(KAIA'S POV)Series of growls and rumbles left my throat as I waited for Penelope to convince her mate to let me speak to mine.I was restless and anxious. What if that hardhearted Giovanni doesn't even agree?"Kaia?"I stilled for a second and waited for whoever had called to repeat my name."Kaia?" The voice called again.My tail wagged happily behind me, my tongue lolling out of my mouth.My ears perked up, flicking back and forth as I took in the voice of my mate.I howled happily, and wished I could merge fully with Penelope, to take full control.I gave a playful bark which showed how much I loved this moment, and he returned it."I've always wanted to meet you… talk to you, cuddle you… I can't believe it's finally happening. Although we haven't cuddled yet. Haha! But I feel excited." I fast talked, scared Giovanni might leave the room any time soon.Braxton laughed, his laughter tingling my heart. "I love you too…" My cheeks warmed. "Please don't leave here. Don't let Penelope

PENELOPE~ ~"Okay, time to do this." I breathed in, stepping into the training ground after three weeks of trying to find out what needed to be learnt in the training ground.I saw the females changing into their training gears, after coercing Leon to make them according to my designs.Beaming, I stood watching them all and once they sensed me, their eyes moved to me, halting on their movements but I waved for them to hurry up.And they did.Few minutes passed before I clapped to gain their attention.They all began to gather, I couldn't help but feel a little bit nervous."Today, we're going to be learning how to use more modernized weapons," I announced. "These weapons are more advanced than anything you've seen before, but don't worry, I'll be right here to guide you through it."I pulled out a handgun, showing them how to hold it. "We'll start with handguns, then move on to rifles and other more advanced weapons. I chose these weapons specifically because the males or the attacker

PENELOPE~ ~Several weeks passed by after getting assured by Giovanni to investigate the so-called Ned, and yet the asshole seemed to grow more bold, everyday.Several days I watched how Ned came to the training ground to force Oliveria out of training, without taking permission from me..It irked me, yet I kept waiting for Giovanni to take legal actions.My suspicion kept growing whenever Oliveira returned the next day. She always returned with several bruises on her body, and yet wouldn't voice out.Keeping the most sweet smile plastered on her face while masking the terror she was facing.Did I ever complain how she has gotten an exact training gear, but has a long sleeve that seemed to cover her entire body and the bruises, slightly discomforting her?No, I didn't.I didn't want to intrude in her privacy.At least, not yet.Letting out a weak sigh, I dragged my eyes back to the ongoing training session."And one… two … We are done!" I yelled on top of my voice, watching every trai

GIOVANNI ~ ~"... I think we should set the patrols on the east first before going to the south, because from the lookout we've made, Alpha, we got to know the rogues mostly come from that area…"With my hands plastered on my jaw, I listened to Leon as he spoke, making circles on the large map that held the entire sketch of my pack and its border."If I'm to add, I'd say place about 17 men on patrol each day and have them report every single detail. Is that okay with you, Alpha?" Nate asked, and I gave a curt nod."Continue." I said to Leon, who nodded at me before he continued.He continued to explain, and my thoughts kept drifting back to when Penelope had almost been killed by these rogues.I wanted to know how they sleathly made their way into the forest without any notice.Then men quietened down as I sat up on my chair, my hands still set on my jaw. My fingers began to drum on the large table, a deep frown marred my face."I need to get something here…" My drumming stopped. "How

So dirty!Shameful!Disgusting!I hated myself, my body! Hated this vulnerability.I felt like drowning!Disappearing even!The water cascaded over my body as I stood trembling beneath the steady stream.The memory of Ned's hands on me, his smell, his touch, the fear and helplessness I had felt, lingered in the air around me like a suffocating fog.I continued to scrub frantically at my skin, desperate to rid myself of the stains, real and imagined, that seemed to seep into every pore of my skin.The soap and sponge in my hands were a feeble defense against the overwhelming sense of violation that consumed me.It wasn't even enough. My tears kept flowing as well as the water…I couldn't even breathe properly.I closed my eyes and focused on the sensation of the hot water as it beat against my skin, almost as if it could wash away the shame and fear that clung to me like a second skin.But no matter how hard I scrubbed, the feeling of filth and worthlessness seemed to seep deeper, stain