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
Lucas"Keegan, you've lost my trust. I've thought you'll find me heather. But you seem you let me down." I fumed.I stormed away from the whimpering Keegan, disgusted by his failure yet again to locate my missing mate."If I wanted something done right, I would have to do it myself." I walked out, leaving him in the office.Heading to my chambers, I crossed paths with my grandmother on my way, her stern expression left no doubt she had heard what I've been saying. She've caught a wind of my plans. "Where do you think you're going?" She asked angrily, as she moved to block my way."Stand aside, grandma, and stay out if this, this time I'm not going to let you toy with me." I bit out impatiently. But she stood firm. "Lucas, turn back from this madness I beg you! Searching for Heather will only bring more heartache to us. To you." He uttered.I let out a harsh bark of laughter. "My heart knows only bitterness since you plot against her and make her left. Now, it's my only chance to mak
Heather The morning sun streamed in through the cafe windows, filling the cozy space with a warm glow. I hummed softly to myself as I wiped down tables and prepared for opening."Life is going smoothly, with Alex, Ian. And everything seems just fine." I uttered, glancing at Aria."Yeah, always what you wanted." She smiled. "I'm happy for you." She added."Actually, it scared me sometime." I sighed. "You know they say, calm before the storm, right?" I asked. "I wondered if this is how it felt like." I whispered."Stay positive love." Aria adviced squeezing my shoulder before she entered the store room.This little cafe had become my haven these past months, a refuge from the chaos I had fled.Glancing at the clock, I saw it was nearly time for my favorite regular customer - my son, Alex, stopping in on his way to school. Seeing his smile brighten when I brought his hot chocolate to the table had become the best part of my mornings. Right on time, the door chimed and Alex walked in,
AlexI blinked awake to rays of morning sun streaming into my bedroom. For a moment I just lay there enjoying the tranquility."Yes, it's a new day again." I smiled.Ever since I had gotten out of the hospital after the attack, I treasured these quiet moments before the chaos of the day began. Swinging my legs out of bed, I suddenly hissed as a sharp ache shot up my left calf. "Arrgh" I hissedLooking down, my brow furrowed in confusion. Where had that random muscle cramp come from? I hadn't done anything strenuous yesterday.Shrugging it off as I got dressed for school."I must've just slept in an odd position." I wondered, but the soreness and occasional odd pains kept plaguing me throughout the morning.In English class, my leg started bouncing restlessly under my desk until Celeb shot me an odd look. "Dude, what's up with you today? You've got like ADHD on steroids," he whispered.I forced my leg to stay still, shaking my head. "No clue man. Just got some weird restless energy
IanThe early morning sun filtering into my office found me already hard at work finalizing plans for the the day about how to improve the branch in Loaka City. Sitting in my new office. In this new branch I've opened."What a hectic day I'll be, I don't think I'll go visit her today." I mumbled aside.Ever since I came here, I had become determined to establish a permanent foothold. And if it meant I got to remain near a certain cafe manager, well, that was simply an added benefit.A knock at my door interrupted my focused planning. "Come in," I called, expecting my assistant with the morning briefings. But instead it was my father who entered, looking serious."Good morning, Father," I stand up greeted him, curious what matter was weighing on him so early. "Ian, I wanted to discuss this talk of opening a branch in Loaka City," he began without preamble. "What makes you so eager to set down stakes there specifically?"I considered my response carefully. My father was not one to act
HeatherMy heart ached seeing the naked fear and confusion in my son's eyes as he pleaded with me for answers. I wished desperately I could protect him from the painful truths much longer. But his transformation was upon us. All I could do was try to guide him through it. Drawing a deep breath, I shifted so I could look into his frightened gaze directly. "Alex, I need you to listen with an open mind. Can you do that for me?"He hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. I squeezed his hand, marshaling my words carefully."You already know some of your...father's family are different. That we have certain abilities others don't understand." I watched Alex's face intently for his reaction."You mean...Lucas and his people? Are you saying they're...werewolves?" He looked at me incredulously. I nodded. "Yes. And that lineage is passed down. Including to you, my son." Alex paled at the implication.Shaking his head frantically, he pulled back from me. "No, no way! Werewolves aren't real, and ne