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1,210,706	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1103620770876339	😍Click to continue reading<Coming Home For Christmas> 🔞	“Ahhh, Dylan... faster...”<br /> My groom-to-be Dylan and my closest brother were both buttaas -nked having sx on our bed right before our engagement announcement.<br /> I ended up getting so incredibly drunk that I found myself in a hotel room the next morning, lost my virgenity to the city's most eligible bachelor Logan.<br /> “I’m sorry, I’ve always seen you as my little sister,” Logan was also the best friend of my eldest brother. I quickly left the hotel room, scared to see his embarrassment in the morning.<br /> <br /> One month later — PREGNANCY TEST: POSITIVE<br /> “It’s just you and me from now on my little angel.” I could never tell Logan, not with him seeing me as his little sister.<br /> “Lacey!” Logan burst into a panic waking up in an empty hotel room that morning.<br /> I didn’t expect that the next six years would drive Logan insane.<br /> He was not able to find me, the love of his life…<br /> ---<br /> 'Sometimes the strongest women are the ones who love beyond all faults, cry behind closed doors and fight battles that nobody knows about'<br /> ~ Farzana Baig<br /> <br /> Italy.<br /> Spain.<br /> France.<br /> England.<br /> Australia.<br /> There are so many amazing options but I can only pick one yet whichever one I pick is one which could strongly impact the rest of my life or at least the next few years of my life because this isn't just a vacation, it's more of a temporary staycation.<br /> "Can I help you, ma'am?"<br /> An effeminate voice with a southern twang asks me.<br /> I narrow my eyes from the board on the wall to the young man behind the desk who was looking at me with a big, bright smile on his glossy lips.<br /> "Actually, you can...do you fancy playing Russian roulette with me?"<br /> I ask him with a smile and he looks at me like I've lost my qmind.<br /> "Ma'am...this is an airport, it's not a casino"<br /> He says and I chuckle.<br /> "I know that, sir, I'm just looking to get away from New York for a little while but I'm stuck on where to go"<br /> I say and he rolls his eyes in a jokey and semi-serious kind of way.<br /> "Let me guess, you're running away from a boy?"<br /> "Got it in one"<br /> I say while nodding my head and smiling.<br /> Dylan Tate is definitely a little boy.<br /> Grown men who are mature don't do what he did.<br /> "You really shouldn't let a man run you out of your own home, honey because the moment you give a man that type of power and control, it's hard to get it back"<br /> "Well, it's kind of hard to stay here when my fiance screwed my brother behind my back"<br /> I say angrily while smiling a sad and pained smile as the guy behind the desk gasps dramatically and clutches at his invisible pearls.<br /> "Oh my"<br /> He says as he straightens his jacket and looks at me with a shocked and sympathetic expression.<br /> "Well, if I can make a suggestion...London is always beautiful at this time of year"<br /> London.<br /> I think to myself as I smile a real and genuine smile.<br /> This is the first time in four whole weeks that I've smiled like this.<br /> I've always wanted to visit London, England but for some reason, it just never happened.<br /> "The UK has also got a lot of historical and cultural spots if you're interested in that type of stuff, not to mention their nightlife is lit"<br /> He says the last bit while doing a little twerk before quickly getting himself together and looking around to see if anyone had seen him do it.<br /> "Sorry ma'am, that wasn't professional at all"<br /> "Don't worry about it"<br /> I said while chuckling.<br /> "It looks like I'm going to London then, when does the next flight leave?"<br /> "In twenty minutes, ma'am"<br /> "Great, book me a seat please, oh and make sure it's one way"<br /> I say and the guy looks up at me with sympathetic eyes.<br /> He then arranges my ticket for me and books me on the next flight to London.<br /> I was so excited but I was also feeling really nervous as well, especially when I was handed my ticket and I was told what gate I had to go to.<br /> The reason why I felt this way is because this meant it was real, I was really leaving not just New York but also America, my home and right now with how I'm feeling, it's going to be for good.<br /> I thank the worker who wishes me good luck as I head towards my gate and take a seat letting out a sigh as I did.<br /> The past four weeks have been super freaking crazy and stressful for me and I just can't wait to get away for a little while so that I can get over recent events, get myself together and work on myself mentally.<br /> I take a sip of my water as my mind drifts back to four weeks ago when all of this mess started.<br /> My fiance Dylan Tate and I were hosting our engagement party at the Ritz Carlton and it was supposed to be the party of the century.<br /> The Carpenter, Black and Tate families are the top three most powerful, influential and richest families in New York's elite and the fact that two of these families were joining together through marriage was a big freaking deal but I didn't care about any of that.<br /> I loved Dylan and I had loved him ever since I first set my eyes on him when I was sixteen, we were childhood sweethearts and had dated each other ever since our high school days.<br /> He's the love of my life, the man of my dreams, so when he proposed to me in Bali, the answer was a given and I couldn't have been any happier but then my whole world came crashing down the night of my engagement party, the night that was supposed to be one of the best nights of my life turned into pure hell.<br /> What happened was, Dylan had gone AWOL right before we were supposed to make the official announcement, so I went looking for him but I wasn't expecting to see what I saw when I finally found him.<br /> I found Dylan in our hotel room with my brother Luca and both had nothing on.<br /> I can't even begin to describe to you how painful it was to see the love of my life and my beloved older brother who I love so freaking much entangled the way that they were.<br /> I was so heartbroken and devastated that I didn't even stay to hear their sorry excuses.<br /> I quickly left the room and the hotel altogether because honestly, there's nothing they could say or even do that would be good enough for me to accept or even forgive.<br /> After I left the hotel, I went to a nearby bar where I drank all of my pain and sorrows away.<br /> I ended up getting so freaking drunk that I found myself in a hotel room losing my innocence to some strange guy or at least that's what I thought at the time.<br /> When I woke up the next morning, I realised the guy who I had been intimate with and gave my precious flower to was none other than New York's most eligible bachelor Logan Black who is also the best friend of my eldest brother Justin.<br /> I was in so much shock and I couldn't believe I had been with Logan.<br /> I instantly freaked out and panicked because I didn't know how Logan was going to react when he woke up and realised he'd had been with me, the girl he had always seen as his younger sister and I really didn't wanna to stay to find out, so I quickly got dressed and left the hotel room.<br /> I then went home where of course, I found out I was the villain of my story because I had left my engagement party without a word and had shown up the next morning literally doing the walk of shame.<br /> My parents questioned me about where I had been? who I had been with? why did I leave? how could I embarrass the Carpenter and Tate familys the way that I did? you know all that blah, blah, blah BS.<br /> Of course, Luca and Dylan didn't say anything and they were only too happy to throw me to the wolves which broke my heart even further because they were supposed to love me, yet they didn't care and they stood there allowing me to take the brunt of the blame for last night when it was all their fault.<br /> Anyway, I took all of the abuse and all hell broke loose when I told them that the wedding was off and I didn't want to marry Dylan anymore which angered my parents, more specifically my dad who hit me for the first time in my life and he demanded or I should say he commanded me to still go through with the wedding.<br /> Even that fake piece of trash Dylan acted like a love-sick victim and begged me not to cancel the wedding and even had the nerve to say he'd forgive me, you know ME for MY indiscretions, the cheeky man but I refused to budge even despite my dad's determination for it to still go ahead.<br /> I didn't wanna fight them anymore, so I let them all think they had won, so while everyone was planning the wedding of the century, I was making plans of my own to leave and get away.<br /> I really didn't want to leave because at the end of the day, my family are still my family and I love them so much but I knew I could never forgive them, especially Luca.<br /> Luca was my best friend growing up and I was the closest to him out of all of my brothers which is why this is so devastating to me.<br /> It's also the reason why I stopped myself from publically dragging Luca and Dylan out of the closet and outing them to the world so that everyone would know I wasn't the big, bad wolf in this story because deep down inside of me, I still do love them both and I don't want to hurt either of them.<br /> There's also another reason why I'm leaving or I should say this was the final nail in the coffin if you will and that reason is because I'm pregnant with Logan's baby.<br /> I knew my parents would flip their lids when they found out and they'd either assume Dylan is the father and would use my baby to make the wedding happen sooner or they'd wanna know who the real father is and if they learned Logan is the father then they'd force me to marry him to save face.<br /> I didn't want either of those options, I didn't want Dylan and I didn't want Logan, I just wanted me and my baby, so I packed a bag and grabbed as much cash as I could because I didn't wanna take any cards with me in case they tried to track me down and I headed straight for JFK airport hoping to start a new life.<br /> I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard the boarding call for my flight.<br /> I let out a breath and smiled as I thought to myself this is it whilst placing a hand on my stomach.<br /> "It's just you and me from now on my little angel"<br /> I take a final deep breath in and slowly release it before standing up and grabbing my bags.<br /> I then head towards my gate and my new life in London, England.<br /> Six Years Later...<br /> <br /> "KIDS!!, BREAKFAST IS READY!!"<br /> "OK, MUM!!"<br /> I plate up mine and the kid's breakfasts and place them on the table along with four cups of orange juice and a cup of coffee for myself.<br /> I was grabbing a few condiments for the table when my three babies came barrelling into the room with my youngest son Dayton looking like he was going to a Marvel or DC convention.<br /> "Dayton baby, I thought I told you all to get ready for school?"<br /> "You did and I did"<br /> He said cheekily and I rolled my eyes.<br /> "Son, you can't wear your Batman mask and cape to school"<br /> "Why not? I look cool"<br /> He says and I chuckle.<br /> "Yes I know you do, son but you can't just wear it"<br /> "Why not?"<br /> "Because it's the rules, Dayton, we have to wear our school uniforms and nothing else"<br /> My one and only baby girl says before taking a sip of her drink.<br /> "But Elijah gets to wear his Spiderman costume every day, mum"<br /> "That's because Elijah is autistic, baby and the school are trying to make his school life a little bit easier and make it as comfortable as possible for him"<br /> I tell him for the umpteenth time and he drops his head in defeat.<br /> "Ok, fine...can I wear it after school?"<br /> He asks and I smile.<br /> "Of course, you can"<br /> I bend down and give him a kiss.<br /> "Now come and eat your breakfast before it gets all cold and soggy"<br /> "Ok, mum"<br /> Dayton and I take our seats and my eldest baby, my firstborn Logan couldn't resist making a comment about his brother's attire.<br /> "You look like a nerd, Dayton"<br /> "Says the one who is reading a chemistry book at the breakfast table"<br /> "It's biology actually and it doesn't hurt to want to warm your brain up before school"<br /> "That makes no sense at all"<br /> Dayton says while rolling his eyes.<br /> "Actually it does, Dayton, it's just like when you go to the gym, you warm up first, right? Logan reading a book before school is like a warm-up for him to go and learn"<br /> Why did that make so much sense?.<br /> I mean, don't get me wrong, my babies are smart, actually, they're super smart, so it shouldn't be surprising or shocking to me that they'd say something clever but it is every single time.<br /> "Ok guys, knock it off and eat, please"<br /> We all eat our food and I couldn't keep my eyes off my three bundles of joy as we ate.<br /> It was one of the biggest shocks of my life when I found out I was expecting triplets and I near fainted in the doctor's office, especially when my mind started going into overdrive about things like giving birth but thankfully the pregnancy and the birth went better than I expected because I had my best friend Carmella there with me and she's been there for me ever since.<br /> My kids are my entire life and have been ever since I left New York six years ago.<br /> I've got two handsome boys and a beautiful little girl who have all just turned five years old and they're the lights of my life.<br /> My eldest son is Logan David Junior, yes I named him after his biological father and his paternal grandfather David Black which is something that I never planned on doing at first but as soon as I gave birth to him and I held him for the very first time, I knew that I couldn't give him any other name.<br /> Logan is my quiet child and he's very introverted compared to his siblings, he also loves to learn new things and is always either studying, reading a book, watching educational programmes or looking up something educational on the internet.<br /> He's not as sociable as his brother and sister but he still likes to have fun and hang out with other kids his age just as long as he knows and trusts them.<br /> My baby is also obsessed with science and computers and is constantly learning the ins and outs of them both, hence why he's currently reading a biology book while he's eating his eggs.<br /> All three of my kids are very skilled musically and Logan is one hell of a pianist.<br /> He's won so many awards for it and he even performed at the Royal Albert Hall for the Royal Variety performance in front of the royal family last year which made me one hell of a proud momma wolf.<br /> Then there's my youngest son Dayton James who is named after my father.<br /> Dayton is my little troublemaker, he's my cheeky child who has got one hell of a smartass mouth and he loves to joke around and play pranks on people which I hate and I'm trying to knock it out of him but it's hard, especially when he religiously watches Home Alone because he says the main character Kevin is his idol.<br /> I really should've given Dayton the middle name Liam after my big brother because he's just like his uncle in every way possible, even his laugh is the same as Liam's.<br /> Despite being a Johnny Knoxville in training, Dayton is a mathematician which is something he must've gotten from his dad because I'm dumb as a chicken when it comes to numbers, he also loves the drums which fits perfectly with his personality and lately, he's been taking air guitar lessons with a tutor.<br /> Then there's my little princess, my daughter Teddy Louise who I named after my mom.<br /> Teddy is a little girly girl who is obsessed with Disney, she loves to get dressed up and look pretty but she's also not afraid to get her hands dirty.<br /> She loves it when it rains because she gets to stomp around in puddles but her favourite weather is when it snows because she loves to build snowmen and make snow angels.<br /> Teddy also loves to bake and can make pretty much anything but her favourite thing to bake is cupcakes because she loves to decorate them with different icing and sprinkles.<br /> She's obsessed with many forms of art and loves to learn about the history of different famous artists, especially the likes of Picasso and Van Gogh, they really intrigue her for some reason.<br /> Teddy also loves to play the flute and can play many different beautiful melodies on it but she's not as into it as her older brothers are with their instruments.<br /> All three of my kids are incredibly smart and they attend a special school for the gifted after they were referred there by their previous school when they all started showing signs of being child prodigies.<br /> I always knew my kids were special and were more intelligent than most other kids their ages but I never in my wildest dreams would have ever thought that one let alone all three of my babies would be child prodigies because I always believed they were rare like one in a million type of rare, yet I managed to birth three, that's crazy.<br /> "Mum"<br /> Dayton's cute, adorable voice broke me from my thoughts.<br /> "Yes, baby"<br /> "Can I have some more juice, please?"<br /> "Of course you can, do you two want some more as well?"<br /> I ask Logan and Teddy who nod their hands.<br /> I grab the jug of juice and fill up their glasses before sitting back down in my chair.<br /> "Thanks, mum"<br /> My babies said in unison while smiling and I smiled back at them.<br /> "You're welcome, babies"<br /> I said as I heard a noise coming from the front door which I knew was the mail.<br /> I once again get up from my chair and go to see what junk I've been sent today.<br /> I wasn't expecting anything important because all of my bills have been paid for and are up to date, so I wasn't expecting anything more than just junk mail and takeaway leaflets which they seriously need to stop giving us, the internet is a thing, folks.<br /> I let out a breath as I look through the pile but my eyes narrowed and I was confused/scared when one of the letters caught my attention for several reasons.<br /> The first reason is because of the American stamps and the address which are in the corners of the envelope.<br /> The latter is something the majority of the UK don't do, so that struck me as odd and the second reason is the very familiar handwriting on it which I immediately recognised as my grandfather Joseph's handwriting.<br /> My heart was beating a mile a minute and my anxiety had spiked as I continued to look at the envelope and they got worse as my fingers danced over the Christmas stamp which had been used to seal the letter.<br /> I didn't know what was in the letter but it was enough to make me feel panicked and nervous because nobody from my previous life except for Carmella knows where I live now, so how in on earth has my grandpa found out where I am? and why is he writing to me? what does he want?.<br /> "Mum, we need to go, we're going to be late"<br /> Teddy says and I look up to see all three of my kids standing in the hallway putting on their coats, hats, scarves and gloves.<br /> It's December and the weather is cold which is something I'm used to as a native of New York but in the UK, the mornings always seem really bitter, so I make sure we're all wrapped up warm whenever we leave the house.<br /> I place the pile of letters on the side cabinet and go to put on my coat and accessories before grabbing my bag and making sure I've got everything I need including my phone, purse, house keys and car keys.<br /> "Are you ready to go, babies?"<br /> "Yep"<br /> "Mmm-hmm"<br /> "Yes, mum"<br /> The kids all say at the same time.<br /> "Have you got your book bags and packed lunches?"<br /> I ask them and they all nod their heads.<br /> "Ok, let's go"<br /> We leave our home and head towards the car.<br /> I make sure all of the kids are safely strapped in before getting in myself, we then set off for their school as we sing along to the Christmas songs which were playing on the radio.<br /> Christmas has always been my favourite time of the year and it's also my kids favourite as well.<br /> This time of year is also always really bittersweet for me because Christmas with my family used to be amazing and we'd always have so much fun.<br /> It was the one time of the year when we'd all gather together and stay at my parent's mansion for the entire holiday and we'd celebrate it in style.<br /> I really wish I could go back to those times.<br /> There's nothing I'd love more than for my babies to have a REAL family Christmas with our family maybe even with their father and his family but I highly doubt this will happen anytime soon.<br /> <br /> It's crazy how fast our lives can change within the blink of an eye and sometimes you don't even know it's happening until it's already happened.<br /> The past six years have been a crazy whirlwind and I've had to get used to a lot of changes in my life since I moved to London but now I'm happily settled and living my best life, well, I'm living as great of a life as I possibly can without my beloved family here with me.<br /> There was a time when my family and I were extremely close, we would always see and talk with each other every day and we always did anything and everything for one another but all of that changed and I saw a totally different side to my family after Dylan and Luca's betrayal.<br /> I always used to think I had the perfect family, the perfect parents, the perfect grandparents and the perfect older brothers and in a way, I still feel that way about them but I also can't forget the immediate change in them when I found out my older brother was screwing my fiance.<br /> The betrayal left me a heartbroken mess and it changed my entire life forever, it also changed all of the plans I had made for my future.<br /> Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a school teacher, I wanted to teach the future generation and prepare them for the next stages of their lives.<br /> A few months before everything happened six years ago, I was offered a place at one of the best colleges in New York to get my teaching degree but then my relationship broke down and the perfect future I had planned with Dylan had gone up in flames along with everything else.