~Aden's POV~
"Great work, man," I said to Cassel as he skillfully chopped the wood. The crackling sound of splitting logs filled the air. These logs would provide warmth and comfort to the children later in the evening.Cassel was not only a devoted father but also a true friend, someone who had saved my life a decade ago. I owed him more than words could express.My father's untimely death and the mysterious disappearance of Kierra, the love of my life, had cast a shadow over everything. It all began with masked intruders who had invaded our home, ruthlessly ending my father's life with a silver stake.The sight of my father's lifeless body on the floor left me devastated and filled with a burning desire for justice. Who could have orchestrated such a heinous act? My mind raced with questions, but the answers remained elusive.My father was my anchor, my only family. Having lost my mother at a young age, he was all I had. Yet, there was a secret concealed within our family—my twin brother, Argon. We were mirror images of each other, but his life was plagued by an illness that confined him to the indoors, vulnerable to sunlight. It was a mystery we never fully understood, but our father had managed to keep it hidden, known only to Mr. Anderson, our messenger, and Madam Charity, our nursemaid.As children, Argon and I had shared precious moments together, guided by the care of Madam Charity in the absence of our mother. Our father, consumed by his work, could only devote time to us when he returned home late in the evenings. While I ventured out into the world, making new friends and embracing school, Argon remained secluded, his education limited to the confines of our home. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for leaving him behind, deprived of the joys of childhood companionship.The night everything changed, I found myself at the mercy of Mr. Anderson and his henchmen, with Argon inexplicably by their side. They dragged me into the depths of the forest, where their intentions became clear. Mr. Anderson manipulated Argon, feeding him lies about my supposed role in our father's neglect, convincing him that only by eliminating me could he find relevance and claim his place as the Alpha of Kenvy.Anger surged within me as their words seeped into my ears, but it wasn't until they mentioned Kierra's name that a profound sense of urgency overtook me. Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to comprehend their motives for targeting her.Fueled by rage and desperation, I fought against their grip, but it was Cassel who witnessed the unfolding events from a distance. He had sensed something amiss when he visited my home, and when he saw me being forcefully taken, he followed without hesitation. His swift thinking and the aid of his uncle allowed us to escape Kenvy, seeking refuge in his family's home in Borgn.For six long months, I remained in a coma, my body healing from the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon me. During that time, vengeance consumed my thoughts. I mourned the loss of my father, the destruction of my home, and the uncertainty surrounding my twin brother's fate.Cassel, ever the loyal friend, delivered the news that two charred bodies, unidentifiable, had been recovered from Kierra's home, while Kierra herself remained missing. The weight of the unknown pressed upon me, intensifying my need for answers.Cassel had been my first friend, his easygoing nature and friendly demeanor drawing me in from the start. His family hailed from Borgn, though they resided in Kenvy due to his uncle's work as a police officer.But it was in high school that fate smiled upon me, granting me the chance to meet Kierra. The rules of werewolf mating rituals seemed trivial in comparison to the natural connection we shared. The moment I laid eyes on her, beauty radiated from her like an ethereal glow. Fate had orchestrated our meeting, placing her right in front of me in class.Kierra, a new transfer student, possessed not only beauty but also intelligence that commanded respect. Nervous and unsure, I couldn't bring myself to approach her until Cassel intervened , suggesting she assist in the search for his "missing" friend—me. It was when we went for a three-day camp in the Ora forest. Without hesitation, she followed Cassel into the depths of the Ora forest, a gesture of kindness that tugged at my heartstrings.Playing my part, I emerged from my hiding spot, pretending to have found my way back. The moment our hands touched, an electrifying current coursed through me, igniting a fire within that I had never experienced before. Her smile, warm and genuine, spoke volumes.Lost in the memory, I was abruptly pulled back to reality by Cassel's urgent voice, calling me from a distance."Aden, come look! Another body has been found in the forest."Dread settled in the pit of my stomach, a familiar ache that signaled danger and further unraveling mysteries.
