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805,200	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805324}'	Yes	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	378743918378572	Numbness, Burning, Tingling, Loss of Balance… 🖐🤕🦶	Numbness, burning, tingling, loss of balance… 🤕 put an end to hands and feet pain!<br /> <br /> We are Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson and until now people suffering from feet and nerve pain only had 2 basic options:<br /> <br /> (1) Live with the pain;<br /> <br /> (2) Mask the pain with prescription medications;<br /> <br /> With the latest medical technology available, we are able to offer a clinically proven 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 that can reduce or eliminate nerve symptoms in hands and feet for our patients.<br /> <br /> Imagine no more medications… But a fast-acting and long-term solution for:<br /> <br /> ✅ Numbness<br /> ✅ Diabetic nerve pain<br /> ✅ Sharp electric-like pain<br /> ✅ Burning or tingling<br /> ✅ Muscle weakness<br /> ✅ Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort<br /> ✅ Sensitivity to touch<br /> ✅ Pain while walking<br /> ✅ Nerve damage from chemotherapy<br /> <br /> It’s time to eliminate pain, rejuvenate nerves, and regain mobility!<br /> <br /> 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝐓𝐮𝐜𝐬𝐨𝐧 is now accepting new patients who are looking for an alternative to medications or shots.<br /> <br /> 👉 Sign Up or Call “(520) 214-7489” to schedule a 📣 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, to see if you are a good candidate for our program.<br /> <br /> ✅ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 <br /> <br /> 📍Serving Tucson, AZ, and all surrounding areas.<br /> <br /> Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson<br /> 10425 N Oracle Rd STE 125<br /> Tucson, AZ 85737<br /> (520) 214-7489	SIGN_UP	http://fb.me/	284148338106594	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	https://facebook.com/61557276842070	1	0	2,556,839,407,832,619	2024-03-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Sign up	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	120206615013120258	fb.me	NONE	image	4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (7) Reviews	http://fb.me/	2024-03-26 19:55	https://scontent.fbna2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433960308_1907317386390210_5379287965027792314_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AK3cMacrmDUAX__zKLs&_nc_ht=scontent.fbna2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAHfKGC1WzL3hdqD-tjOAJCSE3-1X30SfcP6fgJ3DI-bQ&oe=660B7084	person_profile	Arrowhead Physical Medicine -	https://scontent.fbna2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433937707_1089076342317014_5974509973497104085_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=17XZB6zr7mkAX-7dhs4&_nc_ht=scontent.fbna2-1.fna&oh=00_AfCZEkiuD5-8i63qucgTl5d34WrImhzUfzbPPEaMpxySow&oe=660AC3C0	3	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	2024-03-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,202	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805324}'	No	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	296013046695113	Numbness, Burning, Tingling, Loss of Balance… 🖐🤕🦶	Numbness, burning, tingling, loss of balance… 🤕 put an end to hands and feet pain!<br /> <br /> We are Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson and until now people suffering from feet and nerve pain only had 2 basic options:<br /> <br /> (1) Live with the pain;<br /> <br /> (2) Mask the pain with prescription medications;<br /> <br /> With the latest medical technology available, we are able to offer a clinically proven 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 that can reduce or eliminate nerve symptoms in hands and feet for our patients.<br /> <br /> Imagine no more medications… But a fast-acting and long-term solution for:<br /> <br /> ✅ Numbness<br /> ✅ Diabetic nerve pain<br /> ✅ Sharp electric-like pain<br /> ✅ Burning or tingling<br /> ✅ Muscle weakness<br /> ✅ Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort<br /> ✅ Sensitivity to touch<br /> ✅ Pain while walking<br /> ✅ Nerve damage from chemotherapy<br /> <br /> It’s time to eliminate pain, rejuvenate nerves, and regain mobility!<br /> <br /> 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝐓𝐮𝐜𝐬𝐨𝐧 is now accepting new patients who are looking for an alternative to medications or shots.<br /> <br /> 👉 Sign Up or Call “(520) 214-7489” to schedule a 📣 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, to see if you are a good candidate for our program.<br /> <br /> ✅ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 <br /> <br /> 📍Serving Tucson, AZ, and all surrounding areas.<br /> <br /> Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson<br /> 10425 N Oracle Rd STE 125<br /> Tucson, AZ 85737<br /> (520) 214-7489	SIGN_UP	http://fb.me/	284148338106594	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	https://facebook.com/61557276842070	1	0	739,956,771,244,691	2024-03-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Sign up	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	120206615013060258	fb.me	NONE	image	4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (7) Reviews	http://fb.me/	2024-03-26 19:55	https://scontent.fbna2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433909802_947306360140332_5913902433344318676_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e9bUObSKxboAX_KTT7O&_nc_ht=scontent.fbna2-1.fna&oh=00_AfCOGJg3eO37cgJpUqTLhHtop3EJrdkCIIy0gLohsnzzVw&oe=660A8252	person_profile	Arrowhead Physical Medicine -	https://scontent.fbna2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433882500_3749635988618696_6567902131921637595_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WFdRuFzzme4AX9AlOgU&_nc_ht=scontent.fbna2-1.fna&oh=00_AfBD2U11ZwkgZZ44Zv_G0QSlYSyfICbrfN3oim0suHJoVg&oe=660B4DC9	3	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	2024-03-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,110	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805111}'	No	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	915776620017959	Bye Bye Nerve Discomfort - 52% OFF 3 Month Supply [Limited Time]!	Tired of nerve discomfort and weakness? 😫 <br /> <br /> Re-order Nerve Renew today to experience targeted relief and enjoy healthier nerve function! And now, for a limited time, take advantage of the special offer below to get 3 bottles for just $99 (reg. $207)!<br /> <br /> But hurry, supplies are limited! Claim your discounted Nerve Renew bundle & save 52% OFF the reg price now 👉 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnerverenew.com%2Fpages%2Flanders-nr3pk-99&h=AT1E0a7XCDUK_DrSU_ZN_nbnweOnVlEo7GQma25wiSJODKTKxQylpUaXpcNreMII2q9zp1pX4UFPXtwrtkG91EoM4OXVgc-dLD2vKjSamyrOCwN2zOJyI7J5y5GfYCBQSliO7Z0Gfx_tt9aFfIwZw-ZMm-mmnwdxmm_irb7x14w" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://nerverenew.com/pages/landers-nr3pk-99</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://nerverenew.com/pages/landers-nr3pk-99	175537252604114	Nerve Renew	https://facebook.com/NerveHealthGroup	102,301	1	815,663,240,200,969	2024-03-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Nerve Renew	23857232468180302	nerverenew.com	NONE	image	Speak to a Nerve Specialist: (888) 840-7142 Limited Time Offer! SAVE 52% OFF Nerve Renew Today And Reduce Nerve Sensitivity, Discomfort, & Weakness! Yours for JUST $33/bottle (reg. $69)(when you buy 3)Limited inventory, while supplies last Yours for JUST $33/bottle (reg. $69)(when you buy 3)Li...	https://nerverenew.com/pages/landers-nr3pk-99	2023-07-08 10:32	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/358544307_279511814734334_4087896478685435578_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uTWQdMeIFhwAX_Gv5kB&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDZilcmCR7cHoYyAPJcjL5Xd1J4NteMo93wTxGBvv7PGw&oe=660ABD85	person_profile	Nerve Renew	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/358590898_939988180421200_3198293737130677745_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3u821VA9WmcAX8aUfcz&_nc_oc=AdhnmUEORcAqA209LjpKN8mUwZOjiNcVAw6A6zXhQgbwXMpLzsemwMLFSAkwlg2bTkuK9xVowE46AQ4a5rGXYw8u&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA8MEhh-b3MLsOHJ2LF4UYjt1eIKKAryURkqimYiiNZOg&oe=6609A286	3	Nerve Renew	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,182	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":0.9353846153846154,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	293346147116934	24+ Tattoo Fails That Can't Be Unseen	Tattoo enthusiasts, brace yourselves! 😅🤦‍♂️	LEARN_MORE	https://ourfunnylittlesite.com/shop-below-chair-md	104238192067446	Fox'oclock	https://facebook.com/100076064792214	3,010	4	1,195,283,468,107,140	2024-03-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Fox'oclock	120206615889150258	ourfunnylittlesite.com	NONE	image	So, you have finally decided to do it! You have gotten your nerve up and you have found your way to the tattoo shop. You sit in the waiting room eagerly nervous to get in that chair for your very first tattoo. But wait, what are you going to get inked? You freeze for a moment rummaging through your....	https://ourfunnylittlesite.com/shop-below-chair-md/	2024-03-26 20:41	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432152552_3739117993042859_7867671192208081091_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=axdrTrhmDxoAX8o3ixE&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAHU3z7rR8TBTVuAQEbrSu9j1YBl4n3t5xfVt1o5eDAjg&oe=66099AF5	person_profile			3	Fox'oclock	2024-03-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,096	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805098}'	Yes	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	434533778941196	Read with Your Ears➤➤	"How dare you harm our mate?" bellowed another.<br /> "Mate?" My father sneered. "This pathetic runt? She's a worthless wolf. Take my advice, boys. Reject her quick and take a chosen mate."<br /> It wasn't a long fight, and it ended with the loud snap of a broken neck.<br /> "You don't need to follow your father's stupid rules anymore; you are our mate!"<br /> Five alphas? And I'm their mate? Oh, Moon Goddess, what were you thinking?<br /> ***<br /> I turned eighteen years old alone in a dark room, whimpering from the pain that racked my whole body.<br /> I'd displeased my father again, and his punishment had been brutal.<br /> They always were.<br /> While Mom was still alive, it hadn't been so bad. Father and I didn't have much interaction. He kept his distance, and Mom cautioned me not to let him. I remembered being jealous of watching him play with my two older brothers and always wondering why he disliked me more and more day by day.<br /> Six years ago, a disease swept through shifter communities around the world. It attacked indiscriminately—young and old, alpha and omega, male and female. Almost a year passed before our doctors developed a cure. By then, thousands had died, my mother among them.<br /> With her gone, there was no barrier between my father and me, and his dislike turned to outright hatred.<br /> I asked myself over and over what was so wrong with me. Had I done something as a child that I couldn't remember? What could have set him against me so much?<br /> I tried to make things right. I was on my best behavior at all times and followed his rules, yet nothing was ever enough. There was something about me that infuriated him.<br /> Same with my brothers.<br /> I missed James and Aiden so much, it made my heart hurt. We'd had nothing but fun together growing up. Then, one day out of the blue, they turned against me, and all those happy memories became ashes. They even convinced Father that I didn't need to go to school, trapping me in this house with him.<br /> Most of the time, I was locked in a small, dark room that didn't even have a window or a closet. The only positive was the tiny attached bathroom, with just a sink and a toilet, but enough to make do. Once a week, Father permitted me to take a shower in the guest bedroom. I wasn't allowed warm water or more than ten minutes, but it was still heavenly to wash the grime and blood away.<br /> When he'd first ordered me into this dark hole, he'd watched as I moved in my clothes, shoes, and pillow, then said that was all I needed. Over time, I snuck in a few comforts. Mr. Nibbles, my stuffed bunny, whom I managed to keep hidden from him by some miracle A blanket. A yoga mat to sleep on Once, I tried to smuggle in a small lamp, but he caught me. That punishment took two full weeks for my wolf to heal.<br /> Each day, Father lets me out for a few hours to clean, cook, and do the laundry. Despite the chores, I savored that time away from my room. At least I had the chance to look out the windows. No matter what the weather was doing, I found the view perfect. It was one of the few joys in my life.<br /> I couldn't remember the last time I went outside. The last time I breathed fresh air or ran through the forest and smelled the goodness of dirt and growing things, I felt the breeze on my face. Laid in the grass. Enjoyed the sun's warmth.<br /> Simple things were all denied to me for a reason I couldn't guess. Simple things I yearned for with all my heart.<br /> especially whenever my wolf slept.<br /> I hadn't felt Lark stir in weeks, not since the last dose of wolfsbane Father had administered. The aconite puts a shifter's inner wolf to sleep, although too much could be lethal. I'd built up a tolerance to it, and Father had to constantly adjust how much to give Lark to keep her docile but still able to heal me.<br /> The last dose, though, had been part of a punishment after we'd tried to escape. He hadn't killed my wolf, but he'd come close. Very close. I'd tried to find some nightshade or foxglove to counter the wolfsbane, but I hadn't been that lucky. Weeks later, she was still in a coma.<br /> Poor Lark. I pitied her for being stuck with me. She was so strong and had hung in there long after most wolves would have gone insane or died. She kept herself going with two hopes: being free of her father and finding our mate.<br /> I didn't crush her optimism, even though I knew neither would ever happen. Father would never let us out from under his thumb, and, even if we did meet our mate, he would reject me in a heartbeat. Father had guaranteed that.<br /> I had scars on scars and bruises on bruises. My hands shook all the time. Having been denied food for weeks at a stretch, I was skeletal and weak. So very weak. The world spun with every step I took, and my vision was narrow and dark around the edges.<br /> The plain truth was that I doubted I'd make it to see another birthday, let alone gain my freedom or find my mate.<br /> But what did it matter? Who would care? I had no pack. No family. No mate. Not even my wolf at the moment.<br /> I was alone in the dark, and death was the only escape I could hope for.<br /> The click of the lock opening woke me. Instantly, my eyes darted toward the widening sliver of light that came from the swinging door.<br /> Is it Father? His beta? Or one of my brothers?<br /> I hadn't seen the boys in months. After they'd moved out three years ago, they rarely came around, and certainly never to see me.<br /> "Get up, Posy."<br /> Beta Roy.<br /> Father has only ever called me a runt.<br /> Beta Roy wasn't as bad as Father, but he could be unpredictable. Kind one moment and cruel the next.<br /> I scrambled to my feet, careful to keep my head down and my bruised, swollen face hidden in the curtains of my grimy hair.<br /> "Guests are coming. Alpha wants brunch ready in an hour. There will be three guests—me, Gamma Alex, and Alpha—but make enough for ten in case your brothers come. I'll set the table. You just worry about the food."<br /> His offer was a godsend. Even if it was only for the moment, I'd take it. I needed all the help I could get after yesterday's beating.