Erin’s point of view.
The Mafia are here in my bar. I cower behind the dishwashers with my heart in my mouth as my pride and joy, the Star Gazer Inn, gets smashed into pieces. What the hell are the Mafia doing here? And why are they ripping my bar apart?I’ve had this strange feeling of being watched all night! It has been a stupidly busy night at the Star Gazer Inn, not that I’m complaining, though. I’ve worked my backside off to get this bar where it is today and believe me, there have been times when I have wanted to give up and walk away, yet here I am running my own bar just as I’d always dreamed of and the place is thriving even on a night like tonight where I’m run off my feet I wouldn’t change a thing. I initially invested in this high-end bar in the town’s prime location a few years ago. Warren, my boyfriend, wasn’t too keen on the idea, but I knew I could make it big, and now everyone and anyone comes to drink at the Star Gazer.A few minutes before, I’d asked Warren to lock the doors, ready to close for the night.“Warren, can you lock the doors, babe?” I’d called out as I grabbed the last of the dirty glasses from the tables, placing them in my basket before heading off to the utility room, where I then loaded up the dishwashers. I had left him to lock up tonight. He is hardly ever around anymore. Sometimes, it really doesn’t feel like a partnership.Maybe I shouldn’t be so hard on him; he does have another job to go to, after all.I had just loaded the last of glasses into the washer before slipping my shoes off as I place my aching feet on the cool floor. So looking forward to sliding into my bed tonight when suddenly, there was an almighty crash from the bar area…I had let out a yell of fright before I peep through the small glass window of the utility room,“What the hell was that?”A group of guys had come crashing through the bar, thick-set guys wearing dark clothing, Mafia it has to be. I have heard the stories of them around the town, but why are they here? I have nothing to hide? Why the hell are the Mafia breaking into my bar?I can’t leave Warren out there on his own with them; I find my shoes and slip back into them, ready to head out there and find out what these guys want. At that moment, one of the guys sees Warren and immediately punches him.“What the fuck is going on?”I look around the tiny utility room; I need to find a weapon. I have to help Warren, and I pick up a glass bottle, taking a deep breath as I get ready to head through the door,“You can do this, Erin,” I whisper to nobody.I hear Warren yell, “Who are you guys?”The big guy laughs as he replies,” You bastard, you know who I am, and I know what you’ve been doing.”I raise the bottle above my head but stop in my tracks as I hear,“Do you know Jessica then?”Warren freezes…As I wonder who this Jessica is.But the thick-set guy soon answered my question as he replies, “She is my girlfriend. You dare to seduce my woman.”My heart drops at those words. Warren doesn’t admit it at first, but when he realises who he is dealing with and that there is no way out of this, he begins to panic, and the man orders his loons to kill Warren and smash up the bar, My Bar…The place erupts in chaos as the chairs and tables are smashed, and the man who only last night declared his undying love for me makes a run for it, knowing that the back entrance is still open, leaving me alone with a group of six furious Mafia men.“Shit”This isn’t good; the lying lowlife bastard didn’t even look back, knowing that I was trapped in here with nowhere to go.I stay hidden in the utility room, hiding myself in the corner and praying they don’t come in here, but they are too preoccupied trying to find Warren.My mind wanders to my boyfriend, four years we have been together, four years of my life that I’ve wasted on him; I wipe away my tears. Now is not the time to feel sorry for myself; now is the time to worry about getting out of here alive.I sit and think of the past four years and how Warren seemed less and less interested in the bar. Come to think of it, the only thing he’s ever been interested in regarding the Stargazer is the profits that it pulls in, Profits that, lately, he likes to gamble and flush away. Thank God I’ve always done the books myself. I could never tell Warren just how much money this place really rakes in as I knew it would have all gone on another crazy ass scheme of his.When the noise from inside the bar dies down, I tentatively crawl out from my hiding space, inching the door open to peep into the bar area; what I see |I can only describe as devastation.My precious bar is in shambles; not one part of it hasn’t been smashed into pieces, chairs and tables are lying in pieces, and every single mirror in the bar has been smashed to smithereens.Thankfully, though, the Mafia seem to have moved on, leaving me alone to deal with the aftermath.I wipe away a tear. Warren knew I was in the utility room, and he didn’t even try to get to