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23 Budding Warmth

last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-27 23:46:00

Adasha

It was hard to focus on the canvas with an incredibly sexy model lounging before me.

Kai seemed to sense my discomfort—or perhaps my shyness—and he was clearly enjoying it. He winked at me every now and then, his playful remarks designed to tease me just enough to fluster but not overwhelm.

Despite myself, I couldn’t help but relax in his presence. There was something about him that made me feel safe, as if nothing could harm me while he was around. It was a foreign feeling, almost too good to be true. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was genuine.

As the sun dipped lower, signaling the approach of dinner, I found myself wishing we could stay here and eat alone, away from prying eyes and judgmental stares. But I was only a guest here—at best—and making demands or challenging customs would be out of line.

Before he left, Kai leaned forward, trying to sneak a peek at my work.

“No, you don’t,” I said, stepping in front of the easel to block his view.

He raised a brow, his expressio
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Komen (9)
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Ira
I’m ready for the investigations, Marlenny!
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Marlenny Fernandez
I really hope and prey she takes this opportunity to open up and confide in him. I don’t want to be disappointed by her
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Marlenny Fernandez
I know right. I usually be a week or two late but this time I was almost 2 days late. The app sometimes don’t update depending on the area you are but welcome back to our crew. Let’s start our investigation
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  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   24 Pleasant Dinner

    AdashaWhen we arrived at the dining room, I saw there were four people present: Kai, Gabe, Darius—whom I now recognised as the Beta—and another man I hadn’t met before.I greeted everyone with the utmost respect, my voice steady, and they all responded. Though the new man’s reply was polite, there was something mechanical about it, as though he were being cautious.Understandable. Gabe and Darius seemed more comfortable with my presence now, but I wouldn’t expect the same from someone who hadn’t interacted with me before.I was about to take my usual seat beside Gabe when Kai cleared his throat.“Not tonight, Adasha. You sit here,” he said, gesturing to the seat closest to him.Darius and Gabe exchanged knowing glances, chuckling softly. I guessed they could sense my shyness and shock—or perhaps it was written all over my face.Arguing with an Alpha was never a good idea, so I nodded and quietly moved to the seat beside him.As I sat, Kai smiled warmly at me, his piercing green eyes

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27
  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   25 A Little Passion

    Adasha “Hope you enjoyed dinner without my aunt around,” Kai said with a laugh, his tone lighthearted. I nodded, offering him a small smile. “The atmosphere was calm. Thank you,” I replied sincerely. He stepped closer, the space between us shrinking as his presence became all-encompassing. His hand gently cupped my chin, tilting my face toward his. “There’s so much sorrow in your eyes, Adasha,” he said softly, his voice carrying a depth of concern that made my chest tighten. “I don’t know how to take it away.” His words hung in the air, raw and unguarded, as he leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on my lips. “You’re different,” he murmured, his gaze searching mine as though trying to decipher something unspoken. “I can feel it…” His words trailed off, almost as though he were talking to himself. My heart raced, the rhythm erratic and overwhelming. I wasn’t sure if I could handle such proximity, such intensity from a man like Kai. And yet, I found myself frozen in place, unab

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27
  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   26 Baring It All Part 1

    Adasha“You have been kind to me, Alpha Kai,” I said softly, my voice trembling with both gratitude and fear. “But I don’t want to bring trouble to your doorstep. Just give me my bag, and I’ll leave. This isn’t your fight.”Kai’s jaw tightened, his green eyes flashing with determination.“But it is my fight, Adasha,” he said firmly. “I am making it my fight. Please, let me help you.”I shook my head, my resolve firm despite the quiet plea in his voice. “I can’t.”His expression shifted, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face before it steeled into something more resolute.“Very well,” he said, his tone calm but deliberate. “If you won’t tell me, I’ll have to make my choice. But first, I want you to accompany me to the yearly Alpha Summit.”My eyes widened in fear, my heart nearly stopping.The Alpha Summit.Randy always attended alone, never allowing me to join him. He hadn’t wanted me to make any connections, to have any allies or opportunities to escape. The thought of being

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27
  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   27 Baring It All Part 2

