Chapter 17 Have you ever stood in the rain, drenched and unprotected, while others sheltered under umbrellas? Have you ever wished for a family to be there for you through thick and thin, a consistent presence in your life? Have you ever felt a stinging sensation of solitude, even amid a bustling crowd? These feelings of separation and loneliness have haunted me not once, but several times throughout my life. I've led a solitary existence, without the company of others or the warm hug of family.There were numerous occasions when I wished for the guiding presence of a mother, but she was not present in my life. I grew up with a single father and a grandfather, lacking the feminine influence I desired. I felt adrift and alone since I didn't have somebody to confide in about the complexities of gender.My grandfather despised me, his hatred manifesting itself in curses shouted at my very existence. I never really understood why he was so hostile. Paradoxically, the more my Grandfather
Chapter 18 Xavier's PovLevine vanished from my life a week after I had caught up with him. He'd gone to exact vengeance on Oberon, the Alpha of the Blue Shadow Pack who had cruelly slain my family. Yet it was I who had exacted Oberon's vengeance. After that, I waited for Levine to return, but he never did.After my parents died, Levine was the only surviving member of my family. I sought him for nine long years, and even when I found him in New York before reaching out, he vanished from the area, almost as if he had anticipated my arrival.Is this why Levine had distanced himself from me? Why did he refuse to return home? Why did he run away from his obligations and his pack? I pushed these thoughts aside, focusing entirely on the importance of reconciling with him.When it came to Levine, I was unsure whether to accept my adversaries' words or not. Since Marina had divulged his location, thoughts of Levine had occupied my mind, breaking the tranquility I had found.My mind was in tu
Chapter 19 I knew Edward wouldn't leave the prison; he'd been my constant shadow since the vampires infiltrated our land. Knowing Marina and my history, his worry about my protection pushed him to stick close.Unfortunately, Edward overheard my chat with Marina in the dungeon, and I was terrified that he would tell the pack about my deal. It was supposed to be kept private, and I knew it could cause problems.The pack members filled the conference room, enthusiastically debating the issue from various perspectives. Before reaching a final judgment, I stayed silent, examining their varied points of view."What if she's lying?" Hamza a beta, posed a reasonable question.Ruth, on the other hand, was overcome with passion, "But what if she's telling the truth? We cannot afford to take risks. Levine may be in great danger and requires our assistance.""You seemed to know her already," a beta, Frank inquired. "Do you have faith in Marina?""I don't trust that bit**, but this is about Levine
Chapter 20 "What exactly is love?" I once questioned my father, back when I was young and the concept of love was just a phrase on my lips. He grinned and paused before responding."A combination of passion and weapon" he stated"Passion and weapon?" I thought I heard something wrong."Indeed, love and fear," he said, his smile still on his face.We sat on a chair in the small garden, which my mother had tenderly tended outside the city house where I had spent my youth."Fear and Love? How are they related?" I inquired out of genuine curiosity."Fear of losing the one you love, fear of remaining in love with someone until death parts you," he replied."However, fear is harmful; it can paralyze you, impede self-discovery, and prevent you from daring to step outside of your comfort zone, how are love and fear related?" I inquired, striving to solve the conundrum that danced in my head, seemingly without resolve."Love is a passion, and fear is a weapon; without a weapon, a passion is n
Chapter 21 My pack had complete faith in me, and they knew I would always prioritize their well-being and make decisions in their best interests. Despite my authority as an alpha, I believed in creating an open environment in which their voices could be heard. It wasn't just a tyranny; I promoted democracy inside the pack by enabling them to freely discuss issues and provide alternate solutions.I could sense Edward's fear as he said, "What if it's a trap?" outside the dungeon."You're right," I said, acknowledging his logical point, "which is why I need you here to protect Sansa."Edward appeared dissatisfied, but he recognized the trust placed in him. "And make sure no one else enters the dungeon," I said."Am I being left behind because you think I'm weak? Do you consider me a liability?" Edward wondered, feeling the weight of his emotions. I wanted him to understand how much he meant to me and the pack, so I explained, "Saving Levine will not be the most difficult task. I'll save
Chapter 22Xavier's POVFlashback: 20 years ago Take a stand for your views and principles. Though I had always underrated myself, I possessed a peculiar strength deep within that could link me with my destiny. It was a mistake to believe that someone else was in charge of my fate; I had the ability to design my own life. In many respects, I was better than others, and my father's comments struck a chord within me, lingering in my mind until they became a reality.Courage, that elusive attribute, seemed impossible to achieve no matter how hard I tried. It felt out of reach at times.Anxiety had a solid grasp on me at the time, threatening to suffocate and overpower my determination. My shoulders felt weighed as if I were carrying a mountain on them. Panic overtook me, and I battled to breathe. My eyes were wet with tears, and my gaze was fixed intently on the door handle.A drop of chilly sweat ran down my cheek. My body went numb, my heart pounded incessantly, and my anxiety grew mo
Chapter 23 "Levine?" My voice quivered as I spoke his name, the want to meet him rushing within me.Was it an illusion, or was Levine standing right in front of me? I couldn't believe it was possible.He turned, his eyes blazing with rage, his face solemn, and his once-lustrous black hair streaming over his shoulders. He looked nothing like the man I recalled.My pulse hammered in my chest, and my expectations skyrocketed when I saw Levine. I couldn't help but want to wrap my arms around him. Despite this, as I wrapped my arms around him, he remained still, devoid of any response or feeling, as if I were holding a stone."Levine!" With a mix of astonishment and excitement, I exclaimed.But he didn't return the hug, and he didn't seem happy to see me."I searched everywhere for you." My joy grew as I realized I found him.I let go of his hand and softly stroked his face, only to find it expressionless, as if he were a lifeless body."I'm relieved to see that you're still alive." My del
Chapter 24Revenge! It's a raging inferno that has the potential to consume your entire being.Its flames can slowly eat away at your spirit, leaving you hollow from within; its blistering heat can reduce your heart to ashes; and it can play games on your mind, leaving nothing but vengeance thoughts.You can lose your sanity, your identity, your relationships, your peace, and your happiness in the chase of vengeance. All that matters is the thirst for vengeance.This preoccupation causes you to act rashly, without concern for the consequences, because you are overwhelmed by fear and greed.My father used to tell me that if I ever sought vengeance, I had to start with myself. I had to keep my emotions under control until the proper moment arrived. Otherwise, the flames could scorch me, and the fire intended for my adversary would consume me instead. To seek vengeance, I had to first perfect self-control.Your adversary will take advantage of your emotional instability if you allow venge