me, lying lowlife that he is.I hide out in the bar for a few hours, too scared to look outside, as I try to figure out what to do and where to go. When I’ve got no more tears left to cry, I pull my sleeves up; I will not let Warren ruin my dreams. I can make the Stargazer rise again, but first, I need to deal with him.I leave by the back entrance, hiding in the shadows in case any of the Mafia are still around. When I get out of sight, I finally turn back to look at my precious bar. This is not the end. This is only the beginning, and it’s time to make a plan and put it into action.I stomp my way to the house I share with Warren; thank God it’s within walking distance of the bar. My car is still parked outside; I’m sure they will have someone watching and hoping that Warren goes back there. I can’t chance driving here not until everything calms down, but when I get to the house, yes, you guessed it, the Mafia are there too.I have nowhere to go!Thank God I didn’t let Warren waste all of the profits; my mum always used to say you should save some money for a rainy day, and so I did; yet here I am dressed in the same clothes with no car and a bag full of money, and thankfully a large savings account to go with it.First things first though, I need to find a hotel, somewhere to sleep tonight because tomorrow my new life begins!It’s 2 a.m. By the time I crawl into bed, I’m exhausted; my eyes close before my head hits the pillow.‘Squeak” What the fuck!I peel my eyes open as I adjust to the dark; there was no mistaking the sound of the window being prized open. Shit, the Mafia men have come looking for Warren. They must have followed me here. I grasp my hand around the bedside lamp as I slowly climb out of the bed and watch in horror as the figure climbs through the window. Sliding my back against the wall, I work my way to where I know the light switch is, the lamp still in my grasp as I hold it above my head, ready to strike.“He’s not here, you motherfuckers”I yell, switching the light on as I launch myself at the hood figure.Raul’s point of view “I am not a Child” " my sister yells as she crosses her arms in front of her chest. “You are thirteen years old, Leah. Of course, you are still a child, and I am your Guardian.” “You treat me like a baby; I can take care of myself,” she says as she stamps her foot, acting like the child that she still is. “Leah, can't you see I’m only trying to protect you? Look how careless you were last time with the silver,” I reply, hoping that she can see things from my perspective.“That's not fair, Raul, and you know it; that was one time”, she replies, her face turning red as she tries to keep her anger at bay.“One time that almost got you Killed, Leah”, I sigh.“It doesn't matter what I say, Raul, you never listen to me; you always treat me like a baby.” “That’s not true; I’m only trying to protect you, Leah.” I shout out as my sister storms out of the house, slamming the door behind her as I scratch my chin in frustration. These arguments are becoming a common occ
Erin’s point of view. “Please don’t hit me!” My intruder calls out in a very young, immature female voice; I pull the lamp back just in time before pulling the intruder’s hood back to reveal their face. Well, it’s not the Mafia, so I guess that’s one thing less to worry about; it’s not even a scary intruder, just a terrified young girl who stands in tears in front of me. “Please don’t hit me”, she says as she blinks under the bright light, “I’m not going to hit you; you can tell me why the hell you are climbing through my window at this ungodly hour, though, young lady.” She looks to the floor without whispering a word… “Okay, if that’s how you want to play it, Let’s see what the police have to say about this” Even though I have no intention of calling the police just yet, I’m just hoping it will frighten her enough to volunteer some information. “I ran away from home after I argued with my family” “she says, Okay, I’ve been a teenage girl myself; I see where this is coming fr
Raul’s point of view I tuck my gun into my belt as I get ready to head into the woods to search for Leah when Phil, my head security guard, runs into the room slightly out of breath. As he says,“Leah is walking down the driveway now with a woman.”I jump up, heading for the front door, but before I get there, I smell an unusual yet ever-so-familiar scent. It's not the smell of any perfume or incense, and even though myself and Dolph, my wolf, have never net our mate, we know that this is her smell, the smell of the woman whom I was told of all those years ago.My wolf, Dolph, is excited yet anxious at the same time. My mind is running wild with the thoughts of the woman on the other side of the door. This must be a sign from the moon goddess that my little sister, my only true blood relative, has helped me to find my mate. And when I open the door, my god, she is beautiful; her hair falls down her back in long black wavy locks the colour of a raven. She is quite small in height, bu
