《Mated To My Alpha Brother》


 Chapter 1

    The rm made annoying sounds and Mia didn¡¯t hesitate to ruin it. Getting away from her shallow sleep, she heard someone enter her room and she knew who it was already¡­ Julian.


    He was the only one that could enter her room without knocking. She buried her face deeper in the soft, warm pillow and clutched the duvet very tight because she knew he was going to do¡­ force her out of bed.


    She could feel the nkets going off her, Julian had seeded in taking it off. Then she curled up and he started tickling her. ¡°Let go of me..¡± She grumbled.


    ¡°Get out of there sissy.¡± He said. ¡°Okay fine.¡±  Mia surrendered and sat up, with her legs crossed. ¡°It¡¯s not even school day, why are you disrupting my sleep?¡± She questioned as she squeezed her face. He folded his arms and stared at her. Don¡¯t tell me you forgot.¡±  He mind linked, with eyes widened a bit.


    She stared back¡­¡±Just tell me already.¡± She replied loudly and attempted to lie down but then something stopped her. It was like being held back, floating in the air. She turned to look at Julian and she saw him standing there, looking at her with a smirk on his lips.


    This darn alpha.. she red at him. ¡°Let go of me already.¡± She said and unexpectedly, the force holding her back released her and she fell to the bed. She wanted to blurt at him but he didn¡¯t give her the chance to. ¡°It¡¯s the family outing.. go get dressed baby.¡± He said and winked at her before leaving the room.


    ¡®Jeez¡­ this guy I call my brother is fucking handsome and breathtaking.¡¯ She thought.


    ***


    After taking a warm bath, she applied on her body lotion before proceeding to her closet. She picked out a pink skimpy skirt and a white cropped top and wore it on. She didn¡¯t apply make up anyways, ¡¯cause she really detested them.


    She switched on her phone to see messages from the ss group chat. She didn¡¯t bother saying anything in the ss group chat ¡¯cause she¡¯s gonna get ignored, as usual. After sending Jabi a message, she proceeded downstairs.


    It was her family¡¯s outing and she nned on enjoying every single bit of it. She sighted Lian sitting on the cushion in living room, operating on his phone. Her sneakers didn¡¯t make sounds so she tiptoed to his back, to see what he was doing and her mood dropped when she got to see what he was doing.


    He was chatting with that bitch! Rosie.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re here..¡± He  suddenly said but she didn¡¯t flinch, guess he knew by her scent. She walked over and sat beside him.


    ¡°Lian, let¡¯s take a picture.¡± She said, bringing out her phone. She knew he didn¡¯t like taking pictures but she persisted. He finally agreed and quit his phone, then they  moved over to hers.


    He wrapped his right arm around her shoulder and she leaned in. Those pictures are so going to Instagram.


    ***


    Axel clutched his chest tight as he alighted the car, after Jabi parked at school parking lot. He supported his body by leaning on the side of the Arson Martin and he looked up to see Mia walking towards him. ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Why did Jabi drive instead of you?¡± She asked as soon as she got to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s.. it¡¯s a long story..¡± He said, trying to catch his breath.


    Jabi popped her out of the car. ¡°I¡¯ll cut it short. His slow driving skills ain¡¯t for me so I took over the car.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you wanted to kill me?¡± He blurted out. ¡°Hold on, Jabi where is your own car?¡± Mia asked out of the blue and Axel looked at Jabi, who was scratching the back of her head. ¡°Well¡­¡± She drawled.


    ¡°She wrecked it!!¡± He broke out and Jabi red at him. ¡°I thought as much..¡± Mia said and Jabi suddenly threw his car key at him. ¡°Have your darn key. I¡¯m outta here.¡± She said and walked out on them. Mia also followed , leaving him all alone. He breathe deeply before going after them.


    *


    Miss Maria kept on ranting about the Literature poem. She was their literature teacher and now they were treating ¡®The good morrow¡¯. Mia was getting more bored and she hoped the bell would ring soon . She kept on sketching a human figure on her note.


    The front ss door at the entrance of the ssroom suddenly opened and they all turned to look at the ier.


    ¡®He is here.¡¯


    # Mia¡¯s Pov


    Yeah.. he was there already. He looked built and sheen, just like Lian. He is the transfer student, Lian had told Mia about it already.


    Remember he is the Alpha of the school pack? So nothing happens in the school without his knowledge.


    ¡°Hi miss.¡± The guy bowed to Miss Maria, who had this flirty look on her face already. Gosh.. She so much hated thisdy. Like, which teacher in her right state of mind crushes on her students? She is not to me though, she is human and not a wolf. Mia would have reported her to Lian but she hasn¡¯t really stepped on her nerves.


    ¡°You are the transfer student right?¡± She asked and he smiled broadly, as confirmation.


    ¡°Then introduce yourself to the ss.¡± Miss Maria said and shed a flirty smile. It was really funny ¡¯cause she never smiled since the beginning of the ss. Now, she¡¯s even smiling widely? Huh?Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m Alexander Davis.¡± He introduced and everyone chorused ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡± It was very shocking, for her ssmates to behave like this. Even Jabi was part of the weers. It was the girls though, and few guys. ¡°You¡¯re wee Alex, take an empty seat.¡± Miss Maria said to him and he looked around the whole ss.


    His eyes fell on the empty seat beside Mia and she red at him. That asshole smiled back at her, wtf! ¡°Miss, I think I found one.¡± He said to the teacher and walked over to the seat beside her and settled on it.


    His scent swept through her nose, it was so strong. She looked at him scornfully¡­ could he be her mate? ¡®No way! I haven¡¯t even shifted, there was no way i could meet my mate now.¡¯ Mia thought. Besides, I hated his guts.  His scent suddenly escaped her nose. See what I was saying?


    *


    Sandra and her crew were standing at the hallway gisting indistinctively. As soon as Sandra set her eyes on Mia and her friends, she folded her arms, put on an evil smile and approached them.


    Don¡¯t get me wrong, she had no business with Jabi and Axel, just Mia. ¡°Look who we have here..¡± She said as soon as she crossed them and her crew trailed behind. ¡°It¡¯s Mia.¡± One of her crew members name Ellie, chuckled and Piper also joined her. The only girl in the crew who didn¡¯tugh was Evie. She had a crush on Axel and seeing him clinging unto Jabi was infuriating her.


    The fact that Jabi was even shaking him off filled her anger to the brim.


    Mia stared at Sandra for a while and not wanting her trouble at the moment, she tried to walk away but Sandra blocked her way again.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you miss me! Well.. I¡¯d miss you. Don¡¯t get me wrong doll, I missed the weak you.¡± Sandra mocked andughed hysterically.


    ¡°Why are you always making trouble Sandra? Don¡¯t you get tired?¡± Jabi said, she was getting riled up.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Jabi..¡± Mia rubbed her arm and faced Sandra. ¡°I¡¯m not in for your trouble today Sandra, so just get out of my way.¡±


    Mia said calmly and Sandra sneered¡­¡±I got better things to do also.. so we¡¯ll meet some other time¡­ you weak doll.¡± Sandra said sarcastically and walked through the three friends, hitting Mia with her shoulder and her crew followed like a mother Hen¡¯s chicks.


    Jabi scoffed. ¡°That bitch is really getting on my nerves, why do you keep stopping me from beating her up?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to handle it, you can just report her to Alpha Lian.¡± Axel also said.


    ¡°Not to worry guys.. I¡¯ll make sure deal with them all when I meet my wolf.. let¡¯s go.¡±


    Mia¡¯s POV


    We sat around a table in the school cafeteria; we ordered the same food, not really a a meal but snacks ¨C Sugared doughnuts and bottled yoghurts.


    As we munched on our snacks, we chatted andughed together.


    Trust me, it¡¯s really fun to be around these guys, Jabi and Axel. The two are opposite of each other but they are really fun to be with.


    Few secondster, the new boy, called Alexander or what? I could see him walking towards our circle with snacks in his hands. Maybe he didn¡¯t like taking meals as lunch also.


    I wanted to believe it wasn¡¯t what I¡¯m thinking but it actually turned out to be. He stopped at our table. ¡°Hi guys.¡± He said with a smile.


    ¡°Hello..¡± Jabi was quick to answer, with a beaming smile on her face.. Gosh¡­ this silly girl.


    Axel replied him also, but in a nonchnt way.


    ¡°Well, I was thinking if I could join you guys for lunch. Do you mind?¡± The guys asked.


    I was about to say Yes when Jabi suddenly half yelled a ¡®No¡¯. What¡¯s wrong with this wench?


    I could see the deadly re Axel gave Alexander as he sat on the empty chair at our table.


    As if making him sit with us without our permission wasn¡¯t enough, she ditched what we were talking about earlier and focused on Alex. Like What the fuck!


    Axel was getting angry and I smiled gently at him, to ease him. Axel might be a funny and Jovial dude but when he gets angry, he bes a red-eyed wolf and destroys things. He could harm anyone who tries to get in his way. His wolf has a real temper.


    Alexander turned to me and I knew he wanted to say something. I quickly turned away to let him know I¡¯m not interested in whatever he had to say.


    We suddenly heard some noises from the entrance of the Cafeteria and I knew immediately that my brother was here.

 Chapter 2

    She watched him walk in with his two friends, Marlin and Shane. The bitch he calls his girlfriend was there also, clinging unto him and acting all romantic.


    She could feel her eyes darken at the sight and she quickly looked away. She really hated that girl¡¯s guts. When she was sure she didn¡¯t look gloomy anymore, she looked up and they had already disappeared out of her sight. Guessed Lian didn¡¯t see her.


    She looked back and saw them settling on a table. She finished up her snacks quickly and gestured to Axel to let them leave. They dragged Jabi along also, leaving Alexander alone on the table.


    ***


    The school bell indicated that it was closing time. Axel was going to drop Jabi off at home and Mia had always followed Lian, in his Lexus l¡Á600test model.


    As usual, Mia walked towards the ck Lexus that was in the school parking lot and waited for Lian, patiently.


    A smile appeared on her face when she saw him walking towards me, with his hands in his pockets. He smiled back at her. As she opened the front door to enter, she felt a force drag her back and shended on the floor. Wincing in pain, she looked up to see who it was.


    It was Rosie. That bitch! ¡°I¡¯m sorry..¡± She said and winked before entering the car.


    Lian rushed over to help her up. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this Rosie?¡± He asked angrily. ¡°What? That was a mistake.¡± She said, faking and innocent face, even though it was clear that she did it intentionally.


    Lian red at her scornfully. ¡°Stop ring at me. I want my boyfriend to drive me and there¡¯s no way I¡¯d sit at the back seat so she should sit there. I¡¯m rightful to this seat!¡± She said again. Mia was already burning up with anger.


    Lian turned to her with an apologetic face. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry baby sis, but can you sit at the back seat? Just for today¡­ please.¡± He said to her greatest surprise.


    She expected him to get that slut out of that seat but he was telling her these?


    Gently, she removed her hand from his and dusted her skirt. ¡°No Thank you, I¡¯ll go with my friends.¡± She said and walked away.


    ***


    Axel¡¯s car was sting with music. He drove this time around, Jabi sat at the front seat with him. enjoying every bit of the drive home, in loud, deafening music.


    Mia sat at a corner at the back seat, looking outside the window, trying to get off her mind on what happened earlier. She didn¡¯t pay attention to the car party going on. In fact, the world she was in right then was very quiet.


    ¡®Did I overreact earlier?¡¯ ¡®Was I supposed to expect him to get her out of the car?¡¯ She thought.


    Jabi¡¯s favourite song suddenly yed and she screamed.. ¡°Yeah!! That¡¯s it.¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Her eyes suddenly caught Mia in the side mirror. She turned back to look at her, sitting at a corner and looking dejected.


    She reduced the volume of the music and turned to her again. ¡°What¡¯s wrong babe?¡±


    Mia, who wasn¡¯t really deep in thoughts turned to her and faked a smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°I know you are not.¡± Jabi objected. ¡°I am.¡± Mia smiled again. She was trying to convince them but her mood and tone betrayed her.


    ¡°Common Mia, we know you are not. We saw the scene earlier.¡± Axel cut in. They had actually seen it when Rosie dragged her back and took over the front seat of Alpha Lian¡¯s car.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that. That wench will be taken care of so just cheer up.¡± Jabi pleaded.


    ¡°Taken care of? By who?¡± Mia asked. If she left her friends to handle Rosie, they¡¯ll definitely kill her. It would be easy anyways, ¡¯cause she is human. Their school was meant for both humans and werewolves, but most of the students were werewolves.


    ¡°By us!¡± Jabi and Axel chorused. Mia smiled anxiously. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯ll be necessary.¡±


    *


    She walked straight to the kitchen to get some cookies and juice. They didn¡¯t have maids all because of Julian. He loved it when his home is not being swarmed by maids.


    Mia got to her room and changed her  clothes. She grabbed her headphones and connected it to her phone, then yed one of her favourite songs.


    ¡®Therefore I am¡¯ by Billie Eilish. She munched on her cookies alongside. She didn¡¯t increase the volume that much so she could still hear external sounds.


    She suddenly heard the sound of the huge gate to their manor. She took off the headphones and rushed to the window, only to see her brother¡¯s car driving in. She jumped on the bed and pretended as if she was asleep.


    As expected, Lian entered her room and saw her lying down in a pink mid-thigh length jumpsuit which revealed her fresh and spotless thighs and legs. He restrained from looking too much, however.


    ¡°You and I know that you are not sleeping.¡± His voice pierced through the silence in the room. Mia didn¡¯t move, she stayed in that same position.


    ¡°Stop acting already¡­ your heart is beating at a faster rate and the Mia I know will never sleep without her duvet on¡± Lian said again.


    Damn that wolverine, he listened to her heart. Admitting she lost already, she sat up on the bed and folded her legs. She really loved that position.


    She looked away, not wanting to make eye contact with him.


    ¡°You know what¡­ you look-¡± Lian started and she interrupted him. ¡°-Really cute when you are angry. You were going to say that right? It might interest you that I won¡¯t give in to those words.¡± She said firmly.


    ¡± ¡®Really ugly when you angry¡¯ I was going to say that.¡± Julian said.


    ¡°Stop ying around.¡± She warned and heughed.


    ¡°Okay seriously, I¡¯m sorry about what happened earlier.¡± He apologized, in a serious tone.


    Mia didn¡¯t reply. ¡°I¡¯ll get you a ne from Mr Bates.¡± Lian said and her eyes widened. ¡°What? Are you for real?¡± Her mood brightened up immediately.


    Mr Bates was a very prestigious man, who at the age of 79, still lives by etiquettes. He rarelyes out during the day. His only movements were from his room to his art workshop which was also under same roof.


    Mia had always budged her parents to get her a jewelry from him but they were too busy for that. More so, Just no one can order jewelries from My Bates. Even some presidents¡¯ orders take months to get to the old man, which most of the times, gets rejected.


    And now her brother has promised her one from him? Who is she not to forgive him.


    She jumped on  him suddenly and wrapped her hands around his neck. ¡°You¡¯re forgiven brother!¡± She shouted and Lian felt like his ears were going to bleed.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Lian patted her back. ¡°Now get off me, you little witch.¡± He teased.


    She released him and sat down, still grinning. Lian stood up. ¡°Get ready, we¡¯ll be leaving in the next thirty minutes.¡±


    She furrowed her brows. ¡°Where to?¡± She asked and his face dropped. ¡°For real Mia? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t remember.¡± He said in disbelief. ¡°Tell me already¡­¡±


    Lian sighed. ¡°You¡¯re really something, I think we should get that head of yours checked. Well, we¡¯ll be taking mum and dad to the airport, they are returning to Japan today.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­.¡± She drawled ¡°Can I go like this?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Julian replied instantly and she flinched a little, staring at him weirdly. Lian cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯ll be out now.¡±


    ***


    Mia¡¯s POV


    ¡°Miae over.¡± Jabi called out to me as I walked towards the ss, she and Axel were standing at the corridor. She meant for me to run, why?


    I finally got to them. ¡°Did you hear what happened?¡± She asked anxiously. Seems like she has been waiting for years to ask me. ¡°No.. what happened?¡± I asked, wearing a confused look on, staring at both of them.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Jabi started and she looked at Axel, she looked like she wasn¡¯t sure if she should talk.


    ¡°Spill it already¡­¡± I said impatiently.


    ¡°The red stone is missing!¡± Alex suddenly cut in.


    ¡°What!¡±  A yell escaped my mouth.

 Chapter 3

    The red stone is missing? Howe? My mind was nk for a while and I suddenly zoned in.


    ¡°Does Lian know about this?¡± I asked without thinking. ¡°Girl, how are we supposed to know that? You came together.¡± Jabi said sarcastically and I realised the question was kinda dumb.


    Who could have take the stone from it¡¯s ce?


    *** Julian¡¯s POV


    I barged  into Mr Hicks¡¯ office, the human principal. I started to burn with rage as soon as Marlin informed me about the missing jewel.


    Mr Hicks stood up as soon as I walked in. ¡°Alpha Lian.¡± He called with fear. ¡°How did it happen?¡± I asked calmly. There was no reply.


    ¡°I said how did it happen?¡± I yelled and he shook. ¡°I. I. . don¡¯t.. know.¡± He stuttered and I stared at him in disdain.


    He hung his head low, of course¡­ he dared not look at me.


    I walked out of the office and met Marlin and Shane outside. ¡°What did he say?¡± Shane asked. ¡°What¡¯s he gonna say? He doesn¡¯t know of course.¡± Marlin replied him.


    ¡°Assemble all the pack¡¯s guards, now!¡± I ordered.


    Author¡¯s POV


    Julian stared at the men standing orderly in front of him. They were about forty in number, due to the fact that diamond pack is thergest pack in the territory, which makes Lian the strongest among other Alphas, even though he was young.


    Diamond pack stretched to about thousands of miles, veryrge.


    ¡°How did the red stone go missing?¡± Julian asked the men, whose heads were bowed a little. None of them replied.


    ¡°Am I talking to stones?!¡± He raised his voice and themander of the guards, who was at the front, fell on his knees at once with his hands at the back and his head bowed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened Alpha, I¡¯ll take responsibility for the missing jewel.¡± He said, in a grieved tone.


    Julian smirked. ¡°Are you sure you can bear the burden of others?¡± He asked in a cold, icy voice.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    There was no reply from themander again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you can.¡± Lian said and turned to Shane and Marlin. ¡°Select another set of the pack¡¯s warriors as night guards and put these fools into the basement cells without food or water till the stone¡¯s found.¡± He stated firmly and walked out.


    The guards all knew Alpha Lian was still being merciful, to have passed that kind of judgement. If he was ruthless, he would have given them death letters by then.


    As he walked away, his phone started ringing. It was the chairman of the school pack¡¯s welfaremittee.


    ***


    ¡°Who do think could¡¯ve taken the red stone?¡± Jabi asked. ¡°I have no fucking idea.. ughh..¡± Axel groaned as he ran his fingers in his hair. He couldn¡¯t think of anyone and it was driving him nuts.


    This has never happened before, and now that it happened.. they couldn¡¯t even guess who the thief is not to talk of finding a way to retrieve the jewel.


    ¡°I can¡¯t think of anyone also.¡± Jabi said out of frustration.


    ¡°I think I know who the thief is¡­¡± Mia, who hasn¡¯t uttered a word since the beginning of the discussion, chipped in.


    Axel and Jabi leaned in¡­¡±Who?¡±


    **  Lian¡¯s POV


    I¡¯m here trying to figure out things and these fucked up assholes are making a hell of a noise?


    I stood up angrily and banged the table, which got their attention. ¡°Everyone get out this instant!¡± I yelled and they all scurried out in a second, leaving I, Shane and Marlin alone in the ssroom. Why are we even here?


    ¡°What are we gonna do Lian?¡± Marlin asked. ¡°Yes Lian, we all know the red stone mustn¡¯t stay out of the pack for more than three days.¡± Shane added.


    That was true, I need to find that stone, it needs to be back in it¡¯s ce.


    I rubbed my temple gently. ¡°The red stone is at the peak of a mountain which is 100 miles away in the pack¡¯s forest. Definitely a fellow stole it.¡± I said and they reasoned for a while.


    ¡°I totally agree. No human in his right sense will travel miles in that thick forest.¡± Shane said. That¡¯s true, there are lots of wild animals in the forest of Hez, that could seat up people in a minute.


    ¡°We can never tell. It might be a human that actually took it ¡± Marlin  chipped in. He was so calm and cool.


    ¡°So what to do?¡± Shane asked.


    ¡°Put up a search.¡± I heard a voice say.


    We looked up at once, to see Mia and her friends walking into the ss.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, going straight to the point. Mia leaned on a desk opposite me and my Betas.


    ¡°It¡¯s very simple. First, put up a search on day students, since there is a high probability that a day student stole it. No boarder in his right sense will steal the sacred stone and hid it in the hostel.


    If not found still, the go ahead and search the hostel.¡±


    She spoke like a pro! ¡°Wow, great idea Mia.¡± Shaneplimented. ¡°Yeah quite smart.¡± Marlin added.


    ¡°Are you guys joining the search party?¡± Shane asked and Jabi nodded. ¡°Of course, you can¡¯t bring in any of the pack members ¡¯cause we don¡¯t even know who it is with.¡± She exined.


    ¡°You¡¯re also part of the pack.¡± Shane pointed out.


    I sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s go on with the n. When does the next lesson start?¡± He asked.


    Axel nced at his watch quickly and replied. ¡°In the next 30 minutes.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be starting the search today, you got no problem missing sses?¡± Lian asked again. I wasn¡¯t going to force them.


    They all shook their heads consecutively. ¡°Good! Now y¡¯all should go to ss and clear up your things. Then you should wait in the parking lot, Marlin will pick you up. Don¡¯t forget to hold your tongues well.¡±


    ¡°Hold our tongues well? How?¡± Jabi asked.


    ¡°Common Bud, you see the reasons why you shouldn¡¯t miss English and Literature sses?.¡± Axel said.


    She sneered at him.


    I nced at my wristwatch. ¡°3 minutes is gone.¡± I announced and the three buddies left.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should trust those three.¡± Shane said with all seriousness. ¡°No worries, I¡¯ll probably take out a search on them too.¡± I replied.


    ***


    This is like 198th house we¡¯ll be searching. We got all the students¡¯ residences thanks to the students¡¯ files.


    Gosh.. I¡¯m really exhausted but my wolf isn¡¯t. He is pestering me to find the red stone as soon as possible. Of course, everyone knows the implications if the stone is not returned to it¡¯s ce.


    I hung my head low in frustration as I ced my hand on my forehead. I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Mia. ¡°Hey.¡± I greeted, bluntly.


    ¡°Hi, you¡¯re frustrated huh?¡± She stood in front of me with her hands folded and I stared at her. She sighed and pulled me into a hug.


    ¡°I understand¡­. we¡¯re gonna find it okay? Take off that weary look please¡­¡± She said.


    ¡°Uhmm.. it¡¯s not here.¡± We heard Marlin say as they all walked down the stairs and we disengaged the hug.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time to move the search to the school hostel.¡± Jabi said.


    I glimpsed at my watch, it was few minutes to 7pm. ¡°We¡¯ll get on that tomorrow, it¡¯s gettingte. You guys should go home now, Marlin will drop you off.¡± I said.


    ¡°The thing is.. we gat some things to pick up at school. And you can just drop us at school, my car is probably waiting patiently for me at the lot.¡± Axel chipped in. ¡°That¡¯s no problem.¡± I said and turned to Marlin. *You can take them right?* I asked through mind link. *Sure.*


    He replied and as we were about to go out, we heard a car driving into thepound. Everyone gasped almost at once.


    ¡°Is it what I¡¯m thinking guys?¡± Mia was the first to talk. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­.¡± Jabi¡¯s voice trailed off as they soon heard footsteps. ¡°We¡¯re so fucking dead right now.¡± Axel said.


    Wtf! ¡°Everyone gather up now!¡±

 Chapter 4

    ¡°Everyone gather up now!¡± Lian ordered strictly and they all formed a circle, holding their hands. Then Lian muttered some indistinct words and BOOM! They found themselves outside, where their cars were parked.


    It dawned on them that they actually teleported, due to Lian¡¯s ability.


    ¡°Wow! That was cool.¡± Axel said, he was really amazed. ¡°Howe I don¡¯t know about this power?¡± Mia questioned. ¡°We need to know.¡± Marlin also said with an intense re. ¡°Same here.¡± Jabi and Shane said at the same time and now, a number of eyes were fixed on Julian.


    ¡°Y¡¯all should take a chill pill, I discovered this ability months ago and.. it works on it¡¯s own will.¡± Lian exined. ¡°Wait, why am I even exining this to you? I just saved your asses and I don¡¯t even get a ¡®Thank you¡¯?¡± Lian queried with a straight face.


    ¡°Well, you got no choice than to save us, you¡¯re our Alpha remember?¡± Mia teased and Lian snorted.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve just left you all in there so that you¡¯ll get arrested.¡± He mumbled. ¡°What did you say?¡± Mia asked with a fake angry look. ¡°Yeah.. what did you just say?¡± Shane attacked too.


    ¡°What now? You wanna beat me up?¡± Lian asked. ¡°More like it¡­¡± Axel affirmed. ¡°Guys are you ready?¡± Jabi shouted and on the count of three, Lian was being chased by 5 crazy pack members, including in Betas.


    *


    After Marlin¡¯s car, which conveyed Mia, Axel and Jabi, drove out of sight, Lian and Shane got into Julian¡¯s car.


    ¡°Where are we going first?¡± Shane asked. ¡°Axel¡¯s residence.¡± Lian replied and ignited the car.


    *


    *


    *


    ¡°Haven¡¯t I told you not to take candies in the morning? It¡¯s too early for it.¡± Axel nagged as soon as he caught up with Jabi, who was walking alone, on the way to ss.


    ¡°Gosh.. you startled me.¡± She said, looking horrified.


    ¡°Now, give me that.¡± Axel said, requesting for the candy which was stuck in Jabi¡¯s mouth. She scoffed. ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± She said firmly and increased her pace. Axel caught up with her and snatched the candy, which was on her hand now. Then he tossed it inside a nearby waste bin.


    Jabi red at him. ¡°What was that for?¡± She shouted. ¡°Do not go against my words next time.¡± He said with a serious look on. Jabi rolled her eyes and continued walking. Axel caught up with her again. ¡°So what did your mum say yesterday?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Well, I almost got spanked. I mean, she freaked out like crazy about me getting homete and all.¡± Axel hummed and she turned to him, making him stop in his tracks and staring at her.


    ¡°What about you.¡± She asked and continued walking. Axel shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not like they care about what time o get home of leave. They aren¡¯t even home at the moment.¡± He replied nonchntly.


    It was nothing new or stunning. They always didn¡¯t have time for him, so before leaving home, they¡¯d just drop stashes of money or transfer money into his ount, to live his life to the fullest.


    Jabi stopped for a minute, she could feel his pain but decided to cut it off.


    ¡°You trashed my candy, how will you make up for it?¡± She asked out of the blue. ¡°Make up for what? I was simply trying to help your teeth not to decay.¡± He said in defence and she red at him.


    ¡°Make up for it or don¡¯t talk to me for the day.¡± She said.


    ¡°What! What do you want? Coffee? Yoghurt? Mention it.¡± He said in a rush. Jabi smiled inwardly and cleared her throat. ¡°Coffee please.. with lots of sugar.¡± She said.


    ¡°Wait here for me.¡± He said and ran off, to the school¡¯s coffee shop.


    Jabi smiled as he watched him run but her smile didn¡¯tst long  as a passerby hit her shoulder with his.


    She turned back and dragged the guy by his shirt. ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± He queried. ¡°I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t deny the fact that you hit me with that stupid shoulder of yours.¡± Jabi retorted.


    ¡°And what if I did?¡± The guy arched his brow and he wriggled himself out of her hold.


    ¡°Then I guess you weren¡¯t thought manners, maybe you should get a teacher.¡± Jabi said with sarcasm and the guy¡¯s blood started to boil. ¡°Are you insulting my mum?¡±


    ¡°I see you are so daft. Where was ¡®your mum¡¯ mentioned in all I¡¯ve been saying? Jeez¡­ so dumb!¡± Jabi said and hissed. Suddenly, the guy raised his hand to hit her but his hand was caught up in the air.


    Jabi turned back, to see Axel, holding up the no-mannered dude¡¯s hand in the air while the other hand held a cup of coffee. Axel had this killing look on his face and Jabi was scared he would lose control.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The no-mannered asked as he got loose from Axel¡¯s grip.


    ¡°I should be asked that and why you want to hit her.¡± Axel replied more calmly.


    ¡°Oh.. so this good-for-nothing wench is your girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ And this good-for-nothing can kill you right now with no one¡¯s permission.¡± Axel said in a very cold voice.


    The guy was about to speak when he heard his name called by someone.


    ¡°Ryan!!¡± The guy turned back and smiled at the pretty girl who called him. He motioned to her that he wasing and he turned to Axel and Jabi, to shoot a re.


    ¡°Till whenever.¡± He said threateningly and left.


    ¡°That son of a whore!¡± Jabi swore.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you almost got beaten up during the few minutes I was away.¡± Axel said and she red at him.


    ¡°That asshole started it.¡± She said in defence and he chipped in. ¡°Yeah yeah yeah¡­ they are always the first to start and then I¡¯m the one to end it.¡± He said humorously and she frowned her face.


    ¡°Do not think of yourself as an Hercules yet, you only held in his hand in the air.¡± Jabi mocked back and started walking away and he trailed behind. ¡°Yeah, I should¡¯ve just let him hit you.¡± He rolled his eyes.


    She didn¡¯t reply. ¡°By the way¡­¡± She stopped in her tracks and turned to him, with her hands folded.


    ¡°That twat¡¯s name is Ryan right? I hate his guts, add him to my cklist.¡± She said and turned to continue walking.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Have you seen the Alpha today?¡± Jabi asked.


    ¡°Not at all, I haven¡¯t even set my eyes on Mia, maybe they aren¡¯t in school yet.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Just then, Alexander walked up to Jabi.


    ¡°Hey.¡± He called. ¡°Oh hi.¡± She replied, smiling.


    ¡°You left school early yesterday, why?¡±


    ¡°Actually nothing.. I just felt.. sick and decided to go home.¡± She lied.


    ¡°How are you feeling now?¡± ¡°Fine.. I guess.¡±


    ¡°Okay do you mind if we walk to ssroom together?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± She replied excitedly, even though she tried to hide it. She ignored Axelpletely and unknown to her, he was really hurt.


    Alex stopped suddenly. ¡°I want to get something from there, wait here.¡± He said and ran off. Then he came back with two sticks of candies and handed one over to her. As she collected it, Axel¡¯s words resounded in her head.


    *IT IS TOO EARLY TO TAKE CANDIES. I¡¯M SIMPLY HELPING YPUR TEETH NOT TO DECAY.*


    She, however ignored his words and started kicking her candy. She looked back briefly but there was no trace of Axel.


    ¡®Where did he go huh?¡¯ Her face turned to a frown and Alex didn¡¯t fail to notice. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, I¡¯m.. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ***


    Julian¡¯s POV


    ¡°How many rooms do we have left?¡± I asked my betas.


    ¡°About 10 more rooms.¡± Shane replied me and hurried into one of the hostel rooms.


    We were in the students¡¯ boarders, the hostel to be precise and we¡¯ve been there since 6:30am. That was the time all the boarders moved to the main school.


    I walked into another room with the hope of finding the red stone there. I wasn¡¯t sure if what to do next if i don¡¯t find the stone in the pack.


    It¡¯d be so difficult to get if it is outside the pack.


    I searched the room thoroughly and as I moved to the next room, the feeling that the jewel was near overwhelmed me.


    I walked further into the room and searched the first wardrobe, the second and then the third. I opened it and poured out everything that was in there. Lo and behold, the stone was lying right there, with it¡¯s glitters lighting up the wardrobe.


    ¡°Shane! Marlin!¡± I called out in mind link and they came running.


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± Shane eximed as soon as he saw the diamond shaped and red-coloured stone.


    ¡°Fins out this room¡¯s upiers, we need to talk.¡± I said and walked our with the stone. I didn¡¯t go to school, instead I set to travel into the thick forest, Hez.

 Chapter 5

    Author¡¯s POV


    ¡°So you returned the stone to its ce?¡± Marlin asked and Lian nodded. ¡°And?¡± Shane cut in, demanding for more information.


    ¡°I met Amereta.¡± Lian said and their mouths dropped open. ¡°You mean.. you met the spirit of the red stone?¡± Marlin asked to be sure that he wasn¡¯t talking about any other Amereta.


    Lian sighed and rxed in the soft andfy cushion he was sitting on. They were in their private lounge which was also located in the school. Actually, the three guys had graduated years ago from the school and instead of moving on to college, Lian decided to stay and watch over the pack -his pack.


    Shane and Marlin, being his betas also staged with him. Apart from that, they were all friends of the same age, which strengthened their bond.


    ¡°Yeah..¡± He replied simply.


    ¡°Whoa, I wish I had gone with you.¡± Shane said. ¡°Go with him so that you can ask her out?¡± Marlin said in mockery and Lianughed.


    ¡°He was definitely going to ask to be his fuckmate.¡¯ Lian added.


    ¡°What? Am I being mocked right now? It¡¯s not my fault that I got the urge to taste all of them.¡± Shane said in defence.


    ¡°Yeah, so it¡¯s our fault that your member almost got-¡± Marlin wasn¡¯t able to finish as Shane jumped on him and covered his mouth. ¡°Stop!¡± He cautioned.


    ¡°What? What happened?¡± Lian asked, showing interest and sat up. Marlin struggled to get Shane¡¯s hand off his mouth. ¡®He was receiving a hot blowjob when the girl started convulsing suddenly. ¡± Marlin said and Lian started to snigger.


    Marlin also joined inughing and it turned from a funnyugh to that¡¯s of mockery.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry bro but that was really funny, so what did you do?¡± Lian asked, trying to control the guffaw.


    ¡°Well, I kicked her off and warned her never to near me.¡± Shane replied, looking away.


    ¡°I said to be careful with these bitches, why not just stick to one?¡± Lian said as he stood up and walked towards the liquor shelf that was at the other side if the main room.


    ¡°You don¡¯t expect me to keep a girl for months, I can¡¯t do that. I get bored easily you know.¡±


    Lian brought out an alcoholic wine and poured into a ss.


    ¡°So what did Amereta say¡± Marlin asked. Lian took a sip. She said some words in Greek and I didn¡¯t quite understand what she said.


    *


    ¡°Hey wait.¡± Alexander shouted as he sprinted towards Axel and Jabi. Jabi stopped and waited till he got to her.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Jabi beamed.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ I¡¯m cool. Do you why Mia isn¡¯t in school today?¡± He asked worriedly.


    ¡°Actually, she called earlier to tell us that she wasn¡¯t really feeling well.¡± She exined. ¡°Oh, can you extend my greetings to her?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You can as well follow us we are heading to her house right now.¡± Jabi said and Axel frowned


    ¡°What was that? You and I know that Mia doesn¡¯t allow strangers into her house.¡± He said. He didn¡¯t even mind Alex¡¯s presence.


    ¡°So what? He us clearly worried about her and wants to see her. I don¡¯t see a big deal in that.¡± She retorted and he red at her. Then she rubbed bus arm gently. He sighed. ¡°Fine.¡±


    **


    Mia got off the bed when she heard the sound of Lian¡¯s car. She rushed out of the room excitedly like a kid who was expecting candies.


    As she walked down the stairs, she suddenly stopped in her steps the moment she set her eyes on Rosie.


    That bitch! What was she doing there?


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Mia asked with a re. Rosie smirked. ¡°In my boyfriend¡¯s house?¡±


    ¡°Boyfriend?¡± Mia scoffed. ¡°Look here, I¡¯m sure you have a house so take a turn respectfully, and walk out.¡±


    Rosieughed sarcastically, dropped her bag on the couch, sat down and crossed her legs.


    ¡°I believe I have some rights in Lian¡¯s house.¡± She said with pride.


    Lian entered and Mia turned to him. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this Lian? Bringing a stranger into our house?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not a stranger Mia, she wanted to-¡±


    ¡°Then what is she?¡± Mia cut in abruptly. ¡°Calm down sis.¡± Lian cooed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not anywhere near calming down. And you Rosie, you can have the floor level to yourself but¡­ do not bring those stinking legs of yours to this second floor.¡± Mia warned before ascending back.


    ¡°And what if I step on the second floor?¡± Rosie said daringly and stood up.


    As she was about to stop on the first stairway, Lian said, ¡°I¡¯m sure you heard her. Retreat.¡± His tone was kinda harsh.


    He hated the fact that he got his sister angry.


