First, I apologize for the lack of posting. i just lost someone recently and it has taken a toll on my mental health. I apologize also for this recent hiccup. I've seemed to have uploaded chapter 26 before chapter 25. I will fix that now as well as upload the next two chapters.
I looked past Carrie to see my soon-to-be former boss approaching swiftly. “H-hey!” I anxiously replied. I knew before he could even approach that he too wanted me to stay.“Val, I need you to-”“Wait, wait, before you say anything further, Herry, I didn’t come here to pick up an extra shift. I-”“Valene, I really need you tonight.” He said with desperation. “You see that we have special guests. And I don’t have any entertainment! I need entertainment! They-”“Who are these men, Herry?” I asked. Sure, it wasn’t any of my business, but what did it hurt to ask? There was something about these men that seemed to hold significance to Herry. It was only during such times when these men were present that he paid close attention to detail. Suddenly, I was concerned.Impatiently, he rubbed his face and exhaled. “Normally, I’d tell you that it isn’t any of your concern, but…well now I’m starting to wonder if maybe you knowing will make you more inclined to help me.” Reflex made me glance bac
Alastair:There was something going on around here and I wasn’t happy about it. “You smell what I smell?” Aziz remarked in the back of my mind.“I do,” I said as I looked around into each low-lit corner of this little pub. Immediately, I connected with Toran and John. “We have a problem, boys.” I got straight to the point.“Is that right?” Toran asked.“That’s two for two tonight.” As soon as John said this, I became concerned. I immediately knew that he was referring to the patrol that Ares, his pack and a few of my own were doing. “What is it?” Both Aziz and I asked, my wolf suddenly concerned for his pack and those of the young Lycan. “Ares and the others were ambushed. Seems that a few of those Rogue beasts were lying in wait. And…they are powerful. Something ain’t right about this, Alastair.” John said.With frustration, I cursed under my breath. “How are they?”“Oh, they’re fine, Alpha,” John replied. “The young Alpha is a little irritated by the force in which he was forced
Immediately, this man’s cohorts stood up and was rearing to fight. And just as they did, my officers appeared on cue. As always.“I assure you…that this is not a fight that you want.” Aziz pushing through in team with me. “You two are late.” I said.“Sorry, Alpha. Took a minute for John here to get spiffed. I could hear Kilder in sync with his counterpart and I knew that Kine was already in team with John.“Perfection takes time.” John countered. “Now…down to business.”“Right,” I said, and kept my gaze on the men angrily staring at me. “Now, I’m going to assume that this fool is not the one who speaks for you all as he is quite…emotional. I’d like to speak to the one whose really in charge here.” They were silent and visibly reluctant. So, they want to try us, both Aziz and I thought. I slammed my hand so hard against the table so hard, it cracked. “Tell us…who’s in charge!” I growled in team with Aziz.Even more men stood as I made my aggression known. Neither me nor my officers wer
“I think you should let her stay.” Toran said. “She may need the release.” He quickly gathered everyone else that was in the bar and moved them to the back while John immediately started on those who thought they could sneak us from behind. Most of the men were severely crippled by the time we were done with them and Valene had hardly a tear in her clothes, but her face was splattered in blood. She was good at defending, but I…to be honest was a little off-put about this rage that she suddenly had and I couldn’t shake the feeling that a lot of that rage was pointed a little…toward me. When there was only Chade left standing, and barely, I pushed my previous thoughts to the back of my mind and approached him.“Wh-what is…sh-she?!” He snarled with fear as she stood behind me, with blood spatter artfully smeared across her face. “That’s irrelevant,”“Oh but it is!” He growled. “No human! No…none! Are as…as…”“Deadly?” I said with mirth. “It’s only the result of good training.” I said.
