《Barely Breathing》


 Chapter 1: I would change my life

    Chapter 1: I would change my life


    ''It will rain tonight¡¯ I thought as a herd of ants lined up in a frenzy, evacuating from their haven to a log


    nearby. Living within the walls of endless forests gained me skills and tricks relying everything on


    animals'' instincts or nature itself. It has been helping me to survive thest two years of solitude.


    I unpacked my improvise bag which was in reality an old nket wrapped around a few times to my


    only possessions. All in all, a hairb missing almost half of its teeth, a pair of clothes I stole from a


    house in an old house I came across a few weeks ago, a toothbrush, some candy, a now-empty stic


    bottle, and a few dors from my previous job. I tried getting into jobs but with little luck because of my


    appearance.


    I am wearing a simple blouse paired with washed jeans and an oversized leather duffle coat, both old-


    fashioned. My bright red hair was securely tucked under a wide-brimmed ck hat. With my 5¡¯9¡± height


    almost as tall as an average man, I could pass as a teenage boy. And me starving almost all the time,


    is skinner than usual which perfectly worked to my advantage to hide my curves. But one look at my


    face will blow off my disguisepletely. My features are ''too soft'' to be likened to a man, I heard


    others say before.


    With a sigh, I put back all my precious belongings, the small amount of cash now in my pocket. I got to


    buy food for lunch, the consequence of hunting nothing for hours. I''m in the middle of a meadow. Soft


    grass and dried leaves crunched under my faded boots. Hopefully, there¡¯s a nearby town where I could


    buy something to eat. I¡¯m starving.


    The sun was set high above the sky yet it wasn''t hot, the air was cold. I have no idea of where I am or


    what country I was in. All I''m sure of was the date. I asked an old woman walking with a crane in her


    hand on the sidewalk one day, of what day it was. From then on, I counted the day each time dawn


    appears and kiss dusk goodbye. That''s why I¡¯m sure today''s the 5th of June.


    The wind rustled, scattering dried leaves everywhere as leaves started falling from trees. The air was


    crisp and cold even with the thickness of my coat, I shivered. I stopped walking when I picked up a faint


    foul scent of rotten food in the air. Rogues.


    It was faint. But either he was far or near I can''t tell. Not shifting gives me slightly enhance senses


    compared to humans. I am only fifteen and shifting into your wolf form starts at the age of sixteen.


    My body went on full alert, ncing everywhere to see if there''s something odd or signs the rogue was


    here. I have always been careful not to encounter rogues. Rogues are lone wolves. They are usually


    vicious and dangerous. Not belonging to a pack will drive your wolf crazy. Werewolves are designed by


    the moon goddess to live in groups.


    I am like a rogue now but technically I still belong to my old home, the Storm Forest Pack. I looked for a


    safer ce to hide but all I can see was the vast grass. There were trees and a long road on the other


    side but miles away from where I stood. I calcted the distance from how far I still am from the main


    road, it will take about a 15-minute walk. But if I ran with my werewolf speed, it will take me more or


    less 5 minutes.


    If I ran, I might alert the rogue of my presence (if he hadn''t yet seen me of course). Let''s say I made it


    to the road, I still need to get a free ride to the town. What if there''s no car passing by? What if he


    catches up with me? What if I die today?


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Hope was the only thing I got; I won''t let them take away what


    little hope left in me. I will fight with myst breath. Once again, I reminded myself that it won¡¯t always


    be like this forever. The fear, the pain, it will end, SOON. I promised myself ''I WOULD CHANGE MY


    LIFE'' no matter what.


    And with that thought, I took off running faster with all my strength. Adrenaline rushed through me in


    waves like hope seeping through my bones, determined to reach the end of trees.


    One minute I was running, until someone pushed me so hard. I flew backward and fell on my back. My


    breath hitched with such force. The pain was all over me, it felt like I¡¯ve broken some bones. I stared


    wide-eyed at the sky, the sun hurting my eyes.


    It was extremely painful when I tried toy on my stomach. A shadow loomed over me and dirty feet


    stopped just right in front of me. I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to breathe evenly. Trying to


    calm my nerves as the pain gradually subsiding, but fear started to consume my will, to kill the littlest of


    hope left.


    A callous hand lifted my chin and I came face to face with the rogue. He was ugly in all sense. His one


    eye was slightly closed to what seems like a deep old scar. His nose was crooked and he had it


    scrunched up while assessing my face. It seems like he hadn''t had a bath for so long. I wanted to puke


    right on his face.


    "Darn old me if ain''t got a taste of ehh" He smirked approvingly to which I shuddered in disgust. He was


    missing a front tooth and his teeth were so yellowish. "Darn lucky me, yer so pretty ehh! What ehh darn


    luck it is!¡±


    I scooted away from him and stood shakily. This is the first time I encountered a rogue much more fight


    with one. On instinct, I reached for the des strapped around both of my legs, ready to pull them


    anytime. I might not be skilled when ites to fighting but I certainly would fight with my


    life.

 Chapter 2: I want to live

    Chapter 2: I want to live


    "A lil'' bit¡¯ scared their young fe? Don''t yer worry I ain''t hurt ehh." The rogue smirked devilishly. I think


    he was in histe forties and a tall, skinny one. His ent tells me he wasn''t from around here either,


    maybe from the western side.


    "Back off!" I hissed when he took a step forward. ring at him, I took the two knives attached to both


    of my thighs and positioned them in front of me. "Leave now, before I kill you."


    His gaze drew on both of my hands holding a knife in each. Hisughter echoed through the meadow.


    He pointed a finger at me mockingly. "Yer kill me with those nky des?" Heughed again holding


    his stomach and wiped his eyes at the back of his hand. "Yer holdin em wrong, twas not how one old


    fool should use ¡®em ehh"


    My confidence wavered a little but I shook it off quickly. "Knife is a knife, it cuts," I spoke. "Run now


    rogue before I think you prefer to die in my hands."


    His smirk widened. ¡°Slow down there ehh young fe, yer might regret it.¡±


    I didn¡¯t waste more time as I charged at him with a cry, shing his arm in the process when he used it


    to block my aim. The cut wasn''t deep yet blood already oozed from it. I attacked him again, this time he


    was able to dodge as step after step, I continued to aim and he swiftly dodged or ducked in every


    single blow.


    It was getting harder to overpower him. As a full-grown werewolf, he was way faster than I am. He


    managed to punch me on my cheek and I stumbled as pain shoots in my jaw. The air was knocked off


    of me, making me dizzy momentarily. I spat blood; my lips broke too because it stings like hell.


    My breath came in ragged, but I continued my assault. He got a hold of my wrist and I shed his


    already marred face with the other knife to free myself. Luckily, his hold loosened.


    He wiped his cheek with disgust and his expression got livid when he saw blood. He was gritting his


    teeth and a feral growl escaped from him followed by an inhuman howl.


    "Yer whore pay for ''tis!"


    I gasped as he unceremoniously shifted into his wolf, shredding his clothes in the process. His wolf was


    a dirty brown, even its fur was matted with dirt. He growled louder and madder, bending his body like a


    wolf does before it devours its prey.


    Torn between running fast and continue fighting, my mind went on full alert. Pain shoots on different


    sides of my body from all my injuries earlier. Breathing hard, Iposed myself for his attack any


    moment now. I was bleeding bad and not yet shifting into my wolf form means a slower healing


    process.


    I adjusted the knives so I was holding the handle downwards, its de pointing down. My right hand


    leveled with my ear and the left one in front of my chest. The des glimmered under the sun''s rays.


    A minute passed as we patiently wait which one would charge first. His wounds already healing while


    mine''s getting worse every minute. The chance I would get out of this alivey in a thin line. Deep


    down I know, I¡¯m fighting a losing battle, yet hope touched my heart.


    ''Just this moment''. I thought desperately clutching my knives tighter, felt more like holding my only


    hope within my grasp. ¡®I may not get out of this, but I will get through it. I''m braver than what my mind


    allows me to think.''


    ¡®This is not just my battle. shes of what happened in the past came rushing back in my memory,


    blending well with the present. Vague images of my pack members shouting my name in unison


    resounding in my head, lifting my spirit. I have to survive.


    ''For them'' I mouthed as the wolf finally leaped in my direction and I quickly dodged and aimed his sides


    with the other de. I hit the ground hard. I grimaced when my arms embraced the fall. My knives


    nked against stones and bounced more before they dropped a yard away from me.


    A pain in my lower rib spread through my body and evidence of blood tainted my shirt. He had


    managed to w me. The cut was deep and more blood-soaked my shirt. I felt light-headed from all the


    blood loss.


    Suddenly, my hair was yanked up painfully and I was shoved on a hard surface, my back against a


    boulder. His naked body pressed up against mine. He was shouting at my face and saying something


    but I couldn''t understand, I couldn''t focus. I couldn¡¯t feel my legs nor my hands. I spat on his face


    instead, thest attack I can do.


    He growled and to my blurring sight, I saw him wiped his face. He yanked my hair firmer and mmed


    my head on the boulder and let me fall like trash on the ground.


    I¡¯m dying. Pain is all I could think of. I felt numb from too much pain, from too much blood flowing out of


    my veins. My head probably had some crack. One more hit and I''m gone. I won''tst any longer with all


    of my wounds. I waited, but nothing came.


    I flinched as a hand lightly touched my bruised cheek, surprised by how gentle the touch was, different


    from the harsh treatment I had moments ago.


    I was forced to open my eyes but was blinded by the sun''s brightness. Then a shadow loomed over me


    blocking the sun.


    ¡®Is this the end?¡¯


    ¡®Papa, Mama, and all of my pack, will I see them now?¡¯


    Tears streaming down my face like rain flowing from the sky. I would love to die in the rain. But in


    reality, the sun was up high in the sky, just like I don''t want to die today.


    ¡®I don''t want to die.¡¯ That realization hit me harder. The truthiness behind that thought scares me more


    than death itself. Is it toote now?


    A hand gently wiped my tears away and in my half-conscious mind, I managed to see his face. He was


    breathtakingly handsome, the most handsome man I had ever seen in my short cruel life. What


    happened to the rogue? Or am I just dreaming?


    He was looking at me with worried eyes. His mouth moving but I couldn¡¯t follow what he was saying.


    Sadly, I couldn¡¯t hold it any longer. It was bing harder for me to breathe. I am dying.


    ''Who are you?'' I want to ask, but the words came out different, right before I have sumbed to


    darkness.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I want to live."

 Chapter 3: Well see about that princess

    Chapter 3: We''ll see about that princess


    The morning light dawned bright and clear seeping through the cracks in my half-open window. With


    bleary eyes, I stretched my arms and got up. For the past two years, my life has been routine. I get up,


    fixed the bed, eat breakfast, go to training, take lunch, training again, eat dinner, and sleep.


    asionally, I go to the forest and take some much-needed break.


    Two years had passed since that fateful day. I do not know how I survived death, but I did. And here I


    am, living in a packhouse and having food to eat. Luck must have been poured on me.


    That day, Xyrus and Gabbiel were patrolling the borders of the Blood Moon Pack. Out of all the packs


    in the world, I had to pass the only pack that doesn¡¯t abide by the council and living with its own rules.


    The council is an association of different alphas around the world to maintain peace for all werewolves.


    Werewolves used to be ruled by a king and queen from royal bloodlines. The royal bloodlines came


    from the most powerful ancient wolves. The king is the alpha of all alphas. But a revolution happened,


    overthrowing the king¡¯s power. Some alphas joined the revolution, some protected the royal family, but


    others chose to not choose a side.


    It was chaos. That very war was the reason I had been living in solitude. I shook my head, not yet


    ready to visit that part of my memories I so deeply buried in my mind. Just thinking about it was painful.


    Only when I sleep was my guard low and nightmares of my past haunting me mercilessly.


    I can shift in my wolf now. The first shift happened two years ago, the next day right after I almost die. It


    was still a mystery to me because I should have shifted two more months but something must have


    triggered my wolf. I stayed in my wolf form for almost a whole week, my wolf helped me to recover from


    my wounds and broken bones.


    If it wasn¡¯t for Xyrus and Gabbiel patrolling the border, I might have died right there and then. Gabbiel


    later told me Xyrus killed the rogue and brought me to the packhouse. Alpha Caden, Xyrus¡¯ father


    epted me into their pack and now I am living in the packhouse.


    I named my wolf, Violet. She was a purple wolf, the average size but when ites to speed, she can


    compete with male wolves. She¡¯s a happy wolf, always emits positivity. As for werewolves, we can turn


    into our wolves starting at the age of sixteen. Our wolf can¡¯t talk to us like humans do, but we can feel


    their emotions, sometimes, purring or growling in our minds. That is the way wemunicate with


    them.


    ¡°Good morning Heather.¡± I smiled at Heather. She is our cook every morning and one of the nicest girls


    I met.


    She smiled back and handed me a te of bacon, eggs, and chicken rolls. ¡°You must be hungry. I


    didn¡¯t saw you at dinner.¡±


    ¡°I had to do extra training.¡± I was on my second bite already, eager to finish my food in no time.


    Warriors will be at the training ground any moment now. Warriors are the pack members with a duty to


    protect and defend our pack. I worked so hard to be one of them. And now, I am training younger ones.


    That¡¯s the way I pay my keep.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been training so hardtely.¡± She said, worry on her face. She handed me orange juice. ¡°The


    girls and I are worried you might be tiring yourself out.¡±


    ¡°I have to,¡± I replied honestly. She gave me that worried look again, well, if you think of it, Heather tends


    to worry all the time, even for little things.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t miss dinnerter, okay?¡± She asked instead. She reached for my now empty te and ss


    and put them on the sink but not before giving me a warm smile.


    Give it to Heather to be so motherly when in reality, I am a year older than her. I swear she thinks like


    an adult most of the time.


    ¡°Thanks, Heather, bye!¡± I called out as I exited the kitchen door and went my way to the training field.


    The training field was located a little farther from the back of the packhouse. Some warriors had


    already started when I get there. Two wolves were circling each other while growling and wagging their


    tails. Some were in hand-to-handbat, including Tash, my best friend, whose training partner was


    none other than Gabbiel. I¡¯m pretty sure something is going on between the two, or maybe Gabbiel


    only because Tash can be dense sometimes.


    Gabbiel is the beta. His father, Landon, was our former beta. Justst year when both alpha and beta


    stepped down and handed their position to their sons. Since then, the two old men along with their


    wives rarely be seen in the pack because they travel a lot.


    Suddenly, something caught my vision flying towards me. Thanks to my quick reflexes, I caught it and


    raised it in the air. It was a long wooden stick.


    ¡°Good catch.¡± Julian hollered. He was standing along with two other warriors. On their feetid the


    different weapons we use for training like bows, swords, sticks, etc.


    I smirked, the wooden stick circling in my fingers. Julian kicked one stick upwards and caught it in the


    air. We started to circle each other, holding the stick like a sword.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    He charged forward, his makeup sword shing with mine. I put force on mine and pushed him. His


    smirk widened as he staggered a few steps.


    ¡°You got the strength of a man; do you know that?¡± He spoke, admiration reflects on his face.


    ¡°So, you say I am.¡± I retorted this time I was the one attacking. In no time, all that could be heard were


    the sounds of wooden sticks shing in an ancient dance of swords as we continued to charge at each


    other. Others even stop what they are doing and watch.


    Julian is also one of the warriors and the same age as me. He is a charming kind of guy who makes


    everyoneugh. To add to that, he is a good fighter too.


    But when ites to speed, I always win. I quickly ended the fight with his stick falling to the ground


    and mine sitting just below his chin. He raised both of his hands as a sign of surrender.


    I grinned and threw my weapon on the ground.


    "I pity the one who will try to catch you tomorrow.¡± He teased, but he was looking past behind me. I


    looked where he was staring and felt that same familiar weird sensation whenever I see him. The Alpha


    was heading our way and oh boy, he seemed annoyed. ¡°That would be my cue to leave, see youter


    Willow.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I replied but he was already with his friends.


    ¡°Did he hurt you?¡± A deep voice sounded behind my back.


    ¡°A-Alpha.¡± I bowed and avoided his eyes.


    Xyrus lifted my chin and moved it sideways, examining my body as well for injuries. I moved out of his


    reach instantly, aware of the many eyes on us, watching.


    ¡°Alpha, Julian, and I were just having our morning training. Besides,¡± I look around and sure enough,


    everyone¡¯s subtly paying us attention so I lowered my voice. ¡°Everyone might get the wrong idea so


    stop doing this.¡±


    I emphasized thest words. He was always like this and that annoys me so much. He was the one


    who saved me three years ago. And since then, he hadn¡¯t kept his eyes off me. He¡¯s always there,


    watching my every move.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that princess.¡±

 Chapter 4: You will be mine

    Chapter 4: You will be mine


    Thud!


    I grinned at the fallen tree in front of me. Trading a whole night for training instead of my supposed


    beauty sleep wasn''t so bad after all.


    Iid down on the smooth grass and spread my arms and legs. Loving the softness of grass at my


    fingertips. I was panting and sweaty from spending the whole night training hard; punching and kicking


    trees, knocking down some, and hunting deer or rabbits in wolf form.


    It''s a new moon tonight and the sky looks magical with an endless row of little twinkling stars scattered


    and dominated its entirety. It¡¯s breathtakingly beautiful. I raised my hand, dreaming to touch it.


    Sounds of bugs, wind rushing to the east, asional owls, and other noisesing from creatures of


    the night create a harmonious almost peaceful rhythm like a luby. Calming it was. It brought me


    peace.


    I wonder if I would still be able to do this after the Mate Hunt. Justying here, under the stars,


    forgetting everything else for a moment. Smart to say I would get my answers tomorrow.


    The Annual Mate Hunt will be held tomorrow much to my dismay. The day after tomorrow is my 18th


    birthday too. Each year, everyone gathers to participate in the said event to look for their chosen. I,


    almost eighteen, need to go.


    My thoughts were interrupted as I felt someone watching me, it was so dark, yet even my wolf can


    sense it. That familiar weird feeling washed over me and I knew instantly it was him. Well, who else


    would it be?


    "What do you want?" Irritationced in my voice; my face gave it all away.


    "Someone¡¯s in a bad mood huh?" I heard him say. He stood near my head so I was seeing him in


    reverse.


    A familiar set of sea-blue eyes stared down at me with a yful glint. His hooded eyes blend perfectly


    with his thick straight brows. His short dark hair got that messy look but suits him just right. His sharp


    jawline entuates more his masculine features. He got that sharp nose that makes him more


    gorgeous than he is already.


    All in all, he''s hot, not that I would admit it to him. Never.


    Xyrus made that satisfied grin and sat down Indian to sit facing my head. He bent down and whispered


    in my ear making sure he touched it with his lips.


    "Like what you see?"


    "Don''t get your hopes up Xyrus. I was just trying to see why girls like you that much because honestly, I


    don''t see anything special.¡± I smirked to annoy him more but it seems he''s not losing his confidence


    any moment as his face lit up.


    ¡°Ahh - now were finally gone with formalities princess.¡± But he wasn¡¯t angry, if more, he looked pleased.


    ¡°I like this side of you.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I blew a breath away, closing my eyes.


    ¡°Tell me what, why do you hate me so much?¡± I slowly opened my eyes and met his. I couldn¡¯t find the


    right words to say. True to it, I don¡¯t hate him. I¡¯m just scared of what he¡¯s showing me. I¡¯m not dense


    with these kinds of things.


    ¡°Tomorrow¡­¡± I whispered. ¡°If I survive the mate hunt without being imed, will you let me leave the


    pack alpha?¡±


    His brows knitted together. But he didn¡¯t say a word.


    I gazed at the vast sky, looking dreamily, gathering my thoughts in my next words. ¡°I don¡¯t belong here.¡±


    "Want me to change that?¡± His lips stopped closely above my lips, if I so much as move an inch, I dare


    not to think what might happen. I stared wide-eyed, my heart doing some somersault at his sudden


    action. Warning bells invaded my mind as I do not wish to lose my first kiss to Xyrus.


    He had always been annoying, especially during training. He would re at anyone who identally


    hurt me. When I fight, he was always there, watching. Not just that but he always demands me to fight


    with him instead. That part, I do find advantageous because he is the most skilled and best opponent,


    one could encounter. Probably the reason I got so good at fighting.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    I raised my hands to push his face away but he caught my wrist easily, holding each beside my face on


    a firm grip. He anticipated my move.


    "Xyrus! don''t you dare!" I shouted angrily. My eyes must have been as saucers now. My dislike of him


    tripled a thousand times. All I want to do is to rip his lips off of his face if he even so slightly thought of


    actually kissing me.


    "Tsk. tsk. tsk. I am enjoying our current position... you know, you and me under the stars above." He


    teased.


    I was kind of freaking out. My breath became shallow. I¡¯m deafened by the loud beating of my heart.


    "Xyrus I¡¯m warning you!"


    "Of what?"


    "MOVE."


    "Make me."


    That''s it. I''m going to beat this man!


    I took advantage of my wrist being held back on the ground as I took some force and moved my face


    sideways to prevent the worst just as I pulled back my knee to hit him on the head. But before my knee


    come into contact with his head, he abruptly pulled away making me hit my face.


    "Ouch!"


    I covered my nose with my two hands, unable to move. That hurts a lot! Lucky me it didn''t bleed just a


    sting feeling.


    How dare he make fun of me! That jerk!


    Hisughter echoed through the night, deep and juvenile.


    Yes,dies and gentlemen. Here I am stillying on the forest floor with my two hands covering half of


    my face and he had the decency tough at my situation.


    "That was hrious!"


    Xyrus¡¯ hands were ced on both thighs whileughing his heart out. I smirked as an idea popped out


    of my mind. I snatched his hand and bit his fingers hard enough to leave a mark.


    "What the -- Willow!"


    Xyrus was shaking his hands and at times blowing it, probably to stop the stinging feeling. A triumphant


    smile appeared on my face as I saw his fingers having my teeth marks in red lines.


    "That''s for making a fool out of me!"


    I walked closer to him and kneed him in the groin and felt satisfied as he fell on the ground cursing


    under his breath.


    "And that''s for trying to kiss me."


    I took that as a cue and turned away before I ran in the direction of the packhouse. I gained a few feet


    away when I heard him say something which made me halt.


    "Walk away for now. Tomorrow you will be mine."


    I turned and noticed him sitting on the grass with both arms on each knee and hands freely hanging


    down in front of him. The pain must have gone. And he¡¯s back into being intimidating, watching me with


    those hooded eyes like prey.


    "I''ve trained so hard and you in pain moments ago proves my point. I will fight whoever says they want


    a im on me! I am nobody''s chosen! I will fight you." I said through gritted teeth full of rage. I don''t


    need a mate. I ampletely fine with myself alone. I have ns. I want to go somewhere far and


    perhaps study and get a life with humans.


    Xyrus¡¯ expression was unreadable. It¡¯s hard to guess what he is thinking most of the time when he


    wants to. Then slowly, after a minute of just staring at me, he suddenly made a lopsided smile, it''s cute


    though.


    Great. Just great. I so wanted to wipe away that silly smile on his dear face but before I cause another


    riot, I made the wise decision of turning away and heading off to the packhouse.


    I never will be anyone''s chosen I promised myself.

 Chapter 5: We dont have a say on it

    Chapter 5: We don''t have a say on it


    I was standing in the middle of a pastel pink room. The walls were painted pink. Pastel pink roses in


    different sizes from bud to fully grown roses decorated the floor tiles. Lovely.


    The bed at the center seemed too small for a grown-up, probably this room belongs to a little girl. I let


    my eyes roamed around and noticed some stuffed toys and dolls in the right corner above a long


    drawer. It seemed my assumptions were correct.


    My eyes caught a painting situated above thempshade beside the bed which had quite gotten my


    interest. It was a messy painting of a wolf, a scarlet wolf with white hollow eyes.


    I took a step closer and examined it. The wolf''s eyes look like real ones staring right through me which


    gave me goosebumps. It has drawn me into it.


    It felt as if my wolf wasmunicating to that wolf. It looks familiar though. Where did I ever saw that


    wolf before?


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Then it dawned to me that everything in this room was quite familiar too. I just can''t figure it out but


    somehow, I know everything and every little thing in this room. I searched my mind for an answer but


    found nothing helpful. It was like my mind was blocking some memories, if for my own will to forget or I


    simply forgot, I do not know.


    A quiet sniffing had taken me back to my senses. I thought I heard someone sniffed as if he or she was


    holding a long sob and then there it was followed by a gasp and a meek cry. Looking around the room


    my focus suddenly caught a closet ced corner left.


    I felt her. For some unknown reason, I can see her hiding behind some clothes on a rack inside the


    closet. She''s just a child probably four or five. She was rocking herself back and forth while holding


    tight bear stuff.


    She looked so vulnerable...


    So broken...


    So terrified at something or someone.


    My heart was constrained at the sight of her. I felt her pain. Her sorrow. Her fear as she looked at me


    with innocent teary eyes. Her tears got into me as my tears drew a moist path on my face.


    I felt the urge to go to her, to embrace her tight and tell her she has me, I''ll protect her. I''ll protect her


    against whoever or whatever she was terrified.


    ¡®Who makes her scared and into hiding?¡¯ I wondered.


    Tap. tap. tap.


    Footsteps echoed outside the room and the sound gets nearer and nearer. Whoever it was, he or she


    was now ascending the stairs and I saw the child shook violently, cupping her little hands on her mouth


    to suppress a cry.


    I red at the door. Rage consumed me for he was scaring the child. Secondster whoever was that


    has gotten near the door.


    My arms and legs automatically stretched in an attack position ready to defend the little girl, I heard the


    knob clicked. Whoever he was, he will not hurt her as long as I''m here. The door slowly opened and I


    lunged with a cry.


    " What the hell Willow Ellis! " A high-pitched voice boomed, that wake me up.