    ¡°Like seriously Lian, you¡¯re siding her? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be on my side?¡± She asked.


    Lian sighed. ¡°You know what? Just leave.¡±


    ¡°I was going to.¡± She hissed and picked up her back, so she left.


    As he walked up the stairway, he heard voices from behind. Turning back, he saw Jabi, Axel and an unfamiliar person.


    ¡°Alpha Lian.¡± Jabi called, as greeting. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re here for Mia? She¡¯s in her room.¡± He replied


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Jabi and Axel rushed up immediately, leaving Alexander.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Uhm.. hi.¡± Alexander greeted. Lian essed him from head to toe before replying simply. ¡°Hi.¡± And he walked to his room.


    Alexander felt so bored ad he sat on the couch, staring at nothing.


    He could¡¯ve put on the television but he didn¡¯t. It¡¯s a very bad habit to do things without permission in people¡¯s homes. When he couldn¡¯t bear it anymore, he got up and started roaming the spacious and luxurious living room.


    He walked towards the pictures and art frames hung on the wall.


    The first frame he saw and admired was a ck and big art frame, showing a coloured drawing of a ck woman, with her baby strapped to her back and a bowl of fruits on her head. The next one was a framed painting of a wolf, and many others.


    He then diverted his eyes to the other frames. There was one wide framed family picture consisting of Hamil Torres, Zoe Torres, Julian and Mia.


    He stood there, with his hands in his pockets. Different thoughts were running through his mind and he didn¡¯t take his eyes off the frame for some good minutes.


    Julian stood by the railings and watched Alexander from the second floor. He could only see his back side though.


    But something seemed weird. Lian thought Alexander was unfamiliar but seeing his back side then, he looked a bit familiar but he wasn¡¯t sure where he had seen him.


    He tried looking into his memory but ended up being hit by an headache. Giving him ast look, he walked to his room.


    ***


    Lian was seated on hisptop. Heaven knows what he was doing on it. Suddenly there was lightening and a deafening thunder struck. It was pouring heavily that night.


    He diverted his eyes away from hisputer and a faint voice suddenly reached his ears


    ¡°Lian.. Lian.¡± The voice was so shaky and Lian stood up at once.


    ¡°Mia!¡±

 Chapter 6

    Julian sprinted to Mia¡¯s room and opened the door wide. Mia wasn¡¯t in bed. He looked around and found her curled up on the door, in a corner of the room. She was trembling, her hair was messy and her hands were covering her ears, trying so hard not to hear anything.


    Her face looked pale. She looked up and saw Lian where he stood, watching her in pain.


    ¡°Lian.¡± She called slowly and stood up, then ran to him. Lian was ready to receive her. She hugged him tightly and buried her face in his chest.


    ¡°Lian.¡± She called and started crying. ¡°Ssh¡­ it¡¯s okay baby, it¡¯s alright, I¡¯m here now.¡± He soothed and stroked her hair gently.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    In few minutes, she dozed off on her feet. Then he carried her in a bridal way and ced her on the bed gently and tucked her body well under the duvet.


    He looked around the room. The floor was really messy, she must¡¯ve lost total control over her phobia. As he was about to get off the bed and arrange the room, he felt a soft and warm touch. ¡°Please don¡¯t go.¡± Mia sleep-talked. Lian removed her hold on him and held her hand. ¡°I¡¯m going nowhere okay?¡±


    You don¡¯t expect him to get a reply anyways. He got into the bed with her and watched her closely. She started some weird and slight movements. ¡®Does she have trouble sleeping?¡¯ He thought of a luby and decided to sing ¡®Lovely by Billie Eilish¡¯


    ¡®Thought I found a way


    Thought I found a way out


    But you never go away


    So I guess I gotta stay now¡­¡¯


    He continued singing and before he knew it, she was already snoring(gently though). She looked more peaceful. Lian kissed her forehead before drifting to sleep also.


    ***


    The rays of the sunlight shone brightly in the room through the partly curtained window. Mia opened her eyes to see a pretty and wless face. She smiled as she admired him.


    He looked so peaceful, like he had always been. She was so close to him that her heart was elerating. She didn¡¯t know why. She and Lian had slept together numerous times and on no asion did she feel that way. She found herself smiling sheepishly, as she got amazed at the perfectness of his facial features. Thick darkshes, pinkish colored tiny lips, white, spotless skin.


    He made some slightly movements and she closed her eyes immediately, pretending to be asleep. The sun shone directly into his eyes and he groaned and tilted his face away from the sum¡¯s direction.


    He was still and stared at Mia¡¯s face for a while. Stray strands of hair fell on her face and he put it back to it¡¯s ce gently. As he touched her, Mia¡¯s body started heating up.


    It was so strange and weird. She herself didn¡¯t understand the reaction. Lian smiled, he could sense that she was not sleeping. He nced at the table clock, before getting off the bed and then out of the room.


    As soon as she heard the door m, Mia opened her eyes immediately and sat up. She ced her hand on her chest, trying to feel the beat rate. ¡°Hey, calm down.¡± She cautioned but her heartbeat didn¡¯te down to the normal rate.


    Her hands moved to her cheeks and it was so hot. She didn¡¯t seem to understand herself anymore. Could it be fever?


    ***


    ¡°Lian, here are the students¡¯ files.¡± Shane said as he handed over some thick files to him. Lian went through the three files quickly. He was a fast reader. ¡°Asher Swift, n Green, Ryan Lopez.¡± He mumbled as he stared at their profiles.


    ¡°Should I contact the disciplinarymittee?¡± Shane asked. ¡°Not yet, I want to see them first.¡± Julian said. ¡°Why?¡± Marlin arched a brow.


    ¡°Nothing serious¡­¡±


    Julian¡¯s POV


    My gaze was fixed on the three guys- Asher, n and¡­ Ryan. They were on their knees with their heads hung low.


    ¡°Why did you do it?¡± I asked. They all looked up to me and the guy in middle opened his mouth to talk, then he closed it again.


    ¡°I hate repeating myself, or should I just hand over you assholes to Amereta?¡± Lian yelled and they all shook. Their Alpha wasn¡¯t the type to go hard on the pack members but they could tell at that minute that he was getting furious.


    ¡°No! Please Alpha, do not hand us over to the goddess.¡± The middle guy said, pleadingly. ¡°Then I give you 5 seconds to answer my question. Why-did-you-steal-the-red-stone? One!¡± Lian said.


    ¡°Two!¡± He continued, a d he counted the seconds, the guy trembled in fear and started hitting each other with their arms


    ¡°You talk!¡± They said to one another impatiently. Lian smirked. ¡°They must take me for a joke.¡± He mumbled. ¡°Four!¡± He counted.


    ¡°Oh uh? I.. I¡­ Alpha I think.. you skipped three.¡± The guy called n said. Lian chuckled. ¡°You still have time to think about that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk.¡± The third guy, who hasn¡¯t said anything yet, broke in, calmly.


    ¡°It all happened during thest sanitation. We were assigned to clean the entrance of the forest. Asher wasn¡¯t feeling so well so n had to apany him back to the hostel. And so I was left alone, thest thing I remember was packing up the cleaning tools.¡± Ryan exined. His gaze was on the floor. He couldn¡¯t look Lian in the eye, it was very disrespectful.


    Lian was really furious, his eyes colour were changing gradually, into a pair of silver. His wolf was fighting to take over, wanting to deal with the bastards in front of him, but he fought it back. ¡°Are you kidding me right now? You¡¯re telling me you don¡¯t remember taking the stone? You really do take me for a joke.¡± Lian scoffed.


    ¡°Lian calm down, I think he¡¯s telling the truth.¡± Marlin cooed through mind link. Lian got the message immediately and calmed down. He sensed it. Ryan wasn¡¯t lying.


    ¡°Get out, this instant!¡± He ordered.

 Chapter 7

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you talked back at the Physics teacher Axel, you¡¯re such an airhead.¡± Mia said.


    ¡°Just needed to put him in his ce, he was making advances at Jabi.¡± Axel replied.


    They were on their way to the school library. Jabi kept mute all along.. only skies knows what was going on on her mind. Suddenly, Mia felt a force push her, making her stumble. She didn¡¯t fall though, but the books in her hands fell to the floor. ¡°What was that?¡± Mia fired before turning back to look at the doer.


    The only person who could do that was Sandra, but she saw Alexander, instead. She was kinda surprised. ¡°Oh.. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± He said and bent down to pick up the books. Mia bent down also and stopped him from picking the books up. ¡°Thank you, I can pack them myself.¡± She said grumpily. They stood up.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Alex, why did you run into her that way?¡± Jabi questioned. ¡°Oh.. I was calling you guys but none of you heard so I decided to run over and then I identally hit her.¡±


    ¡°Why were you calling us?¡± Axel quizzed also. ¡°I¡­ was thinking if I could join your study group.¡± Alexander said and smiled.


    ¡°Oh sure you can-¡± Jabi said but was cut off by Mia. ¡°No! You can¡¯t join our study group. You think you can just walk up to us, request for stuffs, and expect it to be granted? Hell no! A. M. J. are not that nice, copy that.¡± Mia said rudely with so much infuriation before walking away. Axel nced at Alexander also before going after Mia.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about that Xander Alex. I would love to have you in our group but those two rats aren¡¯t in support of it. Majority carries the vote him? See youter.¡± Jabi said gently and smiled before going in the direction her friends took.


    ***


    They were back in ss. ¡°Mia don¡¯t you think you were harsh earlier?¡± Jabi asked. ¡°Me? When? Where? How?¡± Mia asked, pretending as if she knew nothing.


    ¡°Stop being a dumbass. I¡¯m talking about your reaction to Alexander¡¯s request. I mean¡­ I don¡¯t see his request as a big deal.. so why did you cut him off bluntly like that?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to talk about Jabi. I don¡¯t give a damn care in the world.¡± Mia said nonchntly as she flipped a page of the novel she was holding. ¡°You¡¯re getting a can of beer for that baby.¡± Axel smiled and Mia beamed up.


    ¡°Really? Oh my! I¡¯ll be tasting beer again¡­. ugh¡­ after so much months.¡± Mia freaked excitedly. Julian had warned her nor to take alcoholic things as she wasn¡¯t 18 yet. She would obey sometimes, and then defy, once in a pink moon. And now she pink moon¡¯s rotation is done, time to defy again.


    ¡°Maybe I should be hard on him so I can get a carton of beer.¡± She said, teasingly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you just continue with the good work.¡± He said and Mia chortled.


    ¡°You guys are really unbelievable!¡± Jabi said, enraged.


    ¡°Guys Guys Guys!¡± A girl named Annie, suddenly rushed in. She¡¯s  known as the school¡¯s broadcaster and also, she¡¯s the webmaster.


    ¡°What does our reporter have to say now? A girl asked. The ss went silent as Annie prepared to talk. All eyes were on her.


    ¡°Well, I would¡¯ve posted this on the onlinemunity but I wanted my darling ssmates to hear it first.¡±


    ¡°Just spill it already.¡± Axel said impatiently.


    ¡°Okay fine, fine. The person that stole the red stone has been found.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±   ¡°When?¡± ¡°For real?¡± They all started whispering among themselves.


    ¡°What¡¯s the name?.¡± They asked.


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not just one person they are three guys, but before I mention their names, what do I get for this special news?¡± She folded her arms and moved get gaze from one person to another.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop an energy drink.¡± A girl said. ¡°I¡¯ll drop a hundred dors.¡± A guy also said. ¡°I¡¯ll get you a fountain pen.¡± Another person said. It went on and on like that and Annie smiled satisfactorily.


    ¡°Okay fine. The names are, n Green.¡± Everyone gasped. ¡°Asher Swift and..¡± She paused and smiled at the curious faces that stared at her.


    Mia fisted her hands. The name she wished to hear was Alexander¡¯s name. She knew that was selfish but that was what she wanted.


    ¡°Ryan Lopez.¡± Annie finally said and Mia¡¯s shoulders dropped. ¡°What? Ryan?¡± Jabi said on surprise and turned to Axel. ¡°Isn¡¯t he that jerk from the other day.¡± She asked. ¡°I think so.¡±


    ¡°Wow.. I always knew that punk is a good for nothing, so he¡¯s actually a thief? Amazing!¡± Jabi mocked. Mia hit the table with her face repeatedly. She was disappointed, really. Or maybe embarrassed.


    Maybe she shouldn¡¯t have been harsh on Alexander. Truth to be told, the reason why she had been like that was because she had the impression that he stole the stone, but turns out her impression wasn¡¯t a real one.


    **** Mia¡¯s POV


    ¡°Everyone move to the Chemistryboratory.¡± The chemistry teacher said before she walked out. Everyone got up and started packing the needed writing materials, except for a person. Alexander.


    He was sitting therefortably and writing only heaven knows what. Is he not going to attend the practical ss? Anyways, none of my business. People started walking out of the ss in groups.


    I was thinking real hard. Since Alexander was the only one in ss, I thought I should apologize to him but I need an excuse to go back to ss.  ¡°Guys, I forgot something in ss. You go on, I¡¯ll meet you there.¡± I said before I excused myself.


    I ran into the ss and saw that it was empty. Alexander isn¡¯t here anymore and I can¡¯t perceive his scent.


    I was disappointed. On my way out, I bumped into Sandra, or should I say she bumped into me. I walked past but she dragged me back by my cloth.


    ¡°Hey bitch!¡± She said. I red at her before trying to walk away again. ¡°Let go of my Sandra, I don¡¯t have time for you.¡± I said and she chuckled. ¡°Time? I never asked for you time, you weak duckling. Why do you exist huh? Aren¡¯t you tired of being weak?¡±


    ¡°And aren¡¯t you tired of being malevolent?¡± I fired back at her. Seems she wasn¡¯t expecting it. Her countenance changed and her eyes darkened. ¡°You dare yell at me huh?¡± She suddenly pushed me and I went back flying.


    I closed my eyes and waited for my butt tond roughly on the floor. Few seconds passed and I felt nothing. Wait, I actually feel something. An arm wrapped around my waist? I opened my eyes to see Alexander. He was the guy with that strong hold.


    Embarrassed, I got loose of his grip and turned to Sandra, who had a big frown. Guess she has a crush on him. I smirked and decided to infuriate her a little more. I turned to Alexander. ¡°Oh Alex, thanks for saving me. I would¡¯ve gotten injured if it wasn¡¯t for you, thanks so much.¡± I said in a childish, sexy manner and hugged him. Gosh.. it took me so much guts to do that. I know I was being weird but I didn¡¯t mind.


    He didn¡¯t hug me back anyways, maybe he got the message.


    Breaking the hug, i turned to Sandra and winked at her. I could feel that she was about to burst out of anger and I couldn¡¯t stop smiling. She marched away angrily. And I breathe in and out, time to exin why I acted that way.


    ¡°I-¡± I started but Alexander wasn¡¯t there anymore, he left.. I think.


    Was he angry? Ugh¡­ I shouldn¡¯t havee back to ss. I just made a total fool outta myself. But I should really consider acting.. right?


    ***


    ¡°Hey Marlin you¡¯re back.¡± Lian raised his head up from the book that he was reading and said.


    ¡°Yeah.. i-¡± He paused in his tracks. ¡°What¡¯s that noise?¡± He asked curiously. ¡°Oh¡­ Shane¡¯s at work.¡± Lian sneered. Marlin continued walking. ¡°Jeez¡­ does that guy ever learn a lesson?¡± He said wearily. ¡°I guess not.¡± Lian simply replied, driving his attention back to the book he was reading.¡± ¡°What are you reading? Novel?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a fan of novels¡­ well, it¡¯s a magic spell book, I need to learn some things.¡± Lian replied, not removing his gaze from the book. ¡°I see¡­¡± Marlin uncapped a bottle of yogurt and was about to empty the contents into his mouth when the moans of Shane and the bitch he was with, became louder.


    He got infuriated. ¡°I¡¯m going in right now.¡± He announced ith evident anger in his voice. ¡°Liam stopped him.


    ¡°Let him be, he won¡¯t be able to perform in a few weeks anyways.¡± Lian said and Marlin stared confusedly. Then his eyes suddenly widened. ¡°Did you¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I gave him the portion.¡± Lian sighed and rested back.


    ¡°You.. have a meeting with the disciplinary board in few minutes.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±

 Chapter 8

    It was the next day, Mia¡¯s ss settled as soon as the further Maths teacher, Mr. Duncan entered the ss.


    ¡°Everyone put away your notebooks and textbooks, you are having an impromptu test this minute.¡± He announced and everyone gasped, except the overconfident book worms in the ss.


    A girl stood up to protest. ¡°This wasn¡¯t prepared for.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s called IM-PROMP-TU youngdy!¡± Mr Duncan mmed.


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± The student drawled. Mia wasn¡¯t moved, so was Alexander and Axel but Jabi? Don¡¯t even say it.


    The test started and Mr. Duncan coordinated it well, with his rmended sses resting on his nose, his bulgy eyes watching out for examination malpractices and his hands at his back.


    ¡°That is not correct.¡± Mia heard a voice whisper beside her. Who else? Alexander. She turned to look at him and they made eye contact. She diverted her gaze to the equation she was solving and cross checked what she had written.


    Her eyes caught her mistake and she realised she¡¯s been doing jargons after all.


    She wanted to thank him that moment but she couldn¡¯t, Mr Duncan eyes was fixed on her.


    ¡°I need a new sheet sir.¡±


    ***


    Just after Mr. Duncan left the ss, the students heard amotion from the opposite building. The buildings Mia was in, was a 3 storey building and so were the others.


    They all wondered what was happening and looked outside the windows. A girl was standing at the room top of the opposite building, preparing to jump down.


    Many students were on the ground floor, shouting and telling her not to jump while some didn¡¯t care. Ignoring the shouts and wails, the girl jumped down and Mia¡¯s breath got held.


    A guy suddenly ran into the crowd and positioned at the point she would fall. It was Alexander. What does he think he is doing? The girl crashed into his already wide spread arms and they fell to the floor together.


    Alex¡¯s elbow got bruised a little and the girl, who was human got bruised on both the arm and leg. Then Mia started breathing again.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Alexander asked the girl and she looked around confusingly. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Alexander was stunned. Was she pretending of what? Before he could say one more thing, the medical team arrived and the girl wasid in a stretcher and wheeled away.


    Alexander told the remaining ream members not to worry about him and they should go treat her. The students were screaming and shouting. They were all astonished. Mia was, too.


    ** ¡°Wow that was so cool.¡± ¡°He looks hot.¡± ¡°Oh my! I can¡¯t believe he just did that.¡± ¡°He¡¯s really generous.¡± ¡°Aww.. I like him already.¡± **


    Thements went on and on. Alexander stood up and dusted his uniform.


    The crows Suddenly parted, to make way for Alpha Lian, Shane and Marlin. Lian was walking in front while the other two tagged behind.


    ¡°What is the situation?¡± Lian asked no one in particr. A girl stepped out. ¡°She was at the rooftop, preparing to jump. Then she jumped and this guy caught her, she was taken away by the medical team.¡± She exined.


    Liam looked at Alexander from head to toe before diverting his eyes. He let out a sigh of relief. If anything should happen to any of his pack member or the school¡¯s student, it would be on him.


    He made his way to the clinic, to check on the girl.


    Mia¡¯s POV


    I can¡¯t believe he just did that, like wtf! Ordinary human just saved her and those fucking wolverines just stood there and did nothing. Ugh.. I¡¯m also one of them.


    ***


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember anything? Lian asked the girl that sat up on the bed in the sick bay. She shook her head gently and hung her head low. ¡± I only remember the homeroom teacher leaving the ss. It was just like I cked out after that.¡± She said.


    Lian looked at Marlin and Shane, them he turned to the girl. ¡°Get some rest okay?¡±


    ¡°Lian what do you think that was about?¡± Marlin asked. ¡°I¡¯m confused.¡± Lian replied.


    ¡°Could she be lying?¡± Shane asked no one. ¡°She¡¯s not. I¡¯m sure of that.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Alex!¡± Mia called as she ran towards Alexander, who was about to enter his car. Thetter stopped and turned to look at who was calling him. Then he saw Mia, his face remained expressionless.


    ¡°Hey.¡± He greeted. ¡°Hi.. uhm, can you spare me a minute?¡± She asked, she she stared directly into his eyes. He was taken aback. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to.. thank you for what you didn¡¯t earlier.¡± She said.


    ¡°The test? It was nothing.¡± He replied simply. ¡°No I meant thank you for rescuing the girl. My brother would have gone through a lot is she had died.¡±


    ¡°Oh.. why not thank me something else then?¡± He put on a fishy smile. Gosh.. she didn¡¯t realise he was this cute. ¡°Huh? With what?¡± She asked with curious eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch together or something.¡± He said and watched her reaction interestingly. ¡°And why should I eat with you?¡± She folded her arms. ¡°Because I just saved your brother the trouble of losing a student.¡± He replied wittily and smirked a little.


    Mia squeezed her face. ¡°Okay fine.. when and where?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter, gotta go.¡± He smiled and was about to enter his car again when Mia noticed the bruise on his elbow.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked worriedly as she stared at the blood stained elbow. Alex smiled¡­¡±I¡¯m fine.. it¡¯s okay.¡± He said and got into his car, waved at her before zooming off.


    ***


    ¡°Alright dad, I can handle the rest.¡± Lian said before dropping the the call. ¡°What did he say?¡± Marlin asked, Lian sighed. ¡°Exactly what our conclusion was.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s agree now that she was manipted, but by who?¡± Shane asked. ¡°That¡¯s the problem we have here, who could have manipted her? Only few of the pack embers can manipte minds, and they are allowed to use the abilities illegally.¡± Marlin added.


    ¡°Who knows? Humans also have their own ways of manipting people, she¡¯s also human. Let¡¯s not focus our investigation on wolverines only. Marlin, find out the people she moves with and bring any clips of the camera in the ss¡¯s hallway. I must get to the root of this.¡± Lian said.


    ***


    Next day (Afternoon)


    Mia, Jabi and Axel walked away from the ss slowly. Axel was focused on his phone, Jabi was checking out a fashion magazine and Mia was reading one thick novel. No one talked. They were very focused.


    Soon, Mia nced at her wristwatch and turned to the others. ¡°Guys, I¡¯ll beving early today and I won¡¯t be around for the group study.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Jabi asked. ¡°I got ns.¡± She replied inly. ¡°A date?¡± Axel arched his brow and Mia shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s just dunch, with a friend.¡± She replied and ran off immediately, not giving room for any more questions.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Jabi mumbled. ¡°Did she just dump us?¡± Axel thought loudly and Jabi hit him on the arm. ¡°She can¡¯t! Not everyone will be like you jerk!¡± She shouted and he flinched a little.


    ¡°What¡¯s this about? Did I dump you in my past life?¡± He grumbled as he stared at her unbelievably. ¡°See there!¡± Jabi suddenly yelped as she pointed her finger to a direction. Axel turned to look at who it was and he saw Alexander, walking towards a ck Bently, atest model, which was in the parking lot.


    Axel frowned as he watched her watch Alexander sternly till he got into his car and drove off. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you keep making a fuss about that ugly dude..¡± Axel grumbled and started walking away. ¡°What? He¡¯s way prettier than you are!¡± She shouted.


    ¡°Yeah.. anything that makes you sleep at night.¡± He shouted back, got into his car and drove off. She scoffed. ¡°What was that? How dare he leave without me?¡± She yelled thest part frustratedly. Is he seeing someone? A voice said in her head and just when she was about to think of it, a wave of headache hit her, and it left, almost immediately.


    ***


    It was 3:30pm when she got home. She didn¡¯t wait for Lian do she went home by Taxi. She quickly rushed upstairs to tale a quick shower. After then she dressed up.


    Just as she was about to leave the house, Lian walked in. She was kinda shocked and uncalm. ¡°You didn¡¯t wait for me.¡± He said in a slightly angered tone. ¡°Uhmm.. yeah. I has some ns so I wanted toe home early. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°You should¡¯ve let me know, so I  could wrap up things quickly and bring you home.¡± He said again. She gave a cuts puppy expression and he smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.. hm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, where are you going?¡± ¡°I¡­ have an eat-out with a friend.¡± She replied. ¡°Who? Jabi?¡±


    ¡°No.. I¡¯m not telling you.¡± She said and stuck out her tongue. Heughed and walked towards the dining room. ¡°You need me to drop you off?¡±


    ¡°Uh? Uhmm.. No.. I.. I¡¯m fine.. totally fine. You don¡¯t need to.¡± She stuttered. ¡°You seem uncalm.¡± Lian pointed out. ¡°Really? I¡¯m not. I¡¯ll just.. board a taxi. Bye.¡±


    ¡°Be safe.¡±


    *


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t believe you agreed to eat with me.¡± Alex said as he watched Mia eat with so much energy. One would think she was alone on the date as she ate without a care in the world.


    Mostdies tend to eat less and more courteously whenever they are on dates but Mia¡¯s case wasn¡¯t that. She didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°You forced me..¡± She said without sparing a nce.


    ¡°What? I didn¡¯t!¡± Alex objected. She looked up and shot him a re. ¡°Why are you not dating anyways?¡± She asks insincerely. ¡°Who said I wasn¡¯t eating..?¡± He said and picked up his fork and knife, then dug into his dish. ¡°I noticed you don¡¯t like me¡­¡± He said with so much seriousness. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t like you.¡± She replied, still with that nonchnt attitude. Alexander dropped his cutlery and fixed his gaze on her. ¡°What should I do to be your friend?¡±


    There was silence for some seconds, then Mia looked at him, directly into his brown eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything, your behavior will determine if I can be friends with you.¡±


    Alexander smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best ma¡¯am.¡±


    Mia sniggered a little at what he said before drifting back to her te.


    When she was done, she gently wiped her mouth with a serviette. ¡°Alex?¡± She called. ¡°Hm?¡± He replied and looked up.


    ¡°Why¡­ did you save that girl?¡± She asked, with a very weighty look on. ¡°Huh!¡± Alexander eximed. He wasn¡¯t expecting that.


    ¡°Oh..¡± He chortled and dropped his cutlery. ¡°I.. I just¡­ it¡¯s nothing actually. I don¡¯t have a specific reason for that. At that moment, I just felt¡­ motivated to save her. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Mia¡¯s facial look showed that she wasn¡¯t satisfied with the reply¡­ she didn¡¯t protest though.


    A waitress with a loafed tray passed by and missed her step, then she lot bnce and the tray that had a ss of water and an empty te on flew from her over to Alex SNF emptied the contents of the cup on him then the object fell to the floor and broke.


    His outfit became wet immediately but not entirely. As soon as the waitress stood up, she panicked.


    ¡°Oh my God! I¡¯m so sorry sir, I¡¯m really sorry.¡± She said on a different ent. She tried helping him unwet the clothes but he stopped her. ¡°It¡¯s fine, you can leave.¡± He said in a cool and calm voice. He didn¡¯t look mad. Mia was kinda surprised. She didn¡¯t know he was that lovely.


    She grabbed a a napkin fold from the table and walked over to him. He let her wipe his clothes, he didn¡¯t object.


    He rolled his sleeves above his elbows. Mia helped him to wipe cleanly then her eyes caught something really interesting. Wanna know?

 Chapter 9

    She remembered seeing a bruise there the day before but now, it was no longer there!


    It was as clean as fuck! As if the injury hadn¡¯t been there. Mia was stunned! There was only one reason why the injury would heal and disappear quickly. That is if he was a werewolf. But he wasn¡¯t!


    A wave of suspicion hit her immediately and she frowned. ¡°Alex?¡± She called. ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Where is it?¡± She asked, staring sternly at him. ¡°What?¡± He asked innocently. ¡°The bruise.¡± His eyes turned to look at his elbow and the confusion vanished. ¡°Oh.. that? I .. uhmm..¡±


    ¡°You what? What are you?¡± She asked with ferocious eyes as she held his arm tightly, trying hard not to raise her voice as they were in public.


    Alex stared at her seriously and there was tension between them. He suddenly let out sugh. ¡°Hey chill.. it¡¯s not what you think.¡± He tried to calm her down. ¡°Tell me, what is it that I think?¡±


    ¡°Okay calm down, I¡¯ll tell you. A student from school helped me.¡±


    ¡°Our school?¡± Mia furrowed her brows. ¡°Yeah, so let go of me and let me exin.¡±


    Mia agreed to cool down and went over to her seat. He narrated how one of the school pack members with a healing ability approached him and healed the wound.


    ¡°Why the heck did he do that?¡± Mia folded her arms. ¡°Well, he said that was his way of thanking me for saving the girl that attempted suicide.¡± Axel exined and the tension between them disappeared.


    ¡°See? I¡¯ve been receiving a lot of thank you(s)tely.¡± He said proudly and Mia rolled her eyes.


    ***C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Lian?¡± Mia called as she descended thest staircase. Lian looked up from hisptop. Hey,e sit here.¡± He said as he created space on the two-seater divan he was sitting on.


    Miaplied. ¡°How was the date with your friend?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ an imusible date it was¡­¡± She sighed. ¡°Really? What happened?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much. Lian, I have a question.¡± ¡°I¡¯m all ears.¡±


    ¡°Is there any of our pack member with a healing ability?¡± She asked as she stared at his side face keenly. He stopped and turned to her, then he turned to theptop again.


    ¡°There is.. just one guy and he is out of twin presently.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Mia blurted out surprisingly. He turned to her. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Uhmm.. nothing. But he is out of town?¡± She asked, finding it hard to believe it. Did Alex lie to her?


    ¡°Yeah.. why do ask though?¡± ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m just working on some case.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What case?¡± He asked and Mia wasn¡¯t sure of what to say. Lian left what he was doing and turned to her again. He held her shoulders.


    ¡°Listen Mia, you don¡¯t have to do anything. If you find out anything, report it to me and I¡¯ll handle it, okay?¡±


    She nodded her head and he smiled, then back to hisptop again. ¡°So how¡¯s the ¡®attempted suicide investigation¡¯ going?¡± She asked.


    Lian sighed. ¡°It¡¯s going well.¡±


    Mia could tell that reply wasn¡¯t sincere. Lian only said that not to make her worry and she understood.


    ¡°Brother¡­¡± Mia called in a low voice and Lian couldn¡¯t help but put aside thatputer again. It was so rare for her to address him by that and whenever she called him that, she used to be more serious that ever.


    She took his hands into hers and stared directly into his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s tough right? I can tell. You don¡¯t need to overwork yourself. If you can¡¯t seem to get it, let me know, I¡¯m your family too. And our family¡¯s in charge of the pack so you don¡¯t gave to bear the cross alone ¡¯cause you¡¯re the alpha, hm?¡±


    She sounded so much like a girlfriend then. Lian didn¡¯t know what to say. He was lost in thoughts. The way her reddish and beautiful lips moved made him crazy inside. He looked away from her and took his hands out of hers.


    ¡°It¡¯ste, go to bed.¡± He said in a strict tone, that wouldn¡¯t give her room to defy. Mia couldn¡¯t pinpoint his sudden reaction but she obeyed him.


    As she stood up, his phone ram and the name ¡®Rosie¡¯ appeared on the screen. Mia frowned and sat down back. ¡°I thought I said to sleep.¡± Lian said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± Mia pouted and wrapped her arm around his.


    ***


    ¡°Hey girly!¡± Mia called out to Jabi, who was walking down the ss hall. Thetter looked back, and waved at Mia. When Mia caught up with her, she wrapped her left arm around Jabi¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Did youe without Axel? I thought you to used toe in his car.¡±


    Jabi nodded. Mia stopped, making Jabi to stop also. ¡°Why?¡± She asked, curiously. ¡°Do I need a reason not toe with him? It¡¯s not like we were bound from heaven.¡± Jabi replied and rolled her eyes. Mia stared intensely, trying to pinpoint something.


    ¡°You two had a fight right? I guess so.¡± She said and they started walking. She stopped again and Jabi was already feeling apoplectic. ¡°What again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m curious, what caused the fight?¡± Mia asked. She wasn¡¯t able to control her curiosity. ¡°I¡¯m confused too, just because Ipared him to Alexander, he didn¡¯t even bother nagging and he just entered his car and drove off without me!¡±


    ¡°Youpared him to Alexander?¡± Mia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°Common Jabi.. that was wrong.¡± Mia said and pitied Axel in her mind. Poor thing.


    ¡°In what way? I was only trying to¨C¡±


    ¡°Do you need a soothsayer to tell you that Axel likes you?¡±


    Mia cut her off and it took her a while to realize what she just said.


    ¡°What?¡± Jabi went dumbstruck immediately. She was shocked to thest pint of blood in her veins. Mia covered her mouth with her hand immediately and tried to rx the situation.


    ¡°Uhmm.. I.. I mean you..¡± She wasn¡¯t sure of what to say. She spilled the milk already.


    *shback*


    ¡°Axel, when are youing? I¡¯m about to leave the house now.¡± Mia said to Axel, who was on the other line.


    ¡°Sorry Mia, I won¡¯t be able toe right away, Jabi called and said she had some issues and I¡¯m heading there right now.¡± He exined apologetically.


    ¡°Issues? I have issues too and I called you first!¡± Mia fumed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry hm? I¡¯ll meet up with you when I¡¯m done with her. Bye.¡± He said and hung the call.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Mia thought.


    *another day*


    ¡°Happy birthday Shine.¡± Everyone chorused and Shine smiled. ¡°Thank you!¡±


    ¡°So now we are here, how should we start the party?¡± Lucas, the ss¡¯s viber asked and people started dropping ideas. Soon, they settled with a game, Truth or Dare.


    The bottle spinner until it pointed at Jabi. ¡°I¡¯ll take this. Truth or dare?¡± Lucas asked and Jabi chose dare.


    ¡°I dare you to kiss Geoffrey.¡± He said and they all whooed. ¡°Do it! Do it!¡± They all cheered, except for Axel. He frowned at the dare.


    ¡°Shut up everyone! What¡¯s the alternative?¡± Jabi asked.


    ¡°Hmm.. pay 5 thousand dors.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jabi eximed. Where should she get 5 thousand dors?


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay.¡± Axel said with all divinity and the others anow expressed surprise. Axel was a new boy and he wants to pay for someone he barely knows? Wow!!


    Within the bat of an eye, he wired the money into Lucas¡¯s ount and the alert was shown to everyone.


    ¡°Are you guys dating?¡± Someone suddenly raised her voice and they all started to murmur.


    ¡°This is weird¡­¡± Mia thought.


    *back to reality*


    ¡°Are you telling me now that all these made to conclude that he likes me? You¡¯re so funny Mia,e off it. I¡¯m sure he did that to help me out that day.¡± Jabi said, not wanting to believe Mia. Even though a part of her wants to believe it¡¯s true, a part wants to believe it¡¯s a lie.


    ¡°Those weren¡¯t the only asions Jabi! There were many other times.¡± Mia tried to convince her.


    ¡°Can we please¡­ not talk about this again?¡± Jabi asked in a low voice. ¡°Please¡­¡±


    Mia looked at her with an undefined expression and sighed. ¡°Okay. It¡¯s time for first period, let¡¯s go.¡±


    *** lunchtime


    Mia wasn¡¯t bothered about settling the fight yet. Maybe she felt happy that Jabi didn¡¯t believe that Axel liked her.


    After getting her lunch in a tray, she eye searched Alexander and walked towards his circle. He was sitting with some girls and guys. Before she even asked to join, Alexander offered her a seat already. Then she put on a facade and ate with them.


    Gradually, everyone left after they finished eating, leaving Mia and Alexander on the table. Mia dropped her cutlery, making a distracting sound.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Did you say one of our pack members healed you?¡± She asked, staring with an interesting face.


    ¡°Yeah.. one kind bro.¡± He replied. ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I didn¡¯t ask him and he tell me also.¡±


    ¡°May I ask what he looks like?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ he¡¯s about 1. 85cm tall, he has a brown curly hair and a puppy looking face. Why do you ask?¡±


    Mia ignored his question and went on her detective-like questions.


    ¡°When and where did you meet him?¡± She stared vehemently. Alex rxed and folded his arms. ¡°I won¡¯t provide an answer to that if you don¡¯t tell me the reason behind this sudden investigation.¡±


    *Just answer the fucking question you liar!* Mia wanted to yell but she restrained herself from doing so. She could attract attentions.


    ¡°You must have done a lot of research on Lincoln.¡± Sheughed. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°How dare you lie to me?¡± Mia questioned, looking fierce. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about¡­¡± Alexander said, looking confused.


    ¡°Oh really? Well I thought it might interest you that, that same person that healed your bruise has been out of town for over a month. So where on earth did you get your own healer?¡±


    Alex understood now and he knew his cover had been blown. ¡°Nothing to say?¡± Mia smirked.


    ¡°Mia I can exin.¡± He said.


    ¡°And I¡¯m not interested in further exnations ¡¯cause  it¡¯s very obvious that they are all lies.¡± She said as she stood up.