Kierra's POVAs a graduate of Accounting and also graduating at the top of my class. I felt proud that I had achieved one of my dreams.If my uncle was alive he would have been proud too.The time was here for me to go back to Kenvy. I would apply for a job and begin my search for what happened that night.Not everyone in Kenvy will recognise me but I still have to be careful. The killers might still be out there.I told Madam Ann about my plan to move back to Kenvy. She was sad but she knew she couldn't hide me and protect me forever. I was old enough to make decisions of my own. It hurt me to leave her behind. I saw her as the mother I never had while growing up. I needed to keep my emotions behind me and seek the truth. Being aware of all that happened that night has made me miserable for the last ten years."Keep this with you," she said as she handed a golden locket with just one part of the pendant and the other missing."Was this the locket you were talking about?" I asked "Y
Aden's POVI got a glimpse of the corpse. Just like any other corpse, this one also had its head missing. Whoever was doing this was trying to make identifying the victim difficult for us.This was the forty-ninth body found since we discovered the first one last year. All the victims were women. I had to get away from the scene, the smell of the corpse could make me puke. It seemed the body was out here for a while. The flies hovering over the decomposed body made it difficult to keep focus.Cassel's uncle, Tim, said something dangerous was going on in town. There was a bite mark on the victim's neck. He said he heard that the killings weren't just happening here but also in Kenvy as well.It looked like the killer was using the forest as his discard centre. I have eyes in Kenvy, those giving me information about my brother, or any happening in the city. And they confirmed receiving news of deaths as well. I frequently go to Kenvy city. But whenever I did, I made sure to always wea
Kierra's POVKenvy has changed a lot. The city was busy, there were more skyscrapers now compared to when I left. Kenvy is a beautiful place and it even looks more magnificent now. The fresh air reminded me of my childhood memories but this was where I lost a part of me, my happiness.While in kenvy I decided to lodge in a hotel first before getting myself an apartment. After I settled in on Sunday evening. I prepared myself for work the following day. I didn't want to arrive late. That will speak badly of me. I began unpacking my things. My attention fell on the locket, I stared at it for a while before returning it to a small pocket beside my bag. "Kierra! Don't get carried away, report to work first, and then the hunt will begin," I told myselfI have sworn that nothing was going to jeopardize my revenge plan. I came back to Kenvy for a purpose and I wouldn't leave until I achieved it.I slept off on the couch watching T.V. When I woke up it was past 5 am, perfect timing to awak
Aden's POV I have never joked with my gut feelings. It's there for a reason. So I don't overlook it. I knew something was going on in Borgn that was linked to Vampires. It was clear for anyone with eyes to see. Unless people in Borgn were trying to cover it up because they didn't want everyone to think an impending war was on the way. By the way, we werewolves don't bite that way, we ain't bloodsuckers. When we bite, we bite to kill and that's in our werewolf form. Another reason for a werewolf to bite is to mark his mate of course. "How do I know this much?" Cassel asked me right after what happened to Helena in the woods. After Helena came back home that fateful day looking terrified. Cassel finally picked interest in the V word. I know he one day would. It's just unfortunate Helena had to get hurt before he listened. Who wouldn't after a loved one gets attacked? "I used to read a lot when I was younger. If I wasn't playing with Argon, my twin brother, I would be in my father
Kierra's POV I wasn't emotionally ready for what I saw yesterday. When I saw him, I think my heart stopped beating back there. I had seen someone who was supposed to be dead. "But how?" I asked myself. Was I given the wrong information then? It had to be, I shook Aden's hands yesterday. He was standing right in front of me. He was real. I couldn't forget the way he looked at me yesterday. I have never felt so weak under someone's gaze. The way he called my name was so natural and sweet. Did he know I had applied to work in his firm? He didn't look surprised to see me. I hope I get to see him alone and ask him questions I need to find answers to. He had to explain to me what triggered and who helped spread the rumor of his death. And most importantly, he might have had an idea or must have heard stories related to my family's demise. I could use his help to search for answers. But I had to stop myself from thinking we were going to be as close as we were in the past… "Kierra, Ade
Aden's POV Back in the woods. I felt that we were being watched. I could hear a person's heartbeat but it was faint. The person must have been watching us from afar and the tall trees gave whoever it was a perfect shield. We were on our way back home when we heard an almost deafening sound. It was the car tires. "What the heck was that," Cassel yelled "I think we just stepped on corks" uncle Tim responded Before we knew what was happening our car went off the road. Uncle Tim was trying to bring the situation under control by driving the car to a safe spot. "Hey guys, I think we have got company," Brad yelled from behind the truck A dozen guys came after us. Before we could get out of the car. They were already onto us. I couldn't understand why these guys were charging at us. Then I remembered the faint heartbeat I heard in the woods. A thought crossed me " Seems the person spying on us in the woods has alerted the others" The three of us got out of the car to get ready to f
Aden's POV It's been a long time since I was involved in a fight. The last fight I had was with the Borgn's clan beta Brad. He challenged me to a fight a year ago and I defeated him. I was almost made the Beta of the clan then, but I turned it down. I told Alpha Carl it wasn't my ambition. Brad was a narrow-minded guy, he had a temper that made him blind to see reasons whenever he was angry. Many say he isn't worthy of being a Beta because of some of his scandalous habits. He was a great gambler. People say he started gambling and drinking after he lost his father. Although his mom is alive and well. Instead of getting worked up by her son's attitude she usually spends her day at the clinic. His father was the beta to the Borgn clan before he died and his mum was a nurse, a salutary werewolf (a herbal wolf that takes care of the ill and injured). Brad's father died when he was seventeen. It was an unfortunate incideng. One faithful day, the Borgn Clan were attacked by rogue w
Kierra's POVAs I walked toward the Boss's office my heart was beating so fast. It seemed like it was going to explode."Be calm Kierra. It's probably just a harmless meeting" I encouraged myself In my wildest dream I never knew I would be faced with such a circumstance—Seeing Aden again face to face. I don't think I have enough courage to contain both my excitement and disbelief. "What was he going to say? What will I say? Should I hug him to show how relieved I am that he's alive? Will he want us back as we used to? What if he has a mate now?" These questions ran through my mind. Another thought came to me, it sounded like the werewolf part of me was warning me." Kierra, you don't need to show those emotions. You will look too cheap and will make it seem you are drooling over him. Keep your shoulders high. By the way, you need to be angry instead of being happy. If he was alive all these years why didn't he search for you. I doubt if he loves you anymore"I kept a neutral face