~Noah~ Winter was asleep by the time I returned to the room. I did not want to trouble her, so I opted to eat silently and then join her in bed. I felt a strong relief wash through me seeing her lying peacefully in bed. Now that Brandon had a second-chance mate, his history with Winter was over, and he would not look at her longingly anymore, just like Uncle Sylvester and Luna Susan. They were once fated, but he rejected her because he was with Queen Tamia then. Queen Tamia and Uncle Sylvester became second-chance mates after that. Queen Tamia, too, had rejected Alpha Devin for Uncle Sylvester. It was odd how Luna Susan and Alpha Devin ended up together. When around them, you would never know that they were once fated. It is as if it never happened. I was glad to know that, from now on, Brandon would no longer trouble Winter or long after her again. I was glad that their story had truly ended, and she was now fully mine. After finishing the meal, I did some research on the computer
~Noah~ After our shower, we returned to the bedroom to dress. The day ahead loomed large with tasks and decisions, but everything seemed to hinge on Justin's feedback regarding Brandon's situation. Justin had assured us that he would discuss the matter with my father and his father, hoping to persuade them to include the topic of the embargo and the waiver of time in the council's meeting. He even promised to advocate for an emergency meeting, although the council's decision was uncertain. Nevertheless, Justin intended to bring up the issue at the next meeting, determined to find a resolution. As I buttoned my shirt, I couldn't shake the worry for Brandon and Lilly, who would undoubtedly be affected by the outcome. Their lives were intertwined with this decision, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on me. I hoped that Justin's efforts would not be in vain and that a solution could be found to spare them from the looming turmoil. Despite Brandon's fate being intertwined with Lilly's,
~Noah~ After the phone call, I turned to Winter, who had her eyes on the news. Then I saw they were talking about her. She was with Lilly, Eleanor and Sophia. People were talking about her and admiring her beauty. "We must say that Lord Noah Albert has done well for himself by choosing such a delicate, elegant beauty as Miss Winter Crayton. Although from an unknown background, this beauty seems to have the handsome Alpha twisted in knots. We wonder what her secret is," the reporter said while they showed the women coming out of a store. "Seems you were busy, Conejita," I said, kissing her sweet spot while her eyes remained on the screen. She moaned sweetly. "Indeed, they are right, Bunny. You have me tied in knots," I confessed, but I doubt she was listening. I could smell her arousal, and I knew another round was in play. Just then, a voice spoke on the television, and I stopped to look at who it was. It was Caroline. My entire system went cold. "So what do you say, Miss Smirnov
~Noah~ The reporter's discomfort was palpable as he struggled to process the implications of Penelope's words. The damage had been done, and there was no undoing it. His next question, laden with gravity, cut through the air like a knife. "Are you saying they were into prostitution?" he asked, his voice betraying a mix of shock and disbelief. Penelope, visibly taken aback by the accusation, quickly shook her head, her expression one of genuine concern. "Goddess, no, I only explained why they haven't visited," she clarified, her voice trembling slightly. It was clear that she had not anticipated the backlash her words would unleash. The reporter, sensing the gravity of the situation, pressed on, his tone sombre yet firm. "Do you know the implications of what you have said? Do you realise it might affect them, and their in-laws might reject them? I thought you said you loved them?" he questioned, his words laden with a sense of disappointment. I couldn't help but feel a pang of ange
~Winter~ The flight back was a lot more fun and peaceful than when we were going to the north. With Ashely and Caroline not with us, it was easier for us to relax and mingle. I wondered why Kevin didn't return with us, but it wasn't any of my business. I was more worried for Lilly. Though she was royalty, I didn't want her to be exposed to Lesley's venom. I hoped Brandon knew what he was doing and that he would protect Lilly because she was too kind and sweet to go through the nonsense I went through. Not that I deserved what Lesley did to me, but having been through it, I couldn't wish it upon anyone. "I am so excited, Winter," Lilly finally squealed, her enthusiasm contagious as it cut through the tension that had settled among us. While the men were engrossed in their card game, Summer, Lilly, and I found ourselves huddled together, deliberating over plans for the Funfair. The weight of Lady Amelia's expectations bore down on me, the pressure to ensure its success palpable and dau
~Winter~ As we chatted and shared gossip during the flight, the cabin buzzed with lively energy. Across from us, the men were deeply engrossed in their card game, seemingly oblivious to the chatter around them. Brandon, in particular, appeared to be thoroughly enjoying himself, his demeanour reminiscent of the carefree spirit I remembered from our initial meeting. It was a welcome sight, a reminder of the person he was before the weight of responsibility descended upon him with the challenges facing Hayland. I silently wished for Brandon's success, knowing full well the burden he carried and the stakes involved. He was a remarkable individual, someone who deserved happiness and fulfilment. Seeing him with Lilly and knowing they were fated only reinforced my desire for their relationship to flourish. The thought of Lilly being just a thirty-minute journey away filled me with a sense of warmth and anticipation. It was a comforting notion, knowing that she would be within reach, and it
