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2,728,239	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Read next chapter👉	Everyone knew he married her for power. When her grandfather passed and his first love got pregnant, she was cast out. They all waited for her to become a discarded trophy wife--until he made it official: "A military marriage won't end. Slander carries legal consequences." ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &8&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-e	Lime novel-E	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	357	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=B83A640F8AE4343C5786FBA76D8E6E31F1913A1D438F7816	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481066215_660480429745402_2405025193848279258_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8CUjAMCZZyYQ7kNvgEEmXE4&_nc_oc=AdjALJ8yeCnjHS_OGRVQyyT-Uy7jkrLXtLhbKkdDy2n7vpITtZsDfQ3lPZ9lvKrUMK2mF_7xdxhDPQpDUgFRLvOq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AYS0YmJs97haCn2KYoJJ8ZU&oh=00_AYCZnPuwVKkSD0-Pto90N8DbG4wh291yxsfsSCRFjKMBXw&oe=67C9DF56	PERSON_PROFILE	Lime novel-E	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,729,160	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	LOGAN – 4 years ago I am standing here, watching as she packs her stuff. I have tried to talk to her, wanted to make her tell me what is going on in her head. I have tried to find out why my mate, my daughter’s mom, wants to leave me. I have been everything I possibly can be for her while she carried our daughter. I show her my respect and my trust. I had her help with the pack as my Luna. I thought we were good. “Mia, sweetheart, please talk to me. What happened?” I try to take her into my arms, but she steps away. “Don’t; I am done. I am tired of this.” She says, not even looking at me. “Tired about what? Mia, please.” I beg her. “Everything.” She sneers. “I hate this life; I hate being here. I hate being a mom. I wasn’t ready for that.” “You know we can’t control what happens when you go to heat Mia. We will manage. I will help you. Like I have been all the time. You’re not alone. She is ours.” “I don’t want her!” she screams at me. And I look at her. “Mia, please don’t do this. We can figure it out together,” I tell her. “No, you can keep her. I don’t want her. I just want to travel and enjoy my life. Not think about a mate or a baby.” “We can still travel, sweetheart.” She doesn’t answer. Grab her bags and turn to me. “No, I don’t want to be a mother. I don’t want her or you.” I gasped, already feeling my heart being ripped. “I, Mia Andrews, Reject you, Alpha Logan, and my daughter Rosalie. I denounce my role as Luna for the Pack.” My heart is being ripped apart. Feeling her rejection, also she denounces the pack. “Goodbye, Logan.” She left. She left and didn’t think twice about it. She left, ripping half of my heart. Titan was whining in my head, wanting his mate. I was on the floor, fighting not to fall apart. A loud cry rips through me, and I realize it is coming from the nursery. I get up and walk into the nursery, and there in her cradle, my little, sweet, beautiful baby girl is crying. I know, without a doubt, that she must have felt the family bond break when Mia rejected her as her daughter. I lift her. I know what I need to do, not only for my sake but for my daughter, who I now have to raise on my own. I can still feel the bit that is left of our bond after she rejected me. And I need to erase that if I am going to find out how to deal and move on. So I feel for the rest of our bond and find the mind link. ‘I, Nathan King, accept the rejection and denounce of my mate and Luna, and as the mother of my daughter. I, with this, ban her from the Pack.’ I feel the last piece of my bond with Mia disappear. I will devote myself to my little girl. Raise her to be a strong and kind person. I will fight to be everything she can need in her life. I will do anything to keep her safe and happy. My pack must have felt what happened, but I cannot deal with that today. Today it’s about me and my little rose. I am Logan King. I am nineteen and have been The Alpha of my pack. The strongest pack there is in North America since I was seventeen. Not only are we the strongest pack, but I am also the youngest Alpha and the strongest one seen in several decades. When I turned sixteen and didn’t get my wolf, my parents were worried, but the day I turned seventeen, Titan came to me, and I finally met my wolf. Everyone had been shocked by his size and the incredible strength and power that came from Titan. A few months after I had gotten Titan, our pack was attacked by rouges, and even though we won, I lost my parents. Despite only being seventeen, I was chosen to be the Alpha, and from that day, I have done everything to keep my pack safe. Chapter 2 OLIVIA - Present Time “Harder, Olivia. I know you can be better than this.” My brother Matt with the demanding tone of a teacher. Trying to satisfy him, I kick the bag harder and faster and do a series of mixed-up kicks and hits. Looking behind me, I see him nod approvingly. “Much better. Come sit down.” And I walk over and sit down next to my classmates. It’s Friday, and every Friday, he tests us. Sometimes like this where we show strength on the boxing bag. Other times we fight him or each other. My brother is an awesome teacher, but he is also trained by our dad, just like I am. Our dad is one of the best warriors in the pack, and for him, it doesn’t matter if you are a boy or a girl. Saying we live in a dangerous world, he thinks that every wolf should be able to fight, at the least, to protect themselves. So since I was a kid, I had been trained solely by my dad until I was old enough to join the first training program. Many say that dad is the best warrior, but when the old head warrior passed away, Alpha chose a close friend of his instead. Dad had said nothing and just went on with his life as usual. Taking care of Matt and me after our mom died from Wolfsbane, how she was poisoned no one knew. Being Friday, our Alpha, Alpha Colton, came by to see how training goes. I had started to become very uncomfortable whenever Alpha was around. Because of everything, I would find him following me around with his eyes. And when I caught him doing it, he would wink at me. Some pack members say that Alpha has started going insane after his mate and Luna was taken down during a rouge attack. They say he has become unpredictable and has ordered many female wolves to his room, where some of them didn’t leave from there alive. Everyone thinks he should retire and let his son Carter take over, but he refuses and says his son isn’t ready. Carter was okay, not someone I had ever had a whole lot of contact with, but he seemed fair and friendly with everyone in the pack. He was 22 years old and had yet to find his mate. I sat here, lost in my thoughts, and a big shadow suddenly covered me. Looking up, I saw Alpha Colton looking down at me before sitting down next to me. “You are a very skilled fighter, Olivia.” He said as he looked me over, his eyes checking out my curves. “Thank you, Alpha,” I answered, trying to hide, but it was hard since I was wearing shorts and a sports bra. “And very beautiful. You look just like your mother.” His eyes checked me out again, making me want to crawl out of my skin and hide. Before I can answer, my brother comes over and respectfully greet our Alpha before he tells me to go home for today. I jump up, grateful for being told to leave, and hurry out after saying my goodbyes. Entering our little house, I go straight to my room. Finding your mate is a huge deal. Your mate is your soulmate, the last piece of yourself. We can sense our wolves when we turn sixteen, but our wolves are not able to shift or recognize their mate before we turn eighteen. It does happen that a guy will sense his mate even though she is not eighteen. But most times that this happens, the guy waits without saying anything. It also happens that mates reject each other. For the one doing the rejection, it means he or she won’t get a chance of a second chance, mate, which happens mostly if someone loses their mate. But not everyone gets a second chance. We also don’t communicate with our wolf fully before turning eighteen. So we don’t talk all the time. Our communication is by emotions, which can be a little distracting if you get a sassy wolf. By dinnertime, I went downstairs and had dinner with my dad and brother. But unusual go how we always talk and have fun. It was quiet and tense. I didn’t ask why assuming dad must have had a stressful day. “Olivia?” “Yes, dad?” I looked up at him. “Tomorrow, I want you to pack a bag. We are going to visit your grandparents at another park. And we leave Sunday, so make sure to pack anything important you wouldn’t want to leave behind, as we will be gone for a while.” He tells me, making me look at him. “Why? Is something wrong?” I ask. “Your grandparents are getting old, and they miss you two. So we agreed we would go there for a while. It has all been agreed to by our Alpha to go visit some family and also the Alpha of the pack.” He explains. “Okay, dad. I will pack tomorrow.” I answer, and he smiles. When we are done eating, I help with cleaning up and then hug dad before I go to be at the party. Matt is joining me because she-wolf could be his mate, and he is becoming anxious about finding her soon. After being at the party for an hour, we saw the girl find her mate among one of the newly shifted guys. Again I was so lost in thoughts that I didn’t see the person approaching me before sitting next to me. And I am a little shocked to see Carter, the Alphas’ son, sit down next to me. “Hello, Olivia.“ He greets me. “Hello, Alpha Carter,” I answered respectfully. “Ah, I am not the Alpha, so just Carter.” He says, smiling, and I smile back “I hear you and your family are going to visit some family from another pack.” “Yes, we are,” I confirm. “That is great.” He says, still smiling, and after a little while, he stands up and mingles with the many teens here. After another few hours, Matt finds me, and we agree to go home. As we were on our way, we heard someone call our names, and someone came running toward us. Turning around, we are shocked to see it is Carter. Matt, Olivia.” He greets us before continuing. “I wanted to talk with you.” He says and looks at us. “What can we do for you, Alpha,” Matt says, taking charge. “Please, Matt, don’t call me Alpha, and I want to help you.” He says, and we look at him, me unsure about what he wants to help us with. “When you go visit the other pack. Don’t come back, especially you, Olivia. Stay there, where you can be safe.” “What do.” I begin, but Matt cuts in. “It is all under control Carter,” Matt says, looking at Carter, that looks back at him and nods. “Good, know I am sorry and trying to end it. I wish you all safe travels.” With those words, he left. Chapter 3 OLIVIA Matt had refused to say anything about what Carter had said and what he had answered him and just said I would understand soon. I nodded and then go to my room to have a good rest. When I wake up, the house is quiet, and I look at the time and see it is already 9 in the morning. This makes me wonder because usually, dad would have had us out running like we do every morning. Halfway down the stairs, I hear dad and Matt talk. “She knows something is up, dad.” “What do you mean?” “Carter came to us on our way home and told us not to come back and stay at that pack where she would be safe. I don’t think he meant any harm, though, but just wanted to help.” “Carter is a good boy.” “Yes, but now Liv is suspicious. I don’t think she knows what is going on with Alpha. But it’s clear she has been feeling uncomfortable.” Matt says. “I will talk to her when we have left here and are safely in our pack.” There is no answer to dad’s words, and after that and they begin to talk about other stuff. I know something is going on, and this something has something to do with me. After a little I move again and enter the kitchen, seeing both of them sitting by the table where breakfast is served. “Morning, Muffin. Are you feeling well?” My dad asks “Yes, we not going running?” I ask him, and he shakes his head. “I thought a day off was okay, so we have time to pack so we can leave in the morning.” “Okay, dad,” I say without showing he is hiding something. After breakfast, I go back to my room, find my biggest travel bag, and pack almost all my clothes in it. And in my smaller bag, I pack my stuff and a few items I have from my mom. I have a feeling that I will not be coming back here, so I want to be sure I have all the most important things packed. After I am done, I walk downstairs again to find dad. I find him in the kitchen talking on his phone, so I sit down and wait for him to finish. “That’s great, thank you. We will see you all tomorrow, probably in the late afternoon.” Dad says before hanging up. “That was your grandma. She can’t wait to see you and Matt. Did you finish packing?” He asks. “Yes, all packed and ready,” I confirm. “Great. Then rest here at home today so you won’t be too tired to travel.” He tells me, and I nod my head. I know that in those words was a hidden message. Don’t go outside today. “Okay, dad.” I was so bored being here at home, so I wore my air pods and turned on my music app, and before I knew it, I was singing along. Dad didn’t leave the house either, and Matt was also home. - LOGAN I was sitting in my office when someone knocked on my door. I told whomever it was to come in. The door opened, and my Beta Luca came inside the office. “I talked with the Jones, they talked with their son-in-law, and he will try to get them here by tomorrow.” He informed me. “Okay, get a house ready. See, if not, there is one close by the Jones family.” I tell him. “Will do. I also informed the warriors doing patrols for the next few days, just to be on the safe side.” “Thank you, that’s a good idea.” This is why he is my Beta, he always thinks ahead, and I don’t have to tell or remind him of things. And he is my best friend. We do a little small talking and talk about what to expect. A few days ago, I had a visit from Nina and Michael Jones, two highly respected members of my pack. They told me about how their Son-in-law had contacted them, asking for help. He told them that his pack Alpha was showing an unhealthy interest in his underage daughter, which worried him a lot, especially when his Alpha called him to the office. Offering him the role of being the pack head warrior if he would willingly give him his daughter to make his mate. The Alpha had lost his mate years ago, and now he had set his eyes on this young girl. Not only was she not eighteen, and she was a month away from her birthday. Not only is the Alpha in his 40s, but that is in no way acceptable to try to force someone to become their mate. So I told them they were all welcome here without thinking much about it. For some reason, my wolf was restless with this news. But his being restless is not something new. I don’t let him out as often as I should. Because I know he frightens most of my pack members. While Luca and I were talking, the door opened again, and before I knew it, I had my little Rose jumping up to sit on my lap. She is three years old now and turning four in 10 days. “Hello, daddy.” She says happily. “Hello, my little Rose. Are you ready for dinner?” “Yes, daddy.” We walk to the big dining room where pack members can choose to come and eat. After dinner, I took her up to my floor, and we spent time playing and later watching Beauty and the beast. Chapter 4 OLIVIA The day had been so boring, but because I didn’t want to worry my dad, I had not left the house all day. “Muffin, wake up.” I opened my eyes, startled, and I saw my dad nudging me gently to wake up. “Dad? What time is it.” “2:40, we have to go, Muffin. The car is packed. Get clothes on and come downstairs.” He got up and left me to get dressed. I was confused. But I got up and dressed in sweatpants and a hoodie. I wanted to feel comfortable while we traveled. I could feel how Skye was feeling anxious and nervous, and that made me nervous because I had never felt emotions like these from her. Coming downstairs, it did slip my trained eyes that Matt packed some weapons in a bag. And as wolves, we never use actual weapons. We are a weapon ourselves. So it did not ease my frustration and nervousness to see him pack them. “Dad is in the car. Let’s go.” He tells me. We walk outside and see dad in the car but with the lights off. We get in Matt in the passenger seat, and I sit in the back. Dad slowly drives away from the house, and I get the feeling that I will never see it again. When we reach the border of our territory, two patrols step forward, together with another tall figure we first can’t see who is. As we get closer, I see it is Carter, and dad rolls his window down a little. “Mr. Moore. Good to see you got here undetected.” He greets dad, who nods at his words. “Thank you, Alpha. For everything.” Dad says. “I am not Alpha yet, so it’s just