<br /> I no longer had any desire to get my teaching degree but I needed to find a steady income so that I could provide for myself and the triplets because I knew my savings which was a very substantial amount of money wouldn't last me forever.<br /> I wasn't used to living like this because I was born a millionaire heiress, I had always lived a life of luxury and I never had to worry about anything, so to now live knowing money was running out was kind of scary, especially since I now had three extra mouths to feed and I didn't want my kids to grow up differently to how I did.<br /> Don't get me wrong I wasn't a spoiled little rich girl or anything like that but I lived a comfortable life with no worries and I wanted the same for my kids as well.<br /> I didn't want them to grow up worrying about things that they shouldn't have to which I know they would've done because they're really smart and they would've immediately sensed when something was wrong.<br /> Anyway, I knew I needed to make some decent money and fast but I didn't know how.<br /> That was until one day when I was watching some soppy rom-com movie which was based on some old book and it unlocked a brand new passion inside of me, a passion which I never knew existed if I'm being perfectly honest with you.<br /> I always loved to read and loved nothing more than to get lost in a good book but I never once saw myself as a writer because I didn't think I was creative enough to be one.<br /> All of that changed as soon as I put pen to paper or my fingers to my laptop I should say and that's when magic happened.<br /> Within two months, I had finished and completed my first book The Billionaire's Secret Baby which later turned into a five-part series when my fans demanded more from me.<br /> The series was a huge hit and before I knew it, I was a world-famous author, I was successful and I was rolling in the money, most of which I've either invested or I've put into different bank accounts for me and my kids for when they're older.<br /> The rest of the money I used to buy us our current home and everything we needed to furnish it and I also bought myself a decent car as well.<br /> I mean, I'm not at Donald Trump's level of rich but I've got enough money for me and the triplets to live happy and comfortable lives together.<br /> Right now I'm in my office working on a new book and a new series but for some strange reason, I can't seem to concentrate and for the first time in my writing career, I've got writer's block.<br /> I let out a sigh as I take off my glasses and rub the bridge of my nose.<br /> This is so frustrating and annoying.<br /> The worst thing for a writer to experience is knowing what you want to write and how you want to write it but being unable to articulate it in the right way and have it make sense.<br /> There have been many times in the past where I've written something and when I've read it back I was baffled. this makes absolutely no sense.<br /> I looked back at the screen and decided I needed to take a break, so I got up and went into the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee and something to eat.<br /> I didn't really have much of an appetite but I knew if I didn't eat something now then I probably wouldn't have anything to eat until dinner later on which wouldn't do me any good.<br /> You need to be healthy in your mind, body and soul in order to do anything and I can't focus on writing a great story if I'm pushing myself without resting or eating.<br /> I was sitting on the couch and eating my food with the television on in the background which I wasn't watching, it was just on for background noise because I hate silence and that's all I ever seem to have in this house when the kids aren't here.<br /> Anyway, the T.V. quickly caught my attention when the annoying presenter with a high-pitched squeaky voice, who was wearing more make-up than a drag queen mentioned several familiar names which piqued my interest, one of which and the gossip about him almost had me choking on my coffee.<br /> "Hello everyone and welcome to the Hollywood Daily, it's been a busy week for many of the Hollywood elite, more specifically those within the affluent Carpenter and Black families"<br /> The presenter said with a huge grin on her face.<br /> The first piece of news she was gossiping about was my sister-in-law Sabrina launching two new clothing lines, one is a maternity line and one is for kids which will be released after Christmas.<br /> This will be her third and fourth lines that she's released, the first one being a bikini line and the second one was an undergarment line which she worked on with my mom.<br /> "Brace yourselves ladies and gentlemen because the latest announcement from the Carpenter family is one that is going to break all of our precious little hearts, Luca Carpenter the youngest son of James and Louise Carpenter has come out as gay"<br /> This is the news which had me almost choking on my coffee.<br /> What does she mean he's come out as gay?.<br /> Didn't he do that six years ago?.<br /> "According to a statement released earlier today, Luca said it's taken me a very long time to finally accept who and what I am and now I can proudly say that I'm a gay man"<br /> Holy cow.<br /> "But that's not the most shocking part of the statement, the part which has left many of the public including fans of the family baffled and scratching their heads in confusion is when Luca also confessed his undying love for his soulmate and the love of his life Dylan Tate...does that name ring a bell? well, it should do because Dylan is the eldest son and heir of Lachlan and Sandra Tate and he's the former fiance of Luca's younger sister Lacey Carpenter who has been M.I.A for the past six years, are Luca and Dylan the reason for her disappearance from the limelight? has this love story been going on for a lot longer than the Carpenters want us to believe? this is something we may never know unless Luca, Dylan or even Lacey herself comes out and explains it to us"<br /> I can't believe this.<br /> It's a good job I legally changed my name six years ago before I gave birth to my kids because if I didn't, then this could have caused a lot of trouble for me and my kiddies.<br /> "Moving on, we've got everyone's favourite billionaire playboy Logan Black who is as much known for his dating life as he is for his wealth, businesses and modelling career, the fitness model and business mogul is known for having a different woman on his arm every week but is his bachelor life officially over? it seems so after the sexy hunk was spotted shopping at one of New York's most expensive jewellery stores with singer and actress GiGi Addams"<br /> What?.<br /> It hurt my heart to hear about Logan settling down with someone else, especially with a snake like GiGi Addams.<br /> Deep down in my heart, I knew why it hurt me so much but I just didn't want to admit to it.<br /> I had always had a crush on Logan ever since I was a kid and I think somewhere over the years, that crush manifested into something more but I really didn't want to confess to those feelings because he's my older brother's best friend and also because of Dylan, not to mention Logan is everything I hate in a man.<br /> He's cocky and conceited and he thinks if the world doesn't revolve around him then it should or at least that's how he was six years ago, I don't know if he's changed at all since I left the States.<br /> I couldn't help but smile a sad and bittersweet smile as the presenter continued to talk about my family and those who used to be close to me and it really hurt my heart because I miss them so freaking much and I hate hearing about them and what's new in their lives through channels like this.<br /> Changes are a natural part of life but sometimes it's the ones you weren't expecting that cause you the most pain and sorrow but also the most happiness as well.<br /> ...<br /> Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.s	117650341289433	Novelclub-online	https://facebook.com/100091719427096	3,528	1	722,603,393,356,626	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Install now	Novelclub-online	120208095120520441	play.google.com	NONE	image	¡Una biblioteca de bolsillo que las mujeres no pueden perder!	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.suenovela.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1713040449%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D	2024-04-13 15:35	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437937093_1173389456983892_7205994008286900955_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_jBoij4-IEgAb7xHUTz&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCOj2a6KmaBg3Cdi16i-VT3eeokA_bzJEGfnOLM1J_U5w&oe=6621F1B2	person_profile	Novelclub-online	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437913813_902889598348743_2469189218218868275_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l_Y3HCa-GKQAb4uXJzu&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBD86iQaKGzBso_Tap4k2396NJbW-vOZdq9ZXmtVzZwrA&oe=6621E9BF	3	Novelclub-online	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,718	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	771254611630451		I spy with my little eye… all of your facial anatomy magnified 2.5x. 🔍 Watch to find out how I see every little blood vessel, nerve, stitch, and more in the operating room! 👀<br /> •<br /> •<br /> • <br /> Want to chat more with a facial plastic surgeon? Visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbayrakmd.com%2F&h=AT2n3zNXMU9ivwMetaD-kzAygrDaXtEY6mEHb18RZGbN-jlsrBbDGJpiuOXGzobLSxXngeHqwmvJkUPnIi1y155gh_msyXSse-k9MxLI3NQUvpyzdgzvF63pP5b-tAD5aYMAKBKTkWWVqe7fT56T8Q" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">bayrakmd.com</a> or click the link in bio to schedule a treatment or consultation.<br /> •<br /> •<br /> •<br /> 👩🏻‍⚕️ @dr.bayrak<br /> 💻 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bayrakmd.com%2F&h=AT1IWRswdm74MB5sRRoR2cRuNB7PBBDKgCyj7E9KobRV6IjqZqqnhmuKVu-QbHlvkDtgXtxNs7XpQTXgqnhOml8oQAkbbVwkFn2IN-uGTm-c9HDNYtBlAmHxiOXYxaFbOer3si-tIkuA-xdpJQJJjA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.bayrakmd.com</a><br /> 📍 West Chester, PA	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/dr.bayrak	109175164720732	Sinehan Bayrak, MD	https://facebook.com/bayrakmd	463	1	1,393,002,621,395,917	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Visit Instagram profile	Sinehan Bayrak, MD	120208650908980016	instagram.com	NONE	video		http://instagram.com/dr.bayrak	2024-04-13 14:53	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437039657_924449826105036_994090351696284996_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iA-USK5ffFgAb5ilqob&_nc_oc=AdgCVPQFztKvrJnONS319iwODV2iwRAcuKRYnuB2eB2H9ll0ruHHDh-kH0FKBZt_2eY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCZgQIIIhSSVOW70bGp1GTr2tesKroc6TRjekbK7j8Qqg&oe=6621E96D	person_profile	SINEHAN BAYRAK, MD \| FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437754655_2137579109957773_4119670618018364555_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PyJKSx-OBKMAb7dbOiM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfB4BuSdbgXBr3IB8dvXtONcrRazvvi50DnOZo_q1g7eXQ&oe=66220C1C	3	Sinehan Bayrak, MD	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,735	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210538}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	769952638226869			MESSAGE_PAGE		103767412088490	Venessa’s Bling	https://facebook.com/100076045702885	23	1	7,431,620,176,921,345	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Send message	Venessa’s Bling	120208963820540207		NONE	multi_images			2024-04-13 13:53	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438197558_397543553076099_4351503199392404939_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XHTHCFPdTPkAb5EuaZb&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfANqE1QTcaofa0nccwPDE2DpPQYwJwbF6r_AqLnh3dZ4g&oe=662207ED	person_profile	Venessa Navarro	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438032111_1114450066327258_5879409862484794498_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Foqde_NBB9UAb5CFJZe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAPzFLO8mGBSiMFwFyf4YB6ndFl5HdnfvkW2s0z-Cs-bg&oe=6621F420	3	Venessa’s Bling	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,749	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1211267}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1354491751896837	"🥵 Prepare to lose some sleep" ~Goodreads Reviewer Read FREE With KU Now	Gia’s voice comes next. “Caterina! You better not be looking out of the window like an old-school widow!” I pull my sweater closer and ignore her. <br /> “Caterina,” Gia singsongs. “Where are you?” <br /> <br /> I don’t respond. <br /> <br /> Footsteps echo down the marble hallway, but I don’t look to see who is coming. Gia is company, and oddly I’ve missed her while she’s been gone, but she’s still a little annoying. <br /> <br /> I don’t have time for Gia. <br /> I hear the door to the living room open, and the air changes slightly. <br /> <br /> A light smell, something that I can’t place but seems comforting, drifts over to me. <br /> <br /> I sigh. “Gia, where did you go?” <br /> <br /> She doesn’t answer me. <br /> I turn, and I get the shock of my life. <br /> <br /> The person staring back at me is tall. Broad. With dark brooding eyes and eyelashes that should be criminal on a man. <br /> <br /> It isn’t Gia. <br /> Elio is staring back at me. <br /> <br /> “You’re still here,” he says in a curt voice. He looks like he hasn’t showered in a while. His hair is rumpled and his suit has creases in it, like he’s been wearing it for several days.<br /> <br /> I frown at him, then turn back to the window. <br /> <br /> I notice his smell again as he approaches me. The spicy scent, bay leaves and cedar, brings me right back to the night we slept together. <br /> <br /> To when he might have loved me. <br /> I look down, and back away from him. “Elio,” I whisper. <br /> <br /> He doesn’t respond. <br /> <br /> Eventually the tips of his shoes enter my vision where it’s glued to the floor. His shoes are nice, of course. Premium Italian leather, polished to perfection. They’re lovely. <br /> <br /> I refuse to look into his face. <br /> “Why do you look like this?” he rumbles. <br /> “I look fine,” I say under my breath. <br /> <br /> A big hand reaches out and puts a finger under my chin. He tips my head up, and I let him. <br /> <br /> When he meets my gaze, I look away. <br /> For some reason, I don’t want Elio to see me like this. Pale. Washed away.<br /> <br /> “Don’t hid from me Caterina” his voice almost a whisper, he gently strokes my cheek and I try to turn away again but this time he cups my face in both his large hands tilting my head up so our gazes lock.<br /> <br /> I freeze.<br /> <br /> “Breath Caterina” he says his fingers gently caressing my scalp, I feel every nerve come alive and I…<br /> …read Mafia King’s Secret Baby FREE With Kindle Unlimited. <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2F4Rtuhpm&h=AT2uuXNnqI6kccAk1E0VPCRWk3b6DhVNR-OLlxckZlPVgxKcL3_I0h65LbQrUz6doXjUIDttdgYcqRTn-jzC93Iw6h_FDe0ozhvEAB63MVej1C9lAXZOtdfmpIhpIHBCkpKYPztKa3UqRE_aBgHmyQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://a.co/d/4Rtuhpm</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZS9QCPV	108064028800584	Vivy Skys	https://facebook.com/100087815212514	122	1	942,143,804,081,516	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Vivy Skys	6533943674081	amazon.com	NONE	image	"❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥A Really Great Read"!~Barb Free In Kindle Unlimited	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZS9QCPV	2024-04-13 13:12	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437684117_1597786541060963_3875865874380812805_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Cyni6QVPlBIAb58LsUi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfARiM_Wzjr3GIUGyYcGq46Dq42aVNOMzbDKKvI-8PvDcQ&oe=6621EFC0	person_profile			3	Vivy Skys	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,753	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210757}'	No	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1600335584050677		🔥Experience Freedom from Hip Arthritis. Top physical therapists have developed a breakthrough treatment for hip arthritis. Providing fast pain relief and management of the root cause.🔥<br /> Tap ""Shop Now"" for this new hip arthritis solution today and unlock the doors to a pain-free tomorrow."<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ficase-premium.store%2Fwrap-hip-brace&h=AT19FszsiMDdzYopxEzn0ZQdutlsJLsIWuWSlr5D-FDsfBIQE0xLk_O8u1229clxpS-qmFDBsnSVZcgS0ohfpZuXV838LqKmkC4CLJVBqy-tw6uUD8nmVPk6w6nhx15_JJzq9LH1FPJHr9cqYIuWzA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://icase-premium.store/wrap-hip-brace</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://icase-premium.store/wrap-hip-brace	101129786185956	Wedding Hair & Make-up Maastricht	https://facebook.com/100088366966111	132	0	938,017,938,124,361	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop now	Wedding Hair & Make-up Maastricht	6536119819900	icase-premium.store	NONE	video		https://icase-premium.store/wrap-hip-brace	2024-04-13 12:07	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435670843_1168298057867733_6352094732433851009_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dv_oA5TyUZEAb7P80SB&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCEp4SlcTtbJL019cIW_0lh3HOGTf-pUmBEl6fhEVMmog&oe=6621FF88	person_profile	Wedding Hair & Make-up Maastri	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435889006_1158237622204445_5180240508876876952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6-C8_T3MSKQAb6vUaR7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBX4_OZWAz426mL53JVi_sO4bS7b9gG4tFWma871lvtPg&oe=6622097B	3	Wedding Hair & Make-up Maastricht	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,651	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210134}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	438715438534324	40+ Absurd, Awkward, And Embarrassing First Date Stories Jimmy Fallon’s Audience Shared Online	No matter how much preparation you do, both with your own presentation and internet-stalking your date, there are still some things that can go wrong. Sure, they’re uncomfortable at the time, but, as Jimmy Fallon’s audience showed, bad dates can turn into hilarious stories.	LEARN_MORE	https://brideliving.com/bljimmydate/	117304701464492	BrideLiving Magazine	https://facebook.com/bridesliving	5	0	961,858,422,280,046	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	BrideLiving Magazine	120209214761830439	brideliving.com	NONE	image	First dates aren’t easy. In fact, they can be pretty nerve-wracking. It’s often your first — or only — chance to make an impression on someone you’d potentially want to spend years of your life with. And if you really like that person, you’d practically do everything to make them like yo...	https://brideliving.com/bljimmydate/	2024-04-14 05:05	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437554854_1892013674560736_991749932702393081_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KTB9uNJ0C7EAb4prP18&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBTXrMg8KBeGaZkFu8cN6Z6gd9KubzxDpd0E3ZuGPiG3w&oe=6621E821	person_profile			3	BrideLiving Magazine	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,430	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210403}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	964610788504245	🔥🔥🔥Download and search book ID: 9792	My sister's boyfriend turned out to be my mate! As he rejected me, I retaliated by cutting off all contact with the pack…<br /> Chapter 1: Ayla <br /> “Ayla, is dinner ready? No more delay. Kylee and Theo will be soon here!”<br /> “Yes, mom.” I sighed hearing my mother's impatient urging.<br /> Kylee is my little sister, and Theo is her mate as well as our future Alpha. It is said that they had been together for over a year, and today is the first Kylee has brought her mate home. I was so happy for her.<br /> Our current Alpha, Alpha Torin, was a good leader, a fair leader, and a good man. I knew he had a son, but I had never met him before.<br /> But I had heard that his son, Theo, was promising to be just as good an Alpha as his father. So I really couldn’t have been more relieved that he was my sister’s mate. She would be properly looked after and taken care of, and she would be happy.<br /> I was pulling the chicken out of the oven when I saw my mother rushing past me, excitedly shouting towards the door, “They're here.”<br /> After my father passed away, my mother had become an alcoholic. But she always managed to look presentable in front of Kylee. For example, today, she was not only dressed neatly, but even used mouthwash.<br /> <br /> I was still transferring the food when I heard the front door open and the squeals of my mother and sister as they embraced. I finished my task and moved the dishes to the dining room table that was already set neatly. I smiled at my presentation and excitedly hurried to the living room. <br /> <br /> I froze at the threshold. A scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race. <br /> <br /> The tall, broad man standing next to my sister turned toward me and we locked eyes. <br /> <br /> Mate.<br /> <br /> I practically gagged trying to stifle the word from slipping from my mouth. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> This was my sister’s mate. <br /> <br /> Not mine. <br /> <br /> This man was fated to Kylee. <br /> <br /> So why was I having this reaction?<br /> <br /> Better question…<br /> <br /> Why did HE seem to be having the same reaction?<br /> <br /> His eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where he stood. <br /> <br /> Dasha, my wolf, bounced excitedly in my head, recognizing him and his wolf just as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back of my mind.<br /> <br /> This couldn’t be happening. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> I forced myself to address the situation as a whole. Fine, this was happening. Now, what is the best way to handle the situation? I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a way to speak with him in private later. <br /> <br /> I cleared my throat and plastered a smile on my face.<br /> <br /> “Kylee, I’m so excited you’re home,” I said, opening my arms so she could jump into them like she had since she was little.