Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Adarchiveid	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Pageid	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Collationcount	Collationid	Enddate	Entitytype	Gatedtype	Hidedatastatus	Isaaaeligible	Isactive	Isprofilepage	Cta Text	Pagename	Ad Creative	Caption	Effective Authorization Category	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Instagram Actor Name	Instagram Profile Pic Url	Version	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
1,210,759	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1211285}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	868274405066865	"The best fated mates shifter book I've read!"	I flopped back on my bed, thoroughly exhausted from what felt like a never-ending shift in the infirmary. Fort Canid certainly hadn’t gone easy on its healers lately, which was surprising, considering just how far we were from the front lines. <br /> Then again, the war between my homeland and the country I currently served started before I’d even been born. There were always changes in what areas were hit hardest and where the most troops were needed. <br /> Still, that didn’t make tending to the many, many freshly injured and severely wounded any easier. I was familiar with the anatomical specifics of most of the paranormal creatures fighting in the military, but my brain always felt like taffy after hour ten, and I was eager to fall into blessed sleep…except for dinner.<br /> My stomach growled as if to reiterate the point. We’d been so slammed that I’d skipped lunch to check up on patients, then after that I’d skipped supper to produce more anti-infection salves. I needed to at least try to get to the later dinner provided to Fort Canid’s soldiers or I’d be in terrible pain the next day. <br /> Then there was the brain fog. <br /> Even though I was only a half-shifter, I had the appetite of a full one, and goodness, could shifters eat. If I were any other paranormal creature—or a “cryptid”, as we tended to jokingly call ourselves—I’d definitely qualify as a glutton. It wasn’t uncommon for me to eat six large meals a day, or even more if I was expending my energy more than usual, and that was fairly run of the mill for a wolf shifter. The bear, manticore, and elephant shifters I’d met could easily triple that.<br /> It was one of the biggest reasons good relationships with the surrounding towns and their folk were so important. We had our own dryads and druids who tended to cows, pigs, and sheep that were ranched within the southern sector of the fort, but it wasn’t enough to fuel all the soldiers stationed there. So, supplies were sourced from the locals, and at a pretty penny as well. <br /> “Come on, Ayla, you gotta eat,” I grumbled to myself, as if saying the words would magically motivate me to sit up and do what I needed to. <br /> Not shockingly, this didn’t really work. <br /> It was just so tempting to let myself slip into restful slumber. My magic was all but tapped out, drained by a war that just kept escalating, demanding more battles and blood spilled across the land.<br /> But before I could let my eyelids flutter closed, a knock sounded at my door. My first instinct was to jolt. Who would want to come into my room so late in the evening? I made it my mission to carefully keep my distance from everyone—quite literally everyone—at Ford Canid, so it wasn’t like I had callers usually show up out of nowhere. <br /> I took a deep breath and caught a familiar scent; one I hadn’t been able to shake even though the rest of the Fort was happy to leave me alone and dub me the “Healing Hermit”. It was even more impressive—or was it pathetic? —when one considered that the other healer in my division was an old warlock with a lengthy white beard who could put most elderly magic users to shame. <br /> “Come on, Ayla. I know you’re in there!” her voice called musically through the door. I rolled my eyes, although I couldn’t help the small smile that spread across my features. Despite my efforts to keep my distance, one of Fort Canid’s most powerful psychics seemed dead set on being my friend.<br /> It would've been annoying if she weren’t so charming. She had a smile that was broad and inviting, her white teeth standing out against the beautiful umber of her skin. It wasn’t a hue I saw often, but it was similar to the reddish clay that spread out under very specific, blessed trees in my homeland, except this was mixed with gold. She was unearthly beautiful in a way, and I had no idea why she was so set on liking me.<br /> Well…that wasn’t entirely true. I’d started things, even if it had been an accident. I’d met her during my first week stationed at the Fort. She’d come in for stronger pain medicine while the lunar eclipse was wreaking havoc on her period—something that wasn’t entirely unusual for magic users. I’d wanted to do a thorough magical scan of her, so I asked her to wash her face and remove her makeup, including what I thought were her very obvious falsies. <br /> I’d been as cold and detached as possible, but she’d just laughed and informed me she wasn’t wearing any. She just had a mutation that gave her a double row of lashes on both her top and bottom lids. <br /> Naturally, I was fascinated. Can you blame a healer? I knew that distichiasis was a mutation of the FOXC2 gene that existed in humans and could have plenty of other symptoms, such as lymphedema and congenital defects, but I’d never heard of a cryptid with it. <br /> It turned out asking a curious question was the same as proposing a lifetime bond, apparently, because Darla looped her arm around mine and told me that if she was going to give me a whole interview, we might as well be friends and eat together. <br /> “I thought you couldn’t read my mind while I’m wearing the inhibitor bracelet,” I called gruffly without moving. The truth was, I liked Darla quite a lot. She was funny, charismatic, and sharp as a whip. I got the feeling that, even if she couldn’t read minds, she'd be a force to be reckoned with.<br /> “I don’t need to read your mind to know that you’re in there without having eaten anything for at least half a day.”<br /> I may have cursed under my breath. Unlike most shifters, Darla couldn’t hear my muttering. <br /> “You might be right, but I’ll confirm nothing.”<br /> “I wouldn’t expect anything less. Now, get up and out of here so we can get some grub. It won’t remedy you needing to get laid, but at least it’ll stop you from being hangry.”<br /> I shot her a look, even though she couldn’t see me.<br /> “Excuse you, I do not need to get laid!”<br /> I was prickly around the edges, but that was on purpose. I had… complications in my life that forced my hand. Complications that meant I'd need to keep my distance as much as possible, and last I checked, sleeping with someone was definitely close contact. <br /> Besides, I didn’t want to tell my gorgeous, charismatic friend who had dozens of men and women drooling over her that I was a twenty-two-year-old virgin. Not because she'd make fun of me, but because she might try to ‘fix’ the situation.<br /> Ugh, the thought made me nauseous. <br /> I could just picture the line of eligible bachelors she’d round up in the hopes of me finding “the one”. Not only would it be awkward beyond the extreme, it’d only end with bitter attitudes and broken hearts. <br /> Mostly because I’d already found “the one”.<br /> I could never, ever become close to him.<br /> “Baby, are you really trying to lie to a psychic?” Darla shot back. It’d become increasingly obvious with each second that she wasn’t going to leave me alone, so I groaned, got up, and stalked over to the door.<br /> “We already went over this,” I told her dryly after flinging it open. “Inhibitor bracelet means that you’re not much different than a human to me.”<br /> “Not much different than a beautiful human to you,” she corrected me without missing a beat. That charisma again. She had a quick tongue and an even quicker wit, which was probably one of the reasons it was so hard to shake her. I knew that if I really put the work into being a miserable twat, she’d eventually lose interest, but try as I might, I just couldn’t bring myself to fully commit. <br /> This was incredibly selfish of me, of course, but it'd been so long, and sometimes I was just incredibly lonely. Was it really that wrong for me to have a single friend?<br /> Probably, but it was what it was. <br /> “Come on,” Darla said while completely ignoring my scowl. “You can’t blame me for suggesting a way to help you out.”<br /> “Help me out with what?”<br /> “That whole uptight vibe you’ve got going on.” She pushed her way into my room, and the next thing I knew, she was sitting at my desk. I didn’t have a lot of furniture exactly, but I'd more than the standard soldier, considering all the healing and witch supplies I needed. <br /> “You know, not everyone is into romance or sex,” I said, crossing over to my bed and flopping back down. It looked like now I wasn’t going to eat or sleep, which wasn’t the best option. Actually, I was pretty sure it was the worst. <br /> “Ayla, I can end up living in other people’s heads if I’m not careful. Of course, I know about the ace-aro spectrum, but I also know that that isn’t you.”<br /> Ugh, I hated when Darla got insightful.<br /> I got the feeling the psychic liked to play up an empty-headed bimbo persona to get people to underestimate her. The fact that she didn’t bother with that charade around me was pretty flattering, as much as I tried to wall myself off. <br /> “No, you’re so full of internal tension, I’m surprised you haven’t spontaneously combusted,” Darla continued, spinning around in my desk chair. “So, please, help me help you before you snap.”<br /> “I’m not going to snap.” <br /> “All right, I’ll trust you for now, but if you start chewing on the walls, I’m gonna take dating applications for you.”<br /> “Yes, because that’s definitely a habit that’ll attract multiple suitors.”<br /> Darla laughed at that, her head tipping back and white teeth flashing. It probably shouldn’t have made pride flicker in my chest that I’d amused her, but it did. What could I say? I liked the idea of making my clever friend, and my only friend, laugh. <br /> “Hey, your love non-life aside, did you see the latest batch of shifter trainees? Some of them are absolutely scrumptious. Maybe you could put on cute civvies and we can give ‘em an eyeful in the dining hall?”<br /> “I thought you just said my love non-life aside.”<br /> “I’m sorry! I’m just a dog with a bone.”<br /> “More like a dog trying to get me boned,” I muttered under my breath, only to send Darla cackling again.<br /> “What did you just call me?”<br /> My eyes snapped wide open at that, and I jolted upright. “What? Nothing!”<br /> “Relax, relax, girl!” Darla said between peals of chuckles, waving me off. “You’re so funny when you don’t mean to be.”<br /> I wanted to argue that I'd be funnier if I didn’t have to barrier myself off from everyone around me, but I wanted to keep that truth to myself. “I don’t even have clothes outside my healer uniform and sleepwear,” I said instead, diffusing the mood.<br /> “What? I know I didn’t just hear that.”<br /> “You did. Besides, I’m exhausted. I’m good unless you think these recruits have a thing for dark crow’s feet and crabby attitudes. So, if you wanna head out and do whatever with them, feel free to do it solo.”<br /> Darla completely ignored my invitation to leave, which I didn’t expect to work, anyway. If I told her seriously that I needed space, she'd respect my wishes, but she had an uncanny knack for seeing through my bluster.<br /> “Nah, not interested. Captain Kai is in the dining hall welcoming them now, so I’m sure they’re all starry-eyed and fawning over him. Not enough attention left over to make it worth getting dolled up on my own.”<br /> I couldn’t fight the emotional jolt that went through me at the captain’s name. It was such a specific feeling that I only associated with him: a twinge of heartache, a dash of resentment, a heaping dose of guilt. I wasn’t sure what my feelings were cooking up, but whatever it was, it always left me with a forlorn, bitter taste in my mouth. <br /> But that was probably because he was my fated mate.<br /> “You all right over there?” Darla said in a curious tone. Sometimes I got the feeling that she knew how much I was drawn to Captain Kai, and other times it felt like she was completely oblivious. “You look a little green.”<br /> “I’m fine,” I lied, just like I had to do most of the time. I really hated that about myself, but survival is as survival does, and I just did what was necessary to protect the people around me. “Just hungry.”<br /> In truth, my stomach was twisting at the thought of him being surrounded by drooling, enamored recruits who could openly speak with him—be close to him. Meanwhile, I was barely able to steal distant glances, and that was it. It wasn’t right to be so isolated from my mate. It tore at me in ways I truly hated, but what could I do?<br /> Mates, fated mates, and romance were complicated, interwoven things in shifter culture. Considering I was only half a shifter and raised by witches, I was still unraveling those intricate social rules. Mates were what most shifters tended to call their long-term partners, wives, or husbands. It meant a specific, important relationship that was set aside from just dating, or even marriage. It was something shifter-specific and taken very seriously. <br /> But it was a choice.<br /> Fated mates were something else entirely. I was still shaky on the why of it, but boy, was I familiar with how it felt. Fated mates weren’t about choice. It was like an irresistible call to another person—someone I was meant to be with. More enticing than a siren’s song, more compelling than my need for oxygen. My entire body, heart, and soul longed to be by Kai’s side. To protect him. To comfort him. To laugh with him and share all the mundane little happenings of day-to-day life. I craved him more than I wanted food or drink.<br /> But I couldn’t have him.<br /> Maybe…maybe it wouldn’t be the worst idea to go to the dining hall and help with the welcoming of the new recruits. Even though I couldn’t participate directly, it was always nice to see him charm the troops. Captain Kai had a way of making everyone feel welcome right off the bat—that was if they let him. Goodness knows, I certainly hadn’t when I’d first arrived. I’d stared straight at the ground and given one-word answers as best I could. Not exactly the best first impression, but it was what I had to do to squeak by. <br /> “Why don’t we go get you food before you pass out? You know how cranky you get in the morning when you’ve gone too long without eating.”<br /> She was right. “All right,” I said, like she’d managed to convince me. “Let’s go get food. As long as you’re willing to not make a scene.”<br /> “Me? Make a scene?” Darla objected, batting her double row of eyelashes at me. “I'd never.”<br /> “Uh-huh. Why don’t you go ahead? I’m gonna take a quick wash, then follow up behind you.”<br /> “You’re really sticking to this hermit thing, aren’t you? You know, if you didn’t work so hard on being stony, more people would see how fun you are.”<br /> “I don’t want people to see how fun I am,” I countered sharply. I didn’t need to risk them getting hurt. <br /> “All right, all right, I can tell I touched a nerve. I’ll head out to get my flirt on before you join me.”<br /> “Thanks.”<br /> Darla practically skipped out of my room, heading away from my living quarters toward the southern cafeteria. Troops tended to eat in the same places most days, but sometimes we’d wander to one of the other quads if our usual one was overly packed. <br /> Considering the late hour, though, there would be plenty of room once I arrived. Most of the soldiers in our quad were used to me silently eating alone or with Darla, so no one was likely to bother me besides perhaps the new recruits. But I was sure that others would warn them off me before then. It was certainly a relief. It was going to take far too much of my attention to not openly stare at Kai, so I wasn’t exactly going to be up for conversation. <br /> Allowing myself one more groan, I got out of bed and hopped into the shower. Most of the new recruits had to use communal dorm bathrooms, but as one of two healers on our quadrant of the fort who often had to wash viscera, tonics, and brews off myself, I'd a small bathroom attached to my quarters. <br /> Once I was clean, I pulled on a standard uniform instead of my healing one, then headed to the café. Just like I’d hoped, Darla was indeed busy with a gaggle of soldiers who were all vying for her attention, allowing me to get my food and pretend like I wasn’t waiting for Kai to arrive.<br /> The room was much louder than usual, filled with all the new bodies. As much as I appreciated the reinforcements, my heart grew heavy knowing we were so direly in need of them. The war seemed to stretch on forever, escalating more and more as the years passed. <br /> What was it even about? Land? Power? It all seemed so pointless to me. I fought as hard as I could to be an excellent healer and soldier for Captain Kai and my fellow shifters, but that didn’t mean I was a blindly loyal patriot. The world would be a much better place if there were no such thing as armed conflict. <br /> I grimaced as I tried to shove those thoughts out of my mind. Luckily, that was right when none other than Captain Kai strolled into the cafeteria, his presence banishing the negativity always living in my mind. He looked gorgeous, as usual, and my eyes traveled along his noble brow, down his strong nose, then to his chiseled chin. He was smiling, as he usually was off duty, his dark spit curls hanging off his forehead. <br /> I mechanically shoveled food from my tray into my mouth, but even with how hungry I was, I didn’t really taste any of it. My full attention was on Kai, save for the small sliver of my brain trying to pretend that I wasn’t looking at him. Once more, the siren song bloomed within, flooding me with a bitter longing that never seemed to end.<br /> “Well met!” I heard him say cheerily to one of the recruits, with even my half-shifter hearing able to pick up his voice from across the room. <br /> As he continued to greet the troops, I thought back to the first moment I saw him from across the compound. It was like the world had stopped moving entirely, its axis disappearing, only for none other than Kai himself to become the center upon which it rotated. My inner wolf howled, wanting to go to him, begging to, but I… I couldn’t.<br /> It’d taken every bit of strength I had not to give into the feral need rushing through me, hot and bright. Somehow I’d managed to rush back to my quarters and collect myself despite my inner wolf cursing at me with bared teeth the entire time. <br /> I was so shocked. Never in a million years had I ever thought I'd have a fated mate, let alone that I'd run into mine during my military service. It just figured because the urge to protect him, to take care of him, prevented me from ever acting on these overwhelming feelings. <br /> In the end, I always ended up hurting everyone around me. Everyone I was close to. All because of a stupid curse by a bastard of a magic user who apparently had it out for an infant. <br /> The witches who helped raise me had tried for years to remove the curse—what I liked to call my Malignant Shadow—that’d been forced upon me. It sank into my skin, my very soul, spreading out to feed on those I loved. <br /> So, I’d cursed Kai right back. Not with the Malignant Shadow or anything that would hurt him. No, I’d cut my own hand off before I did anything like that. But I did curse him with… blindness.<br /> Except blindness wasn’t even an accurate description. It was a complete and total ablation of all his senses. Normally, it would be the most extreme torture: locked within one’s own body without a sense of taste, smell, hearing, sight, touch, or perception of where one was in any given space, but I'd no desire to harm Kai. In fact, I’d cooked up my little spell specifically to save him. <br /> I’d narrowed down the curse to just affect how his inner wolf saw me. He could still see and hear me, of course, so it wasn’t like I was invisible to him, but it cut him off from the natural ability to sense I was his mate. So to him, I was less than interesting, and just another soldier with the world’s mildest scent and a bland personality.<br /> It was worth it—at least that was what I told myself—to keep him safe, even if sometimes it felt like it was ripping my heart out.<br /> “Ah, I heard about your mother’s exploits in the fifth regiment. She was one of the best calvary we ever had. I look forward to seeing what you can do, cadet.”<br /> There was his voice, drifting over to me and coiling around my heart. As usual, I let myself daydream of what it would've been like if I hadn’t cursed him. If I’d just let nature take its course so the two of us could be together.<br /> They were a slippery slope, these daydreams, layered with earnest delusion atop a foundation of delicious temptation. I knew it, and yet I let my mind wander along these familiar fantasies, anyway.<br /> I supposed I was a glutton for punishment that way. <br /> But it was just so easy to see. The special smile he’d send me, his mate. How he would hold me. Despite what I’d been through, my mind had no trouble conjuring up what it might be like to be loved and claimed by someone so warm, so bright. A shining beacon of strength and compassion in the darkness spreading rapidly across our lands. <br /> The further I went along with the daydream, the more I could feel my cheeks burning until I was surprised they didn’t spontaneously light themselves aflame. After all, it wouldn’t be the strangest thing to happen at Fort Canid. <br /> But then I happened to make eye contact with Darla. She wiggled her eyebrows at me knowingly. Ugh. Even with the inhibitor bracelet all of us soldiers were given when we arrived at the fort, she could still see right through me. <br /> Quickly looking down at my food, I shoveled another forkful into my mouth. I knew I should leave, but when I glanced up, with my mouth full of beans, my eyes didn’t connect with Darla’s. No. Suddenly I found myself looking into Kai’s dark, soulful eyes.<br /> Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!<br /> I did my best to reign in my response, even if everything in me was screaming that he knew, but the moment barely lasted before his gaze moved away from me, not even registering I was there.<br /> It made my heart ache something fierce, even if that was exactly what my curse was supposed to do. I was nothing to him, and nothing I must remain. <br /> As much as I told myself that, though, electricity still ran through me each time I saw him. It really was excruciating torture being so close to the man I was supposed to be with and having it taken away before I was old enough to understand what a fated mate even meant.<br /> But it would be worth it.<br /> As long as Kai was safe, it would all be worth it.<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 of Royally Cursed. Read the rest today, FREE on Kindle Unlimited!	DOWNLOAD	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR9JW1TX	106376495657728	Wolf Boyfriends - Shifter Romance Books	https://facebook.com/100088904341142	1,015	1	1,073,997,810,356,239	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Download	Wolf Boyfriends - Shifter Romance Books	120209344252690327	amazon.com	NONE	image	Royally Cursed: A Fated Mates Wolf Shifter Romance (Fated Love, Fated War Book 1)	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR9JW1TX	2024-04-13 11:58	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435888821_1612950906182977_7492729620696894220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qX2aCxTYGKIAb5kqdTU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfA14Bqhx7Fuwi0EUwWlEnrXJRjUrQPSIi_LFfQ5-1PH6w&oe=6621FA37	person_profile	Wolf Boyfriends - Shifter Roma	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435942424_306113625671158_7632677827934531769_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Q7VmMxr8wEAb6uFJzF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBy7InKqvbyfxeHUMc86bkPYLsInLfN7gG_b_x5fASi9Q&oe=6621EC7A	3	Wolf Boyfriends - Shifter Romance Books	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,671	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210134}'	No	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1071655937273750	40+ Absurd, Awkward, And Embarrassing First Date Stories Jimmy Fallon’s Audience Shared Online	No matter how much preparation you do, both with your own presentation and internet-stalking your date, there are still some things that can go wrong. Sure, they’re uncomfortable at the time, but, as Jimmy Fallon’s audience showed, bad dates can turn into hilarious stories.	