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310,757	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310870}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	271802599114959	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> "Trevor, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection."<br /> ******** <br /> As I'm lying here thinking about all of this, Tamaska starts jumping around in my mind. Like literally jumping around. She seems so excited all of a sudden. I look up and see Trevor standing over me, looking at me strangely. At first, he seems happy to see me, then his expression changes. I guess he remembers that we are no longer friends. Meanwhile, Tamaska is still going crazy in my head. Trevor and Tamaska say the one word I never wanted to hear in reference to Trevor. They both yell "mate". No, this can't be. I can't be his mate. This will never work. Now I'm panicking. I can see on his face that he is going to reject me. This is not the way my life is supposed to go. Oh, moon goddess, give me the strength to be strong and not break down.<br /> Trevor just stands there for a minute, then says, "let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> As soon as he said those words, I felt a pain like I have never experienced before. It's like my heart has been ripped apart. Tamaska starts whimpering. Trevor made my wolf cry. Why would he do this?<br /> "Why?" I ask. As much as I hate him seeing me cry, tears are running down her eyes. "Why would you do this to us? Why would you take away our chance to be happy? Do you really hate me that much?"<br /> "It's not about me hating you, Seleste." He says, "The mate bond will not let me hate you. I just don't think you are the right person to be my Luna. You are a good Gamma. Fighting is what you do, but I need someone else lying beside me. Not someone who will undermine me or make me look bad in front of the pack warriors. I just can't have you as my mate. I don't want you as my mate."<br /> I can't believe my mate is saying this to me. It's like he really wants to hurt me. He is saying that he prefers someone else over me, his mate. Tamaska has not stopped whimpering. She is so hurt by what our mate is saying. Although I knew this was coming, the pain was unbearable.<br /> "Are you sure this is what you want, Trevor? Do you want to think about this before you make a final decision?" I ask in a whisper.<br /> "Don't beg Seleste, it's really not becoming. It should be no surprise that I rejected you. I made it known over this past year that I do not want you in my life. Yes, I am sure. I do not want you as my mate. My rejection stands!" <br /> Did he just say stop begging? The nerve of him. I would never beg anyone to be with me. He wishes I was begging him. How is he going to feel when he finds out that I get a second chance mate while he is stuck without a mate? I don't need to beg. <br /> "Begging, the last thing I'm doing is begging. I have never begged and trust me; you are the last person I would ever beg to be in my life. Out of respect to your father, I have kept my opinion to myself about you and the way you are acting, but truthfully, Trevor, you are a disappointment. I don't know what your parents or the pack will do when they find out what you have done, but since this is what you want and since frankly, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection." I say and begin to walk away. I need to get away from him. It is taking everything in me to hold Tamaska back. She really wants to kick his butt right now.<br /> "Before you go, I order you not to tell anyone about us being mates," Trevor says in his alpha voice.<br /> Is he serious right now? Does he really not know that the alpha command does not work on our family? He really is not fit to lead our pack. He obviously did not pay attention in his alpha training, or he would know it is pointless to alpha command me. I will tell who I want to tell. I just look at him in disgust and walk away. As much as I want to break down and cry for hours, I refuse to let him see me cry more than he already has. I hold my head up high and walk away from him. The moon goddess granted me my request. I feel strong and I could keep myself together. At least until I get home. <br /> Once I make it to my house, I run to my mom and cry my eyes out. My mom keeps asking me what's wrong. My dad comes in and tries to talk to me, but I can't stop crying enough to talk to them. I can't say the words. At least not yet. My mom calls Mona to come to be with me and to help calm me down. After crying for about an hour, I'm finally ready to tell my family what happened. Wiping my eyes, I begin the story of my life right now.<br /> "I don't know where to start. I'll try to keep it simple. Tamaska was feeling restless, so I went to the clearing the grandmother used to take me to. As I was basking in the moon, Trevor walked into the clearing." I see my mom and dad stiffen when I mention Trevor's name. Mona just looks at me with concern. I think she knows what I'm about to tell them.<br /> "It turns out that I am Trevor's mate," I say with a sigh.<br /> "I don't understand," my dad says, "if you found your mate tonight, why are you crying? Did something happen to you or Trevor?"<br /> "Dad, Trevor rejected me." My family has the same shocked look I had.<br /> "Are you serious," my mom and Mona say at the same time.<br /> My dad is steaming mad right now. I'm afraid of what he will do. Trevor hurt his baby. This may not end well for Trevor. When my dad is angry, even the alpha stays out of his way. My mom and I are the only ones that can calm him down.<br /> "Yes, I'm serious. He said that I was not Luna material, and he did not want me as his mate or the right Luna for this pack." I explained to my family.<br /> "Trevor is an idiot," Mona says. "There is no one more suited to be our Luna. You have always put this pack first. You have always worked to make us better and stronger."<br /> "I know. Mona, it hurts so bad. My own mate does not want me. To make matters worse, he tried to alpha command me not to tell anyone that we are mates."<br /> "What!" my dad yells. "I need to go find this pup and teach him a lesson. No one hurts my baby and lives to talk about. Who does he think he is? He is obviously not fit to lead. He doesn't even know our pack's history. Every alpha knows that our family is not subject to any alpha. We serve out of choice, we submit out of respect, not out of compulsion. Our family has served this pack for generations, and I have never questioned that choice until now. This pack is not worth the pain it is causing my baby. First, I'm going to teach that brat a lesson, and then we are transferring to a different pack where they respect and appreciate us."<br /> "Baby calm down." My mom says to my dad. "Let's focus on our baby girl for now. What do you want to do, Seleste?"<br /> "I really don't know, momma. I don't want to run like a coward. He is not worth us turning our lives upside down. Besides, I will be traveling a lot after school anyway, so I will rarely see him. And dad, if you hurt Trevor, I may ruin your friendship with Alpha Connor. I'm sure he does not know what Trevor did. And No dad, I don't want you to tell him. I don't want anyone to know that Trevor was my mate. Grandmother told me that if one of us gets rejected by our mate, the moon goddess will bless us with a second chance mate. While I don't want another mate right now, there is still hope for me in the future. Right now, I just want to get through the end of the school year."<br /> "Ok baby girl, if this is what you want, your father and I will support your decision. But remember, you are my daughter. You will not sit around and mope about that pup. I will give you one full day to cry and be sad, then I want you to pick yourself up and start moving forward. It may still hurt, but it will not destroy you."<br /> "Thanks, mom," I say, hugging my parents. "You always know what to say.<br /> "You are my favorite daughter; I will always be there for you in this life and the next."<br /> "Mom, I'm your only daughter," I say with a smile.<br /> "And don't you forget it," my mom says.<br /> My family spent the rest of the night talking, listening, and wiping my tears. I am so glad I have them in my life. My mom is right. I will not wallow in sadness over Trevor. He has proven that he is not worthy of me. He made his choice and now I am free. I will be able to move on. He thought he would break me, but I won't break. I go to my room and grab my journal and begin to write. I just let all my hurt, anger, and disappointments release on paper. Writing poetry has always been my outlet. Speaking of poetry, I think I will ask the girls to go to Jazzy's tomorrow night.<br /> As I lie in bed, I start to feel this burning feeling in my stomach. I feel like someone is clawing my stomach from the inside. I have a high pain tolerance, but this is unbearable. I yell out in pain. My mom and dad run into my room when they hear me cry out. I tell my mom about the pain in my stomach. My dad gets mad all over again. They don't want to tell me what's going on. Mom says I'm better not knowing. Tamaska is howling in my head. She has been quiet since Trevor rejected us, but now she is balled up in a knot, howling and crying. I know this has to be about Trevor. He made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She does not deserve to be hurt like this.<br /> "T what's wrong? What's happening? Mom and dad will not tell me."<br /> "It's mate, he is being intimate with another she-wolf." Tamaska cries. "He really does not want us, and he is already with someone else. Seleste, I can't handle this right now. I'm going to take a break from this. I'll still be with you, but I'm going into a deep sleep, at least for now, don't worry, I'm not going away and I won't be down long. I just need a little time."<br /> "It's ok T. I love you and I will be here for you." I sent T a hug. I wish I could hold and pet her right now.<br /> "Mom, Dad, Trevor made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She did not deserve that. T told me what this pain is. There is no coming back from this. He has truly sealed our fates and our future. I am done with him. If I had it in me to hate anyone, I would definitely hate Trevor."<br /> "Like your mom said, baby girl, we will support you no matter what. You deserve better. I will stay out of it and let you handle it for now, but if he hurts you again, I will have to step in. There is no way I or my wolf can stand by and let someone hurt my pup. I don't care who it is."<br /> We all walked out of the house and headed to the venue for the party. <br /> "I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate the 18th birthday of the circle of ten, our next generation of the leaders of the pack. I'm sure that together, the ten will continue to move our pack to greater things." The alpha says. He announces all the mate connections in our group of ten. The pack is so happy for the mates, the alpha can barely get a word in. Finally, the crowd calms down, and the alpha announces Trevor and his fake mate. I look at my dad and shake my head as the alpha speaks. I don't want my dad to lose it and tell the pack that Trevor rejected me. <br /> "And finally, I would like to announce that my son, your future alpha, has also found his mate, Shana. Show them all some love." <br /> The crowd goes wild again. Nobody knows that they are a fraud, so they are happy to have what they think is the next alpha and luna.<br /> The alpha goes on to tell the pack about the mating ceremony planned for all the mates that will happen next Saturday on a full moon. The alpha tells all the still unmated wolves to let Beta Vareen know if they find their mates before the ceremony, so they can be included.<br /> The alpha tells us he has one more announcement. Yep, He will be retiring, and Trevor will take over as alpha- There goes the pack. <br /> "As it is our tradition, I will turn it over to Trevor to officially announce the next Beta and Gamma of the pack; Trevor." Alpha Connor says and steps back to his spot next to the luna. <br /> "Hello everyone," Trevor says. From the time alpha announced that Trevor will take over, he has been smirking at me.<br /> "I hope you all had a good time tonight. I know I did. The Blue Moon pack knows how to throw a party. Let me start by introducing you all to my mate and your future Luna, Shana Stevens."<br /> Everyone cheers for their pretend Luna. Trevor is looking at me to see if I react, which I don't. <br /> "And your next Gamma, Mona True" <br /> I think everyone here is in complete shock. I froze in my spot. Alpha Connor tried to run interference and stop Trevor before he takes this too far, but of course, Trevor didn't listen. <br /> "Son, what are you doing?" Alpha Connor asked, "Seleste is the next Gamma."<br /> "No, Dad," Trevor answers him. "I don't think Seleste is the right one for the position. Seleste has done nothing but undermine my authority in the pack for the last year. As alpha, I can't have anyone under me who does not respect my position as head of the pack. I want Mona as my Gamma. I think that is best for the pack." <br /> "Dad, my mate, and I discussed this. Aside from the fact that Seleste does not respect me or my position, it is common knowledge that Seleste is in love with me. My mate does not feel that Seleste will have her best interest at heart. My mate does not feel safe with Seleste, being in charge of our safety and security. As her mate, I have to put her first and protect her peace of mind. Seleste being here affects her peace negatively and I can't have that."<br /> I notice my dad is about to lose control. I need to get to him before things go completely left. To defuse the situation and give Trevor what he wants and hopefully stop this drama, I agree that I don't need the Gamma title. <br /> "Fine," I tell Trevor. "Gamma is just a title. I don't need it. Not having the title does not change who I am. I will still train the warrior and fulfill my other obligations. As far as respecting you Trevor, respect is earned, and up until recently, I thought you deserved my respect. You have shown me over the last couple of days that I was mistaken about you. So, you can keep the Gamma position. I don't want it. As far as being in love with you. That is laughable. I don't even like you." <br /> He actually smirks at me. This fool thinks he has won. He is just sad.<br /> "Well, that is settled. Seleste will not be the next gamma. And since you mentioned training the pact, that's the other thing. I do not want you training my warriors anymore. Since you are mad that you are not the Luna of this pack, how do I know you won't influence the warriors against me or continue to undermine my authority?"<br /> So that is his game plan. He wants to withdraw me of all power. Does he really not realize who I am? Everything my family has done for this pack. Now I'm slightly pissed, but I need to try to stay in control so that my father doesn't kill this fool.<br /> "Are you serious right now, Trevor? I have done nothing but make this pack better. I have spent my life learning and training so that I can strengthen this pack, and you want to take that from me because of your pettiness." <br /> I let Trevor know that he really does not have the authority to take the training position from me. I train packs under the authority of the council. No Alpha's word is above that of the council. But since he wants to be petty, I can take my strength, skill, and protection to another pack.<br /> "Save it Seleste, I have made my decision. As of now, you are nothing to this pack. Why don't you find another pack to train, since you mentioned other packs? We don't want you here."<br /> "Gladly," I tell him. "And when I leave, you will take the full brunt of your decisions and the consequences of what you are doing tonight."<br /> I am so over these things now. This pack needs my family more than I need this. I can leave and be accepted into any pack in the kingdom, including the royal pack.<br /> Ben and the other warrior begin to speak up for me. That appears to make Trevor even more pissed. Right now, his own father and current alpha is looking at him like he has completely lost his mind and he is standing in front of the pack looking proud. I always thought Trevor was pretty intelligent. Now I think there is something wrong with him. He just will not stop digging himself into a hole. <br /> "See, that's why I need to restrict Seleste of her power," Trevor says in anger and frustration. <br /> "The warriors are more loyal to her than they are to me. You all need to respect me. I am the alpha. What I say goes. None of you have my permission to leave. If you choose to leave, you will be rogues. Will you throw everything away just for her?"<br /> I am so proud of my Elite 12 members. We always stand for what is right.<br /> "I don't know about the others," Tim said, "But I would rather go, rogue than stay in this pack with you as the alpha. As Gamma Seleste said, respect is earned, and I just lost all that of it I had for you. Sorry, Alpha Connor, I cannot serve your son. I will prepare to leave this pack in the next two hours." Tim said.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvOTk4Njkv	175289189001736	Cha111	https://facebook.com/61554253460477	15	1	1,425,408,661,412,952	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Cha111	120205222416150372	b.chaptersapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvOTk4NjkvMjAyNDAyMDUxMTE4MjIvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-02-04 21:22	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424897940_756507636009195_5272844036832664721_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KOnsz_nJElEAX-8jWLg&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBf4_pYCCN9CSXw7ZIY6eBYxJ89Gvue1V73qkEBXM6Efw&oe=65D6C81E	person_profile	Cha111	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425874714_354518027553080_3517527890925869112_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wNaWgXBf5HcAX_ci5lg&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCD3dIHYaiDItcCKPglWgB1VdkUYd4IBUo7UoHbZ_100w&oe=65D6F16F	3	Cha111	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,764	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	327665900232571	The Heiress' Return & Revenge	When she and her brother were kidnapped in the last life<br /> everyone chose to save their brothers first, and she was<br /> eventually killed by the kidnappers. This time she was born<br /> again, and none of her five brothers could escape.<br /> -------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Simone Gray opened her eyes, surveyed the surroundings, and looked at the familiar room from her memories. She had indeed returned. Reaching out to grab her phone from the nightstand, she checked the date before a smile appeared in her eyes. What perfect timing.<br /> <br /> Just as she was thinking, a knocking sound echoed. She got up to open the door and saw a handsome man standing there, questioning her immediately, "I called you earlier. Why didn't you answer?"<br /> <br /> Simone replied calmly, "I didn't feel like it."<br /> <br /> Standing before her was her second brother, Titus Gray, who was also her current agent.<br /> <br /> He was momentarily stunned, visibly not expecting his sister to say that. He furrowed his brows and lectured impatiently, "Stop causing trouble, will you?"<br /> <br /> She raised an eyebrow. "Say something new. I'm tired of hearing the cliche from all of you."<br /> <br /> Since returning to the Gray Family, her mother and five brothers kept telling her not to cause trouble.<br /> <br /> Titus choked. "Is this amusing to you? Jo wants to be in that variety show. What harm would it do if you just let that happen? Must you make the whole family unhappy?"<br /> <br /> Simone looked at him coldly. "This is an opportunity I fought for myself. I won't give it up. It's your business if you're unhappy."<br /> <br /> Simone did not grow up with her family from a young age. Instead, she got lost at four when Aaron Gray, her fifth brother, took her out to play. After that, the Gray Family adopted a girl of similar age and even changed her name to Jodie Gray.<br /> <br /> A year ago, the Gray Family found Simone and brought her back home. However, they overly favored Jodie and looked down on Simone. Whenever she clashed with the adopted daughter, it was always Simone who was considered troublesome.<br /> <br /> Before entering the entertainment industry, she worked hard and used her talent to climb from an unknown to a C-list actress in just over a year. After being recognized by the family, they brought her home, asked her to terminate the contract with her original company, and transferred her to the entertainment company owned by the Gray Family. In the meantime, Titus became her agent.<br /> <br /> Jodie, who originally studied music, suddenly wanted a part in the entertainment industry. She also joined the company and was mentored by Titus. In the past year, she received all the good resources, directly jumping from an unknown to a C-list actress.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the resources Titus provided Simone were the ones that Jodie rejected. Last month, she saved the wife of a director and gained a spot as a guest on a highly anticipated new variety show before it even aired.<br /> <br /> Similarly, Jodie showed interest in the show and expressed her desire to join. However, the guests were already confirmed, and it was not easy for someone of Jodie's popularity to be added under special circumstances. Hence, Titus and the family suggested that Simone give up her spot to Jodie.<br /> <br /> She knew that Jodie intentionally wanted to snatch her opportunity, so she refused and was then condemned by her entire family. Last night, she insisted on not giving up her spot and returned to her room after arguing with them.<br /> <br /> Titus had appeared now because Jodie had not given up and pretended to be pitiful in front of him; that was why he came to her again. He took a deep breath. "I'll find you a better opportunity. Just give this up for Jo."<br /> <br /> Simone sneered. "I don’t care about your better opportunity. Just give it to your beloved Jodie." She did not want to waste any more words with Titus and simply shut the door.<br /> <br /> His eyes showed some disbelief when he looked at the closed door. That was the first time Simone had shown him disrespect since returning home, his expression dark. "Simone, you're being unreasonable."<br /> <br /> He knocked on the door again, but she did not open it. Only then did he leave with a stern face. After shutting the door, Simone's heart could barely stir up emotions. In her previous life, she yearned for family affection, and after being recognized, she had always tried to please the Grays.<br /> <br /> For instance, she took care of their various needs, made their meals, gave massages, accompanied them in acting and dancing, and so on. She tried to fulfill whatever tasks or requests they had, but in the end, she failed to make them love her. When she and Jodie were kidnapped, everyone chose to rescue Jodie first, and she ended up losing her life.<br /> <br /> At that moment of death, she completely lost hope and severed her ties with the Gray Family. However, she did not expect to be bound by a system that took her to various mini timelines to fulfill tasks. Upon completion, she would be rewarded with life points, and only by accumulating them could she return to this world.<br /> <br /> Simone extended her right hand and looked at her palm; her lifeline was short. It meant that she had less than a year left, only until the time of her death in her previous life.<br /> <br /> The system informed her during the unbinding process that she needed to be adored by more people to extend her life. The more people who favored her, or the more people she helped to gain popularity, the longer her life would be.<br /> <br /> It was similar to exchanging faith for life points but would not affect those who liked her. Otherwise, she would not harm others for the sake of extending her own life. Now, saving her life was crucial because she needed more time or energy to continue getting entangled with the Grays.<br /> <br /> She packed up her belongings and put them in a suitcase. Since returning to the Gray Family, everything was bought for her by the housekeeper, and she did not take anything. As such, she calculated the expenses since coming to the Gray Family and noted them down.<br /> <br /> At the same time, she took out the bank card her father gave her when she returned. Luckily, she had not used any money in it. She opened the door as she carried the suitcase and went downstairs.<br /> <br /> At that moment, everyone was in the living room. When they saw Simone with her bags, they were displeased. Salma Johnston frowned and looked at her. "What trouble are you up to this time? It's been nothing but chaos ever since you returned."<br /> <br /> Simone found it amusing. "Did I insist on returning? I remember you all came to pick me up, right? And what trouble did I cause? Jodie wanted my resources, and not giving them makes me the bad guy? If we're being clear here, aren't all of you the unreasonable ones?"<br /> <br /> Salma did not expect Simone to talk back, so her displeasure deepened. "Jo just likes that variety show. You're the young lady of the Gray Family now, while Jo has lost that status. Shouldn't you compensate her? Moreover, Titus said he'd get you a better opportunity in exchange. Why do you have to fight over it?"<br /> <br /> Luca Gray, the third brother, added, "I think you just can't stand Jo, so you deliberately target her."<br /> <br /> Andrew Gray, the fourth, impatiently said, "Simone, can't you just be good? Why do you have to cause trouble?"<br /> <br /> In her previous life, Simone might have been upset by such unfair accusations, but not anymore. Instead, she sneered and said, "You guys are truly good at blaming others for your own fault. I never knew that defending what's rightfully mine would make me the unreasonable one. First of all, I never stole anything from her in the first place. On the contrary, she replaced me and enjoyed a comfortable life in the Gray Family for years. Secondly, you need to understand that it was you who lost me back then. I don't owe her anything, and I certainly don't owe any of you either. So, what exactly do I need to compensate for?" When Salma was about to speak, Simone added, "As for the young lady of the Gray Family, she can have it. I don't really care about it."<br /> <br /> Salma was stunned for a moment, not expecting Simone to say such things. "What do you mean?"<br /> <br /> Simone replied with indifference, "I mean it literally. I am cutting off all ties with you and leaving the family. In the future, we will go back to being strangers when we meet." She added, "Your beloved adopted daughter will remain the little princess of the Grays. You don't need to worry that I will steal anything from her or try to take your love for her. I am simply making things easier for all of you."<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Who Needs Such A Brother<br /> <br /> Simone couldn't care less about her biased parents and brothers, treating them as if they had no blood relation to her.<br /> <br /> When she was young, Aaron lost her, and human traffickers intended to sell her. Thanks to her master saving and adopting her, her life wasn't as miserable as it could have been.<br /> <br /> Her words successfully changed the expressions of the Grays. They never expected her to decide to cut ties and leave them.<br /> <br /> Jodie, leaning against Salma, glanced at Simone with a subtle expression. She looked at her while her face showed an apologetic and guilty expression. "No. The one who should leave is me. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to snatch your opportunity. I just liked that variety show, so Titus went to talk to you. I don't want to participate in that variety show anymore. You don't need to be unhappy. I don't want to anger and worry you."<br /> <br /> On the surface, she appeared guilty, but in reality, it was a strategic retreat. This way, she could distance herself from accusations of intentionally competing with Simone for resources while also showcasing her considerate and generous nature. She was playing her act in front of the Grays, subtly implying that Simone was using the threat of cutting ties and leaving the Gray Family.<br /> <br /> As expected, the family members' expressions turned unpleasant.<br /> <br /> Simone looked at Jodie and retorted without reservation, "Don't try to act innocent and pitiful in front of me with that look. I won't fall for that." She spoke her mind without holding back after completely giving up on family affection. "You say you want to leave and have been saying it for a year, but you’re still here. I've long been tired of your act of strategic retreat. Only fools would believe it." She intentionally exposed the truth. "Of course, you wouldn't actively ask me for resources. As long as you say it, they will naturally present you with whatever you want. You don't need to put on a show for them. I don't care about your thoughts since I've already stopped caring about what you guys think."<br /> <br /> These words successfully darkened the faces of the Grays.<br /> <br /> Jodie's expression changed slightly. She suppressed the anger in her heart and hugged Salma with a touch of grievance. "I'm not. Don't say such things about our family."<br /> <br /> In her heart, she wondered if Simone had gone crazy by choosing to confront her head-on and speaking so harshly. Although being rebuked by Simone left her feeling quite displeased, the fact that Simone had created such a scene today would only make everybody dislike her even more. So, she endured her sarcasm.<br /> <br /> As expected, Salma was infuriated. "What are you saying? Where are your manners?"<br /> <br /> Simone shrugged. "I was born to my parents but not raised by them. My manners have long vanished."<br /> <br /> The family was speechless. Salma looked at Simone with disappointment. "Are you still blaming us? It seems we made a mistake bringing you home. We've compensated you a lot this year. What more do you want? Why do you have to compete with Jo? Can't you just peacefully be sisters?" She emphasized. "Although you are our biological daughter, Jo has been by our side all these years in your place. In our hearts, she's an important part of the Gray Family; she's my daughter."<br /> <br /> Simone used to find these words piercing and heart-wrenching, but she truly didn't care anymore. "What did I compete for? Since I returned to the family, you two have been clinging to me. Everything I do is interpreted as vying for favor and wanting things that don't belong to me."<br /> <br /> She took the bank card from her bag and threw it onto the table in front of them. "This is the compensation you gave me, and I haven't used a single penny from it." There were 150 thousand on this card, barely the amount of Jodie's monthly allowance, but that was the compensation for Simone over the years. "I won't take away the things the housekeeper bought for me, but for the things I've used, I will pay you in cash."<br /> <br /> Then, she placed the written paper on the table. "In the year plus that I've been here, I've spent less than 15 thousand, including living expenses. Here's the list. I just transferred 15 thousand to this card. From now on, we settle our accounts."<br /> <br /> What could be solved with money was not a problem. So, on her side, she and the Grays were even, but what they owed her would be forever outstanding.<br /> <br /> Simone's actions made the Grays feel as if she were serious, rendering them somewhat embarrassed. Salma couldn't accept that her daughter, who had been obedient all those while, would do such a rebellious and disobedient thing.<br /> <br /> She slammed the table with her hand, her face full of anger. "Fine. Go ahead. But once you step out of our gate today, don't think about coming back."<br /> <br /> She believed Simone wouldn't act on it. Just as Jodie said, this was a tactic of strategic retreat by threatening them with leaving. If Simone succeeded this time, who knew how she would stir things up in the future?<br /> <br /> Salma let Simone leave, not because she wanted her to but to warn her not to cause trouble again. The others didn't speak, unanimously sharing the same thoughts.<br /> <br /> Of course, Simone knew what they were thinking. I look like I'm bluffing, don't I? "I'm leaving for good." After saying that, she grabbed her suitcase while showing no attachment and turned to leave.<br /> <br /> Seeing this, Steven Gray, her father, spoke, "Stop making a fuss. Jo won't want that variety show opportunity anymore. In the future, I'll have Titus fight for some good gigs for you."<br /> <br /> Regardless of the circumstances, she was still his biological daughter, and he couldn't let her leave just like that. Moreover, leaving home after just over a year since returning would make their family a joke in the eyes of others.<br /> <br /> Simone turned around and looked at her father indifferently. "You think I'd stay for your so-called gigs?"<br /> <br /> He frowned. "I didn't mean that. All I'm saying is that you are now part of the family, so we will naturally compensate you."<br /> <br /> She found it ridiculous. "Thank you for your compensation. For the past year, I have deeply experienced your emotional abuse, complaints, and disdain. So, I'll pass on that."<br /> <br /> Steven was taken aback as he looked at Simone, who seemed unyielding and unapproachable. "What do you want, then?" He was usually busy and had neglected his biological daughter for more than a year.<br /> <br /> She affirmed, "I want to sever ties with you. It's as simple as that. There's no need to contact each other in the future. Goodbye."<br /> <br /> He was infuriated by Simone's attitude, while the Gray brothers also appeared displeasing. Especially Aaron, who regarded her with a complex and indignant expression. "Are you still blaming me? Are you trying to make us compromise and compete for Jo's favor?"<br /> <br /> Simone stared at him icily. "Are you suggesting that I shouldn't hold you accountable? Back then, you lost track of me and allowed human traffickers to abduct me. I was almost sold off to the mountains. Should I express gratitude for losing me back then?"<br /> <br /> Aaron's face flushed and then paled. "I didn't mean to do that, and I wasn't even aware that you were almost sold off to the mountains."<br /> <br /> She raised an eyebrow. " Does saying that erase the fact that you lost me and changed the course of my life?"<br /> <br /> Upon her return to the Gray Family, he exhibited more kindness and concern compared to her four brothers and her parents, but it all seemed like an attempt to make up for his past mistakes.<br /> <br /> However, whenever she had conflicts with Jodie, he always sided with the latter. Therefore, I don't need a brother who doesn't truly love me.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 She's Had Enough<br /> <br /> Simone's words left Aaron unsure of what to say for a moment. While he had not intended to lose her back then, he indeed caused his younger sister to be lost for many years and deprived her of the life of a wealthy young lady.<br /> <br /> She continued, "I'll repeat. I no longer care about you guys, so I have zero interest in vying for favor with Jodie."<br /> <br /> Titus scowled. "Think it over. If you sever ties with us, don't expect any resources from the company."<br /> <br /> The eldest brother, Reuben Gray, added, "We might even boycott you."<br /> <br /> They hoped that by saying this, Simone would reconsider for the sake of her future. They wanted her to know her limits and back down.<br /> <br /> However, she suddenly burst into laughter. "You speak as if you've given me a lot of resources this past year. Since I joined Gray Entertainment, the resources I received are not even close to what I used to get from that small company that often exploited me. Not only are the resources few and poor, but I've also been attacked online, where you didn't bother calling the PR. You even want to snatch away the resources I managed to secure for myself for Jodie. You truly have the nerve to use this to threaten me."<br /> <br /> At the sight of their darkened faces, she continued, "Fortunately, when I joined the company, I didn't sign any contracts, so I won't need to terminate any."<br /> <br /> At the time, Reuben and Titus had assured her they were all one family, so there was no need to bother signing contracts because they would not make her suffer any losses. Since she did not know what it would be like when she returned to the Gray Family, she agreed, thinking it would be wise to keep some leverage. As expected, she had not made a mistake in keeping her options open.<br /> <br /> Otherwise, if she wanted to terminate the contract, she would have to pay a substantial penalty. If she could not afford it, she was sure they would go as far as blacklisting her if she did not cooperate.<br /> <br /> "From today onwards, I won't serve you anymore. Do whatever you want. You didn't publicly announce my identity, so I won't have to announce it to the public either. Goodbye forever!" She turned away once again, this time briskly leaving with her suitcase. Once outside, she pressed the pause button on the recording on her phone.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing Simone's resolute departure, the Grays felt dissatisfied besides anger. Then, Salma furiously said, "She actually left. It's outrageous."<br /> <br /> Titus said with a scowling face, "Since she's so stubborn, I'll have her know that once she leaves us, she'll be and have nothing." He felt that Simone's sudden rebellion was aimed at him as he asked her to give up her spot for Jodie, angering her. Subsequently, he turned to Reuben and said, "Ben, get in touch with other entertainment companies. Tell them not to sign Simone."<br /> <br /> Reuben nodded. "All right."<br /> <br /> Faced with a once obedient sister who suddenly rebelled, he thought of giving her a taste of reality and making her understand that being willful had consequences. After seeing Reuben's agreement, Titus squinted his eyes. "No matter how independent she is, she won't go far. Soon, she'll be begging to come back."<br /> <br /> He would also inform the agents in the industry not to sign Simone.<br /> <br /> Hearing the words of her two brothers, Jodie felt a sense of joy in her heart. However, she said with a self-blaming expression, "It's all my fault for making Simone angry and leaving. Reuben, Titus, please don't do this. When she calms down, I'll apologize to her, and she'll come back." The more she said this, the more the family felt that Simone was being willful and became more resentful.<br /> <br /> Sure enough, Reuben said, "This has nothing to do with you. She just doesn't know how to be content."<br /> <br /> The other four boys in the Gray Family agreed. "Exactly. She's already obtained the status of the young lady of the Gray Family, yet she always wants to compete with you. It's unreasonable."<br /> <br /> "You don't need to apologize to her. That would spoil her."<br /> <br /> "If we don't show her some toughness, she'll continue causing trouble at home."<br /> <br /> Compared to Jodie, Simone was willful. Salma thought for a moment, patted Jodie on the shoulder, and said, "We know you're kind-hearted, so you don't need to worry about this matter. Your brothers know what to do. She'll behave when she comes back."<br /> <br /> Hearing the words of the others, Steven also felt that it made sense. If Simone could not handle the outside world, she would naturally come back and seek reconciliation. Therefore, he did not object to it.<br /> <br /> Jodie then nodded helplessly. "All right."<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Simone returned to the apartment she had rented after coming to Cebros. Even after returning to the Gray Family, she did not cancel the lease. Whenever she had conflicts with them or felt unhappy staying there, she would come and live there for a few days.<br /> <br /> After cleaning up her apartment, her phone rang. She was momentarily taken aback as a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes. It was someone she had always been unwilling to think about—her childhood sweetheart and boyfriend, Leon Foster.<br /> <br /> When she was adopted by her master, she lived next door to Leon's grandfather, and the two old gentlemen had a good relationship. Back then, when she was abused by human traffickers and dared not step out of the yard, it was Leon who held her hand and walked her out, resembling a ray of sunshine that shone into her heart.<br /> <br /> She emerged from the shadow of human traffickers and started clinging to him, someone five years older than her. When he was in high school, he was brought back to Cebros by his family. To catch up with him, she worked hard to skip grades and entered a university in Cebros. After he entered the entertainment industry for two years, she graduated from college and joined the industry as well.<br /> <br /> Upon her return to the Grays, she took the initiative to confess to Leon, who did not reject. She always thought that he treated her differently. However, in her previous life, he made her feel the pain of betrayal.