Karina lingered outside Ray’s office, her arms crossed as she waited for Arda. Inside, Arda faced Ray, who was seated behind his desk, his eyes cold and unwelcoming. “Good morning, sir,” she greeted, her voice steady despite his penetrating gaze. Ray didn’t bother with formalities. “Let’s dispense with the pleasantries, Arda. Since this isn’t our scheduled thesis meeting, I assume you have something important to tell me. So, get to it.” “The answer is no,” she said flatly. His eyebrows arched. “What?” “I said, the answer is no.” Ray rose from his seat and walked slowly toward her, his expression darkening with each step. “Is that your final answer?” he asked, his voice low and menacing. “Yes.” “Then prepare to fail—and lose your last scholarship payment.” Arda met his gaze, unflinching. “I know what you are,” she said suddenly. Ray froze, his composure faltering for the briefest moment. “What did you say?” “I know what you are,” she repeated, her tone firm. “And what exa
"I am in school, remember?" Arda told him. "I know. I'm just confirming." "Okay." "Call me as soon as you're home." "Okay." "Enjoy your day. And let me know if your professor gives you any issues." "He did not." "I see. Okay. That is a good one. I will call you soon." "Okay." The call ended, and she looked at Karina. "That was not so bad," she commented. "I guess he would have been suspicious if you didn't take the call," Karina replied. "Yeah." Back in the car, Arda began questioning herself about the escape plan. Doubts crept in, especially since it seemed like all the Alphas were against Gillow. The only potential ally Gillow had, and it wasn’t confirmed, was the Alpha of the East. As the car swerved out of the school gates, Arda turned to Karina and Chester. "Are you sure we’re doing the right thing?" "What are your fears?" Chester asked, prompting Arda to reveal the source of her doubts. "You have nothing to worry about," Chester reassured her. "I’ll say the same,
Following Karina’s haste, Arda was back inside the car where Chester sat waiting, tapping the steering wheel impatiently. “You guys took forever,” he muttered as they climbed in. He started the car but cast a glance their way. “And you both look like you’ve seen a ghost.” “Not a ghost,” Karina replied, her tone sharp. “A werewolf. Her professor, to be exact.” Chester’s head snapped toward her. “What? What pack is he from? And what happened?” Karina waved him off. “We’ll explain later. Please just get us out of here.” Chester frowned but said nothing, focusing on the road. The car sped down the winding path, sunlight filtering through the trees, casting eerie shadows across the dashboard. After a tense silence, he tried again. “Are you going to tell me now?” Arda exhaled, her voice tight. “Professor Ray has been asking me out. I refused. He didn’t take it well and started threatening my grades—and my scholarship.” Chester’s grip on the wheel tightened. “That’s messed up.” “It g
A hill loomed ahead on the lonely expressway that Chester was navigating. Karina informed Arda that Cain’s pack was just beyond the hill. Their journey was delayed when the car overheated, forcing Chester to pull over and fix it. While he worked, Karina and Arda waited at a distance, out of earshot. “So, how do you feel about Chester’s confession?” Arda asked, breaking the silence. “I assume you mean his feelings for me, not his betrayal,” Karina replied. “Yes,” Arda confirmed. “I’m still trying to process it,” Karina admitted. “Do you still love Jacob?” Karina gave her a sharp look of incredulity. “Why would you even ask me that?” Arda shrugged. “Sorry. I just thought, with the distance and Chester’s revelation, maybe your mind is... conflicted.” “I see. Well, how do you feel about Gillow Rain? Have you fallen in love with him?” Arda’s eyes widened with indignation. “How can you even think that?” Karina let out a soft chuckle, prompting Arda to sigh in exasperation. “That
Gillow’s athletic smooth skin split like the bark of a tree. Wiry silver hairs sprouted forth. His already wolf-turned piercing and intense crimson eyes seemed ruddier as his transformation progressed. His bones moved beneath his skin like mechanical vipers; audible cracks cut through the air as his limbs cracked, ripping his pants open. He fell to his knees and then forward on his contorting hands. On all fours, he proudly gave himself over to his darker nature. His flesh visibly moved, his tissues rearranging. His mouth spotted emerging fangs. His handsome face distorted as his jaw extended, with his skull changing shape and longer beastly hairs sprouting forth. His hands gnarled and his fingers curled back as claws burst out. As howls continued to fill the air from surrounding pack members, low guttural growls escaped him, his claws firm on the ground. He was no longer himself. He was a werewolf vampire in his beastly form. He was distinct from the pack, being the only one
Gillow’s message had sent Arda’s heart racing, but she managed to steady herself. He can’t find me. I’m safe with Jacob. That thought was her anchor, though doubts lingered. Determined to shake off negativity, she focused on the events that had led to this moment. Earlier, Cain had introduced them to the pack and instructed some members to show them to their rooms. Arda was pleased to find her room positioned across from Chester’s, with Karina’s room beside hers. Later, Karina had visited her, clearly frustrated. “I can’t believe Jacob didn’t offer to show me around,” she complained. “We’ve just arrived,” Arda reasoned. “We all need to rest.” Karina had frowned. “Well, I don’t like how that girl was staring at him—and me.” “I noticed it too,” Arda admitted. “But I don’t think it’s important.” Karina crossed her arms. “I know a jealous lover’s look when I see one. I’ll ask Jacob about it when I see him.” “Can’t hurt to ask,” Arda had replied with a shrug. Now, as Arda sat alon
