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310,979	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310978}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	380949991206044	#1 (sciatic nerve) vitamin all adults over 60 MUST eat?	"𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 (𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧) 𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭?" 👇	LEARN_MORE	https://healthyreportlive.com/fb/special-save3/	126169433910790	Healthy Living Tips	https://facebook.com/61550790796328	7,842	0	1,597,882,141,041,129	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Healthy Living Tips	120207733793470387	healthyreportlive.com	NONE	image	sold out at walmart, over 7 times!	https://healthyreportlive.com/fb/special-save3/	2024-02-16 13:38	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428041630_266960703090216_2180029453788464157_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z1lceBV0spMAX9iUj89&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCpRBKh3DqcqrgOZPOerP-zWvGyL1ahQe1OBHWDjvXZ7Q&oe=65D6CC3F	person_profile	Healthy Living Tips	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428600785_309777082079003_7402865236561772108_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LeLZa337V2wAX8xK6Iy&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCifw2ZqTWODJlnPzSlggbR9eeumvJF0vnEQTJJjz3iJw&oe=65D7C2A4	3	Healthy Living Tips	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,103	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	933692581607253	Doctors Claimed He Would Never Walk Again, and Yet He Made it to the Olympics	From wheelchair to Olympics, he proved them all wrong.	LEARN_MORE	https://cooking4all.com/doctors-claimed-he-would-n	101654308598120	All Trends Today	https://facebook.com/100063974716131	537	1	898,043,302,053,695	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	All Trends Today	120205738431740521	cooking4all.com	NONE	image	Ireland’s superstar athlete, Kieran Behan, might have the luck of the Irish on his side now, but it didn’t always seem that way growing up. From being told as a child that he couldn’t ever walk again to becoming a multiple world title winner in the physically-enduring and artistic world of gym...	https://cooking4all.com/doctors-claimed-he-would-never-gg/	2024-02-16 14:37	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427812844_1426901511536530_4795151540742810230_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hVkuEJwMLz4AX_e0rjg&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBX6OjWG15KiQpvEsULpDkOGT85oyCWJBRL-2wR0S-3xg&oe=65D6937E	person_profile	All Trends Today	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427812844_923042789041224_3557340456409419034_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FnCYenIsMvQAX9toORP&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfDraC60RKF_dovvSZtnBuIAbnnAnaxfTRpEsxsu5q6SWQ&oe=65D6BD80	3	All Trends Today	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,745	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311737}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	932861431810224	#1 Restless Leg Relief Device [Sold Out 3x Already]	✨ Restless Legs Relief Device! ✨<br /> <br /> ✅ Relaxes Feet & Legs For More Restful Sleep<br /> ✅ Relieves Tingling, Pins & Needles<br /> ✅ Relief From Muscle Cramps & Spasms<br /> ✅ Stimulates Healthy Blood Flow<br /> ✅ Promotes Nerve Regeneration<br /> ✅ 120 Day Free Trial - 100% Money Back Guarantee!<br /> <br /> Get It Here >>> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fzurafit.com%2Fproducts%2Fzurafit-heated-leg-massager&h=AT2xzzYFpJDlFjD9gNzS-5jvmf6E4l4-Q4Htt62wp3lsTFDAESEOZmHnLCCuCN-GTPU412t_OYekWba96GvcQ0YBahJ4R7fVvkdz9nbNup2B2QZ6Oud4xiQer1OysJVcq-CMEHXbVOtZCoehXhEMTw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://zurafit.com/products/zurafit-heated-leg-massager</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://zurafit.com/products/zurafit-heated-leg-ma	109546384846491	Zurafit	https://facebook.com/100076174643416	3,364	0	1,334,843,957,232,088	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	Zurafit	120206268700360652	zurafit.com	NONE	video	FREE Shipping & 120-Day Results Or Refund Guarantee.	https://zurafit.com/products/zurafit-heated-leg-massager	2024-02-14 21:24	https://scontent.fosu2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427716721_379962201451026_6307346073516951809_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8T36oXeG5TQAX-Jzbzf&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-1.fna&oh=00_AfB8OWbln-4knSh-u2cR5gJmU3jKq1_WyLSwQjpmoM_fPg&oe=65D82585	person_profile	Zurafit	https://scontent.fosu2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426531769_2077718335939317_7418629044556653813_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BJXs7BlCQ8MAX-GfMf5&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-1.fna&oh=00_AfDqpSs0I-leBgvKb6i-xsTWTBfam0whhZj_LVA_CRWVIw&oe=65D80BB4	3	Zurafit	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,328	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311295}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	885160953291438	New Non-Drug Research for Bipolar Depression	Tried 4 or more medications for bipolar depression without success? Learn more about The RECOVER Study, a clinical trial covered by Medicare that is now enrolling for a non-drug therapy.<br /> <br /> VNS Therapy™ stimulates the vagus nerve to help ease depression symptoms. Qualified trial participants include adults over 18 who are:<br /> • Diagnosed with bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder<br /> • Currently experiencing an episode of depression<br /> • Receiving at least one mood stabilizing medication<br /> <br /> Take a short survey to learn more about The RECOVER Study.<br /> <br /> Important Safety Information: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.livanova.com%2Fdepression%2Fen-us%2Fsafety-information&h=AT2NiTxDPQQBJJrBxv95sgicpokkA4tXS6DPq6pjEITwUwtah5NdD5Z2GYAPNYoKMxhQ7qkdmfQ78FtC1y5lwJJLt0YLb7yqmFVygp-0PKt1OZ5o16Xg4DyO-ffdH0jLgDMn6P3m_qd_C5NYAobeDca4ud8" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.livanova.com/depression/en-us/safety-information</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://www.recovervns.com/	106051679207888	The Recover Study	https://facebook.com/recovervns	189	6	414,761,431,083,226	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	The Recover Study	120203282935380474	www.recovervns.com	NONE	image	All study-related care is provided at no cost.	https://www.recovervns.com/	2024-02-09 15:13	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426626502_709193487711867_8332612561438773786_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1oqmrKIY7xsAX-rGMtS&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAAkeMXx_aBC9nI0_WhyghYLzFNQC43yNGT-ol2pPjDhA&oe=65D7B8EB	person_profile	The Recover Study	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426988759_1089743255550570_1733280918866414225_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4wkZ4tEEY3YAX8u3nJR&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAfD369J_eoevhwOIYWEyj8-4bQZrlsOhiki6Aoc8hAKw&oe=65D76AB5	3	The Recover Study	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,622	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":true,"simple_request_ratio":0.09361702127659574,"is_bh_selenium":null,"selenium_ratio":null,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	694497305916475	Alternative Health Daily	Stay ahead of the game with Alternative Health Daily! 💻✨ Get exclusive access to cutting-edge health information and insights. Try it now!	LIKE_PAGE	https://www.facebook.com/216939691497309	216939691497309	Alternative Health Daily	https://facebook.com/61555379105896	401	1	327,447,519,717,544	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Like Page	Alternative Health Daily	120206246733500443	facebook.com	NONE	image		https://www.facebook.com/216939691497309	2024-02-13 13:14	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424608085_1116804596143893_2105346689017812361_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pzfXSc62IR0AX-bP4u-&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfBs2EYnmNsE0mOdUAQq7BLZtP_RtEV2C5oaPGFyZBW7IA&oe=65D745CF	person_profile			3	Alternative Health Daily	2024-02-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,807	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310870}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	902562938177170	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> "Trevor, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection."<br /> ******** <br /> As I'm lying here thinking about all of this, Tamaska starts jumping around in my mind. Like literally jumping around. She seems so excited all of a sudden. I look up and see Trevor standing over me, looking at me strangely. At first, he seems happy to see me, then his expression changes. I guess he remembers that we are no longer friends. Meanwhile, Tamaska is still going crazy in my head. Trevor and Tamaska say the one word I never wanted to hear in reference to Trevor. They both yell "mate". No, this can't be. I can't be his mate. This will never work. Now I'm panicking. I can see on his face that he is going to reject me. This is not the way my life is supposed to go. Oh, moon goddess, give me the strength to be strong and not break down.<br /> Trevor just stands there for a minute, then says, "let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> As soon as he said those words, I felt a pain like I have never experienced before. It's like my heart has been ripped apart. Tamaska starts whimpering. Trevor made my wolf cry. Why would he do this?<br /> "Why?" I ask. As much as I hate him seeing me cry, tears are running down her eyes. "Why would you do this to us? Why would you take away our chance to be happy? Do you really hate me that much?"<br /> "It's not about me hating you, Seleste." He says, "The mate bond will not let me hate you. I just don't think you are the right person to be my Luna. You are a good Gamma. Fighting is what you do, but I need someone else lying beside me. Not someone who will undermine me or make me look bad in front of the pack warriors. I just can't have you as my mate. I don't want you as my mate."<br /> I can't believe my mate is saying this to me. It's like he really wants to hurt me. He is saying that he prefers someone else over me, his mate. Tamaska has not stopped whimpering. She is so hurt by what our mate is saying. Although I knew this was coming, the pain was unbearable.<br /> "Are you sure this is what you want, Trevor? Do you want to think about this before you make a final decision?" I ask in a whisper.<br /> "Don't beg Seleste, it's really not becoming. It should be no surprise that I rejected you. I made it known over this past year that I do not want you in my life. Yes, I am sure. I do not want you as my mate. My rejection stands!" <br /> Did he just say stop begging? The nerve of him. I would never beg anyone to be with me. He wishes I was begging him. How is he going to feel when he finds out that I get a second chance mate while he is stuck without a mate? I don't need to beg. <br /> "Begging, the last thing I'm doing is begging. I have never begged and trust me; you are the last person I would ever beg to be in my life. Out of respect to your father, I have kept my opinion to myself about you and the way you are acting, but truthfully, Trevor, you are a disappointment. I don't know what your parents or the pack will do when they find out what you have done, but since this is what you want and since frankly, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection." I say and begin to walk away. I need to get away from him. It is taking everything in me to hold Tamaska back. She really wants to kick his butt right now.<br /> "Before you go, I order you not to tell anyone about us being mates," Trevor says in his alpha voice.<br /> Is he serious right now? Does he really not know that the alpha command does not work on our family? He really is not fit to lead our pack. He obviously did not pay attention in his alpha training, or he would know it is pointless to alpha command me. I will tell who I want to tell. I just look at him in disgust and walk away. As much as I want to break down and cry for hours, I refuse to let him see me cry more than he already has. I hold my head up high and walk away from him. The moon goddess granted me my request. I feel strong and I could keep myself together. At least until I get home. <br /> Once I make it to my house, I run to my mom and cry my eyes out. My mom keeps asking me what's wrong. My dad comes in and tries to talk to me, but I can't stop crying enough to talk to them. I can't say the words. At least not yet. My mom calls Mona to come to be with me and to help calm me down. After crying for about an hour, I'm finally ready to tell my family what happened. Wiping my eyes, I begin the story of my life right now.<br /> "I don't know where to start. I'll try to keep it simple. Tamaska was feeling restless, so I went to the clearing the grandmother used to take me to. As I was basking in the moon, Trevor walked into the clearing." I see my mom and dad stiffen when I mention Trevor's name. Mona just looks at me with concern. I think she knows what I'm about to tell them.<br /> "It turns out that I am Trevor's mate," I say with a sigh.<br /> "I don't understand," my dad says, "if you found your mate tonight, why are you crying? Did something happen to you or Trevor?"<br /> "Dad, Trevor rejected me." My family has the same shocked look I had.<br /> "Are you serious," my mom and Mona say at the same time.<br /> My dad is steaming mad right now. I'm afraid of what he will do. Trevor hurt his baby. This may not end well for Trevor. When my dad is angry, even the alpha stays out of his way. My mom and I are the only ones that can calm him down.<br /> "Yes, I'm serious. He said that I was not Luna material, and he did not want me as his mate or the right Luna for this pack." I explained to my family.<br /> "Trevor is an idiot," Mona says. "There is no one more suited to be our Luna. You have always put this pack first. You have always worked to make us better and stronger."<br /> "I know. Mona, it hurts so bad. My own mate does not want me. To make matters worse, he tried to alpha command me not to tell anyone that we are mates."<br /> "What!" my dad yells. "I need to go find this pup and teach him a lesson. No one hurts my baby and lives to talk about. Who does he think he is? He is obviously not fit to lead. He doesn't even know our pack's history. Every alpha knows that our family is not subject to any alpha. We serve out of choice, we submit out of respect, not out of compulsion. Our family has served this pack for generations, and I have never questioned that choice until now. This pack is not worth the pain it is causing my baby. First, I'm going to teach that brat a lesson, and then we are transferring to a different pack where they respect and appreciate us."<br /> "Baby calm down." My mom says to my dad. "Let's focus on our baby girl for now. What do you want to do, Seleste?"<br /> "I really don't know, momma. I don't want to run like a coward. He is not worth us turning our lives upside down. Besides, I will be traveling a lot after school anyway, so I will rarely see him. And dad, if you hurt Trevor, I may ruin your friendship with Alpha Connor. I'm sure he does not know what Trevor did. And No dad, I don't want you to tell him. I don't want anyone to know that Trevor was my mate. Grandmother told me that if one of us gets rejected by our mate, the moon goddess will bless us with a second chance mate. While I don't want another mate right now, there is still hope for me in the future. Right now, I just want to get through the end of the school year."<br /> "Ok baby girl, if this is what you want, your father and I will support your decision. But remember, you are my daughter. You will not sit around and mope about that pup. I will give you one full day to cry and be sad, then I want you to pick yourself up and start moving forward. It may still hurt, but it will not destroy you."<br /> "Thanks, mom," I say, hugging my parents. "You always know what to say.<br /> "You are my favorite daughter; I will always be there for you in this life and the next."<br /> "Mom, I'm your only daughter," I say with a smile.<br /> "And don't you forget it," my mom says.<br /> My family spent the rest of the night talking, listening, and wiping my tears. I am so glad I have them in my life. My mom is right. I will not wallow in sadness over Trevor. He has proven that he is not worthy of me. He made his choice and now I am free. I will be able to move on. He thought he would break me, but I won't break. I go to my room and grab my journal and begin to write. I just let all my hurt, anger, and disappointments release on paper. Writing poetry has always been my outlet. Speaking of poetry, I think I will ask the girls to go to Jazzy's tomorrow night.<br /> As I lie in bed, I start to feel this burning feeling in my stomach. I feel like someone is clawing my stomach from the inside. I have a high pain tolerance, but this is unbearable. I yell out in pain. My mom and dad run into my room when they hear me cry out. I tell my mom about the pain in my stomach. My dad gets mad all over again. They don't want to tell me what's going on. Mom says I'm better not knowing. Tamaska is howling in my head. She has been quiet since Trevor rejected us, but now she is balled up in a knot, howling and crying. I know this has to be about Trevor. He made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She does not deserve to be hurt like this.<br /> "T what's wrong? What's happening? Mom and dad will not tell me."<br /> "It's mate, he is being intimate with another she-wolf." Tamaska cries. "He really does not want us, and he is already with someone else. Seleste, I can't handle this right now. I'm going to take a break from this. I'll still be with you, but I'm going into a deep sleep, at least for now, don't worry, I'm not going away and I won't be down long. I just need a little time."<br /> "It's ok T. I love you and I will be here for you." I sent T a hug. I wish I could hold and pet her right now.<br /> "Mom, Dad, Trevor made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She did not deserve that. T told me what this pain is. There is no coming back from this. He has truly sealed our fates and our future. I am done with him. If I had it in me to hate anyone, I would definitely hate Trevor."<br /> "Like your mom said, baby girl, we will support you no matter what. You deserve better. I will stay out of it and let you handle it for now, but if he hurts you again, I will have to step in. There is no way I or my wolf can stand by and let someone hurt my pup. I don't care who it is."<br /> We all walked out of the house and headed to the venue for the party. <br /> "I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate the 18th birthday of the circle of ten, our next generation of the leaders of the pack. I'm sure that together, the ten will continue to move our pack to greater things." The alpha says. He announces all the mate connections in our group of ten. The pack is so happy for the mates, the alpha can barely get a word in. Finally, the crowd calms down, and the alpha announces Trevor and his fake mate. I look at my dad and shake my head as the alpha speaks. I don't want my dad to lose it and tell the pack that Trevor rejected me. <br /> "And finally, I would like to announce that my son, your future alpha, has also found his mate, Shana. Show them all some love." <br /> The crowd goes wild again. Nobody knows that they are a fraud, so they are happy to have what they think is the next alpha and luna.<br /> The alpha goes on to tell the pack about the mating ceremony planned for all the mates that will happen next Saturday on a full moon. The alpha tells all the still unmated wolves to let Beta Vareen know if they find their mates before the ceremony, so they can be included.<br /> The alpha tells us he has one more announcement. Yep, He will be retiring, and Trevor will take over as alpha- There goes the pack. <br /> "As it is our tradition, I will turn it over to Trevor to officially announce the next Beta and Gamma of the pack; Trevor." Alpha Connor says and steps back to his spot next to the luna. <br /> "Hello everyone," Trevor says. From the time alpha announced that Trevor will take over, he has been smirking at me.<br /> "I hope you all had a good time tonight. I know I did. The Blue Moon pack knows how to throw a party. Let me start by introducing you all to my mate and your future Luna, Shana Stevens."<br /> Everyone cheers for their pretend Luna. Trevor is looking at me to see if I react, which I don't. <br /> "And your next Gamma, Mona True" <br /> I think everyone here is in complete shock. I froze in my spot. Alpha Connor tried to run interference and stop Trevor before he takes this too far, but of course, Trevor didn't listen. <br /> "Son, what are you doing?" Alpha Connor asked, "Seleste is the next Gamma."<br /> "No, Dad," Trevor answers him. "I don't think Seleste is the right one for the position. Seleste has done nothing but undermine my authority in the pack for the last year. As alpha, I can't have anyone under me who does not respect my position as head of the pack. I want Mona as my Gamma. I think that is best for the pack." <br /> "Dad, my mate, and I discussed this. Aside from the fact that Seleste does not respect me or my position, it is common knowledge that Seleste is in love with me. My mate does not feel that Seleste will have her best interest at heart. My mate does not feel safe with Seleste, being in charge of our safety and security. As her mate, I have to put her first and protect her peace of mind. Seleste being here affects her peace negatively and I can't have that."<br /> I notice my dad is about to lose control. I need to get to him before things go completely left. To defuse the situation and give Trevor what he wants and hopefully stop this drama, I agree that I don't need the Gamma title. <br /> "Fine," I tell Trevor. "Gamma is just a title. I don't need it. Not having the title does not change who I am. I will still train the warrior and fulfill my other obligations. As far as respecting you Trevor, respect is earned, and up until recently, I thought you deserved my respect. You have shown me over the last couple of days that I was mistaken about you. So, you can keep the Gamma position. I don't want it. As far as being in love with you. That is laughable. I don't even like you." <br /> He actually smirks at me. This fool thinks he has won. He is just sad.