HUGH’S POV: The vineyard lies bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the rows of grapevines. I stand at the makeshift altar, my hands clasped tightly together, my gaze on the distant horizon, flickering sometimes at the window of the room where Anastasia and Zachary are hiding. Behind my calm composure, anticipation and dread swirling within me. Before me stretches a red-carpeted aisle, flanked by rows of chairs filled with expectant guests. Their murmurs and whispers form a distant hum in my ears, drowned out by the pounding of my heart. My gaze scans the horizon once again, searching for any sign of movement. The vineyard offers ample cover for potential assailants, its twisting rows of vines providing perfect camouflage for those who seek to disrupt the proceedings. My body twitch with the urge to transform now, but I force myself to remain still, to project an image of calm in the face of impending peril. Yvanna glides down the aisle, a visi
ANASTASIA’S POV: I clutch Zachary tighter to my chest, his tiny form trembling against me. He may not fully understand what’s happening, but the noises from everywhere are enough to make him sense that something isn’t right. I peer out the window. Through its glass, I see them – the werewolves. Their massive forms clash in a frenzy of blood and fur, canines bared in primal rage. It’s a scene straight out of the books I’ve read, the movies I’ve watched, but to witness it in real life is something altogether different. The sounds of snarls and growls echo through the night, sending shivers down my spine.I scan the massive vineyard, but I don’t see Hugh’s gray wolf. And not seeing him makes me really anxious. I tear my gaze away from the window, unable to bear the sight any longer. Then I sink back into the couch, pulling Zachary even tighter to me, as if my embrace alone can shield him from the horrors outside. I squeeze my eyes close, trying to block out the sounds of violence that
I slowly drift back to consciousness, my mind swimming through a haze of pain. It feels as though every inch of my body is on fire, agony that throbs in time with my heartbeat. I groan softly, trying to piece together what has happened, but the memories are distant and fragmented, like shards of glass scattered across my mind. Then, like a bolt of lightning, it hits me - Zachary is in danger! The realization jolts me awake, and I struggle to push myself up, my muscles protesting with every movement. But my determination outweighs the pain, and I grit my teeth, forcing myself to sit upright. A sharp cry escapes my lips as I collapse back, the pain too intense to bear. I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the throbbing to subside, but it persists, a relentless vibration through my body.Slowly, my surroundings come into focus. The first thing I notice is the crack on my eyeglasses, then... “Oh shi.t!” I hiss.I’m not in Bonded’s world anymore! I’m back in my own world, in my own bedroom
The morning sun streams through the lace curtains, casting delicate patterns on the wooden floor. I trudge back on my bed, my forehead creases with worry, as I hold my phone in a trembling hand. "Mama," I say, my voice weak and raspy. "I... I can't go meet the supervisor. I'm not feeling well, plus I’m not interested in publishing my book." "Alright, darling," mama says gently. Though I’m not looking at her face, the excitement in her voice is gone, and its worry returns. "I'll take care of it. You just focus on resting. I’ll call for a doctor now." As the door creaks close and mama’s footsteps fade, I let out a shaky breath, sinking back onto my pillows. I close my eyes, trying to block out the swirling thoughts in my mind. If only my book is just a book—a simple collection of words on a page. But it isn't. It’s so much more complicated than that. Plus, publishing a book isn’t even something I should even think about or give the slightest attention to at this moment. The minute
The streaks of sunlight cast long, menacing shadows across the worn floorboards. I huddle in the corner, my breath coming in shallow gasps as my eyes flicker with anxiety. Dwight stands tall and imposing, his steps slow and deliberate, like a predator closing in on its prey. I flinch as his hand reaches out, instinctively jerking my face away from his touch. Fear clenches my throat, rendering me speechless as he sits beside me, his gaze piercing through the dimness. "You're mad?" Dwight's voice is low, almost a whisper, but it carries a weight that makes me tremble. Yes, I’m mad, but I can't bring myself to voice it aloud, not when it won’t change the depth of his selfishness, his willingness to destroy lives for his own gain. Instead, I remain silent, my eyes fixed on Dwight's face, a mask of forced calmness that fails to hide the turmoil beneath. Dwight sighs, a sound heavy with disappointment and sadness. "I know you're disappointed that I'm fighting for you, for us, but... d
