LailaSilently, James came to stand next to me. I could feel his presence in my peripheral vision, but I didn’t acknowledge him—not even with a glance. He didn’t say anything either. He just stood there, beside me. I had hoped to meet someone interesting tonight, but the person who had attached himself to me was someone I didn’t want next to me.Okay, to be fair, I didn’t know him that well. But I didn’t get the feeling that a meaningful conversation was his goal with me.I didn’t engage with him, hoping that he would trot off. But I guess he didn’t realize that he was disturbing me. Typical. My skin prickled with goosebumps again, the same strange sensation that made me anxious every time. I couldn’t explain it, and that made it worse. Whenever I couldn’t explain something, I started to panic. And when I panicked, I either pushed it away or ran from it. Either way, I wanted it as far from me as possible. But he was persistent. I had to give him that. So even in the awkward silence bet
James I woke up early the next morning, exhausted after only a few hours of sleep. The headache I had from the previous night made me feel groggy, but I forced myself to go out and let my wolf for a run in the forest to clear my mind. After a quick shower, I felt a bit better.Every Saturday or Sunday, my family gathers for breakfast. It’s a sacred ritual, one that Mom insists on, no matter how old we get. I don’t mind, though. It helps keep us all connected.I walked down to the kitchen, slumping into a chair. My mom and sisters were already setting the table, while Dad read the news on his phone. He looked up when I sat down, his smile mischievous.“So, James, you really are lucky to have such a lovely mate!”He said with a twinkle in his eye. I groaned and and slammed my forehead on the table.“My mate is amazing... just that I’m anything but lucky.”I mumbled as if speaking with the table, though thanks to wolf hearing, they all heard me. Mom raised an eyebrow.“Oh, sweetie, why w
LailaI was busy working on Monday. My Sunday passed quickly, as I slept in until noon. Though I tried to distract myself with cooking and housework, James kept popping into my thoughts. That nervous flutter in my stomach was there again, thinking about the upcoming lunch with him. It made me a little nauseous. Was it that ominous warning feeling again, or was it excitement? But why should I be excited? I wasn’t looking for anything with any guy. My intuition was telling me something, for sure.As I typed on my laptop, I realized James would be here soon, so I started getting ready. I didn’t need much to prepare. I had dressed in the morning and wasn’t planning to change. I wore a navy blue dress that reached my knees — one of my typical work dresses. I only needed to add my coat, black ankle boots, and grab my gray bag. I didn’t need anything else, right? I searched my mind for anything I might have forgotten. I was nervous. F.uck. This isn’t a date. Relax.I tried to shake off the te
James I said, my tone serious as I gazed in her blue eyes. Her face froze, processing my words. It took a moment for her to realize what I meant, and I couldn’t help but admire the way her mind worked."You i.diot!"She tossed a piece of bread at me, looking both frustrated and amused. I dodged it, but I couldn’t help but laugh softly. She was so unpredictable, and that was part of what I found so intriguing about her."Here I was listening to your story and thinking – oh, heartbroken James, after so many years, he found a girl of his dreams. That even sounded romantic!"She exclaimed loudly.- I thought that maybe at last the f.ucked-up womanizer would have real relationships. The girl would fill the big hole in his chest. So he will change his ways and will be a faithful husband and father. Until…She trailed off, shaking her head, clearly frustrated."I’m not a ‘f*ked up womanizer’,’" I tried to defended myself. She gave me a look that told me she wasn’t convinced."Really? Well, l
JamesToday, I took her to a burger place. I specifically checked whether they had vegetarian options. She ordered a vegetarian burger to try—at least her appetite was in good shape, even if she wasn’t eating meat. We sat at the table, waiting for our food."So, do you have other adult questions for me?" I asked with a small smile.She looked thoughtfully in my eyes and then c.ocked her head to the side, a small smile playing on her lips. I could feel she was in a different mood today—more playful, ready to tease me."Okay, Mr. My-D.ick-Knows-All-The-Free-Girls-in-This-City, when did you lose your virginity?She asked with a mischievous smile.I smiled and shook my head. I had a feeling this would be a topic I’d never hear the end of—how many girls I’d been with.“When I was 20,” I replied.She looked surprised. “That’s kind of late,” she remarked with a questioning frown.I nodded. “Yeah, I was waiting for someone special, remember? I didn’t want to waste time with anyone who wasn’t m
JamesThe moment she said the word "boyfriend," something in me snapped. Immediately, my mind conjured images of some guy kissing her, touching her. Were they sleeping together? Probably. I need to beat the sh.it out of that prick. I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me. How could anyone touch something that was mine?I could tolerate a lot of things from her, even her bratty remarks, but if she thought I was going to compete with a meek human for her heart, then she was seriously delusional.And what did she mean by "maybe"? Was she not taking this seriously, like open relationships? Was she seeing someone else? If she was, then maybe that was a sign. He was probably a pathetic nobody, who didn’t deserve her. He probably didn’t treat her well. But I would. I would cherish her, provide for her, treat her like a queen she deserved to be. I had the means to do so, and I truly believed the Moon Goddess had brought me here for that. But there was no way I was going to let her have a