<br /> "Well, that is settled. Seleste will not be the next gamma. And since you mentioned training the pact, that's the other thing. I do not want you training my warriors anymore. Since you are mad that you are not the Luna of this pack, how do I know you won't influence the warriors against me or continue to undermine my authority?"<br /> So that is his game plan. He wants to withdraw me of all power. Does he really not realize who I am? Everything my family has done for this pack. Now I'm slightly pissed, but I need to try to stay in control so that my father doesn't kill this fool.<br /> "Are you serious right now, Trevor? I have done nothing but make this pack better. I have spent my life learning and training so that I can strengthen this pack, and you want to take that from me because of your pettiness." <br /> I let Trevor know that he really does not have the authority to take the training position from me. I train packs under the authority of the council. No Alpha's word is above that of the council. But since he wants to be petty, I can take my strength, skill, and protection to another pack.<br /> "Save it Seleste, I have made my decision. As of now, you are nothing to this pack. Why don't you find another pack to train, since you mentioned other packs? We don't want you here."<br /> "Gladly," I tell him. "And when I leave, you will take the full brunt of your decisions and the consequences of what you are doing tonight."<br /> I am so over these things now. This pack needs my family more than I need this. I can leave and be accepted into any pack in the kingdom, including the royal pack.<br /> Ben and the other warrior begin to speak up for me. That appears to make Trevor even more pissed. Right now, his own father and current alpha is looking at him like he has completely lost his mind and he is standing in front of the pack looking proud. I always thought Trevor was pretty intelligent. Now I think there is something wrong with him. He just will not stop digging himself into a hole. <br /> "See, that's why I need to restrict Seleste of her power," Trevor says in anger and frustration. <br /> "The warriors are more loyal to her than they are to me. You all need to respect me. I am the alpha. What I say goes. None of you have my permission to leave. If you choose to leave, you will be rogues. Will you throw everything away just for her?"<br /> I am so proud of my Elite 12 members. We always stand for what is right.<br /> "I don't know about the others," Tim said, "But I would rather go, rogue than stay in this pack with you as the alpha. As Gamma Seleste said, respect is earned, and I just lost all that of it I had for you. Sorry, Alpha Connor, I cannot serve your son. I will prepare to leave this pack in the next two hours." Tim said.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvOTk4Njkv	175289189001736	Cha111	https://facebook.com/61554253460477	15	1	2,418,770,164,977,185	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Cha111	120205222437530372	b.chaptersapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvOTk4NjkvMjAyNDAyMDUxMTE4MjIvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-02-04 21:23	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421942444_1347574015747693_1219645226882335203_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r26D1sJhp_QAX-hjKPR&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAFiFWceFSlN9H3FToSG5nbaURILBwfTihvAqq1h315Jw&oe=65D67A08	person_profile	Cha111	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422013599_1152587242394292_8564737160176314023_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YwOEfXddJM0AX9Xt2ig&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC-vD8XTYq8NhFCcOKXSdwVJtZXJgTxGygrjudhraqavg&oe=65D79FF2	3	Cha111	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,423	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310965}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	384437564337405	No more Neuropathic foot pain...	Here’s why I threw my neuropathy meds in the trash…<br /> <br /> After years of constant numbness, burning pains and pins and needles in my feet and my hands… My Doctor prescribed me pretty much every drug out there and all they did was make me tired and drowsy!<br /> <br /> I was so fed up…<br /> <br /> Fed up of the tingling pain…<br /> <br /> Fed up of the expensive meds…<br /> <br /> Fed up of constantly feeling down!<br /> <br /> And that’s when my husband stumbled across a video he saw in his feed which revealed the root cause of nerve pain…<br /> <br /> And how the meds I was taking can actually make the burning and tingling worse… not to mention the terrible side effects?!<br /> �I sat in shock as I watched the short video taking it all in… and then to my sheer delight, the video revealed a 5 second method which erased burning and tingling in just a few days… without any need for meds!<br /> <br /> So, I wasted no time in trying this 5-second method… Me and my husband went down to the local store and grabbed what we needed…<br /> <br /> Literally minutes after doing this method, I instantly noticed a difference… it was so weird… and for the first time in years, I managed to get a good nights sleep without waking up in pain!<br /> <br /> I carried on using the method for the next 7 days, and sure enough the burning and tingling reduced more and more until day 8 when I had no burning or tingling whatsoever… the first full day of no pain in as long as I can remember!<br /> <br /> And now 3 months on, I haven’t experienced any pains at all and I now tell everyone I know who suffers from the same about this 5-second method… in fact I’ve linked to the very same video I watched a few months back below… <br /> <br /> Tap now and prepare to be amazed!	WATCH_MORE	https://lp.feelingwonderful.club/65cde6d34e530c000	117376264711247	Allie M. Faucett	https://facebook.com/100093598293855	1,501	1	3,698,014,747,153,922	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Watch more	Allie M. Faucett	120205104190960431	feelingwonderful.club	NONE	video		https://lp.feelingwonderful.club/65cde6d34e530c0001aedf4e?sub1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&sub2=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&sub3=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&sub4=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&sub5=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&sub6=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&sub7=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&sub8=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid	2024-02-16 12:16	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428622251_1074337457010587_1477844316289285749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XKuSeWdK5UYAX8hr-J3&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfANpu0cf9eJFgIH_8Qs6ri1q7KQ4mgtyAvVoysvPrhBkA&oe=65D750D5	person_profile	Allie M. Faucett	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428041951_407498801761367_8279843740516936029_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-FQwcQpfBZ8AX9iHa8I&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBSXws4JpaqCXl9V3n8D0nI0qUzIlYz4xxniCA0eDrzMg&oe=65D6A2F2	3	Allie M. Faucett	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,903	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	940303243705870	Free reading with Title "Love at the Wrong Table"	“I know, Mom. I'm in front of the café. Call you later!” Emmanuel Lowe hung up on his mother impatiently.<br /> The twenty-eight-year-old man had never been in a relationship.<br /> <br /> After spending seven years in the army, he retired from the military and worked at a hospital in Yeringham for three years.<br /> <br /> He was a gynecologist at the hospital and made eighty thousand a year.<br /> <br /> Worried he would end up old and alone, Emmanuel's mother urged him to settle down. Since he had no idea where to begin when it came to dating, his mother took matters into her own hands and set him up on multiple blind dates.<br /> <br /> Thanks to her efforts, he had gone on seventeen blind dates so far.<br /> <br /> Alas, wedding bells were clearly not on the horizon for Emmanuel. It was frustrating. He knew he was just going through the motions at that point.<br /> <br /> “Help! Someone help me!”<br /> <br /> Right before Emmanuel entered the café, he heard someone calling out weakly for help.<br /> <br /> The cries came from an old man who had fallen on the roadside. Many pedestrians walked past him, but no one dared to stop and help him to his feet.<br /> <br /> After all, helping the old man could be more trouble than it was worth if one ended up with an expensive lawsuit for injuring him further. No one would do something that risky and foolish.<br /> <br /> It did not deter Emmanuel from stepping forward and helping the man to his feet. He asked, “Are you all right, sir?”<br /> <br /> “I'm fine! Thank you so much, young man! It's so hard to find people as kind as you these days. I must repay you for your kindness!” replied the old man with a smile.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel realized then that the old man's attire was at odds with his airs. Despite his tattered clothes, the old man's clean hands looked like those of a man accustomed to wealth.<br /> <br /> Still, he had no time to satisfy his curiosity. After confirming that the old man was unharmed, Emmanuel rushed into the café for his blind date. He never once considered being repaid for his kind act earlier.<br /> <br /> The café was massive and practically structured like a maze.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's mother mentioned that his blind date was seated at table number eight. He wandered through the confusing café, but before he could locate the correct table, he stumbled into a special area.<br /> <br /> The lighting was softer there, and the floor was scattered with fresh petals.<br /> <br /> The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the air. He wondered if he had set foot in heaven.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel raised his eyes and immediately froze.<br /> <br /> A beautiful, elegant woman sat before a table in the room.<br /> <br /> It was no exaggeration to say she embodied perfection itself.<br /> <br /> The heavens clearly decided to shower all their favors on her.<br /> <br /> The woman quietly sipped her coffee with her legs crossed neatly to the side. On the table was a non-translated copy of The Power Broker.<br /> <br /> When she noticed Emmanuel barging into the room, she looked up at him in confusion and displeasure.<br /> <br /> Thump! Thump! Thump!<br /> <br /> When Emmanuel recovered from the shock of stumbling upon the beautiful stranger, he realized his heart was about to beat its way out of his chest.<br /> <br /> Never once had he ever felt so attracted to a woman in his twenty-eight years of life.<br /> <br /> The countless female bodies he had seen in his work as a gynecologist hardly appealed to him. At some point, he even wondered if he was attracted to women at all.<br /> <br /> Against all odds, it seemed, the young woman before him made his heart race like a runaway horse.<br /> <br /> Am I simply nervous, or am I already attracted to her?<br /> <br /> More surprisingly, Emmanuel noticed a large number eight sign on the woman's table.<br /> <br /> She's my blind date?<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath to calm himself before approaching her table and taking a seat opposite her.<br /> <br /> The young woman's expression grew increasingly flabbergasted. There was even a hint of hostility in her pretty eyes.<br /> <br /> The audacity of this man! Barging into my private room is bad enough, but he's going to sit opposite me like it's nobody's business?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel ignored her expression. It was not the first time a woman had scoffed at him.<br /> <br /> They were free to go their separate ways after getting the blind date done and over with.<br /> <br /> He introduced himself, declaring, “Hi! My name is Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist. I make eighty thousand a year and don't own a car or a house.”<br /> <br /> Any man would need an incredible amount of courage to say such things to a woman, but Emmanuel appeared unusually calm and unfazed.<br /> <br /> The young woman stared at him in shock. A moment later, her lips curved into a smirk, and she replied with an introduction of her own.<br /> <br /> “Nice to meet you. I'm Mackenzie Quillen. I'm twenty-seven years old with dual doctorates in finance and business administration from Harvard University. I made three billion last year, and I have a car and a house.”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel was stunned.<br /> <br /> What is happening?<br /> <br /> He always thought women on blind dates came with red flags.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie, however, was arguably flawless.<br /> <br /> Where's the catch?<br /> <br /> All sorts of fantastical theories filled Emmanuel's mind.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie smirked at his perplexed expression. The pride in her cool gaze was evident.<br /> <br /> She deliberately introduced herself to put the stranger in a difficult spot and intimidate him into retreating.<br /> <br /> As expected, awkward silence lingered in the air after her words.<br /> <br /> Urgh, forget it!<br /> <br /> Whether Mackenzie was telling the truth was beside the point. Emmanuel decided to go through all the motions so he could at least mollify his mother, even if the date did not result in a trip to the altar.<br /> <br /> He declared, “I don't make much, but if you decide to date me, I promise I'll always protect and cherish you. I'll take over all the household chores so you can be a queen at home. Of course, I hope you'll allow me to preserve my masculine pride in front of my family. If we do get married, I can give you about five to six thousand every month.”<br /> <br /> It was a well-worn script that Emmanuel recited in a single breath.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie was dumbfounded at his earnest expression and apparent lack of shame at his much lower salary.<br /> <br /> A long while later, she burst into a chuckle.<br /> <br /> She had never met a man who could humor her so.<br /> <br /> “What are you laughing about?” Unimpressed by her reaction, Emmanuel continued, “I know I don't check all the boxes, but I promise I'll be a good and responsible husband if we're married!”<br /> <br /> Pfft!<br /> <br /> Mackenzie failed to keep in her snigger.<br /> <br /> An annoyed Emmanuel demanded, “Why are you laughing, Ms. Quillen? Don't you think you're being rather rude?”<br /> <br /> “Sir, you're a very good man!” Mackenzie stopped smiling and retorted coldly, “But I think you're the confused one here. I'm not here for a blind date!”<br /> <br /> Huh? What is going on?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's eyes widened in horror as he sputtered, “Isn't this table number eight?”<br /> <br /> “Yes, but this is the VIP area. You must be looking for table number eight in the common dining area. Please go out and turn right!” She pointed a slender finger at the exit.<br /> <br /> “Oh... Sorry! I'm so sorry! I mixed things up!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel wished he could sink into the floor in embarrassment. He jumped to his feet, ready to make a hasty escape.<br /> <br /> That was so embarrassing! How could I sit at the wrong table for a blind date? No wonder she was laughing so much. She must have thought I was shooting above my weight!<br /> <br /> Shortly after Emmanuel's departure, an old man entered Mackenzie's private room, escorted by four black-clad bodyguards.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel would have been astonished if he was still around. The old man was none other than the stranger he had helped earlier in front of the café!<br /> <br /> He implored, “Perhaps this is fate, Mackenzie. You're twenty-seven, but you've never been in a relationship because of your misandry. No man would dare come near you! But that young man succeeded! He's also a kind and just person. A while ago, he helped me outside the café and didn't expect a reward for his actions!”<br /> <br /> The old man's true identity was Terence Quillen, chairman of Yeringham's premier financial corporation.<br /> <br /> While his wealth could trump that of entire nations, he had a major regret in life.<br /> <br /> Terence had had three sons who tragically passed away before him. They either had no children of their own or only left daughters behind.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie was Terence's favorite granddaughter and next-in-line to helm Terence Group.<br /> <br /> Her intelligence and charisma did not change the fact that she was a woman.<br /> <br /> Before Terence met his maker, he wished his favorite granddaughter could give him a great-grandchild.<br /> <br /> That spurred him to fake his fall in front of the café and scout a decent man for his granddaughter. To his surprise, the young man who helped him earlier made a blunder of his own blind date and ended up meeting Mackenzie instead.<br /> <br /> Isn't that fate?<br /> <br /> Mackenzie remained stoically unmoved by her grandfather's words. “Grandpa, he may have passed your test, but he hasn't passed mine. I'll marry him if he aces my test.”<br /> <br /> She wanted to fulfill her grandfather's wish, but she naturally wished to promise herself to a good man.<br /> <br /> Marrying a man after one blind date was simply too hasty and careless.<br /> <br /> Terence's gaze lit up expectantly, and he replied, “All right! I'm sure he will pass your test!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Failure<br /> <br /> After turning right at the door, Emmanuel finally found table number eight in the common dining area.<br /> <br /> Sure enough, a woman was seated at the table, looking like she was running out of patience.<br /> <br /> Dressed in professional attire that accentuated her beautiful curves, she was, by all means, a sight to behold.<br /> <br /> Even though she didn't exude the same air of elegance that Mackenzie had, there was no denying she had the power to make men fall at her feet.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, Emmanuel wasn't disappointed in the slightest. After all, he was well aware of his own qualities.<br /> <br /> Without further ado, he straightened himself up and approached the woman with a smile.<br /> <br /> “Sorry I'm late! My name's Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist with an annual salary of eighty thousand—”<br /> <br /> “Stop!” the woman coldly interrupted before he could finish his introduction. “What's the meaning of this? With what little you have to offer; do you seriously think women would want to marry you? I can't believe you even had the nerve to be late! What right do you have to keep a woman waiting? This has been an utter waste of my time. Hmph!”<br /> <br /> After firing off a barrage of questions, the red-faced woman angrily splashed a glass of water on Emmanuel's face.<br /> <br /> The latter, who was caught off guard, instantly became soaking wet.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, Emmanuel didn't lose his temper. After all, he was indeed late because he went to the wrong place, so he could understand why the woman was upset.<br /> <br /> “Hmph. You're twenty-eight and still only earning eighty-thousand a year. No wonder you're doing so poorly! Not only do you lack punctuality, but you also don't seem to take life seriously. You're doomed to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy your entire life! I'm shocked you even have the guts to go on a blind date with me... Stop being delusional!” the woman scolded as she shot Emmanuel a look of contempt.<br /> <br /> The next second, she grabbed her bag and stormed off, not once bothering to leave her name.<br /> <br /> To add insult to injury, she even waved a wad of cash in front of Emmanuel's face, then slapped it hard on the table as payment for the bill.<br /> <br /> The latter's gaze darkened instantly as rage began pulsing through his veins.<br /> <br /> This woman is humiliating me! I may not have high expectations for marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper! Argh! As much as I want to make her regret her actions, I know I don't have that capability...<br /> <br /> Since the woman was gone, Emmanuel, too, left the café glumly.<br /> <br /> To his surprise, he had only just stepped out the door when he saw a long-haired man deliberately colliding into a BMW and screaming in pain.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel couldn't help but furrow his brows. Oh, gosh. That man is clearly staging a car accident. Why is there so much trouble in this café today?<br /> <br /> “Ah! Someone's been hit!”<br /> <br /> “Argh! My leg's broken! Murderer!”<br /> <br /> Four men immediately rushed out to join the commotion when the long-haired man fell on the ground.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, Emmanuel saw right through their ploy. Ha! Those guys must be the co-conspirators!<br /> <br /> Just then, a young lady hastily exited the BMW, clad in a maroon sleeveless dress that revealed a large expanse of tender, fair skin.<br /> <br /> “What's the matter? How could I have injured your leg when I was driving so slowly?” she asked anxiously.<br /> <br /> Seconds later, the long-haired man's buddies surrounded the woman, demanding compensation. “Cut the crap! Pay up! Pay up now!”<br /> <br /> Several people in the café had witnessed the staged accident, but unfortunately, they were so afraid of the big, burly men that no one dared to confront them.<br /> <br /> “How much do you guys want?” the woman muttered helplessly, having resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to settle the matter with money.<br /> <br /> The group of thugs, however, began leering at and drooling over her.<br /> <br /> “Haha. Hey, why don't you have some fun with us?” one of the men suggested.<br /> <br /> Just like that, what had started as a staged accident quickly turned into public harassment.<br /> <br /> The pretty woman was so scared out of her wits that she staggered backward until she bumped into Emmanuel.<br /> <br /> Instead of taking advantage of her like the other thugs, Emmanuel stepped in front of her and glared at the long-haired man.