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158,175	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158217}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	365382889561032	Read with Your Ears➤➤	"I might as well tell you I’m interested in your wife. Someone like you can't stop me because of your inability." Most left with a burst of laughter while Fraser dug his fingernails angrily into the flesh of his palms.<br /> Frazier worked in his wife's company, and during the three months in his new position, he had seen Mo harass his wife countless times. Everyone laughed at his incompetence and always ostracized him.<br /> "I can still endure it no matter how they treat me," he muttered to himself. "But if anyone hurts Natalia, I'll personally send them to inferno."<br /> He took out his phone, found a number he hadn't used in years and clicked on the call icon.<br /> "Is it you, my dear friend, you finally called me?" <br /> Fraser interrupted the person on the other end of the line.<br /> "I'm in some trouble right now. I need your help."<br /> "Are you willing to come back and inherit the McLemore family's business?" <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> What's happening next? Install our App and search for book ID: 120041!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.	187592794432404	Fantasy Love Voyage	https://facebook.com/61554284271903	0	3	898,906,768,629,850	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Install now	Fantasy Love Voyage	120204961613070512	play.google.com	NONE	video		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.audioplayer.goodlistens	2024-01-24 03:50	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421865232_1411103313131663_8710647737774983086_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RcqOPHDuAKIAX8gcD1e&_nc_oc=AQk3LdNkG91yC-m8mWXoqWgHc7_IfiVlBhadP4KPVE7bzaXVmMzJK8pguT2qbxTueJ0&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAqK_wV0CfLWeekhLLciaV68HY0jd8JsPeFEnq0OJpyJg&oe=65B7B995	person_profile	Fantasy Love Voyage	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420082033_1090644408754367_4868022379697479410_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=a3BK-QeKPVgAX-ygE7G&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfCXrK3q5kGIjd8LeiMv3bqgwHBKSodvWh5NnovJ5Z2ssQ&oe=65B853FD	3	Fantasy Love Voyage	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,162	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158169}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	353612310882403	😍Read More Chapters👉👉	My Alpha mate rejected me for my sister. But he soon regretted it after he drove me into the arms of another Alpha, or worse.<br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 1: Ayla<br /> "Ma," I called down the hall. "Come on, Ma. They'll be here soon. You need to get out here."<br /> <br /> "I'm coming," my mother yelled back. "Don’t rush me.”<br /> <br /> She came out of her bedroom and down the hall. I was grateful that she didn’t seem to sway at all, and as she approached, the only scent wafting off her was mouthwash. And she actually seemed presentable. It was the first time in weeks. <br /> <br /> Although, I shouldn’t have been surprised. She always managed to look presentable in front of Kylee. Goddess forbid her precious baby learn the truth about her. <br /> <br /> No, that was my burden to bear. And in truth, I accepted it willingly. I wanted to protect Kylee from that reality as much as Ma wanted to hide it from her. However, I will admit we had different reasons. <br /> <br /> I waved Ma to the armchair in the living room while I went back into the kitchen to check on dinner. I was making Kylee’s favorites. It had been two months since my little sister had been home, and we were both excited. Even more exciting, she was bringing home her mate for the first time.<br /> <br /> I was so happy for her. They had apparently met almost two. Years ago, when she visited the local college campus with her high school. I had no idea they had found each other until her freshman year of university. I had asked her why the secrecy, and she told me they needed to wait to make their relationship public because of his position in the pack. They announced their relationship a few months into her first year. Still, she kept putting off us meeting him even though they were only a couple hours away. Don’t get me wrong, she told me all about him. Whenever we talked, she would just gush about how perfect he was. But it wasn’t until a month ago that she finally admitted to us that he was our future Alpha. <br /> <br /> Ma and I were ecstatic. We couldn’t be more pleased. Especially me. Our current Alpha, Alpha Torin, was a good leader, a fair leader, and a good man. We were very blessed to have had his support after our father died. <br /> <br /> Not that we knew him all that well, but he was the one who helped me get the family back on its feet after such a terrible loss. I knew he had a son, but I had never met him before. Again, it’s not like we were exactly close to the Alpha at all. I doubt he ever really thought of us. He was just taking care of the members of his pack, and for that, I will always be grateful. <br /> <br /> But I had heard that his son, Theo, was promising to be just as good an Alpha as his father. So I really couldn’t have been more relieved that he was my sister’s mate. She would be properly looked after and taken care of, and she would be happy. <br /> <br /> I was pulling the chicken out of the oven when I heard Ma from the living room. <br /> <br /> “They're here,” she sang. <br /> <br /> I moved quickly. Getting out our nice serving dishes that were gifted to my parents at their mating ceremony, I started to plate dinner onto them. I was still transferring the food when I heard the front door open and the squeals of my mother and sister as they embraced. I finished my task and moved the dishes to the dining room table that was already set neatly. I smiled at my presentation and excitedly hurried to the living room. <br /> <br /> I froze at the threshold. A scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race. <br /> <br /> The tall, broad man standing next to my sister turned toward me and we locked eyes. <br /> <br /> Mate.<br /> <br /> I practically gagged trying to stifle the word from slipping from my mouth. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> This was my sister’s mate. <br /> <br /> Not mine. <br /> <br /> This man was fated to Kylee. <br /> <br /> So why was I having this reaction?<br /> <br /> Better question…<br /> <br /> Why did HE seem to be having the same reaction?<br /> <br /> His eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where he stood. <br /> <br /> Dasha, my wolf, bounced excitedly in my head, recognizing him and his wolf just as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back of my mind.<br /> <br /> This couldn’t be happening. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> I forced myself to address the situation as a whole. Fine, this was happening. Now, what is the best way to handle the situation? I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a way to speak with him in private later. <br /> <br /> I cleared my throat and plastered a smile on my face.<br /> <br /> “Kylee, I’m so excited you’re home,” I said, opening my arms so she could jump into them like she had since she was little.<br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said. <br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, too,” I said quietly. <br /> <br /> We separated, and she turned to the male behind her. “Theo, this is my sister, Ayla. Ayla, this is my mate, Theo.”<br /> <br /> Theo’s hands were clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me. At least I was better at faking it them him. Geesh. <br /> <br /> I nodded to him with a broad smile. I knew it didn’t reach my eyes, but at least Ma and Kylee wouldn’t notice. <br /> <br /> “It’s lovely to meet you, Theo,” I said. “Dinner is ready in the dining room. Why don’t you guys go take a seat, and I’ll be right there. I need to tend to dessert first.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t take too long,” Kylee said brightly. “We have some big news, and I don’t think I can wait much longer.”<br /> <br /> “I promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed her shoulder. <br /> <br /> Kylee grabbed Ma by the arm and led her to the dining room. Theo followed a few steps behind. He had to pass me to get through. Right as he approached, I turned my body to ensure we didn’t touch. He paused in front of me for a moment. I looked up to meet his eyes.<br /> <br /> There was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. I subtly shook my head at him. Hoping and silently begging that he knew we couldn’t do this here. <br /> <br /> The sound of Kylee’s laugh from the other room made me jump and then quickly retreat to the kitchen. I grabbed the homemade cheesecake from the fridge and set it on the counter for later. I listened to the others conversing in the next room and quietly slipped out the back door. <br /> <br /> I stood on the porch and took several deep breaths. I felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. So, I did what I usually do instead of crying. <br /> <br /> I released a string of curses.<br /> <br /> “What is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with the force of a yell. <br /> <br /> ‘Our mate.’ Dasha insisted.<br /> <br /> “No, he’s not,” I said back to her. “He’s Kylee’s. There must be some kind of mistake. Just get through dinner like nothing is going on, and we’ll figure that out later. Easy.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t believe myself, neither did Dasha, but I didn’t have time to deal with that. So, I took two more deep breaths and went back into the house. I was almost to the dining room when I heard the last part of what Kylee was saying, and again, I was left frozen at the threshold.<br /> <br /> “… our mating ceremony is in three months.” Kylee looked up at me. “Oh, Ayla, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Aren’t you happy for us?”<br /> <br /> I put the same fake smile back on. “Of course I’m happy for you,” I said. “You deserve the best.”<br /> <br /> I took my seat at the table, ignoring the fact that I was left sitting directly across from Theo. His eyes were boring into me, and my face felt like it was on fire. I started dishing out food and passing plates. I didn’t say much over dinner. Instead, I just listened to Kylee and Ma talk about all the ideas they had for the mating ceremony. Theo didn’t say much either but slowly started to do a better job hiding his discomfort with the situation. <br /> <br /> It took everything to ignore the touches they shared, pushing down the jealousy that kept surging through me. As soon as I saw the opportunity, I started clearing the plates. As I was bringing in the dessert, my phone dinged in my pocket, and I had never been more grateful.<br /> I pulled it out and checked the screen. <br /> <br /> “I’m so sorry. Please, excuse me. This is important. I have to take it.”<br /> <br /> Ma waved me off, and Kylee didn’t even seem to notice. Theo glared at me, but to be honest, I didn’t really care. <br /> <br /> I answered the phone as I left the dining room and exited out the back door again. <br /> <br /> “Hey, Zeff. What’s up?” I said as I walked to the back of the yard.<br /> <br /> “How’s the dinner going?” Zeff, my best friend and colleague, asked.<br /> <br /> “It’s full of excitement, that’s for sure,” I said, hoping he didn’t catch on to the kind of excitement I was feeling. <br /> <br /> He chuckled on the other line. “I can’t wait to hear all about it,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “I hate to interrupt, but Carla wanted me to check if you were done with those chapters.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, um, yeah, I just finished them up this morning. I was going to run through another round of editing, but I can go ahead and send them over tonight.” I doubted I would have the mental capacity to deal with editing today.<br /> <br /> “Perfect. I’ll let her know to watch for them,” Zeff said.<br /> <br /> “Mhmm.”<br /> <br /> “Hey, you okay, Ayls?” Zeff asked.<br /> <br /> I stiffened as a mouthwatering scent hit my nose. I knew who was standing behind me. “Yeah, I just gotta go. Talk to you tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2: Theo<br /> I fought against the urges her scent was influencing as I stalked up to her, including the rage that she was currently talking to another male. But more importantly, the urge to grab her and take her against the nearest tree. My wolf was going crazy about the idea, but he would learn fast that that was never going to happen. <br /> <br /> I wouldn’t accept her. <br /> <br /> Knowing what I knew about her, that would never happen. <br /> <br /> She hung up the phone and turned to face me. <br /> <br /> “This won’t happen,” I spat out before she had a chance to speak. <br /> Her jaw clenched, and her silvery-gray eyes stared into mine for a few short moments. But I couldn’t read a thing behind them. <br /> <br /> “I absolutely agree,” she stated evenly. <br /> <br /> My wolf growled and snarled inside me, demanding to know what I was doing. I pushed down the hurt that hit me when she didn’t fight me. Her reaction just proved why this needed to be done. I could never be with someone so cold and self-absorbed as her. There was no way someone like her could ever be my Luna. <br /> <br /> ‘Don’t know her.’ Kieran yelled in my head. <br /> <br /> I knew enough. <br /> <br /> “Kylee is my mate. Not you. I, Theo Arden, future Alpha of the Greytooth Pack, reject you, Ayla Garner, as my mate and Luna.” Kieran was snapping his teeth, pushing to take control to stop this.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, accept your rejection and relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> My wolf howled in pain. A pain that was mirrored within me as it felt like my heart was being ripped apart. It was the bond breaking. Releasing me from the tie that bound us together. <br /> She stood there like nothing happened. <br /> <br /> How could she stand there like nothing had happened?<br /> <br /> She really didn’t feel anything, did she? It was so easy for her to let us go.<br /> <br /> ‘Mate wants me.’<br /> <br /> I grimaced. He meant her wolf. Her wolf wanted mine. He could sense her. She was even denying her wolf. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to get away from her. <br /> <br /> I stormed back into the house, returning to the woman the goddess should have made my mate. I returned to the dining room to find her mother and her still deep in conversation. I was grateful she hadn’t seemed to notice my absence or the change in my mood. It wasn’t surprising. She was excited about seeing her family and sharing the news with them. <br /> <br /> I had been, too, until her sister walked into the room. The scent had engulfed me, driving me to seek out the source like a lifeline. When I saw her, her beauty took my breath away. She was petit but strong, with long legs and perfect curves. She had a mass of caramel-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face with plump lips and intense gray eyes that shined green in the light. I couldn’t help but want her. I recognized who she was to me immediately. <br /> <br /> But then I noticed her narrow nose and soft jawline were familiar. Her fair skin had a sun-kissed glow that I had always found attractive. Once I realized she had similar features to Kylee, I knew this was her sister, Ayla. <br /> <br /> Kylee had told me on many occasions how her sister had changed after the death of their father. She was there for Kylee at first, but in less than a year, she started spending all her time away from home. She ended up dropping out of the private school her parents had worked so hard to send her to. Eventually, Kylee lost track of what she was doing with her life. <br /> <br /> Kylee was there for her when she was around, trying to be supportive. But she wasn’t the sister she used to love. What bothered her most was Ayla’s treatment of their mother. Ayla still lived in the house with her, but Kylee always got the impression that helping their mother was just a burden. She worried their mother would be left with no one to take care of her, and she wasn’t in the best of health anymore. <br /> <br /> “I have an idea,” I interrupted. They both looked up at me expectantly. “Why doesn’t your mother come to stay with us for a while? At least until the ceremony? We have the room in the packhouse, and I’m sure you and my mother would appreciate the extra input.”<br /> <br /> Both their faces lit up.<br /> <br /> “Really? We can do that?” Kylee said happily. <br /> <br /> “Of course,” I said with a smile. <br /> <br /> “Thank you.”<br /> <br /> Kylee jumped up from the table and threw her arms around me, kissing me sweetly. I ignored the growls coming from Kieran. Seeing their reaction told me I had made the exact right decision. Despite what was burning in my chest told me. <br /> <br /> This was who I was supposed to be with. Not Ayla.<br /> <br /> ‘Keep saying. Maybe believe.’<br /> <br /> I told him to shut up, and he retreated into the back of my mind, cutting himself off from me. <br /> <br /> He would get over it. Once the bond was completely severed, he would understand this was the right thing for us and the pack.<br /> <br /> ---<br /> Ayla<br /> <br /> <br /> I had managed to get myself together enough to rejoin my family. The pain that seared through me from Theo’s rejection and my subsequent acceptance almost brought me to my knees. It took all of my strength to keep my body from shaking, praying he didn’t notice the blood coming from my palms. I had clenched my fists so hard trying to stay on my feet that I broke the skin.<br /> <br /> When he finally left, I released the sob that was the only thing capable of coming out of my mouth. But I didn’t let the tears fall. Not yet. They couldn’t know. <br /> <br /> So, I steadied my breathing and went back into my house. I was surprised to find that Kylee and Ma weren’t in the dining room anymore. They weren’t in the living room either. But Theo was. <br /> <br /> “They’re in your mother’s room packing,” he said coldly.<br /> <br /> “Packing?” What was he talking about?<br /> <br /> He stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “I think it’s best that you keep your distance from Kylee for a while. We don’t want her finding out about this. But I know she’ll want her mother to be a part of the ceremony planning. So she’s coming back with us.”<br /> <br /> I felt like he just slapped me in the face. As if I would ever tell her. That’s why I was doing this. So that I wouldn’t break my baby sister’s heart. I gave him what he wanted, and now he was going to keep me from my family?<br /> <br /> Dasha was confused and in pain, whimpering in my head because she didn’t understand how he could be so cruel to us. <br /> <br /> ‘Because he doesn’t want to deal with the trouble,’ I told her, fighting the tears that were forming. ‘If this is how he is going to treat us, fine. It just makes this easier.’<br /> <br /> “If that’s what you think is best,” I said to Theo through gritted teeth. <br /> <br /> “Kylee,” he called out, not breaking eye contact. “Let’s get going.”<br /> <br /> My sister came prancing into the room. “Already?”<br /> <br /> “It’s getting late. Let’s head to the hotel for the night. We’ll swing by in the morning to pick up your mother.”<br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said brightly before turning to me. “What about you, Ayla? You’re coming with, too, right?”<br /> <br /> I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo decided to answer for me. <br /> <br /> “We were just talking about that. Ayla has some things going on with work and can’t get away.”<br /> <br /> I gave her a tight smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. But I will try to come out there as soon as I can.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay, I understand. But I’ll make sure we have a room ready for you whenever you can come.”<br /> <br /> “Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, my heart breaking again, knowing Theo wouldn’t allow me to be there with her. <br /> <br /> We all said our goodbyes, and they left. Ma was still standing at the window watching them drive off when I went to clean up the dishes in the kitchen. She finally came in behind me and started opening another bottle of wine. We had gone through four during dinner already. And I barely touched my glass. <br /> <br /> “Ma, you’ve had enough for the night,” I said calmly.<br /> <br /> “Oh, come on. It’s a celebration,” Ma said. “It’s not every day you find out your baby is going to be a Luna.”<br /> <br /> “Ma, you can celebrate more tomorrow. You need to finish packing,” I said, gently taking the bottle from her hand. “I’m sure Kylee and Theo will be here first thing in the morning.”<br /> <br /> “We can celebrate together while you help me pack,” she said, grabbing the bottle back from me. “Then I’ll help you pack.”<br /> <br /> I winced. This wasn’t going to end well. “I’m not coming, Ma.”<br /> <br /> She stopped with the glass halfway to her lips. “What do you mean you’re not coming?” she asked with a pout. “You have to be there. Kylee is going to be mated. I told her we would help pay for the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> I winced again. She meant me. I would be helping pay for the ceremony. Ma didn’t have a penny to her name.<br /> <br /> “I will send you however much you need. But I have to stay close to work for the next few weeks. I’ll come out later. We have six months to get ready,” I said, guiding her down the hall. <br /> <br /> “That’s not the point. You should be there for her. This is a big deal. Don’t be so selfish, Ayla.”<br /> <br /> Her words stung, but they weren’t unexpected. This was kind of the norm when she got like this. I know she didn’t really mean it. At least, she wouldn’t mean it when she was sober. It was just her way of coping with her abandonment issues. I got her into her bedroom and set her on the bed. I changed her into her nightgown and tucked her in. I left her sitting up against the pillows while I pulled clothes out of her closet, asking if she wanted to take specific items. <br /> <br /> Pretty soon, she started to tip to the side. I coaxed her to lie down and tucked her all the way in. She was asleep in seconds. I hurried through the rest of her packing. Stuffing two large suitcases as full as I could before carrying them out to the living room. Then I locked the front door, finished the last of the dishes, and slipped out into the backyard.<br /> <br /> I stripped off my clothes as I headed for the forest, desperate to get under its protective shadows. As soon as I passed the treeline, I shifted, taking off at full speed. I let Dasha feel all the pain. I didn’t try to hold her back anymore. <br /> <br /> We would mourn the loss of our fated mate. The loss of the one person who was supposed to see us for who we were. The one person who was supposed to always put us first, without demands or expectations. We would mourn the loss of never getting to experience that. <br /> But we wouldn’t mourn him.<br /> <br /> We ran until we could barely breathe. Until Dasha stopped at the edge of our pond — our place of solace — and let out a heartwrenching howl into the night air. Shifting at the end as she retreated back into my mind, out of reach to heal her broken heart, while I let the torrent of tears finally fall.<br /> <br /> I fell to the forest floor, curling into myself as the sobs wracked my body, intensifying the burn that was still there from our bond being ripped from my heart. I lay there and cried until I had nothing left in my body, and my eyes drifted closed on the image of the moon and the stars reflecting on our peaceful little pond.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3: Ayla<br /> I woke up to the first rays of sunshine heating my body. I was grateful for the warm night of mid-summer. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have made it through the night in my human form. My wolf still hadn’t re-emerged, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. The prospect of seeing Theo again this morning was hard enough for me. Dasha wouldn’t be able to handle sensing his wolf again. She had told me he wasn’t happy about the rejection. <br /> <br /> But it had to be done. <br /> <br /> And we had to accept it. <br /> <br /> I wasn’t going to break Kylee’s heart like that. Especially if he actually loved her that much. <br /> <br /> She would be happy. And I had to find a way to make that enough. <br /> <br /> I sat up and looked out at the reflective pool. I stood up and I walked into the water. I submerged myself completely, washing my body clean of Theo, the mate bond, and every dream of finding my soulmate. <br /> <br /> The ritual wasn’t new to me. I did this after my father died. I came here to wash away the grief. And when my mother started to fall apart. When she started drinking heavier and gambling and I realized we were running out of the money Dad had left us. I had to make some tough decisions to keep the family going. Once I made them, I came back here to forget the person I was. So I could be who my family needed me to be. <br /> <br /> I came here to wash away all of the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.<br /> <br /> When I emerged, I started the long walk back home. <br /> <br /> When I made it back to the house, I could hear the faint sound of voices coming from inside. They had already arrived. I quickly collected my clothes from the lawn, putting them back on before heading inside. <br /> <br /> I had to pause when I opened the door, bracing myself against the intoxicating scent that belonged to Theo. I had hoped the effects would have lessoned by now since we broke our bond, but I wasn’t that lucky. But again, I shook off the feeling and prepared to push through this like everything was normal. <br /> <br /> I walked through the kitchen and into the living room, where, again, I found Theo alone. I could hear Ma and Kylee down the hall, and I prayed they would be out soon. Theo’s hands clenched when his eyes met mine. It wasn’t hard to read the look of disgust he held in them. <br /> <br /> I failed to hide the hitch in my breath, but I still managed to raise my chin. I wasn’t about to let him see how he still affected me. Just a few more minutes and we would both be rid of each other, at least for a little while. Hopefully, it would be enough time for the bond to dissipate and free us of all this. <br /> <br /> “There you are,” Kylee’s voice rang down the hall. <br /> <br /> I turned to her with a smile, returning her hug as she wrapped her arms around me. I held on for a minute, letting her proximity calm me. <br /> <br /> “Where have you been? Why is your hair wet?”<br /> <br /> “She went out again last night,” Ma said with bitterness in her voice. <br /> <br /> I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes.<br /> <br /> “Ma, I just went for a run,” I said. <br /> <br /> “All night?” she said haughtily.<br /> <br /> How would you know? You were passed out drunk. I cleared my throat and brushed it off. <br /> <br /> “I guess you guys need to get on the road,” I said, smiling down at Kylee as I rubbed her arms. Looking at the face of the girl I had practically raised since she was nine, I couldn’t stop the lump in my throat. “I’m gonna miss you.”<br /> <br /> “Hey, we’ll see you soon. Come up whenever you’re ready,” she said as she gave me another hug.<br /> <br /> “I love you,” I whispered. <br /> <br /> “I love you.”<br /> <br /> She pulled away and I turned to my mother, taking her in my arms despite her hesitation. <br /> <br /> “Take care of yourself, Ma.”<br /> <br /> “Kylee, let’s get going,” Theo said from the door. <br /> <br /> With a few more smiles and waves, they walked out, closing the door behind them. I was standing in an empty room in an empty house. The silence was deafening. And it all came crashing down. I sank to my knees, begging the goddess to just let it all go away, just for a little while. I just wanted to feel numb.<br /> <br /> I lost track of how long I sat in that spot, staring without seeing. I didn’t even know Zeff was there until I felt him grip my arms.<br /> <br /> “Ayls, what?! What’s wrong?” he asked, brushing hair out of my face, forcing me to look at him. “Ayla, what is going on?”<br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I said, the corner of my lips tipping up mockingly. “He’s scheduled to be mated to my sister.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Zeff exclaimed, anger and concern twisting his handsome features. <br /> <br /> Zeff was a good man. He had been there for me when no one else was. He was the only person who knew everything I went through. And here he was, listening to me tell him about meeting Theo, the mating ceremony, and my rejection. Why couldn’t he have been my mate? He should have been. <br /> <br /> “Come on,” he said, lifting me up. “You’re coming to stay with me.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t protest. The goddess had given me this one little blessing. I was numb. Zeff held me up by my waist and led me out to his car. He tucked me into the passenger seat and disappeared into the house again, only to emerge a few minutes later with a duffel bag in hand. <br /> <br /> He pulled out and drove us the twenty minutes to his house. Just like before, he helped me inside, this time sitting me on the big, comfy leather couch in his living room. I loved this couch. We had spent a lot of time on this couch, watching movies, talking about books, brainstorming ideas for work. This was like a second home to me. But even that felt wrong now. <br /> <br /> Zeff’s phone rang in his pocket. He cursed as he pulled it out, checking the screen.<br /> <br /> “God,” he said. “Honey, I have to take this. I’ll be right back, okay?”<br /> <br /> I nodded. He answered the call, kissing my head before walking out of the room. Alone again, I pulled my feet up onto the couch, tucking them into my chest as I wrapped my arms around my knees. Silent tears began to fall. The numbness was wearing off. <br /> <br /> It was time to snap out of it. I needed to move on. <br /> <br /> I heard Zeff coming back, and I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes. No one had seen me cry. Not since the night my father died. I wasn’t about to change that now. Not over someone like Theo. He paused, giving me a look. He knew I’d been crying. It always bugged him when I did that. Not that I often cried anyway, let alone enough for anyone to see it. But Zeff was always trying to get me to open up more. <br /> <br /> He came and sat next to me, putting an arm over my shoulder and pulling me into him. I let myself relax some. This was the first thing since Theo walked into my life that felt normal, felt comfortable. He leaned his head on mine, rubbing his fingers along my arm. <br /> <br /> “Did you get my laptop?” I asked quietly. <br /> <br /> His chest rose and fell heavily. “Yes, but we’re not going to worry about that right now.”<br /> <br /> I pushed off of him, going to the duffel bag he left by the door. <br /> <br /> “I have to send Carla my chapters. I didn’t get to it last night.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla,” Zeff said, getting up and coming to pull me away from the bag. “You’re not going to do this. You’re not going to bury yourself in work. You’re going to deal with this — we’re going to deal with this together. Screw him, okay. He’s dumb. You deserve so much better than one who doesn’t see how incredible you are.”<br /> <br /> I wanted to roll my eyes, but it wasn’t just about him. <br /> <br /> “He took my family, Zeff. I would have gotten over him just rejecting me because of Kylee. At least she would be safe and happy.”<br /> <br /> “Screw them,” Zeff said angrily.<br /> <br /> “Zeff,” I warned. He wasn’t exactly Kylee’s biggest fan. There was a big age difference between the two of them, and she kind of annoyed him. But he always respected how protective I was of her. <br /> <br /> “No, Ayla. I’m sick of this. They either treat you like a servant or a bank. They don’t care what their actions do to you as long as they keep getting what they want."<br /> <br /> "Zeff, that’s not fair,” I protested. My family wasn’t perfect, but they were my family. They loved me in their own way. <br /> <br /> He moved to say something else but thought better of it. <br /> <br /> “Fine,” he conceded. “Then Kylee’s happy. He can try to keep you from going to see them, but they’ll be back to see you. You believe that, don’t you?”<br /> <br /> I hesitated for a moment, but I did believe that. “Yes.”<br /> <br /> “Okay, then get over him.” He took a step toward me, reaching up to hold my chin. “He’s not the only one who can take care of you, Ayla. He may be stvpid enough not to want you, but I’m not.”<br /> <br /> My breath caught in my throat. He had told me about his feelings before, but we both avoided going down that road with each other. We knew we could find our fated mates at any time, and we didn’t want to deny each other that. <br /> <br /> “Move in here with me, Ayls,” Zeff said. “There’s nothing stopping us now.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you still have a mate out there somewhere.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla, stop. I’m thirty-four and well-traveled. If I was going to find her, I would have long before now. We both know that.” <br /> <br /> Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was shocked, but mostly because it felt good. I felt wanted. I kissed him back, not wanting to give that feeling up. I leaned into him — until Dasha came charging to the forefront, growling and snarling that someone who wasn’t our mate was touching us. <br /> <br /> I ripped myself from Zeff’s embrace. Breathing heavily, the pain of the severed bond renewed. I clutched my chest. <br /> <br /> “Ayla.” <br /> <br /> “I can’t. The bond. It’s still there. It hasn’t faded yet.”<br /> <br /> Zeff pulled me into his arms. “Okay. It’s okay. We can wait. We’ll take it slow. But I want you here with me. You’re not staying in that house alone.”<br /> <br /> I rested my head on him. “Okay.”<br /> <br /> He squeezed me tighter. I still didn’t know if we could make this work, but I wanted to try. <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4: Theo<br /> It had been a week since I had gone home with Kylee. Seven days and a hundred miles away, and the bond was still there. The burning in my chest wouldn’t go away. I didn’t understand and it was driving me crazy. I had been in an awful mood because of it. <br /> <br /> I had taken to holing up in my office most of the time. I didn’t want to snap at Kylee, or her mother, which had become hard to avoid by the third day. They didn’t deserve that. Kylee definitely didn’t deserve that. I was glad I had a good reason for me being so busy all of a sudden. <br /> <br /> Alpha was sick. He was diagnosed with a progressive disease almost a year ago. It had gotten to the point that he and my mother were concerned about the toll the Alpha role was taking on him. So, he decided it was time to hand the title down to me. It wasn’t official yet. We were planning on making the change at the same time as Kylee’s and my mating ceremony. Actually, that’s why I decided to make Kylee my official mate. Alpha’s were always stronger with a strong Luna by their side. With the circumstances of my father’s abdication, our pack needed to be as strong as possible. <br /> <br /> But there was still a lot to take care of and a lot I had to learn about being an Alpha before that time. So it wasn’t hard to convince her that it was the stress that was causing me to be distant. <br /> <br /> There was a knock on my office door, and Kylee poked her head in before I had a chance to answer. She walked around my desk with a bright smile. <br /> <br /> “There you are, mate,” she cooed, sitting in my lap. “You’ve been up here all day.”<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, babe. I’ve been working.”<br /> <br /> She ran a hand up my chest, leaning in to kiss me. Kieran’s growl started immediately. He had spent the whole week giving me the silent treatment, except when Kylee was around. Then all he did was growl and snarl. It was getting exhausting. <br /> <br /> Kylee pulled away. “I know. I understand. I just wanted to check on you.”<br /> <br /> “Thanks,” I said with a smile. She really was sweet. “I’m fine, just knee-deep in all this paperwork. Did you need anything?”<br /> <br /> She tried to hide her pout, but I saw it for a moment.<br /> <br /> “What is it, Ky?”<br /> <br /> “I don’t want to bother you. You’re already so busy.”<br /> <br /> “You can ask me for anything. Don’t ever feel bad for doing so,” I insisted.<br /> <br /> Her face brightened. “Well, there’s this necklace of my mother’s. She wants me to wear it for our mating ceremony, but it was left at the house. I called Ayla to have her bring it to me when she came up, but she won’t be able to make it for a few more weeks.”<br /> <br /> I gripped the arm of the chair at hearing her name. At hearing that Kylee spoke to her. I fought the urge to ask how she was. Knowing I shouldn’t care. <br /> <br /> “Do you really need it sooner than that? We have months until the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> “Well, I have my first dress appointment on Tuesday. I would really like to have it so we can match it to the perfect dress,” Kylee said, leaning into me, tracing her finger along the collar of my shirt. <br /> <br /> I sighed. “Okay, I’ll send someone to pick it up. Just send me the details to pass along.”<br /> <br /> She kissed me again, accompanied by my wolf’s protests again, and pulled away with a smile. “Thank you, baby. You’re the best.” She moved to get up but paused. “Are you coming to see me tonight?”<br /> <br /> “I’ll try. If I don’t get done here too late.”<br /> <br /> “You better. We miss you.”<br /> <br /> ‘Evie doesn’t.’<br /> <br /> Evie was Kylee’s wolf. Kieran had never had a problem with Evie, but he never really showed much interest in her either. It wasn’t that surprising. Our wolves only reacted to their fated mates. The only way to change that was to mark someone else and be marked by them. So I had never been too worried about it. But now I was. If I couldn’t completely sever the bond between me and Ayla, he could end up taking control and stop me from marking Kylee. <br /> I would need to do something about this.<br /> <br /> “I miss you, too. I promise I’ll work something out soon.” <br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said with a sigh. “I’ll let you get back to work then.”<br /> She kissed me on the cheek and sashayed out of my office. I couldn’t keep avoiding her. It would hurt her if I stopped showing interest in her. I didn’t want to do that. I had to do something. <br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> I decided to drive down to Kylee’s house myself. I left early the following morning before anyone else woke up. I wanted to avoid any questions. I broke every speed limit on the way. I wanted to get there and get back before too many people noticed I was gone. <br /> It shouldn’t be too hard. I’d get the necklace, I’d reject Ayla again, making sure it stuck this time, and I’d go back home. <br /> <br /> But when I pulled up to the house, something twisted in my gut. I cut the engine to the car and grabbed the house key I had gotten from Kylee’s keyring. If Ayla was home, I didn’t want to scare her by barging in, so I knocked first. There was no answer, and I didn’t hear any movement inside. I tested the doorknob, and it was locked. I let myself in with the key, and the feeling in my gut returned as soon as I stepped into the house. <br /> <br /> No one had been here in a while. All the scents, although still easily detected, were too faded to have been recent. Including Ayla’s. Her invigorating scent of oranges and cloves invaded my nostrils, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as it should have been. Had Ayla not been here since we left? Kieran paced in my head. What if something happened to her?<br /> <br /> My heart rate sped up, my hands balled into fists. I made my way through the house, looking for any signs that something had occurred here. I went to their mother’s room first. It all seemed in order. Even the jewelry box was untouched. I grabbed the whole box, not bothering to look through it for the particular piece Kylee wanted. Then I checked Kylee’s old room. It, too, seemed unbothered. <br /> <br /> I paused outside what had to be Ayla’s room, my hand gripping the doorknob tightly. I could smell her scent through the wood. I had to brace myself, both against the onslaught of her scent hitting me and what I may find inside. I turned the knob and pushed the door open. <br /> <br /> I had to grip the door jamb to keep Kieran from forcing the shift. All he wanted to do was roll around in here, gathering up Ayla’s delicious smell, rubbing his over everything that was hers. He wanted to stake his claim. Absolutely not. I managed to push him back, but he came surging back the moment we looked at the scene before us. <br /> <br /> The place wasn’t trashed, but there were definitely signs that someone had left in a hurry. Clothes were hanging out of half-open drawers, shoes had been scattered out of the closet, and there was no sign of any electronics or chargers. And then I caught it. <br /> <br /> There was another scent in the room.<br /> <br /> I moved to the dresser, grabbing a shirt from a drawer and sniffing it. This time, I was the one who growled, my wolf in chorus along with me. The scent was male. It was faint, he wasn’t here long, but mixed in with the distinctive scent of my mate, I could pick it out anywhere. From the trail, it seemed as if he was the one who packed up her things. <br /> <br /> The question was, did he take her or did she go willingly?<br /> <br /> Either way, we would find her. <br /> <br /> I stormed out of the house. Tossing the jewelry box in the passenger seat, I took my phone out and searched for the number for the publishing house Kylee said Ayla worked for. I punched it in as soon as it pulled up. A receptionist picked up. <br /> <br /> “I need to speak to Ayla Garner,” I barked into the phone. <br /> <br /> “Just a moment,” she said, putting me on hold for a moment. “I’m sorry, sir. She doesn’t have a meeting scheduled for today.”<br /> <br /> “When will she be in next?”<br /> <br /> “Her next meeting isn’t until next Thursday, sir.”<br /> <br /> What did she mean she wouldn’t be in until Thursday? That was almost a whole week. What meeting was she talking about? Kylee said she was some kind of assistant.<br /> <br /> “This is her… sister’s mate. Kylee and their mother have been trying to get a hold of her, and they’re worried. Do you have a phone number or address for her?” I know it was low to use Kylee like that, but it was the only way I might have gotten her to give me that information.<br /> <br /> “Oh, actually, it does look like she had added a forwarding address to her profile,” the receptionist said. <br /> <br /> I punched in the address as she rattled it off. I hung up without even saying anything else and tore out of the driveway. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel. I followed the GPS to the address, pulling into the drive of a large, two-story house in a nice neighborhood. Parking half on the lawn, I didn’t even close the car door before taking the front steps two at a time. <br /> <br /> I banged on the door until I heard movement inside. A man opened it. It was the male I smelled in Ayla’s room. Before he could say anything, I lunged at him, my hands grabbing the front of his shirt and practically lifting him off the ground.