~Lilly~ Minutes later, I got dressed, knowing that Gemma and the Jewels had either already arrived or were about to arrive. Heading out of the room, I went to the living room; I met only Luis there. "Where is Anthony?" I asked him, wondering why he was playing the game alone. "Said he was heading to the orphanage to hang out with Winter and Summer," he said, laughing, and I wondered what was funny. "What's funny about that, and when did he become such good friends with Winter and Summer?" I asked, and Luis chuckled. "That is because he is going to see a seventeen-year-old girl called Chelsea. Both he and Ethan compete for her, but it seems Ethan has already beaten him to it. Poor guy doesn't know when to give up," He said, and I felt a bit bad for Anthony. He deserved to have someone by now. I just hoped he wouldn't have to wait like me. Gemma and Eleanor, too. I hope they can find their mates soon. "Gemma and Eleanor are in Ethan's room. They came in a few minutes ago, but I tol
~Anthony~ Everything had gone crazy, and we were all finding it hard to find our footing. I knew I should be on my way to Greenville, but I also knew my cousins needed my help. I knew Noah and Sebastien were tough, and their mates seemed up to the task, but I knew the heat was definitely going to be high, and if we did not help each other out, we would all get burnt. I could see the resignation in the faces of Noah and Sebastien. I could see their determination to walk away if all should fail. I couldn't let it come to that. Whatever was happening was targeted at all of us, and if we did not take care, it would ruin us all. Luis and I remained in the living room playing video games while the rest went about their business. Summer, Winter and Ethan went to the orphanage. I didn't need to guess why Ethan had gone to the orphanage. I knew it was to see Chelsea. The fact that the guy had a head start before me meant the only way I could get Chelsea was if we were fated. Added to the
~Anthony~ Aspen was elated and led me to the kitchen. I hoped she wasn't up to anything dubious. With the press trying to nail everyone, no one outside our circle could be trusted. "How old are you, again?" I asked, and she smiled. "I'll be eighteen next month," She said, beaming at me, and I nodded. "In other words, you are seventeen," I said, sounding uninterested, and she nodded. "Good to know," I said and planned to maintain my distance. I wouldn't want a scandal. We entered the kitchen, and she moved to make the tea. She brought out some muffins from the oven, and they smelled fresh and delicious. "Fresh muffins?" I said, sniffing the air. The flavours were divine. She nodded with a smile and then bit into one of them. She closed her eyes and savoured the taste. I reached for my cup of tea and took a sip. It was herbal tea. I appreciated the fact that she didn't decide to serve me caffeine. She brought me two flavours, a banana and a Blueberry muffin. "Who made them?" I a
~Lilly~ The drive to Hayland made most of us nervous. I didn't know what awaited me there, but I knew it wouldn't be easy. I noticed Brandon's unease, and twice on our way, he told me that I was free to change my mind whenever I wanted. Eleanor chuckled a few times. She found his actions cute. "Honestly, Brandon, you should be more worried for Lesley than us. Why do you think we are following Lilly? Lesley might have been able to bully Winter out of your life, but karma is a bitch, and we are her karma," Eleanor said, making all of us laugh. We arrived at Hayland eventually, and I was shocked to see the state of the place. It was clear that the place was a beautiful settlement and developed, but it was also obvious that it needed renovations and repairs. It seemed like a booming city that suddenly ran out of money and now couldn't keep up. I noticed some renovations and construction going on, but I also could not ignore the glum that was in the air. There were people laugh
~Lilly~ I was surprised to hear that Winter was the one that decorated the place. Indeed, she and Brandon were looking forward to building a home together, but the fate that had brought them together had also set them apart by giving them different destinies. Unlike Winter, I will fight for this one. It's not like I blame her because I knew her hands were tied, and she wasn't even given a fighting chance. If she had to fight, she would have done it alone, and there was no way she would have succeeded. Her case was different from mine. I had all the cards in my favour. I had the heart and the might to push back. I was formidable. I didn't only plan to get rid of Lesley, but I planned to make her pay for what she dared to do to Winter. She was downright cruel, and it was time she got a dose of her medicine. We eventually left the living room and retired to the bedrooms allocated to us. I noticed I wasn't placed in the master's, and I frowned. Was Brandon planning to sleep in a separa
~Anthony~I returned to the house a bit underwhelmed. Luis was around and busy on the computer. I knew he'd be busy. The guy couldn't stay away from work for a day. I know I should follow his example, but other than the press release that we planned on giving, there was nothing for me to do. Instead of languishing in the house, I decided to check on Noah and Sebastien at their office. My interaction with Aspen was a bit off, and I just wanted to have some clarity on the matter. The truth was, she piqued my interest when she indicated I should not discuss the matter with her Alphas. She really did not want Noah and Sebastien to know her plans or what she had discussed with me. She either had something up her sleeves that my cousins needed to look into, or she was afraid of something. Either way, it was important they know, especially with all that was going on at the moment."Heading out?" Luis asked me, looking up from the laptop."Yes, going to the Alpha's office," I said, and he no
~Noah~The lawyer did not arrive until the morning of the next day, and Winter and Summer had to skip going to the orphanage so they could speak with the lawyer. His name was Nicolas Smirnov. He was Liam's age mate, and he had a very impressive success rate. The guy seemed excited about the case. We allocated a room for him at the packhouse while he sprang into action to gather resources and file the case. I was excited about the prospects and how it would all unfold. I was hopeful that this would quiet the noise. Though unlikely, there was no harm in hoping.Luis and Anthony left for Greenville in the morning. They promised to return the next day, but I doubted that part too. There was much to do, and knowing the south would gain two cities, I knew Anthony would have to linger a bit. Lord Andrew and his family were around, and our parents asked that we join them at their house in the afternoon.I didn't need to guess why Lord Andrew had come with his future son-in-law. I guess the
~Noah~Sebastien took out his phone to call Summer. He instructed them to come. According to their conversation, they were hiring for the bakery already. It seems Summer and Winter were not playing when they said they'd take advantage of the publicity stunt."So you'll be taking over from Uncle Andrew?" Ethan asked Moses, and Moses shook his head."That will be Kevin. I will be his beta when the time comes, and that is if he wants me. Honestly, I am satisfied with my business," Moses answered. He didn't seem dishonest, so I just figured he must be crazy about Ashely to let a lot of her bullshit slide."So, will you live in Brentwood?" I asked him, and he shook his head."I have a lovely property fit for raising a family in Brighton. I think it is best we go there," He said, and I smiled."I hope you know that Brighton will be a southern province soon," Ethan said and he nodded."I am really happy for Prince Adrian Locke and Alpha Anthony Corrigan. They deserved the honour," he said."S
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,