Chapter 140
Charm
***
It was a fine and cloudy day.
Leila and Hunter were walking hand in hand towards the riverbank.
After celebrating with the whole pack last night – and had spent time with their family this morning, the two decided to spend their quality time together that afternoon.
Leila couldn’t agree more.
Besides, she also wanted to be with Hunter.
It was just in the riverbank anyway. And three of the pack’s beta was with them. It was one of his parents’ conditions before they decided to let them be and enjoy their picnic.
Hunter talked about it this morning. They will be using this time to plan for their wedding. And she was just too excited about it – that she immediately said yes.
Leila was astonished – as she watched the water ran rapidly on the rocks. It was crystal clear – that she could see the fish swimmin
Chapter 1 *** Leila thanked the taxi driver as she stepped out of the car with her one huge black luggage and a medium-sized black and gray traveling bag waiting at her side. The driver closed the door of the car, just humbly smiled at her, then drove away after she had paid a few bucks. She stretched her limbs to at least ease her outstretched arms from the long drive. She was oblivious to the things around her as she stared at the small bungalow house she inherited from her loving grandparents from his father’s side, Emilio and Josefa Mercado. Her mind was clouded with flashing memories she had with her loving late grandmother, who would run towards where she was the moment she had stepped out of their car, while her late grandfather would just smile – while watching them. Good old days. That was what she was thinking while looking at the old house. It was a single-story house with a slope roof that was made of concrete, glass, and bricks – and the colors were mixed of gray an
Chapter 2 *** Leila was humming her favorite song as she placed the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on the cooling rack. “Finally…” She smilingly clasped her both hands together while her eyes glittered while looking at it. It was a fine sultry day and she decided to give some of her neighbors her own version of chocolate chip cookies. Her mother, Sheila, and her stepbrother, Darcel, truly loved it and she was hoping her neighbors would love it, too. She was looking forward to selling some cookies and other pastries for her to have some extra income. She was dreaming of having her own bakeshop soon. Leila giggled at her thoughts. She rummaged through the hanging cabinet in the kitchen for possible containers, and she sweetly smiled when she found ten of it. “Nice! I can’t believe Carina bought some of the things that I need.” She whispered to herself. The market was an hour-drive from her house. She still needed to ride a taxi from the arc of the Sacred Place Village, and
Chapter 3 *** It was a busy day for Leila. She had received so many texts about ordering cupcakes and cookies. It made her so busy that she almost forgot about what happened to her yesterday. Well, almost, but not quite, for the moment she went to her gate, and she had seen the massive mansion just beside her house – everything just popped into her head like a fleeting mockery to her. She pouted and let out a deep sigh before shrugging her shoulders. Maybe, she wouldn’t ever forget how he treated her cookies! She’d made sure to avenge her poor cookies when the time came! She chuckled at her own joke and slightly shook her head. She wasn’t that morbid, though. Maybe, she’ll just put some stimulant laxatives in his food – nothing more. Leila bit her lower lip as her mind drifted towards the man who had occupied her mind the entire night. She let out a frustrated sigh before driving towards the arc where her customers were waiting for her pastries and cupcakes. “You’re such a tale
Chapter 4 *** Content Warning: This chapter might contain violence, abuse, crime, or triggering factors that may be harmful, disturbing, or traumatizing to some. Reader’s discretion is advised. Thank you. *** “You’re such a great baker, Leila. Thank you for this.” Mrs. Johnson proudly commented as she stood beside her. Mrs. Johnson contacted her to create a customized cake for her daughter’s birthday. She was slowly building her name in the community and words were easily spread all throughout. Those words brought her back to reality and gave the kind woman a gentle small smile. “I really love baking. Thank you for trusting me on this, too.” She sincerely replied. “I’ll surely help you market your pastries and cakes, then. Maybe you can give me your portfolio so I can share it with my friends.” Mrs. Johnson excitedly told her. That made Leila ecstatic. “Sure, Mrs. Johnson. I’d do that. Thank you for giving me an idea.” Her voice was filled with happiness and anticipation. Le
Chapter 5 *** Leila was dumbfounded, but she tried to stand up with her trembling knees. She had no idea why, but she followed the massive wolf that actually… rescued her! She couldn’t believe that there’s a meek wolf like that – not to mention that it was so huge and bulky. She had seen them on television, and they were predators – mostly wild and fierce. Leila ignored the bruises that were throbbing in some parts of her body. All she could think about was following the massive wolf and finding out who owned it. She wanted it! She wanted one for herself! Well, that might serve as her best friend while living here in the village. Her mind was clouded with the gratitude towards the wolf that saved her. She couldn’t believe that during that hard, awful, and hopeless time – she could find someone unexpectedly. She was panting inaudibly – breathing in her mouth as she tried to keep up with the wolf, which was slowly walking like it had nowhere to go. The owl cooed, and it echoed