“This pack has a goal,” Cain pronounced with authority. “To unite all the packs under a single Alpha. And within this unified pack, we will establish a monarchy, beginning with me. Then my son will take over. In this new era, humans will learn of our existence. We will rule over them. Our members are already everywhere. The only thing left is the unity of the packs and the elimination of your kind.” His eyes fell disdainfully on Karina. “The full prophecy must be found. The moon child and her sister must be eliminated. The complete prophecy is rumored to be with your pack. That’s why my son had to join that school and get close to you.”Karina sobbed softly, regret and brokenness in her every movement.“It’s nothing personal,” Jacob said, his tone cold. “You should’ve stayed loyal to your pack.”“My Alpha is cruel,” Karina cried out, frustration lacing her words. “You know that already.”“Not my problem,” Jacob responded flatly.Cain let out a mocking laugh. “You’ve lived long enough t
Hours passed, leading into the night. The full moon had not lost its shape, round and glowing bright as it cast its brilliance onto the earth. Somewhere in the eastern region, mystic creatures—werewolves—wandered far into the surrounding forests in their hunt for food. Among the werewolves, distinct ones glowed, marking them as werewolf vampires. Together, they hunted down unfortunate animals, gathered them, and devoured the fresh meat as a pack. Soon after they were done, Gillow, the alpha of the pack, with a glowing form and intense ruby eyes, began to sniff the air. The others sensed that he was smelling something and emulated him, but he was already advancing further into the bush. The pack followed him, and soon they discovered a retreating werewolf. Gillow immediately led a pursuit, and a chase ensued as they advanced behind the escaping werewolf who spotted a light brown color. The alpha of the pursuing pack rapidly gained on the escaping werewolf. Heavy thuds pounded the e
The garden shimmered beneath the soft silver hue of twilight, the last strokes of sun bowing out to the deepening night. Lights from the mansion spilled gently across the path, casting golden trails along the edges of stone, leaf, and water. The natural waterfall Arda had always admired now whispered soothingly in the background, its steady cascade sounding like a lullaby sung by the Earth itself.A breeze, cool and perfumed with the scent of wild jasmine and dew-laced roses, brushed past Arda’s cheek. Her hair danced in the wind. It felt as though the night wanted to touch her too, to press itself gently against her skin.She sat cross-legged on a cushioned bench under a canopy of moon-kissed trees. Her notepad lay open on her lap, half-filled with scribbles—notes she’d managed to take in between the moments her heart betrayed her and focused more on him than the work.Gillow was beside her, dangerously close. His voice—velvety and unhurried—filled the space between them like music.
Arda remained curled up on the edge of the bed, the weight of guilt pressing down on her like a shroud. Her heart ached—not for herself, but for the people she had dragged into her mess. Karina. Chester. She hadn’t meant for this to happen. She only wanted to protect them… but in the end, she’d betrayed them instead.A soft click echoed in the silence—the door. She didn’t flinch. Gillow was locking her in. Strangely, she was grateful. She hadn’t wanted to leave. She didn’t deserve freedom, not now. She wanted to be alone with her regret.The tears came slowly at first. Then violently. Her chest heaved with silent sobs until sleep overtook her like a thief in the night.---She awoke to a faint rustling. Movement. Distant, yet inside the room.She sat up, disoriented, blinking against the dim lighting. A glance at the clock told her it was nearly past midnight. Her stomach grumbled its own protest, making her wince.Curious and cautious, she stepped quietly toward the sound.There he w
Arda had stopped struggling by the time she was brought into the room. The fire of her protests had died, leaving only soft sniffling in its wake. Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks, her body trembling—not just from the alcohol wreaking havoc inside her but from something deeper, something raw.Gillow was already there, waiting. His sharp eyes took in the wrecked state she was in, and beneath the surface of his calm, his fury burned. Not at her—no, never at her—but at those who had let this happen. Yet he forced himself to swallow the rage. She needed care, not wrath.At his direction, they placed her gently onto the couch, close to the bed. The moment they stepped back, he moved forward, crouching beside her, his presence a solid force against her frailty.He carried the tea he had prepared. It wasn’t the best remedy, but it was something, and right now, something was better than nothing. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his warmth, his fingers brushing ag
