ELENA
"I still can't believe Aiden Crook is your betrothed," Renee muttered in between swallowing the cereals in her mouth.
That mistake again.
"Sold to," I said, correcting her slip.
She shrugged, dropping the white plastic spoon with her in the cereal bowl. "What matters is you'll get married to him."
I winced at the blunt reminder. I didn't know the reason he wished to get married to me, whereas he could get any woman he desired.
Heck, if I began working now, I don't know when I would accumulate that amount of money. Still, I believe there was no harm in trying.
The most aggravating thing was that he had fixed a wedding date, and I was sure my family weren't aware of it.
That jerk and he wasn't even bluffing!
"Over my dead body. I'd rather die than see myself married to the pompous idiot."
"What do you intend to do about the debt? It's a hundred thousand dollars, baby." She drawled. Her green eyes stayed on mine as she cocked a brow.
"Heck, he wouldn't mind if you marry him. I mean, wasn't that what the deal was about? Not to think of the debt?"
"That's not my problem because I don't intend to marry him. That is the reason I ran. Also, I have an alternative." I pointed out.
Renee shook her head, then propped it with her left hand.
"The alternative better be good for your rejection to become a rich CEO's wife."
Even the name tag sounded absurd.
Renee picked up the empty cereal plate and then walked into the kitchen, which was more like a narrow passageway. I dare not step in with her because of how tiny it was. Also, to avoid suffocation, because I never do too well in tiny places.
The plate clattered as she placed it in the aluminium sink before switching on the faucet to rinse it.
"I applied for a nanny job I came across yesterday. The reply came in some minutes ago and they asked me to come over for an interview." I said.
"Nanny?" She snorted, and I pictured her twisting her lips down in disgust, which she did whenever irritated.
"Yes. I should be there in an hour, so I need to get ready." I rushed out.
"Why would you choose to be a nanny instead of a CEO's wife?" She implored, but I didn't answer.
Instead, I walked into my bedroom, locking the door. Since the CEO was Aiden himself and they gave me to him illegally, I would prefer any job than to be his wife. Except for working in nightclubs like Renee.
I have no patience for men swatting at my backside and making lewd comments whenever I was near. I wouldn't even want my boss to lose a client because of me.
I visited the pub where she worked, and it was my first and last time. A middle-aged man with a potbelly had tugged me to him, then latched his fat lips on mine whilst reeking of beer.
Despite our size difference, I had an advantage over him since he was drunk. I had broken his f*cking hand, which served him right, as he wouldn't touch anyone without their permission anymore.
Moreover, I caused a ruckus that day, and Renee left work early after apologizing profusely to her boss. Also, I received a lot of stink eyes from the ladies present, which I didn't even care about a bit.
Sighing, I stepped into the bathroom, and then came out ten minutes later.
I grabbed the grey turtle neck long-sleeved gown I had laid on the bed. Donning it, I applied subtle makeup, which consisted of brown powder, mascara and nude lip-gloss, so I wouldn't look overdressed.
Even with it, I often felt as though I was overdoing it. Yet, I couldn't leave the house with my ordinary face.
Renee would literally kill me. Then sat me down on the chair and applied more than I wanted.
Just like how she did during our college days. The first time I attended a college party was the worst. I mean, it was a party which would happen at night and there was no harm in attending it with my bare face.
She sat me down and did full makeup on my face, making us arrive late. At first, I thought I would look out of place but felt comfortable afterwards when I saw other girls' far worse faces. You would think they were going to a wedding or carnival party. Also, I didn't mind since I got the attention of many boys.
After putting my hair in a messy bun, I picked up my brown shoulder-length bag and then strode out of the room.
I met Renee in the living room we share, watching a comedy skit.
"Good luck, my foolish friend," she joked, glancing up briefly from her laptop.
I stuck out my tongue at her before stepping out.
******************************************
“I am late again," I mumbled, facepalming.
I had left earlier, still; we hadn't even gotten to where- according to the cab driver- we were going.
Also, I noticed we have been passing by many trees, gravestones and only a few buildings. Then the fog, which hadn't surfaced when I was at home, chose to grace the sky.
I heard fog often appears on this side of the town, East Vale. However, I never took it seriously and brushed it aside like one of the many rumours I've heard.
"Still far?" I asked for the umpteenth time, rubbing my sore butt.