    I waited for my sight to adjust and saw my best friend Tasca being strangled by none other than me on


    the floor. The look on her face made meugh and she blew her bangs, annoyed.


    "If you don''t release me, Willow I swear, I''m going to--"


    "Fine, fine, no cursing." I released her and she immediately fixed her sky-blue sleeveless dress that


    ends mid-thigh.


    "Urgh! I came here to wake you up because I am this super nice and pretty best friend that doesn''t


    want you to bete at the Mate Hunt and here you are attacking me?"


    Mate Hunt. Great. That changed my mood easily. Guess I can''t escape it anyhow.


    "Sorry ''bout that Tash."


    Sighing, I took a towel on my way to the bathroom leaving my best friend bbing about who cares.


    "¡­and my mom gave me this super cute dress because she said I should look pretty and presentable.


    Not that I''m not already you know. Ha-ha! Hey, are you listening? And do you even have something to


    wear?"


    "I''m listening Tash and yep, I know exactly what to wear." I opened the shower and hopped inside,


    loving the coolness on my skin.


    "I''m so excited! Can you believe it? We''ll be going to meet our chosen. I can''t wait."


    "You mean the one who chose us," I shouted through the shower.


    "And we will choose."


    "We don''t have a say on it." I can''t believe she finds all this mate hunting amusing.


    "Willow you are spoiling my happy ending!"


    "The males were the ones choosing." Nope, no spoiling because there is no good from anything that


    comes with forcing.


    "I hate you." I can imagine her pouting, like a brat.


    "I love you too." I sing-sang.


    "Oh, I know you do. I¡¯m the best!"


    We bothughed at that and I was shaking my head at her stubbornness. I hope she finds her chosen


    though. If that would make her happy.


    You see, Tash and I are different. She is that girl with overflowing confidence and knows her worth.


    She¡¯s so girly too. And I love her for that. While I am the exact opposite of her. Safe to say, we bnce


    each other.


    "Hey, Tash, how did you even know I''m in a much need for waking?"


    "Duh! I''m your best friend so I know exactly what you didst night." She snorted, so udylike. ¡°I¡¯ve


    brought food too; can¡¯t let you go there hungry now, can we?¡±


    "You¡¯re the best." I¡¯m starving. I hadn¡¯t had my dinner and it''s past lunchtime already. I had slept all


    morning.


    "Uhm, Willow?"


    ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± I called back.


    ¡°You can¡¯t possibly escape him you know.¡± She said more of a whisper, thanks to my werewolf hearing


    I can hear her perfectly fine. There¡¯s the sadness in her voice I couldn¡¯t¡¯ ignore. She knows my ns.


    I stopped the shower and leaned on the tile wall. So many thoughts swirling in my mind.


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying, what if, what if it isn¡¯t so bad being with him?¡± Tash continued. ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just can¡¯t


    bear seeing you so miserable like this Willow. And I think, maybe, just maybe, he is the one you need.¡±


    ¡°What if you are wrong? What if he won¡¯t evene to im me?¡± Words just get out of my mouth,


    before I can even process them.


    I heard Tash chuckled. ¡°Willow, we both know that¡¯s a lie! There is something you still don¡¯t know about


    the alpha. When Xyrus wants something, no one can stop him.¡±

 Chapter 6: You tricked me!

    Chapter 6: You tricked me!


    "I said it''s fine Tash."


    I argued at Tasca for the nth time. We were whisper-shouting in the backseat. She was upset at my


    choice of clothing for the annual mate hunt.


    "You tricked me! You said you''ll going to wear the purple dress!"


    Tasca¡¯s right. I tricked her by telling her to wait for me outside with the other girls going with us. I waited


    until it was time to go then emerged and hopped in the car. That way she would not be able to drag me


    to my room and force me into that dress. A brilliant idea isn''t it?


    "What''s wrong with what I''m wearing?" Looking down at my outfit, as if to prove a point.


    I am wearing a nk tank top matched with ck leggings. Over it was my long red zer jacket. To


    finish the look, I wore my ck rubber shoes. And I had my wavy scarlet hair tightly tied into a ponytail.


    I don''t look that bad after all. Besides, I can''t fight well wearing a dress.


    Tasca gave me an ''are you serious'' look and crossed her arms but argued no more. Phew... finally, she


    stopped nagging me. I can''t me her though. She had been anticipating the annual mate hunt since


    she turned eighteen.


    She grew up in a normal werewolf family where mothers encourage their daughters into the beauty of


    having a mate, and fathers in guiding their sons for this yearly event.


    If only my parents were still alive. I wonder, will I be as excited as Tash? Perhaps, maybe I won¡¯t be


    scared of the idea of finding a mate. I washed away the thoughts. I have to survive tonight and move


    on with my life.


    ¡°Hmph! I won¡¯t fall for your tricks next time.¡± She said mumbling. So, she¡¯s not done yet, I thought.


    ¡°You¡¯re acting like a brat again. I do pity the one who will choose you because he has a lot on his te


    and he wouldn¡¯t even see iting.¡±


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    She pouted while brows knitted together. ¡°That¡¯s harsh Willow, I could say the same to you.¡±


    I smiled at that, weighing her words on my mind. ¡°You got a point.¡±


    She gave a cheeky smile, wiggling her brows. ¡°See, that¡¯s why we¡¯re good friends.¡±


    We bothughed at that. Tash and I have a strong sister bond. She was one of the firsts who epted


    me into their pack and since then, our friendship continues to grow. And here we are, both going into


    the annual event. We were lucky the venue this year was near our pack. It was a two-hour trip. Some


    packs need to book a flight though.


    The Blood Moon Pack is known for not abiding by the council¡¯s rules. The annual mate hunt is an


    exception. Every year, members of our pack participate.


    The number of girls from Blood Moon Pack taking part in the event this year was only four. Me and


    Tash¡¯s included. The other girls were Ehren and Adriana. Adriana is a sweet girl. She¡¯s with Tash and


    me in the backseat. She seemed nervous though, she hadn¡¯t spoken a word since we got in the car.


    Ehren is very pretty with gorgeous blonde hair and a curvy body. She had debutedst year but much


    to our surprise, she hadn¡¯t been imed. She seemed nice to everyone except for me. I always find her


    giving me cold stares.


    "We''re heredies, just on time. Wee to my old pack, the Moon Valley." Emma stopped the car at


    the front of a beautiful and intricate gate made of gold. It was arched upward, giving that sophisticated


    vibe. I exited the car followed by the others and observed the expanse of brick walls covered with moss


    going endless on each side. The ce was huge, definitely fitting for the annual mate hunt.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Adrianna gasped. ¡°This ce is beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Wait until you get inside, it¡¯s more lovely there,¡± Emma said proudly. Emma was the chosen mate of


    one of our pack members. She was in herte twenties, having her loving mate and kids.


    ¡°I¡¯m nervous,¡± Adrianna admitted, fidgeting with her hands.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine dear.¡± Emma hugged her reassuringly.


    ¡°Would they hurt us?¡± She whispered, biting her lips.


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Emma smiled. ¡°When you find your chosen mate, he will take care of you and treat you


    like a queen, just like mine.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that, thanks, Emma!¡± Adrianna beamed.


    ¡°Where are the boys?¡± Ehren asked, looking around.


    ¡°Must be on their way too. My mate will be their ride.¡± Emma¡¯s simple reply.


    ¡°Hurry nowdies, go inside. I will be waiting for you right here tomorrow. If you will still be going home


    to Blood Moon Pack of course.¡± She winked at us.


    ¡°I will miss you, Emma and everyone, Willow, don¡¯t miss me too much, okay? I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m


    settled.¡± Tash said dramatically but her eyes were shining. She¡¯s glowing, smiling from ear to ear since


    we exited the car.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too sure about that Tasca.¡± Emma chimed in meaningfully. ¡°Your prince charming might be


    someone you already know.¡±


    ¡°Fingers crossed that won¡¯t happen,¡± Ehren said in a brooding manner. I think we both have an idea


    who¡¯s the prince charming Emma was talking about.


    "We¡¯ll see about that.¡± I countered to a now ring Ehren. If she so much as to interfere with my best


    friend¡¯s love life, I sure hell will deal with her.


    The others might have noticed the tension brewing between us. Emma excused herself once again,


    urging us to go inside. We thanked her and went inside the gates. Into the wolf¡¯s den where our fate


    awaits us.

 Chapter 7: Since when did you come to terms with my enemy?

    Chapter 7: Since when did youe to terms with my enemy?


    The Mate Hunt is being held annually and participated by different packs all over the world. This event


    is as old as time, back to the ancient days of werewolves finding a mate. Before, the monarchy holds a


    royal ball each year, where everyone can socialize first before the actual mate hunt. However, this has


    changed after the war. The council, who reced the monarchy¡¯s rulings has altered it into a more


    primitive way.


    What happens is every female werewolf will be blindfolded and lined up as per status in their pack.


    Then the male werewolves will pass each female to find their chosen and try to familiarize her scent, to


    find her easily on the second part of the mate hunt.


    A chosen mate varies in a man¡¯s preference and the pull their wolf feels is significant in choosing.


    Alphas are more selective though, for their wolf seeks more than the physical attributes of a woman,


    but of strength and bloodline. The pull their wolf feels is usually stronger than ordinary male


    werewolves.


    After the initial part, the females will then be released into the forest to seek shelter while waiting for a


    male to im them. After half an hour, the males will be released to find their chosen.


    Once a werewolf finds his chosen, he will have to mark her to ward off other males. The mark will bind


    the two and give them an unbreakable bond. The unbreakable bond is a gift from the moon goddess


    and will grow stronger as time passes by.


    But there is one problem. The trick is one or more males might find the attraction to one female. That¡¯s


    where the werewolves submit into their primitive nature - a fight.


    There is only one rule: The stronger gets the girl.


    ***


    Females were all gathered in the hall in Moon Valley packhouse. The house was huge, the hall itself


    was wide and has a height of a two-story ceiling. We were all at least a hundred females here lined up


    by status. I, being a warrior stood in the middle, after the alpha, beta, and gamma¡¯s daughters. Ehren,


    being the beta¡¯s daughter stood proudly in the front chatting with another blonde. They seemed to know


    each other well.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Some girls were giggling and sharing their concept of an ideal mate. Others were nervous, fidgeting


    and smiling timidly as others spoke. I, on the other hand, kept silent. We were waiting for the council to


    arrive and to start the initial ceremony.


    ¡°They say alpha Xyrus is here to look for his chosen.¡± I heard someone said, my ears perked up at that.


    ¡°That¡¯s rubbish! He wentst year.¡± Someone replied.


    ¡°No, he¡¯s trying once more this year.¡± I turned slightly and in my peripheral vision saw the three girls


    talking.


    ¡°Oh my gosh Tiffany!¡± a brte called out to one of her friends. ¡°You have to hear this news!¡± The girl


    she called Tiffany was with the beta''s daughters.


    ¡°About what I?¡±


    ¡°Xyrus.¡± I mouthed. Upon hearing that, more girls came into the circle of three and started giggling


    and whispering about Xyrus. I rolled my eyes and sighed.


    I wish I could be like them, carefree and hopeful. I am not like most girls. My mind is a haywire mess.


    It¡¯s scary to live inside my mind and hear the thoughts going on nonstop. But this is how I am.


    Three middle-ageddies entered the hall. The girls hurriedly went back to their ce upon their arrival


    like students rushing to their seats when the teacheres. Thedy wearing eyesses stood at the


    center of a small made-up stage. The other two stood behind her. They were all wearing smart dresses


    suits for the hot weather.


    "Attentiondies, wee to our annual Mate Hunt. I want to congratte each of you for participating


    in this event. May the moon goddess bless you all with a loving and caring mate.


    In a minute, the males will be here to take their first look at you. So, please put on your blindfold.


    Remember, the males are the ones choosing you. This has been the practice since the primeval time.


    You have to trust the moon goddess with the fate she bestows you. Wish you all good luck!¡±


    I flipped the cloth in my hand. This is nothing special, just a ck kerchief to cover the eyes. I saw the


    other girls already putting on their blindfolds and tying the knot at the back of their heads. I did the


    same.


    I embraced the darkness, literally, like the fate that awaits us. We are at the mercy of these males. But I


    will fight with all my might, even if I have to break all the rules.


    The feeling of being trapped and out of control in my own life suffocates me more than anything else.


    And, having a mate, means, giving away my freedom, my ns, my dreams, and my soul. And that¡¯s


    what scares me the most.


    Sounds of feet entered the hall. The men were here. I felt nervous for some reason. The hall was so


    silent, no one talked, and I think we were all holding our breath.


    I must have been thinking too much for it was toote when I noticed someone approached me. He


    sniffed my neck. I stiffened. The guy emits power, he must be an alpha or a higher rank. But he went


    away as quickly as I felt him.


    Another one came, then followed by one more, they picked up my scent like the first, and then they


    were gone fast. My wolf kept growling in my head. She has been like this since the first one came.


    ¡®What is it, Violet?¡¯ I asked my wolf. She kept growling in my head. My blood went cold when she


    started to howl. Crap! It seemed like Violet sensed danger and she¡¯s warning me. What is happening?


    And then I felt him, Xyrus. My breath hitched when his nose grazed with my neck. He growled. Xyrus


    slowly brushed the tip of his nose from my neck to my ear. I shivered.


    ¡°Looks like others marked your scent. Do me a favor princess, hide carefully so they won¡¯t see you.¡± He


    said, and for the first time, I agreed with him. Just that, I intend to hide from him too. Oh boy! If only he


    knew.


    ¡°Violet.¡± He spoke gently,municating with my wolf. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you to protect Willow, do as you


    should little wolf.


    My wolf purred in my mind as she heard him talking to her. ¡®Traitor.¡¯ I told her. ¡®Since when did you


    come to terms with my enemy.¡¯


    Xyrus left after that. Sounds of bells echoed in the hall. That will be our cue that the initial ceremony


    ended. And in a few minutes, we will be heading to the forest.


    ¡®Violet, can I count on you?¡¯ My wolf roared in my mind reassuringly.

 Chapter 8: My name is not red

    Chapter 8: My name is not red


    I ducked just in time before a low-hanging branch hit my head, this ce is littered with boughs, twigs,


    and leaves. The forest is huge and appears endless. But there were no caves or any sort of hiding


    ce, nothing but trees and more trees.


    I haven¡¯t stopped running for a good ten minutes now. Anytime soon, they will release the men and the


    thought kept me pushing deeper into the forest. Suddenly, a brilliant idea crossed my mind. I removed


    my coat and hide it under a bush. They will surely smell my coat first and I¡¯m long gone before they


    even realize my trick.


    My brilliant idea will buy me more time before any male catches up on me. I headed in a different


    direction from where I came from. A girl was running towards me and a wolf on her trail. I remembered


    her; it was I! That means the men were already out and here with us.


    Crap! I must have lost track of time.


    I didn¡¯t look back as I headed east. Each step felt heavier than thest, my heart¡¯s beating wild. All the


    while, Violet was growling and howling in my mind. Her anxiousness crawling in my insides, blending


    with my anxiety. Something felt amiss, I just can¡¯t figure it out.


    I stopped at a tree nearby and reached for the supply bag hanging on a branch and drank the water


    until itsst drop. I felt so thirsty. From my view here, I can see the expanse of giant brick walls


    signifying Moon Valley¡¯s boundary. I couldn¡¯t go further anymore.


    These walls enclosing in, I felt more trapped than ever. If I can¡¯t run, I will fight. I sat beside a tree and


    closed my eyes. I need to take a rest as much as I can and reserve my energy.


    My ears perked up as I heard hasty footstepsing my way. No, not just one. I listened more, two


    footsteps. Three. And they were heading in my direction. ¡®Maybe other girls are hiding not far from


    here.'' I thought.


    I tried to sense otherdies around the area and my eyes grew big at the sudden realization. I am all


    alone. Violet was now restless; I can feel her anger and panic. ¡®Violet, tell me, are theying for us?''


    Violet roared. I felt a sudden rush of blood, my whole body shaking.


    The wind rustled and a soft humming of bugs could be heard somewhere nearby. You can hear small


    creatures running away from intruders. The full moon was regal. Sitting high up at the sky, as if


    watching us creatures of the moon.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    At first, it was a shadow roaming behind trees, then it stopped right in front of me, revealing a man. The


    darkness eating half of his face but thanks to my werewolf sight I can clearly see the man. He has


    brown curly hair and attractive brown eyes. His nose was slightly broken but added perfectly to his dark


    aura. He eyed me up and down, his eyes raking over my body.


    "Beautiful. I like you." A cynical smile appeared on his lips. A sickening feeling in the stomach washed


    over me.


    "Sorry to burst your bubble but, get lost!" I said full of venom in each word.


    He emitted power, must be an alpha and definitely an arrogant one. Heughed at my rudeness. Cliche


    much, finding it funny. "Who says I care whatever you have to say?"


    Oh boy, he''s helpless!


    "You should¡­ stranger. Now back off!" I growled.


    "Is that how you talk to your mate honey?" He raised a brow, crossing his arms on his chest. The more


    I talked to him, the more I am convinced he is bad news.


    ¡°Mate? Ha-ha. No way! Over my dead body.¡± I countered, sarcastically.


    ¡°Feisty.¡± He said approvingly. ¡°I would have a good time taming you.¡±


    "The girl is mine, Troy!" An angry man emerged from the trees. He has a tannedplexion with blond


    hair and pale blue eyes. His nose was ring and he was growling at the man in front of me. His stance


    was slightly bent, ready to pounce any minute.


    "Alpha Ken." The man named Troy acknowledged the neer.


    ¡°Two Alphas?¡± I blurted out of confusion. How''s that possible? Yes, I have alpha blood but two Alphas


    iming one girl was a rare asion. Thest time I heard of it; it didn''t quite end up well.


    "Good evening guys, well, well, well, what did I miss?"


    We all snapped our attention at the next man who appeared. He has a silly smile and a yful vibe. His


    hair was ck paired with dark brown eyes. His features were a charming onepared to the two.


    "Alpha Lance," Troy said with his signature evil grin.


    "Alpha Troy. Alpha Ken." He bowed his head to greet the two and then he faced me. "Good evening


    miss red. You are more beautiful than when I saw you in the hall. Such a lovely¡­ lovely warrior. I like


    your eyes, feisty. We could make a good pair.¡±


    He shed a friendly smile to me. He¡¯s a cool guy and talks a lot. If this was a different situation, I might


    consider befriending him.


    "Keep your thoughts to yourself. And my names not red." I snapped.


    "Then mind telling us beautiful? What is your name?" I was about to retort at him again when


    somebody beat me to it.


    "Her name''s Willow Mcintosh.


    Finally, Xyrus showed up. He has this undecipherable aura surrounding him but he has eyes that could


    kill. Just looking at him gives me goosebumps. I could sense so much power rolling off him in waves.


    He truly lives up to his image.


    "Alpha Xyrus Mcintosh." Alpha Troy greeted him uneasily. He seems troubled by Xyrus. His jaw


    tightened and you could see his knuckles turned white.


    "Alpha Xyrus, what a great surprise, I didn''t know you have a sister?" It was Alpha Lance. Out of the


    three, he was the more collected after Xyrus''s sudden appearance.


    Xyrus let out a humorless chuckle. "Willow''s not my sister, she is my chosen."

 Chapter 9: Sleep now princess

    Chapter 9: Sleep now princess


    Xyrus let out a humorless chuckle. "Willow''s not my sister, she is my chosen."


    Here he is again, iming me as his. Nah'' what''s new?


    "No. She is my chosen!" Alpha Ken intercepted. He looks angrier than before.


    "The girl is mine." Alpha Troy said maliciously whose ring at Xyrus.


    "I believe you''re all wrong. I got her." Alpha Lance''s mood had turned now from jolly to a scary ring


    alpha matching the other three. There was so much tension lingering in the air.


    Who do these men think they are! I am not a thing to be imed! I growled and red at each one of


    them, making sure they''ve got the message.


    "You are all wrong! I am not anyone''s chosen! I don''t need any of you so might as well leave me alone


    here and find someone else!"


    "Who cares what you think? You don''t have a say on this honey." That made me snapped. I lunged at


    Alpha Troy, shifting into my wolf form.


    Violet''s a pretty wolf. She has soft purple fur and moss green eyes, just like my human eyes. She was


    an average female wolf but when ites to speed, it can rival male wolves.


    I aimed at his neck but he dodged my attack, shifting to his brown wolf. I then tried to bite his legs and


    he just moved them out of my reach so I wed his arms instead. I managed to scratch him but not


    deep enough to cause blood.


    He lunged at me at full speed and thanks to Violet''s quick reflexes I was able to step aside at thest


    second. I saw his outstretched arms on my peripheral vision and instantly darted a distance away.


    Phew! That''s was close. Inded not so gracefully and wed on the ground to stop myself from


    falling. He attacked me once again by kicking me on my back. I gasped at the pain but quickly


    recovered and jumped at him.


    I bit his ear harshly, causing blood when I¡¯m finished. I growled boastfully to annoy him more. That did it


    as he once again lunged at me, however this time, he wasn''t controlling his self. I saw his eyes looked


    at my exposed shoulder and directed his hit on it. I quickly did a body swerve to avoiding it.


    A pain in my stomach erupted as I wasn''t prepared for his backup move. I bit his exposed shoulder as


    well and released it after I was satisfied, I injured him. We both stumbled on the forest ground and drips


    of our blood tainted the grass.


    We circled each other, carefully watching each other¡¯s move. I heard a painful howl near us followed by


    another agonizing wail but I shook my mind and tried my best to focus solely on my opponent, Alpha


    Troy.


    Finally, he leaped at me and I did the same. Everything happened in slow motion, just a few inches


    away I swerved so I was sideward and I bit hard on his neck and wed off at his body making sure


    the damage is inflicted.


    As I nned, he didn''t anticipate what I just did. His wolf form stumbled onto the ground with a loud


    thud and rolled a few times more.


    p. p. p.


    "You did fight well princess."


    Breathing heavily, I looked at the man and gaped at him. Xyrus stood in his human form unharmed


    while alpha Lance and alpha Ken wereying on the ground. Alpha Lance already shifted into his


    human form so I quickly averted my eyes. They looked dead to me. Horror filled me as I thought of it.


    "Are¡­ are they¡­they --"


    "Unconscious," Xyrus muttered.


    I breathed out a sigh of relief after registering his words in my mind.


    "I may be heartless but I''m not stupid to create a war with their pack," Xyrus exined. There was


    intensity on those sea-blue irises as he looked at me. The wind blew and some of his hair fell on his


    eyes. He was breath-taking.


    I nced again at the two alpha and understood his words. Alpha Lance''s body was twisted in a not-


    so-good way while Alpha Ken wasying on his stomach with blood and scratches all over his body.


    I took a deep breath and mind-linked him, yes, the privilege of being our alpha, he could talk to us even


    in wolf form. "You still have to fight me."


    "The pleasure is mine princess." He blinked, his eyes shining.


    Doing a defensive position, I waited for him to shift and yet he didn''t. "Aren''t you going to shift?"


    "No." Xyrus looked so different. He was soposed and oozed danger. Besides, how can he fight me


    in human form? And yet again two bodies were lying on his feet.


    Xyrus waved his hand signaling me toe over. "Come on Willow. I don''t bite."


    I took that as my cue and sprinted towards my long-time opponent aiming his leg but he didn''t even


    move out of his ce. He simply catches me in the air and threw me a foot away. Inded not so


    gracefully on my side.


    ¡°What the hell just happened?!¡± I voiced out, trying to analyze what just transpired. To say I was


    shocked was an understatement. I was shaken. Maybe it was just a miss chance, I shook my head and


    tried to leap at him again. Take note ''tried'' as he threw me swiftly in the air once again. I was


    exasperated. He was so strong and very fast.


    "Is that all you got? And here I thought you are one of my best warriors." He teased.


    "I was just warming up!"


    "If you say so, Come princess." He called out again. I inhaled deeply and fast as lightning attacked him,


    my ws upward and ready to w the life out of him.


    But he was undeniably faster than me. Xyrus caught my paws mid-air and spun around with me


    hanging like a kite then threw me at a tree. My back collided on the trunk and I whimpered in pain.


    "Give up already princess, you''re only hurting yourself."


    "Never!" I coughed with blooding out of my mouth. This is not what I thought it would be.


    "Let''s make a deal. You don''t need to defeat me anymore. You just need to make me move out of this


    position and then I''ll leave you in peace." He bargained.


    "That''s it? All I need to do is to make you move out of your ce and I win?"


    "Yes."


    ¡°Deal!¡±. Is he out of his mind?¡¯ Well, that''s easier than I''ve thought. If I could make it near without him


    tossing me of course.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    He was calm and confident. I never thought he was this strong. We used to fight before when he forced


    me several times to be his training partner. And I was able to kick him or even scratch him a bit so


    what''s wrong now?


    "All those fights we had, you were just fooling me around, didn''t you? Deceiving me with self-esteem


    that I could defeat you." I tested, my suspicions growing by the minute.


    Not even a slight of guilt crossed his features, he remained unreadable. Obviously buying more time to


    answer. "If I hadn''t, will you go rogue again?"


    I didn''t know what to say. A part of me knows he got me analyzed because I will probably be gone


    rogue just to avoid him or the Mate Hunt if I realized that soon I can''t really protect myself from him.


    "I did it to keep you safe." He whispered softly.


    "No, you didn''t! You did it for yourself!" Rage filled me to the brim. How dare he fooled me for so long.


    Without thinking right, I run towards him faster than I ever did before. I was growling and tears rolled


    free from my wolf''s eyes.


    It all happened in slow motion as I jumped at him yet again in mid-air, this time he didn''t catch my arms


    rather he skilfully hit my particr point at the side of my neck as an acupuncturist does.


