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1,243,660	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1243719}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:41	active	530	1647160126094078	40+ Waiters Share the Best Clapback They've Given to a Rude Customer	40+ Waiters Share the Best Clapback	LEARN_MORE	https://parentztalk.com/waiters-share-clapback-bt/	104238192067446	Fox'oclock	https://facebook.com/100076064792214	3,462	1	1,840,018,073,183,174	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Fox'oclock	120207542592910726	parentztalk.com	NONE	image	For many of us, being a waiter was our first job. We can't say we miss anything about it. Day in and day out, waiters deal with rude people that make their job even harder. But sometimes when customers are rude, you have no choice but to respond.From asking personal questions to demanding refunds, t...	https://parentztalk.com/waiters-share-clapback-bt/	2024-04-14 05:14	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437758405_727280686236363_4549405887726898989_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xgXMP1CjuoQAb6iiPCN&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCDQhSWEX2RypjxKyeBkQsTaDis6yChJ4By09Wru64bcw&oe=6622486B	person_profile	0	Fox'oclock	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436499677_431308482911098_4367399679921993542_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fu8yDenrhsIAb4w0XlE&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAyqGLYMN_K40YBP6rrnD5Gh5SxpW53EnF_R1f5wdkGBA&oe=66223974	0	3	Fox'oclock	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,242,340	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242347}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:39	active	530	1436402860299767	Get on board with the 2024 trend for a Fresh Start! Recommendedby Kelly Clarkson! #FreshStart # Trendy2024	LAST CHANCE To Enjoy BIG Savings Up to 50% OFF !! Get slim without the gym or dieting, with a 30-day money back guarantee if you're not thrilled regardless of whether you have taken it or not !	LEARN_MORE	https://ketoshop.us.com/slia	105725288987898	Keto Slimmer	https://facebook.com/100086240365201	4	6	294,298,457,047,538	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Keto Slimmer	120210119499560580	ketoshop.us.com	NONE	video		https://ketoshop.us.com/slia	2024-04-14 13:51	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435674390_973967331012832_6175323905056174921_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=THw_iDXXNEoAb6XkMAe&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDbDp0DprOv9A1PS3JdP0_cCkKEL2qF_S2druPVskKp5w&oe=66224D7D	person_profile	0	Keto Slimmer	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436105999_415571994548897_7274701314621582686_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IOmrQ-CP38wAb6aVTl4&_nc_oc=AdiJvklEVKC8muvLTYcYM4AH2Xi2T3O4GB4aNFDwFi8wCvKzuXWQXCoZikDuX9a0Ib0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCeOaHE--LPE23vgVEU07B6aLHG4O4W01_5VXgxZtpGJw&oe=66224DC4	0	3	Keto Slimmer	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,242,508	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242510}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:39	active	530	1396776104360953	Synergy SPT/Michigan Cobras Flag Football Skills Camp	All ages welcome grades K-8.<br /> Whether your child has played for years or doesn’t know what football is we are here to help your child grow!<br /> Students will be worked with on a very broad spectrum of skills to get them ready to play in leagues, tournaments, or just show out on the play ground! <br /> <br /> Why? <br /> In today’s world children are accelerating at such a young age with all the access to videos and information at their fingertips. We all know there are those “super” teams that you hate seeing every season and that no one wants to watch their child sit on the sidelines because a coach wont give them a chance to learn. We strive to close that gap, help your child thrive when they are on the field, and build their confidence so they can have even more fun on those game days!<br /> <br /> Our Promise<br /> If your child is willing to listen and learn they will get better!!!!!<br /> <br /> PLEASE NO CLEATS, SNEAKERS ONLY<br /> <br /> (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.signupgenius.com%2Fgo%2F10C0948A8AE23A4FDC43-47482472-synergy&h=AT1sxFLfsqFwFXAwYxZ46hKmLKervDgGN9s2zpFA_uWL7rI_60wtryZDeY7xtyyJ1-b564Kvn-8uj9RjNDg9VEjEcfVYX4Jvw4PNjRrMLVywN8RyoiTsYZB_XcOOVeOjGJ0JAw1SJ8xeURJ8YXajEZULKR7TGnNF0IwgMpzE" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948A8AE23A4FDC43-47482472-synergy</a>) <br /> <br /> #flagfootball #flagfootballgirls #flagfootballlife<br /> #DreamBig #hardwork #youthsports #growth #nflflagfootball #usaflagfootball	SIGN_UP	https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948A8AE23A4FDC	233676916487972	Michigan Cobras	https://facebook.com/100083104325591	86	1	727,847,239,509,223	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Sign up	Michigan Cobras	120207766744910660	signupgenius.com	NONE	image	Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!	https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948A8AE23A4FDC43-47482472-synergy	2024-04-14 12:59	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437746450_440244828383146_8195382816906107386_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kIWYyu53m4gAb4TDK0z&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfB7LSKCaEBGMtL_Mec2PAFCwg8n7sfvy7Ec_kct70C2XQ&oe=662253C7	person_profile	0			0	3	Michigan Cobras	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,243,623	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1243614}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:41	active	530	1108136470407714	Suicide Prevention - Story Shirts (Round 70)	❤️💔 SUICIDE PREVENTION Awareness 💔❤️ - Story Shirt - Submit Names Now!<br /> <br /> ➡️ Submit here -> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnameswear.com%2Fspa%2F&h=AT3XmE5QCsHke-9ZrtoZyceU7oPsnLWBi343AJjQGrYx-ErGnt9gJkf1OmHs2VzliQq5-zV8hdOGI0MYILLZERJ_ZvSHXt70BE0ek6jjNui-8iPHpIajBclVtJQhL-9G6mhRMmCCynh6PZ7BW7MVEcoYKubwmDvGostA1g" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://nameswear.com/spa/</a><br /> <br /> Would you like honor your loved one(s) by wearing a tee/hoodie with their name?<br /> <br /> Tap on the link and give the complete name (Name and Surname) of a loved one who took their own life, and we will print it on this round of our Story Shirts <br /> <br /> (We have already done over 60 Rounds of these shirts)<br /> <br /> Our Story Shirts:<br /> <br /> * Tell a unique story<br /> * Honor your loved ones<br /> * Spread Suicide Prevention Awareness<br /> * Allow you to start a conversation<br /> * Make a greater impact<br /> * Give hope and strength to those who are fighting all by themselves.<br /> <br /> ➡️ Submit here -> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnameswear.com%2Fspa%2F&h=AT3MxinRbTl69J1HTXrAqDFjRP5A_fdbh21-ixu4DO0i8Y6LOjlsVOxd5LAsFlklYm-pU5QCOmXMwA-DV80mgKDY933G2NmQVyAEFYE56m-bk3mj_bdJYEWSJ3zFIWUYMNTtVDva90w84Bxz_ChyanwRNXYDAfEGNqzUXw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://nameswear.com/spa/</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://nameswear.com/spa/	1801077570129742	Suicide Prevention Story Shirts And More	https://facebook.com/spa.nameswear	20,032	0	415,237,787,793,145	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Suicide Prevention Story Shirts And More	120207934117480688	https://nameswear.com/spa/	NONE	image	"Whenever I wear my 'Story' shirt, I feel I am wearing a collection of untold stories of fighters. It seems every name on the back of my shirt is whispering to me their story... and supporting me and telling me I am not alone in this. They seem to have my back, literally!" - Amelia R	https://nameswear.com/spa/	2024-04-11 07:42	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435460508_724341279884318_4560676485704531659_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SvtBA06kXFMAb7hMMVT&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDJxb9nxW0JpzEtG2qjlUL1_xHVP2xxgkfJPRYU5p_49Q&oe=662254B1	person_profile	0	Suicide Prevention Story Shirt	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435883161_723989279898546_8316709679880248847_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h4Qop7uaDUoAb4b0afo&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDz-9U53Qee0L5hydIOa-bMyxyp6_cr0zweovaYlPXzkg&oe=662226D5	0	3	Suicide Prevention Story Shirts And More	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,242,828	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242798}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:40	active	530	441083555118372	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	Marrying this magnificent warrior was my ideal but after marriage...<br /> "Why do you cry?" His rough voice is baffled. "Wife, look at me."<br /> That word. That word I used to love and now despise. More tears well up in my eyes.<br /> "You want an answer? Fine. I do not like being married to you. For you, keeping mistresses is a tradition. For me, it's the worst insult you can give a wife. I've had enough."<br /> A cold anger slips over his features. "That is unfortunate since we are wed. You have no choice but to accept."<br /> "You're wrong. I'll do my duty and give you an heir, but no more than that."<br /> ————————<br /> "You spend much time out here, I'm told."<br /> My body stiffens as the one voice I'm trying to escape invades my senses. The garden has become one of my refuges and after three months, I thought I was safe out here, safe from his presence and hers. Heaven knows, I've watered just about every plant out here with my tears. The flowers can attest to my misery, but no one else can.<br /> Except now, if he looks at my face, he'll see that I'm crying.<br /> Would he care?<br /> Making a move as if I'm wiping sweat from my face, I attempt to remove the evidence of my pain.<br /> "My lady wife, do you ignore me?"<br /> Still keeping my back to him, I shrug and continue pulling the weeds. "I wasn't aware that an observation made by you required a response."<br /> "I've wondered where you disappear to."<br /> Not enough to find out the answer.<br /> That's the wrong thing to think since it causes more tears to slide down my face. Before I can wipe them away, his hand grasps my arm, pulling me up to face him. I don't look at him, but I can feel the intensity of his gaze as he studies my face.<br /> Humiliation complete.<br /> "Why do you cry?"<br /> His rough voice is honestly baffled, as if he cannot understand how someone in my situation could have any sorrow.<br /> "Wife, look at me."<br /> That word. That word I used to love and now despise. More tears well up in my eyes, but I force myself to meet his gaze.<br /> "Tell me what causes these tears. You have been different since I brought you here after we wedded."<br /> He wants an answer, so I give him the absolute truth. After all these months of holding it in, I wrap up everything in one short sentence.<br /> "I do not like being married to you."<br /> He wasn't expecting that answer and I can feel his whole body lock tight and his hand flexes on my arm.<br /> "What is not to your liking?"<br /> That almost makes me laugh, his voice is positively confused, as if I have everything a woman could want so how could I possibly be upset?<br /> Shaking my head, I answer softly, "It matters not."<br /> "It matters. I would not have my wife cry." Heavens! That deep voice of his, so rough yet so gentle, as it was when we had our glorious month together before our wedding. Back when I was hopeful for our future, when I looked forward to marrying this magnificent warrior and being his wife in every way. Back when I thought he cared for me, when I thought the look in his eyes was full of, if not love, then caring.<br /> Back before he shattered all my ideals and dreams.<br /> "Once I am with child, I would ask you to allow me to remove to another of your estates."<br /> "Ah," he says as if understanding is dawning. "You do not like Bellford Keep. That is fine. There are others we can go to."<br /> Typical man. Problem solved. Completely missing the actual point.<br /> Looking at the ground, I shake my head. "You misunderstand me. I wish to go to another estate alone. Without you."<br /> Again, his body locks solid.<br /> "I would have your eyes for what I say next, wife." Grudgingly, I meet his eyes. And what I see in his is frightening in its intensity, its fury. "My wife will not live away from me. Ever. Do not bring this up again."<br /> "Being with you brings me nothing but misery."<br /> He looks as if I've slapped him his shock is so great at my audacity.<br /> Then a cold anger slips over his features. "That is unfortunate since we are wed."<br /> "Leave me," I dismiss him, not thinking.<br /> Clearly the wrong thing to say as he leans down so his face is only inches from mine. "You do not command, wife. You would do well to remember your place."<br /> "I assure you, I am never able to forget my place here."<br /> Those tears spill over again, both my bitterness and heartbreak pouring out. What is wrong with me?<br /> "You must learn to be happy in your situation. Any other woman would be happy to be my bride."<br /> "Well then you should have married one of them. I find no pleasure in being your wife."<br /> He grins at me.<br /> Actually grins.<br /> "You lie. You found great pleasure last night. And every night I come to your bed since we have been married."<br /> I think, in that moment, I actually hate him.<br /> "And that is the problem. I am not the only one you find pleasure with. So whatever pleasure you may give to me, believe me when I say it is only physical and only temporary. My heart and my mind remain unswayed by you and wish to be far away from you because the pain you inflict is so much greater than the fleeting pleasure."<br /> Since I can't force the warrior to leave, I spin around and storm off to the stables.<br /> He doesn't follow.<br /> Why should he follow his unhappy wife when his mistress is always there, always happy?<br /> ————<br /> I head into the stables, waving off Braden, the stablemaster. I need no help, nor do I want it, from this man or any man. In minutes, I'm leading my stallion, Sir Neigh, out of the barn and I quickly mount up.<br /> Braden yells after me when he sees me take off, no guard in sight. He thought I'd come to groom my boy, not go riding. He is used to me riding only in the mornings, never in the late afternoon near the evening meal.<br /> However, I plan on missing the meal tonight and all nights going forward so I do not have to watch her watching my husband in the common room any longer.<br /> It hurts. It hurts me so badly. I always wonder if my parents knew, when they married me off to the warrior, that his peoples' tradition included the males keeping and flaunting their mistresses. Knowing my parents, and the great love between the two of them, and just the two of them, I cannot imagine they did or they would not have given me over to him.<br /> I can't return to my parents' home because my father would return me not out of malice but because a wife belongs with her husband. He would give me sanctuary if I had been physically mistreated, but since I am not, he has no reason to protect me.<br /> I sigh as I realize I have no choice but to continue to live here, my heart dying a little more every day as I sleep alone in my bed, the warrior not alone in his. He is with her. My only hope is that someday he will allow me to live away from him at one of his other estates. Since he doesn't seem to care about family, maybe once he has his heir, he will let us go.<br /> Defeat is hard for me to accept, and as soon as I think that thought, my anger at myself grows. Who says I have to accept my lot? What if I were to run away? I had some money my mother slipped into my trunk before we left.<br /> "A woman should always have her own money," she'd whispered and I'd nodded my understanding. "Unpack it when you get home and hide it well in case there is ever need for it."<br /> She was assuming in case we were ever overrun with raiders, I could use it to ransom my husband if he were ever taken.<br /> I also had jewelry I could sell.<br /> Thinking back to the first – and only – time he had given jewelry to me, I frown. It was the day we had arrived at Bellford and I discovered...her.<br /> A servant had summoned me to his library and the warrior waited in there for me, holding a velvet bag in his hand.<br /> I'd walked into the room, keeping my eyes to the floor, even after I heard the servant bow out and close the door.<br /> "I have made arrangements for Mrs. Kelly to give you a tour of the estate and to go over household matters with you. Bellford Keep has been without a mistress since the old lord and lady died."<br /> I continued to stare at the ground and I did not acknowledge that I heard him. His boots came into my view after a few moments of silence.<br /> "Are you well, my lady wife?"<br /> Just a short nod from me as answer.<br /> His fingers nudged my chin up, but I still managed to keep my eyes downcast. "What is wrong that you will neither speak to me nor look me in the eye?"<br /> "May I leave?" I asked.<br /> Sensing his irritation, I was not surprised that his answer was swift. "No, you may not. I would like to know the cause of your distress and I have a surprise for you."<br /> That got him my eyes, but they were enraged. "I never want another surprise from you ever again."<br /> "This one you will like," he assured me, and spilled the contents of the velvet bag into his hand. It was a beautiful diamond and emerald necklace.<br /> Pushing his hand away, I snapped. "I want nothing from you. Give it to her, give all of your gifts to her. But do not ever attempt to give me a gift, ever again. You have nothing I want."<br /> Then I left him in his library, holding the jewelry I rejected.<br /> The memory was bitter and made me reconsider accepting his gifts. Perhaps I should have taken them, then I could sell them and book passage on a ship to another country and start a new life there, never having to see the warrior with her again.<br /> About half an hour from home, I see a rider heading toward me with a torch raised high. He reins in as he comes alongside me.<br /> "Milady, are you well?"<br /> I smile at his concern. "Thank you, yes, Sir Alcarn."<br /> "Were you lost?"<br /> "No; I only lost track of time and rode farther than I thought. When I realized and turned back, I could not allow Sir Neigh to run as he had earlier, when there was still sun."<br /> "Everyone is out looking for you."<br /> What on earth? "Why?"<br /> His look is part relief and part anger. "You disappeared, milady, without an escort, and you missed the evening meal. Then when you still did not return, my lord sent all of his warriors out to find you."<br /> "Yes, I'm sure he couldn't be bothered to look himself."<br /> That bit of bitterness came out before I could stop my mouth. I'd broken a rule of my own, that no one should know of my marital discord, and I fidgeted uncomfortably in my saddle.<br /> "No, milady. He was the first one out to look for you when you didn't show up for the evening meal. When he couldn't find you, he sent all of us out, my lord himself included."<br /> With the bit of light we had from the torch, we trotted back toward the keep. Every so often, Alcarn would blow a horn he had shrilly.<br /> "In case anyone is close enough to hear, they will know you have been found and will pass that along."