LILA The courtroom was heavy with anticipation as the judge's words echoed through the air. "... based on the evidence and the law, I find the defendant, Callo Wines, not guilty of the charges levelled against them..." A wave of relief washed over me, mirrored in the expressions of everyone around me. As the judge delivered his verdict, it felt as though a tremendous weight had been lifted. The judge, his tone imbued with a sense of dignity, continued, "While this verdict lifts the legal burden from the winery, it is my hope that ongoing investigations will uncover the saboteurs to ensure that such an unfortunate incident is not repeated. This court is adjourned." Nate, Sasha and I exchanged triumphant glances as we were instructed to stand. Sasha had simplified everything for us by providing other witnesses from other countries who stood in for us in court. We kept their identities secret until the court appearance to protect them from potential harm and
AUTHOR'S P.O.V. Agatha made her way toward the quarters where the warriors convened, a woven basket concealed behind her flowing gown. Her keen eyes darted from one gathering of warriors to the next, with a determined search for Erick. Puzzlement etched her features as she silently questioned why he had not visited her chamber this morning. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sight of Erick. He was a striking figure in a crisply ironed grey button-down shirt paired with immaculate black trousers—a stark contrast to his usual casual attire of a sleeveless black vest and rugged jeans. He halted when he saw her. This unexpected change in his appearance only deepened Agatha's curiosity and she frowned. "Are you going somewhere?" Agatha inquired, her tone betraying both curiosity and concern. Erick, ever the mysterious warrior, retorted with a question of his own, his gaze unwavering as it locked onto Agatha. "What are you doing here?" Agatha's features con
LILA The coming Full Moon Festival had the entire werewolf community buzzing with anticipation and excitement. The full moon festival was the biggest werewolf celebration and people always got new things, just like humans at Christmas time. Blaise, always one to indulge in opulence, had already informed me that I would be going to shop for some new dresses for the festivities. I couldn't help but ponder why I needed new dresses when there were perfectly good ones in my closet, unworn. But then, a man like Blaise would like any means to show off his wealth. In the warmth of the kitchen, I shared a coffee with Cassie, absorbing her tales about Agatha. Despite Agatha's apparent distaste for Cassie, she still desired her presence at night. The lingering shadows of the harassment incident from two weeks prior seemed to haunt Agatha still. Cassie confessed that Agatha's bed was a far cry from the cold floor and stiff mattress she was used to. The matter of bedding was now on my list
LILA The drive to the clothing store was unusually silent. Blaise totally ignored me, gazing out of the window, his brows slightly furrowed. I wasn't blind or oblivious to the fact that a lot had been transpiring within our pack recently, and it weighed heavily on him. The recent ordeal involving his winery had taken a toll on him and discovering that someone from his inner circle was betraying him only added to the devastation. On top of that, he faced threats from unknown adversaries. I pondered over the possible culprits, but all the men within the pack had shown unwavering loyalty. Accusing anyone seemed impossible. If one observed closely, they could see the hollows beneath his eyes, evidence of sleepless nights, and the roughness of his stubble. He was worrying too much, and I questioned whether my decision to give him a hard time was the right one. I pitied him and wanted to help in any way I could, but Blaise was not even letting me in. My heart ached to comfort h
LILA Blaise hurriedly caught up with me, blocking my path and holding my ruined heels in his hand. "What was the stunt you just pulled back there?" he inquired. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "One of your many mistresses decided to disrespect me, and you're here questioning my actions?" Tim emerged from the mall, carefully passing around us with silent grace, choosing to steer clear of his master's personal drama. He made his way to the car and waited, wise enough not to meddle in his master's affairs. "So much for the so-called mutual respect," I continued. "If you want me to respect you in public, the least you could do is not allow other women to demean me in your presence." Blaise sighed, trying to defend his stance. "I was addressing her when you chose to take matters into your own hands." "Which is the best way! She should know her place," I fired back. To my astonishment, a broad grin spread across Blaise's face. I eyed him suspiciously, confused by
BLAISE It was getting extremely difficult to restrain what I feel for Lila anymore. She was a woman with purpose and her stubborn annoying nature only added to her allure. She was the kind that makes something out of what little you give her, and those qualities had drawn me to her the most. She was also mysterious, like a ball of onion that you could peel layer by layer. With any other person, I would have known if she wanted my downfall or if she was with me, but with Lila, it felt difficult. That same way I felt when I first met her. For several days, I had resorted to giving her the cold shoulder treatment, fearing that my burgeoning emotions and the mysterious mate bond would cloud my judgment. Jasper continually assured me that she is my true mate, and would never wish harm upon us, yet I harboured doubts. Being merely human, Lila might not experience the mate bond as intensely as I did and would not hold back the way I did. I could only make her fall for me if I hoped
Dear Gentle readers, I want to thank you all, first, for your support and dedication. It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I have been sick for a while now, hence the slow updates. I will be going for surgery at the end of this month and will take a month's break from the first of August to recover fully. I will not do a daily update, but I will try as much as I can to complete my other book. I hope you understand and bear with me, please. Thank you for your understanding and I hope you keep enjoying my stories.
LILA "So, are you telling me that woman has returned?" Sasha asked, placing a delicate flower into a slender vase. The moon festival was upon us, a time when each room in the house would be adorned with vibrant flowers or painted in the festival's radiant colours. We busied ourselves decorating the rooms for the Moon Festival. I took pride in my knack for decoration. Memories of past festivals danced in my mind, where I, single-handedly, had transformed our home into a festive wonderland while Nana watched with a smile, so, I didn't require the assistance of servants for this task. My hands and heart knew each corner of our chamber, every nook that needed a touch of beauty. Since last night, Blaise and I hadn't exchanged a word. He had returned late, long after I had succumbed to sleep's embrace, and he chose not to share the bedroom. This morning, too, he left early, robbing me of any opportunity for conversation. Now, as dusk painted the sky in shades of orange