Carter. I wish you safe travels and a future.” “Thank you, Carter. You’re a good person.” They shake hands, then dad starts driving again, and soon we are out of the territory, and dad turn on the lights on the car when we hit the main road. Four hours after we left the territory, dad held into a gas station at tank gas. When he was done and had come back inside the car, he turned to look at me. “Muffin, I am going to ask you to do something very difficult, and it will make you feel weak for a while until we get to that pack,” Dad says and looks at me. “Do what, dad?” I ask him. “We have to denounce our place as a pack member of the Dark Forest Pack. But it will just be until we get to the pack, then their Alpha will invite us into his Pack.” “But why? You don’t have to do that just to visit another Pack.” I say, I know something is up, and I want to know. “We have to leave Dark Forest. Alpha is not in his right mind. And he is interested in you, Dad tells me, and I feel disgusting. “But he is so old. How can he think I would want to do that.” I ask. “He doesn’t care about that, Liv,” Matt says, using my nickname. “Your mother’s parents talked to their Alpha, and he has offered us a place there. He is a young Alpha but very, very strong. We will be safe there, and you will be safe there.” Dad says. “Okay.” “We will talk more when we are there, okay?” Dad asks, and I nod my head. And then we all denounce our place as pack members of the Dark Forest. The first dad did it, then Matt, and then it was my turn. “I, Olivia Moore, daughter of Klaus and Nora Moore, denounce my place as a pack member of the Dark Forest Pack and choose to become a rouge.” It frustrates me so badly that I feel the pack link break and the feeling of belonging somewhere disappeared. I gasped in pain for just a second. “I know it hurts, muffin, but it’s for the best.” Dad soothes me, and I nod my head. After it was over, Dad started driving again, and then the sounds of a phone rang. Matt looked at dad’s phone. “It’s Alpha Colton.” He tells Dad. And he let it ring out, but then his phone started ringing, and when it was left unanswered, mine announced an incoming call from a number I didn’t know. “Don’t answer. Save your pictures and anything else important to the sky, then turn off your phone and throw it out the window so that they can’t trace us.” Dad says, and we do as he is told us. “But doesn’t he know where we are going?” I ask as I throw my phone out the window. “Not entirely. I told him we were visiting some of your mother's family. And he knows she has two sisters that both moved to other packs when they found their mates. So it could be anywhere that we go too.” Dad tells me. And I nod I realized that there must have been so much planning put into this. And I knew it was not an overreaction, I mean, I had noticed how Alpha Colton always seemed to put his eyes on me, and it always made me feel so uncomfortable. After another 3 hours of driving and one bathroom break, we left the main roads and came into an area with the most amazing forest I had ever seen. And on the horizon far back, I could see big mountains shoot up and a waterfall, I think. None of us said anything for a long time, and I just looked out of the window, rolling it down and taking in the fresh air. I gasped when I saw something huge move fast between the trees, and a scent of pinewood and caramel hit my nose, but before I could properly see it, it was gone. After a bit of time, dad stopped the car in the middle of nowhere, and just as I was about to ask why we stopped, four big men stepped out onto the road. Two of them were warriors, but the last two were even bigger, one being bigger than the other. The two warriors stayed where they were, but the smallest one of the two others began walking towards our car. Dad looked at us, told us to stay in the car, and then got out. They shook hands when he met the person in front of our car. They talked a little, and dad walked with him to meet the other person. I tried to get a good look at him, but it was like he avoided looking our way. And soon, dad returned to the car and smiled as he got in. “That was the Beta and the Alpha himself. We were out for a run when he sensed us. We will follow the Beta while the Alpha returns to the pack and waits for us.” He says. “He is one big wolf, isn’t he?” Matt says. “He is, and I have never felt a power like the one coming from him, so be respectful.” Dad answer and starts the car to follow the big wolf that the Beta shifted into. Chapter 5 LOGAN Oh, no! I had so much pent-up restless energy today, so when the morning training session was over, I decided to go for a run, informed my pack and patrols, and then ran. I had been running for a while when Titan began to slow down and become aware of our surroundings. ‘Someone is here.’ His powerful voice tells me in my head. ‘It is probably the family we are waiting for to arrive.’ I remind him. And he takes a turn towards the roads. And I mind linking Luca, telling him I think they have arrived. When we get closer, I catch the faint smell of something delicious, and the scent is getting closer. I see the car driving towards the pack nearly by the road, and the scent gets stronger. I can now say exactly that it’s the scent of strawberries and chocolate, the two things I enjoy to ear more than anything. I can see three people in the car, and I freeze when I realize the scent got stronger because a window had gotten rolled down slightly, and the most beautiful girl I have ever seen is looking out. ‘What? Titan, get us out of here.’ I say to Titan, and he reluctantly speeds up and runs ahead of the car. ‘That girl, she is our mate.’ I hear Titan tell me, and I feel bad. ‘She can’t be. She is not 18. And I will not be a loser and come claiming her like their old Alpha.’ I tell him. ‘I am telling you she is our mate. I could even feel her wolf. And sometimes we can sense our mate even if the other is not of age.’ He argues. Just what I need, and not what this girl needs. But if Titan is right, this girl is my second chance. ‘We can’t tell her, Titan. We can’t scare her like that. She is turning eighteen in a month or so. We will have to wait, you hear me.’ There was no way I was going to scare her by claiming her now. ‘Titan, I mean it.’ I say when he doesn’t answer. ‘Okay. But we need to keep her safe.' He reluctantly agrees with me. ‘Of course, and we will.’ I mind linking Luca again, asking him to come to meet him and welcome them. Longer up the road, I know that the father, who is a warrior, must have sensed us because he stopped the car and then he just waited. I already like that person. What he is doing is a clear signal of respect and shows us they do not want any trouble. We step out on the road together with two warriors, and a person steps out of the car. I try to keep my attention on the person, but it is hard when I can smell her being so close. I watch Luca go and greet him before they both come back to me. “Alpha, thank you for letting us come here.” The person says as he bows his head. I could feel that here before. I am a very strong and proud wolf. “Mr. Moore, Welcome to our pack. I am happy I can help.” I tell him. “It means more than I can explain. And please call me Klaus.” He says. “Very well, is it your children in the car?” I ask. “Yes, Alpha, it is my son Matt and my daughter Olivia.” I have to stop myself from not starting to smile when I hear her name. “We have a house ready, but before going there, I would like you all to come to my office so that we can make you all pack members. It is safer to get it over with so no one mistake you for being a rouge.” I tell him, without saying it is the first step to make sure Olivia is safe. “Yes, Alpha, as you wish.” He says and bows his head again. “Luca will show you there. I will run ahead and wait.” I tell them, and with that, I go back to the forest and shifts to run home. - OLIVIA We drove behind the Beta in his wolf form, and before we knew it, we stopped in front of a huge house that could only be the packhouse. The Beta went to some trees and bushes next to the house and came back dressed in a pair of sweatpants, motioning for us to get out of the car. We all got out, and I noticed the scent I had smelled got stronger. If it always smells like this here, I won’t mind being here because it smells amazing. “Hello, welcome to our pack. My name is Luca, and I am the Beta here.” The Beta tells Matt and me as he already had talked with dad. “Hello, Beta.” We both greet him respectfully. “Just call me Luca.” We both nodded. “It is nice to meet you,” I said, and he smiled. “As you probably can figure out, this is the packhouse. The packhouse has three floors. The ground floor and first floor are open to any pack member, and the top floor is only accessible when permitted by the Alpha. The ground floor has a kitchen, dining room, ballroom, Alpha’s office, and several rooms for various activities for the packs' kids and young ones. The next floor is bedrooms, all with their bathrooms, pack members especially the teens like to come to stay here. And it is also where quests visiting for official reasons stay.” Beta Luca tells us as we enter the house. When we enter, we can hear how busy the house is. And as we looked around, I was drawn to a room where the sound of someone singing caught my attention. Looking into the room, I see a bunch of teens my age having fun with the different games and karaoke machine that is in there. I feel Matt, my dad, and the Beta come up behind me. “This looks great,” Matt says. “Yes, and it keeps them from going into the human town too much. We also have a hangout with a café. Gyms and so on.” “Um.” A sound came from behind us, and without turning around, it was like my entire body knew that the Alpha was standing right behind us. “Alpha, I was giving a quick tour. We were on our way to your office.” Beta Luca said, smiling. Turning around, my eyes fell on the most handsome person I had ever seen. He has dark brown hair and is muscular with an eight-pack, which I can see because he is still not wearing a shirt. But it is his hypnotizing forest green eyes that I can’t move my eyes away from. I realized I was staring at an Alpha right in his eyes and gasped as I hurried to bow my head. “Alpha, I am sorry,” I whispered. A burst of deep laughter reached my ears, making me shiver deliciously. “You do not have to apologize. I am not so formal. Now, let us all go into my office.” He says and smiles.	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=17590&u	Novel reading story	https://www.facebook.com/61572988635299/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	wwwedb.com	IMAGE	🔥Click to read more chapters for FREE!👉	https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=17590&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481014601_1295606518337879_8954409579454137263_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=keev9YtsuZ4Q7kNvgGJJF5P&_nc_oc=AdiSVe4RfQh4O_pRvf2hWzSIunpyBJju1tAxcnXBZX7elW-DNzuc5opXPrhR3Eo7b0VrT_PgTBBkRsEIVhM7D_vk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Al1IqUiR3aS8ixFK9U7IqyE&oh=00_AYDW3zRSKYy9RFxtRZgfdyvno4-tvU83Y7gnbDjAAtdAbg&oe=67C9F5D6	PERSON_PROFILE	Novel reading story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,469	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728466}'	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Exit Properties Easy	🏡 Exit Properties Easy – Your Home. Your Exit. Made Easy! 💰 ✅ Sell your home fast & hassle-free ✅ No repairs. No fees. Fair cash offers in 24 hours ✅ Close on your timeline 📩 DM us for a free, no-obligation offer!	LEARN_MORE	http://Exitpropertieseasy.com/	Exit Properties Easy	https://www.facebook.com/61572881537639/	2	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	exitpropertieseasy.com	IMAGE		http://Exitpropertieseasy.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482301464_631247286527974_339272143416104155_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PEmolCc12VMQ7kNvgHsDemC&_nc_oc=Adgu9ucSv9jIa5mqIaU2zYk99ORxes2C22TdKcKe2OsagxQ4aoZPlqFvfaDyTAjBVZdh-4aqNaBCpHyZSvZPU_Bd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AYyFm30h-Im1bN8sTx9RTKT&oh=00_AYAg2ECYiZikK95u83kYc1C_1nvL01q__hOlmzhgKj1h6g&oe=67C9F03D	PERSON_PROFILE	Exit Properties Easy	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,729,275	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2729259}'	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Pour Yourself a Better Cup of Coffee ☕️	RYZE is powered by functional mushrooms and adaptogens. Our creamy and delicious blend features six functional mushrooms, healthy fat from MCT oil, zero added sugar and 100% organic or non-GMO ingredients. These clean, no BS ingredients come to you sustainably from right here in the USA to provide game-changing daily immune support and long-lasting energy in every cup. Just add water for easy prep and on-the-go wellness. Try now ➡️ www.ryzesuperfoods.com	SHOP_NOW	https://www.ryzesuperfoods.com/	RYZE Superfoods	https://www.facebook.com/ryzesuperfoods/	246,300	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	ryzesuperfoods.com	IMAGE	Drink RYZE mushroom coffee for better focus, lasting energy, and superb immune support. It contains functional mushrooms and keto-friendly ingredients that help relieve stress and keep you feeling calm. Enjoy anytime, anywhere. Free shipping on all subscription orders.	https://www.ryzesuperfoods.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482321902_988075882726147_1092963217405765721_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1u4FrE063LMQ7kNvgGWo9gn&_nc_oc=AdhqQmYu-LSVMwGgOedvyci8yJY5SzP2JFBv2xit0T9ZZLGlQattCmPm5TZ5A_V7WqxcqJx8MyEQpQ15g9TfazEh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_oRry5ydHM7gw61DYYxQua&oh=00_AYC1XVsq_bYQQlhX2lb5ye5x_NCx51HfkzktxcQlzdv9hg&oe=67C9D4CD	PERSON_PROFILE	RYZE Superfoods	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,966	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728639}'	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674		🔥🔥SUPER SALE THIS MONDAY MARCH 3RD💥 ALL CARS UNDER $4,999 🚘‼️ So If you’ve been looking for an incredible deal on a vehicle, this is your chance! (Cars under $4,999 Every Monday😱) Doors #OPEN at 5pm🚪 Join us 1 hr early 👉Inspect the cars \| Enjoy 🌮🎼🎟 #CarAuction starts 6pm 🚘📍5pm-8pm 👉CASH ONLY 👉Free Entry 👉Over 70+Cars 👉No Special License Needed 👉50-80% Off Wholesale Prices CARS SOLD AS IS ☎️ 909-919-5399			Cali Auto Auction	https://www.facebook.com/909CarAuction/	4,818	1969-12-31 18:00			IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481120022_986933762884106_5537915692334526400_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7ATwLhCu2fgQ7kNvgH-Iyla&_nc_oc=Adg2-t-lc6J9NWoiwNBAYdBW0LcrGSkO-Z93lyBQF3raSd2xTMSDKuhiTYfhgt_A08oihIt97uOFLRGJiBGNU3Fr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_yO_lG-VgsGcinKV4-jRkZ&oh=00_AYAWz3qdDHjX0PTUhetS1n-e8EdsFNi7lgFfVvVInhyErA&oe=67C9F8D7	PERSON_PROFILE	Cali Auto Auction	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,729,132	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Snowmobile Weekend Ride Free in Maine: March 7-9, 2025 – 14,000 Miles of Winter Adventure!	Get ready for an unforgettable winter experience! 🌨️⛷️ Join us for the Snowmobile Weekend Ride Free in Maine on March 7-9, 2025! Enjoy 14,000 miles of adventure! More info: https://wix.to/3em15kZ #SnowmobileWeekend #MaineAdventures #MaineWinter #AdventureAwaits #Travel #Vacation		https://wix.to/3em15kZ	Moose River Lookout	https://www.facebook.com/mooseriverlookout/	2,432	1969-12-31 18:00		mooseriverlookout.com	IMAGE	Snowmobile Weekend Ride Free in Maine: March 7-9, 2025Looking for an exhilarating way to experience Maine's breathtaking winter landscape? Don’t miss the Snowmobile Weekend Ride Free in Maine, taking place March 7-9, 2025 – 14,000 miles of winter adventure!. This special weekend invites nonresid...	