PEONY CRIMSON’S POV
I sat nervously in the uncomfortable plastic chair of the police station, my heart racing in anxiety and fear. I had come here to report my missing triplets, but the officers seemed to provide little support to help me.
Despite giving them Xander name as the one I suspected behind the disappearance, the police had yet to take action. I could feel my patience wearing thin, my frustration building every second.
As I sat there, staring blankly at the wall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal. I had always believed that the police were there to protect and serve, but now it seemed like they were more interested in dragging their feet to buy donuts than helping me.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I knew that getting angry wouldn't solve anything, but keeping my emotions in check was hard when worrying about my daughters.
Just then, the door to the interrogation room swung open, and a gruff-looking officer entered. He didn't bother to introduce himself but asked me to repeat the details of my ex's name and description.
I did so, even with my voice shaking with anger and frustration. I couldn't believe it had taken so long for the police to take me seriously, and I was starting to lose hope that I would ever see my daughters again.
As the officer scribbled notes on his clipboard, I tried to keep my mind from drifting to dark places. I knew I needed to stay focused and faithful, even in a climate of uncertainty.
“Are you sure they aren’t with their father?”
“Their father was dead!” I yelled.
Eventually, the officer finished taking my statement and told me that they would look into the matter. I nodded numbly, feeling a sense of give-up wash over me.
As I left the police station, I couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat. I knew I would have to be patient and wait for the police to do their job, but it was hard to hold onto hope when Xander was still out there, somewhere, with my triplets.
“Oh, Moon Goddess, I’m seeking your guidance and support through this hard time….”
Despite my best efforts, I couldn't shake the feeling of anger and sadness that consumed me. I vowed to do whatever it took to find my triplets, even if it meant taking matters into my own hands.
I arrived at the apartment building, but my steps stopped as I saw Xander standing at the top of the stairs in front of my door. Our eyes met, but only a signal of anger was visible from mine.
Great, now Xander has managed to track down my residence. My assumption that the man had hidden my triplets became stronger.
My heart raced as I stood before Xander. Since yesterday, the pain and anger have burned inside me, waiting to blast out.
"Where are my daughters, Xander?" I screamed at him, my voice cracking with emotion. "Tell me where you've hidden them!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Rose, Jasmine, and Violet disappeared this noon. They couldn't be found anywhere even though they were supposed to be at school. They...." My voice trailed off.
I couldn’t state that a school teacher had witnessed my daughters taken by a man who resembled Violet, standing right in front of me now—nothing I could say to Xander. Only the wrath urges me to punch his face and tell him to give me back my daughters.
Xander's expression remained cold and indifferent. "I didn't kidnap our children, Peony. Why would I do that?”
My anger boiled over. "Quit with the lies, will you? You've always been a terrible father. You probably took them to punish me."
Xander's eyes narrowed. "You never told me they were missing, Peony. How was I supposed to know?"
I shook my head furiously. Was I going to believe what he said? Xander was the same man who kicked me out of the pack when I was three months pregnant!
Xander's face twisted in pain. He knew he had let me down in the past, seemed he couldn't stand me accusing him of such a heinous act. He forced himself to exhibit self-control.
"I got that you're upset, Peony," he said, his voice measured. "But we need to figure out what happened to our triplets. There’s no way we’ll get it done if you keep yelling.”
"Stop saying they’re ours! They’re only mine!"
I gritted my teeth. I hated Xander for what he did to me, for what he had become. But I knew he was right. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself.
“Okay, okay.” Xander sighed. "Let's start by retracing our steps. When was the last time you saw them?"
I closed my eyes as I pushed the feeling aside. I couldn't forgive Xander for what he had done to me. Not yet, at least.
Xander approached me. "I swear I had nothing to do with this. But I'll do everything I can to help you find them."
I recoiled from his touch. "I’ll manage it on my own. And I don't want your help, Xander! Not after what you did to me! Don’t you remember?”
