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1,871,056	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	7990245104367407	SNP: Imperial Legion, Dreams of a Martyr, BATS, CodeFlawed, Last Nerve Proof of Concept	1 more week! Let's go get brutal !!! <br /> <br /> Playing at the Roxy Theater with these bad ass folks ! Make way for the pittttt !!!	BUY_TICKETS	https://holdmyticket.com/tickets/431154	211154395964565	Proof Of Concept	https://facebook.com/pocmetalco	1,289	1	372,171,932,531,731	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Buy tickets	Proof Of Concept	120211405025600295	holdmyticket.com	NONE	event	https://holdmyticket.com/tickets/431154	https://holdmyticket.com/tickets/431154	2024-06-07 16:42	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447568653_968587415001131_8292636015170363558_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nYjhb36ZRJAQ7kNvgHkn6ct&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYDDuQj9jJV29CJI9J0aL6b-zwoUKqqODtZ72clYPbV3DQ&oe=6669FE03	person_profile	0	Proof Of Concept	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447648425_2148158742231625_6593892261805753284_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QW9RZnlSwnMQ7kNvgGFX6zT&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYAIPgTxaa3klkVpwrSbaG5BTVgWeqt3mR1SjScFm8Mlqw&oe=6669FB98	3	Proof Of Concept	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,870,871	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1870941}'	No	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	964490852076959	🔞🔞Click to read the full novel👉👉	Chapter 1 Get Off Me<br /> "Do you take this woman to be your wife, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?" asked a priest.<br /> <br /> The man before the priest nodded. "I do."<br /> <br /> Naomi Edwards felt a sharp tug on her hair, forcing her to look up at the jumbotron. On the big screen, the wedding of Freddy Sanders and her sister, Rosalind Edwards, unfolded. Freddy, all decked out in his sharp suit, gazed deeply into Rosalind's eyes. She dazzled in her perfect white dress. Parents and guests in their Sunday best were clapping like crazy.<br /> <br /> The priest went on, "And do you take this man to be your husband, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"<br /> <br /> The gleeful Rosalind shyly said, "I do."<br /> <br /> "Look at that. Your boyfriend, your sister, your parents—over the moon, and you're just a toy they've tossed to me, the crummiest one at that. You loser," a man hissed at Naomi. He booted her in the gut so hard that she doubled over, a taste of iron in her mouth before spitting out blood.<br /> <br /> "Loser, loser, loser!" He kept on kicking her, out of his mind with rage. "You play by my rules now. Who's gonna see your pretty face, huh? Women are trash; you all deserve to die!"<br /> <br /> He added, "Don't even dream of running; you're already dead to everyone. Your family and your man—they served you up to me on a silver platter. You're supposed to be dead, a saint who gave up her organs for your precious sister, and died for it. How heroic!"<br /> <br /> His shiny shoe pressed against Naomi's cheek, twisting his face into a mad grin. "Savor it, sweetheart."<br /> <br /> A sharp pain shot across Naomi's face and throughout her body. She shook violently, her sense of warmth fading. She'd been betrayed by loved ones: boyfriend, parents, sister. A chilling plot. They bled her dry and weren't content; they drugged her, forged her signature, and scripted her organ donation.<br /> <br /> Rosalind's future was written in Naomi's blood, and now they were after her life. They harvested her insides and then threw her to this devil for their fancy lives.<br /> <br /> Another kick sent Naomi flying, rag-doll style, against the wall and hitting the floor with a thud.<br /> <br /> Unable to move because of the pain, she murmured to herself, 'It hurts... Someone help me! Freddy, Rosalind, I swear I'll haunt you forever!'<br /> <br /> Her sight blurred with blood, and then the world went black.<br /> <br /> ***<br /> <br /> "Get off me." A voice, deep and tinged with fury, buzzed in Naomi's ear. She jerked awake to see a guy glaring intently at her. A shiver ran down her spine involuntarily, and she curled her fingers so tight that her nails dug into her palms. Her body ached all over.<br /> <br /> She wondered, 'I'm supposed to be dead, aren't I? I got beaten up in that awful room. Wait, am I getting a second shot at life?'<br /> <br /> The man who just spoke shoved her, and she hit the ground, sunlight blinding her. Tears streamed down her face at the warm sunlight—it had been forever since she last felt it.<br /> <br /> Pulling herself together, Naomi recognized the man. In her old life, Rosalind had pushed Naomi off a mountain for refusing to be her blood donor during Naomi's heavy periods. Rosalind then had Freddy trick Naomi into that hike and then shove her from behind.<br /> <br /> After the push, Freddy faked a text from Naomi about guilt over not helping Rosalind. And this guy had saved her once before, but she'd freaked out at his scary look and run away. This time, she'd be grateful.<br /> <br /> "Thanks for saving me," Naomi said, getting to her feet. The man was tall, around six feet three inches, wearing a long black coat, and despite his scarred face, he was kind of hot.<br /> <br /> The man, Shawn Fischer, looked at her coldly, but she wasn't afraid.<br /> <br /> "I can help you," Naomi offered. "I know about medicine; I can fix your scars."<br /> <br /> In her past life, helping Rosalind wrecked her health until she met Wilson Walter, a medicinal guru who taught her to heal. He said to keep it secret, for personal use only.<br /> <br /> "Your name?" Shawn grunted. His voice was deep and smooth, striking a familiar chord with Naomi.<br /> <br /> "Naomi Edwards, and I want to stick with you," she said firmly. She messed up in her old life, falling for Rosalind's fake apologies. And with Freddy backing Rosalind up, she let it slide too quickly.<br /> <br /> If she was going to get back at her so-called family, she had to step it up. Not recognizing Shawn in her past life was a huge mistake. But life had thrown her a second chance, and she was going to take it—to get even and to show thanks.<br /> <br /> "Stick with me?" Shawn looked intrigued. Most women freaked out over his scarred face, but not her.<br /> <br /> Without hesitation, Naomi confirmed, "Yes."<br /> <br /> Shawn then opened his arms, and his voice drew her in. "Come here."<br /> <br /> Naomi moved towards him and hugged him right away. Shawn stood frozen. When she'd literally fallen onto him, he didn't feel the usual disgust. Now, he needed to figure out—was it just a one-time thing, or could it be that she didn't actually gross him out?<br /> <br /> Shawn didn't do well around women—full-blown "haphephobia" ever since he was a kid. No woman could get near, except for one who disappeared after his car crash. He'd given up on women, but Naomi? She was a mystery. He started wondering who sent her over.<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Stick With Him<br /> Naomi let Shawn's hesitant embrace linger just a bit, sensing his restraint.<br /> <br /> She noticed his reaction to her presence first, no sign of discomfort. She was a breath of fresh air that seemed to settle rather than disturb him. When Shawn hugged her more firmly, he still seemed at ease. Then, he stepped back. "So you're serious about sticking with me?"<br /> <br /> "Yeah," Naomi said, no doubt in her voice. "Totally."<br /> <br /> "You have no idea who I am, and you're ready to tag along?" Shawn sized her up. Naomi stood at a respectable five feet six inches, with a balanced and athletic build. Her makeup-free face was radiant in the sun, her light fuzz catching the light. Naomi's amber eyes, framed by long lashes, sparkled with determination, her features sharp yet delicate. Without any bangs, her long, sleek hair fell down her back. She should have turned heads everywhere, but her vibe was more grit than glam.<br /> <br /> "You saved me," Naomi stated with conviction. "That's all that matters right now. I owe you."<br /> <br /> "Attaching yourself to my hip then?" Curiosity piqued, Shawn raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Thinking of using yourself as the payback?"<br /> <br /> Naomi's lips tightened into a thin line. "I might, though I doubt I'm your type."<br /> <br /> Shawn chuckled, a real one. He'd intimidated so many women away, yet here she was, offering herself and worrying he'd say no. His body hadn't rejected her, so he decided to let her stick around. "Okay, you're in."<br /> <br /> "Thanks, really," Naomi said with a subtle but sly grin. She scored—that much was clear.<br /> <br /> She knew exactly who was in front of her—the legendary, elusive Shawn Fischer from Atopan. Tales of his cutthroat nature were famous, as were the stories of his deep love that ended when a car accident disfigured him, leading to a runaway bride at the altar.<br /> <br /> In her last life, Naomi was just like every other woman, spooked by Shawn's scars. But not this time. She was dead set on holding tight to him. Shawn was her ace card, whether it was for repayment or revenge.<br /> <br /> Shawn led the way, striding. Naomi hurried after him, debunking the gossip that he'd been wheelchair-bound after the crash. The guy was all grace and power.<br /> <br /> When Naomi first met Shawn in her last life, she had run too fast to look around. Now, trailing behind Shawn, she took everything in.<br /> <br /> Soon the Edwards family and Freddy would come looking for her—right after Naomi's fall, Rosalind got sick and needed a blood transfusion. Previously, Freddy had dragged Naomi to the hospital while she was still weak from her period, and they'd taken so much blood for Rosalind. It nearly killed her. But Naomi wasn't playing the martyr this time; she wanted Rosalind to feel the bite of desperation for once.<br /> <br /> Naomi kept her head down as she walked, hiding the hatred that bubbled up in her eyes. She was going to stick close to Shawn and grab every chance to get stronger. That way, when Freddy and the Edwards family came to pawn her off on that devil, she'd be ready to stand up for herself. After dying once, trust didn't come easy to her.<br /> <br /> Shawn stopped suddenly, and Naomi, not paying attention, bumped into his back. She gasped, feeling as if she just hit a wall.<br /> <br /> A smile that Shawn didn't even realize had crept onto his face. "Be careful," he said.<br /> <br /> "Oh, sorry," responded Naomi.<br /> <br /> Now keeping her distance, Naomi followed Shawn to a sleek black Rolls-Royce that waited ahead. A young man in a sharp suit stood by it. He straightened up and opened the door as soon as he saw Shawn. The guy's eyes then landed on Naomi trailing behind and he blurted out, "Mr. Fischer, who's this girl? Are we taking her in?"<br /> <br /> Shawn gave him a look, and Chandler Jensen clamped his mouth shut. His eyes were full of questions, but Naomi stayed cool. The car drove off smoothly.<br /> <br /> Sitting in the fancy car, Naomi kept her eyes steady. She wasn't about to let curiosity get her in trouble with the guy sitting next to her. She got a do-over in life and wasn't planning on finding out just how tough Shawn could be for herself.<br /> <br /> They pulled up to the famous Spring Villa in Atopan. The place was huge, with acres of land and a big white house sitting on the edge of a cliff. The electric gates opened, showing off a tree-lined driveway. After a twenty-minute ride through some nice greenery, they came to a giant fountain with a statue of a woman in the middle, with colorful fish swimming around in the water that shot up in sync with music every thirty minutes.<br /> <br /> Past the fountain, another ten-minute drive took them to a massive pool right in front of the villa. The Rolls-Royce stopped at the fancy front door. Chandler stepped out and held the door open, asking with respect, "Mr. Fischer, is the young lady staying?"<br /> <br /> Naomi's hands clenched tight. Nervous but hopeful, she looked at Shawn and quickly said before he could dismiss her, "I'll work hard, Mr. Fischer. I'll do anything to pay you back."<br /> <br /> "Chandler, take her to Carla," ordered Shawn.<br /> <br /> "Sure thing." Chandler's face didn't show it, but he was totally surprised inside. Everyone knew Shawn didn't like having women around. But here was Naomi, back safe and sound, and Shawn didn't seem bothered at all.<br /> <br /> "Come with me, Ms. Edwards," Chandler said, his voice filled with a bit more respect now.<br /> <br /> "Thanks," Naomi said, her voice soft and polite as she followed Chandler to meet Carla Roberts, the housekeeper of Spring Villa who was in charge of the whole staff and got a chauffeur herself. Chandler was the head of security. Everyone working at Spring Villa knew to keep their distance from Shawn, except for Carla and Chandler, who could go around him without any trouble.<br /> <br /> After Chandler handed Naomi over to Carla, he left.<br /> <br /> Carla looked Naomi over and nodded. "Alright, come with me!"<br /> <br /> Naomi was taken upstairs to a big bedroom. "Get cleaned up, then put this on and head to the first bedroom on the left on the third floor. That's Mr. Fischer's room."<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Prove Yourself<br /> Naomi washed up, taking a deep breath before she slipped into the black silk nightgown Carla had given her. The deep black went well with her tanned skin, making it look soft and glowing. She had a balanced, athletic figure, and she could see in the mirror that her face, clean and fresh like a newly opened flower, was now pink from the warm water. At twenty, she was in the prime of her youth, her body buzzing with energy.<br /> <br /> In her old life, Rosalind couldn't stand Naomi's glowing face and toned physique and tried more than once to hurt her, pretending to be sleepwalking. But Freddy had put a stop to it because their potential buyer, a man as nasty as they come, wouldn't want a woman with a marked-up face.<br /> <br /> Naomi saw her own smile in the mirror, mysterious at first and then blooming into something sweet and warm. This time around, even with Shawn's reputation for wrecking beauty, she was determined not to live through the nightmares of her past.<br /> <br /> Following Carla's directions, Naomi made her way to the third floor without hesitation and walked straight to the first bedroom on the left. She gently turned the handle and pushed the unlocked door open. The room was dark except for a flickering light casting an eerie, red hue.<br /> <br /> "I'm here, Mr. Fischer," Naomi called out quietly, stepping onto the cool floor.<br /> <br /> Click—the lights flipped on suddenly, forcing Naomi to blink and shield her eyes until they adjusted to the brightness. She found herself in a spacious bedroom, elegantly furnished and divided into different areas. There was an office space with floor-to-ceiling windows on one wall and bookshelves lining the others, filled with an assortment of books. A large, sleek desk sat in front of the bookcases, its surface organized with just a few papers and a laptop.<br /> <br /> Shawn was relaxed in his chair behind the desk, holding a cigarette between his fingers, his laid-back pose unchanged as his intense eyes took her in.<br /> <br /> The first thing he noticed was how gorgeous Naomi was, especially in that black gown.<br /> <br /> Shawn cleared his throat quietly, showing no sign of being put off—maybe this unexpected guest was just what he needed.<br /> <br /> "Prove you're serious if you want to stick with me," he said in a deep, casual tone. Naomi hesitated, feeling her face heat up and her body respond without her permission. Then, with shaky hands, she let her nightgown fall to the floor and stepped toward Shawn. She tried to stay calm, but she couldn't stop the nervous excitement that raced through her.<br /> <br /> Never before, not even in her two lives or when she'd been pushed to her limits by that cruel man, had she offered herself to a man like this. It felt like the right way to thank Shawn for rescuing her, now and in her past life. Plus, she'd heard he didn't have much interest in women, so she figured she might be safe from his advances.<br /> <br /> "Have you done this before?" Shawn suddenly asked.<br /> <br /> Caught off guard, Naomi whispered a soft "Never."<br /> <br /> Freddy had always been Rosalind's; Naomi was just used as a shield, a decoy to provide Rosalind with her blood. There had been zero romance between Freddy and her, not even a simple touch.<br /> <br /> Shawn got up and walked over, only to find him cool with her being there. It looked like he was actually okay with her presence.<br /> <br /> "Now get dressed and leave," Shawn said before he walked into the next room, leaving Naomi with the message that he wasn't going to touch her—not until he figured her out. Anyway, Shawn had always seen women as more trouble than they were worth.<br /> <br /> Naomi was caught off guard but didn't ask any questions. She quickly slipped back into her silky gown and went downstairs. She knew that Shawn had his defenses up, and if she was going to make it here, she had to make sure she never grossed him out.<br /> <br /> Carla was waiting on the second floor, and seeing Naomi in one piece, her smile widened, and she seemed even friendlier. "Congrats, Ms. Edwards."<br /> <br /> Naomi was puzzled but remained courteous. "Thanks, Carla. I'm not really sure what for, though."<br /> <br /> Carla's grin had this know-it-all vibe as she said, "Ms. Edwards, you're the first lady Mr. Fischer's ever brought home and let stay overnight. Even his last girl didn't get to step foot in here."<br /> <br /> Naomi zeroed in on the phrase "his last girl". So, there was someone special to Shawn before.<br /> <br /> She just couldn't get a solid read on what Shawn or Carla were thinking. Back in her old life, except for that one time he saved her, she really didn't have any contact with him. All she knew about the guy was through gossip.<br /> <br /> Shawn had wanted her to prove she was for real, and it looked like she'd passed the test. Lying in the soft, cozy bed, Naomi let herself shut her eyes, finally feeling a bit of peace. Her family was probably freaking out by now. She let out a little smirk; the real show was just getting started.<br /> <br /> *<br /> <br /> Late at night, Chandler carried Naomi's thorough file up to Shawn. "Mr. Fischer, I'm positive that Ms. Edwards isn't part of anyone's game."<br /> <br /> Shawn was drumming his fingers on his desk. If Naomi was around, she would get a glimpse of his real looks—a face so striking it could be carved from marble, flawless and unmarred. "If that's what you think, then she stays."<br /> <br /> "Got it. By the way, the Edwards family is freaking out trying to find Ms. Edwards. Should we clue her in?" Chandler was feeling pretty ticked off for Naomi; the Edwards wanted her around just so Rosalind could get her blood fixes. Being born into the Edwards family wasn't lucky; it was sad to see how Javier and Victoria Edwards, Naomi's parents, didn't give two hoots about their younger daughter's health, making her give blood to Rosalind for a whole decade since she started it at just ten.<br /> <br /> Chandler couldn't wrap his head around how the Edwards family had guilt-tripped Naomi into feeling like she was at fault, like not giving blood was a sin on her part. Thankfully, she bumped into Shawn.<br /> <br /> Chandler had grown up around Shawn and worked as his assistant, although Shawn treated him more like family than staff. With Shawn all cool about Naomi being around, Chandler guessed Shawn might keep her close to get in his grandma's good graces. And knowing Naomi was no threat, Chandler started to hope that she might be the one, the person to bring some light into Shawn's life.<br /> <br /> "Tell her when she wakes up," Shawn said, lighting a cigarette and thumbing through Naomi's file until he hit her picture—a girl with bright eyes and a knockout smile, pure and seemingly untouched by life's darker sides. But the Naomi he'd saved had eyes full of confusion and a fierce kind of anger that this smiling girl in the picture couldn't even hint at.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 Her Naïve Old Self<br /> The next morning, Naomi was up with the sun, ready to head back to the Edwards manor. She was curious to see how Rosalind would fare without her giving blood.<br /> <br /> Chaos had erupted at the Edwards manor, and Victoria looked like a total wreck. Her usual polished, chic look had taken a hit with dark bags under her bloodshot eyes. Spotting Naomi, she stormed over and raised her hand to hit Naomi.<br /> <br /> Naomi was quick, grabbing Victoria's wrist in mid-swing; her eyes were icy, enough to give anyone chills, and her voice was just as cold. "What's this about?"<br /> <br /> "You brat, where were you all night? Are you trying to off your sister?" Victoria's face twisted in fury as she spat out insults. "You've got some nerve blocking me! After all I've done for you, you dare stand up to me?"<br /> <br /> Naomi pushed back hard, sending Victoria staggering. Victoria was boiling over with worry and fury, itching to go after Naomi, whose calm face was like a slap in the face itself. With Rosalind lying weak in the hospital, still not out of the emergency room, and Naomi acting like it was no big deal, the reality stung. If it weren't for Naomi being a spot-on blood match for Rosalind, Victoria and Javier wouldn't have bothered adopting her. They thought being taken in by them was Naomi's big break.