<br /> The ribs on my right side were badly bruised, and I suspected at least one was broken. Something was wrong with my head, too. It ached badly, and the sunlight streaming in from the windows stabbed my eyes like toothpicks. On top of that, my shirt stuck to the raw wounds on my back. I hoped that none of them would open too much as I worked.<br /> There was nothing worse than a blood-soaked waistband to gall your skin.<br /> I followed Beta Roy into the kitchen, washed my hands, and got right to work. Since it was brunch, I knew Father would want both sweet and savory items. I decided to start with fruit and cheese plates. I could get everything cut up and plated, then into the fridge while I worked on the rest.<br /> A glance at the clock showed I was down to thirty minutes.<br /> Now, frantic, I rummaged in the fridge and found three packs of bacon. I could bake it in the ovens, which would free me up to make other dishes. Running over, I flipped two ovens on and then laid parchment paper out on four big pans. It took a few minutes to open the bacon and arrange all those strips, but the ovens were still preheating when I finished.<br /> Thinking as quickly as I could, I organized some jellies, jams, and butters into little dishes and popped some ready-made rolls and scones into bread baskets, then covered them with a cloth. By then, the ovens were ready for the bacon.<br /> "Table's set." Beta Roy came into the kitchen. "Are these ready to go out?"<br /> He gestured to the bread baskets and other things, and I nodded. He started carrying them into the dining room, which made me feel both guilty and grateful. It wasn't his job, and Father wouldn't like to know he'd helped me. I would do something nice for him the next time I had a chance.<br /> Behind Father's back, of course.<br /> "Hurry, Posy!" Beta Roy hissed. "Alpha's almost here! Give me those!"<br /> Nodding, I handed him the platters of eggs and bacon, then whirled to the fridge one last time to grab the fruit and cheese trays. I hustled them out to the dining room, then ran back to the kitchen to finish up the coffee tray and fix some pitchers of orange and apple juice.<br /> I'd just finished filling the sugar bowl when several delightful scents filtered into the room. They worked in harmony, yet each one was a distinct note in the bouquet: campfire, pine, maple syrup, roses, and vanilla. All my favorites<br /> The smells were addictive, and I inhaled as much as my lungs could hold, ignoring my ribs as they screamed in protest.<br /> Where is that coming from?<br /> Then my father stalked into the kitchen, and all my attention was diverted to him. Glancing at his face to gauge his mood, my heart sank. He was fuming.<br /> He twisted his hand in my hair and yanked my head back hard, hurting my neck. Whimpering, I dropped to my knees to try and relieve the pressure.<br /> "Where are the waffles?" he shouted. "Can't you do anything right, runt?"<br /> I didn't answer. I'd be punished if I spoke, and I'd be punished if I didn't. Either way, I was done for.<br /> Beta Roy didn't say anything about waffles. Did he set me up to fail? But why? Especially with guests here?<br /> With one hand still tangled in my hair, Father punched me full force in the face, and a loud crack! echoed through the room. Blood and saliva splattered on the floor as I screamed in agony, knowing my jaw was broken.<br /> "What's going on here?!" roared a powerful voice.<br /> "How dare you harm our mate?" bellowed another.<br /> "Mate?" my father sneered. "This pathetic runt? She's a worthless wolf. Take my advice, boys. Reject her quick and take a chosen mate."<br /> Everything rattled as several thunderous growls shook the room. Alpha power flared in rich waves, stronger than I'd ever felt from anyone, and Father released his hold on my hair. I slumped to the floor and curled into a protective ball, my arms covering my head.<br /> Telltale electricity raised the hair on my arms as people shifted into their wolves. Fierce snarls soon erupted all around me. Beta Roy scooped me up and carried me to the far corner of the kitchen. He set me on the floor, then crouched in front of me in a defensive pose.<br /> "Don't watch, Posy," he muttered.<br /> I couldn't have done it even if I'd wanted to. I was too hurt to keep my eyes open any longer. The vicious sounds of wolves fighting kept me conscious, though, and questions whirled through my mind. Were the guests attacking my father? Was I next? And why was Beta Roy guarding me instead of helping my father?<br /> It wasn't a long fight, and it ended with the loud snap! of a broken neck. I couldn't bring myself to care who had won. If my father had, nothing would change; if someone else had, everything would. Either way, I would have to deal with the aftermath.<br /> But not right now, I thought weakly. Right now I am going to lie here and melt into the pain, and the world will have to spin on without me for a while.<br /> Loud, upset voices surrounded me, startling me from my daze.<br /> "Are you okay?"<br /> "She's obviously not an idiot!"<br /> "Why isn't her wolf healing her?"<br /> "I can't even feel her wolf." "Can any of you?"<br /> "What do we do?"<br /> "Let's get her off the floor to start with." Beta, get the pack doctor.<br /> Hands slid under me and scooped me against a hard chest. The smell of pine engulfed me, and I felt myself being lifted up just as a door slammed open.<br /> "What's going on here?"<br /> I recognized that voice. It was my oldest brother, James.<br /> "Posy!" And that was my other brother, Aiden.<br /> "Posy? "Is that her name?" asked the one holding me.<br /> "What does it matter to you?" James barked. "Give her here! How dare you touch her?"<br /> "I dare because she's ours!" Our mate!"<br /> "Mate!" James yelped.<br /> Mate?<br /> The word bloomed in my heart like a flower.<br /> "To whom? Not... not all five of you?" Aiden faltered.<br /> I forced my eyelids up halfway and stared blearily at the faces surrounding me. There were seven, and five were unfamiliar.<br /> I have... mates?<br /> That's when I gave up and faded into the darkness.<br /> I woke up in bed. A real one, not a yoga mat with a thin blanket.<br /> Sunlight streamed through the curtains, and I turned my face toward it, loving the feel of it on my skin.<br /> I didn't know where I was or how I'd gotten there, but I was going to enjoy the sun for as long as I was allowed to.<br /> I wish I could bottle it, I thought wistfully, and take it with me when I'm forced back into the dark room.<br /> "Posy? Are you awake, little girl?"<br /> Beta Roy? What was he doing here, wherever here was?<br /> I nodded, despite my confusion, and turned my head to see him getting up from the chair in the corner.<br /> "Thank the Goddess," he muttered. "I linked your brothers to the fact that you're up. They're so worried about you. We've been walking on eggshells around here. Dealing with so many agitated alphas hasn't been fun."<br /> I nodded again. I wondered what he meant by alphas, plural, but couldn't ask since he didn't give me permission to speak.<br /> And, truthfully, I was in too much pain to care. My aching jaw had a deep thrumming solo in the symphony of aches, and my ribs hit all the high notes anytime I moved. If only Lark would wake up, she could help. Without her, I healed as slowly as a human.<br /> Lost in my thoughts, I nearly jumped out of my skin when the door burst open and people poured into the room. I scrambled to sit up against the headboard and bared my neck in submission, being very careful to keep my eyes down.<br /> I recognized two of the scents as my brothers. The other five were the same scents as the delectable ones I'd smelled earlier in the kitchen.<br /> Mates? My heart whispered. We have mates?<br /> As with the sunshine, I knew it wouldn't last. All I could do was savor the gift for as long as possible.<br /> My brother, James, came over and sat on the edge of the bed. I drew my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them, making myself small.<br /> "How are you feeling, Posy? You've been asleep for a long time. Are you in pain?"<br /> Scared of him and all his questions, I curled up in a tighter ball to hide how I was shaking.<br /> I know this trick. My father does it all the time. If I say no, he'll punish me for lying. If I say yes, he'll punish me for being weak.<br /> Staying silent was always my best option. Sometimes, Father would still punish me for being insolent, but other times he saw it as submission and let me go with only a few slaps or kicks.<br /> "Hey, it's okay. We won't hurt you. You can talk to us," James sounded like he was pleading. "You don't need to follow Father's stupid rules anymore. He's gone."<br /> My head flew up, and my eyes went right to James' dark blue ones.<br /> "He's dead, Posy," James said, waving a hand at the five men standing behind him. "These alphas put him down yesterday morning."<br /> Five alphas? And I'm their mate? Oh, Moon Goddess, what were you thinking? <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Download our APP, search audiobook id 101893 to enjoy more!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1543879690	103935889259263	Web-FMBooks	https://facebook.com/100089244760707	3	1	985,573,652,910,002	2024-03-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Install now	Web-FMBooks	120208581573400316	itunes.apple.com	NONE	video		http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1543879690	2024-03-27 03:20	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433266058_813095983993764_6326588177501016822_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yVjbn0E_Ex0AX_Jk6tQ&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAVfXdSpX3i1oi0jqs-tg9ZVUxaeHXAOVqDjlsICRBeQA&oe=660B8A21	person_profile	Web-FMBooks	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432983893_1064552854619611_7134695427034461524_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bTgRS2uCcJcAX8XZm5m&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCSXJfIvKELp0NVOIYDoVmplF-hkomLwca-a5lN67VBiA&oe=660A34E9	3	Web-FMBooks	2024-03-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,101	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805426}'	No	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	3560142020918457	Read with Your Ears➤➤	"I might as well tell you I’m interested in your wife. Someone like you can't stop me because of your inability." Most left with a burst of laughter while Fraser dug his fingernails angrily into the flesh of his palms.<br /> Frazier worked in his wife's company, and during the three months in his new position, he had seen Mo harass his wife countless times. Everyone laughed at his incompetence and always ostracized him.<br /> "I can still endure it no matter how they treat me," he muttered to himself. "But if anyone hurts Natalia, I'll personally send them to inferno."<br /> He took out his phone, found a number he hadn't used in years and clicked on the call icon.<br /> "Is it you, my dear friend, you finally called me?" <br /> Fraser interrupted the person on the other end of the line.<br /> "I'm in some trouble right now. I need your help."<br /> "Are you willing to come back and inherit the McLemore family's business?" <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Wanna listen more? download our App and check more! Novel ID: 120041!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.	281724568351187	AudioAdventure	https://facebook.com/61557514568940	0	1	875,684,374,360,546	2024-03-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Install now	AudioAdventure	120208146701630502	play.google.com	NONE	video		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kstudio.khitkun	2024-03-27 02:44	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433234140_434533765602869_1441744281347697184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1M1SOoWVpBsAX9NTJqY&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAQDsdvbKuzGMaWeWpE6TPaYXG0ekpNrnu9o5ndod1pew&oe=660AF5D6	person_profile	AudioAdventure	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434283152_910226330796348_6939688899860825095_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QziklQUBV18AX8lxup1&_nc_oc=AdhDwNa4DB8DUvc153IkAmS8VLPdpTze8d8Lwuc8j7hdBT_y9D1ZdaQNo9n8pbHpUMy-dw4NjOIcZi1Ymd5YTYCy&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfB6Az1UsT37gCZ9E-FONRiaa-GPoc4T0_rfop7sFmgqqw&oe=660AA0F7	3	AudioAdventure	2024-03-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,210	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805324}'	Yes	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	3277129802581441	Numbness, Burning, Tingling, Loss of Balance… 🖐🤕🦶	Numbness, burning, tingling, loss of balance… 🤕 put an end to hands and feet pain!<br /> <br /> We are Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson and until now people suffering from feet and nerve pain only had 2 basic options:<br /> <br /> (1) Live with the pain;<br /> <br /> (2) Mask the pain with prescription medications;<br /> <br /> With the latest medical technology available, we are able to offer a clinically proven 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 that can reduce or eliminate nerve symptoms in hands and feet for our patients.<br /> <br /> Imagine no more medications… But a fast-acting and long-term solution for:<br /> <br /> ✅ Numbness<br /> ✅ Diabetic nerve pain<br /> ✅ Sharp electric-like pain<br /> ✅ Burning or tingling<br /> ✅ Muscle weakness<br /> ✅ Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort<br /> ✅ Sensitivity to touch<br /> ✅ Pain while walking<br /> ✅ Nerve damage from chemotherapy<br /> <br /> It’s time to eliminate pain, rejuvenate nerves, and regain mobility!<br /> <br /> 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝐓𝐮𝐜𝐬𝐨𝐧 is now accepting new patients who are looking for an alternative to medications or shots.<br /> <br /> 👉 Sign Up or Call “(520) 214-7489” to schedule a 📣 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, to see if you are a good candidate for our program.<br /> <br /> ✅ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 <br /> <br /> 📍Serving Tucson, AZ, and all surrounding areas.<br /> <br /> Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson<br /> 10425 N Oracle Rd STE 125<br /> Tucson, AZ 85737<br /> (520) 214-7489	SIGN_UP	http://fb.me/	284148338106594	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	https://facebook.com/61557276842070	1	0	416,666,570,914,358	2024-03-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Sign up	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	120206615013200258	fb.me	NONE	image	4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (7) Reviews	http://fb.me/	2024-03-26 19:55	https://scontent.fbna2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433583739_2182601238769008_2235221791328705084_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vo2NJ9l3I_wAX9Dlp1e&_nc_ht=scontent.fbna2-1.fna&oh=00_AfDkjxqRzej0g8nzAl4rytXTzUqlAjLPUbhAHrRE7BSE5g&oe=660A2B10	person_profile	Arrowhead Physical Medicine -	https://scontent.fbna2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/423236550_960117538896653_1927424091499546583_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=S_UVAL3M1NsAX82k_iW&_nc_ht=scontent.fbna2-1.fna&oh=00_AfDenEx01I5Xk6-225zCzfVBNzk5pqOC6t9Lmk3wsCBmLQ&oe=660AED4A	3	Arrowhead Physical Medicine - Tucson	2024-03-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,280	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805281}'	Yes	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	1258191898472264		Introducing Dr. Julie Rhee, your dedicated dental expert blending passion with precision! 🦷 With a distinguished Doctor of Dental Surgery from the esteemed University of Tennessee Health Science Center and a stellar Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Arkansas, she's your go-to for top-tier dental care. From routine fillings to complex procedures like root canals and Invisalign, Dr. Rhee's expertise ensures your smile shines bright. Beyond the dental chair, she's an adventurer at heart, exploring the great outdoors and cherishing moments with loved ones, including her feline friend Sophie. With her compassionate touch and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Rhee is committed to building lasting relationships with patients while providing comprehensive dental services for the entire family. Get ready to experience dentistry redefined – schedule your appointment today! 