~Ethan~ As we entered the grill, I couldn't help but notice all eyes turning towards us. People were looking at Chelsea with envy, a rare sight considering I didn't often have female company. The camera flashes going off around us confirmed that our presence was being noticed and captured. Finding a nice spot in the sparsely occupied garden, a waitress approached to take our orders. Typically, I would have opted for a beer, but I refrained, mindful of Chelsea's limitations. However, I couldn't ignore the flirtatious tone the waitress directed towards me. It was a common occurrence, and I found myself wondering why it always happened. Normally, I wouldn't care, but Chelsea was right there. Yet, Chelsea seemed unfazed by the waitress's behaviour, either oblivious to her rudeness or choosing to ignore it altogether. "Ladies first," I said, gesturing towards Chelsea. The waitress's energy shifted, her smile faltering slightly as she turned to take Chelsea's order. It was as if the prese
~Brandon~While Lilly and I remained in the guest room of Albert's duplex, I felt less of a man. I should have taken her home to Hayland, but after what happened at the airport, I began to fear our relationship was over before it started. Even though Lilly tried to cheer me up, it was impossible for me to be happy about the situation. The fact still remains that I just stood there when it all happened. I stood there at the airport, unable to defend my mate. I stood there and took all the insults. It was unfair. I was grateful to Ethan for what he did. Had I done that, I would have been arrested because I was an outcast. Though silent, I roared inside from pain and agony. Somehow, true happiness seemed fleeting.On our drive to Albert's house, I began to fear I was going to be a source of ill luck for Lilly. I began to contemplate whether or not I should end it. I honestly wanted her, and I wanted to right the wrong I had committed against fate and love. This was my second chance, a
~Brandon~I held Lilly and caressed her arm gently, trying to soothe the ache in her heart and alleviate my fears. There was a little silence in the room as her words sank deep into my soul. Knowing she was willing to give up on her identity and walk away from everything for my sake made me feel unworthy. I didn’t do that for Winter. Instead, I humiliated and ridiculed her, hoping she would understand and wait for me. I deserved the punishment I got.Knowing how my love was inferior back then, I held on to Lilly, promising myself I wouldn’t fail twice. My love won’t be inferior this time. "Most people think my life as a royal is rosy, but they are wrong. I have had a very shitty life. People only befriended me because of what they believed they would gain. As popular as I may seem, I wasn't always the first choice for anything. I wasn't the princess; neither was I the king's niece; my father was third in the mix, and so I was only considered when the ones before me weren't available.
~Brandon~ Lilly was strong and a leader in her own right. She had years to her belt, so she was mature. She knew what to say and how to handle every situation, and even though it seemed like she was taking a huge risk, I somehow was calm because I believed in her strength. Unable to answer her, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her with all the love I had in my heart. I was afraid, but she had given me the strength to dare the consequences. I knew it would be hard, and I might lose in the end, but we still had this moment, and I chose to live in it and enjoy it with her. I wasn't going to claim her, but I planned to love her with every fibre of my being, and I wouldn't stop until it was really over. With that resolve, I held onto her tighter as I tasted her sweet, soft lips, allowing myself to fearlessly fall deeper and leave myself at her mercy. Moving from her lips, I moved towards the sweet spot of her neck, grazing my teeth against the soft, delicate, sensitive flesh, a p
~Anthony~ As the Alberts bid their farewells and left, I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy settle over me. They were the life of our little group, injecting each gathering with an energy that was infectious. Without them, the dynamics felt off-kilter. Luis, with his perpetually furrowed brow and intense focus, was a stark contrast to the Alberts' carefree nature. And the rest of the guys, well, they seemed content playing house, lost in their own little worlds. After lunch, I knew it was time to pack my bags and head back home. While I had enjoyed the change of scenery, I had work waiting for me in Greenville. Besides, hanging around Lucland without the Alberts just didn't hold the same appeal. Before hitting the road, I decided to give Liam a heads-up about my departure. After all, I had rushed over here at his behest, and it felt only right to keep him in the loop. I was yet to pack up when I got a call from my father. It was odd that he'd call me abruptly unless som
~Anthony~ I looked around the room, and suddenly, I couldn't tell where I needed to be. I couldn't tell whether or not to leave for Greenville. I began to wonder how I would help my friend, Lilly, and my cousins, Noah and Sebastien. None of them deserved this shit, and it was making me mad. I was confused about what to do after the call, but I knew there was a possibility I might act on impulse. The truth was, it could have been any of us. I wouldn't want to be in Lilly's shoes, and neither would I want to be in Noah's or Sebastien's shoes. Still confused about what to do, I decided to link Luis. He was the only one who wasn't preoccupied with playing house, and honestly, other than Noah and Sebastien, he was good in matters like this. Just as ruthless as the twins. "Luis, are you up for a trip to Brighton?" I linked the last person I wanted to hang out with. But he was the best option for this cause. He would be Lord of the West, and either way, Brighton was still part of the Wes
~Anthony~ I was utterly taken aback. How could they conjure up such a slew of nonsense in such a short span? It was evident that this was a targeted assault on our reputation, executed with a level of finesse that was almost impressive. The article was devoid of any substance that warranted the journalist's arrest; it was simply crafted to sow discord within the Royal Council and instil doubt in the minds of our citizens. It was a wicked yet cunning tactic, and unfortunately, we found ourselves on the receiving end of it. The seamless manner in which they fabricated connections sounded alarmingly convincing; even as an outsider, I might have been swayed. Glancing at the writer's name, I noted it belonged to a small but reputable printing press. Strangely, in Lucland, printed news held a reputation for bold authenticity. Complicating matters, this Chronicle press was known for its investigative journalism, further lending credence to their claims. What baffled me was their motivati
~Leo~ We were in Devin's garden with our mates having brunch when Devin suddenly froze and ushered us to the living room to watch the news. I could not believe what I was seeing. On the screen was Mountain Airport, and my sons and their mates were the objects of discussion. I was also surprised to see Lillian by Brandon Knight's side as they tried to break through the aggressive press. It seemed impossible, and just as expected, Ethan, true to his character, dealt the first blow, allowing room for them to walk through. I couldn't miss the questions or the underlying accusations and smear by the press and the people present. The hostility was intense. How did things suddenly get out of hand? We heard of what happened in the North with the LTS interview, where the jealous acquaintances of my sons and their mates were given the opportunity to stylishly vent their grievances and start rumours. It was indeed a big issue, and we trusted our children would handle it, but it seemed it wa
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,