SHELLY “How are you holding up?” Agnes asks, concern evidenced in her voice. She came early in the morning to help me out with some chores and also care for Petian, and myself likewise, to care for my post-partum body, despite my asking her not to bother. "Okay, I guess.” My face is away from hers."You don't have to lie about it, it's obvious you're not.”"And somehow you still want my say?”She heaves a sigh. "I know where you're coming from, you don't have to be insensitive.”I press my lips together, aware I overstepped boundaries. Being rude isn't going to change a dime, and definitely not to her. “Pardon my manners.” I plea after long minutes of silence. "Not a problem." She waves me off. "Lord Asher informed me that you came three days ago to see me but talked to him instead.”"I'm so sorry Agnes. It sure wasn't my initial plan. Not like he coerced me or anything.” I'm swift to add, not wanting to leave room for misconception. "I should have waited for you, but since he o

SHELLY.In Lord Asher’s huge living room, I’m seated as I await his arrival. I came here more than thirty minutes ago and whenever I stand up to leave, promising to return later, the servants have something to say to persuade me to wait just a little longer and then longer till it's almost an hour. Petian is now a toddler, which means more wailing, nagging, and tantrums. She almost threw a fit here on arrival, but the servants were swift enough to bring her a fruit pack and snacks and likewise myself as we wait with less guilt. It takes another twenty minutes before I hear the voice of Lord Asher from far off. I was about to read meaning of his not appearing; like he is pissed with me and wanted to punish me, before he stops me right on my track as though he knew. The sound of his voice gets closer, and so does he. As usual, he is with his cigar in his left hand as he drags and puffs while he approaches me. His countenance is oddly different today, he isn't the smiling and jovial

SHELLY.“When do we strike?” Lady Agnes is eager. "Lord Asher asked me to confirm. He's gotten his ammunition in place, and incited the people to prepare for a just cause...”"We won't be needing all of those. I don't intend to make it a gore battlefield with heads and cold blood as decor. Just her, her baby, and her mates. She will be my weapon.”"Regardless, we can't just do nothing. You know when planning events, especially fights, you don't completely exclude unforeseen circumstances, like the what-ifs. It could go south and cost our lives if we're caught unaware. It could even get worse and our tribe will be burnt to the ground. What if...”“It's fine, Agnes. I get it. There are plenty of what-ifs. I just don't want to drag good people into my mess. I mean, I’m excited to have the support of everyone including yours and Lord Asher, but I want to limit the risk that hits anyone to as little as none.”"We're not complaining.”"You don't have to. Besides, Petian would need a home wh

AALIYAHFor the first time in forever, I slept without my baby. Normally, Mellissa would nurse him till noon and bring him to my bedside or leave him in his nursery, but yesterday was different. She didn't show up, neither was I moved to check up on them. Perhaps I was too excited to be relieved of the stress I endured in her absence for a week. Baby Hendrix is a handful. Matter of fact, I was enjoying my liberty and I still am. She must have missed him so much to want to keep him for the whole night. And honestly, I don't mind him being with her for the longest. “Your bath is ready, my lady.” One of my maids informed me. "Alright, I will be out in a minute. Get my dress ready, the lengthy flay gown with rhinestones bearing a good amount of net, and my gloves. I want to take a stroll.”"Very well, my lady.” She gets to work immediately. I climb down from the bed, put on my footwear, and head for the bathroom. The smell of floral soap and honey mixed in the water is giving. Just

HUNTER."Please, don't start. I know the exact reason you're here, to taunt me and drag me to filth...”"Aaliyah, don't leap yet. First, let me start...""No, I don't need that.” She settles on the floor, her back is rested on the frame of the bed. I pace back and forth, combating the urge to scream. I want to fucking scream out my lungs, at her and everyone in sight. For the agreement with Hudson, I try to follow suit and play the calm mate he deems appropriate. But right now, it isn't working, the only thing on my mind is to hunt nanny Mellissa myself and tear her to shreds, and keep my baby away from everyone, including Aaliyah. If she most likely failed in her role as his mother, he needs to be protected from her inclusive. Damn! Calm down Hunter, it is no one's fault...actually, not hers. And the irony is that you know it. I stop to look at her, the fear and terror this one act of nanny Mellissa has done, the reckless damage to a mother, the pain searing through her heart and