    I felt myself shifting into my human body and fell into a pair of strong arms. My energy betrayed me as I


    felt numb. Soon darkness took my senses away but not before hearing him whispered ever so softly.


    "Sleep now, my princess. You''ve done a good fight."

 Chapter 10: Since when did I smell like Xyrus

    Chapter 10: Since when did I smell like Xyrus


    I woke up as a loud sound of thunder red to an earshot. By the sound of it, a storm must be outside.


    Sighing, I hold the nket tuck securely right under my chin and buried myself more in it, enjoying its


    warmth. My body feels sore and I don''t want to draw away from theforts of my bed. It feels too


    good.


    Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...


    Wait. Did I just hear the thunder roared in my bed? Another rumbling noise came out and I groan-


    buried my face on my pillow as realization finally settling in me. Yeah, guess there''s no thunder outside,


    rather, inside of me. I''m just hungry.


    Better to ignore it; toote I''m overly engrossed by sleep. Besides, I''m not a morning person and I''d like


    to keep it that way.


    Wait. What''s with that smell?


    Hhhmmmm...


    It smells like fresh raindrops on the forest''s leaves, and soothing cold air after the rain, calming my


    senses and drowning me deep in it.


    Since when did I smell like Xy...


    Oh no.


    I.. He.. us...


    What''s that again?


    M-mate hunt.. shoot!


    I facepalmed myself remembering the urrences at the Mate Hunt.


    Alpha Troy... the two other alphas... me fighting him, Xyrus and... and... oh berries and waterlilies... I


    felt my face boiled with embarrassment recalling fully well that I passed out naked on his arms.


    That Alpha! I''m going to kill him this time!


    I slowly opened one eye while hiding the other with a hand and peeking under the nket hoping I still


    am wearing something. A sigh of relief escaped my lips.


    Oh... that exins it... so that''s where the smell ising from. I was wearing his oversize navy-blue


    shirt, the one he likes to wear every often he can, ming my cheeks at the thought.


    Urgh!


    I wanna pull my hair out.


    "Surprise!"


    On instinct, I quickly did an attack position searching for the culprit when my eyesnded on my best


    friend¡¯s face. Which I may add, has her very I mean super-wide enormous gigantic smile that makes


    me want to bury myself deep down the depths of the Antic Ocean. In short, bad news.


    "Tash."


    She was holding a chocte cake in her hand and her wide smile didn''t falter a bit.


    "Happy Birthday Willoooo!! Make a wish."


    Birthday? so I was out for a night only. Really, if not for my best friend I''d rather forget I turned eighteen


    today. But to not disappoint her, I blew the candle after whispering a silent wish. She attacked me in a


    hug and a small smile crept on my face.


    Life isn''t heavenly and I learned it the hard way. But with Tash, I¡¯m grateful.


    "Stop the crap, you''re making me cry too."


    I didn''t notice I was crying. I wiped it and smiled at her. She scooped some icing and put it on my nose.


    "Happy birthday Luna."


    Right. I knew it.


    "Tash you don''t wanna call me that."


    "Why not?" She was about to say something but changed her mind. Instead, she gave me that very, I


    mean super wide, enormous, gigantic smile again. "But you have to tell me what happened. All of it! "


    And I''m doomed.


    ***


    I spend the whole day with Tasca in my room without any sign of Xyrus showing up. Not that I would


    ask Tash why he''s not here nor if he''ll be seeing meter.


    But Tash, being Tash, had to go before dinner for her ''girly things'' more of girl rituals. You see, she likes


    to make sure she looks beautiful before going to sleep. She used to say, her prince charming might


    come while she sleeps. But now, she has Gabbiel. Gabbiel, our beta imed her as his chosenst


    night.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    So here I am left alone with my thoughts that I so tried to forget the whole day. There were so many


    things running around my mind which left me confused. Confused as to why I wasn''t marked as I


    should be: part of the chosen mate tradition. Every male has to mark their chosen to show their im


    on her.


    I knew it since I search for any sign of a mark when I took a bath and there was none. Only a few


    gashes I got from the fight, nothing more. And why he didn''t show up the whole day?


    I was actually thankful for his absence; I do not know how to deal with him anyway. I''m still mad after


    all. Heck, I don''t even know if I can forgive him. Maybe never. I do not know what is running around his


    head and I don''t want to know. I don''t want to see him either.


    What will be of me now?


    I rested my head on the headboard and embraced my knees while slowly humming a tune. My


    emotions messing up my mind, making me feel vulnerable. No matter how much I hide it from Tash or


    deny it to myself, I still am broken. I am broken.


    He defeated me¡­


    I was... defeated...


    Defeated¡­


    A tear fell and I instantly wiped it.


    I trained hard for this...


    I was almost positive I could win my way out of the mate hunt...


    Another tear fell and I let it be.


    How could I lose a fight I had prepared myself so much more than I wanted it?


    More tears fell and I buried my head on my knees, weeping silently. I feel like a failure.


    A failure that would always end up a failure.


    All my life I''ve waited for this one chance I could prove to anyone that I can fight. I can fight for myself. I


    can protect myself. I can defend myself. I can be someone else, not the broken I am inside.


    I yed tough. Heck, I was the best fighter in this pack. I pushed myself to the limits. Believing...


    Hoping... that tomorrow I can be proud of myself for once. I was so close... so close to freedom I


    always wanted...


    And I failed¡­


    I fell asleep with those thoughts and found myself waking upter that night. And in my hand,ys a


    small royal blue box and a white rose at my side. Xyrus'' scent littered the room. Seems like he was in


    here moments ago.


    The box was made of fine material and it feels soft and fluffy. I opened it and mesmerized by the


    beauty in it. Thereys a lovely ne. In the middle of the moon is a wolf howling. It''s exquisite.


    But I can''t take it.


    Iid it on the bedside table and crushed the rose in my hands. Crushing too his hope of us being


    together.

 Chapter 11: You, I want whats mine

    Chapter 11: You, I want what''s mine


    My rm clock decided to make itself known and st, waking me up in the process. I groaned and


    switched off the little devil. I don''t remember switching its rm onst night. I sat up with my eyes


    closed, debating whether to sleep again or go for a run.


    "Willow."


    A deep voice spoke and my eyes fluttered open. The weird feeling in my stomach came back again.


    That voice. I immediately spun around to my left side forgetting I was on the edge of the bed and a loud


    thud was heard.


    In short, I fell off the bed. Told you, I love mornings.


    He chuckled shamelessly at my cost which angered me more, part of the stunt I just pulled off, I guess.


    Xyrus was sitting by the wooden chair of my study table in one corner. He was looking at me


    charmingly with a yful smile on his face. He crossed his arms and leaned on the chair; legs wide


    apart.


    I rolled my eyes. Typical boys.


    "You showed up," I said bitterly after I collected what was left of my pride at the floor and stood up. It''s


    not a question, more of a statement that showed my annoyance towards him. Why did he have to see


    me? I was fine until he showed up.


    "Miss me, princess?" He asked in that deep rough voice of him, his smile not faltering a bit. His eyes


    though, held that mischievous glint like he''s up to something. And I have this nagging feeling that I


    wouldn''t like it.


    "Why would I, don''t get your hopes too much," I replied. I can¡¯t help but check him out.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He was wearing a ck V-neck shirt which entuated more his muscles. I decided ck suits him.


    He wore tight pants that hugs perfectly his long sturdy legs and ck shining shoes. I swear his shoes


    are shinier than my hair.


    "You-done checking me out?" He winked at me and smiled, shaking his head. He tilted his head to the


    side and grinned wider. He''s enjoying this.


    ¡°Ha-ha!¡± Iughed sarcastically at him and rolled my eyes. I crossed my arms and shifted my weight to


    one foot. "I didn¡¯t."


    "You just did." He stood up and boringly scrutinized every detail in my room. He picked up a book on


    the table and read the back of it. He opened it, scanning the pages.


    "It¡­It¡¯s not like what you think. Looking at you, at what you wear, doesn¡¯t mean¡­anything to me." I


    bbed, thest part I''m more of talking to myself as I got the book out of his hands and put it back on


    the shelf.


    "Your eyes say it all princess." He looked me in the eye as if to prove his point.


    "Uh-huh, Like what? " I wasn''t interested in what he would reply as it matters. So, I started fixing the


    bed, arranging the pillows and, folding the nket.


    "Like you can''t resist me."


    That caused me to stiff. I turned around; annoyance clearly visible on my face. I arched an eyebrow at


    him.


    "Pardon?"


    He smirked. It satisfies him to see that he affects me, obviously. He has my full attention now and he


    seems to gain more confidence.


    "Like you want me near you." He continued to tease me. I made a step closer.


    "Like you can''t wait to be in my arms." I took another step but he stood his ground. His smirk had


    turned into a grin which fuelled my anger more.


    "Like you want me to kiss you so bad."


    That did it; I snapped. I punched him but he catches my fist first onto his hand before I can hit his face.


    A thud sounded as my fist came in contact with his palm.


    "Not so fast, princess." He pulled my hand and I stumbled to him. He holds me by the waist and


    whispered in my ear.


    "Catcha!"


    I was out of breath and out of words. I quickly pushed his chest but to no avail. He didn''t even move a


    bit. He chuckled and held me tighter. I can feel his warmth slowly melting my resolve. Like ice to fire. I


    felt calmness washed over me and I¡¯m lulled with theforts it gives.


    "Let go¡­" I whispered. Even in my ears, it sounded unconvincing. But I have to get out of his embrace.


    This foreign feeling, he gives me scares me the most. I was struggling to get free and I don''t want this


    powerless feeling he makes me feel. I should be in control.


    "I don''t want to¡­" I heard him whispered softly too. It might affect him as I do.


    After a minute, I gave up struggling and put my hands on his chest, making sure to keep some distance


    even though it''s impossible. I heard him took a breath deeply.


    "What do you want?!" I said harshly and looked up to see his face. I shouldn''t have. His sea-blue eyes


    stare at me in a way that makes me feel ufortable. Silence engulfed the air as we kept staring into


    each other.


    "You¡­I want what''s mine."

 Chapter 12: Trust me, Ill catch you

    Chapter 12: Trust me, I''ll catch you


    Silence engulfed the air as we kept staring into each other.


    "You¡­I want what''s mine."


    ¡®Come on Willow don''t just stare, say something!¡¯ I averted my eyes and stared elsewhere, when my


    vision fell to my bedside table where the white roseid, crushed into pieces. Beside itid the ne


    he gave me.


    He must have seen it because his face hardened. Great. That''s it. Now think... Crushed rose¡­


    Crushed hope...


    "I don''t want you." I blurted.


    Hurt shed in his face but he quickly hides it. He was back to being unreadable, which makes it hard


    to read his thoughts. He hadpletely hidden well his emotions from me. His hold loosens a bit and I


    took a step back. d for the space between us.


    He deserves that after fooling me for so long. I am not forgetting any of it. And I don''t do pity.


    "You''ll learn it, I promise you." With that, he walked over to my closet and took my clothes, throwing


    them to the bed.


    "Wait! What are you doing?" My eyes were as big as saucers now. An rm rang in my head, this can''t


    be happening.


    "Packing your things." He opened another drawer and I saw him pulling out my t-shirts and tossed


    them to the bed too.


    ¡°Are you banishing me from this pack?" I asked, hopeful. Maybe, just maybe.


    "No. You are moving to my room." He continued throwing my clothes to the bed and reached for my


    bags on top of the closet and throw them too in my direction. He was determined. This can¡¯t happen.


    He was about to open my lower drawers and my eyes almost bugged out. My undies are there, oh my


    berries and waterlilies!


    "Stop! Don''t open that!" I shouted, panicking.


    He stopped and frowned at me. His hand on the knob.


    "Don''t you dare open that!"


    He looked confused but seeing the tension on my face, he grinned as realization dawned over him. He


    pulled the knob a little, teasing me.


    "Don''t!" I am panicking and I cannot move. As if there was a domino effect that if I move, he will open it.


    Come on Willow... think... think... think...


    He stared intently at me, waiting patiently. I smiled sweetly at him to which he was taken aback. I could


    not me him though. It was a first, I usually frown or re.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I¡­I''ll do the packing. You¡­you just wait for me outside, okay?"


    He arched his brows.


    "I promise. Promise. Now let that go alright... I will handle the packing."


    Oh, goddess. Have mercy.


    "No. Unless¡­" He trailed off.


    "Unless?" I waited patiently under his scrutinizing stare, smiling sweetly at him. My cheeks hurting from


    too much of it.


    "Unless I have something out of it." Says the devil.


    "Screw you!" The nerve of him to take advantage of the situation.


    He shrugged and turned back and was about to pull the knob.


    "Wait!"


    "Yes, princess?" It was his turn to smile sweetly. What a cunning man, he is. ¡°I¡¯m all ears.¡±


    "I¡­ I''ll do anything. I promise. I¡­ I''ll grant you one wish. Deal?"


    He shifted his eyes from me down to my outstretched hand and seemed to weigh it on his mind. He


    finally let go of the knob and I was able to breathe again normally. He walked towards me in long


    strides and stopped right in front of me. Xyrus was beaming triumphantly and tapped the tip of my


    nose.


    "Deal."


    He then leaned on the door frame and put his hands on his pocket, watching my every move as I


    picked up the bag and put clothes inside." I told you I can do it on my own. I''ll call you when I''m done.


    Now off you go. Shoo... "


    I pushed him out the door and luckily, he didn''t protest.


    "I''ll go but don''t you try to escape Willow. You wouldn''t want to be punished. Trust me, I''ll catch you."


    He said with a stern face. Talk about some bipr Alpha.


    "I won''t. Now just go."


    He did onest look like a warning before walking away. Probably off to his office to do Alpha stuff.


    Finally, on my own, I heaved a sigh. That was close. I packed my things for few minutes all that I can


    carry with me and locked the door.


    I then went to the bathroom right through the mirror and cringed at my appearance. My hair was


    everywhere, my eyes got ck and red underneath from cryingst night. I was not on my best


    appearance. Xyrus probablyughed mentally at me that''s why he grinned a lot.


    I started the shower and hopped on. After I was satisfied, I am clean, I dressed up in a random white


    shirt, a pullover jacket, and grey yoga pants. I picked up my white sneakers and put them on.


    I did onest look at my room and went near the window, throwing my bag on the ground. A smile


    appearing on my lips.


    ¡®Who says I won''t try.¡¯

 Chapter 13: Roaring wolf, make it one

    Chapter 13: Roaring wolf, make it one


    The cold wind in its morning routine, brushes my skin, blending well with my cold and tormented heart.


    The grass felt smooth under my feet, yet gives nofort. The forest that once been a haven, seems


    to taunt me, reminding me that I now belong to its alpha.


    I didn''t look back. No, I would not dare. I kept a hold of myself, now is not the time to be messed up


    with unwanted emotions. And, looking back would break the resolve I made.


    I ran half-heartedly and went deeper into the forest. Ever so careful not to be caught by lookouts.


    Patrols are on guard even in daylight.


    I can''t stay anymore. Xyrus left me with no choice. He knew from the very beginning that I don''t want to


    be chosen yet he can''t understand. He wouldn''t. He''s forcing me to things I despise the most.


    He is awakening some emotions within me that I so hardly buried deeper in my consciousness.


    Memories that had been dormant in the back of my mind for years. And with his doings, he is opening a


    wound bound to never heal.


    I felt the fragments of the past traitorously yed in my mind. I tried to stop it but of no use.


    (shback 5 years ago)


    I gazed at the man in front of me and forced the tears to not fall. For years, he had been a stranger but


    for this moment, he decided to be my father, again.


    His dark, tired eyes that mirror a decade of sorrow held me captivated as he lovingly gazed at me. I feel


    like a daughter again and it somehow made a bitter smile crept on my lips.


    His once built physique was reced by a feeble appearance, though I believed he was much stronger


    than he looks. He held me by the shoulder and made me looked at him. His eyes have that spark of


    determination.


    "Listen to me Willow, do you remember the song your mother and I sing when you were a child?" His


    voice strained.


    The mention of my mother made another stab in my heart. I might be only thirteen but I know what was


    going on and what was about to happen. Tears blurred my vision as I nodded my head.


    "Good. I want you to sing it with me. You know how it works. "


    "Papa¡­I¡­"


    He kissed my head and lingered there for a moment. I felt something wet rolled on the side of my face.


    He was crying. My papa was crying.


    For almost ten years, he had kept it all to himself. I never saw him cried yet he lived a dead life.


    I fell in my own sob as I clutched at his shirt, savoring the fatherly care I was deprived of, for eight


    years. Only for it toe to an end. They''reing.


    "Willow, my daughter, forgive Papa will you?"


    He said solemnly, then, he let me go. I didn''t look up at him, I don''t want to see the pain in his eyes.


    Slowly in a whisper tone, he started to sing the song I knew by heart. How much I had wished so many


    times to sing this song again with my father, but certainly not this way, nor this moment.


    "Little wolfe and run,


    Little Willow hum around,"


    Paws could be heard near us and I was so scared. All I want to do was to hug Papa and feel safe. But


    his eyes pleading me to be strong and to do this for him.


    "Twisting toes,


    Swirling fun,"


    I had to be strong, it would make papa proud.


    "In a count of one,


    Let''s take a run,"


    I started to sing along with him, thest chance I might have. My voice breaking as I readied myself for


    what I ought to do.


    " The wind whispered three"


    My father''s hold on my shoulder tightening yet I felt numb.


    " Two hushes more it can be."


    He spun me around, me facing the endless forest.


    " Roaring wolf make it one. "


    At the song ending in one, I dashed into the endless forest, but this time Papa and Mama aren''t just


    running around ying with me; I was running faster for a different reason. I was running for my life.


    I ran and ran not daring to look back. ''Papa would be proud'' Those were the words I kept repeating in


    my head yet I can''t stop my tears from falling. I was at stake and his life was the one sacrifice in order


    to prolong mine.


    (end of shback)


    I bit my bottom lip to stop the tears until I tasted blood. A bittersweet memory I can never forget easily,


    even the pain wasn''t lessened by time. In just a couple of days, my life changed, and most of it not for


    the better.


    I couldn¡¯t tell Xyrus the one thing my father fight for with his life was my freedom. And he, iming me


    would make it all go to waste. I am not yet ready to tell him my secrets, my wounds, and my story. But I


    wish I could tell him¡­someday. I wonder what the moon goddess has stored for me.


    I was finally nearing the border and a sigh of relief escaped my lips. One more array of trees and I will


    soon leave thend of Blood Moon Pack.


    I passed thest tree hiding my view of the human road, and stop a moment to breathe. I was on my


    knees, breathing heavily when a voice I was so familiar with decided to ruin the moment.


    "Took you half an hour, not bad though. You impressed me."


    There, leaning in one of the trees; my nightmare. His ck hair hanging low covering half his eyes as


    he gazed on his wristwatch checking the time. The same ck shirt was on but he was barefooted.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    What was most noticeable was his mischievous smile like he had just caught me doing mischief. Not


    that he hadn''t actually.


    So, him leaving me alone in my room was a ploy, he actually went here first to see how long before I


    could pass the lookouts and escape.


    He was clearly toying with me and all of these amuses him. Showing me who''s really in control. I never


    hated him more than the hatred I feel now.


    "You!" I said through gritted teeth. How dare he yed with my emotions!


    I punched his shoulder which caught him off guard but I didn''t stop there. I pounded on his chest


    repeatedly while crying my heart out.


    "You think this is funny?!" Pound.


    "Cruel you are!" Pound. pound. pound.


    I let my tears fall as I repeatedly hit him on his chest. Him, not moving at all nor uttering a word. His


    smile faded.


    "I hate you!" pound.


    "Why can''t you just leave me alone!" pound. pound.


    "You¡­selfish alpha!"


    I pounded, one after another. I never felt so much more hopeless. There was no way escaping him and


    it''s what he''s showing me. We stayed like that, me hurting him for another minute until he stopped my


    hand with his own, forcing me to look at him. My watery eyes meeting his stoic pair hurt shed on his


    face and, this time he didn''t hide it.


    He suddenly pulled me to him and encaged me with his muscled arms. He buried his nose into my hair


    and inhaled my scent shamelessly. Tired and all, I let him, even so, vowing to myself that I would not let


    myself be tamed by this alpha.


    "I had to do this." His crestfallen voice whispered in my ear and I felt him touched my neck and I


    understood his words as darkness consumed me once again in his arms.

 Chapter 14: What is holding you back

    Chapter 14: What is holding you back


    A week has passed in a blur since the ''escape incident''. Nine long days, three hours, 27 minutes, and


    42 seconds to be exact. Strangely though, Xyrus haven''t talked to me since then.


    He wouldn''t even look my way whenever we crossed paths. He''s treating me as an ordinary pack


    member - no, scratch that, he''s acting like he doesn''t see me at all. The good thing was I stayed in my


    room but to my dismay, my wolf, Violet was restless for the past days.


    The silent treatment however was getting on my nerves. He doesn¡¯t show up during training either. He


    was always in his office or his house. Yes, he has his own house not far from the packhouse. Others


    too, only those teenagers like me stay at the packhouse.


    I''m back on training younger female wolves, while, Julian for the males. Being one of the strongest


    pack warriors has its perks. Luckily, Julian found his chosen mate at the annual mate hunt. It was


    Elony, from Glowing River Pack. And, Elony and I hit it off right away.


    The pack members however were a bit more cheerful and enthusiastic around me. Before the Mate


    Hunt, I am fine with everyone, making smiles or nodes here and there. Tash, Heather, and the twins


    were the only close friend I have here. And now, I am their precious ''luna''.


    A knock interrupted my thoughts and the door opened.


    "Luna, foods ready." I looked up to see Heather smiling, noticing how her light blue eyesplement


    her light almost white-blonde hair. She is so pretty but too shy for her own good. And, worry freak if I


    may add.


    "Thanks, you can call me Willow, you know, just like before." I offered her a smile. That was another


    thing, no matter how many times I told them to call me by my name, they ended up calling me Luna.


    Well, I wasn''t yet officially, aren''t I?


    ¡°Well, it would be improper for me to call you by your name.¡± She said, brows knitted together.


    ¡°Of course not, call me Willow just Willow.¡±


    ¡°O-Okay then.¡±


    I followed her down to the ground floor and entered the already jammed-pack dining hall. It was huge


    and has many round ss tables with a golden vase full of fresh flowers of any sort in the middle. Each


    table was surrounded by six cushioned chairs covered in gold paint.


    The walls were painted beige and goldce curtains decorated some part of the wall. The wooden floor


    was polished so well that you can even see your reflection. At the far-left corner, different types of


    dishes, sweets, and drinks were served. All in all, this room looks like a restaurant rather than a part of


    the packhouse.


    Being the Luna, I am supposed to eat at the alpha''s table as a custom. I knew that because former


    Alpha Caden and Luna Fae, Xyrus'' parents always eat together. The former Alpha and Beta couple


    haven¡¯t gone home yet, they were still out exploring new ces. But, hearing their son¡¯s having a


    chosen might made theme home soon.


    Xyrus wasn''t here yet. He alwayseste due to pack stuff. I debated whether to sit with him but


    decided against it. It would be more awkward for both of us.


    ¡°Over there,¡± Heather said, pointing to a waving Tash.


    On our way, I caught a hateful re from Ehren. I heard she was imed by Carter, our Gamma.


    ¡°Hi Willow.¡± Elony greeted.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Elony is Julian¡¯s chosen mate. She is a sweet girl with brown locks and matching brown eyes, yet a


    fire-starter too. A scary one indeed when angered, though she''s shorter than all of us. You go to the


    wrong side of her and you''re dead.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I sat beside Elony, Tash was in front of me. " Where are Julian and Gabbiel?"


    "Julian is doing the watch out." Elony handed me a te full of food.


    Tash looked around, worried. "Gabbiel''s with the alpha. The alpha''s working so hardtely, my poor


    Gabbiel hasn''t got a decent sleep either. Where is alpha by the way?"


    "I... I don''t know." I replied and tried to avoid the conversation by savoring my lunch.


    "Are you still not on speaking terms with the alpha, Willow?" asked a worried Tash. "I am worried about


    Gabbiel but I am more worried about you."


    She put her hand on top of mine. "What''s holding you back?"


    I looked around the table and sure enough, they all looked concerned. Even the twins Cassey and


    Callie stopped bickering and listened to our conversation. The twins were the same age as Heather.


    "Willow, is everything alright?" asked Callie. the twins were identical, except Cassey has a mole at the


    end of her left eyebrow.


    "Ye... Yeah. Everything is okay." I avoided their eyes, tossing food on my te. "Seriously, girls, I''m


    fine..."


    They didn''tment on that and started a new conversation. I am thankful they didn''t press on it. A


    few more minutes, Gabbiel greeted us and took Tash''s te and they transfer to an empty table beside


    us. Love is visible in the way they treat each other. They looked so good together.


    I made the mistake of looking at Xyrus'' table and caught him tossing his food aside. I wrinkled my


    forehead at the thought, the food''s really delicious.


    As if sensing my gaze, he looked at me and I immediately faced my food instead, taking another bite. I


    didn''t dare to wander my eyes again.


    I finished my food almost instantly and was reaching for the desert when a bam was heard, sending


    tes ttering at the floor with shattered pieces of the ss table.


    A series of gasp and murmurs filled the air as everyone including me stared at the offender. It was


    Ehren.


    She has a hateful re directed at me, her nose ring like the wild beast she is inside. Ehren was


    fuming and shaking. Carter, Ehren''s chosen reached for her but she pushed him off.


    She stormed to me and Elony stood in front of me but I tapped her shoulder and nodded at her, letting


    her know I got this. She hesitated but stood beside me.


    " What is it, Ehren? "

 Chapter 15: You should have died

    Chapter 15: You should have died


    "What is it, Ehren?" I asked her calmly.


