Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Ads for Sweeps on 2024-11-15

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Enddate	Cta Text	Caption	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Page Is Profile Page	Is Reshared	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,471,903	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2471640}'	Yes	2024-11-15 19:21	active	1820	❤️😍What happens next👉Click Here to read on👉	Serenity married a man who she only met once, but she didn't expect he was a billionaire... “We’re going Dutch from now on, I say everything - the living expenses, the mortgage, and auto loans! Sure, your sister pays two thousand bucks a month, but it doesn’t stretch very far. She’s basically mooching off us!” Serenity overheard her brother-in-law's complaint. For her sister, she had to move out here. However, there was only one way to put her sister’s mind to rest, and that was to get married. Thus, she flash-married Zachary York, whose grandma was once saved by her. The old lady used her own health to force him to marry Serenity. Thus, on the day when they met each other, they got the marriage license. Zack told her that he worked as a common worker with low salary. But Serenity didn't care how much money he had, after all, she ran a bookstore and could support herself. One month later, Serenity went to her bookstore as usual. But to her surprise, her best friend Jasmine invited her to attend a dinner party tonight. "Come on, Seren. We get to see how the top 1% live. And there's going to be lots of good food." Serenity was not one to say no to food, so she gave in to Jamine's request. They closed the store early to attend the event. Serenity wore her usual clothes, yet her natural beauty still shone. The dinner party was held at Wiltspoon Hotel, where Serenity never had a chance to step. Jasmine's aunt approached them and whispered something to her niece. Jasmine replied, "… Aunt, I wouldn't dare dream of marrying the richest family in Wiltspoon." Serenity stood next to them, without butting in. Her eyes were set on the food. "What's the last name of the richest family?" Although Jasmine was not a daydreamer, it did not stop her from prying. "York." "York? Isn't that peculiar?" Jasmine nudged her best friend. Serenity simply grinned without a word. Despite the same last name, Zachary had no relation to the richest family except for the surname. After going in, the pair hid in a corner as they enjoyed a great feast. Suddenly, the crowd turned their eyes to the hotel entrance. Serenity elbowed her best friend, "Jasmine, why did they stop talking?" "No idea." Getting on their tiptoes, they tried to get a view of the hotel entrance, but there were too many people. Dressed to the nines, Zachary walked into his family-owned hotel surrounded by his bodyguards. His attractive appearance, despite his standoffish presence, were like a magnet, drawing everybody's attention...	LEARN_MORE	https://yiuhm.com/pages/20230113223022719/goodnove	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	841	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	yiuhm.com	DCO	🔥🔥Hot Book:Married at First Sight	https://yiuhm.com/pages/20230113223022719/goodnovel?utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&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-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462218782_524935940258742_2096079552659456902_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7dknmxedlHkQ7kNvgGFrH5j&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOOOfBzOZIy0Whn7PFjvkmI&oh=00_AYCS7aCV76C_aLCxvnVmsrxxYbAZFiYFBf55njNjAk7Etg&oe=673DD031	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,470,351	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2469987}'	No	2024-11-15 19:21	active	1820	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉	"Where's the patient's husband? Why hasn't he come yet? If he doesn't sign soon, it'll be too late,” a doctor urged. "The patient's husband refuses to come. He said to let her fend for herself,” a nurse replied. "Fend for herself..." When Suzy Frost, battered and barely clinging to life on the operating table, heard those words, something inside her stirred. Summoning the last of her strength, she slowly raised her hand. "Give me my phone..." Seeing her condition, the nurse quickly handed her the phone. Enduring excruciating pain, Suzy redialed the number that was almost etched into her brain. Just as the call was about to disconnect automatically, it finally went through. "I already told you that her life or death is none of my business!" the man on the other end spoke, his voice full of displeasure and impatience. "Dylan..." With every word Suzy spoke, a searing pain shot through her body, "After you took Anne away, the kidnappers detonated the bomb, and I was hurt, badly..." "Heh..." Before she could finish, the man on the other end let out a cold, dismissive chuckle. "Suzy, your acting is really improving. That weak little voice almost sounds convincing." "...I'm not lying to you, I really am hurt." "Is that so?" His tone grew even more scornful. "Then I wish you a speedy journey to death!" Three days ago, Suzy and Anne had been kidnapped together. Knowing how important Anne was to him, and despite their rivalry, Suzy had fiercely protected her. For two days and nights, Suzy was tortured by the kidnappers, bearing injuries all over her body, while Anne only suffered minor superficial wounds. Finally, Dylan came... "I choose to save Anne. As for Suzy, do as you please..." He was not only unconcerned about Suzy but even suspected that the kidnapping was a drama she had orchestrated herself. He had never trusted her! "It's time to end this!"	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14871&ut	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	841	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	beokn.com	DCO		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=14871&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/t39.35426-6/463838510_3169305699879240_251659659452484488_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qzNRK6DonHoQ7kNvgHUupP-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A5DSEHDEGaAolz5iyJwu1Uy&oh=00_AYCEJetLD-9-_3N10rfJdVms3JbBNR9124-hYVu9x1qtsg&oe=673DD8CA	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,326	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-11-15 18:51	active	1818	Rare Soli Deo Gloria and other used Puritan and Reformed Books for sale.	Rare Soli Deo Gloria and other used Puritan and Reformed Books for sale. - $1,234.00 Rare Puritan and Reformed Used Books for sale. Paypal, Venmo or secure online ordering at www.ccrbooks.org Please add $4.00 per order for shipping. USA addresses only. Tracking provided. Communion Sermons by Rutherford $21.00 The Life of Charles Hodge $24.00 The Farmer From Tekoa by Veldkamp $10.00 Contemplations by Bishop Hall $44.00 The Precious Things of God by Winslow $38.00 Memoirs of Thomas Halyburton $28.00 Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne $20.00 A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith Reymond $20.00 The Lord Our Righteousness $5.00 The True Believer Edwards $7.00 The Unity of the Church by M'Crie $25.00 The Virgin Birth of Christ by Machen $15.00 Systematic Theology Vol 2 Kelly $15.00 Systematic Theology Vol 1 Kelly $15.00 The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Boettner $25.00 Revelation by Osborne $30.00 Voices from the Past Vol 1 $14.00 The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit by Buchanan $15.00 Gleanings in Exodus - Pink $10.00 An Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount - Pink $10.00 A Treatise on Regeneration - Van Mastricht $ 25.00 The Case and Cure of a Deserted Soul by Symonds $46.00 Puritan Pulpit - Thomas Watson $48.00 A Plea for the Godly - Watson $58.00 The Duty of Self-Denial - Watson $30.00 A Sacramental Catechism by Willison $38.00 Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life by John Brown $20.00 A Quest for Godliness - Packer $8.00 Obedient and Patient Faith by Leighton $14.00 The Bondage of the Will - Luther $8.00 Daniel 1-6 - Calvin $10.00 Ezekiel 1- 12 - Calvin $10.00 for more used titles and condition notes for each title visit our website - Used https://ccrbooks.org/collections/used-books?page=1 Facebook Marketplace	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/581265568096	Steve Renkema	https://www.facebook.com/Steve-Renkema-100649491344629/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/581265568096405/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	1	Steve Renkema	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,328	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-11-15 18:51	active	1818	23 pairs lularoe os leggings and 3 skirts	23 pairs lularoe os leggings and 3 skirts - $60.00 Tons of leggings. Pet friendly home. 3 xs skirts, run big, fit up to size 8 Facebook Marketplace	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/484886564577	Kelly Houser-Comerford	https://www.facebook.com/Kelly-Houser-Comerford-100106799692003/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us		IMAGE		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/484886564577496/	1969-12-31 18:00		REGULAR_PAGE	1	0	Kelly Houser-Comerford	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,367	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2467368}'	Yes	2024-11-15 18:51	active	1818	Made to Impress	Great reviews, even better comfort. The Puremeso Two Button Henley is your new go-to.	SHOP_NOW	https://thenormalbrand.com/products/puremeso-two-b	The Normal Brand	https://www.facebook.com/thenormalbrand/	100,313	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	thenormalbrand.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://thenormalbrand.com/products/puremeso-two-button-henley-black	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467302237_1757896861623675_2819808810300573351_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qsfOahtpU8IQ7kNvgGLybtO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6zIcBIbwfLiFqoA8yGaNHZ&oh=00_AYCoYJooIokJbGP4rKxhJYVLEV4CTLu_jnMSiR16wR8VEw&oe=673DAD92	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	The Normal Brand	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,471,938	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2471105}'	No	2024-11-15 19:21	active	1820	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high...	LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	320	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	shgjfh.com	DCO		https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&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-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461342866_403665495877678_8039372569247806790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uTZiEAPCA5gQ7kNvgH2GsbN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOOOfBzOZIy0Whn7PFjvkmI&oh=00_AYBpw-GxhjsBt67u_Kb2ikEY4JzZbB4vxQZvkAVpw_NSGQ&oe=673DB735	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,471,960	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2471958}'	Yes	2024-11-15 19:21	active	1820	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	Neah "Where is she?" I hear the Beta scream. I groan and rise to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket before heading over. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don't make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. "Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office." Beta Kyle spits at me. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If only I could find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. But I didn't need another week locked up with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. "We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Don't you understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!" I don't answer, It's a trap, a ploy to provoke me into saying something that would justify punishment. I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn't mess around and he had the largest pack. "He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!" We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He grabs my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin as he turns me around and kicks me into the office. "Useless Wolf." He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean against it, observing the already clean office. It looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don't quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. "Is this the way you greet all Alphas?" His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. "I'm sorry." I whisper, getting to my feet. "I...I thought I was alone." I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. "Come forward." He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey wil kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I'm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. "You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?" I nod, though I couldn't tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. "I would prefer it if you spoke to me." He growls, "I'm not in the mood to play games." "Yes." I whisper. I couldn't help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? "Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me." "I..." I hated the question. "You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It's rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?" His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact."My Wolf abilities were bound," I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn't interested in that part. He leans forward, I could feel him staring at me, "Why would someone do that?" If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. "It was a punishment." I whisper. It wasn't far from the entire truth. There's a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn't tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me "Neah, what are you doing in my office?" He turns to the crimson eyed man. "I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it's him. My brother spins around, hand poised to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He is taller than my brother, more muscly too. "Neah," My name rolls off of his tongue, "was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested." What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. "Go and get Beta Kyle." Alpha Trey seethes. "Tell him our guest is here." I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. "Beta Kyle," I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. "Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you." He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. "You're lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't see sunlight for a few days." Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn't speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn't last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. "Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating." I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. "Neah is your sister, correct?" Alpha Dane questions my brother. "She is." Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. "Why do you treat her like trash?" Straight to the point, my brother wouldn't like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. "Neah was responsible for our parents' death." Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. "Responsible how?" Alpha Dane's voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. "She served them Wolfsbane." Don't make a sound. Don't make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. "You poisoned your parents?" "I was six." I splutter. "I just made them lemonade." My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. "Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old." "A six year old should know the difference between plants." Alpha Trey snaps "Sounds to me like she was set up." Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of me. "You weren't there, Alpha Dane." My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't ask you here to talk about my slave!" Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha's he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha's, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. "You're right and now I have a few things to mull over." "I thought we agreed." My brother exclaims "Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out." The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. "What the heck did you say to him?" My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. "N...nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny." "Did you tell him?" Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. "WELL?" My brother yells when I don't immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. "But I didn't say it was you." I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. "If you have ruined this, you won't see daylight again." He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. "Please…." I beg. "He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him." My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull... "Alpha Dane, I thought you had left." Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. "I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?" "As I said," my brother holds his ground, "She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves." "You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!" Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. "If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?" Both Alpha Trey and Beta Kyle hold their tongues. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. I see those crimson eyes land on my swollen face. "I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey." Alpha Dane speaks up again. "We have already agreed on terms." "Well, I'm adding one. And if you don't agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don't want that." "I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?" Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. "You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal." Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? "Deal." Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn't take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. "I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow." He reaches a hand out and cups my face, "Ensure you have everything packed." He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. "If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about." He struts out, slamming the door behind him. After Dane leaves, my brother grabs me by the collar. "You think you're going to have a good life if you follow Alpha Dane out of here? Don't be naive!" He continues in a vicious voice. "He's the coldest man in the world, he's killed nine of his mates, I'm waiting to see what happens to you!"	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,757	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	wwwedb.com	DCO		https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&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/t39.35426-6/462472533_518318660835573_1935883985083146426_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6nwTFereZZMQ7kNvgE_zn6h&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOOOfBzOZIy0Whn7PFjvkmI&oh=00_AYA1tdztNNUP2FfguP5_QOzUrq8T-_EboDNFzO0iILubGA&oe=673DBDB8	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,936	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2467934}'	No	2024-11-15 19:12	active	1819	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	One Neah “Where the heck is she?” I hear the Beta scream. I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don’t make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. “Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.” Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didn’t need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. “We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!” I don’t answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didn’t have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn’t mess around and he had the largest pack. “He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!” Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesn’t tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. ”Useless Wolf.” He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don’t quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. “Is this the way you greet all Alpha’s?” His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. “I’m sorry.” I whisper, getting to my feet. “I…I thought I was alone.” I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesn’t introduce himself either, why should he? “Come forward.” He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as I’m told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. “You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?” I nod, though I couldn’t tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. “I would prefer it if you spoke to me.” He growls, “I’m not in the mood to play games.” “Yes.” I whisper. I couldn’t help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? “Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.” “I…..” I hated the question. “Spit it out, I haven’t got all day!” He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldn’t scent him. I knew why I hadn’t been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. “You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It’s rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?” His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. “My Wolf abilities were bound,” I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn’t interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, “Why would someone do that?” If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. “It was a punishment.” I whisper. It wasn’t far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. There’s a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn’t tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me “Neah, what the heck are you doing in my office?” He turns to the crimson eyed man. “I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.” Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Alpha Dane’s voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. “Neah,” My name rolls off of his tongue, “was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.” What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. “Go and get Beta Kyle.” Alpha Trey seethes. “Tell him that our guest is here.” I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. “Beta Kyle,” I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. “Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.” He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. “You’re lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.” Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn’t speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn’t last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. “Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.” I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should have…. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. “Neah is your sister, correct?” Alpha Dane questions my brother. “She is.” Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. “Why do you treat her like vermin?” Straight to the point, my brother wouldn’t like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. “Neah was responsible for our parents' death.” Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. “Responsible how?” Alpha Dane’s voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. “She served them Wolfsbane.” Two Neah Don’t make a sound. Don’t make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesn’t squeeze. “You poisoned your parents?” “I was six.” I splutter. “I just made them lemonade.” My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. “Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old.” “A six year old should know the difference between plants.” Alpha Trey snaps “Sounds to me like she was set up.” Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. “We all know that standard wolfsbane doesn’t affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.” What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasn’t lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. “Which only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.” Alpha Dane mutters “You weren’t there, Alpha Dane.” My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. “It was Wolfsbane.” He nods his head. “You are right, I was not present.” Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. “But tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?” “I didn’t ask you here to talk about my slave!” Alpha Trey spits. “Or what happened to my parents.” Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha’s he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha’s, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. “You’re right and now I have a few things to mull over.” “I thought we agreed.” My brother exclaims “Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.” The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. “What the heck did you say to him?” My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. “N..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.” “Did you tell him?” Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. “WELL?” My brother yells when I don’t immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. “But I didn’t say it was you.” I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they weren’t Wolves, they probably wouldn’t have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. “If you have ruined this, you won’t see daylight again.” He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. “Please….” I beg. “He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him.” My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. “Alpha Dane, I thought you had left.” Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. “I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?” “As I said,” my brother holds his ground, “She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.” “You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!” Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. “If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?” “We don’t….” “Really?” He cocks a brow, “You really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.” “She did do it!” Alpha Trey seethes “And she has nothing to do with our deal.” “That’s for me to decide.” His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. “Where is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.” I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. “On second thoughts, why bother her. I’m certain she is just as vile as you.” He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. “I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.” Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother “We have already agreed on terms.” “Well, I’m adding one. And if you don’t agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don’t want that.” “I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?” Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. “You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.” Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? “Deal.” Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn’t take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. “I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.” He reaches a hand out and cups my face, “Ensure you have everything packed.” He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. “If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.” He struts out, slamming the door behind him. “Get out of my sight!” My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadn’t slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, that’s why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane “Tenth bride’s the charm.” Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. “Shut up!” Eric snaps at him “Both of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!” ‘He will never learn.’ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. “Just give me a second, I need to speak to my men.” The door closes and neither one of them speaks. “She isn’t like the others. Don’t speak to her, don’t look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.” I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didn’t know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. “I mean it!” I snap at Jenson's smug face, “Being my brother won’t change my mind!” He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. It’s barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. “Are you ready?” I call out. “If you just want to…..” Beta Kyle starts. “I was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.” The expression on Beta Kyle’s face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. “Where are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packed” “That’s all she has.” Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. “That’s it?” I stare at him. “That’s all her belongings? She’s what, in her early twenties and that’s all she has?” “What more does she need?!” His Beta sneers. ‘Kill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.’ “What are you waiting for?” I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neah’s reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. “Take her Alpha Dane. I’m sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.” Her shrill voice goes straight through me. “Look at the silly girl, she’s going to pass out.” The blonde bimbo laughs “You don’t get to talk about her like that anymore.” I glare at the blonde, “She is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.” “DISOBEDIENCE!” The woman screeches just as Neah’s hip hits the floor. “How dare you! If anyone is disobedient, it’s that rat in the corner.” ‘Who the heck is she calling a rat?’ Aero growls “You should make yourself familiar with our agreement.” I snap. “It seems your mate has not told you everything.” Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. “All that for your help?” His mate’s eyes are wide “I don’t do half-witted contracts.” Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Trey’s chest “Shall we go to the office?” Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. “You are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.” “Are those my only options?” she whispers, keeping her eyes low “For now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.” She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like it’s fighting to hang on to life. “So what will it be?” “I….” Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. “I….. The office I guess.” “Good choice.” I hold out a hand for her but she doesn’t take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. “Take a seat.” I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. “Sit!” I say it a little louder “She doesn’t have that privilege here!” The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement “Sitting is not a privilege.” I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldn’t see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. ‘It better be!’ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. “And I suggest,” I look at Trey, “You tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.” “Alpha Dane, you are in my home…..” “And you want my help, correct?” The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. “Let’s just get this done.” Trey snaps, “The sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.” “You should read the contract.” I muse “I agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.” “Idiot!” Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. “Done.” Trey mutters “Good, you can get her out of my house.” Trey’s mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldn’t have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they can’t have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, “Come, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.” Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesn’t even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. “Come.” I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. ‘Is she okay?’ Eric links me. “Neah?” I step in front of her and she doesn’t move. She seems to be staring right through me. “It’s time to go.” “Okay.” Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. “I’ve got you.” I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didn’t weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. “Keep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!” I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. “Come.” I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I don’t wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. “I’m fine.” She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. “Let me give you a tour.” I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not “The omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.” I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. “If there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.” Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. “So tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.” Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room “Well?” I ask. “I don’t need anything.” She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasn’t fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. “I know you want to say something, so just say it. I’m not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You don’t have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. “You have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.” “Mark me?” I didn’t think her eyes could get any wider. “Yes, I will mark you.” She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadn’t said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. “You….You brought me so that you could mark me.” She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. “If Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.” “I’m a murderer.” She gasps. “Why would someone like you want me for a bride?” ‘Blood’ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. “What’s that? Are you injured?” I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. “It’s nothing. It’s just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget it’s there.” Forget? How could she forget a wound? ‘Why isn’t she healing?’ I feel Aero’s panic. ‘She’s been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.’ His need to protect her was strong. It hadn’t occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. “Show me!” “It’s fine.” She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. “It’s not optional.” I mutter. “If you won’t show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.” Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. “Can.... can we go somewhere more private?” “Private?” I didn’t really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. ‘Office,’ Aero mutters. ‘I was just going to suggest that!’ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. “This way.” I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. “See, it’s fine.” she whispers. “You need to stop saying that.” She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. “No,” I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. “Let me see the rest of them.” It wasn’t optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didn’t want guests to see. More importantly, they didn’t want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. “You need to see a doctor.” “It’s …..” she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. “It always heals, eventually.” “Did Trey do this?” I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. “Cassandra?” She still doesn’t answer me. “That prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?” She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. “Anyone else?” “The pack.” She whispers. ‘I’m going to kill them all.’ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, “Because of what you allegedly did to your parents.” She nods. “I don’t believe you were responsible.” She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. “Because of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah “I…I don’t know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?” I whisper He frowns at me. “Your brother said you knew the difference between plants.” “I…” I didn’t have an answer. I couldn’t remember, not fully. “Blood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I can’t imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brother’s story doesn’t add up.” “Oh.” “I won’t stop until I find out who did this, Neah.” His crimson eyes narrow. “I will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.” He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. “Right now, you do need to see someone about the infection.” I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? “Come, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.” Frozen to the spot, I don’t move. Did he just say ‘our bedroom,’? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if I’m his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didn’t seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. “You don’t need to be afraid.” I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. “Hey,” His rough fingers tip my face up. “It’s just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.” Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. “The alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?” He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. “I really wish you would talk more, Neah.” Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if I’m in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didn’t care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. “Neah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.” Alpha Dane’s voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadn’t even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. “Coming.” I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. “It’s not much, as we don’t have anyone with as small a waist as you.” He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. “You will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.” He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasn’t like that. “Let’s go.” He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didn’t get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. “Raven, this is Neah.” Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, “Alpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.” It didn’t sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. “She will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.” “I have a wound.” I whisper. “And you are not healing?” Raven asks, confused “I don’t have my Wolf.” I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. “Her Wolf was bound when she was a kid.” Alpha Dane tells her. “That’s why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.” My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Raven’s dark eyes hover on me. “Wow, okay.” She grabs my hand. “This way, let’s take a look at this wound of yours.” She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. “How long ago?” “A few days.” I mutter, though I wasn’t sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasn’t hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. “This is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.” “Neah, you need to tell us the truth.” Alpha Dane orders “I don’t know.” “NEAH!” His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. “I swear, I don’t know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind of…. I’m never not bruised.” There’s silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didn’t already know. Now here I was, sitting in another pack’s hospital, revealing the truth. “Heal her!” Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. “You will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.” Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound “Your brother?” I whisper, opening my eyes “Ah, I see he informed you. I’m guessing he didn’t tell you that Jenson is our brother too?” I shake my head, I’m guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. “Jenson is considered to be our brother’s Gamma.” “Gamma?” I had never heard of the term. “Yep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what I’m good at.” She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. “Now this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasn’t changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.” “Thanks.” I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldn’t read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. “Cream, three times a day.” I show him the pot and he takes it from me. “Good, come.” He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. “Show me.” He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasn’t going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. “I don’t want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you can’t remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I don’t want to have to guess what you mean.” “Okay.” I couldn’t say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. “Stop holding your breath.” He tells me, getting to his feet. “I am not going to hurt you.” It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didn’t feel real.	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11782&u	Galaxy in the Story	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	1,529	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	wwwedb.com	DCO		https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11782&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448791819_801329188771681_1239684611142513538_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bJB_S7mV8x0Q7kNvgGFwJce&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Ae9VLRRfieVST3T0I08mwLz&oh=00_AYDv1aw7IA6OOHRZasIB4dfEmU0S5TZw-t6O398TrqBU-A&oe=673DBAF3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Galaxy in the Story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,471,967	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2471958}'	No	2024-11-15 19:21	active	1820	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	Neah "Where is she?" I hear the Beta scream. I groan and rise to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket before heading over. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don't make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. "Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office." Beta Kyle spits at me. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If only I could find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. But I didn't need another week locked up with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. "We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Don't you understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!" I don't answer, It's a trap, a ploy to provoke me into saying something that would justify punishment. I keep my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn't mess around and he had the largest pack. "He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!" We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He grabs my shoulders, his nails digging into my skin as he turns me around and kicks me into the office. "Useless Wolf." He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean against it, observing the already clean office. It looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don't quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. "Is this the way you greet all Alphas?" His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. "I'm sorry." I whisper, getting to my feet. "I...I thought I was alone." I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. "Come forward." He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey wil kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I'm told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. "You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?" I nod, though I couldn't tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. "I would prefer it if you spoke to me." He growls, "I'm not in the mood to play games." "Yes." I whisper. I couldn't help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? "Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me." "I..." I hated the question. "You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It's rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?" His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact."My Wolf abilities were bound," I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn't interested in that part. He leans forward, I could feel him staring at me, "Why would someone do that?" If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. "It was a punishment." I whisper. It wasn't far from the entire truth. There's a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn't tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me "Neah, what are you doing in my office?" He turns to the crimson eyed man. "I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it's him. My brother spins around, hand poised to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He is taller than my brother, more muscly too. "Neah," My name rolls off of his tongue, "was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested." What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. "Go and get Beta Kyle." Alpha Trey seethes. "Tell him our guest is here." I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. "Beta Kyle," I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. "Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you." He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. "You're lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't see sunlight for a few days." Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn't speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn't last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. "Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating." I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. "Neah is your sister, correct?" Alpha Dane questions my brother. "She is." Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. "Why do you treat her like trash?" Straight to the point, my brother wouldn't like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. "Neah was responsible for our parents' death." Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. "Responsible how?" Alpha Dane's voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. "She served them Wolfsbane." Don't make a sound. Don't make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. "You poisoned your parents?" "I was six." I splutter. "I just made them lemonade." My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. "Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old." "A six year old should know the difference between plants." Alpha Trey snaps "Sounds to me like she was set up." Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of me. "You weren't there, Alpha Dane." My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't ask you here to talk about my slave!" Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha's he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha's, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. "You're right and now I have a few things to mull over." "I thought we agreed." My brother exclaims "Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out." The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. "What the heck did you say to him?" My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. "N...nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny." "Did you tell him?" Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. "WELL?" My brother yells when I don't immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. "But I didn't say it was you." I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. "If you have ruined this, you won't see daylight again." He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. "Please…." I beg. "He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him." My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull... "Alpha Dane, I thought you had left." Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. "I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?" "As I said," my brother holds his ground, "She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves." "You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!" Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. "If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?" Both Alpha Trey and Beta Kyle hold their tongues. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. I see those crimson eyes land on my swollen face. "I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey." Alpha Dane speaks up again. "We have already agreed on terms." "Well, I'm adding one. And if you don't agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don't want that." "I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?" Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. "You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal." Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? "Deal." Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn't take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. "I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow." He reaches a hand out and cups my face, "Ensure you have everything packed." He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. "If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about." He struts out, slamming the door behind him. After Dane leaves, my brother grabs me by the collar. "You think you're going to have a good life if you follow Alpha Dane out of here? Don't be naive!" He continues in a vicious voice. "He's the coldest man in the world, he's killed nine of his mates, I'm waiting to see what happens to you!"	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,757	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	wwwedb.com	DCO		https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&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/t39.35426-6/462472533_518318660835573_1935883985083146426_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6nwTFereZZMQ7kNvgE_zn6h&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOOOfBzOZIy0Whn7PFjvkmI&oh=00_AYA1tdztNNUP2FfguP5_QOzUrq8T-_EboDNFzO0iILubGA&oe=673DBDB8	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,424	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2467425}'	Yes	2024-11-15 18:51	active	1818	Witchblood	Dive into the fantastical! Discover graphic novels with magical worlds, legendary heroes, and stunning visuals.	LEARN_MORE	https://vaultcomics.com/products/witchblood-vol1#v	Vault Comics	https://www.facebook.com/VaultComicsOfficial/	9,723	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	vaultcomics.com	DCO		https://vaultcomics.com/products/witchblood-vol1#variant=Paperback%20+%20eBook	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467124688_1099607131863354_2280585629632700732_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0JUR5mmWp9AQ7kNvgEZCNMK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AdVc7tfiO86aaqgTxrRASJb&oh=00_AYD5Mi9-FS1kVCZ3cbmphsEb3pEqYYs4uDC7CtUkT43R6w&oe=673DD15C	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Vault Comics	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,423	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2467425}'	Yes	2024-11-15 18:51	active	1818	Witchblood	Dive into the fantastical! Discover graphic novels with magical worlds, legendary heroes, and stunning visuals.	LEARN_MORE	https://vaultcomics.com/products/witchblood-vol1#v	Vault Comics	https://www.facebook.com/VaultComicsOfficial/	9,723	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	vaultcomics.com	DCO		https://vaultcomics.com/products/witchblood-vol1#variant=Paperback%20+%20eBook	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467124688_1099607131863354_2280585629632700732_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0JUR5mmWp9AQ7kNvgEZCNMK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AdVc7tfiO86aaqgTxrRASJb&oh=00_AYD5Mi9-FS1kVCZ3cbmphsEb3pEqYYs4uDC7CtUkT43R6w&oe=673DD15C	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Vault Comics	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,471,066	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2471058}'	Yes	2024-11-15 19:21	active	1820	😍Read the next chapters👉	Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office. Today was the first time I went to his company. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that they’re finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from losing my baby lingered, even though it had been a long time since that accident. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijah’s world — his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijah’s ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized I’d dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And that’s when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijah’s ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. “You remember Serena, right? She works here now.” I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. They’re just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldn’t cheat on me, would he? All this time, I’d remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. “So why are you here?” Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. “Your mom asked me to deliver this,” I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didn’t. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that he’d never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. “Sophia, you look shaken up. Didn’t you know Elijah hired me to work here?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Apparently, we make a great team. Funny, I don’t recall seeing you here before.” She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, “Oh, right, you don’t know anything about business. You might just mess things up.” “I take care of our home,” I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldn’t even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, “Next time, Sophia, just contact me and I’ll have my assistant come over.” "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijah’s secretary came in. “Alice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,” he instructed. “Just black for Serena. No sugar.” Serena’s eyes lit up. “Hey, you remembered!” she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. “Of course.” I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldn’t help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. “Join us, Sophia,” Serena invited with a devilish grin. “Just like how we used to hang out together in college.” I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. “I have to go,” I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. “I’ll see you at home.” Elijah’s expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after losing my baby. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. You’re the one who keeps hoping he’ll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband’s mother Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldn’t seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. I’m back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained — the papers I’d prepared before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 The divorce agreement was written after I accidentally lost my baby. During that time, I couldn’t even look at Elijah’s face without thinking about our baby. The pain was unbearable, so I believed divorce was my salvation. Looking back, preparing the divorce agreement was not a mistake, now that leaving was my only option. My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morgana’s voice outside. “Sophia!” she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. That’s when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full of disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. “Elijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,” she said with a scoff. “You can’t even be relied on for such a simple task.” Her words cut deep. “When you first came to our house carrying a baby in your belly, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,” she continued. “Then you had lost your baby and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, “My son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.” Sure enough, she already knew that Serena worked at Elijah's company. She asked me to deliver the papers today just to make a fool of me. The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I don’t deserve this, I thought sourly. It’s time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers I’d hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. I’ve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, I’d always seemed invisible to them. I’ve been obedient, helpful, and hardworking… But no one cares. Not even my own husband. I’m nothing to him. He doesn’t love me and he never learned to. That’s the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or I’ll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadn’t realized I’d already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasn’t, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. “Hey, playing hard to get, aren’t you?” he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didn’t have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. “When did Serena start working at your company?” I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didn’t stop what he was doing. “Not sure. Probably recruited by HR.” His lips traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally, the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. “Serena is such a talented addition to our team,” he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn’t believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. “You know,” he said, oblivious to my disappointment, “she's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.” Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gaze—a kind of infatuation—that he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He’s probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn’t want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didn’t answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. “You’ve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought you’d snap out of it, but you’ve only gotten worse. It’s depressing to even see you.” I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldn’t even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. “Maybe it’s because of the baby we lost…” he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, “Why don’t we just make another baby?” I couldn’t believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didn’t understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury I’ve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesn’t get it. Or maybe he just doesn’t care. I was totally pissed off. And that’s when I blurted it out. “I want to divorce you.” CHAPTER 3 I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another — strangers who’d been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. “I want a divorce,” I repeated, keeping my voice steady. “I’m serious.” Slowly he nodded. “Yes, sure,” he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. I’m going to be free. And yet somehow, I didn’t feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth — he never loved me at all. He’s not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. It’s time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. “We should sign this,” I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. “Elijah, please,” I whispered, making sure my voice wouldn’t break. “Let's end this.” His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didn’t sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serena’s name, making my heart tighten. I can’t believe this woman’s timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didn’t want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. “Why don’t you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.” He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings — relief, frustration, anger, sadness. “I’m finally free,” I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, “The morning’s almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.” With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. “Sorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.” Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesn’t matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. “You know what? It's actually quite nice,” she said, her tone almost mocking. “Elijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!” Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. I’m done here. I’m done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after I lost my baby, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. “Luckily I hadn’t sold it,” I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: That Elijah! You have no idea what I saw! Elijah was out partying and flirting with that Serena, which he never did with you! My heart sank, anger and sadness clouded my mind as I realized he was indeed getting back together with Serena and flaunting her around. Forcing back my tears, I told Kayla: It’s over between me and Elijah. We were divorced. CHAPTER 4 “Aaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!” Kayla hissed. “If I had known he’d treat you like that, I wouldn’t have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldn’t have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!” Being the daughter of Raven Media’s renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. “You should have seen them at the party last night!” she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. “They didn’t even care that I was there! They were just… Aaahhh! I really couldn’t take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!” “Oh, wow,” I uttered in disbelief. “But it’s over now, Kayla. I’m doing my best to move on.” Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. “I’m always here for you, Sophia. You know that.” “Thanks so much. I’m really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,” I responded with a fluttering heart. “Well, you’ve always had my back even in high school. So now it’s my turn to return the favor.” Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. We’d hit it off at once, and the rest was history. “Anyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesn’t deserve you, Sophia,” she went on. “So what are you planning now?” “Well, I’ve been giving it some thought…” I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. “A few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in France—” “You did not!” she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. “This will surely be your big break!” I laughed. “I haven’t been accepted yet, you know.” “Oh, but you will be!” Kayla’s enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijah’s name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kayla’s eyes narrowed when she saw it too. “Go ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.” As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijah’s sharp tone of voice on the other end. “You filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!” “Wait, what do you mean?” “You know I’m busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!” Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. “I’ll talk to Troy.” “Good. Make sure he doesn’t come back again ever.” Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldn’t speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. “Sorry I have to go now, Kayla,” I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved to after my adoptive father Tom Bennett passed away. He’d left me the original house where he’d taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. They’d bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. “What did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!” Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. “It was never going to work out,” I said, trying to maintain my composure. “Just please stop bothering him. We’ve cut our ties. You can’t ask for anything from him anymore.” “Oh, man!” Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. “Did you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!” Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. “When I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. I’m guessing there’s a third party involved! People who don’t know better would think that woman is his wife!” CHAPTER 5 My heart felt like it would explode any time now. “It doesn’t matter,” I eventually said to Troy. “It’s none of my business now. I don’t care what he does with that woman or with whomever.” Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, “We’re definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!” “But…” Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. “Elijah and I are over. Besides, I’ll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijah’s wealth, then now you won’t have any more need for me, right?” They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. “All thing that you swindled out of my ex-husband’s pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,” I went on in a steady voice. “We don’t have to see or talk to each other ever again.” On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this drama’s taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadn’t fully recovered since the loss. “Could you please take me to the hospital?” I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. “Are you okay? You look like you're about to faint,” he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. “Oh, wait! It’s you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?” I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. “Uh, Daniel?” I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. “Yes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.” I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. “How are you feeling now?” Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. “A little better, but still kinda dizzy,” I answered honestly. “Thanks for the assistance, but it’s okay if you have somewhere to be. You’ve already done too much for me.” “Oh, it’s okay,” he said with a smile. “Unless you don’t want me here.” “It’s nothing like that, of course!” I quickly replied. “Thanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while I’m here.” “Well, I’m all ears. People say I’m a good listener.” I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, “I don’t really know you, Daniel…” “You know my name. That’s a start.” His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. “I remember… Daniel Pierce…” I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. “High school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.” He laughed. “You’ve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too — the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.” I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. “You’re joking!” “No, it’s true… Really! I’m sure you’ve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?” He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. “Good-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.” “Oh.” His expression changed immediately. “I’m sorry to hear that.” “You know, it's been a rough few months,” I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. “I'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.” Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. “And then I lost my baby...It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?” He nodded in understanding. “I’m so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. I’m sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?” “Yeah, starting anew in a foreign land,” I answered, thinking about my application in France. “Hmm… sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. “It takes courage to make such a big change.” I smiled weakly. “Actually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.” Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Paris…” My jaw dropped. “What? I’m planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!” He looked at me with astonishment. “What are the odds, huh? Looks like we’ll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.” I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. “That’s really… something else.” “Surely you’ll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?” “The Latin Quarter, of course. I’m looking at an apartment there, since it’s where most students live.” Daniel chuckled. “And it looks like we’ll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.” He gave me a lopsided grin. “Who knows? Maybe we’re destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Let’s fly together. I mean, if that’s alright with you?” His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. “Thank you, Daniel…” Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. “Miss Sophia Bennett?” she informed me. “Your test results are here.” CHAPTER 6 Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. “Well, Sophia,” he began, his tone measured, “the results are in. Congratulations to you both.” I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. “You’re going to be parents. Congratulations!” the doctor added. I’m… pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. “Other than that, you’re perfectly healthy, Sophia,” the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didn’t know what to say either. “Let me drive you home, Sophia,” he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and I’m supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it won’t have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I don’t have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. I’m so sorry, baby. It’s just all too sudden. But I know that I’m going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrived—I had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a week’s time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. “Call me when you get there!” she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. “Everything will be okay,” he reassured me. “I'm here. We'll do this together.” His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, You’re my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed past—the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was it—the start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. “Looks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,” he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. “Just remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.” I rolled my eyes. “I'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.” He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. “I'm just saying, you’ll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!” I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. “Oh, shut up.” We both laughed. He added, “You need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.” “Oh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?” Daniel grinned. “Hey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.” I playfully nudged him. “I think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.” He appeared pleased with that statement. “Fair enough,” he answered with a teasing smile. “But you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.” I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. “Come on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.” As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. “Hello?” I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. “Who the hell is this? Where's Sophia?” a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allowed to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband."	LEARN_MORE	https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	320	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	thebvhwysgng.com	DCO		https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=12887&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-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/457252105_8286090871453554_3969448954990082224_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NumAb1C_qAcQ7kNvgGfIJi4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A72AuE8fUU6uA7hgqOcJxre&oh=00_AYBa6JxH_nvTsiLpiANLgh-jbBhnSqlmjAaxk_VJvowdaQ&oe=673DB2DF	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,463	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2467462}'	No	2024-11-15 18:51	active	1818	Thanksgiving Gift Boxes	Order by 11/19 and ensure your friends or family get their Turkey Gift Box in time for the big day. Plus, you'll save 15% with code TURKEY15 just for ThanksGifting with us. Shop now!	SHOP_NOW	https://shop.butcherbox.com/collections/all-boxes	ButcherBox	https://www.facebook.com/getbutcherbox/	243,884	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	shop.butcherbox.com	DCO	Order by 11/19	https://shop.butcherbox.com/collections/all-boxes	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466505786_1073112604123775_4982576283262978340_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3fuMUEsp8zwQ7kNvgHmqDwy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AdVc7tfiO86aaqgTxrRASJb&oh=00_AYBBSB9wNWuWeS3dGDw9vQGdyq2WUsCm-dWp_yZ776pVbg&oe=673DD5B0	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	ButcherBox	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,512	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2467515}'	Yes	2024-11-15 18:51	active	1818	Play or get your black card revoked.	Thanksgiving plans falling into place? Get the latest game for a fun family gathering! 🎉 Or risk getting roasted by your loved ones 😂 Download now and avoid the drama!	SHOP_NOW	https://cardsforallpeople.com/products/black-card-	Cards For All People	https://www.facebook.com/blackcardrevoked/	13,331	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	blackcardrevoked.com	DCO	It's time to shake 💩 up with the latest Black Card Revoked game. Celebrate the fact that we're all getting a little bit older, wiser, and sexier with the game full of shade, laughs, and inevitable debates.	