😊	CALL_NOW		210170639070789	Designer Smiles	https://facebook.com/mydesignersmile	479	2	3,794,135,690,809,499	2024-03-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Call now	Designer Smiles	120207518364880556		NONE	video			2024-03-26 15:03	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433125646_1397391874220167_4095886163292737031_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FzwCY9SCyOoAX9zYlUA&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDi38vyRyfjxjlLXLMABGNwm7qEdQ66XqXpazzuptlORg&oe=660A7649	person_profile	Dr. Aminat Osuji	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433132220_818192696796540_379701974793818168_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0LxmchSe8q8AX-AN_Ef&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfC-GxA5UT9Rj3g21ES0p2r-YHSXPI2t4i7FZdc5g78LfA&oe=660B2372	3	Designer Smiles	2024-03-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,118	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805324}'	No	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	385301657639747	$47 First Exam	𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞.<br /> 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨,<br /> 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣,<br /> 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙 like they know what they’re doing when they haven’t got the slightest clue.<br /> <br /> Forget the latest fads that promise much and deliver little. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲'𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫. 💪 We aim to meet your unique needs, ensuring you walk out feeling better than ever.<br /> <br /> Don’t settle for temporary fixes when you can choose a solution that fixes the root problem! Book your first exam today and take the first step towards a healthier, more vibrant you. 💚<br /> <br /> 🤓 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞?<br /> The spine is central to overall health. It protects our nervous system, which is responsible for transmitting life-sustaining signals from our 🧠 throughout our body. Misalignments in the spine interfere with those nerve signal transmissions, resulting in pain and dysfunction. 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.<br /> <br /> The principle is simple yet powerful: <br /> 𝘼𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤…<br /> 𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙨𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢, 𝙨𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣…<br /> 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚, 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧<br /> <br /> 🌱 A properly aligned body is the key to natural healing and wellness. 🌱<br /> <br /> 👋 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐔𝐬?<br /> 🤩 We’re Experienced<br /> 🤩 We’re Patient, Thorough, and Compassionate<br /> 🤩 We’re Obsessed With Getting You Results<br /> 🤩 We Customize Our Care To Every Patient’s Needs<br /> <br /> 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒕. 𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐'𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆. 𝑶𝒑𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈. 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏-𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 👇<br /> <br /> #ChiropracticCare #NaturalHealth #WellnessJourney #TimelessHealing #NoMorePain<br /> <br /> New patients who schedule this appointment will receive:<br /> 🔎 Comprehensive Consultation<br /> 🔎 Complete Physical Examination<br /> 🔎 Digital Posture Screening<br /> 🔎 All Necessary Digital X-Rays<br /> 🔎 Report of Findings<br /> <br /> * Medicaid, Medicare, Personal Injury & Auto Accident Injury cases excluded by law.*	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	367543703582246	Taylor Family Chiropractic	https://facebook.com/MedwayChiro	569	1	1,178,632,269,967,540	2024-03-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Taylor Family Chiropractic	120207348253720142	fb.me	NONE	video	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Online Reviews!	http://fb.me/	2024-03-27 09:40	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434666246_1539534196594138_2511454195782953857_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jGIR5sABwHkAX-QEz7-&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD_qMmXgXVce-yo637wifmgctFYBr39Gcg3-nVcmVfw-A&oe=660B1FD3	person_profile	Taylor Family Chiropractic	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434659016_1136605604005733_3768359725994191599_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KWBSaMnDszAAX83JdN7&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAQa_Pwvj150t5AzumCP9I8w0j_8o2zoEtx9KAqwjaQgw&oe=660B7CEE	3	Taylor Family Chiropractic	2024-03-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,626	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805618}'	Yes	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	7148870208557423	🔥🔥🔥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 /> <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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805,425	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805426}'	No	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	419761333967214	Continue reading ➤➤	Kate wants a divorce. <br /> She had been married to Ronald for almost four years now and she was ready to let go.<br /> Kate turned and saw the man. Her heart no longer pounded when she saw him.<br /> Ronald bent down to get closer to her face. "Do you really want a divorce?" <br /> Kate wanted to step back. As he drew closer, she did not feel any warmth from his tone.<br /> "I had asked Sam to hand you the divorce papers. All you have to do is sign the papers." Kate forced herself to look into his eyes. Ronald squinted judgmentally.<br /> "You're acting fine, as though this is nothing for you." Ronald straightened himself. Kate opened her mouth to say something, but before she could say anything, Ronald swiftly took her in his arms and into the mansion.<br /> He went upstairs, kicked the door of the master bedroom open, and tossed Kate onto the bed.<br /> "Hey!!" Kate shouted, to no avail. Ronald leaned over and held her hands above her head. Kate's summer attire was so thin that she could feel his body strongly pressed against hers. Kate pursed her lips and looked at Ronald, alarmed.<br /> Ronald glanced through the room and then looked at her defensive face, leaned toward her lips and said "you make it look like you are determined to divorce."<br /> Ronald lips brushed against Kate as she struggled. Ronald felt the softness of her lips and wanted more, and he asked for more. <br /> "No, let go of me. This is not right."<br /> With the impending divorce on her mind, she continued to struggle and clenched her teeth. Ronald groaned and stopped pursuing Kate. <br /> "You are still Mrs Scott, my wife."<br /> His hands still gripped hers. "I have my right to say no," replied Kate stubbornly. <br /> "No," Ronald repeated what she said as if it were a joke. <br /> He moved his hands to her chin. "More reverse psychology" asked Ronald when he suddenly pressed his lips against her, as if doing so would make Kate tell the truth, Kate pulled her mouth away.<br /> "To with you and your reverse psychology. Let go of me." She tried her best to push him off of her, but he wasn't budging.<br /> A slap echoed in the room and Kate froze as Ronald's face started to swell. <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Wanna listen more? download our App and check more! Novel ID: 119989!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.	295255773660473	Ears to Literature	https://facebook.com/61557486819959	0	1	792,663,889,411,482	2024-03-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Install now	Ears to Literature	120206431658370756	play.google.com	NONE	video		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kstudio.khitkun	2024-03-26 03:19	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433870094_746980034235288_4375298122678720638_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=unV5ARZRq60AX95Zl6z&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDkkyHgS0eU6K_X8SGWyYzo0uvDwotvMlwl5GY3ubr5ug&oe=6609E7DC	person_profile	Ears to Literature	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/431597203_3656068997938762_3228056602576329798_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H5A2LbiMeEEAX-vwXnV&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBJ7HI4r5mitvG907OwkE_AV84ClMIqAV8aNnA8FBH1Rg&oe=660B81C8	3	Ears to Literature	2024-03-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
805,621	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805618}'	No	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	409525611784868	🔥🔥🔥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.	LEARN_MORE	https://storyaholic.readlife.mobi/6p33cmijs00.html	100972718815811	Holic of novels	https://facebook.com/100071831618482	1,866	6	766,088,132,137,701	2024-03-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Learn more	Holic of novels	120207574892320731	storyaholic.readlife.mobi	NONE	video		https://storyaholic.readlife.mobi/6p33cmijs00.html	2024-03-26 04:09	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433099590_1089434012146533_1259146829773425109_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eG71e25b3noAX9B2UkG&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfD1-BmTEhwb3DkB5RTo9odW-EL0QjSp3gmqNdha_tRa7A&oe=660998C0	person_profile	Holic of novels	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433098476_234915059646014_7173462727668554358_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CAE82v0SYcYAX8vy9bV&_nc_oc=AdggrqFk6vvDEtqHkwe416x6trz3jDyDpXmJzPRwselAqqowphzo-AdN_i5CUe4cl4o&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfABIfJoZCw7DJjAf11K8G97fDcmP-kMgiZPDXAxRJyaqQ&oe=660AECAE	3	Holic of novels	2024-03-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
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805,386	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805428}'	No	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	264669576707057	🔥🔥🔥🔥 Read <Secret Marriage, Crazy Love> 👉	“If we continue with this, she will lose her life! She’s your fiancée!”<br /> The doctor uttered in panic. Bullets of sweat formed on his back and forehead. He looked at the guy who was standing on the side. His handsome face showed no emotions as he stared at the lady on the hospital mattress. Her body looked pale and lifeless. <br /> Meanwhile, the gent’s eyes were filled with indifference and emptiness.<br /> “As if she deserves to live. This kind of lady does not even deserve to be my wife.”<br /> The lady felt a sudden wave of pain through her body.<br /> ‘What happened?’ she thought, feeling strange.<br /> She only remembered getting betrayed and trapped by her subordinates during the mission. She thought she was going to pass away.<br /> ‘Why do I still feel pain? The explosion definitely crushed me into powder.’<br /> She slowly fluttered her eyes open. Her vision was blurry, and she could vaguely see figures in coats moving before her.<br /> ‘Am I still alive? Am I in a hospital?’ she wondered.<br /> Before she found out the answers to her questions, a pounding headache attacked her. It was followed by a series of memories that didn’t belong to her. It was so painful that she almost screamed.<br /> Slowly, she realized that she indeed passed away. But for some reason, she was reborn in a different lady's body.<br /> The body of Julia Watson, the same name as her.<br /> Standing near her was Carter Ross, the fiancé of Julia Watson. Today was supposed to be their wedding day, but Julia’s best friend rushed into the wedding hall and proclaimed that she was carrying Carter’s child. The most shocking thing was that she claimed that she and Carter loved each other.<br /> She begged Julia to help her. Then she pretended that Julia had pushed her and was taken to the hospital.<br /> The vital fluid type of Julia’s best friend was quite rare. Coincidentally, she and her best friend have the same type.<br /> To save her, Carter did everything so they could transfer her vital liquid to the lady.<br /> Julia was deep in her thoughts when the gent's cold and fierce voice echoed in the room.<br /> “She’s a despicable lady. A snake! She can’t be gone easily. You can continue.”<br /> ‘He’s so cruel and heartless!’<br /> Julia clenched her fists. She could feel the painful tug in her heart.<br /> She couldn’t even control the pain. It felt natural, like a reaction or instinct.<br /> Julia realized that it might be the reaction of the original owner of the body, who suffered heavily.<br /> Starting from now, she will be the new Julia Watson. She would make sure that everyone who hurt her would suffer from the consequences!<br /> “She’s in shock. Her body’s struggling!” The doctor yelled.<br /> “Hold her down!” Carter demanded and went toward the bed to hold Julia’s hand.<br /> Julia resisted with all her strength. She pulled her leg from the doctor’s hold and strike the nurse who was pinning her down. Then, she jumped and rolled over, barely escaping the hands of the people around her.<br /> Julia sat up on the mattress, breathing heavily. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Sweat dripped down her neck as her eyes scanned the room.<br /> The nurses and the doctors froze, watching Julia in awe.<br /> At that moment, Carter stood in front of Julia. His glaring eyes remained on her. “What’s up with you, Julia? Lie down on the mattress! Vivien still needs your vital fluids!” He said impatiently.<br /> Julia watched him with emotionless eyes. “Why? Why would you sacrifice me to save Vivien’s life?” she sternly asked.<br /> “Why?” Carter shouted. “What do you mean why? If it weren’t for your madness, she wouldn’t be here in the first place! You pushed her, remember?”<br /> Julia scoffed. “Did you really believe her? Are you deaf? I told you that she pretended to fall! She’s the crazy one here, but you kept blaming me.”<br /> Julia explained to him over and over again inside the wedding hall. She was in tears. However, Carter refused to believe her.<br /> “Shut up! I saw you push her. With my own eyes, Julia! Stop lying to me,” he replied. His face was blazing with anger and disgust.<br /> <br /> Chapter 1.2: Rebirth<br /> <br /> Julia shook her head. “Really? Then, your eyes are deceiving you.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm.<br /> “What did you say?” Carter asked as if he couldn’t believe what she had just said. Julia had always been obedient and submissive. Carter could say whatever he wanted and wouldn’t hear a word back. The words she just said didn’t seem to come out of her mouth at all.<br /> Julia stood up from the mattress. Due to excessive vital fluid loss, her body was weak and trembling.<br /> Carter’s last ounce of patience vanished. “I’ll say it again,” he said darkly. “Go back to the mattress. Or else I’ll send you straight to the police station. You deserve to be punished, after all.”<br /> Julia ignored his threat and slowly stepped towards him. She raised her chin and whispered, “Aren’t you stubborn? Well, I have a way to make you believe.”<br /> “Julia! Didn’t you hear what I said just now? Don’t test my patience! Go back—” Suddenly, Julia’s fist landed on his stomach, cutting him off.<br /> Carter let out a muffled whimper, feeling the pain in his abdomen. He slowly fell to his knees. His veins were bulging on his temples.<br /> ‘What the heck? Where did she get her strength?’ he thought.<br /> Carter looked up but Julia had already left the room.<br /> Enduring the stabbing pain in his stomach, Carter got up and quickly chased after her.