    Elony was to retort but I held up my hand silencing everyone who seemed to hate Ehren for


    disrespecting me. At the corner of my eyes, I saw Xyrus seating in his chair, eating the desert as if


    there''s nomotion going on in front of him.


    "You don''t deserve him!" Ehren spat venomously at me. "He does not deserve a mate like you!"


    That angered me. How dare she me me for all of these.


    "I was right after all!" She chuckled while she shook her head as if I was a joke. She pushed me on the


    shoulder and I stumbled a few steps.


    Tash hissed, but I stopped her. I can handle myself perfectly.


    "You should have died." She said bitterly.


    I narrowed my eyes at her, hands clenched. She moved nearer me until our noses were almost


    touching. "He should have let you die that day."


    She repeated softly yet her words were like a knife. I felt a pang in my chest at her vulgarity. How dare


    she say that when she doesn''t know even the slightest hint of what I had gone through since I could


    remember, nor the pain I had endured.


    I don''t despise Xyrus, it was only that it would not work between us. I can''t.


    "And you do better with him? " I managed to sound calm, perfectly hiding the storm I am having within.


    Ehren was taken aback by my question. She might hide it, yet all of us know the true feelings she has


    for Xyrus.


    Xyrus and Ehren were best friends since they were little, Ehren, being the beta''s daughter. They used


    to hang out a lot, however, everything changed when Xyrus and his brother, Gabbiel, found me almost


    dying near the pack''s boundary.


    I was nearly sixteen then, covered with dirt and my hair was matted with leaves and blood from the cuts


    I had after a rogue mmed my head at a boulder repeatedly. I was nearly dying with all the injuries I


    got from the fight and not shifting yet made it impossible for me to heal faster.


    I shook my head to discard the memories. Surely, Ehren despises me.


    "Who the hell do you think you are?" She taunted. "A former rogue with no home and been living in the


    streets for years. If it was not for my pack, you might have not survived that long."


    "You do not know anything about me." I snapped, emphasizing each word.


    "What I know is enough to conclude you are a bitch and an ungrateful whore." She was breathing hard


    and shaking.


    I blinked, weighing the severity of her rudeness. "I do pay my keep, and what is between Xyrus and


    me...it doesn''t involve you. Stay out of things you are not supposed to meddle with."


    And I''m not done yet with this woman, I crossed my arms, ring at her. "And how dare you have the


    audacity to speak to your Luna like that? I could banish you from my pack if I want to."


    Her face turned pale, but it was toote to turn her back now. She rxed and took deep breaths. "You


    are hurting him and that is what I cannot tolerate."


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I could say the same with Carter." I frowned. She doesn''t deserve Carter either.


    She suddenly fell speechless. Guilt crossed her features but didn''t talk back. Serves her right.


    "We are merely the same Ehren," I spoke meaningfully. "Now I dare you, tell me what you want."


    "I challenge you to a fight Willow Ellis, do you ept?" Something sparked in her eyes.


    Carter loosened his hold on her arm and without a word, walked out the dining hall. He was a very nice


    guy, always with Xyrus and Gabbiel. Seeing your chosen fight over for someone else, he must have a


    good amount of self-control to endure this.


    Ehren might have a mate now but she still certainly cares for Xyrus.


    I just don''t have the guts to step down so I nodded in agreement. "A fight it will be Ehren. "

 Chapter 16: Im not taking you out of this

    Chapter 16: I''m not taking you out of this


    The sun started to set behind an array of mountains, giving way to darkness creeping in the forest. The


    wind whizzed making my hair fly backward and I regretted not tying it up in a ponytail.


    I made my way over the center of the training field, very aware of my opponent''s deathly re who


    currently was warming up already. And here I thought I was the early bird.


    The crowd''s not-so-quiet conversation filled the air. Like most of the time, I did my best to ignore them


    and proceeded to warm up. Someone cleared their throat and I snapped out of my inner thoughts.


    Xyrus stood far between Ehren and me but his stare was focused solely on me. I guess, the ''ignore


    Willow as much as you can'' thing ended just now.


    He looked me up and down and his eyes narrowed. What was his problem? It was then I felt a pain in


    my head like someone was trying to put down the barrier but I fought against it. There will be no talking


    to him.


    We had a staring match and I held his gaze, daring to show him how stubborn I can be. Realizing I''m


    not backing down, he made his way towards me with slow steps still not breaking eye contact.


    He stopped a foot away from me, the closest distance we had been since almost two weeks. I shivered


    involuntarily, notfortable with him near me. The few times he had me at arms-length, he has the


    habit of pulling me into a hug and that''s not happening again.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Change."


    Xyrus whispered enough for me to hear. Like I would do that, there''s definitely no wrong with what I''m


    wearing. He''s just overreacting.


    "You''re overreacting. A sports bra and jogging pants are normal for girls to wear if you don''t know that


    yet." I said a bit sarcastic.


    Xyrus red and shook his head at me, not appreciating my outwiteback. His eyes shifting into an


    almost light red hue and I had to blink to make sure I wasn''t imagining things.


    He rubbed his hand on his face and sighed. His eyes changed to their original color. He suddenly took


    off his shirt and handed it to me. "Wear this, or we can do it the hard way."


    ''Yeah. It''s still both your own will, either way, right?'' I thought. I felt my cheeks heated up at what he


    wants me to do. This was so embarrassing! He'' was just overreacting. I took a step backward unsure of


    what to do. I shifted my gaze from his face to the shirt on his hand.


    "I hate you," I muttered with all the hate I can put in it and snatched the shirt. I quickly pulled it on top of


    my outfit.


    He appeared very satisfied and smiled an actual smile. He cleared his throat once more and cited the


    rules of a challenge which I didn''t hear properly as I was busy squirming. His shirt smells strongly like


    him and it felt kinda odd wearing it.


    I didn''t notice Gabbiel, the beta, hade to us and was now beside Xyrus. He bowed with


    a ''luna'' and I nodded my head at him.


    After few more instructions uttered, silence enveloped the field as the fightmenced, the pack


    members standing not far eager to watch it.


    The silence however was broken by Gabbiel''s words directed to his little sister before he and Xyrus


    walked away from us to join the crowd.


    " I''m not taking you out of this Ren, it''s all in you. "


    Ehren huffed. Annoyed by his brother''s demeanor. I scanned the crowd trying to find Carter and saw


    him at a corner, appearing unease. He caught me staring and he lowered his head.


    Ehren''s stance was in an attack mode ready to lunge at me any moment. I lowered my body and


    stretched my arms defensively. She eyed me up and down, her anger morphing into a higher degree.


    Ohh. I am wearing his shirt might as well use it to my advantage. And so, I smirked at her, a sweet-


    sided smile to fuel her anger more. It worked almost an instant as Ehren threw her first punch aiming at


    my face followed by a sidekick. I blocked all of it smoothly.


    She backed away few steps and sneaked a nced at my left. Bad move Ehren. I side-swerved quickly


    knowing she''ll aim there and I was right.


    She wasted no time throwing punches and kicks in every direction and I was d about all the sparring


    matches I''ve done with Xyrus, ites in handy.


    Though I must admit, Ehren''s got herself skills which makes it harder for me to dodge her every attack.


    Now that I''ve thought of it, Xyrus probably was her trainer too.


    I was caught off guard when she had managed to bypass my defense andnded a punch on my gut.


    The air was knocked off of me and I spat blood. Heaving, I tried to stand up straight and wiped the


    blood left on the corner of my lips. It was indeed a strong blow.


    "What''s wrong Ellis? Didn''t expect that?" She taunted. Like hell will I let her get that satisfaction.


    Iughed which made her narrow her eyes on me. Iughed a heart-filledugh, not pretending at all.


    The truth was I am absolutely having fun. I love challenges especially a fight with someone like Ehren.


    "Lame" I taunted back. " ...for someone having a beta blood you sure punch like an omega."


    I love the look on her face as I said those words. Messing your opponent''s emotion was what I enjoy


    the most.


    I had my fair share of fights and I''vee to know that always favorable.


    I wasn''t even surprised when she shifted into her wolf which if you let your emotion messed up your


    thoughts during a fight, it will loosen up your self-control. You will lose your temper and will taint your


    supposed to be cleared mind. The consequences, however, aren''t escted the fight momentously.


    Fighting in wolf form signifies one''s submission to his nature. The beast hiding within his human body.


    She wasted no time not even letting me shift first before she lunged at me. For a moment I felt fear


    crept in me as I saw her beast in the air, ready to scratch my body as itnded. Both ws were


    outstretched, trapping me right and left.


    My eyes must have tricked me because time frozen at a slow pace as I heard the pack member''s


    audible gasps and some actual shouting from afar as they hopelessly watched the scene unfolds


    before their eyes, followed by a loud terrifying growl and ck fur was all I


    saw.

 Chapter 17: Everybody has been scarred

    Chapter 17: Everybody has been scarred


    A huge ck wolf was in front of me protecting me like a shield. He hissed at the cream she-wolf who


    currently had her fangs on the ck wolf''s shoulder. The ck wolf, though injured, didn''t fight back


    instead he whimpered.


    I know this wolf!


    "Carter!" I almost shouted unbelievingly. He had defended me against Ehren. But why?


    Ehren removed her fangs on his shoulder and hesitantly stepped back. She growled at him, a warning


    to step away from me. I lowered my gaze to the ground and noticed blood tainted the trimmed grass


    into red. Carters!


    He growled back with the same fervor and totally hide my view from Ehren''s cream wolf, pacing a short


    distance. She didn''t take it nicely though and prepared to attack the ck wolf.


    When they were both about to lunge at each other, I didn''t think twice as I shifted mid-air and jumped


    towards them which definitely was a bad move but it was toote.


    Just when I thought I would be hit by them, a red wolf, scarlet fur as blood came on top of me and


    growled terrifyingly that even my wolf felt coward by the mere sound of it. Momentarily stopping the two


    from attacking each other and me.


    I tried to get out under him but he growled at me and nudged my side. For once, I obeyed him which


    surprised me a lot but thought it would not be best to anger him more.


    I sneak a nce at Ehren and noticed she was now in human form dressed in a in big shirt and


    kneeled at the ground with head leveled low. Xyrus must have ordered them to shift back.


    Gabbiel came to view and push Ehren towards the packhouse rather roughly. She narrowed her eyes


    at him but obeyed eventually. Carter too, followed them inside. Even the pack members were walking


    away one by one. What was happening?


    When they all left, Xyrus let me go and nudged me to follow him. Having to see Xyrus'' scarlet wolf with


    eyes the same as his human form was a privilege since he doesn''t shift often.


    I let my eyes wandered from the fur in his head ''til his paws. I was awestruck by its beauty which in my


    opinion was thergest wolf ever. Compared to him, I was like a little kitten.


    You would think purple wolves are weird, but red wolves are the rarest of them. From what I''ve heard,


    they''vee from the royal bloodline of werewolves before the revolution. Nheless, they were just


    like us, nothing different.


    "Youing?" His mind linked. He looked angry. I followed him into the forest, keeping my distance.


    "What about the challenge?" I can''t help but ask.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "It''s finished."


    I followed him until we were surrounded by enough trees. He went behind a tree and got a shirt. He


    tossed it in my direction.


    "Change. Now." He emphasized each word. I went behind a tree and change.


    I cautiously got out of the tree but was shoved back, my back hitting the trunk gently. My breath hitched


    as I gazed at the stormy eyes of the alpha, standing too close to my liking.


    I shrieked, surprised when he suddenly punched the tree I was leaning on and my heart thudded


    crazily.


    "What were you thinking!"


    "I... I..." I stuttered.


    "How could you be so careless! You could have hurt yourself! Hasn''t anyone told you jumping between


    two wolves is dangerous?!"


    He wasn''t holding back. He was furious and I was struck speechless.


    "I... Uhm..."


    "If I hadn''t interfered just in time who knows what might happen to you! How could you be so stupid?!"


    He didn''t just dare call me stupid!


    "I was in a fight Xyrus! ...you know I would hurt myself one way or another." I almost shouted.


    "That doesn''t justify anything!" He snapped.


    "It does!" Iughed bitterly. "Besides, I could have survived it even without you inter--"


    Another punch above my head cut off my rant. Xyrus was breathing hard. He closed his eyes and


    leaned his head onto my forehead. I gasped.


    "Stop the act, Willow. Stop all of it." He said in a painful voice.


    "What act?" I asked breathlessly.


    "Of you being, ''I don''t need you, I can do it myself, I don''t need anyone, I''m fine being alone'' crap. All of


    it... All of it Willow." He cupped my face with one hand. "Stop doing it to yourself."


    No... I am not like that. Or am I?


    "Everybody has been scarred by their past one way or another. Nightmares aren''t the real problem


    Willow." He opened his eyes and I saw the frustration in them. He was so close, too close.


    "It''s the fear of facing those nightmares alone every time."


    My sight blurred from tears. He got me. He was right. There was nothing more painful than having to


    face your nightmares every day without anyone to help you endure them.


    I felt his lips touched my right cheek and lingered a soft sweet kiss there and then he was gone fast as


    the wind. I was left cold, baffled, hurt, and missing his warmth.

 Chapter 18: Time to run free like the wind

    Chapter 18: Time to run free like the wind


    EXHAUSTED. That''s how I feel yet here I am lying t on my stomach, hugging myfy pillow under


    my head while staring at space. For sleep was too elusive which left me awake throughout the night. It


    was 2 a.m.


    I me it all on Xyrus words lingering in my mind, mocking me of its truthfulness.


    Another moment passed and still beat awake, I groaned flinging my head up and down on the pillow


    out of frustration.


    Moving out of bed, I decided to stop in the kitchen to get some drinks first.


    A can of coke seems the exact opposite of what I should get but I took it still. Curse the sleep I need


    later, I''m getting a soft drink.


    "Can''t sleep?" I almost spilled out the coke being surprised at the slurry voice behind me.


    Carter, standing in the doorway with a smug look. He leaned on the doorframe and folded his arms.


    "Yeah," I said casually, tossing a sprite in his direction. He caught it with ease. "Uhm, Carter?"


    "Hmmm?"


    "What you did back there, I-"


    Carter crushed the can of sprite on his hand, spilling the content on the floor.


    "I didn''t do it for you, Luna."


    I was startled by him crushing the can but he didn''t sound angry, more stressed so I let it go.


    "Figured." I shrugged. "But I thought I should say a word to you."


    I passed him and was about to exit the kitchen when he spoke again.


    "The alpha. You look good together."


    "Oh." Unexpected to say the least. How do people respond to those kinds of words, I have no idea.


    He chuckled. "You don''t have to thank me as it''s not what you really want to say. I know you enough to


    know you don''t like him...yet."


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Wasn''t nning on it." I shrugged and bit my lower lip while tucking my hands on my pocket and


    shoving my foot in no direction.


    "How do you do that?" I asked.


    "Do what?" He countered.


    "Dealing with her." Long passed since I wanted to ask him that.


    He became silent for a moment then sighed, recalling a memory based on the spark in his eyes.


    "She used to be different. Xyrus, Ehren, and I grew up together. She was like a little sister to me, so


    adorable and spoiled. There''s this one time she was bullied and instead of going to his brother, he


    called me." He smiled at the memory.


    "Is that why Gabbiel and her never got along well?" True to it, they don''t always argue, but neither


    showing affection for the other sibling.


    He smiled warmly.


    "I was his big brother figure that time even up to high school and Xyrus, well she likes him since we


    were little but the guy was too dumb to notice or maybe pretending not to know." He said amused by


    his own words.


    I chuckled. "Did you realize you just called the alpha dumb?"


    "Hey, no harm unless you tell him." Heughed and I joined in. The tension in the air vanishes just like


    that.


    "It''s not like we talk much," I confessed. "Well, what happened then?" I said, urging him to go on.


    "Growing up, they stick together more while my father was training me to be the best warrior like


    him. We stayed friends though."


    "Did you like her then?"


    "No." He said calmly, prolonging the word. "The first Mate Hunt we went together, I thought Xyrus


    would im her but..."


    "He didn''t." I finished.


    He nodded. "It was tough for her, she had her hopes up too much."


    It was my turn to nod in understanding. I hummed in response. "Must be tough for you too."


    "No. Like I said Ehren was like a sister to me nothing more, not until I noticed the way Xyrus looks at


    you, not hard to see it through. It''s then I realized, he was waiting for your turn toe."


    I avoided his gaze. I pursed my lips and sighed. Maybe Ehren was right after all.


    "Before the Mate Hunt, I told him I''ll choose her. He bid me luck and stay far from us." He bowed his


    head and muttered something under his breath which I didn''t catch.


    "I thought you don''t love her?" I have a feeling he did that for her though.


    "I think you already knew why." He tossed an apple in the air catching it and tossed it over again. "It''s


    late when I realized the consequences tho'' but..."


    He smiled sadly. "It''s worth it ''cause I realized I love her all along. But she hates me. Just like you are


    to the alpha, she resists me."


    "She doesn''t realize how lucky she is to have someone like you," I said to lift his spirit. Because his


    mood apparently was back from being sullen. His mouth twitched and cracked a smile.


    "It''s strange you know, those wordsing from you. Alpha is a good guy." I know what he meant by


    that and I was taken aback, unsure what to say.


    Silence filled us, reflecting each other''s words.


    "Luna...what Ehren did was unforgivable." He uttered. "But I hope you find it in your heart to forgive


    her."


    I smiled. "You don''t need to worry about that. I forgave her already."


    Carter finally get up and took his leave. "Thank you, really, I appreciate it... See you in the morning,


    Luna."


    "Yeah sure."


    I exited the packhouse and went behind a tree, stripping off my clothes. With much excitement, I shifted


    into my wolf form loving the feeling of nature under my paws and the wind blowing my fur.


    ''Time to run free like the wind, Violet.'' I said to my wolf. I can feel her excitement. She howled and fast


    as the wind, run under the bright moon.

 Chapter 19: Breathe.Willow.Breathe

    Chapter 19: Breathe.Willow.Breathe


    Done with the run, it felt good to be out in the cool air. Violet was ecstatic that we both didn''t notice we


    had been gone for hours, not until the first ray of dawn shown at the endless starry night. Sunset is


    beautiful but sunrise is magical. It denotes hope, a new day to live and start over again.


    I watched the first moment of sunrise before I decided to go back. On my way to my room, I passed the


    alpha''s office and saw a lighting from the slightly open door. Strange. Is he up this early?


    Taking a sneak peek at the door, I saw Xyrus reading some papers on his desk. His hair was still wet


    like he just got out of the shower moments ago. The air has the fresh scent of a water bath and it''s


    rxing.


    He smelled really good. He was wearing a dirty white cotton shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows.


    He was holding a pen, brows knitted together, and appeared to be thinking hard. I can''t deny the fact


    that he is so... so... gorgeous.


    "I don''t mind you staring but would you like toe in? " His lips twitched in a smile though he''s not


    taking his eyes off the folder in his hand.


    I quickly stood up straight and mulled over between actuallying in or running to my room and act


    as nothing happened.


    "Willow." He called.


    Deciding thetter fits best, I walked sneakily going to my room''s direction when the sound of a door


    opening wide echoed the hallway followed by footsteps. That made my steps faster.


    "Willow, wait up."


    Thankfully, I reached my room and about to turn the knob. That''s the moment he caught up with me.


    "What is this, ying hide and seek?" Heughed heartily and boy wasn''t hisugh masculine and


    deep.


    I let go of the knob and took a deep breath before turning to him. Carter''s words traitourously reying


    in my mind making me feel unease.


    "Xyrus..." I looked into his eyes and my words caught up in my throat.


    ''The way Xyrus looks at you'' were Carter''s words. And for the first time, I noticed how warm and


    intense his gaze held mine giving me the feeling of security like nothing could harm me. Something


    changed between us but I can''t figure it out yet.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Willow..." He spoked. That made me broke out of my trance. Cheeks heated up for getting caught


    staring at him like that.


    "I should uh sleep." I pointed at the door.


    His brows knitted together, taking one step forward. "It''s 4 a.m. Where did you go, princess?"


    I unconsciously took a step behind but my back collided with the door. He inched closer and ced his


    hand right beside my head. He moved closer, our bodies almost touching. The smell of raindrops and


    the cool breeze after the rain wafted my senses. I like his scent. It''s addictive.


    He was looking intensely from my eyes down to every part of my face. It''s as if he was etching it on his


    mind. I felt his other hand gently caressed my cheek.


    By this time, my heart was thumping. I was frozen to the spot. His face slowly moving closer and closer


    and I closed my eyes.


    I scrunched my eyebrows when nothing came. And then I heard his voice whispered in my ear.


    "Breathe Willow...breathe."


    I didn''t know I was holding it, I took a long breath and did a few more until my breathing became normal


    again.


    Xyrus stood in front of me and hands in his pockets. He was smiling. I suddenly felt embarrassed.


    "Ahm, I uh...should go inside...yes...I think." I stuttered. I didn''t wait for his reply as I turned the knob


    and hurriedly came in.


    "Take a good rest princess." I heard him called.


    The much-needed and much-wanted sleep finally came over me and I felt my eyelids dropped,


    weing sweet sugar dreams.


    ***


    "Rise and Shine!" A cheery voice sangced with too much enthusiasm followed by a swishing sound


    of a blinding light that sure is capable of burning a vampire alive, and the noise of scraping ss


    window against metal.


    The cool air whipped against my face reminding me of the winter seasoning. Traces of Autumn


    now started to disappear to amodate the next season. I sat half awake, half-amused at my best


    friend''s antsy behavior behind her wide smile standing beside a now open window.


    "Geez, I swear if you wake me up once again I''m gonna kill you! ''Twas bing a habit of yours


    lately," I said annoyed while rubbing the sleep off my eyes. I bend my neck sideways and did some arm


    stretching to fully awaken myself when my eyesnded on the clock above my nightstand. It was way


    past 9 in the morning. Arrrrrrrrrh! So early! Bye-bye sweet sleep, we will meet again soon I promise.


    I stretched my arms wide and dly fell back on bed closing my eyes. "Spill it out, Tash."


    "Err what?" She asked innocently. Her arms tucked behind her, a habit of hers which means trouble.


    "What did you do this time?" I asked, not buying her lies.


    "Err, that obvious huh? Uhm I uhh may or may not stole Gabb''s babies?" She gave a nervous smile.


    Now that''s interesting.


    "I didn''t know you''re jealous now with his babies." I decided to tease her a bit, waiting for her sure


    response.


    "Of course, not!" There she goes being all defensive. "He purposely shoved me during the training this


    morning. I was humiliated. I hate him!" She ranted and mumbled something like '' butt still hurts ''.


    "You didn''t dare." Iughed, unbelieving at her so-called revenge.


    Everyone knows how much Gabbiel loves his arnis sticks weapon that Tash and I named them out of


    fun, ''his babies''. I swear he loves his babies more than his sister.


    "And where do I fit in this picture Tash?"


    Tash sure could make a scene, I''ll give her that. Thest time someone made her pissed, let''s just say


    the guy had to walk limping.


    "Don''t leave my side! Take me with you anywhere you go. Pleassssse. He''ll gonna kill me if he finds


    out I took them!"


    I hummed in response.


    "Willow, you gotta help me! I''m serious here." Tash pleaded. She sat beside me on the bed,  thumb


    between her teeth. She looked unstable in a funny way, mumbling to herself.


    "Shouldn''t you have thought of it before getting his babies? Ye know how much he loves ''em."


    She red like I was the one at fault between us. Hands-on her hips, she huffed. "Things happened


    already missy. Will you help me or not?"


    I kept silent for a moment faking thinking hard, prolonging her agony as she impatiently waits for my


    decision. Her re wavering and slowly recing worry. This is fun.


    "Just this one-time Tash but you''re buying me an ice cream," I said.


    "Yay!" She hugged me and hurriedly went to the door. "Wait. I''m getting my treasure box, he might use


    it as leverage."


    Tash''s treasure box is a cute wooden box full of her prize possessions like jewelry and makeup. She


    used to say if the worldes to an end, her treasure box will be the one thing she would save.


    "I''ll be back." She whispered.


    Tash poked her headfirst out the door looking left and right then disappeared.

 Chapter 20: I take care of what is mine

    Chapter 20: I take care of what is mine


    I took the time to take a bath and chose casual jeans and a ck off-shoulder shirt. I tied my hair in a


    messy bun. Looking at my reflection, a satisfied smile lingered on my lips.


    After pacing a few more minutes waiting for Tash toe back, I have grown impatient with it. So, I


    decided to get some food to eat first. My stomach can''t wait any longer. I wonder what took her so long.


    Turning on a corner, the alpha''s office door was slightly ajar and it felt Deja vu. Curiosity kills the cat


    and I know I shouldn''t, yet I peek, again. Seems like no one''s inside, it''s too quiet. Just as I was about


    to go away, hushed voices argued.


    "The council has divided beliefs arguing the effects it will bring. They''re giving me a headache." It was


    Luna Fae''s voice. My brows knitted together not expecting them to go home up ''til next week.


    "They''re testing my patience. Those lowly wolves know exactly how I respond to such absurd things.


    Maybe it''s time for them to realize who has the upper hand" It was Xyrus. I can''t see them, they might


    be seated on the sofa.


    "No son, you are not to do anything. Let me and your father deal with this." A sighed was heard and the


    tapping of heels on the tiles echoed like someone was moving.


    "Besides, aren''t you going to let Willowe in?"


    That''s when the door fully opened revealing a smiling Luna. Blood rushed through my face, so


    embarrassed being caught eavesdropping. My face must gave it all since Luna Fae chuckled a little


    seeing my expression.


    This was one of the moments how I wish I was a witch rather than a werewolf. Disappearing whenever


    you like to, sounds helpful at the moment.


    "How have you been dear?" She pulled me into a motherly hug. It was so warm and weing.


    Something stirred in my heart at the act.


