Aurora's POVAfter leaving Ellen down the street, I continued my journey barefoot to the hideout we have. I hope I won't find either Lucas or Lilian there because that will make things even worse for me than they already are. My mind, fatigued, carried me to our hideout in less than a minute, not feeling a single pain, though I know I've hurt my feet.I arrived at our secret hideout nestled deep within the heart of Brown Wood, a place where Lilian, Lucas, and I once found solace and happiness. The air here held echoes of laughter and camaraderie from our younger, carefree days, the days where tattoos won't cause chaos in one's life.The hideout was concealed behind a dense curtain of leaves and branches, a natural shield from prying eyes. As I approached, memories flooded back—the countless times we shared secrets, dreams, and whispered fears, even the camps we made in broad daylight with no fire.The heart of our haven was a small waterfall, its green-tinged water cascading down moss
Alpha Caden.I made sure the parlor is dimly lit and the sun is already setting down the horizon. I stood tall, my alpha presence commanding attention. Henry, my beta, sat across from me, his eyes attentive, awaiting my words. The air was thick with the weight of responsibility as we delved into serious matters concerning the pack.As I observed, his wife lingered outside the parlor, her subdued sniffles permeating the room. The ambiguity lingers; it's unclear whether her tears stem from the intense conversation between her husband and daughter or the heart-wrenching loss of Aurora. Both Henry and Taylor are extremely prideful which is something Flora has always talked to Taylor about. She wouldn't talk to her daughter for months because she ran away. Does that even make any fucking sense? I mean, your first concern should be why she ran away in the first place. Were you doing something wrong that she couldn't stand or is it something else? But no, they were mad she took that step wit
Aurora's POVA tidal wave of crushing disappointment engulfs me, threatening to drown my spirits as I find myself beneath Lilian's gaze. My best friend, once a pillar of support, now stares down at me with a blank expression that gradually transforms into a disapproving frown. It feels as though I've unwittingly become an unwanted intrusion in her path, a presence she wishes to obliterate.A presence she didn't expect to see at our "hideout" because I am inconveniencing her. Then again, I was the one that actually found this place then Lucas sneaked behind to see what made me speechless to answer their calls. That is how we made it our personal space when we want to be alone. So yeah, she is in my space.The sheer disbelief washes over me like a torrent, prompting a visceral question –have I undergone such a profound transformation since our last week on FaceTime? I search my own reflection in the mirror of her gaze, desperate for an understanding of why she regards me with such unfam
Aurora's POVLilian and I step forward in unison, our strides syncing as we navigate the forest floor. The canopy above casts intermittent shadows, playing with the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The air carries a sense of anticipation, the soft rustle of leaves beneath our feet creating a natural symphony. It felt like all those years ago only that one set of feet is missing. As we approach the stone, its weathered surface reveals the passage of time, etched with memories and stories of those who came before us. The surroundings seem to hush in reverence, creating a momentary stillness that contrasts with the subtle sounds of nature. We knew there were some others before us but this time around, it is only us. No one knows about this place. Lilian's silhouette beside me is a familiar comfort, her presence a reminder of shared laughter and secrets. The play of light accentuates the contours of her features, casting a gentle glow on the path ahead. We exchange glances
Aurora's POV"I really missed you here, Ro. It was so bad without you. I had no best friend to talk to about the craziest things. No sleepovers or slumber parties. Ughh, it was so boring." Lilian said as she relaxed her head on my shoulder while I wrapped my arms around her. As we sat by the familiar stone in our secret hideout, the conversation shifted to the experiences we had been through during our time apart. She decided to go first because to her, she was more wounded living all alone here in a secluded place as she liked to call it. Yeah, Brown Wood is nothing but secluded. It is amongst the largest packs in the world. "Life in the human world is so different, Lil. It took me quite a while to get used to their ways, but not shifting made it easier in some aspects. I don't know how Eva would've liked it if we were able to shift." I shook my head at the thought. My wolf would've killed me. "No I wouldn't." Eva defended in my head instantaneously while I gave her the 'you know
Alpha Caden"Dad, you there?" Lucas said through the mind-link just when I came down from my high. Fuck. "Yes yes. I'll be down in a sec." I murmur in the best gruff voice I could muster though I don't have to use my voice. Shit, this is the worst timing ever. Hastily standing up from the bed, I quickly changed my sweatpants since the other one was ruined. I thoroughly washed my hand so he won't smell the whole thing then add whiskey just to make the process much easier. Fuck, I didn't expect Lucas to stop by the mansion. At least not today since he knew I was mourning. Or doesn't he know that? Isn't he supposed to be mourning his mother too?I stepped out of the room and made my way down the stairs to the living room where the mind-link is directing me towards. The dim light revealed Lucas, shoulders slouched, staring into the amber liquid in his glass. The air seemed heavy with grief and uncertainty. Even from behind I know he looks very disheveled and he misses his mother a lot.
Aurora's POVI turned away quickly when I saw Lucas slowly walking towards us. It seems like he didn't recognize me at first with the way he was walking nonchalantly though he looked really burnt out. It looks like he is grieving more than anyone else with the way he appears to be out of it and depressed. He appears as a figure enveloped in mourning, his demeanor a reflection of the heavy weight of grief that hangs upon him. His shoulders slump beneath an invisible burden, and his gaze, once vibrant, now carries a distant sadness. Even his hair looks dull from that one look I gave him. Not the usual Lucas vibe. The one that made all the boys in Brown Wood pack want to dress like him and have hair cuts like his. Everything Lucas Black does is copied by all the boys then I don't know about now. This isn't the Lucas that used to bask in the attention of both males and females those years ago in highschool. He looks obviously older now with two days of stubble covering his cheeks. He i
Aurora's POVWedding. Ahh, Ellen was talking about Lucas and Anne's wedding earlier but I didn't let myself think much about it. What is there to think about anyway? What should I think about? It's not like I have any good relationship with either of them. Nor will I be attending their wedding. Werewolves don't marry for whatever reason. They decide to have a mating ceremony which is enough for them as long as they are marked. Then why the hell do they want to have a wedding like some freaking vampires or witches? Or maybe human since they are mainly known for that too. The impending wedding between Lucas and Anne amplifies the raw pain of betrayal that has been etched into the fabric of my past. Lucas, my first mate, the one who callously rejected me, is now pledging his life to another. And I am unfortunate enough to have come back just when they decided to do that. Why didn't they do that years ago? Why now?,Anne, once my best friend too, seized the opportunity to claim my mate