James The next day, I arrived early. I stepped out of the car and made my way to the front door, holding a dozen yellow roses in my hands—an apology for the way I’d acted. She stepped outside, and I saw her eyes widen in surprise when she noticed me standing there. I guess she hadn’t expected to find me waiting.“Oh, you’re here,” she said, her voice soft with surprise.“Hey!” I smiled, extending the flowers toward her. “These are for you.”She raised an eyebrow, a frown tugging at her lips.“As an apology for my… outburst,” I explained, my words feeling awkward, but necessary.She studied me for a moment, her gaze lingering. What was going on in her head right now?“Okay,” she finally said, her tone a little hesitant. “I accept your apology.”She took the flowers from me, and I breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Good.“Well,” she said, her tone lighter, “I’ll just run up and put them in a vase, then I’ll be right back.”“Sure,” I replied. “I’ll wait for you in the car.”She gave me a s
LailaI was munching on my pizza when a flirty blonde approached us. James immediately turned away and shook his head, muttering under his breath.“For f.uks sake.”I almost laughed but kept it inside. There was this strange, fleeting impulse to be frustrated, but I quickly tamped it down. Was I jealous? I hoped not. But a tiny voice inside me told me it might be.Previously, as I realized he was flirting with me, annoyance crept in. Was he being serious? This rich, self-assured guy—how could he be this blatant? I didn’t want to go down that rabbit hole. I was starting to feel uncomfortable.I knew I had been playful with him today, but I wasn’t sure if I’d sent the wrong signals. I kept a mental distance, not wanting him to think about me that way. Well, okay, part of me was flattered. Maybe a big part. It was hard not to feel that way when someone like him showed interest.But then again, he grew up with wealth. He had that model-like body and face, and he knew how to use them. I usu
JamesI was frantic in my emotions and my heart was beating so fast. How did my mate manage to get herself in such a big sh*t I will never know. But somewhere subconsciously I knew that her big mouth and brutal truthfulness would get her in trouble sooner or later, I guess today was the day.When Alpha boomed down the link "Your mate is in trouble. Packhouse. Now", I ran like never before in my life across the field from the training ground. I just dropped a message through the mindlink for another warrior to continue the training and shot further with all the speed that my wolf supplied for me as he was equally worried about our mate.When Laila stepped out and started to walk towards Klaid, who was seething, I saw his fists were tight, and he angrily clenched his jaw until, at one moment, he shifted to his wolf, who growled equally angry. On pure instinct I wanted to follow, but Alpha put a hand on my chest.- Wait. If he truly attacks her, we will both step in.Alpha said lowly. I
LailaI woke up slightly disorientated as I took in my surroundings. Right, I'm at the pack house of werewolves. Though it will soon be a month since I was here, it still felt strange to say it. I stretched like a cat and lazily looked around the room. It was empty as usual, as James should be at training now, or maybe he was sent to another mission; I'll find out soon. I looked at the ceiling mindlessly and remembered the walk in the forest with James and later with his wolf yesterday. I loved his wolf's fur, he had such a soft coat, I just wrapped myself around him and buried my nose into his wool. He had the animalistic smell, but it wasn't that bad. I softly smiled at the memory.I sighed, it was still strange, even weird and partly unbelievable that he was a werewolf, that I now lived in a werewolve community. As most of the time I spoke with their human parts, it felt like I was surrounded by humans, it felt normal, but every time I saw a wolf or someone shifting, it still felt
- I could say something nice to most of the people in this room.She retorted back at him equally dissatisfied but still defiant.- Go ahead then!Lucas encouraged her with a hand gesture but slight mockery in his tone. There was a moment of silence from Laila while everyone looked expectantly at her. I was wondering will she back out of the challenge. Then she twisted her body over mine to see Alpha.- I think it is very nice of you to try to be more approachable to your pack members as you join the meals now and hang out with us here. I've heard many good things about that in the halls and the kitchen, wolves are truly happy about it.Laila said very sincerely to Alpha who nodded at her after the compliment. Then she turned to Fay and Lucas.- Fay, thank you for trying so hard to look after me when James is not in the house. I see you as my sweet little sister. I feel that your personality is still a bud, so I hope you will allow yourself to bloom into a beautiful flower and be who