    ¡°And¡­ I can¡¯t be friends with a liar like you. That¡¯s on period!¡± She said and walked away.


    Axel¡¯s POV


    I decided not to bother about Jabi ¡¯cause I know she¡¯lle around. I actually faked my anger so as to get her to stop talking about Alexander.


    ¡°Can you please prepare me a cup of smoothie alongside my meal before you leave?¡± I asked Madam Julie, our domestic worker.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ve prepared your meal already so I¡¯ll just go get the smoothie. Is there anything else you want me to do?¡± The young looking woman, who was in herte thirties asked.


    ¡°That will be all, please do put off the lights when you leave.¡± He said and proceeded upstairs. Heid on the bed for a while before taking off his clothes to shower. After setting it to the cold button, he turned on the faucet and the already cold and chilly water started pouring on him.


    He got a hold of his bar soap and he started rubbing it on his body. Soon, his whole muscr and wless body was covered with white foams and as the pouring shower was washing off the soap on his body, he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen and winced.

 Chapter 10

    He rested his hands on the wall, to support his body. Invisible sweats formed on his forehead immediately, not mind the fact that he was in the shower.


    He managed to turn off the faucet and wrapped a white towel around him. The pain became Joe sharper and he held on to the white washing basin. His eyes soon turned red but he didn¡¯t cry.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    His veins popped out on the head, arms and body. The pain was tormenting than the former ones. He felt really weak; his pain relief pills were in the room but it seems like it would take forever to get there.


    ¡°Madam Julie!¡± He called with gathered up strength but his voice came out in a faint trace.


    Then it Suddenly urred to him that he had brought his phone in with him earlier. He looked around the bathroom and spotted it. He tried hard to get to where the phone was and when he got a hold of the device, the first person he called was Jabi, but she didn¡¯t pick the call. She was still mad at him.


    Taking in a deep and quick breath, he dialed Mia¡¯s number and she wasn¡¯t picking up also. The phone fell off his hand as he slumped.


    ***


    ¡°I heard you created a scene at the cafeteria today.¡± Lian said, leaning on the table in the dining room. ¡®What? Was I too loud¡¯ Mia thought.


    ¡°Well, it was necessary.¡± She replied as she tossed a bottled water at him, which he caught at once. She uncapped the bottled water in her hand and gulped the water down.


    Lian¡¯s gaze was fixed on her for a while. ¡®You skipped lunch, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    *How did he know?*  Truthfully, she had picked on her meal with Alexander earlier. ¡°You didn¡¯t eat after all.¡± Lian sighed.


    ¡°If you keep skipping meals like that, no gifts for you on your 18th birthday.¡± He said, in a threatening tone as he uncapped his bottled water.


    ¡°Are you fucking serious?¡± Mia shouted. Lian didn¡¯t replied as he started consuming the bottled water, cing the mouth between his lush, red lips. As he emptied the bottle, water smeared on his lips, making them look more alluring and tempting to feel, touch and probably kiss.


    Mia totally zoned out as she developed crazy and sexual thoughts about her brother. She didn¡¯t even notice when he stopped drinking.


    Lian wiped his lips with the back of his palm and everything he did made loud sounds to Mia¡¯s ears. The batting of his eye, wiping off water and all.


    ¡°Mia? Mia!¡± Lian called for the umpteenth time and she zoned back in. She lost count of everything, the uncapped bottled water in her hand fell off and the remaining water poured on the floor.


    As she tried to get a hold of the bottle, she stepped on the already slippery tile and slipped. Before Lian could do anything, shended butt on the floor and it went numb.


    He rushed to her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked as he lifted her in a bridal style but she didn¡¯t respond. She was still trying to get a grasp of everything that just happened.


    He ced her on a dining chair gently. ¡°You should be more careful Mia.¡± All she did was stare at him like he wasn¡¯t the same person she had been living with. ¡°Mia are you okay? You look like you just saw a ghost.¡± Lian said worriedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­. fine.¡± She managed to utter.


    ***


    Axel was about to pass out when his phone suddenly rang out loud. Thank goodness, the phone was near him. The caller was Jabi. He picked the call and the first thing he heard was, ¡°Hey airhead, I won¡¯t listen to you if you are going to anger me the more.¡±


    ¡°Jabi..¡± He called in a low tone. ¡°I¡¯m.. I¡¯m in pain. I¡¯m dying.¡± He managed tomunicate, then cked out.


    Jabi sensed something was wrong in his expression. ¡°What do you mean?¡± She didn¡¯t get a response and trepidation overwhelmed her.


    ¡°Axel? Axel? Are you there? Speak up you punk!¡± She yelled and her mum rushed down the stairs.


    ¡°Jabi what¡¯s going on?¡± Lady Fiona asked worriedly.


    ¡°Mum, Axel gave me a call now and.. and.. he said.. he is dying.. what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± She asked with evident fear in her voice.


    ¡°Dying? Something¡¯s wrong with him then! What else did he say?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.. I didn¡¯t hear anymore.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re sitting there? That¡¯s real trouble Jabi.¡± Her mum rmed and Jabi suddenly sprinted towards the center table, picked up her mum¡¯s car key and ran out of the house.


    She tried calling Mia as she drove to his house. ¡°Mia, Axel is dying.¡± She said without even letting thetter speak.


    ¡°What? What are you saying?¡± Mia got confounded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know! He called and said it.¡± Jabi yelled impatiently.


    ¡°Where are you now?


    ¡°On the way to his ce.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call the ambnce and join you soon.¡± Mia said and hung the call.


    *


    Jabi barged into the house, which was dark. Her hand found it¡¯s way to the switch and turned on the lights. She knew the house like the back of her hand.


    ¡°Axel! Axel! Where are you?¡± She kept repeating until she got to the second floor.


    She looked around his room and saw that the bathroom¡¯s door was opened. Without, hesitating, she walked into the bathroom and saw him lying on the floor, looking lifeless.


    She was stunned for some minutes. He was in towel, like half naked with a wet body. She was distracted by his hot and sexy abs not until he started changing into his wolf form.


    He was an average and greyish wolf but he was weak at the moment. ¡°Axel!¡± She screamed when she snapped out of it.


    She ran to him. ¡°Oh no!¡±


    Just then, she heard an ambnce¡¯s siren and she remembered Mia saying she would call the hospital. She gasped.


    mz

 Chapter 11

    ¡°Axel you need to wake up, humans are here. You have to shift to human form right now.¡± She said hurriedly as she stroked his fur. He whimpered and let out a silent growl then shifted back.


    Jabi was relieved but got shocked and her heart skipped three beats. His member was staring at her.


    ¡°Oh goodness!¡± His towel had got loose when he shifted. She flushed, as she was embarrassed but she quickly got the towel wrapped around him again, with her eyes closed though.


    That same minute, Mia, Lian and some men rushed into the toilet. Lian could trace them with their scent so they led the medical team.


    ¡°Axel!¡± Mia shouted as soon as she saw him on the floor, almost lifeless. ¡°You are here.¡± Jabi heaved a sigh of relief.


    A stretcher was brought out and Axel was ced on it, then wheeled out of the house, into the ambnce and then to the hospital.


    Lian stood watched as the ambnce drove away, then he heard a silent cry. He turned to see Jabi sobbing.


    ¡°What could¡¯ve happened to him? I should¡¯ve picked up on the first ring, but I ignored him and now this..¡± She cried and Mia hugged her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, everything will be fine. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be fine.¡± Mia soothed.


    Lian held the two by their shoulders. ¡°You girls should calm down, he¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯m sure of that.¡± He said and they nodded gently.


    ¡°But.. don¡¯t you think it¡¯s risky? He can¡¯t be in care of a human doctor.¡± Mia said, in a witty manner.


    ¡°I¡¯ll put a call through to Doctor in, he is a Wolf, so do not mind that. Get into the car, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ***


    ¡°He has appendix.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Mia and Jabi eximed. ¡°Appendix?¡± Lian asked to do confirm and Doctor in nodded.


    ¡°It has gotten to a chronic stage and as it is now, he need an urgent surgery.¡± He exined. ¡°Chronic? Like.. it isn¡¯t anything minor?¡± Jabi¡¯s voice broke as she questioned.


    ¡°Yeah, he must have been experiencing pain in his abdomen for about two years or so. It would¡¯ve been good if he had the surgery when the condition was still acute. But all the same, he¡¯ll be having the surgery. The fact that he held out for so long is simply because he is a wolf.¡± Doctor in exined.


    ¡°Do you need anything? Why haven¡¯t you started the surgery?¡± Lian asked. ¡°Well we need his parent or guardians to approve the surgery.¡±


    ¡°Just go ahead with it, I¡¯ll sign.¡±


    Lian inclined towards the girls. ¡°You two should take deep breaths, it¡¯s not like he died already.¡±


    They all sat outside the operating room when they suddenly heard noises.


    ¡°Where is my son?¡± Miss Brenda Horsefall, shouted. ¡°Ma¡¯am you need to keep it low, this is an operating centre.¡± A nurse cautioned.


    ¡°How dare you?¡± She fumed and pped the nurse. ¡°Calm down Brenda.¡± Mr Horsefall cautioned.


    ¡°Tell them to tell me where my son is or else I won¡¯t take it anymore easy.¡±


    The Lady nurse tried to calm down. ¡°He is in a surgery so what?!¡± She yelled.


    ¡°What?¡± The couple eximed in simultaneously.


    ¡°And who gave you the authorisation to perform a surgery on him?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± Lian cut in. Mrs Brenda turned to look at him. ¡°Alpha Lian?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I gave them the permission. Do we have to wait for you when he is on the verge of death? You don¡¯t even know about his disease.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The couple furrowed their brows.


    ¡°Your son had been suffering from appendix for over two years. Two good years and you do not know about it, then youe here to make a ruckus?


    Mr and Mes Horsefall, you have every reason to be sued. How about starting with bad parenting? Assault? Harassment? Peace breaking?¡± Lian said as she got really pissed off.


    Mrs Brenda scoffed. ¡°What? Assault?¡±


    ¡°You just pped a nurse.¡± Liam reminded her.


    ¡°We are very sorry Alpha Lian.¡± Mr Horsefall said penitently.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need that. Just pray your son survives it.¡±


    ***


    ¡°The surgery was sessful, and we¡¯ll have to monitor his health for a few days.¡± Doctor in said and everyone let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Oh.. thank Heavens, can we see him now?¡± Mrs Brenda asked. ¡°Sure you can.¡±


    ¡°What about the bills?¡± Mr Horsefall also asked. ¡°Bills? Alpha Lian sorted that already.¡±


    The couple were surprised.


    *A weekter*


    ¡°Babe, you need toe back to school, you¡¯re missing a lot.¡± Mia nagged.


    ¡°If Axel doesn¡¯t wake up, I¡¯m noting back.¡± Jabi replied.


    ¡°For real Jabi? Look, Axel is my friend too so why all these?¡±


    ¡°Mia you don¡¯t understand.¡± ¡°Make me do.¡±


    After a short while, Jabi spoke up. ¡°I want to be here for him. I¡¯ve not been able to do it and now I want to.¡± She said, in a low and sober tone.


    Mia sighed. ¡°I understand.. But¨C¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this.. please. That is what I want and no one can change it.¡±


    ¡°Okay.. but what about your mum?¡±


    ¡°She understands.¡± Jabi replied.


    ¡°Alright fine fine, I¡¯ll let you do whatever you want. But what about me? No one is thinking about me, I¡¯ll be alone.¡± Mia pouted.


    Jabi smiled. ¡°No worries, you have Alexander and Lian.¡±


    ¡°Alexander my left ass.¡± Mia mumbled and Jabi broke into augh.


    ¡°Not funny. Why is it taking long for that dickhead to wake up?¡± Mia said, referring to Axel.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. I owe him beatings when he wakes up anyway.¡± Jabi said irritatedly.


    ***


    Mia¡¯s POV


    *Ughh.. so I guess I¡¯d really be solitaire now.* I thought as I stood in front of my ss. I wonder how life without my friends will be.


    Boring, sad, lousy¡­ Qualify with any negative word. I took a deep breath before stepping into the ss.


    Everyone turned to look at me and I ignored their hole drilling stares, then proceeded to my seat.


    How much I hated to sit there because of that goddamned liar, I couldn¡¯t escape breathing the same air as him by the ways. I kept a straight face as I settled down and thankfully, he didn¡¯t make an attempt to talk to me, which made my day easier.


    ***


    Author¡¯s POV


    ¡°Hey babe.¡± Rosie called as she entered the private lounge. His friends were out so he was the only one there.


    ¡°Hi Rosie, what¡¯s up?¡± Lian asked as he stood up to ept her hug. She pecked him on the cheek before settling down.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been picking my calls, so I was worried.¡± She sulked. ¡°I¡¯ve been so busy. I was going to meet you up.¡± Lian replied.


    ¡°Okay. I would¡¯vee to your house if not for that brat you call a sister.¡± She said, looking away.


    ¡°Rosie seriously? Why is it that you two don¡¯t just get along?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the problem here Lian, she is. She doesn¡¯t want me around you. She doesn¡¯t like me and it saddens me.¡± Rosie said and started sobbing. ¡°And to think that you are even on her side..¡± She continued.


    Lian knew it was weird for her to be like that, but he thought¡­ maybe she had changed within those few weeks he had been away from her.


    He held her hands. ¡°Rosie calm down, You are my girlfriend and she is my sister, I still don¡¯t see how that should be an issue.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you get it? That girl is obsessed with you, she doesn¡¯t want any girl around you.¡± Rosie said spitefully.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Lian¡¯s tone changed. He was kinda astonished. *Why will Mia be obsessed with him?*


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t see it that way. I believe she¡¯s just scared of losing her brother to anyone.¡± Lian defended.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m lying? I¡¯m tired of you Lian, you¡¯re already supporting her. You¡¯ve never for once supported or defended me. If you¡¯ll continue being like this, then let¡¯s break up.¡±


    Rosie said it in a way that made her the victim. And unusually, Lian felt for her.


    ¡°It has not gotten up to that Rosie, I¡¯ll sort everything out, don¡¯t worry.¡± Lian assured her and she smiled sheepishly. Turning away from him, the smile turned to that of a sly one.


    ¡°How about we¡­.¡± Lian¡¯s voice trailed away.


    *


    It was short break and Mia had to use the restroom. After excreting the liquid, she moved out to the toilet hall to wash her hands.


    Turning on the faucet, she ced her beneath it and washed her hands thoroughly. Just then, she heard footsteps. She looked into the mirror and saw Rosie and two others standing behind her.


    She turned off the faucet immediately and turned to leave. She knew they were there for her, but she wanted to pretend like she wasn¡¯t their business.


    Rosie pushed her back with full force and Mia fell roughly to the floor.


    Then she bent down to Mia¡¯s level. ¡°Hey wench! Just wanted to inform you beforehand that¡­ You¡¯d be having a visitor today. So you had better behave well. See you!¡± Rosie said with that cunning smile and walked away.


    *


    Just before closing, Mia got a text message from Lian, saying *I got some business to take care of so go home ahead. See youter*


    She packed everything she needed from her locker and headed to ss. When it was closing, everyone in the school left and she was the only one remaining.


    For once, she found the air in the ss refreshing.. Being alone. She thought of Jabi and Axel as she was studying, but she was quick to let go of the thoughts. She had to focus. Exams woulde knocking soon and she needed to top her grades, like she usually do.


    After studying half of an history textbook, she removed the big round shaped reading sses she had on and let out a deep breath.


    *that¡¯s enough for today¡­* she thought and started packing her bag.


    She heard some faint giggles and looked outside the window. She froze for a while as she watched her brother and Rosie getting into his car.


    *was this the business he had to take care of? When did he start driving her?*


    She was carried away in her thoughts that she didn¡¯t realize they were already moving. ¡°Hey! Lian!¡± She shouted but unfortunately, he didn¡¯t hear.


    Apart from the fact that his car was whined up, she was up in a ce where she can¡¯t be easily heard.


    An expression of disappointment showed on her face as she continued packing her books. When she was done, she left the premises to board a cab.


    Then she realised she didn¡¯t have much on her. She had never taken a bus before and so the only way out was for her to trek home.


    Just then, a car came along and parked right in front of her. It was Alexander. She looked away and continued walking as if she didn¡¯t know he was there for her.


    He got off his car and ran after her. ¡°Mia wait up.¡± He finally caught up with her and held her hand to stop her.


    ¡°I¡­ let me drive you home.¡± He offered. She yanked her hand away. ¡°No thanks.¡± She said and continued walking. He stopped her again. ¡°You can¡¯t get a cab here and all of our school mates have left. Let me drive you please.¡± He begged.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay with trekking home.. you don¡¯t even know my house.¡±


    ¡°You can just give me directions.¡± He said.


    ¡°Look, i know you are still mad at me but you haven¡¯t even given me a chance to exin myself and apologize.¡±


    ¡°If you are bent on driving me home because of that, just know that I¡¯ve forgotten about it so leave me the heck alone!¡± She said.


    ¡°No.. not at all. It¡¯s not because of that.¡±


    ¡°Then why?¡± Mia folded her arms. ¡°Well¡­¡± Alexander began to search for an answer but none came. ¡°I just want to! Why won¡¯t you let me? Follow me Mia, follow me¡­ please..¡± He pouted.


    ¡°Alright alright, fine.. let¡¯s go.¡± Mia surrendered.


    ¡­


    ¡°Wow, I never knew you were this kind, you forgave me already.¡± Alexander said.


    ¡°Who said I did?¡± Mia asked. ¡°What? You said earlier that¡­¡±


    ¡°Forget it. I just said that to let you off me.¡± Mia said, looking outside the window.


    He sighed. ¡°Okay.. I¡¯m¨C¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. Let¡¯s not talk about this.¡± She said, in a really serious tone and he agreed.


    ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t that the guy from our school?¡± Mia said startlingly.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah.. the one who stole the jewel. I heard the three guys got an indefinite suspension.¡± Alexander said.


    ¡°What?¡± Mia was surprised, she didn¡¯t hear about it. Right¡­ her friends were are gisters but they aren¡¯t here and¡­ Liam, never mentioned it to her.


    Her countenance changed as she was reminded of what she saw earlier.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Alexander asked. He was able to notice quickly the change of mood.


    ¡°Hm.¡± She replied.


    ¡­.


    ¡°We are here.¡± Alexander announced as he pulled in front of Mia¡¯s house.


    She turned to him to say something but then he stopped her by putting up his hand. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, this is nothing.¡± He said, smiling.


    She frowned her face. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to thank you, you forced me.¡±


    ¡°Wait don¡¯t you think you¡¯re painting me bad here? Thest time too, you said I forced you to brunch when I didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± Mia grumbled as she got off. She then proceeded into the house.


    She met Lian in the living room. ¡°Hey I thought I told you toe first.¡± He said worriedly.


    ¡°Yeah.. I.. had some things to do also.¡± She replied nervously.


    ¡°Okay.. are you alright?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m¨C¡±


    ¡°Lian would you like a drink too?¡± Rosie asked,ing out of the kitchen.


    Mia frowned immediately.*so they came here?*


    ¡°Lian what¡¯s going on here?¡± Mia asked, she was already getting enraged.


    ¡°Mia calm down, she is here because she wants to apologize for everything bad she has done to you, as she wants you two to get along.¡± Lian exined.


    Mia scoffed. ¡°Apologize? Get along? Well, I¡¯m doing just fine. I¡¯m not ready to listen to any apology, neither do I want to get along.¡± Mia stated firmly and made attempt to walk away.


    He blocked her away. ¡°Mia why are you being so difficult?¡± He questioned frustratedly.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She is sorry and wants to make things right, being like this makes you petty and¨C¡±


    ¡°Petty?¡± Mia cut in. ¡°Petty¡­ you say? Well, I don¡¯t mind being petty about this issue. And she¡¯s sorry?¡± Mia nced at Rosie, who looked happy about what was going on. ¡°Sorry my foot.¡± Mia concluded and started ascending the stairs.


    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Lianmanded in a tone that he hasn¡¯t used on her in years.

 Chapter 12

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Lianmanded in a tone that he hasn¡¯t used on her in years.


    Mia couldn¡¯t help but freeze on that spot. She couldn¡¯t go against thatmand.


    ¡°Come back here.¡± He said again and slowly, Mia climbed down back.


    ¡°You must ept her apology and get things right!¡± He said again. He signaled at Rosie to apologize and thetter got it.


    ¡°I¡¯m just sorry for all I¡¯ve done to you. I feel bad now that I look back on them, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Rosie said in a broken tone and a tone that sounded sincere.


    Mia knew she was just putting on a fa?ade and it angered her the more. *How can a person pretend like this?*


    Rosie stretched her hand forward.¡±I hope we¡¯ll get along well in the future.¡±


    Mia ignored the handshake and turned to Lian. ¡°Happy now?¡±


    She didn¡¯t wait for a response and she walked back up. Her heart was really heavy, and she needed to unload it.


    Getting into her room, she broke down and cried hard. The pain became much as she tried hard not to make it obvious that she was crying so she had to cry mildly. Lian just made a fool out of her. He forced her to do what she didn¡¯t want to¡­ and for the first time, he wasn¡¯t on her side. He supported that evil witch instead!


    Maybe she shouldn¡¯t have expected too much from him¡­


    ***


    Mia woke up very early the next morning and prepared for school.


    She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a potion that masks one¡¯s scent.


    After drinking some of it, she left the house, boarded a cab and headed to the hospital.


    ¡°Hey girly, why are you here so early?¡± Jabi asked.


    ¡°Is that a crime?¡±


    ¡°Well.. it¡¯s odd, for someone who doesn¡¯t even wake up by this time. Some of our ssmates just left, they came to check on that punk.¡± Jabi said.


    Mia chortled a little.


    ¡°By the way, where¡¯s alpha Lian?¡± Jabi asked, peeping outside maybe she¡¯d catch him.


    ¡°He¡­ had to go somewhere so I told him to drop me here.¡± Mia lied.


    ¡°That¡¯s unusual, Lian would nevere here without checking on Axel.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being overly sensitive today?¡± Mia asked. ¡°Am I?¡±


    ¡°Yes you are.¡± Mia said teasingly and theyughed together. ¡°Have you had breakfast?¡± ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s grab something at the cafeteria, they have delicious foods here.¡± Jabi said cheerfully.


    ¡­


    ¡°Hey Jabi.¡±


    Jabi looked surprised and stood up.


    ¡°Alpha Lian¡­ I¡­ I thought Mia said¨C¡±


    ¡°Where is she now?¡± He asked, ignoring her thoughts.


    ¡°She left a while ago.¡± She replied.


    ¡­


    ¡°Mia, we need to talk.¡± Lian said as he grabbed her hand.


    She looked at him emotionlessly. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Come with me.¡± He said as he dragged her along with him. They got to the rooftop of the seniors¡¯ building and stopped.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Mia asked. She was kinda bored about it all.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why did you leave home without informing me this morning?¡± He queried.


    ¡°Do I need to report to you every single thing?¡± Mia retorted. He wasn¡¯t expecting it. Mia had never been like this.


    ¡°Mia you¨C¡±


    ¡°Julian¡­¡± She called gently. That was the first time in eternity she¡¯d be calling him that. She let out a breath. ¡°I think it¡¯d be best for you and me to keep a distance.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lian eximed. ¡°Right. You are an adult and you have a life to live, I shouldn¡¯t meddle in your affairs right? I¡¯m a pre-adult and I believe we have rights to privacy. I don¡¯t want to expect anything from you and I want you to do that also. It¡¯s all for our good.


    I have lectures now and I don¡¯t want to bete.¡± She said everything calmly and ordingly before walking out.


    Lian felt like though he has been stabbed by a wooden knife. Every single word she said pierced through his heart and he stood there, doing or saying nothing.


    It just took a long time for him to process what she said. A distance? Yeah.. sure. Maybe that would also be of help to him.


    ***


    ¡°Mia?¡± Miss Maria called for the umpteenth time. That was when Mia snapped out of her trance.


    ¡°Ma?¡±


    ¡°I just asked you a question.¡±


    ¡°Oh.. I¡¯m sorry, I.. wasn¡¯t following.¡± Mia said as she bowed her head in shame. She had been reminiscing what happened earlier, she just couldn¡¯t get her mind off it. She never followed lectures ever since it started.


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer the question in her ce.¡± Alexander suddenly stood up. He had also noticed that she wasn¡¯t in her right mind.


    ¡°Why?¡± Miss Maria queried.


    ¡°She isn¡¯t feeling well at the moment so it must be hard to follow the lectures.¡± Alexander replied wittily and Miss Maria scoffed inside. She hated that he was trying to cover up for Mia.


    ¡°Never mind. Having put down everything on this topic, I¡¯ll leave now. Good day.¡± She said to the ss and walked out.


    *


    ¡°Uhm.. Lian? I.. want to use the restroom briefly, I¡¯ll be back. You can wait in the car.¡± Rosie said before walking off.


    They were at a mall. Rosie had forced him to follow her and he had no choice.


    As he was about to go into his car, he sighted an aged woman, whose goods fell off her hand. They probably slipped.


    He jogged to her and helped her pick them up. ¡°Urhh¡­ thank you so much.¡± She said and smiled.


    As she looked up at him, her gaze didn¡¯t live for a while. Lian wondered what she was looking at.


    ¡°Good grief¡­¡¯Su adversarios son cerca.¡¯ Tsk tsk.¡±

 Chapter 13

    ¡°Good grief¡­¡¯Su adversarios son cerca. Tsk tsk.¡± The woman said wittily before walking away.


    Lian got confused for a while. What did she mean?


    He went after her and stopped her. ¡°Excuse me, what do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡± The woman also asked. Her look was innocent like she wasn¡¯t the person that talked just now.


    *was that Samara?* He thought. She must have possessed the old woman for a minute.


    He looked around whether he would see her but he didn¡¯t.


    Back in the car, all he thought about was how to get the meaning what the woman said.


    Why was Rosie taking long by the way?


    ¡°Zachary what are you doing here?¡± Rosie questioned.


    ¡°What? I can¡¯t move freely again?¡± He replied with a question.


    ¡°Whatever, Lord Giovanni has been calling for you but you weren¡¯t answering, why is that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still in middle of the mission, am I supposed to be called for?¡±


    ¡°Just be fast with it, time is running, we need to do the needful before they get stronger.¡± Rosie said firmly before leaving the toilet hall.


    ***


    ¡°Su adversarios son cerca? That¡¯s Spanish.¡± Shane concluded. He had been studyingnguages ever since they left High school.


    ¡°Reasons why you should stop looking much into Greek and look into othernguages. You could¡¯ve asked more about it if you understood what she said.¡± Marlin nagged.


    ¡°Whatever. Shane, what does it mean?¡± Lian asked.


    ¡°Your adversaries are near.¡± Shane interpreted.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯m sure the message came from Samara. An ordinary human can¡¯t know this.¡± Marlin concluded.


    ¡°Where it came from doesn¡¯t matter. I believe we all understand the message.¡± Lian said and they nodded.


    ¡°If they are near, they must be inside the pack then.¡± Marlin thought aloud.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We need to keep keen eyes on the pack, we can¡¯t lose guard now. Gather the¡­.¡±


    ***


    Mia sat in the living room, watching her favorite channel. It was more or less like not watching it, ¡¯cause her mind wasn¡¯t there.


    Was she too harsh on her brother? Maybe not¡­ he deserved that much.


    He didn¡¯t even call to check on her. Ughh¡­ it was killing her.


    The door suddenly creaked open and she jumped up immediately, as if she had been expecting the ier.


    ¡°Alex? What are you doing here?¡± She asked in a disappointed and unexpected tone.


    Alexander noticed her reaction as he came in. ¡°Were you expecting someone?¡± He asked.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Huh? Oh.. no. Why¡­ are you here?¡± She asked again.


    ¡°You dropped your phone in my car.¡± He said and stretched the phone out. Mia sighed¡­ here she wasining about Lian not calling her.


    Collecting the phone, she thanked him. ¡°I didn¡¯t know I dropped it. Thanks for bringing it.¡±


    ¡°You sound down. Are you okay?¡± Alexander asked worriedly.


    Mia let out a swoon smile. ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking that, get dressed. We are going out.¡± He said.


    ¡°What?¡± Mia said suddenly. Why would they go out? Together?


    ¡°Why¡­ should we go out?¡± She asked, batting her eyes repeatedly.


    Alexander started taking steps towards her, getting so close. Mia felt ufortable and moved back gently.


    When they were about two inches apart, Alexander stopped. He leaned in and Mia closed her eyes immediately, thinking he wanted to kiss her. She didn¡¯t want that. She took her lips in tightly.


    Alexander smiled and moved his mouth to her ear. ¡°What did you think I was going to do?¡± He whispered.


    Mia was about to push him away when a cial voice said¡­¡±What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    It was Julian.


    Mia pushed Alexander away, who was about to retreat also.


    ¡°See you at school.¡± Alexander said to Mia before walking out, ignoring Lian.


    Lian didn¡¯t attempt to stop him. He was already angry as it was but he didn¡¯t do anything.


    He stared at Mia for a while and thetter did the same. ¡°He¡­ just came by to return my phone.¡± Mia said. She realized secondster that she didn¡¯t need to exin anything but she was used to doing that.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask.¡± Lian replied harshly and walked upstairs.


    Mia¡¯s ego was kinda hurt. Was that really Lian?


    ***A weekter***


    ¡°Did you hear? Lights out campmences immediately after exams.¡± A girl said to her friend.


    ¡°Whoa, I¡¯m so excited.. can¡¯t wait!¡± The friend replied.


    Students had been going on talking and anticipating about the pack¡¯s lights out camp.


    Mia sighed¡­ she wasn¡¯t sure if she would get to attend the camp with her friends. Axel wasn¡¯t showing signs of waking up and Jabi wasn¡¯t ready to leave him. **Ugh¡­ did they gang up against her or what?** She thought as she picked on her food.


    Somebody suddenly crashed into the seat opposite her. ¡°Hey!¡±


    It was Alexander. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Mia asked tiredly.


    ¡°To eat.. of course. Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Nothing¡­ I just don¡¯t have any appetite.¡± She drawled.


    ¡°Oh really? Give me a minute.¡± He excused himself and left. *Where is he going?*she thought.


    Alexander came back with a full ss of milk. ¡°Here.¡± He said as be ced the ss on her tray.


    Mia furrowed her brows. ¡°You said you had no appetite¡­ This would boost it.¡± Alexander said, rifying himself.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t need to¨C¡±  She was cut off when she caught him ring at her.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She said gently and picked up the ss to drink. Alexander smiled and picked up his cutlery.


    ¡°Hmmmm¡­¡± Mia savored. ¡°This is so refreshing¡­¡± She said, looking excited.


    She finished the milk in a second go and mmed the ss on the table, gently though.


    ¡°Ughh.. I think I can eat now.¡± She said and started digging into her te. She ate with so much vehemence and almost had a hard time digesting.


    ¡°Take it easy Missy.¡± Alexander cooed as he handed over a bottle of water.


    As she collected it. He picked up a serviette and wiped the corner of her lips, which were stained with food particles.


    Mia got flustered. She cleared her throat and stood up. ¡°Thanks¡­ for the milk¡­¡± She carried her tray and left.


    ***


    Mia¡¯s POV


    After I finished dressing up for Annie¡¯s party, Alexander offered to pick me and I agreed.


    Lian wasn¡¯t back yet so things wasn¡¯t really awkward. There was no situation whereby he¡¯d ask me where I¡¯m heading to dressed like this.


    When I heard a knock on the door, I knew that was him and I opened it.


    I was dumbstruck as the sight. Alexander looked really sexy. He was putting on a pair of ck jean trousers and a white fitted T-shirt, with a denim jacket. His hairstyle was different too.


    The aura from him was¡­ ugh¡­ alluring.


    ¡°You¡¯re ready?¡± He asked and I snapped out of it. ¡°Oh yeah, sure. Hold on.¡± I said and went in to pick up my phone and purse. It was a Friday night and I looked forward to Annie¡¯s party.


    Unexpectedly, Alexander opened the door to the front passenger seat and ushered me in. I felt something when he did that. He was so soft and gentle.


    ¡°Be careful.¡± He said amiably and I smiled docilely.


    He didn¡¯t really talk much till we got to the location, which was very unlike him. He sued to be so talkative but he is unexpectedly quiet. Was something wrong?


    He even helped me alight the car again. *Okay¡­ I was getting chills already, what¡¯s with the gentle man behavior?* I thought in my mind. It was actually nice so I didn¡¯t ask him anything.


    The party was getting lit. The location was a nightclub so it was really rocky in there. Loud, ear deafening music, colourful bulbs and chandeliers, liquors and barbeque¡­ gosh¡­ it¡¯s been long since I¡¯ve let myself out.


    I decided to forget all my worries, drink , eat and have fun to the fullest, for that night. If not for anything, but for my mental health. I was stepwisely   going crazy with everything that has been happening in thest few days.


    It was weekend anyways. I joined my ssmates in drinking. Then we started gaming. Truth and dare was the first.


    A bottle was twirled at the centre of the table and whoever the head and tail pointed to, will be dared or asked to say the truth about something.


    It was my turn. The bottle pointed to me and a random guy from my ss. I wasn¡¯t ready to let out any secrets about me so I chose dare.


    Then the guy went on. ¡°I dare you to blowjob¡­ Alexander right now or you¡¯ll drink two shots of mixed cocktails.¡± He said.


    I gasped. ¡°Finn! Are you crazy?¡± I shouted and the rest started shouting. ¡°Do it! Do it! Do it!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that.. you guys should stop.¡± I cautioned.


    ¡°What? Common Mia.. it¡¯s been long since we yed dirty like this¡­ just do it.¡± Fiona said.


    I turned to look at Alexander and he stared back too. Eww¡­ just thinking of doing it disgusts me. I couldn¡¯t exin his expression. Whether he was happy with the situation or not.


    Anyways whatever. I have no intention of doing it so he had better be sad.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drink.¡± I said determinedly.


    ¡°Whoa¡­..¡± They all said cheerfully. ¡°Mia you really need to stop acting like a holy freak, you can do this!¡± A guy teased.


    ¡°What are you all saying.. stop this. How do you expect a whole Alpha¡¯s sister to do that? You want your heads chopped off?¡± Another Guy, said teasingly. ¡°Or you think Alexander is too small down there?¡± A girl also joined.


    Meanwhile, while they were still talking, I took a shot and gulped it down and they all whoa(ed) again. A.. it was very bitter and body triggering. My brain was triggered also.


    I took the second shot again and they started wow(ing) and pping. ¡°That was really cool¡­ does Alpha Lian know you are a good drinker?¡± A girl asked me but I ignored her. I was used to their teases anyway.


    My ssmates are all very annoying and at time sweet, they tend to stand for each other too. But when they are bent on provoking you, just forget about it.


    I noticed Alexander¡¯s gaze was still fixed on me so I stood up immediately. I staggered a little but it was unnoticed. I tried finding my way to the rooftop of the 3 storey building, to get fresh air. I felt quite dizzy.


    I had to pass different phases before getting to the top. There was no elevator so using the staircase was the only solution.


    On my way, I saw different flings, devouring on each other¡¯s lips like  hungry lions, some were even fucking themselves right in the hallway! The sight was so disgusting and I hurried my steps so as to get up quickly.


    I sighed out of relief when I finally got up. It was so tranquil there. The breeze was quite cold too.


    I stared around the city, watching colourful and bright big buildings.


    The dizziness started fading away gradually, until I heard a voice say behind me.


    ¡°Would you like some fresh juice?¡± I turned to see who it was. It was a guy.. a bartender, I think.


    He was holding a tray of sses of juice.


    ¡°Excuse me but aren¡¯t you supposed to be down, serving people?¡± I asked, trying as much as I can to be polite.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I came to serve some people juice over there and I was passing by. So I thought you would like some Juice. It can help if you are feeling giddy also.¡± He said gently.


    ¡°Ohhh..¡± I didn¡¯t want juice but I took it anyways¡­ he offered me.


    He left immediately I took it and then I turned to the beautiful view again, as different thoughts ran across my mind.


    *Am I not too young to be facing all these?*I thought innocently.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I heard ask again. I knew it was Alexander.


    I took a sip of my juice. ¡°You think I would after facing that flustering situation?¡± I asked in return, without sparing a nce.


    ¡°Well, I thought you would. Considering the fact that you don¡¯t let such things push you over. You¡¯re the strong type.¡± He replied.


    I turned to look at him. His words were astonishing and they touched my heart. *Am I really strong?*I thought.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna drill a hole on my face.¡± Alexander said and I snapped out immediately. I turned away from him and sipped by juice again. Yum.. why is it so sweet?


    ¡°Why are you here anyway?¡± I asked.


