ZAYNAI slipped out of Lukan's room as quietly as I could, casting one last glance back at his still form.The relief from Doctor Vale's assurance that he had recover was still fresh but a dark tension twisted in my gut. There was one more thing left to handle Down the hall, passed the rows of rooms on both sides, I took the stairs leading to the back of the Packhouse which might lead me to the parking lot if I took another bend, Doctor Vale waited for me there . His hands were clasped behind his back, his sharp gaze trained on me the second around the corner."Doctor Vale,"I murmured as I approached ,keeping my voice low." Thank you for coming all this way."He nodded his expression unreadable."You wanted to speak privately, Miss Zayna?"I glanced around before pulling him aside to a more quiet corner. My pulse was pounding, my heart hammering with the weight of what I was about to ask him. The fear in me almost made my heart to stop beating but I tried not to show it. "I trus
MERIDAI pushed the door open slowly, glancing back at the hallway making sure no one saw me come in.I wasn't supposed to be sneaking in, no.But there was something I needed. Lukan was still unconscious, I had heard the doctor they had sent for, say that he will recover soon.I had to gather enough information and the only person in the Pack house I could tell this was Lemuel.I was walking on thin ice and there was so many things I didn't know. I still heard Investigator's voice in my ears even when I tried so much to shut it.𝑌𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟.Truthfully the investigator's words had shocked me, sending my mind spiraling in directions I never knew existed. A sister? Even the thought of it made me shudder. Aunt Ophelia had never mentioned this to me and I had no memory of her. It felt like I was just living on the surface, and that the fact that I knew nothing or so little about my family history stabbed me in the heart.But a sister, it felt to strange,
MERIDA "I'm so sorry for the interference." Rosita said.After they both left , I walked to my room, the safety and comfort I needed was there.As I close the door to my room, I was quiet and careful not to make a sound. My heart was pounding as I pressed my back against the door, clutching my phone which still had the investigator's number, which I had also tried to memorized. I didn't know what to feel. Fear or uncertainty? Making the call felt like stepping off a cliff with no idea of what waited below. Taking a deep breath I dialed, each beep of the buttons made my heart skip a beat. The line rang once, then twice and for a moment I thought no one would answer. I was about to hang up when a calm, low voice came through "Bartlett here. Who is calling?"I hesitated, the word caught in my throat. This wasn't just some errand. This was me stepping into something I didn't know, speaking to someone I shouldn't be speaking to but I wasn't about to back down now. I steadied my vo
ZAYNA Packing was supposed to be easy. Get my things, toss them in the bag and leave. Yet here I was standing in the center of my room, a reluctant sigh escaping my lips as I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. I hadn't come all this way to fulfill some pointless order from my father. No, I had come because deep down I couldn't stay away from Lukan.Despite everything I had done or maybe because of it some strange pull kept me bound to him. Something like love mixed with guilt.I ran a hand through my hair, letting the soft waves fall over my shoulders.The dress I had chosen was simple but fitted, a dark shade that complimented my eyes—a deep rich black gown with a slit at the left, and long sleeves and a high-collar , that skimmed the line between elegant and practicality. I wanted to look put together, unbothered, as if this visit hadn't been a huge weight on me. But there was no fooling myself, the hollow look in my eye said everything I refuse to admit out loud. I was so
MERIDAFinally, I saw him waving from across the small cafe.I gave a small nod and with slow, shaky steps, I walked towards him.I sank into the booth across from Bartlett, my heart pounding like a drumbeat out of rhythm. The investigator's face was hidden behind dark sunglasses, which somehow only made him look more ominous.My best kept pounding and I could hardly breathe. I wonder where all this will lead to .If he knew I was Merida and not Tasha , or —I really didn't know what to think any more, I tried to hide my shaky hands on my laps.If I hadn’t known better, I’d think he was playing at being some shady secret agent. I reached for the menu—not that I planned to eat, but I needed something to do with my hands. They felt too empty, too exposed, as if he might read everything I was hiding right off my fingertips.“You’re late, Tasha,” Bartlett said, barely glancing up.I forced a small smile, my mind racing to keep up with the persona I was trying so hard to embody. Tasha. L
MERIDAAs the investigator walked out of the café, his figure slowly disappeared among the patrons. He seemed to be in a hurry and I wondered what just happened.I remained there, frozen , feeling puzzled and full of questions in my mind. His face showed me that there was an important piece of information he was keeping to himself. Something he didn't want to tell me.It was at that moment he was going to tell me more about my twin sister, a call interrupted us. He could have just spilled it out anyway before leaving.I wasn't seeing or hearing things, was I ?I clearly saw the name "Zayna" flash on his screen. I felt my heart race. Why was Zayna calling him? I felt a strong feeling of fear that made me uneasy and upset at the same time.I tried to calm myself down, taking short deep breath, but the worry kept getting stronger. There was something off, something I couldn't place my fingers on. I tried to relax, telling myself it was all a coincidence, that Zayna was the Beta's daug
MERIDAAs soon as I got home , I made a mad dash to thr bathroom and on the shower at full force allowing the hot water wash down me, it felt soothing and refreshing and I welcomed it.I had left my phone with it's broken screen on the bed and no matter how hard I try to gather my thoughts, they kept spiraling.For now I needed to be alone, to gather my thoughts.I glanced at he cracked screen, it reminded me of how my life was falling apart. I exhaled and wrapped my arms around me, suddenly feeling cold."Good evening, My lady." Someone knocked on the door and I knew it was one of the maids"What's it?""Dinner is served." She replied" I'll be downstairs soon." I said dismissing her before she could finish.I quickly changed into something cozy and joined Julietta and the rest at the dinning hall, thankfully they didn't seem to notice my late arrival as they chatted away. Truthfully I didn't feel like having anything to eat. I only wanted to be in the comfort of my room but then t
The night was very quiet, like everything was waiting for something to happen. Lemuel and I stood on the balcony, looking down at the garden below and up at the blurry stars. I still thought about what I had told him and it was the best thing I ever did. At least I wasn't alone.My mind and heart were filled with thoughts and feelings, hoping that Lukan could still hear me and a miracle of some sort will happen and he will just wake up.I held onto the chilly metal railing, noticing how it dug into my hands. Helping me to keep calm.“I never… I never told him, Lemuel,” I whispered, struggling to speak. “I never told him how much he meant to me. And now, I fear I might never have that chance.”Lemuel turned to me, his eyes mirroring my pain. “Merida, you know he cared about you deeply. Lukan always felt things intensely, especially about you. He can be arrogant some times but he loves you."Tears flowed down my face as I shook my head. “But I never said it. Not once. I..."I stopped
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