<br /> <br /> "Naomi, you're coming to the hospital with me right now for a blood transfusion," Victoria declared, yanking out her phone to call Javier. "Naomi's back, and she's coming in."<br /> <br /> Naomi gazed at her with an icy look, a smirk playing on her face. "Cool, but first I need to pack my things."<br /> <br /> "Pack what? Everything you own was paid for by the Edwards family. You drag your feet, and I'll make sure you regret it." Victoria threatened.<br /> <br /> Naomi brushed off the seething Victoria. Sure, she was brought up in the Edwards' fancy digs, but she hadn't forgotten how poorly Victoria and Javier had always treated her.<br /> <br /> Back in the day, she hadn't dwelled on it much, but after hitting rock bottom, it hit her: to the Edwards family, she was just a disposable tool.<br /> <br /> Naomi and Rosalind were both into design. Naomi had talent, sketching original designs way before hitting college. She even had an online comic series. Rosalind, always playing the weakling, would swipe Naomi's work, claim it as her own, and cash in on the licensing deals. She even had her eye on Naomi's big end-of-year project.<br /> <br /> Naomi could still remember, from her prior life, crying in front of the TV, feeling low as Rosalind got praise for Naomi's work, scooped up awards, and played humble while Naomi was stashed away by Freddy.<br /> <br /> Freddy had argued that since Rosalind won and Naomi was the younger, sturdy sister, the spotlight was rightly Rosalind's. Naomi could have her turn at fame later, he'd said.<br /> <br /> The night Rosalind won with Naomi's designs, while Victoria, Javier, and Freddy were out living it up, Naomi was locked down in the Edwards manor's cold, dark basement, left to deal with the chill and her hunger alone.<br /> <br /> Naomi charged into her room and scrambled her stuff together. She snagged just her books and the design drafts she was still tweaking. Anything from the Edwards family's fancy house? She didn't want any of it.<br /> <br /> With her backpack slung on, she raced down the stairs where a bodyguard tried to stop her. She gave him a deathly cold look. "I can show myself out, thanks."<br /> <br /> Victoria flinched from Naomi's icy stare, taking a step back without meaning to. Shaking it off, she lost her cool. "Naomi, you little snake, you better straighten up!"<br /> <br /> "If I'm a snake, you're the head honcho, right? I mean, you're the one who brought me up, so any shifty moves I've got come straight from you," Naomi snapped back with a blank face. "Shouldn't you be at the hospital already? If you're any later, Rosalind might not make it!"<br /> <br /> Victoria lifted her hand, ready to hit Naomi, but a mocking scoff from Naomi froze her in place. "Go for it. Hit me. Knock me out if you want to. Then let's see who'll roll up their sleeve for Rosalind."<br /> <br /> Naomi's laid-back yet cutting tone made Victoria so mad she looked ready to explode. She mused, 'How has Naomi flipped her attitude overnight like this? But right now, Rosalind's crisis is front and center.'<br /> <br /> ***<br /> <br /> Over at the hospital. The minute Freddy spotted Naomi, he looked like a huge weight lifted off him. He made a beeline for her, gearing up to chide her, but the chill in her glare twisted his lecture into a pretend show of care.<br /> <br /> "Naomi, where did you go last night? I tore the place apart looking for you; I was freaking out."<br /> <br /> "Really?" Naomi pulled her eyes away with a silent, mocking laugh. 'Yeah, Freddy was scared all right—scared I'd bite the dust and leave Rosalind high and dry without her blood donor,' she thought.<br /> <br /> Freddy continued, "Don't even think about doing something stupid, Naomi. If not for yourself, at least think of your sister."<br /> <br /> "Drop it," Naomi interrupted him. "What are you, my boyfriend or hers? You act like her life is worth more than mine."<br /> <br /> "Naomi, when did you turn into ice?" Freddy's eyes showed nothing but shock. "What the heck happened yesterday? How can you say such cruel stuff?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, give me a break, Freddy! You go out with me and then hover around Rosalind like a lost puppy. We're through," Naomi said, her voice sharp and final. "I'm here just to break up with you. You're so obsessed with Rosalind; you two deserve each other, loser."<br /> <br /> With those parting words, she spun around and walked away.<br /> <br /> "Naomi, don't even think about leaving." Javier closed in fast. "You're an Edwards, and your duty is to look out for your sister. Where do you think you're off to? Get your butt back there and give her your blood."<br /> <br /> Javier's face was a mix of control and contempt. To him, Naomi was worth next to nothing—a life they pretty much bought on the cheap. Without their charity, she would've been left to fade away in some orphanage. The way he saw it, giving blood was an honor they let her have.<br /> <br /> Back in her old life, Naomi had been so naïve, completely clueless to her parents' selfish motives until it was too late. She was away for just one night, and when she came back refusing to give blood, it was like shining a spotlight on the real Victoria and Javier.<br /> <br /> She reflected inwardly, 'Why did I ever bring the idea that they were tough on me out of care for Rosalind? I even made lame excuses for the cruel Edwards family and for Freddy, telling myself they cared deep down, just too caught up with Rosalind's health issues. And all the games Freddy played? I thought it was my own fault and I should have just gone ahead and given blood right away. If Rosalind got worse, the blame would be on my shoulders. Man... If only I could shake some sense into my old self, so naive and completely tricked.'	LEARN_MORE	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle/ksovita	192594227281520	Romance novel223	https://facebook.com/61556463041584	33	1	1,879,420,572,529,066	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Romance novel223	120210001352200487	website.literiess.com	NONE	image	"Do you take this woman to be your wife, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?" asked a priest.	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle/ksovita4cpdlkvhrf1seqoed?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2024-06-07 21:27	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448017492_894347956064928_5510405849888446327_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RmwucOJEZUwQ7kNvgG0Ky1r&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYAyEor8t_-9j6geB-aglXI3kFlX3wtU6S20ed7e50uFQw&oe=6669EC9A	person_profile	0	Romance novel223	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447987877_1429888061027417_5446086632686484102_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4Csr1e-IaUIQ7kNvgH4X6sS&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYBtQS0bgu5q2E6gtXL_0LcuCDnpflB9D-KqcKKUu8vm6w&oe=6669CD76	3	Romance novel223	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,870,948	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1870939}'	No	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	1170796897601675	🔞🔞Click to read the full novel👉👉👉	Chapter 01<br /> LAYLA<br /> <br /> The loud ringing of the phone wakes me up from a deep slumber. My hand pats the soft space. My eyes are too heavy and a thousand veins are thumping in my head. <br /> <br /> My hand finally finds my cell, and I swipe right. Placing the cold cell against my ear, I wait for a second. <br /> <br /> “ Layla Jones, where the fuck are you? ” The shrill voice of my best friend pierces my eardrum.<br /> <br /> My eyes shoot wide open. Pain seeps into my skull. I sit up in the bed. Cold air brushes my body that is strangely…<br /> <br /> My eyes drop to my naked boobs, and the purple marks all over my skin. I blink. I can not believe the fuck out of this.<br /> <br /> “ Hello? ” Daphne shouts. “ Hello? Why are you not saying anything? Did you create some mess I need to sort out? ” <br /> <br /> “ It’s not a mess. ” I cringe and look to my left.<br /> <br /> The other side of the bed is empty. My eyes search the sheets. To prove me right, the blood stains peek back at me.<br /> <br /> “ I lost my virginity. ” I whisper.<br /> <br /> Some silence, and then evil laughter booms through the speaker. “ Good job. ” <br /> <br /> “ Not the time to play the villain. ” I whisper yell. “ please come pick me up from this stupid place where you left me. ” <br /> <br /> “ I am already on my way there. I thought you were dead so I had to come to check up on you. ” She whistles.<br /> <br /> I hang up on her. My fingers touch the dried blood. Horror etches into my features. <br /> <br /> What did I do? <br /> <br /> When did I do it?<br /> <br /> My memory was hazy. The sound of the shower running in the bathroom was clear though.<br /> <br /> I got to my feet, wincing and cringing. My legs hurt like I have done a lot of exercise.<br /> <br /> A blurred memory plays in my head as I limp to the side table. <br /> <br /> * “ Look how good you take me, Mio Tesoro. ”<br /> <br /> The deep, authoritative voice whispered in my head. I had to spread my legs wider to have all of him between them. <br /> <br /> “ Hard…Harder. ” It was my voice. <br /> <br /> The hard pounding, the strong pleasure, my nails in his back, and his hands on my hips. The sweat, the moans, his wild grunts. <br /> <br /> Embarrassment flushes me red. I tear the sheets from my body to search for my clothes. I find my torn dress in the distance and look at it with wide eyes.<br /> <br /> The shower continues to run in the distance. It gives me the little sense of calm that I need right now or else, I am going to pass out from equal parts fear and embarrassment.<br /> <br /> Dropping the dress, I look for my panties and bra. Both pieces of black clothing are sprawled on the floor close to the bed. I slip them on when I see the black button-down shirt and my purse lying close to them.<br /> <br /> I pick both of them, slip on the black shirt, and button it up. Then, I grab a few bills from my purse and drop them on the table to pay for the shirt.<br /> <br /> It’s my beloved saved money that I foolishly wanted to spend yesterday to get over the heartbreak but after stepping foot in the expensive club, I didn’t use it. How I got drunk and ended up here is not even in my memory.<br /> <br /> So, I am going to leave this money for whomever I slept with and run out of here. I can’t possibly face this man after what we did.<br /> <br /> Acting on my plan, I make my way out of the room. It seems like the top floor of the same club given that it is decorated in the same colors. The red, blue, and purple. A neon touch to everything.<br /> <br /> I dash down the staircase and run straight for the door. I am hopeful that when I open the door, Daphne will be waiting in the parking lot because I won’t feel too good waiting in the open, with nothing but a shirt on and my feet bare.<br /> <br /> My heart beats fast from the hurried actions. My hands sweat and I frantically rub them over the shirt.<br /> <br /> As I hoped, I see Daphne’s black SUV parked in the distance. She grins when she sees me running to her.<br /> <br /> Just as I open the door, I slip inside the passenger seat and turn to her. “ Let’s leave already. ”<br /> <br /> “ We need to talk about your night first. ” Daphne claps her hands excitedly.<br /> <br /> “ No, D. We are not talking about it here. ” I whisper, looking at the club in the distance in the side mirror.<br /> <br /> I hope he takes the money and doesn’t come out for me for the shirt. It is soft and feels expensive over my skin so I believe it’s not worth what I gave him.<br /> <br /> “ No, Lulu. You need to tell me— ”<br /> <br /> I slap my hand over her mouth and glare at her. “ Drive out of here and I will tell you everything. ”<br /> <br /> Her green eyes round with excitement. She nods her head. Her black hair bounce with the move.<br /> <br /> I remove my hand cautiously. She listens this time and starts the engine. In no time, we are saying goodbye to my nightmare and fear.<br /> <br /> “ Now, tell me everything from the moment you two kissed and then climaxed. ” Daphne giggles wickedly.<br /> <br /> “ Too bad for you. ” I shake my head and rub my temples. “ I don’t even remember what he looks like or when we kissed or how I got drunk. I only remember that I sat in the corner and watched everyone with big I-am-poor eyes. What happened after that is not in my memory. ” <br /> <br /> “ You popped the cherry and you don’t remember what it felt like? ” She gasps.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t even remember popping the cherry. ” I close my eyes. This is embarrassing. “ but I saw the blood on the sheets. ”<br /> <br /> “ That’s how you took revenge on Josh? You slept with a guy and you don’t even remember if he was hot or not? Now you are going to bluff about him when you don’t know what to bluff about? ” Daphne clicks her tongue.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t know, D. ” I lick my lips, tasting an intoxicating masculine mint flavor on them. “ I recall changing my mind when I stepped into the club. I planned on watching people for a while and then calling you. I don’t know how I ended up in the bed with - - - him. ”<br /> <br /> Him. Him is definitely not ugly. I didn’t see his face in the flash of memory but the way his body stretched me to the limits and made me ache all over is not the work of someone weak.<br /> <br /> “ Alpha will be angry. ” Daphne whispers when we enter the pack.<br /> <br /> I swallow. “ When is he not angry with me? ” <br /> <br /> “ I am sorry. ” She keeps her gaze settled ahead.<br /> <br /> I go silent. This is the consequence I have to face because I decided to cross my limits and pretended to be someone I am not.<br /> <br /> This is the consequence of forgetting that I am supposed to be the daughter of the murdered gamma couple, with no wolf. I can say mateless too, but I was proved wrong on that account yesterday.<br /> <br /> Yesterday was the day of the hunt. It’s the day when werewolves can recognize their mates. I had no hopes about this day, but Alpha’s son, Josh came to me with a dazed look when I was working in the kitchen and whispered the word mate to me.<br /> <br /> A force swept me off my feet at that moment. I dropped the knife and rushed into his arms. I could sense the connection too, but I couldn’t tell what it was. <br /> <br /> I was happy. I forgot that Josh was the worst nightmare for me for the past two years. He beat me. He starved me. He tried to rape me once.<br /> <br /> I forgot all that.<br /> <br /> But, he was the same.<br /> <br /> He rejected me and then beat me. Before he could kill me in his anger, Sarah came into the kitchen. <br /> <br /> She was his girlfriend and the Beta’s daughter. She was also my best friend before the incident that ruined my life. But now, she just pretended to be good in front of everyone and stopped Josh whenever he wanted to hit me.<br /> <br /> While in the absence of others, she made me go through worse things. Like ducking my head underwater and letting me feel the water burning my lungs until I was half dead. That was one of her favorite ways of torture.<br /> <br /> After telling me how I was a worthless whore, they both went away but I was burning in pain and anger. <br /> <br /> I was done with the pack members that used me, abused me, and kept me as a slave all these years. I wanted to do something to rebel against them like Daphne had suggested all this time.<br /> <br /> So, I did that.<br /> <br /> But, I am scared about the consequences that await me now.<br /> <br /> Daphne stops the car outside the double-story pack house. I observe the building with scared eyes.<br /> <br /> “ I wish I could - - - ”<br /> <br /> I open the door and slip out. I don’t want to hear her apologize. She can not do anything for me. <br /> <br /> She is bound by a blood oath to the Alpha and if she goes against him, she will be killed or worse, exiled. <br /> <br /> Exile is the biggest fear of werewolves because breaking a bond with the pack will turn you into a packless rogue and if no other pack takes you in right away, it can result in slow madness and pain that never ends.<br /> <br /> “ Thanks, D. ” I smile weakly.<br /> <br /> She tries to smile back but fails. I peel my eyes off her face and walk inside the pack house.<br /> <br /> As expected, I stumble upon Josh in the sitting area. My hands tremble in fear when our eyes meet.<br /> <br /> His eyes flash golden. It’s a sign of instant rage. A sign that his wolf is fighting to rise to the surface and shift. <br /> <br /> “ Where the fuck were you? ” He hisses and stalks to me.<br /> <br /> My hands tremble by my side, because I know, without a wolf I can not fight back. I can not even protect myself. <br /> <br /> “ Answer me! ” He grips my jaw and squashes it hard.<br /> <br /> Pain blurs my vision. I claw at his hands. He applies harsh pressure.<br /> <br /> “ Leave me. ” I shriek.<br /> <br /> “ You smell like another fucker. ” He growls in my face. <br /> <br /> His usual brown eyes still burn golden, hinting that his wolf is angry like him.<br /> <br /> “ Leave me, Josh. ” I thrash and try to push him away.<br /> <br /> “ Leave you? ” He seethes and throws me back.<br /> <br /> My spine hits the wall before I slide down and my left side crashes into the floor. The loud sound of bones cracking makes me sick to my stomach. Screams erupt from my mouth, one after another.<br /> <br /> After that, Josh doesn’t stop. I lose count of the times his fists slam into my face or his legs kick me all over.<br /> <br /> He doesn’t release me until I am crawling on my hands and begging him to spare me. My nails break from the roots. My body is broken.<br /> <br /> He kicks me a last time in the rib, causing another shattering noise, and moves back.<br /> <br /> “ Attempt to fuck with me again, and you are done slut. ” He spits on my bloodied body after his cruel words.<br /> <br /> After he is done, Josh leaves me there. Suffering. Barely alive. Hurting. <br /> <br /> It’s nothing new. I know I will lose consciousness and when I regain it, I will be lying in the same spot. I will tend to my wounds on my own, I will cry alone, and I will suffer without anyone by my side.<br /> <br /> Chapter 02<br /> “ Whose bastard is it? ” Alpha Benjamin growls in my face.<br /> <br /> I squeeze my eyes shut. “ I - - - I don’t know. ”<br /> <br /> “ I am asking for the last time Layla! ” His fist slams into my face, knocking me to the ground. <br /> <br /> “ I don’t know, Alpha. ” I cry out and instantly pull my knees to my chest to protect my stomach from the hits.<br /> <br /> One mistake. One night. And fate decided it didn’t want to let this slide.<br /> <br /> I found out I was pregnant after a mere month which is rare for werewolves. The child growing inside me is not normal. When I secretly visited pack doctor Emma, she told me it’s a powerful breed and it’s growing at a fast rate. I will be ready to give birth in six months instead of eight.<br /> <br /> After hearing all this, I instantly thought about getting rid of it, as I was in no position to raise a child but I couldn’t do it.<br /> <br /> How am I supposed to get rid of this part of me?<br /> <br /> This baby is my flesh and blood. The thought of killing it, killing an innocent child equals suicide to me. <br /> <br /> The baby is mine. I won’t let it go.<br /> <br /> So, I decided that I will run away tonight to save my baby and myself, but Doctor Emma told the truth to Alpha Benjamin and now, we are inside his pack office where he is beating the shit out of me.<br /> <br /> He kicks my arms. Animalistic growls leave his lips. He continues to hit me, and I take it while protecting my stomach from the blows.<br /> <br /> Today, I am not screaming. I will not scream ever again. I am going to bear it until I have the chance. Once I take this chance, I will never look back. I will make my life. I will raise this baby with love and care.<br /> <br /> The door to his office flies open. I peek from around my elbow to see who it is.<br /> <br /> “ Dad! ” Josh yells.<br /> <br /> Alpha Benjamin stops hitting me and turns to his son. His breath comes out in short pants after all the work he has done on me.<br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, can not move in fear that my body is going to fall apart. I dig my teeth into my lower lip to stop the small sobs of pain from falling out of my mouth.<br /> <br /> I won’t be weak anymore. I will be strong for the baby. I will be brave, and smart all for the life growing inside me.<br /> <br /> “ You were going to kill her. ” Josh sighs.<br /> <br /> “ This bitch won’t die so easily. She is a curse! ” Alpha Benjamin hisses at him.<br /> <br /> “ She might be a curse but she is not invincible, Dad. ” He rolls his eyes and walks to me.<br /> <br /> Crouching down, Josh touches my elbow. A whimper escapes my lips despite my hardest efforts. He shakes his head and grabs my arms before lifting me into a sitting position. <br /> <br /> Everywhere hurts. My arms hurt. My head hurts. My guts hurt.<br /> <br /> Tears moisten my eyes when the pain becomes unbearable.<br /> <br /> “ Come on. Get up. ” Josh pulls me to my feet.<br /> <br /> I follow his lead without any protest. He takes me out of his father’s office.<br /> <br /> “ Get that damn bastard flushed out of her, Josh. ” Alpha Benjamin sneers before the door to his office closes behind me.<br /> <br /> My eyes become round in fear. I glance at Josh and find him already smirking at me.<br /> <br /> He is going to get the baby aborted. I know.