ZAYNAI slipped the cucumber slices off my eyes and tossed them onto the tray beside the bathtub, stifling a yawn as I stretched lazily.The steam from the hot water filled the bathroom and I savored the warmth seeping into my skin.Wrapped in a fluffy robe with a towel turbaned around my head, I felt like a queen , relaxed , luxurious and best of all —alone.My gaze shifted to my red painted nails , admiring the smooth polish. Maybe I should go shopping today . I deserved a little indulgence after the week I had had.A new hat, perhaps? Something wide brimmed, dramatic. Maybe the girls could come along ,we could turn the whole pack upside down ,shop for hours ,spend a ridiculous amount of money on things we didn't even need. That was always fun.Just as I was getting lost in the fantasy of retail therapy,my phone rang.I frowned, glancing at the screen.Lemuel.I rolled my eyes in silent frustration. What now? It wasn't like he had anything important to say . Still , appearances matt
ZAYNA Shopping with my girls was always an event. We didn't just stroll into a store , pick out an item and leave. No , when Zayna and her friends went shopping, we took over the entire space.The moment we entered the biggest mall in Nightbane pack, I could already feel eyes on us. And I loved it.There where three of us , myself Rina and Sophie. Rina was the quiet , cunning one while Sophie loud and bubbly was the perfect contract. Together we made the kind of trio that no one could look away from. We walked in sync, like a well rehearsed performance . Heads turned as they should and I could feel the admiration and every rolling off the onlookers"So what's on today's list ?"Sophie asked her blonde curls bouncing as she spun around in excitement."Hats,"I said simply, flashing a smile ."I need something dramatic.""I should have guessed,"Rina added with a smirk." You are always so extra ,Zayna."I smiled at a little jab ."Of course, I was extra .Why settle for being ordinary whe
ZAYNAThe driver rounded the corner and got the door open , I was just too tired to acknowledge his presence.I swung my legs and handed the bags of designers to the maids who took them in.As soon as I got in ,the warmth of the large and magnificent living room welcomed me.Home at last I had never had a shopping as tiresome as this one.Thanks to Lemuel who kept calling me every now and then as if I had stolen his kidney.There he was my dad , Beta Thaddeus watching the evening news about everything going on in the pack."Daddy!" I squeaked running over to give him a hug ."I came back home from the meeting and you were nowhere to be found."I rolled my eyes and bit my lower lip." I went shopping, Dad,haven't done that in a month."Before he could speak , I trudged upstairs to my room."Catch you later, Dad." I raced upstairs to my room where the maids had already arranged my purchases neatly on the bed . I kicked off my shoes ,threw myself on the bed and grabbed my phone. For the
MERIDA. Ever since they had a fight, I haven't seen Lukan but I have seen Lemuel once before getting on his bike and zooming out of the pack house but that was yesterday. As usual I had woken up late. I guess my body is trying to adapt to living here in Nightbane pack. I had a quick bath and when I came downstairs for breakfast I was late again. Julietta lifted an eyebrow when she saw me but said nothing. I knew that she was still angry with me. I made a mental note to explain to her everything that happened at the mating ceremony when breakfast was over. "Where is your husband?"she asked, her tone laced with something I couldn't place my fingers on. It sounded so icy like she was expecting both of us to walk into the dining hall hand in hand ,kissing and laughing . "Morning,mother." Lemuel said walking in at that moment, his hair looked kind of ruffled making him look handsome, I quickly looked away that was not the reason why I was here. "Umm.." I stuttered." He'll
MERIDAI didn't know what to feel , anger , sadness, indifference.I glanced over my shoulder to see the door slam in my face .There was no use standing here ,staring at the office with its white walls and the smell of antiseptic drifting into my nose.I waited for a few minutes before turning around and walked out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind me.It suddenly became quite boring here , it really sucks. I went out and the sun rays fell on me. I inhaled the sweet smell of the wet grass which brushed slightly against my skin as I took a walk. It was better this way. It was actually the first time I was going out alone with no one watching me or giving me a particular time to be back. Though it felt so good , to be able to do whatever you want and not to have some people yelling and scolding you for every little mistake. I guess I was walking on slippery grounds and I have to be very careful about the things I say and do. Zayna wasn't the only one I had to fight of
MERIDA I pouted after he left, I was feeling a bit sad and angry. I wish I was able to shift just like every other wolf ,to just do your thing effortlessly without giving it much thought. Apart from Aunt Ophelia who once shifted when she was angry I really haven't seen anyone do that. Lukan's wolf was very beautiful, its brown fur was sprinkled with bits of golden hairs. I wonder what my own wolf will look like when I finally shift. Or if I would ever have my wolf back. The thought of it drove into my heart like a hot knife. If something isn't done quickly I will lose my wolf probably .Forever and just be like a normal human being. As I made my way back to the pack house , I kept wondering if I wasn't a hybrid perhaps that could explain the reason why I never had any connection with my wolf even before it was bound. The sun was almost going down on the horizon and the smell of dinner drifted into my nose making me salivate. I was beginning to feel bored here, maybe