LEARN_MORE	https://brideliving.com/bljimmydate/	117304701464492	BrideLiving Magazine	https://facebook.com/bridesliving	5	2	1,191,596,112,203,242	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	BrideLiving Magazine	120209214762260439	brideliving.com	NONE	image	First dates aren’t easy. In fact, they can be pretty nerve-wracking. It’s often your first — or only — chance to make an impression on someone you’d potentially want to spend years of your life with. And if you really like that person, you’d practically do everything to make them like yo...	https://brideliving.com/bljimmydate/	2024-04-14 05:05	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437472620_407752515305062_7992986541253975256_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PgIOPeOKx1MAb5ycj3G&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAvHbNXWxt-FVfKxUV59wytlwuWvsdQJdMxEB5-c-FquQ&oe=6621E985	person_profile			3	BrideLiving Magazine	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,781	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210209}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	314262924777996	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	🚗💔 Collision of Destiny: Estella's Journey from Tragic Accident to Twisted Marriage with Billionaire Bryce	WATCH_MORE	https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1b562gev&p1={{campaig	190396754167998	Eashort IOS	https://facebook.com/61556887250165	48	8	734,331,465,483,200	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Watch more	Eashort IOS	120207934887120403	d.eavideo.net	NONE	video		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1b562gev&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000318%26nid%3D300000318%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D182%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D3%26pa%3D99999	2024-04-12 05:39	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435999959_447900427790922_9007164688528615590_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=n5RimBbMhhkAb7xq4Hb&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBkm7irZwWaZi55eS2uR1G7ERkcoOzqSQ0pER1wKjercw&oe=6621F7EB	person_profile	Eashort IOS	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437055456_1116563876284379_6967357188108565967_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cJTL2MiZ_qoAb5A_G8_&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfC5u3cHtXiFKF_jtQyk_-rp3q9dSS1uBisTOXTcTJF5vA&oe=66220A7B	3	Eashort IOS	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,158	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210116}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	615509994125199	Live a Pain-Free Life Again	The aftermath of a failed discectomy can be challenging. Barricaid offers a solution to enhance your chances of avoiding further surgical interventions, enabling you to return to the activities you love.	LEARN_MORE	https://barricaid.com/landingpages2/index6-a.html?	169168387005175	Barricaid	https://facebook.com/barricaid	96	1	658,556,283,062,993	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn More	Barricaid	120209376345190130	barricaid.com	NONE	dco	{{product.description}}	https://barricaid.com/landingpages2/index6-a.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=leads	2024-04-14 00:30	https://scontent.forf1-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436540344_852602020233656_6207070476400084290_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ody4azRgCeUAb6b1M2O&_nc_ht=scontent.forf1-4.fna&oh=00_AfCjfux38EMV381_2wfOBzZWkc-kdSlozcj3w618OrI6eA&oe=6621D8F1	person_profile	Barricaid	https://scontent.forf1-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436261338_801353458554336_5458865589950187476_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=amBBa6gLLBsAb5NC4ax&_nc_ht=scontent.forf1-4.fna&oh=00_AfC_8qXBuG11jZzd9HH128hUt9-E_4bVbLvWW4euDgWC8w&oe=6622071D	3	Barricaid	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,957	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210942}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	959272915803972	🎬：《DO ME AGAIN! MY BILLIONAIRE HUSBAND》	Estella was admitted to the hospital due to a car accident, but unexpectedly caught her husband Bryce visiting another woman in the hospital, and the two of them behaved intimately. Estella is feeling down and plans to end her three-year marriage with Bryce, causing a rift in their relationship. But as time went by, Estella learned that what she had always believed was Bryce's infidelity, there was actually another hidden truth... The misunderstanding between the two was resolved, and they confided in each other and decided to hold another wedding.<br /> 👇Download EaShort TV to watch more series	SIGN_UP	https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1bd3ikm2&p1={{campaig	227182380484890	Eashorttv	https://facebook.com/61556219836967	42	5	440,020,975,384,540	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Sign up	Eashorttv	120210048852470334	d.eavideo.net	NONE	video		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1bd3ikm2&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000318%26nid%3D300000318%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D181%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D1%26pa%3D9999	2024-04-13 08:09	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436340097_968993951560210_3356011646613912434_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f-9f6b9BO10Ab4B60bD&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfDlh-lSx-RSQtTk6gkrhUcltVgFDChAN1K-bW9rCMh5Sg&oe=66220318	person_profile	Eashorttv	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437755221_933672558238160_5511550459066219153_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sRLAnI8lTQwAb41CO8F&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfC9kO4TtuA07k24sGGVD_whHSzr4RiaQ-GG8ISCteE6CQ&oe=66220056	3	Eashorttv	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,180	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210200}'	No	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	361005640258364	It’s Like Jiffy Lube For Aching Joints...	Unlock your full mobility! <br /> <br /> With Dr. Gina Sam’s “Molecular Switch” <br /> <br /> ✔️ Enhances Joint Health <br /> ✔️ Boosts Flexibility <br /> ✔️ Supports An Active Lifestyle. <br /> <br /> Feel the difference today!	WATCH_MORE	https://thepainreport.com/pages/syn-vslfb/	140677332467860	Synocell	https://facebook.com/synocell	1,441	2	804,292,578,413,296	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Watch more	Synocell	120207618738560774	thepainreport.com	NONE	video		https://thepainreport.com/pages/syn-vslfb/	2024-04-12 11:49	https://scontent.forf1-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435546040_416273164381279_783745124644608624_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=twsO_FYGP0AAb6715Ll&_nc_ht=scontent.forf1-4.fna&oh=00_AfA8iLE3_VG7OF_qvWHfvn6R-RffxJru1dyWMf4Cnifm2g&oe=662208BA	person_profile			3	Synocell	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,262	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209242}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	430837256194595	How I Stopped Foot Pain From Controlling My Life...	Ever tried to pick up a cup of coffee and felt like you were grappling with a cactus? That was my morning routine - battling the intense tingling and numbness in my hands that turned every small task into a monumental challenge.<br /> <br /> But rewind a few months, and every step was torture. My feet? Constant pins and needles. My hands? It felt like they were on fire. Doctors handed me prescriptions that did nothing but make me groggy and frustrated. I was trapped in my own body, a prisoner of neuropathy.<br /> <br /> It got to the point where I'd dread evenings the most. The pain seemed to flare up right when I tried to relax. Just sitting down to dinner, I'd feel the burning start, and I knew it would be another long, sleepless night.<br /> <br /> Then, everything changed. My sister, bless her, sent me a link late one night. She had stumbled upon a video online, claiming a simple 5-second morning ritual could tackle the root cause of nerve pain. Skeptical? You bet I was. But desperate too.<br /> <br /> I watched that video, hanging on every word. It talked about something called "nerve plaque" and how this quick routine could clear it up—no meds, just a simple, natural method. I was ready to try anything.<br /> <br /> So, I started the next morning. It felt silly at first, doing this tiny ritual in my kitchen. But by the third day, something shifted. The burning eased. The pins and needles weren’t as sharp. I could sit through a movie without squirming in discomfort.<br /> <br /> Now, three months later, I'm not just walking… I'm hiking. I'm gardening. I'm living. If you're sick of the pain, tired of the numbness, and done with feeling helpless, you need to see this. Trust me, it's worth those few seconds every morning.<br /> <br /> Tap below to discover the 5-second ritual that gave me back my life!	WATCH_MORE	https://lp.myfantasticvibes.club/66192a71d92032000	101566326202697	Tresa A. Lawlor	https://facebook.com/100089983283846	960	0	397,330,249,729,607	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Watch more	Tresa A. Lawlor	120207495662390371	myfantasticvibes.club	NONE	video		https://lp.myfantasticvibes.club/66192a71d9203200018e5531?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid	2024-04-13 11:45	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437913591_431728422685921_1103672232141746257_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wXxHlESoukUAb671ELs&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDxjjPi1bXLvVCuKqT5rY8IsJnBGKj-hloch7eVeE-NbA&oe=6621E77E	person_profile	Tresa A. Lawlor	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437870152_686486746849558_7979212041019131499_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bmt3DR7N15MAb7LZS8Q&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAJrInig6XrAt4a7yjh9iT4G4Mh5hwdK7V3eX5dcpJBIA&oe=6621E9F7	3	Tresa A. Lawlor	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,294	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209269}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	414822481164435	Read with Your Ears➤➤	"Justin, though you are my twin sister's mate. My dad is really mad at you and Raven being mates." Twin sister Reagan said to my mate.<br /> "I don't mind rejecting her, but I would have been embarrassed to face my mate" Justin said.<br /> "My father has decided to appoint me as his future Alpha not my sister Raven. So, I will be your luna." Reagan said to Justin.<br /> ******** <br /> I silently run through the woods letting my wolf Emerald out tonight. She has been anxious all day, well really the last few days, and I could tell that she needed to come out for a run. <br /> Alpha Cole Walker is the Alpha of the Blood Walker pack. He is said to be one of the most dangerous Alphas in the United States. It is said that he would hurt anyone who dared to enter his pack uninvited. Due to this fact, most of our pack members studiously avoid this area altogether.<br /> My twin sister, Reagan, is the golden child of the pack. They all love her unconditionally. She is cherished and appreciated, no matter what she does. They all seem to ignore the fact that she is a horrible and mean she-wolf. I was born first, and with that should come the respect that after I find my mate, I will officially be the Luna here, and he will take over as the Alpha of the pack. Yet they all treat her as the next Luna. <br /> My sister and I are the only children that our parents had. The Goddess never blessed them with another child, even though they tried for years. My father, Alpha Graham Sullivan, is very strict with me. I am not allowed to leave my room other than to eat my meals and then return back to my room again. I am also not allowed to leave our pack for any reason. I have never even crossed the border of the Sliver Blade pack in my life. <br /> I was the Alpha's daughter, but I was not a valued member of this pack. Telling on me has always resulted in a bonus for whoever told on me to my father. I have had to learn how to overcome this on my own. It has made me very independent over the years, as well as a very good climber. I use the tree outside my window at the pack house, to climb up and down to get in and out of my room.<br /> From my vantage point, I can see who is coming now and rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my brain. It was Reagan, and she was pulling the arm of a pretty large guy, as she headed toward the grassy bank near my tree. I realized right this moment that I have picked a terrible place to hide. I should have doubled back and then climbed in my window to my room and I would have been safe and sound in my room. Reagan is clearly out with one of her many men, as she was allowed to stay out and do whatever she wanted to. I mean how else could she beat me to finding her mate if she didn't flirt with all the unmated men in our pack? I rolled my eyes again and then froze when I looked at them again and got a good look at his face.<br /> That smell coming off of him was starting to drive me wild, he smelled like freshly baked cinnamon buns, and I was now pissed off. She had come here with the guy that I had a crush on, someone with whom she had never shown any interest in before. It was our Beta's son and the guy that I have had a crush on for the last year and a half.<br /> "No, don't stop them, Raven, she has already been dating with him for the last few months. This is not the first time, it has been well before he returned to the pack earlier this week. They are together now, dating, and they have both vowed to reject their actual mates to stay together to take over and run this pack. Please, just try to bear it, I will help you get through it. I am glad that you are in a secure location, this may make you pass out" Emerald linked me, and I felt physically sick.<br /> "How do you know this? Did she know that he is my mate? Why can't I approach him? Maybe he wants me, Emerald. Please let me stop this. He might not know that I am his mate, he may still want me, want US! I don't want to lose him, Emerald. He may not be aware his true mate is here. Can't he already smell our scent up here, like I smelled his scent? Are you sure that this is the only way? Please Emerald" I linked her back, and I feel the tears that are already sliding down my face. I have questions, and I need answers.<br /> I am frustrated. I don't want to give up on my true mate. He doesn't even know that I am here, and I do want him. I don't want to give him up, especially not to my sister Reagan. I don't know if I can survive this level of betrayal.<br /> "I can't wait for mom and dad to announce to the pack that we will be the Alpha and Luna tomorrow. This is something that I have really wanted for the last 8 years. I am so glad you decided that we could be chosen mates. " My sister says to my mate.<br /> "Besides, I am also glad that you are willing to lead the Silver Blade pack with me. I have a feeling that my freak of a sister who keeps staring at you is going to be crushed when she finds out that we are together. You dodged by deciding to accept me as your chosen mate. I know that she has a crush on you, so she would probably try to ask you out or something when she sees that you are back from break." She adds.<br /> "I think we will be so happy together. Raven will be so angry when she finds out that we planned this months ago. I cannot wait for her to find out. I even told mom to have her sit on the front row for the pack meeting tomorrow, so I can see her face when dad makes the announcement. I am going to put her next to you so it will hurt her more when dad calls you up on stage. When she realizes that her crush is going to be my mate, she is going to be so jealous of me. I am so going to get a picture of her face when she finds out, as I will want to remember that moment for a long time" I heard Reagan say to him, and I was so choked up I couldn't hold in the sob of pain that managed to escape.<br /> It wasn't loud, but with werewolf hearing, it was loud enough. I just stayed completely still and prayed that they hadn't heard me, but Justin started talking when my sob escaped, and they had no reaction, so I think I am safe.<br /> "I have always thought that you were a she-wolf, Reagan. I am so glad that you came up to my training with your offer, and for us to get extra special time together. If Raven were allowed to move around the pack, I don't think that she would be missing the fact that she is my mate. I scented her today when I got back to the pack and confirmed she is my mate. Per our agreement, I don't mind rejecting her, as I am clearly getting the better sister out of this deal. I would have been embarrassed to have to call that freak of nature my mate" Justin said, and with it, my heart was completely crushed.<br /> These two evil people deserved each other, and I will not waste another tear on his betrayal. He "chose" her, so he can keep her. She will never be faithful to him, and he will not ever be able to trust that their children are his either. She was just doing this to ensure that they become the next Alpha and Luna. She is what he wanted, so she can have him. I am thoroughly disgusted by both of them, and I will not allow them to make me sad one more day. I had already decided to get out of this horrible pack, and I will not miss the Silver Blade pack for a second. <br /> "She is your mate? Are you serious? Oh, this is the best" Reagan said as she laughed out in joy at hearing this information. "Justin, why haven't you mentioned this to me before?" Reagan continued.<br /> "I just found out about it earlier today as I have been gone for my training for the last 4 months. I caught my mate's scent and followed it so I could go ahead and reject them. I realized it was coming from the Alpha level, and when I went up and it led me straight to her door, it was really faint, but I sensed it. She doesn't even know it yet. I am sure that this information is not going to go over well with your parents. They may be upset when they find out. Are they still going to want us to move forward with our plan? Or are they going to want me and Raven to be mates because we are true mates?" Justin asked Reagan. I have to admit, I was interested in her reply as well, but I already suspected what the answer was going to be.<br /> "Oh no Justin, you will definitely be staying with me. I know dad is really going to get a kick out of you and Raven being mates. Mom might feel a little bad for her, but I think that this is great. I could not be happier that her true mate, will become my chosen mate.<br /> We will rule the Silver Blade pack together, and it will hurt her every day to see us together. It is my pack any way, it was never going to be hers. Maybe if we are lucky since she doesn't have a wolf, she won't be able to scent you, and your rejection might even hurt her when you do it. That would be the best-case scenario for all of us" Reagan said, and I could tell that Justin was a little shocked at how hateful she was. Reagan could tell that Justin was not liking this side of her so she quickly changed her attitude and started cooing at Justin, "She doesn't deserve you, baby, I love you and I want you. Hopefully, you will come to love me too.<br /> I was just worried, I don't want you falling in love with my sister after we have already mated." Reagan said to Justin, looking up at him adoringly through her long lashes. I have to admit, she really knows how to work people to do what she wants them to. Her ability to look innocent and pure is without measure, she could have been an actress.<br /> "Dad hates Raven. He will be very happy about this. He has never loved her since the day that she was born. Mom might be a little upset, but she will get over it. She and dad are chosen mates, she gave up her true mate to become the Luna of the Silver Blade pack. She did it herself, and if it is good enough for her, then it is good enough for me to do it as well. We make the perfect couple. We will have strong pups, and our pack will flourish" Reagan said, and I am stunned. I knew my dad was mean, but to hate me, why? What reason could he possibly have for hating me? My parents have told the whole pack numerous times through the years that they were true mates. They are very affectionate with each other in front of the pack. I didn't even know that they weren't true mates. What else don't I know about them?<br /> "We will do the same thing. You will have to reject Raven first thing in the morning, or after the pack meeting. But you will have to do it where no one else will hear you. Dad is going to tell the pack that we are true mates, so they will fully support us. Dad thinks that it would be a mistake to not have the pack's full support behind us when we go to take it over from my parents" Reagan said, and I am amazed at all the plans that they have kept away from me. Just another thing that shows how much difference there is between Reagan and me. I hear them touching again and wonder when they plan on leaving the area, don't they need to get back to the pack house?<br /> I narrow my eyes at Reagan, as she is ecstatic about getting to truly rub all of my misfortune in right now. Justin is getting the opportunity to reject me, so the situation that we are now in is all positive for them.<br /> "Raven, why are you out of the house? Are you supposed to be out here? Are you OK? That fall looked like it hurt pretty bad" I hear my sister ask me with an innocent look on her face like she cared about me. She was fully aware of how I am kept a prisoner here at the Silver Blade pack. I really have to get out of here. I needed to check and see how badly I am hurt because I don't know if I even have time to go pack a bag now. I may be having to leave here with nothing, but I am OK with that. I just need to get the heck out of here. I will figure out what I need to do after I am safely free of Silver Blade.<br /> "Are you ignoring me, Raven? Are you sure you want to do that to me? Fine then, I will just make sure that you get punished for leaving your room. You are not supposed to be out here anyway. I will just let dad know that you are out here, and he will take care of you" Reagan said with a smirk, and then she started mind linking. <br /> I and my wolf were running away from this pack. But they caught us immediately.<br /> "If you come back here now Raven, I won't punish you for leaving your room without permission" I heard my father tell me. <br /> "Nothing in the world could possess me to do that father," I told him, and I see his eyes glazing over as he goes to link someone. I could care less what they have to say to me, and I turned to walk away. <br /> "You will get punishment in the Blood Walker pack. You know how dangerous they are Raven, you have heard this fact for your whole life. They cannot be trusted, and you are now a rogue. We have told you, and the whole pack, exactly what happens to those who trespass on their land. The moment they scent you they will move in, and you will die today. Is that what you want? Do you want to die? I will get you more freedom in the pack. I will allow you to go to the library every day instead of once a week. How does that sound?" my mother's voice is calming and comforting. She has never before sounded as nice as this, and I know that dad put her up to try to lure me back into the Siler Blade pack. They must be desperate to do it, so I want to see how far they intended to go with it.<br /> "Let me ask you this mother. Was the plan to get Justin to take Reagan as a chosen mate her idea, or dad's?" I asked her. Mom is not a very good liar. I can see her expression as we are only about 20 feet apart from each other right now. <br /> "I don't know what you are talking about Raven, they are mates," my mom said to me, and now I smirk at her. Clearly, mom was keeping me out of the loop and doesn't know that I know for a fact that they aren't.<br /> "Thanks for always lying to me mom. That makes it so much easier on me. I will not be coming back to the Silver Blade pack. This is the last time, Goddess willing, that you all will probably see me and actually I am welcoming the death that is coming to me. It will be better than the life I have lived since Reagan tried to hurt me, and my own dad called me a liar when I told him what actually happened. Justin is not her mate mom, and I know this because he is MY mate. It is disgusting what all you three have done to me and allowed to be done to me my whole life. I never deserved to be treated the way I was. I can only hope that I can find my way and get to live a life that allows me to find someone who loves me and realizes that I am a good person. I don't think that is too much to ask for, do you mom? It seems like you and dad are willing to do anything to get me to come back over the fence, but we both know that if I did come back, I would either immediately be thrown in the cells. So, I will take my chances over here, where at least I have a chance" I told them and turned again to leave. I only made it a few steps before I was stopped again by my father's hateful words.<br /> "You are ungrateful daughter, How do you have the nerve to say that to me? I have clothed and fed you, provided you a room, and let you go to school. I did take care of you, and it is disgusting to see how you repay me. Lying about Justin being your mate. Trying to take your sister's mate away from her. I know that I can speak for your mother as well as myself when I say that we hope the Blood Walker pack disposes of you quickly. I only wish I could punish you myself" my dad roared out, and the hate was coming off of him in waves.<br /> "You disgust me father," I told him and the tone I used to draw out the word father let him know just how little I thought of him being my father. "I have never done anything to cause a problem or disruption in the pack, or in the family. I did what I was told this whole time. Even as knowing that you let the whole pack know that I was fair game if they wanted to hurt me, and they did dad, over and over again. You know what, it was my family that really took the award for the most torment. Your unwarranted hate, mom never supporting me, and my sister allowed to try to hurt me, and incite others up against me made me realize that life will be much better on this side of the border than it was on that side. Even if I only live an hour more, it would be better than the years I spent over there."