<br /> Meanwhile, Julia managed to get into the VIP section of the hospital, where Vivien was located. She entered her room and locked it.<br /> Carter’s eyes widened when he saw where Julia had gone. His fists pounded the door as he shouted through the observation window. “Julia! Open the door! I’m warning you! Don’t you dare lay a finger on her! If you harm her, I’ll put an end to your life. I swear!”<br /> Julia ignored Carter’s threats and continued walking towards Vivien’s mattress.<br /> Vivien's face was as pale as paper.<br /> “Sure, Vivien Smith. I’ll give you a score of sixty for your acting skills. It’s hardly fine,” Julia said.<br /> Upon hearing Julia’s words, Vivien almost couldn’t help but roll her eyes.<br /> ‘You’re just a useless person who knows nothing. What’s your point? You think you’re better than me because of your family and status?’<br /> Just like what Vivien had thought, Julia grabbed her hand.<br /> She faked a whimper. “Julia… Please… Don’t hurt my baby. Don’t drag my baby to our mess. Wait for me to give birth to my child; then you can have your revenge. Not now, please.”<br /> Her fake tears started to fall as she finished her pitiful speech. From an innocent person’s perspective, she really seemed miserable and distressed.<br /> Carter continued pounding the door outside. His blasphemous words against Julia faintly sounded in the room.<br /> Julia put Vivien’s hand down and stood next to her mattress. Her gaze was focused on her face. “Vivien, you are not really conceiving a child. We both know that.”<br /> Vivien’s eyes widened slightly. She looked at Julia in disbelief.<br /> ‘How did she know? Did she grab my hand to feel my pulse?’ she pondered.<br /> ‘Impossible!’<br /> ‘Julia doesn’t know anything about medicine and process of gestation. She’s just toying with me!’<br /> “W-What are you talking about? I don’t understand you, Julia. Can’t you see my state right now? Just don’t hurt my baby. Please, help us survive.”<br /> ‘Still pretending?’ Julia thought.<br /> She smirked at her. “Vivien, do you want to make a bet? In just five minutes, I can expose your little secret.”<br /> Her smile widened. Vivien felt a wave of nervousness as she looked at her evil expression.<br /> ‘What is she going to do?’<br /> Before Vivien knew it, Julia raised her hand and aimed it at her face. Vivien screamed, feeling the pain in her face and head.<br /> Chapter 2: I Am Willing to Marry You<br /> The sound of Julia’s slap was loud and clear.<br /> Vivien was caught off-guard. Her wide and terrified eyes stared at Julia.<br /> However, this was not over yet.<br /> Julia raised her hand again. All of a sudden, another strike landed on Vivien’s cheek.<br /> “Ah!” Vivien screamed in pain. Julia’s throw was heavier than the first one. Vivien couldn’t bear it anymore, and she covered her swollen face as she cried in pain.<br /> “Vivien!” Carter called, looking at her helplessly. He then transferred his eyes to Julia, angry. He fisted his hands and imagined torturing her.<br /> “Julia! Stop it! Stop it for me!”<br /> Julia stopped. Her head turned toward Carter, raising her brow. She looked at him briefly before slapping Vivien’s face again.<br /> She wanted to see how long Vivien would be able to endure it. She wanted to know how long she could keep her façade.<br /> “Julia! Stop it. You’re hurting me. I’m begging you—Ouch!”<br /> Vivien’s cries fell on deaf ears. Julia continued hitting her, increasing the strength of her strikes every time. Vivien couldn’t even feel her face anymore.<br /> Her face turned crimson and swollen, but she kept her mouth shut and lay on the mattress, not wanting to fall into Julai’s trap.<br /> Julia shook her head. She might have underestimated Vivien. The latter was not stupid and weak. No wonder her innocent façade fooled a lot of people and victimized Julia.<br /> “Vivien, what will happen if your innocent face gets ruined? Do you think Carter will still like you?” Julia sweetly asked. Then, she grabbed the fruit slicer from the fruit basket and waved it in front of Vivien’s face.<br /> Vivien’s eyes bulged out, mortified.<br /> “You’re crazy! You’re a psychopath, Julia!”<br /> Julia looked at Vivien with a smile and muttered, “Yes. I’m crazy. Now, watch me carve a beautiful flower on your delicate skin.”<br /> Vivien let out a wild scream. She was so scared that she rolled over from the mattress and fell to the floor.<br /> “Ouch!” She whimpered as she rubbed her back in pain.<br /> “Where are you going, Vivien? Didn’t you ask me to save you?” Julia mocked as she walked closer to her. The fruit slicer hung on her fingers. “How will I be able to save you if you run?”<br /> “No! Don’t go near me!” Vivien shouted desperately and started crawling toward the door.<br /> ‘You want to escape?’ Julia thought. ‘No freaking way!’<br /> Julia dashed toward her, making the latter panic. Vivien couldn’t open the door, so she rushed in a different direction.<br /> Vivien ran around while Julia chased after her.<br /> “Stop it, Julia! Someone, help! Carter! Help me!” Vivien cried.<br /> “V-Vivien,” Carter whispered as he watched the scene in front of him. His eyes were blazing from anger and desperation. This time, his urge to skin Julia alive intensified.<br /> Fortunately, the medical staff came to his view and opened the door with a key.<br /> Vivien seized the moment and stumbled toward the door. She then ran to Carter.<br /> “Vivien!” Carter said and embraced her with a tight hug. “Are you okay?”<br /> Vivien sobbed, her body trembling. “Carter, I…”<br /> “She’s okay,” Julia interrupted.<br /> “Carter, haven’t you seen the way she moved around the room? Massive hemorrhage? I highly doubt it,” Julia scoffed and chuckled.<br /> “Since when did a conceiving lady with a massive hemorrhage move actively? If you still believe her, then you’re not blind. You’re clearly aware she’s pretending, and you’re willing to cooperate with her.”<br /> Carter’s mouth parted in shock. He was so worried about Vivien and the baby’s safety that he didn’t realize this immediately. He remembered how Vivien looked like she was about to pass away before.<br /> She was so weak that she couldn’t speak anymore. He suddenly recalled how Vivien ran around the hospital room.<br /> ‘How could she run so fast when she couldn’t even move earlier?’<br /> Vivien's eyes watered as she watched the changes in Carter’s expression. Her heart beat faster from nervousness.<br /> All of a sudden, Vivien fell into Carter’s arms, weak and trembling.<br /> Carter’s suspicion grew even more. But seeing Vivien fall into his arms, he couldn’t help but still hold her close to him. It felt like a reflex.<br /> In just a snap, Vivien’s sick and weak appearance returned. “Carter, I-I may not… be able to save our c-child. Our baby… I’m… I’m sorry,” she said in a shaky voice.<br /> “This smell…” Julia trailed and sniffed. She slowly walked to the bedside. As soon as she flipped the pillows, her gaze landed on the two vital fluid bags. She picked them up and turned to Vivien, who was still acting her heart out.<br /> ‘Massive bleeding, huh?’<br /> Carter’s dark gaze stayed on the bags. He clenched his jaw and took a deep breath before looking at the lady in his arms.<br /> Chapter 2.2: I Am Willing to Marry You<br /> <br /> Vivien saw the rage in Carter’s eyes, startling her. She swallowed hard, and slowly, tears flowed down her cheeks.<br /> “Carter… I-I’m sorry. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have done this, but I was left with no choice. I love you so much! I can’t just stand there and watch you get married. Believe it or not, without you, I really can’t live,” she sobbed. “I’m sorry. Forgive me, please.”<br /> She cried profusely in front of him. Deep down, her head was filled with curses for Julia.<br /> ‘Why is this lady so nosy? How did she find out about the vital fluid bags?’ She couldn’t find a place where to hide them, so she put them under her pillows out of panic. Now, Julia was casually waving it in front of Carter’s face!<br /> Carter looked at Vivien. There was a painful tug in his heart, especially upon seeing her sad expression and listening to her words. He heaved a deep sigh.<br /> “I should be the one to say sorry. I wasn’t able to stop my engagement as early as I could. You got stressed about it. You acted out of desperation and disappointment. I don’t blame you. I will never blame you, Vivien.”<br /> Julia watched the two quietly. ‘Julia, is the gent who you truly loved? He’s nothing but a scumbag who loved someone else. It’s not worth dying for this kind of guy.'<br /> “Fine. I’ll make things easier for you two,” Julia spoke. The two watched her remove the engagement ring from her finger and shake it before Vivien.<br /> “Didn’t you always want this?” Julia asked her. “Here. I’ll give this to you.” With a flick of her finger, the ring flew and landed inside the garbage can.<br /> “Pick up the garbage that I don’t want.”<br /> Without waiting for their replies, Julia walked out of the ward and never looked back.<br /> Carter’s jaw dropped. He stared at Julia’s retreating form, confused. She was completely different from the Julia he had known before!<br /> But the good news was, she was finally gone. He didn’t want to see this lady again. He despised her!<br /> All heads turned to Julia as she walked out of the hospital. When she passed by a wall with a full-length mirror, she finally realized why.<br /> She looked at her reflection. Her wedding dress was ruined all over. The stains of mascara from her tears spread on her cheeks.<br /> No wonder she attracted so much attention.<br /> Julia continued walking outside until her gaze caught the guy standing at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau.<br /> The gent was breathtaking. He looked like one of those models straight out of a magazine.<br /> ‘Is that… Jared Brooks? The CEO of Brooks Corporation?’ she thought. She stared at him longer, until she realized it was really him!<br /> In her previous life, her last mission was related to the Brooks family. Unfortunately, her subordinates betrayed her before she could even finish the mission.<br /> It was Julia’s frustration. She wasn’t able to complete the task!<br /> But now that she saw him, perhaps it was God’s sign. If she didn’t take the opportunity now to complete her mission, she wouldn’t forgive herself.<br /> With this thought in mind, Julia quietly walked towards the Civil Affairs Bureau.<br /> Beside Jared was a young guy in a wheelchair. He and Jared looked quite the same. However, the younger one was a bit more handsome than Jared's chiseled facial features.<br /> Julia suddenly recalled some information about Jared. The latter had a younger brother.<br /> ‘He must be Shiloh Brooks,’ she thought.<br /> ‘What are they doing in the Civil Affairs Bureau?’<br /> Julia tilted her head and thought about it. To her luck, she heard the two gents talking with each other.<br /> “Jared, we’ve been here for an hour. I don’t think the Scott family’s daughter will come,” Shiloh muttered in an upset tone. “Grandma is just crazy about wanting to have a grandchild. Before she passed away, she arranged you with this lady and warned you that you must get married this year. If not, she would not demise in peace. She’s just overreacting.”<br /> Jared raised a brow. His dark and hooded eyes were filled with unfathomable wisdom.<br /> “It’s not like she’ll willingly do this. After all, no matter what business affair it is, I never usually show up. According to rumors, which spread like wildfire, I’m ugly, violent, and impatient. Some say I’m a bald person who's over fifty years old. Who would marry such a person?”<br /> “I will.”<br /> Jared and Shiloh turned their heads. A lady with a messy face in a ruined wedding dress appeared.<br /> “I’m willing to marry you.”<br /> Chapter 3: Marriage<br /> Getting married to Jared and becoming part of the Brooks family was her plan. She had faith that she could definitely complete the mission this time!<br /> Jared’s eyes scanned Julia from head to toe. Her face was a mess! Her mascara and eye shadow were splattered all over, and her tattered wedding dress had some crimson stains, which looked like vital fluid.<br /> She looked like a jilted bride who got robbed or something.<br /> “Who are you?”<br /> Julia raised her chin. “I’m Julia Watson of the Watson family.”<br /> Jared glanced at Shiloh. “Do you think I’ll believe you?” he coldly asked her. His eyebrows were furrowed.<br /> “Whether you believe me or not, it doesn’t matter. You’ll run a background check on me anyway,” she calmly responded.<br /> Jared’s cold eyes widened slightly, curious about what she had just said.<br /> “Come on. Time is ticking. Your supposed bride stood you up, and I just found out that my fiancé was in love with someone else during my wedding ceremony. We are both the biggest losers today, so why don’t we partner up and get married instead?” Julia casually said.<br /> Jared nodded his head. Now, he understood why she looked like this. She came to him to get revenge against her fiancé, who betrayed her.<br /> ‘The nerve of her to use me to satisfy her anger with her scumbag boyfriend,’ he thought.<br /> “Go find someone else, Miss,” he replied and held Shiloh’s wheelchair, ready to leave.<br /> “Wait!” Julia exclaimed and blocked their path. She glanced at Shiloh, who was silently sitting in the wheelchair.<br /> “What if I can,” she trailed. “Cure his legs?”<br /> ‘What?’ Jared and Shiloh inwardly thought. Their mouth parted, stunned by Julia’s words.<br /> “Hey, stop staring at me.” Julia rolled her eyes. “Just give an answer. If I can cure his leg, will you agree to marry me?”<br /> Jared fell silent for a while. His heavy gaze remained on Julia as he deliberated. “If you can really cure him, then I’ll marry you,” he finally said.<br /> Shiloh whimpered. “What? Jared, are you nuts? We don’t even know this lady! She must have an ulterior motive. Don’t fall for her trap!”<br /> Jared patted his shoulder, signaling him to calm down.<br /> “How will you be able to treat my brother?”<br /> Julia stepped closer. “Let me take a look at the situation first.” She calmly held the blanket on Shiloh’s lap and was about to pick it up.<br /> “Don’t touch me!” Shiloh protested and snatched the blanket from her hands.<br /> Julia scowled at him. “Do you think I have a special vision? Like I can see your legs through the blanket?” she sarcastically uttered.<br /> “Well, I don’t believe you can cure my legs!” Shiloh replied and glared at her. After all, why would he trust her?<br /> Julia gritted her teeth, impatient. ‘If it weren’t for my desire to complete my mission, I wouldn’t even think of helping you!’ she thought.<br /> In her past life, hundreds of people would try all means to invite her to treat their illness at all costs!<br /> To her surprise, Jared suddenly lifted Shiloh’s blanket, showing his legs.<br /> “Jared! She’s a scam. Why do you believe her?”<br /> “Let her see, Shiloh,” Jared calmly said and stood close to him. If Julia dared to make any inappropriate move, he would let her know the end of harming his loved ones!<br /> Shiloh grumpily scoffed and turned his face away. He crossed his arms. His damaged legs had been in the wheelchair for years, which caused muscle atrophy and deformation. At least to him, his legs look horrible.<br /> Julia softly pressed his legs with her fingers. <br /> “It seemed like you have been in a wheelchair for six or seven years,” she said.<br /> Both Jared and Shiloh looked at each other, mirroring the surprised expressions on their faces.<br /> Indeed, it had been six or seven years since the car accident. They both couldn’t believe one look and touch, and Julia already found out.<br /> Before they could utter a reply, Julia’s fingers formed a hook shape and pressed them down on Shiloh’s deformed leg.<br /> All of a sudden, Shiloh let out a muffled whimper in his mouth.<br /> He reacted! Therefore, he felt a sensation in his legs.<br /> Jared watched the scene in disbelief. Seeing how his brother reacted stirred up a turbulent wave in his heart.