JamesI entered the packhouse and my nose steered me towards the lounge area where my mate's scent came the strongest. As I approached I could already feel her through the bond and my heart squeezed in longing. I pushed through the doors and my focus was only on her. I was genuinely happy to see her as a bright smile shone on my face on its own accord, and my joy increased as Laila's features softened and a bright smile bloomed on her face, meaning she was happy to see me too. I plopped next to her not very satisfied that she was sitting on the same sofa as our unmated Alpha but I didn't make a fuss about it now. Instead, I pulled my mate closer and inhaled her fresh smell deeply until I felt dizzy. I sighed happily and pecked her lips, seeing her eyes shining at me.- Speaking of the devil...I heard Lucas mumble under his breath.- Am I the devil?I asked him back to which he grinned.- Are you gossiping about me?I asked the obvious.- He was prying into our relationship.Laila poin
Laila - Do you like it here? Kate interrupted my train of questions as I studied Fay. - “Here” as in this living room with your group, as in your werewolf community, or as in this city or country? I asked back for clarification. - As in our pack, in this packhouse. She specified. - Well, it feels like I am back in the dorms. It’s okay. I said as I saw that Kate still had questions on her face. - I guess I prefer to live in my place that is separated from everyone. It helps me to recharge and rest better. But it’s ok. I understand the reasons why James chose to put us here, so… What can I do? I’m just a guest here. I explained. - Is that how you feel? Kate asked surprised. - Yes? Was it a different reply than you expected? I chuckled nervously. I can say it again, I hate being fake but seems that people here can't take my honest replies sometimes. - Well, I guess I hoped you would say that you feel great here. Kate said sadly. - Sorry to disappoint. I said quietly. -
LailaSo this was my new life's routine. I ate meals together with the pack members, worked till evening, and then tagged along with Fay, as she came to collect me on days when James was not coming home early, which was almost every day. Most of the time I was silent and just observed and listened to others talking about pack life, their training, and some news as to who improved in sparring or who met his or her mate. Lucas and Kate usually tried to pull me into the conversations but depending on the topic it flowed or it died down.I wasn't used to being nonstop crowded and interacting with so many people all the time, and I could feel it started to strain me. The more tired I got from social interactions, the less I talked, and my answers became more clipped.As we entered the lounge room I rushed to sit in the corner next to Lucas. I was tired of always sitting next to the brooding Ayden. Fay followed me and sat next to me, pressing against my thigh as she didn't want to touch Luc
Laila - So, Laila, what do you do in your free time? Lucas changed the subject drastically, and I was grateful to him for it. I looked at Fay as we smiled, knowing we had this conversation before. On weird but perfect synchronicity, I and Fay said: - Picks fungus. - Play piano. That made Lucas turn to Fay with a frown: - Picks fungus? While at the exact same moment, Ayden turned to me and asked with a frown: - Play piano? And at the end, Fay turned her face away from Lucas to me with a surprised face: - You play piano? The perfect timing of talking made most of the people, sorry, werewolves chuckle, including me. - Wait, start with the fungus. Lucas demanded with a nod of his chin towards me. - It's nothing. In my country, we have a lot of forests, so when late summer slash autumn comes many people go and pick mushrooms. I grew up in the middle of the forest, and as mom still lives there, we do it every year. I said with a shrug. - We know all the best spots for the ch
Laila It was Wednesday evening and I was still typing on my laptop trying to finish the last things so I could wrap up for the day in half an hour or so. I knew James would be gone till late at night on another secret mission of his. I didn't know what I would do later but I didn't want to work extra just because I didn't have a plan for the evening yet. A soft knock surprised me as I looked at the doors. Who was visiting me? Did someone need something from me? It wasn't dinner time yet for Kate to come... - Come in! I shouted from the sofa hoping I left the door open. I saw the door handler bend but the doors didn't open. - Shoo! I cursed and put the laptop on the sofa while hurrying to the door. As I opened it I was surprised to see Fay standing there. - Hey! What a surprise! I said as she waved at me with a soft "Hi!". - Sorry about that! I was working and too lazy to open the door, so I hoped I left them open, but no. Sorry. I rushed to explain to her as she smiled at me
After some time, I felt his fingers opening my folds and his tongue slipped in my v*gina, making me inwardly frown. I felt his tongue coming in and out several times until I propped my body on my elbows and pulled my hips slightly sideways so he couldn't get access. - What are you doing? I asked confused but curious. - I'm tongue f*cking you! What? I saw his white teeth grinning at me as the light from the window hit him. I frowned again. - That's gross. Why would you do that? I asked, concerned. - Gross? No. You are sweet as honey, and I want to pleasure you in any way possible. He replied smiling while brushing his fingers over the erogenous zones on my thighs, making tingling sensations and distracting me. - Well, your tongue is too small and short for me to feel any proper sensation, and as I don't feel comfortable when you just did it, so can you not? When you lick my cl.it is all amazing, I love it. I tried to convince him there was no need for strange experiments. Good