WINTERFive years. That's how long it has been since Seven died. My pregnancy was the toughest phase of my life. I lost count of how many times I thought I would die. Not only was my mental health affected, but my physical health was also in shambles.I couldn't entirely blame my ill health on the pregnancy. After all, I was living under the same roof as the person who murdered the love of my life. Kai, as he had introduced himself, became crazier and crazier as the days ran into months.There was even a time he turned the whole house upside down in search of the Phoenix Orb or whatever he called it. I didn't know how to feel about his constant failures.On one hand, I wanted him to get his hands on what he wanted and get out of my life for good. And on the other, I couldn't help feeling that I would be doomed if he found the orb. Something told me that it was very important and he needed it badly.Sometimes, I found him on his knees while speaking on the phone. It was as if someone w
WINTERNo words had ever made my heart break so much. Dawn was naturally a cheerful child, and after she grew past the baby stage, she rarely cried. She leaned into giving anyone a piece of her mind instead of crying.So, you can guess how shocked and heartbroken I was after she made such a demand in tears.As a child, when I fantasized about having my own kids, never in a million years did I imagine that I would be raising any of them in captivity. I tried to shield Dawn from all that was going on. However, it seemed she was catching on. No child would ever ask for a parent to be replaced if they didn't sense something wrong. I dreaded the day I'd have to explain to Dawn that Kai wasn't her father, but a knockoff of the original. I thought I still had a lot of time. Little did I know that it would come knocking on my door so soon.After taking a deep breath, I said in a choked voice, "Baby, what happened? Why did you say that?""I don't like him. He slapped me!""He did what!" I exc
WINTERThe guest was none other than Eric Kester, my friend from NYU. The last time I saw him was about five years ago. He had tried to save me, but ended up jumping to his death.How the hell was he here now? And why did Kai address him as Gary Blake?Eric glanced to the side before whispering, "Shhhh! He's going to hear us."I glanced at Kai, who was staring at a series of champagne bottles while rubbing his chin. His mere back filled me with fear. A scarf was wrapped around my neck, but I couldn't forget how he almost strangled me to death. My mind also went to Dawn who was still unconscious last I checked.Curiosity was killing me. However, it was nothing compared to the fear for my life and that of my daughter. I quickly straightened up and picked up my fork, unwilling to talk to Eric anymore."Can you give me your phone number so we can talk some other time?" Eric uttered in a low voice."I can't!" I whispered, glancing at the bar. "I don't have a phone."Eric didn't take the h
KAI-VIIThe strong mass of flesh and bones that I had for legs suddenly turned mushy. I struggled to hold the door as my palm became sweaty and slipped down."Mas... Mas..." I could barely get a word out. My lips trembled and my heart began to race as I glared at the man standing at the other end of the door. He was wearing all back. He also had on a black baseball hat that shadowed most of his face. But I knew exactly who it was. His aura was intimidating and his figure towering. When he raised his head, I almost peed in my pants and fell to my knees.Back in the dining room, the clattering of spoons on plates stopped. I could hear Winter and my guest whispering. About what? That I do not know.The sudden appearance of the person in front of me was a much bigger problem for me. I hadn't expected that Ratio would come here. Every week, I went to the underground lair to report to him. I had also lost count of how many times he also waylaid me outside.But never had he come all the
SEVENDid I just hear you say finally? What do you mean? Finally, you would get insight on what I have been up to? Or finally, you get to hear that I have recovered fully.Sorry to burst your bubble. I'm still confined to this goddamn wheelchair. To say that the last five years were the hardest for me is an understatement. Every day, I tried to walk on my own two feet. And each time, I landed on my butt like a damn little kid. My legs were just as good as fine useless sticks. Physiotherapy was useless. I went through so much pain, but it didn't help matters.On most days, I spent my time all alone in my room. The Williamsons put up with me for some reason. Maybe because Becky had threatened her brother and father that they would never see her again if I was ever thrown out. Her father probably didn't give a damn whether I stayed or left. But Alaric... I was sure he would give anything to get rid of me.Anyway, that's that on how I have been living for five years. Tonight, I was feel
SEVENMy father was loved by all. To this day, I didn't think I could ever be loved by the members of Blood Crest Pack the way my father was loved.His death shook the entire pack. No one had anticipated that his reign would be cut short. He was one of those who were expected to live forever.I could still remember how people came from far and wide to eulogize him. Also, I remember how I was supported by many after his death. Of course, I didn't accept all the help because I peeled away into solitude shortly after I was made Alpha. I only came out when needed, but I knew that most of the love I got came due to the love people had for my father.This immeasurable love was why I couldn't understand why anyone would dig up my father's grave. And what was that person looking for?I looked down at the coffin and saw that the lock hadn't been tampered with. Could it be that the person ran away before they could open it? Was it because I appeared?My mind was working a million miles by the m
SEVENThere was a serious look on Becky's face as she looked at me with her hand stretched out. I avoided her eyes and took the flash drive. Wheeling myself into my room, I went to my desk and turned on the laptop. "Thank you. If you don't mind, could please excuse me?""Actually, I do mind." I felt her gaze heat up my back. Standing behind me, she snorted, "I helped you get the footage. Don't you think I should at least watch it with you?"I placed my elbow on the desk and rested my head on my palm. Couldn't she just take the hint? Why did she always have to pry?"Can you just give me some privacy?" I asked, turning to look at her.Becky smirked and then walked over to my bed. She plopped down on it and crossed her leg. "I'm afraid I can't.""What are you hiding, Seven?" she continued. "I didn't want to complain before, but now, I can't help it. You are so secretive. Why don't you want me to watch the footage with you?""Because it's personal!" I snapped.Nodding her head, Becky chu
SEVENThis tunnel had been formed during the groundwork construction of this house many years ago. My late father was the one who insisted that a tunnel be made.I was about fifteen or sixteen at the time. When I saw the plan, I thought it was ridiculous. I couldn't fathom why my father insisted on making a tunnel for a house that wasn't going to be lived in. For a long time, the house wasn't even completed. I didn't even know why he insisted on building it since we had our own magnificent villa which had many rooms.But after the bomb blast that killed many, I realized why. My father was no fortune teller, but he sure planned for the future. To think that as a boy, I always felt that he was so paranoid.Look who was about to use the tunnel now?I pulled on the wall of thorny grass. Although a few thorns pierced my hand, I endured the pain. A pile of grass lay on the ground by the time I was done making a pathway.The tunnel was dark. So dark that it unnerved me. I switched on my pho