The air inside the rickety cottage is heavy with mustiness and tension as I push open the creaking door. My footsteps echo against the worn wooden floorboards, but Anastasia doesn't flinch at the sound. She sits on the makeshift bed, her gaze fixed on some distant point that only she can see, her eyes empty and lost. I’ve entered with a specific intention, but as I take in the sight of Anastasia, my desire to consummate our bond evaporates. Instead, a deep ache settles in my chest, urging me to comfort her, to try to erase or at least lessen the sadness etched on her face. I kneel down beside her, my hands reaching out to gently wipe away the tears that are streaking down her cheeks. Anastasia doesn't resist my touch, but her silence speaks volumes. She’s hurting, and my heart is breaking to see her in such pain. Yet, amidst my own pain, I can’t shake the determination that burns within me. I’m willing to do the extra mile for her to feel better except for one thing. "What can I
The air continues to thicken with anticipation, charged with the promise of intimacy. My hands tremble slightly as I reach for the hem of Anastasia's blouse, my heart racing with excitement. But just as I begin to lift the fabric, Anastasia's sudden push startles me, causing me to separate myself from her. “What now?!” I ask, irritated, assuming that she changes her mind again, chickening out to give our bond a try. But then, my breath hitches in my throat as I notice that her pale complexion becomes even paler, almost white, her hand clamped over her mouth, tears glistening in her faltering eyes. Anastasia sways on her feet, her body radiating heat, her distress palpable. Before I can voice my concern, she doubles over, retching violently. "Anastasia!" I lean to her side, my mind racing with panic. Then I slide from the bed, kneel down beside her, my hands hovering uncertainly as I watch her heave, her body wracks with spasms."What's wrong?" I ask.Anastasia can only shake her
HUGH’S POV: The sterile scent of antiseptic assaults my senses as I gradually blink open my eyes. The harsh white light above me makes me squint, and as my vision adjusts, I find myself lying in a hospital bed. I scan the surroundings, taking in the clinical white walls adorned with monitors and medical equipment. The rhythmic beeping of machines echoes in the otherwise silent room. “Why did I end up here?” I mumble, my head throbbing a little. Then it comes rushing back to me: The fight with Dwight, the clash of canines and claws. I was winning, I remembered that much. My muscles strained and my senses heightened as adrenaline surged through me. But then... then there were more of them, unfamiliar werewolves appearing out of nowhere to aid Dwight. I clench my fists, my jaw tightening with frustration. I’ve fought valiantly, holding my ground against the onslaught of adversaries, but there had been too many. I had felt my strength wane, my movements growing sluggish as exhaustio
Just as I reach for the doorknob, a soft murmur draws my attention. The door opens without me pulling it and emerging from it are the familiar figures of mom and dad, mom pushing dad in his wheelchair. Their presence halts me from leaving, and I watch as they approach with concern and curiosity etched upon their faces. "Yvanna, why is she crying?" mom asks. "And what does she mean she'll never see you again?" My heart sinks at another inevitable confrontation that’s about to unfold. I can't evade the truth once again, not when mom and dad, just like Yvanna, deserve to know what I’ve been keeping from them. Swallowing hard, I step back, motioning for them to enter further into the room. "It's about Anastasia," I begin. Mom’s eyes widen in surprise, and dads brows furrow in confusion. Without waiting for me to continue, dad interjects, his tone incredulous. "You're telling us that you know all along where Anastasia is?"I nod, unable to meet their eyes as guilt gnaws at my conscie
The sterile, fluorescent-lit corridors of the hospital seem to stretch on infinitely as I cautiously make my way through them. Every step I take feels endless, each footfall echoing ominously in the quiet space. My heart thrums in my chest, anxiety and dread twisting in my gut. As I round a corner, I catch a glimpse of movement up ahead. Instinctively, I press myself against the wall, my breath catching in my throat. Through the haze of concern, I recognize Evelyn again, walking alongside the doctor. Their hushed conversation barely reaches my ears, but I hear enough. "The patient needs to be monitored closely," the doctor says, her voice grave. "Especially considering her sensitive condition." Sensitive condition. The words echo in my mind, reminding me again of the consequences of my actions. With a determined heart, I wait until Evelyn and the doctor disappear from view before cautiously approaching the door they’ve exited. Room 304-C… that’s what the nurse at the counter sa
Despite the whispers of doubt that creep into my thoughts, I still wanna cling to the conviction that Anastasia's love is reserved solely for me, untouched by the temptations of betrayal. I find solace in the certainty that the child she carries is my own flesh and blood, a testament to our unbreakable bond. In my heart, I don't wanna give any room for suspicion or fear, only the unshakeable faith in our love, a love I believe to be as pure and enduring. I can’t just believe what Evelyn and Dwight are claiming. I’ll only believe it if Anastasia herself says so. Suddenly, a phone ring interrupts my thoughts, its shrill tone slicing through the powder room’s door. Dwight’s voice echoes, “Hello?”Then footsteps recede into the distance, each echo a step closer to my next move. The door creaks and clicks shut, leaving only the soft rustle of fabric and the steady breathings in the room beyond. With calculated precision, I wait, my senses alert for any sign of anyone coming in or Dwig
ANASTASIA’S POV: The tension thickens the air. I’m reclined on the adjusted bed, my gaze fixed on Alpha Primo and Luna Cersei. Their disapproving auras bear into me, angry and cold. Beside me, Hugh is holding my hand tightly, a comfort I badly need. After a prolonged silence, Hugh finally answers, his voice determined yet tinged with frustration. "Dad, I already told you, I won't let anyone dictate my future anymore. And yes, I'll pursue my mate-bond with Anastasia like I always did. The only difference this time is that there's no hiding from anyone." My heart rejoices and aches at the same time. It rejoices at Hugh’s resolve, but it aches at Alpha Primo and Luna Cersei's hardening expressions. Their disdain for me is palpable, casting a shadow over the already somber atmosphere. Luna Cersei turns her gaze towards me. Though she has a sweet face, her gaze and tone are sharper than usual, "I wanna hear your opinion about this. Are you really okay ruining Hugh's relationship with Y
DWIGHT’S POV: Anastasia’s room feels colder and quieter as I step inside, my heart already heavy with worry for a reason I can’t pinpoint. The familiar scent of antiseptic mixed with anxiety hangs in the air, intensifying my unease. Then my eyes dart around the room, searching for the one person who matters most to me: Anastasia. “Oh shit!” I hiss as I rush deeper into the room. With wide eyes I stare at the empty bed! My breath catches in my throat, my mind refusing to accept the possibility that Anastasia may have run away again. I want to believe that she has just wandered off for some fresh air, that she’ll return any moment, but the chaos in the room tells a different story. The stool and table lay overturned, the machines that have monitored Anastasia's condition are askew, evidence of a struggle that had taken place in my absence. My thoughts race to mom, who’s supposed to be keeping watch over Anastasia. But she’s nowhere to be found either. “Where is she?! Where are th