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3.2: Marriage<br /> <br /> Ever since the accident, Shiloh couldn’t feel anything below his body. They had already turned the world upside down, looking for the best doctors, advanced medical procedures, and expensive medicinal herbs. However, Shiloh’s legs were as unresponsive as a withered tree.<br /> Now, a lady they didn’t even know casually massaged his legs and made Shiloh feel something. He whimpered in pain!<br /> Jared studied Julia’s face. ‘She looks like she’s in her early twenties. Can she really help my brother?’<br /> Julia withdrew her hand and thought for a while. “His condition is quite serious,” she said, frowning slightly.<br /> “But you can treat him?” Jared asked worried.<br /> Julia looked at him and nodded. “Yeah, I can do it. It will take at least three or four months, though.”<br /> Julia lied. Seeing Shiloh’s condition, she could help him in just a short time. Give her at most a month, and Shiloh would be walking with a cane.<br /> But she couldn’t say that! She would have exposed her identity as a gifted doctor if she had said that.<br /> Meanwhile, Jared and Shiloh were taken aback by Julia’s claim. Three or four months was still a short period.<br /> “Well?” Julia asked Jared. “I just made your brother feel a sensation in his legs. I guess you should fulfill your promise and come with me inside to legalize our marriage?”<br /> Jared nodded. “Let’s go.”<br /> “Jared!” Shiloh protested and grabbed his shirt, refusing to let him go.<br /> “My legs didn’t feel anything. She was lying to you. Don’t marry her!” Shiloh uttered. He didn’t want to hinder his brother from being free because of him.<br /> Julia turned to him and smiled. “You didn't feel anything, Shiloh?”<br /> Without waiting for his answer, she lifted the blanket again and quickly poked his leg.<br /> “Oh!” Shiloh growled in pain. His face instantly turned crimson.<br /> Julia stopped and crossed her arms at Jared. “See? Come on.” <br /> Half an hour later, Julia walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau with the marriage certificate in her hand. It was valid and legal.<br /> She looked at her and Jared’s photo and realized that life was really unpredictable. This guy was supposed to be Carter, her original fiancé. In just the blink of an eye, a different guy was standing beside her.<br /> ‘Well, at least he’s cute,’ Julia happily thought as she looked at Jared’s photo.<br /> Jared was definitely more handsome than Carter, so she suffered no loss.<br /> After following Jared and Shiloh to their house, Julia immediately requested to use a bathroom.<br /> Her body was covered with sweat and crimson stains, and the makeup on her face was disgustingly sticky. In short, she badly needed a shower.<br /> After showering, Julia stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection.<br /> “Wow… You really are pretty, Julia Watson,” she murmured.<br /> Her skin was fair and as smooth as silk. Her eyebrows were perfectly shaped, and had a flush mouth. Her delicate nose fits her facial structure perfectly.<br /> “Tsk,” She clicked her mouth. “Despite having a good family background and flawless beauty, she still ended up being betrayed by her scumbag of a fiancé. Such good cards landed on poor hands.”<br /> Meanwhile, Jared stood in the living room downstairs. He answered his assistant’s call.<br /> “Mr. Brooks, the matter you instructed earlier has been taken care of. Miss Julia Watson is the eldest daughter of the Watson family. Today was her wedding day with Carter Ross of the Ross family. During the ceremony, Mr. Ross’ lover made a scene, causing the wedding to stop.”<br /> After learning about the whole story, Jared no longer doubts Julia’s identity.<br /> His guess was right. The sole reason why Julia wanted to marry him was to get back with her ex-fiancé.<br /> “I’m sorry, Jared. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be married to that ugly and weird lady,” Shiloh said guiltily.<br /> Jared shook his head, erasing his thoughts. He turned to his brother and said, “Don’t blame yourself. For me, getting married is not a big deal. I just have to fulfill Grandma’s wish before she pass away. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”<br /> As soon as Jared finished speaking, they heard a sound coming from upstairs. It seemed like Julia had already finished showering.<br /> Soon, footsteps from the stairs echoed in the quiet house.<br /> Jared turned around and looked up.<br /> His mouth parted in surprise.<br /> Chapter 4: Unexpected <br /> Julia stood quietly at the bottom of the stairs, looking like a deity from a painting.<br /> Slowly, she walked toward them. The two brothers’ gaze remained on her, mesmerized and curious.<br /> ‘Is she really the ugly lady we met earlier?’ Shiloh thought. If it weren’t for him seeing Julia come out of the room with his own eyes, he would have never believed that the girl in front of him was Julia, the lady who married his brother.<br /> Julia approached Jared and gave her a small smile. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting for so long.”<br /> Then, she plopped on the sofa and let out an audible sigh. She brought her feet to the chair and hugged her knees like this place was her home.<br /> Jared watched Julia’s movements with furrowed brows.<br /> ‘Is that my shirt?’ he thought.<br /> True to his thoughts, it was indeed his shirt. Julia noticed his piercing gaze. “Oh. This shirt? I couldn’t find any other clothes back there. I can’t come out here with just a towel, right?” she explained.<br /> Jared looked at the shirt on her body. The perfectly ironed and soft fabric was his go-to clothes, but now it was on a different lady’s body. It looked huge on her.<br /> Julia’s wet hair cascaded down her shoulders, sprawled on his shirt. Her appearance was simply breathtaking.<br /> Because her hair was not properly dried and still dripped with water, they easily wet the front of her shirt. Jared’s eyes turned into slits as he watched his shirt become see-through, revealing her undergarment.<br /> “What the heck?” Julia exclaimed when Jared took off his coat and threw it on her. “I don’t need this. It’s warm in here.”<br /> Jared scowled at her. “Put that on. Or else, you’re free to go upstairs,” he demanded in a strict voice.<br /> Julia lowered her head and looked at her body. She realized that the rumors were true. This guy was not used to ladies. Although she didn’t wear pants, the shirt was long enough to cover her legs. It was actually longer than a normal skirt.<br /> ‘There’s really something wrong with him,’ she pondered. Frowning, she lazily stood up and put on his coat over her body.<br /> She wouldn’t bother interacting with this person if it weren't for the mission.<br /> “Mr. Brooks, I am now wrapped like a spring roll. If you have something to say, just cut to the chase."<br /> “Fine. I’ll be honest with you. I know what you’re doing here,” Jared looked her straight in the eye as he sat on the opposite chair. His dark eyes blazed with coldness.<br /> Julia’s eyes narrowed. She felt a little caught off-guard but made sure not to show it on her face.<br /> He guessed she had no other partner. Did he find out about her task?<br /> Julia returned to her senses when Jared’s deep voice suddenly entered her ears. <br /> “You’re using me to take revenge on your ex-fiancé who betrayed and left you.”<br /> ‘What?’ Julia blinked her eyes, surprised. It took her a while to process his words.<br /> “Did I guess wrong?” Jared spoke with a very determined tone.<br /> Julia’s eyes widened. “Oh. Y-Yes! You’re right. Wow. You really are the leader of the Brooks family. You can see through my plans in just a glance,” she trailed. It was a perfect opportunity.<br /> “That sumbag. He wasted our relationship. I was sincere and willing to marry him, but he chose to run away with a different lady on our wedding day!”<br /> Jared and Shiloh watched her burst out. “To save his side chick, he wanted to transfer my vital fluid to her body? Why? He can’t live without her? It was a slap in my face! I will make sure that they will pay for this!”<br /> “Okay, but why did you choose my brother?” Shiloh raised his brows at her.<br /> Jared nodded, also wanting to hear her answer.<br /> “Because your brother is very good looking,” Julia casually said. “He is a million times more handsome than that scumbag, my ex-fiancé. I'm pretty sure he would be super regretful if he sees I marry your brother."<br /> Her expression looked genuine and convincing. Jared’s mouth curled into a small smirk. It seemed like he was satisfied by her explanation.<br /> Not long after, he felt very strange again about his own reaction.<br /> ‘Did she just praise my appearance?’ Countless people had showered him with praise before, but never did he feel moved or affected by those words.<br /> This was the first time he felt a little happy. ‘What’s happening to me?’<br /> "Stop flattering my brother!” Shiloh replied and grimaced at her. Julia shrugged at him.<br /> Jared sat tall and upright, staring at Julia intensely.<br /> “I don’t care about your intentions. I married you to fulfill my grandmother’s wish and to make sure that my brother walks again.”<br /> “Don’t worry. If I say I can cure him, I can do it.” She looked at him with confidence and determination.<br /> Jared felt his heart pound louder against his body. He stared at her with parted mouth, moved by her words and attitude.<br /> Julia noticed that Jared couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She thought that he might still be skeptical about her. So, to dispel his suspicions, she continued to speak up.<br /> “And as for our arrangement, don’t worry. I won’t bother you. Just treat me like an invisible guest here. I’ll also pay for my food here, okay?”<br /> Jared raised his eyebrows. Just as he was about to say something, his brother interrupted him.<br /> “Make sure you’ll do that! Don’t think my brother will be interested in you just because you find him adorable and noble.”<br /> Julia stood up and brushed her hair with her fingers. Her gaze shifted from Shiloh to Jared.<br /> “Mr. Brooks, I solemnly promise that I will never fall in love with you in the future,” she announced. However, the gloomy look on Jared’s face didn’t escape her eyes.<br /> Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, nervous. She thought that he still didn’t believe her.<br /> “I swear! I promise, okay?” She exclaimed and raised her palm. “I swear to God!”<br /> “That’s enough!” Jared’s deep baritone rang in the living room. His upper bpdy rose repeatedly. Then, he looked at her straight in the eye and stood up. “How long will you hang out in front of me in this outfit?”<br /> Chapter 5: Encountering <br /> ‘This lady is too liberated!’ Jared angrily thought. It wouldn’t matter if it was only two of them here, but his younger brother was also here!<br /> Julia looked at Jared and tilted her head. She had a good figure, so he should feel lucky. Now, he was looking at her as if he would have an eye problem if he stared at her body for so long.<br /> “Fine. I think you believe me now. I’ll go back to my room.” She hugged the suit in her body and walked towards the staircase. Her slender and firm legs were displayed in front of them.<br /> Julia couldn’t help but think as she walked. She kept on thinking about the two brothers and how to complete her task.<br /> Also, she couldn’t be blamed for this. The mansion was huge and covered an area about the same as the palace of a certain country she had been to before.<br /> Finding something like that in such a huge place was like finding a needle in a haystack.<br /> Not to mention that she just arrived here. She couldn’t move around freely yet. Otherwise, people would start suspecting her. Right now, it was better to keep a low profile.<br /> Julia rested in her room peacefully. As soon as she woke up the next morning, a maid entered her room with a few sets of clothes.<br /> “Good morning, Miss. These are the clothes that Mr. Brooks ordered for you.”<br /> “Oh. You prepared them for me?” Julia asked in surprise. ‘Maybe he doesn’t want me to wear his clothes anymore? That’s the reason why he asked his people to shop for clothes for me.’<br /> ‘He’s such a neat freak,’ she inwardly shook her head.<br /> Right after Julia showered and got dressed, she went out of her room and immediately heard the maid who had just brought her clothes talking to another maid.<br /> “It’s her! She’s shameless. She wants to allure Mr. Jared for sure!”<br /> “She’s just another witch with a pretty face.”<br /> “I bet you a hundred bucks, that face is fake.”<br /> “You think so? I really doubt that’s natural.”<br /> Julia inwardly rolled her eyes, letting their words enter her ear and out to the other. She calmly walked downstairs and walked straight past the gossiping maids. <br /> The latter watched Julia in disbelief. Annoyed that they were ignored, they went to her.<br /> “You want some advice? Leave right now. If Miss Cameron finds out that you’re married to Mr. Brooks, you’ll days will be numbered, Miss.”<br /> Julia stopped in her tracks and turned to them.<br /> “Really? Then, let’s wait until she comes home.”<br /> The maids looked at Julia with their jaws dropped. She smiled at them and continued walking.<br /> “Lilibeth, you still have Ms. Cameron’s contact number, right? Let’s tell her about that witch.”<br /> “Okay! Let’s get my phone.”<br /> It didn’t take long for Julia to notice that someone was following her when she went out of the mansion.<br /> She hid in the alley as quickly as she could and stared at the street. Soon after, Shiloh appeared in a wheelchair.<br /> He had been following her all this time. He must have suspected that Julia had ulterior motives toward his older brother, and he was keen to prove he was right.<br /> ‘Tracking me, huh? If I rank second when it comes to counter-tracking within the alliance, no one would dare to rank first.’<br /> She let him take his time finding her. Then, she would leave first.<br /> On the other hand, Shiloh’s eyes scanned the area and cursed to himself.<br /> “Darn it. Where is she? She was just here. Where did she go?”<br /> Ten minutes later, Julia arrived at the largest shopping center in the city: Montreal City.<br /> The people who came here were the rich ones. It was a high-end shopping mall filled with luxury boutiques that ordinary people couldn’t afford.<br /> Julia suddenly remembered the brand named Lanco owned by the Wolf Five family, who lived here in Vienna City.<br /> When she arrived on the third floor, Julia looked up and saw the huge sign. The store almost occupied the entire floor, making the other outlets look small compared to it.<br /> Without a doubt, the store was owned and managed by the Wolf Five. It screamed luxury and elegance.<br /> Julia went inside the elevator and sighed. She glanced at the two young ladies who were standing in front of her, chatting animatedly.<br /> “Naomi, you didn’t go to meet the guy from the Brooks family yesterday, right? So, you didn’t get married?”<br /> Upon hearing this, Julia immediately looked at them carefully.<br /> The girl in the lemon dress rolled her eyes and replied, “Of course. I won’t get married to an ugly guy. What am I? Crazy?”<br /> “So, he didn’t find you or chase after you? He’s from the Brooks family.”<br /> “So what?” Naomi grimaced. “At that time, our grandfathers were comrades in army and had gone through life and demise together before building their own families. My grandfather was so keen to marry me to that family, and he didn’t even consider what I want!"<br /> "If Jared Brooks was a fine gent, I’d gladly marry him. Their family is rich as heck, after all. But no one in our circle even knew what he looked like! They said he’s bald. I doubt I’d be able to eat anything If I see that kind of face every day.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5.2: Encountering<br /> <br /> Julia clicked her mouth and shook her head.