<br /> I wiped off my tears and walked past them, suddenly, I hear something coming to me…<br /> <br /> <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Wanna continue this incredible story? Please download our App and search for novel ID: 98441!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.	154074057794736	Melodic Love Tales	https://facebook.com/61553002006073	0	1	1,162,377,334,895,582	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Install now	Melodic Love Tales	120209030844770616	play.google.com	NONE	video		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.story.iaudios	2024-04-13 22:33	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436414322_1868051580307617_6818626677862294499_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9x_6nLgrE0sAb7a7rSN&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCpQq5YB1y76tZx3XioV_Dnwo0ZNeEmec3hKVmUHjQfvQ&oe=6621E91C	person_profile	Melodic Love Tales	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436342948_947370880111359_6647717598003816374_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ffrpdhZ6W2AAb7BJ_18&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCuK4LwpX2ow58qXOViuFVglepj97n_WTkvBe1GWgm09w&oe=6621EED3	3	Melodic Love Tales	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,366	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209273}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1093748041914884	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	【He won't be coming home tonight, he's too busy sleeping with me. A full year of passion, something you and him will never have.】<br /> A picture of some random bimbo with blonde hair and a stupid smirk was cuddling up next to my boyfriend who was half undressed and sleeping.<br /> Long forgetting his girlfriend who was at home like a fool, waiting for her boyfriend to show up so they could celebrate their four years together. <br /> And that was the day I found out my boyfriend of four years was cheating on me for the last year of our relationship.<br /> ————————<br /> With every picture I burned, memories of him were vanishing along with my love for him. Everything was finally coming to pieces. All the trips he took, all those long nights at work, all those rejections were part of his lies. Just a cover up for where he truly was, sleeping around with some cheap woman. All while I was at home waiting for him and giving him my love. As the pictures burned my hatred for him grew.<br /> "Babe I'm home."<br /> My head snaps up at the sound of his voice. A voice that once gave me comfort, but now disgusted me.<br /> "In the living room."<br /> I quickly hide the pictures under the couch, and put on a fake smile.<br /> He comes in with his black suit all wrinkled, his shirt un tucked, his tie loose around his neck. His blue eyes held a hint of guilt. A look I knew was fake just like the excuse he was about to give me. He was holding a bear that held a little black box, and a bouquet of red roses. Usually I would accept the gifts and forgive him, but that was before I knew his little cheating adventures. I hold my fake smile as I looked over the gifts in his hands.<br /> "So am I forgiven?"<br /> He says breaking the silence, and all I do is smile.<br /> "Oh babe it's fine, let me guess work was piling up today?"<br /> Let's see what you say you lying scumbag.<br /> I notice his eyes flicker with relief and he lets out a breath.<br /> "You know me so well babe, happy four years Nikky."<br /> He sets the bear, roses and small box on the couch. He comes closer and wraps his arms around me. All I wanted to do at that moment was push him off of me. But trying my best I hug him back. Huh he smells of cheap perfume.<br /> "I'll be back, I'm going to change and then we could have dinner."<br /> I just nod and watch him walk off to my room. I wait until he realizes that his clothes are nowhere to be found. Well at least he hasn't checked the garbage.<br /> "Nikky?"<br /> "Yea?"<br /> I respond looking at his confused face.<br /> "Why aren't any of my clothes in there?"<br /> Tell him now.<br /> "They're in the garbage."<br /> I respond.<br /> "Why?"<br /> "Well I thought since you probably have clothes at her house I could just throw away all the clothes you have here. And plus I need more space for the shoes and more clothes I want to buy."<br /> "What are you talking about?"<br /> He says confused.<br /> "Well I'm talking about the girl's house where you stay I'm pretty sure every night for a little sleepover."<br /> "So you assume I cheated on you?"<br /> "Oh no I'm not assuming anything, I have proof that you cheated on me."<br /> I push past him and grab my phone, opening the message and making him look at the picture. As he does his eyes go wide. He opens his mouth to say something but I cut him off.<br /> "Don't you dare say that this isn't you."<br /> I snap and he looks up at me with guilt in his blue eyes.<br /> "Don't do this."<br /> He pleads.<br /> "Leave."<br /> "Nikky come on please let me explain."<br /> "Explain what Luke?! How you cheated on me for who knows how long and yet you have the nerve to come home knowing well what you have done!"<br /> "Nikky it was a mistake!"<br /> "A mistake! No what you did was not a mistake but a choice."<br /> He doesn't say anything.<br /> "Leave! And take this because I don't want anything to do with you!"<br /> I throw the roses and bear at him, along with the little box. And the necklace I was currently wearing.<br /> "Ple-<br /> "Leave now before I call the police."<br /> He stands there looking at me.<br /> "Leave!"<br /> I bang on his chest and push him out the door. Once he is out the door I slam it shut and that's when I feel it. My heart clenches and a sob escapes my throat, tears following right after. And that's when I break, I fall to the ground and let out sobs as I realize that the guy I had loved had broken my heart and didn't think twice when he cheated on me. The guy I was having a baby with had broken me. Grabbing my stomach I let out another sob.<br /> I'm so sorry baby.<br /> The seconds turned to hours which turned to days. I had moved out from the apartment into a smaller one closer to the city. My once flat belly was now a small round bump, being 1 month pregnant and alone brought a lot of complications for me, emotionally wise. I had yet to tell my parents, for all they knew Luke and I were still a thing. I had told no one about the break up except for my best friend Charlie, who I called up the next day to help me find a new place. A place were I could start fresh, with new memories. Just my baby and I.<br /> I was meeting my mom and dad for brunch today so to make sure my bump wasn't noticeable I decided to wear a large black shirt and black leggings and a pair of vans. My hair which was once long was now above my shoulders.<br /> Mom: Sweetie why don't you invite Luke over to eat with us? Your father and I haven't seen or heard from him in a while<br /> I sigh as I look at the text.<br /> Well of course you haven't heard from the scumbag, we broke up because he cheated. And now I'm having his baby.<br /> That's what I wanted to text her, but of course I didn't. But instead replied with the same excuse. Luke was at work and couldn't make it.<br /> "Come on little bean, we have to go meet grandma and grandpa."<br /> I rub my belly and smile. Yea I was already talking to the baby, who was probably the size of a bean if not a bit larger.<br /> Walking out of the apartment I head over to my car and drive off to the cafe that was twenty minutes away.<br /> Driving was always something that I dreaded, because my mind tends to wander to questions I would rather most likely avoid. And the biggest one of course was, When are you going to tell Luke that you're pregnant? Or are you not going to? Personally I would rather keep my baby away from him and not let him know, but he is the father and legally has the right to know.<br /> Before I could get anymore into the subject, I turn the radio on, raising the volume up to drown my thoughts.<br /> By the time I get there parking was already full, so I'm forced to park a block away.<br /> "Great, that means more walking little bean. Which isn't a bad thing. But mommy gets tired."<br /> Dad: Kiddo are you almost here?<br /> I look at the text and chuckle, my dad was always impatient when it came to food.<br /> Me: Yes dad, had to park a block away but I should be there in three minutes.<br /> I turn the engine off and walk out to the crisp air. It was mid-September and the weather in Chicago was getting a bit cooler as fall approached.<br /> I start walking and as I do I start to feel nervous, the fact that my parents will finally know that Luke and I broke up and that I was pregnant and was going to be a single mom was quite the thing to get me all nervous.<br /> It'll be fine, no need to get all worked up about it. You are an adult and they can't tell you what to do anymore.<br /> I kept telling myself as I opened the door and was welcomed with the scent of coffee and warmth. I search the whole place and spot my parents all the way in the back, my dad waving his hands and my mom laughing as she brought the mug to her lips.<br /> Smiling at them I walk towards their table causing them both to get up and greet me with a hug.<br /> "Kiddo Long time no see! How's Luke?"<br /> Just the mention of that name made my stomach churn.<br /> "Yea dad it has been a long time."<br /> I reply ignoring the last part.<br /> "Mom."<br /> I say giving her a hug.<br /> "Darling, how I've missed you. Woah looks like someone is gaining a bit of weight."<br /> Come on Nikky it's now or never. You have to tell them.<br /> "Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you guys about."<br /> I explain, biting on the inside of my cheek.<br /> "Of you gaining weight?"<br /> My dad asks as he sits back down.<br /> And before I can answer a waitress comes by.<br /> "Can I get you anything to drink?"<br /> "Yea she'll have an espresso."<br /> My mom answers.<br /> I shake my head.<br /> "Actually I'll just have a hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and a chocolate chip muffin please."<br /> "Alrighty, then I'll be right out with that."<br /> "Hot chocolate?"<br /> "Yea I just wanted to try something different."<br /> I say playing around with the hem of my shirt.<br /> "So what did you want to talk about Nikky?"<br /> My mom says sitting back down and I follow sitting across from her and my dad.<br /> "Well, um okay, how do I tell you guys."<br /> Quit stalling and just tell them Nikky!<br /> "Nikky just spit it out. You know you can tell us anything."<br /> I nod, reassuring my mom that I knew that.<br /> "Okay, well I'm uh pregnant."<br /> There I said it.<br /> I looked at both my parents who had a blank stare. That is until my mother broke into a smile and stood up, making me stand up as well.<br /> "Sweetie congratulations! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"<br /> She wraps her arms around me and sways us side to side.<br /> "Come on let me get a hug."<br /> My dad says and my mom lets go letting my dad congratulate me by giving me one of his famous bear hugs.<br /> "Can't believe we're going to be grandparents."<br /> I look over at my mom who was on the verge of crying.<br /> "Mom please don't cry."<br /> I plead knowing that I had yet to tell them the other part of the news and not know how they would react with the second part once I had told them.<br /> "So how did Luke react?"<br /> They both look at me with the biggest smiles on their faces.<br /> "He doesn't know."<br /> I say and my mom blinks and my dad just smiles.<br /> "Of course! you want to make it a surprise!"<br /> I shake my head no.<br /> "We broke up, have been for a while now. I left the apartment and got a smaller one closer to the city. Charlie helped me pick it out."<br /> "You're not going to keep it am I right?"<br /> My mother asks looking rather angry.<br /> I was taken aback from her remark, does she mean an abortion?<br /> "No, I plan on keeping my baby."<br /> "Nikky do you know what our friends will say when they find out about this?"<br /> I don't answer her but just continue staring at both my parents, letting her comment process.<br /> Why would I want to have an abortion? This baby was a blessing for me and there was no way that I was going to end my little bean's life. Sure being a single mom would be a bit more challenging but I had my friends, and I thought I had my family but apparently they don't approve.<br /> "Or if you don't want an abortion, we can have it be adopted."<br /> I look at my mother with a look of disgust.<br /> "It's a baby, not it. And I will not have an abortion nor will I have the baby be adopted."<br /> I speak low as to not cause a scene, not that it mattered.<br /> "Nikky listen to your mother, this won't be good for your reputation. Think about it, you'll be a single mom living on your own and not even married with a baby on the way."<br /> I scoff.<br /> "Are you listening to yourself, dad?! Not married and with a baby? This is the twenty-first century, things change and not being married and with a kid is one of them."<br /> Before my mom could reply the waitress comes with our stuff.<br /> "Actually I'll like to have my things to go please."<br /> I say giving her a small smile.<br /> She looks between my mom and I and nods, maybe she could sense the tension going on.<br /> "Of course."<br /> "Thank you."<br /> I turn back to my parents.<br /> "Don't worry, we won't be causing you or your reputation any more trouble."<br /> With that said I walk to the cash register grabbing my hot chocolate and muffin and leaving the coffee shop.<br /> I was preoccupied with my thoughts but the chime of my phone quickly pulled me back to reality.<br /> "So let me get this straight your mother wants you to have an abortion or have the baby be adopted?"<br /> Charlie looks over at me as he flips over the omelet, he looked a bit shocked that my mother would think such thing.<br /> "Yup, my dad even said that it was bad for my reputation being a single mother and all. That it was immoral for me to have the baby and not have the father here with me."<br /> I move around to the cupboard to get the plates along with the cups.<br /> "Well, why would you want a douchebag to me near your baby, especially a cheating one."<br /> "Well he is the father, I have to tell him. But no way will I get back with him."<br /> "So are you for sure ready to tell him? The real question I'm asking is if you're ready to face him again."<br /> He places the omelet on the plate and sets the pan down before looking at me.<br /> "I have no clue, whenever I think about him I feel like throwing up, and I just get nervous. But he has to know, doesn't he?"<br /> I ask looking as Charlie starts preparing his omelet. He shrugs his shoulders before cracking an egg followed by another.<br /> "That's up to you. Do you want him to be part of the baby's life?"<br /> I let out a sigh and run my hands through my face, feeling exhausted from the whole situation.<br /> "I don't know what I want anymore, I just want to live a happy life with my baby."<br /> "Here eat already."<br /> He nudges the plate towards me and I grab it sitting down, waiting for Charlie to finish making his.<br /> "I don't have his number anymore so that means I'm going to have to talk with his parents and get his number from them."<br /> I take my fork and cut a piece of the omelet bringing it to my mouth.<br /> "This is so good."<br /> I exclaim with a full mouth. Charlie chuckles and turns his head to look at me.<br /> "Glad you two like it."<br /> "Like it? We love it."<br /> I take another bite letting my mouth savor the flavors that the sausage, bacon, and ham brought to my taste buds. Charlie joins me finally with his omelet my hot chocolate and his coffee mug, taking a seat across from me.<br /> "Veggie omelet?"<br /> I ask looking at his omelet which contained mushrooms, avocado, spinach, and tomatoes.<br /> "Yea it's good."<br /> He says taking a bite and looking at me with his blue eyes.<br /> I shake my head.<br /> "Maybe, but little bean and I prefer the meat omelet."<br /> The rest of our breakfast time we spent time talking about random stuff, school, and a new project he had. We talked about almost everything except my parents, luke, and the problems I soon had to face.<br /> "Okay so let me get this, you have a date tomorrow and you're barely telling me today?! Why didn't you tell me sooner jerk?"<br /> I smack his arm playfully.<br /> "Becuase I'm not for sure if it will turn out into more dates."<br /> "I don't care, you should have told me. It's about time you got a date."<br /> He rolls his eyes, he opens his mouth to say something smart but he was cut off by a sudden knock at the door.<br /> "Are you expecting someone?"<br /> "Not that I'm aware of."<br /> I get up from my seat and make my way towards the door, before opening it I look through the peephole and feel my heart start beating faster, and not in a good way.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.menovels.com/ad/ZmljZnVuLzE0ODQ5OS8yMDI0	117885518079525	Myno002	https://facebook.com/61551240237229	43	1	1,575,090,260,003,050	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Myno002	120207615311530166	a.menovels.com	NONE	video		https://a.menovels.com/ad/ZmljZnVuLzE0ODQ5OS8yMDI0MDQxMTE2MzMzMy9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-11 03:46	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434054979_298437029954151_4673160808494768341_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5At-YAaeVKEAb4tdjaY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCGxj1pkEDywqbASaL-ElnjaUl3EzeDWjD7ncE-wiuZTw&oe=6621F9DB	person_profile	Myno002	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437544936_1480535946213694_42778093955456565_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sBDiJoVpr28Ab4WSWx8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAFZvM-8drM2MOQfanvHcvTB0RWagmg6xdVoGITWD_lzA&oe=6621F781	3	Myno002	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,435	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209404}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	2042936002756538	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"He found his mate, I'm sorry but it's fated and you are now the other woman." she sighs, glancing at the balcony doors.<br /> "That's what I thought, you couldn't even resist ten minutes before banging her, could you?" I seethe , pure rage filling me.<br /> "I didn't, I swear..." he promises, but I don't believe him.<br /> "Did you reject her?" I frown and he falls silent, raking a hand through his hair.<br /> "Then no, we can't ." I turn and walk to our room. "Jess, I love you. I promise I will reject her, I just...I couldn't, it's much more difficult than you think." he frowns, explaining himself.<br /> ____________<br /> JESSICA'S POV<br /> --<br /> Nick and I have been married for three years, we are high school sweethearts and married when we were twenty when neither of us found our mates. These days, fated mates are rare and hard to come by...we both agreed I'd be a good Luna to the pack since I trained with him, I learned to be a luna from his mother and we have been inseparable since we were in diapers.<br /> He's my best friend and my true love.<br /> We made a promise to never leave, to never break the bond, to never reject one another when we found our real mates, which is likely to never happen.<br /> We are attending a ball tonight, but my insides are twisted, as if the Moon Goddess herself wants to shield me from whatever is going to happen, I tried to talk Nick into staying at home, but as stubborn like all alpha's are, he refused and said that we would get a bad name if we didn't attend.<br /> Sitting in the car while our driver takes us to a nearby pack, a strong and mighty one.<br /> I know it's our duty to attend, but holding his hand in the back seat, something is terribly wrong.<br /> We arrive and there are a line of cars outside, one by one driving by , guests getting out, wearing gowns and suits.<br /> It's our turn and Nick opens the door, holding his hand out to me and I happily take it as we get out, photos are taken and a red carpet is rolled out as if we were famous.<br /> Nick looks handsome with his dark blonde hair gelled back, his chiseled jaw tense, and the edges of his lips curled up into a small smile.<br /> We arrive inside and we're led to the ballroom, servants with trays walking with snack food and drinks pace all over while the guests stand and chat.<br /> I notice the alpha of The Deep Mountain pack greeting people, making rounds to greet and speak, there's a stage in the middle against the wall, a bar to the side and a dance floor in the middle where couples are dancing elegantly.<br /> I smile at my surroundings and freeze when I look at Nick, staring at a beautiful dark haired girl .<br /> "Nick." I tug at his hand, but it's like he's under a spell, frozen in time as the girl stares back at him.<br /> "Nick." I tug harder, his shoulder shrugging back, "Huh?" he turns to me with a frown, his fingers letting go of my hand and I feel cold.<br /> "I'm going to grab a drink." he smiles at me before walking off towards the bar, closer to the strange woman.<br /> I was an omega and the room is filled with power, I could even feel hers because she is of a higher rank.<br /> I gulp as I watch him walk to the bar, his eyes locked on hers and she elegantly turns in her navy blue dress, walking towards him with dark lustful eyes.<br /> I can't be...but it is...it's his mate..<br /> I stand frozen and a shoulder bumps into me, making my head turn at the woman glaring and snarling, "Watch where you are going!" she scolds and I apologize before walking over to the bar, joining my mate's side while he absentmindedly stares at the woman next to him.<br /> I clear my throat, but there's no response from him.<br /> He doesn't even notice me..<br /> "Nick." I smile , hope filling my heart as he glances at me, fear flashing through his perfect green orbs as he steps back and then looks at her again.<br /> "Jess, this is Tiffany...my mate." he smiles awkwardly at me but when he looks at her, it's a genuine smile...<br /> "Nick." I frown in concern and he takes my hand, giving it a tight squeeze, "Don't worry, I know what to do." he smiles, "Shall we talk outside?" the gloominess in his eyes makes me relax only for a minute until she holds out her hand, smiling gracefully with her full lips and pretty blue eyes.<br /> My heart sinks when her hand hooks into his arm and they head to the balcony. alone...<br /> I should go with...but it is a private matter.<br /> 'He's ours...' Zola, my wolf, whimpers.<br /> I stand at the bar, staring carelessly at my mate walking off with his true mate and I inch closer, frowning as every nerve in my body is burning to follow them.<br /> I glance around and there are so many people that they don't even notice until the Luna of the Deep Mountain pack steps closer, "Jessica, is it? From the West Pack?" I nod, trying not to be rude when I look at the balcony and not at her while she speaks to me.<br /> "Oh honey, it's done." she shakes her head and I frown.<br /> "What do you mean?" My eyes stare into her honey ones.<br /> "He found his mate, I'm sorry but it's fated and you are now the other woman." she sighs, glancing at the balcony doors.<br /> I stare at her, my heart racing a million miles an hour and I excuse myself.<br /> I step out of the house, moving around the arriving couples when I feel my heart squeeze, pain taking over and I know what it meant...Disgust fills me and I start to run, glancing over my shoulder no one notices and I shift, my beautiful pastel pink dress ripping to shreds as I run into the woods.<br /> The pain had stopped, but I did not return home until after midnight, finding Nick sitting on the couch, watching tv.<br /> "Jessica, where have you been?" he stands as I slam the door shut, standing undressed in front of him.<br /> I cross my arms over my chest, glaring at him. "Excuse me? Where have I been? What have you been doing!" I growl, making his eyes widen in shame and his gaze flicks to the floor when he scratches his nape.<br /> "That's what I thought, you couldn't even resist ten minutes before banging her, could you?" I seethe , pure rage filling me.<br /> "I didn't, I swear..." he promises, but I don't believe him.<br /> Scoffing, I strut past the couch to our room, "Can we talk?" he yells and I turn , "Did you reject her?" I frown and he falls silent, raking a hand through his hair.<br /> "Then no, we can't ." I turn and walk to our room.<br /> He follows me, closing the door behind us, "Jess, I love you. I promise I will reject her, I just...I couldn't, it's much more difficult than you think." he frowns, explaining himself.<br /> "And will you go and do it?" I grab clothes from the closet, "I will, just...I need time." he begs and I snort, "Can I come when you do it?" the silence says it all, he doesn't want me there...<br /> "You're saying you'll do it, but you won't, because you are weak." I tut, shaking my head.