Valene: It never ceased to amaze me how huge the Shadow Veil packhouse was. Most of the pack resided there, outside of Master Wade and Slaughter. Master Slaughter lived close by and would stay for prolonged periods when the situation called for it. I had assumed that whatever was going on of late constrained him to be there now. There were no cars outside save Master Slaughter’s, but I could tell that the front room was packed with wolves. “You alright?” “Yes, Master Wade,” I answered mechanically, not really in the mood to conversate. I got out of the car and closed the door behind me. I waited for Master Wade. He was still sitting there in the car, and I could almost feel him still staring at me. He and I were at an impasse; while I did not completely blame him for it, I realized that I did resent him a little. And I hated that I felt that way, so it was best that I sort my feelings in silence. The only way I could do that was to be alone for the rest of the night, but I knew
When I finally gathered the strength to pull away from his stare, I did and quickly started finishing up his bandaging. All the while praying that he would not report me to anyone for my blatant boldness in looking him in the eye. “Do not worry, little human,” he said to me. “Despite our…second meeting, you are safe with me. Any human as useful as you has a right to safety,” he said. “Besides, I make it a point not to make the same mistake twice. I do not allow myself to lose control unless I desire it.” “Of course,” I said in a hushed voice although the only thing that I could think about is the one time that he could not control himself. From my peripheral, I saw mirth on his face. “Can you blame me?” he asked. I certainly did not bother answering. He didn’t seem to need verbalization. “You caught me off guard. Rest assured, it will not happen again.” he tried reassuring me, but in my experience, such restraint was easier said than done. “I know you do not trust my words, pequeno
I had completely forgotten that Harlyn wanted to speak with me and I had been in the shower a good fifteen minutes, no less. It wasn’t long enough for me, but, it was long enough nevertheless. With a sigh, I cut off the water and grabbed my towel, wrapped it around me, and opened the door. “Hey.” I tiredly greeted. “Back at ya,” she said and handed me a pair of sweatpants and a cropped tank top. They were definitely my clothes but I only wore this top when I was working out and she brought no underwear. “Thank you,” I simply replied, the risk of sounding ungrateful by mentioning that she had forgotten my underwear was something that I was too tired to even consider. I put on my sweatpants and drew the string as tight as it could get around my waist before putting the top on. I then opened the door to see that Harlyn had not budged from the spot in which she was standing. “You look tired,” Harlyn commented. I shrugged and just nodded as we both headed to my room at the end of th
Valene: Apparently, sleep had no use for me that night. I was lucky enough to find an hour before I had awakened again. I sat up and just stared blankly out of the small window in the distance. I got out of bed and grabbed my bloodied clothes, deciding that I’d try to find a washing machine. Harlyn may have brought me some lounging clothes but nothing else. To my surprise, the vassal quarters did not have a washer or dryer, so I had to venture upstairs but only after attempting to check in on Harold. I figured he’d be asleep because it was late. When I ventured up the stairs, I was glad to see that there was no one around. This gave me space to search the house without much interruption or inconvenience of the proper vassal protocol. I finally found the washing room on the other side of the vast mansion at the back near the rear entrance. After I placed my clothes on a cycle, I ventured into the dining area, where I noticed a beautiful night view. Leaning against the counter, I st
VALE:The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as Valene and Harlyn stood on the outskirts of Shadow Veil, their backs turned to the familiar pack. The weight of exile hung heavy in the air, a bittersweet reminder of the decisions they had made.“This is a big step to make, Vale,” said Tobias as we stood at the city line of Shadow Veil. “It is,” I said. I couldn’t bloody well deny his truth. Harlyn and I’s relationship was still on the mend. There were definitely some kinks that needed to be worked out, but I felt an obligation to her. Not only to her but to Shadow Veil as well. I refused to make it easier for Dronnigan to find me. “But you remember what my mother said, Tobi. Even if Harly wasn’t leaving, I’m not sure that I’d have a choice. Not until I find a way to get rid of him for good.” I said. “Yeah, that’s true. I’ll be shoving off soon too.”“Your dad can’t be happy about that.” Tobias glanced back at the beta and his son. “Not really, but both he
VALE:“Harlyn Caris Wade. You almost took the life of your best friend. Your actions of attempted murder have cast an even bigger shadow on the pack. It’s not just because of what you did, Harlyn but who you are to the people surrounding you.”Harlyn’s gaze fell to the ground. There was visible shame in her eyes as these words were said. She knew that all of it was true, and so she kept silent.“You were acting in a rash state of anger and a thirst for revenge, and because of this, you’ve committed crimes of a reprehensible nature.” She looked up at him, and took a deep breath, but still, she did not say a word. It was clear that she was anxious though.“What do you have to say for yourself?” Silence enveloped the great hall, everyone silently and apprehensively waiting for her to speak. Until she finally did. “I…I’ve never been a really good friend…a good master…and especially a good sister. Her eyes wandered the room, but not for long as she finally found the gaze that she was
Alastair:The tension was palpable as the pack and clan leaders stood in the great hall for the judgment that would have to be carried out.As I sat in the Alpha’s chair, looking over the crowd, I could see that every face was etched with tension and sorrow. I couldn’t blame them; this was a big night, and one that I was not looking forward to.My stomach turned constant flips, a clear reaction to my anxiety as this day approached. I was dreading every second up until this very moment, and I could sense that I was not the only one.Agnes and Penny stood there, hands and feet bound as they waited for the room to gather its awaiting crowd for my judgment. They stood before me, Toran on my right and John…struggling internally, but nevertheless on my left. Both Agnes and Penny’s heads were bowed before me as they waited for me to proceed with the grave charges pinned against them. When the sound of the meeting hall’s large double doors could be heard closing, I knew that it was time to