<br /> <br /> “ I- - - ” I croak out. “ I will die, Josh. I can not have an abortion in this state. ” <br /> <br /> Josh looks at me with a wicked look in his eyes. I gulp. Pain follows my saliva down my throat and blood rises to my mouth.<br /> <br /> “ You have to get an abortion, baby. Or I am going to rip this thing out of you myself. ” He whispers huskily. <br /> <br /> Dread stings my body in the form of needles. I open my mouth to tell him to try and see what happens, but it’s an idiotic move to fight him when he has all the power against me.<br /> <br /> “ Can we do it tomorrow? ” A tear finally slides down my eye. <br /> <br /> “ No. This thing is getting out of you right now. ” He shakes his head.<br /> <br /> “ Please, Josh. I swear to Goddess Selene I will get this thing out of me first thing in the morning but please let’s not do this today. I am - - - I am already hurting. I am scared. ” I reason.<br /> <br /> Calling my baby a thing is beyond terrible but I have to do it so Josh doesn’t suspect my intentions.<br /> <br /> Josh goes silent and takes me to the small store room I call my room in the pack house. The worn-down mattress waits for me on the floor, taunting me for everything I have endured and will endure once I am out of this shithole.<br /> <br /> He dumps me over the mattress harshly and steps back. I groan, holding my left arm that hurts the most.<br /> <br /> “ What will I get if I do you this favor? ” Josh asks sultrily. <br /> <br /> His eyes drill holes in my battered body. The old grey tank top and the bloodied blue-colored ripped jeans are not doing anything to hide me from his evil eyes.<br /> <br /> I know he wants to sleep with me. He is tired of sex with my ex-best friend aka Sarah. He wants what the battered bond between us offers now. A pleasure that matches no other. A touch that burns to ashes and brings back to life. <br /> <br /> He has been trying to have sex with me for the past few days but I was so sick that he couldn’t get near me without me throwing up all over him. The baby protected me from him.<br /> <br /> “ I will do anything you want, Josh. ” I whisper, holding his dirty gaze.<br /> <br /> He crouches down. I grip the edges of the smelly mattress under me to hold still. His face nears mine, and the putrid stench of beer burns my nostrils.<br /> <br /> “ Will you let me fuck you against the wall? ” He smirks, knowing how this talk always makes me flip. <br /> <br /> My lips tremble as he closes the little distance and kisses the edge of them. “ tell me, Laylababy. ” <br /> <br /> “ Y - - - Yes. ” I nod, cautiously bending back to be away from him.<br /> <br /> “ Oh, fuck. It’s so easy. ” He chuckles, drawing his head back. “ I might as well fuck you now. ”<br /> <br /> Life drains from my body. His hands close around my waist, push me into the mattress and he crawls above me.<br /> <br /> “ Josh! ” I yelp and push at his chest.<br /> <br /> “ I want to fuck your filthy mouth. ” He utters before sealing my lips with his mouth.<br /> <br /> I push harder. The terror of getting raped while there is an innocent life inside me is soul-shattering. <br /> <br /> I clamp my teeth around his lower lip and bite so hard that blood pours inside my mouth. He pulls away and smacks me across the face. My vision blackens at the strong impact.<br /> <br /> “ Motherfucking Whore! ” He clenches my jaw and makes me face him. “ I am going to take your mouth, your pussy, and at the end, I am going to cum in your ass as a payback for this stunt you pulled ”<br /> <br /> “ No! ” I scream. “ No, Josh. Get the fuck away from me. I am pregnant, for fuck’s sake! ” <br /> <br /> “ That’s why I am not fucking you. The filth inside you is repulsive as shit. ” He groans and gets away from me.<br /> <br /> I release a shaky breath. My pulse is quick enough to make me dizzy. I sit up and immediately slip to the other edge of the mattress.<br /> <br /> “ You are getting rid of this first thing tomorrow. ” He warns, stepping back. “ This doesn’t mean you can slack off today. Come out of the fucking room and set the table for the guests. ” <br /> <br /> “ O- - -Okay. ” I nod.<br /> <br /> He glares at me before walking out of the open door. I watch his retreating back and tears slide out of my eyes at last. <br /> <br /> My hands press against my stomach as I sob to myself. “ I am - - - I am sorry, baby. Mama couldn’t protect herself and you today. But I promise- - - ”<br /> <br /> I place my right hand over my mouth to cover the sobs. “ I promise I will do a better job from now on. I will never let you get hurt. We will be out of this hellhole by tomorrow and we will start a new life. I promise you will be a lot happier than me. I will make sure of it. ”<br /> <br /> Chapter 03<br /> LAYLA<br /> <br /> It takes me three hours to prepare everything for the dinner with the maids and set the table for the guests. <br /> <br /> Alpha or Josh refuses to tell me who is coming but the extravagant preparations are enough to reveal it’s an important person.<br /> <br /> I go back to my small room when I am done and inspect the contents inside my backpack. Some cash Daphne lent me and the remainder of my savings is sitting inside untouched with three shirts and two pairs of jeans. There is nothing else I have or can take without anyone noticing it.<br /> <br /> I have no idea how life is going to be when I leave this pack but Daphne is helping me. She talked to her aunt who lives on the outskirts of the Lotus pack. <br /> <br /> It’s a decent old pack that resides about a hundred kilometers west of my pack. Unlike Alpha Benjamin who is power and money crazy, the Lotus Pack Alpha---Alpha Marcus is all about harmony and peace. <br /> <br /> Daphne’s aunt Maya has even asked him for permission to let me join the pack and he agreed. That was quick and shocking because Alphas hardly accept outsiders but he did. He is ready to accept an outsider like me and I can stay there as long as I want. <br /> <br /> My phone vibrates with a notification. I open the text from Daphne. <br /> <br /> Aunt told Alpha Marcus everything about your situation. He still wants you to join the pack. Everything is set. Make it out now, C. I am rooting for you. XOXO. *<br /> <br /> Sighing, I send her a quick okay, and thanks before deleting the texts. I don’t want Josh or Alpha Benjamin to find out about it. <br /> <br /> Too lost in my thoughts, I don’t notice when the maid barges inside the room and stands over my head.<br /> <br /> “ Luna wants to see you.” She sneers at me.<br /> <br /> “ Luna? ” My eyes widen.<br /> <br /> Luna Avery is Alpha Benjamin’s mate and wife who likes to take random tours around the world. She is gone every other day and then comes back whenever she wants. No one objects to it or tells her that she should be taking care of her pack instead of running away. <br /> <br /> “ Why do you need to be told everything twice? ” The maid hisses before storming out of the room.<br /> <br /> I am left wondering why she is back now. My heartbeat quickens as different scenarios cross my mind.<br /> <br /> If Alpha Benjamin and Josh are the devil reincarnate, she is the real devil. If she is here then there must be hellfire waiting for me. <br /> <br /> I get to my weak feet and wince slightly. My body still hurts like hell. There is nothing I can do. My healing powers are too weak and it usually takes me lots of time to heal without a wolf.<br /> <br /> Enduring the intense waves of pain, I limp out and approach the dining room. As I near it, my breathing becomes ragged. Different voices sound from inside. <br /> <br /> “ I am telling you Alpha Alexander, we only have two other people in the house. You met the maid. The other girl is also a helper. ” Luna’s sweet voice makes me swallow.<br /> <br /> “ Call her here. ”<br /> <br /> The new voice is like a caress of needed warmth on a cold night. Tingles shoot down my spine, carrying the weight of it throughout my blood. Strange heat pools in my stomach after hearing it. <br /> <br /> It sounds familiar like I have heard it before. <br /> <br /> I shake my head and enter the dining room. My gaze lowers to the floor instinctively. <br /> <br /> “ You called, Luna? ” I lick my lips and ask.<br /> <br /> “ It’s been so long since the last time I saw you. ” Luna surprisingly speaks to me in a tone that is reserved for important people. I am not one of them. I never was. <br /> <br /> “ Greet Alpha Alexander, Layla. ” Alpha Benjamin scoffs.<br /> <br /> I glance up momentarily, but my eyes refuse to look down again.<br /> <br /> My hazel eyes meet with a pair of silver orbs. Sun on Moon. The Bright against All Dark Night. <br /> <br /> Odd energy shoots down my body, reaching my core and tightening every single muscle in me. It’s like getting struck by lightning on a rainy night. The sensation of the current jolting every single part of me awake.<br /> <br /> My breath catches in my throat. I drop my gaze to his proud nose and then to his thick pair of lips. He licks them with the laziness of a predator who finally has the chance to eat its prey and he wants to savor every bite. <br /> <br /> “ Layla? ” He utters my name from his lips.<br /> <br /> I shudder. It sounds too hot. It’s too hot in the room.<br /> <br /> “ Yeah, she is the rascal who got my gamma couple killed. Still, we took pity and gave her shelter inside our home. ” Alpha Benjamin sneers.<br /> <br /> Heat taints my cheeks red, allowing everyone in the room to see my embarrassment marking my skin. I swallow the lump in my throat and look down again.<br /> <br /> My heart is in a race of its own. I don’t even know what or who it is trying to outrun. I clasp my shaky hands together to hold them still.<br /> <br /> “ Why is she bruised? ” The startling voice of the stranger booms. <br /> <br /> I stumble a step back, finding all of this too much. I am weak in my knees. The heat in my body is becoming too much to handle. I have never experienced this before. <br /> <br /> “ She slipped in her bathroom. She is quite clumsy. She got the head of a chicken. ” Josh chuckles.<br /> <br /> It’s utterly humiliating. If I could dig a hole and hide there for the rest of my life, I would have done that by now. <br /> <br /> “ Bathroom? ” His voice drops lower, becoming more throaty. It reverberates in my lower abdomen, almost making me gasp to myself. <br /> <br /> “ Yeah, Alpha! She is like that sometimes. ” Luna adds.<br /> <br /> Silence echoes in the room. I stand there, feeling the scorching heat of his stare on my face. It makes me shift from my left foot to the right uncomfortably.<br /> <br /> “ I need her. ” Alpha Alexander commands. Arrogant, Confident, Non-negotiable. <br /> <br /> My gaze shoots to his face in shock. I stare at the handsome man who can give competition to a Greek God. He is built like a mountain. His muscles are bulging in the tight white dress shirt he is wearing under his black jacket. <br /> <br /> I notice the black ink peeking out of his collar and instantly tear my gaze from his neck to look at his face once more. <br /> <br /> I am the object of his attention even now. His stare never falters. I step back, unable to take it anymore.<br /> <br /> “ Uh, Alpha Alexander. What does that mean exactly? ” Luna speaks up, asking the one question that threatens to split the ground under my feet and swallow me as a whole.<br /> <br /> “ You heard me. I need her. ” Every word of his hits a nerve deep inside me and steals my breath.<br /> <br /> “ She is not up for sale if you think this is an auction. ” Josh hisses, surprising me.<br /> <br /> He is talking about buying me? What the heck!<br /> <br /> “ Shut your mouth. ” Alpha Benjamin growls at Josh.<br /> <br /> “ Dad--- ”<br /> <br /> “ Josh. ” Luna warns him.<br /> <br /> He goes silent. I look at his frustrated glaring eyes and decide it’s better to just stare at the floor.<br /> <br /> “ What are you suggesting, Alpha? ” Luna’s voice comes out breathy and sultry when she questions. <br /> <br /> “ Name the price. What do you want for her? ” The man speaks with indifference and coldness that is rare and makes the whole situation disgusting.<br /> <br /> My heart lurches. I take another step back. It’s impossible to stand on my feet right now. They are talking about selling and buying me like I am a useless piece of furniture. <br /> <br /> “ Why do you want her, Alpha? ” Luna stresses.<br /> <br /> “ I need her. And it’s none of your business. ” The Alpha shuts her up with his harsh voice, a warning lingering on the edge of each word, daring her to try poking her nose in his matter again. <br /> <br /> “ What if we say ten million, Alpha Alexander? Will you be willing to pay? ” Alpha Benjamin chuckles nervously. <br /> <br /> “ You can’t just sell me. I am not up for sale. ” I mutter at last. <br /> <br /> My gaze collides with his scorching eyes again. My soul trembles with the intensity. The tension rises in the air and temperature shoots to a new height.<br /> <br /> “ We will always decide the best for your future, Layla Darling. Don’t doubt it and stay silent. ” Luna speaks pleasantly but there is a hidden warning underneath her words that only I can sense.<br /> <br /> Try speaking again and you shall lose your tongue, that’s what Luna wants me to know. <br /> <br /> My heartbeat pounds in all my organs. I grip my fingers tighter to remain calm.<br /> <br /> I lower my eyes before taking a peek at the silent man and find him typing something on his phone. His brows bunch, as he concentrates and gives off a scary vibe.<br /> <br /> Why is he doing this? Who is he? What does he want from me? <br /> <br /> “ The money is in your pack’s account. Hand her over. ” He pushes the phone back into his jacket’s pocket and stands up.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, the room is too small and everything is too unnecessary. I stumble back when he strides forward, each step taken with deliberate preciseness that leaves my heartbeat drumming in my ears. The world tilts, showing me a new angle that my mind refuses to get accustomed to. <br /> <br /> “ You can take her in the morning. We want to say goodbye to her, Alpha. ” Alpha Benjamin gets up immediately and blocks the path of the man.<br /> <br /> “ No. ” Alpha Alexander refuses without hesitation.<br /> <br /> This can’t be happening. A few more steps and this man will be practically dragging me out of this packhouse. All hopes of escape will be lost in an unfamiliar place. <br /> <br /> On the other hand, I know Alpha Benjamin wants me to stay for the night because he wants to kill my baby before handing me over to this stranger who screams danger in bright red. <br /> <br /> I am stuck. There is an inferno in front of me and the promise of destruction behind me. <br /> <br /> The man pushes Alpha Benjamin out of the way with ease and reaches me. My heartbeat slows down until I can’t even hear it. <br /> <br /> He halts in front of me, leaving a distance of a few inches between us. The moon in his eyes burns into the sun in mine, threatening to consume all the heat and still remain hungry. The intense energy cackles, leaving me breathing hard. <br /> <br /> I only come up to his neck. I have to throw my head back to look at his face from close. He is intimidating in the sense that his closeness leaves me tingling and hot everywhere.<br /> <br /> I take the final step back. My body hits the wall behind me, closing all ways of escape.<br /> <br /> “ I want to stay the night. ” I plead, staring into the silver orbs. “ Please. ”<br /> <br /> A moment of silence passes. He steals a glance at my quivering lips before dragging his gaze to my moist eyes.<br /> <br /> “ Just tonight. ” He steps back easily like he was just waiting for me to speak up.<br /> <br /> I release the breath I held and immediately run out of the dining room. I don’t even care about the crippling pain anymore. <br /> <br /> I can’t go with that man. He will probably do worse things to me.<br /> <br /> I will run tonight and then I will never look back. All these horrible people will be left behind. It will only be me and my baby that this new man doesn’t know about.<br /> <br /> I reach my room and check my bag before hiding it behind the small cupboard in the corner. The door to my room slams open, revealing Luna.<br /> <br /> “ Lu- - - Luna. ” I stutter.<br /> <br /> “ How do you know him? ” She asks, closing the door.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t know him. I swear I have never seen him before. ” I blurt.<br /> <br /> “ Why is he so keen on getting you then? ” She folds her arms over her chest, stopping in the middle of the room.<br /> <br /> “ I - - - I don’t know. ” I can’t recall ever meeting him.<br /> <br /> “ Tell me the truth, Layla. You know I won’t hurt you if you just tell the truth. ” She clicks her tongue.<br /> <br /> “ I swear on Goddess Selene I don’t know. ” I shake my head.<br /> <br /> “ Annoying. ” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “ Anyways, get ready. The doctor will arrive in an hour. Get rid of that filth and go with him in the morning. ” <br /> <br /> My body turns cold at the command. I blink the tears back and stand my ground.<br /> <br /> “ It’s so good to finally be able to get rid of you and to get money for it- - -is like a dream come true. ” She sighs dreamily and walks out of the room.<br /> <br /> It’s all so dirty. They are selling me. That man is buying me. They all think of me as their meaningless possession. <br /> <br /> The door closes. I stand in the same place for some time, waiting for someone else to come. <br /> <br /> I think Josh will come, but I am proved wrong when he doesn’t come even after half an hour. This hints at the fact that Alpha Benjamin must be holding him back. <br /> <br /> It is the best time.<br /> <br /> I dash towards the backpack and sling it on my shoulders. After wearing my worn-out sneakers, I open the only window in my room and sneak out of it. I can never be more grateful for having this room on the ground floor. It makes things easier for me.<br /> <br /> My heart skips many beats when I pass by pack members and then the patrol guards. The thought of someone stopping me or the Alpha finding out about me leaves me breathless but I continue to move.<br /> <br /> After enduring the abuse for so many years, it’s finally time to be free. A sense of relief fills me when I am out of the territory and on my way to the bus stop.<br /> <br /> I run and I never look over my shoulder.<br /> <br /> There is nothing holding me back here. No attachment. No family. No home. <br /> <br /> When I get on the bus for Laxville Town, that’s when I look behind me. A strange feeling of loss fills me as a pair of silver eyes flashes in my head. <br /> <br /> But, I don’t stop.<br /> <br /> I have to do this for the baby. I will protect it with all I have got and I will fight against the rest of the world if I have to.<br /> <br /> Chapter 04<br /> ALEXANDER<br /> <br /> “ They secured the girl, Alpha. ” My Beta and only friend Levi informs me from the driving seat.<br /> <br /> “ Send her to the house. Ask Nina to take care of her. ” I reply <br /> <br /> My eyes train on Alpha Williams’ house in the distance. I can’t wait to barge inside that shitty place and get that sweet thing out of there.<br /> <br /> She looked so fucking scared last night. <br /> <br /> If she didn’t ask me in her seductive voice to leave her there for one night, I would have burned that place down to bring her with me. <br /> <br /> I just can’t wait to taste her again. I have to practice all restraint to stop imagining her body under me. She had felt perfect. Heavenly.<br /> <br /> I had to search for her for a month like a madman. I didn’t expect to find her so easily in this Alpha’s house though.<br /> <br /> Her sweet scent still lingers in my nostrils and over my tongue. But why didn’t she show me the same reaction?<br /> <br /> She was my mate. <br /> <br /> Like me, she must have wanted to throw herself under me, over me, or everywhere she could. That’s wolf nature and you can’t fight it.<br /> <br /> But last night, she acted like she didn’t want me near. There was no hint of recognition on her face for me.<br /> <br /> “ What do I do about Ariana? She keeps calling. ” Levi sighs.<br /> <br /> Ariana is my ex-girlfriend. I threw her out of my house when I found my mate in the club. Now, she keeps pestering me to take her back.<br /> <br /> “ Just tell her to fuck off if she wants to live. ” I wave my hand in the air dismissively.<br /> <br /> “ You are already gone, man. But I am glad you found her after so long. ” Levi shakes his head dreamily as he pulls the car into the driveway.<br /> <br /> Without waiting for him to turn off the engine, I climb out of the car and march straight for the door.<br /> <br /> I need her with me. Right fucking now.<br /> <br /> Before I can stroll inside the open main door, one panicking face comes into my view. It’s the same cartoon from yesterday.<br /> <br /> Johnny or maybe it was John. <br /> <br /> “ Alpha Alexander. Uh, Good Morning! ” He pauses when he sees me, and tries his best to steel his spine.<br /> <br /> I press my lips in a thin line. “ Save the greetings. Bring her to me. ” <br /> <br /> He doesn’t move from his spot. <br /> <br /> I inhale, and the lack of the sweet scent drives my wolf restless.<br /> <br /> “ Bring her to me. Right now. I am not in the mood to play games. ” I repeat, with evident anger.<br /> <br /> “ That’s the thing. ” He runs his hand down his hair agitatedly.<br /> <br /> “	LEARN_MORE	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle/yre3gri	208866562311202	Endless Stories	https://facebook.com/61555726498427	246	1	1,180,228,896,759,605	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Endless Stories	120210651954150102	website.literiess.com	NONE	video		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle/yre3griekkem4ftfu2fknksp?