Chapter 6 *** It happened so fast that Leila couldn’t believe how she had come this far. She was flabbergasted upon discovering that it was Hunter Black, whom her mother had been indebted to. Well, technically, it was all her stepfather’s fault, but her mother had been his collateral. That man really had to give them a headache after what he had done to her! She couldn’t believe him! A heartless beast if she might add! But what’s worst was that she couldn’t believe how she had come this far and how fate was truly playing her right now. She stared at the huge mansion in front of her as she managed to press the doorbell. Butler Henry’s cold and blank expression welcomed her and ushered her towards the pathway. She mentally heaved a deep sigh. Now, she was welcomed here already, and that was because she had no other choice but to be the one who would pay for everything instead of her mother. “There are few rules that you had to remember while working here, Miss Leila.” Butler Hen
Chapter 7 *** Leila was so guilty that she couldn’t just leave Hunter’s mansion. She wasn’t allowed on the second floor of the house, and she hadn’t seen Butler Henry go down. She had eaten the steak that she had cooked, and she had a tiny tinge of pain, thinking that she hadn’t even asked for Hunter’s food preference. How could she ever forget something as important as that kind of information?! “I should’ve asked…” She murmured under her breath. Then, a loud bang of the door suddenly interrupted her thoughts. Her eyes widened like a saucer as fear and worry instantly attacked her. She hadn’t heard the doorbell, and she knew that no one would enter the place – for it was only Hunter and Butler Henry leaving in this huge mansion. “Then, who the heck is this?” She asked herself as she immediately held the vase just beside her. Whoever, this intruder was, she would instantly shout to Butler Henry and alarm them. But that also meant that her life would be in danger. Her heart be
Chapter 8Leila didn’t know how many times she had heaved a deep sigh as she plopped down the comfy sofa.Everything that happened that day was already wearing her out.However, what made her more perplexed was about what Butler Henry told her about a while ago.***Flashback…“But Hunter – err, I mean Master Hunter – seems like he is pushing his brother away…” She inquired nosily.She even corrected herself as Butler Henry shot her a knowing look.‘When can I ever get used to calling him ‘Master’? Tsk!’ She rolled her eyes inside her head as she mentally thought.Butler Henry heaved a deep sigh – like he was already worn out. She had been asking him too many questions since Hector went out of the mansion, and he might have cut his cord of patience because of her prurience.She swallowed hard – hoping that Butler Henry wouldn’t throw him out of the mansion for being too meddling.Leila just wanted to drop that topic when his next words made her more curious.“Master Hunter didn’t want
Chapter 140Charm***It was a fine and cloudy day.Leila and Hunter were walking hand in hand towards the riverbank.After celebrating with the whole pack last night – and had spent time with their family this morning, the two decided to spend their quality time together that afternoon.Leila couldn’t agree more.Besides, she also wanted to be with Hunter.It was just in the riverbank anyway. And three of the pack’s beta was with them. It was one of his parents’ conditions before they decided to let them be and enjoy their picnic.Hunter talked about it this morning. They will be using this time to plan for their wedding. And she was just too excited about it – that she immediately said yes.Leila was astonished – as she watched the water ran rapidly on the rocks. It was crystal clear – that she could see the fish swimmin
Chapter 139Heartless***Content Warning: This chapter might contain violence, abuse, crime, or triggering factors that may be harmful, disturbing, or traumatizing to some. Reader’s discretion is advised. Thank you.***“Where is Leila?” Myrtle asked curiously – as she and Hector went to him.His parents went to him, too – as they took a bit distant from the crowd.It seemed like his family wanted to talk to him right now.“She talks to her mother.” He simply replied – causing Myrtle to look at him worriedly while Hector just looked at him with his left brow shot upwards.Their parents were let into a deep silence.His brows furrowed at that.“You are not thinking thoroughly about this, huh? What if she didn’t want you for her daughter?” Hector fired that un
Chapter 138Serious Talk***Leila knew – from that very moment – that her mother wasn’t pleased with the celebration.Who would?When she almost forgot her?!She was cursing herself inside her mind – as she walked towards her.Hunter seemed to have noticed her sudden changed of reaction – that he instantly held her waist gently, stopping her from going anywhere without even telling him where to go.She looked at him – and back to her mother, who was already marching back towards the mansion. She looked a bit anxious at that.“Are you okay?” Hunter asked tenderly – but he instantly realized what was happening when he took a swift glance at the way where her eyes were.He bit his lower lip and took an inaudible sigh.“Did I… Did I offend your mother? I mean… Damn it!” He whispere