<br /> <br /> “What have you done with her? I smell her all over you. Where is she?”<br /> <br /> He pushed me off him, his eyes glaring at me with recognition and disdain.<br /> <br /> “You must be Theo.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5: Theo<br /> “What is going on?” Ayla’s voice floated down to me as she ran down the stairs. She froze halfway down the moment she laid eyes on me. “What are you doing here?”<br /> <br /> A silk robe hung open, revealing the shorts and cut-off tank top she wore underneath, her caramel-colored hair flowing loosely around her shoulders. She was gorgeous. And clearly not in distress. I took a step toward her as my rage grew.<br /> <br /> “What are you doing here?” I spat back. <br /> <br /> “That’s none of your concern,” the male interjected.<br /> <br /> I turned on him again, a rumbling growl emanating from my chest, my claws extending. I was ready to rip his throat out. <br /> <br /> “Stop,” Ayla yelled, coming the rest of the way down the stairs and stepping between the two of us. “Zeff, go to work.”<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. I’m not leaving you here with him. Not in the state he’s in.”<br /> <br /> “I would never hurt her.” Kieran was ready to burst from my skin. How dare this air head think we would ever lay a hand on her.<br /> <br /> “We both know that’s a load of nonsense.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you’re not helping. Shut the up and leave. Go to work,” Ayla insisted. <br /> <br /> “Ayla…”<br /> <br /> “I said go.” Her expression softened a little. “I’ll call you later.”<br /> <br /> The Zeff guy shot me another hate-filled look before exiting out the open front door. We stood in silence until the sound of his engine faded. <br /> <br /> “Are you sllepping with him?” <br /> <br /> Her eyes went wide, then narrowed as she took a step forward. “Are you doing that with my sister?”<br /> <br /> A strangled snarl escaped me, but she started speaking again before I could recover from her accusation.<br /> <br /> “What I do with a male — or anyone for that matter — is none of your business.”<br /> <br /> “What?! It isn’t.” Electricity passed through the air between us. “He has no right to put his hands on you.”<br /> <br /> “He does if I want him to,” she yelled, not only holding her ground against the alpha energy I was exuding but taking another step toward me. “I don’t belong to anyone, remember? I have no mate.”<br /> <br /> I lost it. My hand was around her neck and my lips was on hers before I even knew what I had done. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. Sparks of intense electricity shot through me, invigorating all my senses. I pushed her to open for me, my tongue seeking hers. God, she tasted so good. She returned the kiss, her arousal mingling in the air. <br /> <br /> “MINE.” <br /> <br /> She pushed me off her with force.<br /> <br /> “Get off.” <br /> <br /> I took a step toward her again but she backed away. <br /> <br /> “Don’t you dare hurt Kylee like this.”<br /> <br /> “Like you care about your sister getting hurt,” I spat, but for some reason, I instantly regretted it. But I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t take it back.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” Pure rage radiated off of her, her eyes turning an icy blue. <br /> <br /> “You abandoned Kylee a long time ago. Putting your own life ahead of hers while she was left behind.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s face paled. Every ounce of anger seemed to drain from her instantly, that blue fire fading from her eyes. <br /> <br /> “What did you just say?”<br /> <br /> “You stopped being a sister to Kylee years ago. You disappeared all the time, leaving her alone with a mother who was struggling to keep everything together.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s posture completely changed. She almost went completely limp in front of me, stumbling until her back hit the wall. Her façade cracked. <br /> <br /> “That’s what she told you? She said that?” her voice was almost a whisper. <br /> <br /> Kieran was going insane in my head, telling me to shut up, to just stop talking. Urging me to stop hurting her. Because I was hurting her. I had struck a nerve, a very deep one, and I wouldn’t stop. She had to break the bond. Once and for all. If it meant I had to break her to do it, I would.<br /> <br /> “She told me everything. She told me how you would keep things from her and your mother. That you would be out at all hours of the night when you were a teenager. How you dropped out of high school, waisting the tuition your parents worked so hard for.”<br /> <br /> “What?” <br /> <br /> “I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as you.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s head snapped up. Her eyes a steely gray as she resolved herself to something I couldn’t figure out but would soon find out. <br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, reject you, Theo Arden, as my mate. I relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> I gritted my teeth as Kieran howled in my head, screaming for me not to accept it. <br /> <br /> “I, Theo Arden, accept your rejection.” The pain in my chest amplified, but I could still feel the bond. “We’ve done this before. It’s not working.”<br /> <br /> “Your wolf has to accept it,” she said. <br /> <br /> “Yours didn’t.”<br /> <br /> “Didn’t she?” Ayla said.<br /> <br /> You said she didn’t want to break the bond. <br /> <br /> ‘She didn’t. Still accepted.’<br /> <br /> How was that possible? Our wolves were primal creatures. They were animals, after all. They weren’t ones to deny themselves what they wanted. Not without a very good reason.<br /> <br /> “Tell your wolf to accept it,” Ayla said with a crack in her voice. <br /> <br /> The muscles in my jaw tightened to a point I thought my teeth would shatter. The noise in my head from Kieran becoming almost unbearable.<br /> <br /> “He won’t.”<br /> <br /> “Make him,” she forced out.<br /> <br /> “I can’t.”<br /> <br /> “He doesn’t have a choice. I’ll never be with him, and neither will she,” Ayla said, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. <br /> <br /> I could feel the pain he felt. It was excruciating. I told him it would end if he just accepted, but he wouldn’t give in. He was an Alpha. He was as strong as me. I’d never overpower him on this. Ayla must have sensed my stalemate. Or her wolf did and told her because she pulled herself from against the wall, standing up straight again.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, cut my ties to Alpha Torin…”<br /> <br /> “What are you doing?” There was desperation in my voice. She couldn’t do this. I moved to stop her. <br /> <br /> “And the Greytooth Pack.”<br /> <br /> “No.” I fell to a knee, feeling the invisible tether that united pack members with their Alpha splinter. Kieran was pounding against the barriers of my control, putting all his might into taking over the shift. I knew I was on the verge.<br /> <br /> “From this day forth, I am a rogue.” She took an unsteady step toward me, silent tears rolling freely down her face. “Now get out.”<br /> <br /> She had used my father’s name. Either of our names would have worked in the limbo state we were currently in. But she used my father’s. There was nothing I could do to stop her. Nothing I could do to fight the separation. She knew exactly what she was doing. <br /> <br /> If my wolf wouldn’t sever the mate bond, she would remove herself from any control I had over her. <br /> <br /> With one final, agonizing look, she walked away, disappearing upstairs. <br /> <br /> I took in a ragged breath of air. Ayla now had until midnight to be out of our territory. If I caught her on our land after that, I would have to kill her. Mate bond or not. She was a rogue now. It was our laws. <br /> <br /> Kieran had finally gone still in my mind. <br /> <br /> ‘Mate’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Did he mean Ayla or her wolf?<br /> <br /> ‘Dasha. Mate’s name is Dasha. Dasha’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Realization hit me and panic set in. Her wolf was gone. The pain was too much. She had retreated deep into the recesses of Ayla’s subconscious. Ayla wouldn’t be able to call on her. She wouldn’t be able to shift. She wouldn’t be able to heal.<br /> <br /> She was a rogue without a wolf. She couldn’t protect herself. <br /> <br /> I had to get as far away from her as possible. <br /> <br /> I dragged myself back to my feet, forcing them to walk out the door.	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159,114	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":159116}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1047643243107307	🔥🔥🔥Continue reading ➤➤	My sister's mate turns out to be my mate! <br /> ===<br /> Chapter 1: Ayla<br /> Mate. My sister's mate is my mate!<br /> I practically gagged trying to stifle scream from slipping from my mouth when I locked my eyes with his. The tall, broad man standing next to my sister. <br /> But no! What was happening? <br /> He should be my sister's mate.<br /> Not mine!<br /> Today was the first time my sister Kylee brought home her mate. I knew she liked him so much. Whenever we talked, she would just gush about how perfect he was. And it wasn’t until a month ago that she finally admitted to us that he was our future Alpha and promised to bring him home.<br /> I just...can't do this to Kylee.<br /> I froze at the threshold. His scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race. <br /> Dasha, my wolf, bounced excitedly in my head, recognizing him and his wolf just as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back of my mind.<br /> The worse thing is...he seems to be having the same reaction.<br /> His eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where he stood. <br /> I forced myself to address the situation as a whole. Now, what is the best way to handle the situation? I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a way to speak with him in private later. <br /> I cleared my throat and plastered a smile on my face.<br /> “Kylee, I’m so excited you’re home,” I said, opening my arms so she could jump into them like she had since she was little.<br /> “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said. <br /> “I’ve missed you, too,” I said quietly. <br /> We separated, and she turned to the male behind her. “Theo, this is my sister, Ayla. Ayla, this is my mate, Theo.”<br /> Theo’s hands were clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me. At least I was better at faking it them him. Geesh. <br /> I nodded to him with a forced smile. “It’s lovely to meet you, Theo,” I said, looking up to meet his eyes.<br /> There was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. <br /> I subtly shook my head at him. Hoping and silently begging that he knew we couldn’t do this here. <br /> “Our mating ceremony is in three months.” Kylee looked up at me. “Oh, Ayla, I couldn’t hold back any longer. Aren’t you happy for us?”<br /> ‘Our mate.’ My wolf Dasha insisted in my mind.<br /> “No, he’s not. He’s Kylee’s.” I said back to Dasha and put the same fake smile back on. <br /> “Of course I’m happy for you,” I said to Kylee. “You deserve the best. Well, why don't you go to the dinner room first? I need some time to prepare for the dessert.”<br /> “Don’t take too long,” Kylee said brightly.<br /> “I promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed her shoulder, then quietly slipped out the back door through the kitchen.<br /> I stood on the porch and took several deep breaths. I felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. So, I did what I usually do instead of crying. <br /> I released a string of curses.<br /> “What is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with the force of a yell. <br /> But suddenly I stiffened as a mouthwatering scent hit my nose. I knew who was standing behind me. <br /> *<br /> Theo<br /> I fought against the urges her scent was influencing as I stalked up to her. But more importantly, the urge to grab her and take her against the nearest tree. My wolf was going crazy about the idea, but he would learn fast that that was never going to happen. <br /> I wouldn’t accept her, knowing what I knew about her.<br /> “This won’t happen,” I spat out before she had a chance to speak. <br /> Her jaw clenched, and her silvery-gray eyes stared into mine for a few short moments. But I couldn’t read a thing behind them. <br /> “I absolutely agree,” she stated evenly. <br /> My wolf growled and snarled inside me, demanding to know what I was doing. I pushed down the hurt that hit me when she didn’t fight me. Her reaction just proved why this needed to be done. I could never be with someone so cold and self-absorbed as her. There was no way someone like her could ever be my Luna.<br /> ‘Don’t know her.’ Kieran yelled in my head. <br /> I knew enough. <br /> Kylee had told me on many occasions how her sister had changed after the death of their father. She was there for Kylee at first, but in less than a year, she started spending all her time away from home. She ended up dropping out of the private school her parents had worked so hard to send her to. Eventually, Kylee lost track of what she was doing with her life. <br /> Kylee was there for her when she was around, trying to be supportive. But she wasn’t the sister she used to love. What bothered her most was Ayla’s treatment of their mother. Ayla still lived in the house with her, but Kylee always got the impression that helping their mother was just a burden. She worried their mother would be left with no one to take care of her, and she wasn’t in the best of health anymore. <br /> “Kylee is my mate. Not you. I, Theo Arden, future Alpha of the Greytooth Pack, reject you, Ayla Garner, as my mate and Luna.” Kieran was snapping his teeth, pushing to take control to stop this.<br /> “I, Ayla Garner, accept your rejection and relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> My wolf howled in pain. A pain that was mirrored within me as it felt like my heart was being ripped apart. It was the bond breaking. Releasing me from the tie that bound us together. <br /> She stood there like nothing happened. <br /> How could she stand there like nothing had happened?<br /> Chapter 2<br /> Ayla<br /> The pain that seared through me from Theo’s rejection and my subsequent acceptance almost brought me to my knees. It took all of my strength to keep my body from shaking, praying he didn’t notice the blood coming from my palms. I had clenched my fists so hard trying to stay on my feet that I broke the skin.<br /> When he finally left, I released the sob that was the only thing capable of coming out of my mouth. But I didn’t let the tears fall. Not yet. They couldn’t know. <br /> So, I steadied my breathing and went back into my house. I was surprised to find that Kylee and Ma weren’t in the dining room anymore. They weren’t in the living room either. But Theo was. <br /> “They’re in your mother’s room packing,” he said coldly.<br /> “Packing?” What was he talking about?<br /> He stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “I think it’s best that you keep your distance from Kylee for a while. We don’t want her finding out about this. But I know she’ll want her mother to be a part of the ceremony planning. So your mom’s coming back with us.”<br /> I felt like he just slapped me in the face. As if I would ever tell her. That’s why I was doing this. So that I wouldn’t break my baby sister’s heart. I gave him what he wanted, and now he was going to keep me from my family?<br /> Dasha was confused and in pain, whimpering in my head because she didn’t understand how he could be so cruel to us. <br /> ‘Because he doesn’t want to deal with the trouble,’ I told her, fighting the tears that were forming. ‘If this is how he is going to treat us, fine. It just makes this easier.’<br /> “If that’s what you think is best,” I said to Theo through gritted teeth. <br /> “Kylee,” he called out, not breaking eye contact. “Let’s get going.”<br /> My sister came prancing into the room. “Already?”<br /> “It’s getting late.”<br /> “Okay,” she said brightly before turning to me. “What about you, Ayla? You’re coming with, too, right?”<br /> I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo decided to answer for me. <br /> “We were just talking about that. Ayla has some things going on with work and can’t get away.”<br /> What an arrogant man. But I still gave her a tight smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. ”<br /> My mom, sitting aside, stopped with the glass halfway to her lips. She always drank too much. <br /> “What do you mean you’re not coming?” she asked with a pout. “You have to be there. Kylee is going to be mated. We must help pay for the ceremony.”<br /> We? I winced again. She meant me. I would be helping pay for the ceremony. Ma didn’t have a penny to her name.<br /> “I will send you however much you need. But I have to stay close to work for the next few weeks. I’ll come out later. We have six months to get ready,” I said. <br /> “That’s not the point. You should be there for her. This is a big deal. Don’t be so selfish, Ayla.”<br /> Her words stung, but they weren’t unexpected. Ma and Kylee should be used to my dedication. I don't mind this, but it is still a bit sad to hear her saying that, after such a long day.<br /> “Okay, I understand." Kylee interupted, "But I’ll make sure we have a room ready for you whenever you can come.”<br /> “Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, my heart breaking again, knowing Theo wouldn’t allow me to be there with her. <br /> “I guess you guys need to get on the road,” I said, smiling down at Kylee as I rubbed her arms. Looking at the face of the girl I had practically raised since she was nine, I couldn’t stop the lump in my throat. “I’m gonna miss you.”<br /> “Hey, we’ll see you soon. Come up whenever you’re ready,” she said as she gave me another hug.<br /> “I love you,” I whispered. <br /> “I love you.”<br /> She pulled away and I turned to my mother, taking her in my arms despite her hesitation. <br /> “Take care of yourself, Ma.”<br /> “Kylee, let’s get going,” Theo said from the door. His hands clenched when his eyes met mine. It wasn’t hard to read the look of disgust he held in them. <br /> With a few more smiles and waves, they walked out, closing the door behind them. I was standing in an empty room in an empty house. The silence was deafening. And it all came crashing down. <br /> I sank to my knees, begging the goddess to just let it all go away, just for a little while. I just wanted to feel numb.<br /> I lost track of how long I sat in that spot, staring without seeing. I didn’t even know my friend Zeff was there until I felt him grip my arms.<br /> “Ayla, what happened? What’s wrong?” He asked, brushing hair out of my face, forcing me to look at him. “Ayla, what is going on?”<br /> “I found my mate,” I said, the corner of my mouth tipping up mockingly. “He’s scheduled to be mated to my sister.”<br /> “What?” Zeff exclaimed, anger and concern twisting his handsome features. <br /> Zeff was a good man. He had been there for me when no one else was. He was the only person who knew everything I went through. And here he was, listening to me tell him about meeting Theo, the mating ceremony, and my rejection. Why couldn’t he have been my mate? He should have been. <br /> “Come on,” he said, lifting me up. “You’re coming to stay with me.”<br /> I didn’t protest because I was numb. Zeff held me up by my waist and led me out to his car. <br /> He pulled out and drove us the twenty minutes to his house. Just like before, he helped me inside, this time sitting me on the big, comfy leather couch in his living room. I loved this couch. We had spent a lot of time on this couch, watching movies, talking about books, brainstorming ideas for work. This was like a second home to me. <br /> Zeff came and sat next to me, putting an arm over my shoulder and pulling me into him. <br /> “He took my family, Zeff. I would have gotten over him just rejecting me because of Kylee. At least she would be safe and happy.”<br /> “Screw them,” Zeff said angrily, "Ayla. I’m sick of this. They either treat you like a servant or a bank. They don’t care what their actions do to you as long as they keep getting what they want."<br /> "Zeff, that’s not fair,” I protested. My family wasn’t perfect, but they were my family. They loved me in their own way. <br /> “Then just get over him.” He took a step toward me, reaching up to hold my chin. “He’s not the only one who can take care of you, Ayla. He may be foolish enough not to want you, but I’m not.”<br /> My breath caught in my throat. He had told me about his feelings before, but we both avoided going down that road with each other. We knew we could find our fated mates at any time, and we didn’t want to deny each other that. <br /> “Move in here with me, Ayls,” Zeff said. “There’s nothing stopping us now.”<br /> “Zeff, you still have a mate out there somewhere.”<br /> “Ayla, stop. I’m thirty-four and well-traveled. If I was going to find her, I would have long before now. We both know that.” <br /> Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was shocked, but mostly because it felt good. I felt wanted. I kissed him back, not wanting to give that feeling up. I leaned into him — until Dasha came charging to the forefront, growling and snarling that someone who wasn’t our mate was touching us. <br /> I ripped myself from Zeff’s embrace. Breathing heavily, the pain of the severed bond renewed. I clutched my chest. <br /> Why? The bond. It hasn’t faded yet!<br /> Chapter3<br /> Theo<br /> It had been a week since I had gone home with Kylee. Seven days and a hundred miles away, and the bond was still there. The burning in my chest wouldn’t go away. I didn’t understand and it was annoying me. I had been in an awful mood because of it. <br /> I had taken to holing up in my office most of the time. I didn’t want to snap at Kylee, or her mother. I was glad I had a good reason for me being so busy all of a sudden. <br /> Alpha was sick. He was diagnosed with a progressive disease almost a year ago. It had gotten to the point that he and my mother were concerned about the toll the Alpha role was taking on him. So, he decided it was time to hand the title down to me. <br /> We were planning on making the change at the same time as Kylee’s and my mating ceremony. Actually, that’s why I decided to make Kylee my official mate. Alpha’s were always stronger with a strong Luna by their side. <br /> There was a knock on my office door, and Kylee poked her head in before I had a chance to answer. She walked around my desk with a bright smile. <br /> “There you are, mate,” she cooed, sitting in my lap. “You’ve been up here all day.”<br /> “I’m sorry, babe. I’ve been working.”<br /> She ran a hand up my chest, leaning in to kiss me. Kieran’s growl started immediately. He had spent the whole week giving me the silent treatment, except when Kylee was around. Then all he did was growl and snarl. It was getting exhausting. <br /> Kylee pulled away. “I know. I understand. I just wanted to check on you.”<br /> “Thanks,” I said with a smile. She really was sweet. “I’m fine, just knee-deep in all this paperwork. Did you need anything?”<br /> She tried to hide her pout, but I saw it for a moment.<br /> “What is it, Ky? You can ask me for anything.”<br /> Her face brightened. “Well, there’s this necklace of my mother’s. She wants me to wear it for our mating ceremony, but it was left at the house. I called Ayla to have her bring it to me when she came up, but she won’t be able to make it for a few more weeks.”<br /> I gripped the arm of the chair at hearing her name. At hearing that Kylee spoke to her. I fought the urge to ask how she was. Knowing I shouldn’t care. <br /> “Do you really need it sooner than that? We have months until the ceremony.”<br /> “Well, I have my first dress appointment on Tuesday. I would really like to have it so we can match it to the perfect dress,” Kylee said, leaning into me, tracing her finger along the collar of my shirt. <br /> I sighed. “Okay, I’ll send someone to pick it up. Just send me the details to pass along.”<br /> She kissed me again, accompanied by my wolf’s protests again, and pulled away with a smile. “Thank you, baby. You’re the best.” She moved to get up but paused. “Are you coming to see me tonight?”<br /> “I’ll try. If I don’t get done here too late.”<br /> “Okay,” she said with a sigh. “I’ll let you get back to work then.”<br /> She kissed me on the cheek and sashayed out of my office. I couldn’t keep avoiding her. It would hurt her if I stopped showing interest in her. I didn’t want to do that. I had to do something. <br /> <br /> I decided to drive down to Kylee’s house myself. I left early the following morning before anyone else woke up. I wanted to avoid any questions. I broke every speed limit on the way. I wanted to get there and get back before too many people noticed I was gone. <br /> It shouldn’t be too hard. I’d get the necklace, I’d reject Ayla again, making sure it stuck this time, and I’d go back home. <br /> But when I pulled up to the house, something twisted in my gut.<br /> Ayla wasn't here, and there was another scent in the room.<br /> I moved to her dresser, grabbing a shirt from a drawer and sniffing it. This time, I was the one who growled, my wolf in chorus along with me. The scent was male. It was faint, he wasn’t here long, but mixed in with the distinctive scent of my mate, I could pick it out anywhere. From the trail, it seemed as if he was the one who packed up her things. <br /> The question was, did he take her or did she go willingly?<br /> Either way, we would find her. <br /> I followed her scent and tore out of the driveway. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel. Finally I pulled into the drive of a large, two-story house in a nice neighborhood. Parking half on the lawn, I didn’t even close the car door before taking the front steps two at a time. <br /> I banged on the door until I heard movement inside. A man opened it. It was the male I smelled in Ayla’s room. Before he could say anything, I lunged at him, my hands grabbing the front of his shirt and practically lifting him off the ground.<br /> “What have you done with her? I smell her all over you. Where is she?”<br /> He pushed me off him, his eyes glaring at me with recognition and disdain. “You must be Theo.”<br /> “What is going on?” Ayla’s voice floated down to me as she ran down the stairs. She froze halfway down the moment she laid eyes on me. “What are you doing here?”<br /> A silk robe hung open, revealing the shorts and cut-off tank top she wore underneath, her caramel-colored hair flowing loosely around her shoulders. She was gorgeous. And clearly not in distress. I took a step toward her as my rage grew.<br /> I lost it. My hand was around her neck and my mouth was on hers before I even knew what I had done. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. Sparks of intense electricity shot through me, invigorating all my senses. I pushed her to open for me, my tongue seeking hers. Goddess, she tasted so good. She returned the kiss, her arousal mingling in the air. <br /> “MINE.” <br /> She pushed me off her with force.<br /> “Get lost!” <br /> I took a step toward her again but she backed away. <br /> “Don’t you hurt Kylee like this.”<br /> “Like you care about your sister getting hurt,” I spat, but for some reason, I instantly regretted it. But I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t take it back.<br /> “Excuse me?” Pure rage radiated off of her, her eyes turning an icy blue. <br /> “You abandoned Kylee a long time ago. Putting your own life ahead of hers while she was left behind.”<br /> Ayla’s face paled. Every ounce of anger seemed to drain from her instantly, that blue fire fading from her eyes. <br /> “What did you just say?”<br /> Chapter 4 <br /> Ayla was still pretending to be innocent. I directly broke her camouflage.<br /> “You stopped being a sister to Kylee years ago. You disappeared all the time, leaving her alone with a mother who was struggling to keep everything together.”<br /> Ayla’s posture completely changed. She almost went completely limp in front of me, stumbling until her back hit the wall. Her façade cracked. <br /> Kieran was going insane in my head, telling me to shut up, to just stop talking. Urging me to stop hurting her. Because I was hurting her. I had struck a nerve, a very deep one, and I wouldn’t stop. She had to break the bond. Once and for all. If it meant I had to break her to do it, I would.<br /> “I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as you.”<br /> Ayla’s head snapped up. Her eyes a steely gray as she resolved herself to something I couldn’t figure out but would soon find out. <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, reject you, Theo Arden, as my mate. I relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> I gritted my teeth as Kieran howled in my head, screaming for me not to accept it. <br /> “I, Theo Arden, accept your rejection.” The pain in my chest amplified, but I could still feel the bond. “We’ve done this before. It’s not working.”<br /> “Your wolf has to accept it. Tell your wolf to accept it,” Ayla said with a crack in her voice. <br /> The muscles in my jaw tightened to a point I thought my teeth would shatter. The noise in my head from Kieran becoming almost unbearable.<br /> “He won’t.”<br /> “Make him,” she forced out.<br /> “I can’t.”<br /> I could feel the pain he felt. It was excruciating. I told him it would end if he just accepted, but he wouldn’t give in. He was an Alpha. He was as strong as me. I’d never overpower him on this. Ayla must have sensed my stalemate. Or her wolf did and told her because she pulled herself from against the wall, standing up straight again.<br /> “I, Ayla Garner, cut my ties to Alpha Torin…”<br /> “What are you doing?” There was desperation in my voice. She couldn’t do this. I moved to stop her. <br /> “And the Greytooth Pack.”<br /> “No.” I fell to a knee, feeling the invisible tether that united pack members with their Alpha splinter. <br /> “From this day forth, I am a rogue.” She took an unsteady step toward me, silent tears rolling freely down her face. “Now get out.”<br /> With one final, agonizing look, she walked away, disappearing upstairs. <br /> I took in a ragged breath of air. Ayla now had until midnight to be out of our territory. If I caught her on our land after that, I would have to murder her. Mate bond or not. She was a rogue now. It was our laws. <br /> Kieran had finally gone still in my mind. <br /> ‘Mate’s gone.’<br /> Did he mean Ayla or her wolf?<br /> ‘Dasha. Mate’s name is Dasha. Dasha’s gone.’<br /> Realization hit me and panic set in. Her wolf was gone. The pain was too much. She had retreated deep into the recesses of Ayla’s subconscious. Ayla wouldn’t be able to call on her. She wouldn’t be able to shift. She wouldn’t be able to heal.<br /> She was a rogue without a wolf. She couldn’t protect herself. <br /> <br /> Ayla<br /> The moment the door was closed, I sank to the floor. It was no longer sobs that escaped my body but soul-shattering screams. <br /> Kylee said I abandoned her. <br /> The betrayal was soul-crushing. I had given up everything for them. <br /> Dad died in a gas explosion along with my aunt and uncle ten years ago. Ma started gambling and excessive drinking because of overwhelming sadness.So, it was up to me to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. <br /> I'm busy in part-time jobs and efforts to get scholarships. I completely lost touch with all of my school friends. I never partied. I barely socialized. I hide everything from Kylee.<br /> Everything I did was for her. How could she...<br /> I screamed and let the tears flow freely until my body ached. As soon as it felt like I could breathe without being stabbed by a red-hot dagger, I pulled myself up and started moving. I only had a few hours to get my things and get out of Greytooth territory. <br /> I had made myself a rogue. I didn’t have a pack anymore. And I had no idea where I was going to go. All the borders on this side of the territory sat right against other pack lands. To get out of one, I’d have to enter another. But it was my only option. Trying to get to unclaimed territory was too risky. I would have better luck on foreign pack land than on the land I just severed ties to. <br /> After leaving a note for Zeff, I packed up and drove home. There was something I wouldn’t leave behind. Plus, I had to take care of a few things. Despite the betrayal, I wouldn’t leave Kylee and my mother with nothing.<br /> I went back to my home, and wrote a handwritten note to sign the house and my savings over to Ma.<br /> Then I grabbed a few sentimental items and keepsakes, including a picture of my father and me, a small container holding some of his ashes, and a velvet pouch containing a ring.<br /> By the time I returned to my car, it was later in the day than I felt comfortable. The Greytooth Pack may not be the largest in population, but they had one of the biggest territories. The closest border crossing was nearly two hours away. And I needed to be far away before Zeff got home. I couldn’t have him tracking me down.<br /> I drove to the outskirts of town and got on the highway. From there, it was practically a straight shot to the border. <br /> I was grateful at first, but after about an hour, I realized the monotonous ride only left my mind wondering and worrying and thinking about things I didn’t need to think about. <br /> Theo's words revealed a different motive for his rejection. He didn’t reject me for Kylee. He rejected me because of her. Because he believed what she said and painted me as some coldhearted delinquent. But why? I just couldn’t figure that out. <br /> Suddenly, a searing pain shot through my chest, making my vision go white at the edges, blinding me to a point I almost missed the figure standing in the road before me. <br /> A man in the road?!<br /> My heart jumped into my chest. I turned the wheel as sharp as I could, slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting them head-on. The moment I did it, I felt foolish. Within seconds, I was spinning through the air and sliding down an embankment.<br /> I suddenly felt the world falling out from beneath my feet, and everything went dark. <br /> *<br /> The man on the road's POV<br /> Ayla was chased by someone, obviously. <br /> I would never let her go off. She would have to willingly join my pack. <br /> I knew the secret of her father. I will protect her. <br /> I’m going to make her my Luna.<br /> Chapter 5<br /> Theo <br /> I had driven over an hour, and my stomach was still in knots. So much so that I had to stop to throw up at one point. Guilt tore at me. <br /> I really had been cruel to her. <br /> Especially since it turned out it wasn’t even her fault the bond hadn’t broken. She and Dasha had accepted my rejection. They had done what I needed them to do. And how did I repay her? By ripping her apart with every intention of doing as much damage as possible. <br /> It was my wolf that was still hanging on. It was Kieran who kept us in a constant state of heartache. Kept Ayla in a constant state of pain. <br /> By the time I pulled up to the packhouse, I was so pissed that anyone around instantly took a wide birth. My aura was probably so intense that I was making everyone physically uncomfortable, but I really didn’t care.<br /> I was going to head to my office but decided against it. Too many people had access to me there, and I really didn’t need anyone coming around. <br /> What I needed was to work off some of this rage and pent-up energy. <br /> I made a beeline for the private training room in the wing of the packhouse reserved for ranking members of the pack. I was relieved to find it empty, tugging my shirt over my head and immediately heading to the punching bag in the corner. <br /> I had worked up a sweat when my Beta Briggs entered the room. Walking over to me with his usual swagger, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall close by. He knew something was up. <br /> “You ready to tell me what is going on with you? Or at least, where you were today?” he said loud enough to be heard over the sound of my fists hitting the bag. <br /> “No.”<br /> “If you don’t, we’ll sedate you. Your aura is out of control right now, bro. This isn’t about you just being in a pissy mood anymore,” Briggs said with an edge to his voice that meant he was serious.<br /> I yelled as I hit the bag hard one more time. I winced as I forced my fingers through my hair. I hadn’t realized I had been breaking the skin on my knuckles. I fell back against the wall, sliding down to the floor. <br /> “You know I’m here for you, bro,” my Beta said calmly. “Whatever it is, you can talk to me.”<br /> ‘Tell him.’ I winced at Keiran’s demand. But I couldn’t really disagree anymore. <br /> “I found my mate,” I admitted. I could feel Briggs’ eyes go wide in his head. <br /> “What do you mean you found your mate?” He took a step closer. “Please tell me you’re talking about Kylee.”<br /> I shook my head. “No. I found my fated mate.”<br /> “What. The. Fu-” He had warned me about this when I first got involved with Kylee and again when we announced our mating ceremony. “Where is she? Who is she?”<br /> “I rejected her. She’s gone.”<br /> “Theo, man, you’re really scaring me now. Why would you do that? What were you thinking?” Briggs demanded.<br /> “She’s Kylee’s sister,” I snapped. Briggs tensed up.<br /> “Ayla? As in the sister that allegedly abandoned Kylee?” <br /> His use of the word “allegedly” pissed me off and confused me a little. He really liked Kylee. They’ve always gotten along. Even when he was cautioning me about finding my mate, he told me he was happy for me. <br /> “Are you trying to say Kylee is lying?” I snapped.<br /> He made a face. “No, but I do think it’s foolish to reject your mate without all the information.”<br /> “Whatever. It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done. And Ayla’s reactions to all of this told me all I needed to know from her.” I pushed myself to my feet. <br /> “What were her reactions?” Briggs asked cautiously, and I realized my choice of words may have given away more than I intended. I knew he wouldn’t let it go unless he was sure I told him everything. <br /> “She never argued or fought the rejection. She agreed and accepted it the first day we met like it was nothing. She had no response, no rebuttal, no explanation,” I told him. “You have to be coldhearted to feel nothing after breaking a mate bond.”<br /> “Or be extremely strong.” Briggs stated. “You said she didn’t argue or fight. Did you even give her a chance to speak or even get to know anything about her before you threw her to the curb? Or did you just walk up to her and say tough words?”<br /> I grimaced. That’s exactly what happened. “There wasn’t exactly an opportunity for that. Neither one of us wanted Kylee to find out.”<br /> Briggs pushed,“Theo, you’re hurting. There’s no way this is as cut and dry as you’re trying to say it is.”<br /> “The bond didn’t break. Not completely.”<br /> "What? So you both have been walking around with your hearts ripped open for the past week?” Briggs said. “So, what happened today? Why are you still on the edge of ripping half the pack’s throats out?”<br /> Images of that morning flashed through my head. The fear that something had happened to her when she hadn’t been home. The jealousy and rage at finding her at another male’s house. The way it felt when I kissed her. And sheer pain and anguish of everything that followed. <br /> “Theo?” Briggs pressed.<br /> “She cut her ties to the pack,” I said solemnly. “She turned herself rogue.”<br /> “Theo,” Briggs bellowed, “how could you let that happen? Why didn’t you stop her?”<br /> “She cut herself from Dad. She used his name. There was nothing I could do. I had no way of fighting it.” I was done with this conversation. “So none of this matters. It’s done. She’s gone. She’s never coming back. Doing so would be a death sentence, and she knew that.”<br /> “What have you done, Theo?”<br /> “It doesn’t matter,” I yelled. “Whatever I did or didn’t do, she never wanted me anyway. She’s not my problem anymore. So right now, I’m going to worry about cleaning up the mess she made and figure out how to tell Kylee and Marie that they’ll never see her again. And don’t you dare breathe a word about any of this to them, do you understand me?”<br /> “Okay. Okay,” Briggs said, raising his hands in the air, trying to calm me down. “You’re right. There’s nothing we can do about her now. If it’s done and over with, then it’s done and over with. We’ll move on.”<br /> I wasn’t sure he believed it, but I didn’t care. Like I said, she wasn’t my problem anymore. <br /> I stormed out of the training room. I still needed to let off some steam. Anything to get some relief. I ran upstairs to my wing of the packhouse and saw precisely what I needed walking down the hall. Or should I say, who I needed. <br /> I grabbed Kylee’s hand, not even bothering to acknowledge her greeting, and pulled her into my room. My mouth slammed into hers, and she responded immediately, her tongue reaching for mine. She tasted different. I kissed her neck as I pushed her toward the bed. <br /> She pulled back to look up at me, and I grunted as she touched me. Her pale blue eyes held desire but still fell flat. Kieran was snarling viciously in my head. <br /> I closed my eyes, my head falling back. <br /> Instantly I was plagued with images of Ayla. Remembering how she tasted. What she felt like pressed against me. I moaned as I pictured her lying in front of me. <br /> Goddess. It all felt wrong. <br /> “That was amazing, baby,” Kylee panted beneath me. “It’s about time you reminded me exactly who I belong to.”<br /> I picked up a piece of fabric and wiped the mess from her skin. She reached for me, but her touch made me recoil. I had to get out of there.<br /> I was walking toward the door when blinding pain erupted through my body. <br /> What was happening?	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.z	111814878171104	Hohoholic	https://facebook.com/100081559066336	1,067	1	871,595,374,647,200	2024-01-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Install now	Hohoholic	120204880185950078	play.google.com	NONE	image	Read Trending Romance Stories of Werewolf, Mafia, Badboy, Billionaire & CEO	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zhangyue.read.storyaholic	2024-01-23 00:53	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421720099_1057530932169078_642126849426532755_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M5EoSa4zNB8AX94JOvW&_nc_oc=AQkAtyQw4_jTiDHS7-PA84G6jFE4m7URPchN2rpmQwqZkbxznXnkIIiMTl23Z_nrXjY&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfB6PTMuxzWHQWgmEEAqCFfkVi3v4QtCMLbgykk_mAIpZg&oe=65B804C8	person_profile	Hohoholic	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422118434_1300906880587145_5104405452960645940_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yi8hvD8nIDcAX9ayFIV&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDMaNtKwbhNKJrMIsgssdByRmWGLSsUsfv41q3HVvu_0A&oe=65B73437	3	Hohoholic	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,201	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158186}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	747462554108459	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Hailey Anderson is an intelligent, graceful, and elegant young lady and she is someone you need by your side when you take over the company" my father spoke trying to convince me. "But most of all, she knows how to handle family. You'll be lucky to have her."<br /> "And what if I refuse?"