<br /> Sure enough, on the ride back, four more knights joined us, grouping themselves around me.<br /> The upheaval my ride had caused took me by surprise. At home, although my parents didn't like it, I would disappear until well after dark all the time during the summer.<br /> "I apologize," I told my escorts. "At home I would often lose track of the time and return late. My parents never sent out anyone to find me, so I had no idea the warrior would."<br /> "Be prepared, milady," one of my escorts said.<br /> "For what?"<br /> "My lord is not used to being...concerned, and your disappearance did not sit well with him. It's a wonder he didn't kill Braden."<br /> "Why on earth would he do that?"<br /> "Braden knew you'd ridden off and informed no one until he was questioned."<br /> "A mistake he will never make again," Basik chortled.<br /> The keep came into view, other riders coming toward the stables from opposite directions. I thanked my escort, apologized to them and allowed one of them to take Sir and wipe him down so I could head to my chambers.<br /> As soon as my maid undid my laces on my dress, I dismissed her so she could sleep. Then I crawled into my bed and fell to sleep immediately.<br /> I never knew if it was hours or minutes later but the door to my chambers burst open and hit the wall, startling me awake.<br /> Then it was slammed shut and I could barely make out the form of the warrior as he stalked to my bed.<br /> "Do you know what you did?" he growled at me.<br /> An apology would have been the proper thing right then.<br /> "Yes. I'm quite aware I went for a ride."<br /> Quick as a flash, his arms reached out and grabbed me to him, my knees still on the bed. "Now is not the time for your mouth. You caused an uproar, wife, and you inconvenienced me and all my men."<br /> "Oh, I'm so sorry," I cooed. "Did I infringe on the time you could have spent with your bimbo?"<br /> His fingers tightened on my upper arms. "Is that what this is? A tantrum about my camaspoza?"<br /> "Let me go," I hissed.<br /> "You need to learn your place," he snarled back. "I will not have my life disrupted because you cannot accept that which has always been."<br /> "For you, it is tradition. For me, it is the worst insult you can give a wife. It demeans me and my position and every day I hate you more than the day before. I am miserable with you; I abhor the life you are forcing me to live. And I will never accept that which has always been because I will never accept something that destroys me. If I fell dead tomorrow, I would rejoice that my shame would be at an end."<br /> The warrior drew back at the poison I spewed at him.<br /> "You have no choice but to accept."<br /> "You are wrong. I will do my duty by you and give you an heir, but no more than that."<br /> "You cannot keep yourself from me."<br /> "There you are wrong, Warrior. I already do keep myself from you. You have my body, but that is all. Everything else that is in me despises you with a hatred so deep, it is beyond measure."<br /> "Do not fool yourself. Your jealousy makes you think it is hatred, but you are only jealous because you care."<br /> "No. I used to care, and you know that I fell in love with you in our month together before we wed. I was prepared to make you my everything and to share a beautiful life with you, sharing our joys and sorrows and concerns, raising our children together. What I dreamed of was as magnificent as I thought you were. But all of that was gone in a moment when you introduced her to me. It killed everything good I was feeling about us in but a moment, and your lack of respect and your continued humiliation of me – your preference for her – have changed my feelings to quite the opposite of what they were on the day we wed."<br /> "Your body says otherwise."<br /> He didn't understand. "You are skilled in bed, no doubt. You have enough experience to give me pleasure despite my wish otherwise. But you do not touch my heart or my mind or my soul. My parents have a true marriage and that is what I was raised thinking I would have. And instead, I have nothing."<br /> "You have my loyalty and affection and protection."<br /> "I most certainly do not have your loyalty nor do I have your affection."<br /> "I come to your bed; what is that if not affection?"<br /> "That is doing your duty and every time you do, something in me dies. It is not something that enhances our love or our connection as husband and wife; it is assuredly killing anything that I once thought I felt. A body is just a shell."<br /> "A shell that will carry the sons that I release into you."<br /> I look away because what once would have thrilled me breaks my heart, especially given the crude way he says it. "Once I am pregnant, I would like to go into seclusion at another one of your estates."<br /> "No."<br /> "Why?" I demand, frustrated. "What possible reason is there for me to stay once I am pregnant?"<br /> "Because you are my wife and you remain where I say. You need no other reason."<br /> "Just go," I demand.<br /> But he doesn't. "I think I will take my pleasure now, wife."<br /> And he does, but I remain impassive and resistant as long as I can. Which is not long at all.<br /> "Take your pleasure," he whispers into my ear. "It is not shameful to do so."<br /> Tears streaming down my face, I do. I cannot help it. "I hate you," I whisper to him. "I want you to stay away from me."<br /> ————<br /> The next day, the warrior comes to me and tells me that the king's messenger has arrived and summoned him to court immediately. That explains the servants scurrying to pack his trunks and provisions.<br /> "I would take you, but as you pointed out last night, you wish me to stay away from you. So, my lady wife, I shall take her with me instead of you, while you remain here, alone as you wanted. You see? I am a considerate husband who gives his wife what she wants. You may want to consider in the future what you ask of me because I assure you, if it is mine to give, it shall be yours."<br /> I refuse to wave off the party going to court. I have no need to see her riding beside him, her triumphant smile telling me she knows she is preferred over his wife. She holds the warrior's heart; she sleeps beside him at night when he leaves my chambers.<br /> Since I have no idea how long the warrior will be away, I decide to take action. I am tired of having to live my life at his whim. So I ask two young servant boys to bring me two trunks from the attic. They are eager to help and in no time I am packing my dresses and undergarments and shoes and cloaks and hats. One of the things that the warrior had entrusted to me was communication with his nine estates. Should a problem arise, I could handle it or turn it over to the warrior for judgment, but in this he trusted and respected my training. Since he was gone for an unknown time, I decided it was time the lady of the estates met each steward.<br /> The young servant boys happily carried my trunks to the coach and tied them on. Now came the tricky part and dealing with the head guardsman.<br /> "My lord Carrington has asked that I do a tour of his estates while he is on the king's business. I'll need two guards with me. My husband suggested Cheswick and Folroy."<br /> The ones who couldn't read or write, so they could not communicate with anyone on our journeys.<br /> "My lady," Gadding said, "My lord did not mention this to me."<br /> Giving him my most assured and haughty look, I stared him in the eye. "Are you questioning my husband's orders to me? The order he gave to me in a rush due to his unexpected need to attend to the king so suddenly?" I pulled back a little and then hit him with, "Are you saying I am lying about something so important? Would you like to explain to the warrior why I am still here when he returns, my mission not completed?"<br /> As expected, he immediately began to bluster his apologies and said that he would have Cheswick and Folroy make themselves available immediately for our trip. Three hours later, we were off and for the first time since arriving at Bellford Keep, I felt free. After our first estate visit, I told Cheswick and Folroy that I had a letter from my husband summoning them back to Bellford Keep.<br /> I traveled not only to the warrior's nine estates, but also spent two weeks here and there with six different cousins of mine. When we left one estate, I told the steward there where we were going next, and then proceeded to go to a different place. I worried that as we visited one estate, the warrior would have an easier time narrowing down our options, so that was when I interspersed our estate visits with visits to my cousins.<br /> After the first month, I began to suspect something.<br /> After the second month, I knew.<br /> That last night of pleasure before my husband left for the king's court had filled me with a baby. At seven months along now, with all of our visiting done, I was going to head home. Part of my reasoning for visiting the estates was to select my favorite one, and so I did. That it happened to be the farthest from Bellford Keep was part of its allure. Fernwick was much smaller than Bellford, more rustic, but near a charming village that had excellent midwives. It felt homier to me, the right place to enter my confinement period and to birth my child.<br /> Every morning I walked into the village, stopping at the bakery and wandering among the other shops, greeting the villagers. I made friends with all of the wives, who did not stand so much in awe of me as their husbands did because of who my husband was.<br /> I invited the ladies to Fernwick once a week, to talk and discuss happenings in the village. At first, they seemed scared to join me, but after the first two gatherings, we chatted and laughed easily. I had never had friends like this before, and certainly none after my marriage.<br /> They'd even gathered the courage to ask about the warrior and I told them that we would live separately.<br /> "He has...another to keep him company and they suit one another."<br /> Each one of them looked affronted and I know that the poor had different types of unions, but openly carrying on with another who was not your spouse was not acceptable.<br /> "I cannot believe he would choose another over you," Maggie told me brashly. I adored Maggie as she spoke her truths unflinchingly. She was also one of my midwives. "You are his wife."<br /> "Only to give him an heir. Nothing more." I laughed as a particularly hard kick took my breath. "And it is fine. I will have my child and a quiet life here and I will not have to see him with her."<br /> After a few weeks of settling in at Fernwick, I wrote the warrior a short note. I told him I got pregnant and had begun my confinement and offered him a chance to do the right thing.<br /> I asked him to allow me to live in Fernwick and never destroy the peace I felt here with her presence. But it would all depend on how much he hated me, I supposed.<br /> ————<br /> My baby continued to grow over the next three weeks. Looking at my belly, I couldn't believe I had another two or three weeks to go.<br /> There had been no reply to my letter and I realized that no answer was my answer. Perhaps he was waiting to hear if I had birthed an heir or a daughter before replying.<br /> Two days later, my peace was interrupted as I was walking by the creek. One of the maids came rushing to me, all in a tizzy. <br /> "Milady, your husband is arrived!"	LEARN_MORE	https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMTQ4NjU	119365237801765	Lett010	https://facebook.com/100092431237661	106	1	792,731,506,115,404	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Lett010	120209002805900583	a.letsreadnovel.com	NONE	video		https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvMTQ4NjU5LzIwMjQwNDExMTY0NDU1L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-11 04:06	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435201208_962432344897257_2580100236183434722_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yjBwQdje2WAAb7Bybjr&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfB5uhVUDr6heZswUtVUfL4Yhj3L5NtByi_ZWAC2Ha0pxQ&oe=66223A08	person_profile	0	Lett010	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435211723_1826330197848337_7726505298101833635_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bfG62O1OXd8Ab6MCb2Z&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAez-3aBhQY4xLJ6LFA48kpSmRnFTefoM4knD6bDb9m6g&oe=6622475D	0	3	Lett010	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,243,182	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242775}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:40	active	530	25310723671876832	Read with Your Ears➤➤	Four years ago. <br /> The rain was heavy and the night was dark. A young woman looked at the coldly elegant woman standing before her. The older woman was holding an umbrella while the younger woman was getting soaked in the rain. <br /> "You should know that the dexter family will not acknowledge this child." The older woman's icy voice did not contain a trace of warmth. "Stupid girl, don't forget who you are. You are not from the right kind of family. You and your child are not worthy of the dexter name." <br /> "Mrs dexter. This child is your flesh and blood a member of the dexter family. How can you treat him like this?" Zoe argued. Zoe used both hands to protect her slightly bulging belly. At this moment she felt a coldness and helplessness that she had never felt before. <br /> Catherine dexter spat her face was disdainful. "A bimbo like you is not worthy of giving birth to a child of the dexter family." <br /> "I am not a bimbo." Zoe protested her face was red and her eyes were teary. <br /> "Zoe Fuller, there's only one ending for this baby and that is death. Either this child will die in your womb or he will die in the hospital. I will never let him live." Catherine sneered in contempt.<br /> Zoe shook her head, staring at Katherine with horrified eyes.<br /> Suddenly a scalpel appeared in Katherine's hand. Before Zoe could react, Katherine raised her arm and stabbed Zoe in the stomach with the scalpel. Ah, Zoe's heart wrenching scream tore through the night sky. <br /> She could feel the blackness closing in, her consciousness was fading. She fumbled for the phone in her pocket Zoe whispered hoarsely into the phone, her voice fading, save me, please, save my child. And then Zoe's world went black. <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Wanna listen more? download our App and check more! Novel ID: 120031!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.	281724568351187	AudioAdventure	https://facebook.com/61557514568940	0	2	732,405,222,427,020	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Install now	AudioAdventure	120208705934500502	play.google.com	NONE	video		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kstudio.khitkun	2024-04-14 05:20	https://scontent-den2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436253362_439797975233876_4406706938335028359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TttSgalJ6ngAb5tHuyz&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.xx&oh=00_AfA4IG24i75SmPPs1aGRYFR9lKclOFXicEFEy7RaTXG2wA&oe=66224AC1	person_profile	0	AudioAdventure	https://scontent-den2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437366205_998439351884192_6849509001965451425_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ie2pDRHHvrMAb4D89M7&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.xx&oh=00_AfC28Yi87Er-9vHLevGAMts5C8t_kXDo_4uKt-QXo-j_7g&oe=66223FCA	0	3	AudioAdventure	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,243,071	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1243108}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:40	active	530	1529553267602719	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My wolf instantly came alert and started yelling, "MINE!!!..MINE!!!....MINE!!!..."<br /> "STOP IT.....It's been 4 years since he found us and you know better than anyone that he doesn't want us. Isn't it enough that he sleeps her all the time while we burn with so much pain that it feels like we are dying. How many times does he need to rub Amber in our face till we get the hint? HE JUST DOESN'T WANT US!" I screeched back at her.<br /> "You will never be my Luna. A Dog like you will never be good enough to be my Alpha female. You are nothing and you will always be nothing. I Drake Vincent of the Black Moon Pack, REJECT you, Katya Cruz as my Mate."<br /> <br /> ____________<br /> (Katya's POV)<br /> 4 years later<br /> Placing my hands on the bathroom counter, I tremble uncontrollably as I held back my quiet sobs. Slowly I lowered my tear stained face into the cool crisp water in the sink. I held my head under the water until my lungs started to burn from lack of oxgen. With a quick jerk I lifted my head up out the water and let out a sharp gasps as I struggled to breath. My chest heaved heavily as I reached for my towel and patted my face dry. I felt so raw, so broken and I wanted nothing more than to beat that bimbo up.<br /> "That bimbo how could she be so mean to me? What did I ever do to deserve this? I can't believe Amber and her stupid bimboes did this to me." I ranted as I paced the tiny space of the bathroom.<br /> I could feel my wolf stirring once again at my distressed state. "Katya you must be brave, are time will come but for now you must see the damage they have caused." I knew she was right, and that freaking out would only make things worse. With that in mind I steeled my nerves and looked into the small round mirror as I slowly pulled back my damp hood. I clenched the sides of the counter as I stared into the mirror and looked at the broke girl before me. So many thoughts flood my mind but one thing I couldn't stop was replaying everything that happened since last night.<br /> ( Flash back – the night before)<br /> It was the pack biggest party of the year, Black Moons Annual Summer Fest. The packs from all around came to party for an entire week. Of course I wasn't allowed to go so I went to bed early knowing that I would have to rise early just to clean up the mess. It was sometime around midnight an urgent pounding at my door woke me up out of my deep slumber.<br /> "Wake up you stupid bimbo. Someone puked down stairs and I need you to go clean it up NOW!" Kyle drunkenly yelled at the door.<br /> I bolted up in bed and tossed my legs over the side of bed, and then slid my feet into my shoes. I was so exhausted that I didn't even realized I had left my room or what I was wearing. It was the first time I had left my room that I wasn't covered up. I was wearing an old pair of cutoff sweats that were cut to mid-thigh and a white tight tank top hugged the curves of big chest. The tank top had been a shirt I found in the woods a few years ago but what stood out the most was my waist long hair. It trickled down my back like a silk waterfall. I knew if I was caught I would be severely punished, but I was already standing down stairs. The house was so packed that the steady crowd of people kept pushing in the opposite direction of the main stairway. I knew my only option left was to cut through the kitchen and use the back stairs. So I steady fought my way through the drunken crowd and made my way into the kitchen area.<br /> With one final shove I stumbled into the kitchen and locked eyes on a couple making out heavily in the corner. They were oblivious to my presents and continued with their heated make out session. Something kept me rooted in place as I took a closer look, my wolf howled in pain when see recognized who they were. It was Drake and Amber.