    Luna Fae is a sweet, caring woman with a delicate heart. She has short brte hair and a slender


    figure. High cheeks matched her button nose which highlighted her features.


    "I''m good Luna, how''s the trip?" She stepped aside so I cane inside. I hesitated but went inside


    nheless.


    "It was extraordinary. We are nning to go next week again and head to Egypt. And please call me


    Fae, you are the Luna now." She giggled, full of enthusiasm.


    "Ohh okay," I smiled shyly. "That is exciting, I wished I could go too."


    "Sure you will dear, you and Xyrus should go." We reached the sofa and I saw Xyrus seating on a


    single cushioned chair. The loveseat sofa was beside it and Luna Fae sat upon it.


    "Not ying hide and seek anymore I see," Xyrus smirked, he narrowed his eyes once he noticed my


    exposed shoulders.


    "What are you wearing. I thought we agreed about this?" He spoke up.


    "Agreed what?" I asked innocently, smiling on the inside. I took a seat beside Luna but he pulled my


    hand by surprise and I ended sitting on hisp.


    I shrieked as my back hit his chest and felt his chin on my shoulder, his hands wrapped around me


    holding me in ce.


    If it wasn''t for Luna Fae, I probably would have tackled him with me on the floor to make him pay for


    touching me or better cut his fingers one by one with pleasure.


    "Son, you''re making her ufortable." I heard her said.


    She gave me an apologetic smile though his act was normal for us werewolves having our chosen


    mate, especially if the bond was already sealed by the moon goddess. When both marked each other


    andpleted the mating process, they be one. That''s why when one''s chosen dies, it''s hard for


    the other to live alone. I should know. That''s what happened to my parents.


    "Is my son taking good care of you Willow?" She asked.


    "He...he is alright," I replied shyly. Torn between focusing on her and ignoring the devil who was


    brushing my hair with his fingers. He tucked my hair behind my ear.


    "Of course mother, I take care of what''s mine." He proudly announced.


    My breath hitched as his nose touched my ear and whispered in a low voice. "Changing now aren''t


    we?"


    Then he let go of me and I didn''t waste more time as I hurriedly stood up and excused myself which


    she politely agreed telling me she wants to talk to meter. I didn''t bother looking at the devil who


    probably has his signature evil grin. I sure will make him payter.


    Once outside, I let out the breath I was holding and walk almost ran into my room to find a shirt.


    He''s so unreasonable! If I thought I could start to know him better, I''m taking it back now. I hate him! I''m


    not changing because he told me so but because I don''t want a repeat of what happened.


    ***


    Later that afternoon, the girls decided to take a swim at theke before it freezes into ice and we all


    agreed toe. Theke was beautiful and enticing.


    "Wait first, I''ll check the water." Heather volunteered. She left us and dipped his foot on the water


    testing its temperature.


    "Grrrr. It''s already freezing." She voiced out excitedly. "Jump on girls."


    Elony was the one to jump first and even did a flip in the air before diving straight into theke. As for


    werewolves, we have a warm temperature which makes this cold water nice.


    I took off my shirt and was about to jump too when a shriek suddenly echoed through the forest,


    piercing our ears. Cassie was jumping up and down excitedly looking something at my back. Tash


    followed her lead and examined it.


    "Willow! Is it what I think it is?!" Tash uttered, her face unbelieving while pointing at my back.


    I tried to look at what she pointed but how else could I see it. Soon, the girls surrounded me behind


    gasping and mumbling some words I didn''t catch.


    "Girls, you''re scaring me! What''s in my back?" Please don''t make it an insect, I hate those! E... I


    struggled to not shake it off.


    Elony was the first to recover and smiled a teasing smile and said the words which I never prepared


    myself for.


    Willow, someone put a im on you."


    My blood went cold.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "No, but, it doesn''t look like mine." Tash retorted. She took off her shirt and showed us a mark on her


    corbone. It looks like a symbol written in an ancientnguage.


    "Yeah," Elony said confused. "I think mine too." She showed hers too. Their marks are different but


    ced both in their cor bone.


    "Why is yours at your nape Willow?" Callie, one of the twins asked. "It doesn''t look like a tattoo either.


    This isn''t a tattoo right?"


    "Nope, never had one," I confessed. "What is it like?"


    "It''s a side face of a wolf howling and... and around it is a moon...not just ordinary moon Willow. It''s the


    moon in red."


    "The blood moon." Heather gasped, staring at Tash. Some understanding crossed between them.


    "What is it, Heather?" I inquired, staring at her and Tash.


    They again looked at each other. Tash was the one who replied. "I think it would be better for you to


    ask alpha himself."

 Chapter 21: Finally

    Chapter 21: Finally


    It waste afternoon and the sky was dark, creating a halo of dim light enough to make you want to


    stay in bed, wrapped up like a cocoon while enjoying a hot chocte moment.


    The beauty of dark, strong withering trunk and brown almost dull branches devoid of leaves outweighs


    its lifeless appeal. Any moment now, snow woulde and paint everything in white.


    It is amazing how nature had to be disrobed of colorful flowers, leaves, wildflowers, the beauty it has,


    leaving everything bare and lifeless in able for spring toe and rece what was lost into something


    more beautiful and more colorful.


    Just as how life works.


    This moment should have been perfect. Alone in the woods, enjoying its lifeless beauty if not me


    waiting for the alpha toe.


    Hurt, anger, confusion, fear are messing with my emotions, turning them into a hurricane of swirling


    regrets and what-ifs.


    Some might think I was overreacting. But no one would really understand the extent of pain one is


    going through even if you look them in the eye. The eyes don''t give it all away.


    I knew he was near even before he made his presence known because for unknown reasons, I always


    knew when he''s around. It''s an instinct which never led me wrong.


    "Beautiful. Like the first snow of the year." Xyrus'' deep voice held sincerity in it.


    I nced his way and caught him looking at me warmly just as the snow slowly dropped on his ck


    hair. I always wanted that shade instead of my fiery hair, like fire and blood.


    I looked up at the sky and noticed little snow crystals starting to descend slowly in a synchronize tune.


    Hands tucked on his jean pockets, two buttons undone from his shirt earlier showing his chiseled chest


    and a genuine smile appeared on his lips. He was perfect, far from how imperfect I am. Why would he


    want someone like me?


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He cleared his throat. "You call for me?"


    "Yes..." I said in a cracked voice. Too many emotions swirling inside of me. I remembered Elony''s


    words of me being imed, the reason I asked for him to meet me here.


    "What is it princess, tell me I''m all ears." He reached to hold my hand but I put it in my back fast like fire


    on the skin which made that thin line on his forehead and brows creased.


    His gaze lingered on my now hidden hand on my back. "What''s - wrong?"


    Xyrus looks a bit tired now that I noticed it, there was a dark semi-circle under his eyes. It seems he


    was not sleeping properlytely.


    "Why did you do that?" I asked in a low voice, wanting all of these unwanted questions and confusion


    to end. I felt betrayed. I thought at least he would respect my decision not to be imed.


    Xyrus tried to reach for my other hand but I moved away. My indifference getting a toll on him. Irritation


    slowly showing on his face but he masked it with a smile.


    "Done what? I- I don''t understand. Princess, what''s this all about?"


    "Don''t call me that! Don''t you ever dare call me that again?" I was done with him calling me nicknames.


    I am not special in any way, just a girl who longs for a normal life.


    His smile faded at the slightest movement as he titled his head to the side, cupping his chin with his


    forefinger and thumb, and then smirked. He seemed to be thinking hard then blurted out. "Little cloud,


    can I call you that then?"


    "I am not a cloud!" Is he for real?


    "Yes, you are." He said smiling then pinched my cheeks softly. "You are like a little cloud, sometimes


    bright, sometimes dark... depends on your mood." He added proudly.


    I swatted his hands and red at him. How could he still throw jokes when I am right beside him


    fuming with anger.


    "Ouch, violent much little cloud?" He faked hurt, holding his hands near his chest.


    "I am not your little cloud!"


    "Then can I call you princess again?"


    "Urgh!" Frustrated I was. He''s unbelievable!


    I turned my back at him. I closed my eyes and breath deeply to calm myself. Breath in. Breath out. Hold


    it together Willow, you didn''te here for this.


    Breath in.


    Breath o---.


    "What''s that on your back? Is that..."


    Xyrus was closer than I thought. He pushed me gently aside, my back on him, and tucked some fallen


    hair on my neck. My hair was in a bun. I felt his fingertips glide from my nape to the side of my


    shoulder. I shivered at his touch.


    "Finally." Those were the words that fell from his lips but his gaze turned dark, calcting, far from his


    gentle voice.

 Chapter 22: Run Willow run!

    Chapter 22: Run Willow run!


    Xyrus'' stare was dangerously like he was waiting for my reaction. His jaw clenched and unclenched,


    anticipating my outburst.


    "How could you..." Were the only words I managed to utter, hurt filled my voice.


    He didn''t say anything. Silence prevailed as we assess each other''s next move.


    The snow started to drop hard soaking us with white snowkes. It was raining snow and I was starting


    to get cold even me being a werewolf.


    "Why..." A tear fell from my left eye and I wiped it fast. Why do I always cry in front of him? It makes me


    feel weak. Stop it, Willow.


    His gaze softens but chose to avoid my using ones, staring up at the sky.


    "Why do you have to cage me in this pack with you. I don''t want this!"


    A wave of hurt shed in his face. His jaw clenched at my words, creating the sound of grinding teeth.


    "It should have been Ehren, or Tash, or Susie, or ... why it has to be me?"


    "Why not you?" Xyrus snapped. "Tell me, Willow, why not you?"


    I flinched at the use of his alpha voice emphasizing each word.


    "Why couldn''t you love me back."


    Xyrus whispered low that if not for my werewolf hearing, I wouldn''t have heard it. There was visible hurt


    in his words but I chose to ignore it.


    "Why couldn''t you set me free." I countered, meeting his gaze, not wanting to look weak.


    Veins pop out his head and neck as he clutched his hands tightly on his side.


    "Never," Xyrus said coldly. Goosebumps crept on my skin at his deadly tone.


    "Never will I ever let you go as I did in the past, not today, and don''t dream of it tomorrow. " His words


    tumbled on me, reality crashing my remaining hope.


    "You know it wouldn''t work out for us!" I argued.


    "You never tried. " He countered back.


    "You can''t just force me into everything!"


    "I never forced you into anything!"


    Lies.


    "You- you deceive me, at the Mate Hunt!" How could he still lie to me after everything? Anger coursing


    through my veins, seeking revenge.


    "Little Willow, I did mark you, yes, but it''s not just a mark. It''s different."


    Xyrus traced his knuckles on my cheeks down to my chin. His fingers traced my lower lip at a feathery


    touch. My lips parted voluntarily at the touch and I scolded myself inwardly.


    "Different?" I wanted to gulped badly but I fought against it. I should not fall for his dark ways. I am too,


    an alpha.


    "Yes...different."


    Xyrus walked slowly circling me. I red at the back of his head. Promising myself that he will not


    affect me like how he wants me to feel.


    "In this world, just when you thought you know everything, unexpected thingse and prove you


    wrong." He tucked a strand of hair on my ear and I fought not to shiver.


    "Royalty.." I whispered. Tash told me some of his past. Of him supposed to be a prince or a king


    perhaps.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I couldn''te up with anything reasonable of his so-called ''different im'' but of the perks of having a


    strong bloodline that gives you privileges ordinary wolves couldn''t have. How fairly life is.


    "Brilliant." He stopped just in front of me. A dangerous smile appearing on his lips as his gaze focused


    on my lips.


    "The night I brought you home after the Mate Hunt, I made sure you can''t escape me anymore."


    "Yo--you bite me? But--how" I asked shocked. Why was his mark only showed now? I thought I would


    get answers but I was more hell of confused now.


    ''Because it''s different.''


    I paled as I heard his voice in my mind. Realization dawned on me and I felt like copsing on the pile


    of snow around us.


    When a mate bites his chosen, he would feel what the other feels and would be able to hear even your


    private thoughts. But since I didn''t mark him yet I can''t hear his thoughts or feel what he feels.


    As our Alpha, he can mind-linked us but not to the point of hearing our thoughts. It is more of


    communicating through the mind.


    ''Right''


    "Stop reading my thoughts! Get out of my mind!"


    ''How could I not notice the mark?! Why Violet didn''t feel it too?!''


    "It''s because when I marked you, I gave you a choice. My mark would only appear when you willingly


    ept me without a doubt. Which means, you will not bear my mark if you don''t want it." He voiced


    out, pride in his eyes.


    "But I didn''t!" At the challenge! I felt like being washed off a cold bucket of water as I clearly


    remembered letting him kiss me on the cheek without any resistance. I didn''t push him. I let him show


    his affection to me willingly and embrace his warmth.


    "Undo it." My voice cracked at my words. I looked at him determined. "There must have a way to undo


    it."


    He growled dangerously.


    "I said undo it! I don''t want to bear your mark!" I shouted angrily.


    He growled once again. This time veins pop out of his face, arms, and neck. His eyes shed from sea-


    blue to red. Fur started to show, ripping his shirt into the process. I was sure his wolf nails started to


    show too of how blood drips from his hands.


    "S-stt-op!" He said in a painful voice.


    Xyrus was breathing hard. He was fighting his wolf for dominance.


    "T-talk to your wolf, h-he might know how to undo it."


    "I told you to stop!" He growled menacingly. He cried out of pain as his shirt ripped fully apart, fur visible


    on his chest.


    Panic crept in me at the sight of him. I wasn''t sure if I was safe anymore with his wolf.


    "Runnn." He whispered harshly. He seemed to be in pain. He was now crouched on the ground,


    struggling for control. Few more minutes before the transformationpletes its work.


    Unsure of what to do, I stepped back and had blink several times. If I have to fight, I will fight but there''s


    this nagging feeling that I should instead have run.


    Xyrus'' face started to contort that of his wolf. Teeth elongated into canines, outward paws reced his


    hands, he moved his face upward facing the sky just as his screams turn into a howl.


    A voice boomed in my head, rming all my senses at his words which put fear in my heart.


    "Run Willow run!"


    I need not be told twice as I leaped in the air transforming into my wolf and ran faster than I ever did


    before.

 Chapter 23: You never listen to what I say

    Chapter 23: You never listen to what I say


    Sky ran past trees fast as lightning ever so keen on dodging logs and rocks, determine to conquer its


    quest - his chosen.


    Xyrus hopelessly watched the scene through his wolf''s eyes, still determined to get the upper hand but


    his wolf was persistent. He lost control over his wolf. The legendary wolf is known for its temper, its


    alpha blood wouldn''t allow insults, and the need to punish whoever was it is strong and wicked.


    Xyrus always kept Sky, his wolf, at bay. The wolf must have been insulted fairly by Willow''s words of


    not epting its mark. Its ego was tainted.


    ''Sky! If u do something to Willow I swear you will regret it!'' Xyrus said harshly that his wolf flinched a


    bit. But it didn''t say anything, instead quickened its pace.


    The battle of dominance between the two of them treads in a thin line. No one would ever know the


    consequences fated not until one overthrew the other. He tried to concentrate once again, imagining


    the transformation from fur to the flesh. He has to do it real fast before his wolf does its wicked deed.


    Sky slowed down and howled painfully as its fur turned to flesh that of a man. The soul battled with the


    spirit. The transformation was beginning but an eerie scream of a woman made the wolf ear''s perked


    and gain the upper hand once more.


    The smell of fresh blood mixed in the air. Sky moved faster, finding a dry branch like a torch and


    covered with blood. Drips of blood-soaked in the snow creating a map for whoever it was who injured


    herself.


    The wolf followed the path of red while sniffing the snow. This time it was not in a hurry, rather it''s


    careful not to frighten more its weakened prey. Soon the search ended as a nearby shadow of a


    womanid on the snow. She was breathing hard and her hand clutching her side which blood still


    leaving her body.


    The snow served as a nket on her, hiding well parts she intended not to be seen. The fate that has


    befallen her wouldn''t take away her dignity. She promised herself. A tear fell on her eye as she gazed


    at the dim sky above and the littlest of snow descends gracefully on her face.


    This was it. She will die tonight. She can''t even protect herself and that pained her more than anything


    else. Of how weak she still is even after all these years. She hates being herself. She hates everything


    she is. She didn''t know one is capable of hating herself too much. She wanted to be anything else she


    is not.


    She heard footstepsing and saw a shadow of a man. The battle ended as flesh-dominated fur. She


    averted her eyes when he gazed at her worriedly.


    Xyrus'' heart constricted when he saw herying on the snow, blood soaking her left side. He was


    anxious. He stepped forward afraid she will panic.


    "Don''t," Willow said painfully. A small piece of wood was still pierced on her flesh, Violet can''t heal her


    not until the piece departs her flesh.


    "You''re not healing..." He was getting more anxious as seconds passed. He can see the tip of the wood


    on her exposed side. He took another step.


    "You are not going anywhere near me." She lifted her face to meet his.


    ''The ever-stubborn woman'' he thought. He took thest remaining step and kneeled on her side,


    careful not to touch her wound. He brushed off some snow on her face but she looked to the other side,


    avoiding meeting his eyes.


    "You never listen to what I say." Sheined.


    He chuckled at her words. True to it, he doesn''t. "It''s for your good Willow."


    "Where''s your kindest, gentlest, patient, lovable wolf?" She questioned sarcastically.


    He did not reply, just took a deep breath and inspected her wound. Thankful for the pile of snow


    covering her, his face burned in warm embarrassment. She will be the death of her, he was sure of it.


    He carefully brushed off some snow on her wound which she flinched.


    "Hold your breath princess, I''m taking the wood off, it''s not deep but will cause you pain."


    "Okay." She mumbled, closing her eyes.


    "Ready?" He whispered.


    "R-ready." He covered her lips with his other hand exining to her, she could bite it to subside the


    pain. She nodded her head.


    A painful moan escaped her lips as he pulled off the thing that stopped her from healing fully. She bit


    his hand hard as she felt the pain strongly until it subsided to numbness. Violet finally able to heal her.


    "It will heal soon." Xyrus brushed off some more snow on her face and she felt something wet fell on


    her face. She took his hand on her own and sighed guiltily.


    "You''re bleeding. I think I bit you hard."


    "Nothing I can''t handle; besides I don''t feel it. Don''t worry." Xyrus smiled at her as he took her hands


    and lifted them on his lips and kissed her knuckles one by one, all the way not taking his eyes off her.


    His lips lingered from one knuckle longer than thest.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A bolt of electricity spread from where his lips touch her hand and made her stomach felt tingly. His


    intense gaze made its way through her heart as she felt the warmth within filled her being. She blushed


    at the thought.


    "Feeling better?" He smiled knowingly. He knows her growing attraction to him but she was so stubborn


    to admit it to herself.


    "Yes¡­" She trailed off. "But I still hate you."


    "If you say so, princess." Again, he gave her that annoying knowing smile.


    Of how much he wants to kiss her so bad this very moment under the halo of snow throughout the


    night, he couldn''t tell her nor do it. Afraid he might not be able to stop himself from further advances.


    Her Willow, unlike any girl. She is a fragile one but brave at heart like the warrior she is. She is beautiful


    the way she is from her fiery hair to her fiery spirit. She just does not see it the way he does.


    A growl escaped from his lips as his wolf Sky once again try to gain control over him. He gripped his


    hair as he swayed back and forth until he fell on the ground shaking violently. His eyes shifted from


    sea-blue to red ones. He screamed as the pain renew, traveling to his every


    limb.

 Chapter 24: My nightmare has found me.

    Chapter 24: My nightmare has found me.


    (Third person pov)


    The transformation was beginning again, but Xyrus was fighting it all to stop the process. The beastly


    nature of his wolf should not unfold tonight, he thought, not in front of his Willow when his wolf''s target


    is the same girl he had loved through the years.


    Willow scooted away, witnessing again an internal battle between a wolf and a man. He was in deep


    pain. Fur visible on his arms yet he was still on his human form. He looked at her. His red eyes were


    full of agony meeting her moss green pair. As if he was telling him to turn away and not see him like


    this.


    Her mouth gawked open and she was frozen to the spot in shock, only now realizing that he has the


    eyes of blood. His wolf does. Fragments of every clue fell into ce like a puzzle.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    The mark...the Blood Moon Pack¡­red fur wolf¡­with red eyes.


    She had read about it in books. An ancient blood wolf, born with red blood eyes. It is a curse.


    There must be a reason why Xyrus does not always shift into his wolf. He is quite famous and feared


    even among alphas for his unmatched strength and cunning ways. He never loses a battle with


    anyone, proof of it was at the mate hunt. His beast is a nightmare that if released fully will bring chaos


    and destruction.


    She now realized why he did not shift at the Mate Hunt. Xyrus likes her but his wolf doesn''t. Sky is a


    beast that does not favor anyone.


    Though Sky saved her at the challenge with Ehren Xyrus still has control over him then. Its eyes back


    then were a sea-blue like Xyrus human form, but not today. Getting your wolf¡¯s true eyes means the


    human spirit loses control over the wolf¡¯s soul. Like what happens to some Rogues.


    Xyrus never feared anyone nor anything since he was a child. And yet, for the first time in his life, his


    heart skipped a beat at the sight of fear from her eyes. He felt his own fear torn his heart to pieces at


    the thought of Willow scared of who really, he is.


    "Willow..." He said struggling, still clutching the ground of snow surrounding him. He coughed blood


    and tried to reach one hand towards her.


    Her gaze turned to his outstretched hand where two ws popped out already and fur covering his


    arms. She scooted farther away.


    He saw it and his heart shattered into million pieces. The fear in her eyes was killing him. Yet enough to


    give him more strength to control his wolf. With a loud cry, he tried again to overthrow his wolf. Fur


    slowly disappearing, ws and canines retracting, blood oozed at the traces of failed transformation.


    But the physical pain he felt reced into something more unbearing when he didn''t saw her where


    she was moments ago.


    Like what do people say, the ache in the body is nothingpares to the ache in the heart.


    She had left him... There in the cold... On his own.


    ***


    (Willow¡¯s pov)


    ¡®Sky doesn''t want me.¡¯ For some unknown reasons I couldn''t decipher, an ache in my heart wouldn''t go


    away, making my breathing rigid almost shallow. Like I was hit a thousand times straight through my


    heart.


    The transformation was happening again, an internal battle renewed what was supposed to end a while


    ago. Xyrus was struggling to stay in his human form, to keep his beast away from me.


    My thoughts were to run far away from him. But seeing him suffering made me rethink if I can leave the


    alpha like this. Especially after his kindness moments ago.


    "Willow..." He called out struggling, still clutching the ground of snow surrounding him. He coughed


    blood and tried to reach one hand towards me. Two ws already popped out his outstretched hand


    and fur covers his arms.


    His agony reached into me. I can feel his pain visible from his eyes which shattered my heart more.


    Why do I feel this way?


    I want to... hold him near me... No... It can''t be. I cannot. But... how could this happen? Fear consumed


    me realizing what he means to me and what I feel for him. I scooted farther away, unsure of what to do.


    His fear crawled onto the irises of his eyes like a mirror of his soul. What would he fear about? I looked


    away almost with regret, the weight of the truth was too much and I can''t take it anymore.


    I shifted into my wolf, run like the coward I am, far from him. I left him, there in the cold on his own.


    I ran and ran farther away, but the more distance created, the more the ache in my heart intensified. It


    felt like there was a red thread that ties me to him, the more I pulled away, the more I''m hurting. Tears


    rolled down my wolf eyes.


    Reaching my destination, I slowed down and walked slowly near theke. I let myself be lost in


    thoughts as I dipped one paw on theke, loving its coldness. Yet the turmoil I am in continued to haunt


    me, unforgiving and painful.


    My solitude was short-lived in a snap of a twig, alerting my senses. An intruder. Violet perked her ear,


    listening carefully. I smelled him right before he spoke. My blood went cold.


    "Toy doll."


    My nightmare has found me.

 Chapter 25: You are our little princess

    Chapter 25: You are our little princess


    FLASHBACK (Willow''s age 4)


    "Papa, what you doin''?"


    Little Willow looked skeptical at his father''s painting as she pouted and bend her head sideways.


    Masonughed heartily at her daughter''s antics.


    "Oh, papa you got paint on your face," She said with big eyes pointing her little forefinger on her face


    where her papa was smeared with paint. She looked at her mama over her shoulder and whispered


    low. "Mama''s gonna be angry."


    Mason boomed inughter again as he scooped her little daughter in his arms and showed her his


    painting. It was a messy painting of a wolf, a scarlet wolf with white hollow eyes.


    "That is mama''s wolf sweetheart. Look, is she as beautiful as mama?"


    Mason is the alpha of the Storm Forest Pack of the north. A peaceful living pack near the mountains.


    His wife, Lily, and her little Willow are his most precious treasure in the world.


    He could only hope that the rumored war against the royals is nothing but a bluff. He and his pack are a


    strong alliance of alpha Caden, the reigning king of wolves. Her lovely wife is a royalty herself, a far


    rtive of the royal family.


    "Pretty papa." She smiled at her father. ¡°Will I be like mama?"


    "Of course, you will sweetheart." He kissed her forehead. If thingse to worst, he wouldn''t let


    anything happen to his family.


    He whispered at her yfully. "Now, who wants to y hide and seek."


    At hearing his papa''s word, she beamed and ran onto her mama. "Mama, mama, papa said we y


    hide and seek."


    Lily smiled at her daughter. She just finished unpacking their afternoon snack from the woven basket.


    The wind blew and she reached the ends of the pic cloth to stop it from flying but her scarlet hair


    messed up with the wind. Mason came and kissed her on the forehead, love visible in their eyes as


    they stared at each other.


    Willow pouted, pulling her mama''s arm. "Come on mama, papa''s gotta catch us."