<br /> "Then you can peck your inheritance goodbye. And I will also pull out my shares in your company. In other words- you can't refuse"<br /> I quickly composed myself and put on my poker face not showing any emotions. So this is what he left to do? He left me in the middle of our wedding party to go and have slept with a random chick. <br /> "I don't know you and I don't plan on getting to know you either," he said. "I was forced into this marriage by my family but no one can compel me to accept you as my wife. I don't care about you or this marriage. It's meaningless. So let's stay our separate ways and carry on with our lives like we did before today. We're nothing but strangers and I plan for it to remain that way."<br /> "I'll get my things and move out tomorrow. But you better have a good explanation for your family, when they ask why."<br /> ————————<br /> Nathan Rodriguez<br /> "Marriage? Me? Why?" , I asked, in a stunned tone. "I'm not ready to get married, and that to, to a person I don't even know! I don't want an arranged marriage!" I said trying to talk them out of this simple bizarre plan.<br /> "You still have time to get to know her" my father responded. "The marriage is set for next month, so you have a whole month to court her."<br /> "So you've set my marriage without my consent? This is insane!"<br /> "Son, I'm sick of your ways" my grandfather added. "All your partying, one-night-stands and playboy attitude, is ruining our name and reputation. It's time you settled down and become more serious about life. Only then will you be taken seriously."<br /> "There has already been murmurs among the board members" my father warned. "They think you're neither capable, nor worthy enough to be CEO. The media has done nothing to improve your reputation and if this goes on we'll soon be facing a crisis. If you want to be the next CEO after me, you need to show the board and our investors, you're capable of responsibility and mature enough to run such a firm. The face of the company needs to be a strong and powerful leader, someone to look up to, an inspiration, someone people respect and take seriously. Not someone who is a regular face on frontpage of celebrity gossip or someone whose credentials are being voted sexiest man. This is corporate business not Hollywood."<br /> "You should be glad that despite it all, the Andersons have agreed to this marriage. Do you really want to ruin our friendship with them?" Grandpa chimed in.<br /> "Hailey Anderson is an intelligent, graceful and elegant young lady and she is someone you need by your side when you take over the company" my father spoke trying to convince me. "But most of all, she knows how to handle family. You'll be lucky to have her."<br /> "And what if I refuse?" I asked not really wanting to know the answer. You see, my grandfather was a ruthless man and absolutely stubborn. He had his way of getting what he wanted.<br /> "If you refuse," grandpa began, looking me dead in the eye and fixing me with a cold glare, "Then you can peck your inheritance goodbye. And I will also pull out my shares in your company. In other words- you can't refuse"<br /> Then I knew it. I was doomed to be in a loveless marriage.<br /> Hailey Anderson<br /> I was in a New York cáfe waiting for my fiancee to show up. Today was supposed to be our first 'date'<br /> Fiancee. The word seemed foreign on my tongue. I'm not the romantic sort. I don't believe in love. The only love I believe is true is the love of my family. I do believe in relationships though. I'm not exactly the, love-at-first-sight, happily-ever-after, kinda person, but I'd say marriage and starting a family has its own importance in my life albeit not my topmost priority.<br /> Two days ago my grandparents brought a proposal for me. A marriage proposal to their best friend's grandson, Nathaniel Rodriguez.<br /> Our marriage is also to bring together two great businesses. That's what it was- a business deal. But like I said earlier, I wasn't thinking about love or anything. Give me a good, understanding, trustworthy, honest and cooperative man and I'll make do. I don't want gifts and roses. Just companionship and support. I was a very independent and self made woman. I don't need my husband to push me up to great heights, just for him to be by my side when I make my way up.<br /> Nathan Rodriguez p.o.v<br /> He was in his office when he's secretary's voice sounded through the intercom.<br /> "Sir, there is a Ms Anderson on the line, wanting to talk to you. Should I put her through?"<br /> "Yes please," he replied. 'This should be fun' he thought to himself.<br /> "Ms Anderson, to what do I owe this pleasure?" I put on the charming voice when in reality, I was burning with hatred for the woman I would soon be marrying.<br /> "Pleasure? You don't say Mr. Rodriguez," her smooth and beautiful voice startled me even though it was full of annoyance. It was toned like a lady's but firm and assertive, full of authority. "I don't enjoy being stood up. Its not a gentleman's trait and not something I'd expect from someone who people speak so highly about. And its not something I'd expect from Alex's grandson either."<br /> "Ms. Anderson, I'm so sorry," I said pretending to be sorry when actually I was gritting my teeth at her audacity. "I've been so busy lately its quite possible my secretary slotted two appointments at the same time. I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience I've caused you. Please, how can I make it up to you?"<br /> "There's no need for that. Perhaps we can work out a meeting when you have time. I'll ask my secretary to get in touch with yours," she said.<br /> "That'll be great. I'll see to it that there is no error this time," I assured her.<br /> After the call ended, I called my secretary and specifically asked her that should she recieve a call from Ms Anderson's representative, she should in no way arrange a meeting. I asked her to stall, make excuses, do whatever it takes but at no cost were we meeting. I wasn't interested in her in the slightest and had no intention of going on a date with her or even making our relationship pleasant. My life had turned upside down ever since this marriage announcement and someone was going to pay.<br /> Hailey<br /> Today was the day I got married to a complete stranger. Yes I hadn't even seen my future husband in person, much less speak to him. I had tried reaching out a couple of times but there had been no response.<br /> "Oh dear! Don't you look beautiful!" Mrs. Sophia Rodriguez, Nathan's grandmother said giving me a huge hug.<br /> "Thanks, Mrs. Rodriguez" I replied politely.<br /> "Oh hush now," she said in a stern voice, "it's grandmother to you. You can call us Sophia and Alex."<br /> I gave her a bright smile. Mr. Alexander Rodriguez was standing there with a proud look on his face.<br /> "Where's that silly grandson of mine, now" he asked.<br /> "He was just here, greeting some guests" I looked around, searching for my husband, but couldn't spot him. Alex had an annoyed look on his face. He called out to someone and suddenly a man was standing before him with his head bowed I a respectful stance.<br /> "Where's my grandson, Robert?" Alex asked him in a cold voice.<br /> "He left, sir" Robert replied in a scared voice.<br /> There was anger in Alex's voice when he spoke again, "What do you mean, he left! This is his wedding for god's sake!"<br /> Not wanting the situation to escalate, or to ruin their joyful mood, I quickly stepped in.<br /> "It must have been a really important thing then," I said giving them a convincing smile "it's not like he would leave if it wasn't."<br /> I didn't know anything about him but I still said that to pacify his raging grandparents. They seemed to calm down, but oh, I was far from calm. I was internally fuming that he left me in the middle of our reception like this. Oh wait till I get home and get my hands on him.<br /> As the driver pulled up in the driveway, I took a while to admire Nathan's house. Now mine too. Not a home, but a house. It was a modern mansion and it was beautiful. Smaller than my grandparents or my parents old mansion, but more than comfortable for the two of us.<br /> Nathan's driver, Mr Taylor, who drove me here, opened the door for me as I stepped out, thanking him. The doors to the mansion opened and there stood a man in his late 50s, dressed in a suit and tie, with a wide grin on his face. He had grey eyes and a balding head, there was kindness in his eyes and he seemed to be an amiable fellow. He bowed his head as I approached.<br /> "Welcome Mrs. Rodriguez, we've been waiting for you" he said in a slight British accent. "My name is Edward John and I am the butler here."<br /> "Thank you Mr. John." I said giving him a smile, I had a feeling I was going to like him. "I'm tired and would like to rest. Would mind showing me to my room."<br /> "I understand Mam, but sir has requested your presence in his study as soon as you arrive," he said apologetically.<br /> So he was already home? I wonder why he left earlier without saying a word.<br /> "Ok. Take me to him"<br /> He led me inside and I must say the interior designer did a fantastic job on this place. The intricate designs were precise and gave the mansion an edgy modern look. The whole decor screamed money. We stopped infront of a double door and Mr John knocked twice. From the other side, I could hear sounds of ... moaning? which stopped as soon as the knock was heard. Then there came some ruffling sound, some hurried movements and after a minute or two I was starting to get impatient, and lifted my hand to knock again when I heard the deep voice of my husband say "Come in". Mr John shot me an apologetic and guilty look, which I couldn't understand, before he pushed the door open.<br /> I stepped in and was shocked by the sight in front of me. There stood my husband, leaning against a huge table and buttoning up his shirt. There was lipstick stains on his collar and before him stood a blonde girl wearing a very revealing dress, if you could call it that, and excessive makeup. She straightened her dress and leaned forward to place a lingering peck on my husband's cheek. His hand snaked around her waist as he pulled her closer.<br /> "Wait for me in my room" he told her, completely ignoring my presence in the room. "I'll be there soon, so we can continue."<br /> She gave him another quick peck, this time on the lips, and purred in a seductive tone, "don't take too long."<br /> She then walked out of the room but not before shooting me a smug look. The door closed behind her, leaving me alone with my so called husband. I quickly composed myself and put on my poker face not showing any emotions. So this is what he left to do? He left me in the middle of our wedding party to go and have sleep with a random chick? The nerve of this guy!<br /> He handed me an envelope and took a seat on the sofa and proceeded to make himself a drink. I sat down on the seat farthest from him and pulled out some papers from the envelope. I looked up at him and he motioned for me to read it. We sat there in silence as I flipped through the obscure clauses of our marriage.<br /> 1. This is a meaningless wedding and you're only my wife on paper. You have no rights over me.<br /> 2. Don't talk to me unless necessary, don't question me or my decisions.<br /> 3. You can't disclose our marriage to anyone.<br /> 4. Don't interfere in my business.<br /> 5. Never question my affairs or whoever I'm with.<br /> 6. You're free to have an affair with whoever you want.<br /> 7. Don't get pregnant with another man's child.<br /> 8. We must stay married for two years.<br /> 9. When this marriage is made public, you must accompany me to all functions and events.<br /> 10. Our families can't know of this arrangement.<br /> I was trying hard to control my rage. But if you were looking at me you would never be able to tell. I had trained myself to not let my emotions show, from early on as it is crucial for any good lawyer. I put the papers down and fixed my husband with a cold gaze. He set his glass of whiskey aside then looked up at me.<br /> "This isn't legally binding, you know," I told him.<br /> "I know," he said. "But you'll follow it all the same if you know what's good for you."<br /> "Or else?" I challenged him.<br /> "Or else there'll be consequences," he said standing up.<br /> "I don't know you and I don't plan on getting to know you either," he said. "I was forced into this marriage by my family but no one can compel me to accept you as my wife. I don't care about you or this marriage. It's meaningless. So let's stay our separate ways and carry on with our lives like we did before today. We're nothing but strangers and I plan for it to remain that way."<br /> He then paused and tried to gauge my reaction but didn't get any.<br /> "I hope everything is clear" he spoke again.<br /> "Crystal" I gritted out. It was official. I was married to a jerk.<br /> It's been more than a month now since I got married. Nathan and I haven't spoken since our wedding day when he handed me those obscene "rules". Not that I minded. In the morning, I wake up and prepare breakfast for us, even though there is an elderly maid, Marie, who is supposed to be the maid and cook. But I still make breakfast because it makes me feel good and gives me some sense of being married even though neither I nor him acknowledge it. Sometimes if I'm home early I even cook dinner. We've never had a meal together though. Nathan arrives late at night after I've eaten, and if he arrives early, he's .... preoccupied. I leave his dinner in the microwave so he can warm it up when he arrives. If we meet in the hallway, we just ignore each other.<br /> Every night he comes home with a different girl and all night long I can hear their moans and cries. But come morning there is no trace of these girls in the house. To be honest, I haven't seen him with the same girl twice. One night is strictly one night I guess. From where he gets all these girls every night is seriously beyond me. Sometimes when I can't take it, I spend the night in my penthouse in upstate NYC. And true to his word he never bothers about my whereabouts.<br /> I came home late and exhausted tonight. There was a lot of work and I even had a hearing in court, and even though I won, it was tedious with all the arguing that went on. I was physically and mentally exhausted. All I wanted now was a good night's sleep. It was around 11:30 but Nathan wasn't home yet. I ate the dinner Marie had prepared, showered, changed and by 1:30 I was in bed. But my prayers for a good sound sleep were not answered. At 2:00 I heard the front door close, which meant Nathan was home. A few minutes later I could hear him come upstairs and by the sound of the footsteps, I could tell he had company. I was listening to them make-out outside my door.<br /> Our bedrooms were adjacent, next to each other. It was a king/queen room, like typical of the olden times when the king and queen had different chambers. Hmm ... like game of thrones. Then he'd be king Robert and I'd be queen Cersei. Ew no, no I wasn't Cersei. I'd never do my own brother. Yuck. But Nathan could easily be Robert, what with all his partying, drinking and not to mention whoring.<br /> So due to our rooms being next to each other, I could hear all that was going on, and the bimbo he was with today wasn't exactly the quite type. Her screams were deafening, and I'm not even exaggerating. After tossing and turning I still couldn't fall asleep. I was really tired and couldn't sleep because of my jerk of a husband. So I got up and grabbed my phone.<br /> A mischevious grin made its way to my face. I connected my phone to the Bluetooth sound system of the mansion and put gospel music on full blast. They really need God to purify their souls. Maybe he can make them see the light. I even chanted the exorcism lines like they did in horror movies, to drive all the evil away from the other room.<br /> The moans stopped. Looks like my plan worked. See, God always wins over evil. I was about to turn the music down and go to bed, when a large bang sounded on my door. Oh-oh. I put off the music and got out of bed, grabbing a robe, I opened the door. There stood my husband, looking really really pissed. If this was a animated cartoon, there might have been smoke coming out of his ears. He stood there, wearing nothing but his boxers and I could tell they were pulled on in a hurry. My eyes trailed over his body, his hard abs and muscles. But I stopped myself from checking him out and looked at his face, only to find him ... checking me out?<br /> I looked down and .... oh! !<br /> I was wearing a red satin nightgown, that reached upto my mid thigh, and had lace on top, with spaghetti straps.<br /> I usually never wear these things at home. I only wear them when I'm out for business trips and living in hotels. In the closed confines of my room, I prefer pyjamas and baggy t-shirts. But today as I was really tired, I just grabbed the first thing that came to my hand, not really aware what I was putting on.<br /> Nathan was still pretty much eye-raping me and his gaze on me was making me uncomfortable. But I'd never let it show. I snapped my fingers in front of him to get his attention.<br /> "Hello?" I said in an annoyed tone.<br /> He snapped out and then returned to his angry self.<br /> "What's with the music"<br /> "Just felt like it" I replied giving him a smug look.<br /> "Felt like it? '' he roared, looking at me in disbelief. " It's 3:00 in the night for god's sake! "<br /> "Oh, so you do know the time. I was thinking you didn't."<br /> "Whatever's that supposed to mean" well he seems annoyed now, but still doesn't compare to my anger.<br /> "I'm trying to sleep here and you're screams are making it difficult. I couldn't sleep, so I started praying for your soul. You really do need Jesus." I told him innocently. But he was only getting more agitated.<br /> "This is my house and I will do as I please! I will scream and as loudly as I like!"<br /> I gave him the smile I give my opponent when I've got them. Because I pretty much got him here.<br /> "So sorry" I told him in a calm voice. "I'll get my things and move out tomorrow. But you better have a good explanation for your family, when they ask why."<br /> His face dropped. See, I know I have him. But in reality, I really wanted out. Living here was not really pleasant. But if I moved, then all the unnecessary questions would come, which I wouldn't be able to answer.<br /> "We'll try to be quite." He told me and turned to leave, but not without checking me out again. I had to roll my eyes at his behaviour.	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159,089	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158169}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1639791340159832	😍Read More Chapters👉👉	My Alpha mate rejected me for my sister. But he soon regretted it after he drove me into the arms of another Alpha, or worse.<br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 1: Ayla<br /> "Ma," I called down the hall. "Come on, Ma. They'll be here soon. You need to get out here."<br /> <br /> "I'm coming," my mother yelled back. "Don’t rush me.”<br /> <br /> She came out of her bedroom and down the hall. I was grateful that she didn’t seem to sway at all, and as she approached, the only scent wafting off her was mouthwash. And she actually seemed presentable. It was the first time in weeks. <br /> <br /> Although, I shouldn’t have been surprised. She always managed to look presentable in front of Kylee. Goddess forbid her precious baby learn the truth about her. <br /> <br /> No, that was my burden to bear. And in truth, I accepted it willingly. I wanted to protect Kylee from that reality as much as Ma wanted to hide it from her. However, I will admit we had different reasons. <br /> <br /> I waved Ma to the armchair in the living room while I went back into the kitchen to check on dinner. I was making Kylee’s favorites. It had been two months since my little sister had been home, and we were both excited. Even more exciting, she was bringing home her mate for the first time.<br /> <br /> I was so happy for her. They had apparently met almost two. Years ago, when she visited the local college campus with her high school. I had no idea they had found each other until her freshman year of university. I had asked her why the secrecy, and she told me they needed to wait to make their relationship public because of his position in the pack. They announced their relationship a few months into her first year. Still, she kept putting off us meeting him even though they were only a couple hours away. Don’t get me wrong, she told me all about him. Whenever we talked, she would just gush about how perfect he was. But it wasn’t until a month ago that she finally admitted to us that he was our future Alpha. <br /> <br /> Ma and I were ecstatic. We couldn’t be more pleased. Especially me. Our current Alpha, Alpha Torin, was a good leader, a fair leader, and a good man. We were very blessed to have had his support after our father died. <br /> <br /> Not that we knew him all that well, but he was the one who helped me get the family back on its feet after such a terrible loss. I knew he had a son, but I had never met him before. Again, it’s not like we were exactly close to the Alpha at all. I doubt he ever really thought of us. He was just taking care of the members of his pack, and for that, I will always be grateful. <br /> <br /> But I had heard that his son, Theo, was promising to be just as good an Alpha as his father. So I really couldn’t have been more relieved that he was my sister’s mate. She would be properly looked after and taken care of, and she would be happy. <br /> <br /> I was pulling the chicken out of the oven when I heard Ma from the living room. <br /> <br /> “They're here,” she sang. <br /> <br /> I moved quickly. Getting out our nice serving dishes that were gifted to my parents at their mating ceremony, I started to plate dinner onto them. I was still transferring the food when I heard the front door open and the squeals of my mother and sister as they embraced. I finished my task and moved the dishes to the dining room table that was already set neatly. I smiled at my presentation and excitedly hurried to the living room. <br /> <br /> I froze at the threshold. A scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race. <br /> <br /> The tall, broad man standing next to my sister turned toward me and we locked eyes. <br /> <br /> Mate.<br /> <br /> I practically gagged trying to stifle the word from slipping from my mouth. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> This was my sister’s mate. <br /> <br /> Not mine. <br /> <br /> This man was fated to Kylee. <br /> <br /> So why was I having this reaction?<br /> <br /> Better question…<br /> <br /> Why did HE seem to be having the same reaction?<br /> <br /> His eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where he stood. <br /> <br /> Dasha, my wolf, bounced excitedly in my head, recognizing him and his wolf just as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back of my mind.<br /> <br /> This couldn’t be happening. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> I forced myself to address the situation as a whole. Fine, this was happening. Now, what is the best way to handle the situation? I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a way to speak with him in private later. <br /> <br /> I cleared my throat and plastered a smile on my face.<br /> <br /> “Kylee, I’m so excited you’re home,” I said, opening my arms so she could jump into them like she had since she was little.<br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said. <br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, too,” I said quietly. <br /> <br /> We separated, and she turned to the male behind her. “Theo, this is my sister, Ayla. Ayla, this is my mate, Theo.”<br /> <br /> Theo’s hands were clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me. At least I was better at faking it them him. Geesh. <br /> <br /> I nodded to him with a broad smile. I knew it didn’t reach my eyes, but at least Ma and Kylee wouldn’t notice. <br /> <br /> “It’s lovely to meet you, Theo,” I said. “Dinner is ready in the dining room. Why don’t you guys go take a seat, and I’ll be right there. I need to tend to dessert first.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t take too long,” Kylee said brightly. “We have some big news, and I don’t think I can wait much longer.”<br /> <br /> “I promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed her shoulder. <br /> <br /> Kylee grabbed Ma by the arm and led her to the dining room. Theo followed a few steps behind. He had to pass me to get through. Right as he approached, I turned my body to ensure we didn’t touch. He paused in front of me for a moment. I looked up to meet his eyes.<br /> <br /> There was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. I subtly shook my head at him. Hoping and silently begging that he knew we couldn’t do this here. <br /> <br /> The sound of Kylee’s laugh from the other room made me jump and then quickly retreat to the kitchen. I grabbed the homemade cheesecake from the fridge and set it on the counter for later. I listened to the others conversing in the next room and quietly slipped out the back door. <br /> <br /> I stood on the porch and took several deep breaths. I felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. So, I did what I usually do instead of crying. <br /> <br /> I released a string of curses.<br /> <br /> “What is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with the force of a yell. <br /> <br /> ‘Our mate.’ Dasha insisted.<br /> <br /> “No, he’s not,” I said back to her. “He’s Kylee’s. There must be some kind of mistake. Just get through dinner like nothing is going on, and we’ll figure that out later. Easy.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t believe myself, neither did Dasha, but I didn’t have time to deal with that. So, I took two more deep breaths and went back into the house. I was almost to the dining room when I heard the last part of what Kylee was saying, and again, I was left frozen at the threshold.<br /> <br /> “… our mating ceremony is in three months.” Kylee looked up at me. “Oh, Ayla, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Aren’t you happy for us?”<br /> <br /> I put the same fake smile back on. “Of course I’m happy for you,” I said. “You deserve the best.”<br /> <br /> I took my seat at the table, ignoring the fact that I was left sitting directly across from Theo. His eyes were boring into me, and my face felt like it was on fire. I started dishing out food and passing plates. I didn’t say much over dinner. Instead, I just listened to Kylee and Ma talk about all the ideas they had for the mating ceremony. Theo didn’t say much either but slowly started to do a better job hiding his discomfort with the situation. <br /> <br /> It took everything to ignore the touches they shared, pushing down the jealousy that kept surging through me. As soon as I saw the opportunity, I started clearing the plates. As I was bringing in the dessert, my phone dinged in my pocket, and I had never been more grateful.<br /> I pulled it out and checked the screen. <br /> <br /> “I’m so sorry. Please, excuse me. This is important. I have to take it.”<br /> <br /> Ma waved me off, and Kylee didn’t even seem to notice. Theo glared at me, but to be honest, I didn’t really care. <br /> <br /> I answered the phone as I left the dining room and exited out the back door again. <br /> <br /> “Hey, Zeff. What’s up?” I said as I walked to the back of the yard.<br /> <br /> “How’s the dinner going?” Zeff, my best friend and colleague, asked.<br /> <br /> “It’s full of excitement, that’s for sure,” I said, hoping he didn’t catch on to the kind of excitement I was feeling. <br /> <br /> He chuckled on the other line. “I can’t wait to hear all about it,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “I hate to interrupt, but Carla wanted me to check if you were done with those chapters.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, um, yeah, I just finished them up this morning. I was going to run through another round of editing, but I can go ahead and send them over tonight.” I doubted I would have the mental capacity to deal with editing today.<br /> <br /> “Perfect. I’ll let her know to watch for them,” Zeff said.<br /> <br /> “Mhmm.”<br /> <br /> “Hey, you okay, Ayls?” Zeff asked.<br /> <br /> I stiffened as a mouthwatering scent hit my nose. I knew who was standing behind me. “Yeah, I just gotta go. Talk to you tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2: Theo<br /> I fought against the urges her scent was influencing as I stalked up to her, including the rage that she was currently talking to another male. But more importantly, the urge to grab her and take her against the nearest tree. My wolf was going crazy about the idea, but he would learn fast that that was never going to happen. <br /> <br /> I wouldn’t accept her. <br /> <br /> Knowing what I knew about her, that would never happen. <br /> <br /> She hung up the phone and turned to face me. <br /> <br /> “This won’t happen,” I spat out before she had a chance to speak. <br /> Her jaw clenched, and her silvery-gray eyes stared into mine for a few short moments. But I couldn’t read a thing behind them. <br /> <br /> “I absolutely agree,” she stated evenly. <br /> <br /> My wolf growled and snarled inside me, demanding to know what I was doing. I pushed down the hurt that hit me when she didn’t fight me. Her reaction just proved why this needed to be done. I could never be with someone so cold and self-absorbed as her. There was no way someone like her could ever be my Luna. <br /> <br /> ‘Don’t know her.’ Kieran yelled in my head. <br /> <br /> I knew enough. <br /> <br /> “Kylee is my mate. Not you. I, Theo Arden, future Alpha of the Greytooth Pack, reject you, Ayla Garner, as my mate and Luna.” Kieran was snapping his teeth, pushing to take control to stop this.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, accept your rejection and relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> My wolf howled in pain. A pain that was mirrored within me as it felt like my heart was being ripped apart. It was the bond breaking. Releasing me from the tie that bound us together. <br /> She stood there like nothing happened. <br /> <br /> How could she stand there like nothing had happened?<br /> <br /> She really didn’t feel anything, did she? It was so easy for her to let us go.<br /> <br /> ‘Mate wants me.’<br /> <br /> I grimaced. He meant her wolf. Her wolf wanted mine. He could sense her. She was even denying her wolf. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to get away from her. <br /> <br /> I stormed back into the house, returning to the woman the goddess should have made my mate. I returned to the dining room to find her mother and her still deep in conversation. I was grateful she hadn’t seemed to notice my absence or the change in my mood. It wasn’t surprising. She was excited about seeing her family and sharing the news with them. <br /> <br /> I had been, too, until her sister walked into the room. The scent had engulfed me, driving me to seek out the source like a lifeline. When I saw her, her beauty took my breath away. She was petit but strong, with long legs and perfect curves. She had a mass of caramel-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face with plump lips and intense gray eyes that shined green in the light. I couldn’t help but want her. I recognized who she was to me immediately. <br /> <br /> But then I noticed her narrow nose and soft jawline were familiar. Her fair skin had a sun-kissed glow that I had always found attractive. Once I realized she had similar features to Kylee, I knew this was her sister, Ayla. <br /> <br /> Kylee had told me on many occasions how her sister had changed after the death of their father. She was there for Kylee at first, but in less than a year, she started spending all her time away from home. She ended up dropping out of the private school her parents had worked so hard to send her to. Eventually, Kylee lost track of what she was doing with her life. <br /> <br /> Kylee was there for her when she was around, trying to be supportive. But she wasn’t the sister she used to love. What bothered her most was Ayla’s treatment of their mother. Ayla still lived in the house with her, but Kylee always got the impression that helping their mother was just a burden. She worried their mother would be left with no one to take care of her, and she wasn’t in the best of health anymore. <br /> <br /> “I have an idea,” I interrupted. They both looked up at me expectantly. “Why doesn’t your mother come to stay with us for a while? At least until the ceremony? We have the room in the packhouse, and I’m sure you and my mother would appreciate the extra input.”<br /> <br /> Both their faces lit up.<br /> <br /> “Really? We can do that?” Kylee said happily. <br /> <br /> “Of course,” I said with a smile. <br /> <br /> “Thank you.”<br /> <br /> Kylee jumped up from the table and threw her arms around me, kissing me sweetly. I ignored the growls coming from Kieran. Seeing their reaction told me I had made the exact right decision. Despite what was burning in my chest told me. <br /> <br /> This was who I was supposed to be with. Not Ayla.<br /> <br /> ‘Keep saying. Maybe believe.’<br /> <br /> I told him to shut up, and he retreated into the back of my mind, cutting himself off from me. <br /> <br /> He would get over it. Once the bond was completely severed, he would understand this was the right thing for us and the pack.<br /> <br /> ---<br /> Ayla<br /> <br /> <br /> I had managed to get myself together enough to rejoin my family. The pain that seared through me from Theo’s rejection and my subsequent acceptance almost brought me to my knees. It took all of my strength to keep my body from shaking, praying he didn’t notice the blood coming from my palms. I had clenched my fists so hard trying to stay on my feet that I broke the skin.<br /> <br /> When he finally left, I released the sob that was the only thing capable of coming out of my mouth. But I didn’t let the tears fall. Not yet. They couldn’t know. <br /> <br /> So, I steadied my breathing and went back into my house. I was surprised to find that Kylee and Ma weren’t in the dining room anymore. They weren’t in the living room either. But Theo was. <br /> <br /> “They’re in your mother’s room packing,” he said coldly.<br /> <br /> “Packing?” What was he talking about?<br /> <br /> He stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “I think it’s best that you keep your distance from Kylee for a while. We don’t want her finding out about this. But I know she’ll want her mother to be a part of the ceremony planning. So she’s coming back with us.”<br /> <br /> I felt like he just slapped me in the face. As if I would ever tell her. That’s why I was doing this. So that I wouldn’t break my baby sister’s heart. I gave him what he wanted, and now he was going to keep me from my family?<br /> <br /> Dasha was confused and in pain, whimpering in my head because she didn’t understand how he could be so cruel to us. <br /> <br /> ‘Because he doesn’t want to deal with the trouble,’ I told her, fighting the tears that were forming. ‘If this is how he is going to treat us, fine. It just makes this easier.’<br /> <br /> “If that’s what you think is best,” I said to Theo through gritted teeth. <br /> <br /> “Kylee,” he called out, not breaking eye contact. “Let’s get going.”<br /> <br /> My sister came prancing into the room. “Already?”<br /> <br /> “It’s getting late. Let’s head to the hotel for the night. We’ll swing by in the morning to pick up your mother.”<br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said brightly before turning to me. “What about you, Ayla? You’re coming with, too, right?”<br /> <br /> I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo decided to answer for me. <br /> <br /> “We were just talking about that. Ayla has some things going on with work and can’t get away.”<br /> <br /> I gave her a tight smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. But I will try to come out there as soon as I can.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay, I understand. But I’ll make sure we have a room ready for you whenever you can come.”<br /> <br /> “Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, my heart breaking again, knowing Theo wouldn’t allow me to be there with her. <br /> <br /> We all said our goodbyes, and they left. Ma was still standing at the window watching them drive off when I went to clean up the dishes in the kitchen. She finally came in behind me and started opening another bottle of wine. We had gone through four during dinner already. And I barely touched my glass. <br /> <br /> “Ma, you’ve had enough for the night,” I said calmly.<br /> <br /> “Oh, come on. It’s a celebration,” Ma said. “It’s not every day you find out your baby is going to be a Luna.”<br /> <br /> “Ma, you can celebrate more tomorrow. You need to finish packing,” I said, gently taking the bottle from her hand. “I’m sure Kylee and Theo will be here first thing in the morning.”<br /> <br /> “We can celebrate together while you help me pack,” she said, grabbing the bottle back from me. “Then I’ll help you pack.”<br /> <br /> I winced. This wasn’t going to end well. “I’m not coming, Ma.”<br /> <br /> She stopped with the glass halfway to her lips. “What do you mean you’re not coming?” she asked with a pout. “You have to be there. Kylee is going to be mated. I told her we would help pay for the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> I winced again. She meant me. I would be helping pay for the ceremony. Ma didn’t have a penny to her name.<br /> <br /> “I will send you however much you need. But I have to stay close to work for the next few weeks. I’ll come out later. We have six months to get ready,” I said, guiding her down the hall. <br /> <br /> “That’s not the point. You should be there for her. This is a big deal. Don’t be so selfish, Ayla.”<br /> <br /> Her words stung, but they weren’t unexpected. This was kind of the norm when she got like this. I know she didn’t really mean it. At least, she wouldn’t mean it when she was sober. It was just her way of coping with her abandonment issues. I got her into her bedroom and set her on the bed. I changed her into her nightgown and tucked her in. I left her sitting up against the pillows while I pulled clothes out of her closet, asking if she wanted to take specific items. <br /> <br /> Pretty soon, she started to tip to the side. I coaxed her to lie down and tucked her all the way in. She was asleep in seconds. I hurried through the rest of her packing. Stuffing two large suitcases as full as I could before carrying them out to the living room. Then I locked the front door, finished the last of the dishes, and slipped out into the backyard.<br /> <br /> I stripped off my clothes as I headed for the forest, desperate to get under its protective shadows. As soon as I passed the treeline, I shifted, taking off at full speed. I let Dasha feel all the pain. I didn’t try to hold her back anymore. <br /> <br /> We would mourn the loss of our fated mate. The loss of the one person who was supposed to see us for who we were. The one person who was supposed to always put us first, without demands or expectations. We would mourn the loss of never getting to experience that. <br /> But we wouldn’t mourn him.<br /> <br /> We ran until we could barely breathe. Until Dasha stopped at the edge of our pond — our place of solace — and let out a heartwrenching howl into the night air. Shifting at the end as she retreated back into my mind, out of reach to heal her broken heart, while I let the torrent of tears finally fall.<br /> <br /> I fell to the forest floor, curling into myself as the sobs wracked my body, intensifying the burn that was still there from our bond being ripped from my heart. I lay there and cried until I had nothing left in my body, and my eyes drifted closed on the image of the moon and the stars reflecting on our peaceful little pond.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3: Ayla<br /> I woke up to the first rays of sunshine heating my body. I was grateful for the warm night of mid-summer. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have made it through the night in my human form. My wolf still hadn’t re-emerged, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. The prospect of seeing Theo again this morning was hard enough for me. Dasha wouldn’t be able to handle sensing his wolf again. She had told me he wasn’t happy about the rejection. <br /> <br /> But it had to be done. <br /> <br /> And we had to accept it. <br /> <br /> I wasn’t going to break Kylee’s heart like that. Especially if he actually loved her that much. <br /> <br /> She would be happy. And I had to find a way to make that enough. <br /> <br /> I sat up and looked out at the reflective pool. I stood up and I walked into the water. I submerged myself completely, washing my body clean of Theo, the mate bond, and every dream of finding my soulmate. <br /> <br /> The ritual wasn’t new to me. I did this after my father died. I came here to wash away the grief. And when my mother started to fall apart. When she started drinking heavier and gambling and I realized we were running out of the money Dad had left us. I had to make some tough decisions to keep the family going. Once I made them, I came back here to forget the person I was. So I could be who my family needed me to be. <br /> <br /> I came here to wash away all of the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.<br /> <br /> When I emerged, I started the long walk back home. <br /> <br /> When I made it back to the house, I could hear the faint sound of voices coming from inside. They had already arrived. I quickly collected my clothes from the lawn, putting them back on before heading inside. <br /> <br /> I had to pause when I opened the door, bracing myself against the intoxicating scent that belonged to Theo. I had hoped the effects would have lessoned by now since we broke our bond, but I wasn’t that lucky. But again, I shook off the feeling and prepared to push through this like everything was normal. <br /> <br /> I walked through the kitchen and into the living room, where, again, I found Theo alone. I could hear Ma and Kylee down the hall, and I prayed they would be out soon. Theo’s hands clenched when his eyes met mine. It wasn’t hard to read the look of disgust he held in them. <br /> <br /> I failed to hide the hitch in my breath, but I still managed to raise my chin. I wasn’t about to let him see how he still affected me. Just a few more minutes and we would both be rid of each other, at least for a little while. Hopefully, it would be enough time for the bond to dissipate and free us of all this. <br /> <br /> “There you are,” Kylee’s voice rang down the hall. <br /> <br /> I turned to her with a smile, returning her hug as she wrapped her arms around me. I held on for a minute, letting her proximity calm me. <br /> <br /> “Where have you been? Why is your hair wet?”<br /> <br /> “She went out again last night,” Ma said with bitterness in her voice. <br /> <br /> I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes.<br /> <br /> “Ma, I just went for a run,” I said. <br /> <br /> “All night?” she said haughtily.<br /> <br /> How would you know? You were passed out drunk. I cleared my throat and brushed it off. <br /> <br /> “I guess you guys need to get on the road,” I said, smiling down at Kylee as I rubbed her arms. Looking at the face of the girl I had practically raised since she was nine, I couldn’t stop the lump in my throat. “I’m gonna miss you.”<br /> <br /> “Hey, we’ll see you soon. Come up whenever you’re ready,” she said as she gave me another hug.<br /> <br /> “I love you,” I whispered. <br /> <br /> “I love you.”<br /> <br /> She pulled away and I turned to my mother, taking her in my arms despite her hesitation. <br /> <br /> “Take care of yourself, Ma.”