Shirley All I can hear is growling and what appears to be harsh kicks or punches landing against bodies. At one point or another, the sound of bones crunching meets my ears, causing me to shake harder as I can’t see anything. Whoever was holding me is no longer at my side, but I know it’s because they’re currently taking on the group of rogue wolves - I pray that they’re winning. Eventually, my shaking becomes so bad that I can’t even stand anymore. I’m on my knees, hugging myself on the ground as the brawl continues. It feels like a dream - a bad dream as my ears become numb and everything sounds so far away. I don’t know how long I sit there, but it feels like hours as I still shiver and rock, unable to calm myself. I know I’m perfectly capable of removing the bag from my head now, but I can’t get my arms to move. I simply sit there, listening to the fight, and wishing it would all just stop. And soon it does. I hear footsteps as multiple wolves run away or even a few g

Shirley Ralph: Hey, beautiful. Sorry about the last few days. I came down with a cold and had to be hospitalized. I just woke up an hour ago. Aww, poor thing. Anya: Oh my! I’m so glad you’re okay. Ralph: Don’t worry about me, sweetheart. -heart emoji- I’m fine. I want to gag as I read his message, but swallow down the sensation as I remember who’s in my company. Plus, I need to search for the perfect thing to say. It’s been days since I’ve heard from Ralph, seen him - a situation that I should rectify as soon as possible. I can’t let the loss of time affect the plan. Finally, I come up with an idea that’s purely sinful. Anya: Well, I’m sorry you had to miss the Halloween party. Especially because you didn’t get to appreciate my costume. “Anya,” Keith begins, trying to gain my attention. But I’m too busy. Following my text, I immediately send Ralph a few photos I’d taken earlier in the night. They’re all of me in my hotel room, striking multiple sexy poses that highli

Shirley As expected, Ralph agrees to have Keith join us. After all, Keith is his Alpha and I know he wants to please him. However, Ralph insists that I decide what we do next, leaving me to try and think of something as we leave the building together - now as a trio. Stupid, Keith. I’m so annoyed by his presence that I can hardly come up with any ideas. That is, until I recall something I’d seen earlier and am finally hit with inspiration. “We should go back to the mall and ride the Ferris wheel,” I claim, looking toward Ralph with a little excitement. “All the way to the top floor.” It has been years since I’ve ridden a Ferris wheel and have to admit I’m genuinely enthused about the idea. Seeing as this day isn’t turning out how I hoped, I can’t help but feel I’m entitled to a little self indulgence. Ralph agrees while Keith says nothing - probably because the Alpha doesn’t care what we do as long as he just gets to keep an eye on us. It’s an annoying discovery, but I tuc

Shirley I would love more than anything to leave Ralph to rot in his cell, but I know that I can’t. Not only because I need to continue impressing him, but also because I need to see if the conditions of my charm were met. Sneaking in was easy as I stayed within the shadows and waited until the guards were in the middle of a shift change before I slipped by. Ralph’s eyes had lit up when he saw me appear at his cell door, showing him that I brought plenty of food and water for him to enjoy. But now we’re standing within the dark together - both of us tucked into his cell as I was able to get in with the key I’d swiped from the guard. I was surprised Ralph didn’t suggest we just escape together, but I think we’re both aware that the consequences are too great. So instead, we’re just staring at each other and Ralph’s eyes still shine with adoration. I know that’s my cue, my sign that it’s time to initiate the next phase of my plan, so I take a breath…and I remove my glasses. I

Shirley Once again, I’ve found myself drinking a cup of coffee as I sit inside another cafe. However, this time it’s not Jean who sits across from me - it’s Keith. We’ve been eyeing each other for a few minutes, both of us barely moving as we don’t even take a sip of our drinks. Ron is long gone at this point - after he heard me accept Keith’s invitation, the man had quickly said his goodbyes. So now it was just Keith and me, and I really can’t understand why he was helping me. “Why are you suddenly so eager to talk to me about Ralph?” I finally ask, getting nowhere with my silent thoughts. “Why now?” Keith huffs at my questions. “Eager might be an overstatement,” he insists. “But I guess I had a slight change of heart considering I can tell you’re serious about Ralph.” I blink as I take in his words, waiting for a “but.” However, Keith surprises me as he continues. “I still have my reservations, seeing as I believe in the sanctity of fated mates, but…” But. “I’m als