https://wix.to/3em15kZ	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481820050_1283948929496607_2986830582762033293_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3g-lWhO8LZYQ7kNvgHSoaxm&_nc_oc=AdhK8ohDCNaP5MH7g1qU1rkkk9FOc_PRGdtwct0uNRlkZZ_rz_F1kRMikcWivLsQxZLhGiajz2Y9gvsZYt7hhT24&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AhshBSF_y2H5tLaU8WyG2RQ&oh=00_AYAl8kcXZRath1T6ep6E1-RtBKzlACsHA-AFoDOQdQgs8w&oe=67CA02C9	PERSON_PROFILE	Moose River Lookout	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,531	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728639}'	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Hilliards Pressure Washing LLC		MESSAGE_PAGE		Hilliards Pressure Washing LLC	https://www.facebook.com/757HPW/	360	1969-12-31 18:00	Send Message		CAROUSEL			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481132892_1168391301665865_6965919430946244762_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=86zAeNLvBNIQ7kNvgF-IJ8T&_nc_oc=AdiYVvOJUDgw00-VEuUwIKEM4HJjLihmKqNfKIDGqVbPi8aJFYX0mI-sdTY-FBJFub2L38PJtc5PAAHQrJ_gbmwU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_YGqS1BMLxbmrEI5K0y7n-&oh=00_AYDq2-FgoZ-LwdgA23jrvXGMgAovZCYSrrnzc5b4wqQbvg&oe=67C9CDBB	PERSON_PROFILE	Hilliards Pressure Washing LLC	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,076	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728072}'	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	"Are... are you sure, Esther?" I ask with a broken voice. My heart races, filled with happiness. "Very sure, Luna. You're carrying a little wolf!" "Why haven't I been able to smell it, or his father?" I ask, worried. "It's very recent, perhaps that's why. Give it a few more days and you should be able to sense the pheromones." She replies, and I nod, my eyes blurred with tears. I am the Luna of the "Autumn Forest" pack. Three years ago, I married the man I love madly, despite not being destined mates, my Alpha Dorian. I've given everything to be the perfect Luna, the pillar he can lean on. However, a shadow looms over my marriage—the topic of an heir. I've never been able to get pregnant, and I admit I don't share the bed with Dorian as often. But I know his duties as Alpha keep him extremely busy and stressed. "Please, don't tell anyone in the pack. I want to surprise my husband." "Don't worry, Luna, I won't say anything. Congratulations!" She smiles at me, and I return the smile, overflowing with excitement and happiness. Despite being a foreigner, not originally belonging to this pack, ever since my parents died and the previous Alpha took me in, I've never felt rejected or looked down upon. That's why I've devoted myself fully to my duties as Luna. I'm grateful for my life and the wonderful man I'm married to. *** "What's with all this food? Is there going to be a party?" "Hands off!" I swat away the greedy claws of Sophia, my best friend, who sneaked in through the back kitchen door. "But wow, puff pastry tart and everything!" she says, sitting on a stool. Honestly, I may have gone a bit overboard with the dishes, but I'm so happy I want everything to be perfect. All my Alpha's favorite foods are ready! "Well, today is Dorian's and my anniversary. I want to celebrate with an intimate dinner," I say, turning back to the caramel on the stove. I don't hear her respond, so I turn halfway, curious. "What's wrong?" "N-nothing, nothing... I just heard the Alpha had an emergency today. Didn't he tell you?" she asks, and I frown. Actually, Dorian doesn't usually explain much about his work. I guess it's to avoid worrying me. "No, but he'll come back anyway. He knows today is special." I respond, completely convinced. She looks at me strangely. Lately, I can't quite understand her, but she's the first person who approached me in this pack and has always supported me. I value her greatly as a friend. "Sophie, there's something I want to tell you, but... I'll tell you tomorrow. It's very important to me," I say suddenly, wanting to share the good news with her, but not before confessing it to Dorian. "Really? Can't you tell me now?" she asks, gossip-mode activated, leaning over the counter while munching on a homemade cookie. "No, no. Tomorrow. I promise you'll be the second to know," I reply, and I can feel my happiness radiating from every pore. "Fine, I'll leave you with your mystery then. I've got things to do. Happy anniversary," she grumbles, frustrated I didn't spill the secret, and leaves the same way she came. I check the clock. There's still time. I take off my apron and head to the second floor to shower and get dressed nicely. Everything has to be perfect tonight, celebrating with my beloved mate. * I glance at the clock for the thousandth time, sitting on the sofa. It's past midnight, and Dorian hasn't arrived. I look at the cold dishes on the dining table and get up, resigned to reheating them again. I'm in the middle of that task when I hear the front door open and close. His delicious scent tingles my nose, warming my stomach. I glance at my burgundy dress, smoothing it out and fixing my hair in the hallway mirror. My jet-black hair is tied in a high ponytail, and my intensely blue eyes, highlighted with makeup, stare back at me. I step into the foyer, watching my imposing Alpha enter the door. "My love, how was your day? Lots of work, right?" I grab the coat he's holding to hang it up. I see him clutching some documents, but I assume they're pack matters. I move closer to kiss him, but he steps back. "I'm sweaty and dirty from the road. Don't contaminate yourself," he says, his piercing honey eyes staring at me—eyes I adore despite their constant coldness. It's just part of his nature. He carries too many responsibilities after inheriting the role so young when his father died. His blond hair is messily handsome, and for some reason, damp. I can even catch the scent of an unfamiliar shower gel. Why would he shower before coming home? And he said he was dirty, yet it's clear he just bathed. "S-sure, give me a second to reheat dinner. You must be hungry..." "I'm not hungry. Valeria, we need to talk." "But the dinner—" "Forget dinner. Let's go to the living room. I need to tell you something," his authoritative voice makes me tense. I follow him, starting to feel deeply worried. My hand slips into my skirt pocket, clutching the folded document stating I'm having his baby. "Why was the table so full of dishes? Were you planning a party?" he asks, glancing at the dining room. My heart clenches. "Love, I know you've been busy with pack duties. But... don't tell me you forgot our anniversary? Today marks three years since we mated," I say, sitting on the couch. I expect him to sit beside me, but instead, he chooses the armchair opposite. Dorian has never been overly affectionate, but tonight he's too distant. Too cold. An alarm goes off inside me. "Of course, I remembered. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for our third anniversary," he replies, but I don't see a trace of joy in his expression. I know everything will change with my news. Our relationship hasn't been great because of this. The pack elders keep pressuring him for an heir. When I tell him about the baby, he'll be happy. "I'll be quick because I can't stand this any—" "Wait! Wait, Dorian. Let me show you something first, and then you can tell me what you wanted to say," I interrupt him, feeling a strong premonition, I won't like his next words. Lowering my head, I take out the folded paper and hand it to him, my heart racing with emotion. He takes it, reading silently as I watch him, anxious, waiting for his joy to match mine. "I'm pregnant! I'm carrying your pup! We'll have an heir for the pack. I'm sure the Goddess has blessed us with a son!" I can't hold back and blurt it out directly. Tears in my eyes, I rise and move toward him, wanting to embrace him. But as in love as I am, even I can see this isn't the reaction I expected from the father of my child. "Are you sure about this, or is it just a trick to keep me tied to you?" he suddenly says, rising and pushing me away when I try to hug him. "Dorian... Of course, I'm sure. Look, that's the midwife's handwriting. Why would I lie about something so important? My love, what's wrong? What's happening, my Alpha?" "No, no. Damn it!" I watch him pace like a caged wolf around the living room. "This can't be happening. Not now!" "Dorian..." "Did you tell my mother? Anyone else?!" he asks suddenly, approaching me and gripping my shoulders tightly. "N-no, love. I was waiting to tell you first. I thought... you'd be happy. I know they've been pressuring you. Alpha, you don't have to be tense anymore. We'll have our family." I raise a trembling hand to caress his cheek, but he just stares at me with those golden eyes, silent. I can't figure out what's going on in his head. "You're right... I've been very stressed. I'm sorry," he suddenly pulls me into his arms, and I finally sigh, relieved, hugging him back tenderly. For a second, I feared he wasn't happy. "We'll get through this together, my Alpha. I'll be the perfect Luna so no one will judge you," I whisper, lifting my head. I want him to kiss me, to make love to me like we haven't in a long time. "Let's go for a run. A wild, unrestricted anniversary night." He suddenly suggests it, taking my hand and pulling me toward the back of our house, which borders the pack's forest. "Shift into your she-wolf," he commands, and I watch him undressing. He's so charming and strong. His hair glows under the moonlight, and I begin the transformation into my "she-wolf," one of the greatest lies and secrets of my life—something not even Dorian knows. * We run freely across the pack's lands. But I notice how we keep going farther and farther, even crossing the borders, yet I just follow Dorian's massive white wolf racing wildly ahead of me. We reach a remote place, at the edge of a deep cliff, but above us, the moon shines intensely, and the forest landscape stretches far below. "Where is this? We're outside our pack's territory... Aren't we trespassing on someone's land?" I gaze into the distance from the edge, mesmerized by the view, having already shifted back into human form, but no one responds. I feel uneasy and start to turn around. However, something inside me stirs with alarm. A crow caws in the distance—but it's already too late. "Do... Dorian, wha—?! Aaaaaahhh!" I scream as I feel wolf claws tearing into my abdomen, deeply ripping through me. Terrified and shocked by the sudden attack, I try to run. I attempt to shift back into my wolf to escape into the forest, away from whatever is happening, away from this rabid Alpha wolf whose blood-red eyes glare at me with pure hatred—but it's impossible to flee. "Ahhh! Let me go! Dorian, what are you doing?! What are you doing?! Ahhh! Help! Help!" I scream as he jumps on me when I try to escape. C2 THE WORST BETRAYAL VALERIA He bites my thigh viciously and drags me beneath his body, controlling me mercilessly. I try to resist, to call for help, my hands clutching my stomach, trying to protect my pup, but his claws, like deadly weapons, pierce my skin, tearing apart my small, vulnerable body. I have to raise my arms instinctively when his sharp claws aim for my face, and I scream in agony as a deep wound slices across my cheek from my forehead. Leaving my belly exposed, he struck our child. "Nooo, not the pup, please, Dorian, not our son!" Tears poured endlessly from my eyes as I begged him, but his canines tore through my flesh, and his claws dug into the depths of my insides with chilling cruelty, seeking to rip out the life growing inside me. I don’t know how long this agony lasted—I sobbed, pleading as long as I could speak. The pain in my entire body was unbearable, but worse was the pain in my soul, bleeding and shattered. I was discarded on the ground like trash, on the edge of a precipice, my consciousness nearly slipping away from the pain when I saw him shift into his human form. "You thought you could keep me tied to you forever?" he yelled furiously. His eyes were cold and disgusted, a look I had never seen before. "Did you really think I loved you, that I was dying to have a child with you? What a waste!" He kicked me with rage, but I no longer had the strength to even moan in pain. "Three damn years I've been separated from my mate because of you!" he roared, pouring out all the hatred he'd stored up over time. "Why…?" I barely managed to whisper, my face swollen, my tongue heavy, and my throat bleeding from a deep wound. "Because you came to the pack, the miserable orphan, and that old lady said you would give birth to the strongest Alphas, powerful enough to elevate my bloodline." "Pure nonsense from that crazy old hag, but my mother believed her and forced me to give up my mate for you because you were infatuated with me! She gave me three damn years—that was our deal. If you didn’t succeed, I’d be free." "So, today I come, ready to rid myself of an obstacle like you, and you say that you’re carrying my son," he laughed like a psychopath. "I won’t let you do it again, Valeria. You won't ruin my life again. This is the end for you!" He walked toward me, and I saw death staring me in the face. I wanted to say so many things... «I didn't know you already loved someone else. I was just a foolish, infatuated girl, but I never forced you to love me back. How could you deceive me, fake everything all this time? Our child… how could you… how could you do this…?!» I felt so powerless as I lay there, sobbing, bloody, and dying. I wished I could connect with his wolf, scream out this injustice, but I couldn’t—not even that. I didn’t have an inner she-wolf. I could only shift my body and pretend. Some said it was trauma from my adoptive parents’ violent death, where only I survived. Others claimed it was a curse, but I knew that wasn't true. I had never felt the presence of a wolf spirit within me. "Goodbye, dear wife. You don't seem so special after all," he said cynically, and with his foot, he kicked me over the cliff's edge. The last thing I knew was the sensation of falling into the cold void. I looked up at the dark sky as shadows of crows circled above my head, like messengers of death. "I'm so sorry, baby. I couldn't protect you." * "Why aren't her wounds healing properly?" "I can't waste the pack's blood on a stranger. Jake already did too much rescuing her from the rogue woods. She has to heal on her own." "Honestly, I don't even know how this woman is still alive. Poor thing… her body is horribly damaged, especially her belly… and her face." I heard voices talking nearby, hands examining me. An unbearable pain worse than death itself burned through my body, dragging me between consciousness and darkness. I don’t know how much time passed or where I was, but when I opened my eyes, I saw a white ceiling. I looked around and saw a small room, lying on a personal bed. "You're awake?" a female voice spoke suddenly beside me, and I saw an unfamiliar face. I tried to speak, but for some reason, I couldn't—it was as if my vocal cords refused to work. "Don't strain yourself. Stay calm. You… I don't think you can talk right now because of the wound on your neck," she explained with a troubled expression. And then, my foggy mind remembered—everything. The first thing I did was reach for my belly, trying to sit up despite the dizziness and searing pain. "Don't move! Wait, calm down, calm down!" she stopped me and eased me back down, but I needed to know—desperately—I had to know if a miracle had occurred. I looked at her intensely and then at my stomach, wrapped in thick bandages. "Yes… I understand what you're asking, but… I'm sorry… your belly was completely torn. Your womb was destroyed, and your pup… didn't make it. It was impossible to save him. We don't even know how you're still alive." I felt the tears pouring uncontrollably from my eyes. I closed them in pure agony, my soul shattering. My lips trembled, my entire body shook, and ragged sobs escaped my torn throat. Why did this have to happen to me? Why did everything around me have to turn into a nightmare? My baby, my pup was innocent. Why did something so horrible have to happen to him? "Calm down, please! You can't get like this! Aston, I need you here! Bring the sedative! Now, Aston, hurry!" "Aaaahh! Aaaahh!" I heard distorted screams, a cry so raw it could freeze the blood and shatter hearts. A desperate, broken woman wailed—and then I realized… it was me. That wretched woman who had lost everything… was me. * Days have passed. I know a man rescued me from the forest beneath the cliff. I'm staying in a small pack not far from Autumn Forest. With my hands still covered in wounds, I try to splash water on my face, but I can't even bear to touch my skin. I lift my head, and as I do every time that I face a mirror, I have to summon all my courage. My face, once beautiful and envied by many she-wolves, now bears a horrific scar running across my forehead and another deep one on my left cheek. Dorian not only destroyed my child's life, my womb, but he also scarred my face. It should have healed, but I know it won't. I don't possess the rapid healing ability of werewolves. Yes, I heal—but slower, and scars remain. I step outside the small room and hear the healer and the she-wolf who treated me speaking quietly. They're discussing how I've used too many resources and how they may have to ask me to leave soon since packs rarely welcome outsiders so easily. But the she-wolf argues that I’m still in terrible condition. I appreciate her care and empathy, but it won't be necessary to cast me out. I've already decided—I’ll leave tonight on my own. * Hours later, I walk through the dark forest like a lost soul, the damp bandages soaked with reopened wounds, bleeding. I don't care—my legs keep moving in a single direction. Hiding in the bushes, I watch the patrol line carefully. I know exactly how to slip past without being detected—I designed this defense rotation myself for Dorian. Like so many things I did for him and the pack. I slip away into the shadows, as quickly as my battered body allows. The night and darkness are my allies. It's as if they amplify my strange abilities. I hear voices, laughter, and lights in the distance—from the backyard of what had been my