The man fell into silence. My words seem to hit his feelings hard—if he still has one. His jaw tightened as he stared at me. Like the man I knew, he would’ve cursed me with a painful expletive. But I already got over all of that. For the sake of my daughters, I will face this monster.
But after that silence, unexpectedly, Xander's face saddened.
"I know I messed up in the past, I. But please, let me make it up to you. I'll use all my resources to find our daughters and do anything to fix our relationship."
I shook my head. "You betrayed my trust, Xander, and it’s irreparable. There’s nothing you can do but leave me.”
Xander's jaw tightened. "I may have been in the past, but I've changed. Please, give me a chance to prove it to you."
“Doubt that. You’re still just as despicable as ever.”
I stared into Xander's eyes. I saw the sincerity and desperation in his gaze, but I couldn't shake off the memories of our tumultuous past. That look in his eyes was just a trick to fool me.
"Just get out of my sight before I change my mind,” I ended our conversation.
***
Gloria sighed. She had seen me through troubles, but this was a new level of desperation.
"Peony, I don't know if I can help you. I'm good, but I'm not that good. I don't have the magic to track down missing children."
My heart sank at her words. I had been hoping that Gloria and her powers would be able to work some magic and find my triplets. But it seemed that even that was beyond Gloria's abilities.
“What on earth am I supposed to do?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVI didn’t get a decent night’s sleep while my daughters were still out there. It wasn't clear how they were doing. Since I gave birth to them six years ago, I never relinquished their hands for more than seven hours. Every second, I always wanted to see Rose, Jasmine, and Violet. They’re the driving force behind my determination to keep going in this cruel world.I laid down on my triplet’s big bed. I sniffed their scent heartily, hoping to get a little clue about their whereabouts. I also opened the window wide. It made it easy for me to pray to the Moon Goddess, who I believed was watching me from the sky.Imperceptibly, tears melted from the end of my eyes. I managed to get the comfort I wanted for Rose, Jasmine, and Violet, but why did the new problem appear? I sobbed alone, hugging my daughters' favorite teddy bears.Xander shouldn't come into my new life. I was tired of crying, begging, and even fighting for my position just to be seen in his eyes. But everyt
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVA few years ago.His sturdy arm held me in a warm embrace. That could be the definition of real secure. Xavier lifted my chin with his thumb, then kissed my lips gently. Under the covers, I giggled as I hugged his neck so he would kiss me deeper.That night was one of those memorable moments I will never let go of in my memory. Our kiss stopped when I ran out of air. We both giggled together and then lay on our backs. The star-studded night sky witnessed the secret love between me and Xavier.In the heart of Springwood forest, a grand abandoned castle stood as our clandestine hideout. It was a haven of a secret where Xavier and I reveled in stolen moments, lost in the intoxicating kisses and the tantalizing art of undressing. We were intertwined atop the tower, basking in the afterglow after our intimate encounter."I told you the sensation is different.""I'm just worried if these stones suddenly collapse.""Oh, they are so sturdy. It is indeed useful in times lik
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"Peony? Is that you?"I could hear Xavier half-whispering as he quickly embraced me into his arms.Xavier caught my chin and kissed my lips deeply. His warm embrace brought me the sensation of love I had long left behind."Xavier...." I muttered.The man let go of his kiss, frowning towards my right hand. His eyes flashed golden as he watched blood gushing profusely from my left arm."You're bleeding."Xavier growled. In an instant, he burned with anger."What the hell do you think you're doing, hurting this woman?!" He shouted at the four guards. "Don't you know who she is?"Then Xavier carried me in a bridal style. I squealed in pain and panic."Put them in a dungeon!" ordered Xavier to one of his men. "Call the healer to the mansion, and we’re back immediately."I squeezed the man's shirt as dizziness took over my head. I tried to stay awake because I didn’t see Gloria."Xavier....""Shhh... Welcome home, my Goddess...," he whispered, then gave me a sweet peck o
