"Leave," I ordered, proud that my voice didn't sound half as shaky as I felt. "Is that what you really want, Keera?" He asked in a whisper. Before I could muster a response, his hand raised mine, slowly bringing my fingers to his nose. The same fingers that had been moving inside of me only minutes ago. My heart thudded. He kept his eyes locked with mine as he inhaled the scent of my release before bringing my fingers to his mouth and dragging his tongue over the fingers, licking them clean. ---- Keera - They shouldn't exist. It was impossible. They were freaks of nature. That had been my initial thoughts about werewolves. And for years I believed I was right to think that because all the werewolves I met did nothing but hurt me. Especially him. I'd been drawn to him from the very first day that I saw him. Before I realized he hated me. I didn't want to admit it but he was the one who reinforced my hatred for werewolves. I didn't need to help them out. But I did. And I watched my life spiral out of control. From crossing every boundary I ever built by getting into a relationship with him to finding out I was his mate. Grayson - I despised her before I even got the chance to meet her in person. Our relationship was forbidden. Werewolves weren't allowed to mate with humans. I didn't think I could ever even be considering the possibility. But that was before her. I found out she was my mate. There was no way I was letting her go then. I didn't mind stepping down as Alpha if it meant I could be with her. Because whether she liked it or not she felt the same about me.
*Keera*
I've often heard people say on several occasions that the truth was bitter, but I've never once actually had a first hand experience to prove that the adage was indeed true. At least I've never had the experience up until now. For as long as I could remember I've always regarded myself as someone who wasn't scared of anything. There was almost no task I couldn't take on. No one I couldn't face. Nothing I couldn't do.
Or at least that was what I thought.
I stared blankly at my supervisor, wishing with every fibre of my being that I hadn't actually heard him right. My heart seemed to crash against my ribcage and my palms were a little sweatier than usual. I swallowed forcefully, realizing that this had to be the closest I'd come to knowing what fear felt like. I couldn't recount any instance where I'd ever been genuinely afraid. Not even the day I'd found out that werewolves existed and I had been living with them my whole life.
I remember being surprised, even in a bit of shock as my mind struggled to grasp what was before me at the time. I had felt a lot of emotions but I had never for once felt fear. Which was very unusual because I should have naturally been terrified to find out that some other species existed besides us humans. Especially since I'd only been seven years at the time.
But I hadn't.
If anything else I'd been fascinated after getting over the initial shock. That fascination had quickly morphed to irritation, disgust and finally resentment. Now anything related to werewolves made me recoil in anger and hate. Except when it came to one particular werewolf. The rest had proven to be such manipulative and violent creatures and there was nothing anyone could say to convince me otherwise.
Trevor snapped his fingers in front of my face, jolting me out of my reverie. I startled, turning to fix my attention back on him. Sometimes he proved to be a decent supervisor, always making sure I didn't make any mistakes with whatever it was that I was handling. Other times, like now for example, he was simply a pain in the ass.
"Are you listening?" He asked, staring at me expectantly. I looked at him from across the large brown desk, wondering how exactly I was going to get myself out of this mess. He loosened the buttons on his shirt, his eyes leaving me for a while to look for a file. He placed the file in front of him, raising an eyebrow as he waited for me to give an answer to his question.
I nodded, clearing my head. "Yes, of course." Against my will, I was listening. Listening to him tell me he wanted me to go to the home of those beasts. Did he not care about my safety? They saw me as the enemy. One slip and I was sure their barbarian Alpha was going to order them to finish me off. He placed the file in front of me, gesturing for me to go through it.
I picked it up, my mind racing. Sometimes the fact that I knew that werewolves existed seemed to be a curse. For one if I didn't know, there was no way my supervisor would have sought me out for this job. And to think I'd been in the middle of a very serious laboratory test. It was times like this that I envied the other humans who were still living their lives thinking that werewolves were simply a myth. I rubbed my slightly sweaty palm on my lab coat before opening the file.
My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to make sense of what I was looking at. There were reports, I realized as I flipped through the pages. Reports of werewolves that had died. I raised my palm to my mouth, shocked at the number. There were almost twenty of them and they had all died within the last two weeks. I reared my head back in surprise. That was quite a large number for such a small time frame. I frowned when I noticed the most recent death was only a few hours ago.
They hadn't caught the killer yet?
The cause of death appeared to be unknown, and the times of death were so random, I didn't think the killer was bothered about what time they died. I roamed my eyes through the files again, trying to appear disinterested while my mind ran a mile per second. From reports, I didn't think the killer was also concerned with their ages. A few were the same age, but mostly their age differences were also random and disoriented.