<br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said. <br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, too,” I said quietly. <br /> <br /> We separated, and she turned to the male behind her. “Theo, this is my sister, Ayla. Ayla, this is my mate, Theo.”<br /> <br /> Theo’s hands were clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me. At least I was better at faking it them him. Geesh. <br /> <br /> I nodded to him with a broad smile. I knew it didn’t reach my eyes, but at least Ma and Kylee wouldn’t notice. <br /> <br /> “It’s lovely to meet you, Theo,” I said. “Dinner is ready in the dining room. Why don’t you guys go take a seat, and I’ll be right there. I need to tend to dessert first.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t take too long,” Kylee said brightly. “We have some big news, and I don’t think I can wait much longer.”<br /> <br /> “I promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed her shoulder. <br /> <br /> Kylee grabbed Ma by the arm and led her to the dining room. Theo followed a few steps behind. He had to pass me to get through. Right as he approached, I turned my body to ensure we didn’t touch. He paused in front of me for a moment. I looked up to meet his eyes.<br /> <br /> There was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. I subtly shook my head at him. Hoping and silently begging that he knew we couldn’t do this here. <br /> <br /> The sound of Kylee’s laugh from the other room made me jump and then quickly retreat to the kitchen. I grabbed the homemade cheesecake from the fridge and set it on the counter for later. <br /> <br /> I listened to the others conversing in the next room and took several deep breaths. I felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. <br /> <br /> I was almost to the dining room when I heard the last part of what Kylee was saying, and again, I was left frozen at the threshold.<br /> <br /> “… our mating ceremony is in three months.” Kylee looked up at me. “Oh, Ayla, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Aren’t you happy for us?”<br /> <br /> I put the same fake smile back on. “Of course I’m happy for you,” I said. “You deserve the best.”<br /> <br /> I took my seat at the table, ignoring the fact that I was left sitting directly across from Theo. His eyes were boring into me, and my face felt like it was on fire. I started dishing out food and passing plates. I didn’t say much over dinner. Instead, I just listened to Kylee and Ma talk about all the ideas they had for the mating ceremony. Theo didn’t say much either but slowly started to do a better job hiding his discomfort with the situation. <br /> <br /> It took everything to ignore the touches they shared, pushing down the jealousy that kept surging through me. <br /> After dinner, while they were still talking, I made an excuse to slip out through the back door.<br /> <br /> I stood on the porch and took several deep breaths. I released a string of curses.<br /> “What is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with the force of a yell. <br /> <br /> ‘Our mate.’ Dasha insisted.<br /> <br /> “No, he’s not,” I said back to her. “He’s Kylee’s. There must be some kind of mistake.”<br /> <br /> All of a sudden, I stiffened as a mouthwatering scent hit my nose. I knew who was standing behind me. <br /> <br /> Chapter 2: Theo<br /> I fought against the urges her scent was influencing as I stalked up to her. But more importantly, the urge to grab her and take her against the nearest tree. My wolf was going crazy about the idea, but he would learn fast that that was never going to happen. <br /> <br /> I wouldn’t accept her. <br /> <br /> Knowing what I knew about her, that would never happen. <br /> <br /> She turned to face me. <br /> <br /> “This won’t happen,” I spat out before she had a chance to speak. <br /> Her jaw clenched, and her silvery-gray eyes stared into mine for a few short moments. But I couldn’t read a thing behind them. <br /> <br /> “I absolutely agree,” she stated evenly. <br /> <br /> My wolf growled and snarled inside me, demanding to know what I was doing. I pushed down the hurt that hit me when she didn’t fight me. Her reaction just proved why this needed to be done. I could never be with someone so cold and self-absorbed as her. There was no way someone like her could ever be my Luna. <br /> <br /> ‘Don’t know her.’ Kieran yelled in my head. <br /> <br /> I knew enough. <br /> <br /> “Kylee is my mate. Not you. I, Theo Arden, future Alpha of the Greytooth Pack, reject you, Ayla Garner, as my mate and Luna.” Kieran was snapping his teeth, pushing to take control to stop this.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, accept your rejection and relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> My wolf howled in pain. A pain that was mirrored within me as it felt like my heart was being ripped apart. It was the bond breaking. Releasing me from the tie that bound us together.<br /> She stood there like nothing happened. <br /> <br /> How could she stand there like nothing had happened?<br /> <br /> She really didn’t feel anything, did she? It was so easy for her to let us go.<br /> <br /> ‘Mate wants me.’<br /> <br /> I grimaced. He meant her wolf. Her wolf wanted mine. He could sense her. She was even denying her wolf. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to get away from her. <br /> <br /> I stormed back into the house, returning to the woman the goddess should have made my mate. I returned to the dining room to find her mother and her still deep in conversation. I was grateful she hadn’t seemed to notice my absence or the change in my mood. It wasn’t surprising. She was excited about seeing her family and sharing the news with them. <br /> <br /> I had been, too, until her sister walked into the room. The scent had engulfed me, driving me to seek out the source like a lifeline. When I saw her, her beauty took my breath away. She was petit but strong, with long legs and perfect curves. She had a mass of caramel-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face with plump lips and intense gray eyes that shined green in the light. I couldn’t help but want her. I recognized who she was to me immediately. <br /> <br /> But then I noticed her narrow nose and soft jawline were familiar. Her fair skin had a sun-kissed glow that I had always found attractive. Once I realized she had similar features to Kylee, I knew this was her sister, Ayla. <br /> <br /> Kylee had told me on many occasions how her sister had changed after the death of their father. She was there for Kylee at first, but in less than a year, she started spending all her time away from home. She ended up dropping out of the private school her parents had worked so hard to send her to. Eventually, Kylee lost track of what she was doing with her life. <br /> <br /> Kylee was there for her when she was around, trying to be supportive. But she wasn’t the sister she used to love. What bothered her most was Ayla’s treatment of their mother. Ayla still lived in the house with her, but Kylee always got the impression that helping their mother was just a burden. She worried their mother would be left with no one to take care of her, and she wasn’t in the best of health anymore. <br /> <br /> “I have an idea,” I interrupted. They both looked up at me expectantly. “Why doesn’t your mother come to stay with us for a while? At least until the ceremony? We have the room in the packhouse, and I’m sure you and my mother would appreciate the extra input.”<br /> <br /> Both their faces lit up.<br /> <br /> “Really? We can do that?” Kylee said happily. <br /> <br /> “Of course,” I said with a smile. <br /> <br /> “Thank you.”<br /> <br /> Kylee jumped up from the table and threw her arms around me, kissing me sweetly. I ignored the growls coming from Kieran. Seeing their reaction told me I had made the exact right decision. Despite what the burning in my chest told me. <br /> <br /> This was who I was supposed to be with. Not Ayla.<br /> <br /> ‘Keep saying. Maybe believe.’<br /> <br /> I told him to shut up, and he retreated into the back of my mind, cutting himself off from me. <br /> <br /> He would get over it. Once the bond was completely severed, he would understand this was the right thing for us and the pack.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3: Ayla<br /> I had managed to get myself together enough to rejoin my family. The pain that seared through me from Theo’s rejection and my subsequent acceptance almost brought me to my knees. It took all of my strength to keep my body from shaking, praying he didn’t notice the blood coming from my palms. I had clenched my fists so hard trying to stay on my feet that I broke the skin.<br /> <br /> When he finally left, I released the sob that was the only thing capable of coming out of my mouth. But I didn’t let the tears fall. Not yet. They couldn’t know. <br /> <br /> So, I steadied my breathing and went back into my house. I was surprised to find that Kylee and Ma weren’t in the dining room anymore. They weren’t in the living room either. But Theo was. <br /> <br /> “They’re in your mother’s room packing,” he said coldly.<br /> <br /> “Packing?” What was he talking about?<br /> <br /> He stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “I think it’s best that you keep your distance from Kylee for a while. We don’t want her finding out about this. But I know she’ll want her mother to be a part of the ceremony planning. So she’s coming back with us.”<br /> <br /> I felt like he just slapped me in the face. As if I would ever tell her. That’s why I was doing this. So that I wouldn’t break my baby sister’s heart. I gave him what he wanted, and now he was going to keep me from my family?<br /> <br /> Dasha was confused and in pain, whimpering in my head because she didn’t understand how he could be so cruel to us. <br /> <br /> “If that’s what you think is best,” I said to Theo through gritted teeth. <br /> <br /> “Kylee,” he called out, not breaking eye contact. “Let’s get going.”<br /> <br /> My sister came prancing into the room. “Already?”<br /> <br /> “It’s getting late. Let’s head to the hotel for the night. We’ll swing by in the morning to pick up your mother.”<br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said brightly before turning to me. “What about you, Ayla? You’re coming with, too, right?”<br /> <br /> I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo decided to answer for me. <br /> <br /> “We were just talking about that. Ayla has some things going on with work and can’t get away.”<br /> <br /> I gave her a tight smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. But I will try to come out there as soon as I can.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay, I understand. But I’ll make sure we have a room ready for you whenever you can come.”<br /> <br /> “Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, my heart breaking again, knowing Theo wouldn’t allow me to be there with her. <br /> <br /> We all said our goodbyes, and they left. Ma was still standing at the window watching them drive off when I went to clean up the dishes in the kitchen. She finally came in behind me and started opening another bottle of wine. We had gone through four during dinner already. And I barely touched my glass. <br /> <br /> “Ma, you’ve had enough for the night,” I said calmly.<br /> <br /> “Oh, come on. It’s a celebration,” Ma said. “It’s not every day you find out your baby is going to be a Luna.”<br /> <br /> “Ma, you can celebrate more tomorrow. You need to finish packing,” I said, gently taking the bottle from her hand. “I’m sure Kylee and Theo will be here first thing in the morning.”<br /> <br /> “We can celebrate together while you help me pack,” she said, grabbing the bottle back from me. “Then I’ll help you pack.”<br /> <br /> I winced. This wasn’t going to end well. “I’m not coming, Ma.”<br /> <br /> She stopped with the glass halfway to her lips. “What do you mean you’re not coming?” she asked with a pout. “You have to be there. Kylee is going to be mated. I told her we would help pay for the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> I winced again. She meant me. I would be helping pay for the ceremony. Ma didn’t have a penny to her name.<br /> <br /> “This is a big deal. Don’t be so selfish, Ayla.”<br /> <br /> Her words stung, but they weren’t unexpected. This was kind of the norm when she got like this. I know she didn’t really mean it. At least, she wouldn’t mean it when she was sober. I got her into her bedroom and set her on the bed. I changed her into her nightgown and tucked her in. <br /> <br /> She was asleep in seconds. I hurried through the rest of her packing. Stuffing two large suitcases as full as I could before carrying them out to the living room. Then I locked the front door, finished the last of the dishes, and slipped out into the backyard.<br /> <br /> I stripped off my clothes as I headed for the forest, desperate to get under its protective shadows. As soon as I passed the treeline, I shifted, taking off at full speed. I let Dasha feel all the pain. I didn’t try to hold her back anymore. <br /> <br /> We would mourn the loss of our fated mate. The loss of the one person who was supposed to see us for who we were. The one person who was supposed to always put us first, without demands or expectations. We would mourn the loss of never getting to experience that.<br /> But we wouldn’t mourn him.<br /> <br /> We ran until we could barely breathe. Until Dasha stopped at the edge of our pond — our place of solace — and let out a heartwrenching howl into the night air. Shifting at the end as she retreated back into my mind, out of reach to heal her broken heart, while I let the torrent of tears finally fall.<br /> <br /> I walked into the water, curling into myself as the sobs wracked my body, intensifying the burn that was still there from our bond being ripped from my heart.<br /> <br /> I submerged myself completely, washing my body clean of Theo, the mate bond, and every dream of finding my soulmate. <br /> <br /> In the midst of this pain I drifted off to sleep.<br /> The next morning.<br /> When I made it back to the house, there was no one there. My mother had been taken away by them.<br /> I was standing in an empty room in an empty house. The silence was deafening. And it all came crashing down. I sank to my knees, begging the goddess to just let it all go away, just for a little while. I just wanted to feel numb.<br /> <br /> I lost track of how long I sat in that spot, staring without seeing. I didn’t even know Zeff was there until I felt him grip my arms.<br /> <br /> “Ayls, what happened? What’s wrong?” he asked, brushing hair out of my face, forcing me to look at him. “Ayla, what is going on?”<br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I said, the corner of my mouth tipping up mockingly. “He’s scheduled to be mated to my sister.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Zeff exclaimed, anger and concern twisting his handsome features. <br /> <br /> Zeff was a good man. He had been there for me when no one else was. He was the only person who knew everything I went through. And here he was, listening to me tell him about meeting Theo, the mating ceremony, and my rejection. Why couldn’t he have been my mate? He should have been. <br /> <br /> “Come on,” he said, lifting me up. “You’re coming to stay with me.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t protest. The goddess had given me this one little blessing. I was numb. Zeff held me up by my waist and led me out to his car. He tucked me into the passenger seat and disappeared into the house again, only to emerge a few minutes later with a duffel bag in hand. <br /> <br /> He pulled out and drove us the twenty minutes to his house. Just like before, he helped me inside, this time sitting me on the big, comfy leather couch in his living room.<br /> <br /> He came and sat next to me, putting an arm over my shoulder and pulling me into him. I let myself relax some. This was the first thing since Theo walked into my life that felt normal, felt comfortable. He leaned his head on mine, rubbing his fingers along my arm. <br /> <br /> “Ayla. You’re going to deal with this — we’re going to deal with this together. Screw him, okay. He’s a dirtbag. You deserve so much better than some fool who doesn’t see how incredible you are.”<br /> <br /> I wanted to roll my eyes, but it wasn’t just about him. <br /> <br /> “He took my family, Zeff. I would have gotten over him just rejecting me because of Kylee. At least she would be safe and happy.”<br /> <br /> “No. They either treat you like a servant or a bank. They don’t care what their actions do to you as long as they keep getting what they want."<br /> <br /> “Zeff...But they were my family” I wanted to contradict him, but I knew he was right.<br /> <br /> “Get over him.” He took a step toward me, reaching up to hold my chin. “He’s not the only one who can take care of you, Ayla. He may be foolish enough not to want you, but I’m not.”<br /> <br /> My breath caught in my throat. He had told me about his feelings before, but we both avoided going down that road with each other. We knew we could find our fated mates at any time, and we didn’t want to deny each other that. <br /> <br /> “Move in here with me, Ayls,” Zeff said. “There’s nothing stopping us now.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you still have a mate out there somewhere.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla, stop. I’m thirty-four and well-traveled. If I was going to find her, I would have long before now. We both know that.” <br /> <br /> Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was shocked, but mostly because it felt good. I felt wanted. I kissed him back, not wanting to give that feeling up. I leaned into him — until Dasha came charging to the forefront, growling and snarling that someone who wasn’t our mate was touching us. <br /> <br /> I ripped myself from Zeff’s embrace. Breathing heavily, the pain of the severed bond renewed. I clutched my chest. <br /> <br /> “Ayla.” <br /> <br /> “I can’t. The bond. It’s still there. It hasn’t faded yet.”<br /> <br /> Zeff pulled me into his arms. “Okay. It’s okay. We can wait. We’ll take it slow.”<br /> <br /> I rested my head on his chest. “Okay.”<br /> <br /> He squeezed me tighter. I still didn’t know if we could make this work, but I wanted to try. <br /> <br /> I stayed with the Zeff, and it was quiet. Until a week later, when Theo burst in.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4: Theo<br /> It had been a week since I had gone home with Kylee. Seven days and a hundred miles away, and the bond was still there. The burning in my chest wouldn’t go away. I didn’t understand and it was annoying. <br /> <br /> More important is Kieran. He had spent the whole week giving me the silent treatment, except when Kylee was around. Then all he did was growl and snarl. It was getting exhausting. <br /> <br /> I had taken to holing up in my office most of the time. I didn’t want to snap at Kylee, or her mother, which had become hard to avoid by the third day. I was glad I had a good reason for me being so busy all of a sudden. <br /> <br /> Alpha was sick. He was diagnosed with a progressive disease almost a year ago. So, he decided it was time to hand the title down to me. It wasn’t official yet. We were planning on making the change at the same time as Kylee’s and my mating ceremony. Actually, that’s why I decided to make Kylee my official mate. Alpha’s were always stronger with a strong Luna by their side. With the circumstances of my father’s abdication, our pack needed to be as strong as possible. <br /> <br /> But there was still a lot to take care of and a lot I had to learn about being an Alpha before that time. So it wasn’t hard to convince her that it was the stress that was causing me to be distant. <br /> <br /> But this morning, I'm driving myself to Kylee's house. I promised to help her retrieve her mother's necklace, which she wanted to wear during our mating ceremony.<br /> <br /> In addition, if I couldn’t completely sever the bond between me and Ayla, Kieran could end up taking control and stop me from marking Kylee.<br /> So, once I got the necklace, I’d reject Ayla again, making sure it stuck this time, and I’d go back home.<br /> <br /> When I pulled up to the house, something twisted in my gut. When I step into the house, her invigorating scent of oranges and cloves invaded my nostrils, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as it should have been.<br /> I realize Ayla wasn't home.<br /> Instead, there was another smell in Ayla's room.<br /> The scent was male. It was faint, he wasn’t here long, but mixed in with the distinctive scent of my mate, I could pick it out anywhere. From the trail, it seemed as if he was the one who packed up her things.<br /> <br /> I stormed out of the house. Tossing the jewelry box in the passenger seat, I took my phone out and searched for the number for the publishing house Kylee said Ayla worked for.<br /> I got another address that Ayla had added to her personal profile from the receptionist.<br /> <br /> I followed the GPS to the address, pulling into the drive of a large, two-story house in a nice neighborhood. Parking half on the lawn, I didn’t even close the car door before taking the front steps two at a time. <br /> <br /> I banged on the door until I heard movement inside. A man opened it. It was the male I smelled in Ayla’s room. Before he could say anything, I lunged at him, my hands grabbing the front of his shirt and practically lifting him off the ground.<br /> <br /> “What have you done with her? I smell her all over you. Where is she?”<br /> <br /> He pushed me off him, his eyes glaring at me with recognition and disdain.<br /> <br /> “You must be Theo.”<br /> <br /> “What is going on?” Ayla’s voice floated down to me as she ran down the stairs. She froze halfway down the moment she laid eyes on me. “What are you doing here?”<br /> <br /> A silk robe hung open, revealing the shorts and cut-off tank top she wore underneath, her caramel-colored hair flowing loosely around her shoulders. She was gorgeous. And clearly not in distress. I took a step toward her as my rage grew.<br /> <br /> “What are you doing here?” I spat back. <br /> <br /> “That’s none of your concern,” the male interjected.<br /> <br /> I turned on him again, a rumbling growl emanating from my chest, my claws extending. I was ready to rip his throat out. <br /> <br /> “Stop,” Ayla yelled, coming the rest of the way down the stairs and stepping between the two of us. “Zeff, go to work.”