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVI still remember how my first day in the mortal world went. Back then, after making it through a long night and barely finding a place to rest, I roamed the crowded and noisy streets of the city.A wolf's hearing ability is keen. I swore I would never get used to noisy vehicles, loud horns, or the babbling of humans when they met each other on the street. They are such chatty creatures.I also remember that I had a hard time adapting. I was pregnant at the time, so I was struggling with excruciating morning sickness while looking for a job.I'll never forget how awkward I was when I first gathered among humans. How their eyes stared me in the face as if they could sniff the secrets I was hiding.And that such awkwardness repeated as I was next to Xavier at the dinner table. The mansion hall was bright with the radiant chandeliers. But the member’s leers shone upon me.They served Xavier and ran the pack together. Their position was higher than mine. Their leers and
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVMy heart throbbed in pain. Anyone, look at this cold and stiff Xavier. Look at his bright expression, like a child being given a present. My stomach churned. Something inside me twisted in knots. I couldn't bear to look at the sparkling happiness in Xavier's eyes."Never even in my wildest imagination did I think that I would receive this surprising news from you, My Queen." Xavier gushed. But a second later, a doubtful mist settled over his face as he continued, "But, do they truly my—"I placed a forefinger on his lips. "They're really yours, Xavier. Xander hasn't touched me since."I continued my charade of lies. Is this what they call a mother's instinct to do anything for her children? I lied to the only man who stood by me without faltering, even when the whole world despised me.Xavier pulled my neck closer all of a sudden. He kissed my lips like a bee sucking up nectar, and I was the heavenly rose. Xavier made sure to immerse me in the warmth of his sweet l
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"So this is the flower garden Xavier designed for you?"Gloria strolled down the cobblestone path as she wandered through the garden. This morning, Xavier took off on account of some pack issues, so I spent time indulging in nostalgia.Together with Gloria, I visited the flower garden. Memories of this place flooded me. I swept my fingers gently over a clump of daffodils.Gloria and I walked through the compact and stunning wisteria tunnel until we reached a cone-roofed gazebo. We could see the whole garden full of colorful spring flowers blooming, as well as a big vegetable greenhouse nearby ."Yes. FYI, Xavier and I once made out over there," I said, pointing to a wooden bench near the gazebo as I giggled.Gloria glared and waved. She complained uncomfortably, "Ew, too much information."We continued to stroll around the garden, which was mostly dominated by Peony bushes. Yes, Xavier dedicated this garden after my name. Unfortunately, the peonies were still in th
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV Words couldn’t capture the gratitude I felt when I basked under his watchful care. When I told Xavier that all I needed for Emily was rest, he granted it without any question.Sometimes when we were together, I caught a glimpse of gold shining in his eyes. He also bit his lower lip as if he were hiding something under wraps. I could read the desire gathering in his eyes. I could feel it all through the soft touch of his fingers on my skin; he wants me.But it seemed like he chose to shelve his burning desire all by himself.This morning, an omega came into the room. She brought me a bowl of chicken tortellini soup and a glass of fresh juice. I recognized her. Even though she was already a teenager, her innocent smile remained the same."Thank you, Fay. This soup looks super delicious," I said kindly."My pleasure, Miss Crimson." The girl gave me a reluctant look. "But... how do you know my first name?"I frowned. "What do you mean? We used to meet often during my
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVAs the door to the Second Hall opened wide, I stepped out. A breeze scent of sweet florals and Damask roses brushed my nose. The scent concentrated in the narrow hallway next to the Second Hall. The corners of my lips lifted. I deeply breathed in the lingering Peony’s scent. She wasn’t within my line of sight, or maybe she took a quick peek before leaving with her witch friend.I intended to find her to ease my longing. But Zed, my Beta, reported some other issues that I needed to deal with. All the pack matters can't be handled on their own unless I intervene.I deliberately finished my work just before lunch. I went to my room to ask Peony for lunch together in the gazebo, like we used to do.When the door opened, my heart immediately sank. Peony, the woman with lustrous black eyes, was sitting on the edge of the bed. Her empty stare was like that of a dead fish. Her shoulders were hunched forward, and I could see an invisible sadness weighing her down.When sh