Ignoring Arda's slurred curses, they lifted her into the car with little care for her protests. Her reluctance to return was irrelevant. What mattered was Gillow’s disapproval—a force far more terrifying than her drunken defiance.They secured her in the backseat, and the moment Chester and Karina took their places in the front, Arda lunged for the door handle. But Chester had anticipated this—he’d locked it. The soft click of her failed attempt was followed by a frustrated groan.With a smirk of defiance, she slumped back and declared, “I hate you both.” Then, inexplicably, she started to laugh—a drunken, eerie laughter that sent a chill up Karina’s spine.Neither Chester nor Karina responded. They simply exchanged glances, uneasy."Chester, what did you mean back there? That it’s just you?” Karina finally asked.“I, uh... kinda took the blame.”Karina whipped her head toward him. “What?”“You looked so happy, Karina. And you’ve been in so much trouble lately. I thought... maybe you
Chester hesitated, his pulse hammering against his ribs. If the Alpha was calling in this tone, it could only mean one thing—Arda had lied.His gaze darted toward her. She was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing on the other end of the call. A drink in her hand, laughter spilling from her lips, she swayed to the music with Karina, completely lost in the moment. She had no idea what she had just set into motion."I'm listening," Gillow's voice was sharp, the restrained fury evident in every syllable.Chester swallowed hard. His mind raced, torn between protecting Arda and Karina or saving himself."Alpha, I... I—" His voice faltered. What was the right move here? Take the blame and hope to minimize the damage? But then his eyes flicked back to Karina—her face alight with rare joy. She had suffered enough in recent times. And Arda... that reckless little minx. What had she been thinking? Dragging them into this mess? But then he recalled the way she had pleaded earlier—her voice thi
Arda watched the phone vibrate in her hand, Gillow’s name flashing across the screen. A small part of her knew she should answer, but she couldn't bring herself to. She let it ring.Karina and Chester noticed.“Who is it?” Karina asked from the passenger seat.“Alpha?” Chester added, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.Arda shrugged. “Yeah.”“Then why aren’t you answering?” Chester’s brows furrowed.“I’ll call him back when we get to the club,” she said, feigning nonchalance.Neither Karina nor Chester looked convinced, but they let it go. The car rolled smoothly through the city streets, neon lights reflecting against the windshield.Then Karina’s phone lit up.Gillow Rain.She turned in her seat, flashing the screen toward Arda. “It’s him. And I know it’s because you’re not picking up.”Arda’s stomach twisted. Her fingers clenched into the soft fabric of her dress. “Oh,” she said, forcing a casual tone. “I’ll call him back when we get there, I promise. Don’t answer.”Karina
The mall was alive with movement—bright, noisy, filled with a sea of people weaving through aisles stacked with gleaming devices. Arda barely noticed the chatter, the hum of conversations blending with the distant sound of a child whining for a toy. She moved through the tech section, her fingers grazing the sleek surfaces of high-end phones as an attendant hovered nearby, ready to assist. Chester and Karina flanked her, their watchful eyes darting around, wary of external threats. Finally, she chose. A phone with a crisp camera, vast memory, and a lightning-fast processor. It was perfect—not just for its features, but for what it represented. A semblance of independence. Control. The purchase was made. The device, hers. And with it, a shift in the air. Outside, the sky had deepened to a dusky blue, streaked with the dying embers of sunlight. The city hummed with its usual rhythm—car horns blaring in irritation, the distant wail of a siren, vendors calling out their last
Arda woke up to the cold absence of Gillow. The bed felt too large without him, the sheets still carrying the ghost of his warmth. The memory of last night burned in her skin—his hands, his lips, the way he had worshiped and restrained himself in equal measure. He had left her breathless, aching, and unfulfilled.She sat up, scanning the room, her heart sinking. Was he still here?Slipping out of bed, she padded barefoot toward the door and pulled it open. The guard stationed outside straightened at her sudden appearance."Where is he?" she asked, her voice softer than she intended."The Alpha left before dawn, along with his chosen pack members," the guard reported.Arda swallowed the bitter disappointment that curled inside her. He hadn’t even said goodbye?But before the frustration could settle, the guard reached into his pocket. "This is for you, from the Alpha."A note.Relief washed over her, though she barely kept it from showing. She took the folded paper from his outstretche
Arda lay on the bed, her body still humming from Gillow’s touch. The sheets felt cool against her overheated skin, but nothing could calm the ache inside her. The place where his lips had been—where his hands had traced—still burned. But he was gone now.His whispered words echoed in her ears. “I cannot trust myself to keep my hands off you tonight. Trust me, it’s better for you and I.” She had nodded, understanding. Now, in the quiet, her fingers clenched the sheets. She hated how empty the bed felt without him. She hated how her body still craved his warmth, his weight pressing into her. She curled into herself, trying to push away the frustration, the confusion. Eventually, sleep claimed her. --- In his own room, Gillow stood under an icy shower, his fists braced against the cold tile. The water wasn’t enough to cool the fire raging inside him. His mate. His Arda. She had finally surrendered. Finally spoken the words he had longed to hear. "Yes, Alpha." A low growl rumble