<br /> <br /> “Your leg's broken, and you're asking for compensation, huh?”<br /> <br /> Upon seeing Emmanuel's menacing expression, the thugs felt chills down their spines.<br /> <br /> At the same time, Mackenzie was sitting in the café and watching the entire scene unfold.<br /> <br /> Well, well, well. Who knew that man would be so brave? I'm sure no one else would have the guts to go up against five thugs.<br /> <br /> The next second, Emmanuel stunned everyone by viciously kicking the long-haired man's leg.<br /> <br /> “Argh!” the latter shouted in pain as he began hopping on the leg that was supposedly broken.<br /> <br /> The onlookers instantly let out a collective gasp.<br /> <br /> Goodness gracious! That man is daring!<br /> <br /> Mackenzie, too, had curled her lips into a smile.<br /> <br /> The café was one of her properties, so naturally, she had also seen how Emmanuel's blind date went.<br /> <br /> I thought he was a timid man when he didn't flare up despite being splashed with water. Who knew he was just a gentleman who doesn't lose his temper with women? I must admit, he looks rather charming when he shows his tough side!<br /> <br /> “What's this? Didn't you say your leg's broken? I'm impressed you can still jump on it!” Emmanuel mocked.<br /> <br /> When the onlookers realized that the long-haired man had lied about his injury, they wasted no time scolding and criticizing him.<br /> <br /> By then, the other thugs had also lost their bravado and fell silent. After all, they knew the tables had turned on them.<br /> <br /> “Hmph. I'll let you off this time. You'd better watch your back!” the long-haired man warned before running away with his tail between his legs.<br /> <br /> With that, the pretty woman gave Emmanuel a warm smile and coyly gestured for him to get into her car. “Hey, handsome, thank you so much for your help. Would you like to go to my house for a drink?”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel, however, brushed her off without a second thought. “No, thank you. I have other things to do!”<br /> <br /> Seeing how unmoved he was by her advances, the woman couldn't help but stomp her feet in frustration.<br /> <br /> Back in the café, Mackenzie heard her grandfather burst into loud guffaws.<br /> <br /> “Haha! I told you so, Mackenzie! Didn't I say that man has an excellent character? Your assistant, Lexi, is such a beautiful woman, yet he refuses to give her the time of day! Once you guys are married, you won't have to worry about him betraying you!”<br /> <br /> The more Mackenzie ruminated about Terence's words, the more her impression of Emmanuel improved.<br /> <br /> “Don't be too happy yet, Grandpa! Men are either after looks or money,” Mackenzie uttered coldly before getting up.<br /> <br /> Ha! I doubt Emmanuel can pass my second secret test of character!<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Emmanuel had gotten home after his matchmaking session failed spectacularly.<br /> <br /> Needless to say, his sister, Roselynn Lowe, was frustrated beyond belief. “What? Another unsuccessful blind date?”<br /> <br /> This is the eighteenth time, for goodness' sake! My brother's a six-foot tall, fit, and upstanding young man. Why won't any woman take a fancy to him? He may be thick-skulled at times, but surely, someone will still appreciate him for his good looks, won't they?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's mother, Alessandra Cadigan, seemed even more anxious as she hurriedly dragged him out of the house.<br /> <br /> “Mom, what are you doing?” Emmanuel asked, startled by how panic-stricken Alessandra was.<br /> <br /> “What am I doing? I'm worried sick about you!” the woman scolded without breaking her stride. “I don't understand it, either. Our neighbor's an unkempt twenty-eight-year-old novelist who's always cooped up at home, yet he's already planning for his second child! Why can't my son get a girlfriend? That woman didn't even stay for the blind date, did she? I paid good money to set this up for you! Let's go see her at her house right now!”<br /> <br /> “What?” Emmanuel choked out.<br /> <br /> Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mom has gotten this desperate! The matchmaking session was an utter failure, so why must she still insist on dragging me to the woman's place? Wouldn't I just be embarrassing myself again?<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Rags to Riches<br /> <br /> In any relationship, the party taking the initiative was often seen as lowlier and more desperate.<br /> <br /> Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman wore an even haughtier expression than when she was at the café.<br /> <br /> Ha! I knew he wouldn't be able to get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again!<br /> <br /> Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was just as smug when she learned of the Lowe family's intention.<br /> <br /> “If your son wishes to marry my daughter, you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand,” she said as she raised her palm. “We won't accept anything less!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's heart instantly sank.<br /> <br /> Oh, my goodness! Five hundred thousand? Is she trying to sell her daughter?<br /> <br /> Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. “T-That's fine!”<br /> <br /> As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house!<br /> <br /> “Your family must also provide a car and matrimonial home!” Milani's father chimed in. “More importantly, you're not going to let my daughter pay for any installments or maintenance fees!”<br /> <br /> By then, Emmanuel was on the verge of losing his patience.<br /> <br /> Shouldn't marriages be consensual? I don't expect both parties to be forking out the wedding expenses equally, but why does it feel like my family's here to surrender and be fleeced?<br /> <br /> Alessandra, too, found herself in a tight spot.<br /> <br /> She could sell the house to afford the betrothal gift, but how would she pay for the couple's car and home?<br /> <br /> “Sure. That's no problem!” Roselynn piped up, even going so far as to pull her brother back when she realized he wanted to object.<br /> <br /> She was just as eager for Emmanuel to start a family, and at thirty years old, she had worked and saved up enough to make the necessary down payments for him.<br /> <br /> Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift, I shall help Emmanuel with the car and home!<br /> <br /> “Lastly, he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!” Milani suddenly said.<br /> <br /> That, however, was the last straw for Emmanuel. “I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!”<br /> <br /> “Look at your son! What's with that attitude?” Milani yelled. “We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?”<br /> <br /> “No, no, no... The marriage will work out. It'd work out just fine!” Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding.<br /> <br /> I can't wait any longer... I must fulfill my husband's last wish by the end of the year!<br /> <br /> Having seen how things were going, even Roselynn knew she had to step in to persuade her mother. “Mom! Stop forcing it!”<br /> <br /> Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with giving a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife, then? Why can't she chip in? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents?<br /> <br /> Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, suddenly appeared with a cocky grin plastered on his face. “Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Emmanuel instantly exploded with rage.<br /> <br /> “What? Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!”<br /> <br /> Even though Emmanuel had only meant that as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to his word. “Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that...”<br /> <br /> “Get lost! I'd rather marry anybody than you!” Emmanuel retorted as the rage and ferocity he used to experience on the battlefield came flooding back.<br /> <br /> He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but there was no doubt they were monsters.<br /> <br /> “Look at yourself! How dare you ask me for my hand in marriage! I'd rather marry anybody than you too!” Milani snapped back.<br /> <br /> Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a man like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to fall out with me!<br /> <br /> After giving an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stood up and stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn with no choice but to follow suit.<br /> <br /> To their surprise, they had only just stepped out of the Zimmerman residence when three luxury cars pulled up in front of them.<br /> <br /> The Zimmermans quickly popped out to see the commotion and almost dropped their jaws when they saw the car lineup.<br /> <br /> Oh! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel, on the other contrary, seemed to recognize one of the cars. Hmm... Didn't I see that car outside the café?<br /> <br /> The next second, Terence stepped out of the car, surrounded by his convoy of suited bodyguards.<br /> <br /> He smiled as he approached Emmanuel and said politely, “I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!”<br /> <br /> Needless to say, everyone was stunned.<br /> <br /> Roselynn couldn't hide her excitement and gripped her brother's arm tightly.<br /> <br /> Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories?<br /> <br /> The more Emmanuel thought about it, the more he frowned. Wow... Who knew this old man was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café?<br /> <br /> Terence waved his hand, and within seconds, his subordinates had unloaded several boxes of gifts.<br /> <br /> Not only were there precious stones and jewelry, but there were also famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key.<br /> <br /> The total value of the items had to be at least ten million.<br /> <br /> For someone who earned a mere eighty thousand a year, ten million was an eye-watering amount of money that Emmanuel could only dream of!<br /> <br /> Upon witnessing the scene, the Zimmerman family almost collapsed in shock.<br /> <br /> Milani might be a well-dressed woman, but the truth was, her family was just like any other average family. To them, ten million was undoubtedly an astronomical sum!<br /> <br /> If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway!<br /> <br /> After snapping out of her daze, she smiled and hastily clutched Emmanuel's arm.<br /> <br /> “What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow... You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!”<br /> <br /> “Who's your darling?” Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani so much that she wanted to crawl into a hole.<br /> <br /> As though that wasn't enough, he brusquely pushed her away and added, “Didn't you just reject me? Why are you still calling me that?”<br /> <br /> “Uh... I—” Milani muttered, clearly at a loss for words.<br /> <br /> Her family, too, was incredibly frustrated.<br /> <br /> After all, they had just missed out on getting a wealthy son-in-law!<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Alessandra was about to say something when Roselynn tugged at her.<br /> <br /> As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find a better woman!<br /> <br /> “Mom, Roselynn, let's go!” Emmanuel said before ushering both women into the car.<br /> <br /> He didn't want to accept the gifts, especially since he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve them. However, it wasn't the time and place to discuss the matter, so he decided to leave instead.<br /> <br /> Once the Lowe family had left, a gust of cold wind swept over the Zimmermans as they seethed silently.<br /> <br /> “How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?” Melody berated.<br /> <br /> “W-What should I do now, then?”<br /> <br /> In all honesty, Milani was at a complete loss. She had gone on several blind dates to find a rich husband who could give her a life of luxury.<br /> <br /> Alas, who knew she'd let a multi-millionaire slip right through her fingers?<br /> <br /> “What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?” Melody suggested.<br /> <br /> Jacob, who was just as anxious, instantly exclaimed, “I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!”<br /> <br /> “Okay, okay. I got it!” Milani replied with a long sigh.<br /> <br /> Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms... Would he still care about me?<br /> <br /> 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚"Love at the Wrong Table". Enjoy Romance Now🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	102114825976458	The novels	https://facebook.com/100085012467697	25,543	2	662,432,366,039,829	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Learn more	The novels	120205357470480429	page.joyreadings.com	NONE	image		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=4685&brand=2&app=0&ppid=1635&pid=FBW2A&campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D	2024-02-16 10:07	https://scontent-den2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424613818_363507689821726_5886375733357852105_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=la7PCfNlEOoAX99HyY2&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.xx&oh=00_AfDXHCx8wxVBqF3TZyZaGG0pQwJiQo1OT-H4cvUXUodJBA&oe=65D8218F	person_profile	The novels	https://scontent-den2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425313237_422389700452200_8904838390447874461_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xTCeV1opn7YAX-DNFYq&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.xx&oh=00_AfC4P4cydUPhGOoOIA_WGvqAC7QMNW9JAfGsfB0wyt1FrQ&oe=65D80EA7	3	The novels	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,566	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310565}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	750267520104687	92.7% Seniors Don't Know This Neuropathy Relief Method	92% of elder Americans have no idea about this new breakthrough to relief foot nerve pain. Tap below to watch the video and relief foot nerve pain once and for all. 👣	LEARN_MORE	https://clk.topamericansociety.com/65b7ddfd9aa9c40	106547265765229	Top American Society	https://facebook.com/100092097585360	11,575	0	1,435,562,027,037,596	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Top American Society	120206091987560626	clk.topamericansociety.com	NONE	video		https://clk.topamericansociety.com/65b7ddfd9aa9c40001682e9e?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&s1=DMAX102-5	2024-02-16 10:38	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428210633_918249189993866_4582696170767693291_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9CMfCnQeYfEAX8IIGP2&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfB866FnUWc58OjZsHMB-dahnRlws94yayJchEUyZNYuGQ&oe=65D71685	person_profile	Top American Society	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427816918_930413415353149_9209327183212218620_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7QITDxkdEzUAX-jRPCJ&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBtjnJgDbeZpUpSlIO8GLk0CfyARUlwo1nsMXIyJ6lJNA&oe=65D77121	3	Top American Society	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,542	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311600}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	361364260180220	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> "Trevor, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection."<br /> ******** <br /> As I'm lying here thinking about all of this, Tamaska starts jumping around in my mind. Like literally jumping around. She seems so excited all of a sudden. I look up and see Trevor standing over me, looking at me strangely. At first, he seems happy to see me, then his expression changes. I guess he remembers that we are no longer friends. Meanwhile, Tamaska is still going crazy in my head. Trevor and Tamaska say the one word I never wanted to hear in reference to Trevor. They both yell "mate". No, this can't be. I can't be his mate. This will never work. Now I'm panicking. I can see on his face that he is going to reject me. This is not the way my life is supposed to go. Oh, moon goddess, give me the strength to be strong and not break down.<br /> Trevor just stands there for a minute, then says, "let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> As soon as he said those words, I felt a pain like I have never experienced before. It's like my heart has been ripped apart. Tamaska starts whimpering. Trevor made my wolf cry. Why would he do this?<br /> "Why?" I ask. As much as I hate him seeing me cry, tears are running down her eyes. "Why would you do this to us? Why would you take away our chance to be happy? Do you really hate me that much?"<br /> "It's not about me hating you, Seleste." He says, "The mate bond will not let me hate you. I just don't think you are the right person to be my Luna. You are a good Gamma. Fighting is what you do, but I need someone else lying beside me. Not someone who will undermine me or make me look bad in front of the pack warriors. I just can't have you as my mate. I don't want you as my mate."<br /> I can't believe my mate is saying this to me. It's like he really wants to hurt me. He is saying that he prefers someone else over me, his mate. Tamaska has not stopped whimpering. She is so hurt by what our mate is saying. Although I knew this was coming, the pain was unbearable.<br /> "Are you sure this is what you want, Trevor? Do you want to think about this before you make a final decision?" I ask in a whisper.<br /> "Don't beg Seleste, it's really not becoming. It should be no surprise that I rejected you. I made it known over this past year that I do not want you in my life. Yes, I am sure. I do not want you as my mate. My rejection stands!" <br /> Did he just say stop begging? The nerve of him. I would never beg anyone to be with me. He wishes I was begging him. How is he going to feel when he finds out that I get a second chance mate while he is stuck without a mate? I don't need to beg. <br /> "Begging, the last thing I'm doing is begging. I have never begged and trust me; you are the last person I would ever beg to be in my life. Out of respect to your father, I have kept my opinion to myself about you and the way you are acting, but truthfully, Trevor, you are a disappointment. I don't know what your parents or the pack will do when they find out what you have done, but since this is what you want and since frankly, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection." I say and begin to walk away. I need to get away from him. It is taking everything in me to hold Tamaska back. She really wants to kick his butt right now.<br /> "Before you go, I order you not to tell anyone about us being mates," Trevor says in his alpha voice.<br /> Is he serious right now? Does he really not know that the alpha command does not work on our family? He really is not fit to lead our pack. He obviously did not pay attention in his alpha training, or he would know it is pointless to alpha command me. I will tell who I want to tell. I just look at him in disgust and walk away. As much as I want to break down and cry for hours, I refuse to let him see me cry more than he already has. I hold my head up high and walk away from him. The moon goddess granted me my request. I feel strong and I could keep myself together. At least until I get home. <br /> Once I make it to my house, I run to my mom and cry my eyes out. My mom keeps asking me what's wrong. My dad comes in and tries to talk to me, but I can't stop crying enough to talk to them. I can't say the words. At least not yet. My mom calls Mona to come to be with me and to help calm me down. After crying for about an hour, I'm finally ready to tell my family what happened. Wiping my eyes, I begin the story of my life right now.<br /> "I don't know where to start. I'll try to keep it simple. Tamaska was feeling restless, so I went to the clearing the grandmother used to take me to. As I was basking in the moon, Trevor walked into the clearing." I see my mom and dad stiffen when I mention Trevor's name. Mona just looks at me with concern. I think she knows what I'm about to tell them.<br /> "It turns out that I am Trevor's mate," I say with a sigh.<br /> "I don't understand," my dad says, "if you found your mate tonight, why are you crying? Did something happen to you or Trevor?"<br /> "Dad, Trevor rejected me." My family has the same shocked look I had.<br /> "Are you serious," my mom and Mona say at the same time.<br /> My dad is steaming mad right now. I'm afraid of what he will do. Trevor hurt his baby. This may not end well for Trevor. When my dad is angry, even the alpha stays out of his way. My mom and I are the only ones that can calm him down.<br /> "Yes, I'm serious. He said that I was not Luna material, and he did not want me as his mate or the right Luna for this pack." I explained to my family.<br /> "Trevor is an idiot," Mona says. "There is no one more suited to be our Luna. You have always put this pack first. You have always worked to make us better and stronger."<br /> "I know. Mona, it hurts so bad. My own mate does not want me. To make matters worse, he tried to alpha command me not to tell anyone that we are mates."<br /> "What!" my dad yells. "I need to go find this pup and teach him a lesson. No one hurts my baby and lives to talk about. Who does he think he is? He is obviously not fit to lead. He doesn't even know our pack's history. Every alpha knows that our family is not subject to any alpha. We serve out of choice, we submit out of respect, not out of compulsion. Our family has served this pack for generations, and I have never questioned that choice until now. This pack is not worth the pain it is causing my baby. First, I'm going to teach that brat a lesson, and then we are transferring to a different pack where they respect and appreciate us."<br /> "Baby calm down." My mom says to my dad. "Let's focus on our baby girl for now. What do you want to do, Seleste?"<br /> "I really don't know, momma. I don't want to run like a coward. He is not worth us turning our lives upside down. Besides, I will be traveling a lot after school anyway, so I will rarely see him. And dad, if you hurt Trevor, I may ruin your friendship with Alpha Connor. I'm sure he does not know what Trevor did. And No dad, I don't want you to tell him. I don't want anyone to know that Trevor was my mate. Grandmother told me that if one of us gets rejected by our mate, the moon goddess will bless us with a second chance mate. While I don't want another mate right now, there is still hope for me in the future. Right now, I just want to get through the end of the school year."