Just as I contemplated my newfound metallic makeover, the ground beneath me stirred. Vines and plants erupted from the forest floor, wrapping around me in a surreal dance. I yelped, flailing as the tendrils squeezed my body like an overenthusiastic boa constrictor."Okay, Solana forest, I get it. You're the mystical guardian, and I'm the sacrificial snack. Very funny," I quipped, the panic in my voice masked by forced humor.The plants tightened their grip, and I felt a strange energy coursing through me. It wasn't pain, but a pulsating sensation, as if the forest itself was examining my very essence. I squirmed, unsure if this was part of the werewolf initiation or if I was starring in a particularly bizarre nature documentary.My fingers instinctively reached for the small silver locket around my neck, a keepsake from my childhood. "Hey, Dominique, long time no howl. Got a minute?" I addressed my inner wolf, expecting the usual surge of chatty commentary. However, instead of the ty
Trapped in this stifling room, my body immobilized, my pleas echoing against the walls like a desperate symphony. I'm not one to easily admit defeat, but in this hellish confinement, my frustration reached a boiling point. "Mom, for the love of all that's holy, let me go! Melissa's in danger, can't you see that?" I roared, every fiber of my being aching to break free. Henrietta, my composed and infuriatingly calm mother, stood on the other side of the door. Her gaze, unwavering, met mine through the narrow gap between the frame and the door itself. A twisted smile played on her lips, sending shivers down my spine. "Patience, Killian. Your beloved Mellisa will be fine. Just a little longer," she replied, as if orchestrating some cruel game. Frustration clawed at me, my hands involuntarily balling into fists. "Damn it, Mom! My mark is burning. She's in pain. Why are you doing this?" I seethed, the weight of helplessness bearing down on me like a vice. Henrietta, ever the enigma, regar
[Killian’s trial] The dagger cut a clean line into my wrist, and blood poured out. I couldn't help but marvel at the strangeness of the situation, even in the face of impending danger."I hope you appreciate the dramatic flair," I muttered to Mellisa, as if she could hear me amidst the arcane mystique of the ritual. Her limp form hung in my arms, the very essence of vulnerability, and I was determined to see her through this bizarre ordeal.Blood dripped from my wrist, painting a crimson tableau in the air. With a firm resolve, I pulled Mellisa closer and encouraged her to drink the blood."I always dreamed of a romantic date, but this is not what I had in mind," I quipped, my attempt at humor an odd counterpoint to the gravity of our predicament. The blood continued to flow, weaving a macabre dance in the air before it met Mellisa's lips.The crimson liquid, our makeshift elixir, worked its peculiar magic. I watched as it cascaded over Mellisa's form, washing away the malevolent sil
In the midst of a heated exchange, George, his voice thundering with authority, berated Henrietta for her meddling ways, accusing her of driving both Killian and Mellisa to the brink of destruction with her relentless interference. "You've gone too far this time, Henrietta! Your incessant meddling has brought nothing but chaos to our family," he exclaimed, his frustration palpable.Henrietta, undeterred by George's reproach, fired back with a sharp retort. "Lane is nothing but a commoner, a mere opportunist," she countered, her tone laced with disdain. "Once Killian ascended to his rightful position as alpha, she'd do nothing but leech off the Anderson name, offering little in return."“And when did you decided that?” “The moment I saw her.” As George shook his head in disbelief, he brandished a stack of papers before Henrietta, each page filled with damning information meticulously gathered through his own investigations. "You're wrong, Henrietta. Dead wrong," he asserted, his voic
"Yeah, blame it on Hannah. Classic move, Collin."Jenny, clearly unimpressed, crossed her arms. "Let me guess, this gift basket is supposed to win Mel back?"Collin, looking slightly embarrassed, held out the gift basket as if it were a sacred offering. "It's just a small gesture to show how sorry I am."Jenny inspected the basket with exaggerated curiosity. "Is there a 'Sorry for Betraying You' card in there, too?"Collin, took a step forward, determined to make his case."It's not all my fault, you know?" Collin protested, his tone a mixture of defensiveness and self-pity. "Both sides contributed to the downfall of our relationship. It's not fair to put all the blame on me."Jenny, the unofficial judge and jury in this impromptu court session, raised an eyebrow in response. She locked eyes with Collin, her expression saying, "Let's hear it then."Collin, searching for the right words, continued, "Mel neglected me. She was always busy with her jobs and her mom's surgery. I had needs,
As Killian paced the room, his anxiety practically radiated off him like heat waves in the desert. I couldn't help but chuckle at his nervous energy. "Hey there, jittery groom-to-be," I called out teasingly, watching as he made another lap around the suite.He shot me a sheepish grin, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Can't seem to sit still, you know?"I raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Really? I hadn't noticed," I deadpanned, earning a playful eye roll from him.Richard, Killian's loyal assistant and beta, entered the room, carrying a thick stack of papers. "The marriage contract, as requested," he announced, placing the documents on the table.Killian's eyes widened at the sight of the papers, his nerves kicking into overdrive. "Right, the contract," he muttered, fidgeting with the edge of his suit jacket.I shot him a reassuring smile, reaching out to take his hand. "Hey, it's okay. We've got plenty of time before the ceremony. Let's sit down and go through this toge
Meanwhile, the astute Lauren, Killian's cousin, observed the scene with a wry smile, choosing to remain silent. She had seen her fair share of family disputes, and this particular disagreement seemed to amuse her more than anything.Just as the tension reached its peak, Dana Serpentine, with her signature enigmatic smile, sauntered over, a hint of sarcasm lingering in her gaze. "Well, well, what do we have here?"Dana couldn't help but recall the days when Killian, now entangled with an outsider, had been a frequent visitor to her home, captivated by her older sister, Annstasia. The shift in his affections left Dana feeling a twinge of resentment. Killian, aware of Dana's gaze, tried to diffuse the tension. "Lady Serpentine, it's not what it seems. My mother has these outdated traditions, and I'm just trying to make sense of it all."Dana, ever the composed observer, arched an eyebrow. "Outdated traditions, you say? I thought Andersons prided themselves on their adherence to traditio
Mellisa, slightly overwhelmed but maintaining her sense of humor, found a chair at the center of the room. The ladies, with a sense of purpose, encircled her like a council of elders, ready to share their accumulated wisdom.Aunt Mildred, known for her sassy wit, couldn't resist a cheeky remark. "Dear, you've got a handful with Killian. He's a strong-willed one, that boy. But don't worry, we'll teach you the tricks to handle him."Mellisa, with a mischievous glint in her eye, responded, "I'll take all the advice I can get."Grandma Elsie chuckled, "Smart girl! Now, first lesson – how to deal with Killian's stubbornness. You'll need a blend of patience and a well-timed eye roll. Works like a charm."Aunt Mildred chimed in, "And never forget the power of a good meal. Cook him a hearty meal, and you'll have his undying loyalty."Mellisa nodded, taking mental notes. "Cooking, huh? I can manage that."The conversation continued, each lady offering their unique insights. Aunt Prudence share