Valene: One night turned into three days, and still, I was waiting there with the lycan Alpha. Master Wade had come by, as well as Master Almeida. Only once was I allowed to leave, and that was only to take a shower, change clothes and return. I had expected that they’d soon relieve me but only succeeded in relaying that the problem was more serious than they had initially thought and needed to perform an extensive canvas of Shadow Veil. Fortunately, Master Wade had brought me a surplus of my favorite sweet treats and nourishment. Harlyn, though Master Wade communicated to me that she was supposed to come by the hospital, never bothered to show up. With her birthday coming up soon, I could only imagine that she had much to do in terms of preparing for it. She had spoken to Master Wade about her new plans a day after the Lycan King was placed into care at the hospital. He was as apprehensive about the idea of it as I was. Master Wade seemed to catch wind of Harlyn’s small infatuati
As his eyes bore into mine, I struggled to keep my cool about me. I would never claim to have been completely subordinate concerning him. In fact, I began to notice that this domineering Adonis quite easily made me forget at times that I was only a mere human in the world of the non.But when I was in line. When I did remember myself and the role I was to play in their world, it was hard to deny his magnifying aura and his mesmerizing stare.“Sir-” I started. Anything to break this tension-filled silence. He cut me off before I could continue. However, I had very little to say at this point.“You saved my life…little human,” I only nodded, saying nothing. “That is…the only reason that I listened to you that night.”
Alastair:Both packs had been hard at work clearing out the city line of whatever these poisonous beasts were who had moved in to try and take over. To be honest, I was glad that the young Alpha had finally found the strength to join in on pushing them back from the city line. What I wasn’t glad about, however, was the trouble with the nurse.I stood in my study, waiting for Ares to return from the hunt. We were staying at the packhouse still and would be until I knew that Valene was safe. I couldn’t help but notice that her presence of late had caused quite a disturbance. It was as if a weird energy was in the air that specifically had it out for Valene.One specimen in the universal plot to make Valene’s life harder just knocked on my door.“Greetings, Alpha Wade,” Ares Barbosa said sanguinely. “Good evening, Alpha,” I replied in a tone slightly contrary to his. I was facing the window, figuring out what I’d speak about first. I probably should have addressed the status of those be
We stood there in warring silence before Ares finally spoke. “Nothing ever gets past you, Alastair.”“Not where me and mine are concerned.” I quickly retorted.“Of course,” he said and then backed away. “Regardless of my…intrigue, you know that I am an Alpha of my word. I would not move against you in such a way. Though, I’d be lying if I did not confess that Bain tempts me at the best of times.”“Bain only tempts the desires that you already possess." I made sure to relay to Ares that I was well aware of the game between a beast and its more human counterpart.“True, senhor. Either way…I assure you that…in regards to harm, she will not see it from me.” He sa
Valene: It was the day before Harlyn’s birthday before I was actually free to assist as Master Wade had requested. Upon leaving his office two days prior, he found that Harlyn was staying with a friend for a few days to figure out some party ideas. I, no doubt, knew that this was just a ploy for her to meet up with Master Talon, something that she did often when she was in high-stress situations. However, I had no doubts that she’d revert to party planning afterward. To be honest, I was glad to be given a little more time away from the “party planning scene.” Although Master Wade found my skill in planning a gift, it did not mean that I liked doing it. I’d much rather have been at a judgment hearing for whatever actions Nurse Betty accused me of. “The-the gopher was in the Alpha’s room acting completely ununiform! It was disgraceful!” Nurse Betty exclaimed in a shrill voice. I did not budge from Master Wade’s side as everyone stood around waiting for her to finish, accusing me o
Master Wade’s growl resonated through the room. “I’ve heard enough of this!” He stood from where he sat. “The truth of the matter is, Nurse Betty, I have full entail on what happened that night, and so does Alpha Barbosa. Valene saved his life and she diligently looked after him until he awakened. You, however, as well as the staff, were given a direct order to leave my vassal be and you did the exact opposite. By rights, you should be the one under judgment.” “But, Alpha! I-” “I’ve heard enough from you, Betty Honer.” He said. “Take her.” As soon as Master Wade made the command, his pack members grabbed her. “But-but-I’m an Inhuman! Like you! That-that gopher is a filthy human! How could you-” Before she could finish her sentence, Master Wade whipped past me, and suddenly Nurse Betty’s choking sounds filled the meeting room. “Do you really think that our shared species exempts you from being judged for your wrongdoing?” “Bu-but-” “Let me be clear!” His voice boomed, suddenly
Master Wade finally intervened and I was so glad for it. Fighting when I had to was something I had come to terms with. Doing it for entertainment was something that I didn't like. I didn't like it at all. “Alright, that’s enough.” He said. I stepped back, thankful that he had stopped this further. Whether she wanted me dead or not, I still wanted no part in executing her judgment. “I’m sure you see now, she-wolf, why my vassal is useful to me.” Shakily, she attempted to stand as her arms and fingers began to heal themselves. Her glossed-over glare was cornered on me as tears fell from her eyes. She was embarrassed and enraged. “I…will…kill you
Valene: Since I was tasked to report to Harlyn after the meeting immediately, I took it as an opportunity to make it a stress-relieving moment. I ran the ten-plus miles to the spare pack cabin that neighbored the temporary residence of the Silver Moon Pack. I was clad in black, a simple turtleneck long-sleeved top, and black bottoms with combat boots. Was this appropriate for a run? Probably not, but it wasn’t like I was supposed to have a choice in clothing when on a run, let alone having a run at all. I was pacing down the street when I saw Harlyn’s BMW hatchback-red parked between the space of her party cabin and the Blood Moon Pack’s cabin. As the view of Master Barbosa’s packhouse came into view, I could not help but recall how he was staring at me during the meeting. It wasn’t the how that really drew my curiosity, but the fact that he was staring at all. Why? That question kept playing back and forth in my mind, and the more I thought about it, the more unsettled I became. Or
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,