    AdashaKai’s eyes burned with a mix of anger and sorrow, but he remained silent, his grip on my hand a steady comfort.“Just for dancing and talking to that Alpha,” I continued, my voice breaking, “My husband made sure to discipline me that night. He didn’t care that it was innocent, that I was just trying to act like a proper hostess. All he saw was betrayal.”The memory made me shudder, and I couldn’t hold back the tears.“But the real danger came the next morning,” I said, choking on the words. “That Alpha... he called my husband. He ratted me out, told him I was trying to seduce him. And my husband—”I couldn’t finish the thought. The rage and humiliation Randy had unleashed on me were still too raw.Kai’s jaw clenched, his expression darkening further, but he didn’t interrupt.“He was furious,” I whispered. “But he had an important meeting that day. That meeting was the only thing that saved me. I knew I couldn’t wait for him to come home. If I did, I’d be dead.”I wiped at my te

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  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   28 Passion

    AdashaKai slid off his shorts, leaving only his boxer briefs as he bent toward me, his lips pressing tenderly against my skin.His fingers traced every visible scar, every line on my body, as though they were treasures to be cherished.Each touch was paired with a kiss, and with every one, my breath hitched, my confidence blossoming under his gentle care.He unhooked my bra, freeing me from its constraints, and guided me to kneel with my back against him. His lips found my shoulders, warm and insistent, while his hands cupped my breasts, his fingers teasing my sensitive nipples.A wave of wild, unrestrained hunger coursed through me as his touch left undeniable evidence trailing down my thighs.My body ached for the reprieve he offered—a fleeting sanctuary from the storm I had endured for six long years.As I trembled with desire and anticipation, his fingers lightly traced my scars, his lips following close behind with reverent kisses.My back came alive with the fire he stoked, the

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27
  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   29 A Shift

    KaiI woke up in Adasha’s bed, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to filter through the curtains. It was barely five in the morning—my training hour.She was still asleep, her expression peaceful, her delicate form curled up against the sheets. Watching her, I felt a pang of reluctance to leave. A part of me wanted to stay, to keep her in my arms and protect her from the world outside.But I had responsibilities—a routine to keep, and a lot to process.Her story replayed in my mind, each detail sharper than the last. Adasha wasn’t just running from any Alpha; she was running from Randy Olsen.The implications of that name alone shifted everything. A simple challenge wouldn’t suffice. Randy’s status as a Regional Alpha complicated things significantly. No wonder she had been so hesitant to tell me.I stood by the bed for a moment, watching her sleep. She looked so serene, so fragile, yet I knew the strength it must have taken for her to survive the hell she’d been through.This was

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27
  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   30 An Issue To Discuss

    Kai“I need you two to stay calm,” I said, my voice steady but firm. “We need to think this through carefully.”Both Darius and Gabe exchanged glances, sensing the weight of what I was about to reveal.“Adasha finally came clean last night,” I began, and I saw curiosity spark in Darius’s expression.“I was right—her mate isn’t dead. She’s running from him. The cash she brought with her? She took it from him to help her settle wherever she ended up.”They remained silent, processing my words.“She’s been through hell,” I continued. “He was abusive—isolating her, controlling her. She had no one to turn to.”Gabe’s expression softened, and he shook his head in sympathy. “No wonder she’s timid,” he said, his voice thoughtful. “But... she stood her ground when your aunt tried to undermine her. Her Luna side came through.”He was trying to lighten the mood, but I didn’t laugh. I hadn’t told them the worst of it yet.“She’s from the West,” I said, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “And

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27
  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   31 Morning After Reflection

    AdashaI woke up alone, the events of the night before lingering in the air like a whisper. The rough sheets against my bare skin were the only tangible reminder of what had transpired between Kai and me.I should have felt worried—perhaps even ashamed—but instead, a flutter of excitement stirred within me. His words, spoken in the heat of passion, replayed in my mind: I won’t let you go.Whether it was a fleeting promise or something he truly meant, it had defined my night. In his arms, I had felt something rare—wanted, valued. For once, the weight of my past had lifted, replaced by the intoxicating hope that maybe, just maybe, there could be more between us.But hope was a dangerous thing, and I knew better than to cling to it. My baggage was too heavy, my circumstances too complicated.Whatever this was, it wouldn’t last. Still, I resolved to savour it for as long as I could, to live in the moment until reality demanded otherwise. I had no secrets left to hide.I was about to rise