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2024-06-07 05:05	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447997020_794151232872651_6865205843820307120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jwJh0Vyl5G4Q7kNvgHGx7fU&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYAABHZLOIxeClLtvekmDFaaPkZgTuC0UPlW0LvN_QKV8Q&oe=6669E21E	person_profile	0	Endless Stories	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448031167_1935862410198163_365145553970499582_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Gjn9zBxad-0Q7kNvgHZuRy8&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYDajbeN9Qtr9YSRy6m_HbJHw4nVsJRirtXhgQ-inkMWkQ&oe=6669F7C2	3	Endless Stories	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,870,877	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	483082274078180		Hi, my name is Hannah, your new digital marketing mama friend! First days in anything are always a little nerve wracking for me and this isn’t any different. I’ve decided I’ve been sitting on the sidelines way too long. Stuck in the same loop in everyday life, enough is enough. So here I am. <br /> <br /> Why faceless? Well as a 3 and running a company it can be challenging to find time to feed myself let alone put myself together for a video. Trust me I’m all too familiar with sharing my life online but I found the older I get the more private I become. So going faceless is to respect the NEW me while supporting my long to learn something new that could potential make it so I still have the time to show up as the mom I want to be. <br /> <br /> Yes, this is my first day live but really I’ve been BTS educating myself for a couple weeks now. To say the more I learned the more excited I got is an understatement. It’s the kind of thing that’ll have you shouting from the roof tops cause you see the potential! <br /> <br /> There is so much more to share but lucky you I’m here to stay so stick around and let’s see what this digital marketing world has to offer us! Comment “enough” if you can relate!<br /> <br /> PS if you want to see what I’m doing to make money online click the link in BIO for a sneak peek 🤎<br /> <br /> #digitalmarketingjourney#digitalmarketingtips#digitalmarketingtraining#workfromhomemoms#digitalmarketinglife#facelessmarketing#facelessdigitalmarketingrevolution#howtodigitalmarketing#learningdigitalmarketing#9to5life#makemoneyonlinenow#makemoneydaily#makemoneyfromanywhere	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/the.antisocial.come.up	331466653384338	the.antisocial.come.up	https://www.instagram.com/_u/the.antisocial.come.up	0	1	976,104,163,961,584	2024-06-07 02:00	ig_ads_identity	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Visit Instagram profile	the.antisocial.come.up	120209756923570611	instagram.com	NONE	video		http://instagram.com/the.antisocial.come.up	2024-06-07 21:06	https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/447638701_974148707367785_6728614462896334455_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s200x200&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3fd06f&_nc_ohc=VeVb_FSDZLQQ7kNvgEzMs7J&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYAkQXD8InjHcbbpLjJYKek57Pl-nMryCTAkc_fuDjVfVQ&oe=6669D9A4	ig_ads_identity	1	Faceless Digital Marketing \| Hannah	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448084012_468592179035702_8992358981824857645_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uax-O5hjH2UQ7kNvgHDOInX&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYCgAxjKR3VMl4K61POwflMZNT9oBfmzt4-2YCIg7dqYCw&oe=6669F2DF	3	the.antisocial.come.up	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,870,910	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1870908}'	No	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	1010522250200245	🔥one click to continue FREE reading👉	"I thougt we'd agreed that the last time was an accident and it won't happen again." <br /> "Yes we did, but that's before I realized I'm a bit addicted to it." He was getting closer to me.<br /> <br /> LAYLA<br /> <br /> The loud ringing of the phone wakes me up from a deep slumber. My hand pats the soft space. My eyes are too heavy and a thousand veins are thumping in my head. <br /> <br /> My hand finally finds my cell, and I swipe right. Placing the cold cell against my ear, I wait for a second. <br /> <br /> “ Layla Jones, where the fuck are you? ” The shrill voice of my best friend pierces my eardrum.<br /> <br /> My eyes shoot wide open. Pain seeps into my skull. I sit up in the bed. Cold air brushes my body that is strangely…<br /> <br /> My eyes drop to my naked boobs, and the purple marks all over my skin. I blink. I can not believe the fuck out of this.<br /> <br /> “ Hello? ” Daphne shouts. “ Hello? Why are you not saying anything? Did you create some mess I need to sort out? ” <br /> <br /> “ It’s not a mess. ” I cringe and look to my left.<br /> <br /> The other side of the bed is empty. My eyes search the sheets. To prove me right, the blood stains peek back at me.<br /> <br /> “ I lost my virginity. ” I whisper.<br /> <br /> Some silence, and then evil laughter booms through the speaker. “ Good job. ” <br /> <br /> “ Not the time to play the villain. ” I whisper yell. “ please come pick me up from this stupid place where you left me. ” <br /> <br /> “ I am already on my way there. I thought you were dead so I had to come to check up on you. ” She whistles.<br /> <br /> I hang up on her. My fingers touch the dried blood. Horror etches into my features. <br /> <br /> What did I do? <br /> <br /> When did I do it?<br /> <br /> My memory was hazy. The sound of the shower running in the bathroom was clear though.<br /> <br /> I got to my feet, wincing and cringing. My legs hurt like I have done a lot of exercise.<br /> <br /> A blurred memory plays in my head as I limp to the side table. <br /> <br /> * “ Look how good you take me, Mio Tesoro. ”<br /> <br /> The deep, authoritative voice whispered in my head. I had to spread my legs wider to have all of him between them. <br /> <br /> “ Hard…Harder. ” It was my voice. <br /> <br /> The hard pounding, the strong pleasure, my nails in his back, and his hands on my hips. The sweat, the moans, his wild grunts. <br /> <br /> Embarrassment flushes me red. I tear the sheets from my body to search for my clothes. I find my torn dress in the distance and look at it with wide eyes.<br /> <br /> The shower continues to run in the distance. It gives me the little sense of calm that I need right now or else, I am going to pass out from equal parts fear and embarrassment.<br /> <br /> Dropping the dress, I look for my panties and bra. Both pieces of black clothing are sprawled on the floor close to the bed. I slip them on when I see the black button-down shirt and my purse lying close to them.<br /> <br /> I pick both of them, slip on the black shirt, and button it up. Then, I grab a few bills from my purse and drop them on the table to pay for the shirt.<br /> <br /> It’s my beloved saved money that I foolishly wanted to spend yesterday to get over the heartbreak but after stepping foot in the expensive club, I didn’t use it. How I got drunk and ended up here is not even in my memory.<br /> <br /> So, I am going to leave this money for whomever I slept with and run out of here. I can’t possibly face this man after what we did.<br /> <br /> Acting on my plan, I make my way out of the room. It seems like the top floor of the same club given that it is decorated in the same colors. The red, blue, and purple. A neon touch to everything.<br /> <br /> I dash down the staircase and run straight for the door. I am hopeful that when I open the door, Daphne will be waiting in the parking lot because I won’t feel too good waiting in the open, with nothing but a shirt on and my feet bare.<br /> <br /> My heart beats fast from the hurried actions. My hands sweat and I frantically rub them over the shirt.<br /> <br /> As I hoped, I see Daphne’s black SUV parked in the distance. She grins when she sees me running to her.<br /> <br /> Just as I open the door, I slip inside the passenger seat and turn to her. “ Let’s leave already. ”<br /> <br /> “ We need to talk about your night first. ” Daphne claps her hands excitedly.<br /> <br /> “ No, D. We are not talking about it here. ” I whisper, looking at the club in the distance in the side mirror.<br /> <br /> I hope he takes the money and doesn’t come out for me for the shirt. It is soft and feels expensive over my skin so I believe it’s not worth what I gave him.<br /> <br /> “ No, Lulu. You need to tell me— ”<br /> <br /> I slap my hand over her mouth and glare at her. “ Drive out of here and I will tell you everything. ”<br /> <br /> Her green eyes round with excitement. She nods her head. Her black hair bounce with the move.<br /> <br /> I remove my hand cautiously. She listens this time and starts the engine. In no time, we are saying goodbye to my nightmare and fear.<br /> <br /> “ Now, tell me everything from the moment you two kissed and then climaxed. ” Daphne giggles wickedly.<br /> <br /> “ Too bad for you. ” I shake my head and rub my temples. “ I don’t even remember what he looks like or when we kissed or how I got drunk. I only remember that I sat in the corner and watched everyone with big I-am-poor eyes. What happened after that is not in my memory. ” <br /> <br /> “ You popped the cherry and you don’t remember what it felt like? ” She gasps.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t even remember popping the cherry. ” I close my eyes. This is embarrassing. “ but I saw the blood on the sheets. ”<br /> <br /> “ That’s how you took revenge on Josh? You slept with a guy and you don’t even remember if he was hot or not? Now you are going to bluff about him when you don’t know what to bluff about? ” Daphne clicks her tongue.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t know, D. ” I lick my lips, tasting an intoxicating masculine mint flavor on them. “ I recall changing my mind when I stepped into the club. I planned on watching people for a while and then calling you. I don’t know how I ended up in the bed with - - - him. ”<br /> <br /> Him. Him is definitely not ugly. I didn’t see his face in the flash of memory but the way his body stretched me to the limits and made me ache all over is not the work of someone weak.<br /> <br /> “ Alpha will be angry. ” Daphne whispers when we enter the pack.<br /> <br /> I swallow. “ When is he not angry with me? ” <br /> <br /> “ I am sorry. ” She keeps her gaze settled ahead.<br /> <br /> I go silent. This is the consequence I have to face because I decided to cross my limits and pretended to be someone I am not.<br /> <br /> This is the consequence of forgetting that I am supposed to be the daughter of the murdered gamma couple, with no wolf. I can say mateless too, but I was proved wrong on that account yesterday.<br /> <br /> Yesterday was the day of the hunt. It’s the day when werewolves can recognize their mates. I had no hopes about this day, but Alpha’s son, Josh came to me with a dazed look when I was working in the kitchen and whispered the word mate to me.<br /> <br /> A force swept me off my feet at that moment. I dropped the knife and rushed into his arms. I could sense the connection too, but I couldn’t tell what it was. <br /> <br /> I was happy. I forgot that Josh was the worst nightmare for me for the past two years. He beat me. He starved me. He tried to rape me once.<br /> <br /> I forgot all that.<br /> <br /> But, he was the same.<br /> <br /> He rejected me and then beat me. Before he could kill me in his anger, Sarah came into the kitchen. <br /> <br /> She was his girlfriend and the Beta’s daughter. She was also my best friend before the incident that ruined my life. But now, she just pretended to be good in front of everyone and stopped Josh whenever he wanted to hit me.<br /> <br /> While in the absence of others, she made me go through worse things. Like ducking my head underwater and letting me feel the water burning my lungs until I was half dead. That was one of her favorite ways of torture.<br /> <br /> After telling me how I was a worthless whore, they both went away but I was burning in pain and anger. <br /> <br /> I was done with the pack members that used me, abused me, and kept me as a slave all these years. I wanted to do something to rebel against them like Daphne had suggested all this time.<br /> <br /> So, I did that.<br /> <br /> But, I am scared about the consequences that await me now.<br /> <br /> Daphne stops the car outside the double-story pack house. I observe the building with scared eyes.<br /> <br /> “ I wish I could - - - ”<br /> <br /> I open the door and slip out. I don’t want to hear her apologize. She can not do anything for me. <br /> <br /> She is bound by a blood oath to the Alpha and if she goes against him, she will be killed or worse, exiled. <br /> <br /> Exile is the biggest fear of werewolves because breaking a bond with the pack will turn you into a packless rogue and if no other pack takes you in right away, it can result in slow madness and pain that never ends.<br /> <br /> “ Thanks, D. ” I smile weakly.<br /> <br /> She tries to smile back but fails. I peel my eyes off her face and walk inside the pack house.<br /> <br /> As expected, I stumble upon Josh in the sitting area. My hands tremble in fear when our eyes meet.<br /> <br /> His eyes flash golden. It’s a sign of instant rage. A sign that his wolf is fighting to rise to the surface and shift. <br /> <br /> “ Where the fuck were you? ” He hisses and stalks to me.<br /> <br /> My hands tremble by my side, because I know, without a wolf I can not fight back. I can not even protect myself. <br /> <br /> “ Answer me! ” He grips my jaw and squashes it hard.<br /> <br /> Pain blurs my vision. I claw at his hands. He applies harsh pressure.<br /> <br /> “ Leave me. ” I shriek.<br /> <br /> “ You smell like another fucker. ” He growls in my face. <br /> <br /> His usual brown eyes still burn golden, hinting that his wolf is angry like him.<br /> <br /> “ Leave me, Josh. ” I thrash and try to push him away.<br /> <br /> “ Leave you? ” He seethes and throws me back.<br /> <br /> My spine hits the wall before I slide down and my left side crashes into the floor. The loud sound of bones cracking makes me sick to my stomach. Screams erupt from my mouth, one after another.<br /> <br /> After that, Josh doesn’t stop. I lose count of the times his fists slam into my face or his legs kick me all over.<br /> <br /> He doesn’t release me until I am crawling on my hands and begging him to spare me. My nails break from the roots. My body is broken.<br /> <br /> He kicks me a last time in the rib, causing another shattering noise, and moves back.<br /> <br /> “ Attempt to fuck with me again, and you are done slut. ” He spits on my bloodied body after his cruel words.<br /> <br /> After he is done, Josh leaves me there. Suffering. Barely alive. Hurting. <br /> <br /> It’s nothing new. I know I will lose consciousness and when I regain it, I will be lying in the same spot. I will tend to my wounds on my own, I will cry alone, and I will suffer without anyone by my side.<br /> <br /> Chapter 02<br /> “ Whose bastard is it? ” Alpha Benjamin growls in my face.<br /> <br /> I squeeze my eyes shut. “ I - - - I don’t know. ”<br /> <br /> “ I am asking for the last time Layla! ” His fist slams into my face, knocking me to the ground. <br /> <br /> “ I don’t know, Alpha. ” I cry out and instantly pull my knees to my chest to protect my stomach from the hits.<br /> <br /> One mistake. One night. And fate decided it didn’t want to let this slide.<br /> <br /> I found out I was pregnant after a mere month which is rare for werewolves. The child growing inside me is not normal. When I secretly visited pack doctor Emma, she told me it’s a powerful breed and it’s growing at a fast rate. I will be ready to give birth in six months instead of eight.<br /> <br /> After hearing all this, I instantly thought about getting rid of it, as I was in no position to raise a child but I couldn’t do it.<br /> <br /> How am I supposed to get rid of this part of me?<br /> <br /> This baby is my flesh and blood. The thought of killing it, killing an innocent child equals suicide to me. <br /> <br /> The baby is mine. I won’t let it go.<br /> <br /> So, I decided that I will run away tonight to save my baby and myself, but Doctor Emma told the truth to Alpha Benjamin and now, we are inside his pack office where he is beating the shit out of me.<br /> <br /> He kicks my arms. Animalistic growls leave his lips. He continues to hit me, and I take it while protecting my stomach from the blows.<br /> <br /> Today, I am not screaming. I will not scream ever again. I am going to bear it until I have the chance. Once I take this chance, I will never look back. I will make my life. I will raise this baby with love and care.<br /> <br /> The door to his office flies open. I peek from around my elbow to see who it is.<br /> <br /> “ Dad! ” Josh yells.<br /> <br /> Alpha Benjamin stops hitting me and turns to his son. His breath comes out in short pants after all the work he has done on me.<br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, can not move in fear that my body is going to fall apart. I dig my teeth into my lower lip to stop the small sobs of pain from falling out of my mouth.<br /> <br /> I won’t be weak anymore. I will be strong for the baby. I will be brave, and smart all for the life growing inside me.<br /> <br /> “ You were going to kill her. ” Josh sighs.<br /> <br /> “ This bitch won’t die so easily. She is a curse! ” Alpha Benjamin hisses at him.<br /> <br /> “ She might be a curse but she is not invincible, Dad. ” He rolls his eyes and walks to me.<br /> <br /> Crouching down, Josh touches my elbow. A whimper escapes my lips despite my hardest efforts. He shakes his head and grabs my arms before lifting me into a sitting position. <br /> <br /> Everywhere hurts. My arms hurt. My head hurts. My guts hurt.<br /> <br /> Tears moisten my eyes when the pain becomes unbearable.<br /> <br /> “ Come on. Get up. ” Josh pulls me to my feet.<br /> <br /> I follow his lead without any protest. He takes me out of his father’s office.<br /> <br /> “ Get that damn bastard flushed out of her, Josh. ” Alpha Benjamin sneers before the door to his office closes behind me.<br /> <br /> My eyes become round in fear. I glance at Josh and find him already smirking at me.<br /> <br /> He is going to get the baby aborted. I know.<br /> <br /> “ I- - - ” I croak out. “ I will die, Josh. I can not have an abortion in this state. ” <br /> <br /> Josh looks at me with a wicked look in his eyes. I gulp. Pain follows my saliva down my throat and blood rises to my mouth.<br /> <br /> “ You have to get an abortion, baby. Or I am going to rip this thing out of you myself. ” He whispers huskily. <br /> <br /> Dread stings my body in the form of needles. I open my mouth to tell him to try and see what happens, but it’s an idiotic move to fight him when he has all the power against me.<br /> <br /> “ Can we do it tomorrow? ” A tear finally slides down my eye. <br /> <br /> “ No. This thing is getting out of you right now. ” He shakes his head.<br /> <br /> “ Please, Josh. I swear to Goddess Selene I will get this thing out of me first thing in the morning but please let’s not do this today. I am - - - I am already hurting. I am scared. ” I reason.<br /> <br /> Calling my baby a thing is beyond terrible but I have to do it so Josh doesn’t suspect my intentions.<br /> <br /> Josh goes silent and takes me to the small store room I call my room in the pack house. The worn-down mattress waits for me on the floor, taunting me for everything I have endured and will endure once I am out of this shithole.<br /> <br /> He dumps me over the mattress harshly and steps back. I groan, holding my left arm that hurts the most.<br /> <br /> “ What will I get if I do you this favor? ” Josh asks sultrily. <br /> <br /> His eyes drill holes in my battered body. The old grey tank top and the bloodied blue-colored ripped jeans are not doing anything to hide me from his evil eyes.<br /> <br /> I know he wants to sleep with me. He is tired of sex with my ex-best friend aka Sarah. He wants what the battered bond between us offers now. A pleasure that matches no other. A touch that burns to ashes and brings back to life. <br /> <br /> He has been trying to have sex with me for the past few days but I was so sick that he couldn’t get near me without me throwing up all over him. The baby protected me from him.<br /> <br /> “ I will do anything you want, Josh. ” I whisper, holding his dirty gaze.<br /> <br /> He crouches down. I grip the edges of the smelly mattress under me to hold still. His face nears mine, and the putrid stench of beer burns my nostrils.<br /> <br /> “ Will you let me fuck you against the wall? ” He smirks, knowing how this talk always makes me flip. <br /> <br /> My lips tremble as he closes the little distance and kisses the edge of them. “ tell me, Laylababy. ” <br /> <br /> “ Y - - - Yes. ” I nod, cautiously bending back to be away from him.<br /> <br /> “ Oh, fuck. It’s so easy. ” He chuckles, drawing his head back. “ I might as well fuck you now. ”<br /> <br /> Life drains from my body. His hands close around my waist, push me into the mattress and he crawls above me.<br /> <br /> “ Josh! ” I yelp and push at his chest.<br /> <br /> “ I want to fuck your filthy mouth. ” He utters before sealing my lips with his mouth.