<br /> <br /> In this second chance at life, she did not want to have any entanglements with him anymore. As such, she answered the phone coldly, "What's the matter?" <br /> <br /> Leon found her attitude today a bit cold, but he did not take it to heart. "Are you not going on that variety show?" <br /> <br /> Simone retorted. "Who said that?" She knew he also hoped she would give up the spot for Jodie, which was why he called to probe her.<br /> <br /> He replied, "I heard from Titus that you're going to give up the spot."<br /> <br /> "There's no such thing. I won't give up the spot for anyone."<br /> <br /> He couldn't help but furrow his brow. "Won't you listen to Titus?"<br /> <br /> She sneered. "Why should I?"<br /> <br /> Leon and Titus were classmates in high school and had maintained a good relationship, staying in touch. That's why Leon came to persuade her to give up her previous life. Initially, she didn't suspect Jodie because she believed Leon genuinely cared for her.<br /> <br /> His frown deepened. "Titus is your agent, so he must have your best interests at heart. Don't be stubborn."<br /> <br /> She coldly snorted. "What am I being stubborn about? Am I being stubborn and unreasonable just because I won't give Jodie what she wants?" She sarcastically added, "If I give in, the Gray Family will think I'm sensible, and you'll happily be with your lover."<br /> <br /> She had reached her limit. In her previous life, she eventually gave up her position due to pressure from the Gray Family and Leon's persuasion.<br /> <br /> With the Gray Family's marketing, Leon's care, and assistance on the variety show, Jodie successfully portrayed herself as a kind-hearted lady and quickly gained popularity. The so-called good opportunities provided by Titus turned out to be a minor role in a drama with few scenes. Ultimately, the drama was never released due to controversy with the male lead.<br /> <br /> What surprised her even more was that Leon had received an invitation to the same variety show, but he had never told her. She only found out when the show premiered, and he was one of the mysterious guests.<br /> <br /> Observing Leon subtly taking care of Jodie, she realized that these two knew each other and that his feelings for Jodie were unusual. However, after watching only the first episode of the variety show, she had to leave for the filming of a drama.<br /> <br /> When she finished shooting, six months had already passed. At that time, she was a bit perplexed and unsure whether she should continue interacting with the Grays and Leon. Through a stroke of luck and a fortunate opportunity, she managed to secure the leading role in a niche film. As a result, she headed to a remote and mountainous area to shoot the film.	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	102114825976458	The novels	https://facebook.com/100085012467697	25,543	4	1,471,096,330,185,496	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Learn more	The novels	120204545119360765	page.joyreadings.com	NONE	image		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=6229&brand=2&app=0&ppid=2144&pid=FBW2A&campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&ori_campaign_id=120202512040690765&ori_adset_id=120202512041010765&ori_ad_id=120202512041430765	2024-02-17 07:27	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428132601_359609910312635_6119180503436683574_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ka2mh_Vrk5oAX_dDa-y&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBiGyl8Ia9TPqjH78Jq341PBromMKzzu8cuUjSLiC6cBA&oe=65D741E7	person_profile	The novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428041490_943520453909791_1717970229042945367_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=55fjnowRrOwAX_E-ecl&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDpnYmacDLKwz7AtBqj3D9vDQYBboOzdm5wfQxsN8mPxw&oe=65D723E4	3	The novels	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,733	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311224}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	298466346582155	Are You Truly Healthy? Get Relief. $37 Exam, + X--Rays (if needed), Dr's Report of Findings.	🔥Attention, Colorado Springs. Headaches, back pain, neck pain, stress, and chronic muscle tension are no fun. 😡<br /> <br /> New Year. New You! 27 vouchers to be seen by one of our Doctors. <br /> <br /> Here's how this works: For a limited time receive a Complete Exam, X-rays (if needed), and Doctor's Report of Findings for $37.<br /> <br /> "I showed up with back pain and my wife had some issues in her leg. We have both experienced great improvements since starting at NFC. Our kids love Dr Lauren and will actually run into her to get adjusted now...We love this place and highly recommend it to anyone who needs a chiropractic family.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ <br /> <br /> ✅Click the learn more button now to claim one of the limited spots available for this upcoming week.	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	160606587923196	Northgate Family Chiropractic	https://facebook.com/NorthgateFamilyChiro	709	1	406,225,638,754,596	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Northgate Family Chiropractic	120204338785720598	fb.me	NONE	video	5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 81 Google Reviews	http://fb.me/	2024-01-15 15:08	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420000027_1383968055844749_3024287752764712589_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kQGLViFd0coAX94O3Hw&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBXiwtyyxX_QlMt0BzGpjrI8a4LYpHQH1fTbif5sfZzqw&oe=65D7CA43	person_profile	Northgate Family Chiropractic	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/419840650_397403199391695_7151599549312077331_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VXEE9dLaHhsAX9gTvSm&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBfC33d6j5EG374JgMM6Ec7VhWx9XA6GgZTAlNoLrfaVQ&oe=65D7FEA4	3	Northgate Family Chiropractic	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,456	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311457}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	450236437335226	"❤️‍🔥Continue to read 📖<Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate>(Search ID:63） "	Chapter 1 - Betray<br /> Ella<br /> “I’m sorry Ella.” My physician says gently. “I’m afraid you have very few viable eggs remaining. Frankly, I normally see these numbers in women ten or fifteen years your senior.”<br /> “What?” I murmur, not believing my ears. I’ve been trying to get pregnant for years. I’m only 30, I should have plenty of eggs left.<br /> “In terms of fertility, you have very little time left.” She continues. “If you want to conceive, you need to do so before your next cycle begins.”<br /> “My next cycle?” I repeat, my mouth hanging open in shock. I love kids more than anything, and though it might not be everyone’s ambition, I want nothing more than to be a mother.<br /> I have to get home and tell my boyfriend this news, and there’s not a moment to waste.<br /> I make it home in record time, bursting through the door and opening my mouth to call for Mike, but stopping dead in my tracks. As soon as I walk inside I see a pair of high heels and a handbag by the door – neither of which belong to me.<br /> I cock my ears towards the bedroom, and my stomach churns when I hear the unmistakable sound of moaning, accompanied by a steady thump thump thump, as the bed collides with the wall. Worse even than realizing that Mike is clearly in there with another woman, is realizing who he’s with. I know that handbag, and I know those shoes – they belong to my best friend, Kate. <br /> “Fuck, Ella is so stupid.” Mike laughs, “can you believe she actually expects me to have a baby with her?”<br /> Kate snorts, “she’s delusional. I don’t know how you put up with her for so long in the first place.”<br /> “If she wasn’t so beautiful I never would have given her the time of day.” Mike scoffs. “Thankfully daily doses of plan B kept her from ever conceiving.”<br /> “The morning after pill?” Kate asks, “how did you manage to give it to her without her realizing?”<br /> “I put it in her morning coffee.” Mike chortles, sounding far too proud of himself. <br /> My vision goes completely red as everything finally falls into place. Suddenly it’s clear why I’ve never been able to get pregnant, despite having unprotected sex multiple times a week for years. It’s even clear how I could have the eggs of a 45-year-old, if my despicable partner has been secretly feeding me emergency contraceptives every day – there’s no telling what other damage that might have done to my reproductive system. <br /> Before I can think better of it, I pull the smoke alarm on the wall, wanting to frighten and punish the pair in the bedroom so fiercely that I fear I might attack them when they emerge. Water immediately sprays down from the sprinkler system mounted to the ceiling as a shrill siren fills the air, and I hear Mike and Kate cry out in surprise. <br /> A few moments later they come rushing out of the bedroom, stopping in their tracks when they see me looming in the doorway. Mike’s eyes go comically wide, “What are you doing home so early?” The snake has the nerve to sound affronted that I surprised him, when he’s the one who’s been sneaking around behind my back for God knows how long. He seems to realize how suspicious it looks that he and Kate are standing there in their underwear and quickly adds, “Kate came to see me so we could plan a surprise for your birthday, but then we spilled coffee all over our clothes so we had to change.”<br /> Fire blazes in my veins, he must truly believe I’m an idiot if he expects me to buy such a feeble excuse. <br /> It’s a testament to their horrifically low opinion of me that they buy my act, and I vow to get my revenge one way or another. I can’t believe I wasted so many years – my best years – on this scumbag. And now he may have cost me my future too. As soon as the thought enters my head, I know I can’t afford to waste another moment on Mike, I have more important things to take care of. <br /> I make my excuses and rush across town for the second time that afternoon, running to the comforting arms of my surrogate sister, Cora. Not only did we grow up together in the orphanage, but she became an OBGYN and now works for the most exclusive sperm bank in the city. I’ve never gone to her before because I always imagined Mike and I would eventually conceive the natural way, but that clearly isn’t an option anymore. <br /> Even if I could find a man willing to have a baby with me in time, I’m not eager to trust anyone after Mike’s betrayal. I’m going to have to do this on my own, and I know Cora can help me. I don’t have much money, but I have enough savings to pay for the insemination, especially since I basically have one shot and one shot only. <br /> When I arrive, all my plans to lay out my situation for Cora clearly and concisely go out the window, because the moment I see my sister I fall to pieces. She hugs and kisses me until my tears subside, slowly extracting the story from me piece by piece. When she hears about Mike and Kate she swears up a storm, but that’s nothing compared to her reaction when I explain about my fertility. <br /> “That little shit! I’ll kill him!” She fumes, studying me with a worried expression. “Ella, if your doctor was right this means you only have one chance to conceive.”<br /> “I know.” I sniffle. “And if this is going to be my only baby, I don’t want to take any chances. I want the best donor we can find.”<br /> “Don’t you worry about that.” Cora assures me, “We’ve got donations from actors, models, scientists – it’s only the creme de la creme here.” She glances at the door and lowers her voice. “You didn’t hear it from me, but even Dominic Sinclair sent his samples here for testing.”<br /> “Dominic Sinclair? I repeat, “the billionaire?” I’ve seen the man around town, but we don’t exactly run in the same circles. He lives in the same neighborhood as my wealthy employer and often says hello to the children I nanny, but he’s always surrounded by bodyguards and is so intimidating I get goosebumps just thinking about him. <br /> “Oh my god!.” Cora slaps her hand over her mouth. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you that! I don’t know what I was thinking. Apparently he’s no stranger to fertility issues himself, and he trusted us to handle his swimmers over every other lab in the country. I’ve got his sperm in the other room at this very moment.” She frets, “But Ella you can’t tell anyone, you have to promise me.”<br /> “Of course!” I agree immediately. “I know how important confidentiality is here.”<br /> “Thank you,” Cora breathes. “Now, I’m going to give you a dossier of our clients so you can pick a donor, and once you’ve chosen we’ll get you knocked up before you can even blink.” <br /> It’s not an easy decision, but eventually I choose a handsome surgeon whose photo practically makes me swoon. Cora leaves the room only long enough to prepare the sample, and though she looks a bit flustered when she returns, she quickly and professionally completes the insemination, holding my hand when the procedure is finished. “It’s all take care of now, Ella.” She promises, “You can come back in ten days to see if it worked.”<br /> Ten days. I think dazedly. Ten days to decide my entire future.<br /> If only I’d known that by the time those ten days were up, my future would no longer belong to me – but to Dominic Sinclair himself. <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 - Be Fired<br /> Ella<br /> Six days to go. I think, staring at the date circled on my calendar. Six days until I find out if my dreams are finally going to come true… or if I have to figure out an entirely different plan for my life. <br /> I’ve thought about nothing else since Cora inseminated me last week, I’m so anxious to find out if I’m pregnant I haven’t even begun to process Mike’s betrayal. <br /> I’m trying to keep a level head, yet I can’t help but imagine my future with this new baby. Try as I might, I catch myself daydreaming about it constantly. I even find myself humming as I get ready for work in the morning. <br /> When I arrive at my employer’s estate in the most exclusive neighborhood in Moon Valley – which basically makes it the most exclusive neighborhood in the world, since Moon Valley is one of the most expensive cities on the planet – I’m immediately greeted by two little voices shouting my name in excitement. “Ella!”<br /> The next thing I know, 3-year-old Millie is hugging my legs while her older brother, Jake, wraps his arms around my middle. “Good morning love puddles!” I exclaim, returning their hugs. “Are you ready for the museum?”<br /> “Yeah!” They cheer, racing out the door without even stopping to put on coats. It takes a bit of wrangling to get them back inside and bundled up for the cold winter day, but before long we set out into the snow.<br /> Jake races ahead of Millie and I, impatient to get to the science museum and not seeming to notice that his sister’s tiny legs simply don’t move that fast. Chuckling, I lift Millie into my arms and settle her on my hip. “Goodness, you’re getting too big for this, munchkin.”<br /> “Nuh-uh,” Millie grins, “You’re justs too little.” <br /> She might have a point. At five foot one, I don’t exactly have the kind of build suited to heavy lifting. I’m in great shape, but I’ve never been particularly strong. “Smarty pants.” I tease, laughing with the little girl. <br /> When I look back towards Jake, I realize he’s stopped a few feet ahead of us. My heart skips a beat when I realize why. We’re in front of the Sinclair mansion, and its owner is currently standing in the middle of the sidewalk, his gaze searing me like a firebrand as I approach with Millie. Dominic Sinclair is just about the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, but he’s also one of the most terrifying. <br /> With dark hair and piercing green eyes, chiseled features and a body so muscular I could swoon, it doesn’t seem fair he gets to look so good and also be so rich. If I didn’t know better I might think it was his wealth or imposing height that makes him so intimidating, after all he’s at least six foot four, which means he towers over me and everyone else around him. However it’s neither of those things, there’s simply an indefinable quality about the man that I can’t put my finger on, one which screams danger. He gives off this energy that’s so raw and animalistic one forgets there’s anyone else in the room. <br /> Taking a steadying breath, I close the distance between us so Millie can say hello. When she greets him, Dominic drags his attention from me and offers her a smile so genuine that it tugs at my heartstrings. As I watch him talk to my two young charges, I remember what Cora told me about his infertility struggles. He clearly loves children, and I feel a wave of empathy for him. If anyone knows what it’s like to yearn for a family of their own, it’s me. <br /> Jake is currently showing Dominic his new toy airplane, pulling the matchbox model from his pocket and demonstrating how far it can fly. With a great heave, he sends the toy gliding through the air, only to land in the middle of the street. Before any of us can say a word, Jake races after it, right into the busy road.<br /> “Jake no, be careful!” I cry, watching him dart out into the path of an oncoming car but feeling frozen by my fear. Before I can contemplate putting Millie down to go after him, a blur of movement whirrs past my vision. I’ve never seen anyone move so fast in my life. Dominic became little more than a hazy outline of himself, chasing after Jake and pulling him out of the way just before the car slams into them. The vehicle’s tires are still screeching when Dominic sets Jake down beside me, his expression suddenly very stern. <br /> “That was very dangerous.” He scolds gently. “You should never go into the street without looking both ways first.”<br /> Jake hangs his head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want my plane to get runned over.” <br /> “You are a million times more important than a toy.” Dominic tells him firmly, “and you scared your nanny half to death.”<br /> “I’m sorry, Ella.” Jake sniffles, looking up at me with wide eyes. <br /> “I know sweetheart, just don’t ever do that again.” I breathe, cuddling him against my side. “Thank you so much.” I say to Dominic, feeling more grateful than I can express. “I have no idea how you moved so fast! It was like something out of a superhero film.”<br /> “Must have been the adrenaline.” Dominic shrugs, giving Millie another smile before taking his leave. “Enjoy the rest of your day, and stay out of the road young man!”<br /> “Yes sir!” Jake calls after him, pocketing his airplane. “I really am sorry.” He adds to me. <br /> “It’s forgotten.” I tell him softly, though I take his hand so that he can’t run off again. <br /> “It all happened so fast.” I tell Cora later that night. “I mean the more I think about it, the more amazing it seems. One moment he was there, and the next he was gone. It was like magic.”<br /> “Thank goodness Jake is alright.” She replies, but rather than looking relieved, her face is twisted into a deep grimace.<br /> Studying my sister’s expression, I realize her grim demeanor is not just about Jake’s near miss. Something else is wrong, and I actually feel guilty for not noticing sooner. “Is everything okay?”<br /> Cora frowns, “Not really. But you’ve got so much going on right now, it’s not important.”<br /> “Cora, don’t be ridiculous.” I admonish. “What’s going on?”<br /> “Well, speaking of Dominic Sinclair,” She begins cryptically, “you know that sperm he sent to us for testing?”<br /> “Yeah,” I confirm, wondering where on earth this was going. <br /> “It’s gone missing… and I’m the last person who saw it, not to mention it was in my custody.” She explains, her voice becoming thick with emotion. “Ella, I think… I think I’m going to be fired. And if there’s an investigation I could lose my medical license.”<br /> “What?” I exclaim. “What do you mean it’s missing? A vial of sperm can’t just get up and walk away.”<br /> “I know, I think someone had to steal it, but there’s no way of knowing who’s responsible. And it looks like I’m going to have to take the blame.” She shares, her eyes shining with tears. <br /> “Cora, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this sooner!” I lament, “They can’t fire you, it isn’t fair.”<br /> “You don’t understand, Dominic is one of our biggest donors.” Cora explains. “And he’s furious, he basically wants my head on a platter.”<br /> A week ago I might have believed there was no hope for Cora, but seeing how kind and understanding Dominic was with the kids today makes me wonder if he could really be so heartless. Surely if he understood that Cora would never be so irresponsible he’d show some leniency? I have to try and help her, I would do anything for my sister – even begging a ruthless billionaire for mercy.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 - Request<br /> Ella<br /> Three days to go.<br /> I repeat these words to myself as I walk down the street, still preoccupied with my possible pregnancy, even as I prepare to go to bat for my sister. In some ways it's a coping mechanism: I’m about to beg Dominic Sinclair to save Cora’s job, and I need a comforting thought to help me get through this. <br /> His bodyguards see me first, and I can see their mouths moving as they watch me move closer, no doubt notifying him of my presence. Approaching nervously behind Dominic, I wonder for the hundredth time if this is a mistake. Who am I to ask a favor from one of the most powerful men on the planet? Shaking myself, I tell the little voice in the back of my mind to shut up – this is for Cora. I might not be brave for myself, but I can be brave for her. <br /> “Mr. Sinclair?” I ask hesitantly, feeling my heart pound violently against my ribcage. <br /> He turns around and gazes imperiously down at me. “Yes?”<br /> “I’m Ella Reina, I nanny for Jake and Millie Graves.” I begin, gnawing on my lower lip. <br /> His dark eyes catch on my mouth, and suddenly I feel like a frightened rabbit in front of a hungry wolf. “I know who you are, Ella.” The sound of my name on his lips sends a shiver down my spine. He speaks the familiar syllables with so much purpose, as if they truly mean something to him.<br /> “Oh… well, I don’t mean to be impertinent, but I’m friends with Dr Cora Daniels…”As soon as I say her name, his expression closes off, and some unidentified emotion flashes in his eyes. <br /> “She told me she’s in trouble at work, and I know you’re one of the bank’s donors.” I improvise. “I don’t know what Cora is being accused of, but I’m sure she’s innocent. She takes her job incredibly seriously, and she would never do anything to risk her career.”<br /> “And what do you expect me to do about it?” Dominic asks ominously. I can tell he doesn’t believe my weak story, his body language has changed completely, and I can feel his rising anger vibrating in the air around us. <br /> “I just thought… I hoped that if you had any sway there, you might be able to put in a good word for her.” I finish, feeling color flood my cheeks. I’m both ashamed of myself for such a feeble attempt, but unsure how else to handle such a delicate topic. The last thing I want is to get Cora in even more trouble than before. <br /> Dominic’s jaw ticks as he watches me, and the voice in the back of my head urges me to run for it. “From what I’ve heard, your friend made a very serious mistake, and the consequences have been more than appropriate. The best thing she can do now is take responsibility for her mistakes, not sending you to do her dirty work for her.”<br /> “I – she didn’t, she doesn’t even know I’m here! I swear.” I plead. <br /> “I’ve said all I’m going to say on this matter.” Dominic declares, turning away from me and striding into his house. The door slams shut behind him, and I’m left with his various bodyguards. <br /> “You need to leave now, miss.” One of the men announces sharply. <br /> “I can’t.” I moan, “he has to understand, she’s going to lose everything!” <br /> “We’re not going to ask you again.” A second guard growls, a clear threat in his words. <br /> “Please, she’s innocent.” I beg, “you have to –” before I can say anything more, the men grab me by the arms and begin trying to lead me off the property. Feeling truly desperate, I dig in my heels, deciding that my dignity is worth Cora’s entire future. “I’m begging you, if I could just talk to Mr. Sinclair.” <br /> “You’ve already talked to him.” The first guard grumbles, “and frankly you’re lucky he was as generous to you as he was. Your friend clearly told you things she shouldn’t.”<br /> The next thing I know, they’ve thrown me off the property and onto the sidewalk so forcefully that I lose my balance, tumbling to the ground as tears spark in my eyes. The iron gates slam shut behind me, and I have no choice but to slink off before I can embarrass myself further. <br /> Of course, this was only the beginning of my misfortune. When I arrived at work the next day, I found that my keys no longer fit the locks on the front door. I knocked, overwhelmed with confusion, and a few minutes later the door swung open to reveal Jake and Millie’s furious mother. <br /> “My keys aren’t working.” I tell her, wondering why she’s glaring at me so fiercely.<br /> “They’re not meant to.” She answers coldly, “as of yesterday afternoon, your services were no longer required.”<br /> “I… you’re firing me?” I squeak, not believing my ears. “Why?”<br /> “We got a call from the neighbors.” She explains haughtily, “apparently you let Jake run into the road the other day where he was almost hit by a car! And then yesterday you were seen making a fool of yourself at Dominic Sinclair’s home – they said his bodyguards had to drag you off the grounds like a common criminal.”<br /> “That isn’t fair, that isn’t what happened!” I plead. “Jake through his toy into the road and ran after it, I didn’t let it happen, and what happened with Mr. Sinclair was a misunderstanding.”<br /> “I don’t want to hear it.” She hisses. “Now leave before I call the police.”<br /> “Please, can’t I at least say goodbye to the kids?” I request, praying she’ll grant me this one kindness.<br /> “I’m dialing.” She tells me simply, pulling her cell phone from her pocket. <br /> “No!” I raise my palms in supplication, “It’s okay, I’ll go.”<br /> For the second time this week, I find myself shamefully retreating through this opulent neighborhood with tears streaming down my face. What hurts even worse than losing my job is the fact I didn't get to explain the situation to Jake and Millie, or see them one last time. I’m sure their mother will tell them horrible things about me, despite the fact that I’ve been lovingly raising for them for the last two years.<br /> I know Dominic Sinclair is responsible for this. I don’t believe my ex-boss’s story about the neighbors for one moment. He clearly wanted to punish me, just like he’s having Cora punished. A rush of fury takes hold of me, and suddenly I wish I could punish him somehow. It’s not like me to be so vindictive, but right now it truly feels like my entire life is falling apart, and it’s partly his fault. <br /> I spent all my money on the insemination, and without a job I have almost nothing. How am I ever going to afford to have a baby now? I guarantee I’m not going to get a good reference from Jake and Millie’s mother. <br /> As if things weren’t already bad enough, when I return home I find a stack of bills in the mailbox and I don’t even recognize half the senders. I open them one by one, feeling my confusion and disbelief grow by the minute.<br /> As I look at the stores on the breakdown of charges, my suspicion grows: they’re all Mike’s favorite places. Is it possible he did this behind my back? That he’s been hiding the bills from me for months… or years? I know he’ll deny it if I confront him, which leaves me only one option. <br /> I have to call Kate. My former best friend might have betrayed me completely with her affair, but if anyone knows what Mike has been up to, it’s her. <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 - Desperation<br /> Ella<br /> My hands are shaking as I dial Kate’s number. Have I ever been this angry? If I have I certainly can’t remember it now.<br /> “Hello?” Kate answers almost immediately, using a sickly sweet tone that screams of fakeness. <br /> “Kate?” I state bluntly. “Are you with Mike right now?”<br /> There’s a pregnant pause on the other end of the line, before she weakly responds, “What? Of course not.” <br /> “Come off it Kate, do you really think I don't know about your shit?” I demand. “I’m not a complete idiot.”<br /> “Ella listen–” She begins, obviously gearing up to give me some sort of excuse. <br /> “No, I don’t even care about your little affair anymore – but I need to talk to him right now.” I declare fiercely. <br /> There’s another pause, and then Kate’s voice drops its innocent tone. “You don’t care?” She repeats, sounding truly shocked. “ You know I’m already pregnant?” <br /> I wasn’t prepared for that particular piece of news. I clench my hands into fists, feeling so furious I think I might actually break the phone with my tight grip, “And what, you think that’s some sort of victory?” I bite. <br /> “Does he know you’re pregnant?” I ask sharply, “because a man who’s so afraid of responsibility that he’d poison me for years is probably willing to do it to anyone.”<br /> “Well no, but he loves me, he would never –” She tried to explain. <br /> “He loved me too once.” I cut her off. “At least he said he did. It’s amazing how charming he can be, considering what a bastard he truly is. How do you think he’s going to support you and your child? He doesn’t even have a job.”<br /> “Of course he does!” She objects, “He just didn’t tell you about it because he didn’t want you to bleed him dry. He’s a stock broker.”<br /> “Oh Kate,” I sigh, “Poor, gullible, stupid Kate. He’s as much a stock broker as I am a wizard.”<br /> “Don’t talk to me like that! He’s got money, he lavishes it on me all the time!” She insists.<br /> “With fraudulent credit cards he took out in my name!” I shout, losing my temper completely.<br /> “What?” She squeaks. <br /> “That’s right. I’ve only just found out – he’s completely bankrupted me. I’m calling the police and if I were you, I’d check your own credit rating immediately, because I’d be willing to be you’re next.” I snap.<br /> “No,” she repeats weakly, “you’re wrong, it’s different with me.”<br /> My voice is getting thick with emotion now, but I can’t help it. “And frankly I don’t really care what happens to you Kate, but if you’re really pregnant then your baby deserves better than to be raised in a homeless shelter, and that’s exactly where Mike will land you.”<br /> I hang up before I start crying, not giving her a chance to respond. Why did I buy his lies about looking for work for so long? He crushed me little by little, all the while pretending to be so nice, and I let it happen. <br /> Never again. I decide. I won’t ever let myself be fooled that way again. <br /> I still want to get my revenge on Mike, but first I’ve got to try and salvage what’s left of my life. I have to go to the police and see if I can resolve these financial issues… I can’t have a baby if I’m bankrupt, and I can only pray the police will help. <br /> ________________________<br /> “I’m very sorry Miss. Reina, but if your ex-partner has left the area, there’s not much we can do about this.” The police officer breaks this news to me about as gently as he might smash an ant beneath his boot. “I’ll give you the police report to send to the credit card company, but that’s the most help you’re going to get from us.”<br /> Anger fills me to the brim. I guarantee he’d never treat my case with so little consideration or respect if I wasn’t an impoverished nanny. If I was a wealthy man like Dominic Sinclair, he’d be fawning at my feet, offering to go to any lengths to solve my problems. I storm out of the station before I can lose my temper and verbally assault the man, immediately calling the credit card companies. <br /> One by one they crush my hopes, telling me in no uncertain terms that unless a culprit is arrested in my case, I’ll be held responsible for the charges. <br /> As I hang up on the final call, I can feel the earth crumbling beneath my feet. How did it come to this? I literally have nothing. No one will hire me without a recommendation from my previous employer, which means I won’t be able to pay rent or keep food on the table. Normally I might turn to Cora in such a time, but I can’t burden her with this when she’s in the same boat. <br /> Tomorrow I’ll finally find out whether or not I’m pregnant, and up until now the strange sensation I’ve been experiencing the last few days has been a comfort and source of hope. I don’t know how to explain it: it’s as if I’m suddenly different somehow – even though I can’t see any changes, I just have this intense knowing that I’m no longer the same woman I was a week ago. <br /> I thought it was a sign the insemination worked, but now I’m praying that it’s my imagination going overboard. <br /> At first I try to distract myself, turning on the TV and freezing when I see Dominic Sinclair on the news talking about all his good will initiatives in the community. “When our work is finished, the Moon Valley children’s home will be a place of love and community, motivated to find the best homes for every child in need. Our initiative not only ensures that the permanent residents in the home have the best possible conditions, but that there is continuous follow up with children placed with adoptive families to ensure they thrive in their new homes.”<br /> So much for the supposed philanthropist, I think bitterly. Turning a blind eye to the lives he’s selfishly ruining all the while pretending to be a friend of the downtrodden. A week ago I might have been touched by such a broadcast. I grew up in an orphanage just like the one he’s describing, and I know just how terrible the conditions can be. Now however, I see nothing but his hypocrisy. Cora was an orphan too, she didn’t do anything wrong – where is his compassion for her? Clearly it’s only for the TV cameras. It’s a shame. He’s very convincing… then again, so was Mike. <br /> Of course Mike was never as handsome as Dominic Sinclair, nor did he ever have his charisma or imposing presence. I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone like him. Even while he was refusing to help me, scolding me and having me thrown out the door, part of me was still taken in by his handsome features and pure magnetism. <br /> Shaking myself, I turn the TV off. What the hell is wrong with me? The man is a heartless billionaire and I’m still sitting here mooning over him like a silly schoolgirl. <br /> I end up going to bed early, trying not to think about tomorrow. Of course, I still lie awake late into the night – I know what it means to grow up an orphan, and I can’t countenance bringing a child into the world just to abandon it to that bleak existence. The more my life unravels, the more stark my options become. <br /> If I am pregnant… Am I going to abort the child? Even though it’s what I’ve wanted my entire life!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5 - Pregnancy test<br /> Ella<br /> “No, I understand.” I murmur into the phone. “Thanks for listening at least.”<br /> I wearily hang up the line, burying my head in my hands. I spent all morning calling in every favor and loan I possibly could, throwing my dignity right out the window to beg my friends and acquaintances in my time of need. <br /> I’ve never thought of myself as a proud woman, but begging this way was more of a challenge than I could have imagined. <br /> I only wish I could help Cora as well as myself. She’s still waiting to hear if she’ll be fired, and while she’s not supposed to be handling any samples, she got permission to do my tests this afternoon. After all, I’ve already been inseminated, so her supervisor didn’t see any risk of further negligence.<br /> Still, I’m far from excited when I walk through the front doors of the sperm bank. Ten days ago I was heartsore but optimistic for the future, yearning for a baby more than anything else in the world. Now I’m dreading the exam. <br /> However my trepidation soon gives way to surprise, because as soon as I enter the facility I have the strangest feeling that Dominic Sinclair is near. It takes me a while to actually find him, behind closed doors with Cora’s bosses in a luxurious, glass-walled conference room, but I don’t have the faintest idea how I knew he was present. I also don’t understand why I feel drawn to him: after all, he’s ruined both my sister’s and my own life. I shouldn’t be excited to see him. <br /> It was dumb luck that I stumbled across his path, the conference room is on the way to Cora’s office, but I find myself stopping to observe the meeting inside. I’m struck speechless when I lay eyes on him. Is it possible that he’s gotten more attractive since the last time I saw him? It was already unfair that somebody that powerful and intelligent could be so handsome, but now it truly just feels like being kicked while I’m down. The bastard has a heart of stone, and still the universe has rained endless gifts upon him while people like Cora and I have nothing. <br /> Shaking myself out of my trance, I continue down the hall, though I feel the weight of dark eyes on my back as I retreat. Cora has clearly been crying when I arrive. Her eyes are red and her cheeks splotchy, though she tries to hide it. <br /> “Hey.” I greet her gently, wrapping her up in a hug. She leans into me, squeezing tight and lingering far longer than she usually would. “Is there any news?”<br /> “Sinclair is in there finalizing it all now. I’m going to be given formal termination notice this afternoon.” She shares, sniffling slightly. <br /> “I’m so sorry, honey.” I croon, rubbing her back. <br /> “It’s okay.” She lies, pulling away. “How are you hanging in there?”<br /> “Not very well.” I confess. “I’m sort of dreading this, to be honest.”<br /> “It’s amazing how fast things can change, huh?” She asks, looking as though she might burst into tears. “I mean, what are we going to do, Elle?” <br /> “Well figure it out.” I promise. “We’ve been in tight spots before.” I remind her, “remember the summer we slept in boxes on the street after we ran away from the orphanage?”<br /> “Yeah,” She nods with a sad smile. “But it’s winter now, I don’t think we’ll last long in the elements. And you weren’t pregnant then.”<br /> “Yeah well, if I’m pregnant now….” I can’t look her in the eyes as I say this, “I don’t think I’m going to stay that way.”<br /> “What?” Cora exclaims, looking horrified. “But this is your only chance! And we aren’t completely hopeless, you’ve got time to try to figure out a plan B.”<br /> That phrase alone reminds me of Mike, and I realize I haven’t shared my latest news with Cora. “I can’t afford a baby even if I do find a job. I’m going to be paying off my debts for years to come.” I share, filling her in on the details of Mike and Kate’s latest betrayal. <br /> “I can’t believe this!” She bursts out when I’m finished. “It just isn’t fair, Ella! I mean, I thought we paid our dues, I thought we were done with suffering. After everything we’ve been through, we deserve a better future than this! You deserve to be a mom – no one loves children more than you do.”<br /> “And you deserve to be a doctor.” I reply. “You worked so hard.”<br /> “I still don’t think you should give up yet.” She frowns. “You can terminate the pregnancy up until the end of the first trimester. It would be a tragedy if you aborted it, then pulled off a miracle and it turned out you could have kept it. Don’t take that risk. Keep the baby until the very last moment.”<br /> “I don’t think miracles happen to people like me.” I remark softly. “Besides that seems kind of like it’s own form of torture – the longer I carry the baby the more attached I’m going to get. I don’t want this to hurt any worse than it has to.”<br /> “It’s going to hurt no matter what.” Cora reasons, “You ought to give yourself a chance – keep the door open. Don’t give up hope completely.”<br /> “Let’s just find out if I have to make that decision in the first place.” I state, changing the subject. “I may not even be pregnant.” Yet even as I say it, I can feel in my heart that I am. <br /> “Okay.” Cora agrees, pulling a sterile cup wrapped in plastic from one of her cabinets. “You know what to do.”<br /> I take the cup and quickly duck into the bathroom to provide a urine sample, returning it to her almost immediately. I pace back and forth across the office as Cora runs the tests. “Well?” I press, seeing the results pop up on her computer screen. <br /> She offers me a sad smile. “Congratulations little sister, you’re going to have a baby.”<br /> I told myself that I wouldn’t fall to pieces no matter the results, but as soon as the words are out of her mouth I’m crying. I’ve been waiting to hear those words for years and was beginning to think I never would. It’s both unimaginable joy, and unimaginable pain. I never knew my heart could hold such conflicting emotions at the same time, let alone in such extremes. “Really?”