<br /> <br /> “Kylee, let’s get going,” Theo said from the door. <br /> <br /> With a few more smiles and waves, they walked out, closing the door behind them. I was standing in an empty room in an empty house. The silence was deafening. And it all came crashing down. I sank to my knees, begging the goddess to just let it all go away, just for a little while. I just wanted to feel numb.<br /> <br /> I lost track of how long I sat in that spot, staring without seeing. I didn’t even know Zeff was there until I felt him grip my arms.<br /> <br /> “Ayls, what?! What’s wrong?” he asked, brushing hair out of my face, forcing me to look at him. “Ayla, what is going on?”<br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I said, the corner of my lips tipping up mockingly. “He’s scheduled to be mated to my sister.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Zeff exclaimed, anger and concern twisting his handsome features. <br /> <br /> Zeff was a good man. He had been there for me when no one else was. He was the only person who knew everything I went through. And here he was, listening to me tell him about meeting Theo, the mating ceremony, and my rejection. Why couldn’t he have been my mate? He should have been. <br /> <br /> “Come on,” he said, lifting me up. “You’re coming to stay with me.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t protest. The goddess had given me this one little blessing. I was numb. Zeff held me up by my waist and led me out to his car. He tucked me into the passenger seat and disappeared into the house again, only to emerge a few minutes later with a duffel bag in hand. <br /> <br /> He pulled out and drove us the twenty minutes to his house. Just like before, he helped me inside, this time sitting me on the big, comfy leather couch in his living room. I loved this couch. We had spent a lot of time on this couch, watching movies, talking about books, brainstorming ideas for work. This was like a second home to me. But even that felt wrong now. <br /> <br /> Zeff’s phone rang in his pocket. He cursed as he pulled it out, checking the screen.<br /> <br /> “God,” he said. “Honey, I have to take this. I’ll be right back, okay?”<br /> <br /> I nodded. He answered the call, kissing my head before walking out of the room. Alone again, I pulled my feet up onto the couch, tucking them into my chest as I wrapped my arms around my knees. Silent tears began to fall. The numbness was wearing off. <br /> <br /> It was time to snap out of it. I needed to move on. <br /> <br /> I heard Zeff coming back, and I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes. No one had seen me cry. Not since the night my father died. I wasn’t about to change that now. Not over someone like Theo. He paused, giving me a look. He knew I’d been crying. It always bugged him when I did that. Not that I often cried anyway, let alone enough for anyone to see it. But Zeff was always trying to get me to open up more. <br /> <br /> He came and sat next to me, putting an arm over my shoulder and pulling me into him. I let myself relax some. This was the first thing since Theo walked into my life that felt normal, felt comfortable. He leaned his head on mine, rubbing his fingers along my arm. <br /> <br /> “Did you get my laptop?” I asked quietly. <br /> <br /> His chest rose and fell heavily. “Yes, but we’re not going to worry about that right now.”<br /> <br /> I pushed off of him, going to the duffel bag he left by the door. <br /> <br /> “I have to send Carla my chapters. I didn’t get to it last night.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla,” Zeff said, getting up and coming to pull me away from the bag. “You’re not going to do this. You’re not going to bury yourself in work. You’re going to deal with this — we’re going to deal with this together. Screw him, okay. He’s dumb. You deserve so much better than one who doesn’t see how incredible you are.”<br /> <br /> I wanted to roll my eyes, but it wasn’t just about him. <br /> <br /> “He took my family, Zeff. I would have gotten over him just rejecting me because of Kylee. At least she would be safe and happy.”<br /> <br /> “Screw them,” Zeff said angrily.<br /> <br /> “Zeff,” I warned. He wasn’t exactly Kylee’s biggest fan. There was a big age difference between the two of them, and she kind of annoyed him. But he always respected how protective I was of her. <br /> <br /> “No, Ayla. I’m sick of this. They either treat you like a servant or a bank. They don’t care what their actions do to you as long as they keep getting what they want."<br /> <br /> "Zeff, that’s not fair,” I protested. My family wasn’t perfect, but they were my family. They loved me in their own way. <br /> <br /> He moved to say something else but thought better of it. <br /> <br /> “Fine,” he conceded. “Then Kylee’s happy. He can try to keep you from going to see them, but they’ll be back to see you. You believe that, don’t you?”<br /> <br /> I hesitated for a moment, but I did believe that. “Yes.”<br /> <br /> “Okay, then get over him.” He took a step toward me, reaching up to hold my chin. “He’s not the only one who can take care of you, Ayla. He may be stvpid enough not to want you, but I’m not.”<br /> <br /> My breath caught in my throat. He had told me about his feelings before, but we both avoided going down that road with each other. We knew we could find our fated mates at any time, and we didn’t want to deny each other that. <br /> <br /> “Move in here with me, Ayls,” Zeff said. “There’s nothing stopping us now.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you still have a mate out there somewhere.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla, stop. I’m thirty-four and well-traveled. If I was going to find her, I would have long before now. We both know that.” <br /> <br /> Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was shocked, but mostly because it felt good. I felt wanted. I kissed him back, not wanting to give that feeling up. I leaned into him — until Dasha came charging to the forefront, growling and snarling that someone who wasn’t our mate was touching us. <br /> <br /> I ripped myself from Zeff’s embrace. Breathing heavily, the pain of the severed bond renewed. I clutched my chest. <br /> <br /> “Ayla.” <br /> <br /> “I can’t. The bond. It’s still there. It hasn’t faded yet.”<br /> <br /> Zeff pulled me into his arms. “Okay. It’s okay. We can wait. We’ll take it slow. But I want you here with me. You’re not staying in that house alone.”<br /> <br /> I rested my head on him. “Okay.”<br /> <br /> He squeezed me tighter. I still didn’t know if we could make this work, but I wanted to try. <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 4: Theo<br /> It had been a week since I had gone home with Kylee. Seven days and a hundred miles away, and the bond was still there. The burning in my chest wouldn’t go away. I didn’t understand and it was driving me crazy. I had been in an awful mood because of it. <br /> <br /> I had taken to holing up in my office most of the time. I didn’t want to snap at Kylee, or her mother, which had become hard to avoid by the third day. They didn’t deserve that. Kylee definitely didn’t deserve that. I was glad I had a good reason for me being so busy all of a sudden. <br /> <br /> Alpha was sick. He was diagnosed with a progressive disease almost a year ago. It had gotten to the point that he and my mother were concerned about the toll the Alpha role was taking on him. So, he decided it was time to hand the title down to me. It wasn’t official yet. We were planning on making the change at the same time as Kylee’s and my mating ceremony. Actually, that’s why I decided to make Kylee my official mate. Alpha’s were always stronger with a strong Luna by their side. With the circumstances of my father’s abdication, our pack needed to be as strong as possible. <br /> <br /> But there was still a lot to take care of and a lot I had to learn about being an Alpha before that time. So it wasn’t hard to convince her that it was the stress that was causing me to be distant. <br /> <br /> There was a knock on my office door, and Kylee poked her head in before I had a chance to answer. She walked around my desk with a bright smile. <br /> <br /> “There you are, mate,” she cooed, sitting in my lap. “You’ve been up here all day.”<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, babe. I’ve been working.”<br /> <br /> She ran a hand up my chest, leaning in to kiss me. Kieran’s growl started immediately. He had spent the whole week giving me the silent treatment, except when Kylee was around. Then all he did was growl and snarl. It was getting exhausting. <br /> <br /> Kylee pulled away. “I know. I understand. I just wanted to check on you.”<br /> <br /> “Thanks,” I said with a smile. She really was sweet. “I’m fine, just knee-deep in all this paperwork. Did you need anything?”<br /> <br /> She tried to hide her pout, but I saw it for a moment.<br /> <br /> “What is it, Ky?”<br /> <br /> “I don’t want to bother you. You’re already so busy.”<br /> <br /> “You can ask me for anything. Don’t ever feel bad for doing so,” I insisted.<br /> <br /> Her face brightened. “Well, there’s this necklace of my mother’s. She wants me to wear it for our mating ceremony, but it was left at the house. I called Ayla to have her bring it to me when she came up, but she won’t be able to make it for a few more weeks.”<br /> <br /> I gripped the arm of the chair at hearing her name. At hearing that Kylee spoke to her. I fought the urge to ask how she was. Knowing I shouldn’t care. <br /> <br /> “Do you really need it sooner than that? We have months until the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> “Well, I have my first dress appointment on Tuesday. I would really like to have it so we can match it to the perfect dress,” Kylee said, leaning into me, tracing her finger along the collar of my shirt. <br /> <br /> I sighed. “Okay, I’ll send someone to pick it up. Just send me the details to pass along.”<br /> <br /> She kissed me again, accompanied by my wolf’s protests again, and pulled away with a smile. “Thank you, baby. You’re the best.” She moved to get up but paused. “Are you coming to see me tonight?”<br /> <br /> “I’ll try. If I don’t get done here too late.”<br /> <br /> “You better. We miss you.”<br /> <br /> ‘Evie doesn’t.’<br /> <br /> Evie was Kylee’s wolf. Kieran had never had a problem with Evie, but he never really showed much interest in her either. It wasn’t that surprising. Our wolves only reacted to their fated mates. The only way to change that was to mark someone else and be marked by them. So I had never been too worried about it. But now I was. If I couldn’t completely sever the bond between me and Ayla, he could end up taking control and stop me from marking Kylee. <br /> I would need to do something about this.<br /> <br /> “I miss you, too. I promise I’ll work something out soon.” <br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said with a sigh. “I’ll let you get back to work then.”<br /> She kissed me on the cheek and sashayed out of my office. I couldn’t keep avoiding her. It would hurt her if I stopped showing interest in her. I didn’t want to do that. I had to do something. <br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> I decided to drive down to Kylee’s house myself. I left early the following morning before anyone else woke up. I wanted to avoid any questions. I broke every speed limit on the way. I wanted to get there and get back before too many people noticed I was gone. <br /> It shouldn’t be too hard. I’d get the necklace, I’d reject Ayla again, making sure it stuck this time, and I’d go back home. <br /> <br /> But when I pulled up to the house, something twisted in my gut. I cut the engine to the car and grabbed the house key I had gotten from Kylee’s keyring. If Ayla was home, I didn’t want to scare her by barging in, so I knocked first. There was no answer, and I didn’t hear any movement inside. I tested the doorknob, and it was locked. I let myself in with the key, and the feeling in my gut returned as soon as I stepped into the house. <br /> <br /> No one had been here in a while. All the scents, although still easily detected, were too faded to have been recent. Including Ayla’s. Her invigorating scent of oranges and cloves invaded my nostrils, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as it should have been. Had Ayla not been here since we left? Kieran paced in my head. What if something happened to her?<br /> <br /> My heart rate sped up, my hands balled into fists. I made my way through the house, looking for any signs that something had occurred here. I went to their mother’s room first. It all seemed in order. Even the jewelry box was untouched. I grabbed the whole box, not bothering to look through it for the particular piece Kylee wanted. Then I checked Kylee’s old room. It, too, seemed unbothered. <br /> <br /> I paused outside what had to be Ayla’s room, my hand gripping the doorknob tightly. I could smell her scent through the wood. I had to brace myself, both against the onslaught of her scent hitting me and what I may find inside. I turned the knob and pushed the door open. <br /> <br /> I had to grip the door jamb to keep Kieran from forcing the shift. All he wanted to do was roll around in here, gathering up Ayla’s delicious smell, rubbing his over everything that was hers. He wanted to stake his claim. Absolutely not. I managed to push him back, but he came surging back the moment we looked at the scene before us. <br /> <br /> The place wasn’t trashed, but there were definitely signs that someone had left in a hurry. Clothes were hanging out of half-open drawers, shoes had been scattered out of the closet, and there was no sign of any electronics or chargers. And then I caught it. <br /> <br /> There was another scent in the room.<br /> <br /> I moved to the dresser, grabbing a shirt from a drawer and sniffing it. This time, I was the one who growled, my wolf in chorus along with me. The scent was male. It was faint, he wasn’t here long, but mixed in with the distinctive scent of my mate, I could pick it out anywhere. From the trail, it seemed as if he was the one who packed up her things. <br /> <br /> The question was, did he take her or did she go willingly?<br /> <br /> Either way, we would find her. <br /> <br /> I stormed out of the house. Tossing the jewelry box in the passenger seat, I took my phone out and searched for the number for the publishing house Kylee said Ayla worked for. I punched it in as soon as it pulled up. A receptionist picked up. <br /> <br /> “I need to speak to Ayla Garner,” I barked into the phone. <br /> <br /> “Just a moment,” she said, putting me on hold for a moment. “I’m sorry, sir. She doesn’t have a meeting scheduled for today.”<br /> <br /> “When will she be in next?”<br /> <br /> “Her next meeting isn’t until next Thursday, sir.”<br /> <br /> What did she mean she wouldn’t be in until Thursday? That was almost a whole week. What meeting was she talking about? Kylee said she was some kind of assistant.<br /> <br /> “This is her… sister’s mate. Kylee and their mother have been trying to get a hold of her, and they’re worried. Do you have a phone number or address for her?” I know it was low to use Kylee like that, but it was the only way I might have gotten her to give me that information.<br /> <br /> “Oh, actually, it does look like she had added a forwarding address to her profile,” the receptionist said. <br /> <br /> I punched in the address as she rattled it off. I hung up without even saying anything else and tore out of the driveway. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel. I followed the GPS to the address, pulling into the drive of a large, two-story house in a nice neighborhood. Parking half on the lawn, I didn’t even close the car door before taking the front steps two at a time. <br /> <br /> I banged on the door until I heard movement inside. A man opened it. It was the male I smelled in Ayla’s room. Before he could say anything, I lunged at him, my hands grabbing the front of his shirt and practically lifting him off the ground.<br /> <br /> “What have you done with her? I smell her all over you. Where is she?”<br /> <br /> He pushed me off him, his eyes glaring at me with recognition and disdain.<br /> <br /> “You must be Theo.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5: Theo<br /> “What is going on?” Ayla’s voice floated down to me as she ran down the stairs. She froze halfway down the moment she laid eyes on me. “What are you doing here?”<br /> <br /> A silk robe hung open, revealing the shorts and cut-off tank top she wore underneath, her caramel-colored hair flowing loosely around her shoulders. She was gorgeous. And clearly not in distress. I took a step toward her as my rage grew.<br /> <br /> “What are you doing here?” I spat back. <br /> <br /> “That’s none of your concern,” the male interjected.<br /> <br /> I turned on him again, a rumbling growl emanating from my chest, my claws extending. I was ready to rip his throat out. <br /> <br /> “Stop,” Ayla yelled, coming the rest of the way down the stairs and stepping between the two of us. “Zeff, go to work.”<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. I’m not leaving you here with him. Not in the state he’s in.”<br /> <br /> “I would never hurt her.” Kieran was ready to burst from my skin. How dare this air head think we would ever lay a hand on her.<br /> <br /> “We both know that’s a load of nonsense.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you’re not helping. Shut the up and leave. Go to work,” Ayla insisted. <br /> <br /> “Ayla…”<br /> <br /> “I said go.” Her expression softened a little. “I’ll call you later.”<br /> <br /> The Zeff guy shot me another hate-filled look before exiting out the open front door. We stood in silence until the sound of his engine faded. <br /> <br /> “Are you sllepping with him?” <br /> <br /> Her eyes went wide, then narrowed as she took a step forward. “Are you doing that with my sister?”<br /> <br /> A strangled snarl escaped me, but she started speaking again before I could recover from her accusation.<br /> <br /> “What I do with a male — or anyone for that matter — is none of your business.”<br /> <br /> “What?! It isn’t.” Electricity passed through the air between us. “He has no right to put his hands on you.”<br /> <br /> “He does if I want him to,” she yelled, not only holding her ground against the alpha energy I was exuding but taking another step toward me. “I don’t belong to anyone, remember? I have no mate.”<br /> <br /> I lost it. My hand was around her neck and my lips was on hers before I even knew what I had done. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. Sparks of intense electricity shot through me, invigorating all my senses. I pushed her to open for me, my tongue seeking hers. God, she tasted so good. She returned the kiss, her arousal mingling in the air. <br /> <br /> “MINE.” <br /> <br /> She pushed me off her with force.<br /> <br /> “Get off.” <br /> <br /> I took a step toward her again but she backed away. <br /> <br /> “Don’t you dare hurt Kylee like this.”<br /> <br /> “Like you care about your sister getting hurt,” I spat, but for some reason, I instantly regretted it. But I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t take it back.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” Pure rage radiated off of her, her eyes turning an icy blue. <br /> <br /> “You abandoned Kylee a long time ago. Putting your own life ahead of hers while she was left behind.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s face paled. Every ounce of anger seemed to drain from her instantly, that blue fire fading from her eyes. <br /> <br /> “What did you just say?”<br /> <br /> “You stopped being a sister to Kylee years ago. You disappeared all the time, leaving her alone with a mother who was struggling to keep everything together.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s posture completely changed. She almost went completely limp in front of me, stumbling until her back hit the wall. Her façade cracked. <br /> <br /> “That’s what she told you? She said that?” her voice was almost a whisper. <br /> <br /> Kieran was going insane in my head, telling me to shut up, to just stop talking. Urging me to stop hurting her. Because I was hurting her. I had struck a nerve, a very deep one, and I wouldn’t stop. She had to break the bond. Once and for all. If it meant I had to break her to do it, I would.<br /> <br /> “She told me everything. She told me how you would keep things from her and your mother. That you would be out at all hours of the night when you were a teenager. How you dropped out of high school, waisting the tuition your parents worked so hard for.”<br /> <br /> “What?” <br /> <br /> “I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as you.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s head snapped up. Her eyes a steely gray as she resolved herself to something I couldn’t figure out but would soon find out. <br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, reject you, Theo Arden, as my mate. I relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> I gritted my teeth as Kieran howled in my head, screaming for me not to accept it. <br /> <br /> “I, Theo Arden, accept your rejection.” The pain in my chest amplified, but I could still feel the bond. “We’ve done this before. It’s not working.”<br /> <br /> “Your wolf has to accept it,” she said. <br /> <br /> “Yours didn’t.”<br /> <br /> “Didn’t she?” Ayla said.<br /> <br /> You said she didn’t want to break the bond. <br /> <br /> ‘She didn’t. Still accepted.’<br /> <br /> How was that possible? Our wolves were primal creatures. They were animals, after all. They weren’t ones to deny themselves what they wanted. Not without a very good reason.<br /> <br /> “Tell your wolf to accept it,” Ayla said with a crack in her voice. <br /> <br /> The muscles in my jaw tightened to a point I thought my teeth would shatter. The noise in my head from Kieran becoming almost unbearable.<br /> <br /> “He won’t.”<br /> <br /> “Make him,” she forced out.<br /> <br /> “I can’t.”<br /> <br /> “He doesn’t have a choice. I’ll never be with him, and neither will she,” Ayla said, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. <br /> <br /> I could feel the pain he felt. It was excruciating. I told him it would end if he just accepted, but he wouldn’t give in. He was an Alpha. He was as strong as me. I’d never overpower him on this. Ayla must have sensed my stalemate. Or her wolf did and told her because she pulled herself from against the wall, standing up straight again.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, cut my ties to Alpha Torin…”<br /> <br /> “What are you doing?” There was desperation in my voice. She couldn’t do this. I moved to stop her. <br /> <br /> “And the Greytooth Pack.”<br /> <br /> “No.” I fell to a knee, feeling the invisible tether that united pack members with their Alpha splinter. Kieran was pounding against the barriers of my control, putting all his might into taking over the shift. I knew I was on the verge.<br /> <br /> “From this day forth, I am a rogue.” She took an unsteady step toward me, silent tears rolling freely down her face. “Now get out.”<br /> <br /> She had used my father’s name. Either of our names would have worked in the limbo state we were currently in. But she used my father’s. There was nothing I could do to stop her. Nothing I could do to fight the separation. She knew exactly what she was doing. <br /> <br /> If my wolf wouldn’t sever the mate bond, she would remove herself from any control I had over her. <br /> <br /> With one final, agonizing look, she walked away, disappearing upstairs. <br /> <br /> I took in a ragged breath of air. Ayla now had until midnight to be out of our territory. If I caught her on our land after that, I would have to kill her. Mate bond or not. She was a rogue now. It was our laws. <br /> <br /> Kieran had finally gone still in my mind. <br /> <br /> ‘Mate’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Did he mean Ayla or her wolf?<br /> <br /> ‘Dasha. Mate’s name is Dasha. Dasha’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Realization hit me and panic set in. Her wolf was gone. The pain was too much. She had retreated deep into the recesses of Ayla’s subconscious. Ayla wouldn’t be able to call on her. She wouldn’t be able to shift. She wouldn’t be able to heal.<br /> <br /> She was a rogue without a wolf. She couldn’t protect herself. <br /> <br /> I had to get as far away from her as possible. <br /> <br /> I dragged myself back to my feet, forcing them to walk out the door.	LEARN_MORE	https://storyaholic.readlife.mobi/q3441m8100.html	112083604318633	Werewolf novels	https://facebook.com/100069003801866	1,351	0	1,072,818,557,102,480	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Werewolf novels	120204363120690243	storyaholic.readlife.mobi	NONE	image		https://storyaholic.readlife.mobi/q3441m8100.html	2024-01-23 02:18	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/417404086_938013134553196_6022085794835369652_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PZb_a67HI30AX_DQTW7&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDghboVtfomrA7s6xNZBObGPW1ca8ZeqMghy9oSvpf6wg&oe=65B6BE99	person_profile	Werewolf novels	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/417477053_2328334410670367_7860750219190820925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HnNE7o54qU4AX8hX7cc&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDB_XG_rQToXGBslZwnF47wFD2As1oUXOS8d0mVER3mAQ&oe=65B79DFA	3	Werewolf novels	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,442	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158483}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	940039164409409	🔥HOT SALE -60% OFF🔥 Footpathemed Compression Shoulder Brace	👍 Top physical therapists have developed a breakthrough Compression Shoulder Brace designed to provide support precisely where it's required to ease frozen shoulder pain, rotator cuff pain, arthritic shoulder, and general shoulder pain.<br /> 🔥👉🏻Get it: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fshoulder-brace-01.superdeals2day.com%2F&h=AT1EMotU1hDFea6jkcZbncvV_XWJ6-O7i3FOYQdYjzsFmraZ5ooh9U2EBTnIn8tNUAlAlDac9itvU1uekaMvCLJeGFUcVFGjaa-dSITzkD0woFMPR1obPh3qzAStYhj8jsmB4YpKeUGnfuZc1jyBDl61JJJbAg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://shoulder-brace-01.superdeals2day.com/</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://shoulder-brace-01.superdeals2day.com/	208493989016704	Shoulder Brace	https://facebook.com/61555464166676	0	1	289,367,323,786,967	2024-01-24 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Shop now	Shoulder Brace	120206073791880155	shoulder-brace-01.superdeals2day.com	NONE	video		https://shoulder-brace-01.superdeals2day.com/	2024-01-24 02:03	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421066932_1425399894746702_7688247215730068191_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9_u-C8RKjREAX8Z9fax&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAqjHJHXvkdwWvjmQfkcQKxL37PKwr2Zb7c9kQsyt4RVw&oe=65B73CA6	person_profile	Shoulder Brace	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421161185_1561187664646684_2898438227595739147_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BITDRR2xh0gAX_-OHb0&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBOG29jTQGHtQ5QSnqZOLypu31vmCGotimm1LvX3zYs7Q&oe=65B7DB50	3	Shoulder Brace	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,268	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	595359739433782		But HOW does massage therapy reduce pain? On the muscular level, massage therapy loosens tight muscles and fascia (connective tissue) and relieves nerve compression. On the circulatory level, massage increases blood flow to ischemic tissue and increases lymphatic flow allowing tissues to dispose of metabolic waste more efficiently. On the neurological level, massage triggers the relaxation response during which the brain sends messages via the nervous system telling it to relax by reducing the number of signals sent to make muscles contract. On the chemical level, massage therapy increases the available levels of dopamine, serotonin and endorphins while simultaneously reducing cortisol (a stress hormone). All of these levels combine to reduce the experience of pain both immediately following a session, and for the long term with consistent care. Massage is amazing!! What can we help you with?	BOOK_TRAVEL	https://massageandbodywork.as.me/	495084547525066	Massage and Bodywork of Athens	https://facebook.com/massageandbodyworkofathens	1,174	1	416,286,987,408,809	2024-01-24 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Book now	Massage and Bodywork of Athens	6546271888701	massageandbodywork.as.me	NONE	image		https://massageandbodywork.as.me/	2024-01-24 08:23	https://scontent-bos5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421743125_398625852740834_1798151657792431219_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5yW16TkzEV0AX-O_0JC&_nc_ht=scontent-bos5-1.xx&oh=00_AfCVy_FtIWe4Iz9FQUHA65xLyKrPEiD7a4hHx1ukCZdBuQ&oe=65B7FA78	person_profile	Massage and Bodywork of Athens	https://scontent-bos5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421751241_1580928985994425_2817755945988674432_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bKbE3uwW2RsAX8vNMw_&_nc_ht=scontent-bos5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBG70k-skmHnlHZDQffAPAGA6aHbOuD_cRZD0Rp8OFhgw&oe=65B82E4A	3	Massage and Bodywork of Athens	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,063	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1410944069817769	This is an amazing story! Well-written, with amazing romance and characters!	“What? Your boss has a kid? Which one?” As far as I knew, the owners of the club Analise worked at didn’t have families. <br /> “Yeah, Evan.” She nodded. “I had no idea either. It’s the craziest story.” <br /> I cocked my head, interested. “What else do you know about the job?”<br /> “Not much. He’s looking for someone to work full-time and to start as soon as possible.” She dropped her voice. “I don’t know the details about his situation, but I don’t think the mother is in the picture, at least not from the sound of things. He’s pretty overwhelmed.”<br /> “How old is the child?”<br /> “Just a baby.” Analise went back to work on her hair. “And you know Evan is loaded, so no worries about a drop in your income after working for Mr. and Mrs. Fancypants.”<br /> I snorted. Analise often teased me about the double life I’d led: spending my days in wealthy circles, taking the kids to pampered, privileged activities, then in the evening living a simpler lifestyle back home.<br /> “Honestly, it sounds like a pretty sweet deal.” I loved working with younger kids. One of my first jobs as a nanny had been caring for a baby, and they were so sweet and cute. “What do I need to do to apply?”<br /> “I’ll give you his email.”<br /> Half an hour later, Analise was off to work, and I was sitting down with my laptop to update my resume. Once I was satisfied, I pulled out the little slip of paper Analise had scribbled the email on.<br /> Evan Guerrero. I’d never seen the man, even though Analise and I had gone to the club a few times over the last year. What was he like? And what was the story with his kid?<br /> I typed out a letter of introduction and attached the resume to the email, sent it off, then set about making dinner for myself.<br /> I wasn’t the best cook in the world, but I did a fairly decent job. Growing up, I’d had no one to teach me. Or rather, no one willing to teach me. Aunt Bethany had taken me in after my mother bailed when I was four, though I often wondered why. She’d acted her entire life as if I were a burden, making no secret of the fact that my “worthless” mother left her with a responsibility she’d never asked for.<br /> While I’d had a roof over my head, food in the pantry, and clean clothes to wear, Aunt Bethany had done nothing more than the bare necessities when it came to raising me. She seemed more interested in collecting her monthly check from the government than anything else.<br /> Mom had reappeared from time to time, whenever her latest boyfriend got tired of footing her bills. But she was always gone again when she found the next man willing to take care of her. I’d been too young to understand at first, but the message had come through clearly as the years went on. I’d made a vow to never depend on a man for anything.<br /> I sighed, shaking the thoughts from my head as I chopped an onion, celery, and carrots. I threw them in a pan with some oil, choosing to think about my new job opportunity instead. <br /> I hadn’t expected something to fall into my lap, and I tried not to get my hopes up, but Analise was right. I’d gotten used to not only working with rich families, but to the salary that came along with it. I wasn’t well-off by any means, but my job had enabled me to live in comfort and stash some money away. <br /> Cracking a couple eggs into the pan of veggies, I scrambled them up, then added some leftover rice, soy sauce, and seasonings. <br /> Not bad, Mariah. I gave myself a figurative pat on the back as I sat down with my fried rice, hoping I’d hear back from Mr. Guerrero soon.<br /> When I woke up the next morning, there was a reply waiting for me in my inbox. It was short and to the point. No formalities.<br /> Ms. Bailey,<br /> Thank you in your interest in the position. We have an opening for an initial interview this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. We can discuss the details, including salary, at that time.<br /> I frowned. Typically, I negotiated my rates upfront prior to meeting so we didn’t waste anyone’s time, but Analise had said he was loaded. There wasn’t any harm in going to the interview.<br /> Scanning the rest of the email, which just gave the location and check-in information for where the interview would be held, I typed back a quick response agreeing to the date and time. <br /> “Well, that was easy.” I’d only left my job yesterday and might have something new lined up by the end of the week. I only briefly wondered if there might be a catch.<br /> <br /> I caught sight of my reflection in the revolving glass door as I double-checked the address of the building against what was in my phone. The highlights of my light brown hair, blowing in the cold January breeze, were catching the sun. I wrapped my wool peacoat tighter around myself, smoothing my bangs, then finally walked through the entryway.<br /> My breath caught in my throat as I stopped in the center of the lobby, spinning in a slow circle. Was this for real? The Robinsons’ brownstone had been classically elegant, decorated with expensive, refined taste. But the luxury that surrounded me in this building was modern, artsy, and still absolutely gorgeous. <br /> Tall ceilings stretched three stories high, supported by thick gray marble columns. To my left, lush rugs covered the polished concrete floors of the sitting area, where low-backed sofas and brightly colored art-deco chairs were arranged beneath a glass waterfall spanning the full height of the wall. The opposing wall was lined with shelves filled with sculptures and pieces of fine art. A long, gray marble desk centered on the right matched the columns. Seated at the desk was a woman near my age.<br /> She offered me a friendly smile. “Good morning. May I help you?”<br /> I returned her smile and walked up to the desk. “Yes, I’m here to see Evan Guerrero.”<br /> “Of course.” She reached for a sleek gunmetal gray desk phone. “And your name?”<br /> “Mariah Bailey. I’m here for an interview.” <br /> Her smile widened. “Thank you, Ms. Bailey. If you will give me just a moment, I’ll give Mr. Guerrero a call to confirm. May I please see your identification?”<br /> “Oh.” I blinked, surprised but not upset by the security. As I dug in my purse for my ID, I noted the security guards: two flanking the entry way, another by the elevators. In fact, if I was going to be working here, the security was rather comforting. I handed the card to the woman, whose nametag read Haley. “Here you go.”<br /> “Thank you,” Haley said, checking it thoroughly before handing it back and tapping buttons on the phone. She cleared her throat. “Hello, Mr. Guerrero. I have a Mariah Bailey here to see you.” A pause. Then, “Wonderful. I’ll send her right up.”<br /> Haley hung up the phone, then blasted me with that friendly smile again as she pointed toward the bank of chrome elevators. “Just push the button for the penthouse.”<br /> My eyebrows flew up. Penthouse? <br /> “Thank you,” I managed to say before making my way to the elevators. The security guard gave me a nod as he pushed another button. Suddenly, the reflective doors slid open. Once inside, I checked my hair and makeup again, nerves suddenly springing to life in my stomach. <br /> I might have worked for a wealthy family for three years, but that didn’t mean I was fully at home in a situation like this. Analise had neglected to mention Mr. Guerrero was a dragon shifter until this morning while I was getting ready. I’d met very few of them in my lifetime. Most of them, of course, chose not to live in the city where it was illegal to shift. While they weren’t exactly uncommon, my experience with dragons was limited.<br /> I had no idea what to expect from the man—the shifter—who would be interviewing me, and I took several deep breaths to steady my nerves.<br /> The doors to the elevator slid open all too soon, and I tried to ignore the flutter in my stomach as I walked toward one of the two double doors, checking the number one more time before lifting my hand to knock. I hesitated once more. If Evan Guerrero was a dragon shifter, that meant his baby was, too. Dragons could only procreate with other dragons. <br /> I’d never seen a shifter child before.<br /> An image of a wailing baby throwing a tantrum flashed through my mind, white-hot fire blazing from its little mouth as the eyes glowed. Momentary panic struck me, but I shook my head, laughing at my overactive imagination. I’d never heard of such things actually happening, and there was no reason to believe it was even possible.<br /> Before I could lose the nerve, I lightly pounded the surface. Only seconds passed before a tall man with blond hair and a lean build answered the door. Immediately his friendly smile set me at ease. He didn’t seem intimidating in the least. In fact, he looked like just a human. Okay, maybe this won’t be so bad.<br /> “Mr. Guerrero? Hi, I’m Mariah Bailey.” I felt slightly more relaxed and gave him a smile. “I’m here for the interview.”<br /> His blue eyes twinkled with amusement. “Wonderful to meet you, Ms. Bailey, but I’m not Evan.” He extended his hand. “Mason Alexander.”<br /> “Oh.” I shook his hand, confused.<br /> “I’m Evan’s friend and business partner,” he elaborated. “I’ve been helping him out with the interviews. Please, come in.”<br /> “Got it.” I walked through the wide doorway, my nerves returning immediately when I took in the enormous apartment. It was all I could do to keep from gawking. Floor-to-ceiling windows lit up a massive open floor plan room, with bright light reflecting off white walls. Straight ahead, an exposed brick wall reached two stories high. I craned my neck, noting the open balcony that connected to a stairway and led to the second floor hall.<br /> The windows provided an excellent view of SoHo’s buildings and the Hudson River beyond. A fully equipped modern kitchen was to the left, an archway revealing another hallway. <br /> “Right this way, Ms. Bailey.” Mr. Alexander gestured to the right, where a dark gray leather sectional was situated in front of the windows in the living area.<br /> “You can call me Mariah.”<br /> “As you wish. And you can call me Mason.” He smiled and gestured to the sectional. “Please have a seat. Evan will be right out.”<br /> Mason disappeared through the archway, his footsteps echoing on the wood-planked floors. I walked up to the windows, amazed by how beautiful the city looked. Even though it was freezing cold outside, you wouldn’t know it from here. The sun reflected off the river, the water glittering brightly.<br /> The sound of two sets of footsteps approaching had me turning around, pasting a smile on my face. <br /> “Mariah, this is Evan Guerrero.” Mason briefly rested a hand on his friend’s shoulder.<br /> It was all I could do not to gape at him, because this man was unlike any other I’d ever laid eyes on. He was well over six feet tall, with deeply tanned skin and nearly black hair cut short on the sides and left a little longer on top. The sleeves of his button-up shirt were rolled up to the elbows, revealing an array of tattoos on both arms, and I caught a peak of more ink on his chest where his shirt was left unbuttoned at the neck. Yet it still stretched tightly across his arms and chest, and there was no way to ignore how incredibly ripped he was. In fact, I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen a man this jacked in real life.<br /> I swallowed hard against the sudden, unexpectedly hot rush of attraction buzzing through my body. My stomach did a slow little flip as I stared, my heart beating double-time. I finally managed to drag my gaze from his body, though, trailing upward to take in his sharp, chiseled jaw, full lips, and straight nose. <br /> When my eyes locked on the dark depths of his own, all the air rushed from my lungs. I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. I was trapped as he stared right back at me, and I had the unsettling feeling of being watched by a rather dangerous predator.<br /> “Good morning, Ms. Bailey.” His voice was deep, slightly gravelly even, and I could practically feel it rumble through my body. A tingling awareness raced through my veins.<br /> What had I gotten myself into?<br /> <br /> Read Her Dragon Daddy Boss NOW! Free on Kindle Unlimited.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXCWCYY6/	103159961742591	Dragon Shifter Romance	https://facebook.com/Dragonshifterromance	1,527	1	742,258,330,870,165	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Dragon Shifter Romance	120205366254960327	amazon.com	NONE	image	Her Dragon Daddy Boss: A Single Dad Shifter Romance (Dragon Rebels Book 1)	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXCWCYY6/	2024-01-24 12:40	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422364335_6983141405085174_2091423267361853249_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JfzEqX09R1QAX-J5oq-&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCFMnrujDh8S1MuRkbiHt7ndAyP_CWgeDQLX5YjIYXEOQ&oe=65B6FF4E	person_profile			3	Dragon Shifter Romance	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,088	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158087}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	700726568875402	End the Tingling and Burning	🔥 Struggling with neuropathic foot pain, and stiff and sore joints? <br /> <br /> Whether your neuropathy is diabetic, chemo-induced, autoimmune, or idiopathic… tingling neuropathy can wreak havoc on your life.<br /> <br /> It’s important to do something now before it’s too late…<br /> <br /> 🌟 Embrace Freedom in 2024: FDA-Approved, Non-pharmaceutical Neuropathy Treatment in Fort Lauderdale 🌟<br /> <br /> Innate Healthcare uses breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot. <br /> <br /> Experience the only non-pharmaceutical neuropathy treatment that’s both effective and FDA approved. It’s specifically designed to quickly alleviate the discomfort of burning and tingling sensations, transforming your life into one of comfort and mobility.<br /> <br /> 🌱 Our approach not only eases your pain but also targets the root cause of neuropathy. Say goodbye to temporary fixes and hello to lasting relief.<br /> <br /> What’s Included:<br /> <br /> ✅ Neuropathy Consult<br /> ✅ Nerve Scan<br /> <br /> 🎉 Step into 2024 with newfound energy and freedom. No more restless nights or days overshadowed by foot pain.<br /> <br /> ⬇️ Click Learn More<br /> <br /> Your path to a pain-free life is just a click away. Let’s make neuropathy a thing of the past.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.fortlauderdaleoffer.com/neuropathy	105797948415351	Fort Lauderdale Neuropathy	https://facebook.com/100069914827390	572	1	1,501,162,257,096,523	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Fort Lauderdale Neuropathy	120203188735450680	fortlauderdaleoffer.com	NONE	image	Step into a Neuropathy-Free 2024!	https://www.fortlauderdaleoffer.com/neuropathy	2024-01-24 12:05	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421830894_332966103043388_2587786361000073251_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T50J0JFMNfgAX-K_sDi&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBSROUKXy2xpXtyPcs5Cp9-1ghE-wU1QHGkFdBugzae-A&oe=65B82449	person_profile			3	Fort Lauderdale Neuropathy	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