"Not far and not very near." He stated.
My eyes narrowed as I stared at him through the rearview mirror. His onyx eyes stared back unblinkingly, and I was starting to think everything he had in his mind was programmed since he kept repeating the same sentence over again.
"I pray we get there sooner," Slouching into the seat to make myself comfortable. My eyes grew heavy, and I began nodding off.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and my eyes popped open.
"Wow."
I fixated my gaze on the magnificent two-storey building in front of me as I stared in awe.
I alighted, thanking the driver, and then he zoomed off without collecting the money I extended to him.
My brows crinkled as I stared at it for a few seconds before dumping it into my bag.
Maybe they don't collect money here. I wonder if he had been this way to others or maybe only me. Still, he would need it to take care of his bills.
I might get to see him at the car park later to pay him before going home.
I nudged open the iron gate coated with black paint. It seemed as though they painted it yesterday. It looks shiny and still smelt of the paint they coated it in.
A beautiful fountain stood at the northward side of the house, the steady gurgling of the clear water harmonious as it resounded in the surrounding stillness.
Beside the grand building was a tranquil garden consisting of various flowers.
"Okay, you got this Lena." I inhaled deeply, then let it out slowly. I wiped my sweaty palms on my dress out of habit.
I was nervous because this would be my last resort. Or else, I would have to migrate to another town which I don't wish to, for another job.
Though I don't have any experience as a nanny, I pray I get accepted because I was hardworking.
Again, I wouldn't kill the baby.
That was a criterion, right? Keeping the baby alive.
My hand met air as I was about to touch the doorknob. A grey-haired woman with dark eyes stood at the entrance.
Her skin wrinkled and smile lines grace her face. Still, she seemed friendly.
"I'm s-sorry. My name is Elena Lockser. I applied for the job of a nanny here."
"Oh, it's you. Welcome, my beautiful child." She chuckled as she ushered me in. Her voice was surprisingly strong, and it was as though we knew each other before now.
"Aiden needs someone to take care of our precious Gemma when I'm away, for I don't know when I'll be back." Her eyes twinkled, and I noticed the affection in them as she mentioned both their names.
That name again.
Why does my new employer have to bear the same name as him?
Somewhat irritating. However, I needn't think about the name when he began interviewing me.
"I hope I'm chosen." I let out a small laugh whilst sitting on one of the brown leather sofas in the living room.
Not only did the outside exude coldness but also the inside. Despite the number of chandeliers and lamps that decorated the room, it was still dark and cold.
Perhaps, the owner didn't like any light. But who doesn't?
I shivered, rubbing my palms together. I narrowed my eyes at the fireplace a few feet in front of me. It was void of fire and stood there as if it were some kind of decoration.
Occasionally, my gaze travelled to the end of the room, where a long spiral staircase led up, hoping to see if my new employer would pop out.
"You will be accepted. Of all the girls that have arrived here, I love your aura the best." She affirmed.
"Aura?"
The woman whom I don't know her name fixed her gaze on me and she didn't glance away, even when I caught her staring. I shivered as I felt her staring right into me.
She seems weird but a better weird than the girls at Aiden Inc. It was as if my mind and hers were in one accord as we continued staring.
An angelic voice broke the silence, and I shifted uncomfortably as I removed my gaze from hers.
"Aha, Gemma is awake. You might want to check on her." A wrinkle formed at the side of her face as she chuckled.
"Me?" My brows furrowed as I gazed at her.
"Of course!" She beamed, and I noticed she had a missing premolar on her right upper jaw.
No interview.
Maybe knowing how to handle the baby was the interview. I stared back at the woman to see if she was joking, but she wasn't. Instead, she encouraged me with a kind smile on her face.
I moved towards the sound of the cooing voice. I passed by several rooms, but no sign of a baby.
Was I being pranked?
Perhaps there was no baby.
It couldn't be as the voice sounded real, and it was getting somewhat closer to me.
I wonder where he kept his baby; I mulled.
Then the voice came again, and I realized it was sounding from below. I noticed stairs leading down, and I stepped towards them.
Not only was his house far into the woods, but he also hid his baby in the cellar.
Was the baby like Hephaestus for him to have dumped her in the farthest place, void of air?
Even if she was that hideous, I would still babysit her because I needed the work. Also, I couldn't create any being. Who was I to say someone else's creature was hideous?