home for three long years. I walk as if in slow motion, wearing old sneakers and a worn-out dress that the she-wolf from the hospital gave me. "Ladies and gentlemen, I've gathered you all here today because I could no longer hide my happiness. I’m finally marrying my beloved mate, the woman of my life, my sweet Sophia, your future Luna." I feel like I'm falling into a cavern of ice as I watch them, smiling and kissing in front of those who once called me Luna. It was my "best friend" Sophia and my traitorous Alpha Dorian, celebrating their union while my body should have been rotting beneath that cliff if their plan had worked. Traitorous hypocrite! That woman was even wearing one of my evening dresses, made up with my things, stealing my life without a trace of remorse. She had deceived me all this time, just as I had been blind to everyone in this pack, and worse, to the man who lay beside me every night while thinking of another woman. Even the midwife who told me about my pregnancy was there! Dorian must have promised her something to keep her silent. I clenched my fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms, my teeth chattering with rage. I waited, waited like the deranged psychopath I had become, watching their entire celebration until the lights went out and everyone left for their homes. * I climbed the stairs to the second floor, walked down the dimly lit hallway, but I could hear them perfectly—making love in the master bedroom. Her feminine moans slipped through the crack of the slightly open door. I saw myself pushing it open gently. The moonlight streamed in through the large window, illuminating that figure riding Dorian, her back facing the entrance. "Alpha, tell me I'm better than her… Mmm… Come on, Dorian, tell me I'm better than that frigid Valeria." "You're the best, baby… don't even compare yourself to that stiff. Do me in her bed, come on… wasn't that what you always wanted?" Their filthy words hit my ears, and it was the final trigger I needed for everything to spiral out of control in an instant. I lunged at them on the bed. C3 THE OWNER OF THE CASTLE VALERIA I hear piercing screams, the sound of shattering glass, a savage roar, an Alpha's growls, struggling, and fighting. Something hot splashes against my face and arms. My claws shred, and my canines teared. I can't stop. I can't. Rage consumes me from the inside, demanding release. I don't know what I'm doing. I'm not conscious of myself. All I know is that when I regain control of my body, the first thing I see is my red hands. I'm kneeling on the floor, everything around me drenched in red, wreckage, and pieces of what once was a powerful Alpha—Dorian. What have I done? What in the name of the Goddess have I done?! I stare at his severed head, lying just a meter away from me. Those honey-colored eyes still stare back at me in frozen terror, and I feel bile rising in my throat. I vomit to the side, unable to hold it back, disgusted by this scene of death and violence. Did I do all this? There's no one else here. I scan the area, not knowing where Sophia went. The only thing I'm sure of is that someone was thrown through the shattered glass window. I stand up on trembling legs, glance down, but all I see is the forest behind the house and bloodstains across the grass. "Don't let her escape! Sophia, stop crying and tell me clearly what happened!" Voices shouted, hurried footsteps ascending the stairs. It was my mother-in-law's voice. I had to get out of here. I had killed the Alpha, and only a painful death awaited me. Desperately, I looked down. It seemed I had thrown that wretch Sophia out the window. I decided to jump out myself, from the second floor. BAM! The door burst open during my hesitation, and my eyes locked with Anaís, my mother-in-law, the former Luna—Dorian's mother. I saw the shock, the pain, and the fury in her eyes as she took in the scene. "You miserable! You killed my son! You murdered my Dorian! Seize her! Restrain her! I'm going to tear her apart with my bare hands!" She screamed, and the warriors behind her charged at me. I jumped without thinking. "Aaagghhh!" I groaned in pain as I crashed onto the grass, rolling over, but I forced my body to shift into my wolf form and ran with all the strength I had left. I fled into the forest as fast as my weakened legs allowed, escaping death. I don't know if it was adrenaline or sheer will to live, but I ran like a madwoman through unfamiliar lands and tangled woods. Days passed that way, where I only stopped to rest when I was on the verge of collapse, drinking water from mountain streams and feeding on prey that somehow appeared dead before me. Yes, yet another strange thing about my life. The few times I dared to close my eyes, every time I woke up, a small dead animal lay in front of my muzzle. I devoured them without knowing if they were poisonous or where they came from—I just needed energy. All I could think about was surviving. One night, I felt them again. I thought they had grown tired of chasing my trail, but that wasn’t the case. The sound of multiple wolves' footsteps echoed not far away. Desperation and exhaustion consumed me—I couldn't keep running forever. I had been skirting the borders of various packs, trying not to get caught, but that wasn't a solution. "She's just ahead! I can smell her! She will pay for this!" I heard a snarl—already so close to my trail. I could practically feel the danger breathing down my neck as I pushed my legs and lungs past their limit. I was done. They were going to catch me after all this effort. Then I lifted my blue eyes and saw them—above me, a flock of crows. Cawing, circling over my wolf form, as if trying to lead me somewhere. And for some reason, I followed them. I followed their sign and ventured deeper into unfamiliar lands—into the forbidden forest where no one dared enter without an invitation. But I had nothing left to lose. If I was going to die, at least let it be quick and without torture. That's how I crossed through the mist, leading me to the Golden Moon pack, the territory guarded by the Guardians—the land ruled by the Lycan King. * I felt like no one was following me anymore. I had no idea how far I had gone into Golden Moon territory, but suddenly, several powerful warriors blocked my path, surrounding me. "Who are you, and why have you trespassed into our pack?" a massive gray wolf asked coldly, approaching me menacingly. The black wolf I shifted into, so small and fragile, would be considered an Omega—the lowest rank in the pack, the weakest, often reduced to servitude. That was why, when I became Luna, I had felt foolishly grateful to Dorian. "I'm only seeking refuge to rest… I’m sorry for entering your forest. Just a few days, please… I only need a few days to recover and leave." I pleaded, praying my pursuers wouldn't dare follow me here. "Where do you come from? Speak! Why did you cross the Forbidden Forest? No one comes here for no reason! Tell the truth, or I'll rip your head off right now!" He growled, shoving me with his shoulder. I let out a low whimper of pain, unable to resist. Before he could take further action or carry out his threats, darkness consumed my vision, and I felt my body collapse unconscious to the ground. Maybe this time, I wouldn't wake up again. * The next time I opened my eyes, I was in a dark, damp cell, wearing tattered clothes barely covering my battered human body. Only the Goddess knows how I'm still alive. It seems she wants me to suffer—slowly and torturously. BAM! The sound of a metal door slamming jolted me. "So, you're finally awake! Take her out!" A massive, bald, intimidating man ordered two guards, who dragged me out. It was that gray wolf. I didn’t even have the strength to walk, let alone resist. They took me to a small room where the questioning began—trying to dominate me with his Alpha presence. But it didn’t work. I had no inner wolf to submit. I spent hours there, sitting on a hard chair, my hands tied behind me with ropes cutting into my skin. No matter how much freezing water they threw at me, how much they shouted or threatened, I kept my story and waited to die. My head hung limply, eyes closed, exhausted. At least they hadn’t beaten me or done worse. I've heard horrible stories about this pack of barbarians. "Fine. Since you refuse to talk, you know what awaits you. I've given you the chance to confess." His dark eyes locked on mine, giving me his final warning, but I had nothing more to say. He drew a dagger, yanked my hair back, exposing my neck, ready to slit my throat. I saw hesitation in his eyes when my black hair fell away, revealing my hideous scars. Maybe I looked pitiful—but he had a job to do. And I was ready for it to end. The dagger lowered, and I resigned myself. But a knock on the door interrupted my death once again, sending my emotions from one extreme to the other. "Now what the hell…? M-Madam… I mean, Housekeeper, what brings you here?" His previously harsh voice turned nearly submissive. Curious, I looked toward the door and saw a short woman with blonde hair tied up neatly, elegant yet stern. "What were you doing here?" Her cold green eyes fixed on mine, and I lowered my head. "She’s an intruder. Pack business—" "You were going to kill her, weren’t you?" she accused. "M-Madam, can we discuss this outside? It's protocol with intruders—" I heard his words stop short as a pair of black boots entered the room, standing right before me. "What's your name, girl?" "Valeria," I whispered weakly. "Look at me when I speak to you!" she ordered, and I lifted my head. She has a superior, imposing aura, and honestly, I think she's more terrifying than the massive brute. "Tell me, Valeria, do you want to live or die? You can survive if you agree to work for me. If not, pretend you never saw me," she offered, leaving me stunned. "W-what kind of work would it be?" "Work for the Guardians, in the castle kitchen or wherever you're needed—as a maid. I offer you shelter and food in exchange, a new chance to live," she said without breaking eye contact. I hesitated, feeling like I was selling my soul to another ruthless ruler. The Guardians were the Lycans, and the worst of them all was their leader, Aldric, the "Specter Slayer," whom all werewolves considered their king, though he didn’t seem to care about the title. "I don't have all day. Are you coming or not?" she pressed. "Housekeeper, this woman is a stranger… how can she enter the castle with the Guardians? We don't know her intentions—" "I don't care why you entered these cursed lands. Your past stays behind if you accept my offer. But if you betray me or plot anything behind my back, slitting your throat will be the least of my punishments," the woman threatened, leaving me with only a second to decide. Live or die. Start anew in a strange place, possibly filled with more humiliation and suffering—or die now and end my miserable existence. "I'll go with you. I accept the job," I finally chose to survive. * The Golden Moon pack was located in a valley, surrounded by dense forest with thick fog, and perched atop a hill in the distance was an imposing ancient stone castle. We traveled there in a carriage, rolling along cobblestone streets. This pack was massive, far more powerful than my former one. I remained silent the entire way, my black hair always hiding the scars on my face, my head bowed, not wanting to draw attention. The enormous ebony doors opened, carved stone walls rising tall and powerful, with strange statues perched on the dark eaves. At last, we arrived at an inner courtyard, and I stepped down from the carriage with some discomfort. I stared at the looming castle, half-shrouded in mist, more nightmarish than inviting. "Come. I'll give you your uniform and show you your room," she ordered, and I followed her inside. The moment we crossed the entrance, we were greeted by a massive hall. A chandelier filled with candles hung in the center, illuminating the spiraling staircases that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. I was distracted for a moment, staring at the glossy black-and-white marble floor, when something seemed to fall from the ceiling. BAM! I stumbled back, startled, barely containing a scream of pure panic as a woman's corpse crashed at my feet. She was headless, and blood still gushed from her severed neck, staining the entire floor—and even my legs. The head rolled down next; lifeless eyes frozen in a horrified expression. I looked up, trembling, and at the top of the stairs, a pair of gray, lupine, savage eyes stared back at me for a few seconds, chilling my blood to the core. C4 TAKING OUT THEIR LOVERS VALERIA His entire demeanor screamed, I'm the damn master of everything here, the absolute ruler. I immediately lowered my head, trembling. It didn’t matter that I lacked an inner she-wolf— the power radiating from that man felt like it could suffocate you, crush your soul, and he wasn't even standing that close to me. He was a Lycan, the superior species of werewolves, the ultimate evolution, and I was almost certain this was the most powerful of them all—Aldric Thorne, the Lycan King. "Sasha, take out the trash and make sure my next personal maid isn’t a scheming one, or she'll lose more than her head," his deep, cold, and intimidating voice echoed, followed by the sound of footsteps retreating. "This is a disaster. That's the fifth one in two months. I don’t know what goes through these girls' heads. I warned them," the housekeeper muttered as she approached, pulling a small vial from the dead woman’s hand. "Another one who tried to please the King thinking she could be different and rise. Brainless. I'll call a servant to take her away. And your first task begins now—clean up this mess." And so, my work in the Lycan King's castle began. The first lesson I learned: never, ever try to mess with that dangerous man, or you'll end up headless. Unfortunately, I soon found myself on the razor's edge again. * Sasha introduced me to the staff, a group of she-wolves and wolves working in the castle, attending to the Guardians. They all stared at me as if they were looking at a monster. I didn’t care—I just wanted to keep existing and stay invisible. "The Guardians"—that’s what they called the five Lycans who lived in this ancient, dark castle. They enforced the laws of our world, or at least those affecting werewolves, maintaining balance with other supernatural creatures. They delivered justice, protection, and punishment—often in the most brutal, merciless ways. Especially the Lycan King. At least, that's what I had always heard. I was forbidden from climbing the stairs or wandering beyond the service quarters. And honestly, I didn’t plan to try. I focused on working and healing with the medicine the housekeeper gave me. The food here was good too. Except for the first day, I had gone three days without seeing any of the other Guardians. Until this morning. * "Hey, I heard the housekeeper saying she still hasn’t found a suitable candidate for the King's maid. Maybe she'll give us a chance." I was scrubbing the floor on my knees, listening to the whispers echoing through the castle's massive kitchen. My head stayed down, and my long black bangs nearly covered my eyes, helping to conceal the disfigurement on my face. My hands kept moving the cloth over the tiles, but ignoring the gossip was impossible. Suddenly, the room went silent. Heels echoed from the hallway, and tension filled the air— it was the housekeeper. "Stop what you're doing. I want all of you in a line," she ordered, her voice sharp. The cooks, maids, and even me—the lowly cleaner—all lined up like prisoners, standing side by side. She began her inspection, passing each trembling figure, heads bowed low. When her shadow passed in front of me, I thought she would move on. She didn’t. "What was your name again?" she asked. "Valeria, ma'am," I replied softly. Her cold finger pressed beneath my chin, forcing me to raise my head. My blue eyes met her intimidating green gaze. "Good. I think I'll try a different strategy this time. Come with me," she ordered, and a sense of dread twisted in my chest. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the stares from the other women in the line. Bitter glares filled with jealousy, anger, envy. Nothing good. That much was certain. "Listen carefully, Valeria. You're going to be King Aldric's personal maid," she dropped the bombshell casually, as if it were nothing, walking toward the other side of the kitchen. "Do you know how to cook, iron, organize a man’s things, his clothes, and so on?" "Y-yes, ma'am. But… I don’t think I'm the right choice for the position. Perhaps someone more—" "It's not optional," she cut me off, turning abruptly. "You either accept it, or you leave. I don't need a floor cleaner right now. I need a maid for the King. Understood?" I had no choice but to nod. Sometimes, I forgot that this harsh woman had saved my life. Though, honestly, I still didn’t know why—especially now that she was sending me straight into the Lycan's den. "Memorize everything I'm about to say. The King wakes up at… He doesn’t like… Prefers it this way… And his meals are only prepared by the cook from this section. Make sure it’s always her… And you must taste it before serving him." She paced through the kitchen, the laundry area, practically the entire service zone, listing the King's preferences and dislikes. I followed, my brain nearly short-circuiting from the overwhelming information. I need to write all this down later! "Alright. You'll deliver his first breakfast now. Do exactly as I tell you,” she said, placing a silver tray full of covered dishes in my hands. "And Valeria… remember, head down. Stay invisible. You're nothing but a piece of furniture." "And I trust you haven't forgotten the scene from your first day here. If you try anything against the King, believe me, he was merciful with that woman." Her warning made me swallow hard as I nodded. I didn’t consider myself a coward, but it felt like I was marching straight to the gallows as I climbed the forbidden stairs, moving through the dim candlelit corridors leading to the Guardian leader's quarters. I reached the only door in this wing—an enormous wooden door with intricate carvings—and tried to recall every instruction. "Don't knock at this hour. Go straight inside." So, I did. Balancing the tray carefully, I twisted the heavy doorknob. Step by step, I entered the den of the big bad wolf, avoiding unnecessary glances around. I immediately noticed the large wooden table at the center, the dim lighting, and I focused on setting the breakfast properly. But then I heard it—and smelled it. The scent of lust. Through my bangs, I glanced toward a black door, slightly ajar. Muffled female moans seeped through, despite being closed. More than one woman’s voice. The rhythmic sound of something hitting a wall echoed. Maybe the bed—I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. The most important rule: head down, stay invisible. Don't speak. Don't look. Don't listen. I was so focused on remembering every detail of his preferences, circling the table, that I didn’t even notice when the sounds stopped. "Who are you?" a dominant voice behind me made me flinch. My trembling fists tightened, and I turned, staring down at the gray rug. "Your Majesty, my name is Valeria. I am your new maid," I managed without stuttering. A massive shadow loomed over me, every instinct screaming danger, run—but I stood firm as he placed a finger beneath my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. I expected disgust at my scarred face. Instead, I saw fierce, intimidating gray eyes studying me—so captivating they resembled lethal steel. "Where's your inner wolf?" he asked, frowning. How had he noticed with just one glance? "I… I’m not entirely sure, sir. I suffered a traumatic experience before I turned eighteen, and her spirit never appeared. But… I can shift into my wolf form. Others say it's a curse." I added quickly, half-expecting to be dismissed on my first day. Scarred, cursed—what a perfect maid. "Is that why your face hasn't healed?" he asked, his voice calm but piercing. "I suppose so, sir. My healing is… slower than others." He said nothing, but his intense scrutiny made my skin crawl. Did I say the wrong thing? I avoided lingering on his rugged features, but it was becoming clear why so many women risked losing their heads just for a night in his bed. Aldric Thorne was a man built for sin. A towering figure, nearly two meters tall, with a powerful, scarred body, bold and commanding. Muscular, rough, impossibly attractive. And despite his icy aura, his long shoulder-length hair was deep crimson, just like his short beard—like fire, like blood he could spill without flinching. "I don't care about your peculiarities, but I do expect you to have understood the rules clearly because I won't tolerate disobedience or tricks," he warned me, his voice dangerously low and guttural. I nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes, your maje—" "And call me Sir. I don't like that Your Majesty nonsense," he clarified, finally releasing me and walking toward the other side of the room. I exhaled, realizing I had been holding my breath the entire time. Yet, I could still catch that scent lingering from his skin, something like aged wine—rich, and intoxicating. Could it be some cologne? I couldn't detect the pheromones of werewolves like others could. "They'll be here soon to collect those women. Make sure they leave and clean up everything," he ordered without even sparing me a glance, then disappeared through a door leading to what seemed like another room. I remained standing there in the dim light, frozen for a moment. Then, clenching my fists, I gathered my resolve and moved to deal with his lovers still in bed. I opened the door and stared in shock at the chaotic scene inside. The room was dimly lit, clothes strewn across the floor, and in the center, three women lay sprawled. The heavy scent filled the air, making it hard to breathe. "Umm… ladies, it's time to leave," I said softly, but none of them reacted, their eyes shut as if completely oblivious. They looked exhausted, their bodies marked with bites, bruises, and a mess of fluids staining their thighs. "The King ordered you to leave. You need to—" "Shut up, you annoying brat!" snarled the blonde lying in the middle of the two brunettes, even throwing a pillow at me, which I narrowly dodged. Well, they still have some energy left, it seems. Okay, this wasn’t going as smoothly as I had imagined, and they were already settling back down as if planning to sleep there. Aren't they uncomfortable covered in all that… stuff? But I couldn't fail my first task. I knew he had done this on purpose—to test me. I headed to the bathroom, filled a basin with cold water, and placed it near the bed. Rolling up my sleeves, exposing my pale arms, I then walked over to the massive crimson curtains, grabbed the heavy fabric, and yanked them open with force. "Aaaahh! Close it, right now! Close the curtain!" they screeched like the possessed, even though the sky was overcast. The sun never really shone brightly here—this land was always cloaked in thick fog. Grabbing the basin, I lifted it and—splash! —drenched them in icy water to snap them out of it. "Have you lost your damn mind, maid?!" C5 THE KING'S MAID VALERIA "Aahh, it’s horrible, she’s deformed!" "You’re just jealous, that’s why you want to keep us away from the King!" "The Lord has said you must leave now," I repeated impassively, while they hurled insults at me. But I felt nothing—not cold, not heat. I thought about how to get them out since, weakened or not, there were three of them and only one of me. Just then, loud knocks echoed from the side door leading to the hallway, a door I hadn’t even noticed before. It had to be the person sent to remove them from the castle. I walked over and opened it, revealing two sturdy servants who entered without a word. The women began to resist, screaming that their bodies were only for the King, threatening that our heads would roll. I didn’t need to be here long to see through their lies. That man had used them like disposable objects and was now discarding them like trash. The blonde rushed toward the door leading to the dining hall, but I stepped in front of her, standing firm and blocking her way. "Have some dignity and leave already. The King has ordered it. Don’t risk dying." "I want him to tell me himself! Last night, he showed me otherwise! Get out of my way!" she lunged at me, baring her fangs. I defended myself, grabbing her arms mid-air as we struggled. Her long claws scratched me in her fury, and I knew I could control her because, right now, she was weak. This she-wolf was stronger than me—honestly, anyone was stronger than me. With the help of the servants, we managed to drag the last crazed woman out of the room. I shut the door, breathing heavily. "Quite the first day on the job," I muttered in resignation, staring at the disaster I now had to clean. * I wiped the sweat from my forehead, taking a moment to catch my breath, surveying the nearly tidy room. The worst part was the bed. Even after removing the dirty sheets, I had gone overboard with the water. So, I thought of pushing the mattress closer to the window to let it air out and catch some sun. "Mmnn," I grunted, yanking at the heavy king-size mattress, my hands trembling. I doubted I could move it. I kept struggling when— "How many centuries does it take you to organize a room?" His voice startled me—I hadn’t heard him enter. I turned to apologize, but a wrong step, my nerves, and apparently a sticky substance I’d left on the floor caused me to lose my balance and fall forward. By instinct, I grabbed onto the first thing I could, falling to my knees with my eyes shut tight. Something had slipped from my hands, and now another thing, thick, brushed against my nose. A dark, musky, intoxicating scent assaulted my senses. When I opened my eyes again and saw the sight before me, I wished I could die right there without needing him to kill me. In my hands was a black towel—I assumed it had been around the King's hips—and I was on my knees, clutching his powerful thighs, with a massive, veiny member right in front of my wide eyes. «Girl, this could make you cry» was the first thing that crossed my mind in my nervous breakdown. And to think it was only half... not even Dorian’s compared in detail. "Should I fetch a tape measure so you can size it up too?" His cold voice snapped me out of my frozen state. Terrified, I raised my gaze to see him completely naked, in all his glory, his burgundy hair loose and tousled, damp from the shower, and I could swear his gray eyes held a mocking glint. "Your Majesty, I’m so sorry! Please, spare the life of this humble servant who doesn’t deserve your mercy!" I threw myself to the ground, pressing my forehead against the hard surface, begging him. What I had done was unforgivable. By the Goddess, I had even stayed there... staring at it. His threatening shadow loomed over my trembling body. I clenched my eyes shut, bracing for the end. "I’ll leave right away... I beg you... I’ll leave the castle... please..." "I don’t have the patience to find a new servant every day. You leave when I decide so. Now get up." His deep voice rumbled close to my ear, and I felt him tugging at the towel I still clutched in my hands. I released it immediately, sweat trailing down my back as my entire body trembled. "Besides, if you’re going to serve me, it won’t be the last time you see it. It’s not a big deal. Come to the dining room," he added before his bare footsteps echoed away from the room. Swallowing nervously, I stood on shaky legs. «Come on, Valeria, focus, please. » "Try the breakfast," he ordered, gesturing to the food set on the table. He sat, dominating the large chair, observing my every move. I picked up the fork and cut a small piece from each dish, tasting everything bite by bite. "If something is not to your liking, I can ask the kitchen to—" "That won’t be necessary. Everything’s fine," he interrupted and then fell silent. I kept my gaze on the floor, unsure of what he was waiting for, frantically reviewing every rule in my mind. "Do you think I’m a savage who eats with his hands?" "What? No, no, Your Maj... Sir..." I quickly lifted my gaze and saw him glancing at the fork still in my hand. Holy Goddess, I had covered the only utensil with saliva! The housekeeper hadn’t mentioned I had to taste the food here too! "I... I’ll get another, I’m so sorry—" "You seem to apologize well," he said as he took the fork from my hand. "It’s dirty, I... I ate with it—" I didn’t finish because he wiped it with a napkin and began eating calmly. I stepped back, standing in the corner, awaiting his orders. Through my bangs, I occasionally stole glances at him. He looked relaxed wearing just the towel, eating and reviewing some documents beside him. No matter what the Lycan King did, his aggressive aura filled the entire space, demanding only obedience and submission. This was my new master. And honestly, I was starting to wonder if I’d be better off running far away from this castle... and this pack. Aldric Thorne was the most dangerous thing I could have crossed paths with. *** Days passed, and despite my rookie mistakes, I managed to survive. The Lord wasn’t constantly present at the castle either—he often traveled between packs or faced dangerous situations. I hadn’t even seen the other “Guardians” until one morning. "Phew, I honestly don’t know how you handle the pressure and temptation," said Juliette. She was the only staff member who had approached me. An extroverted, cheerful girl. I didn’t consider her a friend, though—I'd never trust a woman like that again. But at least her chatter kept me entertained. We were walking through the underground corridor carrying laundry baskets when a side door leading to one of the many training gyms opened. A massive Lycan emerged. I knew by the powerful aura he projected. We immediately lowered our heads, waiting for him to pass, but his steps approached us instead. "Are these clean towels?" asked a strong but calm male voice. "Yes, yes, Sir," I answered, realizing I was the one carrying them. I glanced up for a second. Enchanting golden eyes stared back at me. I quickly lowered my gaze to the carpet and handed him a towel, but as he reached out, our fingers brushed for a moment. His touch was warm. Despite being intimidating, this Lycan projected a protective aura—not as sharp and wild as the King's. "I’m sorry... I’m so sorry—" "Relax, it’s fine. Thank you," he replied, taking the towel and walking away down the hallway. And then I dared to look at his back. Blond hair, massive like all Lycans, powerful, his muscular, sweaty back glistening, dressed in black combat gear. It seemed like he had been training. For some reason, the combination of his eyes and hair reminded me a bit of Dorian. I didn’t want to remember him at all, but the mind could be a traitor. He had been the first—and only—man I’d loved. "Right? He’s so handsome! I mean, they’re all attractive and hot, but for me, the best ones are the King and Guardian Quinn... Though the King, ugh, that man is pure fire. I’m torn—what do you think, Valeria? Would you prefer the King or Quinn?" Before I could scold her for talking so carelessly, her face turned pale, staring behind me in panic. A powerful presence pressed against my back, hot breath brushing against my ear. "I’d like to know too, Valeria. Who would you prefer? And why did you let another man touch what’s mine?" The basket in my hands begins to tremble along with my hands. I'm done for. And even though I know he’s talking about the towels, for some reason, it feels like he’s talking about me. "Ss… Sir..." "Get out!" he ordered Juliette, who looked at me for a second with guilt but had no choice but to flee almost running. I remained with my back to him. Could I run too? "I'm still waiting, Valeria. Tell me, are you unhappy with the position you were given? Would you prefer to be Quinn's personal maid instead? Turn around!"	LEARN_MORE	https://befant.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=18151&u	Galaxy in the Story	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	2,466	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	befant.com	VIDEO		https://befant.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=18151&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481469919_620154227439864_8167099776182358093_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I8AZyEPaho4Q7kNvgE3yAAq&_nc_oc=AdhoFUJkX7cKdXdE2KOfOYKilkA3gSQ9inbuxEQzY_1CDy5W75mvaZQ3jXaESyXg2dGCjC4I5DXD562ZVlkrjnTZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQ9A5mxbM4J8z6-Tu-MLUyU&oh=00_AYCYhSQdJbBnlznRH2Ux7sLYbf7j8Xmown1957Ytq2r-Hg&oe=67C9FEDB	PERSON_PROFILE	Galaxy in the Story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,897	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728896}'	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Avoid the Monthly Expense of Contacts: LASIK is the Smarter Choice!	Lifetime Contact Costs: Over 20-30 years, contacts and solutions can exceed $10,000.	BOOK_TRAVEL	https://offer.lasikplus.com/lasik-vs-contacts/?enc	LasikPlus	https://www.facebook.com/LasikPlus/	101,723	1969-12-31 18:00	Book Now	lasikplus.