—ALPHA HAWTHORNE’S POV—
Sitting on a swivel chair behind my desk, I began to reminisce about what Aurora had said to me, oblivious of my beta who was giving me reports on the welfare of my pack.
What Aurora had said had come as an unexpected surprise to me. I never expected that she would be pregnant. To say I wasn’t overjoyed would be an understatement.
“Hawthorne.”
My beta’s call had snapped me out of my thoughts. He had a deep frown on his, perhaps he realized that I was paying attention to what he was saying. I stared at him, not bothering to conceal my displeasure on his interference.
“Can I ask something out of context?” he requested and staring at him, I could observe that he seemed serious. I leaned back on my chair and gave a nod of approval.
“Do you love her?”
I did not know why but his question had cut me off guard and in a way, infuriated me. However, I kept staring at him while he stared back. “Who told you that?” I questioned and he as well, leaned back on his seat.
“What did you expect Hawthorne? After all, we are best friends.” He said to me and I squinted my eyes at him.
Well, it was a fact that we were best friends from a very young age. But at the end of the day, he was wrong. He was wrong to assume I did not love Aurora. As soon as I discovered she was my mate, right from the beginning, I had fallen for her.
I knew the way I treated her was bad and selfish, but I was only doing all that, for her own good. I never wanted her to fall in love with me, because at the end of the day, she was only going to hurt herself.
I wanted an heir from her, then I would let her go. I did not want her to live like a widow but I wouldn’t let her go just yet. Nevertheless, I knew that I had no iota of love for her, from the others point of view and Margret is one of those people.
I gave a slight smile at him, while staring at the vodka on the table. “A shot?” I offered and without staring at him, I poured out some of the both of us.
“Hawthorne…”
I banged my first on the table and sounds of breaking bottles filled the room. Shards of broken bottles littered on the floor with spilled vodka. I glared at him, as I slowly rose from my chair.
“I don’t!” I couldn’t help but yell at him. However, he just gave me a look of pity.
“You are only hurting yourself. You are aware that you are mated to her, aren’t you? What do you think will happen if she eventually turns twenty and discovers that you are her mate? Would you still hate her even then?” He asked and I was surprised, yet again.
“How do you know all these?”
“I have my ways.”
“Hmm.” I muttered as doubt lingered in my heart. I observed him carefully, looking for any signs of changes that would suggest I was sitting before an imposter.
“You know you will have to mark her and produce an heir with her. Gossips spreads within the pack that their leader had gone on a short vacation to satisfy himself, rather than take up the mantle.” He spoke and he was partly right.
True, I had been gone from my pack for months and was on vacation. But, I definitely did not leave just for the sake of pleasure. I wanted to find my mate and luckily, I found her.
“Is she from another pack?” He asked with curiosity etched on his face.
“No. Her parents both worked with my father until their demise.”
“So what are your plans?”
I hesitated, contemplating whether I should answer to such question. I sighed because at he end of the day, Rylan was a very stubborn man.
“Nothing, she’s just here to produce an heir for me and as soon as that happens, I have no use for her anymore.” I replied and even my words, seemed to crush me deeply. The fact that what I said were true, hurts even more.
I was going to leave her. Push her away from me, for her own sake. I do not expect her to understand but soon, she will come to realize that everything I had done and will do, would be for her own good.
***
While we both conversed on matters regarding the welfare of my pack, a knock sounded on the door and with my approval, Margret walked in. She glanced at Rylan and then at the littered floor.
I gently stood up from my sitting position. “What is wrong?” I asked as I could notice the look of worry on her face and I feared the worst.
She turned to look at me and hesitated for a while. “My lord, it’s Aurora.” She said and her tone sounded like she was afraid.
“What of her?” I inquired, as the first thing that crossed my mind at the moment was her safety and that of the unborn child.
“She escaped. She is not anywhere within the estate.” Margret broke the news and the next thing I knew, I was walking out of my study in a haste.