<br /> If only this snobbish girl saw what Jared looked like, she would regret her decision for the rest of her life.<br /> Naomi heard Julia behind her. She looked at her from head to toe and said, “What’s your problem, Miss?”<br /> Julia calmly raised her brows and replied, “Nothing. We don’t know each other. Why don’t we mind our businesses?”<br /> Naomi scoffed and glared at her, annoyed by Julia’s sassy tone.<br /> “Naomi, don’t waste your time on her. Just by the looks of her cheap clothes, she’s probably from the countryside. Talking to people like her will only make you look cheap,” the other girl rebutted, eyeing Julia’s body with disgust.<br /> ‘Cheap clothes?’ Julia thought. She looked at her body. These clothes were from Jared. ‘Wow. Did they really give me cheap clothes? Didn’t they think about their family’s image and reputation?’<br /> Julia looked at the girls in front of her. ‘Or maybe these two are wrong. They’re tasteless and can’t even see what real designer items are.’<br /> “Excuse me,” Julia walked past the two and headed straight to the Lanco store.<br /> She entered the store and grabbed some of the clothes, checking them on her body through the mirror.<br /> The salesperson walked near her. Just as she was about to prepare Julia’s order, Naomi’s voice blared inside the store.<br /> “Excuse me, Miss. I just want to warn you that this lady is from the outskirts of this city and perhaps has never seen the world before. She just wanted to try some of your clothes but I doubt she’ll buy any. You should keep an eye on her.”<br /> The salesperson's gaze transferred to Julia, shocked and alert.<br /> Julia calmly gave more clothes to the saleslady. “I’ll take these as well.”<br /> “Can you even afford them?” Naomi interjected. “The clothes they sell here start at a thousand dollars. Do you even have that much amount?”<br /> Julia ignored Naomi’s remark and turned to the salesperson. “Please, pack them for me.”<br /> Naomi clenched her fists, not liking how Julia deliberately treated her like a ghost. All of a sudden, she reached for the clothes and held them.<br /> “I’ll take them, Miss.”<br /> Julia frowned. Impatience was evident on her face. She had always been cool and doesn’t easily get annoyed, but when someone pushed her buttons, she would be unstoppable.<br /> “I got them first!” Julia pulled the other end of the clothes.<br /> The salesperson stood between them, nervous. “Excuse me. These clothes are not limited edition. Luckily, we still have a few more items in the back. You both can buy the same products.”<br /> “Now go get your own clothes,” Julia told Naomi.<br /> Naomi tugged at the clothes harder. “And why should I do that?”<br /> “Why?” Julia laughed. “First come, first serve. Didn’t your parents teach you that when you were younger? They always say, ‘Never look down on non-city people.’ Well, even the poorest people would educate their children about the value of buying things!”<br /> Naomi’s breathing intensified. Her face blushed with anger. Her eyes were filled with rage as she looked at Julia.<br /> “You, freak. How dare you imply that I’m unmannered!”<br /> Julia glanced at Naomi’s hand on the clothes and smirked. “Aren’t you?”<br /> “You!” Naomi’s body shook with anger. If looks could demise, Julia might be gone by now.<br /> After an entire minute of staring at each other, Naomi turned to the salesperson and took out her membership card from her designer purse. “Here’s my membership card. Now, give me these clothes.”<br /> The salesperson took the card. She glanced at Julia apologetically and said, “Okay, Ma’am. I’ll prepare them for you.”<br /> Naomi looked at Julia with an arrogant expression. She crossed her arms on her body.<br /> “Wait a minute,” Julia announced. “I’m an acquaintance of your boss. You’ll give me these clothes,” she told the salesperson.<br /> “What?” Naomi chuckled and looked at her friend. “Did you hear her, Daphne? She said she knows the owner of Lanco. Should I claim that I’m the girlfriend of the owner?”<br /> “No way. This is too funny!”<br /> The two ladies burst out laughing. Naomi even wiped a tear from her eye.<br /> “Oh,” Julia butted in. “Do you want to be Wolf Five’s girlfriend? Well, I’ll give you some advice.” She took a step closer to Naomi and whispered, “You can’t.”<br /> Naomi glared at her. “What are you talking about? If you have the guts, then—” Before she could finish speaking, Julia took out her phone and clicked a number.<br /> “Hey. Wolf Five, I’m at your store. I’d like to buy some clothes, but I’m having some trouble,” she calmly said.	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805,468	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":805386}'	No	2024-03-28 11:46	active	365	785739289749722	🔥🔥🔥🔥 Read <Secret Marriage, Crazy Love> 👉	“If we continue with this, she will lose her life! She’s your fiancée!”<br /> The doctor uttered in panic. Bullets of sweat formed on his back and forehead. He looked at the guy who was standing on the side. His handsome face showed no emotions as he stared at the lady on the hospital mattress. Her body looked pale and lifeless. <br /> Meanwhile, the gent’s eyes were filled with indifference and emptiness.<br /> “As if she deserves to live. This kind of lady does not even deserve to be my wife.”<br /> The lady felt a sudden wave of pain through her body.<br /> ‘What happened?’ she thought, feeling strange.<br /> She only remembered getting betrayed and trapped by her subordinates during the mission. She thought she was going to pass away.<br /> ‘Why do I still feel pain? The explosion definitely crushed me into powder.’<br /> She slowly fluttered her eyes open. Her vision was blurry, and she could vaguely see figures in coats moving before her.<br /> ‘Am I still alive? Am I in a hospital?’ she wondered.<br /> Before she found out the answers to her questions, a pounding headache attacked her. It was followed by a series of memories that didn’t belong to her. It was so painful that she almost screamed.<br /> Slowly, she realized that she indeed passed away. But for some reason, she was reborn in a different lady's body.<br /> The body of Julia Watson, the same name as her.<br /> Standing near her was Carter Ross, the fiancé of Julia Watson. Today was supposed to be their wedding day, but Julia’s best friend rushed into the wedding hall and proclaimed that she was carrying Carter’s child. The most shocking thing was that she claimed that she and Carter loved each other.<br /> She begged Julia to help her. Then she pretended that Julia had pushed her and was taken to the hospital.<br /> The vital fluid type of Julia’s best friend was quite rare. Coincidentally, she and her best friend have the same type.<br /> To save her, Carter did everything so they could transfer her vital liquid to the lady.<br /> Julia was deep in her thoughts when the gent's cold and fierce voice echoed in the room.<br /> “She’s a despicable lady. A snake! She can’t be gone easily. You can continue.”<br /> ‘He’s so cruel and heartless!’<br /> Julia clenched her fists. She could feel the painful tug in her heart.<br /> She couldn’t even control the pain. It felt natural, like a reaction or instinct.<br /> Julia realized that it might be the reaction of the original owner of the body, who suffered heavily.<br /> Starting from now, she will be the new Julia Watson. She would make sure that everyone who hurt her would suffer from the consequences!<br /> “She’s in shock. Her body’s struggling!” The doctor yelled.<br /> “Hold her down!” Carter demanded and went toward the bed to hold Julia’s hand.<br /> Julia resisted with all her strength. She pulled her leg from the doctor’s hold and strike the nurse who was pinning her down. Then, she jumped and rolled over, barely escaping the hands of the people around her.<br /> Julia sat up on the mattress, breathing heavily. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Sweat dripped down her neck as her eyes scanned the room.<br /> The nurses and the doctors froze, watching Julia in awe.<br /> At that moment, Carter stood in front of Julia. His glaring eyes remained on her. “What’s up with you, Julia? Lie down on the mattress! Vivien still needs your vital fluids!” He said impatiently.<br /> Julia watched him with emotionless eyes. “Why? Why would you sacrifice me to save Vivien’s life?” she sternly asked.<br /> “Why?” Carter shouted. “What do you mean why? If it weren’t for your madness, she wouldn’t be here in the first place! You pushed her, remember?”<br /> Julia scoffed. “Did you really believe her? Are you deaf? I told you that she pretended to fall! She’s the crazy one here, but you kept blaming me.”<br /> Julia explained to him over and over again inside the wedding hall. She was in tears. However, Carter refused to believe her.<br /> “Shut up! I saw you push her. With my own eyes, Julia! Stop lying to me,” he replied. His face was blazing with anger and disgust.<br /> <br /> Chapter 1.2: Rebirth<br /> <br /> Julia shook her head. “Really? Then, your eyes are deceiving you.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm.<br /> “What did you say?” Carter asked as if he couldn’t believe what she had just said. Julia had always been obedient and submissive. Carter could say whatever he wanted and wouldn’t hear a word back. The words she just said didn’t seem to come out of her mouth at all.<br /> Julia stood up from the mattress. Due to excessive vital fluid loss, her body was weak and trembling.<br /> Carter’s last ounce of patience vanished. “I’ll say it again,” he said darkly. “Go back to the mattress. Or else I’ll send you straight to the police station. You deserve to be punished, after all.”<br /> Julia ignored his threat and slowly stepped towards him. She raised her chin and whispered, “Aren’t you stubborn? Well, I have a way to make you believe.”<br /> “Julia! Didn’t you hear what I said just now? Don’t test my patience! Go back—” Suddenly, Julia’s fist landed on his stomach, cutting him off.<br /> Carter let out a muffled whimper, feeling the pain in his abdomen. He slowly fell to his knees. His veins were bulging on his temples.<br /> ‘What the heck? Where did she get her strength?’ he thought.<br /> Carter looked up but Julia had already left the room.<br /> Enduring the stabbing pain in his stomach, Carter got up and quickly chased after her.<br /> Meanwhile, Julia managed to get into the VIP section of the hospital, where Vivien was located. She entered her room and locked it.<br /> Carter’s eyes widened when he saw where Julia had gone. His fists pounded the door as he shouted through the observation window. “Julia! Open the door! I’m warning you! Don’t you dare lay a finger on her! If you harm her, I’ll put an end to your life. I swear!”<br /> Julia ignored Carter’s threats and continued walking towards Vivien’s mattress.<br /> Vivien's face was as pale as paper.<br /> “Sure, Vivien Smith. I’ll give you a score of sixty for your acting skills. It’s hardly fine,” Julia said.<br /> Upon hearing Julia’s words, Vivien almost couldn’t help but roll her eyes.<br /> ‘You’re just a useless person who knows nothing. What’s your point? You think you’re better than me because of your family and status?’<br /> Just like what Vivien had thought, Julia grabbed her hand.<br /> She faked a whimper. “Julia… Please… Don’t hurt my baby. Don’t drag my baby to our mess. Wait for me to give birth to my child; then you can have your revenge. Not now, please.”<br /> Her fake tears started to fall as she finished her pitiful speech. From an innocent person’s perspective, she really seemed miserable and distressed.<br /> Carter continued pounding the door outside. His blasphemous words against Julia faintly sounded in the room.<br /> Julia put Vivien’s hand down and stood next to her mattress. Her gaze was focused on her face. “Vivien, you are not really conceiving a child. We both know that.”<br /> Vivien’s eyes widened slightly. She looked at Julia in disbelief.<br /> ‘How did she know? Did she grab my hand to feel my pulse?’ she pondered.<br /> ‘Impossible!’<br /> ‘Julia doesn’t know anything about medicine and process of gestation. She’s just toying with me!’<br /> “W-What are you talking about? I don’t understand you, Julia. Can’t you see my state right now? Just don’t hurt my baby. Please, help us survive.”<br /> ‘Still pretending?’ Julia thought.<br /> She smirked at her. “Vivien, do you want to make a bet? In just five minutes, I can expose your little secret.”<br /> Her smile widened. Vivien felt a wave of nervousness as she looked at her evil expression.<br /> ‘What is she going to do?’<br /> Before Vivien knew it, Julia raised her hand and aimed it at her face. Vivien screamed, feeling the pain in her face and head.<br /> Chapter 2: I Am Willing to Marry You<br /> The sound of Julia’s slap was loud and clear.<br /> Vivien was caught off-guard. Her wide and terrified eyes stared at Julia.<br /> However, this was not over yet.<br /> Julia raised her hand again. All of a sudden, another strike landed on Vivien’s cheek.<br /> “Ah!” Vivien screamed in pain. Julia’s throw was heavier than the first one. Vivien couldn’t bear it anymore, and she covered her swollen face as she cried in pain.<br /> “Vivien!” Carter called, looking at her helplessly. He then transferred his eyes to Julia, angry. He fisted his hands and imagined torturing her.<br /> “Julia! Stop it! Stop it for me!”<br /> Julia stopped. Her head turned toward Carter, raising her brow. She looked at him briefly before slapping Vivien’s face again.<br /> She wanted to see how long Vivien would be able to endure it. She wanted to know how long she could keep her façade.<br /> “Julia! Stop it. You’re hurting me. I’m begging you—Ouch!”<br /> Vivien’s cries fell on deaf ears. Julia continued hitting her, increasing the strength of her strikes every time. Vivien couldn’t even feel her face anymore.<br /> Her face turned crimson and swollen, but she kept her mouth shut and lay on the mattress, not wanting to fall into Julai’s trap.<br /> Julia shook her head. She might have underestimated Vivien. The latter was not stupid and weak. No wonder her innocent façade fooled a lot of people and victimized Julia.<br /> “Vivien, what will happen if your innocent face gets ruined? Do you think Carter will still like you?” Julia sweetly asked. Then, she grabbed the fruit slicer from the fruit basket and waved it in front of Vivien’s face.<br /> Vivien’s eyes bulged out, mortified.<br /> “You’re crazy! You’re a psychopath, Julia!”<br /> Julia looked at Vivien with a smile and muttered, “Yes. I’m crazy. Now, watch me carve a beautiful flower on your delicate skin.”<br /> Vivien let out a wild scream. She was so scared that she rolled over from the mattress and fell to the floor.<br /> “Ouch!” She whimpered as she rubbed her back in pain.<br /> “Where are you going, Vivien? Didn’t you ask me to save you?” Julia mocked as she walked closer to her. The fruit slicer hung on her fingers. “How will I be able to save you if you run?”<br /> “No! Don’t go near me!” Vivien shouted desperately and started crawling toward the door.<br /> ‘You want to escape?’ Julia thought. ‘No freaking way!’<br /> Julia dashed toward her, making the latter panic. Vivien couldn’t open the door, so she rushed in a different direction.<br /> Vivien ran around while Julia chased after her.<br /> “Stop it, Julia! Someone, help! Carter! Help me!” Vivien cried.<br /> “V-Vivien,” Carter whispered as he watched the scene in front of him. His eyes were blazing from anger and desperation. This time, his urge to skin Julia alive intensified.<br /> Fortunately, the medical staff came to his view and opened the door with a key.<br /> Vivien seized the moment and stumbled toward the door. She then ran to Carter.<br /> “Vivien!” Carter said and embraced her with a tight hug. “Are you okay?”<br /> Vivien sobbed, her body trembling. “Carter, I…”<br /> “She’s okay,” Julia interrupted.<br /> “Carter, haven’t you seen the way she moved around the room? Massive hemorrhage? I highly doubt it,” Julia scoffed and chuckled.