ANASTASIA’S POV: I stand in the center of the room, my heart restless, my hands clasped tightly, my pacing steps echoing off the opulent walls. Scattered around me, Gammas in their formidable wolf forms, mirror my anxiety, their eyes darting to the locked door at every sound that reaches their keen ears. Muffled voices and the shuffle of footsteps outside the door sends a shiver down my spine. Instinctively, I step back, my gaze flickering to the protective circle of wolves. Their fur bristles, low growls rumbling in their throats as they position themselves between me and the potential threat lurking beyond the threshold. Then, a voice, neither calm nor menacing, pierces the tense silence. "Open the door! Alpha Hugh is here!" My breath catches in my throat, tears of relief and apprehension welling in my eyes. With a trembling hand, I gesture for the wolves to unlock the door. The heavy door swings open, revealing a sight that makes my heart lurch. There, borne between two imposi
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
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
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
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 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
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
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