Soon, I walked into Aurora’s room and approached the bed. I couldn’t sense the bond any longer, do I knew what Margret said was the truth. My eyes caught a piece of paper, trapped between a vase and its table. Taking out the paper, I read the content on it.
It was Aurora and she was no longer interested in working for me. She didn’t fail to include that she was moving far away from me, with her unborn child and it seemed like she must have overheard my conversation with Rylan as she also made her disappointments known. She was disappointed of falling for me, a man who would only use and dump her.
I squeezed the paper, while staring at the open window. She must have ran through the window and without being detected by my guards.
“Margret.”
“My lord.”
“You are in charge for now. I will be back soon. “ I told her and without waiting for a response, I sprinted down the stairs.
“Did you find her?” Ryan asked but I shook my head and walked past him. I headed out and a few of my guards approached me.
“Did you see Aurora?” I asked as I hoped they did but alas, they did not. They shook their head in denial. “Then hurry! We must find her!!”
“You all heard him! Start the car!!” I heard Ryan giving out orders behind me but I wasn’t going to wait for cars.
Sprinting away from the house, I leapt into the air and shifted, taking my wolf form and soon, I sprinted out of the estate, in search of my mate.
—Aurora’s pov—As I removed the dress I had worn to dinner, I gazed at the young woman in the mirror. A sigh escaped my lips, and she mirrored my action, her expression reflecting her heartache. It was hard to fathom that the woman before me was actually me.I unpinned my hair, letting it cascade down my shoulders like a waterfall, and a tear trickled down as I scrutinized my reflection. My heart pounded heavily, each beat deepening my misery. This was an unfamiliar feeling, one I never wanted to experience again.A few maids entered my room carrying more clothes. I let out a derisive snort, refraining from saying anything as they indicated I was to wear yet another dress, a mandate from the Alpha. Once they left, I stared at the pink, translucent gown through the mirror, hesitating. Well, at least he got my color right. I finally stood up from the chair and walked toward the bed, examining the clothes.Soon, I was dressed. My shampooed hair, dripped off water as I tried t
My lips trembled as I hobbled into the dense, dark forest, the excruciating pain in my ankle almost unbearable. My heart raced, and the distant howl behind me sent shivers down my spine. Panic surged within me as I recognized the sound – it was him.The moon had risen, its light piercing through the dense canopy of trees. A peculiar thought crossed my mind: if only I could shift, this ordeal might become less agonizing. Limping felt so utterly helpless. The awareness that he would inevitably track me down grew stronger, compelling me to take action swiftly, if I did not want to get caught.Soon, my ears picked up the sound of several howls, and my heart raced even faster. How fast were they? I wondered as I made my way further into the forest. Finally, I found a cave just ahead and quickly, I headed straight for it. As soon as I got to the cave, I hid inside, while silently praying to the moon goddess that I shouldn’t be found.A heavy thud echoed just beyond the cave entrance, and th
—ALPHA HAWTHORNE’S POV— Leaving paw prints with every step, I dashed into the woods, convinced she had taken refuge there. Coming to an abrupt halt, I gazed up at the full moon and let out a howl. The call of an Alpha. Before long, several howls echoed in response. Emerging from the woods behind me, a group of wolves sprinted forward and came to a stop. Yet, none dared to stand beside me except one—my beta. “You are going to have to spread out with them, that way, we can find her faster.” I mind linked him as his brown eyes remained fixed on me. Without delay, he turned towards the other wolves, transmitting my command to them. Soon, they dashed off in a different direction. The sound of dried leaves rustling underfoot and the snapping of twigs echoed through the air as they moved. However, one wolf did not move. It wasn’t Ryan but a guard. He was the only one that had stayed behind, the only one I wanted to stay behind. “Go, if you find her, howl for me.” I mind linked and soon,
