69 Celene For the second time, I woke up with a jolt, this time around I quickly calmed down knowing I was safe. A warmth of rush gushed in me at the thought of Mondrian taking care of me. Picking up the cover spread I sniff hoping to catch a whiff of Mondrian. I get my wish, the heady scent of freshly made coffee envelopes me in a soft hug, and my wolf purred at the thought. I gasped as images of Mondrian and I flooded my mind, each in different positions. I had never had sex, and despite having dated Christoff nothing ever happened between us, I wanted to wait and Christof had agreed. I should have known he was up to no-go when he did. I push the thought of him to the back of my mind, Mondrian image pops up, and the thought of his tear-soaked chest, the warmth I felt in his hand the the electrifying feel of his touch. Since finding out he was my mate, the feeling of arousal I usually felt around him had doubled. With the sudden opening of the door, I chuckled the cover cloth
70 Celene Just as I was about to stumble under the wave of dizziness, a hand shot out, firm, steadying me before I could fall flat on my face in front of Pecan's mocking eyes. “Whoa, Careful there,” the light, teasing voice said. I blinked, turning to see a girl who looked to be around my age, her bright green eyes framed by a halo of wild fiery red hair tied into a messy bun. The girl holding me up had an easy grin, one that somehow managed to calm me. "Are you all right?" she asked, her gaze flicking to Pecan briefly before looking back at me. I—uh, yes. I’m fine,” I stammered, though my legs were still shaky. She gave a short nod but didn't release me her grip remained steady, and I couldn’t help but lean into her support slightly. Her presence felt so natural and familiar that it threw me off, before I could ask about it, Pecan’s icy voice cut through the moment. "I don’t recall inviting you into this conversation, Zara." She crossed her arms, her lips curling into a snee
71 Mondrian The sound of hurried footsteps resounded around the empty hallway, I hurried out of the office with Thoughts of Celene, I had been so focused on work, that I had forgotten to check up on her. I didn't know if she had eaten or would be too scared to leave my room. My heart ached at the thought of her locking herself in the room, unwilling to reach out. “How could I have been so stupid.” I rasped, breaking into a jog, “Nice job setting the blocking magic Mondrian. We could have been out of here in like. What? a minute? But no you had to go and be responsible.” I admit setting the block magic to prevent rowdy pack members from infiltrating the office has been a good idea, but at this moment I found myself hating Ale for thinking about it and myself for accepting the bloody idea. Ignoring the thud of the wooden door, dividing the dining area from the eastern hall, which leads to my office, free of the warding magic I prep myself to warp into the room. “About damn time.”
72 Mondrian The packed house was quiet, the kind of stillness that settled only in the deepest hours of the night. And yet I laid awake unable to sleep, I sat on a makeshift study, a glass of garney whiskey in hand, going over reports from the border patrols I couldn't attend to while I was away. Everything seemed peaceful, but I couldn’t shake the sense of unrest that lingered on my mind keeping me awake since I had ordered the maids to clean up a room for Celene as per her orders earlier. Her cold demeanor, the way she shrank back into herself when I tried to speak with her, had hurt more than I wanted to let know. She was doing so well, we had come so far I thought it was only a matter of time before she accepted me. But something had changed this evening. Something has spooked her. And I didn't know how to get her back to herself. I drained the glass and leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. She was my mate, and the bond between us was undeniable. I wanted
73AuthorCelene woke up to the feeling of warmth radiating from the body beside her. For a moment, she couldn’t move. The steady rise and fall of Mondrian’s chest, his arm draped casually over her waist, and the faint scent of coffee and earth that clung to him overwhelmed her senses. She blinked, trying to clear the haze of sleep, only to find his piercing gray eyes watching her.“You’re awake,” he said, his voice low and rough from sleep. The sound sent a shiver down her spine.“I… I am,” she managed, her cheeks heating under his gaze. His proximity was intoxicating, and she could feel the mate bond pulling at me, urging me closer. “You seem to be in a good mood,” he murmured, a playful smile tugging at his lips at her look of confusion “With you holding on me for dear life you'd think you never want to let me go. Should I think the same kitten?”“I am sorry!” Celene sputtered, attempting to sit up, but his arm tightened around Celene, keeping her in place.“it is all right. I d
74Mondrian The marketplace was the same as usual charged with an energy that made me smile. It bustled with vendors calling out their wares, children laughing, and the scent of spices and baked goods weaved through the air. As we stepped into the chaos that felt like home, I glanced at Celene. Her wide eyes darted between stalls, taking in the vibrant displays of fabrics, jewelry, and food. She looked both mesmerized and slightly overwhelmed.She must not have seen a market so big, with her trying to hide her wolf all these while and being shunned from gatherings. I placed a hand on her lower back, to protect her while guiding her gently. “Take your time, Celene. Just relax. I'm here if you need anything.”She glanced up at me her eyes wide with fear and her lips parting as if to give me a response, but instead, she gave a small nod. Slowly, her shoulders relaxed, and she began to move through the stalls with more ease. I stayed close, not just as her guide, but because I found my