<br /> “Since when did a conceiving lady with a massive hemorrhage move actively? If you still believe her, then you’re not blind. You’re clearly aware she’s pretending, and you’re willing to cooperate with her.”<br /> Carter’s mouth parted in shock. He was so worried about Vivien and the baby’s safety that he didn’t realize this immediately. He remembered how Vivien looked like she was about to pass away before.<br /> She was so weak that she couldn’t speak anymore. He suddenly recalled how Vivien ran around the hospital room.<br /> ‘How could she run so fast when she couldn’t even move earlier?’<br /> Vivien's eyes watered as she watched the changes in Carter’s expression. Her heart beat faster from nervousness.<br /> All of a sudden, Vivien fell into Carter’s arms, weak and trembling.<br /> Carter’s suspicion grew even more. But seeing Vivien fall into his arms, he couldn’t help but still hold her close to him. It felt like a reflex.<br /> In just a snap, Vivien’s sick and weak appearance returned. “Carter, I-I may not… be able to save our c-child. Our baby… I’m… I’m sorry,” she said in a shaky voice.<br /> “This smell…” Julia trailed and sniffed. She slowly walked to the bedside. As soon as she flipped the pillows, her gaze landed on the two vital fluid bags. She picked them up and turned to Vivien, who was still acting her heart out.<br /> ‘Massive bleeding, huh?’<br /> Carter’s dark gaze stayed on the bags. He clenched his jaw and took a deep breath before looking at the lady in his arms.<br /> Chapter 2.2: I Am Willing to Marry You<br /> <br /> Vivien saw the rage in Carter’s eyes, startling her. She swallowed hard, and slowly, tears flowed down her cheeks.<br /> “Carter… I-I’m sorry. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have done this, but I was left with no choice. I love you so much! I can’t just stand there and watch you get married. Believe it or not, without you, I really can’t live,” she sobbed. “I’m sorry. Forgive me, please.”<br /> She cried profusely in front of him. Deep down, her head was filled with curses for Julia.<br /> ‘Why is this lady so nosy? How did she find out about the vital fluid bags?’ She couldn’t find a place where to hide them, so she put them under her pillows out of panic. Now, Julia was casually waving it in front of Carter’s face!<br /> Carter looked at Vivien. There was a painful tug in his heart, especially upon seeing her sad expression and listening to her words. He heaved a deep sigh.<br /> “I should be the one to say sorry. I wasn’t able to stop my engagement as early as I could. You got stressed about it. You acted out of desperation and disappointment. I don’t blame you. I will never blame you, Vivien.”<br /> Julia watched the two quietly. ‘Julia, is the gent who you truly loved? He’s nothing but a scumbag who loved someone else. It’s not worth dying for this kind of guy.'<br /> “Fine. I’ll make things easier for you two,” Julia spoke. The two watched her remove the engagement ring from her finger and shake it before Vivien.<br /> “Didn’t you always want this?” Julia asked her. “Here. I’ll give this to you.” With a flick of her finger, the ring flew and landed inside the garbage can.<br /> “Pick up the garbage that I don’t want.”<br /> Without waiting for their replies, Julia walked out of the ward and never looked back.<br /> Carter’s jaw dropped. He stared at Julia’s retreating form, confused. She was completely different from the Julia he had known before!<br /> But the good news was, she was finally gone. He didn’t want to see this lady again. He despised her!<br /> All heads turned to Julia as she walked out of the hospital. When she passed by a wall with a full-length mirror, she finally realized why.<br /> She looked at her reflection. Her wedding dress was ruined all over. The stains of mascara from her tears spread on her cheeks.<br /> No wonder she attracted so much attention.<br /> Julia continued walking outside until her gaze caught the guy standing at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau.<br /> The gent was breathtaking. He looked like one of those models straight out of a magazine.<br /> ‘Is that… Jared Brooks? The CEO of Brooks Corporation?’ she thought. She stared at him longer, until she realized it was really him!<br /> In her previous life, her last mission was related to the Brooks family. Unfortunately, her subordinates betrayed her before she could even finish the mission.<br /> It was Julia’s frustration. She wasn’t able to complete the task!<br /> But now that she saw him, perhaps it was God’s sign. If she didn’t take the opportunity now to complete her mission, she wouldn’t forgive herself.<br /> With this thought in mind, Julia quietly walked towards the Civil Affairs Bureau.<br /> Beside Jared was a young guy in a wheelchair. He and Jared looked quite the same. However, the younger one was a bit more handsome than Jared's chiseled facial features.<br /> Julia suddenly recalled some information about Jared. The latter had a younger brother.<br /> ‘He must be Shiloh Brooks,’ she thought.<br /> ‘What are they doing in the Civil Affairs Bureau?’<br /> Julia tilted her head and thought about it. To her luck, she heard the two gents talking with each other.<br /> “Jared, we’ve been here for an hour. I don’t think the Scott family’s daughter will come,” Shiloh muttered in an upset tone. “Grandma is just crazy about wanting to have a grandchild. Before she passed away, she arranged you with this lady and warned you that you must get married this year. If not, she would not demise in peace. She’s just overreacting.”<br /> Jared raised a brow. His dark and hooded eyes were filled with unfathomable wisdom.<br /> “It’s not like she’ll willingly do this. After all, no matter what business affair it is, I never usually show up. According to rumors, which spread like wildfire, I’m ugly, violent, and impatient. Some say I’m a bald person who's over fifty years old. Who would marry such a person?”<br /> “I will.”<br /> Jared and Shiloh turned their heads. A lady with a messy face in a ruined wedding dress appeared.<br /> “I’m willing to marry you.”<br /> Chapter 3: Marriage<br /> Getting married to Jared and becoming part of the Brooks family was her plan. She had faith that she could definitely complete the mission this time!<br /> Jared’s eyes scanned Julia from head to toe. Her face was a mess! Her mascara and eye shadow were splattered all over, and her tattered wedding dress had some crimson stains, which looked like vital fluid.<br /> She looked like a jilted bride who got robbed or something.<br /> “Who are you?”<br /> Julia raised her chin. “I’m Julia Watson of the Watson family.”<br /> Jared glanced at Shiloh. “Do you think I’ll believe you?” he coldly asked her. His eyebrows were furrowed.<br /> “Whether you believe me or not, it doesn’t matter. You’ll run a background check on me anyway,” she calmly responded.<br /> Jared’s cold eyes widened slightly, curious about what she had just said.<br /> “Come on. Time is ticking. Your supposed bride stood you up, and I just found out that my fiancé was in love with someone else during my wedding ceremony. We are both the biggest losers today, so why don’t we partner up and get married instead?” Julia casually said.<br /> Jared nodded his head. Now, he understood why she looked like this. She came to him to get revenge against her fiancé, who betrayed her.<br /> ‘The nerve of her to use me to satisfy her anger with her scumbag boyfriend,’ he thought.<br /> “Go find someone else, Miss,” he replied and held Shiloh’s wheelchair, ready to leave.<br /> “Wait!” Julia exclaimed and blocked their path. She glanced at Shiloh, who was silently sitting in the wheelchair.<br /> “What if I can,” she trailed. “Cure his legs?”<br /> ‘What?’ Jared and Shiloh inwardly thought. Their mouth parted, stunned by Julia’s words.<br /> “Hey, stop staring at me.” Julia rolled her eyes. “Just give an answer. If I can cure his leg, will you agree to marry me?”<br /> Jared fell silent for a while. His heavy gaze remained on Julia as he deliberated. “If you can really cure him, then I’ll marry you,” he finally said.<br /> Shiloh whimpered. “What? Jared, are you nuts? We don’t even know this lady! She must have an ulterior motive. Don’t fall for her trap!”<br /> Jared patted his shoulder, signaling him to calm down.<br /> “How will you be able to treat my brother?”<br /> Julia stepped closer. “Let me take a look at the situation first.” She calmly held the blanket on Shiloh’s lap and was about to pick it up.<br /> “Don’t touch me!” Shiloh protested and snatched the blanket from her hands.<br /> Julia scowled at him. “Do you think I have a special vision? Like I can see your legs through the blanket?” she sarcastically uttered.<br /> “Well, I don’t believe you can cure my legs!” Shiloh replied and glared at her. After all, why would he trust her?<br /> Julia gritted her teeth, impatient. ‘If it weren’t for my desire to complete my mission, I wouldn’t even think of helping you!’ she thought.<br /> In her past life, hundreds of people would try all means to invite her to treat their illness at all costs!<br /> To her surprise, Jared suddenly lifted Shiloh’s blanket, showing his legs.<br /> “Jared! She’s a scam. Why do you believe her?”<br /> “Let her see, Shiloh,” Jared calmly said and stood close to him. If Julia dared to make any inappropriate move, he would let her know the end of harming his loved ones!<br /> Shiloh grumpily scoffed and turned his face away. He crossed his arms. His damaged legs had been in the wheelchair for years, which caused muscle atrophy and deformation. At least to him, his legs look horrible.<br /> Julia softly pressed his legs with her fingers. <br /> “It seemed like you have been in a wheelchair for six or seven years,” she said.<br /> Both Jared and Shiloh looked at each other, mirroring the surprised expressions on their faces.<br /> Indeed, it had been six or seven years since the car accident. They both couldn’t believe one look and touch, and Julia already found out.<br /> Before they could utter a reply, Julia’s fingers formed a hook shape and pressed them down on Shiloh’s deformed leg.<br /> All of a sudden, Shiloh let out a muffled whimper in his mouth.<br /> He reacted! Therefore, he felt a sensation in his legs.<br /> Jared watched the scene in disbelief. Seeing how his brother reacted stirred up a turbulent wave in his heart.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3.2: Marriage<br /> <br /> Ever since the accident, Shiloh couldn’t feel anything below his body. They had already turned the world upside down, looking for the best doctors, advanced medical procedures, and expensive medicinal herbs. However, Shiloh’s legs were as unresponsive as a withered tree.<br /> Now, a lady they didn’t even know casually massaged his legs and made Shiloh feel something. He whimpered in pain!<br /> Jared studied Julia’s face. ‘She looks like she’s in her early twenties. Can she really help my brother?’<br /> Julia withdrew her hand and thought for a while. “His condition is quite serious,” she said, frowning slightly.<br /> “But you can treat him?” Jared asked worried.<br /> Julia looked at him and nodded. “Yeah, I can do it. It will take at least three or four months, though.”<br /> Julia lied. Seeing Shiloh’s condition, she could help him in just a short time. Give her at most a month, and Shiloh would be walking with a cane.<br /> But she couldn’t say that! She would have exposed her identity as a gifted doctor if she had said that.<br /> Meanwhile, Jared and Shiloh were taken aback by Julia’s claim. Three or four months was still a short period.<br /> “Well?” Julia asked Jared. “I just made your brother feel a sensation in his legs. I guess you should fulfill your promise and come with me inside to legalize our marriage?”<br /> Jared nodded. “Let’s go.”<br /> “Jared!” Shiloh protested and grabbed his shirt, refusing to let him go.<br /> “My legs didn’t feel anything. She was lying to you. Don’t marry her!” Shiloh uttered. He didn’t want to hinder his brother from being free because of him.<br /> Julia turned to him and smiled. “You didn't feel anything, Shiloh?”<br /> Without waiting for his answer, she lifted the blanket again and quickly poked his leg.<br /> “Oh!” Shiloh growled in pain. His face instantly turned crimson.<br /> Julia stopped and crossed her arms at Jared. “See? Come on.” <br /> Half an hour later, Julia walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau with the marriage certificate in her hand. It was valid and legal.<br /> She looked at her and Jared’s photo and realized that life was really unpredictable. This guy was supposed to be Carter, her original fiancé. In just the blink of an eye, a different guy was standing beside her.<br /> ‘Well, at least he’s cute,’ Julia happily thought as she looked at Jared’s photo.<br /> Jared was definitely more handsome than Carter, so she suffered no loss.<br /> After following Jared and Shiloh to their house, Julia immediately requested to use a bathroom.<br /> Her body was covered with sweat and crimson stains, and the makeup on her face was disgustingly sticky. In short, she badly needed a shower.<br /> After showering, Julia stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection.<br /> “Wow… You really are pretty, Julia Watson,” she murmured.<br /> Her skin was fair and as smooth as silk. Her eyebrows were perfectly shaped, and had a flush mouth. Her delicate nose fits her facial structure perfectly.<br /> “Tsk,” She clicked her mouth. “Despite having a good family background and flawless beauty, she still ended up being betrayed by her scumbag of a fiancé. Such good cards landed on poor hands.”<br /> Meanwhile, Jared stood in the living room downstairs. He answered his assistant’s call.<br /> “Mr. Brooks, the matter you instructed earlier has been taken care of. Miss Julia Watson is the eldest daughter of the Watson family. Today was her wedding day with Carter Ross of the Ross family. During the ceremony, Mr. Ross’ lover made a scene, causing the wedding to stop.”<br /> After learning about the whole story, Jared no longer doubts Julia’s identity.<br /> His guess was right. The sole reason why Julia wanted to marry him was to get back with her ex-fiancé.<br /> “I’m sorry, Jared. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be married to that ugly and weird lady,” Shiloh said guiltily.<br /> Jared shook his head, erasing his thoughts. He turned to his brother and said, “Don’t blame yourself. For me, getting married is not a big deal. I just have to fulfill Grandma’s wish before she pass away. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”<br /> As soon as Jared finished speaking, they heard a sound coming from upstairs. It seemed like Julia had already finished showering.<br /> Soon, footsteps from the stairs echoed in the quiet house.<br /> Jared turned around and looked up.<br /> His mouth parted in surprise.<br /> Chapter 4: Unexpected <br /> Julia stood quietly at the bottom of the stairs, looking like a deity from a painting.<br /> Slowly, she walked toward them. The two brothers’ gaze remained on her, mesmerized and curious.<br /> ‘Is she really the ugly lady we met earlier?’ Shiloh thought. If it weren’t for him seeing Julia come out of the room with his own eyes, he would have never believed that the girl in front of him was Julia, the lady who married his brother.<br /> Julia approached Jared and gave her a small smile. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting for so long.”<br /> Then, she plopped on the sofa and let out an audible sigh. She brought her feet to the chair and hugged her knees like this place was her home.<br /> Jared watched Julia’s movements with furrowed brows.<br /> ‘Is that my shirt?’ he thought.<br /> True to his thoughts, it was indeed his shirt. Julia noticed his piercing gaze. “Oh. This shirt? I couldn’t find any other clothes back there. I can’t come out here with just a towel, right?” she explained.