    ¡°What do you think? To check on you of course¡­ I knew you would be feeling inconvenience.¡± He replied.


    ¡°Why will I feel inconvenient? I¡¯m doing just fine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not.. it¡¯s obvious.¡±


    ¡°Aishh¡­. you¡¯re disturbing.¡± Iined. ¡°Fine. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I started feeling pain in my stomach. I grumbled silently.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked and i couldn¡¯t even confirm if I was fine or not.


    ¡°I¡­ I.. think I need to visit to the toilet.¡± I said and drop the ss of juice with him before running off.


    The pain became sharper and sharper and I almost fell on my to the toilet.


    I was almost getting there¡­ when some guys came out of no where and stood in my way.


    ¡°Can.. you please.. move? I need to use the toilet.¡± I said, still clutching my stomach. It was as if they didn¡¯t hear me. I tried talking again but I didn¡¯t feel myself anymore.

 Chapter 14

    ¡°You jerk! Will you wake up? How can you lying here like a log of wood? Everyone is waiting¡­ Mia is waiting, I¡¯m waiting. I¡¯m really going to lose it if you don¡¯t wake up, and just know, that you¡¯re dead once you wake up. I¡¯ll kill you with my own hands so just wake up you bastard!¡± Jabi shouted.


    ¡°Stop making me miserable and wake up!¡± She shouted again. She got frustrated. It has been like three  weeks now since he has been lying there, in a vegetative state.


    The surgery was sessful so why was he still lying there. As she was venting out her frustration, her phone rang.


    To her surprise, it was alpha Lian. Why would he call her?


    ¡°Is Mia with you?¡± He asked as soon as she epted the call. Jabi was confused for a moment. ¡°What? She hasn¡¯t branched here today.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He replied and hung the call. He was restless


    *Where could she have gone?* Julian thought, as he ransacked his brain, trying to think of where she could have gone to. She had no close friends except for Axel and Jabi. Then one person ran across his mind. The guy he saw with her the other day.


    He became unsettled as he searched around for his car keys.


    ¡°Babe calm down, I¡¯m sure she¡¯s okay. Mia is not a kid.¡± Rosie said, trying to tie him down.


    ¡°Are you serious right now? My sister is missing and you tell me to calm down?¡± He shouted.


    ¡°What I meant was¨C¡± Rosie tried rifying herself but he cut her off.


    ¡°Keep your opinions to yourself. She matters to me most in this world, if you  must care to know.¡± He said and ran out of the house.


    Rosie scoffed and then smirked. Then she picked up her phone, to make phonecalls.


    ***


    ¡°Stop right there! Who are you guys?¡± Alexander confronted the three guys, who had Mia with them. He didn¡¯t know them.


    ¡°Ugh.. why do peeps keep meddling in out business.¡± One of them said, as he ran his fingers into his unwashed hair.


    ¡°Just go your way, mind your business!¡± Another guy said.


    Alexander sneered. ¡°I refuse to.¡± He replied.


    ¡°Then you must really want to see what we can do.¡± One of the guys said and swung a pocket knife at Alexander.


    He dodged it and retaliated. They fought for some minutes and he knocked him out.


    The next one came, at a full speed, ready to bring Alexander down with an iron rod. He seeded in hitting the rod on Alex on the back, like thrice.


    Alexander got it together and knocked him out too. Unexpectedly, the third guy brought out a full loaded gun and aimed at Alexander¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Hands up!¡± He said and Alexander had no choice but to surrender.


    ¡°You better mind your business¡­ turn around.¡± He ordered and slowly, reluctantly, Alex turned away from him.


    He saw that the guy was trying to get away with Mia but he couldn¡¯t do anything, because the gun was still pointed at him. He saw it all in the reflection of the ss wall at a dead end.


    A call came in, on the guy¡¯s phone.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Lucio where are you? You need to get out with that girl now! Her brother is heading there.¡± A female voice said from the other line.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be out n¨C¡± The guy didn¡¯t get to finish his statement as a kicknded on back. It was Lian. He kicked him from the back, making the guy to stagger and fall, with Mia.


    Mia winced. She hit the floor with a certain force ¡¯cause the guy hung her on his shoulder.


    Lian started throwing blows on the guy endlessly. When Mia groaned loudly, he stopped and rushed to her. Alexander rushed to her at that same moment.


    *I was right¡­ She must¡¯ve been with him.* Lian thought, as they stared into each other¡¯s eyes daringly.


    ¡­


    A blinding ray of light shone directly into Mia¡¯s eyes as she struggled to open them.


    She groaned gently as she sat up.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± A voice beamed up. It was Jabi.


    Mia looked around and noticed she was in the hospital, inside Axel¡¯s VIP room. His bed was about 5 meters away.


    ¡°What happened?¡± She asked, trying to figure out what happened in her head.


    ¡°What do you mean? I heard you had an upset stomach and passed out.¡±


    Just then, memories fromst night came rushing.


    ¡°Right. I passed out and¡­.¡± Mia drawled away as she wasn¡¯t sure of what to say.


    ¡°And what?¡± Jabi asked curiously. ¡°Never mind.¡± Mia cut her off.


    ¡°By the way¡­ did Liane here, by chance?¡± Mia asked softly,  her words one by one.


    ¡°Nah¡­ I haven¡¯t seen him around. That¡¯s weird though, Alexander said he knew about you being hospitalized.¡± Jabi said with a puzzled look, which she wore off the next second.


    Mia¡¯s shoulders dropped out of disappointment. ¡®Does distancing mean he shouldn¡¯te around when I¡¯m sick?¡¯ She thought innerly.


    ¡°Wait did you say Alexander?¡± Mia asked and Jabi nodded.


    That same minute, a young man of 19, dressed in a white hoodie and ck joggers with a white pair of sneakers to match, stepped into the VIP room, with a red lunch back in his hand.


    ALEXANDER DAVIS.


    ¡°Hey guys.¡± He greeted.


    ¡°Hi Xander¡­ have youe to see this Missy beside me?¡± She asked in a different ent and heughed.


    ¡°Hi Mia.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± Mia replied simply.


    ¡°I brought you luncheon.¡± He said as he dropped the lunch bag on the drawer beside her bed.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Oh really? Aww.. that¡¯s so nice of you. At least she won¡¯t feel abandoned like some stray cat.¡± Jabi ran her mouth and Mia hit her on the arm. ¡°Hey.¡± She cautioned. ¡®How did Jabi know that I  was in a state of abandonment?¡¯ Mia thought and noted it mentally to ask herter.


    ¡°Sorry? Abandoned?¡± Alexander asked to confirm what he heard.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me.. I was just spewing nonsense.¡± Jabi said with an awkward smile. ¡°Let¡¯s unpack this bag.¡± Jabi said happily as she zipped open the lunch bag Alexander brought.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ food food food! You¡¯re such a foodie. Forget it, I¡¯m not eating in here, I hate the smell in here.¡± Mia protested.


    ¡°But you are not well yet. Is it okay to leave?¡± Alexander objected worriedly.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Mia said and removes the ster that connected the back of her palm and the fluid that was being passed into her body.


    As she was about to get off the bed, her eyes caught her best friend, that was lying in a vegetative state.


    ¡°Is he not irritated?¡± Mia thought aloud and Jabi¡¯s high spirit dropped. They all turned to look at Axel.


    ¡°Is he okay lying here?¡±  ¡°Is he okay with the smell of antibiotics and cleaning chemicals?¡± Mia shouted.


    ¡°I guess not.¡± She concluded and tears rolled down her face.


    Jabi was  alrady tearing up too. Shen pulled Mia into an embrace tofort her and herself.


    ***


    ¡°Hey, where have you been?¡± Lian asked as soon as Shane entered. They were at their hangout.


    ¡°After spending my leisure time trying to get the CCTV recordings from the ident, I got something interesting.¡± Shane said, showcasing the sh drive in his hand.


    They switched on aptop immediately and inserted the sh drive.


    They opened the clip and started watched.


    ¡°It¡¯s the recording from 20 minutes before the jump.¡± Shane said randomly.


    Lian watched keenly and calmly, not until he saw Alexander walking into the Junior ss¡¯ hall.

 Chapter 15

    Lian¡¯s brows drew together as he watched. Just as Alexander, walked out of the reach of view of the camera, the girl, a junior, who jumped down the building, walked by.


    She walked like a robot and looked like she had no destination. Her eyes were looking straight, she didn¡¯t look normal. It was as if she was being remote ¨C controlled.


    It was over weird.


    ¡°A senior in a Junior¡¯s building¡­ During lesson hours? This guy is so busted.¡± Marlin said, with an interesting look on.


    ¡°Call Alexander over as soon as we check in into school on Monday.¡± Lian said.


    He knew there had always been something about that guy. And to think that he¡¯s hanging around his sister? It made Lian vexed.


    ¡°By the way, aren¡¯t you going home?¡± Shane asked Lian.


    ¡°Nah¡­ I¡¯ll be passing the night here.¡± He replied.


    Marlin and Shane stared at him with confused expressions. The Lian they knew never like sleeping out, even though it was their hangout.


    ¡°Is something going on at home?¡± Marlin asked and he nodded. But he gave a heads up that he didn¡¯t want to talk about it.


    ¡°What about Mia? She¡¯ll be alone.¡± Shane protested.


    ¡°Mia isn¡¯t a kid anymore.¡± Lian replied simply.


    ***


    Alexander had dropped Mia at her home after she got discharged that afternoon.


    The house was empty when Mia signed in. No one was home. She had been feeling down spirited ever since the day before. Lian sure didn¡¯t bother about her, neither did he check on her¡­ and now he wasn¡¯t home too.


    Mia started to regret ever proposing a distance between them. She thought she¡¯d be okay with it but she was absolutely wrong. She wasn¡¯t anywhere near okay.


    She took a lukewarm bath before retiring to bed, to take a nap.


    ¡­


    She heard a knock on the door. Julian came in.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Mia questioned with a straight face.


    ¡°Mia¡­ let¡¯s make things right. We being apart is changing lots of things. I can¡¯t do this anymore.¡± Lian said.


    ¡°Brother¡­ Things are right already. Things are fucking right! I¡¯m okay like this so leave me the hell alone.¡± Mia yelled.


    ¡°But I¡¯m not okay!¡± ian yelled back and held her hands.


    ¡°Then deal with it yourself Lian. I don¡¯t want to be a part of it.¡± Mia said harshly.


    ¡°Mia please¡­ I¡¯m sure you¡¯re not okay with this. Please.¡± Lian beseeched and Mia cooed down. And now her soft spot was getting into the picture.


    Lian pulled her into a hug. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He said.


    Mia wept on his shoulders for some good minutes before Lian¡¯s phone rang. It was an unknown number.


    ¡°Hello, Lian Torres speaking¨C¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m calling from state¡¯s airline, there has been a ne crash and some of the boarders were Travis Torres and Paige Torres, you were made their next of kin.¡±


    Lian¡¯s heart skipped two beats immediately and Mia¡¯s breath seized.


    ¡°What!¡± Lian eximed and the phone slipped off his hands.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear that right, right? Lian¡­ I didn¡¯t hear that well.¡± Mia said in a low tone as she held Lian¡¯s cor.


    She was already losing it.


    ¡°That man was spitting nonsense right? There¡¯s no way mum and dad would die.¡± She continued. She didn¡¯t know how to express her feeling yet.


    Lian suddenly growled loudly. He was in pain. ¡°Lian stop! We need to call mum and dad. Call them now.. I¡¯m sure they haven¡¯t left Japan.¡±


    Lian remained unmoved. He was still, unsure of what to do.


    ¡°Lian say something! There¡¯s no way our parents are in that crash. Not mum, not dad!!¡± Mia screamed.


    Mia screamed into reality. She sat up. She was sweating all over, and feeling scared.


    What kind of dream was that? She was reminiscing when she realized it was raining. A deafening thunder stroke and she shivered.


    Then she started hearing different unknown sounds. Mia started screaming and covered her ears tightly.


    ¡°They are all hallucinations Mia¡­ they are hallucinations.¡± She tried to calm her self down but it didn¡¯t work.


    She was greatly terrified. And the only words her trembly voice started echoing was, ¡°Lian, where are you?¡±


    ***


    Just before Lian retired to bed, he sat down and thought about his sister, for a while. She was probably lonely.


    ¡®Is distancing ourselves from each other best for us?¡¯ He thought critically.


    The whole thing was getting to him but he didn¡¯t know how to pull it off.


    Just then, it started raining.


    ¡®Mia¡¯s phobia!¡¯ Those words echoed in Lian¡¯s head and he sprang up, picked his keys and sprinted out of the house.


    ¡®She can¡¯t be fine alone.¡¯ He thought worriedly.


    Not minding traffic rules and regtions or the pouring rain, Lian showed off his crazy driving skills that night.


    Their house was like 40 minutes away from the hangout. Mia would definitely pass out before he gets home¡­ she can¡¯t hold out for so long.


    He started dialling her number, but she didn¡¯t pick it. The more the rain poured, the more worried he was.


    Five minutes away from the house, the rain stopped. He spent less than 30 minutes before he got that spot.


    Even though the rain stopped, he continued his journey to the house.


    ¡°Mia!¡± He called out loudly as soon as he entered the house, looking restless.


    Lian was taken aback, when he saw her walk down the staircase, with a mug in her hand.


    Mia acted as if she saw no one important as she just made her way to the kitchen.


    Lian was still on that same spot, frozen. ¡®What changed?¡¯ He thought.


    When she came back into the living room, he stopped her.


    ¡°Mia, are you okay?¡± He asked with lots of concerns exhibited.


    ¡°Do I look like I am not?¡± Mia replied bluntly  was shocked. He didn¡¯t foresee that.


    ¡°Mia why are you like this?¡± Lian asked again and tried holding her hand, but she yanked her hand away from his hold.


    Lian felt a part of his heart broke. He couldn¡¯t handle her harshness.


    ¡°Mia, what happened? Your phobia¡­ is it gone?¡± He arched his brow.


    ¡°That is none of your business.¡± She replied and started ascending the stairs. She missed a step and almost fell, but Lian was fast to get to her.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you okay? Need some help?¡± Julian asked again, holding her up.


    Mia let herself free from his grip and she stood properly.


    ¡°No, I can help myself, thanks.¡± She said grumpily and continued walking up.


    ¡®This space is more than what I pictured¡­ I can¡¯t keep up with this.¡¯ Lian thought regretfully.


    Just then Mia¡¯s phone rang. It was her mum.


    ¡°Mum..¡± She said as soon as she picked up.


    ¡°Guess what?¡±  Mrs Paige Torres said.


    Mia frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood, mum.¡± She replied. She wasn¡¯t interested in anything she had to say.


    ¡°I and your father are returning next


    week.¡±

 Chapter 16

    ¡°What? No!¡± Mia suddenly yelled.


    ¡°What is it? Are you okay?¡± Mrs Paige asked.


    ¡°Everything is fine but you guys can¡¯te now, you can¡¯t.¡± Mia said.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I have my reasons mum¡­ you guys should stay there for a bit more. It¡¯s not safe toe home now.¡± Mia whined.


    ¡°You had a dream right?¡± Mrs Paige asked, with a guessing tone.


    There was a pause. ¡°Yeah¡­ it was really scary.¡± Mia said in a low and gentle voice.


    ¡°Alright¡­ we¡¯ll cancel he flight and stay here for a few more weeks.¡± Mrs Paige said, to Mia¡¯s relief. ¡°By the way, I¡¯ve been trying to reach your brother but he¡¯s usually unavable, is he okay?¡±


    Mia turned to look at Lian, then she said, ¡°He is busy.. that¡¯s why.¡±


    ¡°I got it, bye darling.¡±


    ¡°Bye mum.¡± After Mia cut the call, she said to Lian, ¡°Call mum whenever you like. She has to stop asking about you from me.¡± She bluntly said and left.


    ***


    ¡°Where is Alexander Davis?¡± Shane asked and the ss went quiet.


    ¡°Right here.¡± Alexander raised his hand up.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± Shane ordered and walked out of the ss.


    ¡°Whoa bro.. don¡¯t tell me you got into trouble with the beta.¡± A guy said.


    Alexander was confused by the way. Why would a beta reach out to him?


    Mia didn¡¯t say anything. But she thought¡­¡¯Shane isn¡¯t the type to bully students or something so definitely he was sent by someone to call Alexander. And that person of course can be no other than Lian. Hold on, don¡¯t tell me¡­ Alexander is being sent for because Lian saw him with me. This is bad¡­¡¯ Mia thought and was about to trail behind Alexander, who walked out of the ss already, when Mr Duncan walked into the ss. Automatically, stopping her from going after him.


    Mr Duncan spent just few minutes in ss before leaving. As soon as he left, Mia sprinted out of the ss like a mad cheetah.


    ¡­


    ¡°What were you doing at the Juniors¡¯ hall, at that duration?¡± Lian asked.


    ¡°I was there because our Literature teacher told me toe.¡± Alexander replied calmly and confidently. Lian didn¡¯t seem to like that.


    ¡°Who?¡± Lian asked again.


    ¡°Miss Maria.¡± Alex replied.


    ¡°And why did she ask you toe?¡±


    ¡°She said¨C¡±


    ¡°Lian stop!!¡± Mia yelled as she ran in.


    Everyone in the hangout were surprised. What was that?


    ¡°What¡¯s this Mia?¡± Lian queried.


    ¡°You just have to stop okay? Alex is innocent and knows nothing about this, he¡¯s my friend and I see no reason why he would hurt me. He didn¡¯t force me to the party, I found my way there myself and then when I was going to use thevatory, some scary ¨C looking dudes showed up to hurt me and then he saved me, he even took me to the hospital. So if you¡¯re going to vent your anger or punish anyone, that should be me! You don¡¯t have to drag innocent souls into this. Alexander is untainted!¡± Mia blurted.


    No one understood what she was saying and all. Not even Lian or Alexander, not to mention Shane and Marlin, who knew nothing at all.


    Lian scoffed. ¡°Who is punishing who?¡± He asked rhetorically.


    ¡°Little miss, everything you just said doesn¡¯t correspond with the issue on  ground, so what are you saying?¡± Shane asked.


    ¡®What am I saying?¡¯ Mia thought. She became confused also. All Alexander did was just to watch, everything seemed funny to him. Mia just defended him but she did it in a dumb way.


    ¡°Whatever, just stop asking for him, if it is for my sake!¡± Mia concluded and held Alex¡¯s hand, then dragged him out along with her.


    Lian¡¯s eyes almost popped out of their sockets and his heart bled because of the scene his sister just created. Mia was defended Alexander, she was even willing to be punished in his ce¡­ and she held his hand too.


    His body and mind couldn¡¯t absorb it anymore, he stood up. ¡°Guys let¡¯s continue with this case tomorrow, I¡¯m off.¡± He said and walked out.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    *


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± Alexander asked, after there was so much awkward silence between them.


    ¡°Well¡­ my reason is very simple. You know¡­ I was with you when I had that attack, so I thought he might take it out on you.¡±


    ¡°Oh that¡­ that wasn¡¯t the case actually.¡± Alexander said. ¡°I think I¡¯m being a suspect of homicide.¡± He added.


    ¡°What?¡± Mia eximed and her eyes widened. ¡°Homicide? How? Is it the junior student that jumped down the rooftop¡¯s case?¡± Mia asked and Alexander nodded.


    ¡°But why are you being tagged a suspect when it was clearly an attempted suicide?¡± Mia asked worriedly.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think I would be tagged a suspect if they had no reason. Never to mind, I¡¯ll get off it soon.


    By chance, are you not in good terms with your brother? I mean the alpha.¡± Alexander asked.


    Mia was reluctant to reply but she did. She nodded her head gently.


    ¡°Why? You guys shouldn¡¯t be on bad terms, I didn¡¯t expect that.¡±


    ¡°I know.. But we¡¯ll sort it out soon. That¡¯s a given.¡± Mia said and smiled. Alexander smiled back. ¡°I hope so.¡±


    There was a pause. ¡°Alex?¡± Mia called and he gave a sound, that he was all ears.


    ¡°What exactly are you?¡± Mia asked and his heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean¡­ what happened the other day. We haven¡¯t concluded the issue, I haven¡¯t.¡± Mia reminded.


    ¡°I thought you said you didn¡¯t want to hear anything more.¡± Alex objected.


    ¡°Well¡­ I want to hear it now.¡±


    ¡°Fine. But, have you ever reasoned why i transferred?¡± He asked, seriously.


    ¡°Why should I?¡± Mia retorted.


    ¡°You have no reason to. I was treated like an outcast in my former school.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Mia asked. She wondered how a guy with these features and even confidence, will be bullied.


    ¡°Actually, my parents are werewolves and so is my little brother, but I turned out to be a human. Even though series of blood test were run on me, it showed that my parents were biological. My parents hated me and chose my brother over me. At my school pack, I was bullied so I ran away, to this ce with my savings. I nned to start a new life and here I am. What happened the other day, you know, my family¡¯s blood still runs in me so that¡¯s why I¡¯m scarless.¡± He exined and funnily enough, his story touched Mia.


    She knew how he could have felt then. It was an emotional and physical trauma for one to be treated like an outcast among his own.


    She ced her hand on his. ¡°You¡¯ve been through a lot, all is fine now.¡± She soothed calmly and he gave a pale smile.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡± He changed the topic.


    ¡°Yes please¡­.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Guys it has been announced on the school¡¯s web, exams aremencing next week and with that just one week, then¡­ lights out camp outes after immediately.¡± Annie announced excitedly.


    ¡°Whooooo!!!¡± The whole ss jubted. It was the vacation party they¡¯ve all been waiting for and now it was in a matter of days.


    ¡°I¡¯m packing my bags right away.¡± A girl said teasingly and some part of the ssughed while some criticised her.


    ¡°What makes me more excited right now is that, the senior ss will be absolutely unconstrained and we¡¯ll be free to do anything.¡± Annie said.


    ** ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± A guy added. ¡°Heye, what are you wearing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be bringing my kitty.¡± ¡°I pray my mum would just let mee alone, she¡¯s too overprotective.¡± ¡°What games are we ying?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll bring junks with me.¡± ¡°I¡¯lle with a digital cam.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll ask her out.¡± **


    Everyone started picking themselves in pairs and anticipated for the day, except Mia and Alexander.


    ¡°Hey, what is the whole camp out thing about?¡± Alexander moved his seat very close to Mia and asked.


    Mia, who was busy with her Further Maths textbook, grunted silently before replying him.


    ¡°It¡¯s one fun day, craved out for the whole school pack. It¡¯s usually done in the open space like fields, light forests and all. But the juniors sses are usually confined most times but the senior students, are allowed to move without limits, because¡­ it is believed that we can take care of ourselves. Luckily, we happen to be the seniors this year, so that¡¯s like more fun for us.¡± Mia exined, detailedly.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Alexander said. ¡°I look forward to it anyways. I¡¯ve only gone on field trips.¡± He annexed.


    ¡°You bet, you¡¯ll love it!¡± Mia said exaggeratingly before diverting her attention back to the textbook.

 Chapter 17

    ¡°You were at the juniors¡¯ building within the duration of 12:00pm and 12:20pm, right?¡± Shane asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Miss Maria confirmed. She was in an interview session with alpha Lian and his betas.


    ¡°Why?¡± Shane went on with his questions.


    ¡°I was there to get some  textbooks for more research on the topics I was, working on, so I asked Alexander toe he¡¯ll carry them.¡± Miss Maria said with her head up. She had an awkward smile on too, hoping to lift the cold and tense atmosphere around her.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t ask about him yet.¡± Marlin cut in and Miss Maria broaded her smile.


    ¡°Well¨C¡± She started but Lian interrupted abruptly.


    What¡¯s the topic you¡¯re researching on?¡± He asked with keen and focused eyes.


    The question was unexpected. ¡°Pardon?¡± Miss Maria dropped.


    ¡°I mean¡­ you teach literature only and I don¡¯t see what you can research about that in the junior textbooks, that is not in the senior textbooks and is not on the inte.¡± Lian rified, with a smirked crawling unto his lips.


    ¡°Junior textbooks are revised standards while the senior ones are usually summarised. Besides, I didn¡¯t think of the inte at that time.¡± Miss Maria replied wittily, with her smile still there.


    ¡°Alright. You can leave.¡± Lian said with a sudden, warm smile.


    ..


    ¡°Lian did you get anything? Why did you send her away?¡± Marlin asked curiously.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough , with her. I¡¯m still uncertain about her though.¡± Lian said, throwing his head back tiredly.


    ¡°You can just check with your powers.¡± Shane said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Liam said with a sigh.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Marlin asked with all seriousness. Seemed he sensed something.


    ¡°I¡¯ve not been able to use my powerstely.¡± Lian exined.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing actually¡­ I¡¯ll be okay, don¡¯t mind it.¡± Lian said, trying to close the topic.


    ***


    ¡°I heard alpha Lian¡¯s sister yelled at him yesterday.¡±


    ¡°In this same premises? So what did he do?¡±


    ¡°You expect him to do something? Like beat her up or what? He couldn¡¯t do anything of course, she is his sister.¡±


    ¡°And he is our alpha! Because they are siblings doesn¡¯t give her any fucking right to yell at my darling alpha.¡±


    ¡°Your darling alpha? *scoffs* you¡¯re unbelievable. By the ways, I wonder why she was born his sister, she doesn¡¯t seem any special to me.¡±


    Listening to their conversation while sitting on the water closets in one of the toilets, Mia thought, *Exactly. Why was I born his sister? It would¡¯ve been better if we weren¡¯t rtions. .. ugh¡­ why did the moon goddess destine me this way? Huh!*


    When she was sure that the girls left, she walked out of the bathroom and turned on the faucet at the ceramic made basin to watch her hands.


    Out of the blue, she heard a voice say with so much sarcasm,, ¡°You must be regretting your existence.¡±


    She nced at the mirror and saw that it was Rosie. She had a smirk on That bitch! She sure knows how to show up during negative periods.,


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood for your vile talks.¡± Mia said, not showing interest.


    She turned off the faucet and made to leave, but she got blocked by Rosie.


    ¡°I¡¯m going talk anyways, whether you¡¯re interested or not.¡±


    Mia sighed. ¡°What do you want from me? You have everything already so why not just leave me alone!¡± She raised her voice a little.


    Rosie¡¯s smirked became more bold. ¡°True, I possess it all now, including your brother. ..  Lian.¡± Rosie said with a sly  smile and Mia balled her fists.


    ¡°However¡­¡± Rosie continued. ¡°The fact that you still exist, annoys me. I¡¯m notfortable with that. I think you should understand what I want now¡­. Just disappear!¡± Rosie said in a vehement tone and with her fierce  eyes stuck at Mia¡¯s glowering eyes.


    Rosie suddenly withdrew and put on a beautiful, broad smile.  ¡°Your cologne smells nice by the way , I want that too.¡± She said before turning to leave.


    Just then, some junior girls entered and as soon as they sighted Rosie, they were quick to give their greetings. Of course, she¡¯s an old student¡­ a senior. She¡¯s just always hanging around jobless ly.


    ¡°Hello senior.¡±


    ¡°How are you guys going?¡± Rosie asked with a soft and kind tone.


    ¡°We are doing well, thanks to your concern.¡± They beamed up.


    Rosie smiled again. ¡°I have to go, see youter.¡±


    Mia scoffed inwardly. *What a double faced wench.*


    *** Mia¡¯s POV


    I noticed  Alexander had been staring at Mr for some good minutes. I pretended as if I wasn¡¯t aware but I just couldn¡¯t help but ask what was up.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up? You¡¯ve staring at me all day.¡± I said.


    He rxed. ¡°Oh well, it¡¯s nothing much.¡± Alexander replied simply.


    I poked his arm. ¡°Tell me, I¡¯m sire something is on.¡± I persisted.


    ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯ll tell you. The drama club are organizing a y for the camp out and they need some new cast urgently.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± I arched a brow.


    ¡°So, I was wondering if you¡¯d like to join.¡± Alexander said in s careful manner.


    ¡°It¡¯s a no!¡± I shunned.


    ¡°Come on Mia¡­,¡± He pouted¡­ which I found cute.


    ¡°Examsmences next week so there will be no time for me to rehearse anything. ¡± I said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll make time. I promise it would affect our studies¡­ okay?¡± Alexander begged.


    ¡°No no no.¡± I stood my ground.


    ¡°You should have just said you are a bad actor.¡± Alexander said and looked away.


    ¡°What?!¡± I blurted out. ¡°Have you seen me act? I guess not. I¡¯m thrice as good as those celebrities out there!¡± I got worked up.


    ¡°So how do I know how good you are without seeing you act? Give me a chance to see you act  then.¡± Alexander whined.


    I knew already where this was going to result and there was no way out for me. I had to agree.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll join the cast for this drama.¡± I surrendered.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Alexander beamed up. ¡°Deal?¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡±


    *** Author¡¯s POV


    The first rehearsal was the next day which was Saturday.


    Mia got dressed up already. She proceeded to the ground floor but met Lian there. They stared at each other for some seconds before Mia walked into the living room.


    As she was about sit, Lian said, ¡°Do you mind having breakfast with me? I prepared for two.¡±


    Mia was reluctant for a while butter gave in.  The two had some butty and tea, apanied with some fruits.


    The atmosphere was very awkward as the two picked on breakfast. They had a lot on their minds.


    ¡°Mia¡­ do you hate me that much ?¡± Lian suddenly asked, breaking the silence.


    Mia didn¡¯t reply for some seconds. The question popped up  unexpectedly.


    ¡°Am I not even allowed to eat with you in peace?¡± She asked, not sparing a nce.


    ¡°Listen Mia, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°What are you sorry for ?¡± Mia retorted, picking up a serviette to wipe her lips.


    Lian was speechless. What exactly was he sorry for?


    Mia stood up from the dining table to leave. Lian also stood up and held her hand to stop her.


    ¡°We need to talk, seriously.¡±


    Mia red at him. ¡°There is nothing to talk about. Let go, I¡¯m going to bete.¡±


    He refused to let go of her.


    ¡°Lian I said let go!¡± Mia raised her voice.


    He suddenly pulled her to himself, hugging her from behind. Mia¡¯s heartbeat rate increased rapidly.


    ¡°Mia please¡­ I¡¯m being tortured presently.  What would I do without my darling sister? I¡¯ve not been able to do things right these days.¡±


    Mia was short of words. The very fact that he was holding her this way hid words from her throat.


    ¡°I know  I¡¯ve not been there for you like I¡¯ve always been, and I forced you to do what you hated to do.  I deserve to be called a jerk, but you can¡¯t just shun me like this. I want you back Mia.¡± Lian poured out his mind. That very thing that cause him pain.


    Mia was about to talk when the doorbell rang. She knew who it was already. She wriggled herself out of his snuggle immediately and cleared her throat. ¡°Let¡¯s talkter.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Cut.¡± Mr Ashton, the drama club coordinator said loudly and the girl and boy who were pre rehearsing stopped acting.


    ¡°You two are not getting this. You guys are supposed to act like couples and not siblings.¡± The assistant coordinator, Mrs  Ste, said.


    ¡°But it is very hard to because we are actually siblings.¡± The guy said.


    ¡°Then get off that stage!¡± Mr Ashton yelled, he got worked up already. He had a really bad temper.


    ¡°We are sorry sir.¡± The guys said as they scurried off the stage.


    Mr Ashton rubbed his temple, he was very annoyed. ¡°How many newbies are remaining?¡± He asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s all sir.¡± Mrs Ste said.


    ¡°So how are we going to get people to act this characters?!¡± H shouted again, but Mrs Ste remained unflinched.


    Just then, Alexander and Mia walked into the room, jesting andughing.


    Mr Ashton froze for a while to watch them. Then a smile found its way to his lips.


    ¡°You twoe over here.¡± He called out to them.


    ¡°Good morning Sir, we are here to join the¨C¡± Alexander said but got cut off.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Get onto the stage.¡± He ordered.


    ¡°But sir, they haven¡¯t filled the membership¨C¡±  Mrs Ste tried to object but was also cut off.


    ¡°Membership form can wait till whenever, this is more important. You two, get on stage, you have to act like couples.¡±


    ¡°Couples?!¡± Alexander and Mia blurted out at the same time.


    ¡°Why are you two surprised? You¡¯re just hearing the word? Do you know I spank members? If not, n ow you do, so get on that stage and show me what you can do.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Jabi stared keenly at Axel, where he was lying.


    ¡®Maybe he¡¯s pretending?¡¯ She thought but quickly shook off the thought. There¡¯s no way his being inatose can be a prank.


    There was a slight movement that she didn¡¯t fail to notice. Yes, she saw him move his fingers for a brief moment.


    She leaned closer to confirm a second time, thinking she was just hallucinating at first.


    She screamed like crazy when she confirmed the movement. She had to press the red button at the top of the hospital bed to rm the doctors and nurses.


    They all came running into the VIP Ward. After running a check up on him, the head doctor turned to Jabi. ¡°His brain waves are showing improvement signs presently so he¡¯s likely to wake up very soon.¡±


    Jabi was so happy. ¡°Thanks so much Doctor ke.¡± She thanked him sincerely.


    ***


    ¡°Would you go on a date with me?¡± Alexander proposed, staring at Mia directly in the eyes, lovingly.


    Mia¡¯s heart was beating fast. She didn¡¯t expect this.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to give me an answer now¡­ I can wait, but¡­.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice trailed off and started walking towards Mia.


    The more steps he took forward, the more Mia walked backwards, till her back touched the wall.


    Alexander didn¡¯t retreat. He stopped just when their chests were half an inch apart from each other.


    Mia started to panic on the inside. Her breathing was no longer normal, and her heart was about to jump out of her mouth.


    She could feel Alexander¡¯s hot breath on her neck and it caused a tingling sensation to her skin.


    He moved his lips further to her right ear and whispered. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t think I can hold out for too long.¡± He gave her a seductive look after and they remained like that for some seconds.


    ¡°Whoa whoa whoa! That was awesome.¡±  Me Ashton shouted in surprise and the other members who were off stage booed.


    ¡°That was a great one.¡± Mrs Ste whispered to Mia as she and Alexander walked down the stage.


    Mr Ashton pped twice to get the attention of the others and get them to be quiet.


    ¡°Okay¡­ we¡¯ve got our legendary actors who fits in to the couple¡¯s characters. So we are good to go.¡± Mr Ashton announced.


    Mia was yet to get over what happened. It felt so real and she couldn¡¯t get her mind off it.


    Her phone suddenly rang. ¡°Hey b.¡±


    ¡°Mia guess what¡± Jabi said excitedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m in no mood to.¡± Mia replied bluntly.


    ¡°You¡¯re not always in the mood. Anyways, this is big. I saw it myself, I really saw it.¡±


    ¡°What did you see?¡± Mia asked, getting tired.


    ¡°Axel¡¯s fingers¡­ I saw them move. The doctors says he¡¯ll be up in a few days.¡± Jabi dered happily.


    ¡°Are you serious?!¡± Mia half yelled, drawing the attention of some people.


    ¡°I¡¯m fucking serious.¡±


    ¡°This is great. I¡¯ll be thereter in the day.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    **


    ¡°So you mean you guys are going to be the acting couple for the y?¡± Jabi asked in surprise and Mia nodded as she picked a popcorn and threw it into her mouth.


    She looked worn out. It was no news anyways. No one would work with Mr Ashton and not get wearied. It was almost impossible.


    ¡°Wow¡­ you¡¯re so lucky girl.¡±


    ¡®Lucky? Hah hah hah¡­ lucky huh? Lucky my foot.¡¯ Mia thought.


    ¡°I just wish I could attend the campout and watch you two y a couple.. it would be very nice.¡± Jabi said and pouted.


    ¡°You can just watch it live on the school¡¯s tform, since you¡¯ve decided to stay by the love of your life.¡± Mia teased.


    ¡°What? Who said that?¡± Jabi blurted.


    ¡°Oh well.. it¡¯s obvious.¡± Mia replied nonchntly.


    ¡°Is it that obvious?¡± Jabi widened her eyes.


    ¡°What is?¡± Mia arched a brow.


    ¡°Mia! Are you teasing me right now?¡± Jabi shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Mia gave her a sly smile. ¡°I heard some nurses say you are a girlfriend who cares a lot for her boyfriend¡­ which happens to be Axel.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Jabi sprang on her feet. ¡°They wanna get sued? Who said I¡¯m dating him? Which of them?¡±


    Mia blinked her eyes repeatedly. ¡°You¡¯re making a big deal out of it. You guys are not dating, fine, but you¡¯re overreacting right now.¡± She cautioned.


    ¡°I am?¡± Jabi cooled down and took her seat again.


    * JAPAN


    ¡°Honey, didn¡¯t you sense anything wrong with our kids?¡± Paige asked her husband, Grayson, who was scrolling through the news on a tab.