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158,632	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158633}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	398044412681324	Last life my family kicked me out, this time I am the darling of this family	In Valerie Horton's previous life, she was the eldest daughter of the Horton family, one of the wealthiest families in Capstead. Yet, one day, her little sister went missing, and Valerie was cast out for not watching after her.<br /> From then on, Valerie had to live on her own. On her 20th birthday, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. A few months later, she died of grief.<br /> Fortunately, Valerie got to wake up in her 7-year-old self. Inside the little girl's body was a mature soul. Because of what she had gone through in her previous life, she decided to give up on gaining her family's love this time. Instead, she was determined to leave and stay away from her three brothers.<br /> With the knowledge she learned in her previous life, Valerie managed to secure a good living despite her young age.<br /> On the day she told her family that she was leaving, however, her three brothers stopped her.<br /> Kieran Horton, her eldest brother, pleaded, "Don't go, Valerie. I'll give you whatever you want as long as you stay with us."<br /> Bruce Horton, her second eldest brother, begged, "Valerie, do you have a favorite star in showbiz? I can get you his or her autograph if you stay."<br /> Tristan Horton, Bruce's twin and Valerie's youngest brother, promised, "Valerie, I'll design the most beautiful one-and-only dress for you."<br /> About her brothers' pleading, Valerie only had one reply. "Thanks. I'll pass."<br /> Only one person had firmly stood by Valerie's side. He had been secretly watched over Valerie and cleared every obstacle in her path.<br /> After Valerie left her family, he hurriedly came to her.<br /> "Do you want to stay with me?" he asked.<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 The Outcast Daughter<br /> "You have only two months left."<br /> ---<br /> Valerie Horton left the hospital with her diagnosis. She stood in the yard of the hospital idly and mocked herself inwardly, her face pale.<br /> She remembered how happy she was yesterday when she went home after work with a piece of birthday cake.<br /> The second Valerie ate the cake, she felt intense pain, as if her internal organs were twisted together. She passed out in the rented room due to the agony.<br /> She was used to feeling this pain after experiencing it for two months. At first, she was worried. Yet, she didn't go to the hospital as she thought it was nothing and she needed to save money. She had no idea it would cost her more.<br /> On her 20th birthday, Valerie received the diagnosis of a terminal illness...<br /> Despite being an optimist, she was at a loss about the shocking news.<br /> She didn't remember how she got on the bus and returned to her cheap rented room.<br /> As Valerie saw the dirty walls, she finally snapped out of her trance.<br /> She put down the diagnosis and started cleaning up quietly...<br /> "Knock, knock. Valerie, are you home?"<br /> "Yes, Susie."<br /> Valerie rubbed her red-rimmed eyes and opened the wooden door. Susie Walton, Valerie's landlady, was standing outside with a friend. She beamed when she saw Valerie.<br /> "Valerie, I'm here for the rent."<br /> "Sure. I'll transfer the money to your account now."<br /> Valerie quickly snatched her phone and made the money transfer.<br /> Susie's smile grew wider as she confirmed it on her phone.<br /> "Good. Valerie, remember to come to me if you need anything."<br /> "I know, but I don't need anything at the moment. Thank you, Susie."<br /> After a few conventional remarks, Susie left and slammed the door shut.<br /> Susie's friend immediately grabbed her arm and leaned in.<br /> "What's going on? Why would a young girl live in this kind of place? This room was just a shabby warehouse. Why did you rent it to her?"<br /> "Hey. I wasn't the one who initiated it. That girl begged me, and I had to give in. The 25 dollars is her utilities."<br /> Susie glanced at the door and leaned closer to her friend.<br /> "Well, it's a secret. Don't tell others. That girl is the outcast daughter of the Horton family."<br /> "What? The Horton family? That Horton family?"<br /> Susie hastily covered her friend's mouth.<br /> Susie thought, "I knew it. She's such a big mouth."<br /> "Quiet! Don't you remember that a daughter of the Horton family has gone missing? It's said that Mrs. Horton missed her girl so much that she lost her mind. The Horton family blamed the elder daughter for not taking good care of her sister and claimed she did it on purpose. So, they kicked her out."<br /> Susie nodded at the door, gesturing to her friend that she was talking about Valerie.<br /> They both knew how that story ended.<br /> It was the news of Capstead as one of the wealthiest families had lost a daughter and kicked out the evil elder daughter.<br /> Susie's friend frowned.<br /> "But she seems meek. I don't think she's capable of such a hideous crime."<br /> "Beats me. We're just regular citizens. How would we understand rich people's thinking? She is their daughter, yet they hate her so much. Maybe she's a love child."<br /> Although the two women were gossiping in each other's ears, they forgot how thin the door was and how loud they were.<br /> Valerie heard every word.<br /> She picked up the diagnosis, lost in her memories.<br /> She was just a teenager then. When Zoe Horton, her younger sister, made a fuss about wanting to go outside and asked Valerie to accompany her, Valerie had no choice but to sneak out of the house with her.<br /> She couldn't say no to Zoe's request.<br /> On the exact same day, Zoe went missing. Valerie searched the entire block, yet Zoe was nowhere to be found. She didn't stop walking for a second despite the blood blisters under her feet.<br /> Valerie was so afraid.<br /> She was afraid that Zoe would be in danger. And she feared her family would hate her more because of it.<br /> However, Valerie couldn't cover the news. Once the Horton family learned about Zoe's missing, they exploded with rage.<br /> "Where's Valerie? Ask her to come to my study immediately!"<br /> That night, Valerie sat on her bed in the attic. The blood blisters had broken and her feet were bleeding. Yet, the pain was nothing in comparison to her heartache.<br /> Valerie was shaking as she bit her fingernails. Full of fear, she opened the door of Reese's study.<br /> The four men of the Horton family were all inside.<br /> As the door closed, Valerie's heart sank...<br /> Little Valerie felt suffocated as she faced the endless scolding and curses. Her family never gave her a chance to explain herself.<br /> Jerking out of her trance, Valerie clenched the diagnosis. Her throbbing heartache echoed with the constant pain of her internal organs. She gasped like a fish out of water.<br /> She would never forget it.<br /> That night, Reese's gaze at her was filled with disgust.<br /> How ridiculous! She was loathed by her own father.<br /> Faced with Reese's cruelty, little Valerie had forgotten about the intense pain in her feet. She could only feel a chill down her spine.<br /> The next day, they kicked Valerie out, though her feet were hurt and there were grazes on her body.<br /> They didn't even hesitate.<br /> Later, Valerie went to an orphanage. Instead of a warm welcome, all she got were humiliation and ridicule. And they lasted even until now...<br /> Because she was the outcast daughter of the Horton family.<br /> Valerie thought if she didn't let Zoe out that day, maybe she could grow up like an ordinary child. She could go to school and find a job, even form a family...<br /> Her headache got worse as she pondered.<br /> Valerie quickly stopped herself from indulging in the negative thoughts, adjusting her breath to ease the pain.<br /> After a long time, Valerie felt the urge to cry.<br /> She covered her eyes hastily and bit her mouth as she sobbed.<br /> Valerie had tried her hardest to muffle her cries.<br /> She couldn't cry out loud.<br /> She didn't have a reason to cry her heart out.<br /> Because she couldn't start her life over by crying. It couldn't change her life, and it couldn't make her live longer.<br /> Crying would only make Valerie realize how pathetic she was.<br /> After sobbing for a few minutes, Valerie sat on the broken chair idly, ignoring the tears and snot on her face.<br /> After a while, Valerie wiped her face forcefully and took out a piece of shredded paper and a fountain pen from her stonewashed canvas bag. The pen almost ran out of ink.<br /> She froze in place before dropping the shredded paper and the fountain pen. Then she took out a new sheet of paper and a better pen from her bag. They were too precious, so Valerie was unable to bear to use them before.<br /> Switching on the light, Valerie started writing seriously...<br /> One month later, Valerie quit after getting that month's paycheck. She also canceled her lease.<br /> With a shabby backpack and all her money, Valerie did what she always wanted to do.<br /> She traveled around the country without a care.<br /> This was the last month of her life, so Valerie wanted to live for herself once...<br /> Two years later, a lumberjack in a beautiful scenic village discovered a dead body on a mountain. He immediately called the police.<br /> The government was alarmed, and reporters swarmed in the village.<br /> The reporters got the pictures of the dead body with the government's permission.<br /> The dead body was lying on the ground peacefully with her hands on her body.<br /> The police found three sheets of paper in her clothes.<br /> One was a hospital diagnosis, and one was written full of travel plans.<br /> The reporter's tears welled up as he saw the last sheet of paper. It was broken and had only one sentence in fine handwriting.<br /> "I don't need another life."<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Reborn<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's morning..."<br /> Valerie heard a gentle and kind voice.<br /> She couldn't move her boneless limbs, but her head was spinning due to the shock.<br /> Valerie thought, "What?<br /> Didn't I die? I died peacefully in a village, right?<br /> Ms. Valerie? Is this person addressing me?<br /> Why does this voice sound so familiar?"<br /> Valerie fought hard to open her heavy eyelids and blinked rapidly.<br /> She looked in the direction of the voice.<br /> Gradually, she saw a kind old man.<br /> "Jayvion?!"<br /> "Yes, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Valerie was completely awake and sat up swiftly.<br /> "Jayvion, did you save me?"<br /> "What? What are you talking about, Ms. Valerie?"<br /> Jayvion's smile dropped at Valerie's strange question. He looked at Valerie in confusion.<br /> Valerie couldn't tell if she was dreaming or not. She asked directly.<br /> "Jayvion, did you come here too?"<br /> "Ms. Valerie... I don't understand. Where should I go?"<br /> Valerie was confused too.<br /> The old man and young woman stared at each other, their gazes full of questions.<br /> Valerie got out of bed hurriedly. Her heart sank when she propped herself up on the bed.<br /> Her heart had sunk.<br /> Valerie raised her hand and examined it carefully.<br /> In disbelief, she touched her face and her body while looking around.<br /> Everything looked familiar.<br /> "Do I have to do this again in the afterlife?"<br /> Valerie was utterly shocked.<br /> Jayvion was at a loss. He knelt in front of Valerie softly with a concerned look.<br /> "Excuse me, Ms. Valerie."<br /> The old gentleman took off his white gloves and righted his gold-rimmed glasses before putting his hand on Valerie's forehead.<br /> "You're not having a fever. Ms. Valerie, are you too tired from marking the nerve-calming sachet for Mr. Kieran?"<br /> A nerve-calming sachet?<br /> The word awakened something in Valerie. Her head snapped in the direction of her shabby desk.<br /> The desk was covered with nerve-calming herbs and a semi-finished sachet. Valerie had picked those herbs and made the sachet all by herself for Kieran.<br /> A dirty full-length mirror sat beside her bed. Valerie turned and looked into the mirror.<br /> She saw a petite girl in whitish pajamas. The girl's skin and hair both had an unhealthy yellow tone.<br /> Valerie slapped herself hard on the face.<br /> Jayvion jumped at the loud noise.<br /> "No, Ms. Valerie. What's wrong? Stop hurting yourself."<br /> Valerie didn't stop and just kept on slapping herself, her eyes full of tears. She was slapping herself to vent her anger and sorrow.<br /> She was back. What was more, she was back to her younger self.<br /> Valerie thought, "Didn't I suffer enough last time? Why did fate send me back?<br /> Why me?"<br /> Valerie asked those questions over and over in her heart. Tears ran down her swollen cheeks.<br /> Jayvion stopped her by holding her wrists in an iron grip. Valerie kept her head down. Tears and snot dropped on the floor freely.<br /> Yet, she wasn't crying out loud.<br /> The only telltale signs of her emotions were her shaking shoulder and her bent back.<br /> Jayvion's eyes widened in shock. He tightened his grip in case Valerie hurt her further.<br /> His white bread shook due to his heavy breathing.<br /> For some reason, Jayvion's heart broke when he saw the tears of this malnourished little girl.<br /> "Ms. Valerie ... you can cry."<br /> After a long time, Jayvion breathed. His gentle tone made Valerie feel better and gradually calmed down.<br /> She thought, "Fine. So I'm back.<br /> Life goes on."<br /> Finally, Valerie calmed herself and looked up at Jayvion shyly. Jayvion's eyes became red-rimmed too.<br /> Valerie noticed the kindness in Jayvion's eyes. She realized that this white-haired gentleman was the only person she could count on in the Horton family.<br /> "Jayvion, I'm fine now..."<br /> Seeing that Valerie had stopped crying, Jayvion released her. He swiftly took out a handkerchief and wiped Valerie's face softly.<br /> "Good. I'll pour you a glass of water. You need that."<br /> Jayvion stood up and went to the kitchen for some hot water.<br /> He didn't dare to ask more questions as he hadn't recovered from the shock.<br /> Earlier, he sensed a great grief from Valerie. She was so desperate.<br /> Jayvion didn't want to relieve it.<br /> Jayvion turned to look at Valerie's room before shaking his head and heaving out a long breath. He blinked the tears in his eyes away and hurried to the kitchen.<br /> Valerie needed to rehydrate.<br /> Valerie stood in the middle of the room alone and looked around.<br /> The room merely had four white walls and a few old furniture.<br /> If Valerie needed to use a bathroom, she had to go outside.<br /> Valerie walked to the desk and picked up the herbs she collected. She fiddled with the poorly-made sachet.<br /> Jayvion said she made it for Kieran.<br /> Valerie snorted.<br /> Kieran was the eldest son of the Horton family and the future president of the family business.<br /> He was a 25-year-old eligible bachelor with a good look and high intelligence.<br /> In Capstead, Kieran was like a noble prince.<br /> Besides the members of the Fisher family, everyone had to please Kieran. The Fishers were exceptions because they were as noble as Kieran.<br /> But Valerie knew one thing from her previous life.<br /> To maintain the Horton family's status in Capstead...<br /> Kieran had worked all the time and had insomnia and a constant headache.<br /> His state of mind had gotten worse as he couldn't get enough sleep.<br /> But Kieran couldn't find a proper cure for his insomnia.<br /> In Valerie's previous life, she would give Kieran a glass of water with vitamin B every night to improve his sleep quality.<br /> Valerie was sure her former self had believed that Kieran had accepted her and wanted to improve their relationship by giving him the sachet.<br /> She thought, "No.<br /> Valerie.<br /> You're pathetic."<br /> Without a word, Valerie put the needles and yarns away before throwing the unfinished sachet and those herbs into the bin.<br /> She did it without any remorse.<br /> Jayvion came back with a hot water bottle.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, have a glass of water. It's good for your stomach too as you just wake up."<br /> Valerie dropped her coldness and softened up as soon as she saw Jayvion.<br /> She beamed as she looked at the kind gentleman.<br /> "Thank you, Jayvion."<br /> "You're welcome, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Jayvion fixed Valerie a glass of warm water elegantly and watched her sip the whole glass.<br /> Yet, he had been stealing glances at the bin out of the corners of his eyes.<br /> Jayvion had a lot of surprises that morning.<br /> At that moment, he was surprised that Valerie seemed to give up on getting on Kieran's good side.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 First Encounter With Kieran<br /> "Ms. Valerie, do you want to have breakfast now?"<br /> Jayvion immediately recovered and smiled at Valerie.<br /> Breakfast?<br /> Memories had returned to Valerie wave after wave. None of them were pleasant.<br /> Valerie snorted inwardly, but she put on an embarrassed face.<br /> "Jayvion, I had a nightmare last night and even jolted awake at midnight. I'm too weak to go to the dining room now. Would you please bring my breakfast here?"<br /> Valerie looked up at Jayvion with her watery eyes. Her fingers wriggled nervously where Jayvion couldn't see.<br /> Jayvion's heart softened as he saw the dark circles under Valerie's eyes.<br /> "Sure, Ms. Valerie. I'll fetch you the breakfast right away."<br /> Jayvion bowed slightly and hurried out of Valerie's room.<br /> As soon as Jayvion left her sight, Valerie dashed toward her tacky bedside table and checked the calendar.<br /> "20...16. I was kicked out when I was 13. I'm 7 years old now. I have six years left."<br /> Valerie murmured.<br /> Soon, she frowned in frustration.<br /> Six years?<br /> Valerie thought, "I have to stay here for another six years?"<br /> As Valerie remembered her family's dismissive attitude, she felt she couldn't stay in this house for one more second.<br /> The crease between her brows deepened as Valerie's mind was a mess at the moment.<br /> She was trying to remember the significant events in those years.<br /> Yet, she was swarmed by all her old memories.<br /> She couldn't think clearly.<br /> Valerie thought, "Forget it.<br /> That's it.<br /> I'll try to jot something down after breakfast."<br /> Valerie followed her heart.<br /> She returned to bed.<br /> She folded her hands on her stomach and slowly reminisced about the significant events she could remember.<br /> Valerie waited patiently for Jayvion.<br /> On the other hand, Jayvion was upset after fetching breakfast from the kitchen.<br /> When Jayvion walked past them to the kitchen for Valerie's breakfast, either Reese or Reyna asked him about Valerie. Their sole focus was on Zoe.<br /> They were looking at Zoe with so much love.<br /> Kieran was having breakfast elegantly and putting food on Zoe's plate too.<br /> Jayvion watched them for a while before turning around.<br /> He let out a long sigh.<br /> "What's wrong, Mr. Bowman?"<br /> "Nothing. Go back to your duty."<br /> The kitchen staff was shocked by Jayvion's sigh.<br /> One of them couldn't help but look up and ask Jayvion the question.<br /> After getting Valerie's breakfast, Jayvion went straight to her room.<br /> Jayvion didn't think he would stand to stay in the dining room at the moment.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, breakfast is here."<br /> Jayvion collected his emotions and walked inside.<br /> He saw Valerie sleeping peacefully on her bed.<br /> She was so petite that she was almost the same size as Zoe, who was only five.<br /> Valerie was even thinner.<br /> She was lying on her bed rigidly with her hands on her stomach. The dark circle clearly showed that Valerie didn't get much sleep last night.<br /> Jayvion bathed his breath as he contemplated how to put down the tray in his hands without waking up Valerie.<br /> In the end, Jayvion walked over and gently pulled the comforter over Valerie, wanting her to get some rest.<br /> Maybe she exhausted her energy with her reborn. Valerie slept all day and it was past 6 p.m. when she woke up again.<br /> The room was in the dark and she couldn't hear any sound outside.<br /> Her stomach started grumbling, so Valerie had to get up and go to the kitchen.<br /> She dragged her feet and wandered in the dark.<br /> The kitchen was empty. Valerie thought it was because Reese and Reyna took Zoe out for dinner.<br /> She perked up immediately.<br /> Valerie thought, "How wonderful. I was wondering how to face my so-called family on the way here."<br /> Looking at the pitch-dark kitchen and dining room, Valerie was over the moon.<br /> After opening the fridge, Valerie had to get a stool to see what was inside due to her small size.<br /> There were many expensive ingredients, such as high-quality beef and caviar.<br /> Valerie ignored those ingredients completely.<br /> Her gaze directly went to the last shelf, which was full of roughage. She grabbed a corn cob and closed the fridge door.<br /> She couldn't wrap her hands around the corn cob.<br /> It was more than enough to feed her empty stomach.<br /> Valerie dragged the stool under the light switch. She struggled to climb up and switched on the light.<br /> Out of nowhere, Kieran appeared in front of her and was looking at Valerie sternly.<br /> Valerie screamed.<br /> She jumped and the corn dropped on the floor before rolling away.<br /> "What are you doing?"<br /> Kieran crossed his arms and looked at Valerie's pale face.<br /> His thick brows knitted tightly.<br /> Kieran's gaze was sharp as if he was a police officer looking at an inmate.<br /> The brother and sister stared at each other silently.<br /> Nobody spoke.<br /> Valerie looked at the corn on the floor sadly.<br /> She then looked up at Kieran grumpily.<br /> Kieran Horton, her eldest brother.<br /> Being the eldest son of the Horton family, Kieran was totally a catch.<br /> After taking over the Horton Group from Reese two years ago, Kieran had brought it and his family to a new high.<br /> That was how great Kieran was.<br /> It was said that he fired all the old corrupted employees on his first day as the president.<br /> He acted fast and didn't give other people time to react or plead.<br /> That was all Valerie knew about it. She was kicked out of the Horton family afterward and had never heard anything about the Horton family since.<br /> Maybe it was because she hadn't seen any members of her family for a long time.<br /> Valerie felt a little awkward and didn't know what to do.<br /> The only thought she had at that moment was to pick up the corn and flee.<br /> The crease between Kieran's brows deepened.<br /> "What? Can't you speak now? Why didn't you answer my question?"<br /> All awkwardness disappeared at the second Kieran talked to Valerie in that commanding tone.<br /> Valerie glanced at Kieran and said aloofly.<br /> "I'm hungry, so I came to the kitchen for food."<br /> Although Valerie answered his question, Kieran seemed angrier.<br /> As far as Kieran could remember, Valerie never dared to raise her voice to him. She was always timid and couldn't even meet eyes with him.<br /> And she always called him Kier sweetly.<br /> Last night, Valerie had warily brought tea and a midnight snack to his study.<br /> Yet, Valerie was talking to him dismissively. Her attitude could be counted as cold...<br /> Kieran dropped his arms and squinted as Valerie picked up the corn.<br /> For some reason, Kieran was upset.<br /> "Watch your tone. Where's your manners?"<br /> Valerie paused from wiping the corn clean.<br /> Valerie turned and the light was coming from her back. Kieran was standing there with his hands in his pockets.<br /> When she came back, she thought she could face the Hortons peacefully.<br /> Yet, when they repeated their ignorance and rudeness, the pain didn't lessen. Valerie still felt a stab in her heart.<br /> The 7-year-old Valerie pressed her lips into a thin line and tried her hardest to adjust her breathing so that she wouldn't break down in front of Kieran.<br /> Manners?<br /> Valerie didn't think they deserved her politeness.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Valerie Is Rebellious<br /> They were at a stalemate in the kitchen.<br /> Kieran's patience was wearing thin. He didn't have time to eat lunch earlier because of work.<br /> Now, because of Valerie, who seemed to be in a bad mood, he had a headache.<br /> "I will go and cook corn."<br /> After that, Valerie went straight to the kitchen, not wanting to talk to Kieran again.<br /> For some reason, anger suddenly rose inside Kieran, and his tone became serious.<br /> "Valerie, you are trying to provoke me?"<br /> This was an affirmative sentence.<br /> Valerie, who brought a chair to the kitchen, trembled all over.<br /> She had just returned, and her fear of Kieran hadn't completely dissipated.<br /> Hearing Kieran's angry questioning, Valerie panicked and wanted to turn around and explain to Kieran.<br /> She tightly gripped the corn cob and crushed a few grains.<br /> Valerie forced herself to calm down.<br /> She took a deep breath and turned to face Kieran.<br /> "No, I'm just hungry, so I want to cook corn for myself."<br /> Just like before, Valerie was indifferent and distant, as if she was deliberately keeping a distance from Kieran, which annoyed Kieran.<br /> He wanted to say something to Valerie. Then he met Valerie's watery big eyes.<br /> This was the first time Kieran had looked at Valerie seriously.<br /> She had dry and somewhat yellowish hair, slightly ginger-colored skin, and a thin figure. She wore the pajamas that Zoe didn't want, which had already faded from washing.<br /> The shocking sight silenced Kieran. He could only watch Valerie skillfully pick up the pressure cooker, pour water into it, and put in the corn cob.<br /> Valerie easily turned on the gas stove, waiting for the pressure cooker to make a hissing sound.<br /> The kitchen once again fell into an awkward situation.<br /> "Just corn? There are still plenty of ingredients in the refrigerator. You can call Jayvion to help you. You are now cooking by yourself. Do you feel that we've mistreated you?"<br /> Kieran looked at her and asked in a deep voice. Valerie was so skinny that her spines were prominent.<br /> Valerie turned around and calmly glanced at Kieran.<br /> "I'm just hungry and want to have something to eat."<br /> Valerie didn't want to say anything else. The more she explained, the messier it became. Valerie didn't care what Kieran would think about her.<br /> The pressure cooker started to rumble. The harsh sound relieved the awkward atmosphere a little bit.<br /> In the dim light, Kieran looked at Valerie's weak figure, feeling a bit dazed.<br /> His heart missed a beat as if it wanted to burst out of his body and block his breath, marking it a bit unbearable.<br /> Kieran inexplicably approached, wanting to touch Valerie.<br /> Valerie was different now.<br /> She was so unfamiliar.<br /> Valerie was elusive, ready to disappear before Kieran...<br /> Hiss...<br /> Valerie removed the valve of the pressure cooker, releasing the gas inside.<br /> This sound made Kieran snap back to reality, and he looked at Valerie strangely. He then picked up his cup and brewed a cup of coffee before returning to his study.<br /> In the gloomy room, Kieran was unable to focus on his work at all. He rubbed his furrowed brows and took out his phone to call Jayvion.<br /> "Jayvion, come and make dinner."<br /> "Okay, Mr. Kieran. What would you like to eat?"<br /> "It's not for me. It's for the young lady."<br /> The young lady?<br /> Jayvion was a bit confused.<br /> Zoe went out for dinner with her parents, so this young lady should be Valerie.<br /> Although Jayvion didn't understand why Kieran would care for Kieran, Jayvion was in a much better mood.<br /> "Understood, Mr. Kieran. I will prepare the meal and deliver it to Ms. Valerie's room. What would you like to eat?"<br /> "I don't need anything."<br /> After hanging up, Kieran finally calmed down. He opened his laptop and got down to work.<br /> Valerie had a corn cob in her hand. She nibbled on it as she entered her room. She hadn't eaten all day, so the taste of the corn in her hand was especially sweet.<br /> Just as Valerie entered her room and had only eaten half of the corn cob, Jayvion came inside with a smile, carrying a tray of food for Valerie.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to prepare dinner for you. Why are you eating raw corn? If you are hungry, you can let me cook for you!"<br /> Jayvion quickly put down the food tray and snatched the corn cob from Valerie's hand without waiting for her to explain.<br /> Concern filled Jayvion's eyes as he looked at Valerie. He took out his phone, intending to call the family doctor.<br /> It wasn't until the fragrant aroma and sweetness of the corn filled Jayvion's nostrils that he calmed down.<br /> "Hmm? It was cooked?"<br /> Doubtful, Jayvion broke off a grain of corn cob and put it in his mouth.<br /> It was cooked.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, what did you use to cook it?"<br /> "A pressure cooker."<br /> "Hiss..."<br /> Jayvion gasped in fear.<br /> The fact that Valerie cooked corn with a pressure cooker was even scarier than her eating raw corn.<br /> "Did you make it by yourself? Did you get hurt?"<br /> Jayvion was truly flustered and checked Valerie for any signs of injury.<br /> There was no trace of injury at all.<br /> Jayvion wondered, "This is strange. When did Ms. Valerie learn how to use a pressure cooker?"<br /> "Ms. Valerie, if you're hungry, just come tell me. Using a pressure cooker is too dangerous for you."<br /> "I understand, Jayvion."<br /> Valerie looked at Jayvion, her eyes filled with warmth.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to cook dinner for you. Please eat."<br /> Valerie looked at the delicious dinner on the table, went up, and took the corn from Jayvion's hand.<br /> "Jayvion, I'm almost finished with the corn cob. You can just take the dishes back. This one piece is enough to fill me up."<br /> "But, Ms. Valerie..."<br /> Kieran especially had Jayvion prepare the dinner.<br /> Remembering Valerie's hunched back in the morning, Jayvion chose to stay silent.<br /> He could only take the dinner back to Kieran's study.<br /> "Mr. Kieran, Ms. Valerie said she was full from the corn and asked me to bring the dinner to you..."<br /> Kieran's face darkened immediately.<br /> The dishes on the table looked appetizing.<br /> Yet, he had no appetite at all.<br /> He wondered, "What did Valerie mean by this?<br /> Is she being rebellious at this age?<br /> Does she try to use this method to gain attention from the family?"<br /> Valerie was so well-behaved last night. She served Kieran milk and late-night snacks.<br /> But today, she started throwing tantrums.<br /> Clearly, Zoe was the only sensible one!<br /> "I see, Jayvion. You can have this dinner with others. I don't need it anymore. From now on, there's no need to inform me about anything related to Valerie. You may leave now."<br /> "Yes..."<br /> Jayvion left the study with dinner and shook his head helplessly.<br /> Why were both Valerie and Kieran so stubborn?<br /> But the Horton family wasn't friendly toward Valerie.<br /> Ever since Zoe was born, everyone's attention had been focused solely on her.<br /> At the age of two, Valerie had to learn to read people's expressions and act accordingly. She could not be willful or throw a tantrum to please her family.<br /> If one day, Valerie secretly ran away from home...<br /> They might not even notice it!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5 Alienation<br /> Valerie nibbled the corn cob while thinking about what would happen in the coming years.<br /> With her immature hands, she wrote on the blank paper she had gotten from Jayvion.<br /> "At the age of 7, Galen Fisher, who was once a general, retired and let his eldest grandson join the military for further education.<br /> "At the age of 8, people started paying attention to short videos. I can start from here...<br /> "At the age of 9, Zoe entered a prestigious school, but there were not enough spots, so they sent me to a public school.<br /> "At the age of 10, there was a flood in the coastal area during the summer, submerging a city. How much money did the Horton family donate? Well, it doesn't matter to me..."<br /> ---<br /> Valerie vaguely remembered the most memorable things from her past, but there were things she couldn't recall<br /> Valerie gave up thinking about it.<br /> The blank paper was not filled up.<br /> Valerie sighed with regret.<br /> In her previous life, she always wanted to improve her relationship with her family and didn't pay much attention to the outside world.<br /> Valerie just heard something major.<br /> She regretted it!<br /> Valerie thought, "Well, I will just wait and see. The only thing I can do is focus on short videos and see if I can develop something from them.<br /> Even if I fail, it doesn't matter. I have done a lot of jobs before."<br /> Valerie once even lived in a shack that cost 25 dollars. This was no big issue.<br /> After washing up, Valerie lay in bed. She carefully folded the paper and placed it under her pillow before falling into a deep sleep.<br /> Late at night, the study room in the Horton's house was still brightly lit.<br /> Kieran rubbed his weary eyes and habitually reached out to grab something next to him.<br /> But he got nothing.<br /> "Kieran, the milk is good for your sleep. You didn't eat much. It's a midnight snack prepared for you. Don't work too hard."<br /> Valerie's obedient look appeared in his mind.<br /> Kieran gazed at Valerie today in the kitchen and noticed that the dark circles under her eyes became apparent.<br /> Since when did Valerie insist on bringing him midnight snacks?<br /> Kieran remembered that after taking the business from his father, a cup of milk would always be next to him.<br /> It had been more than three years...<br /> How old Valerie was?<br /> Kieran's hand on the cup trembled. He habitually furrowed his brows, and the temples throbbed, causing his head to ache uncomfortably.<br /> Kieran had just calmed down, but now he felt restless again. His head throbbed.<br /> Kieran habitually furrowed his brows, and the temples throbbed, causing his head to ache.<br /> Kieran reached out and massaged his throbbing temples, recalling the massages that used to relax him.<br /> Valerie would gently massage his temples to relieve his headache.<br /> As Kieran groggily opened his eyes, he was startled.<br /> The one who had been taking care of him was always Valerie.<br /> But today's Valerie seemed so unfamiliar...<br /> Kieran contemplated for a while in the chair...<br /> The next morning, at half past five...<br /> Valerie opened her heavy eyelids and quickly blinked to wake herself up.<br /> She didn't want to have breakfast with her family. At this time, Jayvion and other staff would be preparing breakfast<br /> Valerie walked into the kitchen with a cheerful smile.<br /> Then she saw who was in the dining room.<br /> Valerie froze in shock.<br /> Should she walk in or not?<br /> Reese, who was sitting in the main seat, had already seen her.<br /> Reese, who was sitting in the main seat, had already seen Valerie.<br /> Sighing deeply in heart, Valerie chose to walk in.<br /> "Good morning."<br /> Valerie politely greeted her father, who seldom talked with her. Then she obediently sat down.<br /> Reese's eyebrows instantly furrowed.<br /> "Valerie."<br /> "Yes?"<br /> Valerie looked at Reese with confusion. She knew this tone too well. It was Reese's way of expressing dissatisfaction, with a slight rise in his tone at the end.<br /> But Valerie couldn't understand what Reese was dissatisfied with.<br /> Reese saw her clear, puzzled eyes and choked on his words.<br /> Reese's brows furrowed tighter.<br /> If Reese hadn't seen his daughter this morning, Reese might not have remembered that he failed to see Valerie all day yesterday.<br /> Valerie's attitude today was incredibly stiff.<br /> She didn't call Reese "Dad" as usual.<br /> Although Valerie was bold enough to stare back at Reese, a growing distance was forming between them.<br /> What was wrong with Valerie?<br /> At such a young age, did she want to turn against her own biological father and stay away from him?<br /> Valerie was young but hot-tempered.<br /> That was the first thing that came to Reese's mind.<br /> The same thought crossed Kieran's mind as well.<br /> In his mind, Reese compared Valerie and Zoe.<br /> The dissatisfaction towards Valerie was even deeper.<br /> "Why are you up so early? What are you going to do?"<br /> "Nothing. I'm just hungry, so I got up early and want to eat something."<br /> "Hungry? Did you wake up at the same time yesterday morning? You must have been hungry at noon yesterday. Why didn't you come out for lunch?"<br /> The questioning and blaming words caused Valerie to lose all appetite.<br /> All she wanted now was to jump down and go straight back to her room.<br /> "I was resting at noon yesterday, and I've been sleeping a little late recently."<br /> "Why did you stay up late? Did you send snacks to Kieran?"<br /> "Yeah, I couldn't hold on anymore, so I stopped last night."<br /> Reese's eyebrows relaxed slightly.<br /> "Alright, that's my good girl. You need to learn from Zoe. Sleep and wake up early. Also, when you see your elders, greet them properly and address them respectfully."<br /> Valerie glanced at Reese.<br /> She had been used to it.<br /> It was the same yesterday and today.<br /> The Horton family only cared about Zoe.<br /> Sometimes, Valerie even doubted whether she was truly related to Reese by blood.<br /> But Valerie looked very much like her late grandfather.<br /> So, she was a member of the Horton family. That was for sure.<br /> But ever since the sickly Zoe was born, she stole all the attention from everyone in the family.<br /> The two-year-old Valerie had her moments of tantrums.<br /> When did she become like this?<br /> Valerie was humble and concerned about their opinions.<br /> Was it because of Reese's reproach and the criticism from her three older brothers? Or was it because of her mother's accusatory gaze?<br /> All signs indicated that Valerie was a bad child.<br /> So, she suppressed her childish temper and whims, starting to think about her family and do things for them.<br /> Though it had great effects, Valerie was gradually being ignored.<br /> "Valerie, your hair clip is something your sister likes. Give it to her, and I will purchase you another one next time."<br /> "Okay, Mom, here you go."<br /> Then Valerie's mom forgot, but Valerie couldn't say anything, or else her mom would get angry.<br /> "Valerie, your room is bigger. Zoe is in poor health, and her current room is a bit small with poor air circulation. Can you let her have your room for now? Dad will arrange a bigger room for you later."<br /> "Yeah, it's okay, Dad."<br /> Now Zoe occupied two rooms, while Valerie still lived in the storage room hastily arranged at the beginning.<br /> The more Valerie thought about it, the colder she felt in her heart.<br /> There was nothing left for her to defend or communicate with the Horton family.<br /> Valerie turned around to look at Reese and exhaled slightly.<br /> "Understood, father."<br /> The word "father" pierced Reese's heart like a sharp sword.<br /> Reese instantly looked up from the newspaper.<br /> He met Valerie's calm and distant gaze...<br /> <br /> Chapter 6 Send Her to School<br /> Reese's pupils trembled slightly, and his mouth unconsciously opened.<br /> He found it hard to breathe.<br /> Father?<br /> Valerie's expression remained unchanged.<br /> Her eyes were clear and bright, but cold.<br /> In the depths of her eyes, there was no sign of Reese.<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> "Yes, father."<br /> Reese's voice was low.<br /> Valerie did not flinch. She looked straight at Reese. Slowly and steadily, she called out "Father", which made Reese's heart ache a bit.<br /> "Dad!"<br /> Reese recalled the soft voice when Valerie called him "Dad".<br /> What expression did she have when she called Reese "Dad"?<br /> The sound of a cup forcefully hitting the table startled Valerie.<br /> She looked at Reese in confusion, whose cheeks flushed in anger.<br /> "I told you to address elders properly. So, you deliberately did so to annoy me, didn't you?"<br /> "Cannot I call you 'Father'? Isn't that a more respectful way of addressing an elder?"<br /> Reese was furious.<br /> He wondered, "What is going on?<br /> "What happened to Valerie?<br /> "She keeps her distance from me. What does she want?"<br /> Ah?<br /> "What are you doing?"<br /> Kieran, who had not slept well last night, entered the dining room and immediately sensed the strange atmosphere.<br /> Reese's rationality was brought back by Kieran's voice.<br /> "Kieran, you come at the right time. Look at Valerie. Her character has changed! She's even contradicting us!"<br /> Reese angrily pointed his finger at Valerie.<br /> Kieran's brow twitched.<br /> He had seen the way Valerie was even before his father did.<br /> After Reese accused Valerie, the three sat awkwardly in the dining room.<br /> Valerie had lost her appetite.<br /> She just wanted to go back.<br /> And she did just as she thought.<br /> "I'm leaving first. I'll come back later."<br /> "Wait! Is this how you should behave?"<br /> Reese stood up abruptly, stopping Valerie from leaving.<br /> Valerie's brow finally moved.<br /> "Father, is there anything else?"<br /> Now it was Kieran's turn to widen his eyes.<br /> "Father..."<br /> Kieran mumbled to himself.<br /> A trace of gloominess appeared in Kieran's sharp gaze.<br /> "Valerie, let's have a proper conversation today. Dad is also here. If you have any grievances, you can talk to us and explain why you did this."<br /> Kieran pulled out a chair, crossed his arms on the table, and examined Valerie.<br /> Reese also sat down. He propped his elbows on the table with his hands on his chin.<br /> Both of them had no intention of having a good conversation.<br /> What grievances?<br /> If Valerie told them, they would always have a bunch of excuses to retort.<br /> The men of the Horton family never allowed themselves to be in the wrong.<br /> When Valerie was five or six years old, she argued with them.<br /> What she got in return was their increased dislike and reproach.<br /> Valerie clenched her teeth, placed her hands on her legs, and tightened her fists. She lowered her head, refusing to look at them.<br /> "Speak. Everyone is busy. We all have things to do in a while, so there's no obligation to indulge your temper. If you have any dissatisfaction, just say it directly."