The room was dimly lit. It was clear that she was in a cell of some sort. “Hello, my love.” Her voice was calm and soothing, and yet filled with sorrow. Though she wasn’t facing me in real time, I could sense the shame in her demeanor as she could not even look into Tobias’s eyes while relaying her message.“You know that before you were born…your father and I had an affair.” she chuckled bitterly. “Of course…I didn’t know that he was married or mated or whatever the hell they call it!” She snapped and then took a deep breath to seemingly calm down. “But that is neither here nor there. I did end it, baby, I truly did…once I found out that-what…kind of situation I was placed in. That…that wasn’t good enough for her though…so…that’s basically how my life ended that night.”There was so much pain in her voice as she said this. I couldn’t imagine how much it pained her to relive that evening. But she had to. She needed to confess her truth.“When I was brought back…all of my emotions we
VALEAfter Damian plied me with a few more drinks, I stumbled home to the inn and got me a room to stay at. Since everything that went on with Harlyn, I had been saying with dad, knowing that while he wouldn’t express it aloud, he needed the support. On this night, however, and maybe even the days to come, I’d probably be staying put here. There was far too much on my mind to be placed in the same vicinity of someone who was going through as much as I was.I knew that dad was hurting, and I also knew that if I saw that, if I had to witness it, I’d try and do everything within my power to heal him of that hurt instead of focusing on not going insane due to my own. I stumbled into the bathroom, and started the shower. Then I sat there on the side of the tub, leaned my head against the cold ceramic. It felt good against my flushed drunken skin.Suddenly, I didn’t think that I had the energy to take a shower. Maybe I should just stay here and close my eyes.“I see you have had an…intoxi
VALE:There was a look on his face, one that spoke so many volumes to me and still I could not accept it. I recalled watching as Ares pulled away from Tobias’s thoughts and memories. He was slow facing me, very reluctant.“Is it true?” I had asked him. Somehow, some part of me knew that answer but I needed Ares to confirm.It wasn’t like I thought the worst of Tobias-even in spite of his new lifestyle; not like he necessarily chose the lifestyle that was thrust upon him. I could never say that Tobias was a dishonest person. That’s why…I already knew. Still, there was something about my connection with Ares that would solidify this for me. “Tell me, Ares!” I approached him, desperate for him to answer. “Is it?”When he nodded sullenly, I backed away from him, and sorrow immediately enveloped me. My heart ached.“So…it was a lie?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing even though I knew that it was true. My dad tried to approach me. I could tell that he was as distraught as I was abo
Vale“That…no…no, that’s…impossible.”Tobias shook his head. “No, Vale. It’s not.”I couldn’t absorb what he was saying to me. It was surreal. “Who on earth would the goddess deem worthy enough to procreate with?”“The old man was never clear on that,” said Tobias. “But he’s certain that you are. Apparently he has proof of it.” “And you didn’t think to bring it here?”Dad clearly was as flustered as I was, finding out this incredulous bit of news. Tobias looked at the alpha with a sarcastic expression. “All due respect, alpha…you’ve not met my father if you think that it would be so easy to get away, let alone gather information on him-”“Wait, what?!” Talon exclaimed. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who caught that. I just…I wasn’t sure that I heard correctly. Tobias paused, his eyes falling to the floor with clear indignation. He wasn’t happy about this bit of news either, but it was clear that there was merit to it. “What did you say?” With a resigned exhale, Tobias nodded.
Vale:I stood there, bewildered as our eyes met. Part of me, a less…conflicted part of me was elated to see him standing there. With my father…his father, and his brother.Tobias.I cared about Tobias. Far more than I ever realized. It took him dying and then coming back to see that. But regardless, of how I came to this realization, those feelings were there. And that would never change. I was so glad to seem him alive and relatively well considering the circumstances surrounding…well…us and our current lifestyles.Despite that less conflicted side of me, there was bigger part of me…a blaringly alarmed and untrusting, and even angry…part of me that could only think about one thing; where was my mother?The fact that she was nowhere to be found-even now. It didn’t make sense maybe, but…in my potentially irrational mind, I couldn’t think of a reality where Tobias would even be here and mum not. I just couldn’t shake that feeling….that gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach, as I wat
VALEThe meeting hall wasn’t too far away from where I was, so I didn’t use a quick means of transportation. “Vale,” I heard someone call after me. When I turned around, Talon was on approach. “Good evening, Talon,” I greeted.I guess any other sister would have given the Beta a cold shoulder because of what he had done to Harlyn.To be honest, as far as I was concerned, Harlyn got what Harlyn deserved. She never treated the guy with the proper respect.Still, I could tell that he was nervous about approaching me. Oh, Talon. I am on your side on this one.“How are you, this evening?” he asked me.“I’m…fine,” I shrugged. “I guess.”“Fine?” His steps slowed when he got closer. “Yeah, just fine. Could be better. Then again, I could be worse.” “Ah,” he shiftily looked around before his eyes landed on me again. He had question that he wanted to ask and I already knew who the question was concerning.“Just…ask the question, Talon,” I rolled my eyes.He took a deep breath, and then said,