    He looked up to her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with them?¡± He asked, looking clueless.


    Paige took a seat beside him on the sofa. Worry was evidently written on her face.


    ¡°Formally, whenever we are on a trip like this, we do video calls with each other, they call and we do have family conversations.¡± She said.


    ¡°Yes..?¡± Grayson wasn¡¯t getting her point.


    ¡°But now, everything has drastically changed. Since we¡¯ve been here, none has called and even when I call , they are not usually together, which is very strange. Thest time I called Mia, I asked of her brother but then the reply she gave was very bothering. Do you think they found out?¡± Paige exined.


    Grayson ced a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. ¡°No way darling, you don¡¯t need to worry about it. They must be very busy at the moment. It¡¯s exam week for Mia and Lian has stuffs to do also. You don¡¯t expect them to be together all the time¡­. Even Lunas and Alphas are not usually together, so¡­ don¡¯t think it too much.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡± Paige arched a brow. She was still deeply worried.


    Grayson gave an assuring smile.


    ***


    It was the final exam day. Mia wasn¡¯t really excited like the other kids.


    She prepared for school as usual and as she stepped out of her room, she heard grunts from the room opposite hers, which happened to be Lian¡¯s.


    Without a second thought, she barged into his room and met him, in his wolf form lying weakly on the floor.


    She ran to him immediately. ¡°Lian,  are you okay? What happened?¡± She shouted worriedly.


    She was greatly worried. He wasn¡¯t mind linking her or doing anything. He justid there, with his eyes closed and growled.


    Mia panicked greatly. She didn¡¯t know what to do. She suddenly opened up her bag and brought out her phone.


    ¡°Marlin, it¡¯s me. Can youe over to the house? Lian is sick.¡± She said hurriedly.


    Few minutester, Marlin arrived with Shane and Doctor ke.


    Doctor ke performed some stuffs on him that made him return to his human form, then helped him on the bed.


    They turned to Mia. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I just heard him growling then I came in and met him lying on the floor weakly.¡± She exined.


    Doctor ke studied Lian for  a while with his medical instruments, then sighed.


    ¡°How is he? It¡¯s nothing serious.. Is it?¡± Mia asked , with a strong feeling of anxiety.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. But, does he sleep well?¡± He asked.


    Mia looked nkly. She had no idea, so she had no answer.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t.¡± Shane replied, in Mia¡¯s ce.


    ¡°Then that¡¯s it. He stresses his mind and he doesn¡¯t get enough sleep. I see signs of migraines also.¡± Doctor ke said.


    A sense of guilt overwhelmed Mia  immediately. ¡®Is this because of me?¡¯ thought.


    ***


    The journey to the camp out location wasn¡¯t smooth for Mia at all. She was deep in thought and paid attention to no one.. not even Alexander, who was sitting beside her.


    She couldn¡¯t get Lian off her mind. She was curious to know how he was faring. He was supposed to be on the bus with them but he was lying sick at home, because of her. She kept staring at the screen of her phone, contemting on whether to call him or not.


    Alexander snatched the phone away. ¡°You¡¯ve been staring at it all day. What¡¯s the essence of staring if you aren¡¯t going to use it. Just stare at me instead.¡± He said, smiling broadly.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to stare at?¡± Mia retorted.


    ¡°My eyes.. nose¡­ or.. lips.¡± He mentioned.


    Mia pped his arm yfully. ¡°You jerk.¡±


    The bus stopped at a stop. They were going to have some junk foods. ¡°Let¡¯s have some snacks.¡± Alexander proposed.


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good.¡± Mia replied.


    Alexander felt a bid sad but said, ¡°Alright.¡±


    As he stepped out of the long, doubled decker bus, Mia remembered her phone was with him.


    ¡°My phone!¡± She said but he was out already. She sighed and sat back, then thought about all that had been happening between she and Lian.


    They arrived at the location  before the sun set and they started putting things in ce, under the supervision of Marlin, Shane, the principal and some teachers. The drama club members prepared for their presentation since it will be performed that night.


    Mia didn¡¯t rehearse wholeheartedly as her mind was somewhere else. Alexander noticed but others didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Stay focused Mia.¡± He whispered in her and winked at her.


    It was now time for the performance. The atmosphere was tense as everyone was excited. After the narrator¡¯s narration, the y started.


    It got to Mia and Alexander¡¯s turn to act their parts. Just before their turn, Mia had been getting a very strange feeling.


    But she tried hard to stay focused¡­ there was no way she would mess up everything they¡¯ve all worked hard for.


    As Alexander got closer to her, her heart raced and her body wasn¡¯t itself. She didn¡¯t know if her body was  reacting to his touch¡­ Or the strange feeling she had.


    When she couldn¡¯t take it anymore, she pushed Alexander away, which was not part of the script.


    Everyone booed.. thinking it was part of the act. Meanwhile, Mr Ashton and Mrs Ste noticed something was wrong.


    Mia couldn¡¯t get a hold of herself. She start screaming on top of her voice.. which made the students boo the more.


    Mia felt her bones bend¡­ and her skin was turning gradually. It was like her body was on fire. Her head pounded hard and her scream didn¡¯t stop.


    Then she noticed the white hair that popped out of her skin.


    ¡°Am I shifting?¡± She thought amidst her agony.


    The pain didn¡¯t stop until it spread through her body. When it stopped, she growled loudly.


    *Hey Mia, I¡¯m Harlow, your wolf.*

 Chapter 19

    Then Mia realized it¡­ she felt that strange feeling because her wolf was going to make her first appearance.


    The crowd were  shouting and booing in surprise and awe. Most of them haven¡¯t seen someone shift and for Mia¡¯s wolf, she looked very special.


    Her fur was pure white and she looked big.


    Alexander wasn¡¯t left out in the surprise. He was shocked.


    Harlow felt weak and could fall anytime. Mia¡¯s system was kinda weak for her.


    Lian, who just arrived few minutes earlier and saw the scene, rushed out of his car immediately. He quickly changed into his wolf form and ran towards the stage.


    Being in his wolf form also caused an uproar among the students. It was very rare for their Alpha to appear in his wolf form.


    ¡°Lian?¡± Shane and  Marlin mindlinked.


    ¡°I¡¯m cool.. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Lian replied back, through the mind link.


    Before Harlow could fall, he got to her and helped her get out of the people¡¯s view. If Harlow shifted back to human form, Mia was practically going to be naked so he had to do something.


    Some few female teachers, who were also werewolves, followed.


    The night¡¯s performance ended upleted, leaving so many people overwhelmed.


    *** THE NEXT DAY


    ***THE NEXT DAY


    Mia opened her eyes to see a strange environment. After looking around closely for a while, she realized it was an hotel.


    Everything that happened the previous night came rushing into her mind and she let out a deep sigh. She was worried that she ruined the performance yesterday.


    She sighted her phone on the drawal next to her bed and picked it up.


    There were many missed calls. They were from Jabi and her parents. She decided to call Jabi first.


    ¡°Hey, I watched everything. How are you feeling now? I¡¯m so happy for you babe. You finally met her¡­ what¡¯s her name? What is your ability?¡± Jabi didn¡¯t a breathe escape her until she finished talking.


    ¡°Chill dude. I¡¯m good and her name¡­ it¡¯s Harlow. And the ability¡­ I don¡¯t know yet¡± Mia replied calmly.


    ¡°Wow¡­ very beautiful. She is even white and big¡­ I¡¯m jealous. She¡¯s a little bit bigger than my wolf.¡± Jabi whined over the phone.


    ¡°Unbelievable¡­¡± Mia muttered.


    ¡°By the way, how are things over there? Things were kinda rough over herest night¡­ but I guess Alpha Lian got it all sorted. And the scene¡­ looked so much like that of a romance novel.¡± Jabi said.


    ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Alpha Lian was like the male protagonist and you were the female protagonist. Judging from the way he approached you right before you fell, he was full of anxiety¡­ just like when he brought you to the hospital the day you passed out due to a stomach pain.¡± Jabi said¡­ in a very neutral tone.


    ¡°What?¡± Mia blurted. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know? I saw him carry you in his hands, with solicitude written all over him. He left after confirming you were fine though.¡± Jabi exined.


    Mia was perturbed. ¡°I¡¯ll call youter.. bye.¡± She said hurriedly and hung up on Jabi.


    She let out few sighs out of regret¡­ for concluding wrongly. She then dialed Lian¡¯s number but he wasn¡¯t picking. She tried it again and the response was the same.


    Then she got up, intending to go in search of him.


    As she opened the door to go out, she met him, standing right in front of the door. The two stared at each other for a while before getting it back again.


    ¡°You are awake.¡± Lian said, heading straight towards the water dispenser that was in the room.


    After getting a cup of lukewarm water, he stretched the cup to her.


    ¡°Lian¨C¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll help you feel better.¡± He cut in.


    Gently, Mia collected the ss of water and gulped it down. That was kinda refreshing.


    It was silent for a while. Neither of them talked.


    Lian broke the silence minutester. ¡°You need to be alone right? I¡¯ll get going. Call me if you need anything.¡± He said and picked up his coat, getting ready to leave.


    ¡°How do you feel now?¡± She asked, making him halt his steps.


    He looked lost. ¡°I mean¡­ you were in pain when I left the house yesterday. How do you feel now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s nothing serious.¡± He said, and gave an half smile¡­ an assuring one. He made an attempt to walk out of the room again.


    ¡°Is it because of me?¡± Mia asked, out of the blue. ¡°Are you stressed because of me?¡± She asked, with a guilty looking expression.


    Lian turned to her. ¡°No¡­ not at all.¡± He said¡­ this time with a serious expression.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s because of me!¡± She raised her voice a little. ¡°You¡¯re in pain because of me. You don¡¯t sleep well this days, you get migraines frequently and¨C¡±


    ¡°Stop! Stop Mia¡­ just stop.¡± He begged. ¡°I¡¯ll leave now.¡± He said calmly and walked out of the door for real, this time around.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    A tear dropped from Mia¡¯s eyes and it started raining just then.


    She could see through her brother. She knew he was sick because of her but he¡¯s trying to convince her that she¡¯s not the cause.


    ¡°He¡¯s still that nice guy that doesn¡¯t trade mes.¡± She said admist sobs.


    A knock came on the door and she had to stop crying immediately. She wiped her face clean and forced a smile on to pretend everything was fine to whoever was standing at the door.


    One thing happened unnoticed to her though. The moment she stopped crying¡­ the rain stopped.


    Opening the door, Alexander came to the view. He was the least person she expected.


    She was expecting to see an hotel staff or something.


    ¡°Am I that handsome? You look trance like.¡± He said, paving in way for himself.


    ¡°No.. it¡¯s not that.¡± Mia replied, closing her door.


    ¡°Good thing you¡¯re awake. I brought you some chicken sandwich.¡±


    ¡°Wow really? Thanks.¡± Mia smiled, settling down for the sandwiches.


    ¡°You do not need to thank me.¡± Alexander stated.


    ¡°By the way, the y didn¡¯t end well yesterday¡­ did it?¡± Mia asked, even after knowing the answer. She was just expecting to hear something positive even though she knew that wasn¡¯t going to happen.


    ¡°Why ask? You know already.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­ it didn¡¯t end well. I¡¯m sorry I ruined everything.. I didn¡¯t see iting.¡± She apologized.


    Alexander¡¯s gaze was fixed on her for some seconds.


    ¡°Is there something on my face?¡± Mia asked, looking bewildered.


    ¡°You¡¯re so pretty¡­ too pretty for a 17 year old.¡± Heplimented, still staring at her.


    Mia¡¯s heart fluttered. What did thate from?


    ¡°How did you know I¡¯m seventeen?¡± She asked, stuffing the sandwich into her mouth carefully.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a secret.¡± Alexander retorted.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean¨C¡± Mia was interrupted by the creak of the door. The door opened wide, with Lian standing there.


    Mia was surprised. Lian glowered at Alexander, who stared back with an amusing look. He didn¡¯t even say his greetings.


    ¡°Lian, did you forget something?¡± Mia asked, getting up.


    It took a while before he answered¡­ as he was busy ring at Alexander.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ my car key.¡± He replied and walked to where he dropped it, then picked it up.


    He didn¡¯t say any more word before he left.


    Just after he left, Alexander got up too. ¡°I need to leave too. The campout party is still on, will you be able toe?¡±


    ¡°I can.¡± Mia said and smiled at him before he walked out of the door too.


    Ughh¡­ she felt a crazy mix of emotions the moment Lian cut in on them. It felt just like her boyfriend caught her with another guy.


    ¡­


    Lian waited patiently for Alexander toe out.. which he did.


    ¡°Hey, stop there.¡± Hemanded.


    ¡°Alpha Lian?¡± Alexander put on a surprised look. ¡°I thought you left.¡±


    ¡°Why do you keep getting closer to Mia?¡± Lian went straight to the point. He wasn¡¯t in the mood to beat around the bush.


    ¡°Why? Because I like her.¡± Alexander replied firmly.


    Lian scoffed. ¡°And who gave you the permission to?¡±


    ¡°What? Do I need the permission to like someone?¡± Alexander kept replying Lian¡¯s questions with questions¡­ which infuriated Lian the more.


    ¡°Stay away from her¡­ this is an order.¡± Lian said dreadfully.

 Chapter 20

    ¡°What¡¯s the point? She likes me too.¡± Alexander replied¡­ holding his head up very high in front of Alpha Lian.


    Lian grabbed him by the cor and pinned him to the wall. Alexander did nothing butugh mockingly. He didn¡¯t struggle to free himself¡­ not until Lianpressed his neck.


    Lian swore inwardly as he squeezed Alexander¡¯s neck and one could tell from the look on his face that he was enraged.


    ¡°Lian!¡± Someone called. Lian looked sideways and realized it was  leaving him to cough his lungs out, then he started walking away steadily.


    ¡°Hey are you okay?¡± Mia rushed to Alexander, who was apparently in pain.


    ***


    ¡°So this case will be wrapped up?¡± Shane arched his brow.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Record it as an ident.¡± Lian said nonchntly.


    ¡°Lian! We all know it wasn¡¯t an ident. That thing was fucking nned.¡± Shane yelled.


    ¡°Yeah.. it was nned and so what? There are no solid proofs or evidences that it was an ident so what else ?¡± Lian retorted.


    ¡°But you shouldn¡¯t walk over the case so easily¡­ We are supposed to find a way to get the culprit!¡± Shane shouted again.


    Lian banged the table. ¡°Who¡¯s the alpha here? I believe I still have the final say over everything that goes on in this school pack so how dare you question me!¡± Lian growled. It was obvious that he was furious.


    ¡°Guys guys¡­ shouting won¡¯t solve the puzzle. Lian you can¡¯t just call it off without resolving it.¡± Marlin said.


    ¡°Who said I can¡¯t?¡± Lian scoffed.


    ¡°That¡¯s because this is not the first time this is happening.¡± Marlin said.


    Lian arched a brow. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°The red stone case..¡± Marlin said and the tense atmosphere became calm.


    ***


    Lian drove for hours before he got to the old fashioned castle, which was outside town.


    He was going to see Samara, the legendary witch who had lived for centuries and possessed many powers.


    Luckily for him, she was in. A tall, slender, fair skinned woman, sitting with so much graceful aura at the head sofa in the spacious and huge living room, with her heavy made-up face.


    Her thick, ck eye lined eyes and the wine coloured lipstick she applied made her look much like a malicious wench.


    ¡°What brings the alpha to my abode?¡± She asked, without sparing him a nce.


    ¡°Offer me a seat.. at least.¡± Lian said, ignoring her question.


    ¡°My bad¡­ have your seat.¡±


    After sitting opposite her, he started. ¡°It was you in that granny¡¯s body right?¡± Lian straight to the point.


    ¡°My disguise ability must be fading away¡­¡± She said with a slight smile, as she stared at the painted nails she adored.


    ¡±  ¡®Su adversarios son cerca¡¯¡­ My enemies are near?¡± Lian questioned, looking quite bewildered.


    ¡°So you know¡­ much nearer than you think.¡± Samara said with a smirk.


    ¡°What do they want?¡± Lian asked, with so much curiosity.


    ¡°You do know what they want.¡± She said simply.


    Lian went deep in thought for a while, then asked again. ¡°Who¡¯s behind this?¡±


    Samara stretched out her hand as if she wanted to collect something, then a ss of champagne appeared.


    She took a sip and then smiled broadly¡­. ¡°Giovanni.¡±


    Lian knew who it was. Giovanni, the old, merciless Lord of a rogue pack. He collected destructive wolves and made them his people. He has taken over many weak packs and added them to his own pack. ¡®I get it now¡­ he¡¯s after my pack.¡¯ Lian thought.


    He stood up and dropped some pearls on the ceramic ¨C made te that was at the middle of the center table.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave now.¡± He announced and turned to leave.


    ¡°This will be so much fun.¡± Samara said and startedughing hysterically. This made Lian to halt in his steps. He turned to her. ¡°What?¡±


    Samara stoppedughing immediately and stared directly into his eyes.


    ¡°The fight is not yours only.¡± She replied and took a sip of the champagne again. ¡°You think the sacred stone case and the suicide case is ordinary¡­ don¡¯t you?¡± She asked, this time with a mixed expression of seriousness and mischief.


    ***


    Lian rushed into Marlin¡¯s house, hoping he would meet him there. Luckily enough, he met both Shane and Marlin there. They were ying video games.


    ¡°Guys, we have more work to do than ying games.¡± Lian scolded.


    ¡°Work? What¡¯s that?¡± Shane arched a brow angrily.


    ¡°Listen, I take back every word I said earlier. The red stone and the suicide case, it¡¯s actually not ordinary.¡± Lian said.


    ¡°You know that already.¡± Marlin said.


    ¡°No, this is extremely different from what we knew. The cases were actually signals.¡±


    ¡°From who?¡± Marlin asked as curiosity started eating him up. Shane wasn¡¯t left out too.


    ¡°Giovanni?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Shane and Marlin eximed at the same time. ¡°That Old dude?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.. means his guys are much closer than we think. You two, split up and search the attempted suicide area, and also the forest path that leads to the sacred stone¡¯s cave. I¡¯ll go see the victims and try getting into their heads, I need to look into their memories.¡±


    Shane and Marlin tossed aside the PS they were holding. ¡°On it.¡±


    ¡®Letting some old geezer take my pack into captivity? That¡¯s not going to happen.¡¯


    ***


    ¡°My lord, I¡¯vemitted a grave sin and deserve to die.¡± A subject begged as he knelt on floor and his head bowed.


    ¡°Then just die.¡± Giovanni¡¯s deep voice echoed through the throne room, even though his subjects were in there.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°My lord, have mercy on your servant.¡± The subject cried.


    ¡°You betrayed the great Giovanni and you beg for mercy? Fine, i¡¯ll pass a merciful judgement.¡± Giovanni said, with creeped some of the subjects out. He probably meant the opposite of what he said.


    ¡°Thank you so much my lord.¡±


    Giovanni stretched his hand out to his right hand man and thetter ced on his hand a shiny, sharp silver sword.


    Giovanni stood up from his throne and walked down the aisle, dragging


    the tip of the sword on the floor.


    He stopped right in front of the subject and gave him an affectionate look, which changed to an evil expression the next second.


    He pierced the man¡¯s heart with the sword and the sword could be seen at the man¡¯s back.


    His blood sshed everywhere, including Giovanni¡¯s regalia. Giovanni twisted the sword while it was still stuck in the man¡¯s chest, making the man growl loudly in pain.


    He pulled out the sword and the man gave up the ghost immediately, with blood oozing out continuously.


    Giovanni threw the sword on the floor. ¡°Get the maids to prepare me a new apparel and throw him in a forest. I bet the vultures crave food.¡±

 Chapter 21

    ¡°Who do you seek?¡± The middle aged woman at the door asked Lian.


    Lian had to put on a friendly smile. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Ryan.¡±


    The woman¡¯s reaction was odd. She quickly broke their eye contact and looked away. He noticed her quivering pupils and her trembly hands.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Go away, Ryan is not home.¡± She said, in  a harsh tone.


    Lian knew something was off the moment she broke their eye contact. ¡°Did something happen to him?¡± He asked again.


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking any more questions. Please leave.¡± The woman replied and tried closing the door on him.


    Lian stopped the door from closing with his hand. The woman was surprised. *Why is he so persistent?*


    ¡°I¡¯m here to see what I can do to help him. I¡¯m Lian, the alpha of diamond pack.¡± He said. In that kind of situation, the only thing that could make someone tremble and Chase people away from their doorstep whenever questions are asked about a particr person, is either they have been threatened or they don¡¯t want to reveal the ongoing situation.


    Lian had to pretend as if he knew what happened to Ryan.


    As expected, the woman reluctantly let him in after confirming that he was really an alpha, with the hope of helping her son.


    She led him to thest room down a passage and unlocked the door, which was locked with a big and heavy padlock.


    Lian was about to enter the room but then was stopped.


    ¡°Please, redeem my son¡­ I need my son back.¡± She begged and started shedding tears.


    Lian assured her that everything was under control and went into the room.


    It was slightly dark in there but he could see clearly, as he wasn¡¯t human.


    He sighted a creature lying palely on the floor at a corner of the room and he carefully, approached it.


    As he walked closer, the creature started growling but Lian didn¡¯t retreat.


    Just when he was about six inches away the creature sprang on its feet and sprinted to where Lian was. Within that second, Lian got everything about it¡¯s appearance.


    Truly, it was Ryan but the real Ryan¡¯s appearance was fading away so quickly and a ck, red eyed beast was taking over. He had ws and fangs.


    He held Lian¡¯s neck and tried to stab Lian on the chest, with his ws.


    Lian¡¯s eyes started to ze like fire. They turned into an Amber colour and he stared right into the beast¡¯s eyes, fiercely.


    It groaned in pain and Lian threw him roughly to the wall and then he fell.


    Lian walked towards him and held his neck. ¡°Ryan¡­ wake up!¡± He urged intensely and slowly, the real Ryan awoke, even though the appearance was still the beast¡¯s.


    Lianmanded him to close his eyes which he did, and Lian closed his eyes too and travelled through his memory.


    He saw he vague memory of Ryan getting possessed by some mischievous spirit but that wasn¡¯t what he needed.


    After going through patiently, he finally saw what he wanted to see. The memory of Ryan cleaning the forest¡¯s entrance during the pack¡¯s sanitation.


    He saw n and Asher walking away, leaving Ryan only and then Miss Maria came around. She seemed to give him instructions and then left. Lian didn¡¯t have the ability to hear anything, he could only see.


    As he tried to look further, he fell out of the memory realm into the real world. He groaned in pain as he felt his forehead pounding. He had spent too much time in there, for the first time.


    There was nothing special in what he just saw but he had that feeling that something was totally off.


    He opened his eyes to see a pair of red, burning eyes. The spirit in Ryan was awoke.


    Before Lian could anticipate anything, Ryan held his neck, raised him up and pinned him to the wall violently.


    Ryan sniffed disgustingly like a dog and smiled in an evil manner.


    ¡°Your heart must be very tasty.¡± He rumbled.


    Ryan¡¯s ws sharpened and he made an attempt to dig out Lian¡¯s heart. Lian anticipated the move and held him by the wrist. He twisted the wrist and kicked Ryan in the stomach, making him fall back.


    Lian pounced on him and strangted him to the brink of death.


    ¡°Get out of that body, now!¡± Hemanded. The spirit left Ryan¡¯s body but before it fled, Lian had a spiritualbat with it. If not, the spirit will go into the world and possess people.


    After getting defeated, the spirit perished and was never to exist again.


    ***


    ¡°It¡¯s a spirit that feeds on hearts.¡± Marlin said.


    ¡°Right. How is that dude? What about the other guys?¡± Shane asked Lian with so much interest.


    ¡°Yeah, I called Doctor ke to take care of him. About n, he is out of the country.. on a fun trip and as for Asher, that dude¡¯s painting the town red somewhere.¡± Lian said.


    ¡°Does that mean nothing happened to them?¡±Marlin asked and Lian nodded.


    ¡°It makes sense actually. Those guys weren¡¯t around when Ryan entered the forest.¡± Shane added.


    ¡°Guys¡­ something is off.¡± Lian announced and the two others leaned closely.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°After n and Asher left, Miss Maria was the first andst one to see and talk to Ryan.¡±


    ¡°What did she say to him?¡± Shane asked.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hear that dude.¡± Lian retorted.


    ¡°What did you see after that?¡± Marlin asked Lian and watched him keenly. He seemed very much serious than Shane.


    ¡°After that¡­ I cked out.¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Shane cursed. He was expecting something grand after that. He just wanted to catch the culprit as soon as possible.


    ¡°It¡¯s totally off.¡± Marlin suddenly said, then he continued. ¡°Miss Maria was only meant to assign their portions to them, which is usually done and pasted on the announcement board. And I remember seeing Miss Lisa as the supervisor. Then why was Miss Maria with Ryan that day?¡±


    ¡°This is getting more interesting¡­¡± Lian smirked.


    ***


    Mia was home all alone. She finished her final exams and there was no need for her to go to school anymore. Prom night and graduation wereing up in  some days. She thought graduating from high school was going to be some stuff she would be happy about but here she was, bored to the extreme.


    There was no one to talk to. Lian wasn¡¯t home, Jabi was probably dealing with the love of her life and Alexander? Totally out of the list.


    Just then she heard the sound of a car driving into thepound and she knew already that it was Lian.


    She thought he wasn¡¯ting home that day ¡¯cause it waste in the night.


    He dragged his feet in tiredly and didn¡¯t even notice she was there in the living room.


    ¡°Lian, can we talk?¡± She asked, making her presence known.


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± He drawled. He would always have time for her even if he was at the close of dying from tiredness.


    They settled down and Mia started. ¡°It¡¯s about Alex¡­¡± She said.


    Just hearing that name, made Lian¡¯s blood boil. Either ways, he didn¡¯t object and listened to her quietly and patiently.


    ¡°Can you please ept him as my friend? Just like you ept Jabi and Axel. I¡¯m tired of seeing you assault him and all. I can¡¯t even face him now because I feel guilty of what my brother has done to him.¡±


    ¡°Who gave you the permit to feel guilty?¡± Lian questioned and she stared nkly.¡±I¡¯m doing this for you Mia, to protect you.¡±


    ¡°Protect me? You protect me by assaulting my friend? This doesn¡¯t make sense Lian.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass for this night. Listen up Mia, stay away from that punk if you don¡¯t want to see him die before your very eyes.¡±

 Chapter 22

    Chapter twenty two


    The pairs of eyes were fixed on Miss Maria and it gave her goosebumps. Lian, Marlin and Shane all sat on armchairs that were inches apart from each other and faced Miss Maria who sat on the opposite side, with her hands sped together on herps.


    Lian sighed before starting the interrogation. ¡°Miss Maria, you¡¯re about to be questioned and I won¡¯t take it with levity if you reply with anything apart from the truth.¡± He warned beforehand, showing no emotions.


    Miss Maria nodded gently in agreement to what he said. ¡°Ask me anything alpha.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± Marlin announced and straightened up in the chair he sat on. His gaze was intensely fixed on her, demanding an eye contact with her.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Where were you on the previous school¡¯s sanitation?¡± He inquired, looking very serious.


    Miss Maria let out a breath before giving him an answer. ¡°I was at school for a short period of time and then I had to leave for home because I wasn¡¯t feeling too well.¡±


    Marlin studied her for quite a short moment before moving on. ¡°Around what time did you leave?¡± He creased his brows as he waited for her answer. An hour before the sanitation began.¡±


    The room was silent for a while, before Shane took over. ¡°That should be 8am.¡± He stated as if he guessed it. Miss Maria nodded in agreement to his calction. ¡°So you mean you didn¡¯te back to the school that day after you left?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± She shook her head slightly.


    Silence took over the room once again and then Lian sighed after studying her keenly. ¡°Do you know any Asher Grant?¡± He questioned in a straightforward tone as he looked directly into her eyes. She seemed to travel through her memory for some seconds, then she wore on an uncertain expression.  ¡°I don¡¯t know him in particr but i do remember       assigning a portion to him and some other boys.¡±


    ¡°The one who was to supervise was Miss Lisa, right?¡± Miss Maria was enquired again and she confirmed it. ¡°I left right after I informed her of my sudden leave.¡±


    Lian nced at Marlin, who nced back and then moved his eyes to Shane, who also stared back.


    They seemed to be passing an information across to each other. Lian narrowed his gaze back to Miss Maria with a faint smile ying on his lips.


    When she left, the three drew closer to each other. ¡°Something¡¯s definitely off.¡± Marlin stated with a pair of perplexed eyes.


    ¡°Right. First, let¡¯s confirm her alibi, check with the teachers that were around that day, check with her neighbors too. Then, we¡¯ll call for Miss Lisa.¡±


    ***


    Mia was on with her new daily routine of staying home with eyes glued to the television all day. She munched on her favorites cookies in a partial happy mood, not until she heard the doorbell ring.


    Opening the door, Alexander came into the view and her heart skipped a bit. Apart from the fact that she looked messy at the moment, something else troubled her. She was reminded of Lian¡¯s words the previous night.


    Alexander dramatically waved in front of her eyes, probably to jolt her out of her trance.


    ¡°I¡¯m that handsome?¡± He inquired teasingly with a mockingugh. Mia led him in after letting out an insincere smile.


    ¡°Whoa, this is great. Watching alone? Mind if I join you?¡± Mia stared pitifully at the dude. She was lost in her own thoughts.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± She drawled aftering back to the world. ¡°You do mind?¡± He furrowed his brows in surprise and frowned.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know. I¡¯m probably trying to save your life here¡­¡± She mumbledzily. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here, let¡¯s go out. I¡¯ll go change.¡± She ascended the stairs after leaving him in a confused state. He was quite lost on her expressions.


    ***


    ¡°Hey guys, what did you catch on?¡± Lian asked over the voice call.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s damn neat. She did arrive home some minutes after eight, her neighbors, the securities at the estate and even the street CCTV confirmed it.¡± Marlin replied as he and Shane stepped out local authority¡¯s office.


    ¡°Now, she¡¯s off the list. I checked with the suicide girl and I found absolutely nothing from her memory.¡± Lian also reported and Marlin ran his fingers through his hair frustratedly. ¡°Who¡¯s this asshole that keeps toying with us?!¡± He almost yelled.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know who it is¡­ but I¡¯ll make sure that person breathes theirst today.¡± Lian vowed with a tone filled with determination. Then he smirked evilly, and raised his chin up a little. ¡°Giovanni should also get a taste of me¡­ For messing with my pack.¡±


    ¡­


    They were back at the hangout together again. Each was deep in thoughts¡­ Probably thinking of a strategy to get the person that had been messing with the pack.


    Shane Suddenly jolted the other two out of their thoughts, seemed like he got something.


    ¡°Lian, you do have a sharp memory. Can you go into a quick therapy, go back through the memory of Asher you saw, and speak out every detail of what you see?¡± He requested, looking so serious.


    ¡°Hey¡­ what will that resolve to?¡± Marlin shrugged off, with the mentality that Shane was out of his mind.


    Lian raised a hand up as a gesture to Marlin. He thought intensely for some seconds and his emotions twitched. ¡°Right, there should be something¡­ let¡¯s do it.¡±


    Rxing his back into a brown leathered twirling chair, with eyes closed, Lian described every single thing he remembered from Asher¡¯s memory, including what the characters wore, their actions and movements. Somehow, he found the perfect adjectives for descriptions. Shane and Marlin were attentive that they could even hear anything Lian said under his breath.


    When he saw nothing more, he opened his eyes to meet two other pair of eyes staring at him earnestly.


    ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± He nnounced. ¡°What did you find?¡±


    ¡°Guys, I might sound crazy right now but trust me, all the years I¡¯ve known Miss Maria, I¡¯ve never seen her wear t shoes. It¡¯s always those life threatening pointed heels.¡± Shane pointed out with a look of certainty.


    The other two stared nkly, then Marlin tilted his head along with his thoughts. ¡°Now that I think of it, I¡¯ve never seen her wear ts too. However, i heard Miss Lisa used to wear them all the time ¡¯cause she has bad legs.¡±


    Lian smiled broadly. ¡°We called for her but I think we¡¯ll have to go to her.¡±


    ***


    They stood at Miss Lisa¡¯s door, waiting for her to open the door. It took quite a moment, but Lian was okay with it¡­ as far as she was home.


    ¡°Hi, miss.¡± Lian greeted with a wink after she opened the door. As expected, her reaction after seeing them wasn¡¯t a warm one, and once again, Lian didn¡¯t care.


    She stood at the door, still staring at them and swallowed hard before talking. ¡°May I ask what you¡¯re doing here, alpha Lian?¡±


    Lian put on a smile that could melt hearts. ¡°You didn¡¯t show up, so we decided to pay a visit.¡± He suddenly wriggled himself inside the house while Shane and Marlin were insincerely ushered in.


    ¡°Wow, you have a nice ce.¡± Lianmented as he looked around closely and he thrust his hands in his pockets. Then he noticed a silver suitcase at a corner of the living room and the smile he had turned into a grin.


    ¡°Travelling?¡± He inquired as he turned to her and she nodded. She looked quite calm more than she was earlier.


    ¡°Guys, we should get an apartment in thisplex also.. it¡¯s amazing here, what do you think?¡± He directed his teasing question to his friends and they smiled, being amused by his sudden act.


    ¡°Uhmm.. please have your seats.¡± Miss Lisa offered and they all settled, looking more serious.


    ¡°I found you¡­ Lisa.¡± Lian said with a smirk on his lips.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Miss Lisa arched a brow, acting surprised.


    Lian crossed his legs and stared directly into her eyes. ¡°You amber eyed  wench, you disguised into my pack as human, manipted two students, almost got one killed and also put on the image of another.¡± He detailed out carefully and his expression changed to a furious one.


    Unexpectedly, Miss Lisa let out a short hystericalugh.


    ¡°You really did found me, alpha Lian.¡±

 Chapter 23

    Chapter twenty three


    Alexander and Mia drove to a film house to watch movies. It was clearly Mia¡¯s idea since she didn¡¯t let him watch at her house.


    Alongside their movie tickets, they also bought two buckets of popcorn.


    He clearly observed that she was absent minded as her gaze was fixed on the screen without batting hershes. She was lost for minutes.


    He tapped her gently on the shoulder and she jerked a little. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°You zoned out.¡± He told her and she suddenlyughed at, which turned out awkward. ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± She denied and looked away from him.


    She was greatly perturbed by Lian¡¯s words the other day. She was well aware that her brother would never be so much against someone without a solid reason, and on the other hand, Alexander didn¡¯t seem harmful or dangerous to her.


    A bottle of COLA appeared in front of her. ¡°You must be thirsty.¡± Alexander guessed aloud with a gentle smile g on his face. Mia was partly melted.  *How can a pretty soul like this be harmful? Huh?* She thought as she unknowingly stared at him, with the light exuding from the huge screen making his face gleam.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Is something on my face?¡± He asked staring back in confusion.


    Mia answered him with a pretty smile and collected the still stretched out bottle of COLA.


    ¡°By the way, I have something to tell you.¡± He announced in a low, calm tone, with his eyes still fixed on her.


    After gulping down the amount of COLA she got into her mouth, she turned to him, looking curious.


    ¡°What is it?¡± She inquired. Alexander let out a light smile. ¡°Not now¡­¡±


    ***


    All in the room were on their feet now. Seemed like there had been a fight for a while. There were slight bruises on Lisa¡¯s body but Lian hadn¡¯t acquired any. Shane and Marlin maintained boundaries and stayed off the fight after Lian told them not to meddle in.


    Lisa was panting gently and Lian¡¯s breaths could be hardly heard.


    Lian furrowed his brows in  brief surprise. ¡°When did Giovanni start taking in foxes?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± The two guys who watched from a short distance eximed in unison.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ you found out stuffs quite fast.¡± Lisa mumbled as she secretly gathered strength to go against the alpha again. ¡°He took us in ever since he realized our worth.¡± She finally released the answer he wanted to hear.


    Lian grinned. ¡°You¡¯re worth nothing, he¡¯s only using you.¡± The grin grew into a cold expression as he took her unawares.


    He held her neck and pinned her to the wall. She gathered the now draining strength and blew him in the stomach, making him retreat on impulse.


    She ran across the room in a sh over to where Marlin and Shane was, then grabbed Marlin. She wrapped her arm around his neck and took out her ws and threatened to dig them into his neck.


    ¡°Let me go back and he¡¯s going to be okay. Otherwise, we¡¯ll be going down together.¡± Her eyes were filled with violence and Lian didn¡¯t fail to notice that she was losing strength. That¡¯s why she had no option but to use someone as an hostage.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± Lian muttered as he made slow, unnoticeable hesitant steps towards the duo.


