This chapter is mostly a flashback of Rufus Past. Read, Enjoy and tell me what you think about it. 😘😘
~ Hazel’s POVAlpha Dolph stared at me like a lion eyeing its dinner. He licked his lips, which wasn't exactly helping my heart rate."It's getting late," I said, trying to sound calm. "I need to get out of here before someone sees us,”Dolph gave me a sad puppy dog look. "Just a little longer, Haz, then you can go.""I really need to go," I pressed, a little playfully. "Wouldn't want Rayel to find out about our little secret, would we?""Hold on," he chuckled, pulling me closer. "If Rayel finding out means I get to keep you all to myself, then maybe it's not such a bad thing,”I swatted his arm playfully. "Don't be ridiculous, Dolph,” I stood up and started to change. He couldn't resist following suit, wrapping his arms around me from behind as I slipped on my clothes. He nuzzled my neck, inhaling my scent, and then trailed kisses down my arm."Maybe I should just come over to your territory, steal your husband from his fancy throne, and make you queen of mine," he murmured between k
~ Rufus’s POVRichard and I watched in shock as the patient grabbed a scalpel; a sharp knife used in surgery right off a nurse. He waved it around wildly and shouted, "Get me a doctor now, or someone's gonna get hurt!" Fear was etched on his face, and his voice trembled. It seemed clear he was desperate and terrified, probably confused too.“I need to get out of here!”The woman who came with the guy cautiously approached him, her voice laced with soothing concern. "Hey, hey, it's alright. See, right there? The doctor you wanted, they're coming. They'll take good care of you, just put that thing down, okay?"But her words seemed to have the opposite effect. The man's fear turned into anger. His grip tightened on the scalpel. "Don't you tell me what to do!" he roared. "You got me all messed up in this mess, and now you think you can just boss me around? No way!"The situation escalated further. The man's shout boomed through the room, "Adulterer!" Panic surged through everyone as he wi
~ Rufus’s POVRichard was a mess. Blood slicked his skin and clothes, a horrible crimson stain spreading with every ragged breath. Panic clawed at my throat, but I shoved it down. I wasn't going to let fear cloud my judgment.Scooping him up, I screamed for help. The room, which moments ago had been filled with frantic movement, seemed to freeze. All eyes snapped to Richard, and a jolt of energy surged through the frozen medical staff. Doctors and nurses surged forward, a wave of purpose crashing over their initial shock.Gently, I laid Richard on the nearest bed. There was no time for niceties. With trembling hands, I ripped away his bloodied clothes, exposing the gruesome wound. It was a gaping gash, deep and angry, spewing crimson like a broken faucet."We need supplies, now!" I barked at the nurse closer to me. My voice, ragged with fear and adrenaline, cut through the tense silence. Thankfully, she didn't hesitate.Moments later, she shoved a tray overflowing with bandages, gauze
~ Rufus’s POVThe heavy weight of Richard's absence pressed down on me. Everywhere I looked, it felt like a memory of him. Drained and overwhelmed, I collapsed onto the bed, tears finally spilling over like a dam breaking. I cried until sleep, a restless escape, finally took hold.For the next three days, it became a dreadful routine. Each morning, I would wake up only to be swallowed by fresh waves of grief. The tears wouldn't stop, a constant ache in my chest. I couldn't even bring myself to get out of bed. Food and water held no interest, my body weak but clinging to a sliver of life. The once comforting space I shared with Richard now felt suffocating, reminding of what I had lost. I was trapped in a web of despair, unable to see a way out.I stared at my phone which felt like a lead weight in my hand. Just the thought of dialing a number, of hearing someone confirm Richard's death, was paralyzing. The suffocating weight of guilt threatened to crush me. “How could this be happeni
~ Hazel’s POVI was jumping for joy when Beta Boris told me he found a new breeder for us. I couldn't believe it. To be sure, I grilled him with questions. "Is this person reliable? What's her name? Is she even from our pack?"Boris coughed a little nervously before calming me down. He assured me this lady was someone we could trust, and also, she was one of us.Boris went on to explain that the girl wasn't that old yet. He said she was a good kid who lived with her mom. Apparently, she had a rough start, losing her dad when she was young. But Boris reassured me that her mom did a fantastic job raising her.Hearing this, curiosity got the better of me. "Can I meet her? Where is she staying?" I pressed him.Boris scratched his head. "We're getting her a room ready in the palace, but it's not quite finished yet. That's why she won't be here right away,” This made my eyebrows furrow. "A room in the palace? But what about Elara's old room? Isn't that empty?" I asked him.Boris's next wor
~ Hazel’s POVLooking around the whole environment, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The environment was neat and beautiful. I stared at Beta Boris waiting for the response to my question. He cleared his throat and then explained to me that Daciana Lupe was actually from a poor background. But Rayel, in a move that surprised everyone, gave him some amount of money to get them a comfortable place before she was taken to the palace."And he was behaving as if he doesn't care," I muttered to myself, clenching my fists. How could he be so nonchalant after doing this?” I muttered to myself when I heard what Rayel did.“ He actually did that not out of indifference, but to compensate her mother," Boris explained.With a curt nod to Boris, I said, "Lead the way." He followed silently. The heavy oak door swung open with a groan, revealing a warmly lit interior. A woman, her face lined with the passage of time but her eyes sparkling with a youthful vibrancy, stood at the center of the room. It wa
~ Hazel’s POVAfter giving out the order to show Daciana to her room, with that, I turned and headed for my own chambers. Just as I was about to sink into my comfy chair and unwind after the intense day, the maid came to my room. But instead of returning alone, she had Daciana and her two hefty bags in tow."There seems to be a bit of a problem, Your Majesty," the maid began hesitantly. "I took Daciana to Elara's room like you instructed, but apparently there's been a change of plans,”Her words sent a jolt through me. "A change of plans?" I echoed, a frown creasing my forehead. "What do you mean?"The maid shifted nervously under my gaze. "Well, the door to Elara's room seems to be locked, and Alpha Rayel was the one who gave the order out and according to Rhoda, I was told that another room has been prepared for Daciana."My blood ran cold. "Rayel?" I growled, anger flickering in my eyes. My sudden outburst made Daciana flinch. She probably hadn't seen this side of me before, and i
~ Elara’s POV Rufus sat there deep in thought, a frown creasing his forehead. I nudged him, but he didn't even flinch. The forest was getting colder, and I shivered. I really wanted to find someplace warm, but I couldn't just abandon Rufus in the woods, especially since I had no idea what dangers might lurk on the way back home, not after what I encountered earlier. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place; freezing with Rufus or braving the forest alone. I shouted his name again, "Rufus! Rufus!", but it was like I was talking to a wall. Finally, I gave his hand a good shake. That did it. He jumped, startled, and his eyes flew open. He looked awful, like someone had kicked his puppy. "What's wrong?" he mumbled, finally noticing my worried expression. “I should be the one asking such questions,” I said to him. "What's wrong with you?" I shot back, looking so concerned. "You look like you lost your best friend,” I added. He mumbled something that sounded like "fine," but it w