<br /> My wolf instantly came alert and started yelling, "MINE!!!..MINE!!!....MINE!!!..." I could feel her trembling with rage as she begged to be released and claim what was rightfully hers.<br /> "STOP IT.....It's been 4 years since he found us and you know better than anyone that he doesn't want us. Isn't it enough that he sleeps her all the time while we burn with so much pain that it feels like we are dying. How many times does he need to rub Amber in our face till we get the hint? HE JUST DOESN'T WANT US!" I screeched back at her.<br /> My wolf quietly whimpered "You're right he doesn't want us, but we need him. Your right it time for us to try and be strong.....No, I mean we will be strong." With those finally words something deep inside of us snapped. It was like an unknown strength had been tapped into and was slowly surging through me. It was willing me to be strong and I was because somehow I pushed down the hurt and will my body to move. I took one final glance at the couple before me and then spun around to leave the room only to bump into a very drunk Kyle.<br /> Kyle's hands automatically went around my waist to steady me. My thick long hair swung forward and covered my face with a thick blanket of hair. He let out a flirty chuckle. "Hey bab-yy" he slurred. I didn't answer him as I stood stiffly in his hold. Kyle pressed his body even closer to mine as if seeking my attention, but all it did was make me cringed from his touch. We were plastered tightly together that my big firm chest were crushed against his hard abs.<br /> I knew this was a dangerous situation to be in so I quietly pleaded to him, "Please let me go." I lifted my soft chubby hand to his rock hard stomach and tried to push him away. Most men would have taken the hint and let go but not Kyle. Instead of letting me go he brought me closer as he leaned into me and assaulted my nose with the strong smell of spirits that fumed off his breath.<br /> "That stupid prick," my wolf growled. She was pissed and was begging for me to fight with him. My wolf wanted to rip that pricks arms off and beat him with the blood stumps for touching us.<br /> Kyle was oblivious to my discomfort because in the next moment he lifted one of his big hands and started gently stroking my hair. "Baby....Don't be like that. Doesn't that curvy softness crave some of my hardness?" Kyle whispered softly in my ear and rubbed his shaft slowly against me. In that moment the strong scent of his arousal drifted up into my nose. I was so repulsed that it took all I had not to vomit. "Lovely, why won't you talk to me? Don't you like me, I know I like you. How about you give me a little peck but first let's move some of this hair away from your pretty face." Before I could stop him, his big hand was carefully brushing my hair away from my face. I instantly went into panic mode and started thrashing my head from side to side to avoid his hand.<br /> "You're a feisty little one. A little cat is what you are." I felt his hold tighten around me and I knew he was tapping into his wolf strength to keep control. Somehow in our struggle he managed to give me a hard jerk, so that my head snapped back causing my hair to tumble away from my face. It happened so fast that all I could do was put my head down and tuck my chin into my chest so that he wouldn't see my face.<br /> "Come on, little cat. Let me see that pretty face so we can have a little fun," he softy cooed at me. His big fingers gripped my chin gently as he firmly lifted my head up to meet his gaze. Instantly his coffee brown eyes went wide with shock but with a flash of recognition they narrowed and turned pitch black in anger. "DOG FACE!!!," he roared in a deadly tone. Kyle pushed me away and let out gut wrenching growl. It was so loud that several heads turned in our direction. Kyle was vibration in anger and I could tell he was struggling to control his wolf as his eye shifted back in forth in color. Knowing this was my only chance to escape, I turned and pushed my way through the crowd but I was too late someone had spotted me. I could hear Kyle yell after me but I keep pushing forward but came to a jerking stop when a hand wrapped around tightly in my hair and slammed me to the ground.<br /> My body hit the ground hard and my head bounced against the floor. The force of the fall knocked the wind out of me and I struggled to sit up. Amber leaned over me with cruel sneer on her face. "What do you think you're doing? How dare you show your face down her stupid fat bimbo?" Amber screamed as she tightened her grip in my hair and smacked my head back into the floor again. The hit was hard that little white dots appeared before my eyes. My eyes glanced around to room hoping someone would help me but no one did. I could see that a pissed of Kyle hovered close by with cruel sneer on his face and I knew it was at Amber's mercy. If only Drake would help me I thought, in a last ditch effort for escape I sent Drake a silent pleading look, but all he did was smirk and laugh at me.<br /> Amber's eyes followed my gaze and her face twisted evilly "Don't look at him. No one said you could look at my man. He is MINEEEEE!........ Get it. It looks like you need to learn a little lesson." Amber shouted at me as she splattered my face with spirits spittle. She moved her body to block my line of vision block of Drake. "Heather, Jen, Kelly come here and one of you bring some shaving clippers," She yelled out to her crew of bimboes.<br /> "Help me hold her down girls," she said to Kelly and Heather as they joined her. I started fight against Amber hold but the girls were quick to help her. Kelly got a hold of my arms and clamped them down at my waist. At the same time Heather positioned herself over my legs and sat down keeping me firmly restrained to the ground. They had just finish pinning me down when Jen walked in with black shaving clippers.<br /> Amber let out a cruel laugh as she started taunting me, "Ladies hold this bimbo down tight because it's time we give this little mutt a trim." I heard the click of the clippers and the sound of steady buzzing. She leaned over and whispered in my ear. "If I were you I wouldn't struggle it would be a shame if I accidently shaved your eyebrow off." Amber sat up and tipped her head back as she let out a deranged laugh. Despite her warning I gritted my teeth and fought against their restraining grip but they were to strong so I couldn't move.<br /> Amber held up the clippers to the small crowd of people that had gathered around us and they started cheering her on as they watched. I knew whatever was going to happen next that I was too late to stop. So I closed my eyes I tried to shut everything out but I could feel the tears rolling out of the corner of my eyes as I heard the sound of the clippers come closer. I felt the light vibration of the clipper press against my head as the chunks of hair fell away. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't shut out their laughter, taunts and hateful words. I felt the clipper pass over my skull several time until finally the steady buzzing of the clippers stopped.<br /> A second later I received three hard slaps a crossed the face. Amber leaned over my face and shouted, "Wake up...you ugly little bimbo." She pulled back her hand and smacked me again as everyone laughed at me. "Well Dog face you really are a mutt now." Amber giggled and tugged small strand of hair that was left. Her friends released their hold on me and I sat up slowly. Long chunks of hair fell to the ground, covering my legs in a thick blanket of hair. I stared at the ground as my hands reached out and curled around one of the jet black locks. Everything around me was drowned out, by the sudden roaring sound in my head. The anger filled my veins as Amber's vicious laughter filtered through my haze of anger.<br /> I sat there on the floor wrapped up in utter silence as I tried to control my raging emotions and my wolf. Amber giggled happily snagging my attention once again as my eyes zeroed in on her strutted back over to Drake. He sent her a sensual smirk and she launched herself into his awaiting arms as her skinny arms wrapped around his neck. Drake caught her by the waist and then slid his hands down her side and squeezed her hips.<br /> A powerfully loud snarl cut through the kitchen and commotion in the room went silent. My eyes were burning bright like quick silver and my body was vibrating with pure rage as I slowly stood to my feet. Shock was written on everyone's face at the possessive sound coming from within me but Amber was quick to recover as she sneered over at me and said "Aww......Poor Dog face, here have a drink it will make you feel better." She reached over to the counter and picked up a plastic red cup, and then tossed at me. The plastic cup hit the center of my chest as the warm spirits spilled all over me. As if on cue, suddenly more cups and bottle where being thrown at me from random directions and people as they cruelly taunted me.<br /> "Look at her. Now she's even uglier if that's possible" someone yelled.<br /> "Let's take that... DOG... to the pound maybe they'll put her to sleep" Kyle laughed.<br /> "Man, I feel sorry for her mate. Who would want that piece of trash?" at that comment I looked towards Drake catching his empty gaze but I notice a muscle twitching at cheek. Another cup hit my face causing me to look away from him.<br /> I stood there a moment but then I slowly started pushing through the crowd towards the back stairs. "Yo, ugly mutt, Here's a drink for the road." Amber yelled at me causing me to stop in mid step and look over my shoulder in her direction. She hocked a full liquor bottle across the room at me. I side stepped the bottle as it sailed over my shoulder and shattered against the wall I was standing next to. The bottle hit so hard that the glass pieces exploded everywhere and a large chunk of glass pierced into my shaved skull bring me to my knees. Blood trickled down my face as I looked around the room watching the laughing faces. Pulling the glass out of my head, I press the palm of my hand to the cut in hopes of stopping the bleeding but the cut was to deep. Standing on shaky feet I spotted a towel on the kitchen counter as I blindly staggered over and snatch it up so I could clean my face off but it was bleeding too much so I pressing it the wound on my head.<br /> I could feel Drakes probing stare roaming over my bloody face. Our gazes collide in a heated exchange, as I stood there on shaky feet. Drake held my gaze his mouth curled into a tense grin as an evil glint flickered into his eyes. I stood watching him as my wolf howled for his comfort. Drake seemed to feel my wolf calling out to him and a flash of sorrow passed across his face but in an instant it was gone replaced by that evil glint. Drake turned away and broke eye contact as he leaned back into Amber. He pulled her into his powerful arms and devoured her lips in a heated peck. Her hands roamed all over his body as he pressed his body closer. His big hands picked her up by both hip cheeks as she lifted her skinny legs and wrapped them around his narrow waist. Amber moaned loudly into him lush mouth as her hand threaded into his thick dark blonde locks and consumed his lips with another passionate peck.<br /> Another growl escaped my lips as spots swam before my eyes. Not caring anymore I shoved people aside as I stumbled up the back stairs into my pathetic little room. The door crashed against the wall as I flung it open and fumbled into the rest of the way into the room.<br /> That rest of the night went by in a blur of waking moments, until the alarm went off one last time and I woke up with instant startle to the morning light. I felt like a zombie as I forced myself out of bed and as I blindly stumbled into the bathroom. I knew I looked like bad from the way I felt so I avoided looking into the mirror, to check out the damage they had done.<br /> (End of Flash back)<br /> I stared hard into the mirror as my eye roamed over my hooded head. I slowly pulled off my sweater and tossed into the laundry bin, and then picked up some scissors. I noticed the pale discoloration of my tan face and the dark purple circles under my lifeless eyes. I looked bad; my head was shaved almost completely. The hair they left behind was two large chunks on each side that resembled two floppy bunny ears. I as I leaned in closer into the mirror I saw the jagged red gash that was stitched together in the front of my head. "I look like a hot mess," I said to the girl in the mirror as I gently probed the tender cut and let out a loud hiss.<br /> Tears fell silently down my face as I gathered the chunk of hair in my hand and snipped it off with a scissors, and then repeated the same step to the other side. I brushed off the hair onto the counter and dunked my head into the water to wash away the hair. I looked back into the mirror again as I ran my head over my shaved head, with a sad disbelief that it was all gone.<br /> The door to my room swung open and crashed against the wall, causing me to jump. "What the heck?," I said. Logan dashed into the bathroom and pulled me urgently by the hand. "Logan what's wrong?" Logan looked like he had seen a ghost or something because he was practically jumping out of his skin.<br /> His little chest was heaving hard as he tried to catch his breath, " I....wentttt...to the mail an-nn ....and." Logan took a few deep breaths.<br /> "And what Logan......what is the matter? Spit it out...kiddo." I urged.<br /> "I found a letter and it has your name on it," he said as handed me the letter. "See.... It says Katya Cruz," he pointed out.<br /> My hand slightly trembled as I looked at the neat writing on the envelope. I turned it over and noticed the return address label. "Uncle Rico," I mumbled to myself as I opened up the letter.<br /> Dear Cariño,<br /> It's been many years since I have heard from you but as always I faithfully write you every month. Your sister Amber writes me all the time and tells me how much you love going to boarding school. I'm glad you're happy after all you been through. I know your still angry with me about not bring you to live with me but it was out of my control. I hope that one day you will forgive me enough to come see me. It's very lonely without your aunt Claire or you around. I know your birthday isn't for a few more weeks I hope you didn't mind that I sent the silver Porsche you wanted a few months early. Well I really hope you liked it regardless, but don't worry. You know your uncle always sends more than one gift.<br /> If you get the chance please call or write me I would rather hear from you than your sister. Please don't be angry with me for sending you with Steven, because I regret it every single day. I can only pray that one day you will understand what happened. You're my only family please forgive me I beg you. I hope to hear from you soon. I miss you and love you with all my heart.<br /> Love always<br /> Uncle Rico<br /> 503-536-9869<br /> Tears fall down my face as I held the letter closely to my chest. "Logan, he is alive. My Uncle Rico is alive Logan," I said as I reached out and pulled into a tight hug. We clung to each other for a few moments until I slight pulled away. "Logan is anyone home yet?" I asked as I wiped away my tears<br /> "Nope.....Everyone is still out at the lake because it's so hot today."<br /> "I need to use the phone; can you be my look out? Do you think you can help me kido?" I said as Logan nodded with a silent "yes".<br /> "Come on Fluffy let's use the phone in the living room it's cordless so you can hide in the down stairs bathroom." He held my hand tightly as we raced down stairs. I snagging the phone and locked myself in the tiny guest bathroom and with shaky hands I dialed the number.<br /> Ring...one... Ring...two ......"Hello"..... "Hello, who is this," a grumpy Latino voice said.<br /> "Uncle Rico......Is my Uncle Rico there?" I said in a unsure voice.<br /> His voice slightly hitched as he said, "Katya is that you?"<br /> My voice grew thick with tears, "Yes Uncle it's me. I don't have much time to talk so please just listen. First of all I'm not at boarding school and I have never been there. I have always been here at Black Moon. Today was the first day I have seen a letter from you. Amber told me you were dead."<br /> "WHAT!!..... THAT ...STUPID... LITTLE.. bimbo!" He roared.<br /> "Uncle there's so much I need to tell you but I'm running out of time. I need you to send me two cell phones make sure you address them to Nina Larkin she's the pack healer and my friend. Send it as soon you can, please uncle."<br /> "Psssst Fluffy, someone's coming you need to hang up." Logan whispered at the door.<br /> "I have to hang up there is someone's coming, I'll call you as soon as I get the cell phones, I love you." I said as ended the call. I smiled my Uncle Rico was alive as I ran out the room to go find Nina. I knew there was only one place Nina would be at this time of day and that was the infirmary so that I where I headed.<br /> I noticed the closed door and I tapped on it lightly as I opened it, "Nina, are you in there?"<br /> "Yup, I'm back here, "Nina waved me over behind the screen.<br /> I lowered my head nervously as I spoke. "I have an important favor to ask of you. My Uncle Rico is sending me a package and I had him addressed to you, so that I actually get it. I knew I should have asked you first but it all just happened so fast and I have no one else to trust besides Logan."<br /> "You really didn't have to ask sweetie because you know I would do anything I to help you. I just have one question? I thought your Uncle was dead." She said.<br /> I chuckled softly, "So did I. That is until Logan found a letter in the mail for me. I found his number in the letter and called him just a bit ago. We are both a bit confused about what is going on, so I asked him to send me a cell phone so we could chat without anyone knowing. Do you think you could put it in my room when it arrives?"<br /> She cocked her head to the side and flashed me a corky little smile with a friendly wink. "Will do ...my little chicky." I smiled brightly at her and dashed out the room to finish my chores.<br /> For the rest of the day I walked around in my happy little daze that was until I slammed into a hard solid wall called Drake. He grabbed my arms tightly and tugged me roughly into him and then yanked my hood down with one hand. Sparks traveled up my arm from his touch and my wolf purred in delight from his closeness.<br /> "Watch were you are going Dog Face," I flinched when he called me that horrid name. He ran his hand slowly over my bald head as he smiled down at me with an evil smirk, "Nice trim....Now you really look like a Mutt." My wolf howled out in pain as he insulted me with his hurtful words. I struggled to break free from his hold but he just tightened his grip on me.<br /> Drake said in raw tone, "What....Don't you have nothing to say?" I refused to answer and continued to struggle in his arms. Drake let out an angry growl as his arms wrapped around my body. He held me tight as he spun me around and pressed my back into the wall. We both breathing heavily from the closeness of our body, he was plastered against me like a second skin that he crushed my chest between us. I refused to look at Drake or acknowledge his presents so I kept my head down.<br /> "Look at me" he growled at me.