As I got to the last step, I nudged open the door to the basement and found a room decorated with all kinds of toys.
Purple and pink wallpaper with stars and moon drawings adorned the wall. The flooring had the same design as the wall, and I walked toward the pink crib.
My heart melted when I saw her.
I wasn't expecting a baby as beautiful as this. Her grey eyes stayed on mine for a few seconds before a smile brightened up her cherub face.
"Oh, ain't you so gorgeous?" I cooed, in awe at the lovely dimples that appeared on her cheeks.
She must look like her mother because her father couldn't be as beautiful as this. Perhaps he was the hideous one and had hidden her so her angelic face wouldn't get contaminated with his.
"For the record, I'm not hideous." A deep voice murmured.
My cheeks reddened as I had said my thoughts aloud. I swirled to the owner of the voice, then swirled back to face the baby.
No, please!
Someone should shoot me or pinch me!
Why couldn't he get a grip that I wasn't interested instead of embarrassing himself?
"Why are you stalking me? I'm not interested in you, not now and never..." He held out a palm, cutting me off.
"I said nothing when you ranted in my office because we just met, but I will not condone any more insult to my person. Not even in my house." He cautioned.
Why was everything in this freaking town his?
The baby giggled whilst bouncing in her crib.
At least someone was happy to see him and I could see most of his features in her, save for the eye colour.
"Whatever, I'm just leaving." I scowled.
His big hand gripped mine, halting me. “Or maybe not.”
The air sizzled, and I felt a tiny spark at his touch. He tugged me to him and my hand splayed on his chest. A treacherous moan escaped from my parted lips and my breasts tingled, then grew taut at the contact with his athletic physique.
All logical reasoning flew out of my head as his lips latched onto mine in a frenzied kiss. My toes curled and uncurled as I hoisted myself up, wanting to taste more of him. Several alarms alerted my brain to how wrong it was, yet I didn't want him to stop whatever his lips were doing to me.
AIDEN “So, big bro, will you tell me what that was about earlier today?” Ellen lifted her brows as she stared at me. “What?” I questioned back. Though I knew what she was talking about, I wasn't ready to tell her anything. Not in front of my three other siblings and parents, who now gazed at me with piqued interest. Nosy bunch of people! “That girl, she left your office in anger and almost murdered Claire with the look in her eyes.” Ellen shook her head, chuckling. Perhaps pleased with the scene. I chuckled as I imagined her and Claire going one on one. Claire would no doubt shred her into pieces, yet I wouldn't watch that happen. Anyone that touched her had me to answer to because she was my responsibility, even though she hadn't realized it yet. “Don't give me that look. All the other participants came out and didn't look as if they were about to murder anyone except her. Are you hiding anything from me? Your darling sister?” Ellen blinked her eyes continually, then pouted.
Elena “Aiden…” I moaned out his name as his lips suckled on the soft flesh above my neck. His lips trailed soft kisses down and stopped on my chest. “You are so beautiful.” He mumbled as he observed me with hooded eyes. My nipples hardened under his scrutinizing gaze, and my hands itched to shred his clothing, so I would feel the skin beneath. However, I settled with calling his name. “Aiden please,” “Please what?” He implored, his eyes going dark. “I-I want you,” I sputtered, breathlessly, as he stroked my soaked pants. As if it was only the encouragement he needed. He slipped out of his clothes in a swift movement, drew me closer and tugged my pants off. He braced my thighs under his large hand, and he thrust into me briskly. I jerked awake and felt around for my phone. Except for the light of the moon that streamed in, which illuminated the room a bit, it would have been dark. My brain, fuzzy to where I was, and I blinked away the haziness clouding my eyes. I shivered
AIDENWalking further into the woods, howling echoed around me, but it wasn't as intense as before. Today was one of those full moons. I was out hunting, not because I wanted, instead because of Elena. If I had stayed longer in the room, I might have ripped the gown off her body and taken her till I became satisfied. However, I didn't want her to hate me more than she already did, which could make it difficult to make her mine. I glanced away as Ellen shifted back into her human form. “I noticed some strange things around here a few minutes ago.” She mumbled, kicking at a tangled branch as we walked into the wood. “I do too,” I said whilst sniffing at the air. I couldn't pinpoint what it was, but I knew it meant danger. “Also, a strange scent surrounds your house. Did you take in anyone?” Her gaze drilled into mine for some seconds before she let out a grimace. “Don't tell me you have a human girl at your house!” “Couldn't you at least be reasonable and take the slut elsewher