    "You want to y baby?" Lily yfully asked her daughter which thetter enthusiastically nod and


    pulled her arm once more. "Alright, alright." She chuckled and sing the first two lines.


    "Little wolfe and run,


    Little Willow hum around,"


    Her father joined the singing while Willow giggled.


    "Twisting toes,


    Swirling fun,"


    "In count of one,


    Let''s take a run,"


    Mason leaned his head on the tree trunk, ready to count up ''til ten after the song.


    "The wind whispered three"


    Lily held Willow''s little hands on her own, giving her daughter an encouraging smile.


    "Two hushes more it can be."


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Willow giggled once more.


    "Roaring wolf make it one."


    Lily and Willow sprinted at the forest just as Mason started counting ten. They wereughing as they


    entered the forest but were soon cut off as a group of wolves appeared out of nowhere.


    Lily quickly put Willow behind her and growled at the wolves just as arge midnight wolf covered them


    both from view in a protective stance. It growled furiously at the intruders.


    "Mason!" Lily said worriedly. There were at least ten wolves in front of them.


    "Lily take Willow away. I can handle this, now go!"


    Lily shifted on her scarlet wolf and carried a crying Willow on her back.


    Chaos. That''s all they saw when they reached the packhouse.  The warriors were fighting against what


    Lily distinguished as Darkwood Pack, one of the packs who want the royalties ruling to end.


    Blood was everywhere, dead bodies littered the ground, the once peaceful pack of Storm Forest had


    shed blood in the hands of Darkwood.


    ¡®The war must have started¡¯, Lily thought. She hurriedly went inside up to her daughter''s room and


    mind-linked two warriors to guard the door. She locked it and took on her teeth Mr. Cushcush, Willow''s


    teddy bear as her head nudged Willow inside the closet.


    "Willow baby, listen carefully, hide in the closet, and don''t make a single sound, don''te out until I


    ordered you to." She mind-linked at her daughter.


    A crying Willow hugged her mama''s neck at least what she could reach with her two little hands. "Will


    papa be alright?"


    "Yes baby, papa''s gonna be alright. Papa''s strong and so is mama. We love you Willow. You are our


    little princess." Lily consoled her daughter. Her wolf licked her daughter''s face and nudged her again


    inside the closet.


    "Now go inside. I will protect you. I am just here."


    Willow tried to findfort in the clothes that surrounded her, acting like a shield. Her mama will


    protect her and she believed it. Sounds of growls echoed from the outside, a fight of wolves to wolves,


    something crashed on the door creating a splitting sound of woods.


    Willow heard her mama growled furiously to which series of growls replied. She couldn''t see anything,


    nothing but a frequent growl, things crashing on the floor, a whine that didn''t sound like her mama, and


    a lot of fighting.


    More and more wolves entered her room. She closed her eyes and hugged Mr. Cushcush, tears were


    rolling in her eyes. A familiar whine reached her ears, a fatal howl, followed by a loud thud, a sound of


    someone falling.


    She held her teddy bear close to her heart and covered her mouth with her hand to suppress her


    scream of agony. She rocked herself back and forth to findfort but to no avail. Next thing she knew


    she was being dragged by her hair with rough hands outside the packhouse. She was tossed in the


    ground and her knee was scraped by some rocks.


    She looked around and saw other children in the same position she was in, bend on their knees. Lots


    were crying, trying to reach their dead parents but they were being held back by vicious wolves.


    She tried to focus on finding her parents and that''s when she saw her papa soaked with blood sitting


    on the ground. His eyes looking afar, the once glint on his eyes vanished and seemed lifeless.


    On his armsid his loving wife, lifeless and beaten.


    She screamed and run to her mama but a boy blocked her path. He was two years past her age, blond


    hair, and tall. His smile was scary and Willow took one step backward. Suddenly the boy lifted his hand


    and pointed at her.


    "I want her father."

 Chapter 26: Make tomorrow never come

    Chapter 26: Make tomorrow nevere


    FLASHBACK (Willow''s age 13)


    "Make tomorrow nevere." Willow prayed each night before she sleeps but her prayer never


    answered, her misery never ends.


    It had been almost nine years since she was taken captive along with the other children and adults


    whose lives were spared. The war had ceased a couple of years ago but they remained as ves of


    Darkwood Pack. No signs of rescuing what was left of their pack on its previous glory.


    She however was treated wellpared to others if eating three times a day and not working from


    sunrise to sunset were the basis.


    But fate wasn''t so kind to her either. She was Jasper''s toy doll, the alpha''s son. She was forced to y


    with him when she was a child. A broken child with a broken heart.


    However, things changed when Jasper grew up and made friends at school, taking home girls as well.


    She had to clean their mess, prepare food for him and wash his clothes.


    During spare time, she steals one of his books and reads on her bed at the servants¡¯ quarters, but


    bringing it back before he went home. It was hard at first because she was never allowed to go to


    school yet she patiently read word afterword.


    It wasn''t until a month before Jasper''s first shifting that her world turned into a nightmare. He started to


    notice her again. She always caught him staring at her and never taking his eyes away.


    She felt nervous each time she saw him staring. Her instinct tells her something was amiss. She had


    changed into a youngdy of her age at thirteen and tried to hide her figure with the worn-out, shabby


    clothes they were graced with.


    Willow''s pack members too started to notice Jasper''s excess kindness to their alpha''s only daughter.


    They noticed how lovely Willow had be, just like her mother and that bothers them.


    It wasn''t helping their alpha himself; Mason lives a dead life. He does what he was told like a robot with


    eyes that look distant as always. He never talks, never did even spare a nce at her daughter for


    years. The death of his chosen had killed his spirit.


    A night fated came like a snake with poison when a guard knocked at the servant''s quarters in the


    middle of the night.


    Old Helena hesitantly opened the door, troubled like the others for each knows what it means. Before


    the knock, a scream was heard which turned into a growling from Jasper''s room. The alpha''s son


    had shifted for the first time.


    "Willow,e with me. The new alpha requested your presence."


    Gasps and meek cries echoed the in dull room as all stared at their precious alpha''s daughter. They


    knew this day woulde. Mason was staring at a distance again, no life in his eyes and deaf of his


    daughter''s pleas of protest as the guards took her by her arms.


    Willow was scared for some reason. The look on their faces was enough to tell her this will not go well


    on her.


    Before she knew it, she was tossed inside the room and stumbled on the floor. The room was dark and


    it took her seconds before her sight adjusted. There in the bed sat a shirtless Jasper with a nket


    draped over his lower body.


    "Come here Willow don''t be shy." Willow could tell he had changed physically. He had gained muscles


    and his smile was cynical like he was plotting something bad.


    "You-you called for me?" She was nervous and her hands were shaking.


    "Sit here." He patted a seat on his side, extending his hands for her to reach.


    Jasper never treated her like this, she always makes sure she is out of his way. The oddity of the


    situation scares her. A nagging feeling tells her to run instead and nevere back.


    "N-no" She silently whispered, taking a step back instead until she felt the doorknob. She twisted it but


    it was locked.


    He chuckled and stood up, making the nket dropped on the floor. He was wearing a short and


    Willow couldn''t help but noticed he gained few meters tall, probably past his previous height of 6 foot.


    "Fine, if you don''t want to then I would." He approached her and caged her with his arms on either side


    of her head. She ducked under his arm and tried to open the window but it was locked too.


    "I see, you like to y games first." He shook his head, enjoying her difort. ¡°I love a good chase."


    "Stop this, it''s not funny!" She pleaded, she kept looking around the room, finding something that could


    protect her.


    "But this should be fun."


    He lunged at her, trapping her on the wall while holding her hands above her head. She screamed for


    help but he pped her hard, silencing herpletely as she felt dizzy at how forceful it was.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    A tear fell on her face as she felt his nose on her neck, inhaling her scent. His breath was hot on her


    skin which disgusts her and more tears fell from her hopeless situation.


    Suddenly the door was broken down from its hinges and she blinked her eyes to clear her sight.


    Jasper''s body left him as someone threw him on the wall forcefully.


    "Papa." She said unbelievingly as more tears blurred her sight. Her papa¡¯s here. He had rescued her.


    Mason hugged her daughter as she sobbed. Her screams awaken a part of him that died and his wolf.


    He had failed her daughter; he had failed his wife Lily. The guilt was killing him, how can he forget her


    little Willow.


    "Let''s go, before he wakes up."


    Jasper wasying on the floor, unconscious. Mason and Willow hurriedly ran outside. Mason''s pack


    members were already fighting the Darkwood Pack warriors, putting their life at risk for the sake of their


    precious Willow.


    After all, it is better to die a noble death than to live a life of shame.


    "For Willow!" They all shouted, wolves howling, as they bravely fight together against the cruel


    Darkwood. Old and young, fiercely protecting her dignity.


    And that broke her heart of able to live in exchange for their lives.

 Chapter 27: She is mine

    Chapter 27: She is mine


    He had found me.


    I couldn''t be wrong. His voice etched in my soul like a scar tainting the skin. Somehow, I knew we were


    meant to cross paths sooner than never. For fate had already linked our paths since we were a child.


    "You sure are a remarkable one, toy doll I must say. Hiding from me all these years, you kept me on the


    watch." His silhouette came out from arge rock beside theke. My enhanced senses started to kick


    in, trying to see through the dark.


    Snow slightly covered his bare feet up to his ankle. He was wearing dark fitted pants which were


    purposely cut loose below his knees. His ck shirt was printed with the words ''DAMN RIGHT!'' in


    white. Push-back blond hair fell just above his shoulder and he has two small ck pearl earrings on


    both ears. Jasper''s face portrays that of a very confident yet dangerous man.


    He didn''t change much but grew manlier and looks stronger. A haunting smile zed his lips as we


    assessed each other''s features. He leaned on the rock and crossed his hands across his chest.


    "Purple, eh? I thought you would get that bloody color your mother was so proud of." He smirked


    insultingly and muttered something like ''stupid royals''.


    A loud vicious growl escaped from me at his disrespect. Paws outward grazing the cold winter snow, I


    roared once more with another threatening sound.


    I may not know her well except for some short memories locked in my childhood dreams but I would


    never let him mock my mother in any way and get away with it.


    "Hush toy doll, easy, easy there."He said while waving his hand like I was some sort of dog to tame


    with. A lopsided smile drew on his face and his eyes lit up.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Why don''t you shift toydoll so I could see how much I''d been missing these past cold years without


    you." He said unashamedly.


    ¡®How dare he!¡¯ I felt my anger morphing into pure loathe, I gritted my canines together and prepared


    myself to attack as I bend my paws and head and was about to lunge when a shadow flew past me in a


    wink of an eye akin to lightning speed. So fast that I had to blink my eyes out of shock.


    The air was disturbed by the sudden motion and a wisp flew on my face. I was left gaping at the scene


    ahead as my eyes settled on a shirtless man holding Jasper on his neck high above the ground. Xyrus!


    My heart twisted in a thousand knots and my breath caught up. He is here. Xyrus is here!


    "No one talks to Willow like that and gets away with it," Xyrus whispered low in a threatening way. He


    lowered Jasper on his eye level, unaffected by thetter trying to get away then bam! He mmed


    Jasper on the rock with all force that the rock even smashed into many cracks and let his limp body fell.


    My heart quickened its pace, shock at what has just transpired when I felt a hand softly caressing my


    fur. Xyrus was already standing beside me, a shirt in his hand, and motioned on a tree nearby.


    "Dress up princess."


    Still dumbfounded, I took the shirt on my teeth and trod behind the tree. I scanned the area first before I


    shifted back and put his ck shirt on. It fell an inch above my knee.


    Jasper must have recovered because heughed while shaking his head. He was still on the ground


    sprawled and visible pain shows on his eyes at probably some broken ribs healing.


    "Bad toydoll, you''ve got yourself a boyfriend." He said in a scratched voice and spit blood. He tried to


    sit up and face us.


    "Pray tell me why should I spare your life because believe me when I say you won''t see the sunrise


    tomorrow." Xyrus spat dangerously, balled his hands, and took a threatening step forward.


    Jasper just brushed it off and tried to stand up. He managed but with difficulty.


    "Won''t you even ask who I am?" He looked my way and smirked. "nor who I am to her?"


    Jasper''s hungry stare made me feel sick worse than dirt I can''t wait to scrub off my skin. Xyrus


    suddenly shielded me from the devil''s prying eyes with a grunt.


    "Take your eyes off her, she is MINE!" He said with pure loathing. "You just gave me another reason to


    kill you."


    "She was mine first, my ve," Jasper said irritated. "I got all the rights to take her with me."


    "I do not care who you are or what you are to her." Xyrus spat with the same fervor. "She now belongs


    to me and I will kill anyone who tries to take her away from me."


    Jasper didn''t fire back but stared at Xyrus hard and calcting. The smile on his face slowly fading,


    probably came to his senses that Xyrus wouldn''t give me away just like that.


    I inched near Xyrus. He looked at me over his shoulder. He has a hard expression that gives away a


    feeling ''we need to talkter.''


    Traces of dry blood still lingered on his tanned skin. He was wearing ck shorts that touch his knees.


    Even his back looks gorgeous and sexy in a manlier way.


    I forced my eyes to look away and red at the devil in front of me instead.


    "I was never yours!" I said with so much hatred I could put in those words.


    "Oh, so you can talk." Jasper arched his brows together, faking a surprising look. "Toy doll...you wound


    me so bad." He faked hurt.


    "Call her that again and it would be yourst words." Xyrus threatened in a calm yet chilling tone.


    "You think you could scare me huh?!" Jasper spit out blood and wiped his mouth with the back of his


    hand.


    "I am not scaring you, but you should be." Xyrus fired back.


    I saw a sh of uneasiness on Jasper but he hardened his face. "Words could be deceiving, let''s see


    what you''ve got."


    Is he for real?! He was just lying on the snow moments ago with broken bones if not for his werewolf


    healing ability!


    "I already had." Xyrus countered back. He bent his neck left and right and stretched his arms. Then he


    hunched his back, ready to shift.


    Jasper did the same.

 Chapter 28: This is Sky, his unleashed beast

    Chapter 28: This is Sky, his unleashed beast


    Just as they would shift, I reached Xyrus'' arm to stop him. I gasped as bolts of electricity pricked the


    palm of my hand and pleasantly traveled through my body. My mind was engulfed by a foreign emotion


    I do not want to recognize.


    The feeling was so overwhelming that it scares the heck out of me. He must have felt it too because he


    stilled and slowly turned at my hand in his arm then to my eyes. The moment I met his warm gaze, I


    knew I was in trouble and it has nothing to do with his mark on me.


    ''What did you do to me?''  I thought.


    ''Just like what you are doing to me'' His soft voice entered my mind like a melody lulling me to sleep.


    "Don''t read my mind." I intend to sound it strong but it ended in a whisper.


    "I can''t help it."


    I red at him. "This isn''t your fight, I need to settle scores with him, not you..."


    He shook his head and inched his face closer to mine, his breath cooling my face.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Have you forgotten princess?"


    "Forgotten what?" I asked breathless, affected by the intensity of those sea-blue irises.


    He searched my eyes like he was reading my soul. "I told you... you don''t have to face everything alone


    anymore.¡±


    And for a moment, I want to believe his words, the sincerity of those words moved me. I felt genuine


    happiness. Somethingcking in my life for so long now. It stirred something inside, like a fire lighting


    up hope.


    "Noone''s going to die for me again" I blurted out unconsciously.


    His brows creased and blinked twice. "What did you say?"


    "She said she is a murderer." Jasper intervened with a haunting smirked that reminds me of his face


    years ago when west met. The same smirk he has back then.


    "You killed them! You killed them all!" I shouted, pointing an using finger at him. "You and your


    disgusting pack!"


    "Oh,e on Willow." He rolled his eyes. "It''s not like they died for nobody."


    "You killed my father!" I yelled and blinked the tears away, threatening to fall.


    "And he died for you, does that make sense?" He shouted back. "If you just y along with me maybe


    he and your pack--"


    "Shut up!" The guilt I felt all these years tripled a thousand times. His words cut deep, touching wounds


    bound to never heal.


    "You heard her." Xyrus intervened. I can feel his intense stare burning the side of my face. But I dare


    not to look his way, afraid of what he might think of me.


    "Let''s get this over with." Xyrus challenged.


    "Yeah, let''s get this over" Jasper agreed.


    Bones snapped to realign that of a wolf, nails turned to ws, hands to paws, skin reced by thick fur


    red as blood and blond almost white. Their howls and growls echoed throughout the forest.


    A thick cloak draped around my shoulder and I look to see Tash and the rest of our warriors emerging


    from trees that surround us. Some of them in wolf form.


    "We''re toote." Luna Fae said worriedly as she covered her mouth with her hand.


    "Willow, are you alright? What happened? Do you know that guy?" I heard Tash asked but I was too


    engrossed with the fight.


    The fight indeed hadmenced. Both alphas trying to get to each other''s neck, ws outward intend


    to kill the other in one strike. No mercy showed in every move as each trying to get the upper hand.


    Jasper was thrown on the ground forcefully with one move, creating a scraping sound of ws. Yet he


    stood back in instant and jumped over Xyrus again, determined to win the fight.


    However, Xyrus was no doubt more cunning and wickedly elusive as each attack he managed to block


    or dodge. He moves perfectly in tune like a true mighty warrior of his kind.


    "Oh goddess, those eyes." Luna Fae whispered worriedly.


    "Somebody must stop him before it is toote." I heard Alpha Caden said.


    Xyrus was indeed merciless as attack after another attack he draws blood and inflicting fatal injuries


    that even with a werewolf healing ability, would be hard to heal.


    The blond wolf''s fur was matted with blood everywhere andrge open wounds could be seen clearly.


    Jasper was heaving and gradually losing his strength.


    "This is Sky... his unleashed beast! " I muttered both in awe and worry as I witnessed firsthand the


    legendary wolf.


    "He won''t stand for too long." Alpha Caden said in a hard tone.


    The fight was fair yet unfair in all sense. For Jasper was sure betting on his death as the battle go on. A


    weak whimper came out of him when Xyrus get a hold of his neck with canines buried brutally on his


    flesh.


    "Xyrus...please don''t do this." Luna Fae pleaded, shaking her head. "You knew all too well this is just a


    ploy."


    ''What ploy?'' I thought. ''What are they talking about?''


    "Xyrus..." Alpha Caden called out. "You know what''s at stake."


    He growled at his father still not removing his canines on now stilled Jasper.


    Alpha Caden lifted his chin with dignity and looked at his son''s wolf straight through his scarlet irises.


    "Son...do you think she''s worth the risk?"


    And just what I felt he would respond, Xyrus looked at me, his eyes changing from red ones to their


    mesmerizing sea-blue, then moved his head in what seems like a nod.


    ''He thought I was worth more than anything else.'' And that meant a lot to me.


    My own scream filled my ears with horror as he snapped Jasper''s head still not removing his stare on


    me.


    Slowly, Xyrus released Jasper, sending thetter''s body on the ground, unmoving.


    Step by step he walked towards me, still in wolf form, until he was only a breath away. I stood reaching


    half his height. My heart thudded as he lowered his head leveled in mine. He nudged his moist nose in


    my forehead and I wiped it with the back of my hand. But he got another n as he licked my face and


    softly growled, nudging my forehead once again.


    ''Are you alright princess?''


    He mind-linked.


    ''How do you feel?'' I asked.


    ''Better, now that you are near me. I won''t let anything harm you I promise you that.''


    "Son." Alpha Caden intervened. "You know what this means¡­the war."


    "What war?" I ask confused.


    "A war has just begun." Luna Fae finished.

 Chapter 29: A war has just begun

    Chapter 29: A war has just begun


    "A war has just begun." Luna Fae finished.


    Her jaw tensed up while staring at me with mixed emotions different from the motherly care I''m used to.


    It''s like she was unwrapping on her mind the little pieces of secrets that I am, not that I can me her


    though.


    "Soon, blood will shed and lives will be taken. It''s just a matter of time before the council will know what


    transpired here. They will know. They always do." She spoke.


    "But the war has stop years ago. It can''t be. No way there is a waring, just¡­not possible." I shook


    my head, unbelieving and pondering the ordeal we''ve got ourselves into.


    I was expecting everyone to soon agree with me but no one did. The others took their time looking at


    the ground or elsewhere and it seemed everyone knows something I don''t.


    "Willow..." Tash hesitated.


    "Luna, what Jasper has to do with the war?" I asked, determined to cross understanding of why his


    death meant something other than what supposed it was.


    "You know the boy." Alpha Caden stated perceptively.


    "Yes..." I hesitated, finding the right words to say. Observing everyone as to what I am about to reveal. I


    had been keeping this my whole life, maybe this is the right time to let go of the past.


    ¡°Fourteen years ago, his father, the alpha of Darkwood pack, attacked us and made us all ve, what


    was left of us," I confessed.


    Tash gasped. "I - I... you never told me that. Y-you even lied! You said you''re an orphan and a rogue


    ever since."


    Hurt shed on my best friend¡¯s face and guilt instantly washed over me knowing I lied to her about my


    past. Of all people, after all she has done for me. I should have told her but I was so coward to do so.


    "Tash, I--" How am I supposed to defend myself from lies? But she already turned her back to me.


    "Interesting." Alpha Caden whispered after a moment, curiosity lingered in his eyes then his gaze


    shifted from mine to whoever was on my back. "I do wish to tell you but it is not my portion to share


    with."


    I felt a hard chest slightly touching my back, so close that I could smell his rich alluring scent. Xyrus


    buried his nose in my hair, inhaling my scent just above my ear, partly kissing my probably messy


    ginger hair.


    He wasn''t touching me at all yet him burying half his face on my hair made me feel tingly and warmth


    rose traitorously on my cheeks.


    "Are you tired, princess?" He whispered in my ear, making me redder than I probably am.


    "Y-yeah" I stuttered.


    His body felt warm andforting under the now fading halo of snow. My breath caught up in my


    throat as he suddenly spun me around facing him.


    His chest colliding in mine, my body fitting his perfectly in a tight,forting hug. This time, he buried


    his nose in my neck, his breath tickling my exposed skin creating a tingling sensation that spreads


    through my body making my knees felt wobbly. I stay still, not daring to move as I was sumbed by


    his undeniably possessive hold. Forgetting everyone else.


    "Who is he to you?" He whispered; his deep voiceced with something else.


    "Someone I ran from," I replied.


    "Do you like him?" He paused. I could feel his muscles tensed up just by the way his body felt rigid and


    arms tighten more on my waist, too tight.


    "N-no."


    He sighed, giving me goosebumps on how hot his breath grazing my skin. "Good."


    "Son, you need to tell her." Alpha Caden intervened. There''s a finality in his tone which left for no


    discussion. "As what the odds are, both of you dragged each other into this ordeal."


    "You cannot shield her forever to what she is supposed to know the moment you chose her." Luna Fae


    added which left me more confused.


    What am I supposed to know?


    What are they hiding from me?


    All these years with this pack I thought I was the one keeping secrets. Truth be told, I was not the only


    one.


    Xyrus hesitated to release me only to intertwine our hands like I was to disappear any moment and


    holding my hand will keep me to his side.


    ''What do you think you''re doing?'' I mind-linked him, ring at his hand sped in mine.


    ''What I should have done the moment I defeated you at that stupid Mate Hunt'' He grinned, defiance


    oozing from him. He was daring me to disobey him.


    "What are you supposed to tell me?" I asked out loud.


    He sighed andbed his other hand on his hair, messing it. "I''m tired, let''s talk about this tomorrow. I


    expect all of you on the training field first thing in the morning."


    "Son." Alpha Caden said, catching his attention. They stared at each other like they were having a


    private conversation.


    Xyrus'' hold on me tighten and shielded me from his father. He red at him and voiced out. "I know


    what I am doing."


    Alpha Caden shook his head and dismissed everyone. Each went their own way to the packhouse,


    leaving Gabbiel and Carter to dispose of the body. I caught a glimpse at Tash, disappointment shows


    on her features as she went away.


    Xyrus pulled me in the direction of the packhouse but I stood my ground.  No way I''m waiting until the


    morrow for answers.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''m not telling you anything." He sighed, igniting my irritation. "Not until tomorrow."


    "No, you will tell me everything." I stubbornly said. "NOW."


    "As much as I like this side of you, I don''t have time for this princess." He resigned. He looked tired


    more than before and I felt my body protest from exhaustion.


    "You, promising to tell me everything tomorrow?" I hesitated.


    "As I should." He nodded.

 Chapter 30: Willow, I know youre awake

    Chapter 30: Willow, I know you''re awake


    Droplets of water gloriously cascading and massaging my back in a soft prickling way. The coolness


    seeping through my skin as my mind drifting elsewhere.


    Lifeless eyes of a blond wolf staring nowhere, still haunt me every time I close my eyes. Jasper is


    dead. I should not dwell on it. No one''s after me anymore. I am finally free. Yet something in my gut


    tells me it was just the beginning.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    What Xyrus might not be telling me? Would it change my life again? Am I so engrossed with my own


    nightmare that I never cared to see he has his own demons?


    The solution for my nightmare apparently from what I understand was the beginning of his own. I


    closed my eyes, promising myself to get answers tomorrow. It can wait.


    A soft knock echoed from my bedroom door. I quickly turned off the shower and put on a robe and


    wrapped my hair in a short towel.


    I stared at the wooden door debating whether to open it or not. Xyrus was outside my door. He knocked


    again this time louder. "Princess... I know you''re there..." He called out.


    These new profound feelings I have for him would do me no good. I don''t deserve his affection, he''s


    too good for me. Too good to be real. Who knows when he will start to disappear in my life like those


    who are dear to me.


    I can''t bear the agony of losing someone again. It''s too painful.


    "I can''t believe I''m saying this but I''m counting to three. ONE."


    I rolled my eyes ring at the door, of course, he would force his way in.