<br /> “Really.” Cora confirms, hugging me. “Come on, let’s do an ultrasound. You can hear the heartbeat.”<br /> “Isn’t it too early?” I squeak. <br /> “Just one of the benefits of being at the finest lab in the country.” Cora quips, the words bittersweet on her tongue. “Our technology is years ahead of what’s available in public hospitals.”<br /> Climbing onto the raised exam table, I lay back and lift my top, not bothering to change into a gown or cover my clothes with a sheet, I simply expose my flat belly as Cora wheels in an ultrasound on a cart. Within minutes the machine is emitting a strange whoosh woosh woosh, and Cora squirts a dollop of jelly on my tummy. She pressed the wand to my skin, and before long a tiny heartbeat sounds – making me cry all over again.<br /> However Cora is frowning deeply. “This is so strange, the baby seems awfully large, but we tested you at your last visit to be sure you weren’t already pregnant.”<br /> “What does that mean?” I ask anxiously. “Is the father just a big guy?”<br /> “I don’t just mean size – I mean development.” Cora purses her lips and furrows her brows as she studies the images, suddenly looking very worried. She’s whispering now, speaking to herself more than to me. “It doesn’t look human… but that can’t be… it’s not possible.”<br /> “What are you talking about?” I inquire, “How can you tell? Isn’t it just a tiny blob?”<br /> “As I said, our tech is state of the art. It doesn’t just highlight shapes - it analyzes the molecular structure.” Before she can say another word, the door bursts open, startling us both. To my shock and horror, Dominic Sinclair is standing in the doorframe, glaring at us as if we’ve done something terrible. “What’s the meaning of this?” He demands.<br /> “What’s the meaning of this? I repeat in shock, “what’s the meaning of you barging into a private exam?!”<br /> “Because,” He declares fiercely, and I swear his eyes are almost glowing with rage. “I can smell my pup.”<br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <br /> Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here! Install the APP to search for the title 👉【Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate】（Search ID：63）	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.	100796879694348	Kikistory Romance Novel	https://facebook.com/100093356979070	8,244	1	911,916,976,978,179	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Install now	Kikistory Romance Novel	120204790260430185	play.google.com	NONE	image	Massive Completed Novels	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kikistory.read	2024-02-16 11:32	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427641693_1132477828110923_8694108306787866951_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wkDdM2yP128AX9Viro5&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBSS_NpftcUuNqcZRemIy7BqI5OwzpE_ZGNIWozY7RxaA&oe=65D7AC90	person_profile	Kikistory Romance Novel	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428210670_375034435414531_9034415891831659073_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WV7VbrqejOoAX_FY1pf&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfDd17aYF0yoq_cUdk9XV4b_GZVQ2OKsyxUzHMOMF9iRkA&oe=65D71F35	3	Kikistory Romance Novel	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,876	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310819}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	7007528786012388	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	“ Does the sinner have any last words to say?”<br /> “ You all will regret this, if I am truly a witch then I curse you all… one day you will regret what you have done.” <br /> Then she turned to look at Logan who was looking at her in amusement like he was watching a show. “ And you! You will one day beg me on your knees, but remember by then it will be too late.”<br /> “ Beg on my knees huh?” chuckled Logan as he tilted his head. “ I will be waiting for that day.” <br /> ————————<br /> Earlier today, Mavis asked Levy to escort her to the mall because she knew that her captor wouldn’t let her go alone, Levy knew this as well and agreed but who would have thought that the entire thing was a trap. <br /> When she returned to the spot where she left Mavis, the entire place was completely ruined Mavis’s sister Lily and Moira —— her mate’s sister were unconscious and Mavis was nowhere to be found and what was even more tragic—— the place had spells cast all over. <br /> So, the blame for making Mavis vanish fell on her head since she was the only witch in the pack. <br /> Levy tried to raise her head but the male behind her pressed his knee harder at the back of her throat making her choke. “ Believe me, Logan.” <br /> Logan didn’t say anything in response to her plea and Levy felt her heart break into another few pieces. If this had been Mavis —— no, if Mavis really killed anyone, Logan would have never questioned her like this, he wouldn’t even allow his enforcer to touch her, yet when it came to her, he was willing to let her get embarrassed like this though she could feel her heart twist like an ice-cold hand has wrapped itself around it. “ Logan——”<br /> “ Shh,” he said finally, his cello-like voice brimming with rage that she could feel literally pulsating in the air. “ You mean to say that you took her out, brought her to a mall that was at an hour's distance, with magic circles etched at every place where she vanished. And you mean to say that’s not you?”<br /> “ I really have no hand in this——”<br /> “ Levy Taylor, do you take me as a fool?” There was a clink and the enforcer behind her pulled her head up by her hair so that she could see the chilling hatred in Logan’s eyes. Another pang hit what was left of her heart and she trembled, this man… this man was supposed to love her yet he was looking at her with so much disgust that she could feel her gut twist inside her. <br /> Jet black hair and icy blue eyes brimmed with a glow that could both mesmerise and terrified those who locked gazes with him. <br /> Seeing him look at her with so much hatred made Levy choke on a sob as she shouted, “ Why don’t you believe me? I never hurt her, I didn’t… I am not guilty, Logan…please …please, I have never asked for anything from you. For the first time in my life I am asking you for something, trust me please …just a bit.”<br /> She watched his eyes flickered ever so slightly and just as hope bloomed in her heart, his eyes hardened as he glared at her coldly. “ And who do you think you are to ask me anything, Levy?”<br /> ------<br /> Levy felt her heart drop to the deepest pit of her stomach. Why should he believe her? Because she was his mate! The other half of his soul, how can he not trust the other half of his soul and for whom? A girl who meant nothing to him. She wanted to shout and fight for her right but Levy knew that it was useless, Logan never cared about her and even more so now that she was the one who was being charged with the crime of killing the girl whom he had adored for so long. <br /> She bowed her head without saying anything anymore, she knew that no one was going to come to her help. Not even her father who have hated her from the day she gained her consciousness as a young girl, in fact, she was quite sure that he must be quite pleased with the outcome of this trial —— for years, Levy have wondered why her father hated her but now she could no longer care about anything. <br /> She has cared too much, and loved too much this was why she was in this condition. If only she had left the pack after Logan took Mavis as his lover then she wouldn’t be in this situation. <br /> When she said nothing, Logan who was sitting in the main seat of the pack hall like the King of an Empire looked around the hall and asked in a clear-cut voice, “ Does anyone have anything to say in favour of Levy Taylor?” <br /> Just as she expected, no one said a word. Not even her brother, the beta of the pack, he clearly had the power to save her but he didn’t, he didn’t say a word. Levy sucked in a breath and shook her head with a mocking smile what was she even expecting now?<br /> “ Very well, since Levy Taylor could not produce any efficient evidence that she wasn’t guilty of the charges that were placed on her head, I hereby announce her as a sinner of the wolf community.” Then he turned to look at Mavis's father who was crying pitifully and asked with a delicate voice, “ Elder Hopkins, what punishment would you like to give the sinner? She is the one who killed your daughter, any punishment that you deem fit, please say it out loud.”<br /> “ Alpha, I... I have nothing more to say, one of my daughters died and the other is unconscious, who knows when she will wake up… as an old man I have lost everything… though others would think its cruel, I want that sinner who killed my daughter to pay with her own life. That’s all that I want… I...I don’t want my daughter’s soul to be at unrest because I as her father couldn’t get revenge on her.” <br /> After saying this, he once again succumbed to crying. Everyone watched Elder Hopkins cry until he was out of breath and their hatred for Levy intensified, everyone knew that Elder Hopkins lost his mate and was only hanging on to life for his daughters, how cruel this sinner has to be to take away the only reason he was alive.<br /> “ That’s fair.” Logan nodded sympathetically before turning to Levy, his eyes as cold as ice and his voice devoid of all the warmth that he had for Mavis. “ Does the sinner have any last words to say?”<br /> “I don’t,” gritted out Levy as she glared at Logan, three years he loved this man for three years and had a crush on him ever since she was a child, and this was how he repaid her? “ I just hope that you will never regret this because one day the truth will come to light and then everyone will know how a great alpha killed an innocent female because he was blinded because of his emotions. Fair you say? There is nothing fair about this trail, I wasn’t given a chance to defend myself, I wasn’t even given a chance to carefully explain my situation and the circumstances before I was hauled here. You are one blind prick Logan Alston and I hope you will suffer through the same pain as I am when you will tell the truth, put your feelings on the line and no one will believe you.” <br /> Her words echoed in the silence of the packed hall, as Logan simply cast a glance at her before continuing, “ So, now that the sinner has finished saying her last words we shall commence——”<br /> “ Wait,” An old voice interrupted Logan as the head of all Elders, Elder Abbot raised his hand causing everyone to look at him in surprise. <br /> “ Lord Abbot?” Logan must have been surprised by this outcome because this time his confusion echoed in his voice. “ What's wrong?”<br /> “I believe that the girl is innocent,” said Lord Abbot as he stood up from his chair where he was seated. <br /> Immediately, a loud uproar issued within the pack hall as Elder Hopkins cried, “ But my lord she was caught at the spot of the murder!”<br /> “ Innocent until proven guilty,” Lord Abbot swept his eyes sharply at Elder Hopkins. “ There is no evidence that proves that she used magic herself to kill your daughter, Hopkins.”<br /> “ Magic circles were drawn all over the place——-”<br /> “ She is not the only witch in this world, with the number of enemies that our Alpha has, it’s given that someone would try to take advantage of the situation.” shot back Lord Abbot. <br /> Levy who has lost all her hope looked at Lord Abbot with tears in her eyes, she never thought that the elder who always behaved so strictly towards her would actually come to her rescue.<br /> Logan who was watching the two elders quibble snapped the armrest of his chair in anger and looked at Lord Abbot. “ My lord do you really want to save this sinner?”<br /> “ I am not saving the sinner, I am saving your pride, Alpha,” answered Lord Abbot with ease. “ If the information that you killed a female without a fair trial gets out then I am afraid the council will not sit back.” <br /> “ Thank the Lord for his grace sinner, that you have been granted amnesty. I will not kill you today——”<br /> “Alpha!” cried Elder Hopkins. “ My daughter..how will she rest at ease knowing that her murderer is still roaming free?”<br /> “ Who said that the sinner will roam free?” said Logan abruptly causing Levy to look at him in surprise. Her gaze met with his blank one like he wasn’t even there and silently pleaded to him, she hoped that he would let her go..maybe even banishing from the pack was something she was alright with, after she was banished she will look for another rogue wolf and maybe start her life over. <br /> But maybe Logan didn’t want her to even have that much happiness after killing her bit by bit as he announced ruthlessly. “ The sinner hasn’t been pardoned yet that’s why she will spend the next seven years until she has repaid all her sins in the frost-gate prison.”<br /> As soon as his words dropped, Levy struggled against the enforcers who were holding her down as she shrieked. “ No, anything but that! You know I will die there before I can even finish these seven years, Logan!” <br /> Frost gate was the most horrible prison that was specially made for the shifters and what made it special was that the wardens there were all humans, who couldn’t care about the shifters who were trapped there… they were tortured, targeted and even used as some sort of toys for the entertainment of the humans. Seven years…. Seven… how was she supposed to stay there for the next seven years. <br /> When Logan didn’t say anything, she turned to her father who was coldly watching the trial as if the person who was being punished unjustly wasn’t his daughter. “ Dad! Dad! You have to believe me that I didn’t do anything… I swear I did not… please save me, I didn’t do anything… I did not murder Mavis, please… please don’t send me there.”<br /> However, her father looked away without even blinking his eyes, like he couldn’t see what was happening…like he didn’t hear her pleading with him. <br /> As the enforcers pulled her up by her chains, she hatefully looked at all the passive onlookers and cursed, “ You all will regret this, if I am truly a witch then I curse you all… one day you will regret what you have done.” Then she turned to look at Logan who was looking at her in amusement like he was watching a show. “ And you! You will one day beg me on your knees, but remember by then it will be too late.”<br /> “ Beg on my knees huh?” chuckled Logan as he tilted his head. “ I will be waiting for that day,” then he waved his hand and motioned the enforcers to take her away.<br /> -----<br /> Levy woke up with a jolt when chilling water was thrown at her, as a wolf shifter she hated cold. Teeth chattering she looked at the female warden who was looking down at her, or at least that was what she thought they were doing since she couldn’t see their faces in the dark like of the prison and with their faces covered in a black veil. <br /> “ Ah what a shame, she woke up … I was going to use my latest shock stick on her.” said the woman on the left as she raised her brand new stick. “ It would have given a dramatic effect, water + electricity = boom!” <br /> “ Who says you cannot do that anymore?” said the one on the right with an amused chuckle. “It's not like she can rush off and complain to her mommy can she?”<br /> Both of the women laughed out loud at the poor joke, their laughter reverberating in the dark prison. Levy stiffened as she watched the woman with the shock stick coming close to her, her clothes were dripping with water and if she got electrocuted then she might not even make it out alive tonight. <br /> “ Ah, girly … don’t be afraid, we won’t kill you yet,” as if the woman who was standing behind had read her mind, she immediately coaxed her in a soothing voice. “ Not yet at least, because if we do then wouldn’t be it a waste for us? Is our new toy getting destroyed on the first day of its arrival? No, no that can’t happen.”<br /> “ That’s right, don’t worry. I will be very gentle with you,” cooed the woman with the shock stick as she stabbed it on Levy’s side. <br /> As the nerve-jolting current rode her body, Levy jerked and tried to run but she couldn’t… she was bounded to the wall with chains that stopped her from moving. “ No,…please let me go….”<br /> “ Ah poor girl wants to leave?” said the woman with a shock stick as she kept stabbing her. “ Go, you can of course go…if you can make out of this prison alive for the next seven years.” <br /> As she stabbed the stick once again, Levy realised her horrifying reality. She was not going to survive in this inferno.<br /> ------ <br /> Seven years later <br /> “Levy Harlow,” a female voice called out as the owner of the voice stormed over in her direction. She stared at the twisted bodies that were lying next to Levy’s feet and clicked her tongue before raising her hand and slapping her hard. “ You survived again huh? I can’t believe that you survived again,” she surveyed Levy carefully as she looked up and down on the latter’s body and spat on Levy’s feet. “ You really are the worst prisoner here, aren’t you? Seven years of torture, blinded in one eye and mana core almost broken, yet you still make out of these marathons alive, how? A blind bi*ch like you should have been the first to be eliminated, should she not be?”<br /> The marathon that the female warden spoke of was not the simple ‘ you run and win’ kind of marathon at all—— no, it was the worst nightmare of all the prisoners living in the frost gate prison. A special entertainment activity that was planned by the humans, every once a month, a marathon will be arranged by the higher-ups of the prison, the only difference, the prisoners will be handed weapons.<br /> The rules were simple, the one who took down most of their competitors and reached the finishing line will be the winner and Levy has been winning this marathon for several years. Not because she wanted to live but because she simply liked making her female wardens lose all the money they have betted. <br /> It was because of them that she lost one of her eyes, a day before the marathon, they tortured her bad enough in the hope that she will lose. If not for them, she would have never lost her eye that day —— though Levy did not regret it, at least she was able to get away with her life, if not she wouldn’t be standing here. <br /> She threw the knife on the ground causing the warden to yelp. “ You should have known better than to wage on someone else, miss.” Before walking away out from the ground the human female rushing after her, hot on her heels. “ You think that just because you are getting out tomorrow, you can act all arrogant, do you?” Then with a contemptuous titter, she sneered. “ But so what? Where are you going to go? Have you forgotten? Your mate sent the word that he wanted you dead, even your family never cared about you… what are you acting smug for?”<br /> Five years ago, Logan did send a letter that said that he wanted to see her dead body, asking if she was dead. And since the prison was all about mental and physical torture, the wardens of her prison cell thought it was a good idea to make her read that letter, and she did —— her heart once again felt like it was being hammered with an iron nail sticking on it and her wolf —— God, her wolf, she was so shocked that she hid deep inside Levy’s inside, it has been five years and Levy hasn’t heard anything from her wolf.<br /> But now that seven years have passed, that letter no longer had any effect on her. She was a woman who died every night and lived every day, the things that she has gone through were not something just anyone could go through, so why would she let the words of the man who no longer meant anything to her have any effect on her? <br /> All right, she was lying —— Logan still held a small place in her heart but the anger and hatred she had for him had long diminished her feelings for him.<br /> “ I have heard it million times already,” said Levy in a flat voice as she was shepherded to the prison for one last time and was chained to the same wall where she had been chained for so many years. “ Try something new,” and when she watched the prison warden crack her whip on the floor she smiled. “ Do your worst.”<br /> Because now only pain was something that told her that she was alive and not a shell without a soul.<br /> -----<br /> The next morning Levy woke up with a moan as she felt the sting of the whip all over her body, she looked over at the small window and saw the sky —— hah, any second now, she will be free. As if God had heard her words, the magical door of her prison was opened and the two wardens who has been ‘taking care’ of her all these years, stepped in… now Levy was very familiar with them and knew that beneath that black veil they were hiding their scowls of disapproval. <br /> For seven years they tried to kill her of course they would be upset now that she made out of the ordeal alive, right?<br /> One of them pulled out the key of their pockets and unlocked the chains that bound Levy, once she was freed of the restrains, she pointed her hand to her neck so that the woman could take off the shifter-resistant collar, it was supposed to be used to suppress a shifter in case they went against their wardens and the humans in the facility. The woman pulled a long face before unlocking the collar as well, once it was off, Levy rubbed her wrists and ankles. <br /> God, she forgot how relieving it felt without the collar on her neck. <br /> “ You cannot harm us while you are on the grounds of the prison, remember that.” The warden reminded her and Levy hummed, she knew that she couldn’t do that or else her sentence would be increased by another month. Because of this rule, the wardens of the prison wore thick veils to cover their faces but it was of no issue with Levy. Now that she was out of the prison, she will be a rogue wolf and a rogue can take her revenge anytime. <br /> That was what she thought but as she stepped out of the prison, her gaze fell on a familiar figure. One that she both hated and loved, standing in front of the prison was none other than her mate and tormentor—— Logan.	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310,735	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	283185417912501	Free reading with Title "God of War: Pinnacle"	👊😡After 15 years, he came back, saw his wife and daughter living on the street, angry on the spot, a short message to 100 billion group bankruptcy<br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> In Erudia, a private jet landed at North Hampton Airport, where all international flights experienced an eight-hour delay because of it.<br /> <br /> At the private passageway were five men in suits and leather shoes, standing as straight as a javelin.<br /> <br /> Every now and then, they would raise their wrist to look at the time, for a big shot was coming to town.<br /> <br /> The upper-class society of North Hampton had learned about his arrival, but no one had the capability to get an inch closer to the private passageway.<br /> <br /> Even the richest man in North Hampton who came to pay homage was chased away.<br /> <br /> Finally, there were movements coming from the passageway.<br /> <br /> “God of War!!!” the mass cried out, their eyes filled with awe and veneration at the sight of the undefeatable legend of Erudia.<br /> <br /> He, who was dubbed the God of War, was the one and only five-star war God in the history of Erudia.<br /> <br /> Once, he'd inflicted a crushing defeat on the strongest battalions in eighteen countries. He was an overbearing and formidable man.<br /> <br /> He who overwhelmed the world with his unparalleled power had even created the Five Great Wars Regiment, Cavalry Regiment, and many more.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> Setting foot on his homeland, Levi Garrison was overcome with emotions.<br /> <br /> Once upon a time, he used to be an orphan who was abandoned on the streets of North Hampton and then adopted by the Garrison family.<br /> <br /> However, the Garrison family had never been fond of him.<br /> <br /> His adoptive parents, who had a tendency to beat and scold him, treated him like an outsider.<br /> <br /> As for the outsiders, they treated him as a nobody.<br /> <br /> But he didn't care a stiver. He had always been proud of his surname since he was a child, and he strived to bring glory to this family when he grew older.<br /> <br /> At last, Levi had established Levi Group, the largest dark horse in North Hampton's business community.<br /> <br /> With billions of assets, it ranked among the forefront of North Hampton, pushing the declining Garrison family to the top.<br /> <br /> However, not only did the Garrison family showed no signs of appreciation, they even harbored dissatisfaction towards him. Jealous of his success, they regarded him as a thorn in their flesh and coveted Levi Group.<br /> <br /> No matter his wealth and power, unless they were in control, he was just an outsider in the Garrison family's eyes.<br /> <br /> Eventually, on Levi's wedding night, the Garrison family plotted a frame-up against him by getting him drunk before tossing him onto his sister-in-law's bed. They wanted to create the illusion that he was doing something untoward to her and was caught in bed by his brother and adoptive parents.<br /> <br /> That night, the Garrison family had brutally broken his limbs and left him on the road like a wild dog.<br /> <br /> Not only was he handicapped, but he also had to take the flak for something he didn't commit.<br /> <br /> From an upstart in the business world, he had become the target of disdain overnight.<br /> <br /> And the next day, he had been punished for several crimes and sentenced to six years in prison.<br /> <br /> He could never forget the ruthless and sinister faces of everyone in the Garrison family and the ridicule of his friends, classmates, and business partners.<br /> <br /> More so, he could never forget the disappointment on his newly wedded wife, Zoey's face.<br /> <br /> He had regarded the Garrison family as his home and devoted himself to the family.<br /> <br /> Yet, they treated him like trash.<br /> <br /> It felt as if a knife was being twisted in his heart every time he thought about this.<br /> <br /> How he hated the Garrison family!<br /> <br /> But who would have thought that Levi had been secretly transferred away from prison to join the military?<br /> <br /> In a few years, he dominated the military world and became the one and only five-star God of War.<br /> <br /> Now that he came back, the Garrison family ought to stay on their toes.<br /> <br /> “How's it going, Azure Dragon?” Levi asked.<br /> <br /> Azure Dragon, the commander of the Five Great Wars Regiment, took a step forward and said respectfully, “Sir, I'm afraid your wife, Ms. Zoey Lopez will remarry at ten o'clock tonight!”<br /> <br /> Ever since Zoey's husband was sent to prison on their wedding night, she had been living like a widow.<br /> <br /> Only God knew how much pressure she was put under.<br /> <br /> And right now, the person Levi couldn't wait to see the most was Zoey.<br /> <br /> After a moment of hesitation, Azure Dragon continued, “To add on, Sir, the Garrison family is holding a successful listing celebration banquet at the Crystal Palace Hotel tonight! Many people had invited the God of War just now, including the Garrison family, but I didn't accept nor refuse directly.”<br /> <br /> “What time?” Levi asked tersely.<br /> <br /> “Eight o'clock, Sir.”<br /> <br /> “Okay. Tell the Garrison family I will attend the banquet!”<br /> <br /> Since the time for the two events didn't clash, Levi gladly accepted the invitation.<br /> <br /> The celebration banquet for the public listing of Garrison Group was held at North Hampton's Crystal Palace Hotel.<br /> <br /> With the help of Levi Group, they had become a rich and powerful family in one fell swoop.<br /> <br /> The hall was bustling with noise and excitement, and sounds of glasses clinking could be heard ringing in the air every now and then.<br /> <br /> “God bless the Garrison family,” said Joseph, the head of the Garrison family. “The younger generations are the stars among men. Garrison Group is now listed and has become an upstart in North Hampton!”<br /> <br /> Joseph's three sons and daughter welcomed their guests with bright smiles on their faces.<br /> <br /> The younger generation of the Garrison family was all the smugger and prouder because, after today, the Garrison family would become a powerful family, and they would become one of the top rich kids.<br /> <br /> Most of the guests who attended today's banquet were from the top circle in North Hampton.<br /> <br /> “Garrison, do you know what happened today?! Your celebration party is nothing compared to that.” They were gossiping about the major event that had happened today.<br /> <br /> “Yeah! I heard that a big shot has arrived in North Hampton!”<br /> <br /> “The richest man in North Hampton wanted to meet him but was shooed away. Apparently, he's not qualified enough!”<br /> <br /> “So? Jesse Nielsen had been waiting for five hours in advance at the airport!”<br /> <br /> Joseph nodded. “Yes, I know about that too. I even sent someone to invite this big shot to the celebration party!”<br /> <br /> “No way! Why would this big shot attend such a party?”<br /> <br /> No one believed it.<br /> <br /> In fact, as an upstart, Joseph was just trying his luck.<br /> <br /> “Dad!” shouted Jaycob, the second eldest son of the Garrison family could be seen running over. “The big shot has accepted our invitation to attend our celebration banquet! He's on the way!”<br /> <br /> “Jesus! God has indeed blessed the Garrison family!”<br /> <br /> Everyone in the Garrison family could barely conceal their delight as this was their chance to reach the sky in a single bound.<br /> <br /> The grandchildren of the Garrison family gathered together, sunshine flooding their souls.<br /> <br /> Levi's brother, Bryan, and sister-in-law, Victoria, smiled. “Well, it all starts with Levi's imprisonment that the Garrison family is at where we are today...”<br /> <br /> “Right, speaking about Levi, do you guys know today's the day that kid gets out of prison?!” somebody asked abruptly.<br /> <br /> “Really? Isn't that bad luck? Why did he have to be released on such a big day?!”<br /> <br /> “Please, please, please don't come back! He's the Garrison family's biggest disgrace!”<br /> <br /> Victoria's lips tugged into a sneer. “Speaking of which, Levi is the crowning glory of the Garrison family's status today.”<br /> <br /> “That's what he's supposed to do!” Bryan said. “He should contribute to the Garrison family for raising him, an orphan! His multi-billion Levi Group means nothing. To put it bluntly, he's just a dog raised by the Garrison family!”<br /> <br /> Someone gave a chortle. “As a matter of fact, I've been interested in Levi's wife for a long time now. She's still widowed, and I'm so going to marry her!”<br /> <br /> The man's remark caused gales of laughter.<br /> <br /> “Everyone, stop what you're doing. I have an important announcement to make,” Joseph said and went on to announce that the big shot was coming.<br /> <br /> A thunderous applause was heard.<br /> <br /> But when the applause had died down, there was still someone clapping.<br /> <br /> The sound was loud and clear, approaching from afar.<br /> <br /> On the red carpet, a man came clapping, looking bold and energetic.<br /> <br /> His stride gave off a majestic and imposing aura, which made the mass hold their breaths.<br /> <br /> “It's Levi!” Bryan and Victoria exclaimed.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, all eyes were riveted on him.<br /> <br /> “I forgot this little brat got out of jail today!” Levi's adoptive parents spoke in unison.<br /> <br /> Ignoring the astonished gazes darted at his way, Levi walked step by step towards Joseph.<br /> <br /> “A little bird told me that the company is now listed. How are you feeling, Joseph? Are you happy?”<br /> <br /> Levi flashed him a meaningful smile.<br /> <br /> “How dare you show up here, you insolent brat! And what did you just call me?” Joseph's fury sprang to life.<br /> <br /> “Who let him in? Didn't you know he just got out of prison? How inauspicious!”<br /> <br /> Bryan rose to his feet. “…… are you doing here, Levi?”<br /> <br /> Levi sized him up. “Why can't I be here?”<br /> <br /> “Well, for starters, you're an orphan! The Garrison family has raised you, but you were ambitious and ungrateful. You had inordinate ambitions for your sister-in-law, and you wanted to take possession of the Garrison family! You'd even tried to kill your parents when things go south! Have you no conscience? Do you have any sense of morality left in your heart?”<br /> <br /> “You've lost your reputation in North Hampton, and everyone knows that. Have you no shame to have the brass neck to come round here?”<br /> <br /> “Everyone knows why you're back. You want to leech off the Garrison family; you want our money, isn't it?!”<br /> <br /> “You've long been expelled from the Garrison family, you ungrateful wretch! The Garrison family has nothing to do with you! Now, get lost!”<br /> <br /> Levi's adoptive parents rose to their feet and pointed at his nose, hurling abusive remarks at him.<br /> <br /> The Garrison family's brazenness of distorting the truth was mind-bending.<br /> <br /> How disappointing!<br /> <br /> He had thought they would feel somewhat apologetic after six years, but they were unexpectedly more aggravated.<br /> <br /> They took everything from him, crippled him, and ruined his reputation, turning everything upside down and making everything his fault instead.<br /> <br /> The Garrison family didn't have the slightest bit of compassion to speak of.<br /> <br /> Bryan zipped towards Levi, assessing him condescendingly. “Hmph! Don't you just want money now that you're back?”<br /> <br /> Flap!<br /> <br /> Bryan threw a credit card to the ground and lifted his foot, shaking his leather shoe. “My vamp is dirty. Lick it clean, and the one million in this card is yours!”<br /> <br /> His words elicited a fresh burst of laughter as the crowd looked at Levi as if they were looking at a dog.<br /> <br /> “Oh my! One million? That's more than enough to cover his living expenses. I bet he'll lick it!”<br /> <br /> Victoria gave a wry look.<br /> <br /> “On your knees!” Bryan roared, seeing that Levi was glaring at him. “Now, lick my shoe!”<br /> <br /> Levi stared at him coldly and held his peace.<br /> <br /> “Kneel!!!”<br /> <br /> Bryan rushed to Levi and pressed his shoulders, forcing him to kneel, but the latter didn't budge.<br /> <br /> “I said kneel!!!”<br /> <br /> Bryan struggled to rivet him to the spot.<br /> <br /> “Drop dead!”<br /> <br /> Levi suddenly slapped Bryan in the face, sending him flying almost eight meters away.<br /> <br /> Silence engulfed the room; one could even hear a pin drop!<br /> <br /> Unbelievable!<br /> <br /> Everyone in the Garrison family was stupefied.<br /> <br /> What did Levi just do?<br /> <br /> Did he just knock Bryan to the ground with a single slap?<br /> <br /> Plod!<br /> <br /> Bryan was about to get up when Levi stepped on him, crushed him, and crossed over him.<br /> <br /> Looking at the approaching Levi, Joseph instinctively stepped back.<br /> <br /> Levi went up the stage and adjusted the microphone stand.<br /> <br /> Everyone looked at him, wondering what he was going to do next.<br /> <br /> “Listen up, everyone...”<br /> <br /> “I'm sure you remember what happened six years ago, yes? For the love and care I had received from the Garrison family during childhood, I'm giving you one month to kneel before me for three days and three nights to repent your sins!”<br /> <br /> “Remember, that's everyone from the Garrison family!”<br /> <br /> “If I don't see any shadow within a month, the outcome is simple—I swear I'll wipe off every single one of you here today!”<br /> <br /> Levi's voice was low and deep.<br /> <br /> But as soon as he finished, the crowd was laughing like a drain.<br /> <br /> “Did prison life eat his brain or what? What conceited nonsense is he spouting?”<br /> <br /> “The Garrison family right now is a juggernaut in North Hampton. He's just a criminal. Isn't it a pipe dream to destroy the Garrison family?”<br /> <br /> “Did he knock his brain loose or something?”<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> “Bear in mind that I have limited patience. You only have one month! Of course, you may gather your strengths and connections to fight against me! I'll be waiting.”<br /> <br /> Levi then took his leave straightaway, disregarding the mockeries of the crowd.<br /> <br /> “Stop right there, you *! Did I tell you to leave?”<br /> <br /> Ben, Levi's adoptive father, wanted to stop him.<br /> <br /> “Ben, let him go!” Joseph said. “It's a big day today. I don't want to see bloodshed!”<br /> <br /> He was afraid about the impact that would bring about if the big shot saw this.<br /> <br /> “Yeah! There are so much more opportunities to take care of him!”<br /> <br /> “He's in luck that the big shot is on his way!”<br /> <br /> With that, Levi left the place under the watchful eyes of hundreds of people.<br /> <br /> After Levi had left, Joseph asked anxiously, “Jaycob, where's the big shot? Isn't he here yet?”<br /> <br /> Jaycob looked dazed. “According to the time, he should have arrived long ago. Let me ask...”<br /> <br /> After making a phone call, Jaycob blanched. “Dad, the big shot was here, but he left already.”<br /> <br /> “What? The big shot was here?”<br /> <br /> “The big shot said that the Garrison family are a bunch of unworthy stupid pigs!”<br /> <br /> “I get it. He must have left in a fit of rage after witnessing the ruckus that brat had created!”<br /> <br /> “He must have thought that the Garrison family disrespected him!”<br /> <br /> Joseph trembled with rage. “That brat will pay for this!”<br /> <br /> The multitude reacted accordingly.<br /> <br /> Levi has ruined the Garrison family's glorious event!<br /> <br /> He just pissed off the big shot!<br /> <br /> That's equivalent to cutting off the Garrison family's chance to reach the sky!<br /> <br /> Levi Garrison is indeed the sinner of the Garrison family!<br /> <br /> At that moment, the Garrison family wished to skin Levi alive.<br /> <br /> His adoptive parents, brother, and sister-in-law especially hated him to the bone. “Just you wait, Levi!”<br /> <br /> After leaving Crystal Palace Hotel, the next person that Levi was going to look for was his wife, Zoey Lopez.<br /> <br /> In this life, he owed no debt to the Garrison family, nor his friends and classmates, but Zoey.<br /> <br /> He had been imprisoned on the second day after the wedding, making Zoey lose her reputation. That even put her through six years of widowhood.<br /> <br /> This woman has carried too much on her shoulders for six years.<br /> <br /> But now that I'm back, I'll hold your hand, and we'll conquer the world together!<br /> <br /> After hesitating for a long time, Levi pressed the doorbell.<br /> <br /> Thud!<br /> <br /> The young woman dropped her mobile phone to the ground as the door opened.<br /> <br /> Upon taking a closer look at Levi's face, Zoey broke down in tears.<br /> <br /> “Zoey, quick, just get the parcel and come in. It's almost time for the family banquet! Your grandfather is going to settle your marriage at the family banquet tonight. You can't get away from this!”<br /> <br /> “Yeah! Quickly get dressed! Your grandfather is going to set you up with someone else!”<br /> <br /> Zoey's parents' voices sounded from the inside.<br /> <br /> “Zoey, I'm back!” Levi said excitedly, wanting to fling his arm around her, but Zoey slapped his hands away.<br /> <br /> “Why did you come back? I've already forgotten about you...”<br /> <br /> Zoey's voice was choked with sobs.<br /> <br /> Very soon after, Zoey's parents, Aaron and Caitlyn, came out, looking horrified.<br /> <br /> “How dare you have the nerve to come back? Do you know how much criticism my family has suffered because of you? Especially Zoey. Do you know how much she has suffered for the past six years?” Zoey's father, Aaron, reproached.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, her mother, Caitlyn, pushed and shoved Levi. “You should know that this relationship between you and Zoey is impossible in this life the moment you went to jail! You're a criminal! You're just a street rat in North Hampton! You're only putting Zoey in harm's way by coming to see her!”<br /> <br /> Naturally, Levi had known of Zoey's sufferings for the past six years, including her refusal to remarry because of him.<br /> <br /> Levi put on a serious face. “This time, I'm back for good. I won't leave Zoey ever again. I will grant her a bright future and let her own the world!”<br /> <br /> Levi's declaration had Aaron and Caitlyn hooting with laughter.<br /> <br /> “You've spent six years in jail. How are you going to give Zoey a future?” Aaron asked with a sneer.<br /> <br /> “Yeah! With your mouth?” Caitlyn chimed in. “There's a limit to talking big!”<br /> <br /> Nonetheless, Levi smiled. “Don't worry. I'll reclaim what I lost in those years! I'll destroy the Garrison family in a month!”