<br /> "Ok baby girl, if this is what you want, your father and I will support your decision. But remember, you are my daughter. You will not sit around and mope about that pup. I will give you one full day to cry and be sad, then I want you to pick yourself up and start moving forward. It may still hurt, but it will not destroy you."<br /> "Thanks, mom," I say, hugging my parents. "You always know what to say.<br /> "You are my favorite daughter; I will always be there for you in this life and the next."<br /> "Mom, I'm your only daughter," I say with a smile.<br /> "And don't you forget it," my mom says.<br /> My family spent the rest of the night talking, listening, and wiping my tears. I am so glad I have them in my life. My mom is right. I will not wallow in sadness over Trevor. He has proven that he is not worthy of me. He made his choice and now I am free. I will be able to move on. He thought he would break me, but I won't break. I go to my room and grab my journal and begin to write. I just let all my hurt, anger, and disappointments release on paper. Writing poetry has always been my outlet. Speaking of poetry, I think I will ask the girls to go to Jazzy's tomorrow night.<br /> As I lie in bed, I start to feel this burning feeling in my stomach. I feel like someone is clawing my stomach from the inside. I have a high pain tolerance, but this is unbearable. I yell out in pain. My mom and dad run into my room when they hear me cry out. I tell my mom about the pain in my stomach. My dad gets mad all over again. They don't want to tell me what's going on. Mom says I'm better not knowing. Tamaska is howling in my head. She has been quiet since Trevor rejected us, but now she is balled up in a knot, howling and crying. I know this has to be about Trevor. He made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She does not deserve to be hurt like this.<br /> "T what's wrong? What's happening? Mom and dad will not tell me."<br /> "It's mate, he is being intimate with another she-wolf." Tamaska cries. "He really does not want us, and he is already with someone else. Seleste, I can't handle this right now. I'm going to take a break from this. I'll still be with you, but I'm going into a deep sleep, at least for now, don't worry, I'm not going away and I won't be down long. I just need a little time."<br /> "It's ok T. I love you and I will be here for you." I sent T a hug. I wish I could hold and pet her right now.<br /> "Mom, Dad, Trevor made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She did not deserve that. T told me what this pain is. There is no coming back from this. He has truly sealed our fates and our future. I am done with him. If I had it in me to hate anyone, I would definitely hate Trevor."<br /> "Like your mom said, baby girl, we will support you no matter what. You deserve better. I will stay out of it and let you handle it for now, but if he hurts you again, I will have to step in. There is no way I or my wolf can stand by and let someone hurt my pup. I don't care who it is."<br /> We all walked out of the house and headed to the venue for the party. <br /> "I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate the 18th birthday of the circle of ten, our next generation of the leaders of the pack. I'm sure that together, the ten will continue to move our pack to greater things." The alpha says. He announces all the mate connections in our group of ten. The pack is so happy for the mates, the alpha can barely get a word in. Finally, the crowd calms down, and the alpha announces Trevor and his fake mate. I look at my dad and shake my head as the alpha speaks. I don't want my dad to lose it and tell the pack that Trevor rejected me. <br /> "And finally, I would like to announce that my son, your future alpha, has also found his mate, Shana. Show them all some love." <br /> The crowd goes wild again. Nobody knows that they are a fraud, so they are happy to have what they think is the next alpha and luna.<br /> The alpha goes on to tell the pack about the mating ceremony planned for all the mates that will happen next Saturday on a full moon. The alpha tells all the still unmated wolves to let Beta Vareen know if they find their mates before the ceremony, so they can be included.<br /> The alpha tells us he has one more announcement. Yep, He will be retiring, and Trevor will take over as alpha- There goes the pack. <br /> "As it is our tradition, I will turn it over to Trevor to officially announce the next Beta and Gamma of the pack; Trevor." Alpha Connor says and steps back to his spot next to the luna. <br /> "Hello everyone," Trevor says. From the time alpha announced that Trevor will take over, he has been smirking at me.<br /> "I hope you all had a good time tonight. I know I did. The Blue Moon pack knows how to throw a party. Let me start by introducing you all to my mate and your future Luna, Shana Stevens."<br /> Everyone cheers for their pretend Luna. Trevor is looking at me to see if I react, which I don't. <br /> "And your next Gamma, Mona True" <br /> I think everyone here is in complete shock. I froze in my spot. Alpha Connor tried to run interference and stop Trevor before he takes this too far, but of course, Trevor didn't listen. <br /> "Son, what are you doing?" Alpha Connor asked, "Seleste is the next Gamma."<br /> "No, Dad," Trevor answers him. "I don't think Seleste is the right one for the position. Seleste has done nothing but undermine my authority in the pack for the last year. As alpha, I can't have anyone under me who does not respect my position as head of the pack. I want Mona as my Gamma. I think that is best for the pack." <br /> "Dad, my mate, and I discussed this. Aside from the fact that Seleste does not respect me or my position, it is common knowledge that Seleste is in love with me. My mate does not feel that Seleste will have her best interest at heart. My mate does not feel safe with Seleste, being in charge of our safety and security. As her mate, I have to put her first and protect her peace of mind. Seleste being here affects her peace negatively and I can't have that."<br /> I notice my dad is about to lose control. I need to get to him before things go completely left. To defuse the situation and give Trevor what he wants and hopefully stop this drama, I agree that I don't need the Gamma title. <br /> "Fine," I tell Trevor. "Gamma is just a title. I don't need it. Not having the title does not change who I am. I will still train the warrior and fulfill my other obligations. As far as respecting you Trevor, respect is earned, and up until recently, I thought you deserved my respect. You have shown me over the last couple of days that I was mistaken about you. So, you can keep the Gamma position. I don't want it. As far as being in love with you. That is laughable. I don't even like you." <br /> He actually smirks at me. This fool thinks he has won. He is just sad.<br /> "Well, that is settled. Seleste will not be the next gamma. And since you mentioned training the pact, that's the other thing. I do not want you training my warriors anymore. Since you are mad that you are not the Luna of this pack, how do I know you won't influence the warriors against me or continue to undermine my authority?"<br /> So that is his game plan. He wants to withdraw me of all power. Does he really not realize who I am? Everything my family has done for this pack. Now I'm slightly pissed, but I need to try to stay in control so that my father doesn't kill this fool.<br /> "Are you serious right now, Trevor? I have done nothing but make this pack better. I have spent my life learning and training so that I can strengthen this pack, and you want to take that from me because of your pettiness." <br /> I let Trevor know that he really does not have the authority to take the training position from me. I train packs under the authority of the council. No Alpha's word is above that of the council. But since he wants to be petty, I can take my strength, skill, and protection to another pack.<br /> "Save it Seleste, I have made my decision. As of now, you are nothing to this pack. Why don't you find another pack to train, since you mentioned other packs? We don't want you here."<br /> "Gladly," I tell him. "And when I leave, you will take the full brunt of your decisions and the consequences of what you are doing tonight."<br /> I am so over these things now. This pack needs my family more than I need this. I can leave and be accepted into any pack in the kingdom, including the royal pack.<br /> Ben and the other warrior begin to speak up for me. That appears to make Trevor even more pissed. Right now, his own father and current alpha is looking at him like he has completely lost his mind and he is standing in front of the pack looking proud. I always thought Trevor was pretty intelligent. Now I think there is something wrong with him. He just will not stop digging himself into a hole. <br /> "See, that's why I need to restrict Seleste of her power," Trevor says in anger and frustration. <br /> "The warriors are more loyal to her than they are to me. You all need to respect me. I am the alpha. What I say goes. None of you have my permission to leave. If you choose to leave, you will be rogues. Will you throw everything away just for her?"<br /> I am so proud of my Elite 12 members. We always stand for what is right.<br /> "I don't know about the others," Tim said, "But I would rather go, rogue than stay in this pack with you as the alpha. As Gamma Seleste said, respect is earned, and I just lost all that of it I had for you. Sorry, Alpha Connor, I cannot serve your son. I will prepare to leave this pack in the next two hours." Tim said.	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311,466	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311457}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	258229500560552	"❤️‍🔥Continue to read 📖<Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate>(Search ID:63） "	Chapter 1 - Betray<br /> Ella<br /> “I’m sorry Ella.” My physician says gently. “I’m afraid you have very few viable eggs remaining. Frankly, I normally see these numbers in women ten or fifteen years your senior.”<br /> “What?” I murmur, not believing my ears. I’ve been trying to get pregnant for years. I’m only 30, I should have plenty of eggs left.<br /> “In terms of fertility, you have very little time left.” She continues. “If you want to conceive, you need to do so before your next cycle begins.”<br /> “My next cycle?” I repeat, my mouth hanging open in shock. I love kids more than anything, and though it might not be everyone’s ambition, I want nothing more than to be a mother.<br /> I have to get home and tell my boyfriend this news, and there’s not a moment to waste.<br /> I make it home in record time, bursting through the door and opening my mouth to call for Mike, but stopping dead in my tracks. As soon as I walk inside I see a pair of high heels and a handbag by the door – neither of which belong to me.<br /> I cock my ears towards the bedroom, and my stomach churns when I hear the unmistakable sound of moaning, accompanied by a steady thump thump thump, as the bed collides with the wall. Worse even than realizing that Mike is clearly in there with another woman, is realizing who he’s with. I know that handbag, and I know those shoes – they belong to my best friend, Kate. <br /> “Fuck, Ella is so stupid.” Mike laughs, “can you believe she actually expects me to have a baby with her?”<br /> Kate snorts, “she’s delusional. I don’t know how you put up with her for so long in the first place.”<br /> “If she wasn’t so beautiful I never would have given her the time of day.” Mike scoffs. “Thankfully daily doses of plan B kept her from ever conceiving.”<br /> “The morning after pill?” Kate asks, “how did you manage to give it to her without her realizing?”<br /> “I put it in her morning coffee.” Mike chortles, sounding far too proud of himself. <br /> My vision goes completely red as everything finally falls into place. Suddenly it’s clear why I’ve never been able to get pregnant, despite having unprotected sex multiple times a week for years. It’s even clear how I could have the eggs of a 45-year-old, if my despicable partner has been secretly feeding me emergency contraceptives every day – there’s no telling what other damage that might have done to my reproductive system. <br /> Before I can think better of it, I pull the smoke alarm on the wall, wanting to frighten and punish the pair in the bedroom so fiercely that I fear I might attack them when they emerge. Water immediately sprays down from the sprinkler system mounted to the ceiling as a shrill siren fills the air, and I hear Mike and Kate cry out in surprise. <br /> A few moments later they come rushing out of the bedroom, stopping in their tracks when they see me looming in the doorway. Mike’s eyes go comically wide, “What are you doing home so early?” The snake has the nerve to sound affronted that I surprised him, when he’s the one who’s been sneaking around behind my back for God knows how long. He seems to realize how suspicious it looks that he and Kate are standing there in their underwear and quickly adds, “Kate came to see me so we could plan a surprise for your birthday, but then we spilled coffee all over our clothes so we had to change.”<br /> Fire blazes in my veins, he must truly believe I’m an idiot if he expects me to buy such a feeble excuse. <br /> It’s a testament to their horrifically low opinion of me that they buy my act, and I vow to get my revenge one way or another. I can’t believe I wasted so many years – my best years – on this scumbag. And now he may have cost me my future too. As soon as the thought enters my head, I know I can’t afford to waste another moment on Mike, I have more important things to take care of. <br /> I make my excuses and rush across town for the second time that afternoon, running to the comforting arms of my surrogate sister, Cora. Not only did we grow up together in the orphanage, but she became an OBGYN and now works for the most exclusive sperm bank in the city. I’ve never gone to her before because I always imagined Mike and I would eventually conceive the natural way, but that clearly isn’t an option anymore. <br /> Even if I could find a man willing to have a baby with me in time, I’m not eager to trust anyone after Mike’s betrayal. I’m going to have to do this on my own, and I know Cora can help me. I don’t have much money, but I have enough savings to pay for the insemination, especially since I basically have one shot and one shot only. <br /> When I arrive, all my plans to lay out my situation for Cora clearly and concisely go out the window, because the moment I see my sister I fall to pieces. She hugs and kisses me until my tears subside, slowly extracting the story from me piece by piece. When she hears about Mike and Kate she swears up a storm, but that’s nothing compared to her reaction when I explain about my fertility. <br /> “That little shit! I’ll kill him!” She fumes, studying me with a worried expression. “Ella, if your doctor was right this means you only have one chance to conceive.”<br /> “I know.” I sniffle. “And if this is going to be my only baby, I don’t want to take any chances. I want the best donor we can find.”<br /> “Don’t you worry about that.” Cora assures me, “We’ve got donations from actors, models, scientists – it’s only the creme de la creme here.” She glances at the door and lowers her voice. “You didn’t hear it from me, but even Dominic Sinclair sent his samples here for testing.”<br /> “Dominic Sinclair? I repeat, “the billionaire?” I’ve seen the man around town, but we don’t exactly run in the same circles. He lives in the same neighborhood as my wealthy employer and often says hello to the children I nanny, but he’s always surrounded by bodyguards and is so intimidating I get goosebumps just thinking about him. <br /> “Oh my god!.” Cora slaps her hand over her mouth. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you that! I don’t know what I was thinking. Apparently he’s no stranger to fertility issues himself, and he trusted us to handle his swimmers over every other lab in the country. I’ve got his sperm in the other room at this very moment.” She frets, “But Ella you can’t tell anyone, you have to promise me.”<br /> “Of course!” I agree immediately. “I know how important confidentiality is here.”<br /> “Thank you,” Cora breathes. “Now, I’m going to give you a dossier of our clients so you can pick a donor, and once you’ve chosen we’ll get you knocked up before you can even blink.” <br /> It’s not an easy decision, but eventually I choose a handsome surgeon whose photo practically makes me swoon. Cora leaves the room only long enough to prepare the sample, and though she looks a bit flustered when she returns, she quickly and professionally completes the insemination, holding my hand when the procedure is finished. “It’s all take care of now, Ella.” She promises, “You can come back in ten days to see if it worked.”<br /> Ten days. I think dazedly. Ten days to decide my entire future.<br /> If only I’d known that by the time those ten days were up, my future would no longer belong to me – but to Dominic Sinclair himself. <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 - Be Fired<br /> Ella<br /> Six days to go. I think, staring at the date circled on my calendar. Six days until I find out if my dreams are finally going to come true… or if I have to figure out an entirely different plan for my life. <br /> I’ve thought about nothing else since Cora inseminated me last week, I’m so anxious to find out if I’m pregnant I haven’t even begun to process Mike’s betrayal. <br /> I’m trying to keep a level head, yet I can’t help but imagine my future with this new baby. Try as I might, I catch myself daydreaming about it constantly. I even find myself humming as I get ready for work in the morning. <br /> When I arrive at my employer’s estate in the most exclusive neighborhood in Moon Valley – which basically makes it the most exclusive neighborhood in the world, since Moon Valley is one of the most expensive cities on the planet – I’m immediately greeted by two little voices shouting my name in excitement. “Ella!”<br /> The next thing I know, 3-year-old Millie is hugging my legs while her older brother, Jake, wraps his arms around my middle. “Good morning love puddles!” I exclaim, returning their hugs. “Are you ready for the museum?”<br /> “Yeah!” They cheer, racing out the door without even stopping to put on coats. It takes a bit of wrangling to get them back inside and bundled up for the cold winter day, but before long we set out into the snow.<br /> Jake races ahead of Millie and I, impatient to get to the science museum and not seeming to notice that his sister’s tiny legs simply don’t move that fast. Chuckling, I lift Millie into my arms and settle her on my hip. “Goodness, you’re getting too big for this, munchkin.”<br /> “Nuh-uh,” Millie grins, “You’re justs too little.” <br /> She might have a point. At five foot one, I don’t exactly have the kind of build suited to heavy lifting. I’m in great shape, but I’ve never been particularly strong. “Smarty pants.” I tease, laughing with the little girl. <br /> When I look back towards Jake, I realize he’s stopped a few feet ahead of us. My heart skips a beat when I realize why. We’re in front of the Sinclair mansion, and its owner is currently standing in the middle of the sidewalk, his gaze searing me like a firebrand as I approach with Millie. Dominic Sinclair is just about the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, but he’s also one of the most terrifying. <br /> With dark hair and piercing green eyes, chiseled features and a body so muscular I could swoon, it doesn’t seem fair he gets to look so good and also be so rich. If I didn’t know better I might think it was his wealth or imposing height that makes him so intimidating, after all he’s at least six foot four, which means he towers over me and everyone else around him. However it’s neither of those things, there’s simply an indefinable quality about the man that I can’t put my finger on, one which screams danger. He gives off this energy that’s so raw and animalistic one forgets there’s anyone else in the room. <br /> Taking a steadying breath, I close the distance between us so Millie can say hello. When she greets him, Dominic drags his attention from me and offers her a smile so genuine that it tugs at my heartstrings. As I watch him talk to my two young charges, I remember what Cora told me about his infertility struggles. He clearly loves children, and I feel a wave of empathy for him. If anyone knows what it’s like to yearn for a family of their own, it’s me. <br /> Jake is currently showing Dominic his new toy airplane, pulling the matchbox model from his pocket and demonstrating how far it can fly. With a great heave, he sends the toy gliding through the air, only to land in the middle of the street. Before any of us can say a word, Jake races after it, right into the busy road.<br /> “Jake no, be careful!” I cry, watching him dart out into the path of an oncoming car but feeling frozen by my fear. Before I can contemplate putting Millie down to go after him, a blur of movement whirrs past my vision. I’ve never seen anyone move so fast in my life. Dominic became little more than a hazy outline of himself, chasing after Jake and pulling him out of the way just before the car slams into them. The vehicle’s tires are still screeching when Dominic sets Jake down beside me, his expression suddenly very stern. <br /> “That was very dangerous.” He scolds gently. “You should never go into the street without looking both ways first.”<br /> Jake hangs his head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want my plane to get runned over.” <br /> “You are a million times more important than a toy.” Dominic tells him firmly, “and you scared your nanny half to death.”<br /> “I’m sorry, Ella.” Jake sniffles, looking up at me with wide eyes. <br /> “I know sweetheart, just don’t ever do that again.” I breathe, cuddling him against my side. “Thank you so much.” I say to Dominic, feeling more grateful than I can express. “I have no idea how you moved so fast! It was like something out of a superhero film.”