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23. Aftershock
Last Updated:
2024-10-11 02:16:49
Moonlight Muse:)
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Till Death Do Us Lie 24. When Enough is Enough
~ LAYLA ~“I know, I forget that. Sometimes it’s hard to just do that…” I whisper as I look down at our combined hands. “When I woke up, all I remembered was him in the car trying to force himself on me, and then I panicked, horrified that maybe he did something to me.”“He won’t be able to. You got me, and you seem to have Quade too.”“Alpha King Quade.” I correct, although this is Julian, he’ll show respect only if he wants to.“Not my alpha.” He shrugs.“He’s the king?” I remind him.“Don’t care.” He gives me a pointed look and I smile, shaking my head. Yeah, that’s the Julian I know.We reach home shortly after and I lead the way inside.“Luna!”“Nadia, where is Logan?” I ask as she fusses over me.“He’s been upstairs in his room all day, but he has been on the phone,” she whispers, rolling her eyes.I nod, turning to Julian. “Wait here for me.”“Not happening.” He brushes past me when I grab his arm.“Julian-”“He’s tried to sexually assault you twice. I’m not letting you go anywh
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Till Death Do Us Lie 25. The Elders
~ LAYLA ~“Alpha King Quade…” Uncle trails off as he looks at Quade before lowering his head. “I… it’s an honour and a surprise to see you here.”He sure doesn’t look honoured.“If only it was on better terms, wouldn’t you agree? I’m the one who put this loser in that fucking state because he tried to rape your niece. And you believe him. What a shame. I’ll be talking to the council myself; I’ll make sure not only is his title of alpha revoked, but that he’s thrown in prison.”“I…” Uncle looks at Logan, frowning slightly. “I apologise on his behalf.”I stare at him in disbelief. He’s looking at Quade.“Really, Uncle? I’m the one who needs the apology, not the King!” I hear a small ‘hmph’ from outside and glance over my shoulder at Julian, rolling my eyes. He’s smirking slightly, something that makes me want to smile. Like me, he can see how ridiculous this is.“It’s a lie.” Logan denies.“We’ll decide that in court then,” Quade replies. “I will meet the elders.”“I will organise a meet
Last Updated : 2024-10-17Till Death Do Us Lie 26. A Couple of Shots
~ JULIAN ~“Understood.” I cut the call, slipping my phone into my pocket as I walk upstairs, taking out my gun.“Julian…” Nadia looks at me worriedly.“Stay out of the way,” I order her. Quade’s men will be here soon, but until then, I’ll keep Logan here. Keeping my gun out of sight, I poke my head into his room. “There’s been a change of plans. You can stay here. You, Blackwell, can get the fuck out.”“Respect boy!” Drake thunders.“I don’t show fucking dickheads respect. Now get the fuck out or I’ll kick you out the fucking window.” I raise my gun, and he instantly pales, glancing at Logan who is trying to edge out of bed. “Stay the fuck where you are, Dartmouth.”He stops moving as Drake swiftly crosses the room. “It’s going to be fine; I’ll have backup come over,” he says to Logan before leaving the room.“You heard him. Backup is on the way! I’m the Alpha. You are going to be punished for this,” Logan sneers. “Tell me what this is about and I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”
Last Updated : 2024-10-17Till Death Do Us Lie 27. A Leader's Decision
~ LAYLA ~Julian’s cold scoff breaks the heavy silence.“That was a pretty quick jump to marriage. Is that all the Lycan King has? I mean, we’re not even going to try to get this win in court. Instead, you’re going to just give up and resort to marriage? Unless, of course… that was the plan?” he asks, his voice as cold as the frostiest nights of winter.Quade’s brow creases slightly. “Do you really think I’d make a decision so lightly? Unlike you, who perhaps can act on impulse, my every move is thought out.”“Exactly my point. Was this a calculated plan? That’s what you're good at, right?” Julian counters, his eyes full of hostility.“Hey… ok, both of you stop. I’m not being forced into anything. It’s an option that Quade is presenting.” I reach for Julian’s arm, but he looks at me with such aggression that I retract my hand, my heart skipping a beat.“Layla, think about it. It doesn’t need to be anything permanent. We have a goal and as alphas, I know what it means to do anything for
Last Updated : 2024-10-21Till Death Do Us Lie 28. Secrets