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27

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  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   Your Input Is Needed

    I'm so glad you all enjoyed this story! 💖 As an adventurous writer, I'm excited to try something new—and I’d love your input! ✨I have two stories in the works, but I can only write one at a time:Vampire Book A WEREWOLF BOOKThese stories don’t follow the usual popular tropes, but I truly believe you’ll enjoy them just as much (if not more!). Please let me know which one you'd love to read first. Your feedback means everything to me! 🖋️📚💬

  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   246 Happy Birthday, Redwolfs

    AdashaThe sun was already high when the first cars pulled up the drive, tires crunching against the gravel.I stood near the front steps, Michelle balanced on my hip, Ethan clinging to Kai’s hand beside me.The soft hum of laughter and voices rolled in from the yard where balloons bobbed in the breeze and long tables were set with food, drinks, and gifts wrapped in all colors of the rainbow.One by one, they stepped out of the vehicles—and my heart swelled with something I couldn’t quite name. Gratitude, maybe. Or just the deep, overwhelming warmth of seeing people you love all in one place, safe and smiling.Randy was the first to appear, looking more relaxed than I’d ever seen him.Olivia walked beside him, glowing in a flowing dress that barely disguised her growing belly. He had one hand protectively resting on her lower back, the other carrying a stuffed bear nearly the size of Ethan.“Don’t say anything,” Randy said with a mock glare as he saw me smirking.“I wasn’t going to say

  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   245 Two Years Later

    AdashaTwo Years LaterThe war with Tamara and Edmond felt like a lifetime ago.Now, the only battles Kai and I fought were over who had diaper duty or who could make the twins laugh harder.Our twins were turning one, and the house buzzed with energy as we prepared for their birthday celebration.We’d been wrapped in a bubble the past year—busy, blessed, and exhausted. Life had shifted. Priorities changed. And in that quiet, we’d drifted from everyone we once fought beside.This party was more than just a celebration for the twins. It was a reunion. A chance to gather everyone who meant something to us. To laugh. To remember. To feel like a family again.So much had changed.Randy had ended up fated to Olivia—Uncle James’ daughter.They were mated now, and from what I heard, completely inseparable.They were expecting their first child, and I couldn’t wait to meet the little one when the time came.Randy had softened, grown into himself, and it showed. I was genuinely happy for him.

  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   244 I Accept

    Randy“Well, are you just going to stand there?” Her voice snapped me out of the trance.I blinked. She was staring right at me, arms crossed, like I’d kept her waiting too long.“I… I thought you were— I was just—” I stammered, completely unprepared.She laughed. Soft, amused, but laced with something that curled in my gut.“Now that my family’s free, you thought I’d leave?” she asked, eyes locked on mine like she was reading every thought I’d tried to bury.I couldn’t answer. Because yeah… part of me had.She saw it. Smirked. And then, without a word, grabbed my hand and pulled me into the room.Before I knew it, I was sitting on the edge of her bed, heart pounding like I’d just run ten miles.She stood in front of me, the wickedest smile tugging at her lips. Then she slid the sheer robe from her shoulders and let it fall.I forgot how to breathe.The lingerie underneath was designed to kill. Lace. Skin. Confidence. Everything about her said mine, and she wasn’t asking for permissio

  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   243 Homecoming

    RandyI didn’t stick around in Bridewood after the council hearing. There was no point. My business wasn’t here—it was back home.And after everything we’d seen, everything we’d nearly lost, I wasn’t about to waste another second.The universe had given us a rare gift: survival. A second chance. That kind of mercy doesn’t come often, and it sure as hell doesn’t come twice.I had someone waiting for me. A sharp-tongued, stubborn woman who challenged me at every turn and still somehow made my world make sense. Olivia.She’d crashed into my life like a storm, and I’d spent too long pretending I didn’t want to get caught in it.No more second-guessing. No more keeping her at arm’s length because I thought it was the “right” thing to do.I was done holding back.Adasha was smiling again.That look in her eyes—that light—I hadn’t seen it in years. And if she could forgive me, then maybe it was time I started forgiving myself too.So we packed up. Jacob, Thompson, and I hit the road back to