<br /> <br /> “Levi!” This time, even Zoey couldn't bear to listen to his nonsense any longer. “Can we be more realistic? It doesn't matter if you just get out of prison. Can't you just be down to earth and start anew? I believe that you will make a comeback one day, but you can't just indulge in tall talk. Do you know just how powerful the Garrison family is right now? And besides, today's era is a far cry from what it was six years ago!”<br /> <br /> “Zoey, trust me,” Levi said earnestly. “I can make the Garrison family bow at my feet with just a word!”<br /> <br /> Preposterous!<br /> <br /> Levi's bravado nearly drove Zoey and her parents round the bend.<br /> <br /> Having been caged up for six years, did he finally lose his mind?<br /> <br /> “Fine. If you say so,” Zoey said, shoving her mobile phone to Levi directly. “Then prove it! I'd like to see how you make the Garrison family bow their heads with just one word!”<br /> <br /> “I...”<br /> <br /> Levi was stunned.<br /> <br /> It was true that he could exterminate the Garrison family with his words, but he had given them one month; it would be too uneventful to destroy them now.<br /> <br /> “See, you can't do it, can't you? Then don't you ever talk big if you can't!”<br /> <br /> Zoey smashed the phone to the ground, marking her wrath.<br /> <br /> Following that, her parents pushed Levi away. “Go now. You're not welcome here. We've got a family banquet to attend!”<br /> <br /> “No. Mom, Dad, let him in!”<br /> <br /> “What do you mean, Zoey?”<br /> <br /> “I won't remarry. My husband is back.”<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> Aaron and Caitlyn couldn't talk her round, so they could only let him in.<br /> <br /> After that, Zoey took Levi to her bedroom.<br /> <br /> “Since you're back, you're still my husband. I don't care about the gossips. Besides, I believe you're innocent, and anyone with discerning eyes can see that it was the Garrison family who'd framed you!”<br /> <br /> Levi could feel the warmth in his heart.<br /> <br /> She trusted him, and that was more than enough for him.<br /> <br /> “But you must promise me to start from zero and be down to earth. I believe you will achieve something great with your ability! I'll give you five years!”<br /> <br /> “That's unnecessary,” Levi said. “Just give me one month. In a month, I'll de—”<br /> <br /> “Shut up! I don't want to listen to your nonsensical and unrealistic talks! Why can't we just be realistic?” Zoey shouted.<br /> <br /> “Even if you have nothing now, as long as you take one step at a time, I believe you'll get back on your feet!”<br /> <br /> Levi shut up obediently.<br /> <br /> “I bought you these six years ago.” Zoey took out a suit from the cupboard. “Change into it at once and follow me to the family banquet!”<br /> <br /> “Zoey, what is up with you?”<br /> <br /> Seeing Levi all dressed up, Aaron and Caitlyn were naturally dissatisfied.<br /> <br /> Zoey clung onto Levi's arm. “Mom, Dad, Levi is my husband now! I will make myself clear to Grandpa tonight!”<br /> <br /> Aaron and Caitlyn looked daggers at Levi, sighing helplessly, “For Heaven's sake!”<br /> <br /> The Lopez family banquet was held at Golden Port Restaurant, where they contracted the entire restaurant.<br /> <br /> Naturally, the Lopez family was not as powerful as the Garrison family, but they were considered above average in North Hampton.<br /> <br /> When Zoey and her family arrived at the main hall, they were greeted with strange and jesting gazes.<br /> <br /> In the past, when Zoey and Levi had gotten married, Aaron's family status was the highest in the Lopez family.<br /> <br /> But after Levi's downfall, Aaron's family had experienced a seismic shift in life, and their status in the Lopez family took a nosedive as they became the subject of ridicule, especially during family events.<br /> <br /> “Look! Is that Levi beside Zoey?”<br /> <br /> “Yeah! It's really him! He's released from prison already?”<br /> <br /> All eyes fell on Levi at once.<br /> <br /> Harry, the head of the Lopez family, snorted and turned a blind eye to the four of them.<br /> <br /> The old man's favorite now was Fabian, his eldest son, and his family.<br /> <br /> Mainly because Fabian's son-in-law, Samuel Robertson, was of mixed ethnicity who was born rich and had lived overseas.<br /> <br /> This time, Harry was going to set up Zoey with Samuel's younger brother, Chris, who had been casting covetous eyes on Zoey for some time now.<br /> <br /> With no one paying attention to them, Aaron and his family could only find a place to sit first.<br /> <br /> As they were about to take their seats, a voice was heard. “No, Aaron. You guys can't sit here.”<br /> <br /> It was a reminder from Henry, the second eldest son of the Lopez family.<br /> <br /> “What?”<br /> <br /> “There are sitting arrangements to the family banquet this time.”<br /> <br /> Aaron looked puzzled. “How so?”<br /> <br /> “There are four tables for the family banquet! And it's decided according to the family contribution!”<br /> <br /> “For example, the first table is given to the family who contributed over five million to the family in a year; a million for the second table, a hundred thousand for the third table, and less than a hundred thousand for the last table, or should I say no contribution at all!”<br /> <br /> Henry smiled smugly. “Our family has made good profits this year, and we've contributed just about five million to the family. So excuse me, but this table here is ours.”<br /> <br /> “Of course, you can also sit at the first table without contributing. That is if your family has tens of millions of assets.”<br /> <br /> “Unfortunately, we couldn't be any clearer about your family's situation,” sneered Maddison, Henry's wife. “Now that there's an ex-convict in your family, I'm sorry that you guys can only sit at the last table!”<br /> <br /> “Mom, Dad, as far as I know, Uncle Aaron and his family didn't contribute much to the family last year,” said Shaun, Henry's son, walking over with a glass in his hand. “Their company went bankrupt, and they even borrowed over two million from Grandpa. Clearly, it's a negative contribution. It's unfair to the relatives sitting at the fourth table! I say we add a fifth table for negative contributors!”<br /> <br /> “Yeah, I agree!”<br /> <br /> The rest of the Lopez family concurred.<br /> <br /> “Okay, we'll do as Shaun says! This shall motivate you people!”<br /> <br /> Harry gave his consent.<br /> <br /> “Hurry up and sit down. Don't just stand there and make a fool out of yourselves.” Harry glared at Aaron.<br /> <br /> With that, Aaron and his family walked over to the fifth table quietly.<br /> <br /> “Which table should a ten billion contributor sit at?” asked Levi suddenly, pulling Zoey's arm.<br /> <br /> Levi was the one and only five-star God of War, and wealth to him was just a number.<br /> <br /> In fact, he didn't know exactly how much he had, but he could still fork out ten billion casually for the family contribution on behalf of Aaron's family.<br /> <br /> As soon as Levi said that, everyone was stunned at his query.<br /> <br /> After a few moments of silence, the crowd blossomed into an enormous belly laugh.<br /> <br /> “Ten billion? You must be kidding me! Even the aristocratic Garrison family may not have that much money!”<br /> <br /> “This kid must have a loose screw in the head to come here and embarrass himself!”<br /> <br /> “Hey, Aaron. Did you know you have a son-in-law worth ten billion? Hahaha...”<br /> <br /> Sensing the jeering gazes and titter from the people around, Aaron and his family wished the ground could swallow them whole.<br /> <br /> This is embarrassing!<br /> <br /> Too embarrassing!<br /> <br /> Zoey's temper sparked, and her eyes blazed with rage.<br /> <br /> “Levi Garrison, is it not enough for you to talk big at home that you have to come here and embarrass me? Do you think you haven't done enough after all these years?”<br /> <br /> Zoey trembled as tears silently rolling down her cheeks.<br /> <br /> “But I do have ten billion!” Levi said helplessly.<br /> <br /> At this time, no one bothered to listen to Levi's sheer bull because the star of the day, Fabian's son-in-law, had arrived.<br /> <br /> Everyone, including Harry, went out to the entrance to greet him.<br /> <br /> “I'm sorry to keep everyone waiting.” Samuel wore an apologetic expression.<br /> <br /> “Your flight was nearly ten hours late. What's up with that?” Harry asked in concern.<br /> <br /> Samuel smiled. “Grandpa, don't you know? A big shot has arrived in North Hampton, and North Hampton Airport was sealed off for eight hours.”<br /> <br /> What? Is there such a thing?<br /> <br /> “Who's this big shot to have the airport sealed off, Samuel?” Harry asked smilingly.<br /> <br /> “It's not just that. It's said that a hundred planes escorted the private jet of that big shot, and there were a hundred thousand people guarding at the airport.”<br /> <br /> “Damn!”<br /> <br /> “What?”<br /> <br /> The crowd gasped in shock.<br /> <br /> “He's the commander-in-chief of nine military regions, the God of War of Erudia. Haha, you may not believe it if I say this, but I met this great man when I was at a gathering abroad, and we even exchanged numbers. I didn't expect him to take up a post in North Hampton! I'll ask him out sometime in support of the Lopez family. That way, you'll gain a foothold in North Hampton in no time,” Samuel said loftily.<br /> <br /> “God! That's incredible! How did you even get to know someone like him?”<br /> <br /> “My brother-in-law is so cool!”<br /> <br /> “The Lopez family's son-in-law is one of a kind! Of course, except for one!”<br /> <br /> Everyone looked at Samuel with veneration; the old man was all the more impressed, Aaron and Caitlyn begrudged Fabian's son-in-law, and Zoey was envious as well.<br /> <br /> But she believed that in five years, Levi, too, could make her grandfather proud.<br /> <br /> Yet, unbeknownst to them, Levi was actually barely stifling in his laughter.<br /> <br /> This kid is quite something to know that I've arrived.<br /> <br /> But his ability to make up nonsense is even more impressive.<br /> <br /> “You're saying you know the God of War?” Levi asked.<br /> <br /> Samuel raised his head. “Yeah, we had a drink together. Is there a problem?”<br /> <br /> Levi chuckled. “Then why don't I recognize you?”<br /> <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here<br /> Install the APP to search for the book title "God of War: Pinnacle" Read more exciting content immediately	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	102114825976458	The novels	https://facebook.com/100085012467697	25,543	3	5,002,112,946,580,042	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	The novels	120203487556860310	page.joyreadings.com	NONE	video		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=34&brand=2&app=0&ppid=463&pid=FBW2A&campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D	2023-12-16 09:36	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/411096087_118257324715755_5819320700516458486_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M70omRdNoK0AX8wJ9h8&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAJAz4JkOSgirAx4BLiAtgI6mtjC2Ur0oPcx4VmFOqCnQ&oe=65D7554B	person_profile	The novels	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409852624_6946929958757853_6555500094300521076_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s99u4WUlAWoAX8SLv4n&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAhpGzpsckK9eYgBPOpNryIr8RDLoZIqC6QvPgyLSQB2g&oe=65D81981	3	The novels	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,761	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":0.9375,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	299471303117021	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I then open our door to see. MY mate in bed with my 'best friend'?<br /> "Baby, it's not what you think! I slipped!"<br /> "You slipped? While undressed? And what her body miraculously caught you? Do I look like an idiot? How long has this been going on?" I asked.<br /> "Two years. And yes, this is why I wouldn't mark you. And, besides, I did it for the thrill." He said. <br /> She looked kind of smug at me. Well, he admitted that part, too bad he couldn't tell me that 2 years ago. <br /> I mean really? Boy played me like a fool.<br /> "You know what? I don't care. I wish you both the best. And thanks for my gift too. Now, I, Aaryana Stevens, ex Luna of the Morning Star pack reject you, Alpha Brentin Hamilton. I reject all bonds and ties to you and this pack." I said.<br /> ————————<br /> Aaryana's POV<br /> I walked into the pack house; I just got back from the pack doctor's house. With the news I got, I was happy and completely oblivious to what was going on. The beta and his mate were looking at me in shock, guilt and pity. Ok what? "Aaryana, what are you doing home so early?" Rachel, the beta female asked.<br /> "Well one, I live here. Two, I have some news for Brentin." I said. What is up with them? I didn't have time to worry about that right now. I have news to tell Brentin. Then we have to decide when to tell the pack. "By the way, where is he?"<br /> "Um.he had an uh.um.an alpha meeting." She stuttered. That's not like her. She is normally always calm and collected, now she is just plain nervous.<br /> "Rachel, why are you so nervous? It's like you're hiding something from me." I said. It was really out of character for her, and annoying to me.<br /> "I can't say." She says looking guilty. I look to her and her mate, Bill, to see him looking the same way.<br /> "Ok. Well, when you want to tell me you know where to find me. Anyways, when Brentin gets here, tell him I need to speak to him. I'll be in our room." I said as I walked away.<br /> I walked upstairs towards our room. Our room was on the second floor, it was one of 2 rooms on the second floor. The other room was the beta's rooms. Once I am standing outside our room, I hear moaning. WTH??? Who is in our room? I listen closer, I know the woman's voice, I also know the man's voice. What are Brentin and Julie doing in our room? And why are they moaning? I then open our door to see.MY mate in bed with my 'best friend'?<br /> "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" I shout letting my alpha and Luna tone out. Brentin looks up guilty. And guess what Julie is doing. Come on guess. Wanna know?? She's smirking at me! This bimbo has some nerve, I thought to myself. My wolf just growled. 'I told you'. My wolf said. 'Told me what?' I asked. 'You'll find out soon enough.' She replied.<br /> "Baby, it's not what you think! I slipped!" Brentin said. Really, that's the best he can come up with? He slipped? Ha, it must have been a inferno of a fall. And they just happened to be undressed when he 'slipped'? I doubt that.<br /> "You slipped? While undressed? And what her body miraculously caught you? Did it cushion your fall too? Do I look like an idiot? How long has this been going on?" I asked. I was seeing red, I was so mad. But I didn't want to lash out, yet. I was trying to stay calm and collected so I could hear everything they said. Like my wolf was. 'Why are you so calm?' I asked my wolf. 'Because, I feel nothing for him. Well, maybe for his wolf, but his wolf is a part of him and I can't forgive them. I'll tell you why after everything is over.' She said. Then she turned around and told me, 'Think happy thoughts to calm down so you don't fight.' The only happy thought I could think about was what the doctor told me not even 30 minutes ago.<br /> "No you don't look like an idiot, well to be honest, you kind of do, but that's beside the point. And it's been going on since the day I found out you were my mate." He said.<br /> "Two years? Two years? This is why you wouldn't mark me? Why Brentin? Why did you do it?" I asked. Now I was pissed. He has been cheating on me for 2 years? Yet, he still had the audacity to sleep with me after sleeping with that bimbo?<br /> "Yes. Two years. And yes, this is why I wouldn't mark you. You see, I love you but I'm not in love with you. My wolf is in love with you. Other than that, I feel nothing for you. And, besides, I did it for the thrill. What thrill? The thrill of not being caught. And because I'm in love with her." He said. She looked kind of smug at me. Well, he admitted that part, too bad he couldn't tell me that 2 years ago. I mean really? Boy played me like a fool.<br /> "Is there anything else you want to tell me?" I snarl. He better think carefully before he speaks. I am ready to kill them both. 'You can't do that. Remember what the doctor said?' My wolf said. Yeah, yeah, the doctor just notified me of some surprising news, so I can't fight. Well there goes that thought. But I can make them regret ever doing this.<br /> "She's pregnant." He said. He then started smiling. He's happy that this bimbo is pregnant. I wonder if it's his or someone else's.<br /> "Congratufuckinglations!" I said sarcastically. What else was I supposed to say? It's not like he would believe me if I told him what I know about Julie. But, he will find out on his own, one day. Hopefully she doesn't ruin this pack. "Is it yours or someone else's?"<br /> "It's his, you're just jealous because he loves me and not you." Julie, aka the bimbo said. She really thinks I'm jealous? I'm not jealous, I'm hurt but not jealous. He betrayed me, if he didn't want to be with me all he had to do was say so. But no, he has to cheat on me.<br /> "I wasn't talking to you, bimbo. And you forget Julie, I got more on you than you think. If I were you, I would shut up. You used to tell me everything, especially when we first met. So I know all your secrets, even the ones you don't want anyone knowing about. Now, Brentin, is the child yours or not?" I asked, but then I couldn't bring myself to care, so instead I said, "You know what? I don't care. I wish you both the best. And thanks for my gift too. Now, I, Aaryana Stevens, ex Luna of the Morning Star pack reject you, Alpha Brentin Hamilton. I reject all bonds and ties to you and this pack." I said.<br /> "You can't do that! You're the Luna!" Brentin shouted at me. Looks like his wolf is fighting for control. Oh, now he worries for the pack? He is going to be the reason this pack crumbles. But, I won't be here to see it, so I don't have to worry about it. But, my consciousness was telling me, you'll always worry about this pack. That may be true, but it's out of my hands now.<br /> "You should've thought about that before you cheated on me." I said, angrily. What am I gonna do? I know I'm going to leave, but where will I go? I could always go to dad's, but that would be too obvious, that would also be the first place Brentin looks when he finds out I'm gone. So where can I go? Oh, I got it. I'll go to the place where dad took me, my brother and mom for vacation. After figuring it all out, I looked around and Brentin, along with Julie, were gone. So, I got a suitcase and I packed some clothes and stuff I would need for my move. I packed 5 outfits, bras, panties, shoes, credit/bank cards, electronics and some money. Then I drove to the airport and caught a last minute flight to Paris.<br /> ...<br /> Sitting on the plane, I thought back over the past 2 years. I can't believe I was that blind. I should have been able to see the signs. Like how late at night, Brentin would just disappear from bed. How I always felt a burning in my chest, but I just put it off as heartburn. How my wolf slowly slipped away and started becoming angry with Brentin. Then there was today, when I found him cheating, my wolf didn't howl in pain or anything. Why didn't I know about it? As I finished that thought, my wolf spoke, 'You didn't know because I tried to keep all the pain from you. I knew how devastated we would be if you found out the same time I did. So I just slowly broke my bond with him. That's why you stopped feeling the sparks between you and him.' I couldn't help but remember the last time I felt the sparks with him. It was a year ago. I just thought it was in my head. Then I remembered how happy she was when we found Brentin.<br /> Flashback<br /> It's my 16th birthday. Finally, the day I get to meet my mate. I was hoping it was my best friend's brother, but sadly it wasn't. My dad, Alpha Allen of the Night Star pack was meeting with the Morning Star alpha to sign a treaty. As soon as we got to the Morning Star pack house, my dad knocked. The door was answered by a devilishly handsome guy, about my age. At the time I wouldn't look in his eyes because I was too shy, even with being an Alpha's daughter. So I just kept my head down.<br /> "Dad, alpha Allen is here." He shouted. His voice sent shivers down my spine, in a good way. But, even then, I was still too shy to look into his eyes.<br /> "Show him to the office." The alpha yelled back.<br /> The guy moved to the side to let my father and me in. As I was walking past him, my arm brushed his. I felt tingles spread through my whole body. 'Mate!' My wolf shouted. "Mate." I whispered.<br /> He grabbed me and started pecking me. "You're mine." He said. My wolf and I both liked his possessiveness.<br /> "I'm yours." I said back. My wolf and I was so happy. We were on cloud nine. We talked until my dad was done with his alpha meeting, then he asked something I never expected him to. But, at the same time, I wanted him to ask me.<br /> "Will you move in with me? I mean, live here in this pack house with me." He said. At first I was shocked. I didn't know how to answer, but my wolf was yelling 'Yes!' in my mind. So I said what she was thinking.<br /> "Yes, I will move in with you." I told him. The next day I was moved in with him.<br /> End flashback.<br /> It's funny how he kept me in the dark for 2 years. He slept with me then turned around and slept with Julie. I hope he's happy with her and their child, but what about mine? That's where I was before I got home. I had just found out I was pregnant right before I caught him cheating.<br /> Flashback<br /> "Brentin, I'll be back in a couple of hours. I'm gonna go visit some friends." I told him, even though I hate lying to him. But I need to figure out what's wrong with me. He's been oblivious to it. Lately he's been oblivious to everything that has been going on with me.<br /> "Ok. See you when you get back. Love you." He said then pecked my forehead.<br /> I walked out of the house and straight to the pack doctor. She had a few patients ahead of me so I let her treat them first and then had her check me out. "Dr. Lottie, I need you to see what's wrong with me, if anything." I said.<br /> "Ok. What are your symptoms?" She asked.<br /> "Nausea, fatigue, eating more, stomach pains, and mood swings." I answered.<br /> "Before anything else, I need to take some blood. And I want you to take this pregnancy test too." She said.<br /> "Ok." I went and took the pregnancy test. While waiting for the results, she took my blood. She tested the blood while I checked the pregnancy test. Positive. OMG! I'm pregnant! How will Brentin react? Will he be happy? Mad? Surprised? Shocked? All of the above?<br /> "Luna?" The Dr. said. She was looking at me questioningly.<br /> "Yes." I replied.<br /> "You are about 5 weeks pregnant." She said. Well more like squealed. She was always excited about a pack member having pups.<br /> "Ok. Thanks. I need to go see Brentin." I said excited. I can't believe that I'm pregnant. But, seeing how there haven't been any rogue or hunter attacks, now would be the best time to be pregnant. Now hopefully there will be no attacks until after the baby is born, which should be in another 5 months. Seeing as I have alpha blood in me and he is an alpha.<br /> End flashback<br /> I left the pack doctor's house. I was in a happy mood. One that nothing could destroy. Well, that's what I thought until I got home and caught him cheating on me. So now that I am out of the pack, and away from my mate or rather ex-mate, how am I going to raise the pup(s) on my own? I will undoubtedly need a werewolf doctor. The thing is, I don't know any in Paris. I can search for the closest pack, or werewolf hospital. Every country has one, so France isn't any different. That was my last thought before falling into a peaceful slumber.<br /> ...<br /> Brentin's POV<br /> I decided that Aaryana needed some time to think, so Julie and I left the room. I came down and noticed my beta's sitting there looking heartbroken and miserable. After 2 hours, I figured, well ok she's had ample amount of time to calm down, now we can talk rationally. I get upstairs to see her gone. I checked for her electronics, extra money that I knew she saved and the bank cards in her dads name. They were for emergencies, and they were gone. Where could she be? Then when I looked on her dresser I found a note, wanting to know what it said, I opened it and read it.<br /> Brentin,<br /> You have cheated on me for 2 years. You have betrayed me and destroyed my trust. But that's ok. I will overcome this. I will become stronger. But I just wanted to let you know that I am gone. I can't stay where I am not respected. You actually had the nerve to alpha command the beta's and whoever else knew, not to tell me you were cheating. Well, it didn't work, cause I still found out. <br /> Don't try calling me or anything, I already changed my number. Don't try looking for me either. Be with your bimbo and your 'child'. The baby probably ain't even yours. But, that is not my concern. <br /> My concern is to tell you, that I loathe you. And I hope my daddy kicks you. Even though, I know he won't. He is too mature to do that. But I can bet he has a plan for you, once he finds out anyways. <br /> And I will be sitting back laughing. I hope you have fun watching this pack fall apart, with you ruling it, there's no doubt in my mind that it will. So bye and I hope I never see you again. If I do, I will make sure you rue the day you met me and every time you cheated on me.<br /> With absolutely no love at all,<br /> Aaryana<br /> So that's it? She's gone? I can't believe she left me. My mate. She is what keeps me sane. But she finds out I cheated, and I got my mistress pregnant. And she leaves? Isn't a mate supposed to forgive and forget??<br /> I keep thinking back to our final conversation. I admitted to everything. The cheating for 2 years. The pregnancy. And all she can say is she rejects me? That she rejects any ties to this pack? That she resigns as the Luna? And what does she mean by 'Thanks for the gift'?<br /> I need to find her. I don't care what the note says, I have got to find her. The only way to do that is a search party. So I need to call a pack meeting. Pack meeting in 10 minutes. I say through the pack mind link.	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310,815	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310781}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	922340926081065	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Don't walk away from me, Zell," Kosta yelled.<br /> "Why not? You don't need me. You have Khalis here to take care of all your needs. She is welcome to you. I hope you all will be very happy together. As for me, I'm done. Good luck to you and this pack. I hope you can handle the fallout for you and your whore's actions."<br /> "Mind how you talk to me, Zell. I may be your mate, but I am still the alpha. As a matter of fact, as of right now, I am stripping you of all of your luna privileges."<br /> I spat. "You should know, you didn't deprive me of Luna's title, but I didn't want it myself. I no longer want it. As for the business, have you forgotten that I own 51% of every business we have? I will withdraw all of my personal finances from the pack."<br /> "Oh, and Alpha, You, of all people, know how ruthless I can be if pushed."<br /> ————————<br /> "Well Zel, I just wanted to let you know that I plan on being the Luna of this pack, and your days as Kosta's mate and luna are numbered. I have decided that I deserve to be luna of the third strongest pack in the nation. I mean why should you get everything and I get stuck with nothing?" Khalis says.<br /> <br /> Is this bimbo serious? I just sat there staring at her for a few seconds. Not much shocks me, but this is something else. I knew Khalis was selfish, but this is on a whole other level. There have been rumors about Khalis sleeping with mated males, but I always gave her the benefit of the doubt. I never thought we would be having this kind of conversation. We have been friends since elementary school. Her father and brothers are elite warriors in my father's pack. She was with me when Kosta declared we were mates. She even encouraged me to go with him when he begged me and my father to let me come to his pack with him before I turned 18. She moved to this pack with me, hoping to meet her own mate. She knows Kosta is my fated mate. The moon goddess chose for him me. We both have known Kosta for most of our lives. Kosta is one of my brother's best friends. I keep thinking about everything we have done together and now this bimbo is sitting in my office telling me she plans to take my mate. I'm really speechless. This is a new low, even for her.<br /> <br /> "Just so that I am clear, what exactly do you mean that you want my goddess-given mate and title," I asked.<br /> <br /> "I mean exactly what I said. I want Kosta. I want to be his luna and I am going to make that happen. I've already started the process. I deserve to be a luna."<br /> <br /> "So you just want to come in here and tell me that you want my mate? What about your own mate? Have you thought about that? If the goddess meant for you to be a luna, you would have been fated to an alpha."<br /> <br /> "I waited for my mate. I gave the goddess a chance to do right by me. She gave everyone around me an Alpha. My sister got one, my little ugly cousin got one and even you got one, but what did I get? I got a lowly elite warrior as a mate." She spat.<br /> <br /> "How can you speak like that about elite warriors? Your father and your brother are elite warriors."<br /> <br /> "I know, and I deserve better than that. I deserve to be a luna. I deserve to have people respect me and cater to me."<br /> <br /> "Well, obviously the goddess did not agree with you," I said. "Just to clarify, you're saying that even though you found your destined mate, the one that was made specifically for you by the goddess, you're still interested in my mate? You are unbelievable. What is wrong with you?"<br /> <br /> "It's simple. I'm not meant to be the mate of a warrior. I am meant to be a luna. The moon goddess got it wrong and I am correcting her mistake. As soon as I scented my fated mate and realized he was a warrior, I rejected him and he accepted my rejection. Good riddance."<br /> <br /> "So you think you know better than the goddess?" I asked.<br /> <br /> I am still somewhat shocked. I have a hard time reconciling this cold-blooded bimbo to the person that has been my best friend for over a decade.<br /> <br /> "Zell, I told you a long time ago not to trust her. She has always been this person. She just pretended with you." Sapphire said.<br /> <br /> "This isn't personal, Zell. It's simple since the moon goddess did not give me an alpha, I'm going to take one."<br /> <br /> This bimbo is sitting here calmly telling me she is going to take my mate from me like we are talking about going shopping. She actually thinks this is ok. How could I have been so blind for so long? Everyone tried to warn me about her, but she was my only friend and I just didn't want to believe that about her. I convinced myself that the others were just jealous of her.<br /> <br /> "Do you really think it is ok to try to break your best friend's mate bond?" I say.<br /> <br /> "Oh Honey, I'm not going to try. I'm going to do it. He will be mine. I'm just giving you the courtesy of walking away with your dignity. You might as well start making arrangements for yourself because once I am the luna, there is no way that I will let you remain in my pack. He may keep some tender feelings for you. After all, you are fated."<br /> <br /> "You got one thing right; Kosta and I are fated. You are not the first she-wolf to try to break our mate bond and since he is an alpha, I'm sure you won't be the last. I will tell you what I tell them all, If you can get Kosta to cheat on our bond, you can have him. If he can do that, then he is not the man I have believed him to be and wouldn't deserve me. You would be welcome to him. Just remember, it is because of me and my family that this pack is ranked third. All of that goes with me, but you would be more than welcome to whatever is left." I say.<br /> <br /> "It's not an if, it's a when it happens. And when you leave, Kosta will still be the alpha of this pack. You will just be the ex-luna of the pack. I will be the luna."<br /> <br /> "That's where you are wrong. I am alpha born; a pure-blooded alpha. If I leave, I will still be an alpha and you will still be that bimbo on the side. Some males may be dumb enough to sleep with you, but I have not seen any of the mate men you've been accused of leaving their mates for you. Even the ones who got rejected didn't choose to be with you. Now I suggest you leave my office while I am still being nice or else you will find out why I am feared by others. And if you are successful, don't think for a minute that my family will let either of you go."<br /> <br /> "I will leave for now. Enjoy this office while it is still yours. Your arrogance will be your downfall. Why should I fear you or your family? They have not even been around since your luna ceremony. I'll give you 1 week to make arrangements for yourself. In 7 days, all of this will be mine and you will be out. I will break you and completely disgrace you. I have to thank you for working so hard to build this pack up for me to take over. I will be sure to enjoy the fruit of your labor. I and my children will enjoy this. I am glad he listened to me early on when I told him to wait to have children so you could live your life first. I had to set the groundwork just in case. Now it's time for you to go before you give him an heir." Khalis says and walks out of my office like nothing happened.<br /> <br /> She has caused a lot of chaos since coming to this pack. I just didn't realize her character before now. I thought she was misunderstood. Now I know I was just naïve. It appears that I was the only person blind to her true nature.<br /> <br /> I spent the rest of the day working on pack security and setting up meetings. There are a few alphas wanting an alliance with us. Kosta and I have become quite the power couple in the werewolf society. Since we took over as alpha and luna, the pack and the businesses have grown tremendously. I put my heart and soul into making our pack the best. I got an early start. I graduated from high school when I was 16 and went to university. I graduated with a business degree at 20. Kosta has let me take the lead in our businesses. He knows that beast at negotiation and a whiz at growing businesses. I have acquired several new companies since working in the pack business. Kosta is still the CEO, but I am the COO of the company. I broker the deals and then call Kosta in to close the deal. Most alphas in our circle are jealous of Kosta because he has me at his side. Kosta used to be proud of me and what I did for the pack, but lately he has been resisting the changes I have been making and trying to take over more of the daily operations of the pack. He can't take it all because I am the sole financial backing of the pack and the businesses.<br /> <br /> I am known in werewolf society as a child prodigy, but don't get it twisted, I am not all brains. I can be very deadly when needed. I train every day. I am one of the strongest wolves alive, although I keep that hidden. I can be ruthless, but fair. I know that I am the total package. I am athletic, tall with curves in the right places. I've never been one to compete with other she-wolves. I thought I was happy and had a good life. I thought Khalis was happy. We used to talk about finding our fated mates. I just can't understand how or why Khalis would try to come between me and my mate. I wish I could believe that my bond was safe and solid, but Sapphire is right about Kosta acting suspiciously lately. Kosta has been questioning me a lot lately. It's like he woke up a different person one day. He suddenly lost trust in me, but I have never given him a reason to doubt me. I have found him outside of my door listening to business phone calls, which is crazy because he could just walk in at any time and join the conversation. I have never hidden anything I was doing from him. The worse thing is that our life is now nonexistent. Kosta is always too busy or too tired. His behavior has led me to believe that he is not attracted to me anymore. He had the nerve to ask me why I have been trying so hard to seduce him lately. Like he didn't just stop making love to me cold turkey all of a sudden. We went from making love every day, sometime multiple times a day, to nothing in over a month. Seems like he should have been worried if I didn't try to seduce him. I don't know any mated pair that has gone this long without being intimate with each other. I don't know what the issue is. If we were not marked, I would wonder if he was cheating, but I know he is not. I would have felt it. Why did all of this suddenly become so hard? Why do I even need to seduce my goddess-given mate? It was never supposed to be this way. At least not yet. I'm only 20 years old. Much too young to be going through a dry spell while mated.<br /> <br /> I got so desperate at one time I asked our friends what was going on with him. Kosta tells his beta and gamma everything. I figured if there was a problem, they would tell me and I could fix it, but they just said that he was under a lot of stress. What exactly does he have to stress about? The pack is doing better than it has been in years. In half a year, the pack will be self-sufficient again and won't need to depend on my finances to keep it afloat. I have everything set in motion for the pack to have more disposable cash and residual income. I have a feeling this has Khalis written all over it. Kosta appears to have fallen in line with her already. Maybe this was their plan all along. Kosta needed me to get his pack back on track and now that they are almost completely independent, they don't need me anymore. If that's the case, they are in for a rude awakening. My six-month plan depends on me closing several more deals. All of these deals are allies with my father, uncle, and grandfather. They will not work with Kosta if our bond falls apart. He would erase everything that I have done over the past three years. Well, that would be his problem.<br /> <br /> I got so caught up in working and thinking; I didn't realize I worked up to dinner time. No one called me for lunch. In fact, no one called me for dinner. That is strange. One of the omegas usually checks on me when I am working too much and makes sure I am eating. I guess everyone is following Kosta. Since he has not been showing me any care, they are not either. That really hurts. I sacrificed a lot for this pack. I thought they cared more than this for me. I should just go back to my room. I don't know if I want to be around this pack right now, especially if they could turn their backs on me this quickly. Were they all just using me for my family's wealth?<br /> <br /> "We need to eat Zell. Remember, we are eating for our pup as well. Don't let them win. We are better than this. If they show us they don't want us here, we will leave. Remember, we are alpha born. We will rise above this. We will go back to where we are celebrated. If they turn against us, they don't deserve us. We will sit back and let them destroy themselves."<br /> <br /> "You are right Sapphire. Let's go eat. Our pup needs sustenance."<br /> <br /> I went and cleaned myself up and walked to the dining room. As soon as I walked through the door, all the talking stopped. The whole place went silent. As I walked all the way in, I saw why everyone went silent. Khalis was sitting in my seat, putting food on Kosta's plate like she is the luna. When she saw me, she just smirked and kept doing what she was doing. Kosta just keep eating like I was not standing there. Sapphire stared, pushing forward. She wanted blood. I did too, but I have to think about our pup.<br /> <br /> "What is going on, Kosta? Why is she sitting in my seat feeding you?" I growled.<br /> <br /> "I meant no harm, Zell. You were busy, so I decided to take care of Kosta for you. Someone needs to care for him while you are caring for other things. "<br /> <br /> "I was speaking to my mate, not his bimbo on the side."<br /> <br /> "You were not here for your mate, so I have been taking care of his needs."<br /> <br /> Sapphire pushed forward and growled loudly. Everyone in the room bowed their neck to her.<br /> <br /> "I could kill you in less than 30 seconds, Khalis. I would advise you not to keep crossing my line and you will find yourself very dead. You obviously have forgotten who I am. Don't make me remind you what my family name is," Sapphire said.<br /> <br /> I regained control and looked at Kosta. He didn't even appear to be concerned. He didn't show an ounce of regret or remorse. That took a little of the fight out of me. Khalis can only do what Kosta allows her to do.<br /> <br /> "Kosta, I asked you a question. What is going on?"<br /> <br /> "As Khalis said, you were busy, so she came to do your job for you. If you spent more time catering to me, your mate, and less time working or whatever you are doing, Khalis wouldn't have to step in and take care of my needs." Kosta said.