https://cardsforallpeople.com/products/black-card-revoked-eleventh-edition	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467012503_917522946513361_418387343935984830_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m-NwdOyYzT8Q7kNvgFbAovN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AkUmqgyxSPDhyY3QdUcDIB6&oh=00_AYD894HB0Xi8y5xoJ4qm1NdGGOAKUJVFpXj5AgrSlkV_6w&oe=673DBE1A	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Cards For All People	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,973	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2467972}'	No	2024-11-15 19:12	active	1819	See If You Qualify	Roundup weedkiller has been linked to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. If you or someone you know used Roundup and was later diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, you could be eligible to receive significant compensation as part of a settlement. Click to learn more and see if you qualify.	LEARN_MORE	https://contact.consumersafe.com/roundup/	ConsumerSafe.com	https://www.facebook.com/consumersafedotcom/	2,477	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	contact.consumersafe.com	DCO	They set aside $4.5 billion...	https://contact.consumersafe.com/roundup/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431615458_770690081512177_3495676478623739503_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8Drd8SgKDTEQ7kNvgHOKViN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Ae9VLRRfieVST3T0I08mwLz&oh=00_AYDL_C0G688XiN81p86UK8SF-ZZ0PKa9Uq8913p_9OPWQw&oe=673DD945	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	ConsumerSafe.com	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,471,999	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2471105}'	Yes	2024-11-15 19:21	active	1820	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high...	LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	320	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	shgjfh.com	DCO		https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&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-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461342461_541393011637127_6694870967050170909_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-kWS8l3QYScQ7kNvgFnDZ3m&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_zjRtMecw8JZM0BW4TkxSB&oh=00_AYA4XFy7FHIqn_OmtGmxkikgFW8oCXavrYZFIIMrWSC06w&oe=673DDF7C	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,465,775	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2465774}'	No	2024-11-15 18:30	active	1817			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/qmkboxes	QMkBoxes	https://www.facebook.com/61562425317936/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		http://instagram.com/qmkboxes	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466774944_544865521505287_6082702409695659731_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w5IE6VIFK5IQ7kNvgG6-rJj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AgChll7ADktlcDUdiV7rMOm&oh=00_AYA0NLxvi6HKa2_yfmkTPAnk5ko1ek2lUGCGbhW5lazgHg&oe=673DAF53	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	QMkBoxes	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,465,772	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2465683}'	Yes	2024-11-15 18:30	active	1817	Read the Full Version👉	It's the annual Moonlight Gala, the one night where all twelve werewolf packs in the country are reunited. Whether we like it or not, all of us must get along and the Moonlight Gala is an attempt to encourage social relations between each pack. Only high ranking pack members are allowed to attend, which is why this is such a big deal for me. Kurt and I are not mates. We've been dating for over a year and we couldn't be happier. Despite his position as Alpha, Kurt has the same beliefs as me - mates are a myth, they don't exist. By taking me as his 'plus one' to the Moonlight Gala, he's making a statement. I'm the girl he wants to be with and no supposed soulmate can change that. I am his soulmate. "I think you're making a big mistake, Aly." Reese, my other brother chips in. I continue to feign ignorance, pausing to glance briefly at my twin brothers who are both staring back in concern, their identical faces showing disapproval. As senior pack fighters, Ryan and Reese are on good terms with Kurt. However, they can't stop him from seeing me. I know they're starting to dislike Kurt due to his audacity by dating me so openly. "This is my life, guys. My choice. My decision." I hate being so stuck up with my brothers. The three of us are inseparable and any spats between us are usually light hearted. "Aly, one day ... Kurt will find his mate. He's an Alpha. Do you really think he'll ditch the future Luna of this pack for a teenage romance?" Ryan refuses to give up, his tanned features turning red. I slam the flat irons down on the dresser, refusing to take the bait. They'll never understand what Kurt and I share. No-one will. I walk past their towering frames, slipping on my black stilettos. "If it were up to us, we'd put a stop to this. Dad would put a stop to this." Reese adds, scratching his shaven chin. That's when I cave in, huffing indignantly. "Well he can't. None of you can!" I snap, losing what little composure I have. Ryan and Reese blink in surprise, slightly hurt by my temperamental reaction. I'm never like this, I'm usually so calm, this whole situation has been throwing me off for the past few months. Instantly, I regret losing temper. They're only looking out for me. "Dad is Kurt's Beta." I whisper calmly, smoothing my hair down. "Therefore he can't question Kurt's actions. He can't stop us from being together, so he'll just have to deal with it." We're interrupted by a brisk knock on my bedroom door. My father pokes his head around the corner, the signature frown present on his broad face. "Alanna, Kurt is here. Don't keep the Alpha waiting." His disapproving eyes scan my appearance, frown growing harsher. "I'm ready." I nod, reaching for my clutch purse. There's nothing else left to say and to avoid another argument, it's easier to leave without another word. Dad steps aside, ready to let me pass. "Think about what you're doing, Alanna." He states, grabbing my elbow firmly. "This will end badly and you'll be the one with the tainted reputation." Don't overreact. He's just doing his part as the concerned parent. We should listen to him. I ignore my wolf, tuning out her protests. She's waiting for our 'mate' and according to her, Kurt is a waste of time. Even his Alpha status isn't attractive to her and wolves love power and dominance. "I'll see you guys at the Gala." I mutter tersely, prising my arm out of Dad's grip without looking back. He reluctantly lets me go with a deep sigh. I leave my family standing in my bedroom in awkward silence as I hurry down the stairs to meet Kurt in the manicured driveway. He's sat in his sleek sports car, nodding his head to the thumping rap music as he checks his appearance for the hundredth time, spiking up his short, corn blonde hair. He senses my presence as soon as I close the front door, leaning out of the window with a lazy grin. As I approach the car, he flashes his all-American smile in my direction with a wink of his cerulean eyes. "Hey babe, you look hot." He calls, as I walk around the car and open the door, slipping inside. You know what else they call a babe? A pig. So technically, he compared us to a pig. I hush my wolf silently, wishing she'd give up with the snide comments already. Yes, I know she hates Kurt but he's our Alpha and she has to respect him. He didn't even bother getting out of the car to open your door. "You ready, Aly?" Kurt asks lightly, squeezing my knee in affection. He starts the car, reversing out of the driveway and speeding off down the road, ready to make the fifteen minute journey to the manor where the Gala will be held. "Of course, babe. I'm so glad we're going together." I emphasise the word, trying to annoy my wolf. She responds with a growl, showing her distaste regarding my choice of words. "Good, I can't wait to show you off to the other Alphas." Kurt waggles his eyebrows playfully, making me giggle. Of course, I don't cackle like I usually do. Instead, I use my girly, reserved tone because I know he hates my real laugh. Oink oink. Stop acting like a Barbie doll. I love your laugh. "How come we're leaving without the rest of the pack?" I inquire, wondering why Kurt insisted on picking me up so early. The Gala doesn't start till late. "As Alpha, I have to turn up a little early. The Gala's being held on our turf this year, so I need to greet all the other packs personally." He grumbles, rolling his eyes as he steps on the accelerator, zooming down the dark country road. He's not our Alpha. He never will be. He's just a pretender. Stop making this so difficult! Why can't you just agree with me for once? I'm just stating what everybody else thinks. This fool will never be the great Alpha his father was. Michael is gone. Kurt's taken over and he's doing a decent job despite being so young, while having to deal with his father's death. Now stop it. "I was thinking, we should go away for a while. A vacation." Kurt unknowingly disrupts the mental argument I'm having with my wolf. "I'd love that." My smile fades instantly. "But I don't think Dad would approve." "Mike can't object." Kurt insists arrogantly, raising an eyebrow in superiority. "As my Beta, he has to listen to everything I say." "I can't keep my hands off you." Kurt whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my skin. "Well you'll have to. We've got a sea of werewolves watching our every move and my Dad's pacing the halls like a madman every time he looks at us." I murmur back, placing a hand over his larger one. He tightens his grip on my waist, grabbing a delicate flute of champagne from a waiter. I study my shoes nervously, wondering if I've done the right thing by showing up here. Every werewolf regarded me with a shocked expression as I stood by Kurt's side, letting him welcome each pair to the event. There are thousands of people present, all hailing from every corner of the country. Alanna, this is a big mistake. You're ruining your reputation. These people think you're a side chick. I'm silent, beginning to agree with my wolf for once. So far, eleven out of the twelve packs have show up. In the process, each Alpha and Luna of their respective packs have silently judged me like I'm some sort of escort. I'm such an idiot, thinking I can parade around here like I'm attached to Kurt's hip. Everyone will disapprove and unsurprisingly, they all do. Maybe I should leave, I don't think I can take the glares and whispering any longer. Kurt won't be happy but this is a minefield that I'd rather dodge before the damage becomes irreparable. "Where's the Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack?" I recall the name of the remaining pack who are yet to arrive, looking up at Kurt's face. He pulls a face, snorting derisively. "You mean that as Dante Pelosi? He never turns up, sends his Betas along instead. Must be intimidated by me." Kurt announces loudly, catching the attention of a few people. "I don't think I've ever met him." I mumble to myself, studiously ignoring the group of girls shaking their heads and pointing in my direction as lean in and gossip. The tinkering chimes of broken glass makes me jump, as I look around for the source of the noise. Kurt's deep exhale of breath grabs my attention as I peer up at him, taken aback by the dumbstruck look on his face. It's him who is responsible for the noise, his shattered champagne glass at his feet. Kurt's mouth hangs open, his thunderstruck look refusing to let up. "Kurt?" I call anxiously. He doesn't reply, blinking repeatedly as he automatically lets go of me, stepping away. "Kurt?!" I repeat, trying to follow his line of vision. What's gotten him in such a state? "Mate." He grunts, his cerulean eyes shimmering brightly. I can feel my heart pounding, as if fissures are already starting to emerge with each palpitation. This can't be happening. This was meant to be our chance to declare our love. How can this be happening to me? Kurt loves me, he already said he doesn't want his mate. "Mine." Kurt breathes, moving further away from me and stepping forward. "Mine." A girlish voice repeats, echoing faintly through the palatial banquet hall. I gasp uncontrollably, my body shaking as I watch a petite woman step out of the throngs of people, approaching Kurt with a similar, glassy eyed look. They stop in front of each other as if they're long lost lovers, finally reunited. Aly, we need to leave. Don't put yourself through this. Kurt pulls the pretty girl towards him, planting a passionate kiss on her lips. She melts into his touch, responding with equal ferocity. They continue to eat each other's faces and I'm frozen to the spot, unable to look away as I watch the love of my life kiss another woman. Tears are running silently down my face as I shudder from the silent sobs emitting from my body. I'm aware that every pair of eyes are trained on me, watching my reaction to this public embarrassment I'm facing. Whispers fill the hall, growing louder and louder until the room is positively buzzing. "Aly, come on. We're leaving." Ryan's angry voice whispers. My brothers appear out of nowhere, each of them flanking my side protectively. I still can't move, unable to tear my eyes away from Kurt while he continues to kiss us newly found mate. I think I'm going to be sick, bile and humiliation rising in my throat. Reese and Ryan pull me way from the heartbreaking scene, forcing my attention to the crowd of stunned onlookers. "What are you looking at?!" Reese spits at some stranger, causing some of the chatter to fade. I'm quickly escorted out of the building, Ryan pausing to lift me into his arms as I stagger dangerously on my heels. My sobs grow louder and my wolf is solemnly silent, letting me grieve. I bury my face into Ryan's shoulder, sniffling. They were right, everyone was right. "Let's go home." Reese mutters, a faint jangle of car keys accompanying his rapid footsteps. Somehow, we make it to the busy parking lot, ignoring the curious valets. I look over Ryan's shoulder, glancing back at the retreating lights of the impressive manor. Somewhere inside, Kurt is fawning over his mate while I'm left to pick up the pieces. The very thought is enough to set me off again. "Come on Aly, he's not worth it." Ryan whispers sadly, hugging me tighter. We make it to the Reese's monster truck and Ryan flings the door open settling me in the back seat and following suit. Reese jumps into the front, starting up his beloved truck with its familiar roars. I'm leaning against Ryan, letting my brother pat my back in comfort. He says nothing more, a pained expression marring his face. I know Reese must look the same, although I can't see him. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly, back stiff with anger. "Alanna?" Dad's muffled voice calls in concern. Wiping my nose, I look out of the large window to find Dad approaching the truck, accompanied by a tall figure. The sidelights of the truck illuminate their profiles and I find my father looking unsettled and flustered for first time ever. "He found his mate!" Reese roars in disgust, thrusting a thumb back in the direction of the manor, for Dad's benefit. Dad closes his eyes in expectance, nodding as if he was waiting for this to happen. "Take your sister home. I'll be back soon." Without another word, he looks back at the anonymous figure still shrouded in darkness behind him. It can't be ... My wolf is restless, yipping in excitement and making a fuss. It's wreaking havoc on my emotions, my wolf seemingly giddy with elation while I try to deal with my fresh heartbreak. The mysterious figure steps forward, finally revealing themselves. My soft sobs are halted immediately, mouth going dry. My eyes widen in shock as a delicious feeling of warmth invades my body, stretching from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes. Staring back at me stands a breathtakingly gorgeous man, golden eyes gleaming wickedly in the artificial light. His strong, ethereal features are marred with shock as he's rooted to the spot, his tousled dark brown hair ruffling gently in the breeze. I gasp at the funny sensations taking over me and I feel like jumping out of the truck and throwing myself at him. His broad, imposing body is tense, unmoving as he portrays every emotion I'm feeling. Reese begins to move the car, cruising slowly past this delectable man. I lock eyes with him properly, every ounce of air being knocked out of me. "Mine." I hear a deep, sensual voice float towards me. Reese floors it, forcing the large truck forward and leaving the elusive man behind. "Wait--" I protest. Ryan looks down at me in confusion as I crane my neck back, trying to catch one last glimpse of this gorgeous stranger. I spot his substantial figure, imposing and immovable. Darkness makes it difficult to see and he fades into distance as Reese continues to zoom away and out of the manor grounds, leaving everything behind. Mate! My wolf howls with longing, trying to take over my body and force me to shift, in an attempt to get back to the manor, back to the handsome stranger. I grab the seat in protest, remembering Kurt. The manor is the last place I should be right now. My conflicted state just makes things worse and I feel physically sick, huddling against Ryan for some sort of solace. "Alanna. Starving yourself won't change things." I huddle further underneath the covers, letting the darkness enclose me. I've been keeping a low profile these past few days, sticking to the solace of my bed. I hear Dad sigh in exasperation, the clinking of cutlery sounding out as he sets down whatever food he has. Just when I think he's given up, my snug covers are cruelly torn away from me. "Dad!" I mumble, curling up into a ball. "I'm not hungry. Please, just give me my covers back." I open an eye reluctantly, watching my Dad tower over my bed with a disapproving look. He says nothing, launching the bed covers out of the open window. "Leave me alone!" I yell, burying my face into the pillows. "No." He replies firmly. I feel the bed sink down a couple of inches, Dad deciding to take a seat near me. Clearing his throat awkwardly, I know I'm in for an uncomfortable talk. "If this is the part where you say 'I told you so', then save it. I feel like such an idiot." I whisper hoarsely. "I'm not here to rub it in, Alanna. I'm worried about you. So are your brothers. The-- the Gala ended last week and you've been hiding in your room ever since." "What else can I do? I'm the laughing stock of the whole pack, Dad. I lost both my dignity and my boyfriend in a matter of moments." My voice trembles dangerously and the warning of tears already has my Dad fidgeting. "Are you more upset about Kurt finding his mate or your reputation amongst the pack?" My father, ever the professional. Not a hint of emotion in his tone. "Both?" I snort tearfully, getting up to face him. Dad says nothing, nodding to himself. After a few seconds, he reaches for the breakfast tray and places it on my lap. Setting a spoon in the palm of my hand, he gestures for me to eat. "Dad, I'm really not hungry." I whisper. "Just a few bites, Alanna. For me?" His rare plea catches me off guard and I try my hand at a few mouthfuls. Cracking a small smile, Dad watches me force down some food. It's eerily comforting, sitting here with him after so long. We barely spend more than a few moments together nowadays. "Where are the boys?" I ask, the sudden urge to see my brothers taking over. Dad's smile vanishes instantly. "Alpha Kurt and his mate have moved in together. Her name is Claire. Her initiation ceremony into the pack is happening tonight. She will be announced as our Luna later tonight." I drop the spoon heavily, gasping in disbelief. Tears begin to form in my eyes and I blink them back angrily. "So soon?! It's only been a few days!" "Kurt wants her in the pack immediately. The boys have been issued orders to help with the function tonight." A look of anger flashes across his face. "You were also ordered to attend...but I stepped in and put my foot down." The nerve! I told you he was a jerk! "Despite everything, he still thinks I'll attend?!" I exclaim, breathing heavily. "Not once has he called or even contacted me to-- to draw a line under things! He's just tossed me aside like I meant nothing!" Dad nods, rubbing his face tiredly. Lines are starting to appear too frequently across his broad face and I wonder just how many worries he has placed on his shoulders. "Kurt has stated that he owes you nothing. What happened between you guys was a mere fling. You knew from the start that his loyalties would lie somewhere else. This was your choice from the beginning. You coerced him." "So he's trying to save his own skin now? Trying to prove to his mate that he was loyal from the start?" I scoff, wiping away my angry tears. Dad pats my shoulder tersely, back rigid with anger. "As Beta, Kurt seems to think my allegiances to him are prioritised over my daughter." "I refuse to go, Dad! I'd rather throw myself off a cliff, then be seen--" "I know, I know. And I'd never let you go there...not by yourself, anyway." Tears fall silently and I huff intermittently, feeling like a fool. Kurt has well and truly played me. "Alanna, do you remember the night of the Gala? When you were leaving with your brothers?" My stomach jolts and I nod. I remember feeling uneasy and my wolf was yipping with excitement, which I couldn't pinpoint. "Yeah...I remember seeing you with-- someone else." I pace myself, feeling butterflies for no reason. "That's right, Dante Pelosi. The Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack." Mate! I flinch in recognition, an eerie feeling of hope filling me. Conflicting with the sense of rejection, it's too much. How can my wolf be so happy when I feel like complete crap right now? "That was-- the Alpha?" I whisper. "Your mate." Dad states, getting to his feet abruptly. "What--" I huff, pushing the breakfast tray aside. "You heard me, Alanna. I saw the look in your eyes when you saw him from the truck. Your eyes were glowing...and so were his. That only happens when you first set eyes on your mate." Dad towers over the bed once more, arms crossed over his chest as me watches me with a knowing smile. "That's impossible!" I insist, avoiding eye contact. "No it isn't. And you're blushing." "Well, we've been invited to his house. He wants to meet you face to face." I gesture to my food stained pyjamas and greasy hair, shaking my head furiously. Dad just shrugs, as if there's no problem. "You have time to make yourself look presentable. This is your chance, Alanna. To avoid Kurt and his mate." "But Dad--" I insist, yet I'm cut short. "No excuses, Alanna. Be ready by seven. Presentable or not, you are going. It's either this, or the initiation." With nothing left to say, Dad leaves the room while I stare into space, absolutely bewildered. "Listen, Aly. Dad's trying to protect you." Reese explains, watching me comb my tousled locks vigorously. "I know Dante. He's a pretty cool guy; one of those modern Alphas who are destined for greatness. Nothing like Kurt." The mention of his name flips my stomach with disgust. Whatever feelings I had for that loser have been quashed. Atleast, that's what I'm trying to tell my stubborn brain. "You should wear this coral dress." Ryan adds, poking his head out of my closet and tossing the outfit towards my bed. "I don't want to." I grumble, folding my arms and ignoring the exasperated looks I'm getting. "Don't look at me like that! I'm not dolling myself up so I can be objectified." You didn't have a problem when Kurt objectified you... My wolf and her snide comments are testing my limits. She might think we've found our mate but I beg to differ. Mates don't exist, despite what everyone thinks. What Kurt suffered from was a major infatuation, not a bond. "Aly! Look, even if this wasn't an important introduction, you would still have to look presentable. Dante is one of the main Alphas and you're the daughter of a Beta. But forget all that; the bottom line is - Dante could potentially be your mate." Reese scolds me with a frown. "How do you know? How does anyone know? If you don't recall that night, we were all preoccupied. If he were my mate, I'd have felt it. I would have noticed his presence." My voice is laced with heavy sarcasm, my usual stubbornness on the topic of soulmates. "Okay, I'll accept that." Reese nods reluctantly, his serious face plastered on. "But Dad was with Dante when he first saw you. Remember, you were in the truck so maybe he didn't see enough of you to react. Dad said he had never seen Dante so restless and he only caught wind of your scent." "Don't forget your reaction." Ryan adds, lounging on my bed. "I saw you freeze up and hesitate. You couldn't resist him." I stay quiet, knowing I've been defeated. There was definitely some weird chemistry between Dante and I, that's for sure. Soulmates? Definitely not, but it could be something else. "Someone's blushing..." Reese sings, grinning at me. "No-- I'm just thinking." I reply defensively, reaching for my makeup to distract me. "Don't overthink. Go with the flow. Get ready and just give the guy a chance." Ryan talks in short bursts, jumping to his feet. "Now that you're a little more accepting, we'll leave you to get ready. You have an hour." Reese launches a scrunchie at my face, exiting the room with his super speed before I can yell at him. Ryan chuckles, pointing at the coral dress one last time and following Reese's footsteps. I face my mirror with a frown, ditching my sneaky master plan. I had been plotting to look deliberately ugly; frizzy hair, no make up and stained clothes, to put this Dante guy off. Now come to think of it, there's no reason why I have to put a dampener on my appearance. If anything, I should look extra presentable. "Prove that I still got it." I mutter to myself, the shame of Kurt's rejection getting me worked up. ---- "I can drive there myself. There's no need for a family trip." My frustrated words are ignored, Dad pulling out of the driveway. Embarrassingly, I'm sat in the passenger seat with the twins in the back, poking fun at me. I've made some effort but nothing like the night of the Gala. Dad gave me his approval, even though I didn't need it. "I know but we need to be your ward. Dante can't access our pack lands without Kurt knowing, as Alphas must inform each other before entering another's territory. If Kurt realises Dante is here to see you, he'll block it." Dad checks the clock on the dashboard, his obsession with punctuality taking over. "So Kurt wouldn't approve? It's none of his business." I spit grumpily, folding my arms. "That's why he won't know." Ryan adds firmly. "Dad, Reese and I have taken the day off our duties. Kurt doesn't care because he's too busy with the initiation. We've said we'd rather be at home to support you and that shut him up." I grind my teeth noisily, blocking out the memories of the other night. "Honestly Dad, I'm kind of surprised you've gone behind Kurt's back." Reese interjects. I can see his gaze on me through the rear view mirror. Thankful for the change of subject, I shoot a small smile back. "My obligations to my children will always defeat my Beta duties. Considering Kurt's involvement in this situation, I'm sure he'd be wise against questioning the decisions my daughter or I take. Once Aly is settled, I'll respond to any dissent." Dad replies stiffly, gripping the steering wheel. "Settled?!" I repeat, smoothing my dress out. "This is just an introduction, Dad. A friendly hello, to prove you guys wrong!" "Whatever you say." Dad shrugs, dismissing my protest. I open my mouth to argue, deciding against it. Glaring out at the passing scenery, the unfamiliar territory sprawls out, dense and overgrown compared to our manicured lands. I spot a streak of fur flickering between the distant foliage. "Dante's Betas are escorting us through the lands." Dad informs me dryly. "Though he and I are on solid terms, the rest of the pack are wary of us, due to Kurt." "I don't blame them." I mutter. "We're here." Reese announces, as Dad puts his foot down, gunning up the sloping pathway hidden between the dense undergrowth. I can't help but feel a little intrigued, sitting forward in my seat to examine the concealed pack house. As we slow down to accommodate a wide bend in the road, two grey wolves appear on either side of our vehicle, trotting along. "Wow, he's pulled out all the stops to impress you, Aly. Even got your own formal escort on the lands." Ryan whistles, poking the back of my head. "And so he should. First impressions mean everything and you don't come across your mate everyday." Dad announces, nodding to the wolf within touching distance of his window. Here we go with the whole 'mate' debacle again. Part of me just wants this formality over and done with, so I can prove that I have no destined other half and return to the comfort of my bed. "Wonder where the man himself is..." I mutter to myself, eyeing the grey wolf beside me with curiosity. He refuses to meet my stare, his attention on the road ahead. The pack house emerges and I'm taken aback. The main house of our pack-- Kurt's house; is pretty much a mansion. Cold, modern, almost inhospitable, there's no warm or friendly vibe that makes you feel like the doors will always be open to you, as a member. No informal gatherings or parties...just the odd meeting. Dante's lands are the complete opposite. The main building is a statuesque, five story cabin, renovated to include a mix of brick and glass. It's like a modern, picturesque cabin in the woods...just on a monumental scale. I can already feel the homely vibe, ready to approach the building as I've seen it a million times. "Wow--" I catch myself before I can give the compliment, not wanting to see the smugness from the rest of my family. "It gets better. There's a reason why The Midnight Fire pack are predicted to eclipse the others. Their way of life is enviable." Dad agrees, resting a hand on the wheel. The wrought iron gates are pulled back, allowing us entry. The wolves stay in their positions, passing through the entrance with us. With an unusually practiced attempt, Dad parks the truck in a row of parking spaces to the left of the cabin, as if he's been here before. As he turns the engine off, I begin to freeze up, the reality of