<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. I’m not leaving you here with him. Not in the state he’s in.”<br /> <br /> “I would never hurt her.” Kieran was ready to burst from my skin. How dare this dirtbag think we would ever lay a hand on her.<br /> <br /> “We both know that’s crap.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, I said go.” Her expression softened a little. “I’ll call you later.”<br /> <br /> She would. <br /> <br /> The Zeff guy shot me another hate-filled look before exiting out the open front door. We stood in silence until the sound of his engine faded. <br /> <br /> “Are you dating him?” <br /> <br /> Her eyes went wide, then narrowed as she took a step forward. “What I do with a male — or anyone for that matter — is none of your business.”<br /> <br /> “It isn’t.” Electricity passed through the air between us. “He has no right to put his hands on you.”<br /> <br /> “He does if I want him to,” she yelled, not only holding her ground against the alpha energy I was exuding but taking another step toward me. “I don’t belong to anyone, remember? I have no mate.”<br /> <br /> I lost it. My hand was around her neck and my mouth was on hers before I even knew what I had done. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. Sparks of intense electricity shot through me, invigorating all my senses. I pushed her to open for me, my tongue seeking hers. Goddess, she tasted so good. She returned the kiss, her arousal mingling in the air. <br /> <br /> “MINE.” <br /> <br /> She pushed me off her with force.<br /> <br /> I took a step toward her again but she backed away. <br /> <br /> “Don’t you hurt Kylee like this.”<br /> <br /> “Like you care about your sister getting hurt,” I spat, but for some reason, I instantly regretted it. But I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t take it back.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” Pure rage radiated off of her, her eyes turning an icy blue. <br /> <br /> “You abandoned Kylee a long time ago. You disappeared all the time, leaving her alone with a mother who was struggling to keep everything together.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s face paled. Every ounce of anger seemed to drain from her instantly, that blue fire fading from her eyes. <br /> <br /> She almost went completely limp in front of me, stumbling until her back hit the wall. Her façade cracked. <br /> <br /> “That’s what she told you? She said that?” her voice was almost a whisper. <br /> <br /> Kieran was going insane in my head, telling me to shut up, to just stop talking. Urging me to stop hurting her. Because I was hurting her. I had struck a nerve, a very deep one, and I wouldn’t stop. She had to break the bond. Once and for all. If it meant I had to break her to do it, I would.<br /> <br /> “She told me everything. She told me how you would keep things from her and your mother. That you would be out at all hours of the night when you were a teenager. How you dropped out of high school, waisting the tuition your parents worked so hard for.”<br /> <br /> “What?” <br /> <br /> “I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as you.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s head snapped up. Her eyes a steely gray as she resolved herself to something I couldn’t figure out but would soon find out. <br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, reject you, Theo Arden, as my mate. I relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> I gritted my teeth as Kieran howled in my head, screaming for me not to accept it. <br /> <br /> “I, Theo Arden, accept your rejection.” The pain in my chest amplified, but I could still feel the bond. “We’ve done this before. It’s not working.”<br /> <br /> “Tell your wolf to accept it,” Ayla said with a crack in her voice. <br /> <br /> The muscles in my jaw tightened to a point I thought my teeth would shatter. The noise in my head from Kieran becoming almost unbearable.<br /> <br /> “He won’t.”<br /> <br /> “Make him,” she forced out.<br /> <br /> “I can’t.”<br /> <br /> “He doesn’t have a choice. I’ll never be with him, and neither will she,” Ayla said, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. <br /> <br /> I could feel the pain he felt. It was excruciating. I told him it would end if he just accepted, but he wouldn’t give in. He was an Alpha. He was as strong as me. I’d never overpower him on this. Ayla must have sensed my stalemate. Or her wolf did and told her because she pulled herself from against the wall, standing up straight again.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, cut my ties to Alpha Torin…”<br /> <br /> “What are you doing?” There was desperation in my voice. She couldn’t do this. I moved to stop her. <br /> <br /> “And the Greytooth Pack.”<br /> <br /> “No.” I fell to a knee, feeling the invisible tether that united pack members with their Alpha splinter. Kieran was pounding against the barriers of my control, putting all his might into taking over the shift. I knew I was on the verge.<br /> <br /> “From this day forth, I am a rogue.” She took an unsteady step toward me, silent tears rolling freely down her face. “Now get out.”<br /> <br /> She had used my father’s name. Either of our names would have worked in the limbo state we were currently in. But she used my father’s. There was nothing I could do to stop her. Nothing I could do to fight the separation. She knew exactly what she was doing. <br /> <br /> If my wolf wouldn’t sever the mate bond, she would remove herself from any control I had over her. <br /> <br /> With one final, agonizing look, she walked away, disappearing upstairs. <br /> <br /> I took in a ragged breath of air. Ayla now had until midnight to be out of our territory. If I caught her on our land after that, I would have to murder her. Mate bond or not. She was a rogue now. It was our laws. <br /> <br /> Kieran had finally gone still in my mind. <br /> <br /> ‘Mate’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Did he mean Ayla or her wolf?<br /> <br /> ‘Dasha. Mate’s name is Dasha. Dasha’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Realization hit me and panic set in. Her wolf was gone. The pain was too much. She had retreated deep into the recesses of Ayla’s subconscious. Ayla wouldn’t be able to call on her. She wouldn’t be able to shift. She wouldn’t be able to heal.<br /> <br /> She was a rogue without a wolf. She couldn’t protect herself. <br /> <br /> I had to get as far away from her as possible. <br /> <br /> I dragged myself back to my feet, forcing them to walk out the door. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5: Ayla<br /> The moment the door was closed, I sank to the floor. It was no longer sobs that escaped my body but soul-shattering screams. <br /> <br /> She said I abandoned her. <br /> <br /> Theo made it sound like I spent my teen years partying and getting into trouble. She said I dropped out of high school. <br /> <br /> She said I wasn’t a sister to her. <br /> <br /> The betrayal was soul-crushing. <br /> <br /> I had given up everything for them. <br /> <br /> I screamed and let the tears flow freely until my body ached. As soon as it felt like I could breathe without being stabbed by a red-hot dagger, I pulled myself up and started moving. I only had a few hours to get my things and get out of Greytooth territory. <br /> <br /> I had made myself a rogue. I didn’t have a pack anymore. And I had no idea where I was going to go. All the borders on this side of the territory sat right against other pack lands. To get out of one, I’d have to enter another. But it was my only option. Trying to get to unclaimed territory was too risky. I would have better luck on foreign pack land than on the land I just severed ties to. <br /> <br /> After leaving a note for Zeff, I packed up and drove away.<br /> <br /> The Greytooth Pack may not be the largest in population, but they had one of the biggest territories. The closest border crossing was nearly two hours away. And I needed to be far away before Zeff got home. I couldn’t have him tracking me down.<br /> <br /> Especially since I didn’t give him much of an explanation. <br /> <br /> But it was better this way. I wasn’t going to risk him cutting ties and going rogue as well. Because he would. He would hold Theo responsible, and he would never stay in a pack with an alpha he didn’t respect, let alone hate. This way, the note I left would have just made it seem like I got cold feet about us being together. <br /> <br /> I drove to the outskirts of town and got on the highway. From there, it was practically a straight shot to the border. I was grateful at first, but after about an hour, I realized the monotonous ride only left my mind wondering and worrying and thinking about things I didn’t need to think about. <br /> <br /> When Theo found me in the yard that first day, I had no idea what he would say. His initial reaction to our meeting had me thinking he would pursue the pairing. But then his increasingly icy demeanor throughout the evening made it seem like he was thinking along the same lines I was. He wasn’t going to hurt Kylee for someone he didn’t know. <br /> <br /> He loved her. She loved him. I had no idea who he was, nor he I. We could reject each other and just go on our way. Neither one of us would have to break Kylee’s heart. I thought he was keeping me from my family to be cruel. Or maybe to make things easier for both of us. <br /> <br /> But today, his words revealed a different motive. He didn’t reject me for Kylee. He rejected me because of her. Because he believed what she said and painted me as some coldhearted delinquent. But why? I just couldn’t figure that out. <br /> <br /> Dad died in a gas explosion along with my aunt and uncle ten years ago. I was fourteen, and Kylee was nine. Our thirteen-year-old cousin, Mina, came to live with us for a while after their deaths. Ma was hit pretty hard by the loss, so the three of us quickly started taking care of each other. We spent every spare minute with each other. Then our financial situation changed. Kylee was entirely too young, and Mina had been through enough losing both her parents for me to put that on her. So, it was up to me to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. <br /> <br /> But I was still fourteen. Finding jobs that paid enough to support a family of four at the age of fourteen was non-existent. I would need to work multiple jobs, and there just wasn’t enough time in the day. So, I approached the headmaster at my private high school and confided my situation with him. I was desperate not to drop out or risk my grades dropping and losing my scholarship. My parents didn’t pay a dime of my tuition. <br /> <br /> Headmaster Fordham was a miracle worker. He helped me test out of over eighty percent of my academic requirements by the end of my freshman year. I only had to take four summer classes to graduate a week after my fifteenth birthday. I was even able to broker a deal with him that would set the remaining three years of my scholarship fund aside for Kylee when it came time for her to attend high school. <br /> <br /> I still ended up working multiple jobs for several years. But no matter what, I always tried to be there for Kylee as much as possible. <br /> <br /> Everything I did was for her. <br /> <br /> I completely lost touch with all of my school friends. I never partied. I barely socialized. The jobs I held were really the only place that happened. But I was home to take her to school every morning, and I ensured I had at least an hour to help her with her homework almost every day. <br /> <br /> I didn’t discuss the lengths I went to with Kylee. I didn’t want her to feel bad or that it was her fault. And I didn’t want her to see what Ma was going through. She was struggling to keep any job. She was drinking daily. There were even a couple of times she racked up gambling debts that put us in some scary situations. <br /> <br /> But I never let Kylee see any of that. It was my job to protect them. <br /> <br /> There was so much more that didn’t add up with what Theo had said. But I didn’t get to think about it further. <br /> <br /> A searing pain shot through my chest, making my vision go white at the edges, blinding me to a point I almost missed the figure standing in the road before me. <br /> <br /> My heart jumped into my chest. I turned the wheel as sharp as I could, slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting them head-on. The moment I did it, I felt foolish. Within seconds, I was spinning through the air and sliding down an embankment.<br /> <br /> When the vehicle came to a stop, I was upside down. I registered the smell of blood, but everything was blurry. I didn’t feel significant pain, so I didn’t think the blood was coming from me. <br /> <br /> The person on the road!<br /> <br /> I scrambled out of the car and up the incline. Without Dasha, I couldn’t see well in the dark, but I could see a blurry figure moving toward me.<br /> <br /> “Are you okay?” I called. <br /> <br /> I didn’t catch what they were saying because I suddenly felt the world falling out from beneath my feet, and everything went dark. <br /> <br /> Chapter 6: Theo<br /> I said I would break her if that was what it took.<br /> <br /> And I certainly followed through with that.<br /> <br /> Ayla’s hard exterior had cracked and shattered before me. <br /> <br /> I had driven over an hour, and my stomach was still in knots. So much so that I had to stop to throw up at one point. Guilt tore at me. <br /> <br /> I really had been cruel to her. <br /> <br /> Especially since it turned out it wasn’t even her fault the bond hadn’t broken. She and Dasha had accepted my rejection. They had done what I needed them to do. Ayla had stayed away from Kylee and me. She hadn’t tried to be around them. From what I could tell, she hadn’t even called Kylee like she used to. And how did I repay her? By ripping her apart with every intention of doing as much damage as possible. <br /> <br /> It was my wolf that was still hanging on. It was Kieran who kept us in a constant state of heartache. Kept Ayla in a constant state of pain. <br /> <br /> And then she had to go and do something foolish and cut herself out of the pack. She was completely lost to us now. The only thing I could do was tell myself it was what I wanted. It was the only way to get rid of the temptation and put enough distance between us until Kylee and I were marked and mated and leading our pack. <br /> <br /> Every time I said it, Kieran was there to argue. <br /> <br /> By the time I pulled up to the packhouse, I was so pissed that anyone around instantly took a wide birth. My aura was probably so intense that I was making everyone physically uncomfortable, but I really didn’t care.<br /> <br /> I was going to head to my office but decided against it. Too many people had access to me there, and I really didn’t need anyone coming around. <br /> <br /> What I needed was to work off some of this rage and pent-up energy. <br /> <br /> I made a beeline for the private training room in the wing of the packhouse reserved for ranking members of the pack. I was relieved to find it empty, tugging my shirt over my head and immediately heading to the punching bag in the corner. <br /> <br /> I had worked up a sweat when Briggs entered the room. Walking over to me with his usual swagger, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall close by. He knew something was up. He had been hounding me about it since we got back from Kylee’s house. So had my mother, but I sure wasn’t going down that road.<br /> <br /> Briggs was my Beta. We had been friends since we were eight and had been through everything together since then. I didn’t think there was anything we could hide from each other. But I surely wanted to hide this from him. So I just ignored his presence.<br /> <br /> “You ready to tell me what is going on with you? Or at least, where you were today?” he said loud enough to be heard over the sound of my fists hitting the bag. <br /> <br /> “No.”<br /> <br /> “If you don’t, we’ll sedate you. Your aura is out of control right now, bro. This isn’t about you just being in a pissy mood anymore,” Briggs said with an edge to his voice that meant he was serious.<br /> I yelled as I hit the bag hard one more time. I winced as I forced my fingers through my hair. I hadn’t realized I had been breaking the skin on my knuckles. I fell back against the wall, sliding down to the floor. <br /> <br /> “You know I’m here for you, bro,” my Beta said calmly. “Whatever it is, you can talk to me.”<br /> I nodded. <br /> <br /> ‘Tell him.’<br /> <br /> I winced at Keiran’s demand. But I couldn’t really disagree anymore. <br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I admitted. I could feel Briggs’ eyes go wide in his head. <br /> <br /> “What do you mean you found your mate?” he took a step closer. “Please tell me you’re talking about Kylee.”<br /> <br /> I shook my head. “No. I found my fated mate.”<br /> <br /> “What. The. Fu-” He had warned me about this when I first got involved with Kylee and again when we announced our mating ceremony. “Where is she? Who is she?”<br /> <br /> “I rejected her. She’s gone.”<br /> <br /> “Theo, man, you’re really scaring me now. Why would you do that? What were you thinking?” Briggs demanded.<br /> <br /> “She’s Kylee’s sister,” I snapped. Briggs tensed up.<br /> <br /> “Ayla? As in the sister that allegedly abandoned Kylee?” <br /> <br /> His use of the word “allegedly” pissed me off and confused me a little. He really liked Kylee. They’ve always gotten along. Even when he was cautioning me about finding my mate, he told me he was happy for me. <br /> <br /> “Are you trying to say Kylee is lying?” I snapped.<br /> <br /> He made a face. “No, but I do think it’s foolish to reject your mate without all the information.”<br /> <br /> “I have all the information I need.”<br /> <br /> “No, you have Kylee’s side of the story,” Briggs said with a worried look.<br /> <br /> “And their mother’s,” I added.<br /> <br /> Briggs scoffed. “Look, Marie Garner is a nice enough lady, but I wouldn’t exactly trust her judgment.”<br /> <br /> “What are you talking about?” I asked, my own concern growing.<br /> <br /> “Bro, she’s a lush,” Briggs said with a shrug. “Not that you’ve been around enough to notice since she’s been here. I can’t tell how bad, and she seems pretty harmless. But these things often have a dark side that no one sees.”<br /> <br /> I couldn’t believe we were having this conversation. The last thing I needed was any kind of doubt in my decision. <br /> <br /> “Whatever. It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done. And Ayla’s reactions to all of this told me all I needed to know from her.” I pushed myself to my feet. <br /> <br /> “What were her reactions?” Briggs asked cautiously, and I realized my choice of words may have given away more than I intended. I knew he wouldn’t let it go unless he was sure I told him everything. <br /> <br /> “Which time?” I said quietly.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” He heard exactly what I said. “What happened, Theo?”<br /> <br /> “She never argued or fought the rejection. She agreed and accepted it the first day we met like it was nothing. She had no response, no rebuttal, no explanation,” I told him. “You have to be coldhearted to feel nothing after breaking a mate bond.”<br /> <br /> “Or extremely strong,” Briggs stated. “You said she didn’t argue or fight. Did you even give her a chance to speak or even get to know anything about her before you threw her to the curb? Or did you just walk up to her and say tough words?”<br /> <br /> I grimaced. That’s exactly what happened. “There wasn’t exactly an opportunity for that. Neither one of us wanted Kylee to find out.”<br /> <br /> The muscles in his neck flexed as he tensed. “You said ‘which time.’ When did you see her again?”<br /> <br /> “This morning.” <br /> <br /> “Why?” <br /> <br /> I could tell he was choosing his words carefully. <br /> <br /> “Kylee wanted a necklace of her mother’s that was left at their house for some appointment this week. I went back to get it.”<br /> <br /> “Okay, someone else could have done that. Why did you go?” Briggs pushed, but the words stuck in my throat. “Theo, you’re hurting. There’s no way this is as cut and dry as you’re trying to say it is.”<br /> <br /> “The bond didn’t break. Not completely.”<br /> <br /> “Goddess, Theo. So you both have been walking around with your hearts ripped open for the past week?” Briggs said. “So, what happened today? Why are you still on the edge of ripping half the pack’s throats out?”<br /> <br /> Images of that morning flashed through my head. The fear that something had happened to her when she hadn’t been home. The jealousy and rage at finding her at another male’s house. The way it felt when I kissed her. And sheer pain and anguish of everything that followed. <br /> <br /> “Theo?” Briggs pressed.<br /> <br /> “She cut her ties to the pack,” I said solemnly. “She turned herself rogue.”<br /> <br /> “Theo,” Briggs bellowed, “how could you let that happen? Why didn’t you stop her?”<br /> <br /> “She cut herself from Dad. She used his name. There was nothing I could do. I had no way of fighting it.” I was done with this conversation. “So none of this matters. It’s done. She’s gone. She’s never coming back. Doing so would be a death sentence, and she knew that.”<br /> <br /> “What have you done, Theo?”<br /> <br /> “It doesn’t matter,” I yelled. “Whatever I did or didn’t do, she never wanted me anyway. She’s not my problem anymore. So right now, I’m going to worry about cleaning up the mess she made and figure out how to tell Kylee and Marie that they’ll never see her again. And don’t you dare breathe a word about any of this to them, do you understand me?”<br /> <br /> “Okay. Okay,” Briggs said, raising his hands in the air, trying to calm me down. “You’re right. There’s nothing we can do about her now. If it’s done and over with, then it’s done and over with. We’ll move on.”<br /> <br /> I wasn’t sure he believed it, but I didn’t care. Like I said, she wasn’t my problem anymore. <br /> <br /> I went back to my room. There was a knock on my room door, and Kylee poked her head in before I had a chance to answer.<br /> “There you are, mate,” she cooed, sitting in my lap.<br /> She ran a hand up my chest, leaning in to kiss me. Kieran’s growl started immediately.<br /> I still needed to let off some steam. Anything to get some relief.