<br /> I tipped my head up slightly so I could look into those piercing blue eyes of his. Our eyes collided in an intense heated exchange and our eye held each other for just a moment as his hand lifted to my face. His thumb brushed tenderly against the curve of my cheek as I looked up at his hard chiseled face. I watched him in a stunned silence as his eyes wonder over my face and settled on my lips. His head slowly started to dip down until his tongue flickered out and brushed against my pouty lips. I held still and refused to respond to him, but continued with his seductive teasing. Drake slowly licked the seam of my mouth and begged for entrance, so I gave him exactly what he wanted. I stood on my tippy toes and pushed up into his heated peckes as Drakes mouth became more demanding. I felt myself being lifted off the ground as he wrapped one of my legs around his waist, so he could pressed his hard member against my core. His body slowly started grinded against me as his hand feverously roamed all over my body. Drake lifted the corner of my thick worn sweater and slid his hand under it. His hand slowly traveled up my torso and settled over my big firm chest as finger skimmed over my hard papilla. My wolf howled in pleasure and I was so aroused that I almost cried when he ripped his mouth away from mine.<br /> Drake's eyes glittered with lust and hate as he whispered against my lips. "You will never be my Luna. A Dog like you will never be good enough to be my Alpha female. You are nothing and you will always be nothing." He said in a cruel tone as he pushed away from me and I dropped back to the ground. He turned away from so I was facing his back. Drake stood there for a second until finally he spoke to me in a low cold tone. "I Drake Vincent of the Black Moon Pack, REJECT you, Katya Cruz as my Mate."<br /> I let out a loud gasp as I clutched the burning pain tore through my heart. Tears filled my eyes as I struggled to breathe. The pain was so intense that it felt that someone was jabbing their claws into my heart. It was almost too much to bear because it felt like I was going to die. I tried to focus on anything or anyone that would pull my mind away from this pain. That is when an old memory surfaced and I heard my Uncle Rico's loving voice say," don't forget little one, you're one special girl." Although I struggled to compose myself I could sense Drake watching me over his shoulder.<br /> My wolf was calling out to me. "Be strong you are not weak. We will have our day. He's not worthy of being our Mate!" She cooed I felt myself start to calm as I stood tall with unknown strength. In a clear firm voice I said, "I, Katya Layla Cruz accept your Rejection." As I turned and walked out of the room I heard the sound of something crashing against the wall.<br /> "Someone doesn't take rejection well, do they?" my wolf said cheerfully.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.topicksapp.com/ad/dGlnZXJyZWFkZXIvMTQ4ND	106700359177506	Picks002	https://facebook.com/100095293115204	16	1	1,134,023,614,715,367	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Picks002	120209121184940042	a.topicksapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.topicksapp.com/ad/dGlnZXJyZWFkZXIvMTQ4NDUzLzIwMjQwNDExMTYzMjIyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-11 04:28	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436799147_948841316728823_8857971941876764347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LptoGtdiW9QAb7i7SUf&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAsjeVgpjcM3Af2KH0DIsIUS_vQ81Yd5kdN2be2ojBk7g&oe=66222686	person_profile	0	Picks002	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437029215_439179875446504_1256727650292661685_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p_dK3YBlSywAb73bj3m&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBEZrqY4vcmtBjY-b2YBkQGICzMstbs3bI7Fz228Qgx5g&oe=66225A94	0	3	Picks002	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,243,518	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1243517}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:41	active	530	405261409124194	Wife's Gym Obsession Uncovers Hidden Secret Concealed from Husband	Wife's Gym Obsession Uncovers Hidden Secret Concealed from Husband	LEARN_MORE	https://parentztalk.com/wife-gym-obsession-unveils	104238192067446	Fox'oclock	https://facebook.com/100076064792214	3,462	1	3,542,983,332,630,467	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Fox'oclock	120206949502550527	parentztalk.com	NONE	image	My wife, Laura, has always been fit, with the disciplined routine of an athlete. Years ago, when we met in college, she was the emblem of health, her life revolved around the local gym where we would often meet for light-hearted competitions and post-workout smoothies.	https://parentztalk.com/wife-gym-obsession-unveils-gg/	2024-04-14 07:05	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437054719_1673772256694212_2864212362496836916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HoBXF-hkBloAb7bxVOc&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAI3u40hzIOJ_GNitgTKqCbSZ7N7JMh3nMD3k5aYnxxfg&oe=66224F51	person_profile	0	Fox'oclock	https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437068189_455998260517445_4213759724435198428_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NLAfFT1BZIEAb7m-CjS&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAkgDKQ93MUJzgGMBhRESbNxfG_cG6JTJQUchIBkDIoWg&oe=662244D0	0	3	Fox'oclock	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,242,778	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242777}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:40	active	530	285703764589537	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"In three days, you will attend the rejection ceremony, and then in a week, you will have a mating ceremony with someone more on your level, his brother, Garrett Hunter."<br /> "You're joking," Lily said. "You have to be joking." <br /> Garrett? Garrett Hunter?? The disfigured, rejected brother of Matthew? This had to be some sort of joke. They couldn't possibly be serious. But her parents were not laughing.<br /> "This is no joke. You will be marrying Garrett Hunter."<br /> "I am his fated mate. We're meant to be together. Why would he want to reject me? There must be a mistake!"<br /> "Lily, you're an omega. No respectable Alpha would want you as their Luna. We're saving you the agony of having to deal with your mate having a mistress," her mother explained.<br /> ______________<br /> Lily Bray stood in front of the mirror admiring herself. Her skin glowed from her previous run with the pups of the pack. Even though she was the daughter of the Alpha, she enjoyed helping out with the pups.<br /> 'You should wear the red dress,' Dina, her wolf, suggested.<br /> 'You're just being petty,' Lily replied as she looked at the dresses on her bed. The festive red would be the best choice since all her other dresses were too bright for the winter. She picked it up and looked at herself in the mirror.<br /> 'No, I'm not. Matthew said we look nice in red. We should wear it! It's also one of the colors in his pack,' Dina added.<br /> Lily smiled at the thought of wearing the colors of the Grey Blood Pack. She, of course, was going to be their Luna after the mating ceremony. The very thought of it made her blush. Who would've thought that she would be mated to a future Alpha?<br /> 'We deserve it, no matter our rank! Matthew doesn't care that we are an Omega, so we shouldn't care anymore either,' Dina said confidently, 'Put on the red dress.'<br /> Lily didn't need to be convinced as she quickly began to get dressed. She could hear the clicking of heels and immediately knew who it was before she heard the voice.<br /> "Lily, what's taking you so long?" Her sister, Brandy, yelled from outside her bedroom door.<br /> "Coming!" Lily quickly put on lip gloss and smoothed out the wrinkles in her festive red dress before rushing to the door. She opened it to see Brandy standing there looking uninterested as always.<br /> "Took you long enough," Brandy said. She looked her up and down and her eye twitched slightly before saying, "Cute dress." Anyone that didn't know Brandy would have thought she was complimenting Lily, but Lily knew better. Brandy disapproved of everything she wore and did.<br /> "You're just upset that you couldn't find the dress in your size," Lily retorted. She knew that Brandy was looking at the dress. It wasn't her finest moment to be so petty, but she found some satisfaction from it as Brandy always got what she wanted.<br /> Brandy replied with a scowl, "That dress is old news. I found one that was much better and more fitting for me." She walked past Lily, making sure to bump her with her shoulder. Lily resisted the urge to snarl. She would not let her ruin the evening.<br /> Brandy wore a low-cut black form-fitting dress with black heels. Her hair was pulled up high in a ponytail. She had blush on her cheek, and she wore bright red lipstick.<br /> 'She looks like a street walker and ugly at that,' Dina commented.<br /> 'That's not nice,' Lily responded.<br /> 'It's the truth. You should hear what Mable says about you. Brandy can't even dress decently at home. Who is she flaunting for?' Dina countered.<br /> Dina never liked Brandy as she tormented Lily growing up. Everything had to be her way and if Lily resisted, Brandy made sure to hurt her in some way. As soon as Lily could shift, Dina made it her business to take a swipe at Brandy.<br /> Lily and Brandy entered the dining hall where her parents were. They were sipping spirits and talking but stopped as soon as they entered.<br /> "Oh, you look so lovely!" her mother said to Brandy.<br /> Lily had to refrain from rolling her eyes as Brandy practically glowed from her mother's compliment. Brandy gave Lily a smug look before sitting next to their mother.<br /> Her mother gave Lily a momentary glance before saying, "Oh, Lily. You know, red isn't a good color for you, but at least you've been eating well at school. How are your studies going?"<br /> "I passed all my exams. Straight As again," Lily said happily.<br /> Lily sat down in front of Brandy, her mother, and her father. She thought it was odd that they were sitting across from her but pushed the thought out of her mind.<br /> Her mother casually remarked, "That's lovely, honey," before changing the subject as if concluding a formality. "Do you have that dress I mentioned, Brandy? The one in white?"<br /> "Yes, I did. I got it at a discount too. We had a credit once we returned the other dress," Brandy explained.<br /> Lily lost her enthusiasm when she understood that, yet again, no one was interested in what she had accomplished. She poured herself a glass of spirits and downed it. Lily looked at her father, who seemed too busy to greet her while he was looking at his phone.<br /> 'Do not worry about them. We have mates now. They will be our family,' Dina said to cheer Lily up. Lily only had to look forward to returning to her dorm and the upcoming mating ceremony. She would be where she was wanted, with Matthew.<br /> Her mother and Brandy had been conversing when her father cleared his throat, drawing their attention to him. Her father said, "I am happy that you are doing well in your studies, Lily, but there won't be a need to go back in the Spring."<br /> "What do you mean?" Lily asked.<br /> "Now that you are mated, it is not a productive use of your time. You must get ready to be a devoted mate," Her father responded.<br /> "Well, I can do both. I have already worked it out. I will be able to attend Luna lessons during the day and school at night," Lily explained. She spent a lot of time and effort with the academic advisor to make that arrangement.<br /> "That money could be used for something else, like your sister's mating ceremony," her father proposed.<br /> "Brandy! You have a mate?! That's exciting! Why didn't you tell me? We can go dress shopping together!" Lily exclaimed happily.<br /> Brandy scoffed and said, "You won't need a dress. Daddy, just tell her already. This is just sad."<br /> "Tell me what?" Lily said, looking confused as she turned to look back at her father. "Tell me what, Dad?"<br /> "I had a discussion with Alpha Jack of the Grey Blood Pack. His son, Matthew, will become the new Alpha in a few months. His father and I have agreed that Matthew needs to have a strong mate by his side to lead the pack successfully," Lily's father explained, "And that is not you." <br /> Lily felt as if her whole world had been turned upside down. She didn't know if she wanted to scream or cry. How could they make this decision for her?<br /> "In three days, you will attend the rejection ceremony, and then in a week, you will have a mating ceremony with someone more on your level, his brother, Garrett Hunter."<br /> Lily stared in horror at her father. She couldn't make sense of what he was saying. Why would Matthew reject her? When they talked on the phone all day, he never mentioned it.<br /> "You're joking," Lily said. "You have to be joking." <br /> Her father scowled at her because he disliked repeating himself. He paused for a moment to collect himself before saying, "This is no joke. You will be marrying Garrett Hunter."<br /> When Lily heard her father say those words, her heart sank. "I am his fated mate. We're meant to be together. Why would he want to reject me? There must be a mistake!"<br /> "Lily, you're an omega. No respectable Alpha would want you as their Luna. We're saving you the agony of having to deal with your mate having a mistress," her mother explained, "and it's not like you won't have a mate."<br /> "It's what you deserve, Lily. Garrett is perfect for you," Brandy said smugly. <br /> Garrett? Garrett Hunter?? The disfigured, rejected brother of Matthew? This had to be some sort of joke. They couldn't possibly be serious. But her parents were not laughing.<br /> Lily slid her seat back and stood up. She ran back to her room, slamming the door behind her. Brandy stood up to bring her back downstairs, but her mother stopped her.<br /> "Leave her alone. There is nowhere she can go. This is something she must accept," her mother stated.<br /> "Pick up the phone, Matthew. Come on!" Lily murmured as she dialed his number for the tenth time. It just rang again and again until it went to voicemail. Lily didn't bother leaving another voicemail because she had already left five.<br /> Lily sighed in frustration and tossed her phone to the floor before pacing the room. Why would her parents subject her to such cruelty? Wasn't it enough that they treated her like trash because she was an omega? But now they were going to take this away from her as well?!<br /> Lily nearly crashed into the wall to get to her phone when it buzzed on the bed. Her heart sank again when she realized it was Tiffany, not Matthew, calling. Lily answered the phone.<br /> "Hey girlie! It has been hours. What was the dinner about? Are you..." Tiffany started.<br /> Lily interjected and said, "Can I come over? I can't stay here. Please say yes."<br /> Hearing her tone, Tiffany became serious and asked, "What's wrong? Your sister is bothering you again?"<br /> "No. It's much worse. Please tell me I can come over," Lily pleaded.<br /> "Yes, you can come. I am not leaving for my parents' until tomorrow. Where are you? I can come to get you," Tiffany offered.<br /> "No. I will come to you," Lily said, "Thank you." She quickly hung up the phone. Lily went to her closet and grabbed an overnight bag. She yanked her dress off and changed into a t-shirt and workout pants.<br /> Lily then began packing items she didn't want to lose and enough clothes to get her through the holidays. She had no intention of coming back here.<br /> The door to her bedroom swung open, causing Lily to jump. She turned to see Mira, one of the omegas working in the kitchen. Mira placed her finger on her lips before she slowly closed the door behind her.<br /> "They told you," Mira said. It was more of a statement than a question. It made Lily sick to her stomach. Everyone had been smiling in her face. Did everyone but her know? It was humiliating that this was kept from her. "I was commanded not to tell you. I really wanted to."<br /> "It's fine, Mira. I know you wouldn't betray me," Lily responded. It would be physically impossible for Mira to go against a command. Perhaps if she were a Gamma or even a Beta, but as an Omega, the pain of it would have killed her wolf, which would've killed her.<br /> "I won't let them force me," Lily declared. "I can't let them take one of the only things that have made me happy."<br /> Mira and Lily grew very close growing up. As they were both omegas and Lily was excluded from high-ranking wolf activities, she spent most of her time with Mira. Mira's father, the pack doctor, was the reason she wanted to become a doctor in the first place.<br /> "Then, let me help you," Mira said, "I can get you out of here. They planned to leave you alone for the rest of the weekend."<br /> "You can't. If they find out..."<br /> "They'll assume I helped you even if I didn't. I'll be beaten no matter what, but I won't die," Mira countered, interrupting her. "Dad is already outside with a car to take you wherever you want to go."<br /> Lily hugged Mira tightly. Mira smiled slightly, wanting to go with her, but she was bound to the pack grounds. Leaving or even going rogue would harm her father's position in the pack. She couldn't risk it.<br /> "Thank you, Mira," Lily said.<br /> Tiffany opened her front door to see Lily standing like a beat dog in her doorway. Lily waved to the car that drove away. Tiffany pulled her into her home and quickly closed the door. Lily immediately began sobbing uncontrollably.<br /> "Lily, what's going on? What happened?" Tiffany asked, leading her to the sofa. She had already prepared Lily's favorite meal as well as hot cocoa.<br /> "They are trying to force me into a rejection ceremony," Lily managed to say.<br /> "What? Why? They can't do that. It'd be spitting in the Goddess' face. You could end up cursed or worse," Tiffany exclaimed.<br /> "They don't care. They don't think I'd be a fit for him because I'm an omega," Lily stated.<br /> "That's not up to them. That's up to the Goddess, and the Goddess wants you and Matthew to be together," Tiffany stated.<br /> "They don't see it that way. They..." Lily stopped in mid sentence as a horrible pain gripped her chest. She gasped as she clutched her chest and tried to slow her breathing.<br /> "Lily? Is it one of your panic attacks?" Tiffany asked.<br /> Lily could only nod, unable to speak as she concentrated on breathing as the pain radiated through her. She suffered from panic attacks for a long time. Lily assumed it was because of stress. It would eventually fade, thanks to Dina's assistance.<br /> Lily gasped in relief as the pain began to fade, and she said, "I'm okay now."<br /> "You need to speak with Matthew. You two can elope, and they won't be able to do anything about it,"<br /> "Elope?"<br /> "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Tiffany asked as she walked Lily out of her apartment. She didn't want to leave her in such a terrible situation.<br /> "No, I need to do this alone," Lily answered with a weak smile. She couldn't get in contact with Matthew all night. Lily needed to speak with him. Whatever happened between her and Matthew, she would have to deal with it alone. Lily didn't want to get her too caught up in her family drama.<br /> "Well, you know where my spare key is," Tiffany said.