    "TWO." He said amused yet tirednessced on his tone. "Both of us knew we could do this the easy


    way."


    I took a deep breath, still debating whether to open it and let him in. I don''t trust myself with him


    around.


    "Fine. I''m knocking this down." Xyrus announced to which I quickly opened the door and red at him.


    Half of my body was hidden behind the door.


    "I''m going to sleep, go away," I said and was about to close the door when he ttened his hand on the


    door, pushing it open.


    "What do you want?" I asked irritated. Though I can''t help to notice the asional droplets cascading


    from his damp hair falling on his shoulder like he had rushed to go here even before his hair fully dried.


    His eyes were tired yet there''s a spark in them that wasn''t there before.


    He was wearing a ck v-neck shirt and same colored fitted short blending well with his toned


    complexion.


    A lopsided smile brightened his face, taking my breath away from how gorgeous he is.


    "Sleep."


    "Pardon?" I asked absentmindedly. He was holding a pillow on his other hand to which I arched my


    brows.


    His smile stretched widely while shaking his head. "You amuse me sometimes. I''m going to sleep, we


    are. So open the door wider." He spoke casually like it was normal for him to sleep in my room.


    "No. I-I''m not, I mean, uh, what?" Did I hear him right? I hold the knob tighter, my eyebrows creased at


    his self invitation to sleep in my room. "This is my room, you can''t--"


    "I''m going to sleep in there whether you approve it or not." He intervened, pointing inside my room.


    "Beat me." I challenged. "You can''t just order me around.


    He looked intently at me a moment, shifting from one eye to the other until his gaze fell on my slightly


    parted lips. Something crossed his eyes like he was assessing me in his mind and a mischievous smile


    slowly made its way on his lips.


    He inched his face towards mine. Slowly, nearing to which my eyes almost bugged out. Heart pounding


    wildly in my chest and my mind creating vivid scenarios of what fated to happen.


    Right before he crossed the gap on our lips, I stepped back unconsciously. Cheeks flushing, as heat


    kept crawling on my insides feeling tingly. And, it doesn''t help that my heart thudded widely than it ever


    did before.


    His smile widened as his eyes sparked that of mischiefcing in its hypnotizing irises the color of the


    ocean.


    The sound of the door locking woke me from a trance. I blinked my eyes few more times, can''t believe I


    was distracted enough to let him in.


    "You..." tricked me... I want to say but no words left my mouth as I watched the alpha in front of me.


    His gaze lowered in my body slowly down to my toe and back up to my lips, again and again. His smile


    faded reced by the side of his jaw tensed and his eyes scare me of how intense they were, like fire


    zing with passion. A gulp formed on his throat and he cleared his voice.


    "If you ain''t ready for what I want," He said in a deeper voice than usual. "I suggest put some clothes


    on before I can''t help myself and do things you aren''t ready for." He paused gulping once more felt like


    he was struggling. "...yet."


    It was my time to gulped and moved backward, averting my eyes elsewhere. Ignoring the traitorous


    blush that crept once again in my face, probably redder than I am before.


    Xyrus turned around, his back facing me. Wrinkle stretches on the white cloth wrapped in the pillow of


    how tight he was gripping it.


    "What are you doing? " I asked confusedly.


    "Get dressed."


    "With you in here ?" Disbeliefced in my voice, hiding my embarrassment.


    "Will you prefer me watching?" He teased. "I don''t mind you know--"


    "No!" I said abruptly, so fast that it came out louder.


    "Then get dressed."


    Never in my life did I got to dress with a man in the same room much to be with this alpha who


    happens to be my chosen mate. Embarrassment was not enough word to describe how I feel.


    I quickly rummaged my drawers for a big T-shirt and cotton shorts while purposely checking from time


    to time if he was peeking. Xyrus stood still unmoving, except for the usual movement of his shoulders


    from breathing.


    In no time I was done and was drying my hair. He howeverid in my bed mostly upying all the


    spaces leaving me with a small portion toy on. He wasying on his stomach, arms on either side of


    his head and peacefully breathing on the pillow he had brought with him.


    He looked peaceful. Undeniably handsome as I watched him sleep.


    I gentlyid to the other side, hugging one of my pillows and turning my back to him. I love cuddling a


    pillow when sleeping, it''s aforting gesture to me ever since I left my bear, Mr.cushcush, and


    everything else at home to be burned.


    My mood instantly changed remembering what happened in the forest. He is dead. He''s gone. Arger


    part of me feel relieved yet a tiny part makes me feel this is just the beginning.


    My body felt rigid as I felt warm breath on my neck after a slight movement of the bed. I closed my


    eyes, pretending to sleep.


    "Willow.." My name rolling in deep octave waves made a shiver run down my spine.


    "I know you''re awake."

 Chapter 31: I am sorry Willow

    Chapter 31: I am sorry Willow


    I sighed, opening my eyes and hugging my pillow tighter. "I am trying to sleep Xyrus."


    Xyrus inched his body closer to mine and buried his nose in my hair like he usually does, his arm


    circled my waist. His body felt warm and surprisinglyforting. lt felt like normal for us to cuddle like


    this, far from how bad I thought this idea would be.


    "Willow?" He mumbled.


    "Hmmm."


    "Do you still remember the day I found you at the boundary?"


    "How can I forget." I groaned. "I almost died that day, if it were not for you."


    "It was not me who saved your life, Willow." He spoke.


    I turned upon hearing this, bewildered and lost for words.


    He must have noticed my confusion as he added. "Yes I was the one who killed that rogue who


    attacked you, and brought you to the infirmary...but it was your strong will to survive, which has saved


    you."


    "I do not understand," I confessed.


    He touched the tip of my nose and inched closer. "Do you remember what you told me that day when


    you were dying?"


    I pursed my lips and let out. "I said I want to live."


    "Exactly." He chuckled. "You should have died that day from all your injuries. It was almost impossible


    to save you even with the pack doctor tending your wounds...but something miraculous happened. You


    shifted for the first time, even though, it should be two months more. And your wolf helped you to


    recover, that was why you stayed in wolf form for several days."


    His fingertips brushing my cheek lightly. "You have a strong will and mind. You must have had a hard


    life but you chose to live and that made you survived. It is not because of me Willow, but your courage


    to withstand whateveres your way. And that is one of the things I admire about you."


    "It is the least I could do." My voice cracked from swirling emotions inside of me. "For them, you


    see...my parents, my pack..."


    He wiped the side of my eye but did not speak a word. Listening patiently to what I have to say.


    "I owe them my life. They all died protecting me, I owe them that much." I confided.


    "They love you." He added.


    I gleamed at that.


    Xyrus took a deep breath and moved. Heid on his back while staring at the ceiling. His hands behind


    the back of his head.


    "I am sorry Willow."


    "For what?" I asked. I, too,id on my back and hands folded on my stomach, staring at space.


    "For making you feel trapped like what Jasper did to you and your pack." He uttered.


    I weighed his words in my mind. How possible he knows my deepest thoughts? Then it dawned on me


    that he could read my mind. He marked me.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "You always knew, did you? Why didn''t you tell me?" I demanded.


    "I didn''t at first." His quick reply. "I always wondered why you resist me. It was not until you tried to


    escape me."


    "Xyrus?" I said after a moment of silence.


    "Hmmm?"


    I faced him and noticed his eyes were closed. He looked so calm and rxed.


    "Why me?"


    I saw him slowly opened his eyes and turned. His hooded gaze made me want to melt right there and


    then. Why did I ask that? I scolded myself.


    "Because you are special." He gave a small smile and tucked my hair behind my ear.


    I don''t know which moved me, the gesture or his words, but I found myself leaning on his hand as he


    caressed my cheek.


    We both fell silent after that. Lost on our own thoughts. It felt natural talking to him like this. It felt really


    nice.


    "Willow, whatever happens, tomorrow, whatever you will know, promise me you won''t be scared of me


    nor hate me..." He whispered after a moment, prolonging his words.


    "I will try," I whispered back, making myselffortable in his arms as he pulled me closer.


    Words need not be told as our hearts both knew what each other meant. He sighed and kissed my hair.


    Both of us fell infortable silence again as sleep came and gently touched us in its


    spell.

 Chapter 32: Correction, best of friends

    Chapter 32: Correction, best of friends


    For the nth time, I blew a breath away bored as ever staring at the sea of people in front of me as we


    wait for our alpha to arrive.


    It was past seven in the morning yet there were no traces of sun peeking through the canopy of trees,


    nor birds chirping lively. The sky was dim but not totally dark and the cold breeze passes us in a


    swirling motion taking dried leaves in its wake.


    This must be tolerable if I just have my friends to talk with. Tash with the girls was on the other side


    opposite mine,ughing at each other''s silly jokes unaware of my istion.


    I know I should have go there and talk with them but I could not force my feet to move towards their


    circle. I am at fault and not sure if they are ready to forgive me yet.


    Heather caught my stare and gave a small smile. He nudged Tash to which I immediately turned away.


    I didn''t just lie to Tash, I lied with everyone but with reasons.


    If I had said I was on a run two years ago and not just an orphan rogue from the war, they would never


    let me in. The pack would not want a threat like what I secretly put them into. I needed a ce to stay


    as things getting worse which I could not handle any longer.


    To be in a pack means real food to eat, a roof under your head, something to sleep on instead of the


    cold ground, and clothes to wear other than shabby ones I steal on backyards. I know it''s a selfish act


    but I also need to learn how to fight, to train how to fight. I had to be strong, the stronger the better. For


    how selfish my intentions were, I don''t intend to stay in this pack for too long.


    Barely am sixteen, no wolf yet, and was already fighting the odds to stay alive. Not only do I have


    Jasper and his pack on my tail but also rogues scattered onto unimed territory.


    But the moon goddess has another fate thread for me and here I am now, the Luna of Blood Moon


    Pack. Who would have thought?


    Someone tapped my shoulder and when I looked behind, it was Cassey, one of the twins. I waited for


    the usations but nothing came. She just stared at me and after a moment, she nodded at me with a


    smile.


    One by one the girls came, Callie was smiling right before she reached me.


    "What are you thinking?" Callie asked and the twins hugged me both.


    "Nothing," I replied, giving back a smile. An overwhelming emotion tugged at my heart.


    "Luna." Heather holds both of my hands while smiling at me teary-eyed. She hugged me and


    whispered. "I''m just so d you''re safe."


    "Me too." I simply replied, hugging her back.


    "Oh Willow!" A crying Elony attacked me in a tight hug crying her heart out.


    ''Elony crying that''s new'' I thought. Elony is the toughest girl I knew and seeing her cry makes me want


    to cry too.


    "Why didn''t you tell us," Elony said when she regainedposure. "We could have helped you. You


    are our friend. Aren''t friends supposed to help each other?" She said pouting.


    "Correction, best of friends." Cassey chimed in.


    "Yeah right," Callie added to which followed by all of usughing emotionally.


    "I am so sorry girls... for everything. I--" I swallowed as words stuck in my mouth. I have so much to tell


    them, but I don''t know how to start.


    "No, I am sorry." Tash finally spoke teary-eyed. "We''re all are."


    "Tash..."


    "I always knew there''s a lot more under your sleeves, I just didn''t know it was deeper than I


    thought." She said crying to which I cried too. I hold her hand and smiled. She smiled back.


    "I want to be mad at you but then, when I tried to put myself in your shoes, of everything that you''ve


    gone through, even if I don''t understand, I felt scared and lonely. And that hurts me knowing it''s what


    you felt all these years. Maybe even worst than that." Tash said and those simple words touched my


    heart so deep that it hurts so much.


    At this moment, all of us were crying as we stared at each other. I hugged Tash saying "It''s all fine


    now."


    The other girls joined the hug and soon we were allughing at how silly we had been crying like this.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    And a genuine smile painted on my lips.

 Chapter 33: No one can stop me from claiming you

    Chapter 33: No one can stop me from iming you


    Xyrus was not there when I woke up this morning. He was not at his office either. Maybe he went to his


    house. Thinking of his house makes me blush. Will, I moved now that things are getting better between


    us?


    "Why are you blushing Willowwii?" Tash asked.


    "Who''s blushing?" I denied.


    "Maybe I know why, the alpha''s here." Elony teased.


    I immediately scanned the crowd and saw Xyrus ascending on the small tform. He cleared his throat


    and moved forward onto the center of the stage. Silence prevailed in the crowd, everyone bowing their


    heads with an ''alpha''. I, being his Luna now, his equal, didn''t felt the power to submit.


    "You should listen to him ''til the end." Tash pleaded, worry clouding her. "You know how much he likes


    you."


    I nodded, reassuring her. "I''ll try to remember that."


    "Members of the Blood Moon Pack." Xyrus started, addressing the crowd but his eyes never met mine.


    It felt like he was avoiding me yet he knows exactly where I stand. Why would he do that? I thought


    somehow, we''vee to termsst night.


    "What happened yesterday was something I should not have done. I was driven by my selfish reasons


    and blinded to what it would cause you. But, I don''t regret killing that bastard." He spat thest words,


    gritting his teeth. I noticed some members, especially warriors who straightened up proudly and


    nodded their heads in agreement.


    "It would only be a matter of time before the council will do their first move. And as for the meantime, I


    want you all to be more guarded and to look for each other. I cannot promise to protect you all at the


    same time, but I promise to protect our pack even if it may cause my life."


    "Alpha, will the council dere war on us?" Julian asked, which was followed by murmurs from the


    crowd.


    "I fear they will." Xyrus blurted honestly. His jaw clenched and I could see a line forming on his


    forehead. He was angry.


    " But why? Is it because you killed Jasper? We could tell the council what really happened. I could tell


    them."I offered.


    "My Luna, do you know what ended the war years ago?" Xyrus asked. But I have an idea he already


    knows my answer, so he continued.


    "Years ago, traitors to the monarch gathered together for one purpose; to end the rulings of the


    monarchy. For history had repeat itself. After a millennium, a boy was born with the rarest of wolves,


    the strongest of all wolves. Fur red as blood and eyes like fire. For who would ever have the wolf will


    have unspeakable strength and immense power. But all feared the wolf, for it favors no one. It is a


    beast with a thirst for blood like no other, no mercy. It only has one purpose; to kill. For if release fully, it


    would destroy everything out of his way...not even a mate would stand a chance.


    "Yourst words..." I shouted, like the stubborn I am, knowing his answer would hurt me yet like a brave


    foolish, I yed with fire. "Why you had chosen me then, at the mate hunt? If your so-called beast


    favored no one?"


    Xyrus took a step forward ring at me,ughing dangerously. Far from how calm and rxed he was


    last night. I hadn''t seen thising.


    "After all these years, hasn''t it yet sunken in your pretty stubborn head that no one can stop me from


    iming you? No one, not even anything can stop me." He growled dangerously.


    "Yeah." I nodded, tilting up my chin. "Even sacrificing them?"


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Willow!" Tash warned. Disagreement showed on her face. "Don''t do this."


    "Tasca," I growled back. Showing just how frustrated I am from near the truth. "How did the war end


    before?"


    I asked suspiciously to everyone. All these times I was kept in the dark. And I am so hungrily wanting to


    know the truth. The previous war. The royals. Theing war. There must be something behind all


    these more than the beast itself living within Xyrus, very much alive and powerful.


    "I want to know all about the war years ago!" I yelled.


    "Then you shall." Luna Fae said. She was looking at me sadly.


    "Mother," Xyrus warned but she was already moving forward the stage with alpha Caden.


    Her eyes clouded as if reliving a memory. "Willow... we never wanted the war to ur. We did our best


    to convince everyone that my son meant no harm. But they did not listen. They...they gathered and


    created an army. My poor boy, he was only seven! And so, they attacked in the middle of the night,


    killing anyone who stood their way."


    She wiped a tear away and alpha Caden put a hand on her back calming her.


    "You see, blood was everywhere. You don''t know how much it hurts to see the ones you love getting


    killed right before your eyes!"


    "I think I know how it feels," I confessed.


    She nodded her head in understanding and continued. "We fought the battle day after day until it


    turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and sooner turned into years. Just as we were


    losing, Xyrus shifted for the first time at the young age of twelve. The war must have triggered his wolf.


    Like what happened to you Willow. It was a horrible sight. He was unstoppable. His wolf killed even


    those who were fighting with us. He was out of control."

 Chapter 34: You are his weakness

    Chapter 34: You are his weakness


    Xyrus bowed his head low, something which surprised me. And as if knowing I was staring at him, he


    caught me. A strange emotion yed in his eyes. Was it shame? Regrets? and perhaps more? He


    didn''t even try to hide it.


    "No one can stop him. Not even us. We had to shoot him with sedatives many times. And when it did


    not work anymore. We had to poison his wolf with silver just so his wolf will be weakened and Xyrus


    cane back in human form."


    "That''s enough!" His voice boomed through the forest. There was so much powerced on it that


    everyone bowed their heads.


    "She has all the rights to know, son. Stop protecting her already."Luna Fae was frustrated.


    Xyrus shook his head and walked out. He went to the forest, but not before sending me a look once.


    Luna Fae continued. "The council agreed to stop the war seeing they were almost losing it. An


    agreement was made, Xyrus is forbidden to kill anyone or else, he will bebeled as dangerous again.


    And a new war wille. Back then, the pce was destroyed and so is everything. So we moved


    here to start a new life and a new pack."


    "Tell me, Willow, do you not remember my son?" She inquired, tilting her head.


    "Is there anything that I should remember?" Confused I was.


    "Do you remember a pce high above the mountains..."


    "And enormous as the valley..." I unconsciously added, remembering a pce once I was a kid, but it


    might be just my childish imagination.


    "Yes..." Alpha Caden nodded. "You and your mother used to visit us."


    "You know my mother?" I was shocked, the revtion slowly sinking in.


    "The moment Xyrus brought you in the pack that day, I knew who you are." Alpha Caden confessed.


    "You look exactly like your mother, Willow. But your eyes are from your papa, my good old friend


    Mason. I would never forget those eyes." He continued.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?" I demanded.


    "You weren''t ready dear..." Luna Fae smiled sadly. "We have so much to asked you but seeing your


    condition and your lies that you were an orphan from the war...we didn''t want to pressure you."


    "Is my mom''s a royalty?" I blurted.


    "No, she wasn''t. But she also came from the direct linage of the strongest of ancient wolves, that''s why


    her fur was red. She was a dearest friend. And she used to take you with her."


    I gulped as she continued rather in a slower storyline, enjoying her time.


    "And Xyrus being our only child was so fond of you. His face would always light up when you''re around.


    He cared for you then, maybe not the way he cares for you now but... He cared more than you have


    ever known."


    "But why can''t I remember him?" I desperately whispered. Tash soothingly rubbed my back.


    "I don''t me you. You were too young then." Alpha Caden interjected.


    "Willow...there is another thing you should know too" Luna Fae called out, softly. Worry clouding her.


    She seemed like she wants to say something but she took a deep breath first. He looked at his mate


    and nodded her head.


    Alpha Caden resumed. "Even the rarest of wolves and the most powerful ones has their weakness.


    You have to understand Willow, that my son may have chosen you even before the mate hunt, but that,


    he is taking so many risks just to be with you. You are his weakness, Willow."


    "His weakness?" I repeated.


    "Yes. To each has been given a mate, and my son is not an exception. Once the mating process has


    beenpleted and solidified by the moon goddess, the two will be one. It means if the other


    died, the one left wouldn''t able to stand it. It will kill his wolf and spirit."


    "Just like what happened to my parents," I murmured. "My mom died during the attack of the


    Darkwood. Then my father...he...he lived a dead life."


    "I am sorry to hear that Willow." alpha Caden said sincerely. "But your papa is exceptional. It must be


    because of you. Usually, when a mate dies, the other dies too, not long after.


    "Did you mean now that I am his mate, he will die if I die?"


    "Exactly. His wolf might not favor anyone, however, his human spirit wants you. My son wants you and


    if something happened to you his wolf will die." He exined.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    I gasped.


    Shame was all I could feel. Xyrus sacrificed everything for me, and I never even gave him a chance at


    all. Swallowing in guilt and remorse, I didn''t notice a figure walked in front of me not until his feet


    reached my line of sight.


    "Xyrus...I..."


    "Come, walk with me." He said and walked away into the woods. I need not be told twice as I followed


    him.

 Chapter 35: A lot of sorts

    Chapter 35: A lot of sorts


    Once we were out of sight and into the shelter of towering trees, I almost stumbled as he attacked me


    in an embrace, holding me tight. His body molding into mine as he buried his face onto the crook of my


    neck. I shivered by the contact and the gesture hit me straight through my heart. A tear formed in my


    eyes and I was so tempted to wrap my arms on his shoulders.


    He was so vulnerable in this position. Holding me tight like his life depends on me. Like he is too afraid


    to let go of me.


    "Xyrus..." I whispered above his ear. He shivered and held me tighter. My back arched as he pulled me


    closer.


    "You have to let me go so we could talk." I tried but a traitorous part of me wants him to never let me


    go. His warmth warms my heart more than anything.


    He sighed defeatedly and loosen his hold. His forehead connects with mine and I tried to pry but his


    eyes were closed. He took slow and even breathes before he released me fully, standing a foot away


    from me.


    "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have done that." He apologized but his actions tell a different story, of longing and


    pain. Like he wants to hold me again but he was restraining his self. He almost looked pained.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "So," I started, shifting from foot to foot. "We''ve met before huh, when we were kids, stuff like that."


    A sad smile formed on his lips. His eyes were shining with joy and mischief, as If he knows me too well.


    "You were so fat then, a cute little ball of fat."


    "You would always cry whenever you see me though. I can''t me you, I was always a trouble to


    you." He continued with a chuckle.


    "And what trouble do you say you were?" I asked, entertained with his story-telling of my lost childhood


    memories.


    "A lot of sorts if you ask me." He yfully brushed his hands on my hair, holding a few strands on his


    fingertips, and gently cupped the side of my face, smoothing my cheeks with his thumb. "You have no


    idea how much I want to kiss you right now."


    "Uh ¨C " I gulped and tried to tore away but his eyes held me captivated. I can''t even hear anything other


    than the loud beating of my heart as he drew closer...and closer.


    "Xyrus..." I murmured. He cupped my face with both of his hands and inched closer and closer. His


    eyes were captivating, full of emotions that might drown me into its depths. My mind went ck as all I


    could think of was one thing I never thought I would want so bad.


    I felt his lips lightly brushed my lips until he imed me fully, pulling me closer. I was on fire, my skin


    was tingling, I felt like exploding. My knees felt weak and I gripped the front of his shirt. He groaned and


    deepened the kiss. And I find myself drowning in his kisses.


    Something wet damped on my cheeks and there I realized, I was crying all the while. Like how my


    tears cleared my eyes, I could see it clearly ¨C I am in love with him.


    We walked in silence after that, both of us fully aware of the impact of that kiss. It somehow officially


    made us together even if we don''t voice it out.


    We reached the boulder where the end of forest trees meet the human road. A memory lingers in my


    mind, the first time I saw Xyrus in this very ce.


    "Did you know it was me when you saw me here that day?" I asked curiously.


    "When I saw you, I remembered the little girl I used to y with. I can''t believe you were alive. I thought


    you died a long time ago. Father and I went to where your pack was, but it was burnt, nothing but


    ashes."


    I nodded in understanding. We kept walking hand in hand until Xyrus suddenly stopped. He stiffened.


    "What is it Xyrus?"


    He was looking around.


    "You owe me one wish do you remember?" He inquired.


    "And?" I released his hand and put mine together in my back.


    "You have to grant my wish." He tucked my hair behind my ear and put his hand on my shoulder. I was


    not yet used to this lovey-dovey but I''m kinda liking it.


    "You need to promise me, Willow." He looked behind me. His brows furrowing as he pushed me behind


    him. Him facing the woods. "When I said you run, you run. No buts."


    He was back to being the cold Xyrus as he scanned the woods, growling as if he can see something I


    can''t.


    "What is it Xyrus? Tell me." I tried to use my werewolf sight but I can''t see anything other than towering


    trees.


    "I already warned father and mother; the warriors areing too. I will stop them as long as I can. You


    have to get out of here now."


    "How did they surpass the warriors guarding the borders? I was nervous. The council is here already,


    how fast could they be? I thought at least we have days left to prepare.


    "They''re already dead." He said rigidly. I gasped when I caught a glimpse of his eyes, they were slowly


    shifting to red. Sky wanted to be out.


    "Willow." He growled. Two voicesbining, a man and an inhuman sound like a growl. "Be safe."


    "Who said I would leave you here!" I stood beside him facing the forest too. "I will fight with you."


    He growled at me angrily. "I don''t have time to fight with you now. Just go!"


    "No! I won''t let you fight alone." I looked into his eyes, determined. His irises transformed from red to


    their normal color.


    "Have you forgotten who I am and what is inside of me?" He held me by the shoulder and shook me


    lightly. "I can hold them until the warriorse. But once Sky is out. I can''t promise to protect you."


    Realization dawned on me, he would let out Sky. And I was more scared for him rather than myself.


    Once his beast is out. What guarantee I could have Xyrus back?


    "There is no more time. Now go!" He shouted just as men showed up from the woods, some in wolf


    forms. They were so many like sand in the desert.


    I took off and transformed into my wolf, running as fast as I can.


    ''Xyrus, I will be safe, but promise me you''lle back to me.''


    I mind-liked. And what I feared happened. He didn''t respond. Sky must be out by


    now.

 Chapter 36: I have to go back

    Chapter 36: I have to go back


    It was chaos.


    I should have passed by the warriors who would help Xyrus but no one came. And now I know why, the


    packhouse was under attack as well.


    Warriors of this pack are well-known for their strength and agility, they could take down as many


    opponents in a battle. They were skilled, feared, and specially trained by Xyrus and former Alpha


    Caden himself to be invisible in a battle.


    But the council must have thought of that well, as they got not just the element of surprise but numbers.