<br /> “Must have been the adrenaline.” Dominic shrugs, giving Millie another smile before taking his leave. “Enjoy the rest of your day, and stay out of the road young man!”<br /> “Yes sir!” Jake calls after him, pocketing his airplane. “I really am sorry.” He adds to me. <br /> “It’s forgotten.” I tell him softly, though I take his hand so that he can’t run off again. <br /> “It all happened so fast.” I tell Cora later that night. “I mean the more I think about it, the more amazing it seems. One moment he was there, and the next he was gone. It was like magic.”<br /> “Thank goodness Jake is alright.” She replies, but rather than looking relieved, her face is twisted into a deep grimace.<br /> Studying my sister’s expression, I realize her grim demeanor is not just about Jake’s near miss. Something else is wrong, and I actually feel guilty for not noticing sooner. “Is everything okay?”<br /> Cora frowns, “Not really. But you’ve got so much going on right now, it’s not important.”<br /> “Cora, don’t be ridiculous.” I admonish. “What’s going on?”<br /> “Well, speaking of Dominic Sinclair,” She begins cryptically, “you know that sperm he sent to us for testing?”<br /> “Yeah,” I confirm, wondering where on earth this was going. <br /> “It’s gone missing… and I’m the last person who saw it, not to mention it was in my custody.” She explains, her voice becoming thick with emotion. “Ella, I think… I think I’m going to be fired. And if there’s an investigation I could lose my medical license.”<br /> “What?” I exclaim. “What do you mean it’s missing? A vial of sperm can’t just get up and walk away.”<br /> “I know, I think someone had to steal it, but there’s no way of knowing who’s responsible. And it looks like I’m going to have to take the blame.” She shares, her eyes shining with tears. <br /> “Cora, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this sooner!” I lament, “They can’t fire you, it isn’t fair.”<br /> “You don’t understand, Dominic is one of our biggest donors.” Cora explains. “And he’s furious, he basically wants my head on a platter.”<br /> A week ago I might have believed there was no hope for Cora, but seeing how kind and understanding Dominic was with the kids today makes me wonder if he could really be so heartless. Surely if he understood that Cora would never be so irresponsible he’d show some leniency? I have to try and help her, I would do anything for my sister – even begging a ruthless billionaire for mercy.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 - Request<br /> Ella<br /> Three days to go.<br /> I repeat these words to myself as I walk down the street, still preoccupied with my possible pregnancy, even as I prepare to go to bat for my sister. In some ways it's a coping mechanism: I’m about to beg Dominic Sinclair to save Cora’s job, and I need a comforting thought to help me get through this. <br /> His bodyguards see me first, and I can see their mouths moving as they watch me move closer, no doubt notifying him of my presence. Approaching nervously behind Dominic, I wonder for the hundredth time if this is a mistake. Who am I to ask a favor from one of the most powerful men on the planet? Shaking myself, I tell the little voice in the back of my mind to shut up – this is for Cora. I might not be brave for myself, but I can be brave for her. <br /> “Mr. Sinclair?” I ask hesitantly, feeling my heart pound violently against my ribcage. <br /> He turns around and gazes imperiously down at me. “Yes?”<br /> “I’m Ella Reina, I nanny for Jake and Millie Graves.” I begin, gnawing on my lower lip. <br /> His dark eyes catch on my mouth, and suddenly I feel like a frightened rabbit in front of a hungry wolf. “I know who you are, Ella.” The sound of my name on his lips sends a shiver down my spine. He speaks the familiar syllables with so much purpose, as if they truly mean something to him.<br /> “Oh… well, I don’t mean to be impertinent, but I’m friends with Dr Cora Daniels…”As soon as I say her name, his expression closes off, and some unidentified emotion flashes in his eyes. <br /> “She told me she’s in trouble at work, and I know you’re one of the bank’s donors.” I improvise. “I don’t know what Cora is being accused of, but I’m sure she’s innocent. She takes her job incredibly seriously, and she would never do anything to risk her career.”<br /> “And what do you expect me to do about it?” Dominic asks ominously. I can tell he doesn’t believe my weak story, his body language has changed completely, and I can feel his rising anger vibrating in the air around us. <br /> “I just thought… I hoped that if you had any sway there, you might be able to put in a good word for her.” I finish, feeling color flood my cheeks. I’m both ashamed of myself for such a feeble attempt, but unsure how else to handle such a delicate topic. The last thing I want is to get Cora in even more trouble than before. <br /> Dominic’s jaw ticks as he watches me, and the voice in the back of my head urges me to run for it. “From what I’ve heard, your friend made a very serious mistake, and the consequences have been more than appropriate. The best thing she can do now is take responsibility for her mistakes, not sending you to do her dirty work for her.”<br /> “I – she didn’t, she doesn’t even know I’m here! I swear.” I plead. <br /> “I’ve said all I’m going to say on this matter.” Dominic declares, turning away from me and striding into his house. The door slams shut behind him, and I’m left with his various bodyguards. <br /> “You need to leave now, miss.” One of the men announces sharply. <br /> “I can’t.” I moan, “he has to understand, she’s going to lose everything!” <br /> “We’re not going to ask you again.” A second guard growls, a clear threat in his words. <br /> “Please, she’s innocent.” I beg, “you have to –” before I can say anything more, the men grab me by the arms and begin trying to lead me off the property. Feeling truly desperate, I dig in my heels, deciding that my dignity is worth Cora’s entire future. “I’m begging you, if I could just talk to Mr. Sinclair.” <br /> “You’ve already talked to him.” The first guard grumbles, “and frankly you’re lucky he was as generous to you as he was. Your friend clearly told you things she shouldn’t.”<br /> The next thing I know, they’ve thrown me off the property and onto the sidewalk so forcefully that I lose my balance, tumbling to the ground as tears spark in my eyes. The iron gates slam shut behind me, and I have no choice but to slink off before I can embarrass myself further. <br /> Of course, this was only the beginning of my misfortune. When I arrived at work the next day, I found that my keys no longer fit the locks on the front door. I knocked, overwhelmed with confusion, and a few minutes later the door swung open to reveal Jake and Millie’s furious mother. <br /> “My keys aren’t working.” I tell her, wondering why she’s glaring at me so fiercely.<br /> “They’re not meant to.” She answers coldly, “as of yesterday afternoon, your services were no longer required.”<br /> “I… you’re firing me?” I squeak, not believing my ears. “Why?”<br /> “We got a call from the neighbors.” She explains haughtily, “apparently you let Jake run into the road the other day where he was almost hit by a car! And then yesterday you were seen making a fool of yourself at Dominic Sinclair’s home – they said his bodyguards had to drag you off the grounds like a common criminal.”<br /> “That isn’t fair, that isn’t what happened!” I plead. “Jake through his toy into the road and ran after it, I didn’t let it happen, and what happened with Mr. Sinclair was a misunderstanding.”<br /> “I don’t want to hear it.” She hisses. “Now leave before I call the police.”<br /> “Please, can’t I at least say goodbye to the kids?” I request, praying she’ll grant me this one kindness.<br /> “I’m dialing.” She tells me simply, pulling her cell phone from her pocket. <br /> “No!” I raise my palms in supplication, “It’s okay, I’ll go.”<br /> For the second time this week, I find myself shamefully retreating through this opulent neighborhood with tears streaming down my face. What hurts even worse than losing my job is the fact I didn't get to explain the situation to Jake and Millie, or see them one last time. I’m sure their mother will tell them horrible things about me, despite the fact that I’ve been lovingly raising for them for the last two years.<br /> I know Dominic Sinclair is responsible for this. I don’t believe my ex-boss’s story about the neighbors for one moment. He clearly wanted to punish me, just like he’s having Cora punished. A rush of fury takes hold of me, and suddenly I wish I could punish him somehow. It’s not like me to be so vindictive, but right now it truly feels like my entire life is falling apart, and it’s partly his fault. <br /> I spent all my money on the insemination, and without a job I have almost nothing. How am I ever going to afford to have a baby now? I guarantee I’m not going to get a good reference from Jake and Millie’s mother. <br /> As if things weren’t already bad enough, when I return home I find a stack of bills in the mailbox and I don’t even recognize half the senders. I open them one by one, feeling my confusion and disbelief grow by the minute.<br /> As I look at the stores on the breakdown of charges, my suspicion grows: they’re all Mike’s favorite places. Is it possible he did this behind my back? That he’s been hiding the bills from me for months… or years? I know he’ll deny it if I confront him, which leaves me only one option. <br /> I have to call Kate. My former best friend might have betrayed me completely with her affair, but if anyone knows what Mike has been up to, it’s her. <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 - Desperation<br /> Ella<br /> My hands are shaking as I dial Kate’s number. Have I ever been this angry? If I have I certainly can’t remember it now.<br /> “Hello?” Kate answers almost immediately, using a sickly sweet tone that screams of fakeness. <br /> “Kate?” I state bluntly. “Are you with Mike right now?”<br /> There’s a pregnant pause on the other end of the line, before she weakly responds, “What? Of course not.” <br /> “Come off it Kate, do you really think I don't know about your shit?” I demand. “I’m not a complete idiot.”<br /> “Ella listen–” She begins, obviously gearing up to give me some sort of excuse. <br /> “No, I don’t even care about your little affair anymore – but I need to talk to him right now.” I declare fiercely. <br /> There’s another pause, and then Kate’s voice drops its innocent tone. “You don’t care?” She repeats, sounding truly shocked. “ You know I’m already pregnant?” <br /> I wasn’t prepared for that particular piece of news. I clench my hands into fists, feeling so furious I think I might actually break the phone with my tight grip, “And what, you think that’s some sort of victory?” I bite. <br /> “Does he know you’re pregnant?” I ask sharply, “because a man who’s so afraid of responsibility that he’d poison me for years is probably willing to do it to anyone.”<br /> “Well no, but he loves me, he would never –” She tried to explain. <br /> “He loved me too once.” I cut her off. “At least he said he did. It’s amazing how charming he can be, considering what a bastard he truly is. How do you think he’s going to support you and your child? He doesn’t even have a job.”<br /> “Of course he does!” She objects, “He just didn’t tell you about it because he didn’t want you to bleed him dry. He’s a stock broker.”<br /> “Oh Kate,” I sigh, “Poor, gullible, stupid Kate. He’s as much a stock broker as I am a wizard.”<br /> “Don’t talk to me like that! He’s got money, he lavishes it on me all the time!” She insists.<br /> “With fraudulent credit cards he took out in my name!” I shout, losing my temper completely.<br /> “What?” She squeaks. <br /> “That’s right. I’ve only just found out – he’s completely bankrupted me. I’m calling the police and if I were you, I’d check your own credit rating immediately, because I’d be willing to be you’re next.” I snap.<br /> “No,” she repeats weakly, “you’re wrong, it’s different with me.”<br /> My voice is getting thick with emotion now, but I can’t help it. “And frankly I don’t really care what happens to you Kate, but if you’re really pregnant then your baby deserves better than to be raised in a homeless shelter, and that’s exactly where Mike will land you.”<br /> I hang up before I start crying, not giving her a chance to respond. Why did I buy his lies about looking for work for so long? He crushed me little by little, all the while pretending to be so nice, and I let it happen. <br /> Never again. I decide. I won’t ever let myself be fooled that way again. <br /> I still want to get my revenge on Mike, but first I’ve got to try and salvage what’s left of my life. I have to go to the police and see if I can resolve these financial issues… I can’t have a baby if I’m bankrupt, and I can only pray the police will help. <br /> ________________________<br /> “I’m very sorry Miss. Reina, but if your ex-partner has left the area, there’s not much we can do about this.” The police officer breaks this news to me about as gently as he might smash an ant beneath his boot. “I’ll give you the police report to send to the credit card company, but that’s the most help you’re going to get from us.”<br /> Anger fills me to the brim. I guarantee he’d never treat my case with so little consideration or respect if I wasn’t an impoverished nanny. If I was a wealthy man like Dominic Sinclair, he’d be fawning at my feet, offering to go to any lengths to solve my problems. I storm out of the station before I can lose my temper and verbally assault the man, immediately calling the credit card companies. <br /> One by one they crush my hopes, telling me in no uncertain terms that unless a culprit is arrested in my case, I’ll be held responsible for the charges. <br /> As I hang up on the final call, I can feel the earth crumbling beneath my feet. How did it come to this? I literally have nothing. No one will hire me without a recommendation from my previous employer, which means I won’t be able to pay rent or keep food on the table. Normally I might turn to Cora in such a time, but I can’t burden her with this when she’s in the same boat. <br /> Tomorrow I’ll finally find out whether or not I’m pregnant, and up until now the strange sensation I’ve been experiencing the last few days has been a comfort and source of hope. I don’t know how to explain it: it’s as if I’m suddenly different somehow – even though I can’t see any changes, I just have this intense knowing that I’m no longer the same woman I was a week ago. <br /> I thought it was a sign the insemination worked, but now I’m praying that it’s my imagination going overboard. <br /> At first I try to distract myself, turning on the TV and freezing when I see Dominic Sinclair on the news talking about all his good will initiatives in the community. “When our work is finished, the Moon Valley children’s home will be a place of love and community, motivated to find the best homes for every child in need. Our initiative not only ensures that the permanent residents in the home have the best possible conditions, but that there is continuous follow up with children placed with adoptive families to ensure they thrive in their new homes.”<br /> So much for the supposed philanthropist, I think bitterly. Turning a blind eye to the lives he’s selfishly ruining all the while pretending to be a friend of the downtrodden. A week ago I might have been touched by such a broadcast. I grew up in an orphanage just like the one he’s describing, and I know just how terrible the conditions can be. Now however, I see nothing but his hypocrisy. Cora was an orphan too, she didn’t do anything wrong – where is his compassion for her? Clearly it’s only for the TV cameras. It’s a shame. He’s very convincing… then again, so was Mike. <br /> Of course Mike was never as handsome as Dominic Sinclair, nor did he ever have his charisma or imposing presence. I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone like him. Even while he was refusing to help me, scolding me and having me thrown out the door, part of me was still taken in by his handsome features and pure magnetism. <br /> Shaking myself, I turn the TV off. What the hell is wrong with me? The man is a heartless billionaire and I’m still sitting here mooning over him like a silly schoolgirl. <br /> I end up going to bed early, trying not to think about tomorrow. Of course, I still lie awake late into the night – I know what it means to grow up an orphan, and I can’t countenance bringing a child into the world just to abandon it to that bleak existence. The more my life unravels, the more stark my options become. <br /> If I am pregnant… Am I going to abort the child? Even though it’s what I’ve wanted my entire life!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5 - Pregnancy test<br /> Ella<br /> “No, I understand.” I murmur into the phone. “Thanks for listening at least.”<br /> I wearily hang up the line, burying my head in my hands. I spent all morning calling in every favor and loan I possibly could, throwing my dignity right out the window to beg my friends and acquaintances in my time of need. <br /> I’ve never thought of myself as a proud woman, but begging this way was more of a challenge than I could have imagined. <br /> I only wish I could help Cora as well as myself. She’s still waiting to hear if she’ll be fired, and while she’s not supposed to be handling any samples, she got permission to do my tests this afternoon. After all, I’ve already been inseminated, so her supervisor didn’t see any risk of further negligence.<br /> Still, I’m far from excited when I walk through the front doors of the sperm bank. Ten days ago I was heartsore but optimistic for the future, yearning for a baby more than anything else in the world. Now I’m dreading the exam. <br /> However my trepidation soon gives way to surprise, because as soon as I enter the facility I have the strangest feeling that Dominic Sinclair is near. It takes me a while to actually find him, behind closed doors with Cora’s bosses in a luxurious, glass-walled conference room, but I don’t have the faintest idea how I knew he was present. I also don’t understand why I feel drawn to him: after all, he’s ruined both my sister’s and my own life. I shouldn’t be excited to see him. <br /> It was dumb luck that I stumbled across his path, the conference room is on the way to Cora’s office, but I find myself stopping to observe the meeting inside. I’m struck speechless when I lay eyes on him. Is it possible that he’s gotten more attractive since the last time I saw him? It was already unfair that somebody that powerful and intelligent could be so handsome, but now it truly just feels like being kicked while I’m down. The bastard has a heart of stone, and still the universe has rained endless gifts upon him while people like Cora and I have nothing. <br /> Shaking myself out of my trance, I continue down the hall, though I feel the weight of dark eyes on my back as I retreat. Cora has clearly been crying when I arrive. Her eyes are red and her cheeks splotchy, though she tries to hide it. <br /> “Hey.” I greet her gently, wrapping her up in a hug. She leans into me, squeezing tight and lingering far longer than she usually would. “Is there any news?”<br /> “Sinclair is in there finalizing it all now. I’m going to be given formal termination notice this afternoon.” She shares, sniffling slightly. <br /> “I’m so sorry, honey.” I croon, rubbing her back. <br /> “It’s okay.” She lies, pulling away. “How are you hanging in there?”<br /> “Not very well.” I confess. “I’m sort of dreading this, to be honest.”<br /> “It’s amazing how fast things can change, huh?” She asks, looking as though she might burst into tears. “I mean, what are we going to do, Elle?” <br /> “Well figure it out.” I promise. “We’ve been in tight spots before.” I remind her, “remember the summer we slept in boxes on the street after we ran away from the orphanage?”<br /> “Yeah,” She nods with a sad smile. “But it’s winter now, I don’t think we’ll last long in the elements. And you weren’t pregnant then.”<br /> “Yeah well, if I’m pregnant now….” I can’t look her in the eyes as I say this, “I don’t think I’m going to stay that way.”<br /> “What?” Cora exclaims, looking horrified. “But this is your only chance! And we aren’t completely hopeless, you’ve got time to try to figure out a plan B.”<br /> That phrase alone reminds me of Mike, and I realize I haven’t shared my latest news with Cora. “I can’t afford a baby even if I do find a job. I’m going to be paying off my debts for years to come.” I share, filling her in on the details of Mike and Kate’s latest betrayal. <br /> “I can’t believe this!” She bursts out when I’m finished. “It just isn’t fair, Ella! I mean, I thought we paid our dues, I thought we were done with suffering. After everything we’ve been through, we deserve a better future than this! You deserve to be a mom – no one loves children more than you do.”<br /> “And you deserve to be a doctor.” I reply. “You worked so hard.”<br /> “I still don’t think you should give up yet.” She frowns. “You can terminate the pregnancy up until the end of the first trimester. It would be a tragedy if you aborted it, then pulled off a miracle and it turned out you could have kept it. Don’t take that risk. Keep the baby until the very last moment.”<br /> “I don’t think miracles happen to people like me.” I remark softly. “Besides that seems kind of like it’s own form of torture – the longer I carry the baby the more attached I’m going to get. I don’t want this to hurt any worse than it has to.”<br /> “It’s going to hurt no matter what.” Cora reasons, “You ought to give yourself a chance – keep the door open. Don’t give up hope completely.”<br /> “Let’s just find out if I have to make that decision in the first place.” I state, changing the subject. “I may not even be pregnant.” Yet even as I say it, I can feel in my heart that I am. <br /> “Okay.” Cora agrees, pulling a sterile cup wrapped in plastic from one of her cabinets. “You know what to do.”<br /> I take the cup and quickly duck into the bathroom to provide a urine sample, returning it to her almost immediately. I pace back and forth across the office as Cora runs the tests. “Well?” I press, seeing the results pop up on her computer screen. <br /> She offers me a sad smile. “Congratulations little sister, you’re going to have a baby.”