<br /> <br /> I and every pack member gasped. I could not believe he openly disrespected me like that after everything I have done for him and this pack. I did all of that for him. This ungrateful hip.<br /> <br /> "So now I'm working too much, making your pack financially secure? You were not complaining when the pack was bankrupted and I worked day and night just so you could feed the pack another day. I was working too hard then. It's only now that you think the pack is out of the woods that I am working too hard. Now that everyone is comfortable and not at risk of starving, you want to change. Ok, I see who you are now. So instead of appreciating the sacrifices I made for us and the pack, you are sitting here with your bimbo, enjoying the feast that my hard work made possible. I am glad I finally understand where your priorities lie. Trust me, I will never make the same mistake twice." I said and walked away.<br /> <br /> I need to get out of here before I wolf out and kill one of them. After tonight, Khalis can have him. He is not the male I thought he was. I refuse to fight for someone who can spit on all the effort I put into making him great.<br /> <br /> "Don't walk away from me, Zell," Kosta yelled.<br /> <br /> "Why not? You don't need me. You have Khalis here to take care of all your needs. She is welcome to you. I hope you all will be very happy together. As for me, I'm done. Good luck to you and this pack. I hope you can handle the fallout for you and your bimbo's actions."<br /> <br /> "Mind how you talk to me, Zell. I may be your mate, but I am still the alpha. As a matter of fact, as of right now, I am stripping you of all of your luna privileges."<br /> <br /> "Alpha, what are you doing?" Beta James asked<br /> <br /> "Mind your business Beta. This is my pack." Kosta says.<br /> <br /> "Yes, and as your beta and friend, it is my job to tell you when you are making a mistake. Alpha, you are dangerously close to crossing the line of no return. Let's all calm down and discuss this later." Beta James said.<br /> <br /> "Beta, my word stands. Zel, until you learn to respect me as your alpha, you can forget about representing this pack in any aspect. I will be instructing the security team to restrict all of your access. You are no longer the COO of our businesses. As of now, you are just a regular pact member with no power."<br /> <br /> "First of all Alpha." I spat. "Respect is earned. While you are trying to throw your weight around, you can have the luna title back. I no longer want it. As for the business, have you forgotten that I own 51% of every business we have? I also provide 60% of the pack budget from my personal accounts. So while you can restrict my duties as Luna, you cannot touch the business, but I'll do you a solid. You can buy me out of the business and I will withdraw all of my personal finances from the pack."<br /> <br /> I can see that he had forgotten how dependent his pack was on me, but oh well. He made his bed. Now he and his bimbo can lie in it.<br /> <br /> "Oh, and Alpha, if you try to strong-arm me, I will have to call in the full loan that I gave this pack when we mated. Remember, we signed a contract for the loan. You have only paid me a small portion of the loan and I have not pushed the issue, but the contract is legal and binding. Don't push me, Kosta. You, of all people, know how ruthless I can be if pushed."<br /> <br /> I walked off again and made it as far as the stairs. I realized that I could not stay in my current room anymore. There is no way on this goddess-green earth that I want to be in a room with Kosta. Not that he has really shared it with me lately. Now I know why. Khalis has been feeding him and he has been eating it up. They both miscalculated. They thought I would be leaving here with nothing. The jokes on them. I may have been in love, but there is no love in business. I may have put my all into saving this pack and making it independently wealthy, but my parents did not raise a fool and I protected my finances. I invested millions in this company and pack. Did he really think I would protect my money? Does he not remember the prenup my father made him sign since I was a minor when he brought me to this pack? He never gained control over my finances.<br /> <br /> Khalis just showed her hand. After what I just saw, she has a right to be confident. Kosta has completely changed. He is not the man that I mated. He is not the boy that I followed around when I was younger. I don't know what happened or when he changed. Maybe this is who he really is and, like with Khalis, I just never saw his true self. He must have hidden it from my father and brother as well. There is no way they would have let me come here when I was 17 if they knew this was how he would end up treating me. I can see now that it is over between Kosta and me. I need to start planning my exit. I pulled up my computer and moved all of my finances from the pack accounts. I closed all the joint accounts I had with Kosta. It was mostly my money that financed them. I left the ones that he financed in his name. I don't want anything from him at all. After I handle business, I call my brother. I will need his help to leave here safely. Now that Kosta knows that all the money is still tied up with me, I doubt he will let me leave easily. I'm sure he and the bimbo are plotting up something.<br /> <br /> I called my brother and tall him waht happened.<br /> <br /> "So what's the plan, baby sis?" my brother answered.<br /> <br /> "Well, I have already moved all of my personal money from the pack accounts. They are now responsible for themselves. I'm not sure how that is going to go over. I was covering most of the pack's budget. Tomorrow, I will contact my attorneys to protect all of my other assets. I also plan to call our allies and let them know that I am no longer associated with the pack. I am erasing everything I've done over the past three years. They will need to start over from scratch and rebuild it all on their own. There is no way they will get to enjoy my hard work. No, sir."<br /> <br /> "Very smart Zell. What do you need me to do?"	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311,159	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311154}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1591779964693531	Second Chance, Secret Baby - This Romance Has It All!	"Who knew a fling from 12 years earlier could come back to haunt you? Especially if you are billionaire Kameron Bancroft. <br /> <br /> The man has no idea that his fling was pregnant (well she sort of told him), but now Zara is back in his life. And she needs to know if he's a better man than he was 12 years ago before she tells him about their son.<br /> <br /> Zara went about this the wrong way. I understood why she did it. <br /> <br /> After she told Kam she thought she was pregnant, he told her he wasn't ready to be a father. That is a hit to the gut. <br /> <br /> Her son, Luke, has been having a difficult time with kids at school saying his father never wanted him. It breaks her heart. And when she finally gets the nerve up to tell Kam about Luke, he just can't believe her. And thinks she did it to get money from him.<br /> <br /> Their relationship has so many ups and downs. You feel for both of them. I love the way Ali Parker writes these flawed brothers (and cousins). They are rich, but they can't buy love. <br /> <br /> The HEA will melt your heart, and the way Zara's family is brought into the Bancroft world was a wonderful addition to this series. Love that we heard from other Bancrofts in this story. And that I think we will get Hudson's story soon . . ."<br /> ~Sheila<br /> <br /> Binge Read Now<br /> Also Available In Kindle Unlimited	SHOP_NOW	https://readerlinks.com/l/3963849	910419645689497	Ali Parker	https://facebook.com/AliParkerAuthor	10,929	3	372,558,742,202,649	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	Ali Parker	6545902886456	amazon.com	NONE	image	KU \| Steamy Romance \| BINGE NOW	https://readerlinks.com/l/3963849	2024-02-16 19:20	https://scontent.fdet1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428336773_1124747438896112_7513132878988924285_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zwg_fs4AJ88AX_9HxCx&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet1-2.fna&oh=00_AfC_emwIkted8k6tNMEu5z91OakXQuVbmyfVaVNFYKtjLQ&oe=65D6AD73	person_profile			3	Ali Parker	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
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310,752	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	903470724607320	Free reading with Title "Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO"	A male gynecologist went to the wrong table on a blind date, but he didn't expect that a female CEO with a net worth of tens of billions would be interested in him.<br /> ------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 The Blind Date Blunder<br /> “I know, Mom. I'm in front of the café. Call you later!” Emmanuel Lowe hung up on his mother impatiently.<br /> The twenty-eight-year-old man had never been in a relationship.<br /> <br /> After spending seven years in the army, he retired from the military and worked at a hospital in Yeringham for three years.<br /> <br /> He was a gynecologist at the hospital and made eighty thousand a year.<br /> <br /> Worried he would end up old and alone, Emmanuel's mother urged him to settle down. Since he had no idea where to begin when it came to dating, his mother took matters into her own hands and set him up on multiple blind dates.<br /> <br /> Thanks to her efforts, he had gone on seventeen blind dates so far.<br /> <br /> Alas, wedding bells were clearly not on the horizon for Emmanuel. It was frustrating. He knew he was just going through the motions at that point.<br /> <br /> “Help! Someone help me!”<br /> <br /> Right before Emmanuel entered the café, he heard someone calling out weakly for help.<br /> <br /> The cries came from an old man who had fallen on the roadside. Many pedestrians walked past him, but no one dared to stop and help him to his feet.<br /> <br /> After all, helping the old man could be more trouble than it was worth if one ended up with an expensive lawsuit for injuring him further. No one would do something that risky and foolish.<br /> <br /> It did not deter Emmanuel from stepping forward and helping the man to his feet. He asked, “Are you all right, sir?”<br /> <br /> “I'm fine! Thank you so much, young man! It's so hard to find people as kind as you these days. I must repay you for your kindness!” replied the old man with a smile.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel realized then that the old man's attire was at odds with his airs. Despite his tattered clothes, the old man's clean hands looked like those of a man accustomed to wealth.<br /> <br /> Still, he had no time to satisfy his curiosity. After confirming that the old man was unharmed, Emmanuel rushed into the café for his blind date. He never once considered being repaid for his kind act earlier.<br /> <br /> The café was massive and practically structured like a maze.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's mother mentioned that his blind date was seated at table number eight. He wandered through the confusing café, but before he could locate the correct table, he stumbled into a special area.<br /> <br /> The lighting was softer there, and the floor was scattered with fresh petals.<br /> <br /> The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the air. He wondered if he had set foot in heaven.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel raised his eyes and immediately froze.<br /> <br /> A beautiful, elegant woman sat before a table in the room.<br /> <br /> It was no exaggeration to say she embodied perfection itself.<br /> <br /> The heavens clearly decided to shower all their favors on her.<br /> <br /> The woman quietly sipped her coffee with her legs crossed neatly to the side. On the table was a non-translated copy of The Power Broker.<br /> <br /> When she noticed Emmanuel barging into the room, she looked up at him in confusion and displeasure.<br /> <br /> Thump! Thump! Thump!<br /> <br /> When Emmanuel recovered from the shock of stumbling upon the beautiful stranger, he realized his heart was about to beat its way out of his chest.<br /> <br /> Never once had he ever felt so attracted to a woman in his twenty-eight years of life.<br /> <br /> The countless female bodies he had seen in his work as a gynecologist hardly appealed to him. At some point, he even wondered if he was attracted to women at all.<br /> <br /> Against all odds, it seemed, the young woman before him made his heart race like a runaway horse.<br /> <br /> Am I simply nervous, or am I already attracted to her?<br /> <br /> More surprisingly, Emmanuel noticed a large number eight sign on the woman's table.<br /> <br /> She's my blind date?<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath to calm himself before approaching her table and taking a seat opposite her.<br /> <br /> The young woman's expression grew increasingly flabbergasted. There was even a hint of hostility in her pretty eyes.<br /> <br /> The audacity of this man! Barging into my private room is bad enough, but he's going to sit opposite me like it's nobody's business?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel ignored her expression. It was not the first time a woman had scoffed at him.<br /> <br /> They were free to go their separate ways after getting the blind date done and over with.<br /> <br /> He introduced himself, declaring, “Hi! My name is Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist. I make eighty thousand a year and don't own a car or a house.”<br /> <br /> Any man would need an incredible amount of courage to say such things to a woman, but Emmanuel appeared unusually calm and unfazed.<br /> <br /> The young woman stared at him in shock. A moment later, her lips curved into a smirk, and she replied with an introduction of her own.<br /> <br /> “Nice to meet you. I'm Mackenzie Quillen. I'm twenty-seven years old with dual doctorates in finance and business administration from Harvard University. I made three billion last year, and I have a car and a house.”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel was stunned.<br /> <br /> What is happening?<br /> <br /> He always thought women on blind dates came with red flags.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie, however, was arguably flawless.<br /> <br /> Where's the catch?<br /> <br /> All sorts of fantastical theories filled Emmanuel's mind.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie smirked at his perplexed expression. The pride in her cool gaze was evident.<br /> <br /> She deliberately introduced herself to put the stranger in a difficult spot and intimidate him into retreating.<br /> <br /> As expected, awkward silence lingered in the air after her words.<br /> <br /> Urgh, forget it!<br /> <br /> Whether Mackenzie was telling the truth was beside the point. Emmanuel decided to go through all the motions so he could at least mollify his mother, even if the date did not result in a trip to the altar.<br /> <br /> He declared, “I don't make much, but if you decide to date me, I promise I'll always protect and cherish you. I'll take over all the household chores so you can be a queen at home. Of course, I hope you'll allow me to preserve my masculine pride in front of my family. If we do get married, I can give you about five to six thousand every month.”<br /> <br /> It was a well-worn script that Emmanuel recited in a single breath.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie was dumbfounded at his earnest expression and apparent lack of shame at his much lower salary.<br /> <br /> A long while later, she burst into a chuckle.<br /> <br /> She had never met a man who could humor her so.<br /> <br /> “What are you laughing about?” Unimpressed by her reaction, Emmanuel continued, “I know I don't check all the boxes, but I promise I'll be a good and responsible husband if we're married!”<br /> <br /> Pfft!<br /> <br /> Mackenzie failed to keep in her snigger.<br /> <br /> An annoyed Emmanuel demanded, “Why are you laughing, Ms. Quillen? Don't you think you're being rather rude?”<br /> <br /> “Sir, you're a very good man!” Mackenzie stopped smiling and retorted coldly, “But I think you're the confused one here. I'm not here for a blind date!”<br /> <br /> Huh? What is going on?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's eyes widened in horror as he sputtered, “Isn't this table number eight?”<br /> <br /> “Yes, but this is the VIP area. You must be looking for table number eight in the common dining area. Please go out and turn right!” She pointed a slender finger at the exit.<br /> <br /> “Oh... Sorry! I'm so sorry! I mixed things up!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel wished he could sink into the floor in embarrassment. He jumped to his feet, ready to make a hasty escape.<br /> <br /> That was so embarrassing! How could I sit at the wrong table for a blind date? No wonder she was laughing so much. She must have thought I was shooting above my weight!<br /> <br /> Shortly after Emmanuel's departure, an old man entered Mackenzie's private room, escorted by four black-clad bodyguards.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel would have been astonished if he was still around. The old man was none other than the stranger he had helped earlier in front of the café!<br /> <br /> He implored, “Perhaps this is fate, Mackenzie. You're twenty-seven, but you've never been in a relationship because of your misandry. No man would dare come near you! But that young man succeeded! He's also a kind and just person. A while ago, he helped me outside the café and didn't expect a reward for his actions!”<br /> <br /> The old man's true identity was Terence Quillen, chairman of Yeringham's premier financial corporation.<br /> <br /> While his wealth could trump that of entire nations, he had a major regret in life.<br /> <br /> Terence had had three sons who tragically passed away before him. They either had no children of their own or only left daughters behind.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie was Terence's favorite granddaughter and next-in-line to helm Terence Group.<br /> <br /> Her intelligence and charisma did not change the fact that she was a woman.<br /> <br /> Before Terence met his maker, he wished his favorite granddaughter could give him a great-grandchild.<br /> <br /> That spurred him to fake his fall in front of the café and scout a decent man for his granddaughter. To his surprise, the young man who helped him earlier made a blunder of his own blind date and ended up meeting Mackenzie instead.<br /> <br /> Isn't that fate?<br /> <br /> Mackenzie remained stoically unmoved by her grandfather's words. “Grandpa, he may have passed your test, but he hasn't passed mine. I'll marry him if he aces my test.”<br /> <br /> She wanted to fulfill her grandfather's wish, but she naturally wished to promise herself to a good man.<br /> <br /> Marrying a man after one blind date was simply too hasty and careless.<br /> <br /> Terence's gaze lit up expectantly, and he replied, “All right! I'm sure he will pass your test!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Failure<br /> <br /> After turning right at the door, Emmanuel finally found table number eight in the common dining area.<br /> <br /> Sure enough, a woman was seated at the table, looking like she was running out of patience.<br /> <br /> Dressed in professional attire that accentuated her beautiful curves, she was, by all means, a sight to behold.<br /> <br /> Even though she didn't exude the same air of elegance that Mackenzie had, there was no denying she had the power to make men fall at her feet.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, Emmanuel wasn't disappointed in the slightest. After all, he was well aware of his own qualities.<br /> <br /> Without further ado, he straightened himself up and approached the woman with a smile.<br /> <br /> “Sorry I'm late! My name's Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist with an annual salary of eighty thousand—”<br /> <br /> “Stop!” the woman coldly interrupted before he could finish his introduction. “What's the meaning of this? With what little you have to offer; do you seriously think women would want to marry you? I can't believe you even had the nerve to be late! What right do you have to keep a woman waiting? This has been an utter waste of my time. Hmph!”<br /> <br /> After firing off a barrage of questions, the red-faced woman angrily splashed a glass of water on Emmanuel's face.<br /> <br /> The latter, who was caught off guard, instantly became soaking wet.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, Emmanuel didn't lose his temper. After all, he was indeed late because he went to the wrong place, so he could understand why the woman was upset.<br /> <br /> “Hmph. You're twenty-eight and still only earning eighty-thousand a year. No wonder you're doing so poorly! Not only do you lack punctuality, but you also don't seem to take life seriously. You're doomed to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy your entire life! I'm shocked you even have the guts to go on a blind date with me... Stop being delusional!” the woman scolded as she shot Emmanuel a look of contempt.<br /> <br /> The next second, she grabbed her bag and stormed off, not once bothering to leave her name.<br /> <br /> To add insult to injury, she even waved a wad of cash in front of Emmanuel's face, then slapped it hard on the table as payment for the bill.<br /> <br /> The latter's gaze darkened instantly as rage began pulsing through his veins.<br /> <br /> This woman is humiliating me! I may not have high expectations for marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper! Argh! As much as I want to make her regret her actions, I know I don't have that capability...<br /> <br /> Since the woman was gone, Emmanuel, too, left the café glumly.<br /> <br /> To his surprise, he had only just stepped out the door when he saw a long-haired man deliberately colliding into a BMW and screaming in pain.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel couldn't help but furrow his brows. Oh, gosh. That man is clearly staging a car accident. Why is there so much trouble in this café today?<br /> <br /> “Ah! Someone's been hit!”<br /> <br /> “Argh! My leg's broken! Murderer!”<br /> <br /> Four men immediately rushed out to join the commotion when the long-haired man fell on the ground.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, Emmanuel saw right through their ploy. Ha! Those guys must be the co-conspirators!<br /> <br /> Just then, a young lady hastily exited the BMW, clad in a maroon sleeveless dress that revealed a large expanse of tender, fair skin.<br /> <br /> “What's the matter? How could I have injured your leg when I was driving so slowly?” she asked anxiously.<br /> <br /> Seconds later, the long-haired man's buddies surrounded the woman, demanding compensation. “Cut the crap! Pay up! Pay up now!”<br /> <br /> Several people in the café had witnessed the staged accident, but unfortunately, they were so afraid of the big, burly men that no one dared to confront them.<br /> <br /> “How much do you guys want?” the woman muttered helplessly, having resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to settle the matter with money.<br /> <br /> The group of thugs, however, began leering at and drooling over her.<br /> <br /> “Haha. Hey, why don't you have some fun with us?” one of the men suggested.<br /> <br /> Just like that, what had started as a staged accident quickly turned into public harassment.<br /> <br /> The pretty woman was so scared out of her wits that she staggered backward until she bumped into Emmanuel.<br /> <br /> Instead of taking advantage of her like the other thugs, Emmanuel stepped in front of her and glared at the long-haired man.<br /> <br /> “Your leg's broken, and you're asking for compensation, huh?”<br /> <br /> Upon seeing Emmanuel's menacing expression, the thugs felt chills down their spines.<br /> <br /> At the same time, Mackenzie was sitting in the café and watching the entire scene unfold.<br /> <br /> Well, well, well. Who knew that man would be so brave? I'm sure no one else would have the guts to go up against five thugs.<br /> <br /> The next second, Emmanuel stunned everyone by viciously kicking the long-haired man's leg.<br /> <br /> “Argh!” the latter shouted in pain as he began hopping on the leg that was supposedly broken.<br /> <br /> The onlookers instantly let out a collective gasp.<br /> <br /> Goodness gracious! That man is daring!<br /> <br /> Mackenzie, too, had curled her lips into a smile.<br /> <br /> The café was one of her properties, so naturally, she had also seen how Emmanuel's blind date went.<br /> <br /> I thought he was a timid man when he didn't flare up despite being splashed with water. Who knew he was just a gentleman who doesn't lose his temper with women? I must admit, he looks rather charming when he shows his tough side!<br /> <br /> “What's this? Didn't you say your leg's broken? I'm impressed you can still jump on it!” Emmanuel mocked.<br /> <br /> When the onlookers realized that the long-haired man had lied about his injury, they wasted no time scolding and criticizing him.<br /> <br /> By then, the other thugs had also lost their bravado and fell silent. After all, they knew the tables had turned on them.<br /> <br /> “Hmph. I'll let you off this time. You'd better watch your back!” the long-haired man warned before running away with his tail between his legs.<br /> <br /> With that, the pretty woman gave Emmanuel a warm smile and coyly gestured for him to get into her car. “Hey, handsome, thank you so much for your help. Would you like to go to my house for a drink?”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel, however, brushed her off without a second thought. “No, thank you. I have other things to do!”<br /> <br /> Seeing how unmoved he was by her advances, the woman couldn't help but stomp her feet in frustration.<br /> <br /> Back in the café, Mackenzie heard her grandfather burst into loud guffaws.<br /> <br /> “Haha! I told you so, Mackenzie! Didn't I say that man has an excellent character? Your assistant, Lexi, is such a beautiful woman, yet he refuses to give her the time of day! Once you guys are married, you won't have to worry about him betraying you!”<br /> <br /> The more Mackenzie ruminated about Terence's words, the more her impression of Emmanuel improved.<br /> <br /> “Don't be too happy yet, Grandpa! Men are either after looks or money,” Mackenzie uttered coldly before getting up.<br /> <br /> Ha! I doubt Emmanuel can pass my second secret test of character!<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Emmanuel had gotten home after his matchmaking session failed spectacularly.<br /> <br /> Needless to say, his sister, Roselynn Lowe, was frustrated beyond belief. “What? Another unsuccessful blind date?”<br /> <br /> This is the eighteenth time, for goodness' sake! My brother's a six-foot tall, fit, and upstanding young man. Why won't any woman take a fancy to him? He may be thick-skulled at times, but surely, someone will still appreciate him for his good looks, won't they?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's mother, Alessandra Cadigan, seemed even more anxious as she hurriedly dragged him out of the house.<br /> <br /> “Mom, what are you doing?” Emmanuel asked, startled by how panic-stricken Alessandra was.<br /> <br /> “What am I doing? I'm worried sick about you!” the woman scolded without breaking her stride. “I don't understand it, either. Our neighbor's an unkempt twenty-eight-year-old novelist who's always cooped up at home, yet he's already planning for his second child! Why can't my son get a girlfriend? That woman didn't even stay for the blind date, did she? I paid good money to set this up for you! Let's go see her at her house right now!”<br /> <br /> “What?” Emmanuel choked out.<br /> <br /> Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mom has gotten this desperate! The matchmaking session was an utter failure, so why must she still insist on dragging me to the woman's place? Wouldn't I just be embarrassing myself again?<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Rags to Riches<br /> <br /> In any relationship, the party taking the initiative was often seen as lowlier and more desperate.<br /> <br /> Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman wore an even haughtier expression than when she was at the café.<br /> <br /> Ha! I knew he wouldn't be able to get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again!<br /> <br /> Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was just as smug when she learned of the Lowe family's intention.<br /> <br /> “If your son wishes to marry my daughter, you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand,” she said as she raised her palm. “We won't accept anything less!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's heart instantly sank.<br /> <br /> Oh, my goodness! Five hundred thousand? Is she trying to sell her daughter?<br /> <br /> Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. “T-That's fine!”<br /> <br /> As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house!<br /> <br /> “Your family must also provide a car and matrimonial home!” Milani's father chimed in. “More importantly, you're not going to let my daughter pay for any installments or maintenance fees!”<br /> <br /> By then, Emmanuel was on the verge of losing his patience.<br /> <br /> Shouldn't marriages be consensual? I don't expect both parties to be forking out the wedding expenses equally, but why does it feel like my family's here to surrender and be fleeced?<br /> <br /> Alessandra, too, found herself in a tight spot.<br /> <br /> She could sell the house to afford the betrothal gift, but how would she pay for the couple's car and home?<br /> <br /> “Sure. That's no problem!” Roselynn piped up, even going so far as to pull her brother back when she realized he wanted to object.<br /> <br /> She was just as eager for Emmanuel to start a family, and at thirty years old, she had worked and saved up enough to make the necessary down payments for him.<br /> <br /> Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift, I shall help Emmanuel with the car and home!<br /> <br /> “Lastly, he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!” Milani suddenly said.<br /> <br /> That, however, was the last straw for Emmanuel. “I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!”<br /> <br /> “Look at your son! What's with that attitude?” Milani yelled. “We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?”<br /> <br /> “No, no, no... The marriage will work out. It'd work out just fine!” Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding.<br /> <br /> I can't wait any longer... I must fulfill my husband's last wish by the end of the year!<br /> <br /> Having seen how things were going, even Roselynn knew she had to step in to persuade her mother. “Mom! Stop forcing it!”<br /> <br /> Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with giving a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife, then? Why can't she chip in? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents?<br /> <br /> Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, suddenly appeared with a cocky grin plastered on his face. “Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Emmanuel instantly exploded with rage.<br /> <br /> “What? Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!”<br /> <br /> Even though Emmanuel had only meant that as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to his word. “Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that...”<br /> <br /> “Get lost! I'd rather marry anybody than you!” Emmanuel retorted as the rage and ferocity he used to experience on the battlefield came flooding back.<br /> <br /> He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but there was no doubt they were monsters.<br /> <br /> “Look at yourself! How dare you ask me for my hand in marriage! I'd rather marry anybody than you too!” Milani snapped back.<br /> <br /> Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a man like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to fall out with me!<br /> <br /> After giving an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stood up and stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn with no choice but to follow suit.<br /> <br /> To their surprise, they had only just stepped out of the Zimmerman residence when three luxury cars pulled up in front of them.<br /> <br /> The Zimmermans quickly popped out to see the commotion and almost dropped their jaws when they saw the car lineup.<br /> <br /> Oh! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel, on the other contrary, seemed to recognize one of the cars. Hmm... Didn't I see that car outside the café?<br /> <br /> The next second, Terence stepped out of the car, surrounded by his convoy of suited bodyguards.<br /> <br /> He smiled as he approached Emmanuel and said politely, “I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!”<br /> <br /> Needless to say, everyone was stunned.<br /> <br /> Roselynn couldn't hide her excitement and gripped her brother's arm tightly.<br /> <br /> Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories?<br /> <br /> The more Emmanuel thought about it, the more he frowned. Wow... Who knew this old man was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café?<br /> <br /> Terence waved his hand, and within seconds, his subordinates had unloaded several boxes of gifts.<br /> <br /> Not only were there precious stones and jewelry, but there were also famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key.<br /> <br /> The total value of the items had to be at least ten million.<br /> <br /> For someone who earned a mere eighty thousand a year, ten million was an eye-watering amount of money that Emmanuel could only dream of!<br /> <br /> Upon witnessing the scene, the Zimmerman family almost collapsed in shock.<br /> <br /> Milani might be a well-dressed woman, but the truth was, her family was just like any other average family. To them, ten million was undoubtedly an astronomical sum!<br /> <br /> If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway!<br /> <br /> After snapping out of her daze, she smiled and hastily clutched Emmanuel's arm.<br /> <br /> “What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow... You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!”<br /> <br /> “Who's your darling?” Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani so much that she wanted to crawl into a hole.<br /> <br /> As though that wasn't enough, he brusquely pushed her away and added, “Didn't you just reject me? Why are you still calling me that?”<br /> <br /> “Uh... I—” Milani muttered, clearly at a loss for words.<br /> <br /> Her family, too, was incredibly frustrated.<br /> <br /> After all, they had just missed out on getting a wealthy son-in-law!<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Alessandra was about to say something when Roselynn tugged at her.<br /> <br /> As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find a better woman!<br /> <br /> “Mom, Roselynn, let's go!” Emmanuel said before ushering both women into the car.<br /> <br /> He didn't want to accept the gifts, especially since he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve them. However, it wasn't the time and place to discuss the matter, so he decided to leave instead.<br /> <br /> Once the Lowe family had left, a gust of cold wind swept over the Zimmermans as they seethed silently.<br /> <br /> “How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?” Melody berated.<br /> <br /> “W-What should I do now, then?”<br /> <br /> In all honesty, Milani was at a complete loss. She had gone on several blind dates to find a rich husband who could give her a life of luxury.<br /> <br /> Alas, who knew she'd let a multi-millionaire slip right through her fingers?<br /> <br /> “What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?” Melody suggested.<br /> <br /> Jacob, who was just as anxious, instantly exclaimed, “I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!”<br /> <br /> “Okay, okay. I got it!” Milani replied with a long sigh.<br /> <br /> Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms... Would he still care about me?<br /> <br /> 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚"Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO". 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311,559	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311633}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	418440987287563	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Don't walk away from me, Zell," Kosta yelled.<br /> "Why not? You don't need me. You have Khalis here to take care of all your needs. She is welcome to you. I hope you all will be very happy together. As for me, I'm done. Good luck to you and this pack. I hope you can handle the fallout for you and your whore's actions."<br /> "Mind how you talk to me, Zell. I may be your mate, but I am still the alpha. As a matter of fact, as of right now, I am stripping you of all of your luna privileges."<br /> I spat. "You should know, you didn't deprive me of Luna's title, but I didn't want it myself. I no longer want it. As for the business, have you forgotten that I own 51% of every business we have? I will withdraw all of my personal finances from the pack."<br /> "Oh, and Alpha, You, of all people, know how ruthless I can be if pushed."<br /> ————————<br /> "Well Zel, I just wanted to let you know that I plan on being the Luna of this pack, and your days as Kosta's mate and luna are numbered. I have decided that I deserve to be luna of the third strongest pack in the nation. I mean why should you get everything and I get stuck with nothing?" Khalis says.<br /> <br /> Is this bimbo serious? I just sat there staring at her for a few seconds. Not much shocks me, but this is something else. I knew Khalis was selfish, but this is on a whole other level. There have been rumors about Khalis sleeping with mated males, but I always gave her the benefit of the doubt. I never thought we would be having this kind of conversation. We have been friends since elementary school. Her father and brothers are elite warriors in my father's pack. She was with me when Kosta declared we were mates. She even encouraged me to go with him when he begged me and my father to let me come to his pack with him before I turned 18. She moved to this pack with me, hoping to meet her own mate. She knows Kosta is my fated mate. The moon goddess chose for him me. We both have known Kosta for most of our lives. Kosta is one of my brother's best friends. I keep thinking about everything we have done together and now this bimbo is sitting in my office telling me she plans to take my mate. I'm really speechless. This is a new low, even for her.<br /> <br /> "Just so that I am clear, what exactly do you mean that you want my goddess-given mate and title," I asked.<br /> <br /> "I mean exactly what I said. I want Kosta. I want to be his luna and I am going to make that happen. I've already started the process. I deserve to be a luna."<br /> <br /> "So you just want to come in here and tell me that you want my mate? What about your own mate? Have you thought about that? If the goddess meant for you to be a luna, you would have been fated to an alpha."<br /> <br /> "I waited for my mate. I gave the goddess a chance to do right by me. She gave everyone around me an Alpha. My sister got one, my little ugly cousin got one and even you got one, but what did I get? I got a lowly elite warrior as a mate." She spat.<br /> <br /> "How can you speak like that about elite warriors? Your father and your brother are elite warriors."<br /> <br /> "I know, and I deserve better than that. I deserve to be a luna. I deserve to have people respect me and cater to me."<br /> <br /> "Well, obviously the goddess did not agree with you," I said. "Just to clarify, you're saying that even though you found your destined mate, the one that was made specifically for you by the goddess, you're still interested in my mate? You are unbelievable. What is wrong with you?"<br /> <br /> "It's simple. I'm not meant to be the mate of a warrior. I am meant to be a luna. The moon goddess got it wrong and I am correcting her mistake. As soon as I scented my fated mate and realized he was a warrior, I rejected him and he accepted my rejection. Good riddance."<br /> <br /> "So you think you know better than the goddess?" I asked.<br /> <br /> I am still somewhat shocked. I have a hard time reconciling this cold-blooded bimbo to the person that has been my best friend for over a decade.<br /> <br /> "Zell, I told you a long time ago not to trust her. She has always been this person. She just pretended with you." Sapphire said.<br /> <br /> "This isn't personal, Zell. It's simple since the moon goddess did not give me an alpha, I'm going to take one."