LUKAN"What is the problem?" I asked softly.My tall frame hovering over her , watching the moment sleep left her face replaced by quiet awareness. She blinked ,her gaze shy as it met mine. She always looked at me like that—like she wasn't sure if she could trust the intensity between us. "Don't look away ."I whisper, my voice rough. She bit her lip and looked down, cheeks flushed as she nodded, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of the blanketShe was so gentle , so innocent and every part of me wanted to protect that. But there was another part of me, that primal part that wanted to make her mine in every possible wayI reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She stifled , just slightly but she didn't pull away instead her breath hitched, her chest rising and falling a little quicker.I could feel the magnetic pull between us, the way she flinched when my fingers brushed her cheeks. "Merida," I murmured her name like it was a secret I had no right
LUKAN The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and I stepped into the underground parking lot, my eyes on the rows of cars waiting for me. The sleek, powerful machines gleamed under the dull light,each one a testament to my success—extension of my power. Before I could signal to my driver, I heard feet running behind me I knew who it was already without turning around. But I didn't stop walking. "Alpha Lukan ."she greeted ,her voice dripping with that tone she always used when she wanted something."Your mother, Julietta wishes to see you." I didn't bother looking back , didn't give her the satisfaction of a pause."Tell her I'm busy." "But—" "I'm late for a meeting." My voice was cold and dismissive. Without waiting for her response, I got to one of the cars and signaled to my driver. The door to my car opened and I slid into the back seat, already barking orders before the door was fully closed. "Drive. Now." As the car pulled out of the parking lot , th
ELIZABETHThe room was filled with flickering shadows as the fire in the hearth cracked. As Merida tried processed everything I had said.Her eyes widened and her face went pale as I sat across from her. This was more than just her past it was the reality that had strapped my soul together for years. "You deserve to know everything Merida. . But its difficult to hear what Im about to tell you." I said my voice trembling a little, as I looked around the room ,at everyone listening to me.Julietta handed her a mug of tea and she nodded while her fingers clenched around it. The tone of as "Your parents Naomi and Nathaniel were the most honorable wolves I ever knew." I said my voice was so sorrowful"The love they had for you and your sister , Nahla was greater than life itself. Bit love was insufficient to shield them from the packs evil. "Merida opened her mouth to speak but she remained silent. "There was a struggle for power ."I added. “Some believed Naomi’s bloodline was too
ELIZABETH 𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌I remembered the night of Lukan and Nahla's bonding ceremony clearly as if it had been burned into my soul. Deep crimson and royal gold colours which stand for strength and unity were used to decorate the grand hall. Music, laughter and the lovely scent of roses in bloom filled the air. In order to witness the ceremony that would bring two influential families together, every member of the pack was present and dressed to the nines. Lukan was a commanding presence in the middle of the room, his dark eyes searching the crowd for Nahla. A silence descended upon the hall as she eventually emerged. Nahla's smile was more brilliant than the chandeliers above and her silvery gown shone like moonlight. It was a hopeful smile that offered joy for the years ahead. My sense of obligation to them as their aunt had always been very strong. I made sure everything went according to plan . Bit something about that evening seemed strange, that I couldn't place my
ELIZABETH I could remember vividly when I was a little girl,our family had long held dinner as a sacred ritual a time to forget about problems and just spend time together. Tonight Julietta insisted reminded me of that.The table was exquisitely arranged with candles illuminating the food spread. Lukan sat next to Merida and they occasionally smiled as though they were trying to reassure one another. Nahla sat beside me, she had a small smile on her lips but her eyes betrayed everything as she kept stealing glances at Lukan.I sighed, we had discussed about this before coming here today, I can't blame her though. She was still in love with him. Always the gracious hostess Julietta clapped her hands together. "All right everyone start eating! Dean dont argue over the mashed potatoes. " In mock indignation Dean gasped. "Just once ,Mother ! Just once and I'm permanently branded. " T
