scanned through his
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The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Epilogue, Part 2: Sonnet 116
Shitty, shit, shit!Kadeem quietly gauges my reaction.“Kadeem,” I begin, not wanting to hurt him, but panicky all the same, “Could we just - pretend you didn’t give me this?” It comes out in the vein of an anxious Western villain. Walk away slowly, and no one gets hurt.“Suit yourself.” He goes back to working on his computer. “But you might like what you see in there,” he adds.I run my fingers over the soft, velvety surface of the box. My voice comes out high-pitched as I try to change the subject. “Are you getting nervous about your surgery?”“No.”“Really?”“It doesn’t ruffle my feathers,” Kadeem mumbles, half-distracted. He pauses. “Erbao’s surgery on the other hand…”My stomach knots at the thought of it. “Me too. But for both of you.”“It’ll all be worth it,” he says, looking up to smile.Seeing Erbao healthy will be worth it. Thank the Goddess Kadeem was a match for his kidney transplant.“Something did ruffle your feathers once,” I say, “Maybe something medical.”“Impossible
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Epilogue, Part 1: The Final Rose
Outside of Kadeem's health club, his security guard, Nora, is aggressively confronting someone. As expected.She shoots me her usual scowl when I pass by, but I don't acknowledge it, and simply yank the door open to go inside. I told Kadeem to fire her, but he doesn’t listen.I’m not giving up, though.I head over to the check-in area where my main rival, Rory, is lazily answering a phone call. A pile of white gym towels on the counter behind him is waiting to be folded.My left arm is braced across my chest in a sling and cast, but I make sure to lean my good arm casually on the counter like I own the place. Because, let’s face it, I pretty much do."I'm here to see Kadeem," I announce, adding a sarcastic, "Is that alright with you?"Rory gives me an icy glare before turning his attention back to his call. I drum my fingers on the counter and flash him an innocent smile before walking away."Yes, sir," he mumbles into the phone, before whispering a snide, "If he wants you around.""H
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 150: The Fray
Orange and yellow leaves dot the sidewalk outside of the pack headquarters where I huddle with the kids as we prepare for our next move. Despite the chill in the air, beads of sweat are dripping down the back of my neck.Thanks to Jack’s magic and a shit ton of luck, we left Sasha, Gabe, and the rest of our captors unconscious and tied up in Kadeem’s cabin. Jack stayed behind to help Riley before setting out to slay his mother. Talk about an Electra complex.I take a moment to catch my breath when the sounds of a growing commotion come from the Council building. Without warning, Erbao bolts off, charging up the concrete steps, his eyes blazing with determination.“HEY!” I belt out. Bob could have dozens of henchmen stationed inside. Worse, he could have already seized control of Red Moon.Erbao ignores me and his siblings rush after him. My heart is a race car, but my legs are still Jello from wolfsbane. All I can do is stumble after them as they burst through the doors of the crowded
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 149: Hero
The pack headquarters was in an ordinary brick building, tucked away right in the heart of the city. The activity was minimal, except for nights when the council met - usually on the full moon. Even then, it was never bustling. It was a seat of immense power, but it looked an awful lot like a local Elk’s Club.Today was different.Pack members, raw with emotion, gathered like storm clouds at the downtown HQ. As dawn broke, Council Elders fought to maintain control of the room, elbow-to-elbow with Weres demanding answers.The vampire attack had come without warning, had been brutal and swift. The enemy was fueled with a devastating strength, leaving many injuries and fatalities.Amidst all of the chaos, one question loomed over them all: Where was their Alpha?It was into this pressure cooker that Kadeem allowed himself to be dragged in by Bob.The room erupted at the sight of him. Even the stoic Council gasped in shock. Bob was barreling in Kadeem with a ruthless force - leather boots
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 148: Reckless