<br /> "I will, I just need to distance myself, to keep myself away and then I'll do it when I have the strength to." he explains, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.<br /> I hum, ignoring him as I strut past him toward the bathroom and he reaches for me, grabbing my wrist and I snarl at him, making him let me go instantly, "Don't touch me after banging someone else." I grit out, backing up into the bathroom and I slam the door shut, the heavy thud shaking the windows and I lock the door.<br /> I take a hot shower, the water pouring down on me as my back slides down the tiled wall, tears streaming down my face as I weep.<br /> I hear the door handle jiggle and I wipe the fog from the glass door, staring at the handle go up and down as he tries to enter.<br /> I feel a tug at the mind link, but I shut him out.<br /> He disgusts me, he promised, both of us promised one another that we would immediately reject our mates before the bond grew and he is letting it grow, making it ten times more difficult to reject them.<br /> I can't believe I trusted him...I show his mark in the crook of my neck, I hold our love dear in my heart and he just let it all go down the drain, letting it sink into the sewers.<br /> I am nothing more than dirt under his shoe and here I am, still loving him with every breath I take.<br /> After sitting more than an hour under the steaming water, it turns cold and I sit for another half an hour before standing and I shut the water off, taking my time to get dressed and when I stride out in silk booty shorts and a thin strap silk top, I notice how Nick lays in bed, his thumbs circling one another as he stares at the ceiling.<br /> He doesn't even notice me and I am sure he's thinking about her.<br /> The one who stole his heart within a second, the one who is going to steal my life, my bed, my position and my mate.<br /> We are real mates, we accepted one another, we marked each other, we might not be fated, but we are real or we were before her.<br /> I climb into bed and his head turns to me, staring at the back of my head when my back is turned to him.<br /> "Jess, can we talk?" his tone pleads with me, but I can't turn and look at him as tears stream down my flushed cheeks.<br /> His hand rests on my shoulder and I shrug him off, "Stop touching me." my voice cracks and his arm drapes over my body as he pulls my back to his front, "I'm so sorry Jess, I never thought this would happen. I love you and I only love you peaches, remember peaches? Just you and me against the world, through tough times and sunshine. This is only the tough, we'll get through it." he whispers, his chin resting against my shoulder, his hot breath fanning the sensitive spot below my ear.<br /> I want to believe him, but how can I when he couldn't hold up his end of our promise?<br /> "Please don't touch me." I begin a whisper and he holds me tighter, shaking his head.<br /> "You are my everything." he pecks me cheek and I turn to him, his eyes holding sorrow as he wipes my cheeks.<br /> "You are my everything too, but how could you?" my eyes winch shut in despair.<br /> "I'm sorry peaches." he cups my cheek and I lean into his touch, hating that I want him.<br /> I want him to love me, I want him to choose me, I want him to reject her and come back to me, to love me and not resent me.<br /> "Come here." he pulls me closer and I let him.<br /> He rolls onto his back, takes my leg and pulls me onto him.<br /> I sit on him, my legs on either side of him.<br /> I could feel how hard he is beneath me and I can't help but wonder if he's erected for me or is it because he was thinking of her?<br /> "I love you peaches, you are my one and only mate." he smiles up at me and my heart beats in my ears.<br /> I lean down, pecking him deeply.<br /> JESSICA'S POV<br /> —<br /> "Nick." I beam as I skip into his office, but freeze when he slams the phone down on the table, looking guilty.<br /> It's been a week since he found his true mate and I have been worried about it, but day after day, it became less of a problem.<br /> "What's wrong?" I ask, my wide smile gone within seconds.<br /> "Nothing peaches." He forces a smile, but his eyes say something else.<br /> "Who were you on the phone with?" I sit down across from him and he slowly pulls the phone away, probably thinking I wouldn't notice.<br /> "No one." He's lying to me, while looking me in the eye.<br /> My heart clenches, my hands shivering as they lay in my lap.<br /> "Was it her?" My voice cracks and he sighs, sucking his lips into his mouth.<br /> "It was." I grit out, my heart pounding against my chest.<br /> "It's not what you think Jess." He sighs, holding out his hand for me to take, but how could I trust him when he just lied to me?<br /> "Then what was it Nick?" I frown, glaring at him with teary eyes.<br /> His eyes flick to his hand and then back up at me before slowly pulling away.<br /> "She asked to see me." He starts to explain, my stomach flipping and vile rises.<br /> "And you said yes..." I shake my head, my face twitching up into a snarl.<br /> His eyes slowly fall shut as he exhales a breath and I stand, the chair's legs screeching across the wooden floor and tears stream down my face.<br /> "And you weren't going to tell me, were you?" My words are broken as I speak, along with my shattered heart.<br /> His eyes lift to mine as he stands, his length making me feel small.<br /> "I was. I was going to tell you." He tries to defend himself, leaving my heart shattered and stomped on with his lies .<br /> "No, no you weren't." I inhale a breath, my body shivering with pain of his betrayal.<br /> "I was, I swear." He moves to the side of his desk, wanting to come to me and I stumble back, "No!" I hold up my hand, making him stop in his tracks.<br /> "If...if you were g-going to t-tell me...you, you would have when I ask-ed." my words stutter, failing me when I need them the most.<br /> "I just..." he scratches his nape, his eyes spiraling and I watch him, noticing his shaky hand as he tries to explain, as he tries to lie himself out of this one.<br /> We have never lied to one another, but now...seeing him lie to me so effortlessly makes me wonder if he ever told a lie before...<br /> "Just what Nick?"<br /> He said I had nothing to worry about, he said that he needed time to just gather the courage to reject her, which I guess would be hard, but finding out he was going to see her behind my back...how could I trust him again?<br /> "I wanted to tell you over breakfast, not right now..." his eyes fall to the floor in shame.<br /> "When are you going to see her?"<br /> "Are you going to reject her?" I push, making his eyes darken as he stares at me.<br /> "No." He shakes his head, "I'm not ready."<br /> I snort at his little excuse...my heart is bleeding right now.<br /> "Then why did you agree to see her? How could you agree to see her?" I snap, yelling at the top of my lungs in a loud cry.<br /> He steps closer and I step back, glaring at him with all the hatred in the world.<br /> Everyone thought that I was not right for him, except him and our parents...the high-ranked girls thought I was foolish until the day I became luna, and look at me now...I'm not good enough anymore and they were right.<br /> "She's ill, her doctor said it's because we aren't close." He yells back at me and I blankly stare at him with disgust.<br /> "So you want to go there..." I breathe out, "And betray me?" I bellow.<br /> He sighs, rolling his eyes, "I would never betray you...I just want her to get well and then when she gets better I will reject her, I promise." He inches closer, his eyes boring into mine, desperation and sadness clear in his eyes.<br /> "I'm coming with you." I state and he shakes his head, "You can't."<br /> "I don't care, I will not stay here and lose my mind over her! If you want my forgiveness for lying to me, you will let me come with you." I threaten his trust and I watch his gulp, his throat bobbing.<br /> "Fine, you can come." He nods and I aggressively wipe the tears from my cheeks.<br /> "I'll get dressed." I turn on my heel and walk out of his office, hearing him throw a vase and I listen to the glass shatter, shutting my eyes at the sound of the glass hitting the floor.<br /> The ride over to her pack was long and silent, I could feel Nick glancing at me now and then, but I just stare out of the window, taking in the nature around me.<br /> I don't want to be mad at him, but I am.<br /> The bond we have might not be fated, but it is real. We are true mates and I'd be a fool to have let him come alone to be with his real fated mate.<br /> Arriving at the pack, everyone bows to us, welcoming us and the doctor meets us at the entrance of the pack house she lives in...apparently she's of alpha blood...alpha Darren's daughter.<br /> He's a fair, kind man who treats his people well, so hopefully he won't be too mad at Nick.<br /> "Alpha Nick. Please follow me." We step forward, following him and a guard grabs my arm, growling at me.<br /> I freeze, staring up at the tall man, "Get yours hand off my mate!" Nick bellows and the guard's eyes widen before he immediately lets me go.<br /> The doctor turns to us as he stands on the fourth step.<br /> "I apologize, but she has to stay here. We can not let alpha Tiffany get upset or she'll get worse."<br /> That is such nonsense.<br /> His fingers brush my pitch black hair out of my face, his fingers capturing my chin and he tilts my head upward, looking down at me with desperation.<br /> "Please, I will be right back." His thumb caresses my cheek.<br /> I don't want him to go, I don't trust these people...<br /> I don't trust him alone with her...<br /> "Just you and I peaches." The small smile on his face makes me lean into his palm as I nod.<br /> If he breaks my trust now...it's over.<br /> He pecks my temple before following the doctor and the guard shows me to a couch in the living room, where I can annoyingly sit and watch the staircase, waiting for the love of my life to come down and just take us home.<br /> My knee won't stop bouncing as I glance at the staircase and then at the black screen in front of me.<br /> A clearing of a throat makes my head snap to the side and the luna from the party stands there with a smug look.<br /> "Jessica, is it?" Her eyebrows raise, her posture perfect.<br /> "What are you doing here?" I stand, fixing my dress.<br /> "I live here." She deadpans and my heart sinks.<br /> She's Tiffany's mother...<br /> "You knew..." I frown at her, taking a step closer and so does she.<br /> "That your chosen mate's true mate is my daughter? Yes." I scoff and watch her whipping her hair back to cascade down her back.<br /> She has the same dark hair as her daughter, but not as dark as mine.<br /> "He is going to reject her." I grit out, pissed that she stood there, thinking that Nick was going to choose her over me.<br /> "Will he though?" Her finger taps her chin, as if knowing something I don't.<br /> "He will, he promised." Her eyes widen, but there is no hint of fear, no surprise, just plain evil.<br /> And I thought she was nice...pfft.<br /> "Good for you." She smiles and before I could think of anything to say, my heart aches, my breath knocked right out of my body with the pain and I haunch over, grabbing the side of the couch, my nails digging into it and I glance up at her smug grin, my eyes flicking bright as I growl loudly and I focus on him.<br /> 'What are you doing!?' I yell through the mind link and the pain immediately stops, breaking my heart even further.<br /> Standing upright, Luna Maya's smirk is brighter, more evil dancing in her eyes.<br /> "I warned you, you are the other woman." She tuts, "I wasn't and I never will be." I grit out, even though that I am lying because Nick will never touch me again.<br /> The pain was worse...it was more painful than the last time and now I know that he didn't screw her that night, but he might have right now...<br /> I shouldn't have let him go alone, because look at us now...we're nothing.<br /> I am nothing.<br /> "Darren!" The Luna yells and the alpha comes striding in and she falls against his chest.<br /> "You must convince Nick to take Tiffany with him! She's getting sicker by the minute without him." Her eyelashes batt repeatedly, fake tears forming in her eyes, "I'm worried Darren..."<br /> "No!" I growl and Alpha Darren pulls his mate behind him, "Who are you?" He stands tall, his aura slightly frightening.<br /> "I am Nick's mate, the Luna of the West pack and your daughter is not welcome on our land." I stand tall, my eyes flicking past Alpha Darren to Nick coming down the staircase.<br /> I sigh before running to him, I need to get out of here. I need to get him out of here, away from his fated mate, away from her parents.<br /> Alpha Darren stares at me dumbfounded as I brush past them, grabbing onto Nick, "We're leaving, right now!" I demand, tugging him towards the front door.<br /> "Jess, I'm sorry." His apology just flies through me, because it means nothing.<br /> "Alpha Nick!" Alpha Darren calls him and he abruptly stops in his tracks, turning to him.<br /> "You need to take my daughter with you or reject her now." He demands with so much authority.<br /> "Excuse me?" Nick frowns in confusion.<br /> "Say no." I whisper in a pleading tone.<br /> "You heard him." Luna Maya takes her position next to her mate.<br /> I tug on his hand, staring up at him with tear-filled eyes, "Just reject her and we can go home." I beg him.<br /> His green eyes remind me of the beautiful forest just flick between my icy blue ones.<br /> "I can't." He mouths, breaking my heart.<br /> "Well, what is it going to be?" Alpha Darren inches closer.<br /> "I don't have to do either." Nick shakes his head.<br /> "She's safe here." Nick's eyes narrow.<br /> "She'll get sicker!" Luna Mayaover-exaggerates.<br /> I really don't like her.<br /> Nick turns to me, his orbs filled with distraught, "I'm sorry." He says before turning to her parents.<br /> "You can bring her and her things to our pack tomorrow." He nods and the devilish smile on Luna Maya's face makes me want to blow this place up.<br /> I rip my hand out of his, watching his head snap toward me with fear in his eyes as I back away.<br /> "I hate you." I yell, making Luna Maya gasp dramatically before I turn and run out of their home.<br /> I shift and run home, I can not stand seeing his face.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.ereaderlab.com/ad/ZVJlYWRlci8xNDk3ODAvMj	210620715458365	Red113	https://facebook.com/61554938783328	16	1	446,611,341,102,695	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Red113	120207151100340447	b.ereaderlab.com	NONE	video		https://b.ereaderlab.com/ad/ZVJlYWRlci8xNDk3ODAvMjAyNDA0MTMxOTU1MDIvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-13 06:57	https://scontent.ford4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435671119_391808930436149_6493051663439814602_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i3NzwH1G-v4Ab6cNNm8&_nc_ht=scontent.ford4-1.fna&oh=00_AfC_FoBT6HsPwC5AKXustowqLZUf9SswSONADJPvUTJV6Q&oe=6621F9AD	person_profile	Red113	https://scontent.ford4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436236520_453907753663995_5738309892678599492_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q4rf9OCNgn0Ab5LTJ3o&_nc_ht=scontent.ford4-1.fna&oh=00_AfB0MVKn8TyDV_CYtiZu-uRewn4bzh76g9g7zAcbea5ang&oe=6621FAEA	3	Red113	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,440	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1211090}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	2442714102589269	🎬：《DO ME AGAIN! MY BILLIONAIRE HUSBAND》	Estella was admitted to the hospital due to a car accident, but unexpectedly caught her husband Bryce visiting another woman in the hospital, and the two of them behaved intimately. Estella is feeling down and plans to end her three-year marriage with Bryce, causing a rift in their relationship. But as time went by, Estella learned that what she had always believed was Bryce's infidelity, there was actually another hidden truth... The misunderstanding between the two was resolved, and they confided in each other and decided to hold another wedding.<br /> 👇Download EaShort TV to watch more series	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.e	275572858968276	Eashort skit	https://facebook.com/61557988040582	1	2	1,783,111,848,766,988	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Install now	Eashort skit	120208649759860355	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esbook.dk	2024-04-13 09:23	https://scontent.ford4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438060339_1101540057759412_7880901756512832018_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h8CTQg8ONn0Ab68sB8C&_nc_ht=scontent.ford4-1.fna&oh=00_AfBKGDTqMwxlna3UjBw2npJJ92peeAInVAoqy5r5D4yuLg&oe=6621F698	person_profile	Eashort skit	https://scontent.ford4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437654087_2069848433400353_7001350845688274780_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-I-dIQuvhyQAb4Jxr6r&_nc_ht=scontent.ford4-1.fna&oh=00_AfDGbPLEs3J58Mos19e3HWueJ943hIWa1b8U0qzxM-XQyA&oe=6621DC96	3	Eashort skit	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,447	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1211090}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	7469425393140082	🎬：《DO ME AGAIN! MY BILLIONAIRE HUSBAND》	Estella was admitted to the hospital due to a car accident, but unexpectedly caught her husband Bryce visiting another woman in the hospital, and the two of them behaved intimately. Estella is feeling down and plans to end her three-year marriage with Bryce, causing a rift in their relationship. But as time went by, Estella learned that what she had always believed was Bryce's infidelity, there was actually another hidden truth... The misunderstanding between the two was resolved, and they confided in each other and decided to hold another wedding.<br /> <br /> 👇Download EaShort TV to watch more series	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.e	275572858968276	Eashort skit	https://facebook.com/61557988040582	1	0	1,459,786,888,303,303	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Install now	Eashort skit	120208596570330355	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esbook.dk	2024-04-12 03:16	https://scontent.ford4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434870878_809292531057935_4167085091612536753_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Iq--GfOcpLcAb5BL3MA&_nc_oc=AdiQO-3hdlUJUQ1ktW5ivzW00Y4Y4MB7I2kjepGpHXQYiWND5aQC0mlCQIz8D_OETEI&_nc_ht=scontent.ford4-1.fna&oh=00_AfCL9I24QoN_X7afFt1AvOMyAS0TXJXZjWMf2RxSMfCRog&oe=6621DC13	person_profile	Eashort skit	https://scontent.ford4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434876925_984844439724503_4758186961674888312_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rMOEV6OOzekAb5q7sxr&_nc_ht=scontent.ford4-1.fna&oh=00_AfAw5IvnYCvk8RUB-PbpgDV8DZ4oYKW4RgEA4BMXnsxWwg&oe=6621F651	3	Eashort skit	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,471	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209474}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	3147858488679382			SHOP_NOW	https://tinyandsnail.com/products/the-essential-16	366013776855914	Tiny and Snail	https://facebook.com/tinyandsnail	1,620	12	851,440,106,541,348	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Shop Now	Tiny and Snail	120208041227890601	tinyandsnail.com	NONE	carousel		https://tinyandsnail.com/products/the-essential-16	2024-04-14 09:06	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/437931610_418108210819792_7584827544306564213_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z3Zt5p6fFX0Ab5LQi1U&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCb9TDL2PUhsO2B8c5L_aR8Hqjl-vZzmVW8_17wF7VZHA&oe=6621FC81	person_profile	Tiny and Snail - Stationery	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436421112_440143678668877_5919489322121149336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BfUuDScz9V0Ab7Zz7BX&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCbv--dUqD204_5dl4qHkcMGVaPtQ_6rTfWFJLwop02Dg&oe=6621E181	3	Tiny and Snail	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,603	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209608}'	No	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1116693946142713	Smells Like Moms Last Nerve is on Fire - Candle	This made my Mom laugh so hard! <br /> <br /> Smells Like Moms Last Nerve is on Fire<br /> <br /> Get your funny candle here -> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fslightlyrude.com%2Fcollections%2Fmothers-day%2Fproducts%2Fkeep-moms-last-nerve-is-on-fire-candle&h=AT0L7ug3Szbr9ERIb5MgUGnQBaLjMiMQygCUvG1eUGWi8WUxczR-vO89JMJv-yT-MkqqpYBljzfE4wjDGidEAQqTiy0zrkG-aDeUzL0f5qf_5JK_qBpqxC5_Sul5OYYLMbC6oOOu-n_MWCGRaT-GzUxPILTv2CCca0u5eA" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://slightlyrude.com/collections/mothers-day/products/keep-moms-last-nerve-is-on-fire-candle</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://slightlyrude.com/collections/mothers-day/p	657489381126398	Slightly Rude	https://facebook.com/SlightlyRudeCo	11,142	0	450,828,687,406,285	2024-04-14 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	Slightly Rude	120209846710140116	slightlyrude.com	NONE	image	Expect 2-4 Days for us to Hand Prepare Your OrderOrders ship from California 9oz Soy Blended Wax, Hand Poured in USA Color: Natural (No Dyes), wax imperfections normal Material: Hand Poured Vegan Soy Coconut Wax Size: 9 oz.; 2.75" (W or Diameter) x 3.5" (H with lid), 9" (Circumference) Burn Time: 50...	https://slightlyrude.com/collections/mothers-day/products/keep-moms-last-nerve-is-on-fire-candle	2024-04-06 20:50	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436382735_1380734935969936_1002735919321344436_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UXofHU66PYIAb6Hxp5O&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAPlkawXlI5GohhWOr4Q2n3AWk-zHCPhc6FTIF7axSrtQ&oe=6621E893	person_profile	Slightly Rude	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436140142_7320782001338105_2680137103204693809_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ef1EY4pKIVUAb5md3t9&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfA-kVmrYqGjDCD1wR3583z3hpNAObswAluxdZB9wYGYfg&oe=6621E3B0	3	Slightly Rude	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,606	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209608}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1582419875885809	Smells Like Moms Last Nerve is on Fire - Candle	This made my Mom laugh so hard! <br /> <br /> Smells Like Moms Last Nerve is on Fire<br /> <br /> Get your funny candle here -> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fslightlyrude.com%2Fcollections%2Fmothers-day%2Fproducts%2Fkeep-moms-last-nerve-is-on-fire-candle&h=AT2kexa1iRMM9hzi0lk_lBQFWIHrKRAlp999xgHkTohilNH297jU5e1lWSgR5RLLS3nGuKk_bLE0U__EMZvghQw4jZNY8Ebbne_iu5_nzvh13uSreDmSuHXSvYbS1vR0tIzAUXjnx10mXQJ8KzDss_sxDLt0RaIlk3u2GQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://slightlyrude.com/collections/mothers-day/products/keep-moms-last-nerve-is-on-fire-candle</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://slightlyrude.com/collections/mothers-day/p	657489381126398	Slightly Rude	https://facebook.com/SlightlyRudeCo	11,142	0	450,828,687,406,285	2024-04-14 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	Slightly Rude	120209846710140116	slightlyrude.com	NONE	image	Expect 2-4 Days for us to Hand Prepare Your OrderOrders ship from California 9oz Soy Blended Wax, Hand Poured in USA Color: Natural (No Dyes), wax imperfections normal Material: Hand Poured Vegan Soy Coconut Wax Size: 9 oz.; 2.75" (W or Diameter) x 3.5" (H with lid), 9" (Circumference) Burn Time: 50...	https://slightlyrude.com/collections/mothers-day/products/keep-moms-last-nerve-is-on-fire-candle	2024-04-06 20:50	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436382735_1380734935969936_1002735919321344436_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UXofHU66PYIAb6Hxp5O&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAPlkawXlI5GohhWOr4Q2n3AWk-zHCPhc6FTIF7axSrtQ&oe=6621E893	person_profile	Slightly Rude	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436140142_7320782001338105_2680137103204693809_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ef1EY4pKIVUAb5md3t9&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfA-kVmrYqGjDCD1wR3583z3hpNAObswAluxdZB9wYGYfg&oe=6621E3B0	3	Slightly Rude	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,788	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1211216}'	No	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	858279012709372			LEARN_MORE	https://fcshopec.com/products/wb001	660419124110462	Asociación de Pedagogía Montessori "La Mariposita"	https://facebook.com/lauralosamontessori	10,298	0	442,957,064,920,782	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Asociación de Pedagogía Montessori "La Mariposita"	6529081976963	fcshopec.com	NONE	video		https://fcshopec.com/products/wb001	2024-04-14 02:28	https://scontent.fabe1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436424277_758285369733831_309957449329407195_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M4nJKhc3Md0Ab7JiwxT&_nc_ht=scontent.fabe1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAgwJzTxYJDDFufelYujyIdzmnrRLRD2bF7280x8ir3mQ&oe=6621DABF	person_profile	Asociación de Pedagogía Montes	https://scontent.fabe1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436421154_817745120205131_4415240222473667624_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wiO53Mc1ID8Ab5L3cFV&_nc_ht=scontent.fabe1-1.fna&oh=00_AfDOQ3Nf1ZvEovKLwuN29jwk2ieLiTsYIb2bAYGcgGDc3g&oe=6621E481	3	Asociación de Pedagogía Montessori "La Mariposita"	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,209,902	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1209896}'	No	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1482061725743517	4.8/5 Rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	"Back feels so much better immediately upon putting it on. Tighten it up and keep it on a few hours. It makes a huge difference in my day and in my life. Can't say enough good things about it. Just GREAT"<br /> <br /> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Catherine H. USA<br /> <br /> Fix your sciatica & back pain with this simple device!