~ QUADE ~I sit back in my seat, one ankle resting on the other knee, my eyes cold as I swirl the liquid in my crystal glass, absently watching the man in front of me scream for mercy as one of my men slices open his back with a spiked whip.Blood mars the ground, a pleasant sight to satiate the anger I feel towards him.“I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have let her in! Please forgive me, I’ll- I’ll do anything! Please!” he screams.I raise an eyebrow. “When it comes to betraying me, no matter how small or big, there is no mercy. You let her in when my orders were clear.” I take a gulp of my drink before I stand up and walk towards him, every step I take echoing in the dark warehouse. Calculated and powerful like a predator stalking his prey, and just like a prey does, he cowers in fear.I crouch down in front of him as I slowly drink the rest of my whiskey before tilting my head.“She took something of mine, and now that’s caused me more work,” I whisper, my voice so calm, yet it holds the wei
Last Updated : 2024-10-23Till Death Do Us Lie 29. A Morning Message
~ LAYLA ~“Come here.”I raise an eyebrow at Julian’s command. He’s been grouchy all morning, and although I want to tease him, he’s gone back to calling me ‘ma’am’ which I now take as a sign that he is pissed off.I walk over, my coffee in hand. “Don’t get used to ordering me about. I think I might prefer the ma’am,” I remark mockingly.“Yeah, soon it’s all you’ll ever hear me call you,” he replies moodily. “So, remember with that fire there was a 3-minute gap in the footage, and we were looking into if either Logan or Drake contacted one another?”“Mhmm.” I nod as I perch at the edge of the two-seater sofa he’s sitting on, his legs are parted as he balances his laptop on one thigh not leaving much space, the other around a can of cola.“Well, there was nothing. However, at ten minutes before the fire, Dartmouth was caught on camera on a phone. According to his phone records there were no incoming or outgoing calls, but if you look closer…” He pulls up a blurry picture of Logan on the
Last Updated : 2024-10-27Till Death Do Us Lie 30. A Discussion
~ QUADE ~We reach the council hall shortly after and I’m assessing every single one of the bastard’s faces, but if any of them were involved in that lorry’s attempt, they are hiding it pretty well.Four of my men had been following in two cars. I had one follow us, and the other did go after the lorry, but they then lost it. A fucking lorry that was huge. How can you lose it? I’m fucking pissed.“Glad to see you made it, Luna Layla, but I didn’t expect you to bring the Lycan King.”“He is my fiancé now. Why wouldn’t I have him accompany me? I’m certain this involves us both,” Layla says gracefully. She looks gorgeous in a black skirt and red silk top, paired with black heels, and her hair is pinned back in a loose bun.She looks like a sexy little secretary, and somehow that’s sexy-as-fuck. A few strands of her blond hair framing her face, her sea-blue eyes trained on the three men.“Well, this is concerning some misconduct possibly from the king’s pack-”I allow my aura to fill the r
Last Updated : 2024-10-27Till Death Do Us Lie 31. Over Coffee
~ QUADE ~As long as I keep getting such an incredible view, I’ll entertain her.“Well, as you know, I had five brothers and two sisters. One of my sisters died due to complications during her pregnancy. Her son now lives with his father. I have never seen him. Two of my brothers are alive, unfortunately. As you know, I killed the other three when they stood in my way for the throne.” That’s information everyone knows. I watch her sharply, but she doesn’t react, simply nodding in understanding.“And what about your other sister?”“That bitch is alive and kicking, wish she wasn’t,” I say, trying not to let the thought of Nikita sour my mood. The waiter comes over, placing our food and drinks before Layla thanks him. He’s wise not to check her out.“That’s quite harsh to say about your sister.”“Well, it’s not a lie.” I counter, picking up my coffee. She nods.“So, you aren’t close to your brothers that are alive either?”“No.”She nods. “Wouldn’t you want to have a bond with your family
Last Updated : 2024-10-27
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Till Death Do Us Lie 52. Doubt
