Aurora's POVLilian and I step forward in unison, our strides syncing as we navigate the forest floor. The canopy above casts intermittent shadows, playing with the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The air carries a sense of anticipation, the soft rustle of leaves beneath our feet creating a natural symphony. It felt like all those years ago only that one set of feet is missing. As we approach the stone, its weathered surface reveals the passage of time, etched with memories and stories of those who came before us. The surroundings seem to hush in reverence, creating a momentary stillness that contrasts with the subtle sounds of nature. We knew there were some others before us but this time around, it is only us. No one knows about this place. Lilian's silhouette beside me is a familiar comfort, her presence a reminder of shared laughter and secrets. The play of light accentuates the contours of her features, casting a gentle glow on the path ahead. We exchange glances
Aurora's POV"I really missed you here, Ro. It was so bad without you. I had no best friend to talk to about the craziest things. No sleepovers or slumber parties. Ughh, it was so boring." Lilian said as she relaxed her head on my shoulder while I wrapped my arms around her. As we sat by the familiar stone in our secret hideout, the conversation shifted to the experiences we had been through during our time apart. She decided to go first because to her, she was more wounded living all alone here in a secluded place as she liked to call it. Yeah, Brown Wood is nothing but secluded. It is amongst the largest packs in the world. "Life in the human world is so different, Lil. It took me quite a while to get used to their ways, but not shifting made it easier in some aspects. I don't know how Eva would've liked it if we were able to shift." I shook my head at the thought. My wolf would've killed me. "No I wouldn't." Eva defended in my head instantaneously while I gave her the 'you know
Alpha Caden"Dad, you there?" Lucas said through the mind-link just when I came down from my high. Fuck. "Yes yes. I'll be down in a sec." I murmur in the best gruff voice I could muster though I don't have to use my voice. Shit, this is the worst timing ever. Hastily standing up from the bed, I quickly changed my sweatpants since the other one was ruined. I thoroughly washed my hand so he won't smell the whole thing then add whiskey just to make the process much easier. Fuck, I didn't expect Lucas to stop by the mansion. At least not today since he knew I was mourning. Or doesn't he know that? Isn't he supposed to be mourning his mother too?I stepped out of the room and made my way down the stairs to the living room where the mind-link is directing me towards. The dim light revealed Lucas, shoulders slouched, staring into the amber liquid in his glass. The air seemed heavy with grief and uncertainty. Even from behind I know he looks very disheveled and he misses his mother a lot.
Aurora's POVI turned away quickly when I saw Lucas slowly walking towards us. It seems like he didn't recognize me at first with the way he was walking nonchalantly though he looked really burnt out. It looks like he is grieving more than anyone else with the way he appears to be out of it and depressed. He appears as a figure enveloped in mourning, his demeanor a reflection of the heavy weight of grief that hangs upon him. His shoulders slump beneath an invisible burden, and his gaze, once vibrant, now carries a distant sadness. Even his hair looks dull from that one look I gave him. Not the usual Lucas vibe. The one that made all the boys in Brown Wood pack want to dress like him and have hair cuts like his. Everything Lucas Black does is copied by all the boys then I don't know about now. This isn't the Lucas that used to bask in the attention of both males and females those years ago in highschool. He looks obviously older now with two days of stubble covering his cheeks. He i
Aurora's POVWedding. Ahh, Ellen was talking about Lucas and Anne's wedding earlier but I didn't let myself think much about it. What is there to think about anyway? What should I think about? It's not like I have any good relationship with either of them. Nor will I be attending their wedding. Werewolves don't marry for whatever reason. They decide to have a mating ceremony which is enough for them as long as they are marked. Then why the hell do they want to have a wedding like some freaking vampires or witches? Or maybe human since they are mainly known for that too. The impending wedding between Lucas and Anne amplifies the raw pain of betrayal that has been etched into the fabric of my past. Lucas, my first mate, the one who callously rejected me, is now pledging his life to another. And I am unfortunate enough to have come back just when they decided to do that. Why didn't they do that years ago? Why now?,Anne, once my best friend too, seized the opportunity to claim my mate
Returning to the alpha's mansion, I expected a semblance of order, only to find my car conspicuously absent from where I meticulously parked it. Initial calm was replaced by a surge of anger, a fiery response to the audacity of someone violating my personal space. The reason I forced myself to get an apartment alone even when I was struggling to make ends meet in the human world. I have always loved my space and hate when anyone violates it which is the same thing alpha Caden just did. He is getting on my last nerve now. The agreement to endure the proposed punishment didn't grant the right to invade my privacy, Alpha or not. I don't care if he leads thousands of people. I don't consider myself a member of his pack anymore. I am here against my will which means he isn't the boss of me. I won't take such violations. Suppressing panic, I scrutinized the surroundings, searching for any sign of my missing vehicle. The notion that the Alpha, in his authoritative position, might have rif
Alpha Caden's POVObserving Aurora, I witness the aftermath of a day steeped in tears, her delicate fingers delicately wiping away the remnants of a torrential emotional storm. Her eyes, swollen from the weight of persistent weeping, tell a story of anguish and heartache and heartbreak. Of course it was caused by me. As I witness her pain, an unexpected twinge of guilt flits through my consciousness. Is it a flicker of remorse for the emotional turmoil I have knowingly inflicted? I dismiss the notion almost immediately; after all, why should I feel guilt for someone I am going to discard, a temporary presence in the grand scheme of my plans?A rationalization surfaces within me, a mental reminder that this is merely a transaction, a calculated arrangement with a predetermined expiration date. I had been transparent with Aurora, conveying the purely selfish nature of our connection and my eventual intention to let her go. The truth, unclouded by deception, hangs in the air.Yet, as I
Aurora's POVThe following morning unfolded with an unwelcome heaviness, as I emerged from a restless slumber, my body burdened by fatigue, and my eyes as puffy as ever – perhaps even more swollen than the previous day. The weight of the emotional turmoil lingered like an uninvited guest, casting a shadow over the new day, and the exhaustion that clung to me hinted at a night plagued by restless thoughts and a heart unwilling to find solace in sleep.I knew today was going to be harder than the day before which I'm not looking forward to but it's not like I have an option anyway. If I don't wake up now and start thinking about working, Alpha Caden will come and knock on the door to wake me up in the most brutal way. Or maybe send a maid or two to come pour water on me just so I could wake up. Alpha Caden showed me to this room yesterday. It was the room closest to the master bedroom and I think I have seen it locked before but it was like a heaven right now. I wasn't sure what I expe