the next few moments sinking in. I realise that I'm absolutely petrified, with no ability to gauge how this will pan out. "Come on, Alanna." Dad cajoles me gently, patting my shoulder. "You can't sit here by yourself." "I wish." My reply is a whisper, barely inaudible yet I know Dad will hear. The boys have already exited the car, hovering around my side in anticipation. Before I can steady myself, Reese flings my door open, hauling me out of the seat. "Don't be shy, little sis." Ryan grins, patting my head. "Though if he gets a little too friendly, I'll be ready to kick his as." "Dante will wipe the floor with you, boys. He's an Alpha." Dad smiles. All this lighthearted talk is doing nothing to calm me. I feel a whole host of eyes on me and with a quick ruffle of my hair and a quick check of my reflection in the car window, I turn around cautiously. The wolfy escorts have disappeared and to my surprise, there's no-one in sight. The wide oak doors are pulled open, a small figure waiting in the distance, waving at us. I follow meekly behind the men, letting Dad handle everything. The air is cool, almost frosty and I tighten my jacket, eyes on the ground. Hoofing up the steps in my uncomfortable wedge boots, I hide studiously behind Reese and Ryan. "Beta Evans, it's a pleasure to see you again!" A soft, female voice declares. "The pleasure is all mine, Grand Luna. You already know my sons, Ryan and Reese." Dad puffs proudly. "Of course! How could I forget these handsome boys? Forgive me dears but for once, your presence alone isn't enough for me..." Dad turns around, frowning in disapproval at my reluctance to show myself. With a strong hand on my back, he guides me forward as Ryan and Reese step aside. I'm face to face with a petite, middle-aged woman. With loose blonde curls and glassy grey eyes, she's absolutely gorgeous. The telltale crinkles around her eyes are the only giveaway to her true age and I'm even more taken aback to see her surveying me with a warm smile. "Finally!" She exclaims, jumping on the spot in apparent delight. "I've been waiting all day to meet your daughter, Beta Evans." "This is Dante's mother, Nora." Dad introduces me, stepping back slightly. "So glad to meet you, Aly. Do come in, dear." Grabbing my hand, she pulls me into a light hug, over the threshold. "Nice to meet you...Grand Luna." I exclaim, startled by her warm welcome. Thankfully, I remember my manners. "Please, call me Nora." She insists, positively radiating happiness. Scanning me from head to toe, she pulls me along the wooden foyer, to the first door in view. "Do come through." She gestures to us, letting me go and waving us in. "I'll just fetch some snacks. Dante will be here soon, he's just dealing with some pack duties." "There's no need for that, Grand Luna." Dad insists, waving a hand in protest. "Nonsense! You have two growing boys with healthy appetites, Beta Evans. My Dante can eat enough to feed a small village." We watch Nora dash into the hallway, her voice growing faint as she announces our arrival. By now, I'm terrified. Agreeing to this was a monumental mistake. I'm nowhere near ready for this matchmaking fever that my Dad is suffering from. "Sit, Alanna." Dad orders, letting me take the armchair. I'm so nervous, I can't even comprehend my surroundings. It looks like a nice lounge; more of a manly touch, what with all the technology and dark decor. My stomach begins to swirl and I can smell the heavenly scent of baked goods permeating the air. "Breathe, little sis." Ryan grins, tapping the armrest with his fingers nonchalantly. "I need the bathroom." I gulp, jumping unsteadily to my feet. "Wait till the Grand Luna is back." Dad replies. "We've only just gotten here. I asked you if you needed the bathroom before we left." Good ol' Dad. Always finding ways to reprimand me. "I'm gonna wet myself. I don't think that's the best impression to give, don't you think?" I reply curtly, already walking away. "Fine. You have a minute. The bathroom is upstairs. First floor, second door on the right." Dad adds. I all but sprint through the doors, heading for the stairs. I could shift and get the heck out of here but the consequences would be severe. I don't want to tarnish our family reputation either. Stumbling up the carpeted stairs, I right my footing before I break an ankle in these heels. Everything's a blur and I vaguely remember Dad's instructions, barreling through the bathroom and slamming the door. The gold and white tiled bathroom dazzles my vision and I pace furiously, wiping the beads of sweat off my forehead. See? You wouldn't be feeling like this if it was anyone else. You can feel the anticipation, the potential strength of our bond. That's why you're so antsy. "This shouldn't be happening." I whisper, closing my eyes. "I can't let anybody have this effect on us. No-one deserves to have this power over us." Don't be afraid, Aly. Trust our instincts. When have I ever let you down? "You know I trust you." I reassure my wolf in a shaky voice. "I don't trust these...these feelings. This weird aura I'm getting." That's because he's close. He's in this very house and you can sense his presence. "So-- he must know we're here." Of course. I need to get a grip. I've barely met the guy and I'm already a quivering mess. How can someone have such an effect on me? I'm Aly Evans, the confident daughter of a Beta. The same girl who dealt with months of backlash and hate when I was with Kurt. "Come on girl. This is a walk in the park for you." I gear myself up in the ornate mirror, smoothing the soft fabric of my dress and dabbing the sweat off my face without disturbing the make up. With an extra intake of breath and bravado, I stride to the door and pull it open, stumbling to a halt. My gut churns dangerously and I peer up in shock. Dante is stood inches away, staring down intently. There's no expression on his poker face, golden irises shimmering eerily. I'm so fixated on his fierce gaze, I don't even check him out. Mouth going dry, I can hear my wolf going positively giddy with excitement at his appearance. "Umm-- hi..." I stutter in a croaky voice, clearing my throat quickly. Deep down, I wince in response to my lame greeting. Dante cocks his head to one side with interest, the smooth, tanned skin of his thick neck exposed to the light. His powerful heartbeat calls out to me, enticing me to react with every thud. I want to look away, save myself from this stare-down but I can't seem to will my body to react. The musky scent of his body, mixed with the scent of crisp leaves, is invading my senses and befuddling my mind. Suddenly, he ferocity in his eyes seem to fade, his yellow irises twinkling gently as a small yet intimate smile spreads across his sculpted lips. "Hello." He breathes huskily, revealing a set of pearly white, perfect teeth. I seem to choke on air at this point, blood pounding in my ears. There's a warm, fuzzy feeling spreading through me and time begins to lag. His gentle reaction provokes a powerful reaction from me. It seems I'm not the only one who is struggling with this. Dante's smile fades, lips parted as his eyes dart over my face hungrily. "Mate." It takes me a moment to realise we both said the same words. "Alanna!" Dad's stern voice calls with anger. Dante smirks at my flustered reaction, trailing a finger gently down the middle of my nose, resting on my parted lips. "Gotta go. Your Dad is coming to get you." With a final whisper, he disappears in flash, the burst of super speed ruffling my bangs. "Alanna!" Dad appears in the hallway, looking pissed. "There you are. Follow me." Turning on his heel, Dad stomps to the stairs. I hear a deep chuckle tickle my ear as I scurry to follow Dad and I don't dare to stop, already freaked out by my innate response. "You're gonna make me work for this, aren't you? Good. I love a challenge..." His husky baritone echoes behind me and I race for the stairs. I'm in deep trouble and there's no denying it. "Nice to meet you, Aly. I'm Dante." I scoff inwardly, bemused by his innocent introduction. He seems to forget that I saw him only a few short minutes ago, when he cornered me upstairs. "Alanna." Dad prods, glaring at me to return the gesture. "Likewise, Alpha Pelosi." I reply sweetly, sticking with the formalities. It's painfully obvious that I'm being condescending; which doesn't seem to bother Dante. If anything, a playful smirk grows on his chiseled features. However, Dad looks like he's going to berate me in public so I tone down the attitude. "Please, have a seat." Dante adds, standing near the couch with his hands in his pockets. I've been waiting for this night for as long as I can remember. Tonight, the packs will finally know about Kurt and I. ... 🔎 Book ID【1875】 Book Title: Fated To Love You Click to Read More 👉	LEARN_MORE	https://image.noveltells.net/landing-page/h5-718.h	HeyNovel-Novels & Stories	https://www.facebook.com/heynovel.official/	45	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	image.noveltells.net	VIDEO		https://image.noveltells.net/landing-page/h5-718.html?id=718&yy_appname=HeyNovel&badid={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466942956_1609271180012433_7682299111355224748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P11M0Il46LkQ7kNvgHerbX3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AgChll7ADktlcDUdiV7rMOm&oh=00_AYAa3A14UZ0VIAdACRtv4YEbIdUcNU-_LmTsGpzUN1QusA&oe=673DADF3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	HeyNovel-Novels & Stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,467,396	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2466914}'	Yes	2024-11-15 18:51	active	1818	Attention all drivers!	I was at the gas station the other day getting gas, deciding if I should get 87 or 89 since everything feels so much more expensive now… And as I was deciding, A Brand New White BMW pulls up to the pump right next to me… I was checking out the car when I noticed an elderly woman step out. She then walks to the convenience store, but on her way back she tripped and fell… So, I wasted no time and rushed over to help her… “I stepped on my shoelace,” she told me, looking embarrassed… And as I was helping her up, I noticed a few people watching, and one even had his phone out recording her as if it was funny… 😠 “Thank you so much… I… I… I really appreciate it,” she said, sounding like she was on the verge of crying. Then out of nowhere… her voice broke and she said “I just lost my husband… and—” tears started running down her cheeks… Feeling helpless and awkward… I reached out and gave her a few pats on the back trying to comfort her… I then walked her back to her car and helped her pump her gas… And she was so grateful that I stopped to help and kept thanking me…. Then, we started to chat… and we got to talk about how expensive everything is now… I mean… People keep saying inflation is under control… But, I personally don’t think so… I mean everything… from food to gas… to even my insurance renewal for my car have cost so much more now… She then stops me and said, “I know how I can help!” And starts telling me how she used to pay $172 a month for her premium to now only $48 a month. I was stunned…. I mean… how can she ONLY be paying $48… especially for a brand new BMW…. So, I asked… She then told me that her husband used to be a higher-up in the insurance industry before he passed. And there was this website that everyone in his office used BUT insurance agents were specifically trained to keep the site on the down low. It’s a website that uses an algorithm to scan the web for the best rates, making providers compete for your business which drives down the price. The website is called: https://fullcoveragehero.com Her husband told her: “Insurance companies won’t tell you about these sites because its going to affect their profit margins” I was SHOCKED… I mean, it all made sense! So, when I got home, I decided to try it out myself even though I was a bit skeptical at first…. But I figured… why not? I mean… it's only a quote… So, I got online and entered a few details about my car… and in a few minutes… I was quoted for $42/mo with THE SAME FULL COVERAGE! I was AMAZED —my premium went from $227 a month to $42 a month! I ended up saving more than $2K for the year on my premium all because of a simple site! The best part is, I don't have to stress about how expensive everything is now just to save a few bucks! And friends kept asking me how I got my premium so low. So, I shared the site with them, and it seems to have worked for them as well! I’m so thankful I met that elderly woman at the station. And to pay it forward, I want to pass on her kindness by sharing this site. So, if you are paying more than $50 a month for your premium or if you have received an outrageous renewal. Be sure to tap the button below to see how much you can save while you can 👇 Here’s the link: https://fullcoveragehero.com	LEARN_MORE	https://fullcoveragehero.com/	Kelly White	https://www.facebook.com/100082566712687/	2,418	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fullcoveragehero.com	IMAGE	9,074,931 Approved	https://fullcoveragehero.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466165297_913285950393735_2658225349144747183_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k1ZXffQmudwQ7kNvgGGCLaH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6zIcBIbwfLiFqoA8yGaNHZ&oh=00_AYBC7XnjyIj1i88LQ3u0FJxCn2ogVFOPeDBoggBELs22pg&oe=673DC2E0	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	Kelly White	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,465,626	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-11-15 18:30	active	1817		🎉 UNice Black Friday Giveaway Bonanza: Everyone Wins! 🎉 This Black Friday, we’re turning up the excitement—where EVERYONE gets a gift, and three lucky winners will score a FREE UNice wig! 💇‍♀️✨ Ready to join the fun? How to Participate: 1.Follow us UNice on facebook (We'll check!) 2.Click the link: https://st.unice.com/j3PeYB to find the wig you want and add it to your cart.😉 3.Comments your choice 🖤Bonus entry: tag 3 friends Prize： For all participants,DM us your email, and we will add a silk robe to your account. (Make sure you are registered，redeemable with your next purchase, sent with your order)🎁 On 11.18, We will pick three lucky girls to get a free wig 💇‍♀️ Let’s kick off Black Friday with fun and fabulous gift for everyone! 🛍️🖤💰 event time：11.11-11.18	SHOP_NOW	https://www.unice.com/	UNice	https://www.facebook.com/UNiceMall/	1,214,583	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now		IMAGE		https://www.unice.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467266390_1714277846080218_5901531165090705854_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CnHYGm5ieUUQ7kNvgHeZkgB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AIKKEdwo8DguNjPOGSid-zo&oh=00_AYBdy09EA38_kow7fWKW-XHOEt5jfHP13VxO2wX3Io6dkg&oe=673DAC1F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	0	UNice	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

Page 48 of 385, showing 20 record(s) out of 7,692 total

Download CSV New Ads

Search

Ads for Sweeps on 2024-11-15