~ LAYLA ~We reach home and my arm is beginning to feel numb, although I don’t tell Julian that. Nothing an antidote and rest won’t fix, but he still follows me back to my room, scoffing when I open the door.“So, you guys going to share a room once you tie the knot?” he asks with distaste.“Well, maybe, I mean we are going to marry,” I reply, although I don’t know yet… I have plans. I could try to get close to Quade, make him fall for me, show him I love him and then get all the answers I need… I’m not sure yet.I glance at Julian, wondering what he’s thinking. He’s not happy with my response, yet he’s ok to share secrets with Quade himself.“So, do you have a medical kit?” he asks.“I do have one. Nadia always makes sure it’s packed, but I think it’s not with my stuff that’s here yet.”“You wouldn’t have an antidote for Elksall, though. Quade would.”“You seem to be sure of that,” I reply, almost like you know him.“Well, he’d be an idiot not to.”“Well, I can go look in his room. He
Till Death Do Us Lie 51. Layla
~ JULIAN ~The match is over, and she was fucking incredible. She’s always been resilient and skilled. Despite parts of her past being missing from her mind, her body has not forgotten anything.She now goes to speak to the elders and I wait, my eyes fixed on her, making sure no harm comes to her. I spare a glance up at the full moon for a split second.Even though the world might not know Quade’s secret, I do. We all did. We used to help him when the full moon came. He was dangerous, and stronger than us all on those nights. His thirst for blood was extreme, and he was never able to tell friends from foe. A lycan’s greatest weakness is on the full moon, when they lose all sanity.Staying away from Layla at this time was for the best.Watching her now, I can’t help but check her out. There’s something super-hot about a woman fighting. Watching her was a treat, and I can tell it’s not only the women happy to see her lead, but plenty of men who suddenly see her as more than the ever-grac
Till Death Do Us Lie 50. My Right
~ LAYLA ~Logan is already here. He’s only in a pair of sweatpants, some sweatbands on his wrists, a band to keep his hair back and trainers.Christopher stands, and the crowd becomes silent as he begins speaking.I’m unable to focus looking at the smug expression on Logan’s face, is he up to something? Just then, Sadie hurries forward dressed in a skimpy dress and flings her arms around Logan’s neck and kisses him before she looks over at me, and casts me a dirty glare. I smirk coldly, if she thinks that would upset me, she’s sorely mistaken.“He might try something… so stay alert. He’s got more strength, you got speed. Use it,” Julian says quietly.“I have strength too,” I answer as I step forward, and Julian pats my shoulder before he walks off to the bench, the closest spot anyone is allowed to be.All the lies… yet somehow, he seems to really care…Not now, Layla. You have to win this.Right.The signal to begin goes off and Logan is the first to run at me. I move out of his way a
Till Death Do Us Lie 49. The Verdict
~ LAYLA ~He doesn’t say a word as he takes the seat beside me and looks ahead.“You’re here.”“Obviously, I’m not like him.”I give him a sarcastic smile at his mockery of Quade whilst wondering how long he’s going to keep lying.You’re hurting me, Julian.He stretches his arm around the back of my seat just as he always did, but I’m unable to ignore the betrayal, refusing to relax in my seat.Ten minutes later the alleged crimes have been stated, and the proof that I had gathered is also presented before the audience and jury. It isn’t much considering Quade had given his verdict, but there were people who saw him with Sadie, the CCTV footage, also him drugging me at the restaurant amongst a few others. Together, they were enough for many to start murmuring in the courtroom.The council members look at me through shrewd eyes as each allegation is mentioned.Logan is in good condition; it seems Quade kept him in shape enough that he would not be able to delay the match because we all
Till Death Do Us Lie 48. The Trial
~ LAYLA ~The day of Logan’s trial couldn’t have come sooner. The last two days have felt ominous, and it was like I was moving through a dream – drugged. Everything that I saw as reality was a fabricated lie. Everyone around me who pretended to care were lying. Playing me for a fool.It hurt and stung painfully. Julian, Nadia, Quade… everyone around me are liars.I’ve barely seen Quade since that night. In ways it’s good. It’s suffocating to be around him without wanting to ask why. I wonder if he knows. The way he observed me, the way he was watching me when they entered that night, as if trying to deduce if anyone had told me anything.I lied. Even when Julian came the following day, I acted pretty normal. He’s worried as well, and just like Quade, he was trying to figure out if I knew anything.The fact that they both knew one another and didn’t bother to tell me stings. They didn’t even need to tell me the truth, just a simple ‘Yeah we’ve run into one another in the past.’ Some s