MERIDAThe warmth of Lukan's hand in mine brought back to reality . I looked up into his delicate grey eyes which were filled with so much emotions that mirrored mine. He ran his thumb over my knuckles and the corners of his lips curled into a slight smile. "Merida I need you to listen to me." He said, his voice was steady and low I nodded for him to go on as I swallowed the lump in my throat. "You're mine Merida." He stated firmly but there was a tenderness in his voice that soothed my jangled nerves. "You will always be my mate regardless of what happens or what you may believe. It won't change anything. " I didn't realize the cracks in my heart were being filled with emotions until his words swept over me. All of my uncertainties, anxieties and confusion seemed to vanish for a moment as the weight of his words struck me. “I…” I tried to say something but
MERIDAI sat in the grand halls, my heart racing as I tried to understand what had just happened . Everything was just too much for me. Questions spiralling in my head . That woman who had suddenly reappeared today of all days on my birthday. My twin sister. Someone I barely remembered. To worsen the situation she was *Lukans first love*. I replayed the scene which happened minutes ago over and over again as my hands balled into fists and my nails digging into my palms. I still remembered Lukan's expression. His face and eyes softening as he gaze at her like one of the wonders of the world. Had he ever looked at me like that ? Is he still in love with her ? Now she was back what will happen to me ? Will he still love me just the same way ?This and many other questions ran through my head as tears threatened to spill.“Merida. . . The sound of his voice jolted me out of my thoughts. His
LUKAN Lemuel's words were still ringing in my ears as I gazed at him. It was unbelievable. I blinked severally maybe it was one of his sick jokes but it wasn't.I turned to Merida."Let’s go." I said in in a more steady voice than I actually felt. We got up from the dining table and made our way to the living room after Merida gave a silent nod. I felt like a something had gone off when I saw what was waiting for us. The room was filled with — Nahla Lemuel wasn't jokingShe was not alone, she was with someone else and she was alive—miraculously impossible alive. The woman stabding next to her recognized me to , I exhaled and looked away.A mixture of emotions made my chest tightened that I didn't know what to feel.My gaze swiftly returned to Nahla as she rushed st me, her arms circling me in a fierce tear bear hug.I closed my eyes allowing the moment to pass. We all thought the past was gone but she was here and happiness surged through me.and the memories of our time toget
MERIDA Despite the thick blankets I had wrapped around myself the cold was still in the room when I woke up and getting into my skin. Even with the heating on, the morning air still had an icy bite to it as winter quickly approached. Instinctively I reached out to feel Lukans warmth but my hand found a cold empty sheet instead. . . My heart skipped a beat. . . Lukan? I yelled softly my voice heavy with sleep.. There was no answer. I sat up massaging my arms to produce heat. There was a spooky silence in the room the kind that made me uneasy. His habit of leaving without saying anything was unusual. Still struggling with the uneasiness that was tearing at my chest I slipped my feet into my slippers and put on a cardigan. As I left our room I had the feeling that the house was empty. The corridors were deserted and the dim winter sunlight streaming in through the windows cast shadows on the floor. Though there were traces of last nights celebrations in the air like the faint scen
MERIDA I stood at the balcony of our room, the sky was without a moon tonight but I wasn't thinking about how beautiful the night was or about Lemuel because it made me feel sad. My mind was elsewhere. I was thinking about something entirely different. In this room, my thoughts and my world were centered around him. Lukan I was thinking about us. But Lukan's calming voice brought me back. "You've been looking out there for some time. What's on your mind?" I looked over and saw him standing by the door, his tie loose and shirt unbuttoned a bit. A wife smile on his thin sensual lips that made me want to kiss him. He appeared like the perfect dream I never thought could come true. There was a way he looked like me. Like I was the most important person in the world. "I was ... thinking about something. About us." I said in a small voice which was barely above a whisper. "I love talking about 'us'," he said, moving closer. "It's what I enjoy the most." I grinned, and h
MERIDAThe waves crashing against the shore was just a beautiful sight to behold. The sun was already going down in the horizon and the orange glow was pretty to watch, but nothing could beat the feeling of Lukan holding me close. That tender feeling of love made my heart soar.We had spent the evening laughing and walking around the beach and at some point he wanted us to dive in and swim but I suck at swimming and i had laughed."I wish we could stay like this forever." I whispered feeling the cool breeze brush past my cheeks as I rested my head on his shoulders."Me too." He agreed with a low, relaxed voice." To stay here for eternity." I smiled when I thought about it. "I feel the same way." Everything stopped for a moment, and it felt like time stood still. The gentle smell of salt and hope for the future was brought by the sea breeze, the waves crashing softly making a second that matched our heartbeat." Time wasn't important in this place. It was only us, the sea, and the