Erin's point of view It's the second day I've managed to get inside the Star Gazer; it seems the Mafia has moved on. I am a little puzzled, though I thought they would have stuck around for much longer, hoping that Warren would have returned. Maybe they've already found him, and that's why they've left the pub alone. I can't say I feel sorry for him; Karma has a habit of biting hard. Okay, maybe that's a little too extreme. I hope they kick his ass, though, before they leave him in the gutter and chop his little dick off. That will teach him a lesson. I am still heartbroken when I see the mess inside. I have so much to do and not so much savings left to do it with, especially after buying the house, but I need to get the place back on its feet as quickly as possible, and I need to start earning some money. I smile when Leah pops her head around the door, along with a friend, and thankfully a huge and strong male friend, one who can help us to move some of this heavy furniture; she
Erin's point of view A few days later, I got a phone call from Raul; I still hadn't seen him in person. Even Leah tells me he hasn't been around much just lately; I guess he must be busy with his work. My only consolation is that if he's not been home, then he hasn't seen Lucy either; yes, I know what I said. I shouldn't have these feelings for a married man, but still, I don't like the woman. My heart skips a beat when I listen to his deep voice, "Hey Erin, I'm sorry I haven't been around so much lately. I've just been a little preoccupied at work," he says, "It's fine, Raul. I know that you have your own business to run; I don't expect you to be here at the Star Gazer all of the time." He pauses for a second before he says, "How is the Star Gazer doing? I've spoken to Leah, and she tells me you've been very busy?" I smile, "It's been crazy; all of the old customers seem to have drifted back, plus a few new ones. I've never been so busy; I've also had to hire a couple of
Raul's point of view Checking my watch, I know I'm not going to make it back to the Star Gazer in time for my business meeting with one of my subordinates, Mr Harris, and I can't get hold of either Erin or Mr Harris to let them know that I will be further delayed and there's no way I can get out of this transnational meeting, I've tried to send a quick text off to her and Mr Harris, but frustratingly I can get any signal is this building, Which means I also didn't receive one of her many missed calls, "Shit," I mutter under my breath as I check my phone; the notifications have been non-stop since I stepped out of the meeting and outside the building. Thirteen missed calls and four messages. I frown as I read the messages, "What the hell, Raul! I thought you understood the kind of business partner you were in the Stargazer?" "Seriously, you're really not going to answer my calls?" "Who the hell do you think you are?" "I AM NOT FOR SALE." The last one makes me worried; why on
Erin's point of view. It's been over an hour since Raul moved from the door; although he never knocked after I closed it, I was surprised by how long he waited. There's a timid knock on the door, and I sigh as I get up, ready to take a peep through the peephole; I know I need to talk to Raul as we will have to deal with his investment of the Star Gazer at some point, but I'm too mad to deal with him right now, I let out a sigh of relief when I see that's its Leah standing in my doorway and not her brother. I slip the bolt across before opening the door; she gives me a half smile as I ask, "What are you doing here, Leah? It's getting late, and you have school tomorrow." "Please, can I stay here tonight? I had an argument with Raul, and I don't want to go home." "I'm sorry, sweetheart, but you have school, and I can't let you stay here without speaking to your brother first. And to be honest with you, Leah, I do not want to speak to him right now; your brother is not the person I t
Raul's point of view Holy shit, my head hurts, when I finally pry my eyes open, I find myself lying on the floor in the living room, "Oh, he is back in the land of the living", My wolf Dolph mutters angrily. Shit, just how much did I have to drink? "I thought I would be fine with just a couple of glasses," I say to Dolph; he laughs as he replies, "You are such an idiot, Raul. What on earth were you thinking? You know you can't tolerate alcohol the same way others can!" I sigh loudly as I reply, "She seemed so happy when we finally sorted everything out; I didn't like to say no to her." "But you know how it affects us; you're lucky we didn't expose our wolf to her, sneaking home like some thief and without Leah, what must Erin think of us? You find plenty of excuses for refusing to drink with your business partners. Why couldn't you find one for her? "Dolph says "She is our mate, Dolph, one that I cannot say no to." Dolph remains silent; he knows how hard it is to refus