<br /> <br /> This bimbo is sitting here calmly telling me she is going to take my mate from me like we are talking about going shopping. She actually thinks this is ok. How could I have been so blind for so long? Everyone tried to warn me about her, but she was my only friend and I just didn't want to believe that about her. I convinced myself that the others were just jealous of her.<br /> <br /> "Do you really think it is ok to try to break your best friend's mate bond?" I say.<br /> <br /> "Oh Honey, I'm not going to try. I'm going to do it. He will be mine. I'm just giving you the courtesy of walking away with your dignity. You might as well start making arrangements for yourself because once I am the luna, there is no way that I will let you remain in my pack. He may keep some tender feelings for you. After all, you are fated."<br /> <br /> "You got one thing right; Kosta and I are fated. You are not the first she-wolf to try to break our mate bond and since he is an alpha, I'm sure you won't be the last. I will tell you what I tell them all, If you can get Kosta to cheat on our bond, you can have him. If he can do that, then he is not the man I have believed him to be and wouldn't deserve me. You would be welcome to him. Just remember, it is because of me and my family that this pack is ranked third. All of that goes with me, but you would be more than welcome to whatever is left." I say.<br /> <br /> "It's not an if, it's a when it happens. And when you leave, Kosta will still be the alpha of this pack. You will just be the ex-luna of the pack. I will be the luna."<br /> <br /> "That's where you are wrong. I am alpha born; a pure-blooded alpha. If I leave, I will still be an alpha and you will still be that bimbo on the side. Some males may be dumb enough to sleep with you, but I have not seen any of the mate men you've been accused of leaving their mates for you. Even the ones who got rejected didn't choose to be with you. Now I suggest you leave my office while I am still being nice or else you will find out why I am feared by others. And if you are successful, don't think for a minute that my family will let either of you go."<br /> <br /> "I will leave for now. Enjoy this office while it is still yours. Your arrogance will be your downfall. Why should I fear you or your family? They have not even been around since your luna ceremony. I'll give you 1 week to make arrangements for yourself. In 7 days, all of this will be mine and you will be out. I will break you and completely disgrace you. I have to thank you for working so hard to build this pack up for me to take over. I will be sure to enjoy the fruit of your labor. I and my children will enjoy this. I am glad he listened to me early on when I told him to wait to have children so you could live your life first. I had to set the groundwork just in case. Now it's time for you to go before you give him an heir." Khalis says and walks out of my office like nothing happened.<br /> <br /> She has caused a lot of chaos since coming to this pack. I just didn't realize her character before now. I thought she was misunderstood. Now I know I was just naïve. It appears that I was the only person blind to her true nature.<br /> <br /> I spent the rest of the day working on pack security and setting up meetings. There are a few alphas wanting an alliance with us. Kosta and I have become quite the power couple in the werewolf society. Since we took over as alpha and luna, the pack and the businesses have grown tremendously. I put my heart and soul into making our pack the best. I got an early start. I graduated from high school when I was 16 and went to university. I graduated with a business degree at 20. Kosta has let me take the lead in our businesses. He knows that beast at negotiation and a whiz at growing businesses. I have acquired several new companies since working in the pack business. Kosta is still the CEO, but I am the COO of the company. I broker the deals and then call Kosta in to close the deal. Most alphas in our circle are jealous of Kosta because he has me at his side. Kosta used to be proud of me and what I did for the pack, but lately he has been resisting the changes I have been making and trying to take over more of the daily operations of the pack. He can't take it all because I am the sole financial backing of the pack and the businesses.<br /> <br /> I am known in werewolf society as a child prodigy, but don't get it twisted, I am not all brains. I can be very deadly when needed. I train every day. I am one of the strongest wolves alive, although I keep that hidden. I can be ruthless, but fair. I know that I am the total package. I am athletic, tall with curves in the right places. I've never been one to compete with other she-wolves. I thought I was happy and had a good life. I thought Khalis was happy. We used to talk about finding our fated mates. I just can't understand how or why Khalis would try to come between me and my mate. I wish I could believe that my bond was safe and solid, but Sapphire is right about Kosta acting suspiciously lately. Kosta has been questioning me a lot lately. It's like he woke up a different person one day. He suddenly lost trust in me, but I have never given him a reason to doubt me. I have found him outside of my door listening to business phone calls, which is crazy because he could just walk in at any time and join the conversation. I have never hidden anything I was doing from him. The worse thing is that our life is now nonexistent. Kosta is always too busy or too tired. His behavior has led me to believe that he is not attracted to me anymore. He had the nerve to ask me why I have been trying so hard to seduce him lately. Like he didn't just stop making love to me cold turkey all of a sudden. We went from making love every day, sometime multiple times a day, to nothing in over a month. Seems like he should have been worried if I didn't try to seduce him. I don't know any mated pair that has gone this long without being intimate with each other. I don't know what the issue is. If we were not marked, I would wonder if he was cheating, but I know he is not. I would have felt it. Why did all of this suddenly become so hard? Why do I even need to seduce my goddess-given mate? It was never supposed to be this way. At least not yet. I'm only 20 years old. Much too young to be going through a dry spell while mated.<br /> <br /> I got so desperate at one time I asked our friends what was going on with him. Kosta tells his beta and gamma everything. I figured if there was a problem, they would tell me and I could fix it, but they just said that he was under a lot of stress. What exactly does he have to stress about? The pack is doing better than it has been in years. In half a year, the pack will be self-sufficient again and won't need to depend on my finances to keep it afloat. I have everything set in motion for the pack to have more disposable cash and residual income. I have a feeling this has Khalis written all over it. Kosta appears to have fallen in line with her already. Maybe this was their plan all along. Kosta needed me to get his pack back on track and now that they are almost completely independent, they don't need me anymore. If that's the case, they are in for a rude awakening. My six-month plan depends on me closing several more deals. All of these deals are allies with my father, uncle, and grandfather. They will not work with Kosta if our bond falls apart. He would erase everything that I have done over the past three years. Well, that would be his problem.<br /> <br /> I got so caught up in working and thinking; I didn't realize I worked up to dinner time. No one called me for lunch. In fact, no one called me for dinner. That is strange. One of the omegas usually checks on me when I am working too much and makes sure I am eating. I guess everyone is following Kosta. Since he has not been showing me any care, they are not either. That really hurts. I sacrificed a lot for this pack. I thought they cared more than this for me. I should just go back to my room. I don't know if I want to be around this pack right now, especially if they could turn their backs on me this quickly. Were they all just using me for my family's wealth?<br /> <br /> "We need to eat Zell. Remember, we are eating for our pup as well. Don't let them win. We are better than this. If they show us they don't want us here, we will leave. Remember, we are alpha born. We will rise above this. We will go back to where we are celebrated. If they turn against us, they don't deserve us. We will sit back and let them destroy themselves."<br /> <br /> "You are right Sapphire. Let's go eat. Our pup needs sustenance."<br /> <br /> I went and cleaned myself up and walked to the dining room. As soon as I walked through the door, all the talking stopped. The whole place went silent. As I walked all the way in, I saw why everyone went silent. Khalis was sitting in my seat, putting food on Kosta's plate like she is the luna. When she saw me, she just smirked and kept doing what she was doing. Kosta just keep eating like I was not standing there. Sapphire stared, pushing forward. She wanted blood. I did too, but I have to think about our pup.<br /> <br /> "What is going on, Kosta? Why is she sitting in my seat feeding you?" I growled.<br /> <br /> "I meant no harm, Zell. You were busy, so I decided to take care of Kosta for you. Someone needs to care for him while you are caring for other things. "<br /> <br /> "I was speaking to my mate, not his bimbo on the side."<br /> <br /> "You were not here for your mate, so I have been taking care of his needs."<br /> <br /> Sapphire pushed forward and growled loudly. Everyone in the room bowed their neck to her.<br /> <br /> "I could kill you in less than 30 seconds, Khalis. I would advise you not to keep crossing my line and you will find yourself very dead. You obviously have forgotten who I am. Don't make me remind you what my family name is," Sapphire said.<br /> <br /> I regained control and looked at Kosta. He didn't even appear to be concerned. He didn't show an ounce of regret or remorse. That took a little of the fight out of me. Khalis can only do what Kosta allows her to do.<br /> <br /> "Kosta, I asked you a question. What is going on?"<br /> <br /> "As Khalis said, you were busy, so she came to do your job for you. If you spent more time catering to me, your mate, and less time working or whatever you are doing, Khalis wouldn't have to step in and take care of my needs." Kosta said.<br /> <br /> I and every pack member gasped. I could not believe he openly disrespected me like that after everything I have done for him and this pack. I did all of that for him. This ungrateful hip.<br /> <br /> "So now I'm working too much, making your pack financially secure? You were not complaining when the pack was bankrupted and I worked day and night just so you could feed the pack another day. I was working too hard then. It's only now that you think the pack is out of the woods that I am working too hard. Now that everyone is comfortable and not at risk of starving, you want to change. Ok, I see who you are now. So instead of appreciating the sacrifices I made for us and the pack, you are sitting here with your bimbo, enjoying the feast that my hard work made possible. I am glad I finally understand where your priorities lie. Trust me, I will never make the same mistake twice." I said and walked away.<br /> <br /> I need to get out of here before I wolf out and kill one of them. After tonight, Khalis can have him. He is not the male I thought he was. I refuse to fight for someone who can spit on all the effort I put into making him great.<br /> <br /> "Don't walk away from me, Zell," Kosta yelled.<br /> <br /> "Why not? You don't need me. You have Khalis here to take care of all your needs. She is welcome to you. I hope you all will be very happy together. As for me, I'm done. Good luck to you and this pack. I hope you can handle the fallout for you and your bimbo's actions."<br /> <br /> "Mind how you talk to me, Zell. I may be your mate, but I am still the alpha. As a matter of fact, as of right now, I am stripping you of all of your luna privileges."<br /> <br /> "Alpha, what are you doing?" Beta James asked<br /> <br /> "Mind your business Beta. This is my pack." Kosta says.<br /> <br /> "Yes, and as your beta and friend, it is my job to tell you when you are making a mistake. Alpha, you are dangerously close to crossing the line of no return. Let's all calm down and discuss this later." Beta James said.<br /> <br /> "Beta, my word stands. Zel, until you learn to respect me as your alpha, you can forget about representing this pack in any aspect. I will be instructing the security team to restrict all of your access. You are no longer the COO of our businesses. As of now, you are just a regular pact member with no power."<br /> <br /> "First of all Alpha." I spat. "Respect is earned. While you are trying to throw your weight around, you can have the luna title back. I no longer want it. As for the business, have you forgotten that I own 51% of every business we have? I also provide 60% of the pack budget from my personal accounts. So while you can restrict my duties as Luna, you cannot touch the business, but I'll do you a solid. You can buy me out of the business and I will withdraw all of my personal finances from the pack."<br /> <br /> I can see that he had forgotten how dependent his pack was on me, but oh well. He made his bed. Now he and his bimbo can lie in it.<br /> <br /> "Oh, and Alpha, if you try to strong-arm me, I will have to call in the full loan that I gave this pack when we mated. Remember, we signed a contract for the loan. You have only paid me a small portion of the loan and I have not pushed the issue, but the contract is legal and binding. Don't push me, Kosta. You, of all people, know how ruthless I can be if pushed."<br /> <br /> I walked off again and made it as far as the stairs. I realized that I could not stay in my current room anymore. There is no way on this goddess-green earth that I want to be in a room with Kosta. Not that he has really shared it with me lately. Now I know why. Khalis has been feeding him and he has been eating it up. They both miscalculated. They thought I would be leaving here with nothing. The jokes on them. I may have been in love, but there is no love in business. I may have put my all into saving this pack and making it independently wealthy, but my parents did not raise a fool and I protected my finances. I invested millions in this company and pack. Did he really think I would protect my money? Does he not remember the prenup my father made him sign since I was a minor when he brought me to this pack? He never gained control over my finances.<br /> <br /> Khalis just showed her hand. After what I just saw, she has a right to be confident. Kosta has completely changed. He is not the man that I mated. He is not the boy that I followed around when I was younger. I don't know what happened or when he changed. Maybe this is who he really is and, like with Khalis, I just never saw his true self. He must have hidden it from my father and brother as well. There is no way they would have let me come here when I was 17 if they knew this was how he would end up treating me. I can see now that it is over between Kosta and me. I need to start planning my exit. I pulled up my computer and moved all of my finances from the pack accounts. I closed all the joint accounts I had with Kosta. It was mostly my money that financed them. I left the ones that he financed in his name. I don't want anything from him at all. After I handle business, I call my brother. I will need his help to leave here safely. Now that Kosta knows that all the money is still tied up with me, I doubt he will let me leave easily. I'm sure he and the bimbo are plotting up something.<br /> <br /> I called my brother and tall him waht happened.<br /> <br /> "So what's the plan, baby sis?" my brother answered.<br /> <br /> "Well, I have already moved all of my personal money from the pack accounts. They are now responsible for themselves. I'm not sure how that is going to go over. I was covering most of the pack's budget. Tomorrow, I will contact my attorneys to protect all of my other assets. I also plan to call our allies and let them know that I am no longer associated with the pack. I am erasing everything I've done over the past three years. They will need to start over from scratch and rebuild it all on their own. There is no way they will get to enjoy my hard work. No, sir."<br /> <br /> "Very smart Zell. What do you need me to do?"	LEARN_MORE	https://c.read4funs.com/ad/UmVhZDRGdW4vOTk3NTIvMjA	170837076120337	ForFun-121	https://facebook.com/61554691086159	21	1	884,509,717,018,315	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	ForFun-121	120206737769440155	c.read4funs.com	NONE	video		https://c.read4funs.com/ad/UmVhZDRGdW4vOTk3NTIvMjAyNDAyMDUxMDM2NDUvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-02-04 20:45	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425907339_1159542482094567_1439413418550461279_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dMZChVDeEAAAX-32fDT&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDkvYcGy1QdxYUgbXdSRsaXwX7h9ctWP8bgzbhMFSi7zg&oe=65D7E222	person_profile	ForFun-121	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425952346_707007188083593_8395622906818459897_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m94DI49pjc4AX_IrJrf&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAIsAeF2ctE67O0FKA79p1DOuKN6teQUmmFhadpn7G7zQ&oe=65D6D21D	3	ForFun-121	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,812	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310776}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	917949969712565	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	“You were jealous because you lost Zeke to her,” charged Clint with a taunting smirk, “and you thought that if she was out of the picture, you would get him back.”<br /> The past few months had sucked big-time. It had been a blow when her boyfriend found his true mate, but Ally was happy for Zeke. She had been nothing but welcoming and respectful to his mate, but the female had loathed her from minute one. Ally had felt the hate pouring from her in waves—literally. Being highly empathetic came with the Seer package.<br /> Her intuition had told her that Rachelle Lavin was going to be trouble . . . and it had been right. Despite Zeke not hesitating to claim Rachelle as his mate, the female had immediately embarked on a hate campaign with Ally as the target.<br /> Ally had been shocked when Zeke berated her a few months ago for supposedly insulting his mate. Confused and riled, she’d sought out Rachelle . . . playing right into the woman’s hands, she later realized. Everyone had witnessed her yelling at her Beta female, who had remained calm and cool as she rebuked Ally and gave her pitying looks for her “jealousy.”<br /> That was when the “Ally’s jealous” tripe had started. And she had quickly found that there wasn’t a good defense against that seventh-grade insult. If Ally ignored it, she was jealous. If she responded with a smart comeback, she was jealous. If she got pissed at them, she was not only jealous but bitter too.<br /> Shortly after that incident, Rachelle had claimed that Ally was sending her hateful text messages. Again, Zeke had freaked at Ally. So again, she’d sought out Rachelle, demanding that she produce these fictional messages. To her utter shock and dismay, Rachelle had. Ally had adamantly and loudly denied sending them, insisted that Rachelle must have at some point taken Ally’s cell phone and sent them to herself. Which, of course, sounded plain crazy—yet it was true. But no one other than Ally seemed to see that.<br /> And so, her pack mates had slowly but surely pulled away from Ally. In the time she’d been part of the Collingwood Pack, she’d healed several of them and had twice saved the pack from conflict through her visions . . . but all of that had ceased to mean anything.<br /> In their defense, Rachelle was a very convincing liar. She’d made Ally an outsider in her own pack. And thanks to the heifer’s latest stunt, Ally might be cast out.<br /> “No one’s going to buy your story, Ally,” Clint growled into her ear. Her wolf snapped her teeth at him. The guy certainly had the Prick Factor going on. “No one’s going to believe you. We have a witness who claims they saw you attack Rachelle.”<br /> “I doubt that.”<br /> He straightened. “Oh, really? Why?”<br /> “One, because the assault didn’t happen. Two, because if you did have a witness, you wouldn’t need a confession. As you said, it’s currently my word against Rachelle’s. People might trust her and like her, but that’s not enough to justify an execution. Particularly since there are some gaping holes in Rachelle’s little tale.”<br /> “Such as?”<br /> “Why would someone who wanted to kill her run away while she was unconscious? Wouldn’t they take advantage of that moment in which she was totally helpless and deliver a killing blow, considering they were a ‘coward’ and all?”<br /> Clint was quiet for a moment. “Maybe you heard someone coming. Or maybe you noticed someone was watching.”<br /> “Or maybe Rachelle’s just talking nonsense.” Again.<br /> “You know what I think, Ally?” asked Greg.<br /> “Oh, this is going to be good,” she muttered sardonically.<br /> “I think that you didn’t really want to kill Rachelle. I think you just lost your temper at a weak moment. We’ve all acted impulsively with anger at some point, right?” His tone turned soft and understanding. More mind games. “I think that you might have genuinely believed Rachelle had ordered the boys to trash your cabin. You were already very upset with her for taking Zeke from you. You’ve been feeling lost and alone. Jealousy has often got the better of you lately, and who could blame you for that?” Greg actually patted her hand.<br /> Oh, for Christ’s sake, was she really supposed to buy this oh-so-caring act?<br /> “When you walked into the cabin and saw the chaos, it was the icing on the cake. You did what anybody would do in that situation. You snapped, and you tracked down the person you convinced yourself was responsible. That was why you fled the scene after attacking Rachelle. Once you saw her unconscious on the ground, your anger dimmed and you felt bad for what you did.”<br /> “It’s either that,” began Clint, “or you went after Rachelle with the intention of killing her but then lost your confidence at the last moment. Which is it?”<br /> “Do the right thing and tell us the truth,” encouraged Greg. “Make things easier on yourself. As soon as you confess, this will all be over. Don’t you want this to be over?”<br /> Yeah, she damn well did.But making a false confession wasn’t on her list of things to do. “I’ve already told you what happened. I have nothing more to say.”<br /> “I’d say it’s time we—” Greg paused as the door behind her swung open. “Zeke.”<br /> Oh, goody.<br /> “She refuses to accept responsibility or—”<br /> “I’ll take it from here.” Once the enforcers had left and closed the door behind them, Zeke took one of the seats opposite her, his blue eyes tired. He looked tortured, just as he had each time he’d stepped between Ally and Rachelle in the past few months.<br /> She could feel how deeply it hurt him to choose sides; his pain chafed her nerve endings like sandpaper. That was what it was like for Seers: picking up positive emotions created pleasant, warm sensations. Negative emotions, however, could cause anything from mild discomfort to excruciating pain.<br /> Despite Zeke’s hurt, Ally couldn’t muster any sympathy for him. They had been in a relationship for almost eighteen months. If there was one person in this pack who knew Ally well, it was Zeke. If there was one person who should have seen through all the lies, it was him. Yet even he had jumped on the “Ally can’t be trusted” bandwagon.<br /> It was hard to believe this male had once spoken of imprinting with her. Wolves who weren’t true mates could still come together and mate through imprinting. It wasn’t uncommon, since shifters knew it wasn’t certain that they would find their true mates. But the process of imprinting hadn’t happened for Ally and Zeke, and she knew why. Although she had cared for him, she’d never loved him.<br /> Just the same, her wolf had been comfortable and content with Zeke, but she hadn’t wanted him the way a wolf wanted its mate. Their inner wolves “felt” on a level that humans could never surpass: fiercely, wildly, ragingly, and ferociously. Her wolf’s feelings for Zeke had never been that intense and all-consuming.<br /> “What’s my execution date?” Not that Ally honestly thought Matt would order that. He didn’t have enough evidence to justify it, no matter how much he might wish differently.<br /> “No one is going to execute you.” Zeke sounded so tired that she almost felt bad for him. Almost.<br /> “Well then, if you’re going to banish me from the pack, get it over with.” She could have left at any time, but she hadn’t been prepared to let anyone drive her out of her own pack, particularly not some vindictive, unhinged skank. And she’d figured that everyone would see through Rachelle’s act eventually, that because she was innocent the matter would soon fix itself.<br /> “You’re not going to be banished.”<br /> Well, that was a surprise. “Does this mean you doubt what your mate claimed I did?”<br /> Zeke seemed to struggle for words. “I know that it doesn’t sound like you, but you haven’t been yourself lately. I believe you didn’t set out to kill Rachelle, but the fact is that you did assault her. I’ve given you a lot of leeway, Ally. I’ve overlooked a lot of things, but I can’t overlook this. I can’t.”<br /> “So are Rachelle and I going to have a one-on-one instead?” How grand.<br /> “No.”<br /> Of course not. Rachelle might be Beta female, but her level of dominance didn’t exceed Ally’s. Rachelle wouldn’t want to chance being defeated by someone of lower rank. “I’ve apparently harassed and attacked her. Her wolf should be going crazy for vengeance. That alone should have caused her to challenge me.”<br /> He scrubbed a hand down his face. “A part of her feels sorry for you. She said she can understand why you’re jealous. She admits that she’d feel just as devastated and bitter in your position. She even argued to keep you in the pack when Matt was ready to banish you.”<br /> Ally double-blinked, shocked. “She did what?”<br /> “She doesn’t want you to be out there all alone. She told Matt and me that if you apologize and vow to end your jealous behavior, she’ll even be happy for you to escape punishment.”<br /> And that was when Ally finally comprehended just what Rachelle had been trying to accomplish all along. Not drive Ally out of the pack. Not have her banished or executed—or at least not yet, anyway. No, Rachelle had been trying to isolate Ally. Trying to take away everything that was important to her. She wanted Ally to be miserable and alone, and she wanted a front-row seat to the show.<br /> “All you have to do is apologize,” Zeke repeated.<br /> Laughing humorlessly, Ally leaned forward. “Apologize to her? I’d rather exfoliate my skin with barbed wire and then dive into a pool of chlorine.” Something that Rachelle would know perfectly well. “Besides, I’m not in the habit of saying sorry for stuff I haven’t done.”<br /> Zeke cursed under his breath. “Ally, she’s trying to help you here.”<br /> Ally shook her head sadly. “I never thought you’d be so easily fooled.” If his mating bond with Rachelle had fully developed, he would have sensed that she was lying. But still, he should have known that Ally was innocent. Should have known that even if Ally had attacked Rachelle in a moment of rage, she wouldn’t have lied about it. “So if you’re not going to cast me out, and she’s not going to challenge me, what’s the punishment for my fictional crime?”<br /> “If you don’t apologize to Rachelle, we’ll be forced to relieve you of your status.”<br /> The words were like a blow to the head. Status was everything to wolf shifters; it gave their wolves a clear purpose and stability. As such, to strip a wolf of their status was a very serious thing, designed to cut deep, to hurt both the wolf and the human side. And it did. “I see.” Her tone was flat, empty of any emotion, and gave away none of her wolf’s righteous anger.<br /> “Ally, look at me.” Whatever Zeke saw in her expression made him stiffen, as if bracing himself for impact. “I didn’t want things to be like this. Dammit, they don’t have to be like this.”<br /> “Jealousy makes people do things they wouldn’t normally do,” he mumbled as he averted his gaze. The words sounded rehearsed. Ally got the feeling they were Rachelle’s words.<br /> “You know me, Zeke. You know me. How could you believe this crap? How could you believe I’d begrudge you for mating? We both knew the score when we got together; we knew it would end if one of us found our mate. This happens to shifter couples all the time,” she added with a nonchalant shrug.<br /> A mixture of irritation and hurt flashed on his face. “Don’t downplay what was between us, Ally. We came close to imprinting. Don’t deny it.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Look, I can understand if our abrupt separation and Rachelle’s presence here hurts you. I sure wouldn’t have liked it if the situation were reversed, but I’d have respected it.”<br /> “I do respect your mating.”<br /> “Then why did you attack her?”<br /> “Oh, for God’s sake, I did not touch her.”<br /> “Then how do you explain the injuries she’s sporting?”<br /> “She must have done it all to herself!” Yes, Ally knew how that sounded, and it made her cringe. It was like the more she denied the allegations, the worse she looked. “I know she’s your mate, but I thought we were friends. You won’t even listen to me, you won’t even give me the benefit of the doubt!”<br /> “Because the evidence is all there! Rachelle’s got claw marks on her back, a bruised and swollen jaw, and the youths claim you left to pursue her. Then there are the text messages, the times you yelled at her, and the way you’re constantly angry—”<br /> “Wouldn’t you be angry if false accusations were being slung at you, and no one believed a word you had to say?”<br /> He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why would she falsely accuse you of all these things?”<br /> “Personally, I’m thinking it’s to make you and the entire pack hate me, to leave me isolated and unhappy. But I’m open to the explanation that she grew up on a diet of paint chips and glue.”<br /> “I could never hate you.” He released a tired sigh. “I care about you, Ally, and I always will. But Rachelle’s my mate, and I can’t let you target her like this. Regardless of what you think, I really don’t want to ask you to step down from your position. But right now, the pack doesn’t feel like they can trust you.”<br /> Which meant they didn’t trust a word she said, and so any visions she claimed to have wouldn’t be trusted either. There was literally no place for her here. “Get me a transfer.”<br /> “A transfer?” He looked genuinely shocked. Um, why?<br /> “Yes, get me a place in another pack.” Leaving did feel a little too close to fleeing, and her pride balked at that. But it was better to leave than to entertain Rachelle with her misery any longer. Of course, Ally could go back to her childhood pack. Her foster uncles would welcome her with open arms. But it wasn’t a safe place for her; it would make her life more complicated and dangerous than it already was.<br /> Zeke seemed to struggle with words for a moment. “That’s not necessary. I know everyone’s upset with you right now, but their anger will cool. Things will be back to normal within a month.”<br /> “We both know that’s not true. I want a transfer.”<br /> His jaw hardened. “No.”<br /> “Why not?”<br /> Again he seemed to struggle. “Like I said, it’s not necessary.”<br /> “It is to me. I want out of here.”<br /> “That won’t be easy.” He almost sounded pleased. “Any pack is going to be hesitant to take a wolf who was accused of attempting to kill their Beta female.”<br /> He was right, which meant she was stuck here unless she was prepared to choose the lone-wolf lifestyle—making her an easy target for the human anti-shifter extremists, not to mention other shifters. And Zeke didn’t appear willing to help her.<br /> She understood that Rachelle was his mate, and therefore his loyalty would be primarily to her; Ally wouldn’t expect anything less. But he was also the pack Beta and had taken an oath to protect his Alphas and each wolf within the pack. It was an oath he was now violating.<br /> “Ally, don’t storm out.”<br /> As she reached the door, she glanced back at him over her shoulder. “If you truly believe I attacked your mate, you’d have your hand around my throat, shaking me like a rag doll. But you don’t, because deep down you know, and your wolf knows, that didn’t happen.” Ally swung the door open. “Anyway, there’s no need for me to be envious of her claim on you—I always give my used stuff to the needy and disadvantaged.”	LEARN_MORE	https://b.mylibapps.com/ad/cmVhZGZpY3MvOTk5ODcvMjA	115926978277269	Libb001	https://facebook.com/61551002347000	31	1	3,554,002,821,579,879	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Libb001	120204903454690101	b.mylibapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.mylibapps.com/ad/cmVhZGZpY3MvOTk5ODcvMjAyNDAyMDUxMTI5MDgvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-02-04 21:31	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425717265_3562850120710451_3154243913976667779_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y423pL40pm4AX9ClRwE&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAl2Pem3WZEvGjhzvc8ueL4wQf5CON_pCazHBBhlX8mzA&oe=65D7112E	person_profile	Libb001	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425658698_420619203727187_2439433665862635284_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c-Lx81ObJJwAX-34Wz4&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAOqJiyoGgINoNg5mnVhSgG0c7188Oc0SafxIqBg3u29Q&oe=65D66E1A	3	Libb001	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,751	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310752}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	396720609490219	Free reading with Title "Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO"	A male gynecologist went to the wrong table on a blind date, but he didn't expect that a female CEO with a net worth of tens of billions would be interested in him.<br /> ------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 The Blind Date Blunder<br /> “I know, Mom. I'm in front of the café. Call you later!” Emmanuel Lowe hung up on his mother impatiently.<br /> The twenty-eight-year-old man had never been in a relationship.<br /> <br /> After spending seven years in the army, he retired from the military and worked at a hospital in Yeringham for three years.<br /> <br /> He was a gynecologist at the hospital and made eighty thousand a year.<br /> <br /> Worried he would end up old and alone, Emmanuel's mother urged him to settle down. Since he had no idea where to begin when it came to dating, his mother took matters into her own hands and set him up on multiple blind dates.<br /> <br /> Thanks to her efforts, he had gone on seventeen blind dates so far.<br /> <br /> Alas, wedding bells were clearly not on the horizon for Emmanuel. It was frustrating. He knew he was just going through the motions at that point.<br /> <br /> “Help! Someone help me!”<br /> <br /> Right before Emmanuel entered the café, he heard someone calling out weakly for help.<br /> <br /> The cries came from an old man who had fallen on the roadside. Many pedestrians walked past him, but no one dared to stop and help him to his feet.<br /> <br /> After all, helping the old man could be more trouble than it was worth if one ended up with an expensive lawsuit for injuring him further. No one would do something that risky and foolish.<br /> <br /> It did not deter Emmanuel from stepping forward and helping the man to his feet. He asked, “Are you all right, sir?”<br /> <br /> “I'm fine! Thank you so much, young man! It's so hard to find people as kind as you these days. I must repay you for your kindness!” replied the old man with a smile.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel realized then that the old man's attire was at odds with his airs. Despite his tattered clothes, the old man's clean hands looked like those of a man accustomed to wealth.<br /> <br /> Still, he had no time to satisfy his curiosity. After confirming that the old man was unharmed, Emmanuel rushed into the café for his blind date. He never once considered being repaid for his kind act earlier.<br /> <br /> The café was massive and practically structured like a maze.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's mother mentioned that his blind date was seated at table number eight. He wandered through the confusing café, but before he could locate the correct table, he stumbled into a special area.<br /> <br /> The lighting was softer there, and the floor was scattered with fresh petals.<br /> <br /> The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the air. He wondered if he had set foot in heaven.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel raised his eyes and immediately froze.<br /> <br /> A beautiful, elegant woman sat before a table in the room.<br /> <br /> It was no exaggeration to say she embodied perfection itself.<br /> <br /> The heavens clearly decided to shower all their favors on her.<br /> <br /> The woman quietly sipped her coffee with her legs crossed neatly to the side. On the table was a non-translated copy of The Power Broker.<br /> <br /> When she noticed Emmanuel barging into the room, she looked up at him in confusion and displeasure.<br /> <br /> Thump! Thump! Thump!<br /> <br /> When Emmanuel recovered from the shock of stumbling upon the beautiful stranger, he realized his heart was about to beat its way out of his chest.<br /> <br /> Never once had he ever felt so attracted to a woman in his twenty-eight years of life.<br /> <br /> The countless female bodies he had seen in his work as a gynecologist hardly appealed to him. At some point, he even wondered if he was attracted to women at all.<br /> <br /> Against all odds, it seemed, the young woman before him made his heart race like a runaway horse.<br /> <br /> Am I simply nervous, or am I already attracted to her?<br /> <br /> More surprisingly, Emmanuel noticed a large number eight sign on the woman's table.<br /> <br /> She's my blind date?<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath to calm himself before approaching her table and taking a seat opposite her.<br /> <br /> The young woman's expression grew increasingly flabbergasted. There was even a hint of hostility in her pretty eyes.<br /> <br /> The audacity of this man! Barging into my private room is bad enough, but he's going to sit opposite me like it's nobody's business?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel ignored her expression. It was not the first time a woman had scoffed at him.<br /> <br /> They were free to go their separate ways after getting the blind date done and over with.<br /> <br /> He introduced himself, declaring, “Hi! My name is Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist. I make eighty thousand a year and don't own a car or a house.”<br /> <br /> Any man would need an incredible amount of courage to say such things to a woman, but Emmanuel appeared unusually calm and unfazed.<br /> <br /> The young woman stared at him in shock. A moment later, her lips curved into a smirk, and she replied with an introduction of her own.<br /> <br /> “Nice to meet you. I'm Mackenzie Quillen. I'm twenty-seven years old with dual doctorates in finance and business administration from Harvard University. I made three billion last year, and I have a car and a house.”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel was stunned.<br /> <br /> What is happening?<br /> <br /> He always thought women on blind dates came with red flags.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie, however, was arguably flawless.<br /> <br /> Where's the catch?<br /> <br /> All sorts of fantastical theories filled Emmanuel's mind.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie smirked at his perplexed expression. The pride in her cool gaze was evident.<br /> <br /> She deliberately introduced herself to put the stranger in a difficult spot and intimidate him into retreating.<br /> <br /> As expected, awkward silence lingered in the air after her words.<br /> <br /> Urgh, forget it!<br /> <br /> Whether Mackenzie was telling the truth was beside the point. Emmanuel decided to go through all the motions so he could at least mollify his mother, even if the date did not result in a trip to the altar.<br /> <br /> He declared, “I don't make much, but if you decide to date me, I promise I'll always protect and cherish you. I'll take over all the household chores so you can be a queen at home. Of course, I hope you'll allow me to preserve my masculine pride in front of my family. If we do get married, I can give you about five to six thousand every month.”<br /> <br /> It was a well-worn script that Emmanuel recited in a single breath.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie was dumbfounded at his earnest expression and apparent lack of shame at his much lower salary.<br /> <br /> A long while later, she burst into a chuckle.<br /> <br /> She had never met a man who could humor her so.