<br /> "Don't worry about me. I'll be okay. Matthew and I will elope, and everything will be fine," Lily said.<br /> Tiffany smiled slightly, but Lily noticed that her eyes looked somewhat sad. She had known Tiffany long enough to know that she was holding back. Before Lily could ask Tiffany what she was thinking, Lily's cab arrived.<br /> Tiffany hugged her again and said, "Keep me updated. You know my parents will accept you with open arms. They said the offer is still open if you want to join my pack."<br /> Lily nodded and got into the cab. She waved goodbye before telling the cab driver, "10 Armstead Place." The cab driver nodded and drove off.<br /> The drive didn't take long. All the while, she could feel a stabbing pain in her chance. It was another anxiety attack. She had never felt so bad before.<br /> "Ma'am, are you okay?" the cab driver asked, noticing her distress.<br /> "Yes, I am fine. Thank you," Lily answered. "Just having a little panic attack, I think."<br /> 'It's the stress,' Dina said to her. 'I am doing everything I can to dull it. I can't reach Baldur. I don't know why he isn't responding to me. Do you think our father or maybe his father did something?'<br /> Baldur was Matthew's wolf. He was as happy as Dina when they learned that they were mates. As much as Lily and Matthew talked on the phone, Dina and Baldur communicated more telepathically.<br /> 'It could be. I can't believe it. I don't want to believe that Matthew would agree to this. Maybe he is cutting off all communication because he doesn't want anyone to find him. No one knows about his apartment in the city,' Lily responded.<br /> The city was a neutral zone for all supernatural creatures. Pack hierarchy or mutual dislike of different races wasn't tolerated here. The elders made it a point that all supernatural children grew up aware of others to squash any ignorance. It was a good idea in theory, but many outside factors were at play. People couldn't help but judge one another.<br /> "We're here," the cab driver said, bringing Lily out of her thoughts. She pulled out $40 from her wallet and said, "Keep the change." She got out of the car and rushed up the steps to Matthew's apartment.<br /> Lily had been there more than once over the weekend. Her family never knew when she was home, and she wanted to keep it that way. When it would get bad at home, Matthew was a reprieve for her as Lily didn't want to have to deal with her family any more than she had to.<br /> Lily quickly grabbed the spare key under the mat and opened the door. She stepped into his apartment, and the pain seemed to intensify. Lily gripped her chest and almost fell face-first into the carpet. She used the wall to move further into his apartment.<br /> There was a smell that she couldn't quite place. It made her hackles rise. She felt angry for no reason.<br /> 'Find him now,' Dina growled within her.<br /> 'What's wrong?' Lily asked, but Dina only responded with a growl.<br /> "Oh, Matthew, deeper! Oh, yes! Pull my hair!"<br /> An all-too-familiar voice broke the silence, and Lily could now hear the slapping of skin. As she approached his bedroom, it became increasingly louder. Lily swallowed hard as she tried to process what she was hearing and what she didn't want to believe was happening. Lily's hand shivered as she was about to place her hand on the door.<br /> 'We must see this,' Dina growled. 'Open the door.'<br /> Lily slowly pushed open the door. There in front of her was Brandy, her sister, on all knees, back arched, while her fated mate was thrusting in her with abandon. Brandy lifted her head and smirked at Lily. It finally clicked now.<br /> Matthew didn't answer his phone because he was with her.<br /> The anxiety attacks, the waves of pain were Matthew making love to her.<br /> Lily was almost catatonic as she watched the betrayal before her eyes. This was supposed to be her. She had waited years for him, and here he was having intercourse with this bimbo in front of her.<br /> "Oh, I'm coming," Matthew groaned as he released into Brandy. Brandy's eyes rolled in satisfaction as she bounced back against Matthew, milking him of every drop.<br /> Lily gripped the side of the door frame, her claws going straight through as she tried to compose herself. The sudden movement caused Matthew to look up. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw her.<br /> "Oh hello, sister. Did you enjoy the show?" Brandy mocked as Lily walked into the room. Lily said nothing as she approached Brandy. With all her might, Lily slapped Brandy hard enough to send her into the headboard.<br /> "You bimbo!" Brandy yelled as she gripped her head in pain. Lily slapped her again before Matthew caught her wrist. She used her other hand to slap Matthew across the face with strength she didn't know she had. Her claws left gashes on the side of his face.<br /> "Lily, what the heck?" Matthew exclaimed.<br /> "Don't ever speak to us, you filthy dog," Lily growled out. Her eyes were silver as it was Dina now talking. "All this time, you betrayed us for this bimbo!"<br /> "You have to understand, Lily. I didn't have a choice. I..."<br /> "Enough of your lies! I will go through with the rejection ceremony. We can do it tonight because I want to be rid of you. I'll take whatever curse the Goddess dishes out!" Lily screamed before storming out, leaving the door wide open.<br /> "Don't you think that is inappropriate?" Kenneth asked his Luna from the doorway of their bedroom. <br /> "Not at all. It is a joyous occasion," Mandy said as she applied burgundy lipstick and stood up. She brushed the wrinkles out of her blue sweater dress as she looked herself over in the mirror before approaching him with a slight smile. "You should change. That suit is so depressing."<br /> "The suit is proper attire for the custom. You shouldn't take this much glee in her suffering," Kenneth responded, causing Mandy to frown. <br /> Mandy scoffed and said, "Don't try to act like you care about the little brat now. Don't be a hypocrite. You could care less and this arrangement will benefit the both of us."<br /> "At least make it believable in front of the Hunters," Kenneth reasoned. Mandy rolled her eyes. Of course she would behave. What kind of idiot did he take her for?<br /> "Come. You wouldn't want to keep Lily waiting," Mandy said condescendingly. <br /> Again, Kenneth didn't respond and followed Mandy to the entertainment hall. Both packs were in attendance. Both acknowledged their presence, showing their necks to them both. <br /> Alpha Jack and Luna Kelly looked agitated by the entire situation. The Luna of Grey Blood Pack was very against the rejection ceremony. However, she didn't have much say in the situation since both Alphas agreed to it. <br /> "Where is she?" Kenneth asked one of the omegas that were serving spirits. <br /> "She is coming, my Alpha. We are watching her closely. There is no chance she will run away again," the omega answered. <br /> Kenneth nodded and walked to the stage with Jack following behind him. He took a spoon to his spirits glass to get everyone's attention. <br /> "Thank you for joining us here tonight to celebrate the union of two great packs," Kenneth began and turned to Jack, "It is an honor that our packs will be united." <br /> "Yes, we look forward to our unified strength," Jack nodded. <br /> "Lily, Brandy, and Matthew Hunter, please come up here," Kenneth said. <br /> Brandy quickly came to greet her father. Kenneth frowned at her attire as he reluctantly hugged her. She was always scantily clad, even after telling her to dress appropriately for the occasion. <br /> 'Like mother, like daughter,' Kenneth's wolf, Jasper, said before growling in irritation at seeing Matthew. Kenneth had recently learned that Matthew had been sleeping with Brandy behind Lily's back. As a father and a believer of old customs, he wanted to choke him, but it was better this way. At least one of his daughters would be a proper Luna.<br /> 'We should tear his throat out for humiliating Lily,' Jasper growled.<br /> 'Calm down,' Kenneth told him.<br /> 'You're a pathetic father,' Jasper responded before blocking himself from Kenneth like he always did. <br /> After a few minutes, Lily did not show. Kenneth frowned and he spoke over the microphone, "Where is Lily? Bring her here!" He didn't need her defying him in front of both packs. This union had to happen. <br /> "I am here, father!"<br /> Matthew stood on the stage awkwardly. He didn't expect that both packs would be here for this. Matthew assumed that this would be a private affair, but he knew his mother had to have had a hand in this. <br /> Kelly had been horrified and disappointed in Matthew when she discovered that Matthew had been sleeping with Lily's little sister. No one in their line had ever denied the Moon Goddess' will up until now. The only thing that calmed her was that Lily would still marry into the pack. <br /> Matthew didn't really want to be mated with Brandy. He just wanted to have fun before he was forever bound to Lily. However, he understood why his father wanted him to mate Mandy instead. An Alpha had to be seen as strong. A weak Luna was a liability. He could not rule a pack with an omega Luna.<br /> 'It is not the right choice!' Baldur growled within him. 'Why did the Moon Goddess curse me to be bonded to you until death? She is meant for us! You know it!'<br /> 'There is nothing we can do now. It is done,' Matthew responded.<br /> 'You fool. You're going to regret this.' Baldur warned before Matthew suppressed him again like he always did when he didn't want to hear what he had to say. <br /> After Kenneth and his father Jack's speech, there was a pause as they waited for Lily to appear. She had not shown up, which infuriated Kenneth. As he demanded to know where Lily was, her voice rang out. <br /> "I am here, father!"<br /> Lily emerged from the crowd, taking Matthew's breath away. There were murmurs from the crowd as they watched Lily. She wore a simple form-fitting strapless white dress with an overlay of lace. Her hair was pulled up in a bun, and a white veil covered her face. Lily wore her wedding dress to the rejection ceremony. <br /> When she got to the stage, she hugged her father, ignored Mandy, and curtsied to Alpha Jack and Luna Kelly before taking her position in front of Matthew. Lily kept a calm expression, but Matthew could see the fury in Lily's eyes. <br /> "Lily, I..." Matthew started, but she raised her hand, stopping him. <br /> Lily gave her hand to Jack and nodded to him. Jack smirked. This little female had sass. It was a shame that she was not an Alpha. Jack took the ceremonial blade and cut her palm. Matthew gave his hand to Kenneth, and he cut Matthew's hand. <br /> "I... I..." Matthew stammered. He found that he could not bring himself to say the words. Everything in him told him it was wrong. "Father, I can't. I..."<br /> "I, Lily Bray, the first-born daughter of Alpha Kenneth Bray, and my wolf, Dina, reject you, Matthew Hunter, the first-born son of Kenneth Hunter, and your wolf Baldur for your betrayal of our mate bond with my sister, Brandy," Lily said firmly as she grabbed Matthew's hand. "Do you accept?"	LEARN_MORE	https://a.deerfiction.com/ad/ZGVlcmZpY3Rpb24vMTQ5O	117505061435870	Derf002	https://facebook.com/100095537683257	60	1	1,142,104,963,652,407	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Derf002	120209429211780759	a.deerfiction.com	NONE	video		https://a.deerfiction.com/ad/ZGVlcmZpY3Rpb24vMTQ5OTgzLzIwMjQwNDEzMjEzOTMzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-13 08:44	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436457107_1452104749053695_6826328888593496797_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HOr6e0ZkcoAAb7gw5vX&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAkkei9dgjs1f4XC7kLsAkFbxrCdfXyAzR9AOOvoAQPdQ&oe=6622416B	person_profile	0	Derf002	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435888782_1177194943444654_9057217471479574215_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JwBYeu-pimcAb7IxO6k&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAe4lYD6UzqWl8UQD446bW1Ms9R3O7Pgi3-rdyL3hAcOg&oe=6622449E	0	3	Derf002	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,243,569	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-04-14 19:41	active	530	971649454482972	The Cure Conference \| Awakening	THE CURE CONFERENCE 2024<br /> <br /> Then suddenly, in the middle of the night, they were AWAKENED by the shout ‘Get up! The bridegroom is here! Come out and have an encounter with him!<br /> <br /> ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:6‬ ‭<br /> <br /> “AWAKENING”<br /> <br /> EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS ONLY $29<br /> <br /> @vladhungrygen <br /> @myles.rutherford <br /> @kellylohrke <br /> @andrew.sedra <br /> @estherlohrke <br /> @noleensedra <br /> <br /> REGISTER AT <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FWWW.THECURECONF.COM%2F&h=AT1YEK1Ybzht1VupqNS-IQsnuuyS7Tu_ZVujB-tJZHP7UUI5_wOd8cAlBPInngr7ofAGjCiAhl5xGz1WfHvcIS6jeDIZAokU0WFDGcNg50k_qeqw4ueyQBJnwPwP2Uc438mhHrJFK-7E9L5mScQyBsD4SEEEHg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">WWW.THECURECONF.COM</a><br /> Or COMMENT CONFERENCE BELOW!	LEARN_MORE	http://www.thecureconf.com/	220275251463025	Pastor Kelly Lohrke	https://facebook.com/pastorkellylohrke	8,081	1	451,410,724,212,541	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Pastor Kelly Lohrke	120208519474240670	thecureconf.com	NONE	image	THE CURE CONFERENCE IS A GATHERING OF CHURCHES, LEADERS AND PASTORS WHO ARE COMMITED TO BUILDING THE LOCAL CHURCH, ENCOUNTERING GOD, AND SEEING THE SICKNESS OF SIN CURED BY THE POWER OF JESUS.	http://www.thecureconf.com/	2024-04-14 07:01	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436203114_274108219001118_1666664188058614096_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KuLZ4-UDOyUAb7R-4Al&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDyZNo9VGvDV8SLuXyEltjsPOhE68BapI5ACDR9WMMTUg&oe=66224FB7	person_profile	0	Kelly Lohrke	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438029584_1565976394354158_5228206043718674082_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o-w6Up3rJ0wAb76ph9E&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfArQOjF4yU-8FuisvXsQJAEDoh_Y9WQWb5wVm43jy4_PA&oe=66223593	0	3	Pastor Kelly Lohrke	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,242,533	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242527}'	No	2024-04-14 19:39	active	530	448527290991813	[FREE Webinar] Mastering The Solution Focused Approach	👉👉👉 Free Webinar on how to help ANY client with ANY problem! 👈👈👈<br /> My name is Elliott Connie, and I will be hosting a FREE workshop on how to instantly apply Solution Focused Brief Therapy to your practice and start making significant progress in every single session!<br /> <br /> This is a must-attend webinar for therapists, counselors, coaches, and other mental health professionals who desire to make consistent and effective progress with their clients!<br /> <br /> IF YOU HAVE EVER:<br /> 🙋🏾‍♀️Wanted to become a master in a proven therapeutic approach...<br /> → This webinar will uncover the KEY to becoming a master in Solution Focused Brief Therapy<br /> <br /> 🙋🏼‍♂️ Left a session thinking that you might have missed the mark…<br /> → This webinar will reveal the absolute most important thing you must do to be effective with EVERY client that you see!<br /> <br /> 🙋🏻 Found yourself completely lost with a client who is having significant struggles...<br /> → My webinar will show you how this method can be applied to even the HARDEST of cases (with real-life examples!)<br /> <br /> 𝗣𝗟𝗨𝗦 𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗮 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗙𝗧 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲! 🎁<br /> <br /> The Solution Focused Approach is effective with any client, regardless of their problem or past. Sign up for my FREE webinar workshop to help you boost your practice and become a master of Solution Focused Brief Therapy today.	LEARN_MORE	https://webinars.elliottconnie.com/ss-helping-any-	129782707108929	Elliott Connie	https://facebook.com/elliottspeaks	72,749	1	1,779,624,152,531,992	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Elliott Connie	120207417338760431	webinars.elliottconnie.com	NONE	image	★★★★★"I attended a webinar last week and really enjoyed it! Elliott is an amazing host on a webinar and has you gripped! Thank you for taking the time to do this!" Kelly D.	https://webinars.elliottconnie.com/ss-helping-any-client-sfbt-optin	2024-04-14 12:31	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435170274_245610861906932_4346987455082337811_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hHm5KxtimAEAb4NIFul&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBrWCdPaYU6biURDCYEl7MB0M4Ey9DwfehCcmRFZCkuoQ&oe=66222AB2	person_profile	0	Elliott Connie \| Therapist \| Author \| Podcaster	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438034740_1201600537891210_5583300197877349070_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qAzLlZtGoP0Ab5lE2Qz&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBvvzrF7ivqYME6FqB4G9HCGF5GJrA3Pup-MgFsNQCL_Q&oe=662237BC	0	3	Elliott Connie	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,242,336	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242335}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:39	active	530	768076832124085	2011 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero	2011 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero - $8,000.00<br /> <br /> 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero<br /> V-Twin 1700cc Engine<br /> Low miles <20,000<br /> Excellent Finish<br /> New Battery @ 19,590<br /> New Rear Tire @ 17,684<br /> New Front Tire @ 15,850<br /> Starts and Runs Beautifully..I just don’t ride enough to warrant keeping it<br /> Heal/Toe Shift Bar<br /> Cruise Control<br /> Chrome Front and Rear Roll Bars with Adjustable Foot Pegs<br /> Custom Seat with Adjustable Backrest.<br /> Backrest has a zippered pouch<br /> Fairing comes with two locking compartments and one power outlet<br /> Two Locking Hardcover Saddlebags<br /> Custom LOUD horn (view video)<br /> Cup Holder, Phone Holder, Winter Cover, Trickle Battery Charger and Rain Gear Included<br /> Luggage Rack<br /> AM/FM Radio<br /> <br /> If we make a deal, expect to visit both your bank for a cashier’s check and the DMV to do a Title Transfer. Thanks for your understanding.<br /> *The Kelly Bluebook "Typical Listing Price" (as you can see in the picture) is $9635. I am asking $8000.<br /> Facebook Marketplace	CONTACT_US	https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/962764541974	104984472121217	Steve Holm	/marketplace/?seller_profile=580123478	0	1	303,402,819,297,723	2024-04-14 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Contact us	Steve Holm	6528916993634		NONE	image		https://facebook.com/marketplace/item/962764541974698/	2024-04-14 14:03		regular_page	1	Steve Holm	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435559501_449108444448360_8424387896050263132_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZCCASJHfstEAb6YIHIF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBPXQ1yfb_FuwA9XI2sSxS1bONt5bcmhaA7Nvk_mwiAoQ&oe=66223522	1	3	Steve Holm	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,242,906	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242777}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:40	active	530	932253945047135	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"In three days, you will attend the rejection ceremony, and then in a week, you will have a mating ceremony with someone more on your level, his brother, Garrett Hunter."