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
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVI sat up straight on the chair as I cast my eyes around to survey the faces of the nine warriors before me. None of them had under twenty years of experience, so I had no doubt that they were more than up to this quest."You’ve been appointed by your team Commander to join this search. Delta Randall has included all the data on the missing little girls in this document. Give it your full attention; don't lose any important details."I explained as I handed them a stack of folders. They politely came forward to take turns. A ripple of excitement ran through the room as their eyes were glued to the folders’ content."I will personally lead the search. I want every available source dedicated to tracking down those girls." I added it firmly and clearly.Judd asked, "Should we bring in a vampire to dig into the mortals' memories, Alpha?""Yes. Contact a trusted vampire and bring him here. We need all hands on deck for this quest. Considering they are six-year-old girl
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVA wave of emptiness crashed over me once the two black SUVs vanished from visibility. Closing my eyes, I clasped my hands and brought them to my chest. Sending up a prayer of safety for Xavier and the search team.I opened my eyes and didn't find Zed by my side. He had already paced his way towards the second floor, where Alpha's office was. I hurried to catch up with him."So... um... Zed?" I called him out.Zed stopped his steps abruptly, and I almost bumped into his solid back. But I avoided it by putting the brakes on my own feet. Zed turned, his figure towering like a giant wall. I gasped. Zed's ocean blue eyes flashed an indescribable anger. Pulses clearly popped out of his neck."You've been hiding in the mortal world for so long that you don't know how to respect anyone higher than you. Do you?" Zed snarled sarcastically.I laughed nervously. What was up with that attitude? He had turned into another person after Xavier's departure. I recalled that Zed isn’
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"What in the world is this?"My breath caught in my throat as a nasty metallic stench wafted from the paper. The red liquid I thought was wet ink turned out to be the fresh blood of a small mammal. Still, this discovery raised two big questions that immediately flashed in my head.Who sent this to me? Who is meant to return?***I stepped into the walk-in closet. After all these years, I was still amazed that the clothes, accessories, and skincare Xavier had prepared for me were still neatly stored alongside his own. Except for a few perfume collections that have changed, the rest are still the same as before.After getting dressed, I left the room. I met Gloria sitting alone at one of the tables in the dining hall."Isn't that the charm I made for the triplets?" Gloria asked, her eyes fixed on my neck.I touched the charm that I made into a simple necklace. It would always remind me of my babies and be a motivational tool to keep me on track."What’s your plan tod