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://offer.lasikplus.com/lasik-vs-contacts/?encSource=15883&utm_source=meta&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LP-Paid-Social-Meta-Prospecting-National-LASIKvsContacts--&utm_content=&utm_term=	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481660354_1033055991985372_4562174617043342952_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oY-FSUzBOPgQ7kNvgGQpUeF&_nc_oc=Adg3xn8hPukx_AG2DAglyjZdXELIbThnGhR05kS5lnCBOivzUGT-n0XHgqIgq3NhJhzo3ku8Aua1eEJ3lWVq8cjt&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ALBBSNusA5pXkfl94HWfq8H&oh=00_AYARg9AzWup5TKgznmSge4XJfAqDXY7Zf2cUml-1L16X5Q&oe=67C9FD76	PERSON_PROFILE	LasikPlus	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,976	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728639}'	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Wood Shutters & Shades		MESSAGE_PAGE		Wood Shutters & Shades	https://www.facebook.com/Texaswoodshutters/	709	1969-12-31 18:00	Send Message		CAROUSEL			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481124469_1193553455751210_963876106856509182_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H-d7YWzrQm8Q7kNvgEIk8RY&_nc_oc=AdgSF1Poijpxj5M620rf8yY9jZENA_9LiBAGkSnI_7eHYT-hH-wO2OZsrKd6k35JLe_MBBJeOdX16XZOgWNiNlV7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_yO_lG-VgsGcinKV4-jRkZ&oh=00_AYDZUYhJMxiyBJq8CkdwuswXYKp5Zw9xi71hR__m5Awcgg&oe=67C9F592	PERSON_PROFILE	Wood Shutters & Shades	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,091	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728089}'	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Everyone Loves Bacon	Bundle and save with Bacon! Buy a high-efficiency HVAC system and get a FREE water heater. This high-value offer won’t last—act while supplies last!	LEARN_MORE	https://www.everyonelovesbacon.com/lp/free-water-h	Bacon Plumbing, Heating, Air and Electric	https://www.facebook.com/BaconPlumbingHeatingAirElectric/	2,602	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	everyonelovesbacon.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://www.everyonelovesbacon.com/lp/free-water-heater-with-purchase-of-hvac-system/?utm_source=F-B-water-heater&utm_medium=F-B-free-water-heater&utm_campaign=hvac-coupons	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/473691959_9485597438157000_6431475042813396717_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UaaCATe2_X4Q7kNvgESBNi2&_nc_oc=Adgryxn8CpBffNM4aT6gfmhazrKyP4yqx1OGbdSYqvYuxXlugzKeMvE7eVa-JIwpkXG2MWf-9Z7JfB6z53ndIcoc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvhvcO9cGkiRyiQzWDs650v&oh=00_AYABPKOSv2FzVPOn6qK-yZa88KaweIAab684Ae7q-NQLfA&oe=67C9DCF0	PERSON_PROFILE	Bacon Plumbing, Heating, Air and Electric	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,413	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728409}'	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Mathieu Chaume Jeweler		SHOP_NOW	https://atelierdubonbouleau.com/	Atelier du bon bouleau	https://www.facebook.com/Atelierdubonbouleau/	1,229	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	atelierdubonbouleau.com	CAROUSEL		https://atelierdubonbouleau.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481019336_558111400616240_1943752910601970081_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7RyBXm6K5j4Q7kNvgE2fCnF&_nc_oc=Adi34BMPoR6U_Bu-xWHexwbzSWfOhHJIMLSAaa5QinQIILcZFlbgECpaikRbO5kayXy0jU3PxlH1GuUkHH18231j&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ASvZiMlyU_Osx5fKLJFZ_6S&oh=00_AYD82Z_q0iBbGxde7LTt1JPsBj-xu06Jm7XJV3xBevJy1w&oe=67C9D61B	PERSON_PROFILE	Atelier du bon bouleau	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,930	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Personal tutor in your pocket	1️⃣ on 1️⃣ speaking practice with your personal AI.	USE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.s	Speak	https://www.facebook.com/speak.kr/	6,371	1969-12-31 18:00	Use app	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.selabs.speak	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/478003105_610572765201004_4912693992627680462_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_BHAPzW3XTwQ7kNvgF_vIHz&_nc_oc=AditLz1_xGV5QA8PUEcuw-oVR5uHyYUzvs6qd8F2iyJ89y-cCL3UQZfvI1znKGD3bJgObZrIBOzcgoHadq0lVxCb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZqpyurRho7pkjnwkTWKRY7&oh=00_AYD-kMeBNBPDP8KAccSkUVuhCA89pPhPibjTmMTRQCOH2Q&oe=67C9CECB	PERSON_PROFILE	Speak	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,729,379	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2729141}'	No	2025-03-02 02:55	active	2674	Not Your Grandparent’s Vinyl Floor!	As seen on HGTV, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is growing in popularity among families and pet lovers! Its stunning yet extremely durable, scratch & stain resistant and able to stand up to your busy lives! Extremely easy to clean and maintain! You can now get the look you always wanted without the worry! Visit www.FlawlessFlooringLLC.com to shop our Luxury Vinyl Plank products and request a free online estimate, or call 262-442-7490 today!	SHOP_NOW	https://www.flawlessflooringllc.com/Products/LVP?u	Flawless Flooring	https://www.facebook.com/FlawlessFloorWI/	505	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	flawlessflooringllc.com	IMAGE	Financing As Low as 0% for 21 Months	https://www.flawlessflooringllc.com/Products/LVP?useYB=2	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481663829_4038744576380593_7066742970320775666_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oO4tdj5_5zMQ7kNvgG34Rc8&_nc_oc=Adi8Q05TNulQ5IJXcdeZCMU9mGT8CJOwfQmvgWCjTUDR06zYhTXiuAE-lcj254Q1OxZV7UVrPMU_koFSDTOoV4Ot&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AjmlfjO2N4XBf7GHfH1DMgl&oh=00_AYANK5rmfprqloQhMduCWhRcw3zx7iQbr-CJzZq91jkbWw&oe=67C9EC82	PERSON_PROFILE	Flawless Flooring	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,614	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728612}'	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Limited-Time Offer: Get $500 OFF a New Furnace!	Turn your tax refund into year-round comfort! Upgrade to a new furnace and enjoy reliable heat—plus when you upgrade today you get an extra $500 OFF for extra savings! Stay warm & save big!	GET_OFFER	https://offers.shipleyenergy.com/en/save-up-to-120	Shipley Energy	https://www.facebook.com/ShipleyEnergy/	16,311	1969-12-31 18:00	Get Offer	offers.shipleyenergy.com	DCO	Peace of mind and consistent comfort all year.	https://offers.shipleyenergy.com/en/save-up-to-1200-on-new-hvac-equipment-installations	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482083655_523801803647895_8871792785829269116_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Gi6nC4mwevoQ7kNvgHb4EMa&_nc_oc=AdiZIU8BuD-f0uIINQj-5rkVnwNMldjk3NliYP9WU3vgA_GWYx7lwcJA9KsPvhrSGLiKMmkvU158cAimAd_yEDeC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A8d5Q9pCucFrVby5TFKYeNE&oh=00_AYBC2UgfpCLg9Y1MT57qg9H-vEZFTRnCmxMejWhtjKYmww&oe=67C9E6B3	PERSON_PROFILE	Shipley Energy	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,729,030	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Unveiling 2025's Breakthrough Cure for Plantar Fasciitis 🦶	Struggling with the sharp, stabbing pain of plantar fasciitis? Whether your condition is due to age-related wear, an active lifestyle, or just everyday stress on your feet, foot pain can ruin your life. It’s crucial to do something now before it’s too late… The FDA-cleared Koprez Plantar Fasciitis Sleeves uses cutting-edge technology that offers relief from heel pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It employs “Biolateral Circular Compression,” a fancy way of saying it applies advanced, targeted compression to boost blood flow by up to four times more than standard compression. This is an evidence-based treatment proven to drastically reduce the inflammation in our bodies that prevents your feet from healing and causes plantar fasciitis pain. Just slip on the Koprez Sleeves for a few hours every day. Not only will you feel instant relief, but in four short weeks, your feet will be fully healed, giving you the freedom to do your daily tasks without any pain holding you back. Order today to get 50% OFF and a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Zero risk, zero hassles: Eliminate plantar fasciitis within 30 days or get a full refund. What Sets Koprez Sleeves Apart? ✅ Instant pain relief ✅ Naturally heals plantar fasciitis (no harsh medication) ✅ Keeps plantar fasciitis away for good (despite high recurrence rate) ✅ FDA-Cleared Class I Medical Device ✅ Designed & recommended by Dr. Hunt, a top podiatric doctor with over 20 years of experience Get yours now risk-free -> https://offers.koprez.com/pf-classic-a	SHOP_NOW	https://offers.koprez.com/pf-classic-a	Koprez	https://www.facebook.com/koprezshop/	106,214	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	offers.koprez.com	VIDEO	Fix Plantar Fasciitis Or Your Money Back	https://offers.koprez.com/pf-classic-a	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481059356_1556945728266409_2663319929617962225_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w0OD8rJsuswQ7kNvgGRgU4T&_nc_oc=AdjplEBcVJsYOS9SvZxDFbONiIs3aL8OfuV4VKm17RngKrzXyQAuAwVyi4ACUbMtBF3tESeUE5UYHXo6XcQrg6kK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aaw3iCV2sG9fiFGdUREmeTq&oh=00_AYDNMwdO7JeHjBt6N3VHTBRJwfpj8bIV1UED_Uh2IPB01Q&oe=67C9E7D3	PERSON_PROFILE	Koprez	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,054	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728664}'	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Tap to Claim 7 Days FREE!	What if your fitness routine actually empowered you? 🤔 At Peak Kickboxing/Jiu-Jitsu, we believe martial arts isn’t just about fitness - it’s about transforming your mindset, building strength, and boosting your confidence, no matter your starting point. ✨ Why Peak? ✅ Perfect for Beginners - No experience? No problem. ✅ Real Training, Real Results - Learn authentic kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu techniques. ✅ Supportive & Welcoming - We’re a community that has your back, no matter your fitness level. ✅ World Champion Coaches - Train with the best in the industry. Don’t wait for “someday” to get started. With 7 days FREE, you’ll get access to kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu classes that fit into your busy life. Our world-class coaches guide you step-by-step, ensuring that you feel challenged - NOT overwhelmed. 👉 Click “Learn More” and claim your 7-day FREE trial now.	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	Peak Fitness Kickboxing	https://www.facebook.com/peakfitnesskickboxing/	2,451	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fb.me	VIDEO		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/474602090_1299786327908432_1789606162554400848_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tEX5RN7wGJMQ7kNvgE5h1JV&_nc_oc=Adj98YJkG51onyvrOMBgCtwCWk9kUQf_pk9f3CVhTh6y2FOWN89jLcWw1a9g3IrC2dz5g_WyC8EkGUBjJq7ulktd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9UH3cam4QRJQcuX_wK-vaY&oh=00_AYApunFKpbzajsofdJTFB_xSSpA5DLoS3r35wP0tSidjtg&oe=67C9D9B8	PERSON_PROFILE	Peak Fitness Kickboxing	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,242	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	Read next chapter👉	She dreamed of marrying the man of her fantasies--a hero strong enough to shield her from danger and protect her from predators. But on the day she was cast into the unforgiving depths of the kingdom's dungeon, it was the Beast King who held her in his arms. "At last, I have you in my arms, my mate!" he declared. ===== UREKAI: In the days of old, the Urekai stood out as the strongest and most powerful beings in the world. The ancient tongue called them 'fearsome beasts' for: Like werewolves, they could transform into beasts. Like vampires, they consumed bld. And walked among humans with no one the wiser. The ageless, peaceful, selfless beings preferred to keep to themselves. Despite being feared and distrusted, they never responded with aggression. They granted passage to any species wishing to enter their lands beyond the great mountain and welcomed everyone. But five centuries ago, an unexpected species attacked the Urekais during their one night of weakness. The humans. While protecting his people, Grand King Daemonikai lost control of his mind, going feral. Becoming a danger to the same people whom he had given everything to protect. Although it seemed impossible, the Urekais managed to capture their king's beast form, imprisoning him in a secure cage, ensuring he could never escape. But, consumed by hatred for humans, the Urekai plunged themselves into darkness. Becoming the fearsome beasts others had always feared them to be. Wearing their monstrosity with pride. HUMANS: After invading the Urekais, a mysterious virus outbreak struck. No one knew where it came from, but many speculated their attack on the Urekais brought it on. While most males eventually recovered after a long struggle, the virus proved fatal for the majority of females. Survivors rarely gave birth to female children. Those left or born became scarce and sought-after commodities. In many kingdoms, greedy fathers sold their daughters to breeding houses. Some were forced into pleasure houses, existing solely for men's enjoyment. Some faced terrible abuse in exchange for protection. Even the wealthy and the privileged could not guarantee the safety of the females in their lives, as the mere sight of a female--be it an infant, a young girl, or an elderly woman--drew unwanted attention. Female children faced constant danger. They are not safe in the society. * PROLOGUE HUMAN LAND: THE KINGDOM OF NAVIA. "It's a g-girl, your highness," Prince Garret froze. As he turned, looking at the palace healer, his hands resting on his exhausted wife's body, shook uncontrollably. He had secretly arranged the delivery months ago, and now they were hidden in one of the underground rooms in the palace, where his beloved wife, Pandora, was giving birth. "What did you just say to me?" Prince Garret hoped he heard wrong. Perhaps it had been a mistake. Please, gods, let it be a mistake! But the pity in the older man's face couldn't be disguised. The palace healer turned the little bundle. "The baby is a girl." Terror crossed Pandora's face as she adjusted herself to get a closer look at her baby. "No. Oh, the gods, please no..." She shook her head vigorously fresh tears gathering in her eyes. Tears welled in the healer's eyes. "I'm so sorry, your highness." "No!!!" Pandora cried out burying her face into her husband's waiting arms, sobs after sobs ripping from her throat. Garret felt numb as he held his wife. His first daughter, Aekeira, wasn't even four yet, and the king was already negotiating with the kingdom of Cavar to sell her to the highest bidder. Because, apparently, Navia 'could use more funds.' King Orestus might be Garret's brother, but he was a tyrant, and his word was law. Now, another girl child? Two daughters? Tears filled Garrett's eyes as he looked upon the crying bundle wiggling around in healer's arms. The world was not safe for either of his daughters. "I'll raise her like a boy," Pandora declared suddenly. The healer's eyes widened. "Are you suggesting we keep her identity a secret?" "Yes," Pandora affirmed, her resolve strengthening. "This child will never be seen as a girl. No one will ever find out!" "B-but, it's impossible to hide something like this, your majesty." The healer panicked. "The king will order our execution!" "Then, we take the secret to our grave." Pandora's voice was fierce. "I was unable to protect my first daughter, but by the Light-gods, I will protect my second." Too dangerous, but Garret was all for it too. This was their best chance to keep their daughter safe, and they would take it. "As far as we are concerned, the child I bore today was a male." Pandora looked at the baby. "His name is Emeriel. Emeriel Galilea Evenstone." Emeriel. It's a neutral name, and also means 'Sky's Protection' in the old tongue. Garret liked it. Fitting too, for their daughter would need all the luck and protection in the world. "I agree," Garret spoke aloud. With the plan fully in his mind, Garret swore the two other men in the room to secrecy. ********* That night, Garrett and his wife, stood by the baby's small cradle, watching their newborn sleep. Across the room, their three-year-old daughter, Aekeira, lay curled under a blanket, her tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm. "In all my years on this earth, I've never seen anyone bear two female children, Garrett," Pandora whispered, voice cracking. She glanced up at him, eyes glistening with tears. "I don't know what this means for us... or for them." Garrett placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Maybe it means they have a great destiny to fulfill." "Or a great sorrow in their future," Pandora's eyes drifted to their eldest, worriedly. "I'm so scared for them. How could something like this happen?" Perhaps you've been touched by the gods, my darling," Garrett said in comfort. "I really doubt that. Why me? Why us?" He had no answer to that. "If that's true," Pandora sniffled, brushing her fingers over the baby's soft cheek, "may that god always protect my babies. We won't always be here to do that." Garrett pulled his wife into his arms, holding her close, fighting to hide his own worry. Because, she was right. What were the odds of a couple in these times bearing not just one, but two daughters? None. Absolutely none. As he gazed at their sleeping children, prayer rose in his heart. Whatever god you are, please... protect our angels. Chapter 2 THE PRINCESS IN A 'PRINCE' DISGUISE Twenty-one Years Later PRINCE EMERIEL. "He's so pretty," a voice murmured. "It's the feminine prince," another one said. The third man had lst in his eyes. "No man should have hair that gorgeous." Prince