It was no secret that werewolves were immortal, supernatural creatures. It wasn't completely impossible for them to lose their lives but it was extremely rare that they did. Whoever it was that was behind the killings had obviously done a thorough study of them and was successfully killing them in a way they wouldn't be able to recover from even with their superhuman capabilities. I pushed the file back, refusing to let my sympathy reflect on my face before Trevor preyed on it.
"I don't understand why you're showing this to me," I highlighted in confusion. I got the hint of what he was trying to say, but I wanted him to spell it out plainly. He'd only been beating around the bush since I got here. He clasped his hands together and placed it carefully on the desk, staring right at me. I leaned forward, bracing myself for whatever it was he was going to say.
"As you can tell, there's a crazy werewolf serial killer on the loose," He began, leaning back into his chair, his eyebrows forming an obvious v shape. "Whoever it is either knows or has studied everything there is to know about werewolves," He explained, drumming his fingers rhthymically on the desk. "Because for some reason despite their healing abilities they're still dying off like chickens."
I swallowed, prepared to cut in. I wanted him to go straight to the point. "I'm sorry, but I don't exactly see how this concerns me." I reminded him. He narrowed his eyes, irritated that I was to hurry him up. I gestured at my lab coat, arching an eyebrow at him in return to remind him that I'd been in the middle of a test before he'd asked to see me urgently. For all I knew someone might be trying to alter the test result for some reason. I had to hurry up and get back.
Trevor released a calm exhale and I almost smiled. If there was anything I'd learnt from him it was how to keep my emotions in check, though I wasn't exactly successful most of the time. On his good days, he was like the older brother I never had. On his bad days, he was like the older brother I never wished for.
"The point is that they've tried everything they can but they've still not been able to find a solution for their problem." He continued patiently. "So they sought our help." His eyes met mine and held. "They need someone who would be able to find out what's going on and put a stop to it...and I didn't know any better person to suggest than you."
Than me.
He was trying to tell me that not only was I going to go to the territory of those malicious creatures, I actually had to help them sort out their werewolf shit. I was already shaking my head before I even gave myself time to really think about it. There was no way I was going to offer them any form of help. Not when they've put me through a whole lot. I didn't care if it was childish to be vengeful, there was no way I was doing it.
"I'm sorry, Trevor but I'm not going." I informed him, standing to my feet. I pushed my hair behind my ears, taking my hair net out of my coat pockets as I readied myself to go back to the lab. "There are way more experienced forensic scientists than I could ever dream of." I stated honestly. "And they already know of the werewolves. I would suggest that you please have one of them go instead."
Trevor shook his head, refusing to heed my advice. He also got to feet like he wanted me to understand the gravity of what he was trying to say. "You won't be going alone," He informed me, his tone almost pleading. "You'll be working with a team but you're going to be the head of it." He took a few steps towards me. "Listen, the werewolves are worried that someone is after them,"
"Gee, I wonder why," I retorted sarcastically. He gave me a knowing look, already aware that I was simply trying to piss him off so he would angrily ask me out of his office. I released a deep breath, deciding to hear him out. How hard could it be? I already knew that no matter what he had to say, my reply would still be negative.
"If they're right," He continued. "Which they obviously are, then it means we're also not safe." He ran a hand through his dark hair. "If this person is able to take down immortals, how much more humans?" I hated that I was beginning to see reason with him. "I've been asked to appoint a team... and I want you to lead that team."
He gazed persuasively at me. "I was sure to emphasize the fact that everyone needed to keep you safe." He stated, successfully making my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. My eyes bulged at his words but he didn't seem to notice. "As much as I care about the rest of the team, I care more about you." He said, warmth evident in his tone. "The Alpha assured me he would personally ensure your safety."
I felt my heart drop to the pit of my stomach.
Andrea Deciding that I was going to skip a day at work so I could have first time sex with my boyfriend seemed like the most absurd decision I could ever make. Or at least that was what I'd thought. Until I'd walked in on my said boyfriend cheating on me with some redhead and decided to get my revenge by losing my virginity to his wealthy billionaire father instead. Crazy, right? Trust me, I know. Like that's not enough, things take a drastic turn for the worst after I realized I was in love with him and pregnant with his child. Before I could get the chance to come clean about every including my feelings formhim and the pregnancy, he finds out about my trickery. Alejandro's not one to condone being lied to and deceived so he immediately tells me he doesn't want to see me again. So what do I do? I pack up and leave the country. But it seems like the universe isn't done with us just yet. . . Alejandro I should have known better than to get involved with someone way younger than me. It was something I've never done before. But like the saying goes, there's a first time for everything. The first time I met Andrea I was captivated by her beauty. More than that there was this innocence in her that called out to me like a moth to a flame. I ignored all the warnings in my head and went after what I wanted. And what I wanted was her. Unfortunately what she wanted was revenge against my son. I told myself that it had to be some kind of mistake. There was no way she had been playing with my feelings and planning some silly revenge this whole time. But she had. It had taken a surprise visit from my son for me to find out her true intentions. Even then it had been hard to believe it. But I couldn't deny that she'd fooled me real good alright. So naturally I cut ties with her. And that's supposed to be the end, right? Wrong. Turns out that our story was never destined to end just there. . .