<br /> I told myself that I wouldn’t fall to pieces no matter the results, but as soon as the words are out of her mouth I’m crying. I’ve been waiting to hear those words for years and was beginning to think I never would. It’s both unimaginable joy, and unimaginable pain. I never knew my heart could hold such conflicting emotions at the same time, let alone in such extremes. “Really?”<br /> “Really.” Cora confirms, hugging me. “Come on, let’s do an ultrasound. You can hear the heartbeat.”<br /> “Isn’t it too early?” I squeak. <br /> “Just one of the benefits of being at the finest lab in the country.” Cora quips, the words bittersweet on her tongue. “Our technology is years ahead of what’s available in public hospitals.”<br /> Climbing onto the raised exam table, I lay back and lift my top, not bothering to change into a gown or cover my clothes with a sheet, I simply expose my flat belly as Cora wheels in an ultrasound on a cart. Within minutes the machine is emitting a strange whoosh woosh woosh, and Cora squirts a dollop of jelly on my tummy. She pressed the wand to my skin, and before long a tiny heartbeat sounds – making me cry all over again.<br /> However Cora is frowning deeply. “This is so strange, the baby seems awfully large, but we tested you at your last visit to be sure you weren’t already pregnant.”<br /> “What does that mean?” I ask anxiously. “Is the father just a big guy?”<br /> “I don’t just mean size – I mean development.” Cora purses her lips and furrows her brows as she studies the images, suddenly looking very worried. She’s whispering now, speaking to herself more than to me. “It doesn’t look human… but that can’t be… it’s not possible.”<br /> “What are you talking about?” I inquire, “How can you tell? Isn’t it just a tiny blob?”<br /> “As I said, our tech is state of the art. It doesn’t just highlight shapes - it analyzes the molecular structure.” Before she can say another word, the door bursts open, startling us both. To my shock and horror, Dominic Sinclair is standing in the doorframe, glaring at us as if we’ve done something terrible. “What’s the meaning of this?” He demands.<br /> “What’s the meaning of this? I repeat in shock, “what’s the meaning of you barging into a private exam?!”<br /> “Because,” He declares fiercely, and I swear his eyes are almost glowing with rage. “I can smell my pup.”<br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <br /> Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here! 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310,910	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310916}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	201738236334627	Lasting Relief \| Restful Sleep	Hip Pain, Back Aches, or Sciatica? <br /> <br /> Side sleeping without proper support can cause misalignment of the spine, leading to sharp pain in the hips, lower back and legs.<br /> <br /> Ignoring this can lead to more serious issues like sciatic nerve damage, chronic pain, and, in the worst scenario - high-risk surgery.<br /> <br /> It’s important to get the right support to prevent worsening and relieve any existing discomfort.<br /> <br /> That’s why a top physical therapist helped develop the SmoothSpine Pillow.<br /> <br /> ✅ The SmoothSpine Alignment Pillow is designed to:<br /> ➡️ Relieve hip, lower back & sciatica pain<br /> ➡️ Prevent painful bone-on-bone rubbing<br /> ➡️ Align the spine ALL night<br /> <br /> Why not just use a ‘regular’ pillow? Two reasons:<br /> <br /> 1. A regular pillow provides some relief, but it usually won’t stay in place during the night.<br /> 2. More importantly; regular pillows are designed to support your head/neck, and not your hips, legs or knees.<br /> <br /> The SmoothSpine Pillow includes a soft elastic strap and is designed to fit between the legs.<br /> <br /> Within just a few days, you’ll get back to uninterrupted nights and enjoying life free of pain.<br /> <br /> 🎁The SmoothSpine Pillow also comes with a FREE how to use guide & 60-Night Money-Back Guarantee. You will either get results or your money back guaranteed.<br /> <br /> Get yours now totally risk-free with up to 52% OFF → <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsmoothspine.com%2Fproducts%2Fimproved-leg-pillow&h=AT3wXG7i2YQUSkgjgfi22ky1_ZNOOigsSl3ePN_5LIT6kIx9UWOXdVinhfNR3yJY0n0B9l6P5aBrXzTlkLqaOl3jDT4Q3KS511tTQP-4He7FQsmAUVtFrsoHC8V7toNPGjH_zwkUH4g05kmmUtZ7aA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://smoothspine.com/products/improved-leg-pillow</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://smoothspine.com/products/improved-leg-pill	106013564124992	SmoothSpine	https://facebook.com/smoothspinestore	2,655	1	367,689,112,856,841	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	SmoothSpine	6530998782118	smoothspine.com	NONE	video	FREE Back & Hip Health Guide with every purchase (valued at $20.00)	https://smoothspine.com/products/improved-leg-pillow	2024-02-16 04:23	https://scontent-den2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427721015_923503872394581_7719269394653648807_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6vlN9KAigW8AX8pHLXd&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.xx&oh=00_AfBcxjOe9BU8erCJDmUxv0z2TKp_kRf2gOMyiPMOyY1c-Q&oe=65D6ADE5	person_profile	SmoothSpine	https://scontent-den2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427721474_935661424830175_2998107868651387855_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1y6f1q2CcWYAX--Z16h&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.xx&oh=00_AfDadDiiBgcwvwlMtZvOnXpl3Qk-Sqa8A6M1Lkn8uGPdCA&oe=65D7BAC4	3	SmoothSpine	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
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310,776	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	371644185574968	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	“You were jealous because you lost Zeke to her,” charged Clint with a taunting smirk, “and you thought that if she was out of the picture, you would get him back.”<br /> The past few months had sucked big-time. It had been a blow when her boyfriend found his true mate, but Ally was happy for Zeke. She had been nothing but welcoming and respectful to his mate, but the female had loathed her from minute one. Ally had felt the hate pouring from her in waves—literally. Being highly empathetic came with the Seer package.<br /> Her intuition had told her that Rachelle Lavin was going to be trouble . . . and it had been right. Despite Zeke not hesitating to claim Rachelle as his mate, the female had immediately embarked on a hate campaign with Ally as the target.<br /> Ally had been shocked when Zeke berated her a few months ago for supposedly insulting his mate. Confused and riled, she’d sought out Rachelle . . . playing right into the woman’s hands, she later realized. Everyone had witnessed her yelling at her Beta female, who had remained calm and cool as she rebuked Ally and gave her pitying looks for her “jealousy.”<br /> That was when the “Ally’s jealous” tripe had started. And she had quickly found that there wasn’t a good defense against that seventh-grade insult. If Ally ignored it, she was jealous. If she responded with a smart comeback, she was jealous. If she got pissed at them, she was not only jealous but bitter too.<br /> Shortly after that incident, Rachelle had claimed that Ally was sending her hateful text messages. Again, Zeke had freaked at Ally. So again, she’d sought out Rachelle, demanding that she produce these fictional messages. To her utter shock and dismay, Rachelle had. Ally had adamantly and loudly denied sending them, insisted that Rachelle must have at some point taken Ally’s cell phone and sent them to herself. Which, of course, sounded plain crazy—yet it was true. But no one other than Ally seemed to see that.<br /> And so, her pack mates had slowly but surely pulled away from Ally. In the time she’d been part of the Collingwood Pack, she’d healed several of them and had twice saved the pack from conflict through her visions . . . but all of that had ceased to mean anything.<br /> In their defense, Rachelle was a very convincing liar. She’d made Ally an outsider in her own pack. And thanks to the heifer’s latest stunt, Ally might be cast out.<br /> “No one’s going to buy your story, Ally,” Clint growled into her ear. Her wolf snapped her teeth at him. The guy certainly had the Prick Factor going on. “No one’s going to believe you. We have a witness who claims they saw you attack Rachelle.”<br /> “I doubt that.”<br /> He straightened. “Oh, really? Why?”<br /> “One, because the assault didn’t happen. Two, because if you did have a witness, you wouldn’t need a confession. As you said, it’s currently my word against Rachelle’s. People might trust her and like her, but that’s not enough to justify an execution. Particularly since there are some gaping holes in Rachelle’s little tale.”<br /> “Such as?”<br /> “Why would someone who wanted to kill her run away while she was unconscious? Wouldn’t they take advantage of that moment in which she was totally helpless and deliver a killing blow, considering they were a ‘coward’ and all?”<br /> Clint was quiet for a moment. “Maybe you heard someone coming. Or maybe you noticed someone was watching.”<br /> “Or maybe Rachelle’s just talking nonsense.” Again.<br /> “You know what I think, Ally?” asked Greg.<br /> “Oh, this is going to be good,” she muttered sardonically.<br /> “I think that you didn’t really want to kill Rachelle. I think you just lost your temper at a weak moment. We’ve all acted impulsively with anger at some point, right?” His tone turned soft and understanding. More mind games. “I think that you might have genuinely believed Rachelle had ordered the boys to trash your cabin. You were already very upset with her for taking Zeke from you. You’ve been feeling lost and alone. Jealousy has often got the better of you lately, and who could blame you for that?” Greg actually patted her hand.<br /> Oh, for Christ’s sake, was she really supposed to buy this oh-so-caring act?<br /> “When you walked into the cabin and saw the chaos, it was the icing on the cake. You did what anybody would do in that situation. You snapped, and you tracked down the person you convinced yourself was responsible. That was why you fled the scene after attacking Rachelle. Once you saw her unconscious on the ground, your anger dimmed and you felt bad for what you did.”<br /> “It’s either that,” began Clint, “or you went after Rachelle with the intention of killing her but then lost your confidence at the last moment. Which is it?”<br /> “Do the right thing and tell us the truth,” encouraged Greg. “Make things easier on yourself. As soon as you confess, this will all be over. Don’t you want this to be over?”<br /> Yeah, she damn well did.But making a false confession wasn’t on her list of things to do. “I’ve already told you what happened. I have nothing more to say.”<br /> “I’d say it’s time we—” Greg paused as the door behind her swung open. “Zeke.”<br /> Oh, goody.<br /> “She refuses to accept responsibility or—”<br /> “I’ll take it from here.” Once the enforcers had left and closed the door behind them, Zeke took one of the seats opposite her, his blue eyes tired. He looked tortured, just as he had each time he’d stepped between Ally and Rachelle in the past few months.<br /> She could feel how deeply it hurt him to choose sides; his pain chafed her nerve endings like sandpaper. That was what it was like for Seers: picking up positive emotions created pleasant, warm sensations. Negative emotions, however, could cause anything from mild discomfort to excruciating pain.<br /> Despite Zeke’s hurt, Ally couldn’t muster any sympathy for him. They had been in a relationship for almost eighteen months. If there was one person in this pack who knew Ally well, it was Zeke. If there was one person who should have seen through all the lies, it was him. Yet even he had jumped on the “Ally can’t be trusted” bandwagon.<br /> It was hard to believe this male had once spoken of imprinting with her. Wolves who weren’t true mates could still come together and mate through imprinting. It wasn’t uncommon, since shifters knew it wasn’t certain that they would find their true mates. But the process of imprinting hadn’t happened for Ally and Zeke, and she knew why. Although she had cared for him, she’d never loved him.<br /> Just the same, her wolf had been comfortable and content with Zeke, but she hadn’t wanted him the way a wolf wanted its mate. Their inner wolves “felt” on a level that humans could never surpass: fiercely, wildly, ragingly, and ferociously. Her wolf’s feelings for Zeke had never been that intense and all-consuming.<br /> “What’s my execution date?” Not that Ally honestly thought Matt would order that. He didn’t have enough evidence to justify it, no matter how much he might wish differently.<br /> “No one is going to execute you.” Zeke sounded so tired that she almost felt bad for him. Almost.<br /> “Well then, if you’re going to banish me from the pack, get it over with.” She could have left at any time, but she hadn’t been prepared to let anyone drive her out of her own pack, particularly not some vindictive, unhinged skank. And she’d figured that everyone would see through Rachelle’s act eventually, that because she was innocent the matter would soon fix itself.<br /> “You’re not going to be banished.”<br /> Well, that was a surprise. “Does this mean you doubt what your mate claimed I did?”<br /> Zeke seemed to struggle for words. “I know that it doesn’t sound like you, but you haven’t been yourself lately. I believe you didn’t set out to kill Rachelle, but the fact is that you did assault her. I’ve given you a lot of leeway, Ally. I’ve overlooked a lot of things, but I can’t overlook this. I can’t.”<br /> “So are Rachelle and I going to have a one-on-one instead?” How grand.<br /> “No.”<br /> Of course not. Rachelle might be Beta female, but her level of dominance didn’t exceed Ally’s. Rachelle wouldn’t want to chance being defeated by someone of lower rank. “I’ve apparently harassed and attacked her. Her wolf should be going crazy for vengeance. That alone should have caused her to challenge me.”<br /> He scrubbed a hand down his face. “A part of her feels sorry for you. She said she can understand why you’re jealous. She admits that she’d feel just as devastated and bitter in your position. She even argued to keep you in the pack when Matt was ready to banish you.”<br /> Ally double-blinked, shocked. “She did what?”<br /> “She doesn’t want you to be out there all alone. She told Matt and me that if you apologize and vow to end your jealous behavior, she’ll even be happy for you to escape punishment.”<br /> And that was when Ally finally comprehended just what Rachelle had been trying to accomplish all along. Not drive Ally out of the pack. Not have her banished or executed—or at least not yet, anyway. No, Rachelle had been trying to isolate Ally. Trying to take away everything that was important to her. She wanted Ally to be miserable and alone, and she wanted a front-row seat to the show.<br /> “All you have to do is apologize,” Zeke repeated.<br /> Laughing humorlessly, Ally leaned forward. “Apologize to her? I’d rather exfoliate my skin with barbed wire and then dive into a pool of chlorine.” Something that Rachelle would know perfectly well. “Besides, I’m not in the habit of saying sorry for stuff I haven’t done.”<br /> Zeke cursed under his breath. “Ally, she’s trying to help you here.”<br /> Ally shook her head sadly. “I never thought you’d be so easily fooled.” If his mating bond with Rachelle had fully developed, he would have sensed that she was lying. But still, he should have known that Ally was innocent. Should have known that even if Ally had attacked Rachelle in a moment of rage, she wouldn’t have lied about it. “So if you’re not going to cast me out, and she’s not going to challenge me, what’s the punishment for my fictional crime?”<br /> “If you don’t apologize to Rachelle, we’ll be forced to relieve you of your status.”<br /> The words were like a blow to the head. Status was everything to wolf shifters; it gave their wolves a clear purpose and stability. As such, to strip a wolf of their status was a very serious thing, designed to cut deep, to hurt both the wolf and the human side. And it did. “I see.” Her tone was flat, empty of any emotion, and gave away none of her wolf’s righteous anger.<br /> “Ally, look at me.” Whatever Zeke saw in her expression made him stiffen, as if bracing himself for impact. “I didn’t want things to be like this. Dammit, they don’t have to be like this.”<br /> “Jealousy makes people do things they wouldn’t normally do,” he mumbled as he averted his gaze. The words sounded rehearsed. Ally got the feeling they were Rachelle’s words.<br /> “You know me, Zeke. You know me. How could you believe this crap? How could you believe I’d begrudge you for mating? We both knew the score when we got together; we knew it would end if one of us found our mate. This happens to shifter couples all the time,” she added with a nonchalant shrug.<br /> A mixture of irritation and hurt flashed on his face. “Don’t downplay what was between us, Ally. We came close to imprinting. Don’t deny it.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Look, I can understand if our abrupt separation and Rachelle’s presence here hurts you. I sure wouldn’t have liked it if the situation were reversed, but I’d have respected it.”<br /> “I do respect your mating.”<br /> “Then why did you attack her?”<br /> “Oh, for God’s sake, I did not touch her.”<br /> “Then how do you explain the injuries she’s sporting?”<br /> “She must have done it all to herself!” Yes, Ally knew how that sounded, and it made her cringe. It was like the more she denied the allegations, the worse she looked. “I know she’s your mate, but I thought we were friends. You won’t even listen to me, you won’t even give me the benefit of the doubt!”<br /> “Because the evidence is all there! Rachelle’s got claw marks on her back, a bruised and swollen jaw, and the youths claim you left to pursue her. Then there are the text messages, the times you yelled at her, and the way you’re constantly angry—”<br /> “Wouldn’t you be angry if false accusations were being slung at you, and no one believed a word you had to say?”<br /> He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why would she falsely accuse you of all these things?”<br /> “Personally, I’m thinking it’s to make you and the entire pack hate me, to leave me isolated and unhappy. But I’m open to the explanation that she grew up on a diet of paint chips and glue.”<br /> “I could never hate you.” He released a tired sigh. “I care about you, Ally, and I always will. But Rachelle’s my mate, and I can’t let you target her like this. Regardless of what you think, I really don’t want to ask you to step down from your position. But right now, the pack doesn’t feel like they can trust you.”<br /> Which meant they didn’t trust a word she said, and so any visions she claimed to have wouldn’t be trusted either. There was literally no place for her here. “Get me a transfer.”<br /> “A transfer?” He looked genuinely shocked. Um, why?<br /> “Yes, get me a place in another pack.” Leaving did feel a little too close to fleeing, and her pride balked at that. But it was better to leave than to entertain Rachelle with her misery any longer. Of course, Ally could go back to her childhood pack. Her foster uncles would welcome her with open arms. But it wasn’t a safe place for her; it would make her life more complicated and dangerous than it already was.<br /> Zeke seemed to struggle with words for a moment. “That’s not necessary. I know everyone’s upset with you right now, but their anger will cool. Things will be back to normal within a month.”<br /> “We both know that’s not true. I want a transfer.”<br /> His jaw hardened. “No.”<br /> “Why not?”<br /> Again he seemed to struggle. “Like I said, it’s not necessary.”<br /> “It is to me. I want out of here.”<br /> “That won’t be easy.” He almost sounded pleased. “Any pack is going to be hesitant to take a wolf who was accused of attempting to kill their Beta female.”<br /> He was right, which meant she was stuck here unless she was prepared to choose the lone-wolf lifestyle—making her an easy target for the human anti-shifter extremists, not to mention other shifters. And Zeke didn’t appear willing to help her.<br /> She understood that Rachelle was his mate, and therefore his loyalty would be primarily to her; Ally wouldn’t expect anything less. But he was also the pack Beta and had taken an oath to protect his Alphas and each wolf within the pack. It was an oath he was now violating.<br /> “Ally, don’t storm out.”<br /> As she reached the door, she glanced back at him over her shoulder. “If you truly believe I attacked your mate, you’d have your hand around my throat, shaking me like a rag doll. But you don’t, because deep down you know, and your wolf knows, that didn’t happen.” Ally swung the door open. “Anyway, there’s no need for me to be envious of her claim on you—I always give my used stuff to the needy and disadvantaged.”	LEARN_MORE	https://b.mylibapps.com/ad/cmVhZGZpY3MvOTk5ODcvMjA	115926978277269	Libb001	https://facebook.com/61551002347000	31	1	2,071,576,993,241,480	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Libb001	120204903468190101	b.mylibapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.mylibapps.com/ad/cmVhZGZpY3MvOTk5ODcvMjAyNDAyMDUxMTI5MDgvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-02-04 21:31	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425560960_390513080190804_3024147466112549523_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Yud0CQSuI-UAX84XrsK&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAhgnNtUo9kLgsO4C2Y72gEMsc_4JhGAqObYRWGCWBvsg&oe=65D6DEC6	person_profile	Libb001	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425593858_1078935050089662_8358001665927501496_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fbwT0MF3kOIAX-oqF4u&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfCMfGpFvrTkQH6fOhKUfAzUPnVMyLUR8OFT040cVToAGw&oe=65D73371	3	Libb001	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,564	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311541}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	588044703519073	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Don't walk away from me, Zell," Kosta yelled.<br /> "Why not? You don't need me. You have Khalis here to take care of all your needs. She is welcome to you. I hope you all will be very happy together. As for me, I'm done. Good luck to you and this pack. I hope you can handle the fallout for you and your whore's actions."<br /> "Mind how you talk to me, Zell. I may be your mate, but I am still the alpha. As a matter of fact, as of right now, I am stripping you of all of your luna privileges."