75 Mondrian “Well, what is it.” The door to the meeting hall, flew open as I strode into the room, Pecan hard on my tail, with a sharp turn I faced her, “What was so important Pecan you had to drag me out of my outing?” Pecan's eyes widened at my no-nonsense tone, her lips trembled as though I'd wronged her before throwing a harsh glare at me, her arms folded, “Like I said Alpha Mondrian, it involves the pack well well-being which is also very important .” The air in the room turned tense, charged with the kind of energy that made one stand still, and so was the case for Alex and Arlen as they stared at us with shocked expressions. “Did I say it wasn't, Pecan? Isn't that why I hired you and the rest of the cabinet to make sure the pack runs in the right order.” I growled not liking the tone she was using at me, “ What gives you the right to—” “Everything gives me the Right Alpha!” She interrupted. “While you were out of town sucking faces and playing house with your so-called m
76 Celene “I just wanted to show you how much you mean to me matter what anyone says. I choose to be with you Celene. No one else.” Mondrian's words replay in my head as I go through the motions of shopping, which I decided to continue, despite his absence not wanting to make all his efforts go down the drain. I sighed as I walked absentmindedly. It was no longer fun. “Princess Celene, are you listening?” A worried voice pulled me out of my thoughts, I looked up to find Madam Trish looking at me, she had shown herself after Mondrian had left introducing herself as the boutique owner and my guide for the rest of the day. Mondrian had ordered her to make sure I lacked nothing. A feeling of warmth overwhelmed me as I realized Mondrian had taken his time to plan for everything. Despite not being present I was still treated like royalty this was a different feeling from back home as no one had ever done this for me. This behavior seemed to dwell in everyone at White Fire Lycan as N
101 Celene The thoughts of the previous night kept replaying in my head, couldn’t stop replaying the moment in my mind. Mondrian walked away from me, his face a myriad of emotions that I could place, walking away from me after that hug that left me wanting him to stay, yet too embarrassed to do anything. What was that all about? It wasn’t like him to act so cold, Mondrian always made sure to savor every single moment of our time together. That hug should have lasted for quite a while before breaking it with a kiss. Although I tried not to think too deeply about his actions, I couldn't help but feel his walking away had to do with the promise he had made to me. Did he not want to do it or was he having second doubts? The thought ate at me all night. Twisting and turning in bed all night, pulling the blanket tighter, then throwing it off entirely. Sleep eluded me no matter what I did or how hard I tried. My mind kept circling back to him— his expression, him walking out without so
100 Mondrian I stepped into my office to find Alex my beta and best friend waiting for me, his arms folded and his face set in his usual calm and unreadable expression. Although It was his usual look, but something about it annoyed me. Maybe it was the tension in the air, or maybe it was the way my own guilt over Celene—walking away from her—still clung to me like a heavy cloak. Either way, I wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. “Alex,” I greeted curtly, nodding as I took my seat at the head of the desk. "Alpha," he responded, his tone even, but I caught the flicker of Amusement in his eyes. He knew something. Before I could say anything more, Arlen walked in, his boots clicking against the floor as he joined us. His young face showed none of the excitement he usually eluded instead the shadows under his eyes and the way he sighed told a different tale. It was not surprising, considering the mission I’d sent him on. "Arlen," I said, leaning forward. "Any News young one? Are t
99 Mondrian “What the heck was that?” Zara’s sharp voice followed me as I turned towards the stairs leading to my office. “Do you even realize how harsh you were?” she asked, walking in tandem with me, arms placed hastily on her hips. I stopped mid-step and turned to her, my jaw tightening. “I was harsh for a good reason.” My voice was cold and fiand rm, Zara’s eyes held mine, “She disobeyed me, Zara. She could’ve gotten hurt or worse.” “She didn’t, though,” she countered, her voice calm but firm, her arms crossed across her chest. “And yelling at her like that isn’t going to make her listen to you. If anything, you’re just going to push her further away. I thought you wanted her to fall for you. This isn't the way Mondrian.” Her words hit me like a blow to the chest. I hated to admit it, but she was right. The look on Celene’s, face when I had scolded her—hurt, betrayed, and shocked kept replaying in my mind. It made me feel sick to my stomach. The thought of Celene shifting