  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   242 A Fight For Balance

    Kai"So what are you trying to suggest, Alpha Bouras, Alpha Olsen?" William asked.Draco didn’t blink. “I say we abolish the law against the Moonchilds—and give them a seat among the Twelve. It’s rightfully theirs.”The room froze. Then exploded.Voices rose like a storm, clashing over one another. Some shouted in disbelief, others in anger. No one talked about making the Twelve into Thirteen. That was the part that made them really uncomfortable.Draco stood steady, calm in the storm.He didn't care.And neither did Randy.“I strongly support Alpha Bouras,” Randy said, rising to his feet. “When Edmond crossed the line, it wasn’t the Twelve that stopped him. It was a Moonchild. When everyone else fell, she stood. It’s time we stop punishing a bloodline and start honouring it. This is what justice looks like.”The murmuring dropped, volume shifting as some heads nodded reluctantly.I stood next.And I didn’t sugarcoat it.“I agree,” I said. “I don’t care what anyone in this room thinks

  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   241  The Sentencing

    KaiIt explained everything.Adasha’s blood would have completed the serum. Stabilised Edmond’s mutation. Kept his eyes from bleeding, his mind from fracturing, his body from falling apart.Without it, he looked like something from a nightmare—a shell of a man, straining to contain power not meant for him.But what I still didn’t understand was why. Why go this far?Why betray the very council he sat on? His family had power. He had influence.So why?And still, Edmond refused to speak. Sat silent in his silver cage, eyes dull with defeat. Or delusion.Tamara wasn’t much better—except she wouldn’t stop crying.But not for her victims.Not for her daughter.Not even for the madness she helped unleash.No.She kept looking at Austin, pleading, weeping like the betrayal hadn’t even happened.“I never cheated on you, Austin,” she said, loud enough for the entire hall to hear. “I just… I wanted more for us. For our daughter. The Redwolfs were going to cheat our family. I couldn’t stand by

  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   240 Still In The Hall

    Kai"You have a big heart, Malachi," Abraham said, his voice low but warm.It pulled me back from watching Adasha and Austin—the quiet reconciliation unfolding in a single conversation.I gave him a faint smile. “A foolish one, too.”He shook his head. “No. You acted based on what you had. I must say, you three are wise. I had no proof—only suspicion. And yet you gave me the benefit of the doubt.”He looked around the council hall, his expression sobering.“It’s all in the past now,” he added. “And know this—I bear no grudge.”I nodded, and for once, I felt the weight ease a little.That’s when the room shifted.The side doors opened, and Gregory walked in, flanking a man I didn’t need to be introduced to.Tall, weathered, lean from hardship but still standing with dignity.The resemblance to Gregory was uncanny. But it was the eyes that told me who he truly was.James Moonchild.Adasha’s uncle.Michelle’s brother.One of the most hunted, most whispered-about survivors in our entire w

  • Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow   239 The Next Big Moment

    KaiWe talked over the final details of our trip to the council, and that’s when I learned Austin had insisted on joining us—even though he hadn’t fully recovered.But I understood.He needed to be there.Not just as a witness, but as a man with something to put right. His presence was required, and maybe… so was his redemption.As for Laura—she was out of danger, physically—but her path was clearer than ever.She would be returning to Rivercreek.Did Tamara ever tell her the real plan? Or was she just another pawn? Another disposable piece to be sacrificed for her mother’s social climb?I couldn’t say.And maybe it didn’t matter.I didn’t feel sorry for her.I hoped she’d be better. That she’d choose better. But deep down, I knew I’d dodged a bullet.If fate hadn’t intervened—if Adasha hadn’t come into my life—I could’ve ended up just like Austin. Bound to someone who wore the name but none of the heart.There was no way Laura didn’t carry some of Tamara’s venom. It was in the way sh

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