Chapter 137Celebrate***Donovan is still at large.And it was given already.The enemy is still out there – just waiting for its chance and right time to launch an attack.However, it was also clear that enemies and negative situations would always be part of their lives. And it was inevitable. Nothing could ever stop it from happening.But they have their choices.And like what Hunter said, life is short, and he wanted to spend it with her.So, whatever happened in the future – there were no regrets because they spend time with the people, they love the most. They have said the words that they wanted to convey. They share the moments – big or small – to the people they cared the most. They share their battles – win or lose – with the people they treasured the most.Having these thoughts in mind, Leila and Hunter decided to te
Chapter 136Under the Moon***The melancholic feeling could be felt in the air – as Leila took one step at a time towards the mounted stones just below that massive peepal tree. The sacred fig seemed to be waving its cordate in shape leaves with a distinguishing lengthy drip tip that was just too hard to miss.It only gave her the heavy feeling of mourning – for only the dried leaves she was stepping on were the only sound she could hear. The cold breeze that was fanning her exposed skin simply made her feel emotional.The sound of the chirping birds – which would be heard from time to time – was making the scene a bit lighter. However, Leila just couldn’t appreciate it now.Hunter was walking with her side by side.And she was just grateful that he was silently giving her support and privacy at that time.He didn’t say a word – but hi
Chapter 135Wolfless***Leila opened her eyes – with her entire body aching.So, she immediately closed her eyes tightly and groaned.“L-Leila…”She could hear her mother’s voice.And she wasn’t sure whether she was hallucinating or not.She tried opening her eyes once again – but the blinding light from the sun was just too much for her to bear. She closed her eyes once again – as she felt her throat dry.Leila knew that she was in her room at the Blacks Mansion.But why is her mother here?Or is this part of her dream?She remembered being captive by Donovan and was about to get wed to him and-Her eyes instantly wide open now – as she was wide awake now. Her every sense was already alert and ready to engage. However, when she tried getting up – it was just too excruciatingly painful for her.She groaned.“Careful, Leila… Stop pushing yourself too much.” Her mother told her worriedly.But it only fueled her determination to get up and make sure that she was true.“M-Mom…” Her voice
Chapter 134Inner Wolf******Darkness.It was all that Leila could see when she finally opened her eyes.However, this time, she couldn’t find any fear residing inside her anymore.It seemed like she had been full accepted that this was part of her life already – getting contact with Silver… trying to think that this might be where she was right now.“Silver…” She tried calling her.Perhaps, she had finally accepted darkness because of Silver.She learned to appreciate it because of her.In fact, she couldn’t believe that her inner wolf would be here alone.That thought only intensified her strong will to finally talk to Silver – or even take a glimpse at her.However, one minute… two minutes… another and another minute passed – but there was no Silver.Leila felt a bit odd at that.Silver would always appear in front of her whenever she called her.“Silver…” She tried calling her again.But still… There was no response.Leila swallowed hard.“S-Silver… This is not a j-joke anymore…
Chapter 133Stop***Content Warning: This chapter might contain violence, abuse, crime, or triggering factors that may be harmful, disturbing, or traumatizing to some. Reader’s discretion is advised. Thank you.***Hunter was caught!And it was already part of his plans.He had to know where Leila’s mother and younger brother were.Hunter knew that he had to save them first – so Donovan couldn’t get a hold of Leila. He had to make sure to get them to Hector – the soonest possible.And although he didn’t want to do that first, really. But he had to.Hector and the rest of their men were on standby already.However, they couldn’t attack when there were still important people inside the base.They have to do the saving first.Hunter let Donovan’s men caught him.Of course, he tried to make it seem like he didn’t plan this at all.And so, he succeeded in finding them.However, he had to leave Leila… with Duncan.He was the one who had helped him… again.And no matter how much he wanted t
Chapter 132Forced***Content Warning: This chapter might contain violence, abuse, crime, or triggering factors that may be harmful, disturbing, or traumatizing to some. Reader’s discretion is advised. Thank you.***It seemed like it was a wakeup call from Leila.Hearing Duncan’s cry.However, it was too late.Donovan, in his wolf form, was all over Duncan – as he was slowly scratching his arms.Silver cried – as she tried to escape from Donovan’s men.In the past, she had no other means to help her father. She was young, weak, and fragile. She didn’t know what to do or how to help him.Her fears overtook her – even gave her that trauma which almost made her to almost impossible to remember it.But right now, it is all different.She had a legendary werewolf – for goodness’ sake!She had the strength to save someone dear to her.She had the means to stop Donovan.She had that pure resolve and courage now.She learned her lesson – the hardest way possible.So, she had to do something