<br /> <br /> “What are you laughing about?” Unimpressed by her reaction, Emmanuel continued, “I know I don't check all the boxes, but I promise I'll be a good and responsible husband if we're married!”<br /> <br /> Pfft!<br /> <br /> Mackenzie failed to keep in her snigger.<br /> <br /> An annoyed Emmanuel demanded, “Why are you laughing, Ms. Quillen? Don't you think you're being rather rude?”<br /> <br /> “Sir, you're a very good man!” Mackenzie stopped smiling and retorted coldly, “But I think you're the confused one here. I'm not here for a blind date!”<br /> <br /> Huh? What is going on?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's eyes widened in horror as he sputtered, “Isn't this table number eight?”<br /> <br /> “Yes, but this is the VIP area. You must be looking for table number eight in the common dining area. Please go out and turn right!” She pointed a slender finger at the exit.<br /> <br /> “Oh... Sorry! I'm so sorry! I mixed things up!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel wished he could sink into the floor in embarrassment. He jumped to his feet, ready to make a hasty escape.<br /> <br /> That was so embarrassing! How could I sit at the wrong table for a blind date? No wonder she was laughing so much. She must have thought I was shooting above my weight!<br /> <br /> Shortly after Emmanuel's departure, an old man entered Mackenzie's private room, escorted by four black-clad bodyguards.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel would have been astonished if he was still around. The old man was none other than the stranger he had helped earlier in front of the café!<br /> <br /> He implored, “Perhaps this is fate, Mackenzie. You're twenty-seven, but you've never been in a relationship because of your misandry. No man would dare come near you! But that young man succeeded! He's also a kind and just person. A while ago, he helped me outside the café and didn't expect a reward for his actions!”<br /> <br /> The old man's true identity was Terence Quillen, chairman of Yeringham's premier financial corporation.<br /> <br /> While his wealth could trump that of entire nations, he had a major regret in life.<br /> <br /> Terence had had three sons who tragically passed away before him. They either had no children of their own or only left daughters behind.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie was Terence's favorite granddaughter and next-in-line to helm Terence Group.<br /> <br /> Her intelligence and charisma did not change the fact that she was a woman.<br /> <br /> Before Terence met his maker, he wished his favorite granddaughter could give him a great-grandchild.<br /> <br /> That spurred him to fake his fall in front of the café and scout a decent man for his granddaughter. To his surprise, the young man who helped him earlier made a blunder of his own blind date and ended up meeting Mackenzie instead.<br /> <br /> Isn't that fate?<br /> <br /> Mackenzie remained stoically unmoved by her grandfather's words. “Grandpa, he may have passed your test, but he hasn't passed mine. I'll marry him if he aces my test.”<br /> <br /> She wanted to fulfill her grandfather's wish, but she naturally wished to promise herself to a good man.<br /> <br /> Marrying a man after one blind date was simply too hasty and careless.<br /> <br /> Terence's gaze lit up expectantly, and he replied, “All right! I'm sure he will pass your test!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Failure<br /> <br /> After turning right at the door, Emmanuel finally found table number eight in the common dining area.<br /> <br /> Sure enough, a woman was seated at the table, looking like she was running out of patience.<br /> <br /> Dressed in professional attire that accentuated her beautiful curves, she was, by all means, a sight to behold.<br /> <br /> Even though she didn't exude the same air of elegance that Mackenzie had, there was no denying she had the power to make men fall at her feet.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, Emmanuel wasn't disappointed in the slightest. After all, he was well aware of his own qualities.<br /> <br /> Without further ado, he straightened himself up and approached the woman with a smile.<br /> <br /> “Sorry I'm late! My name's Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist with an annual salary of eighty thousand—”<br /> <br /> “Stop!” the woman coldly interrupted before he could finish his introduction. “What's the meaning of this? With what little you have to offer; do you seriously think women would want to marry you? I can't believe you even had the nerve to be late! What right do you have to keep a woman waiting? This has been an utter waste of my time. Hmph!”<br /> <br /> After firing off a barrage of questions, the red-faced woman angrily splashed a glass of water on Emmanuel's face.<br /> <br /> The latter, who was caught off guard, instantly became soaking wet.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, Emmanuel didn't lose his temper. After all, he was indeed late because he went to the wrong place, so he could understand why the woman was upset.<br /> <br /> “Hmph. You're twenty-eight and still only earning eighty-thousand a year. No wonder you're doing so poorly! Not only do you lack punctuality, but you also don't seem to take life seriously. You're doomed to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy your entire life! I'm shocked you even have the guts to go on a blind date with me... Stop being delusional!” the woman scolded as she shot Emmanuel a look of contempt.<br /> <br /> The next second, she grabbed her bag and stormed off, not once bothering to leave her name.<br /> <br /> To add insult to injury, she even waved a wad of cash in front of Emmanuel's face, then slapped it hard on the table as payment for the bill.<br /> <br /> The latter's gaze darkened instantly as rage began pulsing through his veins.<br /> <br /> This woman is humiliating me! I may not have high expectations for marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper! Argh! As much as I want to make her regret her actions, I know I don't have that capability...<br /> <br /> Since the woman was gone, Emmanuel, too, left the café glumly.<br /> <br /> To his surprise, he had only just stepped out the door when he saw a long-haired man deliberately colliding into a BMW and screaming in pain.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel couldn't help but furrow his brows. Oh, gosh. That man is clearly staging a car accident. Why is there so much trouble in this café today?<br /> <br /> “Ah! Someone's been hit!”<br /> <br /> “Argh! My leg's broken! Murderer!”<br /> <br /> Four men immediately rushed out to join the commotion when the long-haired man fell on the ground.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, Emmanuel saw right through their ploy. Ha! Those guys must be the co-conspirators!<br /> <br /> Just then, a young lady hastily exited the BMW, clad in a maroon sleeveless dress that revealed a large expanse of tender, fair skin.<br /> <br /> “What's the matter? How could I have injured your leg when I was driving so slowly?” she asked anxiously.<br /> <br /> Seconds later, the long-haired man's buddies surrounded the woman, demanding compensation. “Cut the crap! Pay up! Pay up now!”<br /> <br /> Several people in the café had witnessed the staged accident, but unfortunately, they were so afraid of the big, burly men that no one dared to confront them.<br /> <br /> “How much do you guys want?” the woman muttered helplessly, having resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to settle the matter with money.<br /> <br /> The group of thugs, however, began leering at and drooling over her.<br /> <br /> “Haha. Hey, why don't you have some fun with us?” one of the men suggested.<br /> <br /> Just like that, what had started as a staged accident quickly turned into public harassment.<br /> <br /> The pretty woman was so scared out of her wits that she staggered backward until she bumped into Emmanuel.<br /> <br /> Instead of taking advantage of her like the other thugs, Emmanuel stepped in front of her and glared at the long-haired man.<br /> <br /> “Your leg's broken, and you're asking for compensation, huh?”<br /> <br /> Upon seeing Emmanuel's menacing expression, the thugs felt chills down their spines.<br /> <br /> At the same time, Mackenzie was sitting in the café and watching the entire scene unfold.<br /> <br /> Well, well, well. Who knew that man would be so brave? I'm sure no one else would have the guts to go up against five thugs.<br /> <br /> The next second, Emmanuel stunned everyone by viciously kicking the long-haired man's leg.<br /> <br /> “Argh!” the latter shouted in pain as he began hopping on the leg that was supposedly broken.<br /> <br /> The onlookers instantly let out a collective gasp.<br /> <br /> Goodness gracious! That man is daring!<br /> <br /> Mackenzie, too, had curled her lips into a smile.<br /> <br /> The café was one of her properties, so naturally, she had also seen how Emmanuel's blind date went.<br /> <br /> I thought he was a timid man when he didn't flare up despite being splashed with water. Who knew he was just a gentleman who doesn't lose his temper with women? I must admit, he looks rather charming when he shows his tough side!<br /> <br /> “What's this? Didn't you say your leg's broken? I'm impressed you can still jump on it!” Emmanuel mocked.<br /> <br /> When the onlookers realized that the long-haired man had lied about his injury, they wasted no time scolding and criticizing him.<br /> <br /> By then, the other thugs had also lost their bravado and fell silent. After all, they knew the tables had turned on them.<br /> <br /> “Hmph. I'll let you off this time. You'd better watch your back!” the long-haired man warned before running away with his tail between his legs.<br /> <br /> With that, the pretty woman gave Emmanuel a warm smile and coyly gestured for him to get into her car. “Hey, handsome, thank you so much for your help. Would you like to go to my house for a drink?”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel, however, brushed her off without a second thought. “No, thank you. I have other things to do!”<br /> <br /> Seeing how unmoved he was by her advances, the woman couldn't help but stomp her feet in frustration.<br /> <br /> Back in the café, Mackenzie heard her grandfather burst into loud guffaws.<br /> <br /> “Haha! I told you so, Mackenzie! Didn't I say that man has an excellent character? Your assistant, Lexi, is such a beautiful woman, yet he refuses to give her the time of day! Once you guys are married, you won't have to worry about him betraying you!”<br /> <br /> The more Mackenzie ruminated about Terence's words, the more her impression of Emmanuel improved.<br /> <br /> “Don't be too happy yet, Grandpa! Men are either after looks or money,” Mackenzie uttered coldly before getting up.<br /> <br /> Ha! I doubt Emmanuel can pass my second secret test of character!<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Emmanuel had gotten home after his matchmaking session failed spectacularly.<br /> <br /> Needless to say, his sister, Roselynn Lowe, was frustrated beyond belief. “What? Another unsuccessful blind date?”<br /> <br /> This is the eighteenth time, for goodness' sake! My brother's a six-foot tall, fit, and upstanding young man. Why won't any woman take a fancy to him? He may be thick-skulled at times, but surely, someone will still appreciate him for his good looks, won't they?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's mother, Alessandra Cadigan, seemed even more anxious as she hurriedly dragged him out of the house.<br /> <br /> “Mom, what are you doing?” Emmanuel asked, startled by how panic-stricken Alessandra was.<br /> <br /> “What am I doing? I'm worried sick about you!” the woman scolded without breaking her stride. “I don't understand it, either. Our neighbor's an unkempt twenty-eight-year-old novelist who's always cooped up at home, yet he's already planning for his second child! Why can't my son get a girlfriend? That woman didn't even stay for the blind date, did she? I paid good money to set this up for you! Let's go see her at her house right now!”<br /> <br /> “What?” Emmanuel choked out.<br /> <br /> Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mom has gotten this desperate! The matchmaking session was an utter failure, so why must she still insist on dragging me to the woman's place? Wouldn't I just be embarrassing myself again?<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Rags to Riches<br /> <br /> In any relationship, the party taking the initiative was often seen as lowlier and more desperate.<br /> <br /> Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman wore an even haughtier expression than when she was at the café.<br /> <br /> Ha! I knew he wouldn't be able to get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again!<br /> <br /> Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was just as smug when she learned of the Lowe family's intention.<br /> <br /> “If your son wishes to marry my daughter, you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand,” she said as she raised her palm. “We won't accept anything less!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's heart instantly sank.<br /> <br /> Oh, my goodness! Five hundred thousand? Is she trying to sell her daughter?<br /> <br /> Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. “T-That's fine!”<br /> <br /> As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house!<br /> <br /> “Your family must also provide a car and matrimonial home!” Milani's father chimed in. “More importantly, you're not going to let my daughter pay for any installments or maintenance fees!”<br /> <br /> By then, Emmanuel was on the verge of losing his patience.<br /> <br /> Shouldn't marriages be consensual? I don't expect both parties to be forking out the wedding expenses equally, but why does it feel like my family's here to surrender and be fleeced?<br /> <br /> Alessandra, too, found herself in a tight spot.<br /> <br /> She could sell the house to afford the betrothal gift, but how would she pay for the couple's car and home?<br /> <br /> “Sure. That's no problem!” Roselynn piped up, even going so far as to pull her brother back when she realized he wanted to object.<br /> <br /> She was just as eager for Emmanuel to start a family, and at thirty years old, she had worked and saved up enough to make the necessary down payments for him.<br /> <br /> Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift, I shall help Emmanuel with the car and home!<br /> <br /> “Lastly, he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!” Milani suddenly said.<br /> <br /> That, however, was the last straw for Emmanuel. “I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!”<br /> <br /> “Look at your son! What's with that attitude?” Milani yelled. “We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?”<br /> <br /> “No, no, no... The marriage will work out. It'd work out just fine!” Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding.<br /> <br /> I can't wait any longer... I must fulfill my husband's last wish by the end of the year!<br /> <br /> Having seen how things were going, even Roselynn knew she had to step in to persuade her mother. “Mom! Stop forcing it!”<br /> <br /> Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with giving a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife, then? Why can't she chip in? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents?<br /> <br /> Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, suddenly appeared with a cocky grin plastered on his face. “Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Emmanuel instantly exploded with rage.<br /> <br /> “What? Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!”<br /> <br /> Even though Emmanuel had only meant that as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to his word. “Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that...”<br /> <br /> “Get lost! I'd rather marry anybody than you!” Emmanuel retorted as the rage and ferocity he used to experience on the battlefield came flooding back.<br /> <br /> He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but there was no doubt they were monsters.<br /> <br /> “Look at yourself! How dare you ask me for my hand in marriage! I'd rather marry anybody than you too!” Milani snapped back.<br /> <br /> Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a man like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to fall out with me!<br /> <br /> After giving an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stood up and stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn with no choice but to follow suit.<br /> <br /> To their surprise, they had only just stepped out of the Zimmerman residence when three luxury cars pulled up in front of them.<br /> <br /> The Zimmermans quickly popped out to see the commotion and almost dropped their jaws when they saw the car lineup.<br /> <br /> Oh! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel, on the other contrary, seemed to recognize one of the cars. Hmm... Didn't I see that car outside the café?<br /> <br /> The next second, Terence stepped out of the car, surrounded by his convoy of suited bodyguards.<br /> <br /> He smiled as he approached Emmanuel and said politely, “I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!”<br /> <br /> Needless to say, everyone was stunned.<br /> <br /> Roselynn couldn't hide her excitement and gripped her brother's arm tightly.<br /> <br /> Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories?<br /> <br /> The more Emmanuel thought about it, the more he frowned. Wow... Who knew this old man was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café?<br /> <br /> Terence waved his hand, and within seconds, his subordinates had unloaded several boxes of gifts.<br /> <br /> Not only were there precious stones and jewelry, but there were also famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key.<br /> <br /> The total value of the items had to be at least ten million.<br /> <br /> For someone who earned a mere eighty thousand a year, ten million was an eye-watering amount of money that Emmanuel could only dream of!<br /> <br /> Upon witnessing the scene, the Zimmerman family almost collapsed in shock.<br /> <br /> Milani might be a well-dressed woman, but the truth was, her family was just like any other average family. To them, ten million was undoubtedly an astronomical sum!<br /> <br /> If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway!<br /> <br /> After snapping out of her daze, she smiled and hastily clutched Emmanuel's arm.<br /> <br /> “What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow... You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!”<br /> <br /> “Who's your darling?” Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani so much that she wanted to crawl into a hole.<br /> <br /> As though that wasn't enough, he brusquely pushed her away and added, “Didn't you just reject me? Why are you still calling me that?”<br /> <br /> “Uh... I—” Milani muttered, clearly at a loss for words.<br /> <br /> Her family, too, was incredibly frustrated.<br /> <br /> After all, they had just missed out on getting a wealthy son-in-law!<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Alessandra was about to say something when Roselynn tugged at her.<br /> <br /> As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find a better woman!<br /> <br /> “Mom, Roselynn, let's go!” Emmanuel said before ushering both women into the car.<br /> <br /> He didn't want to accept the gifts, especially since he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve them. However, it wasn't the time and place to discuss the matter, so he decided to leave instead.<br /> <br /> Once the Lowe family had left, a gust of cold wind swept over the Zimmermans as they seethed silently.<br /> <br /> “How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?” Melody berated.<br /> <br /> “W-What should I do now, then?”<br /> <br /> In all honesty, Milani was at a complete loss. She had gone on several blind dates to find a rich husband who could give her a life of luxury.<br /> <br /> Alas, who knew she'd let a multi-millionaire slip right through her fingers?<br /> <br /> “What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?” Melody suggested.<br /> <br /> Jacob, who was just as anxious, instantly exclaimed, “I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!”<br /> <br /> “Okay, okay. I got it!” Milani replied with a long sigh.<br /> <br /> Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms... Would he still care about me?<br /> <br /> 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚"Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO". Enjoy Romance Now🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?	104800005627300	A wonderful story	https://facebook.com/100083177024234	49,918	1	950,266,820,026,089	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Learn more	A wonderful story	120203644730430452	page.tapon.com	NONE	image		https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=4685&brand=3&app=0&ppid=1665&pid=FBW2A&campaign={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}	2024-02-02 00:06	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424568984_305798349135612_3887489636482791136_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DT5qBx5OhrwAX87oeSR&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBBWV_l33rB8RsfA5_u8XQHAWNHj16CNfIyn4_n-BoXTg&oe=65D6FEEF	person_profile	A wonderful story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424926945_431888105990158_2998398187927483150_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=43V5x_b-JAwAX_LhnJ9&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCI9Kwfe2aqHOXrNKB2sPdLW51cJBjWlOiCpJQMgIv3DA&oe=65D82EBF	3	A wonderful story	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,672	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311224}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	359786706946112	Discover the future of Regenerative treatments for Neuropathy & Joint pain...	➡️ Be our Guest at our upcoming Special DINNER Event (Dinner on us) and Learn about Innovative RegenerativeTherapies that address the root cause of neuropathy & joint pain and promote natural healing.<br /> <br /> 🔹 Innovative & Proven approaches to treat the conditions listed below:<br /> ✅ Numbness/Burning Pain<br /> ✅ Diabetic Nerve Pain<br /> ✅ Leg Cramping<br /> ✅ Sharp, electric-like pain<br /> ✅ Pain when walking<br /> ✅ Difficulty sleeping due to leg and foot discomfort<br /> ✅ Prickling or tingling in hands and feet<br /> 🔹 Stiff & Swollen joints…<br /> 🔹 Popping or crunching noises...<br /> 🔹 Joint pain...<br /> 🔹 Loss of function...<br /> 🔹 Loss of strength..<br /> 🔹 ...And many more<br /> <br /> ⏩ Life can change quickly when you have the right information, Reserve your spot below by clicking “Sign Up”!<br /> <br /> ⚠️ Click the "SIGN-UP" button or ad image to Reserve Your Spot for our Dinner on Tuesday, February 27th at 6:30PM.<br /> <br /> 👉 Location:<br /> BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse<br /> 1001 East Whitestone Blvd.<br /> Cedar Park, TX 78613<br /> <br /> ➡️ Simply Click Below to RSVP & for more Details: 👇👇<br /> (Seating is limited, reserve your spot now)👇 👇 👇	SIGN_UP	http://fb.me/	200230339842989	Williamson County Integrative Medicine#	https://facebook.com/61555483893082	4	1	383,749,367,735,142	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Sign up	Williamson County Integrative Medicine#	120205384316360513	fb.me	NONE	image		http://fb.me/	2024-02-17 13:50	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424656906_3635899646727644_4432590100043595652_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y2FDFGPveOYAX8WpwLD&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAjTwOTndXZB6sfgcvcNT3NHrGAr1ORlxKD8veqY3Yrhw&oe=65D79DFC	person_profile	Williamson County Integrative	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424699110_1537558583751064_3634698997783592237_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OK9KaEMXD-QAX-HEmed&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCUA1UFKgeQ6UkVbHSShWxhxQFAjzBwsXUx86AcG7x09w&oe=65D73A4B	3	Williamson County Integrative Medicine#	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,863	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310785}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1626916734713078	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	“ Does the sinner have any last words to say?”<br /> “ You all will regret this, if I am truly a witch then I curse you all… one day you will regret what you have done.” <br /> Then she turned to look at Logan who was looking at her in amusement like he was watching a show. “ And you! You will one day beg me on your knees, but remember by then it will be too late.”<br /> “ Beg on my knees huh?” chuckled Logan as he tilted his head. “ I will be waiting for that day.” <br /> ————————<br /> Earlier today, Mavis asked Levy to escort her to the mall because she knew that her captor wouldn’t let her go alone, Levy knew this as well and agreed but who would have thought that the entire thing was a trap. <br /> When she returned to the spot where she left Mavis, the entire place was completely ruined Mavis’s sister Lily and Moira —— her mate’s sister were unconscious and Mavis was nowhere to be found and what was even more tragic—— the place had spells cast all over. <br /> So, the blame for making Mavis vanish fell on her head since she was the only witch in the pack. <br /> Levy tried to raise her head but the male behind her pressed his knee harder at the back of her throat making her choke. “ Believe me, Logan.” <br /> Logan didn’t say anything in response to her plea and Levy felt her heart break into another few pieces. If this had been Mavis —— no, if Mavis really killed anyone, Logan would have never questioned her like this, he wouldn’t even allow his enforcer to touch her, yet when it came to her, he was willing to let her get embarrassed like this though she could feel her heart twist like an ice-cold hand has wrapped itself around it. “ Logan——”<br /> “ Shh,” he said finally, his cello-like voice brimming with rage that she could feel literally pulsating in the air. “ You mean to say that you took her out, brought her to a mall that was at an hour's distance, with magic circles etched at every place where she vanished. And you mean to say that’s not you?”<br /> “ I really have no hand in this——”<br /> “ Levy Taylor, do you take me as a fool?” There was a clink and the enforcer behind her pulled her head up by her hair so that she could see the chilling hatred in Logan’s eyes. Another pang hit what was left of her heart and she trembled, this man… this man was supposed to love her yet he was looking at her with so much disgust that she could feel her gut twist inside her. <br /> Jet black hair and icy blue eyes brimmed with a glow that could both mesmerise and terrified those who locked gazes with him. <br /> Seeing him look at her with so much hatred made Levy choke on a sob as she shouted, “ Why don’t you believe me? I never hurt her, I didn’t… I am not guilty, Logan…please …please, I have never asked for anything from you. For the first time in my life I am asking you for something, trust me please …just a bit.”<br /> She watched his eyes flickered ever so slightly and just as hope bloomed in her heart, his eyes hardened as he glared at her coldly. “ And who do you think you are to ask me anything, Levy?”<br /> ------<br /> Levy felt her heart drop to the deepest pit of her stomach. Why should he believe her? Because she was his mate! The other half of his soul, how can he not trust the other half of his soul and for whom? A girl who meant nothing to him. She wanted to shout and fight for her right but Levy knew that it was useless, Logan never cared about her and even more so now that she was the one who was being charged with the crime of killing the girl whom he had adored for so long. <br /> She bowed her head without saying anything anymore, she knew that no one was going to come to her help. Not even her father who have hated her from the day she gained her consciousness as a young girl, in fact, she was quite sure that he must be quite pleased with the outcome of this trial —— for years, Levy have wondered why her father hated her but now she could no longer care about anything. <br /> She has cared too much, and loved too much this was why she was in this condition. If only she had left the pack after Logan took Mavis as his lover then she wouldn’t be in this situation. <br /> When she said nothing, Logan who was sitting in the main seat of the pack hall like the King of an Empire looked around the hall and asked in a clear-cut voice, “ Does anyone have anything to say in favour of Levy Taylor?” <br /> Just as she expected, no one said a word. Not even her brother, the beta of the pack, he clearly had the power to save her but he didn’t, he didn’t say a word. Levy sucked in a breath and shook her head with a mocking smile what was she even expecting now?<br /> “ Very well, since Levy Taylor could not produce any efficient evidence that she wasn’t guilty of the charges that were placed on her head, I hereby announce her as a sinner of the wolf community.” Then he turned to look at Mavis's father who was crying pitifully and asked with a delicate voice, “ Elder Hopkins, what punishment would you like to give the sinner? She is the one who killed your daughter, any punishment that you deem fit, please say it out loud.”<br /> “ Alpha, I... I have nothing more to say, one of my daughters died and the other is unconscious, who knows when she will wake up… as an old man I have lost everything… though others would think its cruel, I want that sinner who killed my daughter to pay with her own life. That’s all that I want… I...I don’t want my daughter’s soul to be at unrest because I as her father couldn’t get revenge on her.” <br /> After saying this, he once again succumbed to crying. Everyone watched Elder Hopkins cry until he was out of breath and their hatred for Levy intensified, everyone knew that Elder Hopkins lost his mate and was only hanging on to life for his daughters, how cruel this sinner has to be to take away the only reason he was alive.<br /> “ That’s fair.” Logan nodded sympathetically before turning to Levy, his eyes as cold as ice and his voice devoid of all the warmth that he had for Mavis. “ Does the sinner have any last words to say?”<br /> “I don’t,” gritted out Levy as she glared at Logan, three years he loved this man for three years and had a crush on him ever since she was a child, and this was how he repaid her? “ I just hope that you will never regret this because one day the truth will come to light and then everyone will know how a great alpha killed an innocent female because he was blinded because of his emotions. Fair you say? There is nothing fair about this trail, I wasn’t given a chance to defend myself, I wasn’t even given a chance to carefully explain my situation and the circumstances before I was hauled here. You are one blind prick Logan Alston and I hope you will suffer through the same pain as I am when you will tell the truth, put your feelings on the line and no one will believe you.” <br /> Her words echoed in the silence of the packed hall, as Logan simply cast a glance at her before continuing, “ So, now that the sinner has finished saying her last words we shall commence——”<br /> “ Wait,” An old voice interrupted Logan as the head of all Elders, Elder Abbot raised his hand causing everyone to look at him in surprise. <br /> “ Lord Abbot?” Logan must have been surprised by this outcome because this time his confusion echoed in his voice. “ What's wrong?”<br /> “I believe that the girl is innocent,” said Lord Abbot as he stood up from his chair where he was seated. <br /> Immediately, a loud uproar issued within the pack hall as Elder Hopkins cried, “ But my lord she was caught at the spot of the murder!”<br /> “ Innocent until proven guilty,” Lord Abbot swept his eyes sharply at Elder Hopkins. “ There is no evidence that proves that she used magic herself to kill your daughter, Hopkins.”<br /> “ Magic circles were drawn all over the place——-”<br /> “ She is not the only witch in this world, with the number of enemies that our Alpha has, it’s given that someone would try to take advantage of the situation.” shot back Lord Abbot. <br /> Levy who has lost all her hope looked at Lord Abbot with tears in her eyes, she never thought that the elder who always behaved so strictly towards her would actually come to her rescue.<br /> Logan who was watching the two elders quibble snapped the armrest of his chair in anger and looked at Lord Abbot. “ My lord do you really want to save this sinner?”<br /> “ I am not saving the sinner, I am saving your pride, Alpha,” answered Lord Abbot with ease. “ If the information that you killed a female without a fair trial gets out then I am afraid the council will not sit back.” <br /> “ Thank the Lord for his grace sinner, that you have been granted amnesty. I will not kill you today——”<br /> “Alpha!” cried Elder Hopkins. “ My daughter..how will she rest at ease knowing that her murderer is still roaming free?”<br /> “ Who said that the sinner will roam free?” said Logan abruptly causing Levy to look at him in surprise. Her gaze met with his blank one like he wasn’t even there and silently pleaded to him, she hoped that he would let her go..maybe even banishing from the pack was something she was alright with, after she was banished she will look for another rogue wolf and maybe start her life over. <br /> But maybe Logan didn’t want her to even have that much happiness after killing her bit by bit as he announced ruthlessly. “ The sinner hasn’t been pardoned yet that’s why she will spend the next seven years until she has repaid all her sins in the frost-gate prison.”<br /> As soon as his words dropped, Levy struggled against the enforcers who were holding her down as she shrieked. “ No, anything but that! You know I will die there before I can even finish these seven years, Logan!” <br /> Frost gate was the most horrible prison that was specially made for the shifters and what made it special was that the wardens there were all humans, who couldn’t care about the shifters who were trapped there… they were tortured, targeted and even used as some sort of toys for the entertainment of the humans. Seven years…. Seven… how was she supposed to stay there for the next seven years. <br /> When Logan didn’t say anything, she turned to her father who was coldly watching the trial as if the person who was being punished unjustly wasn’t his daughter. “ Dad! Dad! You have to believe me that I didn’t do anything… I swear I did not… please save me, I didn’t do anything… I did not murder Mavis, please… please don’t send me there.”<br /> However, her father looked away without even blinking his eyes, like he couldn’t see what was happening…like he didn’t hear her pleading with him. <br /> As the enforcers pulled her up by her chains, she hatefully looked at all the passive onlookers and cursed, “ You all will regret this, if I am truly a witch then I curse you all… one day you will regret what you have done.” Then she turned to look at Logan who was looking at her in amusement like he was watching a show. “ And you! You will one day beg me on your knees, but remember by then it will be too late.”<br /> “ Beg on my knees huh?” chuckled Logan as he tilted his head. “ I will be waiting for that day,” then he waved his hand and motioned the enforcers to take her away.<br /> -----<br /> Levy woke up with a jolt when chilling water was thrown at her, as a wolf shifter she hated cold. Teeth chattering she looked at the female warden who was looking down at her, or at least that was what she thought they were doing since she couldn’t see their faces in the dark like of the prison and with their faces covered in a black veil. <br /> “ Ah what a shame, she woke up … I was going to use my latest shock stick on her.” said the woman on the left as she raised her brand new stick. “ It would have given a dramatic effect, water + electricity = boom!” <br /> “ Who says you cannot do that anymore?” said the one on the right with an amused chuckle. “It's not like she can rush off and complain to her mommy can she?”<br /> Both of the women laughed out loud at the poor joke, their laughter reverberating in the dark prison. Levy stiffened as she watched the woman with the shock stick coming close to her, her clothes were dripping with water and if she got electrocuted then she might not even make it out alive tonight. <br /> “ Ah, girly … don’t be afraid, we won’t kill you yet,” as if the woman who was standing behind had read her mind, she immediately coaxed her in a soothing voice. “ Not yet at least, because if we do then wouldn’t be it a waste for us? Is our new toy getting destroyed on the first day of its arrival? No, no that can’t happen.”<br /> “ That’s right, don’t worry. I will be very gentle with you,” cooed the woman with the shock stick as she stabbed it on Levy’s side. <br /> As the nerve-jolting current rode her body, Levy jerked and tried to run but she couldn’t… she was bounded to the wall with chains that stopped her from moving. “ No,…please let me go….”<br /> “ Ah poor girl wants to leave?” said the woman with a shock stick as she kept stabbing her. “ Go, you can of course go…if you can make out of this prison alive for the next seven years.” <br /> As she stabbed the stick once again, Levy realised her horrifying reality. She was not going to survive in this inferno.<br /> ------ <br /> Seven years later <br /> “Levy Harlow,” a female voice called out as the owner of the voice stormed over in her direction. She stared at the twisted bodies that were lying next to Levy’s feet and clicked her tongue before raising her hand and slapping her hard. “ You survived again huh? I can’t believe that you survived again,” she surveyed Levy carefully as she looked up and down on the latter’s body and spat on Levy’s feet. “ You really are the worst prisoner here, aren’t you? Seven years of torture, blinded in one eye and mana core almost broken, yet you still make out of these marathons alive, how? A blind bi*ch like you should have been the first to be eliminated, should she not be?”<br /> The marathon that the female warden spoke of was not the simple ‘ you run and win’ kind of marathon at all—— no, it was the worst nightmare of all the prisoners living in the frost gate prison. A special entertainment activity that was planned by the humans, every once a month, a marathon will be arranged by the higher-ups of the prison, the only difference, the prisoners will be handed weapons.<br /> The rules were simple, the one who took down most of their competitors and reached the finishing line will be the winner and Levy has been winning this marathon for several years. Not because she wanted to live but because she simply liked making her female wardens lose all the money they have betted. <br /> It was because of them that she lost one of her eyes, a day before the marathon, they tortured her bad enough in the hope that she will lose. If not for them, she would have never lost her eye that day —— though Levy did not regret it, at least she was able to get away with her life, if not she wouldn’t be standing here. <br /> She threw the knife on the ground causing the warden to yelp. “ You should have known better than to wage on someone else, miss.” Before walking away out from the ground the human female rushing after her, hot on her heels. “ You think that just because you are getting out tomorrow, you can act all arrogant, do you?” Then with a contemptuous titter, she sneered. “ But so what? Where are you going to go? Have you forgotten? Your mate sent the word that he wanted you dead, even your family never cared about you… what are you acting smug for?”<br /> Five years ago, Logan did send a letter that said that he wanted to see her dead body, asking if she was dead. And since the prison was all about mental and physical torture, the wardens of her prison cell thought it was a good idea to make her read that letter, and she did —— her heart once again felt like it was being hammered with an iron nail sticking on it and her wolf —— God, her wolf, she was so shocked that she hid deep inside Levy’s inside, it has been five years and Levy hasn’t heard anything from her wolf.<br /> But now that seven years have passed, that letter no longer had any effect on her. She was a woman who died every night and lived every day, the things that she has gone through were not something just anyone could go through, so why would she let the words of the man who no longer meant anything to her have any effect on her? <br /> All right, she was lying —— Logan still held a small place in her heart but the anger and hatred she had for him had long diminished her feelings for him.<br /> “ I have heard it million times already,” said Levy in a flat voice as she was shepherded to the prison for one last time and was chained to the same wall where she had been chained for so many years. “ Try something new,” and when she watched the prison warden crack her whip on the floor she smiled. “ Do your worst.”<br /> Because now only pain was something that told her that she was alive and not a shell without a soul.