Till Death Do Us Lie 47. Her Return
~ QUADE ~I push open the doors to my home and step inside, leading the way to the lounge. My men swarm around me, but I’m not interested.I need to see her. I slow down when I spot Layla sitting on the sofa, a blanket around her shoulders as she clutches a mug of coffee in her hands. The smell of the coffee beans is strong in the room, a sign she’s been holding it for a while. Even now, she looks as stunning and gorgeous as I remember her.The reminder of her naked body beneath me returns, and I look away.“Layla.”I am by her side in seconds as I go down on one knee, taking the heel of her foot and look at her bandaged ankle. Anger flares through me.He hurt her.“How did you get hurt?”“I’m fine,” she answers, smiling gracefully. But even as she says that she still looks distraught.Julian walks over to us, placing a hand on Layla’s shoulder. She gives him a small smile before looking at the hearth.“How did you get injured?” I repeat, trying to calm the bubbling rage within me.“I
Till Death Do Us Lie 46. A Lie I Told
~ QUADE ~Tyres screech, headlights blare and the sound of a horn screaming in warning fills the car as I am thrown into my window.I knew it all along, knew that he died saving Layla, but that was a secret I took with me, knowing I couldn’t tell anyone. He asked me to take care of her, and although I went in to get him; it was too late, and he was gone. Leaving behind the woman fated to be his.I grab the steering wheel, swerving to the right as we narrowly miss the oncoming lorry.“Get a fucking control of yourself!” I snarl as he blinks, his heart thundering and his face the colour of ash.“That’s not possible. Layla wasn’t there…”“I got her away from there,” I spit, not wanting to continue this conversation.“You lied.” There’s anger in his voice.“Don’t we all?”“WE had a right to know – wait, did Reagon know?”“No, he fucking didn’t. But it doesn’t matter. You three were so fucking devastated when he died, I didn’t want Layla to become the target of that hate,” I spit. “He would
Till Death Do Us Lie 45. To Find Her
~ JULIAN ~“Layla’s been kidnapped.”Those were the words Quade spoke on the phone as I lost my shit. How? How the fuck could he let this happen to her!? I had left instantly, only taking a little time to grab some weapons.This was my worst fucking nightmare.Every word that leaves Quade’s mouth isn’t only making me fucking insane with worry, but it’s also making my gut twist with dread.And the final nail in the coffin is when he says the name of the man who has taken her. A name that makes panic settle into the pit of my stomach, mixed with shock and worry.Reagon.He should be dead.He was dead.How is he here?“You fucked up by taking her somewhere you had shit security-” I snarl, watching the speed hit max on the car as I zoom through the highway.“I had fifteen men posted!” he cuts in. “I wasn’t predicting anyone but Logan or Drew to do something! My men are fucking dead!”“Who Reagon fucking killed! Shows what we’re fucking dealing with!”“Yeah, but he wasn’t working alone. I k
Till Death Do Us Lie 44. Captive
~ LAYLA ~“Ah, you’re awake.”My heart races as I look up, realising that I’m tied to a chair in a room that is lit with a sickly red light. One that is only making my already aching head spin. I don’t have my glasses either, which doesn’t help.“Who are you, and what do you want with me?” I ask. My throat feels rough.“What do I want? Relax. Be grateful you're alive,” comes the voice. It’s the man from the garden, the one I got into a scuffle with.My eyes flash, but although he’s not wearing his mask, with the dim red lighting casting shadows on his face and the fact I can’t see properly, I’m unable to make out his features from where he sits. But what I do know is he is watching me.“Who sent you? My uncle? The Dartmouths?”“The who? Your uncle? I never knew you had an uncle.” He chuckles grimly.“Logan then?”“You really are becoming more and more disappointing by the second.” He stands up and leaves the room.I take a deep breath, trying to focus on my surroundings. Where am I and