~Winter~ The sudden silence that followed Ethan's actions provided a much-needed respite, allowing us a moment to collect our thoughts and address the accusations being hurled at us. Noah and Sebastien recognised the importance of not walking away in silence, knowing that it would only serve to validate the allegations against us. It was clear that the reporters and onlookers had overstepped their bounds, their words dripping with venom and malice. Sebastien, his voice laced with anger and rage, spoke up, determined to set the record straight. "My brothers and I are nothing like our father. If anyone crosses the line with us or insults our mates, I swear, we will deal with them. Do not get it twisted. We may be alphas, but our family comes first, including our mates," he declared, his words resonating with authority and conviction. The orchestrated attack on our reputation was evident, and I couldn't shake the feeling that someone, perhaps one of Albert's enemies, had orchestrated
~Ethan~ The surprise at the airport was unpleasant, but we made it through. I wondered who put them up to it and who leaked our flight plans to the press; either way, now that we were back home, we would figure them out. Suddenly, being Beta to my brothers wasn't such a bad thing, and I was glad that I came home. As much as the issue with the press was unsettling, a giddiness overshadowed the anger. The fact that I was back in Mountain meant I could continue my pursuit of Chelsea. She had dared me the last time I saw her, and I planned to live up to the dare. But first, I would need some information from my future sister-in-law. I never said I was going to play fair. As we pulled up to the duplex, I watched as everyone filed out of the van and headed towards their respective rooms. My brothers and I had grown accustomed to living together under one roof, sharing experiences, laughter, and even occasional disagreements. But as I made my way towards my section downstairs, a nagging re
I want to start by saying I'm truly sorry for the short chapters. It seems there are now "ideal word count limits" to adhere to. I deeply regret the prolonged silence, but I've been grappling with severe health issues lately, and I'm still in the throes of recovery. I couldn't bear to leave this book neglected for too long, so I pushed through to the end so you all could move on. I do hope to return with a new story soon, and hope you will all be there, but for now, I must concede and focus on recuperating. The silence weighs heavy on me, and I truly hope you enjoyed the story and its conclusion. This marks the final instalment in the DSOF series. Perhaps one day, I'll pen Eleanor's tale, but I'm hesitant to make any promises I may not be able to fulfil. Please bear with me, dear readers and co-writers, and know that I cherish each and every one of you dearly. I will miss you all immensely. I love you all.❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🤗🤗
~Winter~ A year passed, and all the struggles were a distant memory. Now, we were hosting the gathering in the East, and Summer, Chelsea and I had gone over time. Chelsea was a new mother now. She and Ethan had wasted no time. They claimed each other and got married the next month. Normally, we all thought they would wait, but two months later, she was pregnant, and a lovely girl named Evangeline was the product. Evangeline was a beautiful blonde baby, and we all loved her. We were new moms ourselves, and Summer and I couldn't carry Evangeline as much as we would like. I had twins, and they were adorable. Both of them looked like Stepanovs, and I wondered if my genes ever stood a chance. My daughter's name was Michelle, and My son's name was Frederick. They were adorable, and I loved them so much. Summer had a son, and she and Sebastien named Him Leonardo after Sebasteins's father. He was cute and looked a lot like his grandfather, but he had green eyes like Summer. She w
Ethan I was nervous about seeing Chelsea. Although we said it wouldn't matter if we weren't fated, I didn't know why I was suddenly nervous. I had never cared for anyone the way I cared for her, and I knew it was the same for her. So I wondered why I was unwilling to see her tonight. Her eighteenth birthday was in a few hours, and I had promised to be the first person to see her, but my heart was beating fast. I had stayed away from the house all evening, avoiding her. She said she would spend the time with me, and Noah had confirmed that she was in our home. Though not showing, we found out after the wedding that Summer and Winter were pregnant, and they were very peckish, so Chelsea always brought them snacks. Although Summer and Winter had planned a party for her, it wasn't going to take place until the evening of her birthday. It had been torture waiting these months, and now it was finally time for me to make her mine. I never planned to be with anyone except for her, so