<br /> <br /> I push harder. The terror of getting raped while there is an innocent life inside me is soul-shattering. <br /> <br /> I clamp my teeth around his lower lip and bite so hard that blood pours inside my mouth. He pulls away and smacks me across the face. My vision blackens at the strong impact.<br /> <br /> “ Motherfucking Whore! ” He clenches my jaw and makes me face him. “ I am going to take your mouth, your pussy, and at the end, I am going to cum in your ass as a payback for this stunt you pulled ”<br /> <br /> “ No! ” I scream. “ No, Josh. Get the fuck away from me. I am pregnant, for fuck’s sake! ” <br /> <br /> “ That’s why I am not fucking you. The filth inside you is repulsive as shit. ” He groans and gets away from me.<br /> <br /> I release a shaky breath. My pulse is quick enough to make me dizzy. I sit up and immediately slip to the other edge of the mattress.<br /> <br /> “ You are getting rid of this first thing tomorrow. ” He warns, stepping back. “ This doesn’t mean you can slack off today. Come out of the fucking room and set the table for the guests. ” <br /> <br /> “ O- - -Okay. ” I nod.<br /> <br /> He glares at me before walking out of the open door. I watch his retreating back and tears slide out of my eyes at last. <br /> <br /> My hands press against my stomach as I sob to myself. “ I am - - - I am sorry, baby. Mama couldn’t protect herself and you today. But I promise- - - ”<br /> <br /> I place my right hand over my mouth to cover the sobs. “ I promise I will do a better job from now on. I will never let you get hurt. We will be out of this hellhole by tomorrow and we will start a new life. I promise you will be a lot happier than me. I will make sure of it. ”<br /> <br /> Chapter 03<br /> LAYLA<br /> <br /> It takes me three hours to prepare everything for the dinner with the maids and set the table for the guests. <br /> <br /> Alpha or Josh refuses to tell me who is coming but the extravagant preparations are enough to reveal it’s an important person.<br /> <br /> I go back to my small room when I am done and inspect the contents inside my backpack. Some cash Daphne lent me and the remainder of my savings is sitting inside untouched with three shirts and two pairs of jeans. There is nothing else I have or can take without anyone noticing it.<br /> <br /> I have no idea how life is going to be when I leave this pack but Daphne is helping me. She talked to her aunt who lives on the outskirts of the Lotus pack. <br /> <br /> It’s a decent old pack that resides about a hundred kilometers west of my pack. Unlike Alpha Benjamin who is power and money crazy, the Lotus Pack Alpha---Alpha Marcus is all about harmony and peace. <br /> <br /> Daphne’s aunt Maya has even asked him for permission to let me join the pack and he agreed. That was quick and shocking because Alphas hardly accept outsiders but he did. He is ready to accept an outsider like me and I can stay there as long as I want. <br /> <br /> My phone vibrates with a notification. I open the text from Daphne. <br /> <br /> Aunt told Alpha Marcus everything about your situation. He still wants you to join the pack. Everything is set. Make it out now, C. I am rooting for you. XOXO. *<br /> <br /> Sighing, I send her a quick okay, and thanks before deleting the texts. I don’t want Josh or Alpha Benjamin to find out about it. <br /> <br /> Too lost in my thoughts, I don’t notice when the maid barges inside the room and stands over my head.<br /> <br /> “ Luna wants to see you.” She sneers at me.<br /> <br /> “ Luna? ” My eyes widen.<br /> <br /> Luna Avery is Alpha Benjamin’s mate and wife who likes to take random tours around the world. She is gone every other day and then comes back whenever she wants. No one objects to it or tells her that she should be taking care of her pack instead of running away. <br /> <br /> “ Why do you need to be told everything twice? ” The maid hisses before storming out of the room.<br /> <br /> I am left wondering why she is back now. My heartbeat quickens as different scenarios cross my mind.<br /> <br /> If Alpha Benjamin and Josh are the devil reincarnate, she is the real devil. If she is here then there must be hellfire waiting for me. <br /> <br /> I get to my weak feet and wince slightly. My body still hurts like hell. There is nothing I can do. My healing powers are too weak and it usually takes me lots of time to heal without a wolf.<br /> <br /> Enduring the intense waves of pain, I limp out and approach the dining room. As I near it, my breathing becomes ragged. Different voices sound from inside. <br /> <br /> “ I am telling you Alpha Alexander, we only have two other people in the house. You met the maid. The other girl is also a helper. ” Luna’s sweet voice makes me swallow.<br /> <br /> “ Call her here. ”<br /> <br /> The new voice is like a caress of needed warmth on a cold night. Tingles shoot down my spine, carrying the weight of it throughout my blood. Strange heat pools in my stomach after hearing it. <br /> <br /> It sounds familiar like I have heard it before. <br /> <br /> I shake my head and enter the dining room. My gaze lowers to the floor instinctively. <br /> <br /> “ You called, Luna? ” I lick my lips and ask.<br /> <br /> “ It’s been so long since the last time I saw you. ” Luna surprisingly speaks to me in a tone that is reserved for important people. I am not one of them. I never was. <br /> <br /> “ Greet Alpha Alexander, Layla. ” Alpha Benjamin scoffs.<br /> <br /> I glance up momentarily, but my eyes refuse to look down again.<br /> <br /> My hazel eyes meet with a pair of silver orbs. Sun on Moon. The Bright against All Dark Night. <br /> <br /> Odd energy shoots down my body, reaching my core and tightening every single muscle in me. It’s like getting struck by lightning on a rainy night. The sensation of the current jolting every single part of me awake.<br /> <br /> My breath catches in my throat. I drop my gaze to his proud nose and then to his thick pair of lips. He licks them with the laziness of a predator who finally has the chance to eat its prey and he wants to savor every bite. <br /> <br /> “ Layla? ” He utters my name from his lips.<br /> <br /> I shudder. It sounds too hot. It’s too hot in the room.<br /> <br /> “ Yeah, she is the rascal who got my gamma couple killed. Still, we took pity and gave her shelter inside our home. ” Alpha Benjamin sneers.<br /> <br /> Heat taints my cheeks red, allowing everyone in the room to see my embarrassment marking my skin. I swallow the lump in my throat and look down again.<br /> <br /> My heart is in a race of its own. I don’t even know what or who it is trying to outrun. I clasp my shaky hands together to hold them still.<br /> <br /> “ Why is she bruised? ” The startling voice of the stranger booms. <br /> <br /> I stumble a step back, finding all of this too much. I am weak in my knees. The heat in my body is becoming too much to handle. I have never experienced this before. <br /> <br /> “ She slipped in her bathroom. She is quite clumsy. She got the head of a chicken. ” Josh chuckles.<br /> <br /> It’s utterly humiliating. If I could dig a hole and hide there for the rest of my life, I would have done that by now. <br /> <br /> “ Bathroom? ” His voice drops lower, becoming more throaty. It reverberates in my lower abdomen, almost making me gasp to myself. <br /> <br /> “ Yeah, Alpha! She is like that sometimes. ” Luna adds.<br /> <br /> Silence echoes in the room. I stand there, feeling the scorching heat of his stare on my face. It makes me shift from my left foot to the right uncomfortably.<br /> <br /> “ I need her. ” Alpha Alexander commands. Arrogant, Confident, Non-negotiable. <br /> <br /> My gaze shoots to his face in shock. I stare at the handsome man who can give competition to a Greek God. He is built like a mountain. His muscles are bulging in the tight white dress shirt he is wearing under his black jacket. <br /> <br /> I notice the black ink peeking out of his collar and instantly tear my gaze from his neck to look at his face once more. <br /> <br /> I am the object of his attention even now. His stare never falters. I step back, unable to take it anymore.<br /> <br /> “ Uh, Alpha Alexander. What does that mean exactly? ” Luna speaks up, asking the one question that threatens to split the ground under my feet and swallow me as a whole.<br /> <br /> “ You heard me. I need her. ” Every word of his hits a nerve deep inside me and steals my breath.<br /> <br /> “ She is not up for sale if you think this is an auction. ” Josh hisses, surprising me.<br /> <br /> He is talking about buying me? What the heck!<br /> <br /> “ Shut your mouth. ” Alpha Benjamin growls at Josh.<br /> <br /> “ Dad--- ”<br /> <br /> “ Josh. ” Luna warns him.<br /> <br /> He goes silent. I look at his frustrated glaring eyes and decide it’s better to just stare at the floor.<br /> <br /> “ What are you suggesting, Alpha? ” Luna’s voice comes out breathy and sultry when she questions. <br /> <br /> “ Name the price. What do you want for her? ” The man speaks with indifference and coldness that is rare and makes the whole situation disgusting.<br /> <br /> My heart lurches. I take another step back. It’s impossible to stand on my feet right now. They are talking about selling and buying me like I am a useless piece of furniture. <br /> <br /> “ Why do you want her, Alpha? ” Luna stresses.<br /> <br /> “ I need her. And it’s none of your business. ” The Alpha shuts her up with his harsh voice, a warning lingering on the edge of each word, daring her to try poking her nose in his matter again. <br /> <br /> “ What if we say ten million, Alpha Alexander? Will you be willing to pay? ” Alpha Benjamin chuckles nervously. <br /> <br /> “ You can’t just sell me. I am not up for sale. ” I mutter at last. <br /> <br /> My gaze collides with his scorching eyes again. My soul trembles with the intensity. The tension rises in the air and temperature shoots to a new height.<br /> <br /> “ We will always decide the best for your future, Layla Darling. Don’t doubt it and stay silent. ” Luna speaks pleasantly but there is a hidden warning underneath her words that only I can sense.<br /> <br /> Try speaking again and you shall lose your tongue, that’s what Luna wants me to know. <br /> <br /> My heartbeat pounds in all my organs. I grip my fingers tighter to remain calm.<br /> <br /> I lower my eyes before taking a peek at the silent man and find him typing something on his phone. His brows bunch, as he concentrates and gives off a scary vibe.<br /> <br /> Why is he doing this? Who is he? What does he want from me? <br /> <br /> “ The money is in your pack’s account. Hand her over. ” He pushes the phone back into his jacket’s pocket and stands up.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, the room is too small and everything is too unnecessary. I stumble back when he strides forward, each step taken with deliberate preciseness that leaves my heartbeat drumming in my ears. The world tilts, showing me a new angle that my mind refuses to get accustomed to. <br /> <br /> “ You can take her in the morning. We want to say goodbye to her, Alpha. ” Alpha Benjamin gets up immediately and blocks the path of the man.<br /> <br /> “ No. ” Alpha Alexander refuses without hesitation.<br /> <br /> This can’t be happening. A few more steps and this man will be practically dragging me out of this packhouse. All hopes of escape will be lost in an unfamiliar place. <br /> <br /> On the other hand, I know Alpha Benjamin wants me to stay for the night because he wants to kill my baby before handing me over to this stranger who screams danger in bright red. <br /> <br /> I am stuck. There is an inferno in front of me and the promise of destruction behind me. <br /> <br /> The man pushes Alpha Benjamin out of the way with ease and reaches me. My heartbeat slows down until I can’t even hear it. <br /> <br /> He halts in front of me, leaving a distance of a few inches between us. The moon in his eyes burns into the sun in mine, threatening to consume all the heat and still remain hungry. The intense energy cackles, leaving me breathing hard. <br /> <br /> I only come up to his neck. I have to throw my head back to look at his face from close. He is intimidating in the sense that his closeness leaves me tingling and hot everywhere.<br /> <br /> I take the final step back. My body hits the wall behind me, closing all ways of escape.<br /> <br /> “ I want to stay the night. ” I plead, staring into the silver orbs. “ Please. ”<br /> <br /> A moment of silence passes. He steals a glance at my quivering lips before dragging his gaze to my moist eyes.<br /> <br /> “ Just tonight. ” He steps back easily like he was just waiting for me to speak up.<br /> <br /> I release the breath I held and immediately run out of the dining room. I don’t even care about the crippling pain anymore. <br /> <br /> I can’t go with that man. He will probably do worse things to me.<br /> <br /> I will run tonight and then I will never look back. All these horrible people will be left behind. It will only be me and my baby that this new man doesn’t know about.<br /> <br /> I reach my room and check my bag before hiding it behind the small cupboard in the corner. The door to my room slams open, revealing Luna.<br /> <br /> “ Lu- - - Luna. ” I stutter.<br /> <br /> “ How do you know him? ” She asks, closing the door.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t know him. I swear I have never seen him before. ” I blurt.<br /> <br /> “ Why is he so keen on getting you then? ” She folds her arms over her chest, stopping in the middle of the room.<br /> <br /> “ I - - - I don’t know. ” I can’t recall ever meeting him.<br /> <br /> “ Tell me the truth, Layla. You know I won’t hurt you if you just tell the truth. ” She clicks her tongue.<br /> <br /> “ I swear on Goddess Selene I don’t know. ” I shake my head.<br /> <br /> “ Annoying. ” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “ Anyways, get ready. The doctor will arrive in an hour. Get rid of that filth and go with him in the morning. ” <br /> <br /> My body turns cold at the command. I blink the tears back and stand my ground.<br /> <br /> “ It’s so good to finally be able to get rid of you and to get money for it- - -is like a dream come true. ” She sighs dreamily and walks out of the room.<br /> <br /> It’s all so dirty. They are selling me. That man is buying me. They all think of me as their meaningless possession. <br /> <br /> The door closes. I stand in the same place for some time, waiting for someone else to come. <br /> <br /> I think Josh will come, but I am proved wrong when he doesn’t come even after half an hour. This hints at the fact that Alpha Benjamin must be holding him back. <br /> <br /> It is the best time.<br /> <br /> I dash towards the backpack and sling it on my shoulders. After wearing my worn-out sneakers, I open the only window in my room and sneak out of it. I can never be more grateful for having this room on the ground floor. It makes things easier for me.<br /> <br /> My heart skips many beats when I pass by pack members and then the patrol guards. The thought of someone stopping me or the Alpha finding out about me leaves me breathless but I continue to move.<br /> <br /> After enduring the abuse for so many years, it’s finally time to be free. A sense of relief fills me when I am out of the territory and on my way to the bus stop.<br /> <br /> I run and I never look over my shoulder.<br /> <br /> There is nothing holding me back here. No attachment. No family. No home. <br /> <br /> When I get on the bus for Laxville Town, that’s when I look behind me. A strange feeling of loss fills me as a pair of silver eyes flashes in my head. <br /> <br /> But, I don’t stop.<br /> <br /> I have to do this for the baby. I will protect it with all I have got and I will fight against the rest of the world if I have to.<br /> <br /> Chapter 04<br /> ALEXANDER<br /> <br /> “ They secured the girl, Alpha. ” My Beta and only friend Levi informs me from the driving seat.<br /> <br /> “ Send her to the house. Ask Nina to take care of her. ” I reply <br /> <br /> My eyes train on Alpha Williams’ house in the distance. I can’t wait to barge inside that shitty place and get that sweet thing out of there.<br /> <br /> She looked so fucking scared last night. <br /> <br /> If she didn’t ask me in her seductive voice to leave her there for one night, I would have burned that place down to bring her with me. <br /> <br /> I just can’t wait to taste her again. I have to practice all restraint to stop imagining her body under me. She had felt perfect. Heavenly.<br /> <br /> I had to search for her for a month like a madman. I didn’t expect to find her so easily in this Alpha’s house though.<br /> <br /> Her sweet scent still lingers in my nostrils and over my tongue. But why didn’t she show me the same reaction?<br /> <br /> She was my mate. <br /> <br /> Like me, she must have wanted to throw herself under me, over me, or everywhere she could. That’s wolf nature and you can’t fight it.<br /> <br /> But last night, she acted like she didn’t want me near. There was no hint of recognition on her face for me.<br /> <br /> “ What do I do about Ariana? She keeps calling. ” Levi sighs.<br /> <br /> Ariana is my ex-girlfriend. I threw her out of my house when I found my mate in the club. Now, she keeps pestering me to take her back.<br /> <br /> “ Just tell her to fuck off if she wants to live. ” I wave my hand in the air dismissively.<br /> <br /> “ You are already gone, man. But I am glad you found her after so long. ” Levi shakes his head dreamily as he pulls the car into the driveway.<br /> <br /> Without waiting for him to turn off the engine, I climb out of the car and march straight for the door.<br /> <br /> I need her with me. Right fucking now.<br /> <br /> Before I can stroll inside the open main door, one panicking face comes into my view. It’s the same cartoon from yesterday.<br /> <br /> Johnny or maybe it was John. <br /> <br /> “ Alpha Alexander. Uh, Good Morning! ” He pauses when he sees me, and tries his best to steel his spine.<br /> <br /> I press my lips in a thin line. “ Save the greetings. Bring her to me. ” <br /> <br /> He doesn’t move from his spot. <br /> <br /> I inhale, and the lack of the sweet scent drives my wolf restless.<br /> <br /> “ Bring her to me. Right now. I am not in the mood to play games. ” I repeat, with evident anger.<br /> <br /> “ That’s the thing. ” He runs his hand down his hair agitatedly.<br /> <br /> “ What’s. The. Thing? ” I speak each word through my gritted teeth.<br /> <br /> “ Alpha Alexander. ” The short woman comes running in our direction.<br /> <br /> I shoot a look of disdain to her spilling boobs, and plastic face. She didn’t stop showing them to me last night but I was not interested.<br /> <br /> “ We…We were waiting for you. ” She smiled nervously.<br /> <br /> “ Where is Layla? ” Her beautiful name rolls off my tongue smoothly. It’s the name fit for an angel.<br /> <br /> “ She- - - ” The Luna shifted from one foot to the other uncomfortably.<br /> <br /> “ She ran away last night. ” Williams’ voice sounds from behind her.<br /> <br /> Anger rises to the surface. I fist my hands and use my speed to get to him in an instant.<br /> <br /> My hand uncurls and wraps around his throat. I slam his back into the wall, creating a huge crack in it. <br /> <br /> The Alpha claws at my hand. His eyes bulge out due to the suddenness of the attack.<br /> <br /> “ Alpha Alexander! ” Luna gasps, running towards us.<br /> <br /> I throw her a glare. She probably sees my eyes changing color to red so she stops in her tracks.<br /> <br /> I turn to face the struggling man. I can’t see anything but red. I should kill him for being so fucking useless.<br /> <br /> “ Please, Alpha Alexander. ” The woman pleads. “ She was not worth this fight. ” <br /> <br /> Just a little more pressure and his eyes might explode out of his sockets. I release him and throw him against the wall. The crack becomes a hole.<br /> <br /> “ We should have told you before. ” Luna whispers as Alpha Williams slumps to the floor.<br /> <br /> His incompetent son rushes to his aid. I turn to face the cunning woman. My face goes back to wearing the mask of calmness.<br /> <br /> “ What is it? ” I ask.<br /> <br /> “ Layla- - - ” She sighs. “ was a wolfless girl. She didn’t shift when she turned eighteen. ” <br /> <br /> It comes as a shock to me. All plans of a future with her go down the drain with one truth. <br /> <br /> “ She was not worth your money. She couldn’t bear your children if you wanted to turn her into a breeder, and she couldn’t become a warrior if that’s what you intended. She couldn’t even take your knot. She was useless to you. You would have killed her the moment you got too close to her. ” Luna Avery continues.<br /> <br /> Is this woman fucking with me? <br /> <br /> I got more than close to her. I fucked her, emptied my load inside her, and held her until she was ready to let me go.<br /> <br /> “ You better tell me everything you know about her or find her. You have to give her to me if you don’t want me to visit again. ” I state calmly.<br /> <br /> She understands the threat. They all do.<br /> <br /> If they don’t bring me Layla, I will turn their pack into a graveyard. That’s no big deal for me.<br /> <br /> I will decide what I want to do with this wolfless mate once I have her. Maybe, she will be suitable to be a breeder if she could bear a child even without her wolf because I can’t make her my Luna. My pack needs a strong she-wolf as their Luna. I can’t afford a weakness.<br /> <br /> “ The whore was pregnant with a bastard’s child. ” I am about to walk away and launch a search of my own when the incompetent son speaks up.<br /> <br /> My feet freeze on their spot. I forget to breathe.