Phoenix prepared barbecued catfish as the appetizer, baking it in the oven for a succulent outcome. Presenting it, he placed the fish fillet at the center of a pristine plate, surrounded by sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce leaves, drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing and sprinkled with parsley.For the main dish, Phoenix displayed his culinary artistry by shaping rice into a cube, one side featuring fried rice and the other jollof rice. Beneath the rice, he arranged a fresh salad with plantain pieces and two succulent pieces of turkeys. For dessert, Phoenix served a creamy banana and pineapple smoothie in a transparent glass cup with a dome cover. A slice of ripe banana and fresh pineapple adorned the top.As Phoenix prepared to serve the feast, Astrid eagerly joined him, helping to arrange the dishes on the dining table.At the center of the table, three gleaming domes took their place, flanked by two refreshing smoothies and a glass jar for refills. A selection of wi
Phoenix placed his fingers on his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall a distant memory. "Do you believe me now? Your mother looks incredibly familiar. I'm sure I've seen her somewhere before, but I just can't pinpoint where." Astrid's heart raced, her eyes widening as she gazed at him with growing apprehension. "Maybe you just think she looks like someone you know," she offers, her voice tight with anxiety. "It happens all the time. People often resemble each other." Phoenix shook his head slowly, clearly unconvinced. "No, it's more than that. It's not just a resemblance. I sense that there's a connection, something significant that I just can't put my finger on. It's like a memory that's right on the edge of my mind." Astrid swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure. "I suppose it's possible," she utters, her voice trembling slightly. "Maybe she attended some events or places that you might have been to as well. It's a small world, after all." Phoeni
Phoenix chuckles. "Yep. Blaze told me that Dexter once tried to make spaghetti and somehow ended up with noodles stuck to the ceiling. And there was the infamous chili incident, where he didn't realize the importance of balancing spices. The result was so fiery, even Blaze couldn't handle it."Astrid covered her mouth, laughing. "I can't imagine Dexter admitting to any of that.""Well, he doesn't. He loves to pretend he's always been perfect in the kitchen. But whenever he gets too smug, Blaze and I remind him of his 'learning phase.' It usually shuts him up pretty quick."Astrid giggles, picturing Dexter's embarrassed reaction. "I bet it does.""And it's a good reminder that everyone starts somewhere. Even Dexter had to go through his share of burnt dishes and culinary catastrophes to get where he is now.""It sounds like you all have countless great memories together, even if they involve a few kitchen disasters."Phoenix beams, his eyes reflecting the fondness he felt for his frien
"What about your own weirdness, Phoenix?" she asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "You can't be surrounded by all that and not have a few quirks of your own." Phoenix paused, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Oh, I've got my fair share of weirdness, believe me," he admits. "For one, I have this bizarre habit of sleep-cooking. I'll wake up in the middle of the night and start making elaborate meals. It's not unusual for Dexter or Blaze to find me in the kitchen at 3 a.m., halfway through a soufflé." "Once, I made a five-layer cake at 3 AM. Didn't even remember doing it until I found the kitchen covered in flour the next morning." Astrid laughs, eyes wide with surprise. "Sleep-cooking? That's next level! What do you do with all the food you make?" "Usually, Blaze and Dexter eat it. When they are not around, I just give it to Titan and Ember and the others," Phoenix says, laughing. "They've learned to expect midnight snacks. Though, Dexter once found me trying to make s
"We shouldn't be doing this. Surely, this is a mistake!" Once more, to no avail, Astrid tries to wriggle free of his hold.He traces his fingers along Astrid's soggy underwear, and she squeaks a tiny pant. He questions, his lips curving into a conceited smile, "You claim not to want this, then, why are you so wet?""I—" Astrid bites her lip, unable to find the words to articulate her conflicting emotions."I warned you that defying me only increases my desire for you!" He firmly grasps Astrid's drenched cunt, sheathed by the delicate fabric of her lace underwear, and thus eliciting a soft moan from her lips."Gosh, you are soaking wet, Mate!" He clings to Astrid's engorged vagina once more, enkindling a tsunami-like wave of energy up her spine."God! Please stop!" Astrid jerks her head backwards, moaning at his repeated grasping of her pussy. She was excessively sexed up, and she loathed herself for it. How could she possibly resist his advances when he was tantalizingly groping her
~~May 19, 1946~~On a picnic blanket sat two striking men, Blaze Neptune Hunter and Dexter Aquilo Gunner. Blaze gazes at the sky, admiring the blue and fluffy clouds, sunbeams piercing through the canopies of trees as the cool morning breeze caused the trees to sway luxuriantly.Blaze's eyes emitted a profound, natural radiance that sparkled within. His irises possessed a truly golden glimmer, radiating with such brilliance that it illuminated his entire countenance and penetrated to the depths of his soul.With straight and thick eyebrows that were impeccably maintained, his square-shaped face emphasized his angular features. His chiseled and prominent jawline was perfected to sculptural precision.With a refined and symmetrical structure, his nose exuded elegance and length. His lips, shaped like a heart and tinted with a vibrant ruby pink, were undeniably captivating. However, despite his striking appearance, his smile was as cold as the icy winter rain.Blaze's golden Ivory skin d
The commanding tone of Dexter and the bone-chilling howl of Blaze's wolf caused the men to tremble in their stand. Phoenix's eyes, hazel brown, shone with appreciation and thankfulness. It was bewildering to him that individuals he had never met before were willing to battle to preserve his existence.Cade erupts in fury, bellowing, "Take them down! Whoever brings me their heads will be generously compensated!"In a blur, Dexter speeds past Cade's men, tearing out their hearts before they could even transform into their Dragon forms. The entire feat was accomplished in a mere three seconds, his movements so rapid that they were nearly imperceptible to the naked eye. The only evidence of his passing is the gust of wind he leaves in his wake."That's a lot of blood. It's a shame I don't indulge in Dragon blood," he jests while giving Blaze a wink."Show off!" Blaze sneers. He reverts to his human appearance and begins donning his attire. He was the only one who could witness Dexter's l
~~PRESENT DAY — 76 YEARS LATER~~The massive entrance to the "Majestic Moonshadow Pack" swings open, revealing an expansive expanse of wooded terrain.The brave sentinels stationed at the entrance courteously bow, to which Leo Pierce reciprocates with a gracious nod. The vehicle proceeds down the vast asphalt path that leads into the woods.As Astrid gazes out the window, she was awestruck by the breathtaking scenery. The regal verdant trees dance gracefully to the rhythm of the tempest wind, and the melodious chirping of the birds permeate the atmosphere.The scent of damp earth lingers in her nose, and the sun's radiant beams pierce through the leafy canopy, casting a warm glow. The gentle rush of water cascading over rocks adds to the symphony of nature.Astrid takes a deep breath, the picturesque panorama in front of her soothing the turmoil in her heart. After losing her mother to cancer a fortnight ago, she resolved to move in with her father— a man she was never acquainted with