    ¡°That¡¯s s lie. You care for them more than yourself, there¡¯s no way you¡¯d let them die.¡±


    Lian burst into an hystericalugh. ¡°They are nothing to me, I don¡¯t give a damn if they die the next minute, soe off the topic.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Then I get to eat liver today.¡± She fantasized and made a rapid attempt to shave her ws into his neck. Marlin kicked her off and Shane shot her in the arm with a silenced pistol, at the same  second.


    She fell to the floor and groaned in pain. Marlin kicked her on the ribs. ¡°You¡¯ve got crazy guts, you wanna eat a wolf¡¯s liver? Funny.¡±


    Lian bent to her level and    ,  smirked. ¡°You should have known more better than toe against me, Lisa. Return as a package to Giovanni.¡± Hemanded.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t kill me.¡± She pleaded under a fading breath. ¡°I¡¯ll never show up in your face again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s toote. You should¡¯ve decided that long ago when you were assigned the job.¡± He turned her down and closed his eyes briefly. The colour of his eyes had changed when he opened them.


    They were zing like fire now.


    He stared into Lisa¡¯s weak eyes and ordered in a low, calm tone. ¡°Die.¡±


    ¡°You think you¡¯ll win?¡± She struggled to mutter and a hystericalugh came after. ¡°Don¡¯t let your guard down, alpha. Guess who the next targets are.¡± She struggled to voice out as she was struck by a white lightening. When the lightening stopped, she was no longer ther


    ***


    ¡°Lian, you do know the gravity of those words right? More people will get hurt. We need to guess wildly who the next targets are.¡± Marlin regarded in a worried tone.


    ¡°Yeah, and I¡¯m getting a hunch that the next targets are the closest to you.¡± Shane added. ¡°And probably distant people.¡± Marlin wittily mumbled.


    Lian, who had been pacing around the room the whole time stopped and turned to them.  ¡°Call Mia and find out her whereabouts.¡± He ordered in an unorder-like tone. It was evident that he was madly worried about her and he had the feeling that she might be the next target. He could really lose it if anything happens to her.


    Shane and Marlin frowned. ¡°You¡¯re her brother.¡±


    ¡°We are not on good terms so do it in my stead. And so we can¡¯t tell who the next targets are for now, security at school needs to be over tightened. I¡¯ll request some additional soldiers from the blue moon school pack. Notify those who stay outside the school pack and their guardians on the current situation. Also make it clear to them that the kids¡¯ safety can¡¯t be guaranteed.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Shane uttered.


    ¡°How about bring them together in a ce?¡± Marlin suggested out of the blue. Lian ced in his hands on his waist. ¡°borate.¡±


    ¡°Bringing all the students together would guarantee their safety, no one would be left out.¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡±


    Lian sighed. ¡°Agreed. But it¡¯s left in the hands of the students¡¯ families.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that, I and Shane will talk them into it.¡± Marlin assured.


    ¡°Alright, I have to go now. See youter.¡± Lian picked up his jacket and attempted to leave the room.


    ¡°Rosie called.¡± Shane announced.


    Lian gave the ¡®what did she say?¡¯ look. ¡°She has been trying to reach you but couldn¡¯t. She¡¯s worried.¡±


    ¡°Tell her not to be, and also let her know I¡¯m darn busy at the moment. I don¡¯t need her services.¡±


    ***


    ¡°We are here.¡± Alexander announced. Mia looked outside the window and saw that they were really outside her home. She didn¡¯t realize it before.


    ¡°Ugh, thanks for taking me out, it was fun.¡± She said and shed a smile. Alexander returned with a smile too. ¡°I¡¯ll always be avable whenever you call me, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Sheughed. ¡°You silly¡­¡± As she was about to get off the car, she suddenly turned to him. ¡°You have something to tell me.¡± She reminded, with a cute frown.


    He didn¡¯t forget about it, he just pretended as if he did. ¡°Oh yeah, can it wait?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Mia snapped, stunning him a bit. He took a deep breath. ¡°Let¡¯s date.¡±

 Chapter 24

    Chapter twenty four


    It was something Mia didn¡¯t expect. She felt words hooked at her throat for a while. She always knew he approached her for a reason and it was because he liked her? Wow.


    ¡°Alex¡­ I¡­ uh¡­ I wasn¡¯t expecting that.¡± She managed to say, stammeringly.


    Alexander smiled. ¡°I know. You don¡¯t need to give me a reply now ¡¯cause I can see I¡¯m about to get rejected. I¡¯ll give you time to think about it, then you can give me an answer.¡±


    Mia smiled. She was d he understood her. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure. I¡¯ll be out of the country very soon, so when I¡¯m back, you can give the answer. Take your time.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re traveling? Why?¡± She asked curiously.


    ¡°Hmm yeah. My family are having a get-together soon. I should be there.¡±


    Mia nodded instinctively. ¡°Right, you need to be there.¡± She got off the car and peeped through the window. ¡°Take care of yourself and don¡¯t get into fights or arguments with them. That would be really bad.¡±


    Alexander smiled more sincerely. ¡°Thanks Mia. See you.¡±


    ***Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    The phone ring abruptly woke Lian out of sleep. He groaned loudly as he opened his eyes. There were visible beads of sweat on his forehead and his breathing was a little bit faster than normal. He had just had a dream that he couldn¡¯tprehend. Some people were been stabbed to death by unknown people and watching this awful scene, he cried vigorously in pain. What was more awful presently was, he didn¡¯t remember the faces of the people that were stabbed, and it troubled him. Considering the way he felt in the dream, those people had to be close people. Could be Shane and Marlin? Mia? Rosie? Jabi or Axel? He thought.


    cing the phone on his ear, a troubled voice said, ¡°Lian, you need to be here right now. The Jacobs family were attacked.¡±


    *


    As he rushed towards Shane and Marlin, who were standing outside the house, Lian inquired. ¡°What exactly happened?¡±


    ¡°We got a call from the Mr Jacobs, after iming that you weren¡¯t picking your phone. He said some unknown guy barged into the house and stabbed their son first, then he and his wife, all in their arms. They¡¯ve been taken to the hospital and currently¡­ the police are involved.¡± Marlin exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s Giovanni again.¡± He muttered. ¡°The police shouldn¡¯t be a problem. It might actually be a good thing that they are involved. Anything about the attacker?¡±


    ¡°I got a vague one.¡± Shane voiced. ¡°Driving towards the Jacobs house, I saw a blue Benz, atest model, drive out of thepound. Thest three characters on its number te was ¡®BB2¡¯. And I swear to the moon goddess, I¡¯ve seen that car at the school parking lot before.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen some car with that number te also.¡± Marlin added.


    ¡°So the attacker might be a student or a teacher at the school pack?¡± Lian arched his brow and the other two nodded.


    Lian travelled through his thought for a while.


    ¡°Where were the Jacobs stabbed again?¡± He asked, for confirmation. Seemed he was getting something out of the whole situation already.


    ¡°In their arms.¡±


    *** VACATION HOME, JAPAN.


    ¡°Honey, we ran out of sparkling water.¡± Mrs Torres announced to her husband, who was sipping a wine from a ss while reading newspapers.


    ¡°We can drink water tonight and then grab some bottles of sparkling ones tomorrow. It¡¯ste.¡±


    ¡°I refuse. Your doctor said you should have a bottle or two per day, for your health and you¡¯ve not had any today. You should stop drinking that wine also, you¡¯ve had too much already.¡± She nagged.


    ¡°Aish¡­ you and your naggings all the time. Fine, I¡¯ll stop drinking, but there¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting you out tonight. It¡¯s really dark outside. If you must get the sparkling water, order online.¡±


    She sank in the couch, beside him. ¡°Why should I order online when there¡¯s a convenience store six buildings away? Besides, delivery can¡¯t be done in the middle of the night.¡± She protested calmly.


    Mr Torres tossed the newspapers aside. ¡°If you insist on going out tonight, then I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    ¡°Your wish.¡± She shed a smile and he stood up and walked to the room, to get a change of clothes.


    She thinks he¡¯s loving, as she stared at the newspapers he tossed. ¡°Who reads newspapers nowadays?¡± She mumbled, thinking her husband was the weird, old fashioned type. And then she smiled again.


    Just then, it started to rain. It was raining cats and dogs. She didn¡¯t see iting. She saw a figure sh across the window at the waiting room and slowly, she stood up and walked towards the door, wanting to check if it was someone that was caught up by the rain on their way home.


    As she ced her hand on the knob, and about to open it, she heard a loud crash from the room her husband went into.


    She quickly gave up the idea of going outside as she rushed to the room.


    Opening the door, she met the room turned upside down and inside out. She looked around and saw her husband lying on the bed, and groaning in pain. Then someone dressed in aplete ck outfit came in view.


    It was a man. Not just a man but a weaponed one. The man made an attempt to stab her husband in the chest but he was quick to roll off the bed.


    It took her a while to realize she had been screaming.


    The man suddenly charged at her, infuriated by her screams. He motioned her to keep quiet, then he whirled a pocket knife at her, which she wittily dodged. Scared, she ran off to her husband¡¯s side, with some scratches on her arm.


    Shielding his wife with his body, Grayson Torres red at the attacker. ¡°Who are you? Who sent you? What do you want?¡±


    ¡°If you must know, Giovanni sent me. And I¡¯m here to murder you two.¡±


    Paige Torres let out a sharp scream as she heard those words, and the ss vase in the room broke and shattered unto the floor.


    ¡°Calm down darling, it¡¯ll be alright. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re safe, okay?¡± He assured and even though she wasn¡¯t deeplu assured, Paige nodded vigorously.


    The man charged at Grayson, this time with a spiritual weapon. Grayson gathered his powers and skills to fight the man but it seemed he was weaker. He hadn¡¯t really used his powers in a long time and he stopped training and working out ages ago. It was no surprise the man had an upper hand.


    Paige started screaming with some intentions. Whenever she screamed, everything around gets destroyed. And if it gets more intense, the whole building will copse. She couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    The wide screened television that was on a long, white shelf in the room fell off and broke. The wall clock, the windows, the air-conditioners all broke and fell off. Then the lights broke and went off, leaving the whole room dark.


    Grayson let out a cry of pain as he got stabbed on his arm. His chest was the target, but he had anticipated the man¡¯s move and moved swiftly.


    ¡°Oh my, honey are you okay?¡± Paige let out worriedly as she approached him. It was still raining out, but it seemed like it would stop soon.


    *I have to finish up here before the rain stops*


    The man raised his knife, with the intent to stab Grayson continuously, before moving to his wife.


    Grayson was still in pain, from his bleeding arm and didn¡¯t notice the man¡¯s move.


    Paige shook her head in disbelief as she rushed towards the man. ¡°No no no no!¡± She uttered as she got a weak grip of the man¡¯s arm, preventing him from piercing the sharp object through her husband¡¯s flesh. Furiously, the man shook her off violently and continued his move.


    Paige couldn¡¯t live without her husband. It was better for her to die than watch her husband die, then live the rest of her life alone. Without thinking, she shielded Grayson with her body, moving over him, volunteering to be killed in her husband¡¯s stead. ¡°Paige!!!¡± Grayson screamed in fear.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter twenty five


    Grayson struggled to push his wife off, with his unharmed hand but she appeared determined and strong. He closed his eyes immediately, he couldn¡¯t bear the scene at all. Paige waited to feel a Pierce on her back, Grayson expected a warm flow of thick liquid on his body, and unbelievingly, they never got the feelings.


    A figure came in through the window like a sh and charged at the ck-outfit man. It took a while for the couple to notice there was a third party.


    Paige¡¯s sense of smell sharpened immediately. ¡°Lian.¡± She muttered. If there was someone she was good at recognizing by cologne, it was her son.


    Lian threw punches at the man¡¯s face repeatedly and violently. He totally lost control over his emotions. Opening the door, he dragged the man who was now weak out of the room, into a bright and lighted space.


    Grayson sighed deeply. Then turned to his wife, who felt a bit relieved. ¡°Paige, why would you do that? Do you know how I felt right when you shielded me? I should be the shield, not you!¡± She yelled.


    ¡°What was I supposed to do? Watch him stab you? I couldn¡¯t think of anything else that protect you Grayson, I couldn¡¯t. How would I live the rest of my life without you?¡± Paige sobbed gently. There was still fear in her.


    Grayson sighed softly. His wife break down was one thing he had always hated to see. He pulled her gently into his arms. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for yelling darling. But you shouldn¡¯t risk yourself for me. I can¡¯t watch you get hurt in my ce. Don¡¯t ever do that again, please.¡±


    After some minutes, the couple managed to find their way to the living room, where Lian and the man was.


    Lian kept on beating the man. He was totally out of control. He couldn¡¯t hear anything at the moment. And the only thing on his mind was to destroy the guy.


    Eventually, he got tired and decided to end everything. He grabbed the now-bleeding man by his cor and drew him closer to his face. The man struggled to turn away from Lian but Lian¡¯s grip on him was just too strong. Lian¡¯s eye color started to change. It changed into Amber color, and he stared right into the man¡¯s eyes. ¡°Go back to Giovanni as a dead package.¡± He uttered dreadfully. The man groaned in pain as he felt heat through his whole body.


    After then, he got struck by a blinding white lightening and when it stopped, he was no longer there.


    Lian breathed in and out, trying to calm himself down. He turned to his parents who had been watching him all the while.


    ¡°Mum, Dad, are you okay?¡± He asked worriedly to as he rushed to them. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re bleeding. Mum, you got scratches.¡± He voiced out anxiously.


    ¡°These are nothing. Let me get the first aid kit.¡± Paige said and went inside.


    Grayson sat on a sofa, pressing his unharmed hand on his injury.


    ¡°Julian, how did you get involved with Giovanni?¡± He queried, looking serious and unconcerned about the wound.


    Lian sighed and sat on the sofa opposite Grayson. ¡°He¡¯s trying to take over the pack.¡±


    ¡°And you thought I shouldn¡¯t know about it?¡±


    ¡°I thought I could handle it dad. I was going to tell you soon.¡± Lian defended. ¡°You thought you could handle it? Do you even know who Giovanni is? What have you handled so far about this issue? You think you can handle it by killing his messengers? Things are not done that way Lian.¡± Grayson scolded, getting upset gradually.


    ¡°I was going to figure out a way. But he nted too many spies around already.¡± Lian said.


    Paige walked in with the first aid kit. ¡°Son, your father is trying to make you understand that Giovanni is not just someone you can handle all by yourself. You¡¯re still very young.¡± She regarded softly. ¡°I understand, mum.¡± Lian replied.


    Paige started tending to her husband¡¯s injury while he kept asking Lian series of questions. ¡°Why did youe to Japan anyways? It was a really good timing.¡±


    *FLASHBACK*


    ¡°In their arms.¡± Marlin replied to Lian. Lian squinted his eyes, trying to figure out something. ¡°That means they weren¡¯t meant to be killed. They are fake targets.¡± Lian muttered.


    ¡°What!¡± Shane and Marlin eximed calmly. Lian¡¯s eyes widened. The voices of the attacked from his dream suddenly reyed in his head. ¡°They are just distractions.¡± He said unbelievingly.


    He brought his phone out and started dialing his father¡¯s number. It was unavable. He dialed his mum¡¯s too and it was also unavable. He ran off. ¡°Lian, where are you going?¡± Shane inquired as he and Marlin ran after Lian.


    Lian stopped when he got to his car and turned to his Betas. ¡°Catch me the earliest flight ticket to Japan.¡± He ordered.


    *BACK TO THE PRESENT*


    ¡°I realized you guys were the next targets so I had toe right away. I rushed here immediately the nended.¡± Lian added.


    ¡°Thank goodness you came.¡± Paige let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Lian, this won¡¯t go on forever. Giovanni might attack the pack at once, and at any time. What steps have you taken?¡± Grayson asked. He was obviously more worried about the pack.


    ¡°We are having the best soldiers guarding the pack right now. Shane and Marlin just brought all the pack members and the students together at school. We thought it would be better for them to be together. Blue moon pack agreed to give us more soldiers also. I met Samara. Seems she has something against Giovanni too, she¡¯s willing to help.¡±


    Grayson gave an expression that he approved of the steps Lian had taken. ¡°You¡¯ve done quite well.¡± He turned to his wife. ¡°Honey, pack up the bags. We¡¯re returning.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Mum! Dad!¡± Mia screamed ran towards her parents. She pulled them into a crashing hug. ¡°I missed you guys.¡± She whined gently. ¡°We missed you too honey.¡± Paige replied, smiling and stroking her back gently.


    The hug became intense, making Grayson inconvenient. ¡°Princess, my arm.¡± He uttered and she broke the hug immediately. ¡°What is it dad? Are you hurt?¡± She worried as she looked at his arms for any injury. ¡°It¡¯s just a slight wound angel, don¡¯t worry.¡± He patted her hair, with a smile.


    Mia frowned. ¡°Stop getting hurt. It breaks my heart.¡±


    ¡°Alright angel. You don¡¯t need to worry about daddy. I¡¯ll will be fine.¡± He said again.


    The couple went inside the house, leaving Lian and Mia outside. Lian ignored Mia and didn¡¯t try to make a conversation. He walked to the trunk of the car to bring out their parents¡¯ luggages.


    Mia approached him gently, after gathering so much courage. She tugged at his shirt softly. ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± Lian raised his head and turned to her, not expecting the question. ¡°I mean, you went there to save dad and mum. I hope you aren¡¯t hurt too.¡±


    Lian managed to sh an insincere, faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m not hurt. Thanks for your concern.¡± He regarded and withdrew back to what he was doing.


    His reply got her worried. The way he replied, actually. He just acted formal. Why would he thank her? She had the obligation to be concerned about him. Mia dragged her feet into the house, with a heavy heart.This is from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter twenty six


    Thest few days had been quite peaceful without abrupt interruptions by Giovanni. Lian and his father secured a way to protect the diamonds pack against the ruthless alpha and things had been going as nned.


    Mia was dressed up in a jumpsuit and heels. She had a family outing to attend again. Waiting for her mum and dad to step down, a call came in from Jabi who said something that made her sprang on her feet and run out of the house.


    ¡°Axel has woken up!¡± Jabi announced happily. ¡°Mum, dad, I¡¯ll meet you at the festival.¡± Mia shouted before running out of the house.


    ***


    ¡°You jerk, do you know how much we waited for you to open your eyes? Huh?¡± Jabi nagged, tearing up a a little.


    ¡°What happened?¡± The voice she had not heard in a long time spoke and the tears came rolling down Jabi¡¯s face.


    ¡°Punk. You underwent a surgery, then got unlucky and was inatose for over a month now.¡± She cried


    ¡°And¡­ who are you?¡± Axel questioned, looking confused. Jabi wiped her eyes. Tears stoppeding. She red at him and then pped him on the arm. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare y pranks with me.¡± She warned.


    ¡°And why would you p me that way? I said, who are you? And why are you acting all so close to me?¡± Axel questioned again, getting upset.


    It dawned on Jabi. Her heart began to sink. ¡°Axel, you don¡¯t remember me? It¡¯s Jabi.¡±


    ¡°Jabi? I never knew anyone by that name.¡± He imed, feeling disgusted.


    ¡°Hey! Did being ina for a month wiped away your memories? Dude, it¡¯s not even a year and you don¡¯t remember anything? You must be really kidding. There¡¯s no way you¡¯d forget about me.¡±


    ¡°Please stop it! I¡¯ve started developing a headache ¡¯cause of the unclear things you¡¯re saying. I don¡¯t know anyone by that name so please leave.¡±


    Colour drained out of Jabi¡¯s face. *This is not happening.. no!* She thought with a troubled mind. Her heart sank totally. ¡°Axel look into my eyes and tell me you don¡¯t remember me.¡± She urged, tugging at his arm vigorously.


    ¡°Let go!¡± He ordered but she refused to. She had waited for him to wake up and now she¡¯s getting rewarded with a loss of memory? Oh no!


    ¡°Axel, no! Do you know how long I waited for you to wake up? I missed school for a month because of you jerk. You can¡¯t just forget me like that.¡± She cried.


    Axel started stroking her hair gently. ¡°Jabi.¡± He called in a low tone. She raised her head slowly. ¡°It was a prank.¡± He said and she shot him a deadly re. ¡°Go back intoa and die!!¡± She shouted at him, hitting his chest with her small fists.


    Axel grabbed her hand gently and stopped her from hitting him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He apologized and drew her closer.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t cut it, you fool!¡± She yelled, crashing into his arms. ¡°I was scared¡­¡± She cried and he stroked her hair.


    ¡°Axel!¡± Mia screamed out as she ran inside the room. She was panting. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± She said happily and hugged him. ¡°Missed you punk.¡± She said, breathing heavily.


    She pulled out of the hug and examined him. ¡°Are you okay now? Do you feel pains anywhere? You asshole, it was just an appendicitis and you fell into aa? What kind of body system do you carry around?¡± She frowned slightly.


    Axelughed. ¡°I¡¯m awake now, aren¡¯t I? Ugh¡­ my back hurts.¡± He whined.


    Jabi pped his arm again. ¡°You¡¯re a  grown man, stop whining and let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°I want to leave this ce also, it stinks here. So, what happened in my absence? You guys wrote the final exams? The campout? Prom night?¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Jabi started, the shifted her gaze to Mia. ¡°Mia shifted and met her wolf at the campout.¡±


    ¡°Oh my!!! Congrattions baby.¡± He said to Mia with a beaming smile. ¡°And,¡± Jabi continued. ¡°It¡¯s a big, white Wolf.¡±


    ¡°Seriously? That¡¯s awesome.¡± He turned to Mia. ¡°You must have felt like you were on cloud nine at that moment.¡± He teased.


    ¡°Tell me about it. I had pains all over.¡± Mia snapped and heughed mockingly. ¡°In any case, Jabi didn¡¯t take the exams.¡± Mia said.


    ¡°Uh? Why?¡± He inquired, turning to Jabi. ¡°Well, she stayed by your side all the while and didn¡¯t attend school.¡±


    ¡°What? Jabi, is this true?¡± Seeing that she didn¡¯t reply and just dropped her face to the floor, he realized it was true.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t necessary girl.¡± He nagged, worriedly. ¡°In any case, it happened already so let¡¯s not dwell on it. Since you¡¯re awake now, we can go back to school together and study for the next finals.¡± Jabi retorted, ring at Mia and avoiding eye contact with Axel.


    ¡°What¡¯s this smell? Study together? Alone? This sound more like a date.¡± Mia teased. Jabi shot her a re again. ¡°A study date.¡± Mia muttered, correcting her words.


    Axel smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you. You¡¯re right, we can go back to school again, study together and take the exams together. Let¡¯s do that.¡± He regarded, boring lovingly into Jabi¡¯s eyes.


    Feeling embarrassed, Jabi stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going out to get some drinks.¡± She said and dragged her feet out of the room. Axel and Miaughed.


    *


    Mia took a taxi to the location where the skytern festival would take ce, and where her family were probably waiting.


    It was so crowdy there as expected. Many people do turn up for skyntern festivals so it was nothing new.


    She searched around for her family but didn¡¯t see any trace of them. As she walked on, she spotted Lian, standing by a fountain. He looked lost. She approached him and tapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Lian.¡± She called.


    Lian jolted out of his thoughts. ¡°What were you thinking about?¡± She enquired, looking curious. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± He replied and nodded, then made an attempt to walk away.


    Lian stopped her, holding her wrist. ¡°Mia, let¡¯s go somewhere quiet. I need to talk to you.¡±


    They finally got a ce that was quite far from  the noisy and crowdy ce.


    ¡°You wanted to say something.¡± She reminded him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking¡­ Where did we get it wrong?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± She questioned, pretending not to know what it was about. ¡°Our rtionship, Mia. We are falling apart.¡± He snapped. Mia scoffed. ¡°It took you this long to realize that? Well, good thing you know.¡± She said grumpily.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to make things work here so stop ying the victim.¡± He uttered, gradually getting upset. ¡°What? You think I¡¯m ying the victim right now? Seriously? Lian, you have no right to spew those words at me!¡± She snapped.


    Lian took a breath.  ¡°Calm down.¡±


    ¡°I refuse to.¡± She yelled. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare put any me on me ¡¯cause you are the one that started all this. You did.¡±


    ¡°I did? Listen to yourself speak Mia, what did I do wrong? Mention it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really unbelievable Lian.¡± She said in a low tone. ¡°You¡¯re asking me what you did wrong? Making me do things against my own will feels right to you? Beating up my friends and threatening them is nothing wrong?¡± She shouted angrily.


    Lian took a breath again. He ced a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s sort things peacefully Mia. We¡¯re adults.¡±


    She shook his hand off vigorously. ¡°I¡¯m just seventeen.¡± She mumbled and attempted to walk out.


    Of course, he stopped her from leaving. ¡°I¡¯m not done here, young woman.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m done.¡± She retorted, throwing bright blue daggers. He made her face him. ¡°When did you be rude Mia?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll really leave.¡± She threatened. He sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Name all the things I did wrong, I¡¯d like to apologize.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your apology.¡± She muttered and looked away. Lian¡¯s gaze was fixated on her face. He could see she was acting tough.


    ¡°Come here.¡± He said and pulled her into a hug, which she pulled out of almost immediately.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t cut it. The fact that you choose that bitch of a girlfriend over me remains.¡±


    ¡°This is riching from someone who chose her clingy, good-for-nothing friend over her brother.¡±


    ¡°Lian! Don¡¯t call him a good-for-nothing.¡± She warned.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t disrespect my girlfriend also, even if she deserves it.¡±


    ¡°Asshole.¡± She swore under her breath, and red right into his eyes before she walked out.


    Lian sighed again. Should he have said that? He went after her and stopped her. ¡°Let go of me, jerk!¡± She shouted. Her eyes were red, she felt a lump in her a throat and tears threatened to drop.


    He didn¡¯t listen to her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be. It was right for you to defend her, so go to your girlfriend and leave me the hell alone!¡± She yelled and turned around to leave again. He stood in her way. ¡°Why are you acting this way Mia? You always get sensitive whenever Rosie is around or brought up.¡± He confronted, getting tired of the whole situation.


    ¡°Fool! Can¡¯t you see it? I like you.¡± She squalled and the tears she had been trying to hold back finally left their confinement.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Lian was taken aback. He was stunned, shocked, and he froze on the spot. Mia bent down and cried. ¡°What was that?¡± He muttered absent-mindedly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve liked you ever since we were kids but I got sexually attracted to you when I was twelve. I like you so much that I don¡¯t want any other girl around you. I like you so much that I feel suffocated. I like you so much that I¡¯m getting choked and I think this would lead to my death. I¡¯m fucking in love with you Julian!¡± She cried.


    She suddenly stood up and faced him. ¡°Do it. Reject me now so I can move on.¡±


    Lian got out of the shockpletely and his brain began to function again. *Do it now Lian. It is now or never.*


    ¡°Mia, I¡¯m sorry but I have no choice. I don¡¯t see you¡­ as a woman and¡­.¡± He swallowed hard and closed his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s impossible for me to date my sister.¡±


    Mia¡¯s heart sank. Lian turned around to leave. He needed to get away from her quickly. He couldn¡¯t predict what would happen if he stayed there for a minute more.


    Mia held his arm and turned him around forcefully. ¡°I¡¯m not taking that as an answer, Julian.¡±


    ¡°Mia, get to your senses. Go out and date other guys, continue to live as my sister and get this fantasy stuff out of your head. There¡¯s no way you and I can be together. And I told you already, I¡¯m not sexually attracted to you.¡±


    Mia scoffed. ¡°Are you sure of that? How about we check¡­ if you¡¯re true or not?¡± Unexpectedly, she rose on her toes and kissed him. She kissed more like an unprofessional, sucking on his moist lips clumsily.


    Lian pushed her away in a a rough manner. ¡°Mia are you crazy?¡± He yelled.


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m crazy about you. I don¡¯t need any other thing Lian. All I want is you. I don¡¯t care what people will say, I don¡¯t care about what mum and dad will say. I¡¯m willing to elope with you if that would keep us by each other¡¯s side for a very long time.¡± She hollered.


    ¡°Get it together Mia. You¡¯re about to tread on a dangerous path. It¡¯s really risky.¡± He shouted, looking so angry and sad at the same time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. I don¡¯t give a damn care about how dangerous the path is.¡± She snapped.


    There was silence for while as the two calmed down the heated atmosphere around them. ¡°Are you sure you can handle it?¡± Lian enquired, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Huh? Y.. yes.¡± She stuttered, wondering what he was thinking.


    ¡°You have to endure it all, sister.¡± He stated and leaned in, crashing his lips on hers.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter twenty seven


    Mia threw her arms around Lian¡¯s neck, getting the best out of the kiss. She felt something knot together in her stomach as she felt her brother¡¯s warmness. His hands were like steel around her small waist while his tongue explored her mouth.


    Her breasts pressed hard against his chest and Lian felt like taking over her entire body. They both knew what they were doing was wrong but none of them had the will to stop the intense moment. What he was feeling for her was more greater than the kiss but there was still a string of restraint left in him.


    They felt each other¡¯s warmth and essence, seeping into one another. After some minutes of exploring each other¡¯s mouth, they broke the kiss. Mia smiled satisfactorily, her eyes staring lovingly into Lian¡¯s. She found the look on his face undefinable but she didn¡¯t say anything. Lian tucked a few strands of hair that wandered over her forehead, behind her ears.


    Then he smiled and they intertwined their fingers. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Where have you two been?¡± Paige inquired worriedly as soon as she spotted the two.


    ¡°Nowhere. I and Mia just had to talk for a moment.¡± Lian replied, with his fingers still intertwined with Mia¡¯s.


    Paige and Grayson ignored it. That wasn¡¯t the first time they intertwined fingers. It was a regr thing they always did. For Mia, it wasn¡¯t the regr thing she did with her brother. It was the first time she did that with the man she was in love with.


    ¡°You two, go grab some papermps over there. It¡¯ll soon be the wish minute.¡± Paige urged with a serious look.


    It clocked the wish minute and everybody at that festival had their eyes closed, with theirmps in their hands, to make silent wishes. Mia was so eager to make a wish as she closed her before everyone did. Lian, however was literally thest to close his eyes. He seemed less eager to make a wish.


    *I¡¯m happy with my life now. I wish not to meet my mate anytime soon.* Mia wished happily.


    The next minute, everyone opened their eyes and let their papermps off her grasps to let them fly up. Mia tugged Lian¡¯s shirt, making him turn to her. ¡°What did you wish for?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡± He regarded with eyes that left her curious.


    ¡°Ughh¡­ tell me. I won¡¯t tell anyone.¡±


    ¡°Secrets aren¡¯t meant to be shared.¡± He muttered in a taunting way and she frowned.


    *


    Lian woke up from a nightmare in the middle of the night. He walked out of his room to get some drinking water but then stopped. Instinctively, he walked into Mia¡¯s room to check up on her.


    He didn¡¯t switch on the lights and just walked to her bedside. The bright crescent moon outside shone into the room through the window. And it was the only source of light in the room. Lian noticed small beads of sweats on her forehead and that she was trembling, not violently though.


    He sat at the edge of the bed and watched her for some minutes. And he realized she was having a nightmare. She was mumbling inaudible words also. He tapped her suddenly, awaking her from her sleep.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Mia woke up with a loud gasp. ¡°Mia, are you okay?¡±


    She sat up almost immediately. ¡°Lian.¡± She called out in a whisper, as if she was surprised that he was there. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh of relief. ¡°It was a dream.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Lian asked. Mia opened her eyes, contemting whether to say it or not. When she decided, she opened her mouth to speak. ¡°A sword went through your heart.¡± Her voice shook and she felt chills as she said it.


    Lian drew her closer in a warm embrace. ¡°It won¡¯t happen. You don¡¯t need to be scared, go back to sleep.¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯m even more scared to close my eyes. What if the scene continues in my next dream?¡± She said worriedly.


    Lian let out a gentle, silentugh. ¡°That also, won¡¯t happen. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here.¡± He stated in a reassuring tone.


    After putting her to sleep, Lian left the room and got dressed. Then he left the house, stealthily.


    ***


    ¡°It¡¯s such an ungodly hour, Alpha.¡± Samara whined.


    Lian sank into one of the sofas. ¡°You and I know that doesn¡¯t apply to beings like us.¡± He replied wittily.


    Samara sighed softly. ¡°I won¡¯t offer you anything. Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to find out more about what you said thest time. *The fight is not yours only* Is there someone else apart from you who has the will to fight against Giovanni?¡±


    Samara worked up, with furrowed brows, she asked. ¡°Wait a minute, how did you know I have a thing against him?¡±


    Lianughed. ¡°Come on olddy, everyone knows he dumped you for your maid centuries ago.¡± He said in a tone of mockery.


    ¡°You impudent brat!¡± Samara swore angrily. She hated it when memories like that were brought up. It meant the reopening of the deep scar Giovanni had engraved in her heart. And for centuries toe, she¡¯ll continue to resent him and never forgive him. If Lian wasn¡¯t who he was, she would have turned him into statue right there and then.  ¡°Get lost if you¡¯re going to spit nonsense here.¡±


    Lian stoppedughing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    There was silence for a while, which was meant to calm Samara down. When her anger melted away, she replied to his question. ¡°There is, but what they have is not the will. It¡¯s called obligation.¡±


    Lian was taken aback. ¡°Obligation? I am the only one who is obligated to fight against enemies.¡± He objected, perplexed about the reply she gave.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t the only one, Lian.¡± Samara smirked. ¡°The Luna of the diamonds pack ¡ª your mate, also has the obligation to fight.¡±

 Chapter 28

    Chapter twenty eight


    ¡°Mia, get dressed. We¡¯re going out.¡± Lian announced. Mia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Really? A date?¡± She enquired, looking so excited. Lian smiled at her reaction and nodded gently. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re done in an hour.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be done in thirty minutes.¡± She replied, getting off the bed and rushing into the bathroom to wash up.


    Mia frowned when Lian pulled over at the hospital where Axel was admitted. She had the thoughts that he might be heading to the hospital but she shook the thought off. He had said they were going on a date.


    ¡°I thought you said it was a date.¡± She protested. Lianughed and pinched her cheek yfully. ¡°Take it easy young woman.¡±


    ¡°Mia, how about we go on a vacation to Paris? I really want to make up to you two for staying away for a month.¡± Axel said.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to¡­ but,¡± Mia paused and looked at Lian, then shifted her gaze to Jabi. ¡°There¡¯s an issue on ground. An urgent one.¡±


    Axel frowned. ¡°What issue?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll exinter. We can go on the vacation some other time.¡± Jabi cut in.


    ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll get going now. Once you get discharged, you two should go back to the school pack. That¡¯s the only way for you to be safe; I¡¯ve called your parents also.¡± Lian stated firmly.


    ***


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Mia asked, looking perplexed. ¡°Nothing.¡± Lian replied simply, as he strapped on a backpack.


    ¡°Then why are you buckling up?¡± She arched a brow, really clueless about the situation.


    ¡°We are going hiking.¡± Lian smiled, tauntfully.


    ¡°What?!¡± Mia eximed. ¡°Hiking was the date?¡± She enquired in surprise.


    ¡°Why? It¡¯s nice actually. We¡¯ll be going mountain hiking. It¡¯s helps to secure your heart health and you shifted just recently, you need to train your breaths.¡±


    Mia closed her eyes, not wanting to believe the current matter. Lianughed gently and ignored her reaction. Then he helped her buckle up, and he held her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go hiking!¡± He said excitedly with a grin which infuriated Mia.


    She was expecting something grand, romantic and sweet. Who knows? Hiking might turn out sweet too.


    After walking up for an hour, Mia stopped, panting and breathing heavily. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s go back down.¡± She managed to sayzily and turned around to go down. Lian held her back. ¡°We still have two more hours to go. Endure.¡± He regarded warningly, handing out a bottle of water. They weren¡¯t the only ones hiking. There were other families, friends and couples who also hiked.


    Mia collected the bottle and gulped down the water in a go, then wiped her wet lips. Unanticipatedly, she found Lian kissing her slightly and slowly. It took a few seconds, then he broke it.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That should energize you. Let¡¯s go.¡± He said and shed a beaming smile. The smile got to Mia and her face lightened up immediately. She smiled back and took his hand, then resumed walking up. Indeed, she was energized.


    Lian took the lead while she trailed behind, struggling to walk up the mountains. Unexpectedly, she tripped and fell. Lian turned around immediately. ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± His tone and was full of concern as he approached her. She managed to sit up on her own, whimpering in pain. ¡°I think I sprained my left ankle.¡±


    Lian bent to the ground level and held her left leg up. ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡± He muttered and examined the ankle, which was beginning to turn red. ¡°It looks pretty okay but I think it¡¯ll swell up soon. I¡¯ll apply some ointment.¡± He unstrapped his backpack and opened it, then brought out a first aid kit.