<br /> <br /> “ Pregnant? ” I question.<br /> <br /> “ Yeah! She is a slut. She goes around sleeping with men. She got pregnant by one of them and wanted an abortion. Our pack doctor refused. I am sure she wanted to do it in some other place. She wanted out because we tried to stop her from killing an innocent child. That’s the kind of girl she is. It’s good you didn’t get to take her, Alpha Alexander. ” Avery blurts.<br /> <br /> Each word adds fuel to the fire burning in my eyes and inside my heart.<br /> <br /> “ Find her. Bring her to me when you do. I will decide her fate. ” I utter, storming out of the house.<br /> <br /> I open the car door, take my seat on the passenger side, and close it with a loud bang.<br /> <br /> “ Fucking Goddess! Alpha Alexander, what the fuck happened? ” Levi questions as soon as he feels my anger.<br /> <br /> “ Find her. ” I grit my jaw.<br /> <br /> “ Who? Your mate? ” His green eyes widen.<br /> <br /> “ She ran away with my kid and she is trying to get an abortion. We must find her before she does it. ” I seethe.<br /> <br /> “ Seriously? ” He yelps.<br /> <br /> “ I will kill this fucking girl if she lays a finger on my child. She doesn’t know what she is doing. She doesn’t know who she is dealing with. She is so dead when I get my hands on her. ” I fume.	LEARN_MORE	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle/zyeposv	321365591063107	Enjoyread02	https://facebook.com/61560190850022	0	2	484,909,283,935,657	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Enjoyread02	120209757549890326	website.literiess.com	NONE	video		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle/zyeposvo54irci5rdgcguaf4?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2024-06-07 01:42	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447220033_910659397754504_5579344026496690833_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6kCwr4yVDBkQ7kNvgHXhOQm&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYBl4BH3b0GvzUGnK0eHBhTGPVFs2njRKY74zKu6WLkT-A&oe=6669E590	person_profile	0	Enjoyread02	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448027969_811853944229362_5506239549799286801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GMpJCF_QlUUQ7kNvgF1WTYB&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYCgTv-QuF58s5BWiwma5esNZABo2IIES5JzdPLtkVRw6A&oe=6669E375	3	Enjoyread02	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,870,990	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1870987}'	Yes	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	453549387268556	To find out, listen to the audioseries 'God Eye' (FREE for a limited period of time) Click on the link below to download the PocketFM app, now!	I was bullied, beaten to a pulp, and left alone to die. But the fire in my belly burned my mortal shell and turned me into the God of Gods. Listen to find out a truly entertaining, addictive story: God Eye, only on Pocket FM app. #pocketfm; #fyp; #GodEye; #Fantastic; #Resolve; #Fantasy; #King	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.r	100575081546002	Blue Sea	https://facebook.com/100069599781612	8,620	1	1,895,355,650,916,929	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Install now	Blue Sea	120210750335860552	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radio.pocketfm	2024-06-07 17:49	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447291049_8477733595625088_8461463980843892971_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gvLN_4oj8qcQ7kNvgFGSB0j&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYAfJpLDSLmJNy5Tmvqof-qwtXw6l9GsL22ROKjOZzXF9Q&oe=6669DF99	person_profile	0	Blue Sea	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447681348_1242532197154098_4400555089738285130_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MCFb_UUEWBAQ7kNvgE_tI4m&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYCzCgUbG210KL4z8kVtXYNGrmX1Yan7krKZ5nz-hrSnBg&oe=6669DAD6	3	Blue Sea	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,871,024	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1871025}'	No	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	340175045554921			LEARN_MORE	https://numerationsguards.com/watch-it-to-lower-yo	311833208688187	Doctor's Health Talk	https://facebook.com/61560705960542	0	3	832,564,595,409,482	2024-06-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Doctor's Health Talk	6584824774307	numerationsguards.com	NONE	video		https://numerationsguards.com/watch-it-to-lower-your-blood-sugar-to-90/	2024-06-07 17:17	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447995181_3909745189258455_8103049530289387948_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-U1u75GER_gQ7kNvgFOMgkW&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYBrmYZP-_qCHVTZ6LOJZlIdiNyyZUGkkOcqgBspJ8mL1g&oe=6669D24C	person_profile	0	Doctor's Health Talk	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447663744_1679258512902476_3658002714606176701_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EVv9eyJi6WoQ7kNvgGtE77I&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYA_dgLFu9c4HGRp5bX1hCHHLy6mL1gavg99n9_Rz8MVew&oe=6669EE89	3	Doctor's Health Talk	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,871,068	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	1210819367040378	Coping with ALS Featuring David Paden	Meet David and Kelly Paden from Lafayette, GA. David has been struggling with ALS, sometimes known as Lou Gehrig's disease, for over two years. In this episode of Truth on Wheels, Brother Don Blackwell interviews David and Kelly on living and coping with ALS.	LEARN_MORE	http://www.gbntv.org/	102364664405	Gospel Broadcasting Network	https://facebook.com/GBNOrg	249,818	1	1,907,613,303,029,228	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Gospel Broadcasting Network	120210129353700269	www.gbntv.org	NONE	video		http://www.gbntv.org/	2024-06-07 16:07	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447771550_432529389560615_3376114401488913914_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BXG8_z2DtcQQ7kNvgHtT1jM&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYC23-PXiKve15ckAZjC3-UpDkqGZa6uXdrU17M5D-Z_xA&oe=6669F2E3	person_profile	0			3	Gospel Broadcasting Network	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,871,084	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1871081}'	Yes	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	473677791698508	$21 Neuropathy Pain Relief Treatment!	Hey Wesley Chapel! For the Next Week, we are giving away 50 Vouchers for a $21 Neuropathy Pain Relief Treatment Session, including a complete Nerve Scan, Consultation, and 16-Point Exam to help you understand what you're experiencing and discover the quickest path to relief from pain! (Normally a $300 Total Value)⁣⁣⁣⁣<br /> ⁣<br /> This exclusive offer combines our most effective treatments:⁣<br /> ✅ Electromagnetic Infrared Therapy to stimulate blood flow and repair nerves⁣<br /> ✅ Electric Stimulation for Nerve Re-Education, offering immediate pain relief⁣<br /> ✅ Advanced Nutrition Therapy to support optimal tissue and nerve repair⁣<br /> ✅ A Comprehensive In-Clinic Protocol tailored to your progress and needs<br /> <br /> Ready to take control and alleviate pain? Click below to sign up and claim your voucher now!⁣⁣	LEARN_MORE	https://www.optimizewellnessflorida.net/optin	106592115527961	Optimize Wellness	https://facebook.com/TheNeuropathyDoc	78	2	338,648,559,040,239	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Optimize Wellness	120211546422720454	optimizewellnessflorida.net	NONE	image	Book an appointment today.	https://www.optimizewellnessflorida.net/optin	2024-06-03 09:15	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447209796_809922217748626_2561991896662803199_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NQFtMMxWE8AQ7kNvgGpA_iK&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYAjewRhGheZFJrFPGq4U2f9pdUp6LDN69NxqM1JIUtU8Q&oe=6669D948	person_profile	0	Optimize Wellness	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/446863910_1491397691789042_7961943445901527093_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4Dm-BLKqwfEQ7kNvgF4NPqR&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYCgOO-Eflfjx4skFPDRSqjXD62gXgaGqF2VPP9BZi9iHw&oe=6669E9EB	3	Optimize Wellness	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,871,098	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1871100}'	Yes	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	486148240548665	Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc & Degenerated Disc Treatment	Dr. Ryan Helms. \| Specializing in acute and chronic neck & back pain, and treating herniated and bulging disc that causes sciatica.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.getconwayoffer.com/decompression	106630385362212	Central Arkansas Advanced Nerve & Joint Ctr LLC	https://facebook.com/CentralArNeuropathy	490	1	187,062,590,954,211	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Central Arkansas Advanced Nerve & Joint Ctr LLC	120209173569390446	getconwayoffer.com	NONE	video		https://www.getconwayoffer.com/decompression	2024-05-23 13:39	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441515318_1146827263032798_4329546790124806896_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7Kgt_O-JSRQQ7kNvgE3d0F9&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYAQS4c6wfgWLsugfkpMGgvezfFxSxEz9BcFbfJ0uBWq1A&oe=6669D22A	person_profile	0			3	Central Arkansas Advanced Nerve & Joint Ctr LLC	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,870,823	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	1171297994210392	20 Warning Signs That You Are Deficient In Potassium	Is your body low in potassium? Find out now!! 🚨👇		https://femanin.com/new/20-telltale-signs-you-migh	281508615045190	WOW Media	https://facebook.com/61558459377905	14	2	1,107,034,453,683,826	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0		WOW Media	120209588696270444	femanin.com	NONE	image	Potassium is vital for optimal health, influencing everything from heart rhythm to nerve function. This detailed guide identifies 20 warning signs that may indicate a potassium deficiency. Understanding each sign can help you assess your health and make any needed changes to your diet..	https://femanin.com/new/20-telltale-signs-you-might-be-running-low-on-potassium/?utm_source=cfgallery7&utm_medium=cfgallery7-George-lou1_3_20telltalesignsyoumightberunninglowonpotassium1_20240607165847_202406080500funatics1550copy11-funatics-15&utm_campaign=lou1_3_20telltalesignsyoumightberunninglowonpotassium1_20240607165847_202406080500funatics1550copy11-usmobileandroidfb1-1717776237&slide=1&layout=gallery7	2024-06-07 11:04	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447812178_464355582842171_4654082432293075246_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BRXSxk4NbcAQ7kNvgH7Na7r&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYBaxT6VDa5yVDElQyQOnoxfv9a1eul0S7LIC6XbCAk5bw&oe=6669D0AE	person_profile	0			3	WOW Media	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,871,009	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1871029}'	Yes	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	25793676276944273	FREE Hands On Treatment	Hey North County SD, did you know your back/neck tightness can be treated with self mobilizations? For a limited time, we’re giving away a Complete Back/Neck Evaluation & Treatment for FREE. ✅ Full Spine Evaluation ✅ Movement Assessment ✅ Nerve Testing ✅ Home Program ✅ Hands On Treatment Click “Sign Up” to claim your voucher, only 20 available! What our clients have to say… ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “In one session he made significant progress on a shoulder issue I had battled almost daily for years and had just chocked up as unresolvable chronic pain. Most of all, the daily anxiety I carried of being trapped with these challenges has reduced and my perceived locus of control over my body has increased. I now can envision a future where I am stronger than ever before as opposed to feeling like I was holding on to what I still had. Thank you, Dr. Mark!” - Kevin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’ve had repetitive stress injury (RSI) for 7 years and did not think it was possible to get better, but I wanted to finally give it a shot going to physical therapy. After one session diagnosing my scenario and giving me a routine, my symptoms are already much better. It's honestly pretty amazing. I had been doing everything I could think of on my own for the past 7 years (7 years!) and just one session with a real professional and I'm already feeling much better. Highly recommend. I'm looking forward to my future sessions.” -Pete	SIGN_UP	http://fb.me/	183494191517632	Balanced Beast Physical Therapy	https://facebook.com/61554652116847	8	1	465,495,679,422,345	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Sign Up	Balanced Beast Physical Therapy	6604112557173	fb.me	NONE	dco	FREE Evaluation & Hands On Treatment with Home Program	http://fb.me/	2024-06-07 17:40	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447896236_749806427362074_8497155390912574601_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YvgfOllafkkQ7kNvgEHojV7&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYDABy6XJBnZUt101udthWAUO3UgUS3-mJ_PBzEDS2l5oA&oe=6669EE9B	person_profile	0	Balanced Beast Physical Therapy	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447660850_7599927116711047_210917095292690876_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AonfBendWtgQ7kNvgE1EkLm&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYBT8V9fyC4Zr5pm_6ELrLwoBzO1p_OFL9i-9XiDsWf6Lg&oe=6669F1DC	3	Balanced Beast Physical Therapy	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,870,851	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1870853}'	No	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	910351157514086	Decades In T2D… Why Didn't Anyone Teach Us This?		LEARN_MORE	https://www.youarebeautiful.online/coldwater	339465202581200	Emma Smith	https://facebook.com/61560008175793	14	1	1,535,370,667,410,533	2024-06-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Emma Smith	120210750303780552	www.youarebeautiful.online	NONE	video		https://www.youarebeautiful.online/coldwater	2024-06-07 17:48	https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448023071_1451607792426799_3798205629512392350_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p9BBPvFaSJMQ7kNvgHjEyK5&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AYBay-f48AFiSoNYZ8DC5XkMBN_CqOPMSs1iGCBrf5gouw&oe=6669EDEA	person_profile	0	Emma Smith	https://scontent.fagc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/447956914_1150772279570612_7032608796556390282_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KlicjLVGmhsQ7kNvgGlFw4k&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-1.fna&oh=00_AYCa7cWmhup_f8J-xQFMnaVtb72aa5VaC1q3ck51mdDjeg&oe=6669F7C8	3	Emma Smith	2024-06-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,870,945	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1870939}'	No	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	1002958711214146	🔞🔞Click to read the full novel👉👉👉	Chapter 01<br /> LAYLA<br /> <br /> The loud ringing of the phone wakes me up from a deep slumber. My hand pats the soft space. My eyes are too heavy and a thousand veins are thumping in my head. <br /> <br /> My hand finally finds my cell, and I swipe right. Placing the cold cell against my ear, I wait for a second. <br /> <br /> “ Layla Jones, where the fuck are you? ” The shrill voice of my best friend pierces my eardrum.<br /> <br /> My eyes shoot wide open. Pain seeps into my skull. I sit up in the bed. Cold air brushes my body that is strangely…<br /> <br /> My eyes drop to my naked boobs, and the purple marks all over my skin. I blink. I can not believe the fuck out of this.<br /> <br /> “ Hello? ” Daphne shouts. “ Hello? Why are you not saying anything? Did you create some mess I need to sort out? ” <br /> <br /> “ It’s not a mess. ” I cringe and look to my left.<br /> <br /> The other side of the bed is empty. My eyes search the sheets. To prove me right, the blood stains peek back at me.<br /> <br /> “ I lost my virginity. ” I whisper.<br /> <br /> Some silence, and then evil laughter booms through the speaker. “ Good job. ” <br /> <br /> “ Not the time to play the villain. ” I whisper yell. “ please come pick me up from this stupid place where you left me. ” <br /> <br /> “ I am already on my way there. I thought you were dead so I had to come to check up on you. ” She whistles.<br /> <br /> I hang up on her. My fingers touch the dried blood. Horror etches into my features. <br /> <br /> What did I do? <br /> <br /> When did I do it?<br /> <br /> My memory was hazy. The sound of the shower running in the bathroom was clear though.<br /> <br /> I got to my feet, wincing and cringing. My legs hurt like I have done a lot of exercise.<br /> <br /> A blurred memory plays in my head as I limp to the side table. <br /> <br /> * “ Look how good you take me, Mio Tesoro. ”<br /> <br /> The deep, authoritative voice whispered in my head. I had to spread my legs wider to have all of him between them. <br /> <br /> “ Hard…Harder. ” It was my voice. <br /> <br /> The hard pounding, the strong pleasure, my nails in his back, and his hands on my hips. The sweat, the moans, his wild grunts. <br /> <br /> Embarrassment flushes me red. I tear the sheets from my body to search for my clothes. I find my torn dress in the distance and look at it with wide eyes.<br /> <br /> The shower continues to run in the distance. It gives me the little sense of calm that I need right now or else, I am going to pass out from equal parts fear and embarrassment.<br /> <br /> Dropping the dress, I look for my panties and bra. Both pieces of black clothing are sprawled on the floor close to the bed. I slip them on when I see the black button-down shirt and my purse lying close to them.<br /> <br /> I pick both of them, slip on the black shirt, and button it up. Then, I grab a few bills from my purse and drop them on the table to pay for the shirt.<br /> <br /> It’s my beloved saved money that I foolishly wanted to spend yesterday to get over the heartbreak but after stepping foot in the expensive club, I didn’t use it. How I got drunk and ended up here is not even in my memory.<br /> <br /> So, I am going to leave this money for whomever I slept with and run out of here. I can’t possibly face this man after what we did.<br /> <br /> Acting on my plan, I make my way out of the room. It seems like the top floor of the same club given that it is decorated in the same colors. The red, blue, and purple. A neon touch to everything.<br /> <br /> I dash down the staircase and run straight for the door. I am hopeful that when I open the door, Daphne will be waiting in the parking lot because I won’t feel too good waiting in the open, with nothing but a shirt on and my feet bare.<br /> <br /> My heart beats fast from the hurried actions. My hands sweat and I frantically rub them over the shirt.<br /> <br /> As I hoped, I see Daphne’s black SUV parked in the distance. She grins when she sees me running to her.<br /> <br /> Just as I open the door, I slip inside the passenger seat and turn to her. “ Let’s leave already. ”<br /> <br /> “ We need to talk about your night first. ” Daphne claps her hands excitedly.<br /> <br /> “ No, D. We are not talking about it here. ” I whisper, looking at the club in the distance in the side mirror.<br /> <br /> I hope he takes the money and doesn’t come out for me for the shirt. It is soft and feels expensive over my skin so I believe it’s not worth what I gave him.<br /> <br /> “ No, Lulu. You need to tell me— ”<br /> <br /> I slap my hand over her mouth and glare at her. “ Drive out of here and I will tell you everything. ”<br /> <br /> Her green eyes round with excitement. She nods her head. Her black hair bounce with the move.<br /> <br /> I remove my hand cautiously. She listens this time and starts the engine. In no time, we are saying goodbye to my nightmare and fear.<br /> <br /> “ Now, tell me everything from the moment you two kissed and then climaxed. ” Daphne giggles wickedly.<br /> <br /> “ Too bad for you. ” I shake my head and rub my temples. “ I don’t even remember what he looks like or when we kissed or how I got drunk. I only remember that I sat in the corner and watched everyone with big I-am-poor eyes. What happened after that is not in my memory. ” <br /> <br /> “ You popped the cherry and you don’t remember what it felt like? ” She gasps.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t even remember popping the cherry. ” I close my eyes. This is embarrassing. “ but I saw the blood on the sheets. ”<br /> <br /> “ That’s how you took revenge on Josh? You slept with a guy and you don’t even remember if he was hot or not? Now you are going to bluff about him when you don’t know what to bluff about? ” Daphne clicks her tongue.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t know, D. ” I lick my lips, tasting an intoxicating masculine mint flavor on them. “ I recall changing my mind when I stepped into the club. I planned on watching people for a while and then calling you. I don’t know how I ended up in the bed with - - - him. ”<br /> <br /> Him. Him is definitely not ugly. I didn’t see his face in the flash of memory but the way his body stretched me to the limits and made me ache all over is not the work of someone weak.<br /> <br /> “ Alpha will be angry. ” Daphne whispers when we enter the pack.<br /> <br /> I swallow. “ When is he not angry with me? ” <br /> <br /> “ I am sorry. ” She keeps her gaze settled ahead.<br /> <br /> I go silent. This is the consequence I have to face because I decided to cross my limits and pretended to be someone I am not.