DWIGHT’S POV: The dimly lit room is thick with tension as my gaze locks onto Anastasia’s, my smirk dancing on my lips like a flicker of flame. I relish the victorious sensation coursing through me, knowing that despite her feigned agreement, her compliance is born of fear, not desire. Anastasia's reluctance hangs heavy in the air as Connie motions for her to give Zachary back to her. Anastasia’s fingers tremble ever so slightly as she hands Zachary over to Connie. I watch her every move, my patience a facade for the roaring storm of anticipation swirling within me. I understand her hesitation to trust me or any of us, but I’m determined to wait. I know that in time, she’ll come to acknowledge the bond that binds us together, a bond stronger than any force in this world. Turning to Connie with a command that drips with authority, my voice slices through the tension. "Prepare to send Zachary back to the Highvalley Pack. Make sure he remains unscathed. You already know where to go. So
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
"Of course, I remember you," Author Agness says, her tone cool and composed. "But whatever you want to say, make it fast. I have another appointment after this." I don’t waste a moment. My heart races as I plead with Author Agness, my words tumbling out in a rush of desperation. "Please, Author Agness, you have to help me. I need to go back inside Bonded's world. I need Hugh. My baby needs its father." Author Agness' gaze flickers briefly to my belly before returning to meet my teary eyes. Then she sighs softly, her expression betraying a hint of regret. "Your journey in Bonded is over. That's our agreement. Once the story is finalized, then you'll return here." My resolve hardens as I refuse to accept Author Agness's words, "Please, I can't lose him. Our story isn't finished yet. The fact that we're going to have a baby means our journey must continue." Author Agness rises gracefully from her seat, her movements fluid and impassive. Just as she’s about to take a step away from
The sun casts a golden hue over the quiet subdivision as I step out of our house, my heart pounding with anticipation. I can’t believe that the day I’ve been eagerly awaiting is now, the day I’d finally meet Author Agness again. I’ve prayed for this moment, begging the fates to grant me one more encounter with the woman who has changed the course of my life. Eric pulls up in his sleek black car, the engine purring softly as he leans over to open the passenger door for me. Mama hovers nearby, excitement tinged with concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you, darling?" she asks, her hand resting protectively on my slightly swollen belly. I smile reassuringly, gently patting mama's hand. "I'll be fine.I’ll take good care of myself." Papa stands silently beside mama, his expression a mixture of pride and worry. He says, his voice laced with paternal concern, "If the contract signing takes too long, Call us, we’ll fetch you." I nod, my determinatio
My thoughts are consumed by the memory of Hugh's voice echoing in my mind from last night. ‘We'll meet again,’ he had said, his words a balm to my aching heart. But as I replay the moment in my mind, doubt creeps in, whispering its insidious lies. Was it just my desperate longing for him that had conjured up his voice? Or had he truly spoken those words to me, reaching out to me from the depths of Bonded’s world? I can't be sure, and yet, in the depths of my soul, I feel a glimmer of hope igniting within me. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking, a trick of my weary mind, but I’ll cling to the possibility with a fervor born of desperation. Whether it’s merely my imagination or a miracle beyond comprehension, I’m unable to suppress the surge of joy that’s welling up within me at the thought of seeing him again. For in the end, it doesn't matter how or why his voice had reached my ears. All that matters is the hope it ignites in my heart, guiding me through the darkness with the promise of
The living area is cast in a somber light, the glow of the setting sun filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. I sit between my parents on the sofa, my fingers intertwined in my lap, my heart heavy with guilt. Mama’s eyes are filled with disappointment, papa's brows furrowed in concern as they both look at me, waiting for an explanation. After what seems like an eternity of heavy silence, papa's voice cuts through the tension, calm but tinged with irritation and hurt. "You've never introduced a boyfriend before, so who's the father?" A lump forms in my throat, rendering me speechless. I can't even bring myself to meet papa's gaze, knowing the anger I’ll find there. "I..." I begin, but the words catches in my throat. I can't bear to admit the truth, but also can't bear to see the pain in my parents' eyes magnify. Papa’s tone sharpens with each passing moment of silence. "Don't tell me that the guy doesn't wanna take responsibility for his child." My