<br /> I was about to respond to her when blinding pain erupted through my body.	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1,210,771	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1211298}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1472665479955755	How back pain sufferers find permanent relief using our 'body retraining' program - without costly treatments.	How gentle daily 15 min 'body retraining' sessions permanently reverses chronic Spondy pain after other methods failed<br /> <br /> Our “3 Anchor Framework” makes this possible.<br /> <br /> In the past couple years we've had thousands of people:<br /> <br /> - reverse their back pain permanently<br /> - stop costly treatments<br /> - get off medications<br /> <br /> And get back to what they love doing.<br /> <br /> All by dedicating 15 minutes a day to a ‘body retraining’ session.<br /> <br /> Hi, I'm Dr. Ryan Peebles and I became a Dr. of Physical Therapy to discover exactly what was going on with my back pain.<br /> <br /> I had Degenerative Disc Disease, bulging and herniated discs, Stenosis, and SI joint pain for over a decade.<br /> <br /> I wanted to stop the pain... That’s it.<br /> <br /> I didn’t think there was a way to reverse the cause of these diseases and become permanently pain free.<br /> <br /> I was afraid of my back pain slowly taking everything I loved doing from me.<br /> <br /> During Physical Therapy School I developed a “3 Core Anchors” framework to reverse lower back pain.<br /> <br /> It's an "interface" that allows us to make real, lasting changes to our deep core to change locked or lengthened muscles.<br /> <br /> After graduating - I created a movement retraining program around this concept.<br /> <br /> I used this program to reverse the root causes of my chronic lower back pain.<br /> <br /> Because I rebuilt the spines supporting muscles and finally rid myself of the chronic pain for good.<br /> <br /> I then used it on over 1200 patients in-office for over 6 years while proving it works with all different backgrounds, lifestyles, and activity levels.<br /> <br /> And that's how Core Balance Training (CBT) was born.<br /> <br /> I also created a short video for those who want to learn how to reverse the root causes of lower back pain.<br /> <br /> During the short video on the next page I cover:<br /> <br /> ✅ The Root Causes of almost all chronic lower back issues<br /> <br /> ✅ How almost all our students experience a life changing reduction in lower back pain in the 1st month alone<br /> <br /> ✅ How I reversed the root causes of chronic pain, DDD, Stenosis, SI Joint pain, Spondy and more<br /> <br /> ✅ The most important factor of all - who has reversed the imbalance, and who has NOT.<br /> <br /> If the 15 minute video only gave you 1 powerful tool to relieve chronic back pain - wouldn’t it be worth it?<br /> <br /> I was afraid that my back problems would eventually put me in a wheelchair, locked out of doing everything I loved doing.<br /> <br /> Forever a spectator, never again a player.<br /> <br /> Core Balance Training allowed me to confidently:<br /> <br /> - get back on the surfboard<br /> - walk hundreds of miles for charity<br /> - and pick up my son without worry.<br /> <br /> And now it’s helped thousands of others to dance the night away, spend all day on the golf green again, run races, master the downward dog, and not let anything get in their way.<br /> <br /> Watch the masterclass here:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.corebalancetraining.com%2Fmasterclass&h=AT1VhHnNyL20FwU8L5XMfIA5C4iu4-HpTrGB3X1TDS-lKlzqTSCl5iWbK1Urq53mQm-k27C9mbVXe2Yhluo3zKMLT2JsNkBMoeeaTJM-BPKPRvmmuqB1xAJ43nEEgB46WGM0Hn2xfDJKdk6xLtGebV-Rc1k" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="origin">https://www.corebalancetraining.com/masterclass</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://www.corebalancetraining.com/masterclass	1340917635997191	Core Balance Training	https://facebook.com/corebalancetraining	10,803	1	707,240,874,698,805	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Core Balance Training	6553827037792	corebalancetraining.com	NONE	video		https://www.corebalancetraining.com/masterclass	2024-04-13 11:19	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437755513_976126554133203_4228334269458562172_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nDImANHYxsAAb7cgOyw&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfAy24tZR3A9R4B2GcFOZRmkpeCF_zE1c1eQ06YIPY1ojw&oe=6621E378	person_profile	Dr. Ryan Peebles DPT	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437922822_963423975430919_1119828473609454151_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lYN18iYpD1sAb4GJDqa&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfCQKu8tZc2g196vGx7jbeXG-zq_9oR4IHa2ZehjxDCLVg&oe=6622048D	3	Core Balance Training	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,209,296	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209350}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	415284758103879	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Don't walk away from me, Zell," Kosta yelled.<br /> "Why not? You don't need me. You have Khalis here to take care of all your needs. She is welcome to you. I hope you all will be very happy together. As for me, I'm done. Good luck to you and this pack. I hope you can handle the fallout for you and your whore's actions."<br /> "Mind how you talk to me, Zell. I may be your mate, but I am still the alpha. As a matter of fact, as of right now, I am stripping you of all of your luna privileges."<br /> I spat. "You should know, you didn't deprive me of Luna's title, but I didn't want it myself. I no longer want it. As for the business, have you forgotten that I own 51% of every business we have? I will withdraw all of my personal finances from the pack."<br /> "Oh, and Alpha, You, of all people, know how ruthless I can be if pushed."<br /> ————————<br /> "Well Zel, I just wanted to let you know that I plan on being the Luna of this pack, and your days as Kosta's mate and luna are numbered. I have decided that I deserve to be luna of the third strongest pack in the nation. I mean why should you get everything and I get stuck with nothing?" Khalis says.<br /> <br /> Is this bimbo serious? I just sat there staring at her for a few seconds. Not much shocks me, but this is something else. I knew Khalis was selfish, but this is on a whole other level. There have been rumors about Khalis sleeping with mated males, but I always gave her the benefit of the doubt. I never thought we would be having this kind of conversation. We have been friends since elementary school. Her father and brothers are elite warriors in my father's pack. She was with me when Kosta declared we were mates. She even encouraged me to go with him when he begged me and my father to let me come to his pack with him before I turned 18. She moved to this pack with me, hoping to meet her own mate. She knows Kosta is my fated mate. The moon goddess chose for him me. We both have known Kosta for most of our lives. Kosta is one of my brother's best friends. I keep thinking about everything we have done together and now this bimbo is sitting in my office telling me she plans to take my mate. I'm really speechless. This is a new low, even for her.<br /> <br /> "Just so that I am clear, what exactly do you mean that you want my goddess-given mate and title," I asked.<br /> <br /> "I mean exactly what I said. I want Kosta. I want to be his luna and I am going to make that happen. I've already started the process. I deserve to be a luna."<br /> <br /> "So you just want to come in here and tell me that you want my mate? What about your own mate? Have you thought about that? If the goddess meant for you to be a luna, you would have been fated to an alpha."<br /> <br /> "I waited for my mate. I gave the goddess a chance to do right by me. She gave everyone around me an Alpha. My sister got one, my little ugly cousin got one and even you got one, but what did I get? I got a lowly elite warrior as a mate." She spat.<br /> <br /> "How can you speak like that about elite warriors? Your father and your brother are elite warriors."<br /> <br /> "I know, and I deserve better than that. I deserve to be a luna. I deserve to have people respect me and cater to me."<br /> <br /> "Well, obviously the goddess did not agree with you," I said. "Just to clarify, you're saying that even though you found your destined mate, the one that was made specifically for you by the goddess, you're still interested in my mate? You are unbelievable. What is wrong with you?"<br /> <br /> "It's simple. I'm not meant to be the mate of a warrior. I am meant to be a luna. The moon goddess got it wrong and I am correcting her mistake. As soon as I scented my fated mate and realized he was a warrior, I rejected him and he accepted my rejection. Good riddance."<br /> <br /> "So you think you know better than the goddess?" I asked.<br /> <br /> I am still somewhat shocked. I have a hard time reconciling this cold-blooded bimbo to the person that has been my best friend for over a decade.<br /> <br /> "Zell, I told you a long time ago not to trust her. She has always been this person. She just pretended with you." Sapphire said.<br /> <br /> "This isn't personal, Zell. It's simple since the moon goddess did not give me an alpha, I'm going to take one."<br /> <br /> This bimbo is sitting here calmly telling me she is going to take my mate from me like we are talking about going shopping. She actually thinks this is ok. How could I have been so blind for so long? Everyone tried to warn me about her, but she was my only friend and I just didn't want to believe that about her. I convinced myself that the others were just jealous of her.<br /> <br /> "Do you really think it is ok to try to break your best friend's mate bond?" I say.<br /> <br /> "Oh Honey, I'm not going to try. I'm going to do it. He will be mine. I'm just giving you the courtesy of walking away with your dignity. You might as well start making arrangements for yourself because once I am the luna, there is no way that I will let you remain in my pack. He may keep some tender feelings for you. After all, you are fated."<br /> <br /> "You got one thing right; Kosta and I are fated. You are not the first she-wolf to try to break our mate bond and since he is an alpha, I'm sure you won't be the last. I will tell you what I tell them all, If you can get Kosta to cheat on our bond, you can have him. If he can do that, then he is not the man I have believed him to be and wouldn't deserve me. You would be welcome to him. Just remember, it is because of me and my family that this pack is ranked third. All of that goes with me, but you would be more than welcome to whatever is left." I say.<br /> <br /> "It's not an if, it's a when it happens. And when you leave, Kosta will still be the alpha of this pack. You will just be the ex-luna of the pack. I will be the luna."<br /> <br /> "That's where you are wrong. I am alpha born; a pure-blooded alpha. If I leave, I will still be an alpha and you will still be that bimbo on the side. Some males may be dumb enough to sleep with you, but I have not seen any of the mate men you've been accused of leaving their mates for you. Even the ones who got rejected didn't choose to be with you. Now I suggest you leave my office while I am still being nice or else you will find out why I am feared by others. And if you are successful, don't think for a minute that my family will let either of you go."<br /> <br /> "I will leave for now. Enjoy this office while it is still yours. Your arrogance will be your downfall. Why should I fear you or your family? They have not even been around since your luna ceremony. I'll give you 1 week to make arrangements for yourself. In 7 days, all of this will be mine and you will be out. I will break you and completely disgrace you. I have to thank you for working so hard to build this pack up for me to take over. I will be sure to enjoy the fruit of your labor. I and my children will enjoy this. I am glad he listened to me early on when I told him to wait to have children so you could live your life first. I had to set the groundwork just in case. Now it's time for you to go before you give him an heir." Khalis says and walks out of my office like nothing happened.<br /> <br /> She has caused a lot of chaos since coming to this pack. I just didn't realize her character before now. I thought she was misunderstood. Now I know I was just naïve. It appears that I was the only person blind to her true nature.<br /> <br /> I spent the rest of the day working on pack security and setting up meetings. There are a few alphas wanting an alliance with us. Kosta and I have become quite the power couple in the werewolf society. Since we took over as alpha and luna, the pack and the businesses have grown tremendously. I put my heart and soul into making our pack the best. I got an early start. I graduated from high school when I was 16 and went to university. I graduated with a business degree at 20. Kosta has let me take the lead in our businesses. He knows that beast at negotiation and a whiz at growing businesses. I have acquired several new companies since working in the pack business. Kosta is still the CEO, but I am the COO of the company. I broker the deals and then call Kosta in to close the deal. Most alphas in our circle are jealous of Kosta because he has me at his side. Kosta used to be proud of me and what I did for the pack, but lately he has been resisting the changes I have been making and trying to take over more of the daily operations of the pack. He can't take it all because I am the sole financial backing of the pack and the businesses.<br /> <br /> I am known in werewolf society as a child prodigy, but don't get it twisted, I am not all brains. I can be very deadly when needed. I train every day. I am one of the strongest wolves alive, although I keep that hidden. I can be ruthless, but fair. I know that I am the total package. I am athletic, tall with curves in the right places. I've never been one to compete with other she-wolves. I thought I was happy and had a good life. I thought Khalis was happy. We used to talk about finding our fated mates. I just can't understand how or why Khalis would try to come between me and my mate. I wish I could believe that my bond was safe and solid, but Sapphire is right about Kosta acting suspiciously lately. Kosta has been questioning me a lot lately. It's like he woke up a different person one day. He suddenly lost trust in me, but I have never given him a reason to doubt me. I have found him outside of my door listening to business phone calls, which is crazy because he could just walk in at any time and join the conversation. I have never hidden anything I was doing from him. The worse thing is that our life is now nonexistent. Kosta is always too busy or too tired. His behavior has led me to believe that he is not attracted to me anymore. He had the nerve to ask me why I have been trying so hard to seduce him lately. Like he didn't just stop making love to me cold turkey all of a sudden. We went from making love every day, sometime multiple times a day, to nothing in over a month. Seems like he should have been worried if I didn't try to seduce him. I don't know any mated pair that has gone this long without being intimate with each other. I don't know what the issue is. If we were not marked, I would wonder if he was cheating, but I know he is not. I would have felt it. Why did all of this suddenly become so hard? Why do I even need to seduce my goddess-given mate? It was never supposed to be this way. At least not yet. I'm only 20 years old. Much too young to be going through a dry spell while mated.<br /> <br /> I got so desperate at one time I asked our friends what was going on with him. Kosta tells his beta and gamma everything. I figured if there was a problem, they would tell me and I could fix it, but they just said that he was under a lot of stress. What exactly does he have to stress about? The pack is doing better than it has been in years. In half a year, the pack will be self-sufficient again and won't need to depend on my finances to keep it afloat. I have everything set in motion for the pack to have more disposable cash and residual income. I have a feeling this has Khalis written all over it. Kosta appears to have fallen in line with her already. Maybe this was their plan all along. Kosta needed me to get his pack back on track and now that they are almost completely independent, they don't need me anymore. If that's the case, they are in for a rude awakening. My six-month plan depends on me closing several more deals. All of these deals are allies with my father, uncle, and grandfather. They will not work with Kosta if our bond falls apart. He would erase everything that I have done over the past three years. Well, that would be his problem.<br /> <br /> I got so caught up in working and thinking; I didn't realize I worked up to dinner time. No one called me for lunch. In fact, no one called me for dinner. That is strange. One of the omegas usually checks on me when I am working too much and makes sure I am eating. I guess everyone is following Kosta. Since he has not been showing me any care, they are not either. That really hurts. I sacrificed a lot for this pack. I thought they cared more than this for me. I should just go back to my room. I don't know if I want to be around this pack right now, especially if they could turn their backs on me this quickly. Were they all just using me for my family's wealth?<br /> <br /> "We need to eat Zell. Remember, we are eating for our pup as well. Don't let them win. We are better than this. If they show us they don't want us here, we will leave. Remember, we are alpha born. We will rise above this. We will go back to where we are celebrated. If they turn against us, they don't deserve us. We will sit back and let them destroy themselves."<br /> <br /> "You are right Sapphire. Let's go eat. Our pup needs sustenance."<br /> <br /> I went and cleaned myself up and walked to the dining room. As soon as I walked through the door, all the talking stopped. The whole place went silent. As I walked all the way in, I saw why everyone went silent. Khalis was sitting in my seat, putting food on Kosta's plate like she is the luna. When she saw me, she just smirked and kept doing what she was doing. Kosta just keep eating like I was not standing there. Sapphire stared, pushing forward. She wanted blood. I did too, but I have to think about our pup.<br /> <br /> "What is going on, Kosta? Why is she sitting in my seat feeding you?" I growled.<br /> <br /> "I meant no harm, Zell. You were busy, so I decided to take care of Kosta for you. Someone needs to care for him while you are caring for other things. "<br /> <br /> "I was speaking to my mate, not his bimbo on the side."<br /> <br /> "You were not here for your mate, so I have been taking care of his needs."<br /> <br /> Sapphire pushed forward and growled loudly. Everyone in the room bowed their neck to her.<br /> <br /> "I could kill you in less than 30 seconds, Khalis. I would advise you not to keep crossing my line and you will find yourself very dead. You obviously have forgotten who I am. Don't make me remind you what my family name is," Sapphire said.<br /> <br /> I regained control and looked at Kosta. He didn't even appear to be concerned. He didn't show an ounce of regret or remorse. That took a little of the fight out of me. Khalis can only do what Kosta allows her to do.<br /> <br /> "Kosta, I asked you a question. What is going on?"<br /> <br /> "As Khalis said, you were busy, so she came to do your job for you. If you spent more time catering to me, your mate, and less time working or whatever you are doing, Khalis wouldn't have to step in and take care of my needs." Kosta said.<br /> <br /> I and every pack member gasped. I could not believe he openly disrespected me like that after everything I have done for him and this pack. I did all of that for him. This ungrateful hip.<br /> <br /> "So now I'm working too much, making your pack financially secure? You were not complaining when the pack was bankrupted and I worked day and night just so you could feed the pack another day. I was working too hard then. It's only now that you think the pack is out of the woods that I am working too hard. Now that everyone is comfortable and not at risk of starving, you want to change. Ok, I see who you are now. So instead of appreciating the sacrifices I made for us and the pack, you are sitting here with your bimbo, enjoying the feast that my hard work made possible. I am glad I finally understand where your priorities lie. Trust me, I will never make the same mistake twice." I said and walked away.<br /> <br /> I need to get out of here before I wolf out and kill one of them. After tonight, Khalis can have him. He is not the male I thought he was. I refuse to fight for someone who can spit on all the effort I put into making him great.<br /> <br /> "Don't walk away from me, Zell," Kosta yelled.<br /> <br /> "Why not? You don't need me. You have Khalis here to take care of all your needs. She is welcome to you. I hope you all will be very happy together. As for me, I'm done. Good luck to you and this pack. I hope you can handle the fallout for you and your bimbo's actions."<br /> <br /> "Mind how you talk to me, Zell. I may be your mate, but I am still the alpha. As a matter of fact, as of right now, I am stripping you of all of your luna privileges."<br /> <br /> "Alpha, what are you doing?" Beta James asked<br /> <br /> "Mind your business Beta. This is my pack." Kosta says.<br /> <br /> "Yes, and as your beta and friend, it is my job to tell you when you are making a mistake. Alpha, you are dangerously close to crossing the line of no return. Let's all calm down and discuss this later." Beta James said.<br /> <br /> "Beta, my word stands. Zel, until you learn to respect me as your alpha, you can forget about representing this pack in any aspect. I will be instructing the security team to restrict all of your access. You are no longer the COO of our businesses. As of now, you are just a regular pact member with no power."<br /> <br /> "First of all Alpha." I spat. "Respect is earned. While you are trying to throw your weight around, you can have the luna title back. I no longer want it. As for the business, have you forgotten that I own 51% of every business we have? I also provide 60% of the pack budget from my personal accounts. So while you can restrict my duties as Luna, you cannot touch the business, but I'll do you a solid. You can buy me out of the business and I will withdraw all of my personal finances from the pack."