The morning sun peeked through the curtains of Eleanor's hotel room as she stirred awake. She stretched her arms and yawned. However, her mood soon dampened when she remembered how last night had ended.She recalled the awkward silence that had permeated the air as they returned to the hotel the previous night.She thought of knocking on Drakken's door to check on him, but ultimately decided against it, not wanting to intrude on his personal space.Now, as she got dressed and prepared to leave the hotel, she couldn't help but feel worried about Drakken's sudden change in behavior. She wondered if she had said or done something to upset him, or if there was something else going on that she wasn't aware of.Eleanor descended the stairs into the hotel lobby, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of Drakken. She neared the front desk and a figure caught her eye. It was him, dressed in all black, his expression stoic.He still didn't speak to her even when their eyes met. Why was he kee

Eleanor's heart pounded in her chest as she realized the gravity of her situation. Her breaths came in short gasps, and her body trembled as the beasts circled her. She felt like a trapped animal, with no escape.The red eyes of the werewolves glinted in the darkness, and Eleanor felt a chill run down her spine. The creatures were massive, easily twice her size, and their fur bristled as they bared their teeth. Their snarls were terrifying, and she knew that she had to keep her wits about her if she wanted to survive.Eleanor's mind raced, trying to think of a way to escape, but her thoughts were jumbled and her fear consumed her. She felt completely helpless and vulnerable, with nowhere to run and no one to turn to for help.As the werewolves closed in, Eleanor's terror peaked. She could smell their hot breath and feel their fur brush against her skin. Their howls filled the air.Eleanor opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. One in particular was ferocious, dripping saliva

Eleanor's heart was pounding as she dashed out of the room, the photo album she had just discovered still clutched tightly in her hands. Her mind was racing with a million thoughts, but the only thing that mattered in that moment was finding Drakken. She could feel the weight of the book in her hands, reminding her of what she'd seen.She saw Drakken going through a box when she reached downstairs. Without a word, she thrust the album into his hands, her whole body trembling from the panic that had seized her.Drakken looked at her, concern etched into his features. "What's wrong, Eleanor?" he asked gently."I... I found my mother's photo on one of those pages," she stammered. "Turn the pages to the sixth."His fingers moved quickly and flipped through the pages. True as Eleanor claimed, her mother was with a woman, smiling back at the camera. He remembered that familiar eyes crying for mercy years ago when he snuffed the life out of her without remorse.Drakken snapped the album clos

Drakken was reluctant to take Eleanor back to the house when she asked. He had made it clear that he didn't want to go there, but Eleanor had insisted. A part of him was terrified of what more she could find about her parents. This was supposed to be a mission to find out more about his mother's death, but Eleanor's past kept getting in the way. A past he wished could be kept buried forever.He didn't like the idea of going back to that house. It held too many memories, and not all of them were good. But he could see the determination in Eleanor's eyes, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to talk her out of it.When they reached the hotel's lobby, Drakken held the door open for Eleanor and followed her outside. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the city. Drakken took a deep breath of the crisp evening air, trying to calm his nerves.He drove them back there and they soon found themselves on the same dark path where the old house stood ahead of them.E

Eleanor slowly opened her eyes, taking in the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. As she lay there, still half asleep, she became aware of a faint rustling sound coming from the direction of the closet.Turning her head slightly, she saw Drakken standing in front of the broken mirror, buttoning up his shirt. He was completely absorbed in his task, his movements smooth and efficient.Drakken's back was to her, so he didn't notice when she opened her eyes. She lay there, content to watch him, taking in the way his muscles flexed as he moved. She felt a flutter in her chest, remembering how he'd declared her his mate last night.He had kept her warm all night long, his body pressed against hers, and whispered sweet nothings into her ear. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before, and she didn't want it to end. The way he had touched her, the way he had made her feel, it was like she was the only woman in the world. She had never felt so alive, so wanted, so loved.