<br /> "You're joking," Lily said. "You have to be joking." <br /> Garrett? Garrett Hunter?? The disfigured, rejected brother of Matthew? This had to be some sort of joke. They couldn't possibly be serious. But her parents were not laughing.<br /> "This is no joke. You will be marrying Garrett Hunter."<br /> "I am his fated mate. We're meant to be together. Why would he want to reject me? There must be a mistake!"<br /> "Lily, you're an omega. No respectable Alpha would want you as their Luna. We're saving you the agony of having to deal with your mate having a mistress," her mother explained.<br /> ______________<br /> Lily Bray stood in front of the mirror admiring herself. Her skin glowed from her previous run with the pups of the pack. Even though she was the daughter of the Alpha, she enjoyed helping out with the pups.<br /> 'You should wear the red dress,' Dina, her wolf, suggested.<br /> 'You're just being petty,' Lily replied as she looked at the dresses on her bed. The festive red would be the best choice since all her other dresses were too bright for the winter. She picked it up and looked at herself in the mirror.<br /> 'No, I'm not. Matthew said we look nice in red. We should wear it! It's also one of the colors in his pack,' Dina added.<br /> Lily smiled at the thought of wearing the colors of the Grey Blood Pack. She, of course, was going to be their Luna after the mating ceremony. The very thought of it made her blush. Who would've thought that she would be mated to a future Alpha?<br /> 'We deserve it, no matter our rank! Matthew doesn't care that we are an Omega, so we shouldn't care anymore either,' Dina said confidently, 'Put on the red dress.'<br /> Lily didn't need to be convinced as she quickly began to get dressed. She could hear the clicking of heels and immediately knew who it was before she heard the voice.<br /> "Lily, what's taking you so long?" Her sister, Brandy, yelled from outside her bedroom door.<br /> "Coming!" Lily quickly put on lip gloss and smoothed out the wrinkles in her festive red dress before rushing to the door. She opened it to see Brandy standing there looking uninterested as always.<br /> "Took you long enough," Brandy said. She looked her up and down and her eye twitched slightly before saying, "Cute dress." Anyone that didn't know Brandy would have thought she was complimenting Lily, but Lily knew better. Brandy disapproved of everything she wore and did.<br /> "You're just upset that you couldn't find the dress in your size," Lily retorted. She knew that Brandy was looking at the dress. It wasn't her finest moment to be so petty, but she found some satisfaction from it as Brandy always got what she wanted.<br /> Brandy replied with a scowl, "That dress is old news. I found one that was much better and more fitting for me." She walked past Lily, making sure to bump her with her shoulder. Lily resisted the urge to snarl. She would not let her ruin the evening.<br /> Brandy wore a low-cut black form-fitting dress with black heels. Her hair was pulled up high in a ponytail. She had blush on her cheek, and she wore bright red lipstick.<br /> 'She looks like a street walker and ugly at that,' Dina commented.<br /> 'That's not nice,' Lily responded.<br /> 'It's the truth. You should hear what Mable says about you. Brandy can't even dress decently at home. Who is she flaunting for?' Dina countered.<br /> Dina never liked Brandy as she tormented Lily growing up. Everything had to be her way and if Lily resisted, Brandy made sure to hurt her in some way. As soon as Lily could shift, Dina made it her business to take a swipe at Brandy.<br /> Lily and Brandy entered the dining hall where her parents were. They were sipping spirits and talking but stopped as soon as they entered.<br /> "Oh, you look so lovely!" her mother said to Brandy.<br /> Lily had to refrain from rolling her eyes as Brandy practically glowed from her mother's compliment. Brandy gave Lily a smug look before sitting next to their mother.<br /> Her mother gave Lily a momentary glance before saying, "Oh, Lily. You know, red isn't a good color for you, but at least you've been eating well at school. How are your studies going?"<br /> "I passed all my exams. Straight As again," Lily said happily.<br /> Lily sat down in front of Brandy, her mother, and her father. She thought it was odd that they were sitting across from her but pushed the thought out of her mind.<br /> Her mother casually remarked, "That's lovely, honey," before changing the subject as if concluding a formality. "Do you have that dress I mentioned, Brandy? The one in white?"<br /> "Yes, I did. I got it at a discount too. We had a credit once we returned the other dress," Brandy explained.<br /> Lily lost her enthusiasm when she understood that, yet again, no one was interested in what she had accomplished. She poured herself a glass of spirits and downed it. Lily looked at her father, who seemed too busy to greet her while he was looking at his phone.<br /> 'Do not worry about them. We have mates now. They will be our family,' Dina said to cheer Lily up. Lily only had to look forward to returning to her dorm and the upcoming mating ceremony. She would be where she was wanted, with Matthew.<br /> Her mother and Brandy had been conversing when her father cleared his throat, drawing their attention to him. Her father said, "I am happy that you are doing well in your studies, Lily, but there won't be a need to go back in the Spring."<br /> "What do you mean?" Lily asked.<br /> "Now that you are mated, it is not a productive use of your time. You must get ready to be a devoted mate," Her father responded.<br /> "Well, I can do both. I have already worked it out. I will be able to attend Luna lessons during the day and school at night," Lily explained. She spent a lot of time and effort with the academic advisor to make that arrangement.<br /> "That money could be used for something else, like your sister's mating ceremony," her father proposed.<br /> "Brandy! You have a mate?! That's exciting! Why didn't you tell me? We can go dress shopping together!" Lily exclaimed happily.<br /> Brandy scoffed and said, "You won't need a dress. Daddy, just tell her already. This is just sad."<br /> "Tell me what?" Lily said, looking confused as she turned to look back at her father. "Tell me what, Dad?"<br /> "I had a discussion with Alpha Jack of the Grey Blood Pack. His son, Matthew, will become the new Alpha in a few months. His father and I have agreed that Matthew needs to have a strong mate by his side to lead the pack successfully," Lily's father explained, "And that is not you." <br /> Lily felt as if her whole world had been turned upside down. She didn't know if she wanted to scream or cry. How could they make this decision for her?<br /> "In three days, you will attend the rejection ceremony, and then in a week, you will have a mating ceremony with someone more on your level, his brother, Garrett Hunter."<br /> Lily stared in horror at her father. She couldn't make sense of what he was saying. Why would Matthew reject her? When they talked on the phone all day, he never mentioned it.<br /> "You're joking," Lily said. "You have to be joking." <br /> Her father scowled at her because he disliked repeating himself. He paused for a moment to collect himself before saying, "This is no joke. You will be marrying Garrett Hunter."<br /> When Lily heard her father say those words, her heart sank. "I am his fated mate. We're meant to be together. Why would he want to reject me? There must be a mistake!"<br /> "Lily, you're an omega. No respectable Alpha would want you as their Luna. We're saving you the agony of having to deal with your mate having a mistress," her mother explained, "and it's not like you won't have a mate."<br /> "It's what you deserve, Lily. Garrett is perfect for you," Brandy said smugly. <br /> Garrett? Garrett Hunter?? The disfigured, rejected brother of Matthew? This had to be some sort of joke. They couldn't possibly be serious. But her parents were not laughing.<br /> Lily slid her seat back and stood up. She ran back to her room, slamming the door behind her. Brandy stood up to bring her back downstairs, but her mother stopped her.<br /> "Leave her alone. There is nowhere she can go. This is something she must accept," her mother stated.<br /> "Pick up the phone, Matthew. Come on!" Lily murmured as she dialed his number for the tenth time. It just rang again and again until it went to voicemail. Lily didn't bother leaving another voicemail because she had already left five.<br /> Lily sighed in frustration and tossed her phone to the floor before pacing the room. Why would her parents subject her to such cruelty? Wasn't it enough that they treated her like trash because she was an omega? But now they were going to take this away from her as well?!<br /> Lily nearly crashed into the wall to get to her phone when it buzzed on the bed. Her heart sank again when she realized it was Tiffany, not Matthew, calling. Lily answered the phone.<br /> "Hey girlie! It has been hours. What was the dinner about? Are you..." Tiffany started.<br /> Lily interjected and said, "Can I come over? I can't stay here. Please say yes."<br /> Hearing her tone, Tiffany became serious and asked, "What's wrong? Your sister is bothering you again?"<br /> "No. It's much worse. Please tell me I can come over," Lily pleaded.<br /> "Yes, you can come. I am not leaving for my parents' until tomorrow. Where are you? I can come to get you," Tiffany offered.<br /> "No. I will come to you," Lily said, "Thank you." She quickly hung up the phone. Lily went to her closet and grabbed an overnight bag. She yanked her dress off and changed into a t-shirt and workout pants.<br /> Lily then began packing items she didn't want to lose and enough clothes to get her through the holidays. She had no intention of coming back here.<br /> The door to her bedroom swung open, causing Lily to jump. She turned to see Mira, one of the omegas working in the kitchen. Mira placed her finger on her lips before she slowly closed the door behind her.<br /> "They told you," Mira said. It was more of a statement than a question. It made Lily sick to her stomach. Everyone had been smiling in her face. Did everyone but her know? It was humiliating that this was kept from her. "I was commanded not to tell you. I really wanted to."<br /> "It's fine, Mira. I know you wouldn't betray me," Lily responded. It would be physically impossible for Mira to go against a command. Perhaps if she were a Gamma or even a Beta, but as an Omega, the pain of it would have killed her wolf, which would've killed her.<br /> "I won't let them force me," Lily declared. "I can't let them take one of the only things that have made me happy."<br /> Mira and Lily grew very close growing up. As they were both omegas and Lily was excluded from high-ranking wolf activities, she spent most of her time with Mira. Mira's father, the pack doctor, was the reason she wanted to become a doctor in the first place.<br /> "Then, let me help you," Mira said, "I can get you out of here. They planned to leave you alone for the rest of the weekend."<br /> "You can't. If they find out..."<br /> "They'll assume I helped you even if I didn't. I'll be beaten no matter what, but I won't die," Mira countered, interrupting her. "Dad is already outside with a car to take you wherever you want to go."<br /> Lily hugged Mira tightly. Mira smiled slightly, wanting to go with her, but she was bound to the pack grounds. Leaving or even going rogue would harm her father's position in the pack. She couldn't risk it.<br /> "Thank you, Mira," Lily said.<br /> Tiffany opened her front door to see Lily standing like a beat dog in her doorway. Lily waved to the car that drove away. Tiffany pulled her into her home and quickly closed the door. Lily immediately began sobbing uncontrollably.<br /> "Lily, what's going on? What happened?" Tiffany asked, leading her to the sofa. She had already prepared Lily's favorite meal as well as hot cocoa.<br /> "They are trying to force me into a rejection ceremony," Lily managed to say.<br /> "What? Why? They can't do that. It'd be spitting in the Goddess' face. You could end up cursed or worse," Tiffany exclaimed.<br /> "They don't care. They don't think I'd be a fit for him because I'm an omega," Lily stated.<br /> "That's not up to them. That's up to the Goddess, and the Goddess wants you and Matthew to be together," Tiffany stated.<br /> "They don't see it that way. They..." Lily stopped in mid sentence as a horrible pain gripped her chest. She gasped as she clutched her chest and tried to slow her breathing.<br /> "Lily? Is it one of your panic attacks?" Tiffany asked.<br /> Lily could only nod, unable to speak as she concentrated on breathing as the pain radiated through her. She suffered from panic attacks for a long time. Lily assumed it was because of stress. It would eventually fade, thanks to Dina's assistance.<br /> Lily gasped in relief as the pain began to fade, and she said, "I'm okay now."<br /> "You need to speak with Matthew. You two can elope, and they won't be able to do anything about it,"<br /> "Elope?"<br /> "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Tiffany asked as she walked Lily out of her apartment. She didn't want to leave her in such a terrible situation.<br /> "No, I need to do this alone," Lily answered with a weak smile. She couldn't get in contact with Matthew all night. Lily needed to speak with him. Whatever happened between her and Matthew, she would have to deal with it alone. Lily didn't want to get her too caught up in her family drama.<br /> "Well, you know where my spare key is," Tiffany said.<br /> "Don't worry about me. I'll be okay. Matthew and I will elope, and everything will be fine," Lily said.<br /> Tiffany smiled slightly, but Lily noticed that her eyes looked somewhat sad. She had known Tiffany long enough to know that she was holding back. Before Lily could ask Tiffany what she was thinking, Lily's cab arrived.<br /> Tiffany hugged her again and said, "Keep me updated. You know my parents will accept you with open arms. They said the offer is still open if you want to join my pack."<br /> Lily nodded and got into the cab. She waved goodbye before telling the cab driver, "10 Armstead Place." The cab driver nodded and drove off.<br /> The drive didn't take long. All the while, she could feel a stabbing pain in her chance. It was another anxiety attack. She had never felt so bad before.<br /> "Ma'am, are you okay?" the cab driver asked, noticing her distress.<br /> "Yes, I am fine. Thank you," Lily answered. "Just having a little panic attack, I think."<br /> 'It's the stress,' Dina said to her. 'I am doing everything I can to dull it. I can't reach Baldur. I don't know why he isn't responding to me. Do you think our father or maybe his father did something?'<br /> Baldur was Matthew's wolf. He was as happy as Dina when they learned that they were mates. As much as Lily and Matthew talked on the phone, Dina and Baldur communicated more telepathically.<br /> 'It could be. I can't believe it. I don't want to believe that Matthew would agree to this. Maybe he is cutting off all communication because he doesn't want anyone to find him. No one knows about his apartment in the city,' Lily responded.<br /> The city was a neutral zone for all supernatural creatures. Pack hierarchy or mutual dislike of different races wasn't tolerated here. The elders made it a point that all supernatural children grew up aware of others to squash any ignorance. It was a good idea in theory, but many outside factors were at play. People couldn't help but judge one another.<br /> "We're here," the cab driver said, bringing Lily out of her thoughts. She pulled out $40 from her wallet and said, "Keep the change." She got out of the car and rushed up the steps to Matthew's apartment.<br /> Lily had been there more than once over the weekend. Her family never knew when she was home, and she wanted to keep it that way. When it would get bad at home, Matthew was a reprieve for her as Lily didn't want to have to deal with her family any more than she had to.<br /> Lily quickly grabbed the spare key under the mat and opened the door. She stepped into his apartment, and the pain seemed to intensify. Lily gripped her chest and almost fell face-first into the carpet. She used the wall to move further into his apartment.<br /> There was a smell that she couldn't quite place. It made her hackles rise. She felt angry for no reason.<br /> 'Find him now,' Dina growled within her.<br /> 'What's wrong?' Lily asked, but Dina only responded with a growl.<br /> "Oh, Matthew, deeper! Oh, yes! Pull my hair!"<br /> An all-too-familiar voice broke the silence, and Lily could now hear the slapping of skin. As she approached his bedroom, it became increasingly louder. Lily swallowed hard as she tried to process what she was hearing and what she didn't want to believe was happening. Lily's hand shivered as she was about to place her hand on the door.<br /> 'We must see this,' Dina growled. 'Open the door.'<br /> Lily slowly pushed open the door. There in front of her was Brandy, her sister, on all knees, back arched, while her fated mate was thrusting in her with abandon. Brandy lifted her head and smirked at Lily. It finally clicked now.<br /> Matthew didn't answer his phone because he was with her.<br /> The anxiety attacks, the waves of pain were Matthew making love to her.<br /> Lily was almost catatonic as she watched the betrayal before her eyes. This was supposed to be her. She had waited years for him, and here he was having intercourse with this bimbo in front of her.<br /> "Oh, I'm coming," Matthew groaned as he released into Brandy. Brandy's eyes rolled in satisfaction as she bounced back against Matthew, milking him of every drop.<br /> Lily gripped the side of the door frame, her claws going straight through as she tried to compose herself. The sudden movement caused Matthew to look up. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw her.<br /> "Oh hello, sister. Did you enjoy the show?" Brandy mocked as Lily walked into the room. Lily said nothing as she approached Brandy. With all her might, Lily slapped Brandy hard enough to send her into the headboard.<br /> "You bimbo!" Brandy yelled as she gripped her head in pain. Lily slapped her again before Matthew caught her wrist. She used her other hand to slap Matthew across the face with strength she didn't know she had. Her claws left gashes on the side of his face.<br /> "Lily, what the heck?" Matthew exclaimed.<br /> "Don't ever speak to us, you filthy dog," Lily growled out. Her eyes were silver as it was Dina now talking. "All this time, you betrayed us for this bimbo!"<br /> "You have to understand, Lily. I didn't have a choice. I..."<br /> "Enough of your lies! I will go through with the rejection ceremony. We can do it tonight because I want to be rid of you. I'll take whatever curse the Goddess dishes out!" Lily screamed before storming out, leaving the door wide open.<br /> "Don't you think that is inappropriate?" Kenneth asked his Luna from the doorway of their bedroom. <br /> "Not at all. It is a joyous occasion," Mandy said as she applied burgundy lipstick and stood up. She brushed the wrinkles out of her blue sweater dress as she looked herself over in the mirror before approaching him with a slight smile. "You should change. That suit is so depressing."