<br /> <br /> I can see that he had forgotten how dependent his pack was on me, but oh well. He made his bed. Now he and his bimbo can lie in it.<br /> <br /> "Oh, and Alpha, if you try to strong-arm me, I will have to call in the full loan that I gave this pack when we mated. Remember, we signed a contract for the loan. You have only paid me a small portion of the loan and I have not pushed the issue, but the contract is legal and binding. Don't push me, Kosta. You, of all people, know how ruthless I can be if pushed."<br /> <br /> I walked off again and made it as far as the stairs. I realized that I could not stay in my current room anymore. There is no way on this goddess-green earth that I want to be in a room with Kosta. Not that he has really shared it with me lately. Now I know why. Khalis has been feeding him and he has been eating it up. They both miscalculated. They thought I would be leaving here with nothing. The jokes on them. I may have been in love, but there is no love in business. I may have put my all into saving this pack and making it independently wealthy, but my parents did not raise a fool and I protected my finances. I invested millions in this company and pack. Did he really think I would protect my money? Does he not remember the prenup my father made him sign since I was a minor when he brought me to this pack? He never gained control over my finances.<br /> <br /> Khalis just showed her hand. After what I just saw, she has a right to be confident. Kosta has completely changed. He is not the man that I mated. He is not the boy that I followed around when I was younger. I don't know what happened or when he changed. Maybe this is who he really is and, like with Khalis, I just never saw his true self. He must have hidden it from my father and brother as well. There is no way they would have let me come here when I was 17 if they knew this was how he would end up treating me. I can see now that it is over between Kosta and me. I need to start planning my exit. I pulled up my computer and moved all of my finances from the pack accounts. I closed all the joint accounts I had with Kosta. It was mostly my money that financed them. I left the ones that he financed in his name. I don't want anything from him at all. After I handle business, I call my brother. I will need his help to leave here safely. Now that Kosta knows that all the money is still tied up with me, I doubt he will let me leave easily. I'm sure he and the bimbo are plotting up something.<br /> <br /> I called my brother and tall him waht happened.<br /> <br /> "So what's the plan, baby sis?" my brother answered.<br /> <br /> "Well, I have already moved all of my personal money from the pack accounts. They are now responsible for themselves. I'm not sure how that is going to go over. I was covering most of the pack's budget. Tomorrow, I will contact my attorneys to protect all of my other assets. I also plan to call our allies and let them know that I am no longer associated with the pack. I am erasing everything I've done over the past three years. They will need to start over from scratch and rebuild it all on their own. There is no way they will get to enjoy my hard work. No, sir."<br /> <br /> "Very smart Zell. What do you need me to do?"	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1,209,306	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209451}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	445219591506549	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"He found his mate, I'm sorry but it's fated and you are now the other woman." she sighs, glancing at the balcony doors.<br /> "That's what I thought, you couldn't even resist ten minutes before banging her, could you?" I seethe , pure rage filling me.<br /> "I didn't, I swear..." he promises, but I don't believe him.<br /> "Did you reject her?" I frown and he falls silent, raking a hand through his hair.<br /> "Then no, we can't ." I turn and walk to our room. "Jess, I love you. I promise I will reject her, I just...I couldn't, it's much more difficult than you think." he frowns, explaining himself.<br /> ____________<br /> JESSICA'S POV<br /> --<br /> Nick and I have been married for three years, we are high school sweethearts and married when we were twenty when neither of us found our mates. These days, fated mates are rare and hard to come by...we both agreed I'd be a good Luna to the pack since I trained with him, I learned to be a luna from his mother and we have been inseparable since we were in diapers.<br /> He's my best friend and my true love.<br /> We made a promise to never leave, to never break the bond, to never reject one another when we found our real mates, which is likely to never happen.<br /> We are attending a ball tonight, but my insides are twisted, as if the Moon Goddess herself wants to shield me from whatever is going to happen, I tried to talk Nick into staying at home, but as stubborn like all alpha's are, he refused and said that we would get a bad name if we didn't attend.<br /> Sitting in the car while our driver takes us to a nearby pack, a strong and mighty one.<br /> I know it's our duty to attend, but holding his hand in the back seat, something is terribly wrong.<br /> We arrive and there are a line of cars outside, one by one driving by , guests getting out, wearing gowns and suits.<br /> It's our turn and Nick opens the door, holding his hand out to me and I happily take it as we get out, photos are taken and a red carpet is rolled out as if we were famous.<br /> Nick looks handsome with his dark blonde hair gelled back, his chiseled jaw tense, and the edges of his lips curled up into a small smile.<br /> We arrive inside and we're led to the ballroom, servants with trays walking with snack food and drinks pace all over while the guests stand and chat.<br /> I notice the alpha of The Deep Mountain pack greeting people, making rounds to greet and speak, there's a stage in the middle against the wall, a bar to the side and a dance floor in the middle where couples are dancing elegantly.<br /> I smile at my surroundings and freeze when I look at Nick, staring at a beautiful dark haired girl .<br /> "Nick." I tug at his hand, but it's like he's under a spell, frozen in time as the girl stares back at him.<br /> "Nick." I tug harder, his shoulder shrugging back, "Huh?" he turns to me with a frown, his fingers letting go of my hand and I feel cold.<br /> "I'm going to grab a drink." he smiles at me before walking off towards the bar, closer to the strange woman.<br /> I was an omega and the room is filled with power, I could even feel hers because she is of a higher rank.<br /> I gulp as I watch him walk to the bar, his eyes locked on hers and she elegantly turns in her navy blue dress, walking towards him with dark lustful eyes.<br /> I can't be...but it is...it's his mate..<br /> I stand frozen and a shoulder bumps into me, making my head turn at the woman glaring and snarling, "Watch where you are going!" she scolds and I apologize before walking over to the bar, joining my mate's side while he absentmindedly stares at the woman next to him.<br /> I clear my throat, but there's no response from him.<br /> He doesn't even notice me..<br /> "Nick." I smile , hope filling my heart as he glances at me, fear flashing through his perfect green orbs as he steps back and then looks at her again.<br /> "Jess, this is Tiffany...my mate." he smiles awkwardly at me but when he looks at her, it's a genuine smile...<br /> "Nick." I frown in concern and he takes my hand, giving it a tight squeeze, "Don't worry, I know what to do." he smiles, "Shall we talk outside?" the gloominess in his eyes makes me relax only for a minute until she holds out her hand, smiling gracefully with her full lips and pretty blue eyes.<br /> My heart sinks when her hand hooks into his arm and they head to the balcony. alone...<br /> I should go with...but it is a private matter.<br /> 'He's ours...' Zola, my wolf, whimpers.<br /> I stand at the bar, staring carelessly at my mate walking off with his true mate and I inch closer, frowning as every nerve in my body is burning to follow them.<br /> I glance around and there are so many people that they don't even notice until the Luna of the Deep Mountain pack steps closer, "Jessica, is it? From the West Pack?" I nod, trying not to be rude when I look at the balcony and not at her while she speaks to me.<br /> "Oh honey, it's done." she shakes her head and I frown.<br /> "What do you mean?" My eyes stare into her honey ones.<br /> "He found his mate, I'm sorry but it's fated and you are now the other woman." she sighs, glancing at the balcony doors.<br /> I stare at her, my heart racing a million miles an hour and I excuse myself.<br /> I step out of the house, moving around the arriving couples when I feel my heart squeeze, pain taking over and I know what it meant...Disgust fills me and I start to run, glancing over my shoulder no one notices and I shift, my beautiful pastel pink dress ripping to shreds as I run into the woods.<br /> The pain had stopped, but I did not return home until after midnight, finding Nick sitting on the couch, watching tv.<br /> "Jessica, where have you been?" he stands as I slam the door shut, standing undressed in front of him.<br /> I cross my arms over my chest, glaring at him. "Excuse me? Where have I been? What have you been doing!" I growl, making his eyes widen in shame and his gaze flicks to the floor when he scratches his nape.<br /> "That's what I thought, you couldn't even resist ten minutes before banging her, could you?" I seethe , pure rage filling me.<br /> "I didn't, I swear..." he promises, but I don't believe him.<br /> Scoffing, I strut past the couch to our room, "Can we talk?" he yells and I turn , "Did you reject her?" I frown and he falls silent, raking a hand through his hair.<br /> "Then no, we can't ." I turn and walk to our room.<br /> He follows me, closing the door behind us, "Jess, I love you. I promise I will reject her, I just...I couldn't, it's much more difficult than you think." he frowns, explaining himself.<br /> "And will you go and do it?" I grab clothes from the closet, "I will, just...I need time." he begs and I snort, "Can I come when you do it?" the silence says it all, he doesn't want me there...<br /> "You're saying you'll do it, but you won't, because you are weak." I tut, shaking my head.<br /> "I will, I just need to distance myself, to keep myself away and then I'll do it when I have the strength to." he explains, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.<br /> I hum, ignoring him as I strut past him toward the bathroom and he reaches for me, grabbing my wrist and I snarl at him, making him let me go instantly, "Don't touch me after banging someone else." I grit out, backing up into the bathroom and I slam the door shut, the heavy thud shaking the windows and I lock the door.<br /> I take a hot shower, the water pouring down on me as my back slides down the tiled wall, tears streaming down my face as I weep.<br /> I hear the door handle jiggle and I wipe the fog from the glass door, staring at the handle go up and down as he tries to enter.<br /> I feel a tug at the mind link, but I shut him out.<br /> He disgusts me, he promised, both of us promised one another that we would immediately reject our mates before the bond grew and he is letting it grow, making it ten times more difficult to reject them.<br /> I can't believe I trusted him...I show his mark in the crook of my neck, I hold our love dear in my heart and he just let it all go down the drain, letting it sink into the sewers.<br /> I am nothing more than dirt under his shoe and here I am, still loving him with every breath I take.<br /> After sitting more than an hour under the steaming water, it turns cold and I sit for another half an hour before standing and I shut the water off, taking my time to get dressed and when I stride out in silk booty shorts and a thin strap silk top, I notice how Nick lays in bed, his thumbs circling one another as he stares at the ceiling.<br /> He doesn't even notice me and I am sure he's thinking about her.<br /> The one who stole his heart within a second, the one who is going to steal my life, my bed, my position and my mate.<br /> We are real mates, we accepted one another, we marked each other, we might not be fated, but we are real or we were before her.<br /> I climb into bed and his head turns to me, staring at the back of my head when my back is turned to him.<br /> "Jess, can we talk?" his tone pleads with me, but I can't turn and look at him as tears stream down my flushed cheeks.<br /> His hand rests on my shoulder and I shrug him off, "Stop touching me." my voice cracks and his arm drapes over my body as he pulls my back to his front, "I'm so sorry Jess, I never thought this would happen. I love you and I only love you peaches, remember peaches? Just you and me against the world, through tough times and sunshine. This is only the tough, we'll get through it." he whispers, his chin resting against my shoulder, his hot breath fanning the sensitive spot below my ear.<br /> I want to believe him, but how can I when he couldn't hold up his end of our promise?<br /> "Please don't touch me." I begin a whisper and he holds me tighter, shaking his head.<br /> "You are my everything." he pecks me cheek and I turn to him, his eyes holding sorrow as he wipes my cheeks.<br /> "You are my everything too, but how could you?" my eyes winch shut in despair.<br /> "I'm sorry peaches." he cups my cheek and I lean into his touch, hating that I want him.<br /> I want him to love me, I want him to choose me, I want him to reject her and come back to me, to love me and not resent me.<br /> "Come here." he pulls me closer and I let him.<br /> He rolls onto his back, takes my leg and pulls me onto him.<br /> I sit on him, my legs on either side of him.<br /> I could feel how hard he is beneath me and I can't help but wonder if he's erected for me or is it because he was thinking of her?<br /> "I love you peaches, you are my one and only mate." he smiles up at me and my heart beats in my ears.<br /> I lean down, pecking him deeply.<br /> JESSICA'S POV<br /> —<br /> "Nick." I beam as I skip into his office, but freeze when he slams the phone down on the table, looking guilty.<br /> It's been a week since he found his true mate and I have been worried about it, but day after day, it became less of a problem.<br /> "What's wrong?" I ask, my wide smile gone within seconds.<br /> "Nothing peaches." He forces a smile, but his eyes say something else.<br /> "Who were you on the phone with?" I sit down across from him and he slowly pulls the phone away, probably thinking I wouldn't notice.<br /> "No one." He's lying to me, while looking me in the eye.<br /> My heart clenches, my hands shivering as they lay in my lap.<br /> "Was it her?" My voice cracks and he sighs, sucking his lips into his mouth.<br /> "It was." I grit out, my heart pounding against my chest.<br /> "It's not what you think Jess." He sighs, holding out his hand for me to take, but how could I trust him when he just lied to me?<br /> "Then what was it Nick?" I frown, glaring at him with teary eyes.<br /> His eyes flick to his hand and then back up at me before slowly pulling away.<br /> "She asked to see me." He starts to explain, my stomach flipping and vile rises.<br /> "And you said yes..." I shake my head, my face twitching up into a snarl.<br /> His eyes slowly fall shut as he exhales a breath and I stand, the chair's legs screeching across the wooden floor and tears stream down my face.<br /> "And you weren't going to tell me, were you?" My words are broken as I speak, along with my shattered heart.<br /> His eyes lift to mine as he stands, his length making me feel small.<br /> "I was. I was going to tell you." He tries to defend himself, leaving my heart shattered and stomped on with his lies .<br /> "No, no you weren't." I inhale a breath, my body shivering with pain of his betrayal.<br /> "I was, I swear." He moves to the side of his desk, wanting to come to me and I stumble back, "No!" I hold up my hand, making him stop in his tracks.<br /> "If...if you were g-going to t-tell me...you, you would have when I ask-ed." my words stutter, failing me when I need them the most.<br /> "I just..." he scratches his nape, his eyes spiraling and I watch him, noticing his shaky hand as he tries to explain, as he tries to lie himself out of this one.<br /> We have never lied to one another, but now...seeing him lie to me so effortlessly makes me wonder if he ever told a lie before...<br /> "Just what Nick?"<br /> He said I had nothing to worry about, he said that he needed time to just gather the courage to reject her, which I guess would be hard, but finding out he was going to see her behind my back...how could I trust him again?<br /> "I wanted to tell you over breakfast, not right now..." his eyes fall to the floor in shame.<br /> "When are you going to see her?"<br /> "Are you going to reject her?" I push, making his eyes darken as he stares at me.<br /> "No." He shakes his head, "I'm not ready."<br /> I snort at his little excuse...my heart is bleeding right now.<br /> "Then why did you agree to see her? How could you agree to see her?" I snap, yelling at the top of my lungs in a loud cry.<br /> He steps closer and I step back, glaring at him with all the hatred in the world.<br /> Everyone thought that I was not right for him, except him and our parents...the high-ranked girls thought I was foolish until the day I became luna, and look at me now...I'm not good enough anymore and they were right.<br /> "She's ill, her doctor said it's because we aren't close." He yells back at me and I blankly stare at him with disgust.<br /> "So you want to go there..." I breathe out, "And betray me?" I bellow.<br /> He sighs, rolling his eyes, "I would never betray you...I just want her to get well and then when she gets better I will reject her, I promise." He inches closer, his eyes boring into mine, desperation and sadness clear in his eyes.<br /> "I'm coming with you." I state and he shakes his head, "You can't."<br /> "I don't care, I will not stay here and lose my mind over her! If you want my forgiveness for lying to me, you will let me come with you." I threaten his trust and I watch his gulp, his throat bobbing.<br /> "Fine, you can come." He nods and I aggressively wipe the tears from my cheeks.<br /> "I'll get dressed." I turn on my heel and walk out of his office, hearing him throw a vase and I listen to the glass shatter, shutting my eyes at the sound of the glass hitting the floor.<br /> The ride over to her pack was long and silent, I could feel Nick glancing at me now and then, but I just stare out of the window, taking in the nature around me.<br /> I don't want to be mad at him, but I am.<br /> The bond we have might not be fated, but it is real. We are true mates and I'd be a fool to have let him come alone to be with his real fated mate.<br /> Arriving at the pack, everyone bows to us, welcoming us and the doctor meets us at the entrance of the pack house she lives in...apparently she's of alpha blood...alpha Darren's daughter.<br /> He's a fair, kind man who treats his people well, so hopefully he won't be too mad at Nick.<br /> "Alpha Nick. Please follow me." We step forward, following him and a guard grabs my arm, growling at me.<br /> I freeze, staring up at the tall man, "Get yours hand off my mate!" Nick bellows and the guard's eyes widen before he immediately lets me go.<br /> The doctor turns to us as he stands on the fourth step.<br /> "I apologize, but she has to stay here. We can not let alpha Tiffany get upset or she'll get worse."<br /> That is such nonsense.<br /> His fingers brush my pitch black hair out of my face, his fingers capturing my chin and he tilts my head upward, looking down at me with desperation.<br /> "Please, I will be right back." His thumb caresses my cheek.<br /> I don't want him to go, I don't trust these people...<br /> I don't trust him alone with her...<br /> "Just you and I peaches." The small smile on his face makes me lean into his palm as I nod.<br /> If he breaks my trust now...it's over.<br /> He pecks my temple before following the doctor and the guard shows me to a couch in the living room, where I can annoyingly sit and watch the staircase, waiting for the love of my life to come down and just take us home.<br /> My knee won't stop bouncing as I glance at the staircase and then at the black screen in front of me.<br /> A clearing of a throat makes my head snap to the side and the luna from the party stands there with a smug look.<br /> "Jessica, is it?" Her eyebrows raise, her posture perfect.<br /> "What are you doing here?" I stand, fixing my dress.<br /> "I live here." She deadpans and my heart sinks.<br /> She's Tiffany's mother...<br /> "You knew..." I frown at her, taking a step closer and so does she.<br /> "That your chosen mate's true mate is my daughter? Yes." I scoff and watch her whipping her hair back to cascade down her back.<br /> She has the same dark hair as her daughter, but not as dark as mine.<br /> "He is going to reject her." I grit out, pissed that she stood there, thinking that Nick was going to choose her over me.<br /> "Will he though?" Her finger taps her chin, as if knowing something I don't.<br /> "He will, he promised." Her eyes widen, but there is no hint of fear, no surprise, just plain evil.<br /> And I thought she was nice...pfft.<br /> "Good for you." She smiles and before I could think of anything to say, my heart aches, my breath knocked right out of my body with the pain and I haunch over, grabbing the side of the couch, my nails digging into it and I glance up at her smug grin, my eyes flicking bright as I growl loudly and I focus on him.<br /> 'What are you doing!?' I yell through the mind link and the pain immediately stops, breaking my heart even further.<br /> Standing upright, Luna Maya's smirk is brighter, more evil dancing in her eyes.<br /> "I warned you, you are the other woman." She tuts, "I wasn't and I never will be." I grit out, even though that I am lying because Nick will never touch me again.<br /> The pain was worse...it was more painful than the last time and now I know that he didn't screw her that night, but he might have right now...