    Mia felt his touch tingling as he rubbed on her ointed ankle gently, with so much care.


    He packed up after he was done. ¡°Okay¡­ let¡¯s go.¡± He said and stretched out a hand to help her up. ¡°Excuse me? We¡¯re still walking up there? Lian¡­ let¡¯s just go back. Let¡¯s eat something delicious and call it a day. We can watch some open concert also.¡± She whined sincerely.


    Lian leaned in and brought his face so close to hers, making her heart race. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we can do thoseter.¡± He said to her with a smile.


    Mia frowned. *He doesn¡¯t get tired?*


    After taking more steps up, they reached the peak of the mountain. ¡°We are here.¡± He announced and Mia who was panting unbelievably, looked up. Fresh, cool breeze blew through her the moment she stood upright.


    ¡°Oh my¡­¡± She muttered and left her mouth open in awe. She subconsciously dropped the backpack she was carrying and stepped forward a little. ¡°The view is¡­ I mean this ce is¡­ fucking awesome.¡± Shemended as her face brightened up.


    She felt like she was above the earth because she could practically see everything from up there. There were many more mountains ahead, surrounded with giant trees and beautiful flowers. It was more like a mixture of botany and horticulture. The view was something that she could never imagine in this life, and not even in the next.


    Lian smiled as he felt aplished and moved closer to her. He caught her unawares and hugged her from behind, sliding his hands around her tiny waist. ¡°The view is just as beautiful as you are.¡± He whispered in her ears, sending cold chills down her spine.


    It took a while before she spoke. ¡°You brought me here intentionally, didn¡¯t you?¡± She also said in a whisper, as if they didn¡¯t want a third party to hear. Funnily enough, no third party existed at the peak of the mountain. Most of the other hikers gave up on getting to peak because they didn¡¯t find it easy to do so.


    Lian made a ¡®hm¡¯ sound as a ¡®yes¡¯ to her question. ¡°Having the view to my eyes alone might be quite selfish, so I decided to bring you along.¡± He stated and buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent. Her hair was bound up so it wasn¡¯t an obstacle.


    Mia made some slight movements. ¡°You¡¯ve been here before?¡± She asked, in a bit of surprise. Lian hummed a yes again and she asked further no questions about it.


    He lifted his face and hugged her more tightly. She ced her hands on his strong arms and stroked them gently in an amorous manner.


    After some minutes, Mia wriggled out of his now weak grip and turned around to face him.


    She lifted her right palm to his cheek and caressed it, while smiling lovingly and staring into his eyes. ¡°You might still see me as a child, but, I¡¯ll turn eighteen next week.¡±


    Lian smiled back and caressed her hair also. ¡°Happy birthday in advance.¡± She didn¡¯t give a reply and only bored her eyes into his. On impulse, she rose on her toes and kissed him for quite a while. Lian didn¡¯t reciprocate. He observed the way she kissed him and realized it had a meaning, or a favour to it.


    Mia withdrew. And now stared at him indifferently. *I was right. She has a favour to ask* Lian thought.


    Mia tugged his shirt tightly. ¡°You aren¡¯t thinking of getting of rid of me, are you?¡±


    Colour drained out of his face immediately and he went still.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stay together, Julian.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s stay together, Julian.¡± Mia murmured, with pleading, clear eyes.


    Lian swallowed hard. He just got put on a tight spot. After bringing himself back together. He smiled assuringly. ¡°Okay, if that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    Mia shed an appreciative smile. ¡°I want to fall in love with you over and over again, in my next life, the next after it, till eternity.¡±


    Lian smiled faintly and brushed the strands of hair on her forehead aside. ¡°Me too.¡±


    Mia grinned like a child. ¡°I feel like my heart is going to escape it¡¯s ce right now. I need to relieve myself.¡± She turned around without giving room for questions.


    And suddenly¡­¡±Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!¡± She screamed loudly, scaring him a little. ¡°Woahhhhh! Lian is mine now!!! This is so unbelievable!!!¡± Her voice disappeared into the deep and quiet forest and mountains in view.


    Lianughed amusingly, at her behavior. She turned around, grinning. ¡°This really feels good.¡± She said in a manner that seemed like she was urging him to do the same.


    She continued after gathering a few energy. ¡°To whoever is listening, I love Lian, and that will never chan¨C¡± She was abruptly interrupted by a hand that covered her mouth. It was Lian. ¡°You¡¯ll get your voice cracked. They don¡¯t need to understand your feelings, as long as I do.¡± He enunciated and handed her a bottle of water.


    Mia felt her heart skip a beat when she heard those words. *As long as I do¡­* They rang in her head.


    ¡°Mia?¡± A familiar voice called out in surprise and she turned around. ¡°Alexander?¡±

 Chapter 29

    Chapter twenty nine


    ¡°Alexander?¡± Her eyes widened in astonished. ¡°Wh.. what are you doing here?¡± She stammered.


    ¡°Hiking¡­ of course.¡± He replied, still feeling uncalm about seeing both of them together, even if they weren¡¯t in any awkward position. ¡°You two, came hiking together?¡± He arched a brow and she nodded gently.


    Lian didn¡¯t do or say anything. The date just got ruined. He zipped up his backpack and strapped it to his back. ¡°We were on our way back.¡± He said to no one in particr. Mia felt a bit down about the date been ruined but she could do nothing.


    She strapped her backpack to her back also and they all went down back together.


    It was already getting quite dark by the time they were back. There was an awkward silence among them and it gave Mia unrest. She was afraid her brother would lose his temper and throw punches again.


    ¡°Ahem¡­¡± She cleared her throat abruptly. ¡°Since it¡¯s dark already, how about we go to our various homes? It¡¯s not really okay to stay outte.¡± She stated, trying to send Alexander off so that they could head home too.


    ¡°I refuse.¡± Lian cut in, and faced her. She frowned slightly at the response. ¡°You wanted to eat when we got back. Let¡¯s have a meal¡­¡± He gazed at Alexander with the corner of his eyes before finishing his statement. ¡°¡­ together.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Mia eximed with widened eyes. ¡°Oh.. no. I¡­ I.. was¡­ hungry back there but I don¡¯t feel it anymore. Let¡¯s just eat dinner with mum and dad when we get home.¡± She regarded, feeling troubled.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t around.¡± Lian said calmly. ¡°What?¡± Mia let out again impulsively.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be eating out with Axel¡¯s parents.¡±


    *Oh goodness.. this is bad.* Mia bit her lower lips. ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± Alexander suddenly said. ¡°Huh?¡±


    He smiled at Mia. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± He turned around to leave.


    ¡°Alexander Davis, let¡¯s have dinner together.¡± Lian verbalized in an authoritative and serious tone.


    ***


    Over the meal, Lian and Alexander kept throwing res at each other, making thedy at the table ¨C Mia, ufortable. She wondered why Lian insisted on eating with Alexander that night. ¡°I might get indigestion at this rate.¡± She mumbled on her breath frustratedly.


    ¡°Alexander¡­ is it?¡± Lian suddenly broke the silence. Alexander nodded. Lian pinned down a little chunk of meat with a fork and put in his mouth, then he chewed on at a slow but firm rate. ¡°Why are you not at the school pack?¡± The question was unexpected. Alexander had expected him to ask  where he was from or about his family.


    Alexander dropped his fork gently and looked up to Lian confidently. ¡°I had some stuffs to do.¡± He replied.


    Lian looked down to his food and picked on it. ¡°It¡¯spulsory for every student at the pack to be at school during this period. You must have heard of the happeningstely.¡± Lian stated and  wiped his lips with a serviette. ¡°As soon as the day breaks tomorrow, go to the pack. It¡¯s dangerous to stay out.¡± He instructed and stood up.


    ¡°I understand. But¡­ why are you two together alone?¡± Alexander enquired. ¡°On a date.¡± Lian snapped and Mia gasped. She didn¡¯t expect him to open up so quick. She pped his arm gently. ¡°Lian.¡±


    Lian¡¯s gaze was fixed on Alexander and thetter did the same. ¡°What¡¯s wrong in being with my sister alone?¡± He asked rhetorically, his eyes still boring into Alexander¡¯s. He turned to Mia and held her hand, motioning for them to leave.


    ***


    Mia walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water then walked out into the dining room.


    ¡°You should stop wearing short dresses around the house, Mia. You live with a man.¡± Lian cautioned calmly.


    Mia groaned silently. ¡°You¡¯re my brother.¡± Mia objected. ¡°And your lover.¡± Lian added, leaving her dumbfounded. She smiled as her heart fluttered. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll go change.¡± She sumbed sheepishly and ran upstairs.


    Few minutester, Mia came running down the staircase in a towel. Her hair was wrapped in a hair towel also.


    ¡°Lian!¡± She called out loudly as she looked around. She ran into kitchen, hoping to see him there. ¡°Lian!¡± She called again and stopped calling when she spotted him chopping something on a board.


    ¡°What is¨C¡± Lian turned around and couldn¡¯t finish his statement. He felt him lower member rise as he stared at the sight. The towel stopped at her mid thighs and she was dripping wet. ¡°Mia, I told you earlier to¨C¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± She interrupted. ¡°I was taking a shower then the water stopped running. I need you toe check it.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I understand. Go Change into something.¡± He instructed, trying hard not to gawk at his half naked sister.


    Mia adhered and turned around to leave. As the reached the kitchen entrance, she suddenly screamed and ran back to Lian. Unknowingly, she jumped on him and held him tightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s a cockroach.¡± She whimpered. She feared them like death. That was understandable. But why would see tug at him this tightly in a towel!


    ¡­.


    All the forbidden desires that had been sealed for years were let loose. He grabbed her waist and drew her closer, then nted kisses on her cheeks and nose. He pressed his lips against hers, moving them back and forth in a soft rhythm. Mia smiled as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling herself up to him to kiss him properly. She flung her arms around his neck and he lifted her up, then she wrapped her legs around his waist. He made her sit on the kitchen counter. They kissed sweetly, softly and passionately.


    Lian pulled out of the kiss and kissed her neck, then moved to her earlobe and nipped it with his teeth, she let out a slight moan.


    With Mia on him, Lian walked out of the kitchen unstably. They reached the second floor and Lian stopped at the door to his bedroom. He dropped Mia, making her stand with her back against the wall. Mia brought her hands down from his neck and he ced a hand on the wall, right above her head.


    They french kissed for some minutes before pulling away. ¡°If dad and mum finds out¡­¡± Lian said in between the kisses.


    ¡°We are dead.¡± Mia replied amidst moans. Lian kissed her again. ¡°Do you want to continue?¡±


    Mia stared right into his eyes. ¡°I¡¯vee this far. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m receding.¡± She uttered in a low tone and turned Lian on the more.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to continue.¡± Lian announced gently and Mia smirked. ¡°You must be joking.¡± She pressed her lips against his and jumped on him. Then she held one his hands and ced it on her ass.


    Lian squeezed it gently and reciprocated the kiss. This sister of his was sure going to be his end. Lian opened the door with his free hand and kicked it close with his leg. They both crashed into bed, with Lian on top of her. He leaned into her neck and kissed it, making her toes curl up in anticipation.


    They smooched and kissed living hell out of each other. Lian wanted to pull away but she grabbed him by the neck. ¡°Are you sure you wanna do this?¡± Lian inquired again.


    Mia stared at her brother lovingly and nodded gently.


    Lian took off his t-shirt and unbuckled his belt. Then started kissing her again.


    ¡°I¡¯m so tired. Lian and Mia should be home.¡± Paige said as she and her husband walked into the house. ¡°Lian! Mia!¡± She called out.


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re asleep? It¡¯s quitete.¡± Grayson¡¯s cut in.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early for Lian to go to bed. I¡¯ll go check on them.¡± Paige dropped her bag and proceeded upstairs.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    She opened the door to Mia¡¯s but she wasn¡¯t there. Then she turned to Lian¡¯s door and opened it without knocking.


    ¡°Son, are you¡ª ¡­. Lian!¡± She screamed.

 Chapter 30

    Chapter thirty.


    Paige screamed and walked into the room further. ¡°Mum, you¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Paige asked with worry written on her face. Grayson entered the room also. He had heard his wife scream.


    ¡°And why are you in a towel?¡± She added. ¡°I was taking a shower when I suddenly heard a growl from him. I thought something had happened so I rushed here immediately. Turned out he had a nightmare. I decided to stay here and put him to sleep.


    Grayson noticed her body was dry, but he didn¡¯t say anything about it. Paige moved closer to Lian, who was lying peacefully and sleeping on the bed, with a duvet covering him.


    She caressed his hair gently. ¡°He hates nightmares.¡± Shemented. ¡°That was long before. Who doesn¡¯t hate nightmares? Even if he is an alpha, there¡¯s no way he can avoid them.¡± Grayson objected.


    ¡°Honey!¡± Paige frowned and Grayson gave her the ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡¯ look. He cleared his throat and turned to Mia.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take care of him. Finish up your bath.¡±


    *


    ¡°That was close.¡± Mia said andughed as Lian gave her a cup of coffee. Lian sat opposite her and opened his mouth to talk but she didn¡¯t. She already read his expression and could tell what he was going to say.


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Shemanded. She dropped the cup on the table. ¡°You¡¯re going lecture again.¡±


    Logan smiled. ¡°I wasn¡¯t go to.¡± He said to her surprise.


    ¡°You can have me to yourself for the rest of the week. Go to the school pack next week. It¡¯s not really safe for you to be out here.¡±


    ¡°But I have you¡­¡± She whined. ¡°We can¡¯t be together always. You¡¯re going, okay?¡± He stated firmly.


    ¡°Fine.¡± She suddenly widened her eyes. ¡°So I¡¯m gonna celebrate my 18th birthday at school? It¡¯s next week!¡± She freaked out.


    ¡°You can always have an after-party. Now is not the time to throw a party.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Samara said I and my mate have to fight Giovanni together, in order to attain victory over him.¡± Lian exined as he sat on the bar stool at the private bar at their hangout.


    ¡°But you don¡¯t have one! You can¡¯t just travel around the country all in the name of finding your mate. You don¡¯t even know where she stays, if she¡¯s on this or not.¡± Shane vented out frustratedly.


    After thinking for a while, Marlin turned to Lian. ¡°She didn¡¯t give you any hint or¡­ stuff?¡±


    ¡°She did.¡± Lian responded sharply and sipped out of the liquor he was holding in a ss.


    ¡°She bears my alpha marble. And at an uncertain time, the marble will glow and be obvious.¡± Lian exined, with an expressionless face.


    ¡°And now that¡¯s the only problem. We don¡¯t know when the marble will glow. But good thing we got a lead, we can look out, right?¡± Marlin enquired for permission. Lian nodded slightly. ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°We need allies.¡± Shane announced in a form of reminding the others. ¡°Most of the alphas are refusing to Ally with us. They¡¯re all scared of the big bad wolf.¡±


    ¡°I expected that. You don¡¯t expect those little alphas to team up with a big pack that¡¯s not even sure of victory. No one wants their pack to get wiped out.¡± Marlin countered with all seriousness.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    All of a sudden, Lian got off the barstool and picked up his car key from the center table. ¡°I¡¯ll go see alpha Ameliater.¡± He said.


    ¡°What?¡± Shane and Marlin eximed out of surprise. ¡°That arrogant bitch?¡± Shane added.


    Lian nodded. He understood their reaction. Amelia was the first female alpha in the entire nation. She was a youngdy who ruled a powerful pack also, but was poprly known for her arrogance and rudeness.


    ¡°Listen guys, I got pride too. But my people¡¯s safetyes first. Now is not the time to showcase my ego. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°Hold on.¡± Shane uttered loudly and Lian halted his steps. ¡°There¡¯s one more thing to report.¡± Lian sighed slightly. ¡°What¡¯s it about?¡± He inquired.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Rosie.¡±


    * GIOVANNI¡¯S PACK


    Rosie waited before the throne with her bowed. She was waiting for Giovanni toe into the throne room. And he finally stepped in. After settling on his throne, he cleared his throat. ¡°You havee.¡±


    ¡°Yes my lord.¡± Rosie replied, with her face still bowed. She dared not look at his face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear what you havee with.¡± Giovanni gave the go ahead signal, resting his head on the throne¡¯s headboard.


    ¡°My lord, their ns to fight against you has been very invigorating. They¡¯ve been in search of allies. However, I think you should attack the pack now ¡¯cause they aren¡¯t expecting it.¡± She said, picking her words and trying to sound as polite as possible.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Giovanni hummed and stared at her a bit before holding a hand up. Motioning at his right hand man toe over. An armed man walked towards the throne with a rectangr silver box in his hands.


    When he got to the throne, he opened the box and turned it to his lord. Giovanni picked out a tiny box out of the silver box and the armed man closed the box. ¡°Return it to my room.¡± He mumbled to the man. Giovanni tossed the tiny box at Rosie.


    She caught the box and opened it. She was disappointed. ¡°My lord, you promised to give me two medicine balls thest time.¡± She protested courteously.


    ¡°The information you just gave was unimpressive, but the advice earned you a ball.¡± He verbalized mockingly and Rosie grinded her teeth.


    ¡°Thank you for your kindness, my lord.¡± She bowed her head to a ny degree angle and forced a smile.


    *


    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡± Rosie cursed as got off her car. She kept staring at the box as she walked towards the house. She froze when she saw a figure standing at her door, with his ankles crossed and his arms folded.


    ¡°Li.. Li.. an?¡± She stuttered and her heart started beating. ¡°Why do you look so surprised to see me?¡±


    ¡°I was just¡­ no reason. What are you doing here?¡±


    Lian unfolded his arms and dipped them into his pockets. ¡°Come on, what else would I be doing here? Here to see you. I¡¯ve not seen you aroundtely.¡± He said and wore on a smile.


    ¡°But I thought you¡ª¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± He interrupted, moving his gaze to the small box she was holding.


    ¡°This? It¡¯s.. nothing.¡± She replied hastily and hid the box behind her. She suddenly shed a smile. ¡°Come in.¡±


    Rosie served him a ss of juice when they got in and sat opposite him, feeling nervous. Lian noticed the strong scenting from her and he smirked. ¡°Why are you feeling nervous? Did you do something wrong?¡± He teased. ¡°Nervous? Oh no, I¡¯m just¡­ feeling a little bit sick.¡± She retorted, trying to avoid eye contact with him.


    There was an awkward silence for a while. Rosie felt ufortable under Lian¡¯s loving stare. She mustered up courage to ask the reason behind his unusual act.


    ¡°Lian, is something wrong?¡±


    Lian nodded slightly, with his gaze fixed on her. ¡°You must have forgotten to mask your scent.¡± He uttered calmly and she gasped. Rosie felt her heart thumping hard in its confinement. ¡°Wh.. what are you talking about?¡± She stammered, feeling ufortable in her seat.


    ¡°Rx Rosie.¡± Lian cooed. He didn¡¯t seem offended or anything. ¡°The medicine balls are meant for your mum, right?¡±


    Rosie abruptly sprang on her feet. ¡°Please leave.¡± She raised her voice.


    ¡°I will.¡± Lian responded calmly and stood up. ¡°I would¡¯ve killed you if I wanted to, but I¡¯m sparing you. For old times¡¯ sake. Watch it, Rosie. And don¡¯t do anything stupid.¡± He warned with a cold re.


    *DIAMOND¡¯S PACK


    ¡°Guys, we are trying to keep y¡¯all safe so cooperate with us. There are some spies amongst you so be cautious of everyone around you. If you notice any act that calls for suspicions, do not hesitate to report to us. Anyone at all, even the teachers.¡± Marlin dered.


    ¡°Excuse me Beta Marlin. Is it true that Miss Lisa was a spy?¡± A girl asked.


    Marlin turned to look at Shane before answering the girl¡¯s question. ¡°Yes. She was the one behind the sacred stone issue.¡±


    Everyone gasped in surprise. ¡°Whoa.¡± When their murmurs and noises suppressed, Marlin continued. ¡°So this, is not limited to any one. Attend your trainings regrly also. We all need to be strong in order to get through with the oing battle. Y¡¯all get it?¡±


    After the positive replies were given, Marlin and Shane walked out of the big hall.


    ¡°This is so much like prison. It¡¯s holiday and we don¡¯t get to move around freely. All thanks to some old fool.¡± Jabi swore.


    ¡°I wonder how alpha Lian is coping. It hasn¡¯t been up to a year since he officially became an alpha and now he has to fight a battle.¡± Axel added.


    ¡°Mia. Have you heard from her?¡±


    ¡°Nah¡­¡± Axel drawledzily. As they were about to step out of the hall, someone called Jabi.


    They saw Annie running towards them. She was panting when she got to them. ¡°You two, spare me a sec.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡± Jabi asked first.


    ¡°Chill.¡± Annie took a deep breath before she started talking. ¡°Look around, everyone areining and grunting out of frustration. They¡¯re bored. So I came up with a n. A n I need you two to help me with.¡± She paused. Axel and Jabi looked at each other out of plerplexity and then they turned their gazes to Annie, asking for boration.


    ¡°Next week is Mia¡¯s birthday, right?¡±

 Chapter 31

    Chapter thirty one


    Amelia walked into the meeting room where Lian was waiting. It took her a while before she could settle on a sofa opposite him, because of her regalia.


    ¡°You asked of me.¡± She went straight to the point, maintaining eye contact with him.


    ¡°Yes. I need your help.¡±


    ¡°On what?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going against Giovanni and I need you and your men to Ally with me.¡±


    ¡°That old rogue?¡± She arched a brow in a dramatic way.


    Lian nodded gently. ¡°Yes.¡± Amelia stared at him for a while, thinking.


    ¡°What do I get in return?¡± She demanded firmly.


    Lian motioned to a soldier he brought with him. The man came forward and ced a briefcase on the table between the two alphas, then opened it and turned it to Amelia.


    ¡°Gold bars and diamonds. Just brought this to show you. I¡¯ll give you more.¡± Lian responded wittily.


    Amelia stared at the diamonds for a minute and then burst intoughter. ¡°This is a really enticing offer. I would¡¯ve loved to take it but¡­ I¡¯m not interested in forming an alliance with you and your pack.¡± She dered rudely and stood up to leave.


    Lian clenched his fist and struck the table angrily. ¡°My pack is about to get wiped out! And you¡¯re refusing a treaty!¡± He yelled. Green veins popped out of his temple and neck.


    Amelia halted and turned to him. ¡°It¡¯s your business, alpha. So don¡¯t drag me into it and deal with it yourself.¡± She verbalized calmly.


    * FOLLOWING WEEK


    ¡°My gift will get delivered, alright?¡±  Mia nodded and smiled. ¡°Alright. Stay safe.¡± She replied and kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡°Make sure youe to the pack, okay? I¡¯m gonna miss you.¡± She whined and Lian forced a smile.


    ¡°Alright. I will. Now, go in.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Happy birthday!!!¡± Mia suddenly heard voices wish She turned around and a party streamer was popped in her face, stunning her. She  saw her friends, colleagues and the pack members holding up balloons and happy birthday banners.  Jabi, Axel and Annie were in front. Jabi was carrying a cake.


    She was astounded. ¡°Guys!¡± She cried happily. She started receiving wishes here and there. Annie suddenly came in front. ¡°Happy birthday Mia.¡± She wished, smiling very broadly.


    Mia thanked her with a smile that never left her face, she was very happy indeed.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Annie started. ¡°We prepared something huge to celebrate you tonight.¡±


    Mia furrowed her brows. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Jabi suddenly grabbed her hand. ¡°Come get ready. It¡¯s a surprise.¡±


    *


    Lian was on his way to Samara¡¯s castle when a call came in on his phone. Checking the caller ID, it was Amelia. He creased his brows and wondered why she was calling him after she stated firmly the other day that she wasn¡¯t going to help him and his pack.


    He ced the call on his left ear after epting it and controlled the steering wheel with his other hand.


    ¡°Alpha Lian, let¡¯s meet.¡± Amelia said. She sounded quite serious and he wondered once more why she asked to meet. Perhaps she changed her mind?


    ¡°Where?¡±


    Lian made a dangerous U turn on the deserted road and headed straight to Amelia¡¯s packhouse.


    A lot of things were going on his mind as he drove. His sister, his parents, his pack, how to defeat Giovanni. As he drove into Amelia¡¯s territory, he suddenly felt something heavy at the trunk of his car. Before he could do or see anything, the car already somersaulted. Lian hit his head roughly the wheel and blood trickled down his face. He coughed hard and tried to get hold of what happened.


    He opened the door with all his strength and crawled out, grunting in pain. Being a werewolf, an alpha at that, he had some energy left. He struggled to stand on his feet but ended up falling. He then saw some men walking towards him,ughing hysterically and wickedly. Lian closed his eyes and opened them again, his system was about to shut down. He strived hard to keep his eyes opened but he cked out few secondster.


    *


    Mia stepped out in a short white cocktail dress that revealed her pretty legs. Jabi had given her a thorough makeover and she was looking as sweet as ever.


    She was blindfolded and made to walk down to where she didn¡¯t know of. After the blindfold was taken off, she didn¡¯t see anything. It was thick dark. ¡°Jabi? Annie? Are you guys ying pranks right now? Stop it please!¡± She cried out fearfully.


    The lights suddenly went on and party streamers popped again. The spacious room was well decorated with coloured bulbs, chandeliers. There was a designated bar at a part of the room and her ssmates surrounded her, all carrying sses of wine.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Here is the surprise!¡± Annie announced to her, smiling again. ¡°We figured out you won¡¯t be able to throw a party amidst all these perils so we decided to throw one for you in here.¡± Annie further exined.


    Mia¡¯s eyes became teary. ¡°I love you so much guys¡­¡± She hugged her friends one after the other. She turned to Annie, Jabi and Axel. ¡°What about the juniors? They must fuming right now.¡± She worried.


    Axelughed. ¡°It¡¯s the exact opposite. They are in the other hall, partying.¡±


    ¡°Alright everyone. Enough of the chats. Let¡¯s start partying!!!¡±


    ¡°Yeah..¡± Others booed and a loud music started ying.


    Everyone partnered themselves and started dancing to the tune.


    Mia grabbed a ss of wine from the bar and walked unto the dance floor without a partner. Some guys offered to dance with her but she rejected them politely. Her mind drifted to Lian again.


    She was lost for a while and no one noticed. They were all busy doing their stuffs. An arm suddenly gripped her wrist her turned her around, and she crashed into someone¡¯s lips. Or maybe someone crashed into her lips.


    She was gobsmacked!


    The kisssted for a fleeting moment and the guy broke the kiss.


    It was Alexander. He smiled. ¡°Happy birthday darling.¡±


    Mia was lost for words. It was unexpected. She couldn¡¯t even forced a smile. She swallowed hard. Was she supposed to p him for kissing her or smile at him for wishing her?


    Someone suddenly barged into the party room. ¡°Mia! Something came in for you!¡± The girl hollered on top of her voice and despite the loud music, Mia heard. She was grateful that someone had interrupted the moment she was unwantedly sharing with Alexander.


    Everyone including Mia walked out to see what came in. And lo and behold, a brand new Lamborghini was parked outside. Mia was quite astonished. She walked slowly towards the car and opened the door, there was a box and two envelopes on the driver¡¯s seat. She brought one out and opened it. It was from her parents.


    She opened the envelope from her parents first. It was full of wishes. ¡®We got you the little car as your to celebrate your 18th birthday. Happy birthday our loving daughter.¡¯ Mia was quite moved but hurried ditched the envelope. Jabi caught it quick and read it out loud.


    The others were full of hollers and celebratory screams. They were quite shocked too. A fucking Lamborghini for a eighteen year old!


    Mia hurriedly opened the box and brought out a jewelry box. She opened it and a smile appeared on her face. She needed no one to tell her it was from Lian. The tiny ne had a moon shaped pendant that was made of diamond. After admiring it for several seconds, she opened the envelope he sent and took out a letter.


    Her countenance changed after reading the letter. She felt a sudden lump in her throat and her hands shook. She started trembling all over as her grip tightened on the thick paper.


    ¡°No.. No¡­ No!!!!!¡± She screamed and Lamborghini¡¯s window ss and wind screen shattered. She sent quite the shock to her friends.


    Jabi stepped forward. ¡°Mia what¡¯s the issue?¡±


    Mia ignored her and screamed once more, this time more louder. The buildings¡¯ window started shattering one after the other. Her eyes colour turned into bright emerald green which shone on the paper she held.


    Everyone screamed in fear and some ran in immediately. Jabi and Axel became scared to near her and they moved back a bit. It started getting dark all of a sudden. Thick, dark clouds filled the sky. Mia felt like she had just been stabbed and tears flowed down her face uncontrobly. It started raining heavily and everyone ran in, leaving her outside. She made no attempt to leave the rain.


    Thunder struck whenever she screamed and the more she cried, the more rain poured. Lian broke her heart. He broke his promise to her, defending himself with excuses. The note contained a breakup letter from him and as rain poured on it, the writings on it became smudged and eventually, the paper soaked and escaped from her hands.


    She just started feeling happy, a few days ago and then it was taken away. She had just experienced what real life was but now, it seemed like her world was done and crumbling down. She fell to the floor and cried vigorously, screaming and hollering.


    Alexander sprinted into the rain and grabbed her. ¡°Come inside Mia.¡± He stated in a very strong tone.


    Mia fought against him intensely. ¡°Let go! Let go of me!¡± She kicked against him but he refused to let go.


    She turned around to face him and yelled in a way that could deafen one. ¡°I said leave me alone!¡±


    Being a stubborn type, he refused to sumb to her order. After sustaining several kicks from her, he seeded in dragging her in and Jabi led them into a quiet room. She demanded to be alone and no one protested.


    She curled up at a corner in the room, looking all like a ghost. Her makeup was ruined and she was drenched from the downpour.


    She picked up her phone and started dialing his contact. Maybe it was mistake? He was pressurized? Perhaps it wasn¡¯t meant for me? All these thoughts ran through her mind.


    It wasn¡¯t avable. She dialed again and it was the same response. She was about to start crying again when she heard a sudden uproar from outside.


    Before she couldprehend anything, the door flung open and Shane and Marlin barged in.


    She stood up on her feet immediately. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± She inquired.


    ¡°The rogues are here. You need to get out of here Mia, Shane will get you somewhere safe.¡± Marlin hurriedly said. Mia was shocked again. ¡°Rogues?¡± She blurted.


    The Betas ignored her and moved closer to her. Both halted abruptly and stared at her eyes as if they had seen a ghost.


    True, she looked like a ghost with her ruined face and the messy hair but she wasn¡¯t sure if she looked that bad for them to stare like that.


    Marlin and Shane shared an astounded look before turning to look at Mia again.


    Unknown to her, her eyes were sparkling with  red contacts. It was for a short moment but Marlin and Shane caught it.


    Lian¡¯s alpha marble!!!

 Chapter 32

    Chapter thirty two


    Everyone in the building rushed out. The soldiers around shifted immediately into their wolf forms and fought against the rogues. The soldiers at the northwest gate were alerted immediately also.


    There were nosies everywhere as half of the pack members ran around in fear while the other half fought, even though they weren¡¯t prepared.  Jabi held Axel¡¯s hand tightly as they ran into one of the empty sses and refused to let go.


    ¡°Jabi, it¡¯s a war. I need to fight.¡± He protested.


    ¡°You¡¯re going nowhere Axel. You barely just recovered. I can¡¯t let you loose.¡± She objected firmly.


    ¡°That would be unmanly of me. I¡¯m not a coward and I will never be.¡±


    ¡°No one says you are! Let¡¯s just hide here, no one will notice.¡± She offered.


    Axel grabbed her hands. ¡°I know you¡¯re worried. Trust me, I¡¯ll be fine. I promise you, I¡¯lle back. Safely.¡± He said softly, staring into her brown eyes.


    No magnitude of words could hold him back. He looked determined.


    She was hesitant to let him go, but he ran out of the ss after assuring her.


    Jabi turned around and looked out the window space. The window was now broken due to Mia¡¯s screams. It was still unclear to everyone though, even to her friends. Those powers were strange to them. She must be a really special wolf. Jabi concluded. Judging by how long it took before she met her wolf and the powers she exhibited earlier.


    It was bing messy in the pack. Blood were sttered on the floor. Dead wolf bodies and all. Seemed the diamonds were having the upper hand. She sighed and muttered a silent prayer for the war to end soon.


    *


    Marlin and Shane guarded Mia on both sides, protectively. They pressed in as much as they could. After getting to a point, they stopped and Marlin looked around for anybody. When he was sure there was no one, he motioned to Shane and Mia to continue going. ¡°I¡¯ll join you guyster.¡±


    Shane took Mia to an abandoned and a supposed haunted building. Mia protested. ¡°Why are we heading there? It¡¯s a haunted house.¡±


    Shane ignored her protest and just ordered her toe with him. Mia then decided to trust him. After all, he was her brother¡¯s beta. There was no way he would betray them.


    She suddenly halted in her steps. The thought of Lian struck her mind. Shane noticed the abrupt halt and stopped too. ¡°What¡¯s the issue? Mia, there is no time to y stubborn, you are in danger.¡±


    ¡°What of Lian? Where is he?¡± She enquired, impatiently.


    Shane sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you all very soon. Let¡¯s get in first.¡±


    They walked into the two storey building and walked into the kitchen. Shane moved a cab and then lifted the big tile under it. Mia gasped in astonishment. There was a way down.


    The walked down a wooden staircase into the basement room. She became more astounded when she got a hold of what the basement looked like. It looked modern and all. With blue and ck furnitures, blue stered walls. There were electronic sets, to her surprise and part of the room was cut out for a kitchen space. There were standing air conditioners but there were no windows or sorts.


    Who could ever imagine such a room was below an haunted house?


    She turned to Shane, demanding an exnation.


    ¡°It¡¯s a ce I and the others came up with. In case of situations like this.¡±


    ¡°Why did it have to be an haunted house?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not true. The whole haunting stuff was made up also, to scare people away from this building. So, you are safe here. There is nothing to worry about.¡± He exined.


    Mia didn¡¯t find it hard to believe. She chose to believe him. What was the point in lying to her?


    She diverted to the most important issue at the moment. With worried and curious eyes, she inquired. ¡°Where is Lian?¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Shane hesitated. ¡°Give me an answer Shane, where-is-Lian?¡± She asked again, trying to keep herself in control. Shane made up his mind to tell her. He looked straight into her eyes and broke it to her. ¡°He¡¯s at the rogues¡¯ custody.¡±


    Mia¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°What!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± A voice said. Marlin walked down into the room. ¡°Lian has been captured by Giovanni. And that¡¯s why we need your help.¡± He added.


    Shane abruptly turned to Marlin and shotsers at him.


    ¡®You don¡¯t n on telling her, do you?¡¯ He mind linked.


    ¡®That¡¯s the only possible way to win this fight. Get a grip Shane!¡¯ Marlin retorted.


    Mia lost her bnce and fell on the sofa. Everything felt surreal to her and she couldn¡¯t bring herself to buy the fact that her strong wall was at the palm of his enemies and perhaps at the brink of death. It wasn¡¯t like Giovanni captured Lian to wine and dine with him.


    Tears flowed down her cheeks when the thought of never getting to see him again struck her mind. None of the two men stopped her from crying. After she was done crying her eyes out, Marlin asked. ¡°Are you okay with that?¡±


    She didn¡¯t have the energy to speak and just nodded gently and helplessly.


    ¡°Then I guess it¡¯s our turn to speak.¡± A long silent minute passed. ¡°Mia, I need you to brace yourself and ept what I¡¯m going to tell you.¡± He stated in a cold, warning tone that shook her a little. She wondered what it was this time.


    ¡°You¡¯re the only one that can possibly win this battle for the Diamonds pack.¡±


    Mia sat up, looking perplexed. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Her voice came out hoarse.


    Shane sighed. It was the upteenth time he had sighed that hour. ¡°Mia,¡± he called softly in a low tone. He was scared for thess. No one could predict her reaction to the news.


    Impatiently, Mia urged him to continue. He let out a sigh again.


    ¡°You¡¯re our Luna.¡±

 Chapter 33

    Chapter thirty three


    *Giovanni¡¯s pce¡­


    Lian was bundled in like a thief, all tied with strong, thick ropes. The injuries from the ident earlier had healed and closed up, but he still felt slight pains and there was blood on a side of his face.


    He was forced to his knees roughly, in front of Giovanni. Giovanni startedughing. A wickedugh of triumph.


    Lian looked at his face daringly. ¡°There is nothing to rejoice over yet.¡± He stated mockingly and Giovanni¡¯s lips pinched against each other.


    Giovanni¡¯sugh faded away and he put on a normal face. ¡°If so, then I guess I have to send out more of my men to my people-to-be,  so I can rejoice as soon as possible.¡± He mocked back.