<br /> "The suit is proper attire for the custom. You shouldn't take this much glee in her suffering," Kenneth responded, causing Mandy to frown. <br /> Mandy scoffed and said, "Don't try to act like you care about the little brat now. Don't be a hypocrite. You could care less and this arrangement will benefit the both of us."<br /> "At least make it believable in front of the Hunters," Kenneth reasoned. Mandy rolled her eyes. Of course she would behave. What kind of idiot did he take her for?<br /> "Come. You wouldn't want to keep Lily waiting," Mandy said condescendingly. <br /> Again, Kenneth didn't respond and followed Mandy to the entertainment hall. Both packs were in attendance. Both acknowledged their presence, showing their necks to them both. <br /> Alpha Jack and Luna Kelly looked agitated by the entire situation. The Luna of Grey Blood Pack was very against the rejection ceremony. However, she didn't have much say in the situation since both Alphas agreed to it. <br /> "Where is she?" Kenneth asked one of the omegas that were serving spirits. <br /> "She is coming, my Alpha. We are watching her closely. There is no chance she will run away again," the omega answered. <br /> Kenneth nodded and walked to the stage with Jack following behind him. He took a spoon to his spirits glass to get everyone's attention. <br /> "Thank you for joining us here tonight to celebrate the union of two great packs," Kenneth began and turned to Jack, "It is an honor that our packs will be united." <br /> "Yes, we look forward to our unified strength," Jack nodded. <br /> "Lily, Brandy, and Matthew Hunter, please come up here," Kenneth said. <br /> Brandy quickly came to greet her father. Kenneth frowned at her attire as he reluctantly hugged her. She was always scantily clad, even after telling her to dress appropriately for the occasion. <br /> 'Like mother, like daughter,' Kenneth's wolf, Jasper, said before growling in irritation at seeing Matthew. Kenneth had recently learned that Matthew had been sleeping with Brandy behind Lily's back. As a father and a believer of old customs, he wanted to choke him, but it was better this way. At least one of his daughters would be a proper Luna.<br /> 'We should tear his throat out for humiliating Lily,' Jasper growled.<br /> 'Calm down,' Kenneth told him.<br /> 'You're a pathetic father,' Jasper responded before blocking himself from Kenneth like he always did. <br /> After a few minutes, Lily did not show. Kenneth frowned and he spoke over the microphone, "Where is Lily? Bring her here!" He didn't need her defying him in front of both packs. This union had to happen. <br /> "I am here, father!"<br /> Matthew stood on the stage awkwardly. He didn't expect that both packs would be here for this. Matthew assumed that this would be a private affair, but he knew his mother had to have had a hand in this. <br /> Kelly had been horrified and disappointed in Matthew when she discovered that Matthew had been sleeping with Lily's little sister. No one in their line had ever denied the Moon Goddess' will up until now. The only thing that calmed her was that Lily would still marry into the pack. <br /> Matthew didn't really want to be mated with Brandy. He just wanted to have fun before he was forever bound to Lily. However, he understood why his father wanted him to mate Mandy instead. An Alpha had to be seen as strong. A weak Luna was a liability. He could not rule a pack with an omega Luna.<br /> 'It is not the right choice!' Baldur growled within him. 'Why did the Moon Goddess curse me to be bonded to you until death? She is meant for us! You know it!'<br /> 'There is nothing we can do now. It is done,' Matthew responded.<br /> 'You fool. You're going to regret this.' Baldur warned before Matthew suppressed him again like he always did when he didn't want to hear what he had to say. <br /> After Kenneth and his father Jack's speech, there was a pause as they waited for Lily to appear. She had not shown up, which infuriated Kenneth. As he demanded to know where Lily was, her voice rang out. <br /> "I am here, father!"<br /> Lily emerged from the crowd, taking Matthew's breath away. There were murmurs from the crowd as they watched Lily. She wore a simple form-fitting strapless white dress with an overlay of lace. Her hair was pulled up in a bun, and a white veil covered her face. Lily wore her wedding dress to the rejection ceremony. <br /> When she got to the stage, she hugged her father, ignored Mandy, and curtsied to Alpha Jack and Luna Kelly before taking her position in front of Matthew. Lily kept a calm expression, but Matthew could see the fury in Lily's eyes. <br /> "Lily, I..." Matthew started, but she raised her hand, stopping him. <br /> Lily gave her hand to Jack and nodded to him. Jack smirked. This little female had sass. It was a shame that she was not an Alpha. Jack took the ceremonial blade and cut her palm. Matthew gave his hand to Kenneth, and he cut Matthew's hand. <br /> "I... I..." Matthew stammered. He found that he could not bring himself to say the words. Everything in him told him it was wrong. "Father, I can't. I..."<br /> "I, Lily Bray, the first-born daughter of Alpha Kenneth Bray, and my wolf, Dina, reject you, Matthew Hunter, the first-born son of Kenneth Hunter, and your wolf Baldur for your betrayal of our mate bond with my sister, Brandy," Lily said firmly as she grabbed Matthew's hand. "Do you accept?"	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1,243,084	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242798}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:40	active	530	1649873315818116	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	Marrying this magnificent warrior was my ideal but after marriage...<br /> "Why do you cry?" His rough voice is baffled. "Wife, look at me."<br /> That word. That word I used to love and now despise. More tears well up in my eyes.<br /> "You want an answer? Fine. I do not like being married to you. For you, keeping mistresses is a tradition. For me, it's the worst insult you can give a wife. I've had enough."<br /> A cold anger slips over his features. "That is unfortunate since we are wed. You have no choice but to accept."<br /> "You're wrong. I'll do my duty and give you an heir, but no more than that."<br /> ————————<br /> "You spend much time out here, I'm told."<br /> My body stiffens as the one voice I'm trying to escape invades my senses. The garden has become one of my refuges and after three months, I thought I was safe out here, safe from his presence and hers. Heaven knows, I've watered just about every plant out here with my tears. The flowers can attest to my misery, but no one else can.<br /> Except now, if he looks at my face, he'll see that I'm crying.<br /> Would he care?<br /> Making a move as if I'm wiping sweat from my face, I attempt to remove the evidence of my pain.<br /> "My lady wife, do you ignore me?"<br /> Still keeping my back to him, I shrug and continue pulling the weeds. "I wasn't aware that an observation made by you required a response."<br /> "I've wondered where you disappear to."<br /> Not enough to find out the answer.<br /> That's the wrong thing to think since it causes more tears to slide down my face. Before I can wipe them away, his hand grasps my arm, pulling me up to face him. I don't look at him, but I can feel the intensity of his gaze as he studies my face.<br /> Humiliation complete.<br /> "Why do you cry?"<br /> His rough voice is honestly baffled, as if he cannot understand how someone in my situation could have any sorrow.<br /> "Wife, look at me."<br /> That word. That word I used to love and now despise. More tears well up in my eyes, but I force myself to meet his gaze.<br /> "Tell me what causes these tears. You have been different since I brought you here after we wedded."<br /> He wants an answer, so I give him the absolute truth. After all these months of holding it in, I wrap up everything in one short sentence.<br /> "I do not like being married to you."<br /> He wasn't expecting that answer and I can feel his whole body lock tight and his hand flexes on my arm.<br /> "What is not to your liking?"<br /> That almost makes me laugh, his voice is positively confused, as if I have everything a woman could want so how could I possibly be upset?<br /> Shaking my head, I answer softly, "It matters not."<br /> "It matters. I would not have my wife cry." Heavens! That deep voice of his, so rough yet so gentle, as it was when we had our glorious month together before our wedding. Back when I was hopeful for our future, when I looked forward to marrying this magnificent warrior and being his wife in every way. Back when I thought he cared for me, when I thought the look in his eyes was full of, if not love, then caring.<br /> Back before he shattered all my ideals and dreams.<br /> "Once I am with child, I would ask you to allow me to remove to another of your estates."<br /> "Ah," he says as if understanding is dawning. "You do not like Bellford Keep. That is fine. There are others we can go to."<br /> Typical man. Problem solved. Completely missing the actual point.<br /> Looking at the ground, I shake my head. "You misunderstand me. I wish to go to another estate alone. Without you."<br /> Again, his body locks solid.<br /> "I would have your eyes for what I say next, wife." Grudgingly, I meet his eyes. And what I see in his is frightening in its intensity, its fury. "My wife will not live away from me. Ever. Do not bring this up again."<br /> "Being with you brings me nothing but misery."<br /> He looks as if I've slapped him his shock is so great at my audacity.<br /> Then a cold anger slips over his features. "That is unfortunate since we are wed."<br /> "Leave me," I dismiss him, not thinking.<br /> Clearly the wrong thing to say as he leans down so his face is only inches from mine. "You do not command, wife. You would do well to remember your place."<br /> "I assure you, I am never able to forget my place here."<br /> Those tears spill over again, both my bitterness and heartbreak pouring out. What is wrong with me?<br /> "You must learn to be happy in your situation. Any other woman would be happy to be my bride."<br /> "Well then you should have married one of them. I find no pleasure in being your wife."<br /> He grins at me.<br /> Actually grins.<br /> "You lie. You found great pleasure last night. And every night I come to your bed since we have been married."<br /> I think, in that moment, I actually hate him.<br /> "And that is the problem. I am not the only one you find pleasure with. So whatever pleasure you may give to me, believe me when I say it is only physical and only temporary. My heart and my mind remain unswayed by you and wish to be far away from you because the pain you inflict is so much greater than the fleeting pleasure."<br /> Since I can't force the warrior to leave, I spin around and storm off to the stables.<br /> He doesn't follow.<br /> Why should he follow his unhappy wife when his mistress is always there, always happy?<br /> ————<br /> I head into the stables, waving off Braden, the stablemaster. I need no help, nor do I want it, from this man or any man. In minutes, I'm leading my stallion, Sir Neigh, out of the barn and I quickly mount up.<br /> Braden yells after me when he sees me take off, no guard in sight. He thought I'd come to groom my boy, not go riding. He is used to me riding only in the mornings, never in the late afternoon near the evening meal.<br /> However, I plan on missing the meal tonight and all nights going forward so I do not have to watch her watching my husband in the common room any longer.<br /> It hurts. It hurts me so badly. I always wonder if my parents knew, when they married me off to the warrior, that his peoples' tradition included the males keeping and flaunting their mistresses. Knowing my parents, and the great love between the two of them, and just the two of them, I cannot imagine they did or they would not have given me over to him.<br /> I can't return to my parents' home because my father would return me not out of malice but because a wife belongs with her husband. He would give me sanctuary if I had been physically mistreated, but since I am not, he has no reason to protect me.<br /> I sigh as I realize I have no choice but to continue to live here, my heart dying a little more every day as I sleep alone in my bed, the warrior not alone in his. He is with her. My only hope is that someday he will allow me to live away from him at one of his other estates. Since he doesn't seem to care about family, maybe once he has his heir, he will let us go.<br /> Defeat is hard for me to accept, and as soon as I think that thought, my anger at myself grows. Who says I have to accept my lot? What if I were to run away? I had some money my mother slipped into my trunk before we left.<br /> "A woman should always have her own money," she'd whispered and I'd nodded my understanding. "Unpack it when you get home and hide it well in case there is ever need for it."<br /> She was assuming in case we were ever overrun with raiders, I could use it to ransom my husband if he were ever taken.<br /> I also had jewelry I could sell.<br /> Thinking back to the first – and only – time he had given jewelry to me, I frown. It was the day we had arrived at Bellford and I discovered...her.<br /> A servant had summoned me to his library and the warrior waited in there for me, holding a velvet bag in his hand.<br /> I'd walked into the room, keeping my eyes to the floor, even after I heard the servant bow out and close the door.<br /> "I have made arrangements for Mrs. Kelly to give you a tour of the estate and to go over household matters with you. Bellford Keep has been without a mistress since the old lord and lady died."<br /> I continued to stare at the ground and I did not acknowledge that I heard him. His boots came into my view after a few moments of silence.<br /> "Are you well, my lady wife?"<br /> Just a short nod from me as answer.<br /> His fingers nudged my chin up, but I still managed to keep my eyes downcast. "What is wrong that you will neither speak to me nor look me in the eye?"<br /> "May I leave?" I asked.<br /> Sensing his irritation, I was not surprised that his answer was swift. "No, you may not. I would like to know the cause of your distress and I have a surprise for you."<br /> That got him my eyes, but they were enraged. "I never want another surprise from you ever again."<br /> "This one you will like," he assured me, and spilled the contents of the velvet bag into his hand. It was a beautiful diamond and emerald necklace.<br /> Pushing his hand away, I snapped. "I want nothing from you. Give it to her, give all of your gifts to her. But do not ever attempt to give me a gift, ever again. You have nothing I want."<br /> Then I left him in his library, holding the jewelry I rejected.<br /> The memory was bitter and made me reconsider accepting his gifts. Perhaps I should have taken them, then I could sell them and book passage on a ship to another country and start a new life there, never having to see the warrior with her again.<br /> About half an hour from home, I see a rider heading toward me with a torch raised high. He reins in as he comes alongside me.<br /> "Milady, are you well?"<br /> I smile at his concern. "Thank you, yes, Sir Alcarn."<br /> "Were you lost?"<br /> "No; I only lost track of time and rode farther than I thought. When I realized and turned back, I could not allow Sir Neigh to run as he had earlier, when there was still sun."<br /> "Everyone is out looking for you."<br /> What on earth? "Why?"<br /> His look is part relief and part anger. "You disappeared, milady, without an escort, and you missed the evening meal. Then when you still did not return, my lord sent all of his warriors out to find you."<br /> "Yes, I'm sure he couldn't be bothered to look himself."<br /> That bit of bitterness came out before I could stop my mouth. I'd broken a rule of my own, that no one should know of my marital discord, and I fidgeted uncomfortably in my saddle.<br /> "No, milady. He was the first one out to look for you when you didn't show up for the evening meal. When he couldn't find you, he sent all of us out, my lord himself included."<br /> With the bit of light we had from the torch, we trotted back toward the keep. Every so often, Alcarn would blow a horn he had shrilly.<br /> "In case anyone is close enough to hear, they will know you have been found and will pass that along."<br /> Sure enough, on the ride back, four more knights joined us, grouping themselves around me.<br /> The upheaval my ride had caused took me by surprise. At home, although my parents didn't like it, I would disappear until well after dark all the time during the summer.<br /> "I apologize," I told my escorts. "At home I would often lose track of the time and return late. My parents never sent out anyone to find me, so I had no idea the warrior would."<br /> "Be prepared, milady," one of my escorts said.<br /> "For what?"<br /> "My lord is not used to being...concerned, and your disappearance did not sit well with him. It's a wonder he didn't kill Braden."<br /> "Why on earth would he do that?"<br /> "Braden knew you'd ridden off and informed no one until he was questioned."<br /> "A mistake he will never make again," Basik chortled.<br /> The keep came into view, other riders coming toward the stables from opposite directions. I thanked my escort, apologized to them and allowed one of them to take Sir and wipe him down so I could head to my chambers.<br /> As soon as my maid undid my laces on my dress, I dismissed her so she could sleep. Then I crawled into my bed and fell to sleep immediately.<br /> I never knew if it was hours or minutes later but the door to my chambers burst open and hit the wall, startling me awake.<br /> Then it was slammed shut and I could barely make out the form of the warrior as he stalked to my bed.<br /> "Do you know what you did?" he growled at me.<br /> An apology would have been the proper thing right then.<br /> "Yes. I'm quite aware I went for a ride."<br /> Quick as a flash, his arms reached out and grabbed me to him, my knees still on the bed. "Now is not the time for your mouth. You caused an uproar, wife, and you inconvenienced me and all my men."<br /> "Oh, I'm so sorry," I cooed. "Did I infringe on the time you could have spent with your bimbo?"<br /> His fingers tightened on my upper arms. "Is that what this is? A tantrum about my camaspoza?"<br /> "Let me go," I hissed.<br /> "You need to learn your place," he snarled back. "I will not have my life disrupted because you cannot accept that which has always been."<br /> "For you, it is tradition. For me, it is the worst insult you can give a wife. It demeans me and my position and every day I hate you more than the day before. I am miserable with you; I abhor the life you are forcing me to live. And I will never accept that which has always been because I will never accept something that destroys me. If I fell dead tomorrow, I would rejoice that my shame would be at an end."<br /> The warrior drew back at the poison I spewed at him.<br /> "You have no choice but to accept."<br /> "You are wrong. I will do my duty by you and give you an heir, but no more than that."<br /> "You cannot keep yourself from me."<br /> "There you are wrong, Warrior. I already do keep myself from you. You have my body, but that is all. Everything else that is in me despises you with a hatred so deep, it is beyond measure."