~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
~Ethan~ As I stepped into the orphanage, Aspen greeted me with her usual brashness. It seemed like every encounter with her was marked by her assertive demeanour, though today, it felt particularly charged. Some might have mistaken her behaviour for a crush, but recent events had me reevaluating that notion. Her interaction with Anthony when we visited the orphanage together had been the catalyst for this shift in perspective. Aspen's reaction to him had been markedly different from her interactions with me. It was as if she reserved her warmth and enthusiasm exclusively for him, making me question her motives altogether. Perhaps she wasn't infatuated with me after all; maybe she was simply adept at putting on a facade of kindness. "Alpha Ethan," she greeted, her tone oddly energetic for the occasion. "You've been quite the frequent visitor lately." I could discern the sarcasm laced in her words. It wasn't lost on me that I had never set foot in this orphanage until when I visited