<br /> Kieran's volume gradually increased.<br /> Valerie's heart pounded with disappointment.<br /> Dissatisfaction? She dared not have any dissatisfaction.<br /> Having dissatisfaction implied that Valerie held a glimmer of hope for them.<br /> Valerie lifted her head and stared directly at the two men who were looking at her coldly.<br /> "Kieran, Father, I have no dissatisfaction. I just did things that I thought were proper. Do I need to be criticized for it?<br /> "When Father saw me in the morning, I greeted him, but he said I should address him respectfully like Zoe, and show respect to my elders.<br /> "I just called him 'Father'. Isn't that a respectful term?<br /> " Father, why are you angry? You even encouraged Kieran to criticize me.<br /> "I don't understand. It seems like no matter what I do, you will accuse me.<br /> "Is what I've done not enough?<br /> "I've given everything to Zoe that she likes, such as jewelry and my room. I've given them to her.<br /> "You told me to eat by myself, not to trouble everyone. I've learned to do it and won't trouble you anymore.<br /> "I just had breakfast early. Do I have to accept your criticism for that too?"<br /> Valerie's expression didn't show as much anger or sorrow as expected, as if she were telling a story.<br /> The pace was slow, and the tone was distant.<br /> The two men sitting across from each other didn't know how to respond at all.<br /> If Valerie cried and made a fuss like before...<br /> Crying and marking a fuss?<br /> Reese's heart missed a beat.<br /> When was the last time Valerie made a scene in front of him?<br /> And what about the room she mentioned?<br /> Zoe was in poor health, and Valerie's room was big, so Reese asked Valerie to give the room to Zoe...<br /> Where was Valerie living now?<br /> Zoe's previous room had been turned into a dressing room.<br /> Where was Valerie living now?<br /> Reality made Reese's heart throb directly.<br /> A chill surged through him.<br /> Even Reese's toes began to feel cold.<br /> Kieran glanced at Reese, observing his expression.<br /> Reese's pupils contracted as he looked at Valerie.<br /> It seemed that he thought of something.<br /> But Kieran did not soften his attitude.<br /> Zoe was in poor health, and Valerie's room was big, with good air circulation.<br /> Why not just let Zoe have it?<br /> The Horton's house had so many rooms. They could arrange one for her.<br /> Valerie was so small. How much space did she need?<br /> Even the way Valerie addressed Kieran had changed from "Kier" to "Kieran," just like her addressing Reese.<br /> Valerie was willful.<br /> Kieran's mind raced at high speed.<br /> He wanted to see if there was any way to change Valerie, who was stubborn.<br /> Out of the corner of his eyes, Kieran noticed the newspaper in Reese's hands.<br /> A spark of inspiration flashed in Kieran's mind!<br /> "You should be around 7 years old this year, right? It's time for you to go to elementary school."<br /> Hmm?<br /> Valerie looked up at Kieran with a puzzled expression.<br /> In Valerie's previous life, she wouldn't be thought of until two years later before she was sent to a public elementary school.<br /> Did this trigger the butterfly effect?<br /> A wave of shock rose inside her.<br /> Valerie quickly calmed down.<br /> It didn't matter if she went early or late. Anyway, it was a public school.<br /> It was time for Valerie to go to elementary school.<br /> In that case, she had to thank Kieran. He reminded Reese to send Valerie to school.<br /> "Yeah, school! That prestigious international school still recruits students. I'll go and see if there are any spots left."<br /> Still in a daze, Reese heard Kieran mention elementary school.<br /> His mind cleared up instantly.<br /> Reese didn't even bother to have breakfast. He walked straight to the study.<br /> There shouldn't be excitement.<br /> It was more like that Reese was escaping.<br /> Reese didn't want to admit it, and he didn't want to face Valerie.<br /> Reese would help Valerie get into a prestigious school...<br /> Only by doing so could he relieve his sense of guilt.<br /> With that thought in mind, Reese quickly dealt with the matter of enrolling Valerie in the prestigious school.<br /> The two men planned which school Valerie should go to, each engrossed in their own thoughts.<br /> Kieran used work as an excuse and left after marking a cup of coffee. He had nothing more to say to Valerie.<br /> Valerie was left alone in the kitchen, with her eyes wide open.<br /> Wasn't it supposed to be a public elementary school?<br /> <br /> Chapter 7 Enrollment (1)<br /> Valerie stayed in the dining room for a while before coming back to her senses.<br /> It didn't matter. Anywhere was fine.<br /> But she needed two things...<br /> Valerie would talk to Kieran about it. If it was not possible, she wouldn't go.<br /> With a determined mind, Valerie finished her breakfast and went straight to Kieran's study.<br /> There was a knock at the door.<br /> "Come in."<br /> Kieran gently opened the door of his study.<br /> Valerie's mind went blank for a moment.<br /> It had been so long since she last saw this study.<br /> Valerie shook her head, and then she looked up at Kieran, who was organizing his clothes, ready to go out.<br /> "Kieran, I have something to discuss with you."<br /> Kieran's expression immediately became impatient.<br /> "Just get to the point! Besides not wanting to go to school, everything else is negotiable."<br /> Valerie shrugged her shoulders. She wanted to go to school so that she wouldn't have to face them all day long.<br /> Valerie cleared her throat. "I want to borrow some money to purchase a cellphone and a laptop. I will repay you."<br /> The study fell into silence<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> Kieran felt a strange atmosphere.<br /> His sister borrowed money from him and promised to pay him back.<br /> Kieran put aside the issue of borrowing money for now.<br /> Didn't Valerie have a cellphone?<br /> Zoe had the latest tablet and cellphone. As long as there were new arrivals, Reese would purchase them for her.<br /> Kieran thought Valerie would be able to get from Zoe's spoils and had a laptop or cellphone.<br /> But it seemed not.<br /> Due to Reese's reaction just now, Kieran paid more attention.<br /> "I will purchase them for you. Our family doesn't need to borrow money to purchase such things."<br /> His remark was directed at Valerie.<br /> Valerie obediently nodded, but she would pay Kieran back.<br /> She didn't want to owe them.<br /> Kieran agreed, and Valerie politely bid farewell to him.<br /> She left the study without looking back.<br /> "..."<br /> Kieran's brows furrowed tightly.<br /> But Valerie had left the study. He suppressed his dissatisfaction and went out to work.<br /> As he came to the door, there happened to be a maid walking out with garbage bags.<br /> Kieran, who was adjusting his tie, caught a whiff of lavender fragrance.<br /> He turned around and gazed at one of the bags that looked different from the others.<br /> Kieran thought it was just an empty garbage bag.<br /> But inside it was an unfinished sachet and some dried lavender flowers.<br /> It was thrown away by Valerie.<br /> Kieran froze at the door for a moment.<br /> He had never seen this thing before, and Valerie never told him that she would make a sachet for him.<br /> But Kieran was certain that it was thrown away by Valerie.<br /> "Mr. Kieran?"<br /> The driver at the door found it was about to be late for work, so he called out to Kieran with a puzzled look on his face.<br /> "Well, let's go."<br /> Kieran got into the luxury car and left the Horton's place.<br /> The maid who was cleaning up brought out the bags from other rooms.<br /> She looked at the flattened garbage bag.<br /> Her eyes widened in shock.<br /> "Ah? Where are the sachet and flowers inside this bag? Did I lose them? This is too bad. Where are they?"<br /> The nervous maid searched all day to preserve her position, but she did not know these two items were in a drawer in Kieran's office.<br /> After leaving Kieran's study, Valerie started wandering around the Horton's place.<br /> Even in her past life, Valerie wasn't familiar with the layout of the house. She just knew everyone's rooms, the dining room, and the small garden, but she didn't touch anything else.<br /> How foolish!<br /> Valerie sneered.<br /> She started wandering around the manor.<br /> As Valerie reached the garden, she heard the pleasant laughter of a child.<br /> Valerie looked towards the garden.<br /> The sunlight shone brilliantly in this beautiful garden.<br /> Zoe sat on the swing specially made for her by her parents, with her mother pushing her from behind.<br /> Zoe swung higher and higher.<br /> Both of them were laughing happily.<br /> Zoe's tender but pale face was bathed in sunlight. She appeared to be fragile.<br /> Yet, Zoe was incredibly beautiful.<br /> Valerie found the scene so hurtful.<br /> The throbbing in Valerie's heart made her fingertips start to ache.<br /> She quickly reached out to rub her fingers and heart, trying to alleviate the pain.<br /> Under the sunlight, Zoe formed a stark contrast with Valerie in the dark room.<br /> After a while, Valerie quietly left, no longer continuing to look at them.<br /> "Hmm?"<br /> Reyna, who was feeding Zoe water, suddenly felt a shock.<br /> She lifted her head abruptly and looked towards the window where Valerie had just stood.<br /> Reyna placed her right hand on her body and took slow breaths.<br /> For a moment, she felt a strange sensation, but more importantly, she felt that something important was moving away from her.<br /> "Mom, what's wrong?"<br /> Zoe tilted her head and looked at Reyna, with a hair clip on her hair that Valerie liked the most.<br /> "Oh, nothing. I just spaced out for a moment."<br /> Zoe's voice eased Reyna's mind a bit.<br /> Putting aside the momentary discomfort she felt, Reyna happily played with Zoe.<br /> Not long after Valerie indifferently returned to the room, there was a knock on the door.<br /> It was Jayvion. He was holding the phone and laptop that Valerie mentioned to Kieran in the morning.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, Mr. Kieran asked me to give you the phone and laptop. Let me activate them for you."<br /> Jayvion knelt down on one knee and made eye contact with Valerie. He carefully explained how to use the phone.<br /> "Thank you, Jayvion. I watched how Kieran turned on and off the computer and operated the phone. So, you can rest assured."<br /> Jayvion looked at Valerie strangely. Valerie took the phone and laptop from him.<br /> With a series of actions, she left Jayvion speechless.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's good that you know how to use them. If there's anything you don't know or if they get damaged, just let me know, and I will send someone to repair them for you."<br /> "Yes, thank you, Jayvion! I will be careful!"<br /> Jayvion looked kindly at Valerie, who had her eyes on the phone, stood up, and bent slightly towards her.<br /> "Congratulations on starting school, Ms. Valerie."<br /> Valerie suddenly looked up. Jayvion was smiling kindly and sincerely gave her best wishes.<br /> Uncontrollably, Valerie's nose twitched, and tears filled her eyes.<br /> She bit her back teeth hard, not letting herself cry.<br /> At the sight of Valerie's teary eyes, Jayvion felt sorry for her.<br /> Jayvion was advanced in age. And Valerie's eyes were pure enough to soften his heart.<br /> Jayvion admitted that he could not be indifferent to Valerie.<br /> Valerie was a pitiful girl.<br /> So, Jayvion had sympathy for her.<br /> <br /> Chapter 8 Enrollment (2)<br /> "Ms. Valerie, it's going to get better."<br /> Jayvion spoke straightforwardly.<br /> He felt that Valerie was not thinking like a mediocre child.<br /> Jayvion believed the precocious and sensible Valerie would understand what he meant.<br /> He was right.<br /> Valerie nodded, quickly wiped her eyes, and once again looked at Jayvion with a smile.<br /> Seeing Valerie like this made Jayvion's heart ache even more.<br /> He let out a long sigh.<br /> Jayvion rubbed Valerie's head.<br /> "Ms. Valerie, I'll go get your lunch. Please wait a moment."<br /> Jayvion adjusted his mood and returned to his usual work state. He respectfully bowed to Valerie before he turned away to get her lunch.<br /> Valerie's attention was immediately back on her cell phone and laptop.<br /> She rummaged through her shopping bag to see the invoice inside.<br /> As she expected, there was no invoice at all.<br /> Kieran had prejudged her reaction.<br /> The invoice was delivered to Kieran immediately after the purchase.<br /> Valerie froze for a moment.<br /> Hastily grabbing her phone, she downloaded eBay and scanned the laptop.<br /> Moving closer to the screen, she squinted and counted carefully.<br /> She gasped at the price.<br /> Seeing the price clearly, Valerie moved backward.<br /> Uncertain, she counted it again...<br /> She could not believe it.<br /> She was thousands of dollars in loan at such a young age.<br /> Valerie was suddenly desperate.<br /> Hanging her head down, she opened her laptop and downloaded software to edit short videos.<br /> Valerie, who was still gloomy, adjusted her mind, clicked on the software, and tried the functions inside.<br /> On her cell phone, she also downloaded an app that would be a worldwide hit in the future.<br /> Valerie set a firm goal in her heart.<br /> She squinted her eyes like a little old man and worked hard to get familiar with the software.<br /> ---<br /> The next morning, Valerie opened her eyes in a daze.<br /> She was awakened by Jayvion's knock on the door.<br /> "Ms. Valerie! Mr. Kieran said he was going to take you to school, so you need to get up and wash up quickly now."<br /> "I see."<br /> Getting out of the covers with great difficulty, Valerie rubbed her face and forced herself to wake up.<br /> Quickly, she found her cleanest and most decent clothes from the closet and put them on.<br /> She tied her hair in a ponytail.<br /> And then she appeared in the dining room with such a brisk look.<br /> Kieran sipped his coffee as he looked at the work messages on his phone.<br /> He heard Valerie's footsteps and didn't look up at her.<br /> "Hurry up and eat. I don't have much time. We'll just meet with the principal, and then you'll be in school all day today. The school bag, stationery, and other things are ready. Carry it yourself."<br /> "Got it."<br /> The conversation between the two was stiff and brief.<br /> This bunch of words instantly made the atmosphere awkward to the extreme.<br /> The servants poked their heads out of the kitchen from time to time to look into the dining room.<br /> There were doubts in their eyes.<br /> "What's going on? Why is the relationship between Ms. Valerie and Mr. Kieran getting worse?"<br /> "Yesterday, someone working the morning shift heard Ms. Valerie arguing with Mr. Reese and Mr. Kieran in the dining room. That's why they are so awkward today."<br /> "What? Ms. Valerie had a fight with Mr. Kieran? I don't believe it."<br /> "But it's not impossible. Yesterday, when I was cleaning up the garbage in Ms. Valerie's room, I saw a sachet in her garbage can that she made for Mr. Kieran. She threw it away before it was finished."<br /> This news directly made the servants' mouths wide open.<br /> The servants witnessed Valerie doing a lot for this family.<br /> They felt sorry for Valerie, so they often helped her.<br /> The servants were confused about the situation now.<br /> They wondered if Valerie had given up on getting along with her family.<br /> Some of the soft-hearted ones were about to cry.<br /> They lifted their sleeves and wiped their eyes.<br /> Meanwhile, they sighed.<br /> "What a pitiful kid!"<br /> Valerie ate her breakfast in low spirits. She only ate one egg and drank a glass of milk. And then she jumped down from her chair and went to the living room to get her school bag.<br /> Kieran finished his last sip of coffee.<br /> After putting down his cup, he headed straight for the door.<br /> Valerie followed him, climbing into the car with some difficulties.<br /> Seeing that she hadn't closed the car door yet, Kieran turned to look at Valerie in annoyance.<br /> She was facing him and had just climbed in. She had not yet seated herself.<br /> The words of reprimand caught in his throat.<br /> This made Kieran feel particularly uncomfortable.<br /> "Move fast! Don't waste time."<br /> Valerie didn't bother to retort.<br /> After sitting upright, she reached out her short little hands and slammed the door shut with all her might.<br /> By the time she was done, Valerie was already exhausted.<br /> She now really didn't have any strength to argue with Kieran.<br /> The moment the door was closed, Kieran signaled the driver to drive away.<br /> He kept frowning.<br /> There were faint dark circles under his eyes.<br /> His head throbbed painfully.<br /> Squinting uncomfortably, he put down his cell phone and began to take a nap.<br /> Beside him, Valerie smelled of cheap shampoo.<br /> She asked Jayvion for it.<br /> But the scent gradually eased Kieran's crankiness that had lasted a whole night.<br /> It even reduced his headache.<br /> In the past, with this scent, Valerie would massage his head.<br /> At that time, her eyes were full of worry, and her hands were gentle.<br /> Even when her hands were sore, she would continue to massage Kieran until he fell asleep.<br /> Asleep?<br /> Kieran's eyes opened in an instant.<br /> He looked at Valerie, who was sitting quietly on the side.<br /> She was too thin. She hugged her schoolbag and leaned against the back of the chair.<br /> She was watching the scenery outside the window.<br /> Her clothes seemed to be the ones that Zoe had worn for some time and abandoned.<br /> Her undernourished yellow hair was nearly transparent in the sunlight.<br /> Kieran felt an unprecedented heartache.<br /> He thought, "Since when did this little one stop pouting at me?"<br /> Obviously, in the past, she would use a soft voice to ask him for what she wanted.<br /> Later, she suddenly became sensible. She served him tea and water. Because of his insomnia, she developed a sleep aid tea that suited him and even learned to massage.<br /> Kieran had a lump in his throat.<br /> Valerie was still looking out the window.<br /> The sun was shining today.<br /> She felt as if she was lying on that mountain with a stunning view in her previous life.<br /> The sky was blue, and the sunshine was warm.<br /> She couldn't help but raise a hand.<br /> Opening her palm, she wanted to touch the white clouds that floated across the blue sky.<br /> She recalled the beautiful memories before she died.<br /> "Valerie..."<br /> The moment Valerie lifted her hand, Kieran started to panic, his heart in his throat.<br /> He called Valerie's name shakily.<br /> He felt Valerie was so distant from him at that moment.<br /> His heart ached for her.<br /> Kieran thought, "Why do I still feel she is so unreal when she is right in front of me?"<br /> Kieran breathed heavily, and he reached out to touch his sister.<br /> The car came to a screeching halt.<br /> <br /> Search Book ID：2497	LEARN_MORE	https://favornovel.readlife.mobi/4bk3b4leog0.html	103168981869843	Favornovel2023	https://facebook.com/favornovel2023	723	2	911,602,613,682,408	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Favornovel2023	120204297139140435	favornovel.readlife.mobi	NONE	image		https://favornovel.readlife.mobi/4bk3b4leog0.html	2024-01-22 04:12	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421836796_742091844194213_5128681093359931129_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5xZnWos8v14AX_z_cLy&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA1-6BiLSUou-c9aOfSaCGcq85kXDxm-aJYqyFOMtwJfQ&oe=65B84933	person_profile	Favornovel2023	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421799356_1350554582269516_7163510902420230692_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=djz_vJcutDEAX92VfLL&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAHtNA6xs0-ALGuv1ugzBf3oJb3iNjyGju0fsI7FlkNzw&oe=65B8400D	3	Favornovel2023	2024-01-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,192	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158186}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	394657049771869	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Hailey Anderson is an intelligent, graceful, and elegant young lady and she is someone you need by your side when you take over the company" my father spoke trying to convince me. "But most of all, she knows how to handle family. You'll be lucky to have her."<br /> "And what if I refuse?"<br /> "Then you can peck your inheritance goodbye. And I will also pull out my shares in your company. In other words- you can't refuse"<br /> I quickly composed myself and put on my poker face not showing any emotions. So this is what he left to do? He left me in the middle of our wedding party to go and have slept with a random chick. <br /> "I don't know you and I don't plan on getting to know you either," he said. "I was forced into this marriage by my family but no one can compel me to accept you as my wife. I don't care about you or this marriage. It's meaningless. So let's stay our separate ways and carry on with our lives like we did before today. We're nothing but strangers and I plan for it to remain that way."<br /> "I'll get my things and move out tomorrow. But you better have a good explanation for your family, when they ask why."<br /> ————————<br /> Nathan Rodriguez<br /> "Marriage? Me? Why?" , I asked, in a stunned tone. "I'm not ready to get married, and that to, to a person I don't even know! I don't want an arranged marriage!" I said trying to talk them out of this simple bizarre plan.<br /> "You still have time to get to know her" my father responded. "The marriage is set for next month, so you have a whole month to court her."<br /> "So you've set my marriage without my consent? This is insane!"<br /> "Son, I'm sick of your ways" my grandfather added. "All your partying, one-night-stands and playboy attitude, is ruining our name and reputation. It's time you settled down and become more serious about life. Only then will you be taken seriously."<br /> "There has already been murmurs among the board members" my father warned. "They think you're neither capable, nor worthy enough to be CEO. The media has done nothing to improve your reputation and if this goes on we'll soon be facing a crisis. If you want to be the next CEO after me, you need to show the board and our investors, you're capable of responsibility and mature enough to run such a firm. The face of the company needs to be a strong and powerful leader, someone to look up to, an inspiration, someone people respect and take seriously. Not someone who is a regular face on frontpage of celebrity gossip or someone whose credentials are being voted sexiest man. This is corporate business not Hollywood."<br /> "You should be glad that despite it all, the Andersons have agreed to this marriage. Do you really want to ruin our friendship with them?" Grandpa chimed in.<br /> "Hailey Anderson is an intelligent, graceful and elegant young lady and she is someone you need by your side when you take over the company" my father spoke trying to convince me. "But most of all, she knows how to handle family. You'll be lucky to have her."<br /> "And what if I refuse?" I asked not really wanting to know the answer. You see, my grandfather was a ruthless man and absolutely stubborn. He had his way of getting what he wanted.<br /> "If you refuse," grandpa began, looking me dead in the eye and fixing me with a cold glare, "Then you can peck your inheritance goodbye. And I will also pull out my shares in your company. In other words- you can't refuse"<br /> Then I knew it. I was doomed to be in a loveless marriage.<br /> Hailey Anderson<br /> I was in a New York cáfe waiting for my fiancee to show up. Today was supposed to be our first 'date'<br /> Fiancee. The word seemed foreign on my tongue. I'm not the romantic sort. I don't believe in love. The only love I believe is true is the love of my family. I do believe in relationships though. I'm not exactly the, love-at-first-sight, happily-ever-after, kinda person, but I'd say marriage and starting a family has its own importance in my life albeit not my topmost priority.<br /> Two days ago my grandparents brought a proposal for me. A marriage proposal to their best friend's grandson, Nathaniel Rodriguez.<br /> Our marriage is also to bring together two great businesses. That's what it was- a business deal. But like I said earlier, I wasn't thinking about love or anything. Give me a good, understanding, trustworthy, honest and cooperative man and I'll make do. I don't want gifts and roses. Just companionship and support. I was a very independent and self made woman. I don't need my husband to push me up to great heights, just for him to be by my side when I make my way up.<br /> Nathan Rodriguez p.o.v<br /> He was in his office when he's secretary's voice sounded through the intercom.<br /> "Sir, there is a Ms Anderson on the line, wanting to talk to you. Should I put her through?"<br /> "Yes please," he replied. 'This should be fun' he thought to himself.<br /> "Ms Anderson, to what do I owe this pleasure?" I put on the charming voice when in reality, I was burning with hatred for the woman I would soon be marrying.<br /> "Pleasure? You don't say Mr. Rodriguez," her smooth and beautiful voice startled me even though it was full of annoyance. It was toned like a lady's but firm and assertive, full of authority. "I don't enjoy being stood up. Its not a gentleman's trait and not something I'd expect from someone who people speak so highly about. And its not something I'd expect from Alex's grandson either."<br /> "Ms. Anderson, I'm so sorry," I said pretending to be sorry when actually I was gritting my teeth at her audacity. "I've been so busy lately its quite possible my secretary slotted two appointments at the same time. I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience I've caused you. Please, how can I make it up to you?"<br /> "There's no need for that. Perhaps we can work out a meeting when you have time. I'll ask my secretary to get in touch with yours," she said.<br /> "That'll be great. I'll see to it that there is no error this time," I assured her.<br /> After the call ended, I called my secretary and specifically asked her that should she recieve a call from Ms Anderson's representative, she should in no way arrange a meeting. I asked her to stall, make excuses, do whatever it takes but at no cost were we meeting. I wasn't interested in her in the slightest and had no intention of going on a date with her or even making our relationship pleasant. My life had turned upside down ever since this marriage announcement and someone was going to pay.<br /> Hailey<br /> Today was the day I got married to a complete stranger. Yes I hadn't even seen my future husband in person, much less speak to him. I had tried reaching out a couple of times but there had been no response.<br /> "Oh dear! Don't you look beautiful!" Mrs. Sophia Rodriguez, Nathan's grandmother said giving me a huge hug.<br /> "Thanks, Mrs. Rodriguez" I replied politely.<br /> "Oh hush now," she said in a stern voice, "it's grandmother to you. You can call us Sophia and Alex."<br /> I gave her a bright smile. Mr. Alexander Rodriguez was standing there with a proud look on his face.<br /> "Where's that silly grandson of mine, now" he asked.<br /> "He was just here, greeting some guests" I looked around, searching for my husband, but couldn't spot him. Alex had an annoyed look on his face. He called out to someone and suddenly a man was standing before him with his head bowed I a respectful stance.<br /> "Where's my grandson, Robert?" Alex asked him in a cold voice.<br /> "He left, sir" Robert replied in a scared voice.<br /> There was anger in Alex's voice when he spoke again, "What do you mean, he left! This is his wedding for god's sake!"<br /> Not wanting the situation to escalate, or to ruin their joyful mood, I quickly stepped in.<br /> "It must have been a really important thing then," I said giving them a convincing smile "it's not like he would leave if it wasn't."<br /> I didn't know anything about him but I still said that to pacify his raging grandparents. They seemed to calm down, but oh, I was far from calm. I was internally fuming that he left me in the middle of our reception like this. Oh wait till I get home and get my hands on him.<br /> As the driver pulled up in the driveway, I took a while to admire Nathan's house. Now mine too. Not a home, but a house. It was a modern mansion and it was beautiful. Smaller than my grandparents or my parents old mansion, but more than comfortable for the two of us.<br /> Nathan's driver, Mr Taylor, who drove me here, opened the door for me as I stepped out, thanking him. The doors to the mansion opened and there stood a man in his late 50s, dressed in a suit and tie, with a wide grin on his face. He had grey eyes and a balding head, there was kindness in his eyes and he seemed to be an amiable fellow. He bowed his head as I approached.<br /> "Welcome Mrs. Rodriguez, we've been waiting for you" he said in a slight British accent. "My name is Edward John and I am the butler here."<br /> "Thank you Mr. John." I said giving him a smile, I had a feeling I was going to like him. "I'm tired and would like to rest. Would mind showing me to my room."<br /> "I understand Mam, but sir has requested your presence in his study as soon as you arrive," he said apologetically.<br /> So he was already home? I wonder why he left earlier without saying a word.<br /> "Ok. Take me to him"<br /> He led me inside and I must say the interior designer did a fantastic job on this place. The intricate designs were precise and gave the mansion an edgy modern look. The whole decor screamed money. We stopped infront of a double door and Mr John knocked twice. From the other side, I could hear sounds of ... moaning? which stopped as soon as the knock was heard. Then there came some ruffling sound, some hurried movements and after a minute or two I was starting to get impatient, and lifted my hand to knock again when I heard the deep voice of my husband say "Come in". Mr John shot me an apologetic and guilty look, which I couldn't understand, before he pushed the door open.<br /> I stepped in and was shocked by the sight in front of me. There stood my husband, leaning against a huge table and buttoning up his shirt. There was lipstick stains on his collar and before him stood a blonde girl wearing a very revealing dress, if you could call it that, and excessive makeup. She straightened her dress and leaned forward to place a lingering peck on my husband's cheek. His hand snaked around her waist as he pulled her closer.<br /> "Wait for me in my room" he told her, completely ignoring my presence in the room. "I'll be there soon, so we can continue."<br /> She gave him another quick peck, this time on the lips, and purred in a seductive tone, "don't take too long."<br /> She then walked out of the room but not before shooting me a smug look. The door closed behind her, leaving me alone with my so called husband. I quickly composed myself and put on my poker face not showing any emotions. So this is what he left to do? He left me in the middle of our wedding party to go and have sleep with a random chick? The nerve of this guy!<br /> He handed me an envelope and took a seat on the sofa and proceeded to make himself a drink. I sat down on the seat farthest from him and pulled out some papers from the envelope. I looked up at him and he motioned for me to read it. We sat there in silence as I flipped through the obscure clauses of our marriage.<br /> 1. This is a meaningless wedding and you're only my wife on paper. You have no rights over me.<br /> 2. Don't talk to me unless necessary, don't question me or my decisions.<br /> 3. You can't disclose our marriage to anyone.<br /> 4. Don't interfere in my business.<br /> 5. Never question my affairs or whoever I'm with.<br /> 6. You're free to have an affair with whoever you want.<br /> 7. Don't get pregnant with another man's child.<br /> 8. We must stay married for two years.<br /> 9. When this marriage is made public, you must accompany me to all functions and events.<br /> 10. Our families can't know of this arrangement.<br /> I was trying hard to control my rage. But if you were looking at me you would never be able to tell. I had trained myself to not let my emotions show, from early on as it is crucial for any good lawyer. I put the papers down and fixed my husband with a cold gaze. He set his glass of whiskey aside then looked up at me.<br /> "This isn't legally binding, you know," I told him.<br /> "I know," he said. "But you'll follow it all the same if you know what's good for you."<br /> "Or else?" I challenged him.<br /> "Or else there'll be consequences," he said standing up.<br /> "I don't know you and I don't plan on getting to know you either," he said. "I was forced into this marriage by my family but no one can compel me to accept you as my wife. I don't care about you or this marriage. It's meaningless. So let's stay our separate ways and carry on with our lives like we did before today. We're nothing but strangers and I plan for it to remain that way."<br /> He then paused and tried to gauge my reaction but didn't get any.<br /> "I hope everything is clear" he spoke again.<br /> "Crystal" I gritted out. It was official. I was married to a jerk.<br /> It's been more than a month now since I got married. Nathan and I haven't spoken since our wedding day when he handed me those obscene "rules". Not that I minded. In the morning, I wake up and prepare breakfast for us, even though there is an elderly maid, Marie, who is supposed to be the maid and cook. But I still make breakfast because it makes me feel good and gives me some sense of being married even though neither I nor him acknowledge it. Sometimes if I'm home early I even cook dinner. We've never had a meal together though. Nathan arrives late at night after I've eaten, and if he arrives early, he's .... preoccupied. I leave his dinner in the microwave so he can warm it up when he arrives. If we meet in the hallway, we just ignore each other.<br /> Every night he comes home with a different girl and all night long I can hear their moans and cries. But come morning there is no trace of these girls in the house. To be honest, I haven't seen him with the same girl twice. One night is strictly one night I guess. From where he gets all these girls every night is seriously beyond me. Sometimes when I can't take it, I spend the night in my penthouse in upstate NYC. And true to his word he never bothers about my whereabouts.<br /> I came home late and exhausted tonight. There was a lot of work and I even had a hearing in court, and even though I won, it was tedious with all the arguing that went on. I was physically and mentally exhausted. All I wanted now was a good night's sleep. It was around 11:30 but Nathan wasn't home yet. I ate the dinner Marie had prepared, showered, changed and by 1:30 I was in bed. But my prayers for a good sound sleep were not answered. At 2:00 I heard the front door close, which meant Nathan was home. A few minutes later I could hear him come upstairs and by the sound of the footsteps, I could tell he had company. I was listening to them make-out outside my door.<br /> Our bedrooms were adjacent, next to each other. It was a king/queen room, like typical of the olden times when the king and queen had different chambers. Hmm ... like game of thrones. Then he'd be king Robert and I'd be queen Cersei. Ew no, no I wasn't Cersei. I'd never do my own brother. Yuck. But Nathan could easily be Robert, what with all his partying, drinking and not to mention whoring.<br /> So due to our rooms being next to each other, I could hear all that was going on, and the bimbo he was with today wasn't exactly the quite type. Her screams were deafening, and I'm not even exaggerating. After tossing and turning I still couldn't fall asleep. I was really tired and couldn't sleep because of my jerk of a husband. So I got up and grabbed my phone.<br /> A mischevious grin made its way to my face. I connected my phone to the Bluetooth sound system of the mansion and put gospel music on full blast. They really need God to purify their souls. Maybe he can make them see the light. I even chanted the exorcism lines like they did in horror movies, to drive all the evil away from the other room.<br /> The moans stopped. Looks like my plan worked. See, God always wins over evil. I was about to turn the music down and go to bed, when a large bang sounded on my door. Oh-oh. I put off the music and got out of bed, grabbing a robe, I opened the door. There stood my husband, looking really really pissed. If this was a animated cartoon, there might have been smoke coming out of his ears. He stood there, wearing nothing but his boxers and I could tell they were pulled on in a hurry. My eyes trailed over his body, his hard abs and muscles. But I stopped myself from checking him out and looked at his face, only to find him ... checking me out?<br /> I looked down and .... oh! !<br /> I was wearing a red satin nightgown, that reached upto my mid thigh, and had lace on top, with spaghetti straps.<br /> I usually never wear these things at home. I only wear them when I'm out for business trips and living in hotels. In the closed confines of my room, I prefer pyjamas and baggy t-shirts. But today as I was really tired, I just grabbed the first thing that came to my hand, not really aware what I was putting on.<br /> Nathan was still pretty much eye-raping me and his gaze on me was making me uncomfortable. But I'd never let it show. I snapped my fingers in front of him to get his attention.<br /> "Hello?" I said in an annoyed tone.<br /> He snapped out and then returned to his angry self.<br /> "What's with the music"<br /> "Just felt like it" I replied giving him a smug look.<br /> "Felt like it? '' he roared, looking at me in disbelief. " It's 3:00 in the night for god's sake! "<br /> "Oh, so you do know the time. I was thinking you didn't."<br /> "Whatever's that supposed to mean" well he seems annoyed now, but still doesn't compare to my anger.<br /> "I'm trying to sleep here and you're screams are making it difficult. I couldn't sleep, so I started praying for your soul. You really do need Jesus." I told him innocently. But he was only getting more agitated.<br /> "This is my house and I will do as I please! I will scream and as loudly as I like!"<br /> I gave him the smile I give my opponent when I've got them. Because I pretty much got him here.<br /> "So sorry" I told him in a calm voice. "I'll get my things and move out tomorrow. But you better have a good explanation for your family, when they ask why."<br /> His face dropped. See, I know I have him. But in reality, I really wanted out. Living here was not really pleasant. But if I moved, then all the unnecessary questions would come, which I wouldn't be able to answer.<br /> "We'll try to be quite." He told me and turned to leave, but not without checking me out again. I had to roll my eyes at his behaviour.	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158,792	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158796}'	Yes	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	3642660036052560	This Drink Changed My Life	"Finally, something that has worked for my neuropathy. I've been using the superfood blend for 2 months now and the difference is huge. The burning numbness in my feet is almost completely gone."<br /> <br /> This is a message we got this week from one of our customers who life has changed from using our Superfood Neuropathy Blend. <br /> <br /> We are offering 45% off today and free shipping.	LEARN_MORE	https://thenervebrand.com/pages/neuropathyblend50	105070915867339	The Nerve Brand	https://facebook.com/thenervebrand	941	1	1,297,915,314,224,000	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	The Nerve Brand	120205145377240594	thenervebrand.com	NONE	image	A Superfood Blend to Help Your Neuropathy	https://thenervebrand.com/pages/neuropathyblend50	2024-01-23 15:44	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420640255_1129802924847989_192839621191640220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8k-bfS7TWFwAX8KrWON&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfAO9ADhCQA6D23-fCfvEmnLJlz57mFjNBtfLhHEmK-_Jg&oe=65B772B9	person_profile	Blake the Neuropathy Guy	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421056153_260995376877007_7355474069048397927_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eTA791lZL0cAX9BQ8_v&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfDzvm2MtoupIHhFvN8pmwDcJqi3OZWVwejFguo8TqswBg&oe=65B6F887	3	The Nerve Brand	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