<br /> <br /> This is the consequence of forgetting that I am supposed to be the daughter of the murdered gamma couple, with no wolf. I can say mateless too, but I was proved wrong on that account yesterday.<br /> <br /> Yesterday was the day of the hunt. It’s the day when werewolves can recognize their mates. I had no hopes about this day, but Alpha’s son, Josh came to me with a dazed look when I was working in the kitchen and whispered the word mate to me.<br /> <br /> A force swept me off my feet at that moment. I dropped the knife and rushed into his arms. I could sense the connection too, but I couldn’t tell what it was. <br /> <br /> I was happy. I forgot that Josh was the worst nightmare for me for the past two years. He beat me. He starved me. He tried to rape me once.<br /> <br /> I forgot all that.<br /> <br /> But, he was the same.<br /> <br /> He rejected me and then beat me. Before he could kill me in his anger, Sarah came into the kitchen. <br /> <br /> She was his girlfriend and the Beta’s daughter. She was also my best friend before the incident that ruined my life. But now, she just pretended to be good in front of everyone and stopped Josh whenever he wanted to hit me.<br /> <br /> While in the absence of others, she made me go through worse things. Like ducking my head underwater and letting me feel the water burning my lungs until I was half dead. That was one of her favorite ways of torture.<br /> <br /> After telling me how I was a worthless whore, they both went away but I was burning in pain and anger. <br /> <br /> I was done with the pack members that used me, abused me, and kept me as a slave all these years. I wanted to do something to rebel against them like Daphne had suggested all this time.<br /> <br /> So, I did that.<br /> <br /> But, I am scared about the consequences that await me now.<br /> <br /> Daphne stops the car outside the double-story pack house. I observe the building with scared eyes.<br /> <br /> “ I wish I could - - - ”<br /> <br /> I open the door and slip out. I don’t want to hear her apologize. She can not do anything for me. <br /> <br /> She is bound by a blood oath to the Alpha and if she goes against him, she will be killed or worse, exiled. <br /> <br /> Exile is the biggest fear of werewolves because breaking a bond with the pack will turn you into a packless rogue and if no other pack takes you in right away, it can result in slow madness and pain that never ends.<br /> <br /> “ Thanks, D. ” I smile weakly.<br /> <br /> She tries to smile back but fails. I peel my eyes off her face and walk inside the pack house.<br /> <br /> As expected, I stumble upon Josh in the sitting area. My hands tremble in fear when our eyes meet.<br /> <br /> His eyes flash golden. It’s a sign of instant rage. A sign that his wolf is fighting to rise to the surface and shift. <br /> <br /> “ Where the fuck were you? ” He hisses and stalks to me.<br /> <br /> My hands tremble by my side, because I know, without a wolf I can not fight back. I can not even protect myself. <br /> <br /> “ Answer me! ” He grips my jaw and squashes it hard.<br /> <br /> Pain blurs my vision. I claw at his hands. He applies harsh pressure.<br /> <br /> “ Leave me. ” I shriek.<br /> <br /> “ You smell like another fucker. ” He growls in my face. <br /> <br /> His usual brown eyes still burn golden, hinting that his wolf is angry like him.<br /> <br /> “ Leave me, Josh. ” I thrash and try to push him away.<br /> <br /> “ Leave you? ” He seethes and throws me back.<br /> <br /> My spine hits the wall before I slide down and my left side crashes into the floor. The loud sound of bones cracking makes me sick to my stomach. Screams erupt from my mouth, one after another.<br /> <br /> After that, Josh doesn’t stop. I lose count of the times his fists slam into my face or his legs kick me all over.<br /> <br /> He doesn’t release me until I am crawling on my hands and begging him to spare me. My nails break from the roots. My body is broken.<br /> <br /> He kicks me a last time in the rib, causing another shattering noise, and moves back.<br /> <br /> “ Attempt to fuck with me again, and you are done slut. ” He spits on my bloodied body after his cruel words.<br /> <br /> After he is done, Josh leaves me there. Suffering. Barely alive. Hurting. <br /> <br /> It’s nothing new. I know I will lose consciousness and when I regain it, I will be lying in the same spot. I will tend to my wounds on my own, I will cry alone, and I will suffer without anyone by my side.<br /> <br /> Chapter 02<br /> “ Whose bastard is it? ” Alpha Benjamin growls in my face.<br /> <br /> I squeeze my eyes shut. “ I - - - I don’t know. ”<br /> <br /> “ I am asking for the last time Layla! ” His fist slams into my face, knocking me to the ground. <br /> <br /> “ I don’t know, Alpha. ” I cry out and instantly pull my knees to my chest to protect my stomach from the hits.<br /> <br /> One mistake. One night. And fate decided it didn’t want to let this slide.<br /> <br /> I found out I was pregnant after a mere month which is rare for werewolves. The child growing inside me is not normal. When I secretly visited pack doctor Emma, she told me it’s a powerful breed and it’s growing at a fast rate. I will be ready to give birth in six months instead of eight.<br /> <br /> After hearing all this, I instantly thought about getting rid of it, as I was in no position to raise a child but I couldn’t do it.<br /> <br /> How am I supposed to get rid of this part of me?<br /> <br /> This baby is my flesh and blood. The thought of killing it, killing an innocent child equals suicide to me. <br /> <br /> The baby is mine. I won’t let it go.<br /> <br /> So, I decided that I will run away tonight to save my baby and myself, but Doctor Emma told the truth to Alpha Benjamin and now, we are inside his pack office where he is beating the shit out of me.<br /> <br /> He kicks my arms. Animalistic growls leave his lips. He continues to hit me, and I take it while protecting my stomach from the blows.<br /> <br /> Today, I am not screaming. I will not scream ever again. I am going to bear it until I have the chance. Once I take this chance, I will never look back. I will make my life. I will raise this baby with love and care.<br /> <br /> The door to his office flies open. I peek from around my elbow to see who it is.<br /> <br /> “ Dad! ” Josh yells.<br /> <br /> Alpha Benjamin stops hitting me and turns to his son. His breath comes out in short pants after all the work he has done on me.<br /> <br /> I, on the other hand, can not move in fear that my body is going to fall apart. I dig my teeth into my lower lip to stop the small sobs of pain from falling out of my mouth.<br /> <br /> I won’t be weak anymore. I will be strong for the baby. I will be brave, and smart all for the life growing inside me.<br /> <br /> “ You were going to kill her. ” Josh sighs.<br /> <br /> “ This bitch won’t die so easily. She is a curse! ” Alpha Benjamin hisses at him.<br /> <br /> “ She might be a curse but she is not invincible, Dad. ” He rolls his eyes and walks to me.<br /> <br /> Crouching down, Josh touches my elbow. A whimper escapes my lips despite my hardest efforts. He shakes his head and grabs my arms before lifting me into a sitting position. <br /> <br /> Everywhere hurts. My arms hurt. My head hurts. My guts hurt.<br /> <br /> Tears moisten my eyes when the pain becomes unbearable.<br /> <br /> “ Come on. Get up. ” Josh pulls me to my feet.<br /> <br /> I follow his lead without any protest. He takes me out of his father’s office.<br /> <br /> “ Get that damn bastard flushed out of her, Josh. ” Alpha Benjamin sneers before the door to his office closes behind me.<br /> <br /> My eyes become round in fear. I glance at Josh and find him already smirking at me.<br /> <br /> He is going to get the baby aborted. I know.<br /> <br /> “ I- - - ” I croak out. “ I will die, Josh. I can not have an abortion in this state. ” <br /> <br /> Josh looks at me with a wicked look in his eyes. I gulp. Pain follows my saliva down my throat and blood rises to my mouth.<br /> <br /> “ You have to get an abortion, baby. Or I am going to rip this thing out of you myself. ” He whispers huskily. <br /> <br /> Dread stings my body in the form of needles. I open my mouth to tell him to try and see what happens, but it’s an idiotic move to fight him when he has all the power against me.<br /> <br /> “ Can we do it tomorrow? ” A tear finally slides down my eye. <br /> <br /> “ No. This thing is getting out of you right now. ” He shakes his head.<br /> <br /> “ Please, Josh. I swear to Goddess Selene I will get this thing out of me first thing in the morning but please let’s not do this today. I am - - - I am already hurting. I am scared. ” I reason.<br /> <br /> Calling my baby a thing is beyond terrible but I have to do it so Josh doesn’t suspect my intentions.<br /> <br /> Josh goes silent and takes me to the small store room I call my room in the pack house. The worn-down mattress waits for me on the floor, taunting me for everything I have endured and will endure once I am out of this shithole.<br /> <br /> He dumps me over the mattress harshly and steps back. I groan, holding my left arm that hurts the most.<br /> <br /> “ What will I get if I do you this favor? ” Josh asks sultrily. <br /> <br /> His eyes drill holes in my battered body. The old grey tank top and the bloodied blue-colored ripped jeans are not doing anything to hide me from his evil eyes.<br /> <br /> I know he wants to sleep with me. He is tired of sex with my ex-best friend aka Sarah. He wants what the battered bond between us offers now. A pleasure that matches no other. A touch that burns to ashes and brings back to life. <br /> <br /> He has been trying to have sex with me for the past few days but I was so sick that he couldn’t get near me without me throwing up all over him. The baby protected me from him.<br /> <br /> “ I will do anything you want, Josh. ” I whisper, holding his dirty gaze.<br /> <br /> He crouches down. I grip the edges of the smelly mattress under me to hold still. His face nears mine, and the putrid stench of beer burns my nostrils.<br /> <br /> “ Will you let me fuck you against the wall? ” He smirks, knowing how this talk always makes me flip. <br /> <br /> My lips tremble as he closes the little distance and kisses the edge of them. “ tell me, Laylababy. ” <br /> <br /> “ Y - - - Yes. ” I nod, cautiously bending back to be away from him.<br /> <br /> “ Oh, fuck. It’s so easy. ” He chuckles, drawing his head back. “ I might as well fuck you now. ”<br /> <br /> Life drains from my body. His hands close around my waist, push me into the mattress and he crawls above me.<br /> <br /> “ Josh! ” I yelp and push at his chest.<br /> <br /> “ I want to fuck your filthy mouth. ” He utters before sealing my lips with his mouth.<br /> <br /> I push harder. The terror of getting raped while there is an innocent life inside me is soul-shattering. <br /> <br /> I clamp my teeth around his lower lip and bite so hard that blood pours inside my mouth. He pulls away and smacks me across the face. My vision blackens at the strong impact.<br /> <br /> “ Motherfucking Whore! ” He clenches my jaw and makes me face him. “ I am going to take your mouth, your pussy, and at the end, I am going to cum in your ass as a payback for this stunt you pulled ”<br /> <br /> “ No! ” I scream. “ No, Josh. Get the fuck away from me. I am pregnant, for fuck’s sake! ” <br /> <br /> “ That’s why I am not fucking you. The filth inside you is repulsive as shit. ” He groans and gets away from me.<br /> <br /> I release a shaky breath. My pulse is quick enough to make me dizzy. I sit up and immediately slip to the other edge of the mattress.<br /> <br /> “ You are getting rid of this first thing tomorrow. ” He warns, stepping back. “ This doesn’t mean you can slack off today. Come out of the fucking room and set the table for the guests. ” <br /> <br /> “ O- - -Okay. ” I nod.<br /> <br /> He glares at me before walking out of the open door. I watch his retreating back and tears slide out of my eyes at last. <br /> <br /> My hands press against my stomach as I sob to myself. “ I am - - - I am sorry, baby. Mama couldn’t protect herself and you today. But I promise- - - ”<br /> <br /> I place my right hand over my mouth to cover the sobs. “ I promise I will do a better job from now on. I will never let you get hurt. We will be out of this hellhole by tomorrow and we will start a new life. I promise you will be a lot happier than me. I will make sure of it. ”<br /> <br /> Chapter 03<br /> LAYLA<br /> <br /> It takes me three hours to prepare everything for the dinner with the maids and set the table for the guests. <br /> <br /> Alpha or Josh refuses to tell me who is coming but the extravagant preparations are enough to reveal it’s an important person.<br /> <br /> I go back to my small room when I am done and inspect the contents inside my backpack. Some cash Daphne lent me and the remainder of my savings is sitting inside untouched with three shirts and two pairs of jeans. There is nothing else I have or can take without anyone noticing it.<br /> <br /> I have no idea how life is going to be when I leave this pack but Daphne is helping me. She talked to her aunt who lives on the outskirts of the Lotus pack. <br /> <br /> It’s a decent old pack that resides about a hundred kilometers west of my pack. Unlike Alpha Benjamin who is power and money crazy, the Lotus Pack Alpha---Alpha Marcus is all about harmony and peace. <br /> <br /> Daphne’s aunt Maya has even asked him for permission to let me join the pack and he agreed. That was quick and shocking because Alphas hardly accept outsiders but he did. He is ready to accept an outsider like me and I can stay there as long as I want. <br /> <br /> My phone vibrates with a notification. I open the text from Daphne. <br /> <br /> Aunt told Alpha Marcus everything about your situation. He still wants you to join the pack. Everything is set. Make it out now, C. I am rooting for you. XOXO. *<br /> <br /> Sighing, I send her a quick okay, and thanks before deleting the texts. I don’t want Josh or Alpha Benjamin to find out about it. <br /> <br /> Too lost in my thoughts, I don’t notice when the maid barges inside the room and stands over my head.<br /> <br /> “ Luna wants to see you.” She sneers at me.<br /> <br /> “ Luna? ” My eyes widen.<br /> <br /> Luna Avery is Alpha Benjamin’s mate and wife who likes to take random tours around the world. She is gone every other day and then comes back whenever she wants. No one objects to it or tells her that she should be taking care of her pack instead of running away. <br /> <br /> “ Why do you need to be told everything twice? ” The maid hisses before storming out of the room.<br /> <br /> I am left wondering why she is back now. My heartbeat quickens as different scenarios cross my mind.<br /> <br /> If Alpha Benjamin and Josh are the devil reincarnate, she is the real devil. If she is here then there must be hellfire waiting for me. <br /> <br /> I get to my weak feet and wince slightly. My body still hurts like hell. There is nothing I can do. My healing powers are too weak and it usually takes me lots of time to heal without a wolf.<br /> <br /> Enduring the intense waves of pain, I limp out and approach the dining room. As I near it, my breathing becomes ragged. Different voices sound from inside. <br /> <br /> “ I am telling you Alpha Alexander, we only have two other people in the house. You met the maid. The other girl is also a helper. ” Luna’s sweet voice makes me swallow.<br /> <br /> “ Call her here. ”<br /> <br /> The new voice is like a caress of needed warmth on a cold night. Tingles shoot down my spine, carrying the weight of it throughout my blood. Strange heat pools in my stomach after hearing it. <br /> <br /> It sounds familiar like I have heard it before. <br /> <br /> I shake my head and enter the dining room. My gaze lowers to the floor instinctively. <br /> <br /> “ You called, Luna? ” I lick my lips and ask.<br /> <br /> “ It’s been so long since the last time I saw you. ” Luna surprisingly speaks to me in a tone that is reserved for important people. I am not one of them. I never was. <br /> <br /> “ Greet Alpha Alexander, Layla. ” Alpha Benjamin scoffs.<br /> <br /> I glance up momentarily, but my eyes refuse to look down again.<br /> <br /> My hazel eyes meet with a pair of silver orbs. Sun on Moon. The Bright against All Dark Night. <br /> <br /> Odd energy shoots down my body, reaching my core and tightening every single muscle in me. It’s like getting struck by lightning on a rainy night. The sensation of the current jolting every single part of me awake.<br /> <br /> My breath catches in my throat. I drop my gaze to his proud nose and then to his thick pair of lips. He licks them with the laziness of a predator who finally has the chance to eat its prey and he wants to savor every bite. <br /> <br /> “ Layla? ” He utters my name from his lips.<br /> <br /> I shudder. It sounds too hot. It’s too hot in the room.<br /> <br /> “ Yeah, she is the rascal who got my gamma couple killed. Still, we took pity and gave her shelter inside our home. ” Alpha Benjamin sneers.<br /> <br /> Heat taints my cheeks red, allowing everyone in the room to see my embarrassment marking my skin. I swallow the lump in my throat and look down again.<br /> <br /> My heart is in a race of its own. I don’t even know what or who it is trying to outrun. I clasp my shaky hands together to hold them still.<br /> <br /> “ Why is she bruised? ” The startling voice of the stranger booms. <br /> <br /> I stumble a step back, finding all of this too much. I am weak in my knees. The heat in my body is becoming too much to handle. I have never experienced this before. <br /> <br /> “ She slipped in her bathroom. She is quite clumsy. She got the head of a chicken. ” Josh chuckles.<br /> <br /> It’s utterly humiliating. If I could dig a hole and hide there for the rest of my life, I would have done that by now. <br /> <br /> “ Bathroom? ” His voice drops lower, becoming more throaty. It reverberates in my lower abdomen, almost making me gasp to myself. <br /> <br /> “ Yeah, Alpha! She is like that sometimes. ” Luna adds.<br /> <br /> Silence echoes in the room. I stand there, feeling the scorching heat of his stare on my face. It makes me shift from my left foot to the right uncomfortably.<br /> <br /> “ I need her. ” Alpha Alexander commands. Arrogant, Confident, Non-negotiable. <br /> <br /> My gaze shoots to his face in shock. I stare at the handsome man who can give competition to a Greek God. He is built like a mountain. His muscles are bulging in the tight white dress shirt he is wearing under his black jacket. <br /> <br /> I notice the black ink peeking out of his collar and instantly tear my gaze from his neck to look at his face once more. <br /> <br /> I am the object of his attention even now. His stare never falters. I step back, unable to take it anymore.<br /> <br /> “ Uh, Alpha Alexander. What does that mean exactly? ” Luna speaks up, asking the one question that threatens to split the ground under my feet and swallow me as a whole.<br /> <br /> “ You heard me. I need her. ” Every word of his hits a nerve deep inside me and steals my breath.<br /> <br /> “ She is not up for sale if you think this is an auction. ” Josh hisses, surprising me.<br /> <br /> He is talking about buying me? What the heck!<br /> <br /> “ Shut your mouth. ” Alpha Benjamin growls at Josh.<br /> <br /> “ Dad--- ”<br /> <br /> “ Josh. ” Luna warns him.<br /> <br /> He goes silent. I look at his frustrated glaring eyes and decide it’s better to just stare at the floor.<br /> <br /> “ What are you suggesting, Alpha? ” Luna’s voice comes out breathy and sultry when she questions. <br /> <br /> “ Name the price. What do you want for her? ” The man speaks with indifference and coldness that is rare and makes the whole situation disgusting.<br /> <br /> My heart lurches. I take another step back. It’s impossible to stand on my feet right now. They are talking about selling and buying me like I am a useless piece of furniture. <br /> <br /> “ Why do you want her, Alpha? ” Luna stresses.<br /> <br /> “ I need her. And it’s none of your business. ” The Alpha shuts her up with his harsh voice, a warning lingering on the edge of each word, daring her to try poking her nose in his matter again. <br /> <br /> “ What if we say ten million, Alpha Alexander? Will you be willing to pay? ” Alpha Benjamin chuckles nervously. <br /> <br /> “ You can’t just sell me. I am not up for sale. ” I mutter at last. <br /> <br /> My gaze collides with his scorching eyes again. My soul trembles with the intensity. The tension rises in the air and temperature shoots to a new height.<br /> <br /> “ We will always decide the best for your future, Layla Darling. Don’t doubt it and stay silent. ” Luna speaks pleasantly but there is a hidden warning underneath her words that only I can sense.<br /> <br /> Try speaking again and you shall lose your tongue, that’s what Luna wants me to know. <br /> <br /> My heartbeat pounds in all my organs. I grip my fingers tighter to remain calm.<br /> <br /> I lower my eyes before taking a peek at the silent man and find him typing something on his phone. His brows bunch, as he concentrates and gives off a scary vibe.<br /> <br /> Why is he doing this? Who is he? What does he want from me? <br /> <br /> “ The money is in your pack’s account. Hand her over. ” He pushes the phone back into his jacket’s pocket and stands up.