<br /> <br /> ✅Eliminate sciatica & back pain the healthy way (no more painkillers)<br /> ✅Avoid expensive chiropractor bills<br /> ✅Flexible and non-slip unlike other hip belts<br /> <br /> 50% off all today's orders!<br /> <br /> Get Yours Now👇<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdainelylab.com%2Fbelt&h=AT17CqaWx8gc1dRnD78ew290Rp04KB3tq1hol4mJDMmm2BInmMvCAgVAUOfigv1eynn7IpG2Zxd__0QYfS4gycwtKpE1beQvPFOAlqPQm0OZUll7amu-iEkRaeaH2mOR6Y8_C6Pi4fP7KBeR9TFKjRNUssDDNW_2Y43d-A" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://dainelylab.com/belt</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://dainelylab.com/products/back-belt	106537275405242	Dainely Devices	https://facebook.com/dainely.devices	22,620	0	1,577,516,516,400,830	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Shop now	Dainely Devices	120207754717800373	dainelylab.com	NONE	video	50% Off Sale Ends Today!	https://dainelylab.com/products/back-belt	2024-03-31 11:08	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/433861530_442325981480493_4594475462923170741_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qVL0ikGm04wAb6RUie7&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfApQD1ZrMgggTza6NF3xAynPnW3M9StR3SuzH0uFAIz6g&oe=6621E2C8	person_profile	Dainely Devices	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434476807_300858489513828_102931082485635199_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DMQNDvhj2XsAb7sT2br&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfBj4cHq0xOGq2HdCke8DNwqkVfUzg4p1mTRYn-SdH5f1g&oe=662204D5	3	Dainely Devices	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,211	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210209}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	2579187428919720	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	🚤💔 Waves of Fate: Isabella's Voyage from Seaside Tragedy to Luxurious Love with Tycoon Theodore	WATCH_MORE	https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1b562gev&p1={{campaig	190396754167998	Eashort IOS	https://facebook.com/61556887250165	48	2	1,645,541,279,525,628	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Watch more	Eashort IOS	120207990175260403	d.eavideo.net	NONE	video		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1b562gev&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000318%26nid%3D300000318%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D182%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D3%26pa%3D99999	2024-04-13 23:33	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436255344_1850369382072383_6902939174646523635_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fqC4BPQeE9EAb4Thdp4&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAspNGCIW4aQs_N2ZhH1EqdazA9vQru5Jrj3iWIDqQoYg&oe=6621EF20	person_profile	Eashort IOS	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435673854_1499225267473983_7041212513995618078_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aDarmbBzYOkAb52XcAz&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfCYAO-uAJeFhtGYwYZv0aV22VqAYFEr3AXW1UI3B8i7Bw&oe=6621FDA5	3	Eashort IOS	2024-04-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,407	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210403}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	1463918204483416	🔥🔥🔥Download and search book ID: 9792	My sister's boyfriend turned out to be my mate! As he rejected me, I retaliated by cutting off all contact with the pack…<br /> Chapter 1: Ayla <br /> “Ayla, is dinner ready? No more delay. Kylee and Theo will be soon here!”<br /> “Yes, mom.” I sighed hearing my mother's impatient urging.<br /> Kylee is my little sister, and Theo is her mate as well as our future Alpha. It is said that they had been together for over a year, and today is the first Kylee has brought her mate home. I was so happy for her.<br /> Our current Alpha, Alpha Torin, was a good leader, a fair leader, and a good man. I knew he had a son, but I had never met him before.<br /> But I had heard that his son, Theo, was promising to be just as good an Alpha as his father. So I really couldn’t have been more relieved that he was my sister’s mate. She would be properly looked after and taken care of, and she would be happy.<br /> I was pulling the chicken out of the oven when I saw my mother rushing past me, excitedly shouting towards the door, “They're here.”<br /> After my father passed away, my mother had become an alcoholic. But she always managed to look presentable in front of Kylee. For example, today, she was not only dressed neatly, but even used mouthwash.<br /> <br /> I was still transferring the food when I heard the front door open and the squeals of my mother and sister as they embraced. I finished my task and moved the dishes to the dining room table that was already set neatly. I smiled at my presentation and excitedly hurried to the living room. <br /> <br /> I froze at the threshold. A scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race. <br /> <br /> The tall, broad man standing next to my sister turned toward me and we locked eyes. <br /> <br /> Mate.<br /> <br /> I practically gagged trying to stifle the word from slipping from my mouth. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> This was my sister’s mate. <br /> <br /> Not mine. <br /> <br /> This man was fated to Kylee. <br /> <br /> So why was I having this reaction?<br /> <br /> Better question…<br /> <br /> Why did HE seem to be having the same reaction?<br /> <br /> His eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where he stood. <br /> <br /> Dasha, my wolf, bounced excitedly in my head, recognizing him and his wolf just as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back of my mind.<br /> <br /> This couldn’t be happening. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> I forced myself to address the situation as a whole. Fine, this was happening. Now, what is the best way to handle the situation? I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a way to speak with him in private later. <br /> <br /> I cleared my throat and plastered a smile on my face.<br /> <br /> “Kylee, I’m so excited you’re home,” I said, opening my arms so she could jump into them like she had since she was little.<br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said. <br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, too,” I said quietly. <br /> <br /> We separated, and she turned to the male behind her. “Theo, this is my sister, Ayla. Ayla, this is my mate, Theo.”<br /> <br /> Theo’s hands were clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me. At least I was better at faking it them him. Geesh. <br /> <br /> I nodded to him with a broad smile. I knew it didn’t reach my eyes, but at least Ma and Kylee wouldn’t notice. <br /> <br /> “It’s lovely to meet you, Theo,” I said. “Dinner is ready in the dining room. Why don’t you guys go take a seat, and I’ll be right there. I need to tend to dessert first.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t take too long,” Kylee said brightly. “We have some big news, and I don’t think I can wait much longer.”<br /> <br /> “I promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed her shoulder. <br /> <br /> Kylee grabbed Ma by the arm and led her to the dining room. Theo followed a few steps behind. He had to pass me to get through. Right as he approached, I turned my body to ensure we didn’t touch. He paused in front of me for a moment. I looked up to meet his eyes.<br /> <br /> There was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. I subtly shook my head at him. Hoping and silently begging that he knew we couldn’t do this here. <br /> <br /> The sound of Kylee’s laugh from the other room made me jump and then quickly retreat to the kitchen. I grabbed the homemade cheesecake from the fridge and set it on the counter for later. <br /> <br /> I listened to the others conversing in the next room and took several deep breaths. I felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. <br /> <br /> I was almost to the dining room when I heard the last part of what Kylee was saying, and again, I was left frozen at the threshold.<br /> <br /> “… our mating ceremony is in three months.” Kylee looked up at me. “Oh, Ayla, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Aren’t you happy for us?”<br /> <br /> I put the same fake smile back on. “Of course I’m happy for you,” I said. “You deserve the best.”<br /> <br /> I took my seat at the table, ignoring the fact that I was left sitting directly across from Theo. His eyes were boring into me, and my face felt like it was on fire. I started dishing out food and passing plates. I didn’t say much over dinner. Instead, I just listened to Kylee and Ma talk about all the ideas they had for the mating ceremony. Theo didn’t say much either but slowly started to do a better job hiding his discomfort with the situation. <br /> <br /> It took everything to ignore the touches they shared, pushing down the jealousy that kept surging through me. <br /> After dinner, while they were still talking, I made an excuse to slip out through the back door.<br /> <br /> I stood on the porch and took several deep breaths. I released a string of curses.<br /> “What is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with the force of a yell. <br /> <br /> ‘Our mate.’ Dasha insisted.<br /> <br /> “No, he’s not,” I said back to her. “He’s Kylee’s. There must be some kind of mistake.”<br /> <br /> All of a sudden, I stiffened as a mouthwatering scent hit my nose. I knew who was standing behind me. <br /> <br /> Chapter 2: Theo<br /> I fought against the urges her scent was influencing as I stalked up to her. But more importantly, the urge to grab her and take her against the nearest tree. My wolf was going crazy about the idea, but he would learn fast that that was never going to happen. <br /> <br /> I wouldn’t accept her. <br /> <br /> Knowing what I knew about her, that would never happen. <br /> <br /> She turned to face me. <br /> <br /> “This won’t happen,” I spat out before she had a chance to speak. <br /> Her jaw clenched, and her silvery-gray eyes stared into mine for a few short moments. But I couldn’t read a thing behind them. <br /> <br /> “I absolutely agree,” she stated evenly. <br /> <br /> My wolf growled and snarled inside me, demanding to know what I was doing. I pushed down the hurt that hit me when she didn’t fight me. Her reaction just proved why this needed to be done. I could never be with someone so cold and self-absorbed as her. There was no way someone like her could ever be my Luna. <br /> <br /> ‘Don’t know her.’ Kieran yelled in my head. <br /> <br /> I knew enough. <br /> <br /> “Kylee is my mate. Not you. I, Theo Arden, future Alpha of the Greytooth Pack, reject you, Ayla Garner, as my mate and Luna.” Kieran was snapping his teeth, pushing to take control to stop this.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, accept your rejection and relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> My wolf howled in pain. A pain that was mirrored within me as it felt like my heart was being ripped apart. It was the bond breaking. Releasing me from the tie that bound us together.<br /> She stood there like nothing happened. <br /> <br /> How could she stand there like nothing had happened?<br /> <br /> She really didn’t feel anything, did she? It was so easy for her to let us go.<br /> <br /> ‘Mate wants me.’<br /> <br /> I grimaced. He meant her wolf. Her wolf wanted mine. He could sense her. She was even denying her wolf. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to get away from her. <br /> <br /> I stormed back into the house, returning to the woman the goddess should have made my mate. I returned to the dining room to find her mother and her still deep in conversation. I was grateful she hadn’t seemed to notice my absence or the change in my mood. It wasn’t surprising. She was excited about seeing her family and sharing the news with them. <br /> <br /> I had been, too, until her sister walked into the room. The scent had engulfed me, driving me to seek out the source like a lifeline. When I saw her, her beauty took my breath away. She was petit but strong, with long legs and perfect curves. She had a mass of caramel-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face with plump lips and intense gray eyes that shined green in the light. I couldn’t help but want her. I recognized who she was to me immediately. <br /> <br /> But then I noticed her narrow nose and soft jawline were familiar. Her fair skin had a sun-kissed glow that I had always found attractive. Once I realized she had similar features to Kylee, I knew this was her sister, Ayla. <br /> <br /> Kylee had told me on many occasions how her sister had changed after the death of their father. She was there for Kylee at first, but in less than a year, she started spending all her time away from home. She ended up dropping out of the private school her parents had worked so hard to send her to. Eventually, Kylee lost track of what she was doing with her life. <br /> <br /> Kylee was there for her when she was around, trying to be supportive. But she wasn’t the sister she used to love. What bothered her most was Ayla’s treatment of their mother. Ayla still lived in the house with her, but Kylee always got the impression that helping their mother was just a burden. She worried their mother would be left with no one to take care of her, and she wasn’t in the best of health anymore. <br /> <br /> “I have an idea,” I interrupted. They both looked up at me expectantly. “Why doesn’t your mother come to stay with us for a while? At least until the ceremony? We have the room in the packhouse, and I’m sure you and my mother would appreciate the extra input.”<br /> <br /> Both their faces lit up.<br /> <br /> “Really? We can do that?” Kylee said happily. <br /> <br /> “Of course,” I said with a smile. <br /> <br /> “Thank you.”<br /> <br /> Kylee jumped up from the table and threw her arms around me, kissing me sweetly. I ignored the growls coming from Kieran. Seeing their reaction told me I had made the exact right decision. Despite what the burning in my chest told me. <br /> <br /> This was who I was supposed to be with. Not Ayla.<br /> <br /> ‘Keep saying. Maybe believe.’<br /> <br /> I told him to shut up, and he retreated into the back of my mind, cutting himself off from me. <br /> <br /> He would get over it. Once the bond was completely severed, he would understand this was the right thing for us and the pack.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3: Ayla<br /> I had managed to get myself together enough to rejoin my family. The pain that seared through me from Theo’s rejection and my subsequent acceptance almost brought me to my knees. It took all of my strength to keep my body from shaking, praying he didn’t notice the blood coming from my palms. I had clenched my fists so hard trying to stay on my feet that I broke the skin.<br /> <br /> When he finally left, I released the sob that was the only thing capable of coming out of my mouth. But I didn’t let the tears fall. Not yet. They couldn’t know. <br /> <br /> So, I steadied my breathing and went back into my house. I was surprised to find that Kylee and Ma weren’t in the dining room anymore. They weren’t in the living room either. But Theo was. <br /> <br /> “They’re in your mother’s room packing,” he said coldly.<br /> <br /> “Packing?” What was he talking about?<br /> <br /> He stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “I think it’s best that you keep your distance from Kylee for a while. We don’t want her finding out about this. But I know she’ll want her mother to be a part of the ceremony planning. So she’s coming back with us.”<br /> <br /> I felt like he just slapped me in the face. As if I would ever tell her. That’s why I was doing this. So that I wouldn’t break my baby sister’s heart. I gave him what he wanted, and now he was going to keep me from my family?<br /> <br /> Dasha was confused and in pain, whimpering in my head because she didn’t understand how he could be so cruel to us. <br /> <br /> “If that’s what you think is best,” I said to Theo through gritted teeth. <br /> <br /> “Kylee,” he called out, not breaking eye contact. “Let’s get going.”<br /> <br /> My sister came prancing into the room. “Already?”<br /> <br /> “It’s getting late. Let’s head to the hotel for the night. We’ll swing by in the morning to pick up your mother.”<br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said brightly before turning to me. “What about you, Ayla? You’re coming with, too, right?”<br /> <br /> I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo decided to answer for me. <br /> <br /> “We were just talking about that. Ayla has some things going on with work and can’t get away.”<br /> <br /> I gave her a tight smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. But I will try to come out there as soon as I can.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay, I understand. But I’ll make sure we have a room ready for you whenever you can come.”<br /> <br /> “Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, my heart breaking again, knowing Theo wouldn’t allow me to be there with her. <br /> <br /> We all said our goodbyes, and they left. Ma was still standing at the window watching them drive off when I went to clean up the dishes in the kitchen. She finally came in behind me and started opening another bottle of wine. We had gone through four during dinner already. And I barely touched my glass. <br /> <br /> “Ma, you’ve had enough for the night,” I said calmly.<br /> <br /> “Oh, come on. It’s a celebration,” Ma said. “It’s not every day you find out your baby is going to be a Luna.”<br /> <br /> “Ma, you can celebrate more tomorrow. You need to finish packing,” I said, gently taking the bottle from her hand. “I’m sure Kylee and Theo will be here first thing in the morning.”<br /> <br /> “We can celebrate together while you help me pack,” she said, grabbing the bottle back from me. “Then I’ll help you pack.”<br /> <br /> I winced. This wasn’t going to end well. “I’m not coming, Ma.”<br /> <br /> She stopped with the glass halfway to her lips. “What do you mean you’re not coming?” she asked with a pout. “You have to be there. Kylee is going to be mated. I told her we would help pay for the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> I winced again. She meant me. I would be helping pay for the ceremony. Ma didn’t have a penny to her name.<br /> <br /> “This is a big deal. Don’t be so selfish, Ayla.”<br /> <br /> Her words stung, but they weren’t unexpected. This was kind of the norm when she got like this. I know she didn’t really mean it. At least, she wouldn’t mean it when she was sober. I got her into her bedroom and set her on the bed. I changed her into her nightgown and tucked her in. <br /> <br /> She was asleep in seconds. I hurried through the rest of her packing. Stuffing two large suitcases as full as I could before carrying them out to the living room. Then I locked the front door, finished the last of the dishes, and slipped out into the backyard.<br /> <br /> I stripped off my clothes as I headed for the forest, desperate to get under its protective shadows. As soon as I passed the treeline, I shifted, taking off at full speed. I let Dasha feel all the pain. I didn’t try to hold her back anymore. <br /> <br /> We would mourn the loss of our fated mate. The loss of the one person who was supposed to see us for who we were. The one person who was supposed to always put us first, without demands or expectations. We would mourn the loss of never getting to experience that.<br /> But we wouldn’t mourn him.<br /> <br /> We ran until we could barely breathe. Until Dasha stopped at the edge of our pond — our place of solace — and let out a heartwrenching howl into the night air. Shifting at the end as she retreated back into my mind, out of reach to heal her broken heart, while I let the torrent of tears finally fall.<br /> <br /> I walked into the water, curling into myself as the sobs wracked my body, intensifying the burn that was still there from our bond being ripped from my heart.<br /> <br /> I submerged myself completely, washing my body clean of Theo, the mate bond, and every dream of finding my soulmate. <br /> <br /> In the midst of this pain I drifted off to sleep.<br /> The next morning.<br /> When I made it back to the house, there was no one there. My mother had been taken away by them.<br /> I was standing in an empty room in an empty house. The silence was deafening. And it all came crashing down. I sank to my knees, begging the goddess to just let it all go away, just for a little while. I just wanted to feel numb.<br /> <br /> I lost track of how long I sat in that spot, staring without seeing. I didn’t even know Zeff was there until I felt him grip my arms.<br /> <br /> “Ayls, what happened? What’s wrong?” he asked, brushing hair out of my face, forcing me to look at him. “Ayla, what is going on?”<br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I said, the corner of my mouth tipping up mockingly. “He’s scheduled to be mated to my sister.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Zeff exclaimed, anger and concern twisting his handsome features. <br /> <br /> Zeff was a good man. He had been there for me when no one else was. He was the only person who knew everything I went through. And here he was, listening to me tell him about meeting Theo, the mating ceremony, and my rejection. Why couldn’t he have been my mate? He should have been. <br /> <br /> “Come on,” he said, lifting me up. “You’re coming to stay with me.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t protest. The goddess had given me this one little blessing. I was numb. Zeff held me up by my waist and led me out to his car. He tucked me into the passenger seat and disappeared into the house again, only to emerge a few minutes later with a duffel bag in hand. <br /> <br /> He pulled out and drove us the twenty minutes to his house. Just like before, he helped me inside, this time sitting me on the big, comfy leather couch in his living room.<br /> <br /> He came and sat next to me, putting an arm over my shoulder and pulling me into him. I let myself relax some. This was the first thing since Theo walked into my life that felt normal, felt comfortable. He leaned his head on mine, rubbing his fingers along my arm. <br /> <br /> “Ayla. You’re going to deal with this — we’re going to deal with this together. Screw him, okay. He’s a dirtbag. You deserve so much better than some fool who doesn’t see how incredible you are.”<br /> <br /> I wanted to roll my eyes, but it wasn’t just about him. <br /> <br /> “He took my family, Zeff. I would have gotten over him just rejecting me because of Kylee. At least she would be safe and happy.”<br /> <br /> “No. They either treat you like a servant or a bank. They don’t care what their actions do to you as long as they keep getting what they want."<br /> <br /> “Zeff...But they were my family” I wanted to contradict him, but I knew he was right.<br /> <br /> “Get over him.” He took a step toward me, reaching up to hold my chin. “He’s not the only one who can take care of you, Ayla. He may be foolish enough not to want you, but I’m not.”<br /> <br /> My breath caught in my throat. He had told me about his feelings before, but we both avoided going down that road with each other. We knew we could find our fated mates at any time, and we didn’t want to deny each other that. <br /> <br /> “Move in here with me, Ayls,” Zeff said. “There’s nothing stopping us now.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you still have a mate out there somewhere.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla, stop. I’m thirty-four and well-traveled. If I was going to find her, I would have long before now. We both know that.” <br /> <br /> Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was shocked, but mostly because it felt good. I felt wanted. I kissed him back, not wanting to give that feeling up. I leaned into him — until Dasha came charging to the forefront, growling and snarling that someone who wasn’t our mate was touching us. <br /> <br /> I ripped myself from Zeff’s embrace. Breathing heavily, the pain of the severed bond renewed. I clutched my chest. <br /> <br /> “Ayla.” <br /> <br /> “I can’t. The bond. It’s still there. It hasn’t faded yet.”<br /> <br /> Zeff pulled me into his arms. “Okay. It’s okay. We can wait. We’ll take it slow.”<br /> <br /> I rested my head on his chest. “Okay.”<br /> <br /> He squeezed me tighter. I still didn’t know if we could make this work, but I wanted to try. <br /> <br /> I stayed with the Zeff, and it was quiet. Until a week later, when Theo burst in.