    It was absolutely an unfair fight, one warrior versus a five or more. It was crazy.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Maybe the war was not just because of the treaty being broken, but the council aimed to wipe out the


    whole pack. They will finish what they had failed to dost time.


    "Luna!" Gabbiel shouted, he had just taken down a wolf, his arnis sticks flipping on his hands. "In here."


    I followed him through the back until we reached the secret door on the wall leading to the underground


    room designed for something like this.


    "They are in here, now go inside!" He insisted, worry clouding his face.


    "I''m a warrior too Gabbiel, I''m staying!"


    "We have to keep you safe, the alphamands it, he will kill me if anything happens to you." He


    insisted, "Please..."


    "Send someone to Xyrus, he needs help." I pleaded.


    "I''m on my way." He gestured at the wall with roots loosely hanging onto it. "Please Luna, we can''t


    afford you getting hurt. If you die, alpha will die too."


    "Be safe." He nodded and tapped the bricks as a secret door revealed, I went inside and the door


    closed.


    The room was empty, it was like a cozy living room with bookshelves on the side, carpeted floors, and


    sofas around. It was designed this way to trick outsiders that this is just amon room.


    I kneeled on the carpeted floor, revealing a secret door underneath it. Going down, I was greeted by


    many female young and adults. Worry showed on their face.


    "Oh my gosh, Willow!" Callie attacked me in a hug. "Thank goodness you''re safe." She was crying,


    Elony and Heather joined us.


    "Where is your twin?" I asked.


    "She''s hurt." Her eyes are puff and swollen. "The pack''s doctor treating her wounds, she got bitten,


    Willow. Wolves just appeared out of nowhere, it was terrible!" She sobbed.


    "Shhhh.." I rubbed her back. "Cassey''s going to be okay and so is everyone else."


    "Are you hungry?" I nodded at Heather and she went to grab some food on the table.


    "Seat here first." Elony guided me into a nearby sofa."The council will gonna pay for this!" She said


    angrily.


    A murmur of yes broke into the group of other females in the room. They all look so worried, some


    children were crying.


    A painful cry came from Cassey at the far end of the room, Callie rushed to her sides. I was about to


    get up when Elony stopped me. "No, stay there. You have to eat and rest." And she joined Callie.


    Heather went back with a te of sandwich and fruits and a ss of orange juice. I hungrily eat my


    food and Heather went for another te to refill mine.


    "Hey." a voice called at my side. It was Ehren. She has an ufortable smile. "Mind if I seat?"


    "Not at all."


    "Ahm, are you alright?" She asked after settling in a chair in front of me.


    "Yeap." I simply replied.


    "Look, Uhm, I just want to say sorry. I, I don''t know what I was thinking, I." she stuttered. "I hope we


    could - you know, patch up things and start anew."


    She was nervous, I could tell. I gave her a small smile. "I think it would be wonderful to have a friend


    like you," I said truthfully.


    She smiled as well and get up to hug me. "Thanks, Luna, you really are amazing."


    She said and went to join the other girls.


    "Looks like she finally stops bitching." Heathermented, giving me another te of food.


    "That''s so rude to say, Heather!" I yfully scolded her.


    Heather shrugged her shoulders andughed with me.


    "Where''s Tash anyway?" I asked, noticing a missing Tasca.


    "She''s fighting with the warriors along with other skilled female members." A look of worry crossed her


    face. "There were too many of them Willow, do you think we might stand a chance?"


    "I''m sure we do."


    I finished my meal and stood up which startled Heather.


    "I have to go back," I said with finality in my voice. "There is no way I''m just gonna sit here while Tash


    and the other warriors are fighting outside."


    ''And Xyrus.''

 Chapter 37: I cant lose you

    Chapter 37: I can''t lose you


    As soon as I went out of the secret hideout, I smelled...


    Blood...


    Everywhere...


    I felt my heart tearing apart as I recognized our pack members'' wolves getting bitten, some torn apart,


    literally by vicious wolves.


    Matt, one of the warriors, was brutally killed by another two wolves. But I can''t tear my eyes away from


    the scene and my feet felt glued to the ground.


    Too much death...


    I felt my stomach churned, wanting to vomit. It felt like deja vu. Again.


    But when I closed my eyes, shbacks of my past pushing me to the edge. I can''t run away and let


    them fight alone, not like my old pack.


    I shifted into my wolf, Violet. I attacked a wolf and snapped its neck brutally and jumped into another


    one killing it as well.


    The taste of blood assaulted my senses, yet Violet was as blood-thirsty as I am. We kept on killing and


    helping other pack members. I had just finished tossing a lifeless wolf when I heard a growl on my left.


    Gabbiel was growling at a ck wolf that had its fangs fatally into the neck of another hopeless wolf.


    Tash!


    It was Tasca...


    It felt like everything stopped.


    I stop breathing.


    Everything went into slow motion.


    I can''t move.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    I can''t breathe.


    My eyes glued to Tash under the mercy of the ck wolf. She whimpered, helpless.


    There was a sorrow in Gabbiel''s wolf, eyes mirroring mine as I growled at the wolf too, showing my


    canines.


    Tash was whimpering, looking straight at his mate, Gabbiel.


    I wanted to cry just by looking at her. She nced my way and my heart broke.


    I growled once again at the wolf when it bit harder, Gabbiel whimpered at Tash''s cry of pain.


    The ck wolf was decisive, I can see right through him he would kill Tash. Yet I prayed for that tiniest


    hope that he will let her live.


    Please let her live.


    Please don''t let her die.


    When, suddenly, the ck wolf fell on the ground with Tash underneath it. Xyrus was standing near,


    blood on his hands. He tossed something bloody on the ground. Gabbiel rushed into a crying Tash who


    already shifted. I felt relieved.


    Xyrus eyes were red but somehow my heart knows it was Xyrus, not his wolf who''s in control.


    He took a step closer, a smile yed on his lips as he looked at me with some kind of relief. I hold my


    breath, taking all of him,pletely bewitched.


    Xyrus was wearing pants, topless. What most noticeable was half of his body was fur, his hands were


    like that of a wolf with big ws. Like a perfect half transformation abination of a man and a wolf.


    "Princess." He softly spoke. "Never leave my side."


    He went beside me, timely killing another wolf who''s to attack me.


    "Warriors!" He shouted. "Til death will we fight!"


    Growls and shouts from the warriors echoed throughout, it was amazing!


    It was like magic. We were hopeless but a simple encouragement from the alpha refueled each of us.


    I fought beside Xyrus, killing one after another. Soon, our opponents backing out, some running away.


    We were winning the fight.


    But a second I let my guard down, another wolf overpowered me, it had bit its canines into my neck, a


    little tiny force and I''ll be dead, just like Tash moments ago.


    A ferocious growl echoed, it was powerful and terrifying. I look hopelessly at the eyes of the man I love.


    His were hard yet closely you can see the fear on its edges.


    "Don''t you dare Nics! I swear I''ll get your head and every wolf with you here." Xyrus spat, he was in


    a rage and his body was shaking.


    "Is that fear... I smell in the so-called most powerful wolf who has ever lived?" A man''s voice said,


    seems old.


    I tried to get a proper view of him, I noticed his hair was white of age and a bit wavy, he was wearing a


    deep blue cloak with a symbol of a wolf in the center and a circle around it with little colorful crystal on


    the outside.


    "Hang on there Nics, Alpha Xyrus might want to entertain us with his cleverness." He taunted. I


    whimpered in pain as Nics bit harder.


    "Henry, fight like a man," Xyrus growled. "Don''t hide behind a girl like a coward."


    "Is that so." The cloaked man, Henryughed. "My my my... Look, Nics, who''s decided to do the


    right thing here."


    "The council asked one favor of you Xyrus, just one," Henry said, getting angrier by the moment. "Tell


    me, how hard could it be not to kill?"


    "I did that for a reason" Xyrus fired back.


    "You break the rule," Henry stated. "That thing living inside of you is a monster. The council can''t allow


    such a threat!"


    "It has a name," Xyrus growled. "And I can control it now."


    I felt a tingling sensation in my mind, Xyrus wants to mind-linked me.


    ''Willow, please endure it a little more princess, I will save you I promise.''


    ''I trust you.'' I replied, looking straight through his eyes. ''But whatever happens, do what you must do.''


    ''You will gonna be safe, you hear me? I can''t lose you.'' He said softly.


    "I see. You have mastered controlling your wolf." Henry keenly observed what look like Xyrus'' perfect


    transformation. It''s not easy for one to transform half of a wolf and half into a man. It was rare and I


    haven''t seen one until this day.


    "But you are toote." With that, he gestured to Nics as I felt a sharp pain in my neck. I howled as


    the pain intensified, too much to bear, until my strength slowly diminished and I can feel myself dying, it


    was so hard to breathe, I can''t breathe.


    And thest thing I saw was a pair of red eyes full of hurt and rage


    combined.

 Chapter 38: This is where I belong forever, in his arms

    Chapter 38: This is where I belong forever, in his arms


    It was dark, so dark. I blinked several times just to be sure my eyes were open. I can''t see anything at


    all.


    My feet felt like floating because I don''t feel myself standing on anything. It was cold, too cold. I moved


    my hand to touch anything but came to nothing.


    What bothered me the most was that I feel empty inside. As if there was this hollow inside of me but I


    can''t pinpoint why. I feel so lonely...so alone.


    Where am I? What happened to me?


    Suddenly there was a tiny circle of light that keeps glowing, perhaps because it was too dark. Until it


    gradually grows into arger circle, the size of a man. It formed into a man, he was glowing and I was


    momentarily blinded by the light he emits.


    "Willow dear." The voice called.


    "Pa-papa?" I rushed to him and hugged him until I was crying.


    "Hush my child, it''s okay now." He patted my head, smiling down at me.


    "How? Why?" I asked confuse. "Am I dead now?"


    "Basically, but it is not yet your time. It is not your destiny my child, to die this chance. You have to go


    back." He spoke softly.


    "But-"


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Stop living in the shadows of your past. You have to let go of what can not be changed."


    He pointed at my heart. "Only when you forgive yourself will you truly be set free."


    "And running from everything doesn''t count an option." He continued.


    "Papa, I- I am not as strong as I want to think I am," I confessed. "I don''t know if I could ever forgive


    myself for everything that happened.


    "Maybe you can pay us by living the life we so much tried to save." He smiled. "You have to live


    Willow... for us."


    I nodded, a smile forming on my lips. My papa kissed my forehead. "I am proud of what you have


    be, always remember that my little princess. You will always be my little Willow.


    I hugged my papa tight. I felt a weight has suddenly lifted off my shoulder and reced it with immense


    joy.


    He lightly pushed my shoulder, and his smile was thest thing I saw as I fell into endless darkness, I


    screamed as much as my lungs could but I was still falling deeper and deeper into an abyss of


    nothingness.


    I gasped, the air suddenly filling my lungs. I deeply breathe in and out only to be crushed into


    something hard.


    "Can''t breath." My voice was raspy and I coughed a little more.


    Whoever was holding me, loosen their embrace. I came eye to eye with a worried Xyrus. There was a


    moist in his eyes and it seems like he was crying moments ago.


    "You''re alive!" Xyrus whispered as if he can''t believe what he was seeing.


    "Xyrus." My voice cracking, I felt him lightly kissed my forehead.


    "Don''t ever scare me like that again. I won''t let you leave me...ever again. Even if I have to follow you


    to the ends of the world or the afterlife. You can''t escape me. You are mine and mine only. You hear


    me?" He said softly, searching my eyes.


    I smiled, my eyes watery from the flood of emotions as I stare at the eyes of the man I love.


    I looked around and saw Tash, Gabbiel, Julian, Carter, and the others. They were all smiling at me with


    relief. They all look tired and battered but there was something else, something powerful than ever - it


    was hope in their eyes.


    I looked back at Xyrus and he also has a bright smile on his face, his eyes twinkling.


    I hugged him and let my heady in his chest as he stood up and carry me. I smiled as I thought, ''this


    is where I belong forever, in his arms.''

 Chapter 39: Theres no escaping me anymore

    Chapter 39: There''s no escaping me anymore


    I hugged him and let my heady in his chest as he stood up and carry me. I smiled as I thought, ''this


    is where I belong forever, in his arms. "


    Papa is right. Tho'' the monsters of my past may still haunt me I should not let them hold me a prisoner


    forever. I need to stop running from everything else. And, learn to live.


    My parents, my pack, I would make them proud by living the life they so much want to save. That''s the


    only way I could repay them - to be happy.


    A lone tear fell and I buried my face on his neck. He stopped walking. He kissed the top of my head,


    not saying a word. But him, holding me like this is all I need.


    He patiently waited until I finish pouring my heart out. How can I not love this man even more? He had


    sacrificed a lot for me already and is willing to move mountains just to keep me safe and happy.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Let me down." I sniffled.


    "How can I be sure you aren''t running away again?" There''s humor in his voice.


    "Maybe I don''t want to run away anymore," I said softly.


    He put me down gently and held my arms to steady me. His eyes caught mine and I want to melt at the


    way he''s looking at me. "I am a man of words Willow. And I intend to keep my promises, to take what''s


    rightfully mine. There''s no escaping me anymore."


    A small smile formed on my lips. But before I could say a word, he pulled me in and stepped closer.


    There''s a storm brewing in his eyes. He reached out and tucked the loose strands of my hair behind


    my ear. That simple gesture skyrocketed all my senses. Pleasant tingles crawled on my skin. I''m pretty


    sure he can hear the loud beating of my heart, I felt my cheeks burned.


    He was staring at my lips and I unconsciously licked them, earning a growl from him.


    Just when I thought he would kiss me, Gabbiel appeared behind him.


    "Alpha the council want to talk t-" Gabbiel coughed, eyes elsewhere. "S-sorry alpha, I didn''t mean to-"


    "Where are they?" Xyrus was breathing hard and still holding me in his arms. His eyes were closed and


    I swear I saw his jaw clenched for a second.


    "The rest were kept hostage by our warriors at the forest just like you instructed. The council what was


    left of them are in your office." Gabbiel answered still not looking at us.


    "I''ll be there in a minute."


    Gabbiel nodded his head and went inside the packhouse. I cleared my throat, stepping away.


    "What happened when I was out?" I was too absorbed with him that I forgot about the war.


    His face changed into pure rage. "Those two bastards - I tortured them slowly until they begged me to


    kill them. You should have seen their face pleading to taste death instead."


    "I knew you would do that," I said truthfully.


    "You are not afraid of me?" Worry crossed his eyes.


    I cupped his face on my palms, this might have caught him in surprise as he stilled. I smiled and


    instantly he rx and gave me a boyish smile.


    "Why would I? I''m your chosen mate aren''t I?" Even in my ears, it sounded so cheezy. But I can''t help


    the smile stered on my lips.


    Xyrus was now smiling from ear to ear. It felt nice to be able to make him smile like this.


    "I think we kept them too long, we should go see the council."


    We went inside the packhouse hand in hand and I bet we both have smiled in our faces. Tash rushed


    to me and it didn''t take long before Ehren and the twins crushed me in a hug.


    "Oh my gosh, Willow it was crazy out there! I thought I''d lost you." Tash was crying.


    "I thought I would lose you too." I smiled.


    "Luna are you alright?" Heather asked inspecting me for some injury.


    I nodded at her. "I''m so d you are all safe."


    "Don''t ever do that again" Cassey frowned.


    "Yeah, we were scared when we couldn''t find you at the hideout," Callie added.


    "We had to tie Elony just so you know she won''te after you," Cassey saidughing.


    "Hey!" Elony was frowning at them.


    Xyrus cleared his throat. It was then I realized he was patiently waiting for me at the end of the stairs.


    He smiled. "You can stay with your friends if you like."


    "No." I abruptly said. "I''ming with you."


    Ignoring the girls'' secret smiles and knowing look, I went up the stairs with Xyrus heading to the library.

 Chapter 40: Little troublemaker

    Chapter 40: Little troublemaker


    Xyrus opened the door and I followed. Alpha Caden and Luna Fae were already seated at the long


    table. In front of them were three men, all wearing neat white shirts but with dried blood on their faces


    and body.


    The one in the middle has that clever look, his eyes burning with rage. He must be in his 60s with gray


    hair and wrinkles on his forehead.


    The one on his right was young, probably in his early 30s. He has a good built and the way he seated


    with his back straight was something. He looks proud and prideful despite the red w marks on his


    arms that were already starting to heal.


    Thest one was on his way to the 40s. He has the calmest facade of the three. Not tense at all, or


    maybe he was too good at hiding emotions.


    Gabbiel and Carter were leaning on the wall behind the three. Guarding them I supposed. Gabbiel


    bowed his head mouthing ''Luna'' and Carter simply gave me a small smile.


    "Willow are you alright?" Luna Fae stood and gave me a quick hug. She held me at arm''s length and


    inspected my injuries which were already healing. "Oh dear, we have to go to the doctor."


    "I''m fine," I assured her. "I will see her after this."


    Hesitation crossed her pretty face but resigned with. "Alright then."


    She assisted me to the chair beside her while Xyrus seated on my left.


    Xyrus cleared his throat and addressed the three. "It is an honor to have you here with us."


    "As prisoners you mean." The prideful one says disgustingly, sneering at Xyrus. He looked like he


    would jump any moment and attacked Xyrus. Gabbiel and Carter stood straighter, rmed.


    "Caleb." The calmest of the three called out, getting his attention. There is a threatced on it. "This will


    be thest time I''m warning you."


    Caleb growled at him to which the one in the middle raised his hand, probably to stop an argument


    brewing between the two.


    "Proceed please." He said. He seemed nicer than the way he red at us.


    "Thank you, Donovan," Xyrus replied. "I am not sorry for the loss of your people nor do I conform with


    your usations to me."


    "We do know that." Donovan nodded.


    "Well what do we expect from the mighty prince Xyrus, oh is it king now?" Caleb mocked.


    "Always the trouble I say, Caleb. " Xyrus said unaffected. Something tells me they know each other on


    a deeper level.


    "Xyrus, what do you want from us?" The calmest one asked.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Caleb cursed and red at him. "Theodore. Have you lost your mind?"


    "Not as empty brain as you are." Theodore insulted back. "If not for you and Nichs, this war mustn''t


    have happened! "


    "The war is a majority vote." Donovan corrected him. "Now be like a true man of wisdom you two. Or I


    must speak to Xyrus alone."


    "Thank you, Donovan." Alpha Caden directed at him.


    "Don''t thank me yet Alpha," Donovan assured. "We haven''t agreed on anything yet."


    Alpha Caden sighed, shaking his head. "Donovan, why did we have to end up like this?"


    "Ask your son you fool!" Caleb burst. "He was the one who broke the treaty."


    "Enough!" Donovan shouted, breathing hard. He closed his eyes for a moment trying to get calm.


    "One more wording from you Caleb and I swear you will join the others at the clearing."


    Caleb red but surprisingly did say no more. He leaned on his seat, arms crossed.


    "Caden, old friend, no man will go to war so willingly but you left us no choice." He argued. "Xyrus has


    breached the agreement."


    "He trespassed in my territory and threatened my Luna, what do you expect me to do? " Xyrus


    intervened.


    "We expect you to stick to that damn contract by not killing anyone as you should have Alpha!"


    Donovan gritted his teeth, eyes zing with rage. "


    "What done is done. "Alpha Caden sighed. " All of us can''t y the victim here. We all have blood in


    our hands and the consequences of our acts. "


    "I agree," Theodore said, leaning on the table with his hands ttened on the table. "What is best is to


    treat wounds rather than causing more harm."


    "I am setting free all of you, that''s a promise." But then, he red at the three.


    "But if you so much as harm anyone of my pack again, there will be another war, and this time - I


    promise I will finish what I started."


    So much powerced in his words that everyone almost bowed their heads, I say the words came from


    Sky, Xyrus'' wolf. A dark promise of blood and revenge. That wolf is the true threat.


    The three looked uneasy. Theodore was the first to recover as he straightened in his seat. "Let''s keep it


    that way. As long as you keep the part of your bargain too. And this time, we expect you to abide with


    it!"


    "There are no promises." Xyrus quickly replied.


    "Very well." Donovan finally said. "I think you kept us for so long now. We will send you and the rest of


    the packs the written and sealed agreement between us. That way no one will ever dare to disturb your


    pack again and we in return can keep the peace for everyone, just as our job."


    "That''s eptable," I replied, gaining everyone''s attention.


    Donovan''s stare lingered at me longer that Xyrus circled his arms on my waist in instinct.


    That didn''t go unnoticed as the side of his lips twitched in a smile but it was gone fast just as it


    appeared.


    "She''s exquisitely beautiful." He said to no one, still looking at me. "It''s not that hard to understand why


    you stake a im on her. Or the others."


    Xyrus growled and pulled me closer to him but didn''t say a word.


    "I remember you, you know." Donovan directed at me. "I saw you at the annual mate hunt. You had


    three other alpha''s fighting over you, ''causing fights even at the very beginning aren''t you, little


    troublemaker?"


    "Not something I would wish to happen," I replied.


    "Point taken." He nodded.


    "It is settled then I suppose?" Alpha Caden intervened.


    "Very well." Donovan nodded again.

 Chapter 41: You are a sight to behold

    Chapter 41: You are a sight to behold


    ''Her hair is still as fiery as the fire and so is her spirit. Her eyes, the same shade of moss green that


    tells a tale of bravery and brokennessbined. Like a rose defined by its beauty and thorns. And, so


    is her story.


    She still looks the same. Nothing changed much just like her past that could never be altered. But as I


    looked at her, she has that glow that wasn''t there before. I haven''t seen her smile like that. Her eyes


    didn''t usually shine - today''s the brightest.


    As I looked into the mirror, I see not a girl but a grown-up woman. I see not a weak rogue but a warrior


    with a strength iparable. I see the scars of her soul but feel the pain no more.


    I see the same Willow but in a different light. I smiled at my reflection.


    I let down my wavy hair cascading below my waist. I am wearing a sleeveless halter neck dress in red


    that flows down just below my knees. Itplements my hair and skin perfectly. In my head was a


    crown of flowers made by the twins.


    I descended the stairs while humming my favorite song. And, into the forest where everyone was


    waiting for me.


    It was night, the sky was lovely and serene even without the moon. Colorfulntern lights adorned the


    trees, serving as a guide unto the center of the forest. Petals of flowersid on top of the snow-covered


    ground onto each step I thread. It was winter. Small snowkes gently cascading, adding ambiance for


    this night.


    Tonight will be the officiating ceremony of Xyrus and me as mates, and crowning me as the new Luna


    of Blood Moon pack.


    I could hear a melody, singing and lights were getting brighter as I reached the meadow. Tash was


    waiting for me at the entrance of a beautiful arc with a curtain made of flowers and leaves.


    "Willow, I am so happy for you." Tash hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. She handed me a


    bouquet.


    "Wow, it''s beautiful Tash." I chuckled. It was a bouquet of sunflowers.


    "You are far more beautiful Willow." She smiled. "The alpha is waiting."


    She parted the curtains of hanging flowers and leaves. And I stood in front of everyone. Elony was


    waving at me, beside her was Julian who gave me a salute.


    Heather was there too, wiping her eyes and nose with a napkin. The twins, Callie and Cassey we''re on


    the other side, with wide smiles on their faces.


    Carter and Ehren were there too. And so was everyone in the pack.


    "There''s a calm surrender


    To the rush of day


    When the heat of a rolling wind


    Can be turned away"


    I started to walk onto the pattern of flower petals that leads me to him...to the man who will move


    mountains just to be with me.


    "An enchanted moment


    And it sees me through


    It''s enough for this restless warrior


    Just to be with you"


    Xyrus stood at the center looking handsome as ever, wearing an all-ck suit. He has a warm smile


    that melts my heart. His eyes were on me. And I could have sworn he has tears in them.


    "And can you feel the love tonight?


    It is where we are"


    I still remember when I had to fight my way out with him at the mate hunt. Oh boy, I was so mad at


    him...


    "It''s enough for this wide-eyed wanderer


    That we got this far."


    ...and those moments when he saved me and kissed my cheek after the challenge...


    "And can you feel the love tonight


    How it''sid to rest?


    It''s enough to make kings and vagabonds


    Believe the very best."


    ...and his pained look when I was about to die during the war...


    I stood in front of Xyrus with mixed emotions. I could not believe this man is mine, my mate. And he


    was gazing at me too, with strong emotions lingering on those hooded eyes. Having him this


    close...this near...put warmth in my heart.


    Xyrus held my hand and kissed it.


    "You are a sight to behold." He whispered in my ear and gave me a wink.


    I blushed at hispliment.


    He guided me to his father, former alpha Caden. Alpha Caden will be the official in the ceremony.


    "Members of the Blood Moon pack, today we are gathered to celebrate this wonderful event that has


    happened to our pack. For Xyrus, my son, your alpha, has finally chosen a mate, Willow Ellis, the


    daughter of alpha Mason and luna Lily of Storm Forest pack.


    By the power and blessing, the moon goddess has bestowed me, I now proimed you, Xyrus


    Mcintosh, and Willow Ellis as mates, and, as Alpha and Luna of Blood Moon Pack.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    May the moon goddess bless you, with immeasurable love, that even death will not separate, what she


    has united as one.


    Go forth now, son and daughter of the moon, may you bring peace and order to the Blood Moon Pack,


    for as long as you live. You may now kiss your mate, son." announced alpha, Caden.


    Xyrus tucked fallen strands of hair behind my ear and lifted my chin. His lips met mine in a soft kiss and


    the flutters in my stomach intensified. Time stopped as my senses clouded with that simple kiss.


    I felt his palms on my cheeks as he deepened the kiss. This one was different. A possessive kiss,


    iming and demanding which set my body on fire.


    When the kiss ended, he leaned his forehead against mine, both of us barely breathing but with smiles


    on our faces.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!