<br /> I spat. "You should know, you didn't deprive me of Luna's title, but I didn't want it myself. I no longer want it. As for the business, have you forgotten that I own 51% of every business we have? I will withdraw all of my personal finances from the pack."<br /> "Oh, and Alpha, You, of all people, know how ruthless I can be if pushed."<br /> ————————<br /> "Well Zel, I just wanted to let you know that I plan on being the Luna of this pack, and your days as Kosta's mate and luna are numbered. I have decided that I deserve to be luna of the third strongest pack in the nation. I mean why should you get everything and I get stuck with nothing?" Khalis says.<br /> <br /> Is this bimbo serious? I just sat there staring at her for a few seconds. Not much shocks me, but this is something else. I knew Khalis was selfish, but this is on a whole other level. There have been rumors about Khalis sleeping with mated males, but I always gave her the benefit of the doubt. I never thought we would be having this kind of conversation. We have been friends since elementary school. Her father and brothers are elite warriors in my father's pack. She was with me when Kosta declared we were mates. She even encouraged me to go with him when he begged me and my father to let me come to his pack with him before I turned 18. She moved to this pack with me, hoping to meet her own mate. She knows Kosta is my fated mate. The moon goddess chose for him me. We both have known Kosta for most of our lives. Kosta is one of my brother's best friends. I keep thinking about everything we have done together and now this bimbo is sitting in my office telling me she plans to take my mate. I'm really speechless. This is a new low, even for her.<br /> <br /> "Just so that I am clear, what exactly do you mean that you want my goddess-given mate and title," I asked.<br /> <br /> "I mean exactly what I said. I want Kosta. I want to be his luna and I am going to make that happen. I've already started the process. I deserve to be a luna."<br /> <br /> "So you just want to come in here and tell me that you want my mate? What about your own mate? Have you thought about that? If the goddess meant for you to be a luna, you would have been fated to an alpha."<br /> <br /> "I waited for my mate. I gave the goddess a chance to do right by me. She gave everyone around me an Alpha. My sister got one, my little ugly cousin got one and even you got one, but what did I get? I got a lowly elite warrior as a mate." She spat.<br /> <br /> "How can you speak like that about elite warriors? Your father and your brother are elite warriors."<br /> <br /> "I know, and I deserve better than that. I deserve to be a luna. I deserve to have people respect me and cater to me."<br /> <br /> "Well, obviously the goddess did not agree with you," I said. "Just to clarify, you're saying that even though you found your destined mate, the one that was made specifically for you by the goddess, you're still interested in my mate? You are unbelievable. What is wrong with you?"<br /> <br /> "It's simple. I'm not meant to be the mate of a warrior. I am meant to be a luna. The moon goddess got it wrong and I am correcting her mistake. As soon as I scented my fated mate and realized he was a warrior, I rejected him and he accepted my rejection. Good riddance."<br /> <br /> "So you think you know better than the goddess?" I asked.<br /> <br /> I am still somewhat shocked. I have a hard time reconciling this cold-blooded bimbo to the person that has been my best friend for over a decade.<br /> <br /> "Zell, I told you a long time ago not to trust her. She has always been this person. She just pretended with you." Sapphire said.<br /> <br /> "This isn't personal, Zell. It's simple since the moon goddess did not give me an alpha, I'm going to take one."<br /> <br /> This bimbo is sitting here calmly telling me she is going to take my mate from me like we are talking about going shopping. She actually thinks this is ok. How could I have been so blind for so long? Everyone tried to warn me about her, but she was my only friend and I just didn't want to believe that about her. I convinced myself that the others were just jealous of her.<br /> <br /> "Do you really think it is ok to try to break your best friend's mate bond?" I say.<br /> <br /> "Oh Honey, I'm not going to try. I'm going to do it. He will be mine. I'm just giving you the courtesy of walking away with your dignity. You might as well start making arrangements for yourself because once I am the luna, there is no way that I will let you remain in my pack. He may keep some tender feelings for you. After all, you are fated."<br /> <br /> "You got one thing right; Kosta and I are fated. You are not the first she-wolf to try to break our mate bond and since he is an alpha, I'm sure you won't be the last. I will tell you what I tell them all, If you can get Kosta to cheat on our bond, you can have him. If he can do that, then he is not the man I have believed him to be and wouldn't deserve me. You would be welcome to him. Just remember, it is because of me and my family that this pack is ranked third. All of that goes with me, but you would be more than welcome to whatever is left." I say.<br /> <br /> "It's not an if, it's a when it happens. And when you leave, Kosta will still be the alpha of this pack. You will just be the ex-luna of the pack. I will be the luna."<br /> <br /> "That's where you are wrong. I am alpha born; a pure-blooded alpha. If I leave, I will still be an alpha and you will still be that bimbo on the side. Some males may be dumb enough to sleep with you, but I have not seen any of the mate men you've been accused of leaving their mates for you. Even the ones who got rejected didn't choose to be with you. Now I suggest you leave my office while I am still being nice or else you will find out why I am feared by others. And if you are successful, don't think for a minute that my family will let either of you go."<br /> <br /> "I will leave for now. Enjoy this office while it is still yours. Your arrogance will be your downfall. Why should I fear you or your family? They have not even been around since your luna ceremony. I'll give you 1 week to make arrangements for yourself. In 7 days, all of this will be mine and you will be out. I will break you and completely disgrace you. I have to thank you for working so hard to build this pack up for me to take over. I will be sure to enjoy the fruit of your labor. I and my children will enjoy this. I am glad he listened to me early on when I told him to wait to have children so you could live your life first. I had to set the groundwork just in case. Now it's time for you to go before you give him an heir." Khalis says and walks out of my office like nothing happened.<br /> <br /> She has caused a lot of chaos since coming to this pack. I just didn't realize her character before now. I thought she was misunderstood. Now I know I was just naïve. It appears that I was the only person blind to her true nature.<br /> <br /> I spent the rest of the day working on pack security and setting up meetings. There are a few alphas wanting an alliance with us. Kosta and I have become quite the power couple in the werewolf society. Since we took over as alpha and luna, the pack and the businesses have grown tremendously. I put my heart and soul into making our pack the best. I got an early start. I graduated from high school when I was 16 and went to university. I graduated with a business degree at 20. Kosta has let me take the lead in our businesses. He knows that beast at negotiation and a whiz at growing businesses. I have acquired several new companies since working in the pack business. Kosta is still the CEO, but I am the COO of the company. I broker the deals and then call Kosta in to close the deal. Most alphas in our circle are jealous of Kosta because he has me at his side. Kosta used to be proud of me and what I did for the pack, but lately he has been resisting the changes I have been making and trying to take over more of the daily operations of the pack. He can't take it all because I am the sole financial backing of the pack and the businesses.<br /> <br /> I am known in werewolf society as a child prodigy, but don't get it twisted, I am not all brains. I can be very deadly when needed. I train every day. I am one of the strongest wolves alive, although I keep that hidden. I can be ruthless, but fair. I know that I am the total package. I am athletic, tall with curves in the right places. I've never been one to compete with other she-wolves. I thought I was happy and had a good life. I thought Khalis was happy. We used to talk about finding our fated mates. I just can't understand how or why Khalis would try to come between me and my mate. I wish I could believe that my bond was safe and solid, but Sapphire is right about Kosta acting suspiciously lately. Kosta has been questioning me a lot lately. It's like he woke up a different person one day. He suddenly lost trust in me, but I have never given him a reason to doubt me. I have found him outside of my door listening to business phone calls, which is crazy because he could just walk in at any time and join the conversation. I have never hidden anything I was doing from him. The worse thing is that our life is now nonexistent. Kosta is always too busy or too tired. His behavior has led me to believe that he is not attracted to me anymore. He had the nerve to ask me why I have been trying so hard to seduce him lately. Like he didn't just stop making love to me cold turkey all of a sudden. We went from making love every day, sometime multiple times a day, to nothing in over a month. Seems like he should have been worried if I didn't try to seduce him. I don't know any mated pair that has gone this long without being intimate with each other. I don't know what the issue is. If we were not marked, I would wonder if he was cheating, but I know he is not. I would have felt it. Why did all of this suddenly become so hard? Why do I even need to seduce my goddess-given mate? It was never supposed to be this way. At least not yet. I'm only 20 years old. Much too young to be going through a dry spell while mated.<br /> <br /> I got so desperate at one time I asked our friends what was going on with him. Kosta tells his beta and gamma everything. I figured if there was a problem, they would tell me and I could fix it, but they just said that he was under a lot of stress. What exactly does he have to stress about? The pack is doing better than it has been in years. In half a year, the pack will be self-sufficient again and won't need to depend on my finances to keep it afloat. I have everything set in motion for the pack to have more disposable cash and residual income. I have a feeling this has Khalis written all over it. Kosta appears to have fallen in line with her already. Maybe this was their plan all along. Kosta needed me to get his pack back on track and now that they are almost completely independent, they don't need me anymore. If that's the case, they are in for a rude awakening. My six-month plan depends on me closing several more deals. All of these deals are allies with my father, uncle, and grandfather. They will not work with Kosta if our bond falls apart. He would erase everything that I have done over the past three years. Well, that would be his problem.<br /> <br /> I got so caught up in working and thinking; I didn't realize I worked up to dinner time. No one called me for lunch. In fact, no one called me for dinner. That is strange. One of the omegas usually checks on me when I am working too much and makes sure I am eating. I guess everyone is following Kosta. Since he has not been showing me any care, they are not either. That really hurts. I sacrificed a lot for this pack. I thought they cared more than this for me. I should just go back to my room. I don't know if I want to be around this pack right now, especially if they could turn their backs on me this quickly. Were they all just using me for my family's wealth?<br /> <br /> "We need to eat Zell. Remember, we are eating for our pup as well. Don't let them win. We are better than this. If they show us they don't want us here, we will leave. Remember, we are alpha born. We will rise above this. We will go back to where we are celebrated. If they turn against us, they don't deserve us. We will sit back and let them destroy themselves."<br /> <br /> "You are right Sapphire. Let's go eat. Our pup needs sustenance."<br /> <br /> I went and cleaned myself up and walked to the dining room. As soon as I walked through the door, all the talking stopped. The whole place went silent. As I walked all the way in, I saw why everyone went silent. Khalis was sitting in my seat, putting food on Kosta's plate like she is the luna. When she saw me, she just smirked and kept doing what she was doing. Kosta just keep eating like I was not standing there. Sapphire stared, pushing forward. She wanted blood. I did too, but I have to think about our pup.<br /> <br /> "What is going on, Kosta? Why is she sitting in my seat feeding you?" I growled.<br /> <br /> "I meant no harm, Zell. You were busy, so I decided to take care of Kosta for you. Someone needs to care for him while you are caring for other things. "<br /> <br /> "I was speaking to my mate, not his bimbo on the side."<br /> <br /> "You were not here for your mate, so I have been taking care of his needs."<br /> <br /> Sapphire pushed forward and growled loudly. Everyone in the room bowed their neck to her.<br /> <br /> "I could kill you in less than 30 seconds, Khalis. I would advise you not to keep crossing my line and you will find yourself very dead. You obviously have forgotten who I am. Don't make me remind you what my family name is," Sapphire said.<br /> <br /> I regained control and looked at Kosta. He didn't even appear to be concerned. He didn't show an ounce of regret or remorse. That took a little of the fight out of me. Khalis can only do what Kosta allows her to do.<br /> <br /> "Kosta, I asked you a question. What is going on?"<br /> <br /> "As Khalis said, you were busy, so she came to do your job for you. If you spent more time catering to me, your mate, and less time working or whatever you are doing, Khalis wouldn't have to step in and take care of my needs." Kosta said.<br /> <br /> I and every pack member gasped. I could not believe he openly disrespected me like that after everything I have done for him and this pack. I did all of that for him. This ungrateful hip.<br /> <br /> "So now I'm working too much, making your pack financially secure? You were not complaining when the pack was bankrupted and I worked day and night just so you could feed the pack another day. I was working too hard then. It's only now that you think the pack is out of the woods that I am working too hard. Now that everyone is comfortable and not at risk of starving, you want to change. Ok, I see who you are now. So instead of appreciating the sacrifices I made for us and the pack, you are sitting here with your bimbo, enjoying the feast that my hard work made possible. I am glad I finally understand where your priorities lie. Trust me, I will never make the same mistake twice." I said and walked away.<br /> <br /> I need to get out of here before I wolf out and kill one of them. After tonight, Khalis can have him. He is not the male I thought he was. I refuse to fight for someone who can spit on all the effort I put into making him great.<br /> <br /> "Don't walk away from me, Zell," Kosta yelled.<br /> <br /> "Why not? You don't need me. You have Khalis here to take care of all your needs. She is welcome to you. I hope you all will be very happy together. As for me, I'm done. Good luck to you and this pack. I hope you can handle the fallout for you and your bimbo's actions."<br /> <br /> "Mind how you talk to me, Zell. I may be your mate, but I am still the alpha. As a matter of fact, as of right now, I am stripping you of all of your luna privileges."<br /> <br /> "Alpha, what are you doing?" Beta James asked<br /> <br /> "Mind your business Beta. This is my pack." Kosta says.<br /> <br /> "Yes, and as your beta and friend, it is my job to tell you when you are making a mistake. Alpha, you are dangerously close to crossing the line of no return. Let's all calm down and discuss this later." Beta James said.<br /> <br /> "Beta, my word stands. Zel, until you learn to respect me as your alpha, you can forget about representing this pack in any aspect. I will be instructing the security team to restrict all of your access. You are no longer the COO of our businesses. As of now, you are just a regular pact member with no power."<br /> <br /> "First of all Alpha." I spat. "Respect is earned. While you are trying to throw your weight around, you can have the luna title back. I no longer want it. As for the business, have you forgotten that I own 51% of every business we have? I also provide 60% of the pack budget from my personal accounts. So while you can restrict my duties as Luna, you cannot touch the business, but I'll do you a solid. You can buy me out of the business and I will withdraw all of my personal finances from the pack."<br /> <br /> I can see that he had forgotten how dependent his pack was on me, but oh well. He made his bed. Now he and his bimbo can lie in it.<br /> <br /> "Oh, and Alpha, if you try to strong-arm me, I will have to call in the full loan that I gave this pack when we mated. Remember, we signed a contract for the loan. You have only paid me a small portion of the loan and I have not pushed the issue, but the contract is legal and binding. Don't push me, Kosta. You, of all people, know how ruthless I can be if pushed."<br /> <br /> I walked off again and made it as far as the stairs. I realized that I could not stay in my current room anymore. There is no way on this goddess-green earth that I want to be in a room with Kosta. Not that he has really shared it with me lately. Now I know why. Khalis has been feeding him and he has been eating it up. They both miscalculated. They thought I would be leaving here with nothing. The jokes on them. I may have been in love, but there is no love in business. I may have put my all into saving this pack and making it independently wealthy, but my parents did not raise a fool and I protected my finances. I invested millions in this company and pack. Did he really think I would protect my money? Does he not remember the prenup my father made him sign since I was a minor when he brought me to this pack? He never gained control over my finances.<br /> <br /> Khalis just showed her hand. After what I just saw, she has a right to be confident. Kosta has completely changed. He is not the man that I mated. He is not the boy that I followed around when I was younger. I don't know what happened or when he changed. Maybe this is who he really is and, like with Khalis, I just never saw his true self. He must have hidden it from my father and brother as well. There is no way they would have let me come here when I was 17 if they knew this was how he would end up treating me. I can see now that it is over between Kosta and me. I need to start planning my exit. I pulled up my computer and moved all of my finances from the pack accounts. I closed all the joint accounts I had with Kosta. It was mostly my money that financed them. I left the ones that he financed in his name. I don't want anything from him at all. After I handle business, I call my brother. I will need his help to leave here safely. Now that Kosta knows that all the money is still tied up with me, I doubt he will let me leave easily. I'm sure he and the bimbo are plotting up something.<br /> <br /> I called my brother and tall him waht happened.<br /> <br /> "So what's the plan, baby sis?" my brother answered.<br /> <br /> "Well, I have already moved all of my personal money from the pack accounts. They are now responsible for themselves. I'm not sure how that is going to go over. I was covering most of the pack's budget. Tomorrow, I will contact my attorneys to protect all of my other assets. I also plan to call our allies and let them know that I am no longer associated with the pack. I am erasing everything I've done over the past three years. They will need to start over from scratch and rebuild it all on their own. There is no way they will get to enjoy my hard work. No, sir."<br /> <br /> "Very smart Zell. What do you need me to do?"	LEARN_MORE	https://b.penguinovels.com/ad/cGVuZ3VpbnMvOTk3NjIv	212509105269007	Guin112	https://facebook.com/61554651037723	7	1	7,056,843,541,089,902	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Guin112	120205928538480529	b.penguinovels.com	NONE	video		https://b.penguinovels.com/ad/cGVuZ3VpbnMvOTk3NjIvMjAyNDAyMDUxMDM3MTcvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-02-04 20:46	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425610964_366687559464454_7174489499623322818_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vje-xnKTVGwAX9-rGNB&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAnc90Iku7RtVT7z6u2Gr_usAbLPTrUrGB6cNVi3yb93g&oe=65D69F11	person_profile	Guin112	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425677282_381313934516909_572896292344773387_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SlGUjPtwaAcAX8IgAxh&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCj1caicTHyKv2QTZT7AF0Al6Vgxqiv4_DwKlfZazX3Pg&oe=65D66288	3	Guin112	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,511	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311513}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	870797858066598	"What a BEAUTIFUL wolf romance on kindle!"	I flopped back on my bed, thoroughly exhausted from what felt like a never-ending shift in the infirmary. Fort Canid certainly hadn’t gone easy on its healers lately, which was surprising, considering just how far we were from the front lines. <br /> Then again, the war between my homeland and the country I currently served started before I’d even been born. There were always changes in what areas were hit hardest and where the most troops were needed. <br /> Still, that didn’t make tending to the many, many freshly injured and severely wounded any easier. I was familiar with the anatomical specifics of most of the paranormal creatures fighting in the military, but my brain always felt like taffy after hour ten, and I was eager to fall into blessed sleep…except for dinner.