Erin’s povStill unsure of what to buy Raul, I pick out a nice jumper for him. And I find myself ordering a smartwatch for Leah in a cute blush pink and gold; why not? She deserves to be spoiled. I still have no idea where we are going with this relationship, if you can even call it that, and I have bought myself some new lingerie with him in mind, so I guess I could say that was another present for him, that's if I ever get to wear it for him, I giggle to myself at how late Ive left his present It gets delivered tomorrow on Christmas eve.I breathe a sigh of relief when the postman calls the following day; ripping the parcel open, I grin. My man’s going to look super sexy in it, but then again, Raul can look super sexy in anything,After breakfast, I wrap it up for him, along with the smartwatch for Leah, placing them both under the tree with the rest of the presents. Ive invited Raul and Leah around for Christmas dinner. I even invited Liam around. Sorry, not sorry, but there's no w
Erin's povIt has been a few days since Raul told me he isn't involved with the Mafia; I want to believe him, I really do. He seemed so sincere, and Dominetic kind of hinted that Raul does not work with him but helped him out, which goes along with Raul’s story.I haven't seen him for a few days, but he has texted as promised to let me know he is okay and how sorry he is that we cannot get any time together just now. Still, it's the little things that count, isn't it those early morning texts and late-night bedtime wishes, usually something along the lines of Sleep well, baby or sweet dream, Erin? This must be a step in the right direction. It puts a smile on my face anyway.Ive also heard that the Mafia that is causing the riots and trouble in town is not the same as Dominecs; Raul has promised that The Star Gazer will be safe and that no one in their right mind will go against Domenic…I hope he's right. There is a sense of unease all around town right now.Ive kept myself busy with
Erin’s point of viewI frown as I wonder what the hell is this surprise he has. He motions to someone standing by the door, no doubt another member of the Mafia; if they think I’m going to bow down to them and let them take over the StarGAzer just because Raul is a part owner, they have got another thing coming no way will I let them use my pub for any of their dodgy dealings! Domenic lets his mafia members bring a man up. It’s Warren! I let out a gasp! Warren looks haggard now, and the bruises on his face confirm that he has been held somewhere for a while. Domenic grins as he says, “ I know who this man is to you, Erin, and I also know that he cheated on you with my ex-girlfriend; she has been dealt with now. I need to know how to deal with this guy, and since you are the one he cheated on, I thought it should be you to whom he should apologise. Besides, I’m sick of hearing his grovelling apologies and promises.”My mouth drops to the floor as Domenic pushes Warren in front of me,
Erin’s point of viewI wake up early feeling much better in myself after a good night's sleep, plus the fact that I haven't seen Raul for a few days; I needed the time to get my head around things because every time I see him my heart plays stupid games, I’m hoping those few days will help my head to convince my heart that we don't want him. I need to toughen up and act like I don't give a shit.I spend the morning cleaning the house and catching up on my laundry whilst wearing my pjs. Well, it's not like I've got anyone to dress up for, is it now,By the time 11 am rolls around, I head upstairs to jump in the shower; once showered, I dry and style my hair before getting dressed and putting on a bit of light makeup.I always feel that bit stronger when I know that I’m looking my best. Raul might not appropriate it, but I'm pretty sure a few of the customers do. When I'm done, I'm ready to head to the Stargazer. It is a cold night, but the sky is clear, so I decide to walk. I head out
Raul’s point of viewWhat the hell were Liam and Alpha Jonny thinking?I can’t believe either of them thought bringing Lucy along to this charade would be a good idea. What on earth was going through their heads? Liam knows Lucy and I grew up together, and I’m pretty sure that Alpha Jonny does, too. Did Liam persuade him to let Lucy join in this madness?I just can't get my head around it!Don’t get me wrong, Lucy is a very beautiful woman, and as Liam said, she is one of the strongest she-wolves that I have ever seen; she’s bound to be as she has Beta blood running through her veins still. I could never see her as anything other than a sister, a little sister at that, and I could never have feelings like that for Lucy. Besides, if she were meant to be mine, then fate would have brought us together long before now.When the ceremony has finished, or whatever Alpha Jonny likes to call this farce today, a young woman starts to walk towards me. Maybe she thinks she stands a chance, too….