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, the room is too small and everything is too unnecessary. I stumble back when he strides forward, each step taken with deliberate preciseness that leaves my heartbeat drumming in my ears. The world tilts, showing me a new angle that my mind refuses to get accustomed to. <br /> <br /> “ You can take her in the morning. We want to say goodbye to her, Alpha. ” Alpha Benjamin gets up immediately and blocks the path of the man.<br /> <br /> “ No. ” Alpha Alexander refuses without hesitation.<br /> <br /> This can’t be happening. A few more steps and this man will be practically dragging me out of this packhouse. All hopes of escape will be lost in an unfamiliar place. <br /> <br /> On the other hand, I know Alpha Benjamin wants me to stay for the night because he wants to kill my baby before handing me over to this stranger who screams danger in bright red. <br /> <br /> I am stuck. There is an inferno in front of me and the promise of destruction behind me. <br /> <br /> The man pushes Alpha Benjamin out of the way with ease and reaches me. My heartbeat slows down until I can’t even hear it. <br /> <br /> He halts in front of me, leaving a distance of a few inches between us. The moon in his eyes burns into the sun in mine, threatening to consume all the heat and still remain hungry. The intense energy cackles, leaving me breathing hard. <br /> <br /> I only come up to his neck. I have to throw my head back to look at his face from close. He is intimidating in the sense that his closeness leaves me tingling and hot everywhere.<br /> <br /> I take the final step back. My body hits the wall behind me, closing all ways of escape.<br /> <br /> “ I want to stay the night. ” I plead, staring into the silver orbs. “ Please. ”<br /> <br /> A moment of silence passes. He steals a glance at my quivering lips before dragging his gaze to my moist eyes.<br /> <br /> “ Just tonight. ” He steps back easily like he was just waiting for me to speak up.<br /> <br /> I release the breath I held and immediately run out of the dining room. I don’t even care about the crippling pain anymore. <br /> <br /> I can’t go with that man. He will probably do worse things to me.<br /> <br /> I will run tonight and then I will never look back. All these horrible people will be left behind. It will only be me and my baby that this new man doesn’t know about.<br /> <br /> I reach my room and check my bag before hiding it behind the small cupboard in the corner. The door to my room slams open, revealing Luna.<br /> <br /> “ Lu- - - Luna. ” I stutter.<br /> <br /> “ How do you know him? ” She asks, closing the door.<br /> <br /> “ I don’t know him. I swear I have never seen him before. ” I blurt.<br /> <br /> “ Why is he so keen on getting you then? ” She folds her arms over her chest, stopping in the middle of the room.<br /> <br /> “ I - - - I don’t know. ” I can’t recall ever meeting him.<br /> <br /> “ Tell me the truth, Layla. You know I won’t hurt you if you just tell the truth. ” She clicks her tongue.<br /> <br /> “ I swear on Goddess Selene I don’t know. ” I shake my head.<br /> <br /> “ Annoying. ” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “ Anyways, get ready. The doctor will arrive in an hour. Get rid of that filth and go with him in the morning. ” <br /> <br /> My body turns cold at the command. I blink the tears back and stand my ground.<br /> <br /> “ It’s so good to finally be able to get rid of you and to get money for it- - -is like a dream come true. ” She sighs dreamily and walks out of the room.<br /> <br /> It’s all so dirty. They are selling me. That man is buying me. They all think of me as their meaningless possession. <br /> <br /> The door closes. I stand in the same place for some time, waiting for someone else to come. <br /> <br /> I think Josh will come, but I am proved wrong when he doesn’t come even after half an hour. This hints at the fact that Alpha Benjamin must be holding him back. <br /> <br /> It is the best time.<br /> <br /> I dash towards the backpack and sling it on my shoulders. After wearing my worn-out sneakers, I open the only window in my room and sneak out of it. I can never be more grateful for having this room on the ground floor. It makes things easier for me.<br /> <br /> My heart skips many beats when I pass by pack members and then the patrol guards. The thought of someone stopping me or the Alpha finding out about me leaves me breathless but I continue to move.<br /> <br /> After enduring the abuse for so many years, it’s finally time to be free. A sense of relief fills me when I am out of the territory and on my way to the bus stop.<br /> <br /> I run and I never look over my shoulder.<br /> <br /> There is nothing holding me back here. No attachment. No family. No home. <br /> <br /> When I get on the bus for Laxville Town, that’s when I look behind me. A strange feeling of loss fills me as a pair of silver eyes flashes in my head. <br /> <br /> But, I don’t stop.<br /> <br /> I have to do this for the baby. I will protect it with all I have got and I will fight against the rest of the world if I have to.<br /> <br /> Chapter 04<br /> ALEXANDER<br /> <br /> “ They secured the girl, Alpha. ” My Beta and only friend Levi informs me from the driving seat.<br /> <br /> “ Send her to the house. Ask Nina to take care of her. ” I reply <br /> <br /> My eyes train on Alpha Williams’ house in the distance. I can’t wait to barge inside that shitty place and get that sweet thing out of there.<br /> <br /> She looked so fucking scared last night. <br /> <br /> If she didn’t ask me in her seductive voice to leave her there for one night, I would have burned that place down to bring her with me. <br /> <br /> I just can’t wait to taste her again. I have to practice all restraint to stop imagining her body under me. She had felt perfect. Heavenly.<br /> <br /> I had to search for her for a month like a madman. I didn’t expect to find her so easily in this Alpha’s house though.<br /> <br /> Her sweet scent still lingers in my nostrils and over my tongue. But why didn’t she show me the same reaction?<br /> <br /> She was my mate. <br /> <br /> Like me, she must have wanted to throw herself under me, over me, or everywhere she could. That’s wolf nature and you can’t fight it.<br /> <br /> But last night, she acted like she didn’t want me near. There was no hint of recognition on her face for me.<br /> <br /> “ What do I do about Ariana? She keeps calling. ” Levi sighs.<br /> <br /> Ariana is my ex-girlfriend. I threw her out of my house when I found my mate in the club. Now, she keeps pestering me to take her back.<br /> <br /> “ Just tell her to fuck off if she wants to live. ” I wave my hand in the air dismissively.<br /> <br /> “ You are already gone, man. But I am glad you found her after so long. ” Levi shakes his head dreamily as he pulls the car into the driveway.<br /> <br /> Without waiting for him to turn off the engine, I climb out of the car and march straight for the door.<br /> <br /> I need her with me. Right fucking now.<br /> <br /> Before I can stroll inside the open main door, one panicking face comes into my view. It’s the same cartoon from yesterday.<br /> <br /> Johnny or maybe it was John. <br /> <br /> “ Alpha Alexander. Uh, Good Morning! ” He pauses when he sees me, and tries his best to steel his spine.<br /> <br /> I press my lips in a thin line. “ Save the greetings. Bring her to me. ” <br /> <br /> He doesn’t move from his spot. <br /> <br /> I inhale, and the lack of the sweet scent drives my wolf restless.<br /> <br /> “ Bring her to me. Right now. I am not in the mood to play games. ” I repeat, with evident anger.<br /> <br /> “ That’s the thing. ” He runs his hand down his hair agitatedly.<br /> <br /> “ What’s. The. Thing? ” I speak each word through my gritted teeth.<br /> <br /> “ Alpha Alexander. ” The short woman comes running in our direction.<br /> <br /> I shoot a look of disdain to her spilling boobs, and plastic face. She didn’t stop showing them to me last night but I was not interested.<br /> <br /> “ We…We were waiting for you. ” She smiled nervously.<br /> <br /> “ Where is Layla? ” Her beautiful name rolls off my tongue smoothly. It’s the name fit for an angel.<br /> <br /> “ She- - - ” The Luna shifted from one foot to the other uncomfortably.<br /> <br /> “ She ran away last night. ” Williams’ voice sounds from behind her.<br /> <br /> Anger rises to the surface. I fist my hands and use my speed to get to him in an instant.<br /> <br /> My hand uncurls and wraps around his throat. I slam his back into the wall, creating a huge crack in it. <br /> <br /> The Alpha claws at my hand. His eyes bulge out due to the suddenness of the attack.<br /> <br /> “ Alpha Alexander! ” Luna gasps, running towards us.<br /> <br /> I throw her a glare. She probably sees my eyes changing color to red so she stops in her tracks.<br /> <br /> I turn to face the struggling man. I can’t see anything but red. I should kill him for being so fucking useless.<br /> <br /> “ Please, Alpha Alexander. ” The woman pleads. “ She was not worth this fight. ” <br /> <br /> Just a little more pressure and his eyes might explode out of his sockets. I release him and throw him against the wall. The crack becomes a hole.<br /> <br /> “ We should have told you before. ” Luna whispers as Alpha Williams slumps to the floor.<br /> <br /> His incompetent son rushes to his aid. I turn to face the cunning woman. My face goes back to wearing the mask of calmness.<br /> <br /> “ What is it? ” I ask.<br /> <br /> “ Layla- - - ” She sighs. “ was a wolfless girl. She didn’t shift when she turned eighteen. ” <br /> <br /> It comes as a shock to me. All plans of a future with her go down the drain with one truth. <br /> <br /> “ She was not worth your money. She couldn’t bear your children if you wanted to turn her into a breeder, and she couldn’t become a warrior if that’s what you intended. She couldn’t even take your knot. She was useless to you. You would have killed her the moment you got too close to her. ” Luna Avery continues.<br /> <br /> Is this woman fucking with me? <br /> <br /> I got more than close to her. I fucked her, emptied my load inside her, and held her until she was ready to let me go.<br /> <br /> “ You better tell me everything you know about her or find her. You have to give her to me if you don’t want me to visit again. ” I state calmly.<br /> <br /> She understands the threat. They all do.<br /> <br /> If they don’t bring me Layla, I will turn their pack into a graveyard. That’s no big deal for me.<br /> <br /> I will decide what I want to do with this wolfless mate once I have her. Maybe, she will be suitable to be a breeder if she could bear a child even without her wolf because I can’t make her my Luna. My pack needs a strong she-wolf as their Luna. I can’t afford a weakness.<br /> <br /> “ The whore was pregnant with a bastard’s child. ” I am about to walk away and launch a search of my own when the incompetent son speaks up.<br /> <br /> My feet freeze on their spot. I forget to breathe.<br /> <br /> “ Pregnant? ” I question.<br /> <br /> “ Yeah! She is a slut. She goes around sleeping with men. She got pregnant by one of them and wanted an abortion. Our pack doctor refused. I am sure she wanted to do it in some other place. She wanted out because we tried to stop her from killing an innocent child. That’s the kind of girl she is. It’s good you didn’t get to take her, Alpha Alexander. ” Avery blurts.<br /> <br /> Each word adds fuel to the fire burning in my eyes and inside my heart.<br /> <br /> “ Find her. Bring her to me when you do. I will decide her fate. ” I utter, storming out of the house.<br /> <br /> I open the car door, take my seat on the passenger side, and close it with a loud bang.<br /> <br /> “ Fucking Goddess! Alpha Alexander, what the fuck happened? ” Levi questions as soon as he feels my anger.<br /> <br /> “ Find her. ” I grit my jaw.<br /> <br /> “ Who? Your mate? ” His green eyes widen.<br /> <br /> “ She ran away with my kid and she is trying to get an abortion. We must find her before she does it. ” I seethe.<br /> <br /> “ Seriously? ” He yelps.<br /> <br /> “ I will kill this fucking girl if she lays a finger on my child. She doesn’t know what she is doing. She doesn’t know who she is dealing with. She is so dead when I get my hands on her. ” I fume.	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1,870,949	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-06-08 03:24	active	964	1175904083591818	Read Next Chapter Now👉The Hockey Alpha was My Childhood Sweetheart	💔💔💔My boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend on my birthday. After I confronted him, he said I was just a weak wolfless anomaly who brought shame to him. With a broken heart, I ran into a bar and tried to numb my pain with wine. <br /> The next day, I woke up on a bed in a hotel room with a naked muscular stranger beside me. <br /> Just as I was about to sneak out of the hotel room, he stopped me.<br /> "You don't remember me?" he frowned. <br /> I stared at his blue eyes and realized who he was. <br /> "You are Lucas, the school's hockey captain," I gasped. <br /> "That's all? Think harder!" he said, hurt laced his voice. <br /> It was then I realized he was my childhood best friend! <br /> --------------------------------<br /> Wolfless, I became the loser and anomaly everyone despised. The mean girls in school used all means to bully me. <br /> “Look who it is!” a familiar voice sneered, making me freeze in my tracks.<br /> I didn’t even have to turn around as Jessica and all her followers surrounded me with malicious smiles.<br /> “We were just talking about you,” one of the followers giggled under her breath.<br /> My heart raced.<br /> Jessica plastered the fakest smile I had ever seen on her face. “Did you just confess your love to our hockey capitan Lucas?”<br /> "What?" I stared at Jessica in disbelief, my heart racing in my chest.<br /> The weight of her words bore down on me, filling me with confusion.<br /> "We've heard the rumors," Jessica said, her voice filled with both amusement and superiority, as she casually pointed to her group of friends surrounding her. “You’ve been keeping yourself pretty busy today. Haven’t you, Shana?”<br /> All of her minions stood there, smirks etched across their faces.<br /> Shadow High was a hub of gossip and rumors where whispers spread quickly.<br /> Every week there seemed to be a different story that students focused on.<br /> But as an outsider, I had always remained on the outskirts, unaware of the intricate network of information swirling around me.<br /> I had no friends, after all. There was no one to gossip with.<br /> "What rumor?" I asked in a barely audible voice, feeling a sense of unease creeping up my spine.<br /> Rolling her eyes, Jessica took out her phone from her pocket, a wicked smile playing on her lips. “Don’t even pretend like you don’t know. We’ve all seen the evidence.”<br /> She shoved the screen in front of my face, revealing a photo of me at the hockey rink, desperately calling out to Lucas.<br /> My heart sank as I realized how bad this looked on my part.<br /> It became evident that the hockey players were behind this cruel act.<br /> They had captured that vulnerable moment and shared it throughout the school via various group chats, ensuring everyone in the school would be able to see it.<br /> But that’s not what I was doing! I wanted to shout. This is all so wrong!<br /> As I read one of the text messages displayed on Jessica's phone, a wave of humiliation washed over me.<br /> "LOL Shana just confessed her love to Alpha Lucas! Does she think she has a chance? She's WOLFLESS and the school's biggest LOSER. How pathetic!"<br /> Jessica's laughter echoed in my ears, intensifying the pain caused by those hurtful words. "Seriously, Shana, what were you thinking? You and Lucas? You're not even worthy of being in the same league as him."<br /> Each word burned me and felt like a knife piercing deeper into my already wounded spirit.<br /> "He's an Alpha, and you're just a nobody," Jessica continued, her voice filled with scorn, an arrogant smirk on her face. "He would never lower himself to be associated with someone like you."<br /> Her friends nodded in agreement; their faces twisted with disdain.<br /> “Yeah, just take a look in the mirror!” one of them said.<br /> “Lucas would never fall for a girl who is damaged goods,” another one of them said.<br /> I allowed their insults to go through one ear, and out the other.<br /> Hearing that they thought I was fragile was nothing new. They’ve been calling me the wolfless freak all school year.<br /> So, amidst their torment, as usual, I tried to protect the remnants of my shattered self-esteem in my mind.<br /> I am just different. I will find my own way in this world.<br /> I’ll appear unbothered by their cruel words and menacing stares because I’m not the weak girl they think I am.<br /> But that encouragement quickly faded when one of Jessica's friends noticed the diary clutched tightly in my trembling hands.<br /> "Wait, is that a diary?" the friend jeered, pointing mockingly at my cherished possession. "You still keep a diary?"<br /> Their mocking laughter reverberated through the cafeteria, intensifying my feelings of isolation and vulnerability.<br /> The weight of their mockery threatened to crush me, but I mustered the strength to step back, desperately trying to shield myself from their taunts.<br /> “Just leave me alone,” I said with as much courage as I could.<br /> Unaffected by my plea, Jessica lunged forward, attempting to grab the diary from my grasp.<br /> Swiftly sidestepping, I managed to avoid her, protecting the sanctuary of my private thoughts.<br /> I cannot let Jessica see my diary. It recorded everything that happened with my mother and all the things Jessica and other students did to me. It held words I used to encourage myself throughout the years being branded the “wolfless weirdo”.<br /> My emotions and tears will not bring them any compassion. If anything, it will invite even more mocking from Jessica.<br /> "You can't hide your feelings for Lucas from me," Jessica sneered, annoyance evident in her voice as she closed the distance between us. "I know what it's like. You see, Lucas and I were very close. He's my ex-boyfriend, and I'm pretty sure he still can't forget all the... enjoyable times we had together."<br /> A lump formed in my throat, and I swallowed hard, shocked by the revelation that Lucas had once been involved with Jessica.<br /> The only person in this school that I thought could possibly respect me, might be no different from Jessica.<br /> My illusions shattered into a thousand pieces as the ground beneath me seemed to crumble.<br /> Desperation flooded my veins, urging me to resist.<br /> Shaking my head, I tightened my grip on the diary, clutching it protectively against my chest.<br /> "No," I managed to whisper, my voice trembling with defiance.<br /> I stood my ground, refusing to yield to their demands.<br /> But as I looked into Jessica's menacing eyes, I realized I was no longer just an outcast; I was now at the mercy of their horrible whims.<br /> Jessica took another step forward, her fingers curling around the delicate crystal necklace hanging from my neck.<br /> With a sudden jerk, she pulled hard, tearing the necklace away from me, and severing the fragile thread that connected me to my mother's memory.<br /> My neck stung with an ache as shock and anger surged through me, igniting a fierce determination.<br /> "Give me that back!" I shouted, my voice quivering with a mix of fury and desperation.<br /> My mother’s necklace meant so much to me. It was one of the few things of hers that I had left, and she had given it to me to keep and cherish.<br /> Seeing the necklace in Jessica’s hands made my blood boil.<br /> She wasn’t worthy enough to be holding onto that.<br /> Carelessly, Jessica tossed the necklace to one of her friends, who caught it with a triumphant grin.<br /> They started playing a twisted game of keep-away, tossing the necklace between them each time I tried to retrieve it, reveling in my anguish.<br /> Every failed attempt to reclaim my mother's precious necklace heightened the pain that threatened to consume me.<br /> Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision, as their teasing weighed me down.<br /> I didn’t want to cry, but I couldn’t help the inescapable feeling.<br /> I realized the cruel reality that I had become a victim of their relentless bullying.<br /> And they would never stop.<br /> The more I resisted, the more they enjoyed my suffering, and the louder their laughter became.<br /> I blamed myself for this situation, regret gnawing at my heart.<br /> If only I had ignored their questions about Lucas, maybe this torment could have been avoided.<br /> Maybe I could’ve walked away, and they would’ve left me alone?<br /> But then again, when had they ever decided to leave me alone and not torture me?<br /> Exactly, never.<br /> And now, I was stripped of my dignity and my mother's necklace.<br /> Uncertainty engulfed me.<br /> Would I ever get my diary and my necklace back? The items that rightfully belonged to me.<br /> Suddenly, the necklace flew through the air and landed in the hands of someone else.<br /> Startled, I turned around, ready to retrieve the necklace, only to collide chest-first with the person who had caught it.<br /> "Please, give me that back," I pleaded.<br /> "This is yours?"<br /> Hearing that familiar voice, I looked up, my teary eyes meeting a pair of deep ocean-blue eyes radiating an inexplicable warmth.<br /> It was Lucas.<br /> "If I see any of you bully Shana again, I will rip your head off," Lucas‘s voice echoed in the cafeteria, making everyone whimper with fear.	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