<br /> -----<br /> The next morning Levy woke up with a moan as she felt the sting of the whip all over her body, she looked over at the small window and saw the sky —— hah, any second now, she will be free. As if God had heard her words, the magical door of her prison was opened and the two wardens who has been ‘taking care’ of her all these years, stepped in… now Levy was very familiar with them and knew that beneath that black veil they were hiding their scowls of disapproval. <br /> For seven years they tried to kill her of course they would be upset now that she made out of the ordeal alive, right?<br /> One of them pulled out the key of their pockets and unlocked the chains that bound Levy, once she was freed of the restrains, she pointed her hand to her neck so that the woman could take off the shifter-resistant collar, it was supposed to be used to suppress a shifter in case they went against their wardens and the humans in the facility. The woman pulled a long face before unlocking the collar as well, once it was off, Levy rubbed her wrists and ankles. <br /> God, she forgot how relieving it felt without the collar on her neck. <br /> “ You cannot harm us while you are on the grounds of the prison, remember that.” The warden reminded her and Levy hummed, she knew that she couldn’t do that or else her sentence would be increased by another month. Because of this rule, the wardens of the prison wore thick veils to cover their faces but it was of no issue with Levy. Now that she was out of the prison, she will be a rogue wolf and a rogue can take her revenge anytime. <br /> That was what she thought but as she stepped out of the prison, her gaze fell on a familiar figure. One that she both hated and loved, standing in front of the prison was none other than her mate and tormentor—— Logan.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.mystoryapps.com/ad/bXlzdG9yeS85OTkwNy8yM	181248708403449	Ory001	https://facebook.com/61554105478063	28	1	1,872,117,853,261,837	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Ory001	120205434965550478	b.mystoryapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.mystoryapps.com/ad/bXlzdG9yeS85OTkwNy8yMDI0MDIwNTExMjIwMi9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-02-04 21:27	https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425657286_3248487005458442_6200034364944973907_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mblFCgDAmHsAX_aH5dZ&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBdvmDernApq47OBp5Wqcue77CqYzCf8K-b0kcAHEMaTg&oe=65D7E402	person_profile	Ory001	https://scontent.fsac1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426007621_789082363045068_2859438000052034004_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2bYgq-iK_DkAX8Zqfy3&_nc_ht=scontent.fsac1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAgRomksgG_Ktk0wKTeQtHhZnyrOqhrSNI-5BsxqFU8iw&oe=65D73CA4	3	Ory001	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,699	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311704}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	328785500155889	Treatment Options 👉👉	Find Relief and Restore Comfort with Effective Sciatica Treatments 👇👇	LEARN_MORE	https://ratingquest.com/5-immediate-ways-to-reliev	139107472620795	Rating Quest Review	https://facebook.com/61552348016157	178	1	1,164,252,441,435,132	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Rating Quest Review	120205060119130785	ratingquest.com	NONE	image	Sciatica pain can be excruciating and debilitating, often radiating from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the leg. It's caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, and finding immediate relief is crucial for those who suffer from it. While consulting a healthcare profe...	https://ratingquest.com/5-immediate-ways-to-relieve-sciatica-pain?utm_campaign=rq-sciatica-tg1-fb-us-ca-0216-GE03&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=tg1&utm_content=sciatica&utm_medium=ca	2024-02-16 09:15	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427805797_3114209292045644_3969451801476450053_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R37s_53yY5wAX9ygs06&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBmVFGKzrtceLThTP-OwBgF0KVseWx4wRT_xC0dY_m5Tg&oe=65D7A3C8	person_profile			3	Rating Quest Review	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,834	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310870}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1080472406511290	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> "Trevor, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection."<br /> ******** <br /> As I'm lying here thinking about all of this, Tamaska starts jumping around in my mind. Like literally jumping around. She seems so excited all of a sudden. I look up and see Trevor standing over me, looking at me strangely. At first, he seems happy to see me, then his expression changes. I guess he remembers that we are no longer friends. Meanwhile, Tamaska is still going crazy in my head. Trevor and Tamaska say the one word I never wanted to hear in reference to Trevor. They both yell "mate". No, this can't be. I can't be his mate. This will never work. Now I'm panicking. I can see on his face that he is going to reject me. This is not the way my life is supposed to go. Oh, moon goddess, give me the strength to be strong and not break down.<br /> Trevor just stands there for a minute, then says, "let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> As soon as he said those words, I felt a pain like I have never experienced before. It's like my heart has been ripped apart. Tamaska starts whimpering. Trevor made my wolf cry. Why would he do this?<br /> "Why?" I ask. As much as I hate him seeing me cry, tears are running down her eyes. "Why would you do this to us? Why would you take away our chance to be happy? Do you really hate me that much?"<br /> "It's not about me hating you, Seleste." He says, "The mate bond will not let me hate you. I just don't think you are the right person to be my Luna. You are a good Gamma. Fighting is what you do, but I need someone else lying beside me. Not someone who will undermine me or make me look bad in front of the pack warriors. I just can't have you as my mate. I don't want you as my mate."<br /> I can't believe my mate is saying this to me. It's like he really wants to hurt me. He is saying that he prefers someone else over me, his mate. Tamaska has not stopped whimpering. She is so hurt by what our mate is saying. Although I knew this was coming, the pain was unbearable.<br /> "Are you sure this is what you want, Trevor? Do you want to think about this before you make a final decision?" I ask in a whisper.<br /> "Don't beg Seleste, it's really not becoming. It should be no surprise that I rejected you. I made it known over this past year that I do not want you in my life. Yes, I am sure. I do not want you as my mate. My rejection stands!" <br /> Did he just say stop begging? The nerve of him. I would never beg anyone to be with me. He wishes I was begging him. How is he going to feel when he finds out that I get a second chance mate while he is stuck without a mate? I don't need to beg. <br /> "Begging, the last thing I'm doing is begging. I have never begged and trust me; you are the last person I would ever beg to be in my life. Out of respect to your father, I have kept my opinion to myself about you and the way you are acting, but truthfully, Trevor, you are a disappointment. I don't know what your parents or the pack will do when they find out what you have done, but since this is what you want and since frankly, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection." I say and begin to walk away. I need to get away from him. It is taking everything in me to hold Tamaska back. She really wants to kick his butt right now.<br /> "Before you go, I order you not to tell anyone about us being mates," Trevor says in his alpha voice.<br /> Is he serious right now? Does he really not know that the alpha command does not work on our family? He really is not fit to lead our pack. He obviously did not pay attention in his alpha training, or he would know it is pointless to alpha command me. I will tell who I want to tell. I just look at him in disgust and walk away. As much as I want to break down and cry for hours, I refuse to let him see me cry more than he already has. I hold my head up high and walk away from him. The moon goddess granted me my request. I feel strong and I could keep myself together. At least until I get home. <br /> Once I make it to my house, I run to my mom and cry my eyes out. My mom keeps asking me what's wrong. My dad comes in and tries to talk to me, but I can't stop crying enough to talk to them. I can't say the words. At least not yet. My mom calls Mona to come to be with me and to help calm me down. After crying for about an hour, I'm finally ready to tell my family what happened. Wiping my eyes, I begin the story of my life right now.<br /> "I don't know where to start. I'll try to keep it simple. Tamaska was feeling restless, so I went to the clearing the grandmother used to take me to. As I was basking in the moon, Trevor walked into the clearing." I see my mom and dad stiffen when I mention Trevor's name. Mona just looks at me with concern. I think she knows what I'm about to tell them.<br /> "It turns out that I am Trevor's mate," I say with a sigh.<br /> "I don't understand," my dad says, "if you found your mate tonight, why are you crying? Did something happen to you or Trevor?"<br /> "Dad, Trevor rejected me." My family has the same shocked look I had.<br /> "Are you serious," my mom and Mona say at the same time.<br /> My dad is steaming mad right now. I'm afraid of what he will do. Trevor hurt his baby. This may not end well for Trevor. When my dad is angry, even the alpha stays out of his way. My mom and I are the only ones that can calm him down.<br /> "Yes, I'm serious. He said that I was not Luna material, and he did not want me as his mate or the right Luna for this pack." I explained to my family.<br /> "Trevor is an idiot," Mona says. "There is no one more suited to be our Luna. You have always put this pack first. You have always worked to make us better and stronger."<br /> "I know. Mona, it hurts so bad. My own mate does not want me. To make matters worse, he tried to alpha command me not to tell anyone that we are mates."<br /> "What!" my dad yells. "I need to go find this pup and teach him a lesson. No one hurts my baby and lives to talk about. Who does he think he is? He is obviously not fit to lead. He doesn't even know our pack's history. Every alpha knows that our family is not subject to any alpha. We serve out of choice, we submit out of respect, not out of compulsion. Our family has served this pack for generations, and I have never questioned that choice until now. This pack is not worth the pain it is causing my baby. First, I'm going to teach that brat a lesson, and then we are transferring to a different pack where they respect and appreciate us."<br /> "Baby calm down." My mom says to my dad. "Let's focus on our baby girl for now. What do you want to do, Seleste?"<br /> "I really don't know, momma. I don't want to run like a coward. He is not worth us turning our lives upside down. Besides, I will be traveling a lot after school anyway, so I will rarely see him. And dad, if you hurt Trevor, I may ruin your friendship with Alpha Connor. I'm sure he does not know what Trevor did. And No dad, I don't want you to tell him. I don't want anyone to know that Trevor was my mate. Grandmother told me that if one of us gets rejected by our mate, the moon goddess will bless us with a second chance mate. While I don't want another mate right now, there is still hope for me in the future. Right now, I just want to get through the end of the school year."<br /> "Ok baby girl, if this is what you want, your father and I will support your decision. But remember, you are my daughter. You will not sit around and mope about that pup. I will give you one full day to cry and be sad, then I want you to pick yourself up and start moving forward. It may still hurt, but it will not destroy you."<br /> "Thanks, mom," I say, hugging my parents. "You always know what to say.<br /> "You are my favorite daughter; I will always be there for you in this life and the next."<br /> "Mom, I'm your only daughter," I say with a smile.<br /> "And don't you forget it," my mom says.<br /> My family spent the rest of the night talking, listening, and wiping my tears. I am so glad I have them in my life. My mom is right. I will not wallow in sadness over Trevor. He has proven that he is not worthy of me. He made his choice and now I am free. I will be able to move on. He thought he would break me, but I won't break. I go to my room and grab my journal and begin to write. I just let all my hurt, anger, and disappointments release on paper. Writing poetry has always been my outlet. Speaking of poetry, I think I will ask the girls to go to Jazzy's tomorrow night.<br /> As I lie in bed, I start to feel this burning feeling in my stomach. I feel like someone is clawing my stomach from the inside. I have a high pain tolerance, but this is unbearable. I yell out in pain. My mom and dad run into my room when they hear me cry out. I tell my mom about the pain in my stomach. My dad gets mad all over again. They don't want to tell me what's going on. Mom says I'm better not knowing. Tamaska is howling in my head. She has been quiet since Trevor rejected us, but now she is balled up in a knot, howling and crying. I know this has to be about Trevor. He made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She does not deserve to be hurt like this.<br /> "T what's wrong? What's happening? Mom and dad will not tell me."<br /> "It's mate, he is being intimate with another she-wolf." Tamaska cries. "He really does not want us, and he is already with someone else. Seleste, I can't handle this right now. I'm going to take a break from this. I'll still be with you, but I'm going into a deep sleep, at least for now, don't worry, I'm not going away and I won't be down long. I just need a little time."<br /> "It's ok T. I love you and I will be here for you." I sent T a hug. I wish I could hold and pet her right now.<br /> "Mom, Dad, Trevor made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She did not deserve that. T told me what this pain is. There is no coming back from this. He has truly sealed our fates and our future. I am done with him. If I had it in me to hate anyone, I would definitely hate Trevor."<br /> "Like your mom said, baby girl, we will support you no matter what. You deserve better. I will stay out of it and let you handle it for now, but if he hurts you again, I will have to step in. There is no way I or my wolf can stand by and let someone hurt my pup. I don't care who it is."<br /> We all walked out of the house and headed to the venue for the party. <br /> "I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate the 18th birthday of the circle of ten, our next generation of the leaders of the pack. I'm sure that together, the ten will continue to move our pack to greater things." The alpha says. He announces all the mate connections in our group of ten. The pack is so happy for the mates, the alpha can barely get a word in. Finally, the crowd calms down, and the alpha announces Trevor and his fake mate. I look at my dad and shake my head as the alpha speaks. I don't want my dad to lose it and tell the pack that Trevor rejected me. <br /> "And finally, I would like to announce that my son, your future alpha, has also found his mate, Shana. Show them all some love." <br /> The crowd goes wild again. Nobody knows that they are a fraud, so they are happy to have what they think is the next alpha and luna.<br /> The alpha goes on to tell the pack about the mating ceremony planned for all the mates that will happen next Saturday on a full moon. The alpha tells all the still unmated wolves to let Beta Vareen know if they find their mates before the ceremony, so they can be included.<br /> The alpha tells us he has one more announcement. Yep, He will be retiring, and Trevor will take over as alpha- There goes the pack. <br /> "As it is our tradition, I will turn it over to Trevor to officially announce the next Beta and Gamma of the pack; Trevor." Alpha Connor says and steps back to his spot next to the luna. <br /> "Hello everyone," Trevor says. From the time alpha announced that Trevor will take over, he has been smirking at me.<br /> "I hope you all had a good time tonight. I know I did. The Blue Moon pack knows how to throw a party. Let me start by introducing you all to my mate and your future Luna, Shana Stevens."<br /> Everyone cheers for their pretend Luna. Trevor is looking at me to see if I react, which I don't. <br /> "And your next Gamma, Mona True" <br /> I think everyone here is in complete shock. I froze in my spot. Alpha Connor tried to run interference and stop Trevor before he takes this too far, but of course, Trevor didn't listen. <br /> "Son, what are you doing?" Alpha Connor asked, "Seleste is the next Gamma."<br /> "No, Dad," Trevor answers him. "I don't think Seleste is the right one for the position. Seleste has done nothing but undermine my authority in the pack for the last year. As alpha, I can't have anyone under me who does not respect my position as head of the pack. I want Mona as my Gamma. I think that is best for the pack." <br /> "Dad, my mate, and I discussed this. Aside from the fact that Seleste does not respect me or my position, it is common knowledge that Seleste is in love with me. My mate does not feel that Seleste will have her best interest at heart. My mate does not feel safe with Seleste, being in charge of our safety and security. As her mate, I have to put her first and protect her peace of mind. Seleste being here affects her peace negatively and I can't have that."<br /> I notice my dad is about to lose control. I need to get to him before things go completely left. To defuse the situation and give Trevor what he wants and hopefully stop this drama, I agree that I don't need the Gamma title. <br /> "Fine," I tell Trevor. "Gamma is just a title. I don't need it. Not having the title does not change who I am. I will still train the warrior and fulfill my other obligations. As far as respecting you Trevor, respect is earned, and up until recently, I thought you deserved my respect. You have shown me over the last couple of days that I was mistaken about you. So, you can keep the Gamma position. I don't want it. As far as being in love with you. That is laughable. I don't even like you." <br /> He actually smirks at me. This fool thinks he has won. He is just sad.<br /> "Well, that is settled. Seleste will not be the next gamma. And since you mentioned training the pact, that's the other thing. I do not want you training my warriors anymore. Since you are mad that you are not the Luna of this pack, how do I know you won't influence the warriors against me or continue to undermine my authority?"<br /> So that is his game plan. He wants to withdraw me of all power. Does he really not realize who I am? Everything my family has done for this pack. Now I'm slightly pissed, but I need to try to stay in control so that my father doesn't kill this fool.<br /> "Are you serious right now, Trevor? I have done nothing but make this pack better. I have spent my life learning and training so that I can strengthen this pack, and you want to take that from me because of your pettiness." <br /> I let Trevor know that he really does not have the authority to take the training position from me. I train packs under the authority of the council. No Alpha's word is above that of the council. But since he wants to be petty, I can take my strength, skill, and protection to another pack.<br /> "Save it Seleste, I have made my decision. As of now, you are nothing to this pack. Why don't you find another pack to train, since you mentioned other packs? We don't want you here."<br /> "Gladly," I tell him. "And when I leave, you will take the full brunt of your decisions and the consequences of what you are doing tonight."<br /> I am so over these things now. This pack needs my family more than I need this. I can leave and be accepted into any pack in the kingdom, including the royal pack.<br /> Ben and the other warrior begin to speak up for me. That appears to make Trevor even more pissed. Right now, his own father and current alpha is looking at him like he has completely lost his mind and he is standing in front of the pack looking proud. I always thought Trevor was pretty intelligent. Now I think there is something wrong with him. He just will not stop digging himself into a hole. <br /> "See, that's why I need to restrict Seleste of her power," Trevor says in anger and frustration. <br /> "The warriors are more loyal to her than they are to me. You all need to respect me. I am the alpha. What I say goes. None of you have my permission to leave. If you choose to leave, you will be rogues. Will you throw everything away just for her?"<br /> I am so proud of my Elite 12 members. We always stand for what is right.<br /> "I don't know about the others," Tim said, "But I would rather go, rogue than stay in this pack with you as the alpha. As Gamma Seleste said, respect is earned, and I just lost all that of it I had for you. Sorry, Alpha Connor, I cannot serve your son. I will prepare to leave this pack in the next two hours." Tim said.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvOTk4Njkv	175289189001736	Cha111	https://facebook.com/61554253460477	15	1	1,102,720,457,849,655	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Cha111	120205222539750372	b.chaptersapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvOTk4NjkvMjAyNDAyMDUxMTE4MjIvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-02-04 21:24	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424585564_232809286568246_4166718677991490497_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4vNBL57dd9YAX8HTql1&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfDl7slHS0z8cOt_N_q2y_PH1Il3RWSEjaygUHc6fg-t4A&oe=65D7F911	person_profile	Cha111	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424976792_753736553009494_8312938494473625662_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=j6BtjiKOhjIAX8h1rJQ&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfCJc3wThbtjXUudTiN-lKH7Bj0MCFgsNq7Re8GTP-tE_w&oe=65D80CD7	3	Cha111	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,814	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310800}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	919814239693374	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	“ Does the sinner have any last words to say?”<br /> “ You all will regret this, if I am truly a witch then I curse you all… one day you will regret what you have done.” <br /> Then she turned to look at Logan who was looking at her in amusement like he was watching a show. “ And you! You will one day beg me on your knees, but remember by then it will be too late.”<br /> “ Beg on my knees huh?” chuckled Logan as he tilted his head. “ I will be waiting for that day.” <br /> ————————<br /> Earlier today, Mavis asked Levy to escort her to the mall because she knew that her captor wouldn’t let her go alone, Levy knew this as well and agreed but who would have thought that the entire thing was a trap. <br /> When she returned to the spot where she left Mavis, the entire place was completely ruined Mavis’s sister Lily and Moira —— her mate’s sister were unconscious and Mavis was nowhere to be found and what was even more tragic—— the place had spells cast all over. <br /> So, the blame for making Mavis vanish fell on her head since she was the only witch in the pack. <br /> Levy tried to raise her head but the male behind her pressed his knee harder at the back of her throat making her choke. “ Believe me, Logan.” <br /> Logan didn’t say anything in response to her plea and Levy felt her heart break into another few pieces. If this had been Mavis —— no, if Mavis really killed anyone, Logan would have never questioned her like this, he wouldn’t even allow his enforcer to touch her, yet when it came to her, he was willing to let her get embarrassed like this though she could feel her heart twist like an ice-cold hand has wrapped itself around it. “ Logan——”<br /> “ Shh,” he said finally, his cello-like voice brimming with rage that she could feel literally pulsating in the air. “ You mean to say that you took her out, brought her to a mall that was at an hour's distance, with magic circles etched at every place where she vanished. And you mean to say that’s not you?”<br /> “ I really have no hand in this——”<br /> “ Levy Taylor, do you take me as a fool?” There was a clink and the enforcer behind her pulled her head up by her hair so that she could see the chilling hatred in Logan’s eyes. Another pang hit what was left of her heart and she trembled, this man… this man was supposed to love her yet he was looking at her with so much disgust that she could feel her gut twist inside her. <br /> Jet black hair and icy blue eyes brimmed with a glow that could both mesmerise and terrified those who locked gazes with him. <br /> Seeing him look at her with so much hatred made Levy choke on a sob as she shouted, “ Why don’t you believe me? I never hurt her, I didn’t… I am not guilty, Logan…please …please, I have never asked for anything from you. For the first time in my life I am asking you for something, trust me please …just a bit.”<br /> She watched his eyes flickered ever so slightly and just as hope bloomed in her heart, his eyes hardened as he glared at her coldly. “ And who do you think you are to ask me anything, Levy?”<br /> ------<br /> Levy felt her heart drop to the deepest pit of her stomach. Why should he believe her? Because she was his mate! The other half of his soul, how can he not trust the other half of his soul and for whom? A girl who meant nothing to him. She wanted to shout and fight for her right but Levy knew that it was useless, Logan never cared about her and even more so now that she was the one who was being charged with the crime of killing the girl whom he had adored for so long. <br /> She bowed her head without saying anything anymore, she knew that no one was going to come to her help. Not even her father who have hated her from the day she gained her consciousness as a young girl, in fact, she was quite sure that he must be quite pleased with the outcome of this trial —— for years, Levy have wondered why her father hated her but now she could no longer care about anything. <br /> She has cared too much, and loved too much this was why she was in this condition. If only she had left the pack after Logan took Mavis as his lover then she wouldn’t be in this situation. <br /> When she said nothing, Logan who was sitting in the main seat of the pack hall like the King of an Empire looked around the hall and asked in a clear-cut voice, “ Does anyone have anything to say in favour of Levy Taylor?” <br /> Just as she expected, no one said a word. Not even her brother, the beta of the pack, he clearly had the power to save her but he didn’t, he didn’t say a word. Levy sucked in a breath and shook her head with a mocking smile what was she even expecting now?<br /> “ Very well, since Levy Taylor could not produce any efficient evidence that she wasn’t guilty of the charges that were placed on her head, I hereby announce her as a sinner of the wolf community.” Then he turned to look at Mavis's father who was crying pitifully and asked with a delicate voice, “ Elder Hopkins, what punishment would you like to give the sinner? She is the one who killed your daughter, any punishment that you deem fit, please say it out loud.”<br /> “ Alpha, I... I have nothing more to say, one of my daughters died and the other is unconscious, who knows when she will wake up… as an old man I have lost everything… though others would think its cruel, I want that sinner who killed my daughter to pay with her own life. That’s all that I want… I...I don’t want my daughter’s soul to be at unrest because I as her father couldn’t get revenge on her.” <br /> After saying this, he once again succumbed to crying. Everyone watched Elder Hopkins cry until he was out of breath and their hatred for Levy intensified, everyone knew that Elder Hopkins lost his mate and was only hanging on to life for his daughters, how cruel this sinner has to be to take away the only reason he was alive.<br /> “ That’s fair.” Logan nodded sympathetically before turning to Levy, his eyes as cold as ice and his voice devoid of all the warmth that he had for Mavis. “ Does the sinner have any last words to say?”<br /> “I don’t,” gritted out Levy as she glared at Logan, three years he loved this man for three years and had a crush on him ever since she was a child, and this was how he repaid her? “ I just hope that you will never regret this because one day the truth will come to light and then everyone will know how a great alpha killed an innocent female because he was blinded because of his emotions. Fair you say? There is nothing fair about this trail, I wasn’t given a chance to defend myself, I wasn’t even given a chance to carefully explain my situation and the circumstances before I was hauled here. You are one blind prick Logan Alston and I hope you will suffer through the same pain as I am when you will tell the truth, put your feelings on the line and no one will believe you.” <br /> Her words echoed in the silence of the packed hall, as Logan simply cast a glance at her before continuing, “ So, now that the sinner has finished saying her last words we shall commence——”<br /> “ Wait,” An old voice interrupted Logan as the head of all Elders, Elder Abbot raised his hand causing everyone to look at him in surprise. <br /> “ Lord Abbot?” Logan must have been surprised by this outcome because this time his confusion echoed in his voice. “ What's wrong?”<br /> “I believe that the girl is innocent,” said Lord Abbot as he stood up from his chair where he was seated. <br /> Immediately, a loud uproar issued within the pack hall as Elder Hopkins cried, “ But my lord she was caught at the spot of the murder!”<br /> “ Innocent until proven guilty,” Lord Abbot swept his eyes sharply at Elder Hopkins. “ There is no evidence that proves that she used magic herself to kill your daughter, Hopkins.”<br /> “ Magic circles were drawn all over the place——-”<br /> “ She is not the only witch in this world, with the number of enemies that our Alpha has, it’s given that someone would try to take advantage of the situation.” shot back Lord Abbot. <br /> Levy who has lost all her hope looked at Lord Abbot with tears in her eyes, she never thought that the elder who always behaved so strictly towards her would actually come to her rescue.<br /> Logan who was watching the two elders quibble snapped the armrest of his chair in anger and looked at Lord Abbot. “ My lord do you really want to save this sinner?”<br /> “ I am not saving the sinner, I am saving your pride, Alpha,” answered Lord Abbot with ease. “ If the information that you killed a female without a fair trial gets out then I am afraid the council will not sit back.” <br /> “ Thank the Lord for his grace sinner, that you have been granted amnesty. I will not kill you today——”<br /> “Alpha!” cried Elder Hopkins. “ My daughter..how will she rest at ease knowing that her murderer is still roaming free?”<br /> “ Who said that the sinner will roam free?” said Logan abruptly causing Levy to look at him in surprise. Her gaze met with his blank one like he wasn’t even there and silently pleaded to him, she hoped that he would let her go..maybe even banishing from the pack was something she was alright with, after she was banished she will look for another rogue wolf and maybe start her life over. <br /> But maybe Logan didn’t want her to even have that much happiness after killing her bit by bit as he announced ruthlessly. “ The sinner hasn’t been pardoned yet that’s why she will spend the next seven years until she has repaid all her sins in the frost-gate prison.”<br /> As soon as his words dropped, Levy struggled against the enforcers who were holding her down as she shrieked. “ No, anything but that! You know I will die there before I can even finish these seven years, Logan!” <br /> Frost gate was the most horrible prison that was specially made for the shifters and what made it special was that the wardens there were all humans, who couldn’t care about the shifters who were trapped there… they were tortured, targeted and even used as some sort of toys for the entertainment of the humans. Seven years…. Seven… how was she supposed to stay there for the next seven years. <br /> When Logan didn’t say anything, she turned to her father who was coldly watching the trial as if the person who was being punished unjustly wasn’t his daughter. “ Dad! Dad! You have to believe me that I didn’t do anything… I swear I did not… please save me, I didn’t do anything… I did not murder Mavis, please… please don’t send me there.”<br /> However, her father looked away without even blinking his eyes, like he couldn’t see what was happening…like he didn’t hear her pleading with him. <br /> As the enforcers pulled her up by her chains, she hatefully looked at all the passive onlookers and cursed, “ You all will regret this, if I am truly a witch then I curse you all… one day you will regret what you have done.” Then she turned to look at Logan who was looking at her in amusement like he was watching a show. “ And you! You will one day beg me on your knees, but remember by then it will be too late.”<br /> “ Beg on my knees huh?” chuckled Logan as he tilted his head. “ I will be waiting for that day,” then he waved his hand and motioned the enforcers to take her away.<br /> -----<br /> Levy woke up with a jolt when chilling water was thrown at her, as a wolf shifter she hated cold. Teeth chattering she looked at the female warden who was looking down at her, or at least that was what she thought they were doing since she couldn’t see their faces in the dark like of the prison and with their faces covered in a black veil. <br /> “ Ah what a shame, she woke up … I was going to use my latest shock stick on her.” said the woman on the left as she raised her brand new stick. “ It would have given a dramatic effect, water + electricity = boom!” <br /> “ Who says you cannot do that anymore?” said the one on the right with an amused chuckle. “It's not like she can rush off and complain to her mommy can she?”<br /> Both of the women laughed out loud at the poor joke, their laughter reverberating in the dark prison. Levy stiffened as she watched the woman with the shock stick coming close to her, her clothes were dripping with water and if she got electrocuted then she might not even make it out alive tonight. <br /> “ Ah, girly … don’t be afraid, we won’t kill you yet,” as if the woman who was standing behind had read her mind, she immediately coaxed her in a soothing voice. “ Not yet at least, because if we do then wouldn’t be it a waste for us? Is our new toy getting destroyed on the first day of its arrival? No, no that can’t happen.”<br /> “ That’s right, don’t worry. I will be very gentle with you,” cooed the woman with the shock stick as she stabbed it on Levy’s side. <br /> As the nerve-jolting current rode her body, Levy jerked and tried to run but she couldn’t… she was bounded to the wall with chains that stopped her from moving. “ No,…please let me go….”<br /> “ Ah poor girl wants to leave?” said the woman with a shock stick as she kept stabbing her. “ Go, you can of course go…if you can make out of this prison alive for the next seven years.” <br /> As she stabbed the stick once again, Levy realised her horrifying reality. She was not going to survive in this inferno.<br /> ------ <br /> Seven years later <br /> “Levy Harlow,” a female voice called out as the owner of the voice stormed over in her direction. She stared at the twisted bodies that were lying next to Levy’s feet and clicked her tongue before raising her hand and slapping her hard. “ You survived again huh? I can’t believe that you survived again,” she surveyed Levy carefully as she looked up and down on the latter’s body and spat on Levy’s feet. “ You really are the worst prisoner here, aren’t you? Seven years of torture, blinded in one eye and mana core almost broken, yet you still make out of these marathons alive, how? A blind bi*ch like you should have been the first to be eliminated, should she not be?”<br /> The marathon that the female warden spoke of was not the simple ‘ you run and win’ kind of marathon at all—— no, it was the worst nightmare of all the prisoners living in the frost gate prison. A special entertainment activity that was planned by the humans, every once a month, a marathon will be arranged by the higher-ups of the prison, the only difference, the prisoners will be handed weapons.<br /> The rules were simple, the one who took down most of their competitors and reached the finishing line will be the winner and Levy has been winning this marathon for several years. Not because she wanted to live but because she simply liked making her female wardens lose all the money they have betted. <br /> It was because of them that she lost one of her eyes, a day before the marathon, they tortured her bad enough in the hope that she will lose. If not for them, she would have never lost her eye that day —— though Levy did not regret it, at least she was able to get away with her life, if not she wouldn’t be standing here. <br /> She threw the knife on the ground causing the warden to yelp. “ You should have known better than to wage on someone else, miss.” Before walking away out from the ground the human female rushing after her, hot on her heels. “ You think that just because you are getting out tomorrow, you can act all arrogant, do you?” Then with a contemptuous titter, she sneered. “ But so what? Where are you going to go? Have you forgotten? Your mate sent the word that he wanted you dead, even your family never cared about you… what are you acting smug for?”<br /> Five years ago, Logan did send a letter that said that he wanted to see her dead body, asking if she was dead. And since the prison was all about mental and physical torture, the wardens of her prison cell thought it was a good idea to make her read that letter, and she did —— her heart once again felt like it was being hammered with an iron nail sticking on it and her wolf —— God, her wolf, she was so shocked that she hid deep inside Levy’s inside, it has been five years and Levy hasn’t heard anything from her wolf.<br /> But now that seven years have passed, that letter no longer had any effect on her. She was a woman who died every night and lived every day, the things that she has gone through were not something just anyone could go through, so why would she let the words of the man who no longer meant anything to her have any effect on her? <br /> All right, she was lying —— Logan still held a small place in her heart but the anger and hatred she had for him had long diminished her feelings for him.<br /> “ I have heard it million times already,” said Levy in a flat voice as she was shepherded to the prison for one last time and was chained to the same wall where she had been chained for so many years. “ Try something new,” and when she watched the prison warden crack her whip on the floor she smiled. “ Do your worst.”<br /> Because now only pain was something that told her that she was alive and not a shell without a soul.<br /> -----<br /> The next morning Levy woke up with a moan as she felt the sting of the whip all over her body, she looked over at the small window and saw the sky —— hah, any second now, she will be free. As if God had heard her words, the magical door of her prison was opened and the two wardens who has been ‘taking care’ of her all these years, stepped in… now Levy was very familiar with them and knew that beneath that black veil they were hiding their scowls of disapproval. <br /> For seven years they tried to kill her of course they would be upset now that she made out of the ordeal alive, right?<br /> One of them pulled out the key of their pockets and unlocked the chains that bound Levy, once she was freed of the restrains, she pointed her hand to her neck so that the woman could take off the shifter-resistant collar, it was supposed to be used to suppress a shifter in case they went against their wardens and the humans in the facility. The woman pulled a long face before unlocking the collar as well, once it was off, Levy rubbed her wrists and ankles. <br /> God, she forgot how relieving it felt without the collar on her neck. <br /> “ You cannot harm us while you are on the grounds of the prison, remember that.” The warden reminded her and Levy hummed, she knew that she couldn’t do that or else her sentence would be increased by another month. Because of this rule, the wardens of the prison wore thick veils to cover their faces but it was of no issue with Levy. Now that she was out of the prison, she will be a rogue wolf and a rogue can take her revenge anytime. <br /> That was what she thought but as she stepped out of the prison, her gaze fell on a familiar figure. One that she both hated and loved, standing in front of the prison was none other than her mate and tormentor—— Logan.	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