<br /> I shouldn't have let him go alone, because look at us now...we're nothing.<br /> I am nothing.<br /> "Darren!" The Luna yells and the alpha comes striding in and she falls against his chest.<br /> "You must convince Nick to take Tiffany with him! She's getting sicker by the minute without him." Her eyelashes batt repeatedly, fake tears forming in her eyes, "I'm worried Darren..."<br /> "No!" I growl and Alpha Darren pulls his mate behind him, "Who are you?" He stands tall, his aura slightly frightening.<br /> "I am Nick's mate, the Luna of the West pack and your daughter is not welcome on our land." I stand tall, my eyes flicking past Alpha Darren to Nick coming down the staircase.<br /> I sigh before running to him, I need to get out of here. I need to get him out of here, away from his fated mate, away from her parents.<br /> Alpha Darren stares at me dumbfounded as I brush past them, grabbing onto Nick, "We're leaving, right now!" I demand, tugging him towards the front door.<br /> "Jess, I'm sorry." His apology just flies through me, because it means nothing.<br /> "Alpha Nick!" Alpha Darren calls him and he abruptly stops in his tracks, turning to him.<br /> "You need to take my daughter with you or reject her now." He demands with so much authority.<br /> "Excuse me?" Nick frowns in confusion.<br /> "Say no." I whisper in a pleading tone.<br /> "You heard him." Luna Maya takes her position next to her mate.<br /> I tug on his hand, staring up at him with tear-filled eyes, "Just reject her and we can go home." I beg him.<br /> His green eyes remind me of the beautiful forest just flick between my icy blue ones.<br /> "I can't." He mouths, breaking my heart.<br /> "Well, what is it going to be?" Alpha Darren inches closer.<br /> "I don't have to do either." Nick shakes his head.<br /> "She's safe here." Nick's eyes narrow.<br /> "She'll get sicker!" Luna Mayaover-exaggerates.<br /> I really don't like her.<br /> Nick turns to me, his orbs filled with distraught, "I'm sorry." He says before turning to her parents.<br /> "You can bring her and her things to our pack tomorrow." He nods and the devilish smile on Luna Maya's face makes me want to blow this place up.<br /> I rip my hand out of his, watching his head snap toward me with fear in his eyes as I back away.<br /> "I hate you." I yell, making Luna Maya gasp dramatically before I turn and run out of their home.<br /> I shift and run home, I can not stand seeing his face.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.read4funs.com/ad/ZmFuY3lOb3ZlbC8xNDk3NzI	135265309676218	ForFun-103	https://facebook.com/61552170099808	5	1	1,180,575,313,100,813	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	ForFun-103	120206467678520353	a.read4funs.com	NONE	video		https://a.read4funs.com/ad/ZmFuY3lOb3ZlbC8xNDk3NzIvMjAyNDA0MTMxOTU0NDIvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-13 06:58	https://scontent.fsac1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437356721_1129294338498688_3465581580083048874_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zTD3KMlG0vgAb6maz92&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-2.fna&oh=00_AfDq-_u37bRMg7X6cEz9quYLDpEHSMBHRMIo4RJmnvYj1Q&oe=66220B0D	person_profile	ForFun-103	https://scontent.fsac1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437369868_1615248485886156_1321378409955625654_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JLom3YuQWxIAb5xmhmJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-2.fna&oh=00_AfBOFMC1bdGXfQtm0EEDIuI40UuwKiMMqP6aUw7cW-jocw&oe=6621F512	3	ForFun-103	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,315	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1211090}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	466402299152542	🎬：《DO ME AGAIN! MY BILLIONAIRE HUSBAND》	Estella was admitted to the hospital due to a car accident, but unexpectedly caught her husband Bryce visiting another woman in the hospital, and the two of them behaved intimately. Estella is feeling down and plans to end her three-year marriage with Bryce, causing a rift in their relationship. But as time went by, Estella learned that what she had always believed was Bryce's infidelity, there was actually another hidden truth... The misunderstanding between the two was resolved, and they confided in each other and decided to hold another wedding.<br /> 👇Download EaShort TV to watch more series	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.e	275572858968276	Eashort skit	https://facebook.com/61557988040582	1	9	1,169,717,267,353,458	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Install now	Eashort skit	120208649978600355	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esbook.dk	2024-04-14 09:29	https://scontent.fsac1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438085953_349097571484870_7948467038562826912_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KoUDkxnoucQAb7EDBLV&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-2.fna&oh=00_AfD6YBnQmeJQkIJBixjzulmRe68eL_xFWT6DHVYHhpNNhg&oe=66220FC3	person_profile	Eashort skit	https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435098183_445373661353539_6078338213962123392_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Phlt2NTraGUAb4_Urt0&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBBvHRr3S-SAe19ZNgifYJJF5kEMXScmsKLkVBNYJ-YXA&oe=6621DCCF	3	Eashort skit	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,321	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209269}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	734158112209891	Read with Your Ears➤➤	"Justin, though you are my twin sister's mate. My dad is really mad at you and Raven being mates." Twin sister Reagan said to my mate.<br /> "I don't mind rejecting her, but I would have been embarrassed to face my mate" Justin said.<br /> "My father has decided to appoint me as his future Alpha not my sister Raven. So, I will be your luna." Reagan said to Justin.<br /> ******** <br /> I silently run through the woods letting my wolf Emerald out tonight. She has been anxious all day, well really the last few days, and I could tell that she needed to come out for a run. <br /> Alpha Cole Walker is the Alpha of the Blood Walker pack. He is said to be one of the most dangerous Alphas in the United States. It is said that he would hurt anyone who dared to enter his pack uninvited. Due to this fact, most of our pack members studiously avoid this area altogether.<br /> My twin sister, Reagan, is the golden child of the pack. They all love her unconditionally. She is cherished and appreciated, no matter what she does. They all seem to ignore the fact that she is a horrible and mean she-wolf. I was born first, and with that should come the respect that after I find my mate, I will officially be the Luna here, and he will take over as the Alpha of the pack. Yet they all treat her as the next Luna. <br /> My sister and I are the only children that our parents had. The Goddess never blessed them with another child, even though they tried for years. My father, Alpha Graham Sullivan, is very strict with me. I am not allowed to leave my room other than to eat my meals and then return back to my room again. I am also not allowed to leave our pack for any reason. I have never even crossed the border of the Sliver Blade pack in my life. <br /> I was the Alpha's daughter, but I was not a valued member of this pack. Telling on me has always resulted in a bonus for whoever told on me to my father. I have had to learn how to overcome this on my own. It has made me very independent over the years, as well as a very good climber. I use the tree outside my window at the pack house, to climb up and down to get in and out of my room.<br /> From my vantage point, I can see who is coming now and rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my brain. It was Reagan, and she was pulling the arm of a pretty large guy, as she headed toward the grassy bank near my tree. I realized right this moment that I have picked a terrible place to hide. I should have doubled back and then climbed in my window to my room and I would have been safe and sound in my room. Reagan is clearly out with one of her many men, as she was allowed to stay out and do whatever she wanted to. I mean how else could she beat me to finding her mate if she didn't flirt with all the unmated men in our pack? I rolled my eyes again and then froze when I looked at them again and got a good look at his face.<br /> That smell coming off of him was starting to drive me wild, he smelled like freshly baked cinnamon buns, and I was now pissed off. She had come here with the guy that I had a crush on, someone with whom she had never shown any interest in before. It was our Beta's son and the guy that I have had a crush on for the last year and a half.<br /> "No, don't stop them, Raven, she has already been dating with him for the last few months. This is not the first time, it has been well before he returned to the pack earlier this week. They are together now, dating, and they have both vowed to reject their actual mates to stay together to take over and run this pack. Please, just try to bear it, I will help you get through it. I am glad that you are in a secure location, this may make you pass out" Emerald linked me, and I felt physically sick.<br /> "How do you know this? Did she know that he is my mate? Why can't I approach him? Maybe he wants me, Emerald. Please let me stop this. He might not know that I am his mate, he may still want me, want US! I don't want to lose him, Emerald. He may not be aware his true mate is here. Can't he already smell our scent up here, like I smelled his scent? Are you sure that this is the only way? Please Emerald" I linked her back, and I feel the tears that are already sliding down my face. I have questions, and I need answers.<br /> I am frustrated. I don't want to give up on my true mate. He doesn't even know that I am here, and I do want him. I don't want to give him up, especially not to my sister Reagan. I don't know if I can survive this level of betrayal.<br /> "I can't wait for mom and dad to announce to the pack that we will be the Alpha and Luna tomorrow. This is something that I have really wanted for the last 8 years. I am so glad you decided that we could be chosen mates. " My sister says to my mate.<br /> "Besides, I am also glad that you are willing to lead the Silver Blade pack with me. I have a feeling that my freak of a sister who keeps staring at you is going to be crushed when she finds out that we are together. You dodged by deciding to accept me as your chosen mate. I know that she has a crush on you, so she would probably try to ask you out or something when she sees that you are back from break." She adds.<br /> "I think we will be so happy together. Raven will be so angry when she finds out that we planned this months ago. I cannot wait for her to find out. I even told mom to have her sit on the front row for the pack meeting tomorrow, so I can see her face when dad makes the announcement. I am going to put her next to you so it will hurt her more when dad calls you up on stage. When she realizes that her crush is going to be my mate, she is going to be so jealous of me. I am so going to get a picture of her face when she finds out, as I will want to remember that moment for a long time" I heard Reagan say to him, and I was so choked up I couldn't hold in the sob of pain that managed to escape.<br /> It wasn't loud, but with werewolf hearing, it was loud enough. I just stayed completely still and prayed that they hadn't heard me, but Justin started talking when my sob escaped, and they had no reaction, so I think I am safe.<br /> "I have always thought that you were a she-wolf, Reagan. I am so glad that you came up to my training with your offer, and for us to get extra special time together. If Raven were allowed to move around the pack, I don't think that she would be missing the fact that she is my mate. I scented her today when I got back to the pack and confirmed she is my mate. Per our agreement, I don't mind rejecting her, as I am clearly getting the better sister out of this deal. I would have been embarrassed to have to call that freak of nature my mate" Justin said, and with it, my heart was completely crushed.<br /> These two evil people deserved each other, and I will not waste another tear on his betrayal. He "chose" her, so he can keep her. She will never be faithful to him, and he will not ever be able to trust that their children are his either. She was just doing this to ensure that they become the next Alpha and Luna. She is what he wanted, so she can have him. I am thoroughly disgusted by both of them, and I will not allow them to make me sad one more day. I had already decided to get out of this horrible pack, and I will not miss the Silver Blade pack for a second. <br /> "She is your mate? Are you serious? Oh, this is the best" Reagan said as she laughed out in joy at hearing this information. "Justin, why haven't you mentioned this to me before?" Reagan continued.<br /> "I just found out about it earlier today as I have been gone for my training for the last 4 months. I caught my mate's scent and followed it so I could go ahead and reject them. I realized it was coming from the Alpha level, and when I went up and it led me straight to her door, it was really faint, but I sensed it. She doesn't even know it yet. I am sure that this information is not going to go over well with your parents. They may be upset when they find out. Are they still going to want us to move forward with our plan? Or are they going to want me and Raven to be mates because we are true mates?" Justin asked Reagan. I have to admit, I was interested in her reply as well, but I already suspected what the answer was going to be.<br /> "Oh no Justin, you will definitely be staying with me. I know dad is really going to get a kick out of you and Raven being mates. Mom might feel a little bad for her, but I think that this is great. I could not be happier that her true mate, will become my chosen mate.<br /> We will rule the Silver Blade pack together, and it will hurt her every day to see us together. It is my pack any way, it was never going to be hers. Maybe if we are lucky since she doesn't have a wolf, she won't be able to scent you, and your rejection might even hurt her when you do it. That would be the best-case scenario for all of us" Reagan said, and I could tell that Justin was a little shocked at how hateful she was. Reagan could tell that Justin was not liking this side of her so she quickly changed her attitude and started cooing at Justin, "She doesn't deserve you, baby, I love you and I want you. Hopefully, you will come to love me too.<br /> I was just worried, I don't want you falling in love with my sister after we have already mated." Reagan said to Justin, looking up at him adoringly through her long lashes. I have to admit, she really knows how to work people to do what she wants them to. Her ability to look innocent and pure is without measure, she could have been an actress.<br /> "Dad hates Raven. He will be very happy about this. He has never loved her since the day that she was born. Mom might be a little upset, but she will get over it. She and dad are chosen mates, she gave up her true mate to become the Luna of the Silver Blade pack. She did it herself, and if it is good enough for her, then it is good enough for me to do it as well. We make the perfect couple. We will have strong pups, and our pack will flourish" Reagan said, and I am stunned. I knew my dad was mean, but to hate me, why? What reason could he possibly have for hating me? My parents have told the whole pack numerous times through the years that they were true mates. They are very affectionate with each other in front of the pack. I didn't even know that they weren't true mates. What else don't I know about them?<br /> "We will do the same thing. You will have to reject Raven first thing in the morning, or after the pack meeting. But you will have to do it where no one else will hear you. Dad is going to tell the pack that we are true mates, so they will fully support us. Dad thinks that it would be a mistake to not have the pack's full support behind us when we go to take it over from my parents" Reagan said, and I am amazed at all the plans that they have kept away from me. Just another thing that shows how much difference there is between Reagan and me. I hear them touching again and wonder when they plan on leaving the area, don't they need to get back to the pack house?<br /> I narrow my eyes at Reagan, as she is ecstatic about getting to truly rub all of my misfortune in right now. Justin is getting the opportunity to reject me, so the situation that we are now in is all positive for them.<br /> "Raven, why are you out of the house? Are you supposed to be out here? Are you OK? That fall looked like it hurt pretty bad" I hear my sister ask me with an innocent look on her face like she cared about me. She was fully aware of how I am kept a prisoner here at the Silver Blade pack. I really have to get out of here. I needed to check and see how badly I am hurt because I don't know if I even have time to go pack a bag now. I may be having to leave here with nothing, but I am OK with that. I just need to get the heck out of here. I will figure out what I need to do after I am safely free of Silver Blade.<br /> "Are you ignoring me, Raven? Are you sure you want to do that to me? Fine then, I will just make sure that you get punished for leaving your room. You are not supposed to be out here anyway. I will just let dad know that you are out here, and he will take care of you" Reagan said with a smirk, and then she started mind linking. <br /> I and my wolf were running away from this pack. But they caught us immediately.<br /> "If you come back here now Raven, I won't punish you for leaving your room without permission" I heard my father tell me. <br /> "Nothing in the world could possess me to do that father," I told him, and I see his eyes glazing over as he goes to link someone. I could care less what they have to say to me, and I turned to walk away. <br /> "You will get punishment in the Blood Walker pack. You know how dangerous they are Raven, you have heard this fact for your whole life. They cannot be trusted, and you are now a rogue. We have told you, and the whole pack, exactly what happens to those who trespass on their land. The moment they scent you they will move in, and you will die today. Is that what you want? Do you want to die? I will get you more freedom in the pack. I will allow you to go to the library every day instead of once a week. How does that sound?" my mother's voice is calming and comforting. She has never before sounded as nice as this, and I know that dad put her up to try to lure me back into the Siler Blade pack. They must be desperate to do it, so I want to see how far they intended to go with it.<br /> "Let me ask you this mother. Was the plan to get Justin to take Reagan as a chosen mate her idea, or dad's?" I asked her. Mom is not a very good liar. I can see her expression as we are only about 20 feet apart from each other right now. <br /> "I don't know what you are talking about Raven, they are mates," my mom said to me, and now I smirk at her. Clearly, mom was keeping me out of the loop and doesn't know that I know for a fact that they aren't.<br /> "Thanks for always lying to me mom. That makes it so much easier on me. I will not be coming back to the Silver Blade pack. This is the last time, Goddess willing, that you all will probably see me and actually I am welcoming the death that is coming to me. It will be better than the life I have lived since Reagan tried to hurt me, and my own dad called me a liar when I told him what actually happened. Justin is not her mate mom, and I know this because he is MY mate. It is disgusting what all you three have done to me and allowed to be done to me my whole life. I never deserved to be treated the way I was. I can only hope that I can find my way and get to live a life that allows me to find someone who loves me and realizes that I am a good person. I don't think that is too much to ask for, do you mom? It seems like you and dad are willing to do anything to get me to come back over the fence, but we both know that if I did come back, I would either immediately be thrown in the cells. So, I will take my chances over here, where at least I have a chance" I told them and turned again to leave. I only made it a few steps before I was stopped again by my father's hateful words.<br /> "You are ungrateful daughter, How do you have the nerve to say that to me? I have clothed and fed you, provided you a room, and let you go to school. I did take care of you, and it is disgusting to see how you repay me. Lying about Justin being your mate. Trying to take your sister's mate away from her. I know that I can speak for your mother as well as myself when I say that we hope the Blood Walker pack disposes of you quickly. I only wish I could punish you myself" my dad roared out, and the hate was coming off of him in waves.<br /> "You disgust me father," I told him and the tone I used to draw out the word father let him know just how little I thought of him being my father. "I have never done anything to cause a problem or disruption in the pack, or in the family. I did what I was told this whole time. Even as knowing that you let the whole pack know that I was fair game if they wanted to hurt me, and they did dad, over and over again. You know what, it was my family that really took the award for the most torment. Your unwarranted hate, mom never supporting me, and my sister allowed to try to hurt me, and incite others up against me made me realize that life will be much better on this side of the border than it was on that side. Even if I only live an hour more, it would be better than the years I spent over there."<br /> I wiped off my tears and walked past them, suddenly, I hear something coming to me…<br /> <br /> <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Wanna continue this incredible story? Please download our App and search for novel ID: 98441!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.	