Emeriel ignored them all as he moved from the palace grounds into the building, head held high. Just because he was used to the unwanted attention, didn't mean it didn't make his skin crawl. He might have lived as a boy all his life, but it didn't exactly keep him all that safe. Men of Navia would stick their phllus in anything with a hle, especially if it looked remotely feminine. But Emeriel's senses were always on high alert. Which is why he was probably the only twenty-one-year-old vi*in in Navia. That, and his sister, Princess Aekeira, always did everything in her power to protect him. To make sure his secrets remained tightly hidden. A carriage accident had taken their parents fifteen years ago, and King Orestus had adopted them. That tyrant made life a living hell for them. Emeriel entered the hallway to Aekeira's chambers when he heard it. Whimpers. Soft, pain-filled whimpers. That sound was coming from… Rage surged through Emeriel. Not this again! Determined, he stormed down the hall, and shoved the door open, unsheathing his sord. "Get away from my sister right this instant, Lord Murphy, or I swear to the sky I will cut you down where you stand!" Emeriel snarled. The minister of human affairs's face twisted with irritation, and he stopped thrusting. "Go away, little prince. You're ruining the fun." Emeriel hated the jab 'little prince,' but surely not as much as he hated being called a 'slight prince.' Over the years, Navians had given him a lot of names thanks to his small and feminine look. "Get away from her right now!" Emeriel strode purposefully toward the bd, seizing hold of Lord Murphy and pushing him away from Aekeira. With a satisfying thud, the old oaf tumbled to the floor. Aekeira rose from the bd, clutching her vulnerable body, her face red from crying, eyes tired and swollen. Emeriel pulled his sister into his arms, hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Keira." "It was not your fault." "Why the hell would you do that!?" Lord Murphy rose angrily. "I won Princess Aekeira fair and square in the card game at the gathering last night. The king wagered with her and lost to me! I was supposed to have her for two hours at least!" Emeriel's eyes blazed as he whirled around, facing him. "If you put your hands on her again, I swear to the sky I will cut off your mle oran, Lord Murphy." "You will not dare!" "I'll gladly take whatever punishment the king gives," he stated with conviction, "but you will be without your manhood. Choose wisely." Lord Murphy's eyes widened, his hands flying protectively over his cr*ch, face reddening in anger. "The king will hear of this!" The minister snarled. Taking his clothes, he marched out of the room. "Oh, Em, why did you do that?" Aekeira's eyes filled with worry. "The king might punish you with the hot whip again." "I do not care. Let us go to my room." Putting his sord away, Emeriel could not even look his sister in the eyes, dangerously close to tears himself. Helping Aekeira into her clothes, he led her out, and down the hallway. That age-old guilt crept down Emeriel's spine. Aekeira always protected Emeriel, even when it made her the sole target. His sister never hated him, but Emeriel hated himself for it. Aekeira was always bubbly and always happy. But in times like this, when her body was viated, she mostly looked tired then. Weary of the world. Worried about the next aristocrat the king would hand her over to. Much later, freshened up, Aekeira laid on the bed, closing her eyes. "Em? My worst nightmare when I was younger was thinking I would be sold to an aristocrat in Cavar, but now, I almost wish that heartless king went ahead with it, instead of changing his mind," Aekeira whispered. "Please, don't say that." Emeriel held her hand. "That kingdom is a horror play. Anywhere is better than Cavar, sister. Well, except beyond the great mountain, of course." Just the thought made Emeriel shiver. The Urekai dwelled beyond those mountains. "Sometimes I wish I could leave this godforsaken kingdom." A single tear slipped from Aekeira's eyes. Me too, Keira. Me too. ** That night, after bathing, Emeriel stood before the mirror, staring at his reflection. His long, silken black hair fell over his shoulders, cascading like a waterfall. With his hair down like this, he looked like what he truly was. A girl. What would it feel like to live freely, like the person the mirror reflected? To not live in fear of the next man who might seek to take advantage of him, like they do his sister? Emeriel fantasized about marrying the man of his dreams. A protector. Someone powerful enough to keep him safe, shield him from predators, and sweep him off his feet with immense strength and love. All delusion. But a sweet one, nonetheless. Reality was far too ugly. Shaking it off, he crawled into bed and closed his eyes, letting sleep take him. . . The dream began as it always did. The man filled the doorway, hidden in the shadows. He was big, larger and more masculine than any man Emeriel had ever seen. Tall like a giant, he made Emeriel feel small, like a cornered prey. "Who are you?" Emeriel's drowsy voice came out shaky, filled with fear. "What do you want from me?" "You are mine," he said, voice deep as rolling thunder. "Meant to be on your knees for me. On your back. To be fked you so hard your legs quake. You were meant to beg for me all the time. Only mine." Emeriel's face burned with shock. So scandalized, he scrambled upright. "Y-you shouldn't say such improper things to me! It's wrong!" But the mysterious man stepped into Emeriel's bedroom, emerging from the shadows. As he did, his body shifted into a...beast. The most terrifying Emeriel had ever seen. A Urekai. "Oh gods, oh gods," Emeriel's breath hitched in terror, panic setting in. Of all the shapeshifters in the world, why a UREKAI!? He advanced with purpose. Its glowing yellow eyes bore into Emeriel, filled with hunger. Shaking his head fiercely, Emeriel scrambled backward. "No, no, no! Leave me alone!" he shouted, "Guards! Someone, help!" But no one came. The beast leapt onto the bed, got on top of Emeriel, trapping him under. Claws tore through his clothing, Emeriel's vulnerable female body was exposed to its yellow eyes. His powerful thighs forced Emeriel's apart...! Emeriel jolted awake with a scream. Body shaking and drenched in sweat, he glanced around the dark, empty room. "It was just a dream," he whispered, trembling. "Thank the gods. Just a dream." The same dream again. He'd had this dream for months now. He swallowed hard, running a shaky hand through his hair. "Why do I keep having such a scary nightmare?" It terrified Emeriel a lot. A Urekai? No one in this world prayed to meet a Urekai in their lifetime. Certainly not Emeriel. Yet, even with all the terror inside, the hotness of the dream lingered in his body. His feminine core felt different. Wt. What does this mean? Chapter 3 UREKAI Stepping outside the next morning, two warriors stopped before Emeriel. "The king summons you, my prince," One of them said. "Your presence is needed in the courtroom." Sht. That foolish minister wasted no time ratting on him. Emeriel let the way to court. It's just whipping, he will be fine. But, as he walked down the hall towards the door, it was eerily quiet. Something was wrong. The court was always noisy from the outside. Mutterings, murmurs, arguments were always expected. His worry deepened when the door opened, and all eyes didn't turn to gaze at him condescendingly. Instead, everyone's eyes were fixed at the center of the king's court. Emeriel's eyes followed theirs. Two men dressed in all-white apparel robes, with long, straight, waist-length black hair stood, appearing harmless. But a longer glance had Emeriel noticing muscles barely concealed under their robes, their slightly tipped ears, and their incredibly unnaturally handsome faces that were completely unreadable. He froze. Urekai. These ones looked expensive and aristocratic. Emeriel's throat went dry. No one prays to meet a Urekai face-to-face. "What do you say, King Orestus?" the Urekai with the long scar running from his cheek spoke. He looked the most intimidating. "No, this cannot happen," King Orestus protested, looking terrified, and doing a poor job of hiding it. The frown on Scarred Urekai's face deepened. Clearly, this was a being that did not take no for an answer. "You are mistaken if you think we are giving you a choice, human king," he said, taking a threatening step forward. The ministers of the court gasped, shrinking back into their seats. "Easy, Lord Vladya," the other Urekai spoke, his voice gentler. Imploring rather than commanding. The scarred Urekai, Lord Vladya, gave the king a hard look that would make any man tremble. "It is the least you can do, human king. Give us the princess, and we will leave quietly." "We are ready to pay for her," the other Urekai added, reaching into his robe and withdrawing a large bag of coins. Fear receded. The king's ears perked up with interest. "Money?" "Not just money, there are gold coins too," The non-scarred Urekai said. Everyone gasped, including Emeriel. Gold coins were rare and highly valuable. The Urekai continued, "All you have to do is hand the princess over, and this bag is yours." Wait… Princess? They couldn't possibly mean... The grand entrance opened again as two guards led Aekeira into the court. No, no, no, not my sister. Emeriel moved forward, but the guards who had escorted him stopped his movement. He bit his lip hard, trying not to draw attention to himself, but it was incredibly difficult. Surely, this couldn't be what he thought it was. It had to be a dream. There was no way the Urekai were here to buy his sister as a slave...! The two guards leading Aekeira to the center of the court, stopped a few feet from the Urekais. The terror on Aekeira's face mirrored Emeriel's feelings. "So, let me get this straight," King Orestus began, "All I need to do is sell her to you, and all this money is mine? There are no other conditions? Nothing else?" "Yes," the non-scarred Urekai responded. Lord Vladya moved forward, closing the distance between him and Aekeira, who was visibly shaking now. Cupping Aekeira's cheek tilting her head to the side to get a better look. He appeared utterly disgusted. "She'll do." King Orestus picked up his gavel and struck it hard on his desk. "Sold! From this moment on, Princess Aekeira belongs to the Urekais." "WHAT!?" The shout escaped Emeriel's lips before he could stop it. He ran toward the center of the courtroom and fell to his knees. "Please don't sell my sister to them. Not to the Urekais! Please, Your Majesty." The king gave him a bored look. "It's out of my hands now, Emeriel." It's out of his… Emeriel couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You can't let this happen. She's your niece too! How could you do this!?" He wasn't proud his voice turned the high-pitch of a girl's, as he practically screamed. But he didn't care. "You know a fate worse than death awaits her beyond the great mountain! How could you agree to sell her to them?" "As if he has a choice," Lord Vladya scoffed, his deep baritone filled with cynicism. Emeriel whirled around to face them, anger blanketing his features. But as he stared into those intimidating gray eyes, he couldn't bring himself to give in to his rage. He had read in one of the books that an Urekai had the power to take a life without physical contact. It might just be a rumor, but with his sister's life on the line, he had no intention of testing that theory. "I will go too. Where Aekeira goes, I go," Emeriel said, lifting his chin defiantly. Aekeira snapped her head toward Emeriel, her eyes widened in terror. "No! What are you doing, Em?" "I'm going with you," Emeriel stated firmly. Lord Vladya arched a perfectly shaped brow. "No. We have no need for you; we only need your sister." Emeriel stood. "I don't care. Take me too. If you leave me here, I will always try to come to her. I will cross the great mountains if I have to!" Lord Vladya laughed. There was no humor in the cold sound. "Without the rite of passage, the great mountain will swallow you whole. You'll never make it to the other side." "I'll take my chances," Emeriel vowed. "No! My brother is not coming," Aekeira interjected, before turning pleading eyes to Emeriel. "Don't do this, Em. I'm already doomed. I don't want you to face the same fate!" "If you come with us, you will be taken as our slave." Lord Vladya stated, pinning Emeriel with a stare. "Urekai do not care if you're male or female; you will serve in any way your master wants you. Whether it's in the mines or the cellar, on your back, bent over, or on your knees. If you agree to be our slave too, your freewill ends today." A shiver ran through Emeriel's spine. "Do you know what it means to be an Urekai's slave, little human? You're a pretty boy; you will not lack masters to service." Fear seeped through his core. If everything he had heard growing up and read in books were true, being an Urekai's slave was worse than being a human's slave. And my dreams... I should be running in a different direction...! But he steeled his spine. "Where my sister goes, I go." "We did not agree to get two slaves," the second Urekai said. "That is settled then," Lord Vladya continued as if he never spoke. Reaching into his robe, the scarred Urekai pulled out another bag of coins, throwing both on the floor towards the king. "We will take both." "Sold!" King Orestus banged his gavel again. Chapter 4 SOLD TO THE UREKAI Aekeira cried for over an hour after they left the courtroom. At first, she had been angry, shouting at Emeriel about his foolish decision. And then, she broke down, crying as if her heart had been shattered. Now, they were left alone in a tiny room on the boat. Emeriel remained quiet throughout his sister's breakdown, the weight of his decision finally sinking in. By the Light-gods, he was now a slave. Lower than a loborn. Lower than a carpet servant. And not just any slave, but a Urekai slave. Or many Urekai, Emeriel had no idea yet. He would serve those heartless, ruthless beings who despised humans. "You're a pretty boy; you will not lack masters to service." A shiver coursed down Emeriel's spine. They were going to vilate his body. What he had always dreamed of would finally coming true. Only now, it wouldn't be just one beast, it would be many. As many as his master wanted. Emeriel swallowed the bile rising in his throat. His breath seized as panic set in. "Breathe, Em. Come on," Aekeira appeared by his side, rubbing his back. "In... and out... come on, Em." Aekeira's voice was gentle, soothing, giving Emeriel no choice but to follow its sound. Aekeira continued rubbing his back. "Good girl. That's my girl." Two Urekai came in and forced them to take an unknown pill. Surely they hadn't paid all that money just to kll them before they even became slaves, right? Emeriel thought as she swallowed it. Minutes later, they both dropped unconscious on the floor. • Much later, Emeriel woke to the bumping ride of the carriage. His head woozy, his senses disoriented as he blinked several times to adjust his vision. They had been forced to take a pill. Rising, he walked to the carriage's wooden window and pushed it open. A gasp left him. They are in Urekai land. Emeriel could see dozens of them. But what had his jaw on the floor was the humans. There were plenty in sight. Many females nearly matching the number of males. Everyone knew the Urekais had acquired and held numerous humans captive after the war, but the sheer number he could see surpassed his expectations. And they were all slaves. Some were working in the fields, their weary bodies bent under the weight of their labor. Some were hauling heavy loads, their muscles straining with each step, under the watchful eyes of Urekai's. Some Urekais held whips, while some held sords. The sight turned Emeriel's stomach, making him sick. Is this to be our life now? Aekeira's grn of wakefulness echoed behind him and Emeriel quickly turned to his sister, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright, Kiera?" he asked, his voice hushed. Aekeira nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Where are we?" she asked, eyes scanning their surroundings. Their kingdom, Urai," Emeriel whispered, keeping his voice down so the carriage master would not overhear. Together, they took in the huge fortress in front of them. The carriage was headed straight for it. "This place looks highly luxurious," Aekeira said. Emeriel nodded. As royalty, they were well-acquainted with luxury, but this was on an entirely different scale. Which begged the question... Who exactly were the males who had purchased them? And if they weren't his and his sister's masters, then who was...? ****** They were brought into an empty room after passing numerous chambers and passages. "This shall be your quarters for now," a soldier announced. The room was surprisingly spacious and tastefully decorated. Not long after the soldiers left, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears, growing closer with