158,234	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158209}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	24662495480065933	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I knew there's something between my husband and my bestie, once my bestie.<br /> “I want you, baby girl. Just you and only you. I never want you to second guess yourself or your place in my life. Halloway doesn’t matter to me like you do. You’re my number one priority, Mira. You are mine. All mine. Only mine. Don’t you ever doubt that.”<br /> “I cannot spent forever with someone who doesn’t love me. Mason.”<br /> ******** <br /> MIRA (PRESENT)<br /> My heart thuds wantonly at the thought of seeing Mason again. In the space of one year and a few months, Mason Lachlan has completely taken over every facet of my life.<br /> I am really beginning to think that New York City’s most dangerous billionaire is obsessed with me, but I can’t complain because I am just as obsessed with the hot hunk of a man.<br /> He took my life by storm and now I cannot imagine living without him. I am that far gone.<br /> We pass through the gleaming marble hallway and finally arrive at a door marked, CEO.<br /> “Wait here, miss.”<br /> I nod quietly while Darth knocks once and pulls the door open. I’m about to go through my documents for the umpteenth time when Darth reappears, his face set in hard lines.<br /> “I think we should go, miss. You can see the boss another time.”<br /> Confused, I narrow my eyes at him.<br /> “What do you mean? Why?”<br /> Darth grabs my arm, trying to steer me back into the elevator and my pulse thunders with anxiety. Something’s wrong. Darth never touches me. Something just spooked him.<br /> “Darth, what is going on?” I ask him, my voice slightly shaky.<br /> He shakes his head quickly and my worry gradually morphs into annoyance.<br /> “Well, if you’re not going to tell me, then I’ll just have to see for myself.”<br /> I try to fee myself from his grip but he holds on tighter.<br /> “You do not want to go in there, miss.”<br /> I wrench my arm free with much difficulty and March into Mason’s office with a thundering heartbeat. Before I even step in, the sounds that filter through the half open doorway has me freezing in my tracks.<br /> I hear a muffled, girly giggle, then,<br /> “Oh, Mason. Stop! You have to focus.” The owner of that voice doesn’t sound like she wants Mason to stop whatever he’s doing to her nor focus.<br /> A sharp pang slices through my heart as I listen harder. When I hear nothing for the next five seconds, I heave an angry breath and push the door open.<br /> The sight that greets me has anger shooting through my bloodstream.<br /> Standing beside Mason with her boobs nearly spilling out of the tight bodice of her top is none other than Halloway Stephens, my most dangerous rival and Mason’s self acclaimed best friend.<br /> Fuming, I take in her fingers on Mason’s arm and the lazy smile on his face and little pinpricks of jealousy pierce my already heated skin.<br /> “What t is going on here?”<br /> At the sound of my voice, Mason and Halloway come apart immediately. Upon seeing me, Halloway’s catty green eyes light like the cat that got the cream.<br /> Mason’s fiery gray gaze pins me in place by the door.<br /> “I asked a question.” I insist as I grab the door to maintain my balance.<br /> Halloway’s fingers find their way back to Mason’s shoulders and she stares me down.<br /> “Mason and I are working. Why don’t you wait until you actually get invited in.”<br /> I stare at her incredulously. The conniving bimbo.<br /> “It didn’t look like you were working when half your boobs were in his face.”<br /> Halloway opens her mouth, no doubt to reply with an aggressive come back, but Mason’s authoritative voice fills the room.<br /> “Shut up, both of you.”<br /> My body literally trembles with rage and jealousy, so I do the only logical thing that comes to mind.<br /> I walk out…or at least I try to. I don’t even get to the door when Mason’s voice stops me.<br /> “Where do you think you’re going, Mira?”<br /> I whip my head in his direction, my eyes glinting.<br /> “I’m giving you both some privacy so you can continue ‘working.’’ I retort sharply.<br /> Just then, Darth walks in and Mason spears him with a harsh glare.<br /> “Why did you let her in here without informing me first?”<br /> “Well, thank God he did!” I screech.<br /> I try to leave again but Mason thunders,<br /> “Don’t let her past that door, Darth.”<br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> To my horror, Darth moves to the office’s entrance and blocks it with his muscled body.<br /> “Who’s side are you on, Darth? Let me out right now.”<br /> Darth shakes his head.<br /> “I’m sorry, miss Fernandez. Boss’ orders.”<br /> “Well, to inferno with your boss!” .<br /> A part of me is probably aware that I’m overreacting, but I couldn’t care less at this point.<br /> While I’m still trying to argue with Darth, I sense a dark presence behind me. Before I can put out any form of resistance, a strong hand whips out and grabs my arm in a manacled grip, slamming me against a hard brick wall of a chest.<br /> A surprised shriek escapes me as Mason spins me in his arms, trapping me against him with his muscled arm bound around my waist. His beautiful grey eyes are dark and cold with annoyance, but they still manage to burn a fiery path straight to my soul.<br /> “How many times have I told you never to walk out on me, princess. How many times?” He asks, his voice a low growl.<br /> It takes me a second to distract myself from the hot column of his throat to the reason for my anger.<br /> “Let go of me, Mason.”<br /> “That will never happen. Deal with it.”<br /> I huff then proceed to try and free myself from his grip. After three minutes of futile struggling, I give up.<br /> To my absolute horror, Mason lowers his face against my neck, his hot breath against my skin playing havoc on my senses.<br /> Focus on your anger, Mira! My subconscious screams.<br /> “Always fighting.” He whispers against me. “My little hellion.”<br /> I shut my eyes against the influx of emotions that assail me, momentarily forgetting that there are people in the room until Halloway’s fake baby voice breaks through my daze.<br /> “Mason, we need to wrap up the loose ends of this deal and send it out by today. Mira can wait until this is all over.”<br /> Halloway’s voice is like a douse of cold water against my desire. I stiffen in Mason’s arms and lean away from him.<br /> “Yes, Mason. Please go back to work. I’m leaving.”<br /> “Mira…” he warns, his voice dark.<br /> “Don’t Mira me!” I snap. “You’re always the one talking about exclusivity but your so-called best friend has your attention half of the time. I’m done, Mason.”<br /> Mason’s expression becomes cold, telling me without words that I am taking this too far. I couldn’t care less.<br /> He lets go of me and steps back, his intense gaze stripping me raw.<br /> “You think I and Halloway…?”<br /> I fold my arms and look away.<br /> “It looks like it.”<br /> For a moment, he says nothing. Then his icy voice fills the room.<br /> “Everybody out. Now.”<br /> “Gladly.” I huff, about to leave.<br /> “If you take one more step towards that door, I will hump you right here, right now so you can remember who you belong to.”<br /> I freeze, my cheeks reddening in embarrassment when I see the slight smile on Darth’s face before he vacates the room.<br /> Halloway walks to Mason in her obscenely tall heels and too short formal skirt and lays a hand on his shoulder. I feel my insides boil. I will break off those hands soon. Scout’s honour.<br /> “But, Mase,” she purrs. “What about the deal?”<br /> “Work will come later.” Mason says curtly. “I have more important matters to deal with.”<br /> Yes, bimbo.<br /> “Mason, you don’t have to…”<br /> “Leave, Halloway!” Mason thunders.<br /> She steps back at his harsh tone, surprise etched on her features. Then she lifts her head, spears me with her signature Queen B icy glare and sails out of the room, almost slamming into my shoulders in the process.<br /> When we’re alone in the room once more, Mason’s hot gaze roves over me. He settles on the edge of his glass desk, stretching his long legs out before him.<br /> God, he’s hot as sin. Perfectly chiselled jaw; the most beautifully intense grey eyes; wide, muscled chest and hair that’s great for grabbing during an climax…the man should be illegal.<br /> He should come with a warning label. Period.<br /> “Drama queen.” He mutters.<br /> I roll my eyes.<br /> “I was not the one with my best friend’s boobs almost in my mouth just now.”<br /> His eyes morph into a smoky gray mask and my pulse flutters in my throat.<br /> “Come here, baby girl.” He growls.<br /> My heart sings at the nickname but I stand my ground.<br /> “I’m late for my interview, Mason.”<br /> ---<br /> Then I lift my chin and vacate the room before I burst into tears.<br /> Darth shows me to the interviewer’s office. The brass name plate on the wall reads, “Manager.”<br /> My anxiety returns and I begin to sweat. I really need this job and I want to get it without Mason’s help.<br /> “You’ll do fine, miss.”<br /> I smile at Darth, grateful for his words of encouragement, then I push open the door and walk into the luxuriously furnished office.<br /> I take two steps and freeze…because seated behind the Manager’s table is non other than Halloway Stephens.<br /> LILY<br /> “You’re late.” She sneers.<br /> I look around the room, hoping fo find something that assures me that this office does not belong to her, but the high class blue curtains, luxurious paintings on the walls and even the Diamond studded mahogany desk all scream Halloway.<br /> I have no doubt that those are real diamonds and only a bimbo like Halloway Stephens would have real diamonds drilled into her office desk.<br /> “Sorry.” I say with a saccharine sweet tone. “I was caught up with important things.”<br /> She rocks on her swivel chair, her eyes almost burning a hole into my forehead.<br /> “In this company, we do not tolerate insubordination of any kind. Coming for your first interview almost an hour late automatically reduces your qualifications. We do not hire incompetent people.” She says with contempt.<br /> I begin to feel a stirring of annoyance but I tamp it down. Instead, I walk towards her and take the empty visitor’s seat.<br /> “Please accept my sincere apologies.” My voice lowers with “sincere” mockery.<br /> Halloway looks from the seat to me.<br /> “I do not remember asking you to seat. This is my office. I dictate the pace here.”<br /> I shake my head.<br /> “Honestly, Halloway, I wanted this interview to be conducted in a civilized manner but since you’re so intent on bringing out my Italian temper, I’ll ask you a question.”<br /> She merely raises a sassy brow at me.<br /> “Do you wannna know why I was late?”<br /> She rolls her eyes,<br /> “Save your useless stories…”<br /> “No, no. I promise you it’s good.” I cut in. “Someone gave me a very pleasant climax this morning. Kept me in bed for hours.” I’m pretty sure my eyes are twinkling right now.<br /> Halloway’s shakes her head, disgust evident in her gaze.<br /> “I’ve always known you were a bimbo. I have no idea what Mason sees in you. You’re just a two dimmed bimbo.”<br /> Oh. Am I? I smile once more.<br /> “But you haven’t even asked me who my man is.” I inquire, trying as much as possible to look innocent.<br /> Halloway waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.<br /> “Probably some hog you met on the street and followed home. I wouldn’t put that past you.”<br /> Oh, this will be good. I let out a mock gasp.<br /> “Why do you think so low of me? I didn’t actually meet him on the street. I met him at a club and he requested…no he demanded that I follow him home…”<br /> “Same thing. That is all bimbos like you are capable of doing.”<br /> I make a show of picking at my nails.<br /> “Oh. I didn’t know your best friend slept with bimbos.”<br /> In front of me, Halloway has gone completely still.<br /> “Wh-what did you say?”<br /> I face her squarely, dropping every bit of pretense and spearing her with a cold gaze.<br /> “Exactly what you heard. Hayley.” I mock. “Mason and I have been living together…and sleeping together for a long, long time. In fact, he wants us to be together for an indefinite period of time, and boy can he hump. I almost didn’t survive last night’s round of pleasure.”<br /> Halloway’s face slowly morphs from shock to anger. Her eyes narrow and she visibly begins to tremble.<br /> “You’re lying! It’s not true.”<br /> I lift my chin.<br /> “You can ask him about it. Our relationship is not hush hush or anything.”<br /> I have no idea how it happens. One minute Halloway is seated before me and the next, she leaps across the large table and grabs my neck in a chokehold.<br /> I flail wildly, desperately trying to dislodge her hands around my throat but she just squeezes harder.<br /> “Mason is mine, you bimbo!” She snarls. “You cannot just waltz in and take everything I’ve worked for. He’s mine! Mine!”<br /> I can barely breathe. The maniacal gleam in her eyes looks so awfully familiar. I’ve seen those eyes somewhere before but right now, my impending death makes it difficult to think clearly.<br /> “Die, bimbo! Just die!”<br /> A sound comes from down the hallway and within seconds, Halloway flies back across the table and settles in her seat.<br /> I fall against my chair, wheezing as I struggle to breathe in gulps of much needed air.<br /> She tried to kill me. The bimbo tried to kill me.<br /> “Are you guys done here?”<br /> I look up sharply. When my eyes meet Mason’s, I run across the room and into his already open arms. His eyes widen in alarm.<br /> “What’s wrong baby girl? What happened?”<br /> I claw desperately at my throat as I struggle to get the words out.<br /> “She…she..”<br /> Mason follows the direction of my outstreched hand then looks back at me with confusion.<br /> “What are you trying to tell me, Mira?”<br /> “She tried to kill me!” I finally cough out. “Halloway tried to kill me.”<br /> Mason goes completely still against me.<br /> “Oh, Mason. Is she okay?” Halloway’s fake baby voice filters through my panicked fog.<br /> I turn around and sure though, the bimbo is seated comfortably in her chair, looking every inch the flawless diva…not a hair out of place.<br /> “The interview was going on smoothly until she fell into some kind of panic attack and starting coughing. I had no idea what to do.”<br /> I would give anything to slap that fake concern off her face.<br /> “Mira, when did your panic attacks return?” Mason asks seriously.<br /> I give him an incredulous stare.<br /> “Are you honestly believing this bimbo over me? She tried to kill me. She tried to choke me…”<br /> Mason wraps his hands around me.<br /> “Calm down, baby girl. Calm down.”<br /> “No! If you did not come I would have been dead! She tried to kill me.”<br /> Halloway rises to her feet.<br /> “What is she talking about?” Her voice is shaky, almost as if she’s on the verge of tears.<br /> “Mason, how can she say that about me? I’ve never killed anyone before. Why would she accuse me of such a thing?”<br /> Her tears begin to fall and she wipes it off, perfecting her wrongfully accused victim role like a pro.<br /> I can only stare in horror.<br /> Mason’s arms tighten around me protectively, but he doesn’t look like he believes me one bit.<br /> “Mason, you have to believe me. This woman…”<br /> “You can check the CCTV cameras if you don’t believe me.”<br /> I freeze.<br /> I turn to find Halloway’s eyes still shimmering with fake tears…and solid confidence.<br /> What is she doing?<br /> “Yes. Yes, Mason. I swear, I’m not lying. You can check the cameras.”<br /> Mason’s gaze remains shuttered as he looks down at me.<br /> “You do realize that if the CCTV footage reveals nothing, you may have just accused Hayley wrongly of attempted murder.”<br /> “I don’t care!” I screech. “I’m not lying.”<br /> I try to move away from him but he tightens his arms around me, keeping me firmly against him.<br /> “You’re not going anywhere.” He growls.<br /> Then to Darth, he says,<br /> “Bring in the CCTV footage. Let’s settle this once and for all.”<br /> MIRA<br /> I watch with a rapidly beating heart as Darth produces the CCTV footage and a computer. Meanwhile, crocodile tears are still crawling down Halloway’s cheeks.<br /> I do not miss the evil looks she sends my way when Mason is not looking, of course. The bimbo is suffering from some kind of mental psychopathy issues. I can swear it.<br /> The tension in the room is nerve wracking as the footage begins to play out on the screen. When it gets to the point where I begin speaking, I lean in closer.<br /> “Go slower right here.” I tell Mason and he sets the video to play in slow motion.<br /> I can already see Halloway sweating in her designer outfit as the video gets closer and closer to the point where she nearly choked me to death.<br /> “Mason, I honestly don’t see the p-point of this. I didn’t do anything.” She stutters nervously.<br /> Mason glances at her.<br /> “Mira insists you did. I want to give her the benefit of doubt.”<br /> The video finally pinpoints on the scene where Halloway began to look upset. My fingers on the table tighten as we finally approach the highlight.<br /> It all happens in a blur.<br /> One second, I am watching the unravelling footage expectantly, and the next, I’m completely frozen and staring at the screen in horror, unable to believe my eyes.<br /> “No. Rewind the footage. Rewind the footage, Mason! It can’t be.”<br /> Mason turns to me, his eyes dark with disappointment. I push him away and hastily click the buttons that rewind the video, but the same scenes still play out.<br /> It appears that the scene where Halloway leaped across the table and almost killed me has been completely erased. The footage just skips to the point where she lets go of my throat and Mason comes into the office .<br /> I sink into the nearest available chair, utterly dumbfounded.<br /> “I swear she tried to choke me. The footage has been sabotaged.” I whisper, still trying to wrap my head around what I just watched.<br /> Halloway jumps to her feet and slams her hands on the table, startling out of me.<br /> “Enough of this nonsense! I’m sorry, Mason, I can tolerate all of Mira’s unwarranted past insults, but I will never tolerate wrong accusations. You and I both know that I would never hurt anyone, but you still went ahead to shame my reputation by requesting for the footage. Now that my innocence has been proven, I will not sit back and watch Mira continue to insult me.”<br /> “I’m sorry about all of this, Hayley…” Mason begins.<br /> I stare at him incredulously.<br /> “You’re sorry?! You’re sorry? This bimbo nearly killed me. She sabotaged the footage…”<br /> “Enough of this nonsense, Mira!” Mason thunders, stunning me to silence. “I allowed that video to be brought in because you looked really upset, but I will no longer stand for this drama. Enough!”<br /> Halloway gives me a mocking glare over Mason’s shoulder.<br /> Right now, I want to hurt her so much, the feeling is like a dangerous itch beneath my skin.<br /> “You should be grateful that you’re Mason’s woman, otherwise I would press charges against you for harassment and…”<br /> I do not wait for her to finish. Suddenly, I see red. My desire to claw the bimbo’s eyes out tears at me and I make a mad dash for her.<br /> I’m still struggling when a hand wraps around my throat once again, shutting off my air flow and stunning me to silence. My red haze clears long enough and I take in the furious grey eyes before me with hurt surprise.<br /> I claw at his hands, indicating that I cannot breathe;<br /> “Mason…” I whisper.<br /> Instead of letting go, his hands tighten around my throat and dizziness begins to set it in. But that isn’t what really hurts me.<br /> What hurts me is seeing that the disappointment and anger in Mason’s eyes are channelled at me. What really hurts is the fact that he vowed to protect me, but here he is supporting the one woman who almost killed me.<br /> “Sir, you’re hurting her. I would advise you to let her go to prevent any further damage.” Darth’s voice breaks through my fog.<br /> Mason lets go of me immediately, pushing me against Darth as if the mere thought of touching me is repulsive<br /> “Darth?” He growls, his eyes still pinning me in place.<br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> “Take her to my office and keep her there until I return.”<br /> His icy stare chills me straight to my bones.<br /> I let go of my sore throat and spear him with an angry glare, tears stinging my eyes.<br /> “No, Darth. I do not want to be in the same building with people who tried to kill me. Take me home.”<br /> Mason’s eyes flash with a dark expression.<br /> “Do not disobey my orders, Darth. Do as I say.”<br /> “Come on, miss. Let’s go.”<br /> Darth grabs my arm gently and I watch with mounting hatred as Mason goes to Halloway, checking her body for injuries while I’m over here, hurting from the emotional and physical injuries he’s just caused me.<br /> Just as Darth is about to pull me out of the room, I cannot help but let him feel even a quarter of the hate burning in my heart.<br /> “You were supposed to protect me.” I say through my tears. Mason remains frozen to the spot at the sound of voice. “You promised to keep the enemies away, but there you are breaking all of your promises yet again.”<br /> Mason turns to me, his eyes as cold as ice, but I’m not done yet.<br /> “I hope you enjoy the enemy camp because I will prove that Halloway did try to strangle me in this office today if it is the last thing I do, and you will be sorry that you laid your hands on me because of her.”<br /> Then I push Darth out of the way and make for the elevators.<br /> When Mason comes searching for me in his office later on, he will not find me. He won’t even find me at his home.<br /> I am done being his submissive little lamb.	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158,200	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158209}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	732162698882657	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I knew there's something between my husband and my bestie, once my bestie.<br /> “I want you, baby girl. Just you and only you. I never want you to second guess yourself or your place in my life. Halloway doesn’t matter to me like you do. You’re my number one priority, Mira. You are mine. All mine. Only mine. Don’t you ever doubt that.”<br /> “I cannot spent forever with someone who doesn’t love me. Mason.”<br /> ******** <br /> MIRA (PRESENT)<br /> My heart thuds wantonly at the thought of seeing Mason again. In the space of one year and a few months, Mason Lachlan has completely taken over every facet of my life.<br /> I am really beginning to think that New York City’s most dangerous billionaire is obsessed with me, but I can’t complain because I am just as obsessed with the hot hunk of a man.<br /> He took my life by storm and now I cannot imagine living without him. I am that far gone.<br /> We pass through the gleaming marble hallway and finally arrive at a door marked, CEO.<br /> “Wait here, miss.”<br /> I nod quietly while Darth knocks once and pulls the door open. I’m about to go through my documents for the umpteenth time when Darth reappears, his face set in hard lines.<br /> “I think we should go, miss. You can see the boss another time.”<br /> Confused, I narrow my eyes at him.<br /> “What do you mean? Why?”<br /> Darth grabs my arm, trying to steer me back into the elevator and my pulse thunders with anxiety. Something’s wrong. Darth never touches me. Something just spooked him.<br /> “Darth, what is going on?” I ask him, my voice slightly shaky.<br /> He shakes his head quickly and my worry gradually morphs into annoyance.<br /> “Well, if you’re not going to tell me, then I’ll just have to see for myself.”<br /> I try to fee myself from his grip but he holds on tighter.<br /> “You do not want to go in there, miss.”<br /> I wrench my arm free with much difficulty and March into Mason’s office with a thundering heartbeat. Before I even step in, the sounds that filter through the half open doorway has me freezing in my tracks.<br /> I hear a muffled, girly giggle, then,<br /> “Oh, Mason. Stop! You have to focus.” The owner of that voice doesn’t sound like she wants Mason to stop whatever he’s doing to her nor focus.<br /> A sharp pang slices through my heart as I listen harder. When I hear nothing for the next five seconds, I heave an angry breath and push the door open.<br /> The sight that greets me has anger shooting through my bloodstream.<br /> Standing beside Mason with her boobs nearly spilling out of the tight bodice of her top is none other than Halloway Stephens, my most dangerous rival and Mason’s self acclaimed best friend.<br /> Fuming, I take in her fingers on Mason’s arm and the lazy smile on his face and little pinpricks of jealousy pierce my already heated skin.<br /> “What t is going on here?”<br /> At the sound of my voice, Mason and Halloway come apart immediately. Upon seeing me, Halloway’s catty green eyes light like the cat that got the cream.<br /> Mason’s fiery gray gaze pins me in place by the door.<br /> “I asked a question.” I insist as I grab the door to maintain my balance.<br /> Halloway’s fingers find their way back to Mason’s shoulders and she stares me down.<br /> “Mason and I are working. Why don’t you wait until you actually get invited in.”<br /> I stare at her incredulously. The conniving bimbo.<br /> “It didn’t look like you were working when half your boobs were in his face.”<br /> Halloway opens her mouth, no doubt to reply with an aggressive come back, but Mason’s authoritative voice fills the room.<br /> “Shut up, both of you.”<br /> My body literally trembles with rage and jealousy, so I do the only logical thing that comes to mind.<br /> I walk out…or at least I try to. I don’t even get to the door when Mason’s voice stops me.<br /> “Where do you think you’re going, Mira?”<br /> I whip my head in his direction, my eyes glinting.<br /> “I’m giving you both some privacy so you can continue ‘working.’’ I retort sharply.<br /> Just then, Darth walks in and Mason spears him with a harsh glare.<br /> “Why did you let her in here without informing me first?”<br /> “Well, thank God he did!” I screech.<br /> I try to leave again but Mason thunders,<br /> “Don’t let her past that door, Darth.”<br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> To my horror, Darth moves to the office’s entrance and blocks it with his muscled body.<br /> “Who’s side are you on, Darth? Let me out right now.”<br /> Darth shakes his head.<br /> “I’m sorry, miss Fernandez. Boss’ orders.”<br /> “Well, to inferno with your boss!” .<br /> A part of me is probably aware that I’m overreacting, but I couldn’t care less at this point.<br /> While I’m still trying to argue with Darth, I sense a dark presence behind me. Before I can put out any form of resistance, a strong hand whips out and grabs my arm in a manacled grip, slamming me against a hard brick wall of a chest.<br /> A surprised shriek escapes me as Mason spins me in his arms, trapping me against him with his muscled arm bound around my waist. His beautiful grey eyes are dark and cold with annoyance, but they still manage to burn a fiery path straight to my soul.<br /> “How many times have I told you never to walk out on me, princess. How many times?” He asks, his voice a low growl.<br /> It takes me a second to distract myself from the hot column of his throat to the reason for my anger.<br /> “Let go of me, Mason.”<br /> “That will never happen. Deal with it.”<br /> I huff then proceed to try and free myself from his grip. After three minutes of futile struggling, I give up.<br /> To my absolute horror, Mason lowers his face against my neck, his hot breath against my skin playing havoc on my senses.<br /> Focus on your anger, Mira! My subconscious screams.<br /> “Always fighting.” He whispers against me. “My little hellion.”<br /> I shut my eyes against the influx of emotions that assail me, momentarily forgetting that there are people in the room until Halloway’s fake baby voice breaks through my daze.<br /> “Mason, we need to wrap up the loose ends of this deal and send it out by today. Mira can wait until this is all over.”<br /> Halloway’s voice is like a douse of cold water against my desire. I stiffen in Mason’s arms and lean away from him.<br /> “Yes, Mason. Please go back to work. I’m leaving.”<br /> “Mira…” he warns, his voice dark.<br /> “Don’t Mira me!” I snap. “You’re always the one talking about exclusivity but your so-called best friend has your attention half of the time. I’m done, Mason.”<br /> Mason’s expression becomes cold, telling me without words that I am taking this too far. I couldn’t care less.<br /> He lets go of me and steps back, his intense gaze stripping me raw.<br /> “You think I and Halloway…?”<br /> I fold my arms and look away.<br /> “It looks like it.”<br /> For a moment, he says nothing. Then his icy voice fills the room.<br /> “Everybody out. Now.”<br /> “Gladly.” I huff, about to leave.<br /> “If you take one more step towards that door, I will hump you right here, right now so you can remember who you belong to.”<br /> I freeze, my cheeks reddening in embarrassment when I see the slight smile on Darth’s face before he vacates the room.<br /> Halloway walks to Mason in her obscenely tall heels and too short formal skirt and lays a hand on his shoulder. I feel my insides boil. I will break off those hands soon. Scout’s honour.<br /> “But, Mase,” she purrs. “What about the deal?”<br /> “Work will come later.” Mason says curtly. “I have more important matters to deal with.”<br /> Yes, bimbo.<br /> “Mason, you don’t have to…”<br /> “Leave, Halloway!” Mason thunders.<br /> She steps back at his harsh tone, surprise etched on her features. Then she lifts her head, spears me with her signature Queen B icy glare and sails out of the room, almost slamming into my shoulders in the process.<br /> When we’re alone in the room once more, Mason’s hot gaze roves over me. He settles on the edge of his glass desk, stretching his long legs out before him.<br /> God, he’s hot as sin. Perfectly chiselled jaw; the most beautifully intense grey eyes; wide, muscled chest and hair that’s great for grabbing during an climax…the man should be illegal.<br /> He should come with a warning label. Period.<br /> “Drama queen.” He mutters.<br /> I roll my eyes.<br /> “I was not the one with my best friend’s boobs almost in my mouth just now.”<br /> His eyes morph into a smoky gray mask and my pulse flutters in my throat.<br /> “Come here, baby girl.” He growls.<br /> My heart sings at the nickname but I stand my ground.<br /> “I’m late for my interview, Mason.”<br /> ---<br /> Then I lift my chin and vacate the room before I burst into tears.<br /> Darth shows me to the interviewer’s office. The brass name plate on the wall reads, “Manager.”<br /> My anxiety returns and I begin to sweat. I really need this job and I want to get it without Mason’s help.<br /> “You’ll do fine, miss.”<br /> I smile at Darth, grateful for his words of encouragement, then I push open the door and walk into the luxuriously furnished office.<br /> I take two steps and freeze…because seated behind the Manager’s table is non other than Halloway Stephens.<br /> LILY<br /> “You’re late.” She sneers.<br /> I look around the room, hoping fo find something that assures me that this office does not belong to her, but the high class blue curtains, luxurious paintings on the walls and even the Diamond studded mahogany desk all scream Halloway.<br /> I have no doubt that those are real diamonds and only a bimbo like Halloway Stephens would have real diamonds drilled into her office desk.<br /> “Sorry.” I say with a saccharine sweet tone. “I was caught up with important things.”<br /> She rocks on her swivel chair, her eyes almost burning a hole into my forehead.<br /> “In this company, we do not tolerate insubordination of any kind. Coming for your first interview almost an hour late automatically reduces your qualifications. We do not hire incompetent people.” She says with contempt.<br /> I begin to feel a stirring of annoyance but I tamp it down. Instead, I walk towards her and take the empty visitor’s seat.<br /> “Please accept my sincere apologies.” My voice lowers with “sincere” mockery.<br /> Halloway looks from the seat to me.<br /> “I do not remember asking you to seat. This is my office. I dictate the pace here.”<br /> I shake my head.<br /> “Honestly, Halloway, I wanted this interview to be conducted in a civilized manner but since you’re so intent on bringing out my Italian temper, I’ll ask you a question.”<br /> She merely raises a sassy brow at me.<br /> “Do you wannna know why I was late?”<br /> She rolls her eyes,<br /> “Save your useless stories…”<br /> “No, no. I promise you it’s good.” I cut in. “Someone gave me a very pleasant climax this morning. Kept me in bed for hours.” I’m pretty sure my eyes are twinkling right now.<br /> Halloway’s shakes her head, disgust evident in her gaze.<br /> “I’ve always known you were a bimbo. I have no idea what Mason sees in you. You’re just a two dimmed bimbo.”<br /> Oh. Am I? I smile once more.<br /> “But you haven’t even asked me who my man is.” I inquire, trying as much as possible to look innocent.<br /> Halloway waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.<br /> “Probably some hog you met on the street and followed home. I wouldn’t put that past you.”<br /> Oh, this will be good. I let out a mock gasp.<br /> “Why do you think so low of me? I didn’t actually meet him on the street. I met him at a club and he requested…no he demanded that I follow him home…”<br /> “Same thing. That is all bimbos like you are capable of doing.”<br /> I make a show of picking at my nails.<br /> “Oh. I didn’t know your best friend slept with bimbos.”<br /> In front of me, Halloway has gone completely still.<br /> “Wh-what did you say?”<br /> I face her squarely, dropping every bit of pretense and spearing her with a cold gaze.<br /> “Exactly what you heard. Hayley.” I mock. “Mason and I have been living together…and sleeping together for a long, long time. In fact, he wants us to be together for an indefinite period of time, and boy can he hump. I almost didn’t survive last night’s round of pleasure.”<br /> Halloway’s face slowly morphs from shock to anger. Her eyes narrow and she visibly begins to tremble.<br /> “You’re lying! It’s not true.”<br /> I lift my chin.<br /> “You can ask him about it. Our relationship is not hush hush or anything.”<br /> I have no idea how it happens. One minute Halloway is seated before me and the next, she leaps across the large table and grabs my neck in a chokehold.<br /> I flail wildly, desperately trying to dislodge her hands around my throat but she just squeezes harder.<br /> “Mason is mine, you bimbo!” She snarls. “You cannot just waltz in and take everything I’ve worked for. He’s mine! Mine!”<br /> I can barely breathe. The maniacal gleam in her eyes looks so awfully familiar. I’ve seen those eyes somewhere before but right now, my impending death makes it difficult to think clearly.<br /> “Die, bimbo! Just die!”<br /> A sound comes from down the hallway and within seconds, Halloway flies back across the table and settles in her seat.<br /> I fall against my chair, wheezing as I struggle to breathe in gulps of much needed air.<br /> She tried to kill me. The bimbo tried to kill me.<br /> “Are you guys done here?”<br /> I look up sharply. When my eyes meet Mason’s, I run across the room and into his already open arms. His eyes widen in alarm.<br /> “What’s wrong baby girl? What happened?”<br /> I claw desperately at my throat as I struggle to get the words out.<br /> “She…she..”<br /> Mason follows the direction of my outstreched hand then looks back at me with confusion.<br /> “What are you trying to tell me, Mira?”<br /> “She tried to kill me!” I finally cough out. “Halloway tried to kill me.”<br /> Mason goes completely still against me.<br /> “Oh, Mason. Is she okay?” Halloway’s fake baby voice filters through my panicked fog.<br /> I turn around and sure though, the bimbo is seated comfortably in her chair, looking every inch the flawless diva…not a hair out of place.<br /> “The interview was going on smoothly until she fell into some kind of panic attack and starting coughing. I had no idea what to do.”<br /> I would give anything to slap that fake concern off her face.<br /> “Mira, when did your panic attacks return?” Mason asks seriously.<br /> I give him an incredulous stare.<br /> “Are you honestly believing this bimbo over me? She tried to kill me. She tried to choke me…”<br /> Mason wraps his hands around me.<br /> “Calm down, baby girl. Calm down.”<br /> “No! If you did not come I would have been dead! She tried to kill me.”<br /> Halloway rises to her feet.<br /> “What is she talking about?” Her voice is shaky, almost as if she’s on the verge of tears.<br /> “Mason, how can she say that about me? I’ve never killed anyone before. Why would she accuse me of such a thing?”<br /> Her tears begin to fall and she wipes it off, perfecting her wrongfully accused victim role like a pro.<br /> I can only stare in horror.<br /> Mason’s arms tighten around me protectively, but he doesn’t look like he believes me one bit.<br /> “Mason, you have to believe me. This woman…”<br /> “You can check the CCTV cameras if you don’t believe me.”<br /> I freeze.<br /> I turn to find Halloway’s eyes still shimmering with fake tears…and solid confidence.<br /> What is she doing?<br /> “Yes. Yes, Mason. I swear, I’m not lying. You can check the cameras.”<br /> Mason’s gaze remains shuttered as he looks down at me.<br /> “You do realize that if the CCTV footage reveals nothing, you may have just accused Hayley wrongly of attempted murder.”<br /> “I don’t care!” I screech. “I’m not lying.”<br /> I try to move away from him but he tightens his arms around me, keeping me firmly against him.<br /> “You’re not going anywhere.” He growls.<br /> Then to Darth, he says,<br /> “Bring in the CCTV footage. Let’s settle this once and for all.”<br /> MIRA<br /> I watch with a rapidly beating heart as Darth produces the CCTV footage and a computer. Meanwhile, crocodile tears are still crawling down Halloway’s cheeks.<br /> I do not miss the evil looks she sends my way when Mason is not looking, of course. The bimbo is suffering from some kind of mental psychopathy issues. I can swear it.<br /> The tension in the room is nerve wracking as the footage begins to play out on the screen. When it gets to the point where I begin speaking, I lean in closer.<br /> “Go slower right here.” I tell Mason and he sets the video to play in slow motion.<br /> I can already see Halloway sweating in her designer outfit as the video gets closer and closer to the point where she nearly choked me to death.<br /> “Mason, I honestly don’t see the p-point of this. I didn’t do anything.” She stutters nervously.<br /> Mason glances at her.<br /> “Mira insists you did. I want to give her the benefit of doubt.”<br /> The video finally pinpoints on the scene where Halloway began to look upset. My fingers on the table tighten as we finally approach the highlight.<br /> It all happens in a blur.<br /> One second, I am watching the unravelling footage expectantly, and the next, I’m completely frozen and staring at the screen in horror, unable to believe my eyes.<br /> “No. Rewind the footage. Rewind the footage, Mason! It can’t be.”<br /> Mason turns to me, his eyes dark with disappointment. I push him away and hastily click the buttons that rewind the video, but the same scenes still play out.<br /> It appears that the scene where Halloway leaped across the table and almost killed me has been completely erased. The footage just skips to the point where she lets go of my throat and Mason comes into the office .<br /> I sink into the nearest available chair, utterly dumbfounded.<br /> “I swear she tried to choke me. The footage has been sabotaged.” I whisper, still trying to wrap my head around what I just watched.<br /> Halloway jumps to her feet and slams her hands on the table, startling out of me.<br /> “Enough of this nonsense! I’m sorry, Mason, I can tolerate all of Mira’s unwarranted past insults, but I will never tolerate wrong accusations. You and I both know that I would never hurt anyone, but you still went ahead to shame my reputation by requesting for the footage. Now that my innocence has been proven, I will not sit back and watch Mira continue to insult me.”<br /> “I’m sorry about all of this, Hayley…” Mason begins.<br /> I stare at him incredulously.<br /> “You’re sorry?! You’re sorry? This bimbo nearly killed me. She sabotaged the footage…”<br /> “Enough of this nonsense, Mira!” Mason thunders, stunning me to silence. “I allowed that video to be brought in because you looked really upset, but I will no longer stand for this drama. Enough!”<br /> Halloway gives me a mocking glare over Mason’s shoulder.<br /> Right now, I want to hurt her so much, the feeling is like a dangerous itch beneath my skin.<br /> “You should be grateful that you’re Mason’s woman, otherwise I would press charges against you for harassment and…”<br /> I do not wait for her to finish. Suddenly, I see red. My desire to claw the bimbo’s eyes out tears at me and I make a mad dash for her.<br /> I’m still struggling when a hand wraps around my throat once again, shutting off my air flow and stunning me to silence. My red haze clears long enough and I take in the furious grey eyes before me with hurt surprise.<br /> I claw at his hands, indicating that I cannot breathe;<br /> “Mason…” I whisper.<br /> Instead of letting go, his hands tighten around my throat and dizziness begins to set it in. But that isn’t what really hurts me.<br /> What hurts me is seeing that the disappointment and anger in Mason’s eyes are channelled at me. What really hurts is the fact that he vowed to protect me, but here he is supporting the one woman who almost killed me.<br /> “Sir, you’re hurting her. I would advise you to let her go to prevent any further damage.” Darth’s voice breaks through my fog.<br /> Mason lets go of me immediately, pushing me against Darth as if the mere thought of touching me is repulsive<br /> “Darth?” He growls, his eyes still pinning me in place.<br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> “Take her to my office and keep her there until I return.”<br /> His icy stare chills me straight to my bones.<br /> I let go of my sore throat and spear him with an angry glare, tears stinging my eyes.<br /> “No, Darth. I do not want to be in the same building with people who tried to kill me. Take me home.”<br /> Mason’s eyes flash with a dark expression.<br /> “Do not disobey my orders, Darth. Do as I say.”<br /> “Come on, miss. Let’s go.”<br /> Darth grabs my arm gently and I watch with mounting hatred as Mason goes to Halloway, checking her body for injuries while I’m over here, hurting from the emotional and physical injuries he’s just caused me.<br /> Just as Darth is about to pull me out of the room, I cannot help but let him feel even a quarter of the hate burning in my heart.<br /> “You were supposed to protect me.” I say through my tears. Mason remains frozen to the spot at the sound of voice. “You promised to keep the enemies away, but there you are breaking all of your promises yet again.”<br /> Mason turns to me, his eyes as cold as ice, but I’m not done yet.<br /> “I hope you enjoy the enemy camp because I will prove that Halloway did try to strangle me in this office today if it is the last thing I do, and you will be sorry that you laid your hands on me because of her.”<br /> Then I push Darth out of the way and make for the elevators.<br /> When Mason comes searching for me in his office later on, he will not find me. He won’t even find me at his home.<br /> I am done being his submissive little lamb.	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159,125	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":159120}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	1543831006430327	❤️Read full version👉The Lycan's Undesired Mate❤️	†JASMINE†<br /> <br /> “Congratulations, Lady Jasmine...you are two weeks pregnant." The doctor announced to me and my lips parted open in awe.<br /> <br /> With a euphoric smile creeping to both corners of my lips, I threw my arms around the doctor's neck and hugged her. <br /> <br /> My joy knew no bounds!<br /> <br /> This was wonderful news, considering my wedding to the love of my life would take place tomorrow. Once I spilled the news to him today, I envisioned the look of excitement on his face as he learned that he was going to be a father! <br /> <br /> Indeed, the moon goddess has been so kind to me. <br /> <br /> Ever since my father, the Alpha of the White Moon pack died two months ago, I have been devastated. I thought the overbearing burden of handling a pack would crush me to bits because I happened to be an only child. But thankfully, I have an incredible mother and a phenomenal fiance. <br /> <br /> As a twenty-one-year-old aspiring Luna, I don't think it was too early for me to become a mother. I have a fiance who would do anything for me. Cade and I have been dating for four years now, although we aren't mates. <br /> <br /> I was seventeen when he came to the pack on some business trip and since then, we bonded. Well, let's just call it: love at first sight. <br /> <br /> At first, we were scared that when I turned eighteen, I would get a mate, and our relationship would be obliterated. But alas, I didn't get a mate. Same with Cade. <br /> <br /> So my father blessed our union on his deathbed as he handed over the pack affairs to Cade then we got engaged.<br /> <br /> “Thank you so much!" I said to the doctor, releasing my arms around her and she smiled back at me. <br /> <br /> “You are welcome, Lady Jasmine. Remember to come for assessment at intervals. Also, don't do anything strenuous." She facepalmed herself. “Oh sorry, you are going to be the Pack's Luna, of course, you have maids to do any domestic chores for you. But still, I can't stop emphasizing your health. I hope you understand?" She inquired. <br /> <br /> I nodded in response. “Yes, I do, doctor Sylvia. Thank you so much once again." <br /> <br /> Doctor Sylvia ticked something on my report. “What about your case of insomnia, are the pills helping? Because you need a lot of sleep this period." <br /> <br /> I issued an affirmative nod. “Yes, they are. Thanks to you, I no longer have those nightmares of my father's death. I'm getting better."<br /> <br /> “Good to know." She closed my report. “Anyways, we are done here, but I will be expecting you for your next antenatal check-up."