    Lianughed. ¡°You think the Diamonds will agree to be your underlings? They¡¯d rather die that be some filthy dogs for a monster like you.¡±


    Giovanni wasn¡¯t surprised at his behavior. He had heard so much of him. How he never tended to back down in a fight, how stubborn and how soft he could be. He had heard everything.


    ¡°Who says they have a choice?¡± He paused. ¡°They don¡¯t¡­ Lian. Your pack members will be my dogs whether they like it or not.¡±


    * Diamonds pack


    Mia unexpectedly let out a round ofughter. ¡°You¡¯re so hrious Shane. There is an ongoing war and you dare crack a joke?¡± She queried.


    Marlin and Shane looked at each other for a second and sighed. They no longer said anything and Mia began to feel ufortable.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? I expect you two to join inughing off that outrageous joke.¡± She stated and chuckled.


    ¡°That¡¯s the truth, Mia. You¡¯re Lian¡¯s chosen mate. ept it.¡± Marlin ignored her reaction.


    ¡°Okay¡­ this isn¡¯t getting funny anymore. Fine, I admit that I¡¯m in love with my brother but that doesn¡¯t give you the right to make fun of me. We should be finding a way on how to get him out of where he is.¡± Mia half yelled.


    Marlin and Shane shared a look again. ¡®In love?¡¯ They mindlinked at the same time.


    Marlin took the news quite well. He didn¡¯t have time to care about that at the moment.


    ¡°Samara said Lian¡¯s mate carries his alpha marble.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Mia crinkled her face.


    Shane stood up and walked to a part of the room. He returned with a mirror and held it out to her. Perplexed, she collected the mirror, not sure of what to use it for.


    ¡°Look at your reflection.¡± Marlin suggested. Mia lifted the mirror to her face. Her heart was thumping and she thirsted for knowledge. As soon as she looked into the mirror, her eyes colour changed to red for half a second and then changed to the normal colour. It was so damn brief that she thought she was hallucinating or something.


    She narrowed her eyes to the men with a questioning face. She didn¡¯t even know what she was curious about.


    She looked into mirror once more and her eyes shed red unbelievably, stunning her. The mirror fell from her grip to the floor and it shattered.


    She ran over to the guys and held them tight. ¡°What¡­ was¡­ th¡­ that¡­ ab¡­ ab¡­ about?¡± She stuttered. Fear overcame her heart. She was trembling vehemently.


    ¡°It is what it is Mia. You carry Lian¡¯s alpha marble. You are his Luna¡­ our Luna. And the fighter of this battle.¡± Shane whispered, conveying serious emotions. He could rte well with her.


    For a short moment, Mia tried to wrap her head around it but she couldn¡¯t. She just couldn¡¯t. She suddenly hollered. ¡°No! No!  That¡¯s impossible. You two need to stop uttering nonsense or I¡¯ll report to Lian when he gets back.¡± She threatened pointlessly. As if that would scare the betas away or make them take back their words.


    ¡°Mia Torres, this is the reality. Lian can never get out of there if you don¡¯t step forward and help him.¡±


    *


    Rosie wore aplete ck outfit. ck trousers and ck boots with a ck hat. She looked determined. She wanted freedom. She needed it. She decided to yank herself from Giovanni¡¯s grip. She couldn¡¯t let the old fart continue ruling her the way he wanted.


    She stood behind a fat tree that was situated across the main entrance to the rogues¡¯ pack, then peeped every second. There were giant soldiers at every corner. There was no way she could get in there without an encounter with them. She decided to act natural.


    She walked towards them, with thest pint of confidence in her. The soldiers looked really intimidating. They were ready to eat up anyone that disrupted the pce.


    As expected, a soldier stepped forward a second after she reached the gate, holding his sword out and stopping her from moving further.


    Rosie swallowed hard. She maintained a straight face that was bound to fade away soon.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to see the lord.¡± She let out before he said anything. She balled her fists as she looked into his eyes. Fuck! If res could kill, a funeral would¡¯ve been held for her already.


    ¡°Does he have an appointment with you?¡± The man asked and Rosie frowned. ¡°We don¡¯t set dates. This is not my first timeing here.¡± She protested, ring up gradually.


    The soldier shared looks with the others who through looks, approved of her entry.


    He turned to Rosie and shot one more re before letting her in. As soon as she got in, she let out a quick sigh of relief. If she had spent any more minute in front of that annoying giant, she might have lost her bnce.


    She soon gathered herself. She surveyed everywhere with her eyes and noticed there were hundreds of soldiers positioned everywhere. They looked like they were waiting for their adversaries tounch an attack. The pce was structured in a traditional and olden way. Thends were really wide and there was a forest miles away from the buildings.


    She called the attention of a maid passing and enquired of her, why the security was unusually tightened. The maid scurried off after exining the whole situation to her.


    Rosie¡¯s jaw dropped. War? Giovanni really took on her advice?


    ¡®Rosie, snap out of it.¡¯ Her wolf told her. ¡®You are here on a mission and must not get distracted. You have nothing to do with the Diamonds. So, let¡¯s focus!¡¯


    Rosie straightened up. ¡°Right. Let¡¯s stay focused.¡± She mumbled to herself.


    *


    ¡°How is this even possible?¡± Mia asked herself. She still didn¡¯t get it. She was her brother¡¯s Luna? Her own blood brother? What was the moon goddess thinking when she paired them?


    She liked her brother, yes. But being his Luna was way too far. It was more like a scary dream. How would their parents react?


    Marlin and Shane sat across her, watching her intensely. They had been like that for about an hour. The fight was still going on outside anyways. Blood continued to stter around. Both the rogues¡¯ and the Diamonds¡¯.


    The betas stood up. ¡°We¡¯ll give you time to think Mia. But you need to make a really quick decision. The existence of Diamonds pack depends on you now.¡±


    Mia thought. The existence of the pack depends on her? She has to carry the burden? She had always depended on others and never for once thought someone, talk more of hundreds of people, will lean against her.


    ¡°No¡­ I can¡¯t.¡± She thought aloud, in a trembly tone.


    ¡°Stop saying you can¡¯t!¡± Shane yelled, startling both Mia and Marlin.


    ¡°Can you imagine how much torture Lian is going through currently? He¡¯s risking his life for the pack. How would he feel when he gets to know the pack he struggled hard to protect got wiped out all because of his sister¡¯s selfish decision?¡± He vented frustratedly. His patience was at an end.


    ¡°Shane don¡¯t¨C¡± Marlin tried to stop him but Shane shook him off. ¡°The pack members are dying out there. Will you ept the fact that you¡¯re Lian¡¯s Luna after the whole pack gets destroyed?¡±


    Mia sniffed as more tears came running down her cheeks. Marlin spoke up again. ¡°Shane, can¡¯t you see she¡¯s having a hard time? Put yourself in her shoes. She¡¯s probably startled and needs time to think.¡± He defended.


    Mia was d. At least, someone understands. ¡°Fine. She can think for all the time in the world. I¡¯m going out to join the fight.¡± Shane said harshly and made to walk out.


    Mia suddenly jumped on her feet. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± She concluded, surprising the two men.


    ¡°What?¡± Shane asked.


    ¡°I said¡­¡± She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. For the sake of Lian and the pack.¡±


    ¡°Mia, did you make this decision because of what he said?¡± Marlin demanded. He was trying to make sure thess didn¡¯t decide under pressure.


    ¡°No. He¡¯s right though. I shouldn¡¯t ruin the pack because of my selfish emotions. What about my mum and dad?¡±


    ¡°They are safe. Great decisionss. We¡¯ll go out now and fight for a while. Stay put and then we¡¯lle back and draft a n.¡± Marlin stated with a slight smile.


    *


    Shane and Marlin shifted into their wolf forms andunched attacks at the rogues. ¡®I think more rogues are here¡¯ Shane mindlinked and Marlin agreed. The rogues¡¯ number had doubled.


    Mercilessly and gruesomely, Marlin and Shane tore the wolf rogues apart, growling angrily. All of a sudden, a fox rogue came up behind Shane and before he could defend himself, the fox moved swiftly and dipped his w into Shane on the side. Shane groaned as he got wounded on a sensitive part. The fox made to kill him and Shane watched him drop dead before him.


    He looked up and saw Samara. He wondered why she was there. Marlin came around hurriedly and helped Shane move out of the open space into a more secluded space and Samara followed.


    The betas curtsied her and she nodded gently. ¡°What brings you here?¡± Shane asked through the mindlink, trying to ignore the throbbing pain he felt. Samara could hear him. She had the power to.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Before answering that, let¡¯s get you healed.¡± Samara mumbled some things, casted spells and ced her hand on Shane¡¯s injury. Her hand remained there for several seconds and when she removed it, the injury was gone. And Shane¡¯s fur was as good as new.


    ¡°Lian is in danger. I believe you know that. Have you found his mate?¡±


    ¡°We have. But there¡¯s a problem.¡± Marlin pointed out worriedly.


    ¡°His sister is his mate? I know. I found out minutes ago. Where is she now? Has she agreed to help?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The betas replied.


    ¡°Good. Now, take me to her. I need to teach her some things. Lian¡¯s alpha marble is more powerful than we think and she might lose her mind if she can¡¯t control it.¡±


    Meanwhile, Alexander traced Mia with her scent to the basement. She was surprised when he came in.


    ¡°Hush¡­ Are you okay?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Yes.. I¡­ what are you doing here?¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°To help you out of here. It¡¯s dangerous out there Mia.¡±


    ¡°But, Shane and Marlin told me to stay here.¡± She countered gently in a low, soft tone.


    ¡°Giovanni will slice your throat if he finds you out. I can¡¯t let you die Mia.¡±


    ¡°But, my brother is¨C¡±


    ¡°Hush,¡± he cut her off. ¡°No more buts. You¡¯re leaving with me now. A ship is waiting at a seaport. We¡¯ll get on it and flee.¡±


    He coerced her into leaving with him and he had her dressed in a disguise and they left the basement.


    The Betas changed into human form and grabbed clothes to wear. They led Samara to the basement only to find Mia¡¯s seat empty. They looked around but couldn¡¯t find her.


    ¡°We clearly told her to stay here.¡±


    ¡°That selfish brat!¡± Shane swore. ¡°We can¡¯t jump into conclusions Shane, maybe she was kidnapped?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t make sense. No one else knows about this ce. She must¡¯ve left on her own. Doesn¡¯t she give a damn care about her family and the pack?¡± He shouted angrily.


    ¡°You two stop shouting! You wish to break this woman¡¯s ears?¡± She scolded and the young men went quiet. ¡°I smell faint mixed scents.¡± Samara remarked.


    ¡°But¡­ there¡¯s no way¡­¡± Shane realized what it was and gasped. ¡°Mia¡¯s scent.¡±


    ¡°Do you think the enemies took her?¡± Marlin asked Samara and she shook her head in uncertainty.


    ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be happening. We should protect her with our lives.¡±

 Chapter 34

    Chapter thirty four


    ¡°Alexander, I can¡¯t go any further.¡± Mia whined as she made an abrupt stop. ¡°My brother in is danger and I have to help him. He¡¯ll die and the pack will be ruined if I don¡¯t help.¡±


    They were almost at the seaport. They had pulled over at the main road and walked down a bushy path that led to the seaport. Turned out the port was an illegal harbour.


    ¡°Forget about everything. Once we get on that ship, you have to bury everything and everyone. Cast them out of your mind. We are starting a new life once we get to our destination.¡± He ordered gruffly.


    ¡°We?¡± Mia raised a brow in perplexity. ¡°Who is we?¡±


    Alexander frowned. ¡°You love me and I do too. What don¡¯t you get?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about Alex? There¡¯s nothing like that between you and I. We are just friends.¡± She countered.


    A scowl appeared on his face. ¡°You must be joking Mia.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Mia snapped. ¡°I love another. That¡¯s it.¡±


    Alexander suddenly grabbed her neck in anger and squeezed her throat, making her gasp for breath.


    ¡°You¡¯ll love me and only me!¡± He growled.


    ¡°Alexander¡­ you.. you¡¯re.. hur¡­ hurting¡­ me.¡± she managed to get the words out. Alexander realized what he had done and quickly released her. She fell to the ground in pain and he showed worries.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He apologized, regretting what he had just did. Mia refused his apology and struggled to get on her feet. ¡°I¡¯ve made it clear. I won¡¯t go anywhere with you.¡± She stated and made to walk away but he held her back again.


    As they were having a heated argument, they suddenly noticed that they were surrounded by some men. Defensively and spontaneously, Alexander moved Mia to his back so as to guard her.


    He recognized the men. A giant looking man suddenly stepped out of the circle and approached the vulnerable. He was themander of Giovanni, Durston.


    ¡°Do you think you could get away after betraying the lord?¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Betray? No one betrayed anyone.¡± Alexander defended with cautious eyes.


    Durston smirked. ¡°Exin that when you get to the Pce.


    *


    Marlin and Shane came running back to Samara. ¡°We can¡¯t find her. Her scent fadedpletely.¡±


    Samara let out a short sigh but said nothing. ¡°Granny, is there no way to fight without her?¡± Shane asked.


    Samara stared into space for several seconds before she gave a response. ¡°The red Stone. I can feel Amereta trying to get out of her confinement.¡±


    ¡°She must be enraged right now. Watching her followers being killed.¡± Marlinmented intelligently and Samara nodded.


    ¡°We should get the red Stone. I¡¯ll figure out how to let her out by then.¡± Samara suggested and the betas agreed but they had to split. Shane said he¡¯ll go lead the war while Marlin and Samara go into the forest of Hez to get the sacred stone.


    It¡¯d take a day to get to the red Stone if they walked and they didn¡¯t have much time. Marlin shifted into his wolf form as Samara had instructed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep up with your pace by teleporting.¡± She told him.


    Marlin ran through the thick, dark forest like a cheetah with a goal in his mind. Get the stone and help Lian and the pack. His paws hit the floor intensely and he didn¡¯t stop moving.


    Unlooked for, he got his front paws trapped. He let out a great howl in pain as the iron snare pinned his legs down. As he was struggling to get out, a wide fell from above and caged him. He started struggling to get out of theplicated cage and was too lost in that, that he didn¡¯t realize it when he was pierced with something that felt like injection. He suddenly cooed as his muscles went weak.


    Some men stepped forward. One of them was holding Samara by the back of her neck. She had been caught and injected too.


    *


    Rosie stealthily walked into Giovanni¡¯s Chamber hall and damn¡­ it was heavily guarded. As expected the security at the entrance to his inner chambers was mad! She took a deep breath before carrying out her n.


    She picked out a penny from her inner jacket and tossed on the floor, causing noise. She quickly moved swiftly into a blind spot and started walking the other way. Two ways led to Giovanni¡¯s inner chambers. One was the way where she dropped the penny and the other, was the path she was leading.


    She watched from her hiding ce as a guy gave orders to the other men check who or what it was. Nine men left while he remained at his post. Rosie bit her lower lip. Why didn¡¯t he just follow them?


    She took a silent, deep breath again an straightened up. Then walked out of hiding and acted naturally. She approached the chamber and as expected, she was stopped with a full, hefty chest.


    ¡°I was asked to pick up something.¡± She lied, rolling her eyes disgustedly.


    The man shot her an intense and deadly re and she swallowed down a big lump in her throat.


    ¡°My lord will never send an outsider to his inner chambers.¡± He countered strongly. Rosie threaded her hand through her hair and let air out of her mouth irritatedly.


    ¡°Outsider? Aren¡¯t I part of this pack too? And when did I mention the lord as my sender?¡±


    The man raised a brow, looking a bit perplexed about her words.


    Rosie rose on her toes and patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t expect you to let me in that easily. You aren¡¯t a fool, are you?¡±


    Before he could anticipate what she was about to do, he was already getting tasered.


    The guy fell to the floor and she walked into the room, carefully. The chamber was beautiful than she thought.


    The room was breathtaking. Adorned with flowers and paintings, it exuded the vibes of regal gentility. From the king-sized bedstead to the dresser to the closet and drawers, everything spelt royalty.


    She started looking around for the medicine ball box. She started with the drawers but found nothing. Then she moved to the tall and huge wardrobe with four doors and opened the first door. Nothing. Then the second. Nothing. She was about to open the third door but then stopped abruptly.


    She slowly walked over to the ceiling-to-floor art frame which she found unusual. She wasn¡¯t even sure if she hade across one. Gently, she pushed the frame aside and half hopefully, she pushed the wall and it made a little creaking sound and opened.


    She smirked excitedly and triumphantly then walked into the big, dark room. She put on her phone¡¯s shlight so she could see around. She could see giant shelves with big boxes loaded on them. ¡°One of them has to carry the medicine ball.¡± She whispered to herself.


    She started opening the boxes and found out gold bars. She gasped and pped her hand on her mouth quickly. She decided not to get swayed and just get what she wanted, then leave.


    After minutes of quiet searching, she saw a box on a wooden table at the end of the room. As she approached it, her heart skipped beats and she took a deep breath as she opened. Her heart leapt for joy. She found it atst.


    She held the box to her chest and hugged it then turned around to see hefty men staring at her dreadfully.


    ¡­


    She was dragged into the throne room and forced on her knees, in front of Giovanni. One of the men walked up to him and curtsied before briefing him on the situation.


    ¡°Rosie?¡± Lian called out surprisingly. Rosie turned around and also called Lian in surprise.


    ¡°I thought I told you not to do anything stupid.¡± He nagged, worried that she eventually got into real trouble.


    She gave the ¡®i¡¯m sorry¡¯ face. Then her Giovanni¡¯s voice drew her attention. ¡°You came to steal from me? Unbelievable. When did you be this gutsy?¡±


    Rosie clenched her teeth. ¡°The moment you treated me like trash!¡±


    Giovanni let out a longughter. ¡°And what are you? You are nothing more than a dog that I breed.¡±


    Rosie scowled at the statement and chuckled. ¡°You made a big mistakeing here. Your life ends today.¡±


    Giovanni removed his right hand¡¯s man sword from it¡¯s sheathe and dragged it on the floor as he walked towards Rosie, with a killing frown on his face.


    Rosie shook on her knees. Not because she was afraid of him, but she was scared for her mum. Who would take care of her when she¡¯s gone?


    ¡°Your mum?¡± Giovanni interrupted her thoughts, as if he had been reading her mind.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re worried about her. Rx, I¡¯ll take care of her.¡± He assured with a smirk that made his words more unbelievable.


    Rosie knew Giovanni too well to trust him. He raised his sword to cut her but suddenly stopped with the doors to the throne room were flung open.


    He watched as some people were brought in.


    His emotions twitched when he set eyes on Samara. With a furrow of his brows, he asked himself, what is she doing here? When Mia and Alexander were thrown forward, Lian¡¯s eyes almost popped out of their socket. ¡°Mia!¡± He yelled. Mia also showed worry and concern. She wanted to touch and ask him if he was okay but she couldn¡¯t.


    He saw Marlin and Samara too.


    A man came forward to give report. Giovanni motioned for him to step back after exining the issue. Slowly, he walked back to his throne and sat down.


    ¡°I see we have lots of unexpected guests.¡± He announced.


    ¡°You¡¯ll let go of the kids!¡± Samaramanded angrily and Giovanni chuckled. She was about trying to cast some spells when invincible chains held her hands down. It felt so strong. She looked up and saw that one of Giovanni¡¯s men had cast a chain spell upon her. Not just her, Marlin, Mia and Lian too.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve ignored this kids Samara. You shouldn¡¯t have gotten yourself entangled in this issue.¡± He said in a low, dreadful tone.


    ¡°Just like I ignored our son? Huh? Just like I ignored Harris and let you kill him? I won¡¯t do that again Giovanni. You killed my child and I won¡¯t let you do that again!¡± She replied him, giving him a taste of the dreadful tone he used.


    Giovanni¡¯s countenance seemed to changed when she mentioned their son. He balled his fists and clenched his teeth. ¡°Do not, mention him again. It¡¯s an order.¡±


    Shortly after, a maid came in with a bottle of wine and a goblet. After serving her lord, she left.


    Giovanni gulped down the contents of the goblet hurriedly and dropped it. ¡°Y¡¯all annoy me.¡± He muttered and walked down to where Alexander was.


    ¡°Zachary¡­¡± He called. Mia stared in surprise, Lian wasn¡¯t a bit shocked, Marlin wore a frown.


    Giovanni ced the tip of the sword on Alexander¡¯s chest. ¡°You were really trying to run away¡­. with that girl?¡± He pointed to Mia.


    Lian and Marlin growled angrily.


    Alexander didn¡¯t say a word, instead, kept his gaze fixated on the lord.


    ¡°You bastard! I took you in and bred you, yet you chose to betray me!!!¡± Giovanni yelled furiously. Alexander was one of his most trusted men, more like a son to him. He couldn¡¯t believe he tried to elope with a girl.


    ¡°Alex, what¡¯s he talking about?¡± Mia¡¯s voice broke through. He didn¡¯t respond and she asked again in a holler.


    Alexander couldn¡¯t say anything. There was nothing to say. It was toote to make excuses.


    Giovanni chuckled. ¡°You didn¡¯t know? I sent him to your pack as a spy. The sacred stone case, the attempted suicide case¡­ it was all him.¡±


    Mia¡¯s shoulders dropped. ¡°No. That can¡¯t be possible. Alexander is human, there¡¯s no way¨C¡± She was interrupted by a loud howl. Giovanni had pierced the sword through a side of his stomach so that he could howl like the wolf he was. Mia was astounded.


    Giovanni smiled. ¡°This bastard right here is a wolf¡­ a big, bad one.¡± The smiled disappeared from his face and an angry scowl appeared. He lifted his sword over Alexander and Lian¡¯s shout stopped him again, abruptly.


    ¡°Let them all go. Deal with me.¡± Lian offered but the old man refused. ¡°No, thanks.¡±


    Within the twinkle of an eye, he pierced the sword through Alexander¡¯s heart and he drew out the sword again.


    Alexander vomited blood and gasped at the same time. Mia screamed as her eyes brimmed with tears.


    ¡°No!!!!¡± She tried to break free from the invincible chains holding her hands down but she couldn¡¯t. There was no emotion in Lian as he watched his enemy die but, Alexander¡¯s death didn¡¯t feel so good.


    Samara remained still with burning anger in her eyes and so did Marlin.


    Giovanni raised a finger dramatically. ¡°One gone.¡± He announced with an excited look and dropped the sword that was now blood stained. One of his men brought him another one and he walked over to Rosie.


    ¡°I really do like you, you know that? But I hate your guts. That¡¯s why you¡¯ll go with Zachary now.¡±


    ¡°You will not touch a hair on her head Giovanni.¡± Samara admonished firmly. Giovanni turned to look at her and marched to where she was. Unexpectedly, he pped her across the face, making her head tilt to the other side.


    ¡°You¡¯ll not tell me what to do!¡±


    Lian and Marlin struggled to break free and pounce on the nerve stepping rogue alpha but it resulted to nothing.


    Samara¡¯s face hardened and she burned with rage. Giovanni walked back to Rosie with a murderous rage in his eyes. A loud piercing squeal issued from Rosie¡¯s throat as  Giovanni¡¯s sword sliced down through shoulder to her chest.


    Mia screamed in fear at the sight and Lian¡¯s eyes grew red from anger. Giovanni walked over to Marlin and Lian yelled. ¡°You¡¯ll not harm him! Come at me Giovanni and stop preying on my people!!!¡±


    * Diamonds pack


    After dropping five rogue wolves to the floor, Jabi went in search of Axel. Damn! Everywhere was littered with dead and injured wolves.


    The battle was still on at the other side of the school and she tried her best not to be seen.


    Her heart raced speedily when she saw the brown furred wolf lying in a pool of blood.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter thirty five


    She mumbled assuring words to herself as she approached the wolf for confirmation. Her heart totally sank when she recognized him. Her knees went weak and she had trouble breathing.


    She fell to the floor, beside Axel. She let out a howl as she roughly and subconsciously stroked his fur. *Axel no, no, you can¡¯t die like this. You promised toe back, you asshole. You promised me. How dare you give in to death? How dare you! I haven¡¯t confessed to you my love. We¡­ we¡­ we were just getting started. You can¡¯t do this to me.* She cried through her mindlink.


    She regretted letting him go. After crying for several minutes, she stood up on her paws with bloodshot eyes. *I¡¯m going to kill those bastards* She vowed and made to work away. But then something held her back. She tried jerking away but she couldn¡¯t. She looked back and saw one of Axel¡¯s eyes opened. Her heart skipped a beat. He opened the second eye and stood up.


    *Axel? What¡­*


    Axel pulled her away until they got to a secluded and empty ss. They shifted into their human forms in different rooms and came together again.


    Jabi demanded an exnation with a scowl on her face.


    ¡°The thing is¡­ I was pretending. The rogues¡¯ number increased so I did what I had to do, in order to be safe.¡± He exined.


    Jabi cleared her throat and cautiously looked him in the eyes. ¡°Perhaps¡­ your mindlink¡­. wasn¡¯t on?¡± She stuttered.


    Axel smiled. ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    Jabi frowned. ¡°How¡­. never mind.¡± She looked away.


    ¡°But I think I heard the word ¡®love''¡± he continued voluntarily and she coughed intensely. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked in a teasing tone and his smile never left his face.


    ¡°Yeah.. I¡¯m¡­ fine.¡± she lied. ¡°I need to go, I¡¯m pressed.¡± She said hurriedly and turned around to leave.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about anything and just wait for me.¡± He muttered and she stopped and turned to him. ¡°I won¡¯t keep you waiting for long. I promise.¡±


    She smiled and was about to say something when they heard a fresh uproar from outside. The two rushed to the window and saw many soldiers rush into the pack and attack the rogue wolves.


    ¡°Who are those? They aren¡¯t rogues.¡± Jabi questioned.


    Axel shook his head subconsciously. ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡±


    *


    Giovanni ignored Marlin and walked over to Lian. ¡°You are right. It¡¯s you I should kill, so I can train your betas to be my dogs. Lian, get ready to die.¡±


    ¡°You beast. What¡¯s the essence of training them when they would eventually betray you?¡± Lian mocked and let out a chuckle.


    Giovanni¡¯s expression changed. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t dare me. I am Giovanni! The great and most powerful rogue alpha.¡± He boasted in a very serious tone.


    Lianughed. ¡°Right. The most powerful rogue alpha who couldn¡¯t save his own son from dying.¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth!!!¡± Giovanni yelled and raised his sword to slice Lian.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch him.¡± Mia cautioned. Giovanni turned to look at who spoke. ¡°You said?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll noty your filthy sword on him.¡± Miamanded dreadfully as she stared right into his eyes.


    ¡°Who is this rat?¡± Giovanni enquired hismander, Durston, who exined who she was.


    Giovanni turned to Lian. ¡°Your sister? I might as well kill her before I kill you.¡± He smirked and dragged his sword along with him to Mia. Lian struggled to break the invincible chains. He struggled and struggled. He wouldn¡¯t take it lightly if he touched a hair on her head.


    Giovanni stood in front of Mia. ¡°How dare you give me orders?!¡± He growled and made to cut off her head when a red glow almost blinded him. He squinted his eyes as he tried to make out what the red glow was about.


    Everyone was shocked. Mia¡¯s red eyes glistened brightly for several seconds before they changed to their normal colour. Lian was stunned to his stomach. He was incredulous. He turned to look at Marlin and Samara.


    ¡°It is what it is.¡± Marlin whispered. The confirmation nod Samara gave shook him to the core. That was his alpha marble¡­ shining in Mia¡¯s eyes. That means¡­ she¡¯s his mate? Impossible.


    He turned to look at Mia, who bit her lower lip. ¡°How¡­¡± His voice trailed off as he couldn¡¯t seem to put words together at the moment.


    ¡°That looks like an alpha marble, Durston.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lord.¡± Themander confirmed, he was shocked too.


    Giovanni turned to Lian. ¡°She¡¯s your sister¡­ how¡­¡± Seeing the astounding look on Lian¡¯s face, he could tell it was aplicated issue.


    He suddenly burst intoughter. ¡°You¡¯ve brought me a priceless gift. There¡¯s no way you two will agree to get married. So thank me for assisting you. Durston, let¡¯s get your lord stronger and younger.¡± He stated happily and dropped the sword he was holding.


    He grew his ws out but didn¡¯t shift totally.


    He made to thrust his ws into her throat. ¡°Your daughter!¡± Lian hollered, making him stop. ¡°How do you think she¡¯ll feel, seeing you in your monstrous form?¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Shut your mouth!¡± Giovanni growled.


    ¡°You cheated on your wife with a maid, killed your son, made your loving wife turn against you, and you have a daughter, who is neither a dead nor a living.¡± Lian deliberately stated so as to get him more angry and distract him from Mia.


    ¡°I said shut your mouth!!¡± Giovanni roared again and picked up his sword, marched over to Lian and shed him between the neck and shoulder. Lian howled in pain and fell back. The chains were still holding him down.


    ¡°No!!!!¡± Mia and Marlin let out at the same time. Samara was busying using her powers. Unexpectedly, she broke the chain spell and was about to break Mia¡¯s own when thetter sudden broke free by herself.


    Lian, even in pain was shocked.


    Mia broke the chain spell and swiftly shifted into her wolf form. Giovanni ordered for her to be captured. She let out a deafening howl that could make ears bleed and the over-fifty-men that charged at her went flying back, andnded their backs on the walls and the floor.


    A soldier suddenly ran in. ¡°My lord, Amelia¡¯s soldiers have attacked us.¡± He announced in fear.


    ¡°What?!¡± Giovanni eximed in disbelief. ¡°Fight them with your lives!¡± He ordered.


    Giovanni retreated in fear. Harlow, Mia¡¯s wolf was super enraged. Lian¡¯s alpha marble shimmered in her eyes continuously this time around. She let out a howl again and the throne room shook. The floor her paws stepped on cracked as she walked slowly towards Giovanni.


    The door to the throne room opened and a hundred soldiers ran in to attack Mia. Before they got to her, she roared in fury and the walls crumbled over the iing soldiers, crushing them to death. Marlin and Samara were almost crushed too but they moved swiftly. Marlin moved Lian to a safer part of the throne room.


    Giovanni shook in fear as he backed away from the big, white, hairy and red eyed wolf. Mia charged towards Giovanni but Durston, in his wolf form made to pounce over her. Mia sneered and brought him to her feet. She dipped her ws deep into his neck and drew them out.


    The rogues¡¯ spell caster tried casting spells but none of them worked on her. She lunged at Giovanni and within the bat of an eye, she was holding a heart dripping with blood.


    She seemed satisfied after winning against Giovanni. She turned around and approached Lian with a deadly look. Before she got to him, Samara casted on her a very strong spell that extracted the marble out of her. She howled in pain as the red marble moved out of her body into Lian¡¯s.


    Without anyone noticing, she left the throne room.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter thirty six


    Several years back


    ¡°Thanks so much for the dinner, we enjoyed ourselves.¡± A youngdy, Ivy said and shed a smile. ¡°Common Ivy, that was nothing.¡± Paige replied.


    ¡°¡®Twas nice gathering together like this. We¡¯ll be your hosts next time.¡± Lincoln said.


    ¡°Looking forward.¡± Paige and Grayson replied at the same time and they allughed.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take our leave now.¡± Lincoln announced calmly.


    ¡°Thanks foring, alpha Lincoln, Luna Ivy and baby alpha Lian.¡± She tickled the cute and tiny baby Ivy was holding. Ivy chuckled. ¡°He is so cute.¡± Paigemented.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You have to go now, drive safely.¡±


    ¡­. Few minutester


    ¡°Honey, your phone is ringing.¡± Paige called out to her husband who was already dozing off beside her.


    ¡°It¡¯s Lincoln.¡± He remarked before epting the call.


    ¡°Hello, am I speaking to Mr. Grayson Torres?¡±


    He frowned and checked the caller¡¯s ID again. ¡°Yes and you are?¡±


    ¡°A doctor from Peyton hospital. The owner of this phone and his family just got involved in a ghastly motor ident.¡±


    Peyton hospital¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to break this to you, but the couple died before we got to the scene.¡± The doctor said.


    Paige wailed. Grayson¡¯s knees grew weak and his legs trembled. He was a man and he had to act up.


    ¡°The baby in the car survived.¡± The doctor announced.


    Paige¡¯s eyes widened and she shared a confused look with her husband before turning to the doctor. ¡°You mean¡­ Lian survived?¡±


    The doctor nodded. ¡°Oh poor thing¡­¡± Paige started crying again.


    **Few weekster


    Grayson, Lincoln¡¯s beta was made the next alpha. He was to rule the school till baby Lian grew old enough to take over and then in the next three years, Grayson and Ivy had a baby girl, named¡­ Mia.


    *Present time*


    ¡°We are sorry for not telling you.¡± Grayson apologized sincerely. Paige was sobbing quietly in her seat.


    Lian sniffed as tears rolled down his face. ¡°I get it now. So, where is Mia?¡±


    Paige stopped crying. ¡°She didn¡¯te home.¡±


    *Two weekster


    ¡°Stay out of trouble Rosie.¡± Lian warned.


    Rosie nodded. ¡°I will. Lian, I¡¯m sorry for everything I did. I¡¯m so sorry. Tell Mia sorry for trying toe in between you two, I was being naive.¡±


    Lian gave a gentle nod. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°Wait, have you found her?¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Lian sighed before replying. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°I hope you do. And I hope I¡¯ll being back for your wedding. Thank you once again, for saving me.¡± She said with a smile.


    ¡°Enough of the gratitude. You¡¯ll miss your flight.¡±


    As Lian drove towards Amelia¡¯s pack, he tried to guess ces where Mia could be staying but nothing came to his mind. As he watched the green, beautiful forest and flowers, some idea popped up in his mind and he abruptly made a U turn.


    Without the safety backpack and hiking clothes, Lian climbed the mountains without taking stops. When he reached the peak, he looked around the forest below until he spotted a figure running through.


    Without a second thought, he made his way down. He could perceive her scent and he traced her with it.


    He sighted a figure backing him and he approached.


    ¡°Mia.¡± He uttered calmly. Mia shot the arrow to a far distance before turning around. She didn¡¯t make to go to him and he didn¡¯t walk up to her either.


    ¡°You found me.¡± She remarked, with a straight face.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy. Why did you leave?¡± Lian demanded. The two looked very serious.


    ¡°I had to clear my head and bring myself to ept the reality.¡±


    ¡°Have you?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Actually, we aren¡¯t¨C¡±


    ¡°Granny Samara told me. She found me first.¡± She interrupted him, knowing what he was going to say.


    ¡°Why did hide here? No one¡¯s going to reject you.¡±


    ¡°I have to learn how to be strong, in order to rule with my alpha.¡± She replied him calmly.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to ept me?¡± Lian arched his brow. He didn¡¯t expect it to be that easy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to. You rejected me already.¡± She countered.


    Lian was about to ask what she meant and then remembered he sent her a breakup letter on her birthday.


    ¡°I was only trying¨C¡±


    ¡°To protect me.¡± Mia finished it for him. ¡°I knew you were going to say that. But it doesn¡¯t justify the fact that you broke your promise to me. We promised to stay together Lian.¡± She raised her voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You have a lot to be sorry for. Did you think I would survive if anything happened to you? Did you think I could live without you?¡± She didn¡¯t realize tears were already flowing down her face.


    ¡°Do you know I scared I was when that oldie cut you with his sword? I thought you were going to die, Lian. And I swear I would¡¯ve killed myself right after dealing with those rogues. Life without you is meaningless. It¡¯s not lust I feel for you, it¡¯s fucking love. I love you Lian, so stop taking me for a joke!¡± She cried.


    Lian rushed over to her and pulled her into a hug. She wanted to jerk away and hit him hard in the chest but he didn¡¯t give room for it as he held her tightly. He kissed her hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for hurting you sweetie. I didn¡¯t mean to. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    Mia¡¯s tears soaked his chest but he didn¡¯t care. After crying for several minutes, she pulled out of his embrace and looked into his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you if you ever think of leaving me. I promise.¡±


    Lian smiled. ¡°It won¡¯t happen. Ever again.¡± He dered and leaned in. His mouth touched hers. His teeth caught her lower lip and gently tugged on it. His mouth opened over hers, taking absolute possession. His tongue swept inside tozily mate with hers and he took his time savoring her taste. Mia buried her fingers in his hair and kissed him back, shaking him to the core.


    They stopped after some minutes. Lian tugged her hair behind her ears and stroked it gently. Staring into her eyes, he said,


    ¡°I love you too, Mia.¡±


    To my readers and fans:


    ¡°We¡¯vee to the end of ¡®Mated to my alpha brother¡¯. I owe you all a very big thank you. Thank you so much for reading. I love y¡¯all¡±??


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!