LEONA’S POV
“No, please. I didn’t do it! Help me! No!” I woke up in tears and sweat. I dreamed of my life with the beast, my horrible life.
****
Dress in white, Ellen curled my hair and did my make-up. It’s Moonbeams. Our mates are waiting now. We have to look beautiful and wait until some wolf guy approach us.
“Whoa, you are gorgeous, Leona!”
“So are you,” I check myself in the mirror. Wow, Ellen did well and made a major transformation to my ugly face.
“Is that me?”
“Do you have doubts?” Ellen pinch me.
“Aw!”
“So it’s you,” she laugh.
“Do you think our mates will like us?”
“You are worrying again. They will like us and will probably want to make the bond and mark us.”
“Hey, naughty girl,” I laugh.
Bond and mark means we will surrender ourselves to our mate. Marking will happen if we have sex with them. The bond is when we become one—a spouse. I don’t know what comes first, but I’m pretty confident that is what they mean.
“All single she-wolves are now outside. I think it’s time to mingle,” Ellen peeks at the window and turn to me, “Are you good to go?”
“I guess? I’m nervous.”
“Don’t be. With that looks, I’m sure your mate will come running for you,” she teased, “Let’s go!”
I wrap my arms around Ellen’s. We found a spot under a tree away from the crowd. Ellen doesn’t want to blend in so our mate can easily find us.
“Here comes the long waiting again,” I whispered to myself. I’ve been waiting for years. Hopefully, my mate will show up and claim me this time.
Scott Moondale. The next Alpha of the Stone Moon pack. Handsome and smart. Everyone adores him, and all the woman in our pack has a crush on him. He joined the Moonbeams this year. Maybe he found his mate. Their pack is one of the closest allies of our pack.
“We are waiting for hours. I don’t think our mate will come,” Ellen whined.
“We should go home and try again next year.”
“Good idea. My feet hurt. Huh?”
“What?”
“Scott is heading this way!” Ellen fix herself. I think the world stops as he walks through the crowd. Women are giggling, and so is Ellen.
“I’ll see you later then, Ellen. Congratulations to your mate!”
“No, no! Don't leave me!” Ellen pull my arm.
To my surprise, Scott stops in front of me.
“High, Leona, right?”
“Ye~ Yes.”
“You look so gorgeous. I’m Scott, by the way,” he offered his hand. He has the softest hand ever! I felt shy with my callus hand.
“Thank you.”
“Let’s hang up later. I’ll come and find you. I need to do something.”
“Su~Sure.”
Scott flashes the sweetest smile. He left me speechless. I am completely blown away.
I saw Victoria’s jealous eyes. It‘s like a dagger that penetrates into my soul. All I know is that I’m in trouble again. She like Scott a lot, and I do not intend to steal him unless he’s my mate.
“I can’t believe it! Scott Moondale is attracted to you!” Ellen is giggling.
“He’s messing around. He’s not even my mate.”
“He maybe not, but he noticed you! Let’s go home and fix yourself. Maybe change something sexier!”
“Nah, he won’t come back.”
“He will! Come on!”
Ellen insisted on changing my clothes and fixing my make-up, so we returned home. But I was called inside Alpha Riley’s chamber to help him with his clothes.
Afterwards, Ellen quickly retouched my hair and make-up. Choosing a red dress that reveals my cleavage and hugs my figure. It was Mama Thelma’s gift on my birthday. She made it herself. We were about to go back outside when the guards entered our house forcefully.
“What the! You can’t just break in here!” Papa snapped. They kicked our door open which broke the lock.
“We are here in order of Ms. Victoria.”
“What for?” Mama towered in front of me.
“To collect your daughter,” the guard, my parent’s friend, hesitated for a moment, “Alpha Riley is dead. Ms. Victoria found him in his room, lifeless. He got a stab wound on his chest, and his throat was cut half.”
“Oh my God! Who would do this?” Mama clasp her chest in shock, “Wait, what do you want with my daughter?”
“Ms. Victoria is pointing her finger at Leona. She saw her coming out of Alpha Riley’s room.”
“No, you know she can’t do that!”
“Yes, she would never do that! Alpha Riley called her to assist with his clothes, but that’s it! It was only a minute!” Ellen defended, but the guards shoved her away.
“I’m sorry. You need to tell that to Ms. Victoria. We are just doing our job,” the guards seize me. They put my hands behind me and tied them.
“Mama! Papa! I didn’t do it! Help me!”
“I’m coming with you, Leona! I’m sure there’s a big mistake here. This is all wrong!”
In the Alpha’s house, I face the leaders. Victoria attacked me. She pulled my hair and slapped my face.
“Murderer! You ingrate! We took you in! How could you do this?!” she cried while slapping my face and pulling my hair. She drew a sword and was about to stab me, but the elders stopped her. The pack has its way of dealing with a crime.
I was questioned. I pleaded not guilty, but Victoria insisted that I was the killer. They searched our house but couldn’t find any evidence that could point to me. Even so, Victoria accused me. They needed a person to blame, and it was decided to put the crime on my head.
“No! Please, I didn’t do it!” I kneeled.