ArdalJust like that, our goodbye is cut. I slump against the couch, head in my hands."I'm sorry," Jack says.I lift my head to shoot him a fiery glare.The first rays of sun are lighting the windows. Around us, the quintuplets are Energizer bunnies- getting cranky, maybe, but still going. I'm scraping by on their fumes and my emotional torment.Guilt is splashed across Jack's face.What am I actually seeing?I scrutinize him, hard. The emotion looks utterly real. For a second I am so disgusted, it renders me speechless."You’re pathological," I spit out.He flinches at my words. I picture myself wolfing out and tearing him to bits.Well, it’s a split between that, and throwing myself into his arms to melt into him. Inexplicably, my confusing feelings for him will not die. It only makes me hate him- and myself- more. My hands ball into fists and I battle the urge to scream.Sasha pockets her phone. Next to Jack, Lottie and Milo fight over the box of cookies."Sit tight for now," Sash
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 147: In the Wee Small Hours
The stage is set.I've got to hand it to Bob, he's built a well-oiled network of evil and orchestrated his plan perfectly.Kadeem will be taken in front of the Council elders. He'll be blamed for everything from Susan's death to the vampire attack. Bob will get to play the hero and declare himself the rightful Alpha. Kadeem will be killed.It's everything Bob hoped for.His henchmen arrive in the darkness to haul off me, Jack, and Riley. Jack is coming to, Riley's still holding on, and I'm less noodle-like, but I fake incapacity, forcing one of them to lift me from the ground and half-carry me, supporting my weight.My last glimpse of Kadeem is as weighty as you would imagine. There's no fear in his eyes, though. I'm starting to feel hints of my inner wolf again and the emotional link between us. What I pick up from him is exactly what he's projecting outwards: calm.It sets me off. Where's the anger?! The steely determination?! The whirling thoughts as he plans a way out of things?!
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 146: “Ten Duel Commandments”
Kadeem's eyes flash like lightning.The wind picks up, stirring the night air and whipping up a swirl of leaves. On the ground nearby, Susan's tresses blow gently across her face, still staring lifelessly into the darkness ahead."Guess you've got it all figured out," Kadeem says quietly, almost eerily calm. His gaze shifts to Riley, who's lying unconscious on a bed of leaves. "But you forgot her.""Collateral damage," Bob shrugs. "I was planning on having her killed anyway. No way I can trust her."A low growl rumbles from Kadeem's throat. "No deal, then."Bob laughs. "If you think you have any kind of leverage over me, you're sadly mistaken. I've got more than enough to ensure your compliance, including your sweetie over there." He gestures lazily in my direction as he approaches Riley, still hovering somewhere between life and death."I'll give her a warrior's end," he says, staring down at her. "The Council will believe she died trying to stop you, trying to protect the pack."Nex
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 145: No Way Out
Kadeem glares at Bob. “Cooperate?" he spats. "You should know me better than that."Kadeem is on the ground, his weight supported by a tree. Exhaustion is etched into his sweat-covered face and the blood from his shoulder has seeped into the fabric of his shirt, staining it bright red.Nearby, Jack's sole focus is on the medical emergency in front of him. He's been working quickly to keep Kadeem's beta alive, turning her onto her side, holding pressure against her stab wound and checking her pulse.Increasingly drowsy, the sound of Bob chuckling in response to Kadeem is faint in my ears. Susan yanks me by my wrists and begins to drag me along the damp ground, limping as she goes. Before my eyes grow too heavy, I glimpse the deep bites around her right shin and calf."If you hurt her-"I'm too weak to take advantage of her injury and I don't resist. I simply wonder what the point is. Why expend her energy to put more distance between me and the others?In this current state of affairs,
The Reawakened Mates and their Quintuplets #Chapter 144: Knives Out
Riley spoke in a low, urgent whisper. "One wrong move and you're dead, got it?"Rayburn's voice rose as he responded fiercely, "Perhaps at some point you'll realize I haven't done anything wrong and I'm not going-"Kadeem whipped around to interrupt him with an icy growl. They were on the brink of reaching Ardal, and Riley had made a dangerous gamble by freeing Rayburn.Kadeem could only hope it wouldn't backfire on them.He knew Riley well enough to guess her thought process. Intimidation was part of the game, and Kadeem showing up with his distracted beta tagging after him while she juggled a captive was no good. Riley wanted it made clear that Kadeem had back-up, and she needed to give herself the chance to fight by his side when it boiled down to it.But Kadeem also knew the reality of their situation. Now, there was nothing to prevent Rayburn from using the spell that had knocked them unconscious in the woods, killing them, or worse: going after Ardal or the kids. What were the o