~Gemma~ It had finally come to this, and after the crowd and everyone had left, Lucas and I drove home from the estate. Although our wedding took place at the estate, I was now at Rivers, and my man was taking me home. How could I have tried to make it difficult for him? He was genuinely in love with me. Our union was embraced by both families, and Katalina was a thing of the past. The fact that nothing had ever transpired between her and Lucas made me relax. I didn't feel guilty one bit. Lucas had had some girlfriends, but he was mine now. He pulled me to his body in the back seat of the limo that was taking us home. Lucas crashed his lips on mine, drinking me in. Our wolves had claimed each other in the eyes of all and the moon. He was mine through and through. The moment the bond formed, I knew I had found my forever love. I kissed him. Every fibre of my being was burning with desire. I wanted him. My body craved him. He had made love to me severally since we returne
~Winter~ The day of the blue moon had finally arrived, and I was consumed with nerves like never before. I'd been down this road once, and it hadn't ended well. As I veiled my face, my eyes met Summer's, resplendent in her wedding attire. Her touch on my hand offered reassurance. "It won't be like last time, Winter. This is real," she whispered, her words calming my racing heart. I nodded, believing this time would be different. Noah's love was steadfast. Lady Amelia entered the tent, her eyes alight with happiness. In her hands were two ornate jewellery boxes, undoubtedly meant for us. "You both look stunning tonight," she beamed, her words touching my soul. Lady Amelia loved us as a mother would her child; she cherished us as much as her own sons, a rare bond that set her apart. Approaching me, she unveiled the contents of the box meant for my adornment. A breathtaking gold necklace adorned with sapphire stones and dazzling diamonds lay nestled within. It was a masterpiece. "I
~Noah~ Three weeks passed, and the dust finally settled when the fugitives were apprehended by an angry mob of people eager to prove to their monarch that they were sorry for allowing themselves to be used and deceived into hindering progress. They had killed Kane and Ramos, leaving Gavin and Moses. I could bet that the only reason why they left Gavin and Moses, judging by the state they were in when they brought them, was because they wanted to deliver them to the authorities. They were battered, and silver was clamped on their wrist. I wished I had witnessed the mog action. Some parts of it were in the news. With the way the people surrounded them. They had no choice. It was a battle lost before it started. They had sprayed them silver dust to incapacitate them and then beat Kane and Ramos to death while they chained Gavin and Moses for judgment. I guess the King's words, coupled with my father's words and show of disappointment, got to them. Indeed, they had unknowingly helped
~Anthony~ My wolf was urging me to bridge the gap and assert our claim, but I remained dumbfounded. Frankly, I never imagined it would happen, especially not with Aspen. Here I was, enamoured with Chelsea, even competing with Ethan for her attention, when all along, it was Aspen who held my heart. Was Aspen the catalyst for my feelings for Chelsea? I realised I often encountered her before seeing Chelsea, yet I was too preoccupied with Chelsea to consider Aspen. I remember my first time at the orphanage; she was the one at the door greeting us, and she was particularly nice to me. On the second occasion, I went there, I ended up spending time with her. She opened up to me, telling me what she wouldn't dare tell anyone. The bond had been rearing its head, and I was too stubborn to realise it. She was the one who came to celebrate the victory with me when I was feeling lonely. It was her all along. Fate threw me her way severally and put her in my face, but my desires did not allo
~Anthony~ I waited for Aspen to pack her belongings in the evening so we could leave. I was going to leave the next day, as I had told Ethan, but my father had urged me to leave immediately. Everyone had gone back home, so waiting was pointless. Luis was around, though, and he planned to leave the next day. I was the only one still in Mountain, so I could understand when my parents asked me to go home. I escorted Aspen to her father's house so she could pack her belongings, and I went there with warriors just in case the man was being funny. I knew this was the right thing for her. If she stayed there any longer, she would end up dead. One day, he would take it too far and leave the silver on her a little too long for her body to recover. I had no obligations towards her, but I could not ignore her cry for help. Kirill was outside, and he looked at me, angry and powerless. He knew it was over. I was a lord so there was nothing he could do but just stew in his anger. "You c
~Leo~ As we made our way there, Ethan and Sebastian, accompanied by Summer and another girl who seemed to share the same origins as Summer and Winter, clung to Ethan. The girl wore a t-shirt with the words "Victory: because Adulthood is overrated" printed on it. Seeing how the girl and Ethan clung to each other, I knew they were together. They walked to me quickly, and Summer let go of Sebastian and hugged Amelia tightly. "We missed you; we were worried and scared," She confessed, and Amelia rubbed her back lovingly as a mother would hug her child. "I heard you fought well, Luna," she teased Summer, and Summer broke the hug with tears in her eyes. She was overjoyed to see us. She hugged me, too, but she didn't say anything. I looked at Ethan, and he had a straight face, but I could tell he was hiding his emotions. Amelia pulled him to a hug. "I am so proud of you, son," She said, and he held on to her; his hands shook, and I could tell he had feared the worst. Breaking the hug,