<br /> <br /> I immediately scrambled off the bed, eager to deliver this piece of good news to Cade and my mother. <br /> <br /> Just as I was about to hurry out of the ward, Doctor Sylvia called out to me again. <br /> <br /> “And yes, Lady Jasmine." <br /> <br /> I turned around to face her. <br /> <br /> “Congratulations on your wedding." <br /> <br /> My lips broke into a wide grin as I replied. “Thank you so much." <br /> <br /> Clutching the envelope containing my pregnancy report, I pressed down on the doorknob and dashed out of the Pack infirmary as I headed straight to the fortress. <br /> <br /> First, I would spill the news to my fiance, Cade then together we would go and inform my mother. <br /> <br /> Alas, after two months of mourning my father, everything was starting to fall into place. I finally have the life I desired, the fairytales I've spun around for years in my head. <br /> <br /> Life with Cade has been all I ever wanted. He was my first in everything. My first kiss, my first night, and my first love. And tomorrow, our fate would be sealed together forever and he would also become my last. <br /> <br /> “Greetings, Lady Jasmine." The guards at the entrance of the fortress said to me and I responded with a wave of my hand as I scurried past them, straight to Cade's chambers. <br /> <br /> Just as I walked through the corridor, I heard some incoherent noise coming from the direction of Cade's room. <br /> <br /> Maybe the omegas in charge of the wedding preparation weren't doing their job properly and he was scolding them, I thought to myself. <br /> <br /> But as soon as I drew closer, the incoherent noise morphed into what seemed like a moan. <br /> <br /> Instinctively, my feet dragged to a halt. <br /> <br /> I was struggling to comprehend what was going on. That's the exact way Cade moaned whenever we were doing it. <br /> <br /> My heart started to thump rapidly against my chest. A million questions raced through the forefront of my brain and I was contemplating if I was on the right path to Cade's chambers. <br /> <br /> But of course, I was. <br /> <br /> Something told me to head back. I may not like what I was about to see in there, but alas, I found myself in the room before I even realized it. <br /> <br /> Blood instantly drained from my face and I could swear my heart stopped beating for a moment as soon as I saw my fiance into my...<br /> <br /> “No!" I cried out in terror, lurching backward at the same time. <br /> <br /> My brain couldn't process what was happening right in front of me. <br /> <br /> Like the woman who birthed and raised me versus the man, I intended on marrying tomorrow? <br /> <br /> What!<br /> <br /> "No, this can't be happening!" I bemoaned and that's when the both of them jumped at the sound of my wail. <br /> <br /> Hot tears poured down my cheeks, my whole body was trembling in exuberant shock as Cade shuffled out of bed, shamelessly unclad. <br /> <br /> “Don't you know how to knock?" My mother spat. <br /> <br /> I couldn't believe my ears as I teetered back, struggling to breathe in the air that had eluded my lungs. What in the world was happening here? I just caught my mother in bed with my fiance and she had the nerve to ask why I didn't knock first. <br /> <br /> Someone please tell me this was a terrible nightmare and I want to wake up from it because my mind was about to shut down. <br /> <br /> How does it make sense to the ears? An abomination I won't be able to divulge to people— my own mother and my fiance! <br /> <br /> My heart began to jam wildly against my ribcage. At this rate, it might as well jump right out. <br /> <br /> “M-mom...w..what are you doing?" My lips trembled as I questioned her. <br /> <br /> There was no hint of remorse whatsoever on her face. Rather she stared at me as if I had grown a horn, hissed then went to pick up Cade's shirt from the ground and slip it on. <br /> <br /> I bought that shirt for Cade on our third anniversary! <br /> <br /> My breathing pace became labored and my eyes clouded with tears. The envelope containing my pregnancy news was clenched tightly between my fists, so much so that I could feel it crumpling. But that was the least of my concerns right now. <br /> <br /> Looking from an unbothered Cade back to my mother, who was busy glaring back at me, I sniffled back sobs and then asked again. <br /> <br /> “Out of all the men in this world, you chose my man?" Fresh tears welled up in my eyes. “Is there something I did wrong to offend you? I would have asked for your forgiveness, Mommy. But not this, please. Tell me, this is a prank." <br /> <br /> Tears poured shamelessly down my cheeks. The answers were obviously on display right in front of me, however, I wanted to cling onto a tiny ray of hope, believing this was far different from what I saw. <br /> <br /> Just for the sake of my sanity, I hoped for this not to be true. <br /> <br /> My mother sauntered forward and then looked at me dead straight in the eye. “It is not a prank, Jasmine. Cade and I were intimate and we have been doing that for more than three months now, so what are you going to do about it?" Her question was blunt and direct. <br /> <br /> My heart shattered into a million fragments. Three months? <br /> <br /> Does that mean they've been sleeping with each other even before my father's demise? <br /> <br /> And yet, Cade has been promising me a lifetime of happiness.<br /> <br /> With tears pouring shamelessly down my cheeks, I moved to Cade and then proceeded to beg him. <br /> <br /> He was the one at fault. Yet, I was the one begging. <br /> <br /> For the sake of my future and pack, I was ready to bury this like it never happened. My entire life depended on Cade. <br /> <br /> Four years knowing someone couldn't be tossed into a drain just like that. <br /> <br /> “Cade baby... Look at me." I urged him and he obeyed. “Tell me this isn't true. Tell me this isn't the man I'm willing to sacrifice everything to be with. Tell me this isn't the man taking over my father's position. Tell me this isn't the man who promised to love me forever no matter the circumstances." <br /> <br /> His eyes held no emotion as he spoke. “Yes, you are right, Jasmine. I am no longer the man who promised you paradise. This is what I want for myself and I hope you'd respect my decision. After all, we aren't mates." He spat distastefully. <br /> <br /> At this point, I was about to go insane. <br /> <br /> None of this was making any sense to me. <br /> <br /> How in the world do you find your own mother sleeping with your fiance? And the both of them are showing no remorse at all. <br /> <br /> Not even the slightest bit. <br /> <br /> To think I was hurrying here just to share the news of my pregnancy with them. <br /> <br /> My teary eyes gawked at Cade in awe. The look on his face completely told me off, it portrayed he meant every single word uttered out of his mouth. <br /> <br /> Once again, I turned to my mother. “Mom.... please, my wedding is tomorrow. I'm begging you to stop this prank because it's going too far and it's ruining my happiness." <br /> <br /> “I already told you Cade and I are very much real." My mother fired back then she stepped up to Cade and kissed him right in front of me. <br /> <br /> Cade let out a pleasurable moan in response. <br /> <br /> Instantly, my stomach twisted into a knot. <br /> <br /> A lot of questions raced through the forefront of my brain, but I wanted just one answer. <br /> <br /> Why. <br /> <br /> So I looked into my mother's eyes and demanded. “Why did you choose to ruin my happiness, Mom? Why are you doing this to me?"<br /> <br /> A devilish smirk crept to the corners of her lips. “I have a million reasons, but first will you stop calling me your mother... because I'm not!<br /> <br /> ★JASMINE★<br /> <br /> A wave of shock swept through me almost, knocking me off to the ground. If one could listen properly, the sound of my heart beating sporadically was as loud as a drum. <br /> <br /> I gazed at the person I addressed as my mother for all the years of my life in disbelief, wondering if she really meant what she said, but the dirty look she tossed back at me, proved she meant every single word spewed out of her mouth.<br /> <br /> Once again, my mind spun out of its axis. <br /> <br /> “Awww, are you surprised?" The woman I once thought was my mother, Luna Isobel teased in a tone of contempt, but I didn't make an effort to respond. <br /> <br /> I watched her place another feathery kiss on Cade's lips, my heart clenched and she plopped on the mattress, looking directly at my miserable self. <br /> <br /> Heaven knows I was hanging by a thread here. Soon enough, my whole body would betray me because I couldn't take it anymore. <br /> <br /> Luna Isobel crossed her legs and managed a devilish smirk. “Why don't you take a seat let me take you down memory lane." <br /> <br /> The fear, despair, rage, and shock coursing through my veins left me utterly speechless and I didn't attempt to engage in verbal lashing with her as she began; <br /> <br /> “Your Father, Alpha Gideon, and I met years back. I remembered being in love just like you, wanting to be with him for the rest of my life, ready to sacrifice everything I had for the sake of his happiness. But the disadvantage was that— I was just his maid. The tension brewing between us knocked off the odds and we eventually became lovers. He promised the world and declared his undying love for me and I thought our love would last forever. Not until he discovered that your biological mother, Anna was his mate." She paused for a moment, glaring deep into my soul. <br /> <br /> While I remained fixated in my spot unable to move. Tears continued to cascade down my cheeks and no matter how much I batted my eyelashes, I could not stop sobbing. <br /> <br /> Luna Isobel clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth before continuing. “Do you know what your father did after he met Anna, he wasted no time in discarding me. All the years of unending promises and declarations of love went down the drain in the blink of an eye. Did I also forget to mention I was pregnant at the time, he got rid of the baby we were both expecting, which led to complications in my womb. But that's not all...." I could see her eyes red with tears as she reminisced all those memories buried within her skull. <br /> <br /> She had this look of rage on her face, while I felt nothing but despair. <br /> <br /> Why should this happen to me just on the verge of clinching happiness? Did I do anything wrong to the Moon goddess that derailed me from the path of happiness? <br /> <br /> A lot of questions raced through my head. Yet, there was no one to answer them. <br /> <br /> “..... Because I was nothing but a lowly servant, I had to step aside, watching your mother happily in love with the man of my dreams, whereas I was stripped of mine. But alas, your father appointed me as the Gamma as compensation for everything." She laughed bitterly. “Imagine being given a position in exchange for your happiness. What good does that do?" <br /> <br /> Once again, I remained there, engulfed in my pain. A part of me wanted to leave, but another craved to hear the story to the last bit. <br /> <br /> I needed to know what prompted me to deserve all these heartrending crises. <br /> <br /> “As fate would have it, Your mother died shortly after giving birth to you, and guess who came crawling back to me, begging me to take care of you while you were still an infant...your father!" She spat distastefully. “It was then he made good on his promises by marrying me and making me his Luna. He also insisted that no one should ever know that you aren't my daughter. Again, I accepted because of the love I have for him. Also because I had lost everything, there was no need for me to act proud and defiant." <br /> <br /> The developing knot in my stomach tightened another notch. I hoped for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. Thus, it would save me from these horrible moments. <br /> <br /> All the years of my life, I had never heard this story, so why now? <br /> <br /> “For twenty-one years, I looked after another woman's child. Acting as your mother, I knew deep down that I could never get a child of my own. But three months ago....fate took a turn for good in my life." She looked at Cade and her lips spread into a wide grin. “The both of us engaged in a series of hot passionate that led to a pregnancy one month later. So tell me why I should step down for you to have the life you want when I can have it for myself. Doesn't my own child deserve to be the successor of the pack as a reward for everything I have done?" <br /> <br /> With fresh tears welling up in my eyes, I fired back at her. “Whatever happened between my parents and you was meant to remain there. Why do you have to drag me into this? Why do you have to go to this extent to spite me?" <br /> <br /> Luna Isobel smiled with contempt. “Well, it's simple. I can't punish the dead, but I can very much take revenge on the living and I promise you this quest for revenge goes way back, that there is nothing you can do to stop it." She rose from the bed and then walked up to me. “From today, you are going to be my Maid, Just like I've served you since birth, you will serve me for the rest of your miserable life. You are going to be at my beck and call, and anytime you kick against my order." Her eyes stared intently into mine as she added. “Death will be your punishment. I have done it before, and I will surely do it again." <br /> <br /> My eyelashes batted in shock. “What do you mean by that?" <br /> <br /> “The less you know, the better." Then she snapped her fingers. “Also, don't even bother reporting me to the elders because they are all on my side. Lastly, the wedding tomorrow is for myself and my soon-to-be Alpha, Cade. But you will be in attendance, making sure the guests are comfortable."<br /> <br /> My face streamed with uncontrollable tears. I wonder how everything could change for me in the blink of an eye. <br /> <br /> True, my father did her dirty, but it doesn't involve my innocent Mom and me. So why did I have to suffer? <br /> <br /> Worse still, I am pregnant with Cade's child. Who would believe that the person I presumed to be my mother was also pregnant with the same man? <br /> <br /> Who would listen to such an abominable act and who would come to my aid? <br /> <br /> This was going to be shameful for me. Watching my life go down the hills wasn't an option, so I went on my knees to beg them both. Not because they deserved it, but perhaps, maybe there was a tiny chance my pleading could thaw their hearts. And Isobel would change her mind, letting me get married to Cade despite everything. <br /> <br /> Although I was deeply hurt, I didn't want my child to be without a father. I wanted to create the future I had envisioned for myself so badly. <br /> <br /> “Please, Isobel." I sniffled back tiny sobs. “I'm deeply sorry for all you had to go through at the hands of my father, but just this once, can you let me have my chances of happiness? I have been anticipating this wedding for a long time with Cade and I don't know how to live without him." <br /> <br /> Blame me for being a simp, but it wasn't easy letting go of the love of my life without giving it a second thought. <br /> <br /> “Then go ahead and kill yourself! Join your parents, it would make the world a better place!" She retorted sharply. <br /> <br /> More tears rolled down my cheeks and my heart was numbed with pain as I continued begging them with every fiber of my being. <br /> <br /> "Please Isobel....please Cade. Don't do this to me, I'm begging you both."<br /> <br /> Before I realized what was happening, Isobel yanked me by my hair. "I don't have time for your crocodile tears, there is a wedding to plan and maids to control. Get on your miserable feet and put yourself to good use." <br /> <br /> As I struggled to haul back to my feet, the room began to spin around me and my breathing pace quickened. <br /> <br /> My knees buckled and I felt my whole body weaken as I crashed to the ground letting the darkness consume me.<br /> <br /> †JASMINE★<br /> <br /> A small groan escaped my lips as my eyelids fluttered open. The pungent smell of aspirin, antiseptic, and blood instantly wheezed into my nostrils, making it uncomfortable to breathe. <br /> <br /> At first, my vision seemed blurry, but soon enough my eyes readjusted to my surroundings and I found myself in the same room, painted in a shadowy beige color. Furthermore, Doctor Sylvia was busy checking my vitals. <br /> <br /> “Oh! Finally, you are awake." She smiled at me. “I knew the sedative would wear off any moment from now." <br /> <br /> As she was talking, her voice grew faint in my head because the nostalgia of everything that went down before I passed out, surged to the forefront of my brain all at once. <br /> <br /> My heart plummeted deep into my stomach.<br /> <br /> I still couldn't believe my mother...no no, Luna Isobel could do this to me. Not to talk of Cade. <br /> <br /> No matter what, I'd have to fight back. It's my life, my fiance, and my unborn pup's future we are talking about here.<br /> <br /> “How long have I been unconscious?" I asked. My voice came out in a groggy whisper.<br /> <br /> “More than a day." She answered casually. “You passed out yesterday and your maid, Cynthia brought you in. So I had to administer more medication just so you'd feel alright." <br /> <br /> My ears rang out in disbelief. <br /> <br /> If I had been here for more than a day, that meant today's my wedding!<br /> <br /> Without hesitating for another moment, I pulled myself to a sitting position and then yanked out the cannula in my vein. <br /> <br /> Doctor Sylvia gasped in terror, while blood began dripping out of my open wound. It was excruciatingly painful. Regardless, that was the least of my concerns. <br /> <br /> There was no way I'd stay down, knowing fully well that Luna Isobel was on the verge of tying the knot with my fiance. <br /> <br /> “You can't do this, Lady Jasmine!" Doctor Sylvia cried out. “I know how much you are hurting. Your maid told me everything, but you have to put your health and that of your unborn pup first." <br /> <br /> Tears instantly welled up in my eyes. “Because of my health and that of my pup, I have to end this. I can't let Luna Isobel steal away my happiness. Not while I'm still alive!" <br /> <br /> With labored breathing, I scrambled to my feet, but as soon as my feet came in contact with the cold floor, I felt lightweight and almost collapsed back into the bed. <br /> <br /> Nonetheless, I gripped the IV pole to maintain my stance and then began to make my way out of the ward. <br /> <br /> “Lady Jasmine! Lady Jasmine, please....this is unethical." Doctor Sylvia said after me.<br /> <br /> But if she was addressing me, I was no longer paying attention. <br /> <br /> Unethical, has to be my mother getting married to my fiance. Unethical should be the woman I called mother pregnant for the same man as me. That was outright unethical! <br /> <br /> In tears, I picked up my pace to the wedding venue. <br /> <br /> Alas, I got there in a couple of minutes not minding my appearance. <br /> <br /> Getting into the hall, my eyes roamed from the seated guests, straight to my Luna Isobel and my fiance Cade standing at the altar. <br /> <br /> She was wearing my wedding dress, standing in my position, smiling at my own man. <br /> <br /> My mind was starting to run amok and more tears spilled shamelessly down my cheeks. <br /> <br /> I don't think there was any torture greater than this.<br /> <br /> “Now before we commence...." Elder Joakim stated. “If there is anyone here against the union, please speak out now or forever hold your peace!" <br /> <br /> I wasted no time in stepping forward. “This wedding cannot pull through! I cannot let this happen!"<br /> <br /> Everyone gasped in shock.<br /> <br /> Luna Isobel gaped at me with a terrified look. Maybe she wasn't expecting me to be out of the hospital by now. Or perhaps, she instructed Doctor Sylvia to keep me down, just until the wedding was over. <br /> <br /> Just as I walked down the aisle, ready to face my stepmother and put an end to all these shenanigans, she roared. <br /> <br /> “Guards, stop her!" <br /> <br /> Before I knew what was happening, four guards came from various directions and grasped me tightly, making it difficult for me to move. <br /> <br /> My whole body was engulfed in pain, but letting this wedding take place would be more painful. <br /> <br /> “No!" I cried out, stomping my feet repeatedly on the ground as I tried to struggle free. “They can't get married. He is mine, she took him from me!" <br /> <br /> "Liar!" Luna Isobel fired back. “Everyone look at her. She isn't in her right mind. Look at the blood dripping from her hand, I'm pretty sure she escaped from the hospital where is being treated for her mental health!" <br /> <br /> My breath hitched. <br /> <br /> What?<br /> <br /> Luna Isobel was trying to play a very smart and fast card on me. There was nothing wrong with me until I found the two people I loved the most in this world in bed yesterday. <br /> <br /> “I am perfectly sane! That's a lie, she is doing all this to get to me." <br /> <br /> "Isn't that what a mentally deranged person would say?" She blurted again. “They will always claim to be fine whereas they are not. This young lady here is a maid in the palace and she lost her parents two weeks ago. I'm sure she is still going through the loss, so please pardon her." She turned to address the guards. “Now take her back to the Pack infirmary, so she will get the proper treatment she deserves." <br /> <br /> I could not believe Luna Isobel would fabricate such kind of story about me. But what do I expect from a woman who had the nerve to sleep with my fiance?<br /> <br /> “She is lying! She is lying!" Tears cascaded down my cheeks. “Cade, why don't you speak up? Why are you watching me suffer this way? Is it something I did? Then I'm sorry for everything but you can't do this to me." <br /> <br /> An indescribable amount of miseries clouded my guts as I broke into a series of uncontrollable sobs. <br /> <br /> Cade just stared back at me without uttering a word. He did not attempt to defend me nor did he deny all the false allegations laid against me. <br /> <br /> “Guards, I said take her away!" Luna Isobel yelled while I continued to struggle for my freedom. <br /> <br /> “Let me go! Let me go this instant!" <br /> <br /> Every part of me still hoped this could be some sort of prank. I wished the next minute, Cade would get down that aisle, run towards me, kiss me senselessly, and apologize for everything they put me through. <br /> <br /> But on the contrary, he continued staring at me without remorse. Like I never existed, like all those years we spent together meant absolutely nothing to him.<br /> <br /> A part of me wanted to mention that I was pregnant with his child, maybe that'd jog his memory, but I decided against it. <br /> <br /> If he doesn't want me now, how am I sure he'd want anything to do with our child? <br /> <br /> “Well, Ladies and gentlemen." Elder Joakim cleared his throat before continuing. “Sorry for the distraction. Now let's proceed. Do you Lady Isobel Arendel, take Cade Jenkins to be your husband, partner, and Alpha. In sickness and in health, until death do you par—" <br /> <br /> “They can't get married!" I continued to yell at the top of my lungs and everyone turned to look at me again. <br /> <br /> Fighting with every fiber of my being, I continuously tried to set myself loose.<br /> <br /> Fresh tears welled up in my eyes.<br /> <br /> “Drag her out, bundle her up, and whisk her away if you have to!" Luna Isobel growled this time. <br /> <br /> Just as the guards were about to do as they were instructed, a thunderous voice boomed from the crowd. <br /> <br /> “Enough! Let her go!" <br /> <br /> Almost at once, my teary eyes darted to the person. Thus, a tall man, donned in black attire, stood up from the crowd. He was by far the most gorgeous man I have ever seen, though Cade remains my heartthrob. <br /> <br /> His icy blue eyes held my teary brown ones. And suddenly, a feeling stirred inside of me. My wolf in dormancy purred out of nowhere and muttered; <br /> <br /> “Mate."<br /> <br /> Despite the agony plaguing my heart, I couldn't believe my ears. Mate? <br /> <br /> Did my wolf just mumble Mate now? Where did my wolf even come from, I thought I didn't possess a wolf nor did I get the opportunity to have a mate. But because of Cade back then, I wasn't worried. <br /> <br /> Even with the tears streaming down my cheeks, my lips parted open in sheer disbelief. <br /> <br /> The guard's hands were still on me, but they stopped rough-handling me for a moment. <br /> <br /> Everyone including me in this hall right now, was short of words as we focused on one person. <br /> <br /> “No, no, Alpha Jericho.....she is unstable. Today is my day, please don't let her ruin it." Luna Isobel bemoaned. <br /> <br /> “I. Said. Let. Her. Go." My mate addressed as Alpha Jericho bellowed. Instantly, the guards retrieved their hands from me. <br /> <br /> “Alpha Jericho, she—" <br /> <br /> “—What? She is unstable? She is a maid who lost her parents two weeks ago and is now mentally deranged. I heard all of that." He strutted towards me in a conceited gait then took my hand in his. “Congratulations on your wedding, but I'm taking her with me." <br /> <br /> I froze, while Luna Isobel immediately rushed down the altar to stand in front of him. <br /> <br /> “Alpha Jericho....she is nothing but a lowlife. What do you, a dignified Alpha need a mentally deranged maid for? If you want other girls, I have plenty to spare." Luna Isobel rambled. <br /> <br /> But then, Alpha Jericho raised a hand in the air and she ceased talking at once. “Do you want to defy me? Need I remind you of my status, then your head will be rolling on the floor. So now I ask– is she of any importance to you, Isobel?" <br /> <br /> Luna Isobel shook her head. “No, my Lord." <br /> <br /> “Problem solved." His icy blue eyes drifted to my teary brown ones once more. “So what do you say? I want to take you along with me to my pack. Are you willing to go?"<br /> <br /> His question resonated deep inside my head. I looked at Cade, who was still standing at the altar, looking unfazed, then to my perturbed stepmother. <br /> <br /> Obviously, there was nothing left for me here. With tears in my eyes, I realized that I'd lost everything my heart desired. A future in my pack, My Luna title, and my title of being a wife. Also, wherever my mate intended on taking me, ought to be better than here. <br /> <br /> So I looked at this gorgeous but strange man and nodded. “Yes, I'm willing to leave."<br /> <br /> ★JASMINE★<br /> <br /> [ONE MONTH LATER]<br /> <br /> Walking down the aisle with my mate, Alpha Jericho, I managed a smile as everyone's attention was solely fixated on me. <br /> <br /> Funny how life played out because I never expected to be in such a position today. Wearing a wedding gown, about to be crowned Luna, and becoming a wife to the greatest Alpha in the were-world. <br /> <br /> Indeed, life is an irony.<br /> <br /> The best decision I have ever made was accepting to leave with my mate even without knowing him too well back then. <br /> <br /> It's been one month since I realized I was pregnant with Cade's child. One month since I found Cade and my stepmother having intimacy one month since my supposed wedding was meant to take place and I met my mate. And then, I packed everything that belonged to me and left. <br /> <br /> Although Cade's child was growing inside of me, I'd make sure he never got to see him or her even after his death. <br /> <br /> Cade hurt me. <br /> <br /> The pain, the humiliation, the tears, and the misery I had to go through were so unbearable. What could I have done to warrant such treatment from him? What could have transpired for him to toss away four good years of our relationship like it didn't mean a thing? <br /> <br /> This was why when my mate asked me to be his Luna, I accepted right away. <br /> <br /> I didn't want to feel powerless anymore. I wanted that power surge just so I could punish Cade and Luna Isobel for what they did to me. <br /> <br /> Although we haven't engaged in any conversation since we came to his pack, I got to realize that he was the mighty Lycan King feared by all and sundry. The Alpha of the bloody fur pack...who has no mercy on anyone. <br /> <br /> The both of us got to the altar and one of the Elder began to take our vows. <br /> <br /> "Ladies and gentlemen of the bloody fur. It's with great honor to be gathered here today on behalf of our leader, Alpha Jericho. We all know Alpha Jericho didn't have a Luna until the moon goddess finally bestowed us with a mate." <br /> <br /> Instantly the atmosphere broke into a cheer, and some rounded an applause. <br /> <br /> "Jasmine Jones of the white moon Pack, do you take Alpha Jericho to be your traditionally wedded husband, partner, and Alpha? In honesty and transparency, sickness and in health until death do you part?" <br /> <br /> Honesty and transparency? <br /> <br /> A pang of guilt suddenly plagued my gut. Alpha Jericho doesn't know that I'm carrying another man's child. Every of my subconscious screamed at me for not telling him even until now. But then, I wanted a future for myself. <br /> <br /> Right now, I had no idea of what would happen if he found out later on, but I needed to secure a future for myself and my unborn pup. <br /> <br /> Tomorrow would save itself.<br /> <br /> Eventually, I pledged. "Yes, I do.” <br /> <br /> "Good." The elder clasped a beautiful piece of Emerald necklace on my neck and then turned to face Alpha Jericho. "Do you Jericho Sanders, take Jasmine Jones as your traditionally wedded wife. In sickness and in health, in love and in support until death do you part?" <br /> <br /> A glint of hesitation flickered through my mate's eyes. I didn't need anyone to tell me that he was also conflicted. Because ever since I came to this pack, he kept me aside and has never paid attention to me. <br /> <br /> Even our marital bond was contractual according to his words. <br /> <br /> We both wanted something from each other. On his part- he no longer wanted to be an Alpha without a Luna. And since I was his mate, he felt I was in the right position to take over the title. That was why he had to spend one month, observing me. To be sure I wasn't mentally unstable like Luna Isobel claimed. <br /> <br /> On mine- I needed to be relevant and in a better position, so I'd have power at my disposal. Staying back in my pack would only make life unbearable for me. <br /> <br /> I'd get to watch Luna Isobel and Cade's romantic escapades and I'd have to bear with it. There would be no one to support me and no way for me to take back my father's pack. So I chose the easiest route. Become the greatest Luna and then, make the whole wereworld mellow at my feet. <br /> <br /> "I do." Alpha Jericho's voice split through my thoughts and a part of me felt relieved. <br /> <br /> The elder rendered an eulogy for him, we exchanged rings. After that, he declared us Alpha and Luna. <br /> <br /> Everyone started cheering once more. The excitement in the atmosphere was unmatched as loud drums and songs rhymed in a melodic tune.<br /> <br /> While dancing, they began to chant; "Long live the Alpha and Luna! Long live the bloody fur pack!" <br /> <br /> With a crown on his head, Alpha Jericho stepped forward and raised his hand. Instantly, the once cheery atmosphere became extremely quiet.<br /> <br /> "People of the bloody fur pack. Thank you for believing in me all these years. Note that my Luna also has the same power as me. Any respect you'd pay to me, do the same on her accord. Should anyone disrespect her, that person is also disrespecting me and you know what happens when you dare me?"<br /> <br /> "Yes, Alpha." They answered in unison. <br /> <br /> "Good. Now make merry. Eat, drink and dance. It's a joyful day!" <br /> <br /> The crowd roared into a loud cheer once more, while Alpha Jericho latched his hand around mine and then led me away. <br /> <br /> Once we were out of the hall, he released his grip on me and then commanded. "Follow me!" <br /> <br /> And I did so without questions. <br /> <br /> Taking several turns, we got to a gargantuan-sized building and the guards there opened the door for us to enter. <br /> <br /> "There!" Alpha Jericho pointed at a scroll situated on a very huge, squared table. <br /> <br /> I walked over there and then picked up the scroll. <br /> <br /> "Those are the rules you'd have to adhere to as my Luna. Since I gave you new life, I believe that's the least you can do to survive in my pack." <br /> <br /> With shaky breaths, my eyes skimmed through the written rules. <br /> <br /> #Rule 1- Do not come to my chambers except when I summon you. <br /> <br /> #Rule 2- Do not question my authority and make sure to do exactly as I say. <br /> <br /> #Rule 3- Even though we are mates, you are not permitted to sleep in the same chamber with me. You stay in yours and I stay in mine. <br /> <br /> #Rule 4-Remember we are not in love. Don't ever address me with any other name except from my title. <br /> <br /> I scoffed inaudibly. Of course, I knew we weren't in love. After my ordeal with Cade, there was no way I'd let my heart long for another man! <br /> <br /> The rules went on and on. <br /> <br /> "Does our deal stand or not?" He growled. <br /> <br /> I raised my head to see him seated on his throne. His eyes held no hint of amusement whatsoever. Just curiosity and earnestness. <br /> <br /> Although the rules were ridiculous. A part of me acknowledged them as a lesser price to pay in exchange for power, so I nodded my head in consent. <br /> <br /> "Our deal stands." <br /> <br /> ★ALPHA JERICHO★<br /> <br /> Leaving the throne room, I eagerly strutted off to my chambers. Thank goodness I have laid down the rules for Jasmine. I believed there was no way she'd disobey my rules. Because she's nothing but a lowly maid with mental issues, whom I saved because the moon goddess was cruel enough to bestow her as my mate. <br /> <br /> On getting to my chambers, I smiled as my eyes befell the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. <br /> <br /> Laura. <br /> <br /> It was a pity that we weren't mates, but still, I love her to the moon and back. She would remain the only woman after my heart. Jasmine's just a shell to occupy Luna's throne. Nothing more, nothing less. <br /> <br /> My smile was met with Laura's scornful eyes. She looked away from me out of the window. And my heart fell. <br /> <br /> I understood that she had every reason to be mad at me. I attended a wedding only to return with another woman and decided to make her my Luna. Though Laura hadn't set her eyes on Jasmine before, I could tell that she already despised her guts. <br /> <br /> Walking towards her, I slipped my arms around her waist and trailed soft kisses on her ear lobes. "Hey, Laura." <br /> <br /> She shrugged me off. "Shouldn't you be with your newly wedded Luna? Why are you here?" <br /> <br /> "Because I want you, Laura. You are the only one my heart desires, I have been telling you that for the past one month since she came in." <br /> <br /> With a swift maneuver, I whirled her around to face me. <br /> <br /> Her eyes narrowed at mine as she spat. "Exactly. Desires. Your desires. That's why you decided to bring her here. What about me, Jericho? Your f. buddy? The woman who dolls herself up and sits pretty, waiting to warm your bed?" <br /> <br /> My jaw dropped. "Is that what you think? That I merely want to use you to satisfy my desires. Alright, let me prove one thing to you. I have given her rules and regulations. You are to stay with me in my chambers and she isn't allowed to step here no matter the situation. You are allowed to walk all over her, I permit you that. Although she's the Luna. You are my jewel." I affirmed, caressing her chin and this time, she didn't push me away. Instead, she blushed. <br /> <br /> "No matter what, Laura. You are my own desire." I asserted. "Now pushing every negativity aside, I want you to climb that bed and we will never let anyone come between us." <br /> <br /> Her lips brushed against mine, and my stomach flipped in response. <br /> <br /> Gosh! Laura knew how to satisfy me without even doing too much. <br /> <br /> Just as I was about to continue with my blissful assault, a soft knock thumped against the door. <br /> <br /> I mentally groaned and continued without attempting to respond. But the knock resounded again. <br /> <br /> "Who is disturbing you right now?" Laura cried out in frustration. "I hope it isn't your newlywed because I'm going to rip all her hair off." <br /> <br /> With anger slowly taking over the pleasure in my body, I peeled myself away from Laura, cussing beneath my breath. <br /> <br /> It better not be Jasmine, I fumed. Because if it turned out to be her, I promise to make her life a living hell. She would wish I never rescued her from that Pack. <br /> <br /> My blood fueled in rage as I wrapped a towel around my waist and went for the door. As soon as I opened it, my Beta Marco stood at the other end with his head bowed. <br /> <br /> "What do you want, Marco?" I asked impatiently. A part of me felt disappointed that it wasn't Jasmine because I needed someone to unleash my fury on. <br /> <br /> "Greetings, Sire. I came to inform you that your brothers are back from their trip."	LEARN_MORE	https://www.azstye.com/dreame/adlanding/1/42332006	108432674059085	D re ame Es	https://facebook.com/100067745901587	437	1	361,233,853,302,328	2024-01-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	D re ame Es	120205510550860210	azstye.com	NONE	image	A wonderland for all kinds of book lovers; Embrace a whole new world of gripping stories.	https://www.azstye.com/dreame/adlanding/1/423320064/2579/fb96444/2024116064602856?utm_source=facebook_ads&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&af_prt=eshare&af_c_id={{campaign.id}}&af_adset_id={{adset.id}}&af_ad_id={{ad.id}}	2024-01-23 08:45	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422098064_1438993443666963_9059448190173092260_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ljel5h7To9YAX9umC9-&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCVxzSlcB31BfNZB2mUDtLpvzcllQnBXbdR_BsRLiYsZA&oe=65B803F2	person_profile	D re ame Es	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422337685_397161832812122_7474828056178203610_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I2j_6ZY6Rb4AX_n2Kfv&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDYSGlBrWRqgN9NRmdQKQheFcczhL4o2n8lsqC5lxnGkA&oe=65B7AE3E	3	D re ame Es	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
159,002	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":158987}'	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	3719483074998155		For Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, see @botoxcosmeticpi.<br /> <br /> An epic Stagecoach weekend could be yours. 🎵 🐎 Get treated and enter for a chance to win.<br /> <br /> Here’s how to enter:<br /> ➡️ Make sure you are an Allē Member (Exclusive: Allē A-Listers as of 01.22.24 get an automatic entry into the sweepstakes as part of their benefits and can earn an extra entry.)<br /> ➡️ Click Sign Up to register for the sweepstakes from 01.23.24-02.13.24<br /> ➡️ Book a consultation and get treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic from 01.23.24-02.23.24<br /> <br /> NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to Allē Members in 48 U.S./D.C.; 22+. Void in AK, HI and where prohibited. Registration ends 2/13/24. See full Official Rules for all details and how to enter without purchase at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Falle.com%2Fsweeps%2Fstagecoach&h=AT1OlwHoy52dAFZDS-lGxv1o9go-Qo3s6pPWMXwyGVr448YMjrXzA25pXLZLnBhUI1IIJxaib6Pl9RhCq1-ujzPqLFyeNxYQ1N_2A-WT4v1iUUtrzegO7YAvNXIFJldqk4NDVfECmq50igo70CLa3vZlOA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://alle.com/sweeps/stagecoach</a>.<br /> <br /> Allē is an official sponsor of Stagecoach<br /> <br /> BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows in adults. <br /> -<br /> Talk to your doctor about BOTOX® Cosmetic and whether it’s right for you. There are risks with this product—the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities. Patients with these conditions before injection are at the highest risk. Swallowing problems may last for several months. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection-site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms, and dizziness. Don’t receive BOTOX® Cosmetic if there’s a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions (including ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome), and medications, including botulinum toxins, as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.<br /> -<br /> Intended for U.S. audiences only.	SIGN_UP	https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/577742497;38657	149006725625249	BOTOX® Cosmetic onabotulinumtoxinA	https://facebook.com/BotoxCosmetic	147,673	18	1,129,125,921,318,321	2024-01-24 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Sign up	BOTOX® Cosmetic onabotulinumtoxinA	120204898712330250	alle.com	NONE	image		https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/577742497;386571811;b	2024-01-22 15:42	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422106318_2324926634364415_2227073412833007283_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nWccEEtHM6oAX9cnOkq&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA69ht_qxB66DvNPqTlWtU3fdEI85zW9nGhdHdY29FKBQ&oe=65B89F04	person_profile	BOTOX® Cosmetic	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422112175_907870757379677_315170991833190851_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RQDFLZBx9MIAX81JpoD&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAJIoJcQH4RDhk4xcW5OAzVbL1lhIgnLf0vW6fiHUPpFA&oe=65B75291	3	BOTOX® Cosmetic onabotulinumtoxinA	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
159,061	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-01-25 14:51	active	121	697552249229293		ROTATOR CUFF DOMINATION 📢<br /> Have shoulder pain? <br /> Can’t get your shoulder muscles to fire properly?<br /> Having pain with push-ups?<br /> Can’t lift overhead? <br /> <br /> Check this out…<br /> <br /> “This is like brushing your teeth for your shoulder…so you can improve the QUALITY of your movement”<br /> <br /> #movement #shoulder #rotatorcuff #rotatorcuffrehab #physicaltherapy #muscles #sportsrehab #nerve #nervepain #rangeofmotion #shirleysahrmann #athleticrehab #exercise #shoulderexercises #spinehygiene #shoulderpain #dpt #sportsperformance #orthopedic #jointhealth #jointpain #morristownnj	LEARN_MORE	http://www.camisapt.com/	101724871477319	Camisa Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab	https://facebook.com/CamisaPhysicalTherapySportsRehab	245	1	1,160,190,602,012,783	2024-01-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Camisa Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab	120203265522080765	www.camisapt.com	NONE	video		http://www.camisapt.com/	2024-01-23 10:30	https://scontent.ffxe1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421708046_204379782696080_811431974623863826_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kVDSYI3Xd4IAX-kCL2L&_nc_ht=scontent.ffxe1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCE-DTOHPTKWlssStMGlBfv6jlZO-q8-EFy7zeu1pmJtA&oe=65B6FD13	person_profile	Joe Camisa	https://scontent.ffxe1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/421671677_757946932905719_8284587906014780536_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G2FFyoAy4fsAX-DB_6Z&_nc_ht=scontent.ffxe1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBQPp38yxUnJeo-cFvLpN98DwHKl7wm-Xg8uRKLB7tDHw&oe=65B75F7D	3	Camisa Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab	2024-01-23 02:00	View Edit Delete

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