each passing moment. The door swung open, and an older human woman marched in. Accompanied by a younger human woman and three Urekai males. The older woman's gaze landed on Emeriel, and she did a double take. "You are one remarkably handsome male. I have seen a lot of pretty males in my time, but even I can hardly think of one who is half as pretty as you." Feeling uneasy, Emeriel took a step back, finding solace behind Aekeira, who spread her arms protectively to shield him from prying eyes. "Well, it's a shame you're not the one we came for," the woman said dismissively, turning away. "Prepare her, boys. Amie, get the bath ready." The three males closed in on Aekeira, beginning to undress her. Their hands removed her clothes, while another tended to her hair, undoing the knots. "What are you doing?" Emeriel asked, concerned. "Getting her ready for what is to come." The older woman didn't bother to look at him. "You can either stay or leave. I care not. But if you disturb me, I will have you reported to the soldiers and thrown into the dungeon." Numerous questions swirled in Emeriel's mind, but a shake of Aekeira's head silenced him. He watched helplessly as they undressed her, with the younger girl, Amie, preparing a large tub filled with water. Eventually, Emeriel decided to step out and explore, wandering the halls aimlessly. He followed one to a secluded passage that appeared hidden from casual glances. Voices echoed in the distance, so he moved closer towards them. "What shall we do with the boy? He was not part of the plan," one voice said. "I do not care, Lord Ottai. Perhaps we will think of something later." Lord Vladya's voice came. "For now, let us focus on the girl. The bad weather delayed our journey, I had expected us to return yesterday." His voice, chilling and authoritative, Lord Vladya added. "Time is running short; she must be in the forbidden chambers tonight." Forbidden chambers? Emeriel didn't like the sound of that at all. "Calm yourself, Vladya. That young girl cannot handle the beast," Lord Ottai added. "I do not care. They have made their bds, and they shall lie in them," Vladya said defiantly. A heavy sigh followed. "It would be heartless to send that girl in to service the beast without any inkling of what to expect. I know you have no love for humans, and frankly, neither do I, but we can surely do better than that," Lord Ottai reasoned. "Do as you wish, Ottai. Tell them everything or tell them nothing. I care not," Vladya stated. "Whether she lives or dies, I care not either. I shall throw in the pretty little prince next, and if he perishes too, I shall be on the next carriage to the next human kingdom to select another princess for him. That is the only aspect of this that concerns me." A silence fell after their exchange, leaving Emeriel's mind racing with fear and disbelief. Service the beast? Die? Chapter 5 YOUR PURPOSE HERE Emeriel was horrified. I must rescue Aekeira! We need to escape! "I know you are there, pretty prince. I can smell you," Lord Vladya's voice rang out. Emeriel gasped, frozen in place as Lord Vladya's imposing figure emerged from the door. Instinctively, Emeriel took a step back. Then another. Lord Vladya smirked. "I would advise against whatever thoughts are brewing in that little head of yours. You have no inkling of where you are, do you?" Emeriel could only discern they were in the tallest, most fortified fortress he had ever seen. He shook his head, his fear palpable. "You are in Ravenshadow," Lord Ottai said, coming up behind the scarred Lord. Ravenshadow? The Ravenshadow!? No, by the Light, this cannot be happening. "R-Ravenshadow Citadel? The home of the f-four grand rulers of the Urekais. The Whispering Abyss of great power?" Emeriel blurted out, unable to contain his terror any longer. Lord Ottai snorted. "That is what humans call it. We do not. But yes, you are correct. You are in the Ravenshadow Citadel, Prince Emeriel." "You do not need me to inform you that this is the most secure place in Urai, with vast lands in which you could get lost in if you attempt to escape." Lord Vladya smirked. "A vortex that would swallow you, never to be seen again. There is no escape from Ravenshadow." Emeriel heard their words, but his mind was consumed by a far greater fear. "The four grand rulers of the Urekais reside here?" Emeriel mused, dreadfully. "They do." Lord Ottai sounded mildly amused, drawing Emeriel's attention. Emeriel had no idea he'd said that out loud. Inching closer to Lord Ottai-He seemed the less intimidating and a preferable choice in that moment-Emeriel threw weary glances at the scarred lord. "I have heard rumors about Urekai." "What exactly did you hear?" Lord Ottai asked. "They are said to be deadly, unpredictable and almost feral in their actions." " Emeriel listed off on his fingers as he rambled. "Their mating habits are said to be as brutal as their killings, and while they have bldhosts, they prefer to drain humans' bld. And, after their king ran wild, they-" "Terrific. Just what I needed to hear," Lord Vladya added in a dry tone. Lord Ottai, still somewhat amused, spoke up, "I will leave the briefing to Lord Vladya. I need to attend to the council." What!? Please do not leave me with him! Emeriel almost shouted. But he bit his lips hard, restraining himself. Lord Vladya, however, did not hold back. "Think again, Lord Ottai. There is no way I will-" "Would you prefer Lord Zaiper handle the briefing then?" Lord Ottai asked quietly. A muscle twitched on Lord Vladya's jaw and he gave Emeriel a hard look, as if actually considering the option. Lord Ottai must have picked up on that, quickly adding, "You know you don't want that to happen. Besides, let us not forget the favor you owe me. Remember that?" Lord Vladya glared at him, and Lord Ottai offered a wolfish smile. "I believe it's time to collect. You do the briefing. Off I go." With that, Lord Ottai strode away, exuding an air of sophistication with every step. Finally, Emeriel and Lord Vladya stood facing each other. "Come." Lord Vladya began walking, and Emeriel fell into step behind him. "Forget whatever rumors may have spread in the human realm. Some may hold a grain of truth, but most are truly bizarre." Lord Vladya looked mildly annoyed. "However, I will not delve into the vast knowledge of our kind, for it is too extensive to cover. Instead, I will share the parts that pertain to your sister's presence here." Emeriel braced himself. "Five hundred years ago, and even before that, my people and humans coexisted peacefully. Grand King Daemonikai made sure of that." Grand King Daemonikai. The mere mention of the name had goosebumps spreading on Emeriel's skin, knees quaking in barely-concealed fear. One of the oldest Urekai to have ever existed, his reputation was known throughout the world, even to a child born in present times. He wasn't just one of the four rulers, he was the very first. The ultimate ruler. His power and strength were legendary. Some even suggested he couldn't be klled. That name, Daemonikai, was one that struck terror into the hearts of every species existing in this world. "His son, Alvin, made friends with a human prince." Lord Vladya continued. "During a conversation over a glass of champagne, Alvin, in a drunken state, told the prince the secrets of our people. The Eclipse Moon night." "A night when the Urekai were naturally stripped of their power and strength by the moon, right?" Emeriel asked, wondering if the rumors were true. "It comes every five hundred years, rendering you lots incredibly weak. Weaker than a newborn baby. Vulnerable to attack." The scarred Urekai stopped and eyed Emeriel, nodding before walking again. "What Alvin didn't know was the prince's father used his son to gather information about us. King Memphis had his eyes set on our land. To make a long story short, the humans breached our defenses and attacked us on the Eclipse Moon night, inflicting significant damage upon our kingdom." A shadow crossed Lord Vladya's eyes. "Many of our people were killed. The survival of the Urekai was largely due to the efforts of the four rulers, particularly Daemonikai." He looked distant, as if he could see that night playing out before him. "Daemonikai exerted every ounce of his strength to save his people. Sacrificed everything he had...knowing the consequences it would bring." Consequences? Emeriel suddenly felt bad. The humans regarded that night as a victory. Talked about it as a great achievement. But hearing it now, it was nothing short of barbaric. "After that night, everything changed," Lord Vlayda said. "Many Urekai lost their bondmates and children. Those who remained were hardened by the loss. Even our revenge did nothing to ease the pain in our hearts." "Your kind almost decimated the human population, forcing many into hiding." Emeriel couldn't keep the bitterness off his tone. "The Urekai took numerous slaves and nearly depleted the human lands of their females. And it did nothing?" As those chilling eyes once again stared at him. Emeriel snapped his mouth shut. "Then, Grand King Daemonikai gave in to his beast and went mad. His mind was completely lost, has remained so for the past five hundred years. The very people he sacrificed everything to protect are now in danger from him." Lord Vladya turned a corner. "The beast breaks free periodically, going on ruthless, brutal killing sprees. To prevent further loss, the beast is confined here in Ravenshadow." Okay... that sounded like a good idea. What was the problem? "But, confinement alone is not enough. Our inner beasts require two basic substance to survive: bl*d and sx," Lord Vladya surveyed Emeriel with a piercing gaze. "And that is where your sister comes in." Emeriel grew unease. He did not like where this was going. "Princess Aekeira will fulfill the beast's sxual needs. That is why she was acquired. As for you, since I have no use for you, both of you belong to the beast," Lord Vladya asserted firmly. "What?" The disbelieving whisper tore from Emeriel. "Surely, y-you can't mean that." "Tell Princess Aekeira to present to the beast. If she presents well, who knows? She might survive another day. I care little for the outcome." Emeriel collapsed to his knees, tears blurring his vision. "Please, Lord Vladya, don't subject her to this. To be a sxual slave? To a beast...the king's beast? My sister will die!!" He screamed, his words tainted with anger. Lord Vladya did not bat an eyelash. "Good luck trying to run away from Ravenshadow. For every attempt, you will be met with fifty lashes of the whip." With that, he turned on his heel, stridingpassed terror, and Emeriel surged after him, but the Urekai soldiers blocked his path. "Who do you think you are!?" Emeriel screamed. "Do you consider yourself so all-powerful that you can dictate the fate of living beings!? You are nothing more than beasts! You're a monster, Lord Vladya!" Lord Vladya halted at the doorway, casting a glance over his shoulder. "That is a compliment, human prince. And to you, it is Grand Lord Vladya." Emeriel froze. Grand Lord? As in, one of the four rulers of the Urekai, that GRAND LORD!? Holy light-gods, we're doomed. Chapter 6 SERVING THE BEAST The night had descended upon them. Aekeira's face turned pale upon hearing everything from Emeriel. She had not uttered a single word in hours. Instead, tears streamed down her eyes. Emeriel could hardly recognize Aekeira after the "treatment" Livia had given her. Aekeira was incredibly beautiful, well-groomed, and all dressed up in that scanty piece of nothing. He despised the purpose behind her transformation and dreaded the impending arrival of the Urekai guards, who would soon take her away. "Let us escape," Emeriel suggested urgently. "This place is vast, and-" Aekeira shook her head. "I cannot risk your life, Em. Grand Lord Vladya warned you about the severe consequences of attempting to escape. Moreover, if we're caught, they will undoubtedly discover your secret when they strip you down to whip you. It is simply not an option." Emeriel approached his sister and shook her firmly. "Pull yourself together, Aekeira! You will be forced to serve a UREKAI in its BEAST FORM! One that has lost its sanity and has remained feral for over five hundred years! You cannot subject yourself to such a fate! You will die if you do this!" he screamed. "We have no other choice!" Aekeira screamed right back, "I will not put you in danger, Emeriel. Can't you understand? You are my younger sister. Our parents risked everything to protect you, and I will do everything in my power to do the same. Not because you are a burden, but because I am your elder sister, and I love you dearly!" Emeriel bit his lip, struggling to hold back tears. "And who will protect you, Aekeira? Who will ensure your safety?" Aekeira's desperate arms grasped Emeriel, as she gazed into his eyes. "They must never discover you are a girl, Emeriel. Never! Neither the humans nor the Urekais must find out." The door swung open, announcing Livia's return, accompanied by the young girl, Amie, and another group of Urekai soldiers. "It is time. Let us proceed," Livia declared as her eyes widened. "It is inadvisable for you to touch her now. You do not want to leave your scent on her. Release her immediately." "What do you mean? What will happen if I touch my sister?" Emeriel asked, quickly pulling away. "The beast must not detect any other scent on her. If it smells a scent it hates, it may become even more brutal–might even tear her apart. That is why you must not touch her, Emeriel." Livia nodded for the men to escort Aekeira out of the room, and Emeriel followed. The journey was long and silent, involving a lot of twists and turns. They passed by human slaves and Urekai maids within the vast fortress, but as they approached their destination, the faces grew scarce, and the surroundings became eerily quiet. Fear and goosebumps crept over Emeriel as they entered a haunting corridor. A strange sensation fell over Emeriel, and the silence became almost deafening. It felt as though they were walking through a graveyard. "This is as far as we go," Livia whispered at the entrance of the hallway. You can proceed from here, Aekeira." Emeriel ignored the head maid's words about not touching his sister and gripped Aekeira's arm tightly. "Don't do it," he pleaded, shaking his head vehemently. Aekeira did not turn to look at him, as she gently pulled her hand away and continued forward. ** Back at their chambers, Emeriel began to pace. He scratched his arm, feeling restless and irritable. All he wanted was for his sister to remain alive until the next day. Whether she was wounded or in pain, it didn't matter, as long as she was alive. It might have been selfish of him, but he couldn't bring himself to care. But as he paced, Emeriel felt really, really strange. Hot. So hot. As if he was burning from the inside... ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &5&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65644322-fb_contact-e	Hello reading	https://www.facebook.com/61552535188096/	49,848	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65644322-fb_contact-eny21191_2-250222-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=791750052879575&exdata=D3C875BCA1EDEE6A7D49E5CAE1B08F940B18F427D3CED9BE	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481013244_1343480707076373_5467251506182160038_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RHUzRETON9MQ7kNvgEIk1Hk&_nc_oc=Adgu2IPCRlRrGjSv7qEOCdZ5P2EYk9Yy87edBW4Jbx2LtCHcwv_aAAO2uKhDOBjrJ3tUX-DaBrQGG1xhHZ_GSCQ9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AYS0YmJs97haCn2KYoJJ8ZU&oh=00_AYBUWmBPZeG4_tkNYbwxPJkXoFmH1wCEWQacqAaYO40J0g&oe=67C9FC66	PERSON_PROFILE	Hello reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,728,463	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2728639}'	No	2025-03-02 02:54	active	2674	🏞️ A Classic Look	🏞️ A Classic Look That Lasts! Install a beautiful, secure picket fence for your home today. Contact us now! Need a fence that defines your property without feeling closed off? Our standard spear point or French gothic picket fence offers a timeless look while maintaining visibility. Classic picket fencing with a durable, charming design. Enhance your yard’s charm while keeping pets and kids secure. Need a custom fence solution? We do it all! Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s build something amazing! 📞🏡	MESSAGE_PAGE		Superior Fence of Acadiana	https://www.facebook.com/Jbfencing337/	1,117	1969-12-31 18:00	Send message		IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481070928_1341545417049150_644896749095791060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y2_36jFfJSEQ7kNvgEGSt16&_nc_oc=Adh2SmkAipf8H9P8OHWfjhpBGZQJTApyqVRjv_AYAmXOGbHCmJGD1qaWsAFiRvlhrajAlVVqBzu8ic9nB_4RhSJl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0adg6RhfPl1CNxhY47T3k3&oh=00_AYBAvxjR13VwaQJuOaSd8fgfx8LWvUum13UxF8TwoXDVmg&oe=67C9F134	PERSON_PROFILE	Superior Fence of Acadiana	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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