154074057794736	Melodic Love Tales	https://facebook.com/61553002006073	0	1	413,979,561,244,143	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Install now	Melodic Love Tales	120209030847660616	play.google.com	NONE	video		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.story.iaudios	2024-04-13 22:35	https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436544655_1497915720937506_1469702167881555856_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7T7I-xU7GYcAb6dPvJ7&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBSJxBKr-yWmRO-8i-isrzKAxzZ5tGR9IWUPZ7Mo-P8VA&oe=66220B6E	person_profile	Melodic Love Tales	https://scontent.fsac1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435537984_459965779710021_8519146845735092552_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bnWuqla_FroAb5YvWO_&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-2.fna&oh=00_AfAHfYY6S8kLLD4ViovIMcAYbvbYLSB0OwNJd8mPYHYxag&oe=66220252	3	Melodic Love Tales	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,337	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1211498}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	802546075069307	<The Elegy Of A Lost Romance>💥👉ONLY on GoodShort TV！	🔞🔥He pushed her into the corner, feeling angry and hurt: "How dare you marry someone else and have children?"👰🫣 👉Six years ago, she had an unspeakable secret, so she personally sent him to prison and was pregnant with his child.😮🤧 When they met again six years later, he was already a high-ranking CEO of a wealthy family. 💵💸He hated her to the core but helped her time and time again. Just when he was about to forgive her, she jumped into the sea...🌊 Click now to discover what happened next!👇 #reels##short##trend##viral##enjoy##drama#	WATCH_MORE	https://irkfmvsolutions.com/market/goodreels/t18-1	119222467952104	Short Play Recommender	https://facebook.com/61553037495588	5,505	0	0	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Watch More	Short Play Recommender	120207944374050098	irkfmvsolutions.com	NONE	dco		https://irkfmvsolutions.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=10680&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-04-12 11:47	https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436224762_2015060662229100_2100014005876294650_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6LpPfPvaUT8Ab4UW228&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCXaSNzayniG8sNDILZw9stcEVHyW61kQWn11DGOFXebA&oe=66220F4B	person_profile	Short Play Recommender	https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437353525_683394513843955_5248295036067911280_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OZ9_R73YPYAAb6fiepN&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-1.fna&oh=00_AfDKS8lsszoaD-_KF8ddubD4EO9_5N1B2_UVaSh6dR4rCA&oe=6621ED71	3	Short Play Recommender	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,343	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	813810747431938	Keep binge-watching👉👉	Felix Young, known as the Supreme, discreetly supports his wife, Madison Xavier, in her ascent to a higher position. However, the day she is appointed as the War God, Madison files for divorce. Disheartened, Felix is determined to reclaim everything he once granted her.	WATCH_MORE	https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/10166.html?la	133474016526538	DramaBox-Movies and drama	https://facebook.com/61554338662625	47,314	1	414,916,541,164,064	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Watch more	DramaBox-Movies and drama	120210371612950288	fb.dramabox.com	NONE	video	Popular short drama	https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/10166.html?language=en&timestamp=1712586519213&channelCode=DAENF1002238&bid=41000102747&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-04-14 03:04	https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437116096_394762810031706_2487620615658986445_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NmAM7cDiQ30Ab7tw8hM&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBH2smMnIR_6LBKR_H4TZM_aa6iirGX2NDqzysFvuRD-A&oe=6621DDB1	person_profile	DramaBox-Movies and drama	https://scontent.fsac1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436402077_934777451646540_2700506269226988756_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9cXNNwZjSKUAb5Yz0S0&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-2.fna&oh=00_AfBqH77-m1MKl5bsVXx1Tmt2CZM5entx7noHsgdEvcIqIA&oe=6621DCF6	3	DramaBox-Movies and drama	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,346	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209310}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	837299628225910	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"She is a client's assistant. We met a little over two months and it was an accidental hook-up. I swear I didn't plan or thought of it at first. It just happened." He looked away.<br /> "Two months? You've been making a fool out of me for two months, David?!" Her chest rose and fell with rapid breaths.<br /> "Please forgive me, please Babe."<br /> "I want you to tell her that everything is over between you two... in front of me."<br /> ————————<br /> "The moment I saw you, I knew in my heart that I love everything about you. As I spent more time with you, I realized that I have deeply fallen for you. I promised God and myself that I will never hurt you. Every day of my life I will only spend with you. Your happiness will always be my priority. Loving you forever is my greatest promise. My life will be incomplete without you. Avery Jackson, will you marry me?"<br /> "YES! Yes, David, I will marry you!"<br /> For some, whatever they have may seem too good to be true, but for both of them, finding each other is a dream come true. Everything seemed perfect until the unexpected happened.<br /> Avery couldn't find the word to describe the mixed emotions she felt when she read the message that popped on David's phone. She didn't know if her eyes were fast enough to have read it before the notification faded away or it was the heavens that wanted her to read it. Her body froze, her heart stopped, heavy and painful pounding on her chest dominated. She gasped for air. Her whole body stiffened. It was like any second her head will explode. Every inch of her body trembled. Nauseated, her stomach flipped. She begged her mouth not to vomit. When she heard the bathroom door unlocked, she immediately put back the phone where David originally left before he took a shower.<br /> "Are you okay Babe? What's wrong? You are trembling," David asked, his eyes widened.<br /> "Ah... Um... I need to go to the bathroom. I think I'm having diarrhea." Her steps bolted for the bathroom.<br /> She locked the bathroom door and sat on the tiled floor as her trembling body touched the wall. Her eyes welled with tears.<br /> What should I do? Should I confront him? Since when? Who is she? How? Where? Why?<br /> Strong, piercing and poking burned on her head. Her brain asked all the different questions but failed to find answers to any of them. She pressed her chest slowly and hard, hoping her hand can lessen the pain when she heard David from the outside of the door.<br /> "Babe, are you okay? Do you need medicine? How are you feeling?"<br /> "I'm okay," she answered in a soft voice, hiding her silent cries.<br /> "Do you want me to buy you an energy drink or something?"<br /> "Please... Thank you," her voice crackled.<br /> She burst into tears with her hands placed in between her knees and face when she heard the main door shut. Her whole body convulsed like no end. Is this for real? She denied David is cheating on her. My David will never do that. Maybe the message was wrongly sent? The message wasn't for him?<br /> She went out of the bathroom in a swift motion. It crushed her hope not finding David's phone where she placed it back a while ago. Stupid Ave! No cheating prick will leave his phone behind. She had to think of something. Confronting him can be good or bad. How will I do it? Reality hit her. Her woman's instinct activated. Were there signs? Either she had been so dumb, so trusting, or so in love?<br /> How would I have known the signs?<br /> It's not like there's a manual or a guide for her to know if he is cheating on her.<br /> Maybe David was so good at hiding. She started going back to the past days, weeks, and months. Tears fell again, like on cue the same heaviness and poking in her chest got stronger. But she has to brave all the pains to find the answers. Someone other than David might know. Who else knows?<br /> Self-pity struck her. Do people in the firm know? Am I the last one to know? These are just a few of the questions that popped into her mind. This pain sucks! She wanted very much to confront him, but she's also afraid that she might be wrong. She got the urge to ask people, especially those around him, but she doubted if they will tell her. If people who knew about it want her to know, at least someone should have mentioned it to her already.<br /> "Oh, God! I'm so naïve and stupid! David is their boss. Their loyalty is with him of course."<br /> She felt so alone and pitiful. She knew she can get comfort from her family in times like this, but she can't because she still wanted to protect David. What a stupid idea that despite the hurts and pains she still wants him to get on her family's good side.<br /> Am I acting normal right now? She suddenly remembered Shelly, her best friend, when they caught her fiance doing a "mouth-to-mouth" resuscitation with his secretary inside his office. Back then she wanted badly to smack Shelly when instead of telling her parents the truth, she covered the truth to keep the guy's respectable image. Am I being Shelly right now?<br /> What to do, Avery? What to do?<br /> "Babe, are you okay now?" David asked.<br /> "Better I guess."<br /> She didn't realize that he already came back. She watched him as he opened the bottle of energy drink. Her eyes focused on the cellphone that he placed on top of the bedside table. Even without her going near it, she can see that it was on silent mode judging by the number of times the notifications have been lighting on the screen.<br /> "Here Babe drink it. Make sure you don't get dehydrated. Do you need anything else?"<br /> I need you to be honest with me. "Nothing, thanks."<br /> She gulped the drink without taking her sight off David. He looked excited as he grabbed his cellphone from the side table. She watched him as he sat in bed. He was so engrossed in what he was reading; he didn't realize that she glued her eyes to him all along. She felt a lump in her stomach. How his face changed to the same face he had the morning he asked her to be his girlfriend. She saw the same excitement and sweet smile he had for her then. Except that this time she is sure it wasn't for her. Her body trembled again. She placed her hand over her heart. She can't seem to breathe.<br /> NO.<br /> I think my breathing is becoming loud.<br /> Too loud that she unconsciously covered her ears with her hands.<br /> Now I can't seem to hear my heartbeat.<br /> She feels like her heart stopped. She started pressing into her chest. Everything around her blurs. Then there was total darkness and silence.<br /> "Babe! Avery! Wake up!"<br /> David's voice awakened her. Her restless body was in David's arms when she opened her eyes. He was staring at her, worried. She can't find the strength to say anything. She looked into his eyes and silently asked the questions to herself. The questions she can't dare to ask him.<br /> Why David? Why?<br /> "What happened to you? Do you want me to bring you to the hospital?"<br /> I'm fine. I need to be.<br /> "I'll get you water. Stay in bed for now."<br /> Saying nothing, she stood up and trudged to the bed. She saw his cellphone on top of his pillow. It is in silent mode. She sees the call notifications as the phone screen keeps on lighting. The same contact who sent him the message is the same contact calling him right now. She grabbed the phone. 15 missed calls. All from the same contact. She heard footsteps coming near the bedroom door. It's too late. David already saw her holding his phone. He looked at her. She looked at him. They stared at each other.<br /> "Your phone. Someone has been calling you 15 times now."<br /> She looked into his eyes. His eyes avoided hers. He immediately took the phone from her hand. He seemed anxious but didn't look at her.<br /> "It's Jonathan. He's been calling me regarding the recent case. Take a rest, for now, babe. I'll just call Jonathan. Stay here. I'll be back."<br /> She just nodded and watched him as he rushed to get out of their room. The adrenalin and jealousy gave her body the strength to move and run for the door. Quietly, she watched him from the small opening.<br /> His gestures are familiar, bright smile, sparkling eyes.<br /> But one thing is for sure... those sweet gestures, his bright smile, and the sparks in his eyes... this time they're not hers.<br /> Avery was always confident. On top of her class, from elementary to her master's class days. Always gets praised for being young and smart. She knew how to hold an audience of professionals. She was a quick thinker. But this time, this exact moment, she felt like nothing. Worthless. Hopeless. Dumb. Numb.<br /> Her mind overflowed with silent questions. What did I do wrong? Did I lack on something? So many whats and whys. All thoughts that made her doubt herself, her worth.<br /> Sound of footsteps coming awakened her from her thoughts. She immediately went to bed and rested her back on the headboard.<br /> "Babe, will you be alright if I meet up with Jonathan for an hour or two? We badly need to discuss our plan for tomorrow's court hearing."<br /> She looked him in the eye as she wanted very much to ask him.<br /> Why do you have to lie, David?" Do you really have to meet Jonathan at this hour? Where are you really going? Can't you guys just meet early tomorrow instead?"<br /> "You know how is Jonathan, babe. He wouldn't stop calling and texting me unless I meet up with him. That idiot is quite a workaholic and a nerve-wreck!"<br /> Who are you meeting? "Okay," was the only word that came out of her.<br /> She still can't believe that this is happening. That the David who is lying to her face right now is the same David who promised to love her forever. The David for an angel she thought of has turned into a lying monster in front of her. But she can't understand why she's so weak and afraid. Weak to confront him and afraid to get an answer she might not want to hear.<br /> "I have to go, Babe! I'll try to be back as soon as I can."<br /> Like in a dream, everything was floating and blurred. She just realized he already left after hearing his car revving out loud and fast from the garage.<br /> I am not expecting this. It's just six months after we got engaged. We just confirmed a schedule to meet with the wedding planner yesterday.<br /> She stood fast and looked for her phone, and dialed. "Hello! Jonathan speaking."<br /> "Hey, Jonathan! This is Avery. I just wanted to know what you and David have scheduled for tomorrow? I wanted to surprise him for his birthday and secretly work on his schedule with his assistant tomorrow."<br /> "Avery, hey! Oh, we don't have any case right now. The last time we worked together was before your engagement. I wished we have a case together. It's so easy to work on a case with your man Ave!"<br /> "Uh... Oh... I know... How's Izzy? the kids?"<br /> "Well, Izzy is in the province with her mom right now. I'm on leave for three days because I'm stuck here at home babysitting the kids! Daddy duties!"<br /> "So sorry to have bothered you, Jonathan! peck the kids for me and tell Izzy I said hi."<br /> "I will Ave! Send my regards to your man! Goodnight!"<br /> "Goodnight Jonathan!"<br /> In silence, her tears started flowing like waterfalls. Everything in her body ached. Her heart pierced and broke into million pieces. Her imaginations worked. David driving fast, excited to meet his "Jonathan." She suddenly saw their engagement picture. As she holds the heart-shaped frame, she can't help but remember that day. Her heart was full of happiness and love. She and David looked so in love. Their eyes were sparkling, and he was holding her hand, showing the engagement ring, which was an heirloom passed down from his grandmother to his mom and now to David for her.<br /> When Avery felt him slowly getting on his side of the bed, she prayed for him not to notice that she was awake. He went to bed under the impression that she was in a deep sleep. He was unaware that she was just observing him all along. In a matter of fifteen minutes, he cleaned the broken glass, sneaked in a shower, and placed his clothes in the washer.<br /> Avery wanted very much not to cry, knowing that David is just in the other room, but her eyes have a mind of their own. She looked around and saw their engagement picture in a replaced frame the sobbing was a powerful force she can't fight anymore. She wished that one can easily replace broken relationships, like when broken frames were replaced with new ones.<br /> "What is wrong, babe? Why are you crying?"<br /> Avery froze knowing that David is now standing behind her. If he sees her face and she sees his, her tears will betray her. She hoped David will leave her and not insist to get an answer. But maybe, just maybe, or she was hoping against hope that everything is just a misunderstanding and that David is still the same David. The same who promised to love her forever and the same who she still loves despite.<br /> The crying she was trying so hard to keep to herself turned into loud and continuous sobbing. Avery can't control her emotions anymore. When David put his arms around her and then made her slowly face him, she lost it all.<br /> "What is happening Ave? Why are you crying? Did something happen?"<br /> Seeing David's concerned expression made her forget he is looking at the person who has been hurting him for weeks now. She placed her arms around him and cried harder. "I'm so in pain right now David."<br /> "Tell me, Babe, what's going on? Which is hurting? Why?"<br /> "My heart is hurting... in so much pain for weeks now." She told in between sobs and tears.<br /> As he wipes her tears with his fingers, he kept asking her questions, unaware of what she is about to say. "Is there something wrong with your heart? Did the doctor find something?"<br /> "No. But I discovered something. It has been causing me pain, it's been killing me every day."<br /> "You're making me worried now, babe. Tell me, please." He motioned her towards the bedroom bench. As they sat together, he clasped his hand with hers.<br /> Avery, feeling hopeful, felt that this might be her chance to confront him. She decided it's now or never. "We need to talk."<br /> "Okay Babe, talk to me. Tell me everything."<br /> "Who is she?"<br /> "Who? What do you mean she?"<br /> "Please be honest with me, David. At least as a friend. Who is the woman you are cheating on me with?"<br /> David's face fell. His breathing turned heavier and louder. The warmth that his hand was giving hers turned ice cold. And as he removed his hand from hers, he immediately brushed both of his hands through his hair and looked down. Dead silence enveloped the room. Avery knows this is their chance to lay everything down. As painful as it may be, the only way to know the truth is to get answers from him.<br /> "I knew it from the night I blacked out. She didn't ask him a question this time. I unintentionally read the message she sent you. I knew you didn't meet with Jonathan. You didn't have any reason to meet him at all."<br /> "Ave you know I can't lie to you."He looked her in the eye, guilt reflected.<br /> "But you did." If there is one thing that Avery learned as a paralegal that is interrogating without asking. "I called Jonathan right after you left that night. He doesn't have any clue. Izzy was in her province that night, no way for her to tell you to say hi to me."<br /> "Babe, I'm sorry." He cupped her face, looked directly into her eyes. She didn't stop him. The tears and the sobbing stopped. She felt braver, empowered seeing his sorry and admitting face.<br /> "Who is she? Tell me, what did I do wrong? What did I not do?" She removed his hands from her face.<br /> "There is nothing wrong with you, babe. It wasn't you, it was me. I was stupid! I'm sorry Ave."<br /> David lowered his head."I'm sorry Ave." He said the three words she regretted hearing. For the past weeks, she had been agonizing over herself to know the truth. She didn't realize that hearing the truth from him will be a thousand times more painful than how she has been feeling all along.<br /> Truth sucks. Truth hurts. Truth is real. These were the only things that echoed on Avery's mind. She values honesty all her life, but she wished that David should have just lied to her face again. The confirmation she had been longing to get from him didn't just hurt her wounded heart more. It pained, it cut, and it stabbed her already bleeding heart.<br /> "Ave, I'm really sorry. I know there is no excuse for what I did."<br /> She took in a deep breath. "Who is she? Since when?"<br /> "You don't know her. She is a client's assistant. We met a little over two months and it was an accidental hook-up. I swear I didn't plan or thought of it at first. It just happened." He looked away.<br /> "Two months? You've been making a fool out of me for two months, David?!" Her chest rose and fell with rapid breaths.<br /> "No Babe! Believe me. The night I told you I was to meet Jonathan, I went to meet her. I ended everything with her. Please believe me Ave!"<br /> The memory of that night flashed back to Avery. David's sweet gestures, his bright smile, and the sparks in his eyes... she wouldn't forget that picture of him reading messages on his phone. David may lie to her, but not to her heart. His face then didn't show an inch of a man about to end everything with the woman whose message he was reading.<br /> Her mind told her not to believe and not to forgive David is the most reasonable decision. But her heart reminded her he's asking for forgiveness should put her at ease, that he is deserving him a second chance. "After you confirmed David is really cheating, what do you plan to do?" She heard Shelly's voice as if she was just beside her.<br /> "Ave please say something. Please forgive me, please Babe."<br /> What should I do with you, David? Avery felt weak to even say a word. She just stared at David. If only her eyes have sharp arrows flying out of them, she would have surely hit his body bulls-eye slowly but fiercely. And she remembered what she told herself. She wouldn't be in his game without a fight.<br /> "Ave, tell me what I need to do for you to forgive me, please."<br /> "I want you to tell her that everything is over between you two... in front of me."	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