<br /> Jared looked at the shirt on her body. The perfectly ironed and soft fabric was his go-to clothes, but now it was on a different lady’s body. It looked huge on her.<br /> Julia’s wet hair cascaded down her shoulders, sprawled on his shirt. Her appearance was simply breathtaking.<br /> Because her hair was not properly dried and still dripped with water, they easily wet the front of her shirt. Jared’s eyes turned into slits as he watched his shirt become see-through, revealing her undergarment.<br /> “What the heck?” Julia exclaimed when Jared took off his coat and threw it on her. “I don’t need this. It’s warm in here.”<br /> Jared scowled at her. “Put that on. Or else, you’re free to go upstairs,” he demanded in a strict voice.<br /> Julia lowered her head and looked at her body. She realized that the rumors were true. This guy was not used to ladies. Although she didn’t wear pants, the shirt was long enough to cover her legs. It was actually longer than a normal skirt.<br /> ‘There’s really something wrong with him,’ she pondered. Frowning, she lazily stood up and put on his coat over her body.<br /> She wouldn’t bother interacting with this person if it weren't for the mission.<br /> “Mr. Brooks, I am now wrapped like a spring roll. If you have something to say, just cut to the chase."<br /> “Fine. I’ll be honest with you. I know what you’re doing here,” Jared looked her straight in the eye as he sat on the opposite chair. His dark eyes blazed with coldness.<br /> Julia’s eyes narrowed. She felt a little caught off-guard but made sure not to show it on her face.<br /> He guessed she had no other partner. Did he find out about her task?<br /> Julia returned to her senses when Jared’s deep voice suddenly entered her ears. <br /> “You’re using me to take revenge on your ex-fiancé who betrayed and left you.”<br /> ‘What?’ Julia blinked her eyes, surprised. It took her a while to process his words.<br /> “Did I guess wrong?” Jared spoke with a very determined tone.<br /> Julia’s eyes widened. “Oh. Y-Yes! You’re right. Wow. You really are the leader of the Brooks family. You can see through my plans in just a glance,” she trailed. It was a perfect opportunity.<br /> “That sumbag. He wasted our relationship. I was sincere and willing to marry him, but he chose to run away with a different lady on our wedding day!”<br /> Jared and Shiloh watched her burst out. “To save his side chick, he wanted to transfer my vital fluid to her body? Why? He can’t live without her? It was a slap in my face! I will make sure that they will pay for this!”<br /> “Okay, but why did you choose my brother?” Shiloh raised his brows at her.<br /> Jared nodded, also wanting to hear her answer.<br /> “Because your brother is very good looking,” Julia casually said. “He is a million times more handsome than that scumbag, my ex-fiancé. I'm pretty sure he would be super regretful if he sees I marry your brother."<br /> Her expression looked genuine and convincing. Jared’s mouth curled into a small smirk. It seemed like he was satisfied by her explanation.<br /> Not long after, he felt very strange again about his own reaction.<br /> ‘Did she just praise my appearance?’ Countless people had showered him with praise before, but never did he feel moved or affected by those words.<br /> This was the first time he felt a little happy. ‘What’s happening to me?’<br /> "Stop flattering my brother!” Shiloh replied and grimaced at her. Julia shrugged at him.<br /> Jared sat tall and upright, staring at Julia intensely.<br /> “I don’t care about your intentions. I married you to fulfill my grandmother’s wish and to make sure that my brother walks again.”<br /> “Don’t worry. If I say I can cure him, I can do it.” She looked at him with confidence and determination.<br /> Jared felt his heart pound louder against his body. He stared at her with parted mouth, moved by her words and attitude.<br /> Julia noticed that Jared couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She thought that he might still be skeptical about her. So, to dispel his suspicions, she continued to speak up.<br /> “And as for our arrangement, don’t worry. I won’t bother you. Just treat me like an invisible guest here. I’ll also pay for my food here, okay?”<br /> Jared raised his eyebrows. Just as he was about to say something, his brother interrupted him.<br /> “Make sure you’ll do that! Don’t think my brother will be interested in you just because you find him adorable and noble.”<br /> Julia stood up and brushed her hair with her fingers. Her gaze shifted from Shiloh to Jared.<br /> “Mr. Brooks, I solemnly promise that I will never fall in love with you in the future,” she announced. However, the gloomy look on Jared’s face didn’t escape her eyes.<br /> Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, nervous. She thought that he still didn’t believe her.<br /> “I swear! I promise, okay?” She exclaimed and raised her palm. “I swear to God!”<br /> “That’s enough!” Jared’s deep baritone rang in the living room. His upper bpdy rose repeatedly. Then, he looked at her straight in the eye and stood up. “How long will you hang out in front of me in this outfit?”<br /> Chapter 5: Encountering <br /> ‘This lady is too liberated!’ Jared angrily thought. It wouldn’t matter if it was only two of them here, but his younger brother was also here!<br /> Julia looked at Jared and tilted her head. She had a good figure, so he should feel lucky. Now, he was looking at her as if he would have an eye problem if he stared at her body for so long.<br /> “Fine. I think you believe me now. I’ll go back to my room.” She hugged the suit in her body and walked towards the staircase. Her slender and firm legs were displayed in front of them.<br /> Julia couldn’t help but think as she walked. She kept on thinking about the two brothers and how to complete her task.<br /> Also, she couldn’t be blamed for this. The mansion was huge and covered an area about the same as the palace of a certain country she had been to before.<br /> Finding something like that in such a huge place was like finding a needle in a haystack.<br /> Not to mention that she just arrived here. She couldn’t move around freely yet. Otherwise, people would start suspecting her. Right now, it was better to keep a low profile.<br /> Julia rested in her room peacefully. As soon as she woke up the next morning, a maid entered her room with a few sets of clothes.<br /> “Good morning, Miss. These are the clothes that Mr. Brooks ordered for you.”<br /> “Oh. You prepared them for me?” Julia asked in surprise. ‘Maybe he doesn’t want me to wear his clothes anymore? That’s the reason why he asked his people to shop for clothes for me.’<br /> ‘He’s such a neat freak,’ she inwardly shook her head.<br /> Right after Julia showered and got dressed, she went out of her room and immediately heard the maid who had just brought her clothes talking to another maid.<br /> “It’s her! She’s shameless. She wants to allure Mr. Jared for sure!”<br /> “She’s just another witch with a pretty face.”<br /> “I bet you a hundred bucks, that face is fake.”<br /> “You think so? I really doubt that’s natural.”<br /> Julia inwardly rolled her eyes, letting their words enter her ear and out to the other. She calmly walked downstairs and walked straight past the gossiping maids. <br /> The latter watched Julia in disbelief. Annoyed that they were ignored, they went to her.<br /> “You want some advice? Leave right now. If Miss Cameron finds out that you’re married to Mr. Brooks, you’ll days will be numbered, Miss.”<br /> Julia stopped in her tracks and turned to them.<br /> “Really? Then, let’s wait until she comes home.”<br /> The maids looked at Julia with their jaws dropped. She smiled at them and continued walking.<br /> “Lilibeth, you still have Ms. Cameron’s contact number, right? Let’s tell her about that witch.”<br /> “Okay! Let’s get my phone.”<br /> It didn’t take long for Julia to notice that someone was following her when she went out of the mansion.<br /> She hid in the alley as quickly as she could and stared at the street. Soon after, Shiloh appeared in a wheelchair.<br /> He had been following her all this time. He must have suspected that Julia had ulterior motives toward his older brother, and he was keen to prove he was right.<br /> ‘Tracking me, huh? If I rank second when it comes to counter-tracking within the alliance, no one would dare to rank first.’<br /> She let him take his time finding her. Then, she would leave first.<br /> On the other hand, Shiloh’s eyes scanned the area and cursed to himself.<br /> “Darn it. Where is she? She was just here. Where did she go?”<br /> Ten minutes later, Julia arrived at the largest shopping center in the city: Montreal City.<br /> The people who came here were the rich ones. It was a high-end shopping mall filled with luxury boutiques that ordinary people couldn’t afford.<br /> Julia suddenly remembered the brand named Lanco owned by the Wolf Five family, who lived here in Vienna City.<br /> When she arrived on the third floor, Julia looked up and saw the huge sign. The store almost occupied the entire floor, making the other outlets look small compared to it.<br /> Without a doubt, the store was owned and managed by the Wolf Five. It screamed luxury and elegance.<br /> Julia went inside the elevator and sighed. She glanced at the two young ladies who were standing in front of her, chatting animatedly.<br /> “Naomi, you didn’t go to meet the guy from the Brooks family yesterday, right? So, you didn’t get married?”<br /> Upon hearing this, Julia immediately looked at them carefully.<br /> The girl in the lemon dress rolled her eyes and replied, “Of course. I won’t get married to an ugly guy. What am I? Crazy?”<br /> “So, he didn’t find you or chase after you? He’s from the Brooks family.”<br /> “So what?” Naomi grimaced. “At that time, our grandfathers were comrades in army and had gone through life and demise together before building their own families. My grandfather was so keen to marry me to that family, and he didn’t even consider what I want!"<br /> "If Jared Brooks was a fine gent, I’d gladly marry him. Their family is rich as heck, after all. But no one in our circle even knew what he looked like! They said he’s bald. I doubt I’d be able to eat anything If I see that kind of face every day.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5.2: Encountering<br /> <br /> Julia clicked her mouth and shook her head.<br /> If only this snobbish girl saw what Jared looked like, she would regret her decision for the rest of her life.<br /> Naomi heard Julia behind her. She looked at her from head to toe and said, “What’s your problem, Miss?”<br /> Julia calmly raised her brows and replied, “Nothing. We don’t know each other. Why don’t we mind our businesses?”<br /> Naomi scoffed and glared at her, annoyed by Julia’s sassy tone.<br /> “Naomi, don’t waste your time on her. Just by the looks of her cheap clothes, she’s probably from the countryside. Talking to people like her will only make you look cheap,” the other girl rebutted, eyeing Julia’s body with disgust.<br /> ‘Cheap clothes?’ Julia thought. She looked at her body. These clothes were from Jared. ‘Wow. Did they really give me cheap clothes? Didn’t they think about their family’s image and reputation?’<br /> Julia looked at the girls in front of her. ‘Or maybe these two are wrong. They’re tasteless and can’t even see what real designer items are.’<br /> “Excuse me,” Julia walked past the two and headed straight to the Lanco store.<br /> She entered the store and grabbed some of the clothes, checking them on her body through the mirror.<br /> The salesperson walked near her. Just as she was about to prepare Julia’s order, Naomi’s voice blared inside the store.<br /> “Excuse me, Miss. I just want to warn you that this lady is from the outskirts of this city and perhaps has never seen the world before. She just wanted to try some of your clothes but I doubt she’ll buy any. You should keep an eye on her.”<br /> The salesperson's gaze transferred to Julia, shocked and alert.<br /> Julia calmly gave more clothes to the saleslady. “I’ll take these as well.”<br /> “Can you even afford them?” Naomi interjected. “The clothes they sell here start at a thousand dollars. Do you even have that much amount?”<br /> Julia ignored Naomi’s remark and turned to the salesperson. “Please, pack them for me.”<br /> Naomi clenched her fists, not liking how Julia deliberately treated her like a ghost. All of a sudden, she reached for the clothes and held them.<br /> “I’ll take them, Miss.”<br /> Julia frowned. Impatience was evident on her face. She had always been cool and doesn’t easily get annoyed, but when someone pushed her buttons, she would be unstoppable.<br /> “I got them first!” Julia pulled the other end of the clothes.<br /> The salesperson stood between them, nervous. “Excuse me. These clothes are not limited edition. Luckily, we still have a few more items in the back. You both can buy the same products.”<br /> “Now go get your own clothes,” Julia told Naomi.<br /> Naomi tugged at the clothes harder. “And why should I do that?”<br /> “Why?” Julia laughed. “First come, first serve. Didn’t your parents teach you that when you were younger? They always say, ‘Never look down on non-city people.’ Well, even the poorest people would educate their children about the value of buying things!”<br /> Naomi’s breathing intensified. Her face blushed with anger. Her eyes were filled with rage as she looked at Julia.<br /> “You, freak. How dare you imply that I’m unmannered!”<br /> Julia glanced at Naomi’s hand on the clothes and smirked. “Aren’t you?”<br /> “You!” Naomi’s body shook with anger. If looks could demise, Julia might be gone by now.<br /> After an entire minute of staring at each other, Naomi turned to the salesperson and took out her membership card from her designer purse. “Here’s my membership card. Now, give me these clothes.”<br /> The salesperson took the card. She glanced at Julia apologetically and said, “Okay, Ma’am. I’ll prepare them for you.”<br /> Naomi looked at Julia with an arrogant expression. She crossed her arms on her body.<br /> “Wait a minute,” Julia announced. “I’m an acquaintance of your boss. You’ll give me these clothes,” she told the salesperson.<br /> “What?” Naomi chuckled and looked at her friend. “Did you hear her, Daphne? She said she knows the owner of Lanco. Should I claim that I’m the girlfriend of the owner?”<br /> “No way. This is too funny!”<br /> The two ladies burst out laughing. Naomi even wiped a tear from her eye.<br /> “Oh,” Julia butted in. “Do you want to be Wolf Five’s girlfriend? Well, I’ll give you some advice.” She took a step closer to Naomi and whispered, “You can’t.”<br /> Naomi glared at her. “What are you talking about? If you have the guts, then—” Before she could finish speaking, Julia took out her phone and clicked a number.<br /> “Hey. Wolf Five, I’m at your store. I’d like to buy some clothes, but I’m having some trouble,” she calmly said.	DOWNLOAD	https://client.adoread.com/book/loading/page/adore	226177680578601	Adoread	https://facebook.com/61556400142540	122	2	1,696,758,570,854,516	2024-03-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Download	Adoread	120206256785490265	client.adoread.com	NONE	image		https://client.adoread.com/book/loading/page/adoread/11185707349?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}	2024-03-11 06:02	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432219267_728131192781907_419997244688719229_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=scWr2BDpC48AX_s3k4s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBdhZWBuwrTHMp8SgffTDZXEWyGQAHnjfYSEbeBrPHBYw&oe=660AA118	person_profile	Adoread	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432204218_1550160232432698_5417490235860016537_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hhuZkSCPJiwAX8tOyfC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfB_mVWbIXn-I658vQo4I9R_qY2531bPI0FSChuq9NtkMQ&oe=6609C1AD	3	Adoread	2024-03-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
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