Mama and Papa kneeled in front of the council, begging to show me mercy.
“I have shown you enough mercy by allowing your adopted human in our pack. She doesn’t belong here in the first place. Put her in the silver cage and don’t feed her. Tomorrow her sentence begins,” Victoria ordered.
“No, no, Ms. Victoria, please…,” Mama hugs his feet only to be kicked.
“Your daughter is a murderer, and I won’t let her get away with this.”
Mama held on to my hands while Papa fought the guards. They beat him, so I let go.
“My baby!”
They drag me into the silver cage. I know I am a human, but why is my head throbbing?
“Don’t,” I shook my head, “Don’t leave me here! Mama! Papa!”
I pulled the bars. Bump myself to break free, but they are too sturdy.
“Stop! Don’t hurt yourself. I’ll find a way to get you out of here, okay?” Mama and Papa were advised to go. The guards escort them out and lock the main door.
“Don’t leave me here!” I sobbed. It’s the end of me.
****
I put the past all behind me. But those painful memories still haunt me at night. My regret is letting Mama and Papa stay, and Ellen too. I’m wondering how they’ve been doing. Or are they still alive? I hope they are. One day, I will go home for them. They don’t deserve to be there.
Whenever I dream about my past, I feel exhausted, which ruins my mood the whole day. It feels like all the wounds and the pain comes back. I’m stuck between the past and reality. I wrapped up the project that the marketing manager gave me. It was only a proposal, and the marketing team will present it to the CEO once he’s back.
Good thing I don’t need to face my boorish fiancé. I packed all the documents and headed to the office. Sometimes I regret applying to this company and being stupid enough not to check the company’s profile. But I think I can still hide from Darren for two months. That would be enough, and I will then render my resignation.
“Leona? Gosh, you look awful. What happened to you? Does the project drain you?” Sophie met me in the lobby to get the documents. She arrived early, and the manager demanded to review it before the presentation.
“Nah, just some random dreams again.”
“Wow! Did you finish it all in one night? The manager would be happy to see this.”
“Yeah, give it to her. I’ll be in my cubicle. I will catch some sleep. I’m exhausted.”
“Sure thing. I’ll call you if Meriam needs you. Relax your mind and stop daydreaming because seriously, that is so weird.”
The marketing office was next to the CEO’s office, but since we are under probation, we are settling at the back with other office clerks. We don’t join the meeting. Sophie and I answer my supervisor directly, but sometimes Sophie does the errands for her.
I breathe profoundly, staring at my desk blankly. My mind is floating away to my Mama, Papa, and Ellen. My guilt is eating me. I don’t know what to do if Victoria hurts them while I live a good life here in the human world.
I rest my head on the desk. I forgot where I was and fell asleep.
I woke up with my phone beeping wildly in my pocket. I check the screen, and it flashes an unlisted number.
“Wow! Twenty missed calls. Who the heck is this?” the number called again, so I pick up the receiver.
“What the fuck are you doing in my company?!” a man’s fiery voice woke my sleepy head. I know that voice.
“Da...Darren?” I felt a cold wind run all over my body. His angry voice makes me shiver.
LEONA’S POVDarren is back. He was impressed with the project proposal my manager submitted to him and asked for the list of newly hired marketing staff, preferably the brain of the project. And my name was at the top of the list. He called our supervisor by the intercom and asked about my file. I am so busted.“Leona,” Sophie held my hand in nervousness. We both didn’t expect him to come back soon. Not until the next two weeks.“I have to face him eventually. I guess it’s for the best?” I plastered a fake and invigorating smile.“Okay, ah, call me. If he molested you, we’d immediately storm out of this company!”“Molested?”“Sorry, I don’t know what I’m talking about now, I’m terrified for you!”“Don’t be. He wouldn’t dare to get near me here, or our cover will blow off.”“Any plans?”“Just continue working and avoid him at all cost. I will do what he asks me. Anyway, I don’t have any plans to stay in this company. Once Amanda declared my rights, I won’t be working here anymore.”“Ok
LEONA’S POVMorning has come. I heard the main door open and hoped its food or water. But it was the guard. They pulled me out and tied my hands to the pole. Victoria came in with evil eyes. She whips me. After getting tired, she would order the guards to beat me.“Cage her,” she said, content with what she did.After two days of beating and starving, I plead to the guard to end my life. To end my agony.“I’m sorry,” the guard turned away.I thought I was stronger now, but my wounds didn’t heal, and my skin burned. Hunger, thirst, and the beating go on for days. Every whip made my skin shiver; I peed on myself countlessly. Even fell to my knees, but nothing could stop Victoria.My pain is her happiness.I haven’t seen my Mama and Papa. I’m sure they forbid them to see me so is Ellen. Before, I prayed for my mate to rescue me, to claim me; now, I prayed for my death.Metal clicks. I know it’s the key to the main door. Could be Victoria again. If she beats me again tonight, I hope she’l