98 Celene I stared at her, my hand still raised, my chest heaving. The energy I’d felt when I had merged with Alera surged through me, I could feel the electric tension as my hands trembled from the rush. What the heck was that? My mind whirling as It struggled to process what had just happened. Pecan’s stunned face didn't change as she stared at me, and I couldn’t shake the image of her flying. Albeit satisfying that should have been impossible, I shouldn't be able to do that…not with Pecan who had a place in Mondrian's army, rumors about her slaying mountains of men had welcomed me on my very first day, despite her nasty attitude, she was someone Mondrian had acknowledged and I had thrown her with a flick of my wrist. The hallway grew eerily silent, for a second it all felt like a dream, but my heartbeat pounded loudly in my ears telling a different tale. Then, out of nowhere, Zara appeared, her face full of worry as she hurried toward me. “What happened? I heard a scream,” s
97 Celene I woke up to find Mondrian sitting by my bed, his head in his hands. His shoulders looked heavy like he was carrying the weight of the world. The dim light of the room made his dark hair gleam, and his expression, when he finally glanced up at me, was nothing short of pained. My heart skipped at his forlorn expression. “Mondrian?” My voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. My throat burning, and everything felt… off—dull. Still, I reached out to him “What’s wrong?” He exhaled slowly like he was relieved just to hear me speak. “Celene,” he said, his voice soft but laced with tension. “You’re awake. I'm glad.” But his expression still didn't change. “Of course I’m awake,” I said, frowning, as a soft groan escaped My lips. My head was pounding, and my memories were foggy. Before I could ask what had happened, a single memory turned sharp in my mind, and it made my heart leap, excitement fueled my voice looking towards him “I turned! Didn’t I?” His face fell fur
96 Mondrian “Why would you say that, Mondrian?” The voice startled me. In the chaos of trying to save Celene and then battling Maria's words, I had forgotten about the people around me. I turned around, and there he was, glaring at me like I’d just committed some sort of crime. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his expression was sharp a far cry from his usual expressionless face. “You think this is your fault?” he demanded, his voice harsh. “Celene turning and then her fever? You think you’re the reason she’s like this?” I didn’t say anything for a moment. How could I explain? He wouldn’t understand. “If I had been paying a little bit of attention, I would’ve noticed something was wrong,” I finally said, my voice quiet but firm. “if only I wasn't so selfish…I could’ve done something to stop it.” Alex shook his head, frustrated. “Stop it? Stop what, Mondrian? The fever? The turning? What exactly?” His voice rises with every question, “Celene is an adult, she can make h
95 Mondrian “Aren't you in love with Celene?” Zara's words replay in my head on a continuous loop, her words hit me like a punch to the guys, her eyes boring into mine as she stared at me with a look of assuredness. She followed up by stating her efforts towards bringing I and celene together. I had been too shocked to defend myself, too unsure of what was in store for me, I could only stutter, Zara had looked at me with a face tinged with a shock that I hadn't realized before patting my shoulder urging me to think about my next steps before leaving me to my thoughts, with a simple excuse. Too shocked to function I walked back into the room, and her pale unconscious face came into view. Was I in love with Celene? Had I been very obvious in my interest in her? Did Celene like me too? The thoughts ricochet around my mind, mixing in with my feelings of worry towards Celene, until it becomes a giant pile of nerves. With a huff, I fall back on the bed. “What am I doing?” I muttere
94 Mondrian “Celene!” Horror overwhelms me watching her wolf fall in slow motion after finally turning puts my heart in reverse, catching her fall, I pull her into my arms, “What's wrong with you Celene?” She doesn't respond. She had fallen unconscious. This was all my fault, I had no one else to blame, I should have stopped her when she wanted to try again, and I should have been more strict. Despite her being unconscious, her body begins the painful process of turning human. I winced at every crack, her weak body made even when she didn't acknowledge them. Pilling her close to my chest I waited out the turning process murmuring sweet meaningless nothings, while I prayed for it all to be over. At the last pop, I pull off my jacket to cover her semi-naked body, she had been in her underwear during the transformation, and she had feared ruining the sportswear she had walked in with. Her body flushed red from the pain and soaked with sweat, glistened under the sweltering sun. With
93 Celene My talk with Zara put my thoughts in line. To learn more information about my history I needed to ask my father, which I couldn't do on my own, so another goal was created— I needed to overpower Luna Valerie and my father to become strong enough so they respect me. To do so I needed power— more than I already had. Which could only be gotten if I learned to turn, the history book clearly stated the silver wolfs were blessed with powers, and even Alera could confirm, but for some odd reason she couldn't unlock it. Further solidifying my reasons to become stronger, I needed a teacher. I need Mondrian. There was no one more fitting of the role other than Alpha Mondrian. He understood my problem and wanted to help, moreover, I was comfortable a bit with him. I held my breath, my hands growing sweaty, waiting for him to give me an answer. His deep grey eyes bore into mine, holding me in place, “Are you sure Celene? I thought we agreed you should take things slow.” He asked,