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4: Theo<br /> It had been a week since I had gone home with Kylee. Seven days and a hundred miles away, and the bond was still there. The burning in my chest wouldn’t go away. I didn’t understand and it was annoying. <br /> <br /> More important is Kieran. He had spent the whole week giving me the silent treatment, except when Kylee was around. Then all he did was growl and snarl. It was getting exhausting. <br /> <br /> I had taken to holing up in my office most of the time. I didn’t want to snap at Kylee, or her mother, which had become hard to avoid by the third day. I was glad I had a good reason for me being so busy all of a sudden. <br /> <br /> Alpha was sick. He was diagnosed with a progressive disease almost a year ago. So, he decided it was time to hand the title down to me. It wasn’t official yet. We were planning on making the change at the same time as Kylee’s and my mating ceremony. Actually, that’s why I decided to make Kylee my official mate. Alpha’s were always stronger with a strong Luna by their side. With the circumstances of my father’s abdication, our pack needed to be as strong as possible. <br /> <br /> But there was still a lot to take care of and a lot I had to learn about being an Alpha before that time. So it wasn’t hard to convince her that it was the stress that was causing me to be distant. <br /> <br /> But this morning, I'm driving myself to Kylee's house. I promised to help her retrieve her mother's necklace, which she wanted to wear during our mating ceremony.<br /> <br /> In addition, if I couldn’t completely sever the bond between me and Ayla, Kieran could end up taking control and stop me from marking Kylee.<br /> So, once I got the necklace, I’d reject Ayla again, making sure it stuck this time, and I’d go back home.<br /> <br /> When I pulled up to the house, something twisted in my gut. When I step into the house, her invigorating scent of oranges and cloves invaded my nostrils, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as it should have been.<br /> I realize Ayla wasn't home.<br /> Instead, there was another smell in Ayla's room.<br /> The scent was male. It was faint, he wasn’t here long, but mixed in with the distinctive scent of my mate, I could pick it out anywhere. From the trail, it seemed as if he was the one who packed up her things.<br /> <br /> I stormed out of the house. Tossing the jewelry box in the passenger seat, I took my phone out and searched for the number for the publishing house Kylee said Ayla worked for.<br /> I got another address that Ayla had added to her personal profile from the receptionist.<br /> <br /> I followed the GPS to the address, pulling into the drive of a large, two-story house in a nice neighborhood. Parking half on the lawn, I didn’t even close the car door before taking the front steps two at a time. <br /> <br /> I banged on the door until I heard movement inside. A man opened it. It was the male I smelled in Ayla’s room. Before he could say anything, I lunged at him, my hands grabbing the front of his shirt and practically lifting him off the ground.<br /> <br /> “What have you done with her? I smell her all over you. Where is she?”<br /> <br /> He pushed me off him, his eyes glaring at me with recognition and disdain.<br /> <br /> “You must be Theo.”<br /> <br /> “What is going on?” Ayla’s voice floated down to me as she ran down the stairs. She froze halfway down the moment she laid eyes on me. “What are you doing here?”<br /> <br /> A silk robe hung open, revealing the shorts and cut-off tank top she wore underneath, her caramel-colored hair flowing loosely around her shoulders. She was gorgeous. And clearly not in distress. I took a step toward her as my rage grew.<br /> <br /> “What are you doing here?” I spat back. <br /> <br /> “That’s none of your concern,” the male interjected.<br /> <br /> I turned on him again, a rumbling growl emanating from my chest, my claws extending. I was ready to rip his throat out. <br /> <br /> “Stop,” Ayla yelled, coming the rest of the way down the stairs and stepping between the two of us. “Zeff, go to work.”<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. I’m not leaving you here with him. Not in the state he’s in.”<br /> <br /> “I would never hurt her.” Kieran was ready to burst from my skin. How dare this dirtbag think we would ever lay a hand on her.<br /> <br /> “We both know that’s crap.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, I said go.” Her expression softened a little. “I’ll call you later.”<br /> <br /> She would. <br /> <br /> The Zeff guy shot me another hate-filled look before exiting out the open front door. We stood in silence until the sound of his engine faded. <br /> <br /> “Are you dating him?” <br /> <br /> Her eyes went wide, then narrowed as she took a step forward. “What I do with a male — or anyone for that matter — is none of your business.”<br /> <br /> “It isn’t.” Electricity passed through the air between us. “He has no right to put his hands on you.”<br /> <br /> “He does if I want him to,” she yelled, not only holding her ground against the alpha energy I was exuding but taking another step toward me. “I don’t belong to anyone, remember? I have no mate.”<br /> <br /> I lost it. My hand was around her neck and my mouth was on hers before I even knew what I had done. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. Sparks of intense electricity shot through me, invigorating all my senses. I pushed her to open for me, my tongue seeking hers. Goddess, she tasted so good. She returned the kiss, her arousal mingling in the air. <br /> <br /> “MINE.” <br /> <br /> She pushed me off her with force.<br /> <br /> I took a step toward her again but she backed away. <br /> <br /> “Don’t you hurt Kylee like this.”<br /> <br /> “Like you care about your sister getting hurt,” I spat, but for some reason, I instantly regretted it. But I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t take it back.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” Pure rage radiated off of her, her eyes turning an icy blue. <br /> <br /> “You abandoned Kylee a long time ago. You disappeared all the time, leaving her alone with a mother who was struggling to keep everything together.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s face paled. Every ounce of anger seemed to drain from her instantly, that blue fire fading from her eyes. <br /> <br /> She almost went completely limp in front of me, stumbling until her back hit the wall. Her façade cracked. <br /> <br /> “That’s what she told you? She said that?” her voice was almost a whisper. <br /> <br /> Kieran was going insane in my head, telling me to shut up, to just stop talking. Urging me to stop hurting her. Because I was hurting her. I had struck a nerve, a very deep one, and I wouldn’t stop. She had to break the bond. Once and for all. If it meant I had to break her to do it, I would.<br /> <br /> “She told me everything. She told me how you would keep things from her and your mother. That you would be out at all hours of the night when you were a teenager. How you dropped out of high school, waisting the tuition your parents worked so hard for.”<br /> <br /> “What?” <br /> <br /> “I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as you.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s head snapped up. Her eyes a steely gray as she resolved herself to something I couldn’t figure out but would soon find out. <br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, reject you, Theo Arden, as my mate. I relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> I gritted my teeth as Kieran howled in my head, screaming for me not to accept it. <br /> <br /> “I, Theo Arden, accept your rejection.” The pain in my chest amplified, but I could still feel the bond. “We’ve done this before. It’s not working.”<br /> <br /> “Tell your wolf to accept it,” Ayla said with a crack in her voice. <br /> <br /> The muscles in my jaw tightened to a point I thought my teeth would shatter. The noise in my head from Kieran becoming almost unbearable.<br /> <br /> “He won’t.”<br /> <br /> “Make him,” she forced out.<br /> <br /> “I can’t.”<br /> <br /> “He doesn’t have a choice. I’ll never be with him, and neither will she,” Ayla said, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. <br /> <br /> I could feel the pain he felt. It was excruciating. I told him it would end if he just accepted, but he wouldn’t give in. He was an Alpha. He was as strong as me. I’d never overpower him on this. Ayla must have sensed my stalemate. Or her wolf did and told her because she pulled herself from against the wall, standing up straight again.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, cut my ties to Alpha Torin…”<br /> <br /> “What are you doing?” There was desperation in my voice. She couldn’t do this. I moved to stop her. <br /> <br /> “And the Greytooth Pack.”<br /> <br /> “No.” I fell to a knee, feeling the invisible tether that united pack members with their Alpha splinter. Kieran was pounding against the barriers of my control, putting all his might into taking over the shift. I knew I was on the verge.<br /> <br /> “From this day forth, I am a rogue.” She took an unsteady step toward me, silent tears rolling freely down her face. “Now get out.”<br /> <br /> She had used my father’s name. Either of our names would have worked in the limbo state we were currently in. But she used my father’s. There was nothing I could do to stop her. Nothing I could do to fight the separation. She knew exactly what she was doing. <br /> <br /> If my wolf wouldn’t sever the mate bond, she would remove herself from any control I had over her. <br /> <br /> With one final, agonizing look, she walked away, disappearing upstairs. <br /> <br /> I took in a ragged breath of air. Ayla now had until midnight to be out of our territory. If I caught her on our land after that, I would have to murder her. Mate bond or not. She was a rogue now. It was our laws. <br /> <br /> Kieran had finally gone still in my mind. <br /> <br /> ‘Mate’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Did he mean Ayla or her wolf?<br /> <br /> ‘Dasha. Mate’s name is Dasha. Dasha’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Realization hit me and panic set in. Her wolf was gone. The pain was too much. She had retreated deep into the recesses of Ayla’s subconscious. Ayla wouldn’t be able to call on her. She wouldn’t be able to shift. She wouldn’t be able to heal.<br /> <br /> She was a rogue without a wolf. She couldn’t protect herself. <br /> <br /> I had to get as far away from her as possible. <br /> <br /> I dragged myself back to my feet, forcing them to walk out the door. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5: Ayla<br /> The moment the door was closed, I sank to the floor. It was no longer sobs that escaped my body but soul-shattering screams. <br /> <br /> She said I abandoned her. <br /> <br /> Theo made it sound like I spent my teen years partying and getting into trouble. She said I dropped out of high school. <br /> <br /> She said I wasn’t a sister to her. <br /> <br /> The betrayal was soul-crushing. <br /> <br /> I had given up everything for them. <br /> <br /> I screamed and let the tears flow freely until my body ached. As soon as it felt like I could breathe without being stabbed by a red-hot dagger, I pulled myself up and started moving. I only had a few hours to get my things and get out of Greytooth territory. <br /> <br /> I had made myself a rogue. I didn’t have a pack anymore. And I had no idea where I was going to go. All the borders on this side of the territory sat right against other pack lands. To get out of one, I’d have to enter another. But it was my only option. Trying to get to unclaimed territory was too risky. I would have better luck on foreign pack land than on the land I just severed ties to. <br /> <br /> After leaving a note for Zeff, I packed up and drove away.<br /> <br /> The Greytooth Pack may not be the largest in population, but they had one of the biggest territories. The closest border crossing was nearly two hours away. And I needed to be far away before Zeff got home. I couldn’t have him tracking me down.<br /> <br /> Especially since I didn’t give him much of an explanation. <br /> <br /> But it was better this way. I wasn’t going to risk him cutting ties and going rogue as well. Because he would. He would hold Theo responsible, and he would never stay in a pack with an alpha he didn’t respect, let alone hate. This way, the note I left would have just made it seem like I got cold feet about us being together. <br /> <br /> I drove to the outskirts of town and got on the highway. From there, it was practically a straight shot to the border. I was grateful at first, but after about an hour, I realized the monotonous ride only left my mind wondering and worrying and thinking about things I didn’t need to think about. <br /> <br /> When Theo found me in the yard that first day, I had no idea what he would say. His initial reaction to our meeting had me thinking he would pursue the pairing. But then his increasingly icy demeanor throughout the evening made it seem like he was thinking along the same lines I was. He wasn’t going to hurt Kylee for someone he didn’t know. <br /> <br /> He loved her. She loved him. I had no idea who he was, nor he I. We could reject each other and just go on our way. Neither one of us would have to break Kylee’s heart. I thought he was keeping me from my family to be cruel. Or maybe to make things easier for both of us. <br /> <br /> But today, his words revealed a different motive. He didn’t reject me for Kylee. He rejected me because of her. Because he believed what she said and painted me as some coldhearted delinquent. But why? I just couldn’t figure that out. <br /> <br /> Dad died in a gas explosion along with my aunt and uncle ten years ago. I was fourteen, and Kylee was nine. Our thirteen-year-old cousin, Mina, came to live with us for a while after their deaths. Ma was hit pretty hard by the loss, so the three of us quickly started taking care of each other. We spent every spare minute with each other. Then our financial situation changed. Kylee was entirely too young, and Mina had been through enough losing both her parents for me to put that on her. So, it was up to me to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. <br /> <br /> But I was still fourteen. Finding jobs that paid enough to support a family of four at the age of fourteen was non-existent. I would need to work multiple jobs, and there just wasn’t enough time in the day. So, I approached the headmaster at my private high school and confided my situation with him. I was desperate not to drop out or risk my grades dropping and losing my scholarship. My parents didn’t pay a dime of my tuition. <br /> <br /> Headmaster Fordham was a miracle worker. He helped me test out of over eighty percent of my academic requirements by the end of my freshman year. I only had to take four summer classes to graduate a week after my fifteenth birthday. I was even able to broker a deal with him that would set the remaining three years of my scholarship fund aside for Kylee when it came time for her to attend high school. <br /> <br /> I still ended up working multiple jobs for several years. But no matter what, I always tried to be there for Kylee as much as possible. <br /> <br /> Everything I did was for her. <br /> <br /> I completely lost touch with all of my school friends. I never partied. I barely socialized. The jobs I held were really the only place that happened. But I was home to take her to school every morning, and I ensured I had at least an hour to help her with her homework almost every day. <br /> <br /> I didn’t discuss the lengths I went to with Kylee. I didn’t want her to feel bad or that it was her fault. And I didn’t want her to see what Ma was going through. She was struggling to keep any job. She was drinking daily. There were even a couple of times she racked up gambling debts that put us in some scary situations. <br /> <br /> But I never let Kylee see any of that. It was my job to protect them. <br /> <br /> There was so much more that didn’t add up with what Theo had said. But I didn’t get to think about it further. <br /> <br /> A searing pain shot through my chest, making my vision go white at the edges, blinding me to a point I almost missed the figure standing in the road before me. <br /> <br /> My heart jumped into my chest. I turned the wheel as sharp as I could, slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting them head-on. The moment I did it, I felt foolish. Within seconds, I was spinning through the air and sliding down an embankment.<br /> <br /> When the vehicle came to a stop, I was upside down. I registered the smell of blood, but everything was blurry. I didn’t feel significant pain, so I didn’t think the blood was coming from me. <br /> <br /> The person on the road!<br /> <br /> I scrambled out of the car and up the incline. Without Dasha, I couldn’t see well in the dark, but I could see a blurry figure moving toward me.<br /> <br /> “Are you okay?” I called. <br /> <br /> I didn’t catch what they were saying because I suddenly felt the world falling out from beneath my feet, and everything went dark. <br /> <br /> Chapter 6: Theo<br /> I said I would break her if that was what it took.<br /> <br /> And I certainly followed through with that.<br /> <br /> Ayla’s hard exterior had cracked and shattered before me. <br /> <br /> I had driven over an hour, and my stomach was still in knots. So much so that I had to stop to throw up at one point. Guilt tore at me. <br /> <br /> I really had been cruel to her. <br /> <br /> Especially since it turned out it wasn’t even her fault the bond hadn’t broken. She and Dasha had accepted my rejection. They had done what I needed them to do. Ayla had stayed away from Kylee and me. She hadn’t tried to be around them. From what I could tell, she hadn’t even called Kylee like she used to. And how did I repay her? By ripping her apart with every intention of doing as much damage as possible. <br /> <br /> It was my wolf that was still hanging on. It was Kieran who kept us in a constant state of heartache. Kept Ayla in a constant state of pain. <br /> <br /> And then she had to go and do something foolish and cut herself out of the pack. She was completely lost to us now. The only thing I could do was tell myself it was what I wanted. It was the only way to get rid of the temptation and put enough distance between us until Kylee and I were marked and mated and leading our pack. <br /> <br /> Every time I said it, Kieran was there to argue. <br /> <br /> By the time I pulled up to the packhouse, I was so pissed that anyone around instantly took a wide birth. My aura was probably so intense that I was making everyone physically uncomfortable, but I really didn’t care.<br /> <br /> I was going to head to my office but decided against it. Too many people had access to me there, and I really didn’t need anyone coming around. <br /> <br /> What I needed was to work off some of this rage and pent-up energy. <br /> <br /> I made a beeline for the private training room in the wing of the packhouse reserved for ranking members of the pack. I was relieved to find it empty, tugging my shirt over my head and immediately heading to the punching bag in the corner. <br /> <br /> I had worked up a sweat when Briggs entered the room. Walking over to me with his usual swagger, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall close by. He knew something was up. He had been hounding me about it since we got back from Kylee’s house. So had my mother, but I sure wasn’t going down that road.<br /> <br /> Briggs was my Beta. We had been friends since we were eight and had been through everything together since then. I didn’t think there was anything we could hide from each other. But I surely wanted to hide this from him. So I just ignored his presence.<br /> <br /> “You ready to tell me what is going on with you? Or at least, where you were today?” he said loud enough to be heard over the sound of my fists hitting the bag. <br /> <br /> “No.”<br /> <br /> “If you don’t, we’ll sedate you. Your aura is out of control right now, bro. This isn’t about you just being in a pissy mood anymore,” Briggs said with an edge to his voice that meant he was serious.<br /> I yelled as I hit the bag hard one more time. I winced as I forced my fingers through my hair. I hadn’t realized I had been breaking the skin on my knuckles. I fell back against the wall, sliding down to the floor. <br /> <br /> “You know I’m here for you, bro,” my Beta said calmly. “Whatever it is, you can talk to me.”<br /> I nodded. <br /> <br /> ‘Tell him.’<br /> <br /> I winced at Keiran’s demand. But I couldn’t really disagree anymore. <br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I admitted. I could feel Briggs’ eyes go wide in his head. <br /> <br /> “What do you mean you found your mate?” he took a step closer. “Please tell me you’re talking about Kylee.”<br /> <br /> I shook my head. “No. I found my fated mate.”<br /> <br /> “What. The. Fu-” He had warned me about this when I first got involved with Kylee and again when we announced our mating ceremony. “Where is she? Who is she?”<br /> <br /> “I rejected her. She’s gone.”<br /> <br /> “Theo, man, you’re really scaring me now. Why would you do that? What were you thinking?” Briggs demanded.<br /> <br /> “She’s Kylee’s sister,” I snapped. Briggs tensed up.<br /> <br /> “Ayla? As in the sister that allegedly abandoned Kylee?” <br /> <br /> His use of the word “allegedly” pissed me off and confused me a little. He really liked Kylee. They’ve always gotten along. Even when he was cautioning me about finding my mate, he told me he was happy for me. <br /> <br /> “Are you trying to say Kylee is lying?” I snapped.<br /> <br /> He made a face. “No, but I do think it’s foolish to reject your mate without all the information.”<br /> <br /> “I have all the information I need.”<br /> <br /> “No, you have Kylee’s side of the story,” Briggs said with a worried look.<br /> <br /> “And their mother’s,” I added.<br /> <br /> Briggs scoffed. “Look, Marie Garner is a nice enough lady, but I wouldn’t exactly trust her judgment.”<br /> <br /> “What are you talking about?” I asked, my own concern growing.<br /> <br /> “Bro, she’s a lush,” Briggs said with a shrug. “Not that you’ve been around enough to notice since she’s been here. I can’t tell how bad, and she seems pretty harmless. But these things often have a dark side that no one sees.”<br /> <br /> I couldn’t believe we were having this conversation. The last thing I needed was any kind of doubt in my decision. <br /> <br /> “Whatever. It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done. And Ayla’s reactions to all of this told me all I needed to know from her.” I pushed myself to my feet. <br /> <br /> “What were her reactions?” Briggs asked cautiously, and I realized my choice of words may have given away more than I intended. I knew he wouldn’t let it go unless he was sure I told him everything. <br /> <br /> “Which time?” I said quietly.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” He heard exactly what I said. “What happened, Theo?”<br /> <br /> “She never argued or fought the rejection. She agreed and accepted it the first day we met like it was nothing. She had no response, no rebuttal, no explanation,” I told him. “You have to be coldhearted to feel nothing after breaking a mate bond.”<br /> <br /> “Or extremely strong,” Briggs stated. “You said she didn’t argue or fight. Did you even give her a chance to speak or even get to know anything about her before you threw her to the curb? Or did you just walk up to her and say tough words?”<br /> <br /> I grimaced. That’s exactly what happened. “There wasn’t exactly an opportunity for that. Neither one of us wanted Kylee to find out.”<br /> <br /> The muscles in his neck flexed as he tensed. “You said ‘which time.’ When did you see her again?”<br /> <br /> “This morning.” <br /> <br /> “Why?” <br /> <br /> I could tell he was choosing his words carefully. <br /> <br /> “Kylee wanted a necklace of her mother’s that was left at their house for some appointment this week. I went back to get it.”<br /> <br /> “Okay, someone else could have done that. Why did you go?” Briggs pushed, but the words stuck in my throat. “Theo, you’re hurting. There’s no way this is as cut and dry as you’re trying to say it is.”<br /> <br /> “The bond didn’t break. Not completely.”<br /> <br /> “Goddess, Theo. So you both have been walking around with your hearts ripped open for the past week?” Briggs said. “So, what happened today? Why are you still on the edge of ripping half the pack’s throats out?”<br /> <br /> Images of that morning flashed through my head. The fear that something had happened to her when she hadn’t been home. The jealousy and rage at finding her at another male’s house. The way it felt when I kissed her. And sheer pain and anguish of everything that followed. <br /> <br /> “Theo?” Briggs pressed.<br /> <br /> “She cut her ties to the pack,” I said solemnly. “She turned herself rogue.”<br /> <br /> “Theo,” Briggs bellowed, “how could you let that happen? Why didn’t you stop her?”<br /> <br /> “She cut herself from Dad. She used his name. There was nothing I could do. I had no way of fighting it.” I was done with this conversation. “So none of this matters. It’s done. She’s gone. She’s never coming back. Doing so would be a death sentence, and she knew that.”<br /> <br /> “What have you done, Theo?”