(ADULT CONTENT) Lucia - I had gotten to the point in my life where I could totally understand why people felt the need to take their own life. It was a need a lot of people thought they understood but in reality didn't even know the half of it. I would know because it was a need I constantly battled with. My life was complete shit. I'd lost my parents at a young age, been tossed from one abusive chaotic home to the other until I'd finally decided I couldn't take it anymore and had run away. Only running away had made it worse. Way worse. Because living on the streets I witnessed a lot of things no young girl should ever witness. Then for a moment it seemed like I'd found love. He was kind, caring and sweet. But even that didn't last. I told myself then that I was completely done. At first I didn't want to live at all. Later on, I just wanted to live long enough to get my revenge on everyone who had dared to make my life miserable. I never expected I would want to live for him. Bruno - Inheriting a ruthless top mafia gang at a very young age did a lot of damage to someone. It certainly did a whole lot of damage to me. Fucked me up so bad I could no longer tell what was right from what was wrong. I could no longer separate what I needed to do from what I wanted to do. And it was fine, really. I didn't give a flying fuck what anyone thought about it. It was who I was now and there was no going back. At least that was what I'd thought. Until I'd met Lucia. I still couldn't explain it but seeing her up there, hands tied above her head as she waited for whatever asshole was going to buy her at the auction caused some kind of reaction in me. It was enough to tell me that I should probably let someone else buy her so she could be their problem. Unfortunately I'd never been one to stop myself from making a wrong decision. So I bought her anyway. And who would have guessed? She turned out to be the best decision I'd ever made.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
Three years ago, the Moore family opposed Charles Moore's choice to marry his beloved woman and selected Scarlett Riley as his bride. Charles didn't love her. In fact, he hated her. Not long after they got married, Scarlett received an offer from her dream university and jumped on it. Three years later, Charles's beloved woman fell terribly ill. In order to fulfill her last wish, he called Scarlett back and presented her with a divorce agreement. Scarlett was deeply hurt by Charles's abrupt decision, but she chose to let him go and agreed to sign the divorce papers. However, Charles seemed to delay the process deliberately, leaving Scarlett confused and frustrated. Now, Scarlett was trapped between the consequences of Charles's indecision. Would she be able to break free from him? Would Charles eventually come to his senses and face his true feelings?
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
After a devastating divorce with the man she had been married to for over three years, Rachel thought her life was over. Her family disowned her, they wanted nothing to do with her anymore and she couldn't blame them. She had just divorced David Hart, one of the top successful bachelors in the country and heir to the Hart industries. But they would never understand that she didn't divorce him, he divorced her after she caught him cheating on her with her god-damned best friend! Rachel was just about to end everything by jumping off a bridge when she was saved by the most unexpected person. The boy she once bullied severally in highschool because he always wore ugly glass and was from a poor background, how come that glass make him so hot now? Why was he helping her get revenge on ex-husband who is trying to make her life even more miserable? And most important how did he get so handsome? What exactly does he want from her? ... No, you must want something, anything. If you can really help me get revenge on David and Lana, I can't just let you do it for free". Ethan went quiet for a while. I held my breath waiting for what his request might be. If it was something money could buy, I'll try my best to get it for him even though I was somehow broke right now. "You're right I do want something". He said after thinking for few minutes "What?" I asked slowly. " Until you get your revenge on David, Lana and every other person you want, you will live here". Live here as in...? " Wha... What are you saying? ". I stammered hoping he wasn't saying what I thought he was saying. I tried to step back but I missed a step and almost fell on the bed but Ethan caught me holding me in his muscular arms. Ethan moved his face closer to mine be was so close, our nose almost touched. " I want you to be with me! ".
For two years, Ashton had poured his heart into his marriage, yet Emalee's heart remained cold. Despite his dedication, Emalee presented him with divorce papers. She bluntly stated she could not remain married to a man whose net worth was less than a million dollars. Ashton signed the papers, closing one chapter of his life and stepping into a new beginning. Then, Ashton revealed his secret identities: a music mogul, a medical expert, and a martial arts master—each persona impressive enough to stun the world. As Ashton’s true capabilities came to light, Emalee was overwhelmed with deep regret.
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.