—AURORA’S POV—I inhaled the crisp morning air, accompanied by the cheerful melody of chirping birds. The sun shone brightly, casting its warm glow. My legs had fully recovered, and three days ago, I successfully underwent my first transformation. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy upon realizing that I held the position of a beta wolf.My usual black eyes, had taken a brown color. Diego, the stranger who had saved me that night, was equally happy to have another beta with him. Though, unlike most shifters, I found it hard to shift willingly. All my senses were completely heightened which was a relief. I couldn’t sense any bond, perhaps, Ryan was right and it was only difficult to , due to the distance.Diego entered the living room, carrying a bag in his hand. Today, we were scheduled to visit Alpha Riel’s manor. During my time living with Diego, I came to realize that he was not only kind-hearted but also exceptionally loyal, prioritizing the welfare of those around him. I was take
“Aurora, he is here.” Monica announced, and from the tone of her voice, it was evident that she was feeling anxious. I didn’t respond, instead, I continued to gaze at the dressing mirror. I found myself lost in thought, pondering about Hawthorne’s well-being and contemplating what he would do. How might he respond upon discovering that his partner sought refuge with a rival pack, carrying his unborn child? My right hand subconsciously rubbed my stomach as I observed it in the mirror. It had only been two weeks since I had joined Monica at the Orphanage, assisting her with the children. “Aurora!” she called once more, this time her voice carried a higher pitch. Her tone reeked of increased anxiety, effectively jolting me out of my thoughts. “Just a moment!” I yelled in reply, simultaneously applying lip balm to my chapped lips. After smacking them together, I gave my hair a gentle brush. Staying in the Manor for a few days, I had come to understand how the system worked here. To su
—ALPHA HAWTHORNE’S POV—As I stood before the mirror, fastening my cufflinks, I stole a momentary glance at my reflection. The eyes staring back at me held an air of indifference. My jaw ticked as a knock sounded on the door.I refrained from responding, and once more, the knock echoed through the room. This time, I cocked my head to the side. “Come in.” I uttered, my gaze fixed upon the mirror before me.Margret walked into the room. Although I couldn’t see her as she stood behind me, her scent was something I would recognize. I turned to stare at her, trying my hardest to conceal my emotions as I didn’t want to appear weak before my servant.“”My lord,” she uttered with a tinge of panic, her head bowed as her gaze fixated on the floor before her.“Speak.”“Lord Ryan has arrived,” she declared, and I acknowledged her statement with a subtle nod, my expression revealing no surprise. His presence was expected, as he was due to provide updates on the search for my mate’s where
Noticing my bewildered expression, she smiled and then let out another sigh. “Well, my relationship with him isn’t as flawless as people might assume.”“He’s your mate?” I inquired while sipping my wine. She nodded hesitantly, then sighed and turned towards the bartender. “Seems like I’m destined for a gay guy,” she commented with a sad chuckle, gazing off into the distance.I glanced at the young man once more, our eyes meeting briefly before he excused himself. He approached us and inclined his head in my direction. His neatly trimmed black hair and cleanly shaven beard gave him the appearance of a true gentleman, radiating both elegance and humility, in my estimation.“Alpha Hawthorne, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, extending his hand for a handshake. I accepted his gesture as Sharma smiled, although her smile seemed tinged with pain. “I’m Lucas, and this is my fiancée,” he introduced, and I nodded in understanding.“It’s a pleasure meeting you too, Lucas,” I replied, my ga
“Hawthorne?”Ryan’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Glancing beside me, I could see the questioning look on his face. I turned to survey the scene: everyone was engrossed in conversations or dancing, while others were engaged in gambling.”“Yes?”“What are you going to do?' he asked. Staring ahead, I noticed the young lad sitting at the table with his friends. I closed my eyes, attempting to quell the impulse to approach and carry out what I had imagined.I spotted the lad's father engaged in a game of chess with some affluent individuals. After glancing at Ryan and then returning my gaze to the young boy, I approached him with purpose. Though I wouldn’t mind Killing anyone that would stand in my way, attacking the lad would only make the situation more difficult than it is.“Alpha,' the lad and his friends chimed in unison as they rose to their feet, yet my gaze remained locked onto the red-haired figure.“What’s your name?” I inquired softly, my hands discreetly concealed behin