The weight of my heart presses heavily against my chest. The air feels dense, suffocating, as if every breath I take is a struggle against an invisible force determined to keep me from the one I love most. Today is meant to be the happiest day of my life. But fate, cruel and unyielding, has torn us apart just when we’re on the cusp of our forever. I can still feel the warmth of his embrace, the tender brush of his lips against mine as we stand beneath the canopy of our dreams. I can still hear the echo of our promises, whispered in the quiet moments before dawn, when the world is still and we’re the only two souls in existence. But now, I’m away from him. I’m now in my own world that feels cold and empty without him by my side. The walls of my reality close in around me, suffocating me with their familiarity, their mundanity. How can I return to this life, this existence devoid of color and meaning, knowing that he’s out there, somewhere, beyond my reach? Tears continue to cas
As the morning sun filters through the lace curtains, illuminating the room with a soft, golden glow, I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. Today is the day I’ve dreamed of since I was a young girl, poring over the pages of romance novels, lost in tales of love and adventure. I stand before the ornate mirror, my reflection smiling back at me with a radiance I’ve never known before. The ivory silk of my gown cascades around me like a waterfall, adorned with delicate lace at the hem and shimmering beads that catches the light just so. My dark chestnut curls are swept up in an elegant chignon, tendrils framing my face in a soft halo. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the anticipation that dances like butterflies in my stomach. It’s surreal, almost unbelievable, that I’m about to marry the man of my dreams. The man I’ve once only imagined, conjured from the pages of an e-novel and the depths of my own longing. I’ve never expected my life to take this
The following day dawns with a sense of anticipation as me, accompanied by Luna Cersei and two Omegas, set out on our mission to find the perfect wedding gown. Despite my reservations about shopping in the same bridal boutique I had visited with Yvanna before, I find myself drawn into Luna Cersei's world of extravagance and luxury. The bridal boutique Luna Cersei has chosen looks like something out of a magazine taken out of New York Fashion Week, its opulent façade beckoning us inside with promises of elegance and refinement. As we enter, we’re greeted warmly by the staff, who escort us to a luxurious seating area adorned with full-length mirrors. I’m overwhelmed by the grandeur of it all as if it’s my first time entering such an opulent place ever since meeting Hugh, the extravagant surroundings a stark contrast to my simple tastes. One of the staff politely leads me deeper into the shop, my eyes widening at the sight of a large fitting room that can easily be compared to the siz
I awake to the gentle caress of dawn's first light filtering through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Stretching lazily, I push myself upright and rub the sleep from my eyes. Today holds the promise of both hope and uncertainty, like always, a tangled web of emotions that leaves my heart heavy yet determined.I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the cool tiles beneath my feet. As I stand, I glance at the mirror, my reflection staring back at her with apprehension and resolve. Today, Hugh has decided to talk to Yvanna once again about Zachary’s custody, and as his mate, as the mother of his future child, I have to stand by his side. I know Yvanna won’t be happy seeing me with Hugh, but I have to be strong too. Quickly, I moved through my morning routine. I brush my long, dark hair until it gleams in the morning light, then carefully apply just enough makeup to enhance my features, before putting on my new glasses which Hugh gifted to me.Dressed in si
My dreams dance on the edges of my consciousness, a haze of warmth and comfort wrapping around me like a cocoon. But as something soft caresses my face, gentle and soothing, I stir from my slumber, blinking against the intrusion of light. My vision adjusts slowly, revealing the silhouette of a figure bathed in sunlight, a familiar scent and soft chuckles drifting towards me. "Hugh?" I murmur, my voice thick with sleep. "You're awake now?""I am," comes the gentle reply, accompanied by the sound of movement. "Sorry I've woken you up."My heart skips a beat as I jolt into a sitting position, my eyes wide with disbelief as I take in the sight before me. There, bathed in the soft glow of dawn, is Hugh, his form tangible and real, a living, breathing presence that banishes the shadows of doubt that has haunted my dreams. Though bandaged and bruised, he’s awake, his eyes meeting mine with relief and gratitude.Tears well in my eyes as I throw myself into his arms, my embrace fierce with t