LEONA’S POV “Are you alright, Leona? Sophie followed me to my desk.“Shame on that guy!” I let out my tears of disappointment. I told Sophie what happened in his office and his accusing words.“Shall we file a resignation now? Just say a word, and I’m ready to print it. You know I drafted already just in case.”I smile a little. Sophie really knows my soft spot.“Later. Don’t worry; I can still handle him.”“That’s the spirit, Leona. Prove to him that he’s wrong, or I’ll kick his ass.”“Hahaha yeah, right.”Ignoring Darren’s mockery is my own way of inducing peace to my mental health. He can think whatever he wants; I don’t care. As long as I do my part in this company, I can leave here with dignity before Amanda announces the new heir of the Eldrich’s asset.Following the Muse Fragrance, Darren wanted me to present an advertisement plan to him that would be presented to the investors. To prove myself, I focus on it and prioritize this project. But it seems like he is determined to m
DARREN’S POVYou got to be kidding me! What is she doing here? Is she following me? That’s impossible since she’s new in the city. But I know her friend is familiar with this place. I didn’t expect to see her here.“This girl is pissing me off,” I gritted.“What’s that, Darren?”“Nothing, Brent,” I quickly texted Leona to see me back door and whispered to Brent that I needed to go to the toilet.“Don’t leave us hanging, okay?”“I’ll be back.”I made sure no one followed me and slid into the back door. When I smelled Leona’s scent, I quickly pulled her as she opened the door and pinned her to the wall.“Listen, you flirt, I don’t know what you are doing here, but do not make a scene. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you, is that understood?” I hold my breath. I really hate her smell.“First, you don’t own this place. Second, I didn’t know you were here. Third, who says I want to be publicly associated with you? And fourth, you are conceited. I am not following you,” Leona pushed me
DARREN’S POV:I found my way home and saw my mom waiting at my secret door. Before, I woke up somewhere, covered in blood. Beside me was a carcass. My greatest fear is waking up with a human corpse next to me. But over time, I manage to control the beast in me. I am fully aware now of what’s happening around me.“Mom,” I sobbed every time. I still can’t accept my curse.“Hush now, son. I am so sorry we can’t do anything for you,” mom wraps her arms around me.This is the scenario of every full moon, and I hate it. I hate myself; I hate my curse. Oftentimes, I tried to end it, stabbing myself, but I healed fast. I wanted to put a stake in my heart, but I couldn’t do it. It will leave my mom devastated. Now I only live for her and my dad, who has advanced Alzheimer’s.When I was three, Dad told me a werewolf accidentally bit me. At first, they thought it was just a normal bite and had me immunized with an anti-rabies shot.Not until the eve of my eighteenth birthday. It was the worst da
LEONA'S POVOne thing I am certain about the agreement Mommy Rose put me into will be my nightmare. As much as I wanted to fulfill her last wish, I also wanted to live a happy life. Marrying Darren will be the biggest mistake I would make, and I realize that now working in his company. He is the most self-centered, arrogant, and selfish man I've ever known. I regret the day I met him. Surely Mommy Rose will understand wherever she is right now.Amanda unexpectedly visits Croshire City after hearing from me. I meant what I said. This agreement with the Flinch isn't going to work, and I want out. I don't want to jeopardize my happiness with a man who doesn't even know how to show kindness or even a little sympathy to his future wife, knowing he will not suffer alone with the circumstances.Amanda easily finds my table in the café across the street where the company is at. I decided to meet her there since she demanded a quick meeting upon arriving in the city."Have you lost your mind?
Leona pattered into the woods, following the scent. The deeper she got, the more pungent the smell was. The howl confirmed her thoughts. If it was indeed a werewolf, she needed to investigate what pack he came from. But she was hopeful it wasn’t from the Silver Dawn, or else it was time to leave.Darren heard some footsteps and quickly climbed onto a tree. It was a full moon. He transformed immediately as he stepped out under the moonlight. It was inevitable. Sniffing the air, he remembered the scent getting close to his direction. It’s Leona.What is she doing here? He watched her roam around, searching for something. She must have heard the howl and got curious. Most people who heard him always came to their property to examine. Nosy woman. Is she going to search there all night? I don’t want to transform back on this tree. Dark clouds are forming. I’m sure it will rain soon. This woman is such a headache. Lightning lit the sky, followed by rumbling thunder. Darren felt a light r
LEONA’S POVMr. Hanada approved our advertisement proposal, but he wants the advertisement done in Italy. He specifically chose a spot in that country for the venue and wanted Darren to be the face of Muse Fragrance. Darren objected at first, but Mr. Hanada fixed his mind. On top of that, he also requests additional models for their fragrance for women. “I can’t believe he trusted us for a double project! And Italy? We are going on a trip!” I excitedly said to Sophie. “Hold on; it’s not a trip. It’s work.”“I’m just excited. It would be my first time to travel to other countries.”“I don’t want to ruin your moment, but Darren will be there. You know your fiancé.”“Yeah, I forgot,” I sat on my chair and returned to work when Darren called.“Yes?”“See me in my office now,” he said in a hurry and hung up. “What does he want?”“He wants to see me.”“Maybe about the project?”“I don’t know,” I rush into Darren’s office. He peeked outside and stood by the door.“Why did you tell my pare