Elena I groaned whilst rolling on the bed. My body aches as though I had worked throughout the night, which I hadn't. Opening my eyes, I stared at the white ceiling illuminated by light from the sun for a few seconds before sitting up on the bed. Climbing down, I darted into the bedroom as I felt the powerful urge to urinate. I stood up from the toilet seat after doing my business, flushed, and walked over to the sink.A pout formed on my face as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My skin was paler than usual, and my eyes seemed lighter, too. My hand went to the back of my back and I felt how warm my temperature was. Perhaps, I am having a fever and the reason I fainted yesterday. Sighing, I bathed my face with cool water, then dabbed it with a brown towel I saw in the bath cabinet. My vision caught a mark on the back of my neck as I was about to leave. I narrowed my eyes whilst surveying it. It was a crescent-shaped mark, etched on the right side of my neck, and I couldn't
Aiden “What is our next line of action? J. J Is back. He is stronger and faster than ever before. I don't know if he got his power from somewhere, but it was too much force to reckon with.” Ellen stated, grimacing. I had gathered my pack to let them know of the presence of the enemy in town, which I didn't need to tell because it was obvious. The return of J. J yesterday had caused a lot of havoc in the whole of District One.He had confronted several Omegas yesterday, beating them up to a pulp. They all succeeded in escaping his bite, as it was fatal to us all. J. J wasn't just any werewolf. He was a true Alpha and had his clan in the East. He was on everyone's blacklist because of his bloodthirsty nature. “He's stronger because he's been on a killing spree.” Sparkles' gaze left the phone she was on momentarily as she observed everyone in the room. It was an enormous hall, located inside the castle, which my dad had inherited. The castle originally had been here for more than fo
Elena I moaned out Aiden's name as he kept sucking on my core. My body quivered under his touch and I yearned for more. I panted whilst watching him with eyes glazed over with desire. He stood up from the bed and yanked off his clothes. Hovering over me, he lifted my body to his and thrust in. Gasping, I jerked awake. However, I let out a moan as I felt a hand at my centre. I blinked the fogginess away from my eyes and gasped when I noticed Aiden stroking me.I bit my bottom lip to see if I was in a trance. However, this was reality and not a dream as my lips drew out blood.“W-what are you doing?” I moaned whilst trying to clamp my legs together. But my treacherous body lifted itself to give him more entrance. “Please stop.” I panted as he increased the pace of the amazement he was doing to my body. I wouldn't deny the amount of pleasure I was feeling because it was my first time. And Aiden doing it to me makes it thrilling. It felt so wrong, yet so right at the same time. He
My gaze flickered around the uninviting wood as I struggled desperately to hold on to my sanity. I was certain I didn't imagine what I had seen back there. The painful bruise that was now forming on the back of my hand as I had grazed it on the rough wall was a reminder I didn't imagine it. I panted as I rested my body on one of the tree trunks present. I hadn't even thought of running back to the house, which was just a few seconds away because I was so desperate to flee and had forgotten. My head pounded, as well as did my heart, as I thought of the baby I had left alone in the basement. Aiden was sure going to kill me for putting his daughter in danger, and perhaps I might lose the job again because of my inability to care for her. If only I had minded my business and left the whining sound alone.As this saying goes, ‘curiosity killed the cat’ I was curious, and who knows what would happen to me? Perhaps I would end up like the cat. I lurched, and my heart raced as I heard a
AIDEN The thought of what I had wanted to do with Elena kept playing in my head. Yes, my wish was to mark her but never to take advantage of her because that was what would have happened. I had darted out of the house as soon as night fell in desperate need to prevent myself from doing what I would regret, as I have no constraint on what was happening to me. I understood I needed to mate to take away the urges. However, even the woman I would have liked to be with wasn't ready to wed or do anything with me. When I told her about the wedding, it enraged her. Heck, even when I had cautioned her not to leave the house, she had been pissed, but I was doing all in my power to protect her. Letting her on the secret about me was a tad too difficult, and that would make her frightened and perhaps run away. However, this time to anywhere no one could trace, which would be the worst thing since J. J was in town. He wouldn't hesitate to track her down, nor kill anyone that prevented him