Luna MaraLucas stormed off in a rage, I turned to Grandmother worriedly. "He refuses to relent regarding Archer. We must take drastic action for the good of this family."Grandmother nodded pensively. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. If we cannot appeal to Lucas's compassion, we must find other ways to change his mind."We plotted escalating steps to make Lucas feel the consequences of his callousness. First we would pressure the pack elders to ostracize him. Next, threaten to undermine his leadership credibility with key allies. Finally, spread rumors that his own Beta Keegan plotted to overthrow him. "If he believes his power is slipping, he will see the need to reconcile with Archer to stabilize pack relations," I reasoned. Grandmother agreed this was our only remaining option to protect my son.But that evening, Lucas called me to his study, face like thunder. "Do not think your whispers have gone unnoticed, mate," he hissed. "You tread dangerous ground with this s
Archer I sat alone outside the den I'd been banished to, brooding in silence. Despite my stubborn pride, guilt gnawed at me. My fight with Alex had gotten out of hand. I hadn't meant to injure him so badly, but my temper took over. Father refused to let me come home because of last time to "teach me a lesson." Now I don't know what he's planning.Part of me wanted to rage and fight. But deep down I feared what Alex's parents might do. An eye for an eye - would they demand retribution against me to settle the score?Footsteps crunched toward me. I looked up to see my drug dealer Caleb approaching hesitantly. "Hey," he greeted me awkwardly. "Just wanted to check on you out here. Want more?""Hey, I'm fine for now." I answered with a straight face. "Also... I think I'll give you fair warning."I rose to my feet, suddenly alert. "Warning? About what?"Caleb shuffled his large paws looking serious. "Word is Alex's parents are on the warpath, demanding you be punished. They're telling t
67 HeatherThe aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me as I tied the apron around my waist, preparing for the morning rush at the cafe. Working here these past months had become comforting in its routine - the hiss of the espresso machine, regular customers chatting over their usual orders, the clink of dishes and murmur of easy conversation. In this quaint space I could almost convince myself I was just an ordinary woman, with an ordinary life. No tangled threads to unravel, no questions without answers, no nameless longing in my heart for someone lost to me."Morning Heather!" Aria chirped as she breezed in, all youthful energy and bounce. "Ready for the breakfast crowd?"I smiled warmly at my coworker, her cheerful demeanor proving contagious as always. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's get that coffee brewing for our hungry patrons."We worked in sync, she preparing pastries while I arranged mugs and dishes. As the cafe owner, I get to work both in the office to take care of thi
68AriaI rose up from sleep with a headache."Urrgh." I rubbed my head. "What a shitty way to start my morning." I whispered.I quickly take a bath and dressed up to the cafe, Heather coffee usually soothe me up. As I walked to the Cafe. The early morning air was crisp as I made my way to the cafe, breaths puffing out in little white clouds. My boots crunched on frosty grass and fallen leaves, the only sounds breaking the stillness before dawn. I cherished these solitary walks under the peaceful blanket of night, before the buzz and bustle of the day began. In these tranquil moments I could gather my thoughts and prepare for the rush ahead.Unlocking the cafe door, I breathed in the familiar aromas - roasted coffee beans, cinnamon, fresh pastry dough. I flipped on lights and begun brewing a pot of rich dark roast, the gurgle and drip soothingly routine. Before long, my coworker and friend Heather breezed in, cheeks rosy from the chill. "Brr, it's gotten nippy out there! Perfect cu
IanThe early morning sun streamed in through the windows, the song of my phone rousing me from a restless sleep. I pick it seeing the caller ID."Logan, why on Earth would call me early in the morning!" I barked at him."Sorry, sir but it's already 11 o'clock and I called to ask you about the files we would be needed it by 12." He explained."Urrrgh," I groan. "I'm done with it, that's what kept me late yesterday." I replied. " I'll send it now." I added.I sat on my bed half asleep and went through the file for another check up before sending it to Logan my secretary. Thanks to him he keep the company going even without me being there. Through he had to make me work my ass.Me: "Send it." I typed to him and he replied.Logan: "Seen Sir. I've always known you'll be done even after sending late. Keep the hard work.""Bastard. After you make me work my ass off." I cursed him throwing the phone on bed and getting into a shower.I did my usual routine on autopilot, shaving, showering, d
TylerI blinked awake to sunlight streaming in the penthouse windows, momentarily disoriented. The events of last night came flooding back - the intimate dancing with Aria, our almost-kiss, her panicked exit leaving me dazed and confused. "That was close." I whispered aside smiling Groaning, I dragged a hand down my face. I had pushed things too far, too fast with her. Caught up in the moment, I had forgotten Aria barely knew me. Of course my advances scared her off.My euphoria over getting her number and seeing a glimpse behind her prickly exterior was quickly giving way to regret. I had to make this right somehow before I lost any chance with Aria for good. Rolling out of bed, I contemplated my next move as I went through my morning routine robotically. I needed to talk to Aria in person, apologize for coming on too strong. But would she even give me the chance after last night?Grabbing some coffee in the suite's luxurious kitchen, I almost spit it out when Ian breezed in impec
Keegan The early dawn light filtering into my Spartan quarters roused me from a restless sleep. I rose and began my morning routine, movements automatic from long habit. But my thoughts were consumed with heavier matters - it was time I revealed the truth to Lucas.Splashing cold water on my face, I met my reflection's eyes in the mirror. There was no turning back now that I'd resolved to disclose all. Lucas's reaction worried me deeply, but surely even he could recognize finally learning his mate's whereabouts as cause for joy? I had to hope his long-buried humanity would surface.Part of my reluctance stemmed from shame as well. Lucas would see my role in aiding Heather's escape as the ultimate betrayal. And he would not be entirely wrong - I had deceived my Alpha these long years, however noble my intent to protect an innocent woman. The woman I loved.But Lucas's capacity for cruelty had outweighed duty in my mind back then. While he spiraled into madness, I chose compassion. "Th
Keegan I jolted awake in a cold sweat, Lucas's enraged face still fresh in my mind. Just a nightmare, I told myself, trying to slow my racing pulse. "It's just a dream, yeah just a freeeking nightmare."Lucas had not confronted me yet about Heather's whereabouts. But the dream echoed my all-too-real fears about how he would react to the truth."Shit. Why is my scariest nightmares hunting me." I whispered. "Maybe I should just tell him and get it over my mind." I thought out loud.I rose to begin my day, troubled thoughts weighing heavily. Lucas was still demanding I investigate clues pointing to Heather being somewhere in the coastal city of Bayside. He had no idea I already knew she had relocated there years ago. My dreams of Lucas's violent temper were hardly far-fetched. I still vividly remembered the mad light in his eyes when Heather first disappeared. If he ever learned I aided her escape...Shaking off those chilling memories, I packed my things to depart for Bayside. I had