Raul’s point of viewThree days later, I went back to werewolf land. Thankfully, though, this time, we all made it through the circle without any drama, and Alpha Jonny and his warriors were waiting for us on the other side, just as he promised.He reaches out to shake my hand and says, “I’m glad you could make it, Raul.” I half chuckle and reply, “It didn't feel like I had much choice.”He laughs as he says, “Liam and I only want what's right for you, Raul.”I nod my head as I say, “Just know that I will be the one who chooses who is right for me, Alpha Jonny.”Jonny laughs as he replies, “Like I would expect anything else from you, Raul, but first things first, let's get back to the pack house while I run through what we found out about the arrow that shot you.” I nod. “That's what I’m really here for.” We follow Alpha Jonny and his pack of warriors into his land and up to his packhouse. Before making our way into his meeting room, there is Alpha Jonny, along with his beta Wayne
Raul’s point of viewI head home from Erin’s house feeling slightly deflated. I can't believe she literally threw me out of her house; I know I shouldn’t laugh, really, because if I wanted to stay, there's no way she could throw me out, but my heart was bleeding for her tonight. I hate to see her so sad and to see that someone has actually physically harmed her. Well, god help that person if I ever find out who it is…No one hurts my mate!What did she mean by Lucy kidnapping her, though? Lucy wouldn't kidnap her, would She? Is she only saying this because she has been caught trespassing at the warehouse? In a way, I was hoping that the necklace did belong to Erin and that somehow, despite everything, she still has feelings for me.Who else would have a necklace with my picture in it? Because I just can't think of anyone else.I finally climb in bed at some ungodly hour and fall into a restless sleep. Erin always appears in my dreams, but when I reach out to pull her into my arms, she
Erin’s point of viewBig hand grabs hold of me as I whisper, “What are you going to do with me?” he chuckles as he throws me over his shoulder. I’m still wearing the mask and have no idea where I am, only that I am somewhere by the sea. My guess would be at the docks, maybe the same place where I saw Raul with the other Mafia man. Is Lucy part of the Mafia, too?It is a possibility, but what do they plan on doing with me now? Are they planning on dumping me in the docks with my hands still tied behind my back? And why did Lucy bring me here?I sighed in relief when my knees hit the cold metal floor of the van. The engine starts up, and we are on the move again. I can hear Lucy and big hands whispering; it sounds more like arguing than whispering and I can’t quite make out what they are saying.Lucy does not sound very happy, though!A few minutes later, and I'm being dragged out of the van, heavy hands whisper, don't try anything silly, and you get to live….and don't move for the next
Liam’s point of viewWhen we get back from the warehouse, Raul stays behind, saying he needs to go for a run as Dolp wants to exercise his shoulder; I know it is hard for a wolf to be grounded. We are meant to run, meant to be free, and at one with ourselves; what I mean is it's hard to separate our wolves from our human forms, and our wolves can get a little stir-crazy when they are unable to run free. So, I understand where he's coming from and leave him to it; I am still a little worried about the locket. It has to be Lucy’s, but what is she doing down at the warehouse? Was it Lucy who followed us through the magic circle last time?I am still a rather worried that Raul will find Lucy's fingerprint on the locket. I know that he wouldn't do anything as they grew up together, but I know he wouldn't be happy if he knew it was Lucy who followed us through the circle last time.When Phil and Neil head home to their own houses, I head upstairs in search of Lucy.“Lucy, are you home?” I