<br /> "Do not fool yourself. Your jealousy makes you think it is hatred, but you are only jealous because you care."<br /> "No. I used to care, and you know that I fell in love with you in our month together before we wed. I was prepared to make you my everything and to share a beautiful life with you, sharing our joys and sorrows and concerns, raising our children together. What I dreamed of was as magnificent as I thought you were. But all of that was gone in a moment when you introduced her to me. It killed everything good I was feeling about us in but a moment, and your lack of respect and your continued humiliation of me – your preference for her – have changed my feelings to quite the opposite of what they were on the day we wed."<br /> "Your body says otherwise."<br /> He didn't understand. "You are skilled in bed, no doubt. You have enough experience to give me pleasure despite my wish otherwise. But you do not touch my heart or my mind or my soul. My parents have a true marriage and that is what I was raised thinking I would have. And instead, I have nothing."<br /> "You have my loyalty and affection and protection."<br /> "I most certainly do not have your loyalty nor do I have your affection."<br /> "I come to your bed; what is that if not affection?"<br /> "That is doing your duty and every time you do, something in me dies. It is not something that enhances our love or our connection as husband and wife; it is assuredly killing anything that I once thought I felt. A body is just a shell."<br /> "A shell that will carry the sons that I release into you."<br /> I look away because what once would have thrilled me breaks my heart, especially given the crude way he says it. "Once I am pregnant, I would like to go into seclusion at another one of your estates."<br /> "No."<br /> "Why?" I demand, frustrated. "What possible reason is there for me to stay once I am pregnant?"<br /> "Because you are my wife and you remain where I say. You need no other reason."<br /> "Just go," I demand.<br /> But he doesn't. "I think I will take my pleasure now, wife."<br /> And he does, but I remain impassive and resistant as long as I can. Which is not long at all.<br /> "Take your pleasure," he whispers into my ear. "It is not shameful to do so."<br /> Tears streaming down my face, I do. I cannot help it. "I hate you," I whisper to him. "I want you to stay away from me."<br /> ————<br /> The next day, the warrior comes to me and tells me that the king's messenger has arrived and summoned him to court immediately. That explains the servants scurrying to pack his trunks and provisions.<br /> "I would take you, but as you pointed out last night, you wish me to stay away from you. So, my lady wife, I shall take her with me instead of you, while you remain here, alone as you wanted. You see? I am a considerate husband who gives his wife what she wants. You may want to consider in the future what you ask of me because I assure you, if it is mine to give, it shall be yours."<br /> I refuse to wave off the party going to court. I have no need to see her riding beside him, her triumphant smile telling me she knows she is preferred over his wife. She holds the warrior's heart; she sleeps beside him at night when he leaves my chambers.<br /> Since I have no idea how long the warrior will be away, I decide to take action. I am tired of having to live my life at his whim. So I ask two young servant boys to bring me two trunks from the attic. They are eager to help and in no time I am packing my dresses and undergarments and shoes and cloaks and hats. One of the things that the warrior had entrusted to me was communication with his nine estates. Should a problem arise, I could handle it or turn it over to the warrior for judgment, but in this he trusted and respected my training. Since he was gone for an unknown time, I decided it was time the lady of the estates met each steward.<br /> The young servant boys happily carried my trunks to the coach and tied them on. Now came the tricky part and dealing with the head guardsman.<br /> "My lord Carrington has asked that I do a tour of his estates while he is on the king's business. I'll need two guards with me. My husband suggested Cheswick and Folroy."<br /> The ones who couldn't read or write, so they could not communicate with anyone on our journeys.<br /> "My lady," Gadding said, "My lord did not mention this to me."<br /> Giving him my most assured and haughty look, I stared him in the eye. "Are you questioning my husband's orders to me? The order he gave to me in a rush due to his unexpected need to attend to the king so suddenly?" I pulled back a little and then hit him with, "Are you saying I am lying about something so important? Would you like to explain to the warrior why I am still here when he returns, my mission not completed?"<br /> As expected, he immediately began to bluster his apologies and said that he would have Cheswick and Folroy make themselves available immediately for our trip. Three hours later, we were off and for the first time since arriving at Bellford Keep, I felt free. After our first estate visit, I told Cheswick and Folroy that I had a letter from my husband summoning them back to Bellford Keep.<br /> I traveled not only to the warrior's nine estates, but also spent two weeks here and there with six different cousins of mine. When we left one estate, I told the steward there where we were going next, and then proceeded to go to a different place. I worried that as we visited one estate, the warrior would have an easier time narrowing down our options, so that was when I interspersed our estate visits with visits to my cousins.<br /> After the first month, I began to suspect something.<br /> After the second month, I knew.<br /> That last night of pleasure before my husband left for the king's court had filled me with a baby. At seven months along now, with all of our visiting done, I was going to head home. Part of my reasoning for visiting the estates was to select my favorite one, and so I did. That it happened to be the farthest from Bellford Keep was part of its allure. Fernwick was much smaller than Bellford, more rustic, but near a charming village that had excellent midwives. It felt homier to me, the right place to enter my confinement period and to birth my child.<br /> Every morning I walked into the village, stopping at the bakery and wandering among the other shops, greeting the villagers. I made friends with all of the wives, who did not stand so much in awe of me as their husbands did because of who my husband was.<br /> I invited the ladies to Fernwick once a week, to talk and discuss happenings in the village. At first, they seemed scared to join me, but after the first two gatherings, we chatted and laughed easily. I had never had friends like this before, and certainly none after my marriage.<br /> They'd even gathered the courage to ask about the warrior and I told them that we would live separately.<br /> "He has...another to keep him company and they suit one another."<br /> Each one of them looked affronted and I know that the poor had different types of unions, but openly carrying on with another who was not your spouse was not acceptable.<br /> "I cannot believe he would choose another over you," Maggie told me brashly. I adored Maggie as she spoke her truths unflinchingly. She was also one of my midwives. "You are his wife."<br /> "Only to give him an heir. Nothing more." I laughed as a particularly hard kick took my breath. "And it is fine. I will have my child and a quiet life here and I will not have to see him with her."<br /> After a few weeks of settling in at Fernwick, I wrote the warrior a short note. I told him I got pregnant and had begun my confinement and offered him a chance to do the right thing.<br /> I asked him to allow me to live in Fernwick and never destroy the peace I felt here with her presence. But it would all depend on how much he hated me, I supposed.<br /> ————<br /> My baby continued to grow over the next three weeks. Looking at my belly, I couldn't believe I had another two or three weeks to go.<br /> There had been no reply to my letter and I realized that no answer was my answer. Perhaps he was waiting to hear if I had birthed an heir or a daughter before replying.<br /> Two days later, my peace was interrupted as I was walking by the creek. One of the maids came rushing to me, all in a tizzy. <br /> "Milady, your husband is arrived!"	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1,243,019	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1242839}'	No	2024-04-14 19:40	active	530	1118424909409653	Read More👉👉👉	Calvin is my boyfriend, and we have been together for many years. Although other people in the pack often bully me, if Calvin is around, I can persevere. On that day, Calvin's birthday, I found out that he had an affair with my sister, and I decided to leave the pack. Just as I was about to leave, Alpha King came to our pack, and he captured everyone.<br /> "You want her? She's a human!"<br /> The king released a roar that made every member of the pack flinch and drop their heads lower in submission. With my face only a few inches from the ground, I watched with terror as the king moved away from me and stood before my biggest bully Kate. <br /> The greater distance between us allowed me to see more of him. He was larger than the other Lycans, his body covered in knotted scars that were visible beneath his fur.<br /> His claw was the size of Kate's head as he punched it through her ch#st, ripping her heart out the other side and sending the pack into a flurry of sobs and terrified mumblings for mercy.<br /> "You will do well to teach your pack to respect those above them." The witch's voice called out again, but I was trapped staring at Kate's body as the king pulled his hand out, and it fell to the ground.<br /> I was aware of him walking back to me, but I couldn’t take my eyes away. It was the large hand that grabbed me by my backpack and lifted me off the ground like a doll that brought me back to reality, and I instinctively met the glowing red eyes of the Lycan King.<br /> His deep voice sent a chill through me as he spoke, "Mine."<br /> ---<br /> Janet's P.O.V.<br /> <br /> I felt uneasy as soon as I entered the pack house. The way my pack mates were smirking at me, laughing behind their hands... I knew they were up to something. Their pranks and bullying had been getting worse and more painful each time they managed to get me alone. My bruises still hadn't gone away from the last time.<br /> <br /> My body ached from the beating I had taken two days ago, but I was only a few hours away from it all ending.<br /> <br /> I just needed to get to Calvin before they set their plan into motion.<br /> <br /> Calvin was my boyfriend of four years. He was the only one that cared for me, and the only one I could trust.<br /> <br /> We were high school sweethearts. He was also the next in line to become the Alpha of our pack. That didn't matter to me, but it did matter to the other women in the pack. They hated that he was with me. They felt that they deserved a stronger Luna than I would be, and they all wanted to be his chosen one.<br /> <br /> I hadn't even shifted yet. To them, I was no more than an omega...a runt as they liked to call me, the weakest of the litter.<br /> <br /> It should have happened three years ago when I turned sixteen, but it didn't. Now I was nineteen, the age at which we could recognize our mates as our wolves should have matured by then. Had I shifted, I would have known Calvin was my mate already, but we had to wait the extra two months until today, his nineteenth birthday, for him to recognize me as his mate.<br /> <br /> Calvin didn't care that I hadn't turned. We had been together since before either of us were old enough to shift, and we were both positive that we were mates. He stood by me and protected me from the cruelty of the wolves around us when I failed to shift with the others.<br /> <br /> 'Calvin? Where are you?' I asked through our pack link but received no response.<br /> <br /> "Poor little human, you have a lot of guts to show up here right now. Do you have any idea how happy the pack is? Having you here will just ruin it. This party is for pack wolves only." Kate, my sister's best friend, said as the crowd parted for her, and the music stopped. All of the party guests stopped dancing and talking to watch as the biggest bully in the pack approached me.<br /> <br /> The flashing lights of varying colors continued in the uncomfortable silence.<br /> <br /> I hoped the man of the hour would see the disruption and step forward to my side, but he didn't. As I glanced around at all of the amused faces, he was nowhere to be seen.<br /> <br /> "Calvin invited me. I am in this pack, and I'm allowed to be here." I whispered, but I could feel the heat building in the back of my eyes as they all laughed again. Something was going on, and it was more than just Kate running her big mouth.<br /> <br /> "Even he doesn't want you here." She sneered before smiling at me widely. "See for yourself. Where is Calvin, hm? I think he went up to his room. You should go bring him back down to the party and see what he has to say."<br /> <br /> I held his present against my chest tighter as I narrowed my eyes. She was up to something, but I wanted to get to Calvin more than I wanted to deal with her b##lsh!t.<br /> <br /> As I took a step forward, Kate stepped to the side, and I could feel everyone watching me with amusement as I went up the stairs.<br /> <br /> Calvin's room was at the end of the hall behind double doors, and I rushed toward it. I could hear people coming up the stairs behind me, no doubt being led by Kate, but my salvation was only a few feet away.<br /> <br /> As soon as I got in his room, I could close the door and act as if none of them existed.<br /> <br /> It would just be the two of us.<br /> <br /> There was a stirring in the back of my mind as I wrapped my hand around the cold doorknob. It was a warning, telling me not to go inside. It wanted me to turn around and run, knowing this was a trap. Yet, I turned the knob anyway and pushed the door open.<br /> <br /> The loud moan of the female beneath my boyfriend made me freeze, and I stared wide-eyed at the couple tangled together. <br /> <br /> Calvin thr#st into her quickly, releasing his own groans of pleasure.<br /> <br /> My stomach tied in a knot, and it felt hard to breathe. The small spark of light in my life was extinguished, sending my mind into complete darkness as I processed what I was seeing.<br /> <br /> He lifted his head, meeting my tear-streaked face, but not seeing me as his wolf was in control. His canines extended just before he latched onto her neck, puncturing the skin and marking her as his mate.<br /> <br /> My sister.<br /> <br /> "No," I whispered as my hand covered my mouth. Calvin pulled back snarling at the disruption.<br /> <br /> "I told you he didn't want you," Kate whispered into my ear, and my sister laughed from beneath my boyfriend as she reached up and ran her hand through Calvin's short blonde hair.<br /> <br /> "Would you mind closing the door, Janet?" Kelly asked innocently, but the malicious look in her narrowed eyes showed she was pleased by her victory over me. Not only had she stolen the love of my life, but she was now to be his Luna. "I'm trying to have a private moment with my mate."<br /> <br /> Mate.<br /> <br /> The word seemed so empty now. Calvin had hated Kelly. He had watched how mean she was toward me and resented her. Now, he was baring his teeth at me, defending her.<br /> <br /> "How could you?" I choked out as a sob wracked through my ch#st, and the present in my hold dropped to the floor before me. The sudden and loud noise seemed to snap Calvin back into control, and his eyes returned to their normal brown.<br /> <br /> His jaw dropped open as he glanced from me to my sister with guilt, but he didn't look the least bit regretful. He was happy to have found and marked his mate, he only hated that he had been caught cheating. The torn look on his face only made me angrier as he gasped my name while he pulled out of my sister. She sat up as he climbed to his feet, neither of them ashamed to be seen n@#ed.<br /> <br /> "Janet, I…" He said, stepping forward and causing me to take a step away, only to be pushed back toward him by the crowd of on-lookers.<br /> <br /> I stumbled forward, trying to stay as far away from him as possible.<br /> <br /> The steady stream of tears blurred my vision, and my ch#st hurt as he whispered my name again. "Janet…She’s, my mate." He finally announced, causing the house to cheer in celebration that their future Luna had been claimed.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.novelsbd.com/fs/n2aaMfZJzumu?utm_campa	102929422832928	WeNovel	https://facebook.com/100093172190975	121	1	405,023,648,959,017	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	WeNovel	120209212360800085	www.novelsbd.com	NONE	video		https://www.novelsbd.com/fs/n2aaMfZJzumu?utm_campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_ad_id={{ad.id}}&utm_ad_name={{ad.name}}&utm_source={{site_source_name}}&utm_adset_id={{adset.id}}&utm_adset_name={{adset.name}}	2024-04-14 05:49	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436333156_972763204459916_8994664220772238585_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PaTaDyO8BLQAb5idYTG&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfDuZa4yvmB_O6qDgmuL9xNfRQ_rZzpBsidymAZxOiDgbg&oe=66222C5D	person_profile	0	WeNovel	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436411002_322042963921016_4525299083195363987_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A9zGsJdEgnQAb4jyLPl&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfClHC7IN8s8uegzjDGH03Nnz4bMRKnCpAKNC1I10p-B0w&oe=6622509E	0	3	WeNovel	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,243,859	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1243861}'	Yes	2024-04-14 19:41	active	530	1472379453640835		Kelly Rutherford in New York City, 1989.<br /> <br /> Stay Curious. Stay Raandoom. 🌀🖤<br /> <br /> 💌Check out <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raandoom.com%2F&h=AT21rzU6nQpYuXUvmwXJFQqvObuXzwLpp7EwbX2rsNTTuBS4vO6k4ABXVBYPeVCrjHZmVBEN9SrDHDn3-QeJhc64gdHyM7HxIzjLz6hueaGvU_L1hTLFfV0qLmb_WmDsNIsdC4ASLXd-lwQuon_Xtw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">www.raandoom.com</a> for a splash of creative musings curated just for you.<br /> <br /> #Raandoom #Raandoomedia #Fashion #Art #Culture	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/raandoomedia	187395081126510	Raandoom	https://facebook.com/61554796835044	1	1	803,733,111,802,026	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Visit Instagram profile	Raandoom	120207296868570641	instagram.com	NONE	image		http://instagram.com/raandoomedia	2024-04-14 04:34	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437739755_1077545829980735_9211975839687738719_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=boOR5WFu2AYAb6zFreA&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA9-L7II-D_90OmP7koH4OJ0pBex2lqLgsZmKp5pIUnPA&oe=66223CA5	person_profile	0	Raandoom	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437909258_911652410643818_6917155501796700892_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RWvECQ0TUdAAb54w1WA&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAc404b--_DbXCmW2ks0dcmllk9hl_SudS-dg3nX478rQ&oe=662240E3	0	3	Raandoom	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete

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