<br /> <br /> “It doesn’t matter,” I yelled. “Whatever I did or didn’t do, she never wanted me anyway. She’s not my problem anymore. So right now, I’m going to worry about cleaning up the mess she made and figure out how to tell Kylee and Marie that they’ll never see her again. And don’t you dare breathe a word about any of this to them, do you understand me?”<br /> <br /> “Okay. Okay,” Briggs said, raising his hands in the air, trying to calm me down. “You’re right. There’s nothing we can do about her now. If it’s done and over with, then it’s done and over with. We’ll move on.”<br /> <br /> I wasn’t sure he believed it, but I didn’t care. Like I said, she wasn’t my problem anymore. <br /> <br /> I went back to my room. There was a knock on my room door, and Kylee poked her head in before I had a chance to answer.<br /> “There you are, mate,” she cooed, sitting in my lap.<br /> She ran a hand up my chest, leaning in to kiss me. Kieran’s growl started immediately.<br /> I still needed to let off some steam. Anything to get some relief.<br /> I was about to respond to her when blinding pain erupted through my body.	LEARN_MORE	https://storyaholic.readlife.mobi/5u0sht3im00.html	100972718815811	Holic of novels	https://facebook.com/100071831618482	1,928	1	1,383,930,935,648,993	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Holic of novels	120209673376840017	storyaholic.readlife.mobi	NONE	video		https://storyaholic.readlife.mobi/5u0sht3im00.html	2024-04-13 22:05	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435781464_1873616473061353_7443115138026114972_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xovMmmG2P5AAb5m_syI&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBl0GmX6t_zdDPf0GKSpv92KW1tXZ6-og80JeSQUuPlbw&oe=66220EFA	person_profile	Holic of novels	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435763906_427147373372645_4361943193035209309_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pnXAvWIzL9QAb4-NSx9&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC8OzVhJy3UAo38gZyMfe2KkM0vePRMAZK3MEGhC4T6Wg&oe=6621EBD0	3	Holic of novels	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,210,411	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1210403}'	Yes	2024-04-14 13:48	active	515	394276576819232	🔥🔥🔥Download and search book ID: 9792	My sister's boyfriend turned out to be my mate! As he rejected me, I retaliated by cutting off all contact with the pack…<br /> Chapter 1: Ayla <br /> “Ayla, is dinner ready? No more delay. Kylee and Theo will be soon here!”<br /> “Yes, mom.” I sighed hearing my mother's impatient urging.<br /> Kylee is my little sister, and Theo is her mate as well as our future Alpha. It is said that they had been together for over a year, and today is the first Kylee has brought her mate home. I was so happy for her.<br /> Our current Alpha, Alpha Torin, was a good leader, a fair leader, and a good man. I knew he had a son, but I had never met him before.<br /> But I had heard that his son, Theo, was promising to be just as good an Alpha as his father. So I really couldn’t have been more relieved that he was my sister’s mate. She would be properly looked after and taken care of, and she would be happy.<br /> I was pulling the chicken out of the oven when I saw my mother rushing past me, excitedly shouting towards the door, “They're here.”<br /> After my father passed away, my mother had become an alcoholic. But she always managed to look presentable in front of Kylee. For example, today, she was not only dressed neatly, but even used mouthwash.<br /> <br /> I was still transferring the food when I heard the front door open and the squeals of my mother and sister as they embraced. I finished my task and moved the dishes to the dining room table that was already set neatly. I smiled at my presentation and excitedly hurried to the living room. <br /> <br /> I froze at the threshold. A scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race. <br /> <br /> The tall, broad man standing next to my sister turned toward me and we locked eyes. <br /> <br /> Mate.<br /> <br /> I practically gagged trying to stifle the word from slipping from my mouth. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> This was my sister’s mate. <br /> <br /> Not mine. <br /> <br /> This man was fated to Kylee. <br /> <br /> So why was I having this reaction?<br /> <br /> Better question…<br /> <br /> Why did HE seem to be having the same reaction?<br /> <br /> His eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where he stood. <br /> <br /> Dasha, my wolf, bounced excitedly in my head, recognizing him and his wolf just as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back of my mind.<br /> <br /> This couldn’t be happening. <br /> <br /> What was happening?<br /> <br /> I forced myself to address the situation as a whole. Fine, this was happening. Now, what is the best way to handle the situation? I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a way to speak with him in private later. <br /> <br /> I cleared my throat and plastered a smile on my face.<br /> <br /> “Kylee, I’m so excited you’re home,” I said, opening my arms so she could jump into them like she had since she was little.<br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, sis,” she said. <br /> <br /> “I’ve missed you, too,” I said quietly. <br /> <br /> We separated, and she turned to the male behind her. “Theo, this is my sister, Ayla. Ayla, this is my mate, Theo.”<br /> <br /> Theo’s hands were clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me. At least I was better at faking it them him. Geesh. <br /> <br /> I nodded to him with a broad smile. I knew it didn’t reach my eyes, but at least Ma and Kylee wouldn’t notice. <br /> <br /> “It’s lovely to meet you, Theo,” I said. “Dinner is ready in the dining room. Why don’t you guys go take a seat, and I’ll be right there. I need to tend to dessert first.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t take too long,” Kylee said brightly. “We have some big news, and I don’t think I can wait much longer.”<br /> <br /> “I promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed her shoulder. <br /> <br /> Kylee grabbed Ma by the arm and led her to the dining room. Theo followed a few steps behind. He had to pass me to get through. Right as he approached, I turned my body to ensure we didn’t touch. He paused in front of me for a moment. I looked up to meet his eyes.<br /> <br /> There was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. I subtly shook my head at him. Hoping and silently begging that he knew we couldn’t do this here. <br /> <br /> The sound of Kylee’s laugh from the other room made me jump and then quickly retreat to the kitchen. I grabbed the homemade cheesecake from the fridge and set it on the counter for later. <br /> <br /> I listened to the others conversing in the next room and took several deep breaths. I felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. <br /> <br /> I was almost to the dining room when I heard the last part of what Kylee was saying, and again, I was left frozen at the threshold.<br /> <br /> “… our mating ceremony is in three months.” Kylee looked up at me. “Oh, Ayla, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold back any longer. Aren’t you happy for us?”<br /> <br /> I put the same fake smile back on. “Of course I’m happy for you,” I said. “You deserve the best.”<br /> <br /> I took my seat at the table, ignoring the fact that I was left sitting directly across from Theo. His eyes were boring into me, and my face felt like it was on fire. I started dishing out food and passing plates. I didn’t say much over dinner. Instead, I just listened to Kylee and Ma talk about all the ideas they had for the mating ceremony. Theo didn’t say much either but slowly started to do a better job hiding his discomfort with the situation. <br /> <br /> It took everything to ignore the touches they shared, pushing down the jealousy that kept surging through me. <br /> After dinner, while they were still talking, I made an excuse to slip out through the back door.<br /> <br /> I stood on the porch and took several deep breaths. I released a string of curses.<br /> “What is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with the force of a yell. <br /> <br /> ‘Our mate.’ Dasha insisted.<br /> <br /> “No, he’s not,” I said back to her. “He’s Kylee’s. There must be some kind of mistake.”<br /> <br /> All of a sudden, I stiffened as a mouthwatering scent hit my nose. I knew who was standing behind me. <br /> <br /> Chapter 2: Theo<br /> I fought against the urges her scent was influencing as I stalked up to her. But more importantly, the urge to grab her and take her against the nearest tree. My wolf was going crazy about the idea, but he would learn fast that that was never going to happen. <br /> <br /> I wouldn’t accept her. <br /> <br /> Knowing what I knew about her, that would never happen. <br /> <br /> She turned to face me. <br /> <br /> “This won’t happen,” I spat out before she had a chance to speak. <br /> Her jaw clenched, and her silvery-gray eyes stared into mine for a few short moments. But I couldn’t read a thing behind them. <br /> <br /> “I absolutely agree,” she stated evenly. <br /> <br /> My wolf growled and snarled inside me, demanding to know what I was doing. I pushed down the hurt that hit me when she didn’t fight me. Her reaction just proved why this needed to be done. I could never be with someone so cold and self-absorbed as her. There was no way someone like her could ever be my Luna. <br /> <br /> ‘Don’t know her.’ Kieran yelled in my head. <br /> <br /> I knew enough. <br /> <br /> “Kylee is my mate. Not you. I, Theo Arden, future Alpha of the Greytooth Pack, reject you, Ayla Garner, as my mate and Luna.” Kieran was snapping his teeth, pushing to take control to stop this.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, accept your rejection and relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> My wolf howled in pain. A pain that was mirrored within me as it felt like my heart was being ripped apart. It was the bond breaking. Releasing me from the tie that bound us together.<br /> She stood there like nothing happened. <br /> <br /> How could she stand there like nothing had happened?<br /> <br /> She really didn’t feel anything, did she? It was so easy for her to let us go.<br /> <br /> ‘Mate wants me.’<br /> <br /> I grimaced. He meant her wolf. Her wolf wanted mine. He could sense her. She was even denying her wolf. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to get away from her. <br /> <br /> I stormed back into the house, returning to the woman the goddess should have made my mate. I returned to the dining room to find her mother and her still deep in conversation. I was grateful she hadn’t seemed to notice my absence or the change in my mood. It wasn’t surprising. She was excited about seeing her family and sharing the news with them. <br /> <br /> I had been, too, until her sister walked into the room. The scent had engulfed me, driving me to seek out the source like a lifeline. When I saw her, her beauty took my breath away. She was petit but strong, with long legs and perfect curves. She had a mass of caramel-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face with plump lips and intense gray eyes that shined green in the light. I couldn’t help but want her. I recognized who she was to me immediately. <br /> <br /> But then I noticed her narrow nose and soft jawline were familiar. Her fair skin had a sun-kissed glow that I had always found attractive. Once I realized she had similar features to Kylee, I knew this was her sister, Ayla. <br /> <br /> Kylee had told me on many occasions how her sister had changed after the death of their father. She was there for Kylee at first, but in less than a year, she started spending all her time away from home. She ended up dropping out of the private school her parents had worked so hard to send her to. Eventually, Kylee lost track of what she was doing with her life. <br /> <br /> Kylee was there for her when she was around, trying to be supportive. But she wasn’t the sister she used to love. What bothered her most was Ayla’s treatment of their mother. Ayla still lived in the house with her, but Kylee always got the impression that helping their mother was just a burden. She worried their mother would be left with no one to take care of her, and she wasn’t in the best of health anymore. <br /> <br /> “I have an idea,” I interrupted. They both looked up at me expectantly. “Why doesn’t your mother come to stay with us for a while? At least until the ceremony? We have the room in the packhouse, and I’m sure you and my mother would appreciate the extra input.”<br /> <br /> Both their faces lit up.<br /> <br /> “Really? We can do that?” Kylee said happily. <br /> <br /> “Of course,” I said with a smile. <br /> <br /> “Thank you.”<br /> <br /> Kylee jumped up from the table and threw her arms around me, kissing me sweetly. I ignored the growls coming from Kieran. Seeing their reaction told me I had made the exact right decision. Despite what the burning in my chest told me. <br /> <br /> This was who I was supposed to be with. Not Ayla.<br /> <br /> ‘Keep saying. Maybe believe.’<br /> <br /> I told him to shut up, and he retreated into the back of my mind, cutting himself off from me. <br /> <br /> He would get over it. Once the bond was completely severed, he would understand this was the right thing for us and the pack.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3: Ayla<br /> I had managed to get myself together enough to rejoin my family. The pain that seared through me from Theo’s rejection and my subsequent acceptance almost brought me to my knees. It took all of my strength to keep my body from shaking, praying he didn’t notice the blood coming from my palms. I had clenched my fists so hard trying to stay on my feet that I broke the skin.<br /> <br /> When he finally left, I released the sob that was the only thing capable of coming out of my mouth. But I didn’t let the tears fall. Not yet. They couldn’t know. <br /> <br /> So, I steadied my breathing and went back into my house. I was surprised to find that Kylee and Ma weren’t in the dining room anymore. They weren’t in the living room either. But Theo was. <br /> <br /> “They’re in your mother’s room packing,” he said coldly.<br /> <br /> “Packing?” What was he talking about?<br /> <br /> He stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “I think it’s best that you keep your distance from Kylee for a while. We don’t want her finding out about this. But I know she’ll want her mother to be a part of the ceremony planning. So she’s coming back with us.”<br /> <br /> I felt like he just slapped me in the face. As if I would ever tell her. That’s why I was doing this. So that I wouldn’t break my baby sister’s heart. I gave him what he wanted, and now he was going to keep me from my family?<br /> <br /> Dasha was confused and in pain, whimpering in my head because she didn’t understand how he could be so cruel to us. <br /> <br /> “If that’s what you think is best,” I said to Theo through gritted teeth. <br /> <br /> “Kylee,” he called out, not breaking eye contact. “Let’s get going.”<br /> <br /> My sister came prancing into the room. “Already?”<br /> <br /> “It’s getting late. Let’s head to the hotel for the night. We’ll swing by in the morning to pick up your mother.”<br /> <br /> “Okay,” she said brightly before turning to me. “What about you, Ayla? You’re coming with, too, right?”<br /> <br /> I opened my mouth to speak, but Theo decided to answer for me. <br /> <br /> “We were just talking about that. Ayla has some things going on with work and can’t get away.”<br /> <br /> I gave her a tight smile. “Yes, I’m sorry. But I will try to come out there as soon as I can.”<br /> <br /> “Oh, okay, I understand. But I’ll make sure we have a room ready for you whenever you can come.”<br /> <br /> “Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, my heart breaking again, knowing Theo wouldn’t allow me to be there with her. <br /> <br /> We all said our goodbyes, and they left. Ma was still standing at the window watching them drive off when I went to clean up the dishes in the kitchen. She finally came in behind me and started opening another bottle of wine. We had gone through four during dinner already. And I barely touched my glass. <br /> <br /> “Ma, you’ve had enough for the night,” I said calmly.<br /> <br /> “Oh, come on. It’s a celebration,” Ma said. “It’s not every day you find out your baby is going to be a Luna.”<br /> <br /> “Ma, you can celebrate more tomorrow. You need to finish packing,” I said, gently taking the bottle from her hand. “I’m sure Kylee and Theo will be here first thing in the morning.”<br /> <br /> “We can celebrate together while you help me pack,” she said, grabbing the bottle back from me. “Then I’ll help you pack.”<br /> <br /> I winced. This wasn’t going to end well. “I’m not coming, Ma.”<br /> <br /> She stopped with the glass halfway to her lips. “What do you mean you’re not coming?” she asked with a pout. “You have to be there. Kylee is going to be mated. I told her we would help pay for the ceremony.”<br /> <br /> I winced again. She meant me. I would be helping pay for the ceremony. Ma didn’t have a penny to her name.<br /> <br /> “This is a big deal. Don’t be so selfish, Ayla.”<br /> <br /> Her words stung, but they weren’t unexpected. This was kind of the norm when she got like this. I know she didn’t really mean it. At least, she wouldn’t mean it when she was sober. I got her into her bedroom and set her on the bed. I changed her into her nightgown and tucked her in. <br /> <br /> She was asleep in seconds. I hurried through the rest of her packing. Stuffing two large suitcases as full as I could before carrying them out to the living room. Then I locked the front door, finished the last of the dishes, and slipped out into the backyard.<br /> <br /> I stripped off my clothes as I headed for the forest, desperate to get under its protective shadows. As soon as I passed the treeline, I shifted, taking off at full speed. I let Dasha feel all the pain. I didn’t try to hold her back anymore. <br /> <br /> We would mourn the loss of our fated mate. The loss of the one person who was supposed to see us for who we were. The one person who was supposed to always put us first, without demands or expectations. We would mourn the loss of never getting to experience that.<br /> But we wouldn’t mourn him.<br /> <br /> We ran until we could barely breathe. Until Dasha stopped at the edge of our pond — our place of solace — and let out a heartwrenching howl into the night air. Shifting at the end as she retreated back into my mind, out of reach to heal her broken heart, while I let the torrent of tears finally fall.<br /> <br /> I walked into the water, curling into myself as the sobs wracked my body, intensifying the burn that was still there from our bond being ripped from my heart.<br /> <br /> I submerged myself completely, washing my body clean of Theo, the mate bond, and every dream of finding my soulmate. <br /> <br /> In the midst of this pain I drifted off to sleep.<br /> The next morning.<br /> When I made it back to the house, there was no one there. My mother had been taken away by them.<br /> I was standing in an empty room in an empty house. The silence was deafening. And it all came crashing down. I sank to my knees, begging the goddess to just let it all go away, just for a little while. I just wanted to feel numb.<br /> <br /> I lost track of how long I sat in that spot, staring without seeing. I didn’t even know Zeff was there until I felt him grip my arms.<br /> <br /> “Ayls, what happened? What’s wrong?” he asked, brushing hair out of my face, forcing me to look at him. “Ayla, what is going on?”<br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I said, the corner of my mouth tipping up mockingly. “He’s scheduled to be mated to my sister.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Zeff exclaimed, anger and concern twisting his handsome features. <br /> <br /> Zeff was a good man. He had been there for me when no one else was. He was the only person who knew everything I went through. And here he was, listening to me tell him about meeting Theo, the mating ceremony, and my rejection. Why couldn’t he have been my mate? He should have been. <br /> <br /> “Come on,” he said, lifting me up. “You’re coming to stay with me.”<br /> <br /> I didn’t protest. The goddess had given me this one little blessing. I was numb. Zeff held me up by my waist and led me out to his car. He tucked me into the passenger seat and disappeared into the house again, only to emerge a few minutes later with a duffel bag in hand. <br /> <br /> He pulled out and drove us the twenty minutes to his house. Just like before, he helped me inside, this time sitting me on the big, comfy leather couch in his living room.<br /> <br /> He came and sat next to me, putting an arm over my shoulder and pulling me into him. I let myself relax some. This was the first thing since Theo walked into my life that felt normal, felt comfortable. He leaned his head on mine, rubbing his fingers along my arm. <br /> <br /> “Ayla. You’re going to deal with this — we’re going to deal with this together. Screw him, okay. He’s a dirtbag. You deserve so much better than some fool who doesn’t see how incredible you are.”<br /> <br /> I wanted to roll my eyes, but it wasn’t just about him. <br /> <br /> “He took my family, Zeff. I would have gotten over him just rejecting me because of Kylee. At least she would be safe and happy.”<br /> <br /> “No. They either treat you like a servant or a bank. They don’t care what their actions do to you as long as they keep getting what they want."<br /> <br /> “Zeff...But they were my family” I wanted to contradict him, but I knew he was right.<br /> <br /> “Get over him.” He took a step toward me, reaching up to hold my chin. “He’s not the only one who can take care of you, Ayla. He may be foolish enough not to want you, but I’m not.”<br /> <br /> My breath caught in my throat. He had told me about his feelings before, but we both avoided going down that road with each other. We knew we could find our fated mates at any time, and we didn’t want to deny each other that. <br /> <br /> “Move in here with me, Ayls,” Zeff said. “There’s nothing stopping us now.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, you still have a mate out there somewhere.”<br /> <br /> “Ayla, stop. I’m thirty-four and well-traveled. If I was going to find her, I would have long before now. We both know that.” <br /> <br /> Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was shocked, but mostly because it felt good. I felt wanted. I kissed him back, not wanting to give that feeling up. I leaned into him — until Dasha came charging to the forefront, growling and snarling that someone who wasn’t our mate was touching us. <br /> <br /> I ripped myself from Zeff’s embrace. Breathing heavily, the pain of the severed bond renewed. I clutched my chest. <br /> <br /> “Ayla.” <br /> <br /> “I can’t. The bond. It’s still there. It hasn’t faded yet.”<br /> <br /> Zeff pulled me into his arms. “Okay. It’s okay. We can wait. We’ll take it slow.”<br /> <br /> I rested my head on his chest. “Okay.”<br /> <br /> He squeezed me tighter. I still didn’t know if we could make this work, but I wanted to try. <br /> <br /> I stayed with the Zeff, and it was quiet. Until a week later, when Theo burst in.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4: Theo<br /> It had been a week since I had gone home with Kylee. Seven days and a hundred miles away, and the bond was still there. The burning in my chest wouldn’t go away. I didn’t understand and it was annoying. <br /> <br /> More important is Kieran. He had spent the whole week giving me the silent treatment, except when Kylee was around. Then all he did was growl and snarl. It was getting exhausting. <br /> <br /> I had taken to holing up in my office most of the time. I didn’t want to snap at Kylee, or her mother, which had become hard to avoid by the third day. I was glad I had a good reason for me being so busy all of a sudden. <br /> <br /> Alpha was sick. He was diagnosed with a progressive disease almost a year ago. So, he decided it was time to hand the title down to me. It wasn’t official yet. We were planning on making the change at the same time as Kylee’s and my mating ceremony. Actually, that’s why I decided to make Kylee my official mate. Alpha’s were always stronger with a strong Luna by their side. With the circumstances of my father’s abdication, our pack needed to be as strong as possible. <br /> <br /> But there was still a lot to take care of and a lot I had to learn about being an Alpha before that time. So it wasn’t hard to convince her that it was the stress that was causing me to be distant. <br /> <br /> But this morning, I'm driving myself to Kylee's house. I promised to help her retrieve her mother's necklace, which she wanted to wear during our mating ceremony.<br /> <br /> In addition, if I couldn’t completely sever the bond between me and Ayla, Kieran could end up taking control and stop me from marking Kylee.<br /> So, once I got the necklace, I’d reject Ayla again, making sure it stuck this time, and I’d go back home.<br /> <br /> When I pulled up to the house, something twisted in my gut. When I step into the house, her invigorating scent of oranges and cloves invaded my nostrils, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as it should have been.