<br /> My stomach growled as if to reiterate the point. We’d been so slammed that I’d skipped lunch to check up on patients, then after that I’d skipped supper to produce more anti-infection salves. I needed to at least try to get to the later dinner provided to Fort Canid’s soldiers or I’d be in terrible pain the next day. <br /> Then there was the brain fog. <br /> Even though I was only a half-shifter, I had the appetite of a full one, and goodness, could shifters eat. If I were any other paranormal creature—or a “cryptid”, as we tended to jokingly call ourselves—I’d definitely qualify as a glutton. It wasn’t uncommon for me to eat six large meals a day, or even more if I was expending my energy more than usual, and that was fairly run of the mill for a wolf shifter. The bear, manticore, and elephant shifters I’d met could easily triple that.<br /> It was one of the biggest reasons good relationships with the surrounding towns and their folk were so important. We had our own dryads and druids who tended to cows, pigs, and sheep that were ranched within the southern sector of the fort, but it wasn’t enough to fuel all the soldiers stationed there. So, supplies were sourced from the locals, and at a pretty penny as well. <br /> “Come on, Ayla, you gotta eat,” I grumbled to myself, as if saying the words would magically motivate me to sit up and do what I needed to. <br /> Not shockingly, this didn’t really work. <br /> It was just so tempting to let myself slip into restful slumber. My magic was all but tapped out, drained by a war that just kept escalating, demanding more battles and blood spilled across the land.<br /> But before I could let my eyelids flutter closed, a knock sounded at my door. My first instinct was to jolt. Who would want to come into my room so late in the evening? I made it my mission to carefully keep my distance from everyone—quite literally everyone—at Ford Canid, so it wasn’t like I had callers usually show up out of nowhere. <br /> I took a deep breath and caught a familiar scent; one I hadn’t been able to shake even though the rest of the Fort was happy to leave me alone and dub me the “Healing Hermit”. It was even more impressive—or was it pathetic? —when one considered that the other healer in my division was an old warlock with a lengthy white beard who could put most elderly magic users to shame. <br /> “Come on, Ayla. I know you’re in there!” her voice called musically through the door. I rolled my eyes, although I couldn’t help the small smile that spread across my features. Despite my efforts to keep my distance, one of Fort Canid’s most powerful psychics seemed dead set on being my friend.<br /> It would've been annoying if she weren’t so charming. She had a smile that was broad and inviting, her white teeth standing out against the beautiful umber of her skin. It wasn’t a hue I saw often, but it was similar to the reddish clay that spread out under very specific, blessed trees in my homeland, except this was mixed with gold. She was unearthly beautiful in a way, and I had no idea why she was so set on liking me.<br /> Well…that wasn’t entirely true. I’d started things, even if it had been an accident. I’d met her during my first week stationed at the Fort. She’d come in for stronger pain medicine while the lunar eclipse was wreaking havoc on her period—something that wasn’t entirely unusual for magic users. I’d wanted to do a thorough magical scan of her, so I asked her to wash her face and remove her makeup, including what I thought were her very obvious falsies. <br /> I’d been as cold and detached as possible, but she’d just laughed and informed me she wasn’t wearing any. She just had a mutation that gave her a double row of lashes on both her top and bottom lids. <br /> Naturally, I was fascinated. Can you blame a healer? I knew that distichiasis was a mutation of the FOXC2 gene that existed in humans and could have plenty of other symptoms, such as lymphedema and congenital defects, but I’d never heard of a cryptid with it. <br /> It turned out asking a curious question was the same as proposing a lifetime bond, apparently, because Darla looped her arm around mine and told me that if she was going to give me a whole interview, we might as well be friends and eat together. <br /> “I thought you couldn’t read my mind while I’m wearing the inhibitor bracelet,” I called gruffly without moving. The truth was, I liked Darla quite a lot. She was funny, charismatic, and sharp as a whip. I got the feeling that, even if she couldn’t read minds, she'd be a force to be reckoned with.<br /> “I don’t need to read your mind to know that you’re in there without having eaten anything for at least half a day.”<br /> I may have cursed under my breath. Unlike most shifters, Darla couldn’t hear my muttering. <br /> “You might be right, but I’ll confirm nothing.”<br /> “I wouldn’t expect anything less. Now, get up and out of here so we can get some grub. It won’t remedy you needing to get laid, but at least it’ll stop you from being hangry.”<br /> I shot her a look, even though she couldn’t see me.<br /> “Excuse you, I do not need to get laid!”<br /> I was prickly around the edges, but that was on purpose. I had… complications in my life that forced my hand. Complications that meant I'd need to keep my distance as much as possible, and last I checked, sleeping with someone was definitely close contact. <br /> Besides, I didn’t want to tell my gorgeous, charismatic friend who had dozens of men and women drooling over her that I was a twenty-two-year-old virgin. Not because she'd make fun of me, but because she might try to ‘fix’ the situation.<br /> Ugh, the thought made me nauseous. <br /> I could just picture the line of eligible bachelors she’d round up in the hopes of me finding “the one”. Not only would it be awkward beyond the extreme, it’d only end with bitter attitudes and broken hearts. <br /> Mostly because I’d already found “the one”.<br /> I could never, ever become close to him.<br /> “Baby, are you really trying to lie to a psychic?” Darla shot back. It’d become increasingly obvious with each second that she wasn’t going to leave me alone, so I groaned, got up, and stalked over to the door.<br /> “We already went over this,” I told her dryly after flinging it open. “Inhibitor bracelet means that you’re not much different than a human to me.”<br /> “Not much different than a beautiful human to you,” she corrected me without missing a beat. That charisma again. She had a quick tongue and an even quicker wit, which was probably one of the reasons it was so hard to shake her. I knew that if I really put the work into being a miserable twat, she’d eventually lose interest, but try as I might, I just couldn’t bring myself to fully commit. <br /> This was incredibly selfish of me, of course, but it'd been so long, and sometimes I was just incredibly lonely. Was it really that wrong for me to have a single friend?<br /> Probably, but it was what it was. <br /> “Come on,” Darla said while completely ignoring my scowl. “You can’t blame me for suggesting a way to help you out.”<br /> “Help me out with what?”<br /> “That whole uptight vibe you’ve got going on.” She pushed her way into my room, and the next thing I knew, she was sitting at my desk. I didn’t have a lot of furniture exactly, but I'd more than the standard soldier, considering all the healing and witch supplies I needed. <br /> “You know, not everyone is into romance or sex,” I said, crossing over to my bed and flopping back down. It looked like now I wasn’t going to eat or sleep, which wasn’t the best option. Actually, I was pretty sure it was the worst. <br /> “Ayla, I can end up living in other people’s heads if I’m not careful. Of course, I know about the ace-aro spectrum, but I also know that that isn’t you.”<br /> Ugh, I hated when Darla got insightful.<br /> I got the feeling the psychic liked to play up an empty-headed bimbo persona to get people to underestimate her. The fact that she didn’t bother with that charade around me was pretty flattering, as much as I tried to wall myself off. <br /> “No, you’re so full of internal tension, I’m surprised you haven’t spontaneously combusted,” Darla continued, spinning around in my desk chair. “So, please, help me help you before you snap.”<br /> “I’m not going to snap.” <br /> “All right, I’ll trust you for now, but if you start chewing on the walls, I’m gonna take dating applications for you.”<br /> “Yes, because that’s definitely a habit that’ll attract multiple suitors.”<br /> Darla laughed at that, her head tipping back and white teeth flashing. It probably shouldn’t have made pride flicker in my chest that I’d amused her, but it did. What could I say? I liked the idea of making my clever friend, and my only friend, laugh. <br /> “Hey, your love non-life aside, did you see the latest batch of shifter trainees? Some of them are absolutely scrumptious. Maybe you could put on cute civvies and we can give ‘em an eyeful in the dining hall?”<br /> “I thought you just said my love non-life aside.”<br /> “I’m sorry! I’m just a dog with a bone.”<br /> “More like a dog trying to get me boned,” I muttered under my breath, only to send Darla cackling again.<br /> “What did you just call me?”<br /> My eyes snapped wide open at that, and I jolted upright. “What? Nothing!”<br /> “Relax, relax, girl!” Darla said between peals of chuckles, waving me off. “You’re so funny when you don’t mean to be.”<br /> I wanted to argue that I'd be funnier if I didn’t have to barrier myself off from everyone around me, but I wanted to keep that truth to myself. “I don’t even have clothes outside my healer uniform and sleepwear,” I said instead, diffusing the mood.<br /> “What? I know I didn’t just hear that.”<br /> “You did. Besides, I’m exhausted. I’m good unless you think these recruits have a thing for dark crow’s feet and crabby attitudes. So, if you wanna head out and do whatever with them, feel free to do it solo.”<br /> Darla completely ignored my invitation to leave, which I didn’t expect to work, anyway. If I told her seriously that I needed space, she'd respect my wishes, but she had an uncanny knack for seeing through my bluster.<br /> “Nah, not interested. Captain Kai is in the dining hall welcoming them now, so I’m sure they’re all starry-eyed and fawning over him. Not enough attention left over to make it worth getting dolled up on my own.”<br /> I couldn’t fight the emotional jolt that went through me at the captain’s name. It was such a specific feeling that I only associated with him: a twinge of heartache, a dash of resentment, a heaping dose of guilt. I wasn’t sure what my feelings were cooking up, but whatever it was, it always left me with a forlorn, bitter taste in my mouth. <br /> But that was probably because he was my fated mate.<br /> “You all right over there?” Darla said in a curious tone. Sometimes I got the feeling that she knew how much I was drawn to Captain Kai, and other times it felt like she was completely oblivious. “You look a little green.”<br /> “I’m fine,” I lied, just like I had to do most of the time. I really hated that about myself, but survival is as survival does, and I just did what was necessary to protect the people around me. “Just hungry.”<br /> In truth, my stomach was twisting at the thought of him being surrounded by drooling, enamored recruits who could openly speak with him—be close to him. Meanwhile, I was barely able to steal distant glances, and that was it. It wasn’t right to be so isolated from my mate. It tore at me in ways I truly hated, but what could I do?<br /> Mates, fated mates, and romance were complicated, interwoven things in shifter culture. Considering I was only half a shifter and raised by witches, I was still unraveling those intricate social rules. Mates were what most shifters tended to call their long-term partners, wives, or husbands. It meant a specific, important relationship that was set aside from just dating, or even marriage. It was something shifter-specific and taken very seriously. <br /> But it was a choice.<br /> Fated mates were something else entirely. I was still shaky on the why of it, but boy, was I familiar with how it felt. Fated mates weren’t about choice. It was like an irresistible call to another person—someone I was meant to be with. More enticing than a siren’s song, more compelling than my need for oxygen. My entire body, heart, and soul longed to be by Kai’s side. To protect him. To comfort him. To laugh with him and share all the mundane little happenings of day-to-day life. I craved him more than I wanted food or drink.<br /> But I couldn’t have him.<br /> Maybe…maybe it wouldn’t be the worst idea to go to the dining hall and help with the welcoming of the new recruits. Even though I couldn’t participate directly, it was always nice to see him charm the troops. Captain Kai had a way of making everyone feel welcome right off the bat—that was if they let him. Goodness knows, I certainly hadn’t when I’d first arrived. I’d stared straight at the ground and given one-word answers as best I could. Not exactly the best first impression, but it was what I had to do to squeak by. <br /> “Why don’t we go get you food before you pass out? You know how cranky you get in the morning when you’ve gone too long without eating.”<br /> She was right. “All right,” I said, like she’d managed to convince me. “Let’s go get food. As long as you’re willing to not make a scene.”<br /> “Me? Make a scene?” Darla objected, batting her double row of eyelashes at me. “I'd never.”<br /> “Uh-huh. Why don’t you go ahead? I’m gonna take a quick wash, then follow up behind you.”<br /> “You’re really sticking to this hermit thing, aren’t you? You know, if you didn’t work so hard on being stony, more people would see how fun you are.”<br /> “I don’t want people to see how fun I am,” I countered sharply. I didn’t need to risk them getting hurt. <br /> “All right, all right, I can tell I touched a nerve. I’ll head out to get my flirt on before you join me.”<br /> “Thanks.”<br /> Darla practically skipped out of my room, heading away from my living quarters toward the southern cafeteria. Troops tended to eat in the same places most days, but sometimes we’d wander to one of the other quads if our usual one was overly packed. <br /> Considering the late hour, though, there would be plenty of room once I arrived. Most of the soldiers in our quad were used to me silently eating alone or with Darla, so no one was likely to bother me besides perhaps the new recruits. But I was sure that others would warn them off me before then. It was certainly a relief. It was going to take far too much of my attention to not openly stare at Kai, so I wasn’t exactly going to be up for conversation. <br /> Allowing myself one more groan, I got out of bed and hopped into the shower. Most of the new recruits had to use communal dorm bathrooms, but as one of two healers on our quadrant of the fort who often had to wash viscera, tonics, and brews off myself, I'd a small bathroom attached to my quarters. <br /> Once I was clean, I pulled on a standard uniform instead of my healing one, then headed to the café. Just like I’d hoped, Darla was indeed busy with a gaggle of soldiers who were all vying for her attention, allowing me to get my food and pretend like I wasn’t waiting for Kai to arrive.<br /> The room was much louder than usual, filled with all the new bodies. As much as I appreciated the reinforcements, my heart grew heavy knowing we were so direly in need of them. The war seemed to stretch on forever, escalating more and more as the years passed. <br /> What was it even about? Land? Power? It all seemed so pointless to me. I fought as hard as I could to be an excellent healer and soldier for Captain Kai and my fellow shifters, but that didn’t mean I was a blindly loyal patriot. The world would be a much better place if there were no such thing as armed conflict. <br /> I grimaced as I tried to shove those thoughts out of my mind. Luckily, that was right when none other than Captain Kai strolled into the cafeteria, his presence banishing the negativity always living in my mind. He looked gorgeous, as usual, and my eyes traveled along his noble brow, down his strong nose, then to his chiseled chin. He was smiling, as he usually was off duty, his dark spit curls hanging off his forehead. <br /> I mechanically shoveled food from my tray into my mouth, but even with how hungry I was, I didn’t really taste any of it. My full attention was on Kai, save for the small sliver of my brain trying to pretend that I wasn’t looking at him. Once more, the siren song bloomed within, flooding me with a bitter longing that never seemed to end.<br /> “Well met!” I heard him say cheerily to one of the recruits, with even my half-shifter hearing able to pick up his voice from across the room. <br /> As he continued to greet the troops, I thought back to the first moment I saw him from across the compound. It was like the world had stopped moving entirely, its axis disappearing, only for none other than Kai himself to become the center upon which it rotated. My inner wolf howled, wanting to go to him, begging to, but I… I couldn’t.<br /> It’d taken every bit of strength I had not to give into the feral need rushing through me, hot and bright. Somehow I’d managed to rush back to my quarters and collect myself despite my inner wolf cursing at me with bared teeth the entire time. <br /> I was so shocked. Never in a million years had I ever thought I'd have a fated mate, let alone that I'd run into mine during my military service. It just figured because the urge to protect him, to take care of him, prevented me from ever acting on these overwhelming feelings. <br /> In the end, I always ended up hurting everyone around me. Everyone I was close to. All because of a stupid curse by a bastard of a magic user who apparently had it out for an infant. <br /> The witches who helped raise me had tried for years to remove the curse—what I liked to call my Malignant Shadow—that’d been forced upon me. It sank into my skin, my very soul, spreading out to feed on those I loved. <br /> So, I’d cursed Kai right back. Not with the Malignant Shadow or anything that would hurt him. No, I’d cut my own hand off before I did anything like that. But I did curse him with… blindness.<br /> Except blindness wasn’t even an accurate description. It was a complete and total ablation of all his senses. Normally, it would be the most extreme torture: locked within one’s own body without a sense of taste, smell, hearing, sight, touch, or perception of where one was in any given space, but I'd no desire to harm Kai. In fact, I’d cooked up my little spell specifically to save him. <br /> I’d narrowed down the curse to just affect how his inner wolf saw me. He could still see and hear me, of course, so it wasn’t like I was invisible to him, but it cut him off from the natural ability to sense I was his mate. So to him, I was less than interesting, and just another soldier with the world’s mildest scent and a bland personality.<br /> It was worth it—at least that was what I told myself—to keep him safe, even if sometimes it felt like it was ripping my heart out.<br /> “Ah, I heard about your mother’s exploits in the fifth regiment. She was one of the best calvary we ever had. I look forward to seeing what you can do, cadet.”<br /> There was his voice, drifting over to me and coiling around my heart. As usual, I let myself daydream of what it would've been like if I hadn’t cursed him. If I’d just let nature take its course so the two of us could be together.<br /> They were a slippery slope, these daydreams, layered with earnest delusion atop a foundation of delicious temptation. I knew it, and yet I let my mind wander along these familiar fantasies, anyway.<br /> I supposed I was a glutton for punishment that way. <br /> But it was just so easy to see. The special smile he’d send me, his mate. How he would hold me. Despite what I’d been through, my mind had no trouble conjuring up what it might be like to be loved and claimed by someone so warm, so bright. A shining beacon of strength and compassion in the darkness spreading rapidly across our lands. <br /> The further I went along with the daydream, the more I could feel my cheeks burning until I was surprised they didn’t spontaneously light themselves aflame. After all, it wouldn’t be the strangest thing to happen at Fort Canid. <br /> But then I happened to make eye contact with Darla. She wiggled her eyebrows at me knowingly. Ugh. Even with the inhibitor bracelet all of us soldiers were given when we arrived at the fort, she could still see right through me. <br /> Quickly looking down at my food, I shoveled another forkful into my mouth. I knew I should leave, but when I glanced up, with my mouth full of beans, my eyes didn’t connect with Darla’s. No. Suddenly I found myself looking into Kai’s dark, soulful eyes.<br /> Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!<br /> I did my best to reign in my response, even if everything in me was screaming that he knew, but the moment barely lasted before his gaze moved away from me, not even registering I was there.<br /> It made my heart ache something fierce, even if that was exactly what my curse was supposed to do. I was nothing to him, and nothing I must remain. <br /> As much as I told myself that, though, electricity still ran through me each time I saw him. It really was excruciating torture being so close to the man I was supposed to be with and having it taken away before I was old enough to understand what a fated mate even meant.<br /> But it would be worth it.<br /> As long as Kai was safe, it would all be worth it.<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 of Royally Cursed. Read the rest today, FREE on Kindle Unlimited!	LEARN_MORE	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR9JW1TX	106376495657728	Wolf Boyfriends - Shifter Romance Books	https://facebook.com/100088904341142	928	1	1,582,602,269,176,129	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Wolf Boyfriends - Shifter Romance Books	120206632872670327	amazon.com	NONE	image	Royally Cursed: A Fated Mates Wolf Shifter Romance (Fated Love, Fated War Book 1)	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR9JW1TX	2024-02-16 10:07	https://scontent.fsan1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424619776_1609450989845216_721637390712129017_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lfHksBdFiTEAX8qPb56&_nc_ht=scontent.fsan1-2.fna&oh=00_AfDEcl31gcya0tR8-SSawwUC43fNEjs7cEG_AvrW10yvRA&oe=65D7D135	person_profile			3	Wolf Boyfriends - Shifter Romance Books	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete

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