<br /> I realize Ayla wasn't home.<br /> Instead, there was another smell in Ayla's room.<br /> The scent was male. It was faint, he wasn’t here long, but mixed in with the distinctive scent of my mate, I could pick it out anywhere. From the trail, it seemed as if he was the one who packed up her things.<br /> <br /> I stormed out of the house. Tossing the jewelry box in the passenger seat, I took my phone out and searched for the number for the publishing house Kylee said Ayla worked for.<br /> I got another address that Ayla had added to her personal profile from the receptionist.<br /> <br /> I followed the GPS to the address, pulling into the drive of a large, two-story house in a nice neighborhood. Parking half on the lawn, I didn’t even close the car door before taking the front steps two at a time. <br /> <br /> I banged on the door until I heard movement inside. A man opened it. It was the male I smelled in Ayla’s room. Before he could say anything, I lunged at him, my hands grabbing the front of his shirt and practically lifting him off the ground.<br /> <br /> “What have you done with her? I smell her all over you. Where is she?”<br /> <br /> He pushed me off him, his eyes glaring at me with recognition and disdain.<br /> <br /> “You must be Theo.”<br /> <br /> “What is going on?” Ayla’s voice floated down to me as she ran down the stairs. She froze halfway down the moment she laid eyes on me. “What are you doing here?”<br /> <br /> A silk robe hung open, revealing the shorts and cut-off tank top she wore underneath, her caramel-colored hair flowing loosely around her shoulders. She was gorgeous. And clearly not in distress. I took a step toward her as my rage grew.<br /> <br /> “What are you doing here?” I spat back. <br /> <br /> “That’s none of your concern,” the male interjected.<br /> <br /> I turned on him again, a rumbling growl emanating from my chest, my claws extending. I was ready to rip his throat out. <br /> <br /> “Stop,” Ayla yelled, coming the rest of the way down the stairs and stepping between the two of us. “Zeff, go to work.”<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. I’m not leaving you here with him. Not in the state he’s in.”<br /> <br /> “I would never hurt her.” Kieran was ready to burst from my skin. How dare this dirtbag think we would ever lay a hand on her.<br /> <br /> “We both know that’s crap.”<br /> <br /> “Zeff, I said go.” Her expression softened a little. “I’ll call you later.”<br /> <br /> She would. <br /> <br /> The Zeff guy shot me another hate-filled look before exiting out the open front door. We stood in silence until the sound of his engine faded. <br /> <br /> “Are you dating him?” <br /> <br /> Her eyes went wide, then narrowed as she took a step forward. “What I do with a male — or anyone for that matter — is none of your business.”<br /> <br /> “It isn’t.” Electricity passed through the air between us. “He has no right to put his hands on you.”<br /> <br /> “He does if I want him to,” she yelled, not only holding her ground against the alpha energy I was exuding but taking another step toward me. “I don’t belong to anyone, remember? I have no mate.”<br /> <br /> I lost it. My hand was around her neck and my mouth was on hers before I even knew what I had done. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. Sparks of intense electricity shot through me, invigorating all my senses. I pushed her to open for me, my tongue seeking hers. Goddess, she tasted so good. She returned the kiss, her arousal mingling in the air. <br /> <br /> “MINE.” <br /> <br /> She pushed me off her with force.<br /> <br /> I took a step toward her again but she backed away. <br /> <br /> “Don’t you hurt Kylee like this.”<br /> <br /> “Like you care about your sister getting hurt,” I spat, but for some reason, I instantly regretted it. But I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t take it back.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” Pure rage radiated off of her, her eyes turning an icy blue. <br /> <br /> “You abandoned Kylee a long time ago. You disappeared all the time, leaving her alone with a mother who was struggling to keep everything together.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s face paled. Every ounce of anger seemed to drain from her instantly, that blue fire fading from her eyes. <br /> <br /> She almost went completely limp in front of me, stumbling until her back hit the wall. Her façade cracked. <br /> <br /> “That’s what she told you? She said that?” her voice was almost a whisper. <br /> <br /> Kieran was going insane in my head, telling me to shut up, to just stop talking. Urging me to stop hurting her. Because I was hurting her. I had struck a nerve, a very deep one, and I wouldn’t stop. She had to break the bond. Once and for all. If it meant I had to break her to do it, I would.<br /> <br /> “She told me everything. She told me how you would keep things from her and your mother. That you would be out at all hours of the night when you were a teenager. How you dropped out of high school, waisting the tuition your parents worked so hard for.”<br /> <br /> “What?” <br /> <br /> “I could never be with someone as cold and heartless as you.”<br /> <br /> Ayla’s head snapped up. Her eyes a steely gray as she resolved herself to something I couldn’t figure out but would soon find out. <br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, reject you, Theo Arden, as my mate. I relinquish my claim as your mate and Luna.”<br /> <br /> I gritted my teeth as Kieran howled in my head, screaming for me not to accept it. <br /> <br /> “I, Theo Arden, accept your rejection.” The pain in my chest amplified, but I could still feel the bond. “We’ve done this before. It’s not working.”<br /> <br /> “Tell your wolf to accept it,” Ayla said with a crack in her voice. <br /> <br /> The muscles in my jaw tightened to a point I thought my teeth would shatter. The noise in my head from Kieran becoming almost unbearable.<br /> <br /> “He won’t.”<br /> <br /> “Make him,” she forced out.<br /> <br /> “I can’t.”<br /> <br /> “He doesn’t have a choice. I’ll never be with him, and neither will she,” Ayla said, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. <br /> <br /> I could feel the pain he felt. It was excruciating. I told him it would end if he just accepted, but he wouldn’t give in. He was an Alpha. He was as strong as me. I’d never overpower him on this. Ayla must have sensed my stalemate. Or her wolf did and told her because she pulled herself from against the wall, standing up straight again.<br /> <br /> “I, Ayla Garner, cut my ties to Alpha Torin…”<br /> <br /> “What are you doing?” There was desperation in my voice. She couldn’t do this. I moved to stop her. <br /> <br /> “And the Greytooth Pack.”<br /> <br /> “No.” I fell to a knee, feeling the invisible tether that united pack members with their Alpha splinter. Kieran was pounding against the barriers of my control, putting all his might into taking over the shift. I knew I was on the verge.<br /> <br /> “From this day forth, I am a rogue.” She took an unsteady step toward me, silent tears rolling freely down her face. “Now get out.”<br /> <br /> She had used my father’s name. Either of our names would have worked in the limbo state we were currently in. But she used my father’s. There was nothing I could do to stop her. Nothing I could do to fight the separation. She knew exactly what she was doing. <br /> <br /> If my wolf wouldn’t sever the mate bond, she would remove herself from any control I had over her. <br /> <br /> With one final, agonizing look, she walked away, disappearing upstairs. <br /> <br /> I took in a ragged breath of air. Ayla now had until midnight to be out of our territory. If I caught her on our land after that, I would have to murder her. Mate bond or not. She was a rogue now. It was our laws. <br /> <br /> Kieran had finally gone still in my mind. <br /> <br /> ‘Mate’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Did he mean Ayla or her wolf?<br /> <br /> ‘Dasha. Mate’s name is Dasha. Dasha’s gone.’<br /> <br /> Realization hit me and panic set in. Her wolf was gone. The pain was too much. She had retreated deep into the recesses of Ayla’s subconscious. Ayla wouldn’t be able to call on her. She wouldn’t be able to shift. She wouldn’t be able to heal.<br /> <br /> She was a rogue without a wolf. She couldn’t protect herself. <br /> <br /> I had to get as far away from her as possible. <br /> <br /> I dragged myself back to my feet, forcing them to walk out the door. <br /> <br /> Chapter 5: Ayla<br /> The moment the door was closed, I sank to the floor. It was no longer sobs that escaped my body but soul-shattering screams. <br /> <br /> She said I abandoned her. <br /> <br /> Theo made it sound like I spent my teen years partying and getting into trouble. She said I dropped out of high school. <br /> <br /> She said I wasn’t a sister to her. <br /> <br /> The betrayal was soul-crushing. <br /> <br /> I had given up everything for them. <br /> <br /> I screamed and let the tears flow freely until my body ached. As soon as it felt like I could breathe without being stabbed by a red-hot dagger, I pulled myself up and started moving. I only had a few hours to get my things and get out of Greytooth territory. <br /> <br /> I had made myself a rogue. I didn’t have a pack anymore. And I had no idea where I was going to go. All the borders on this side of the territory sat right against other pack lands. To get out of one, I’d have to enter another. But it was my only option. Trying to get to unclaimed territory was too risky. I would have better luck on foreign pack land than on the land I just severed ties to. <br /> <br /> After leaving a note for Zeff, I packed up and drove away.<br /> <br /> The Greytooth Pack may not be the largest in population, but they had one of the biggest territories. The closest border crossing was nearly two hours away. And I needed to be far away before Zeff got home. I couldn’t have him tracking me down.<br /> <br /> Especially since I didn’t give him much of an explanation. <br /> <br /> But it was better this way. I wasn’t going to risk him cutting ties and going rogue as well. Because he would. He would hold Theo responsible, and he would never stay in a pack with an alpha he didn’t respect, let alone hate. This way, the note I left would have just made it seem like I got cold feet about us being together. <br /> <br /> I drove to the outskirts of town and got on the highway. From there, it was practically a straight shot to the border. I was grateful at first, but after about an hour, I realized the monotonous ride only left my mind wondering and worrying and thinking about things I didn’t need to think about. <br /> <br /> When Theo found me in the yard that first day, I had no idea what he would say. His initial reaction to our meeting had me thinking he would pursue the pairing. But then his increasingly icy demeanor throughout the evening made it seem like he was thinking along the same lines I was. He wasn’t going to hurt Kylee for someone he didn’t know. <br /> <br /> He loved her. She loved him. I had no idea who he was, nor he I. We could reject each other and just go on our way. Neither one of us would have to break Kylee’s heart. I thought he was keeping me from my family to be cruel. Or maybe to make things easier for both of us. <br /> <br /> But today, his words revealed a different motive. He didn’t reject me for Kylee. He rejected me because of her. Because he believed what she said and painted me as some coldhearted delinquent. But why? I just couldn’t figure that out. <br /> <br /> Dad died in a gas explosion along with my aunt and uncle ten years ago. I was fourteen, and Kylee was nine. Our thirteen-year-old cousin, Mina, came to live with us for a while after their deaths. Ma was hit pretty hard by the loss, so the three of us quickly started taking care of each other. We spent every spare minute with each other. Then our financial situation changed. Kylee was entirely too young, and Mina had been through enough losing both her parents for me to put that on her. So, it was up to me to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. <br /> <br /> But I was still fourteen. Finding jobs that paid enough to support a family of four at the age of fourteen was non-existent. I would need to work multiple jobs, and there just wasn’t enough time in the day. So, I approached the headmaster at my private high school and confided my situation with him. I was desperate not to drop out or risk my grades dropping and losing my scholarship. My parents didn’t pay a dime of my tuition. <br /> <br /> Headmaster Fordham was a miracle worker. He helped me test out of over eighty percent of my academic requirements by the end of my freshman year. I only had to take four summer classes to graduate a week after my fifteenth birthday. I was even able to broker a deal with him that would set the remaining three years of my scholarship fund aside for Kylee when it came time for her to attend high school. <br /> <br /> I still ended up working multiple jobs for several years. But no matter what, I always tried to be there for Kylee as much as possible. <br /> <br /> Everything I did was for her. <br /> <br /> I completely lost touch with all of my school friends. I never partied. I barely socialized. The jobs I held were really the only place that happened. But I was home to take her to school every morning, and I ensured I had at least an hour to help her with her homework almost every day. <br /> <br /> I didn’t discuss the lengths I went to with Kylee. I didn’t want her to feel bad or that it was her fault. And I didn’t want her to see what Ma was going through. She was struggling to keep any job. She was drinking daily. There were even a couple of times she racked up gambling debts that put us in some scary situations. <br /> <br /> But I never let Kylee see any of that. It was my job to protect them. <br /> <br /> There was so much more that didn’t add up with what Theo had said. But I didn’t get to think about it further. <br /> <br /> A searing pain shot through my chest, making my vision go white at the edges, blinding me to a point I almost missed the figure standing in the road before me. <br /> <br /> My heart jumped into my chest. I turned the wheel as sharp as I could, slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting them head-on. The moment I did it, I felt foolish. Within seconds, I was spinning through the air and sliding down an embankment.<br /> <br /> When the vehicle came to a stop, I was upside down. I registered the smell of blood, but everything was blurry. I didn’t feel significant pain, so I didn’t think the blood was coming from me. <br /> <br /> The person on the road!<br /> <br /> I scrambled out of the car and up the incline. Without Dasha, I couldn’t see well in the dark, but I could see a blurry figure moving toward me.<br /> <br /> “Are you okay?” I called. <br /> <br /> I didn’t catch what they were saying because I suddenly felt the world falling out from beneath my feet, and everything went dark. <br /> <br /> Chapter 6: Theo<br /> I said I would break her if that was what it took.<br /> <br /> And I certainly followed through with that.<br /> <br /> Ayla’s hard exterior had cracked and shattered before me. <br /> <br /> I had driven over an hour, and my stomach was still in knots. So much so that I had to stop to throw up at one point. Guilt tore at me. <br /> <br /> I really had been cruel to her. <br /> <br /> Especially since it turned out it wasn’t even her fault the bond hadn’t broken. She and Dasha had accepted my rejection. They had done what I needed them to do. Ayla had stayed away from Kylee and me. She hadn’t tried to be around them. From what I could tell, she hadn’t even called Kylee like she used to. And how did I repay her? By ripping her apart with every intention of doing as much damage as possible. <br /> <br /> It was my wolf that was still hanging on. It was Kieran who kept us in a constant state of heartache. Kept Ayla in a constant state of pain. <br /> <br /> And then she had to go and do something foolish and cut herself out of the pack. She was completely lost to us now. The only thing I could do was tell myself it was what I wanted. It was the only way to get rid of the temptation and put enough distance between us until Kylee and I were marked and mated and leading our pack. <br /> <br /> Every time I said it, Kieran was there to argue. <br /> <br /> By the time I pulled up to the packhouse, I was so pissed that anyone around instantly took a wide birth. My aura was probably so intense that I was making everyone physically uncomfortable, but I really didn’t care.<br /> <br /> I was going to head to my office but decided against it. Too many people had access to me there, and I really didn’t need anyone coming around. <br /> <br /> What I needed was to work off some of this rage and pent-up energy. <br /> <br /> I made a beeline for the private training room in the wing of the packhouse reserved for ranking members of the pack. I was relieved to find it empty, tugging my shirt over my head and immediately heading to the punching bag in the corner. <br /> <br /> I had worked up a sweat when Briggs entered the room. Walking over to me with his usual swagger, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall close by. He knew something was up. He had been hounding me about it since we got back from Kylee’s house. So had my mother, but I sure wasn’t going down that road.<br /> <br /> Briggs was my Beta. We had been friends since we were eight and had been through everything together since then. I didn’t think there was anything we could hide from each other. But I surely wanted to hide this from him. So I just ignored his presence.<br /> <br /> “You ready to tell me what is going on with you? Or at least, where you were today?” he said loud enough to be heard over the sound of my fists hitting the bag. <br /> <br /> “No.”<br /> <br /> “If you don’t, we’ll sedate you. Your aura is out of control right now, bro. This isn’t about you just being in a pissy mood anymore,” Briggs said with an edge to his voice that meant he was serious.<br /> I yelled as I hit the bag hard one more time. I winced as I forced my fingers through my hair. I hadn’t realized I had been breaking the skin on my knuckles. I fell back against the wall, sliding down to the floor. <br /> <br /> “You know I’m here for you, bro,” my Beta said calmly. “Whatever it is, you can talk to me.”<br /> I nodded. <br /> <br /> ‘Tell him.’<br /> <br /> I winced at Keiran’s demand. But I couldn’t really disagree anymore. <br /> <br /> “I found my mate,” I admitted. I could feel Briggs’ eyes go wide in his head. <br /> <br /> “What do you mean you found your mate?” he took a step closer. “Please tell me you’re talking about Kylee.”<br /> <br /> I shook my head. “No. I found my fated mate.”<br /> <br /> “What. The. Fu-” He had warned me about this when I first got involved with Kylee and again when we announced our mating ceremony. “Where is she? Who is she?”<br /> <br /> “I rejected her. She’s gone.”<br /> <br /> “Theo, man, you’re really scaring me now. Why would you do that? What were you thinking?” Briggs demanded.<br /> <br /> “She’s Kylee’s sister,” I snapped. Briggs tensed up.<br /> <br /> “Ayla? As in the sister that allegedly abandoned Kylee?” <br /> <br /> His use of the word “allegedly” pissed me off and confused me a little. He really liked Kylee. They’ve always gotten along. Even when he was cautioning me about finding my mate, he told me he was happy for me. <br /> <br /> “Are you trying to say Kylee is lying?” I snapped.<br /> <br /> He made a face. “No, but I do think it’s foolish to reject your mate without all the information.”<br /> <br /> “I have all the information I need.”<br /> <br /> “No, you have Kylee’s side of the story,” Briggs said with a worried look.<br /> <br /> “And their mother’s,” I added.<br /> <br /> Briggs scoffed. “Look, Marie Garner is a nice enough lady, but I wouldn’t exactly trust her judgment.”<br /> <br /> “What are you talking about?” I asked, my own concern growing.<br /> <br /> “Bro, she’s a lush,” Briggs said with a shrug. “Not that you’ve been around enough to notice since she’s been here. I can’t tell how bad, and she seems pretty harmless. But these things often have a dark side that no one sees.”<br /> <br /> I couldn’t believe we were having this conversation. The last thing I needed was any kind of doubt in my decision. <br /> <br /> “Whatever. It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done. And Ayla’s reactions to all of this told me all I needed to know from her.” I pushed myself to my feet. <br /> <br /> “What were her reactions?” Briggs asked cautiously, and I realized my choice of words may have given away more than I intended. I knew he wouldn’t let it go unless he was sure I told him everything. <br /> <br /> “Which time?” I said quietly.<br /> <br /> “Excuse me?” He heard exactly what I said. “What happened, Theo?”<br /> <br /> “She never argued or fought the rejection. She agreed and accepted it the first day we met like it was nothing. She had no response, no rebuttal, no explanation,” I told him. “You have to be coldhearted to feel nothing after breaking a mate bond.”<br /> <br /> “Or extremely strong,” Briggs stated. “You said she didn’t argue or fight. Did you even give her a chance to speak or even get to know anything about her before you threw her to the curb? Or did you just walk up to her and say tough words?”<br /> <br /> I grimaced. That’s exactly what happened. “There wasn’t exactly an opportunity for that. Neither one of us wanted Kylee to find out.”<br /> <br /> The muscles in his neck flexed as he tensed. “You said ‘which time.’ When did you see her again?”<br /> <br /> “This morning.” <br /> <br /> “Why?” <br /> <br /> I could tell he was choosing his words carefully. <br /> <br /> “Kylee wanted a necklace of her mother’s that was left at their house for some appointment this week. I went back to get it.”<br /> <br /> “Okay, someone else could have done that. Why did you go?” Briggs pushed, but the words stuck in my throat. “Theo, you’re hurting. There’s no way this is as cut and dry as you’re trying to say it is.”<br /> <br /> “The bond didn’t break. Not completely.”<br /> <br /> “Goddess, Theo. So you both have been walking around with your hearts ripped open for the past week?” Briggs said. “So, what happened today? Why are you still on the edge of ripping half the pack’s throats out?”<br /> <br /> Images of that morning flashed through my head. The fear that something had happened to her when she hadn’t been home. The jealousy and rage at finding her at another male’s house. The way it felt when I kissed her. And sheer pain and anguish of everything that followed. <br /> <br /> “Theo?” Briggs pressed.<br /> <br /> “She cut her ties to the pack,” I said solemnly. “She turned herself rogue.”<br /> <br /> “Theo,” Briggs bellowed, “how could you let that happen? Why didn’t you stop her?”<br /> <br /> “She cut herself from Dad. She used his name. There was nothing I could do. I had no way of fighting it.” I was done with this conversation. “So none of this matters. It’s done. She’s gone. She’s never coming back. Doing so would be a death sentence, and she knew that.”<br /> <br /> “What have you done, Theo?”<br /> <br /> “It doesn’t matter,” I yelled. “Whatever I did or didn’t do, she never wanted me anyway. She’s not my problem anymore. So right now, I’m going to worry about cleaning up the mess she made and figure out how to tell Kylee and Marie that they’ll never see her again. And don’t you dare breathe a word about any of this to them, do you understand me?”<br /> <br /> “Okay. Okay,” Briggs said, raising his hands in the air, trying to calm me down. “You’re right. There’s nothing we can do about her now. If it’s done and over with, then it’s done and over with. We’ll move on.”<br /> <br /> I wasn’t sure he believed it, but I didn’t care. Like I said, she wasn’t my problem anymore. <br /> <br /> I went back to my room. There was a knock on my room door, and Kylee poked her head in before I had a chance to answer.<br /> “There you are, mate,” she cooed, sitting in my lap.<br /> She ran a hand up my chest, leaning in to kiss me. Kieran’s growl started immediately.<br /> I still needed to let off some steam. Anything to get some relief.<br /> I was about to respond to her when blinding pain erupted through my body.	LEARN_MORE	https://storyaholic.readlife.mobi/5u0sht3im00.html	100972718815811	Holic of novels	https://facebook.com/100071831618482	1,928	4	7,360,031,457,385,629	2024-04-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Holic of novels	120209673375670017	storyaholic.readlife.mobi	NONE	video		https://storyaholic.readlife.mobi/5u0sht3im00.html	2024-04-13 22:03	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435716149_1070670604002902_4059451472002374081_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XEAzJtXjiIkAb64E-Gu&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBDdk-70g_HY0RimpM5atRdaQsRylLQrwG4W5gV07eY_g&oe=6621E631	person_profile	Holic of novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435878798_972697297760514_460341510657083183_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JcjJNekcvlMAb5c0car&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC_OhScO3ADCC91TEfFdHBFuuy6r1pAZQ5znyQKaKN_jA&oe=6621FD84	3	Holic of novels	2024-04-14 02:00	View Edit Delete

Page 30 of 42, showing 20 record(s) out of 834 total

Download CSV New Ads

Search

Ads