Without hesitation, I picked up my phone and on the third peep, the call was connected.“Thank goddess you called. You must be a mind reader now, ‘cos I was about to call you myself,” Chris' voice came sharp on the other end.“Ohhhh… that sounds cool. Why were you planning to call me? Can it wait? I have something urgent I need to let you and Oriel on,” It's urgent and for some weird reasons, I want to hear what Chris has to say first. He's been involved from the very beginning.I had dragged him into this unpleasant situation and he never for once complained. So, if there's something he needs me to do for him, I can spare him some time.“Well… why not this? Let's meet up at Oriels. I think that's better because she needs to hear this too,” he suggested but I could sense a bit of urgency in his voice.“That sounds like a plan, I'll be heading out now. See you soon,” the line went off and I drew my not-so-lazy body from the chair, picked up my notebook and headed out.I placed a subtl
Chris confirmed he had seen the same tattoo on the man who had come into the party and attacked Oriel.The pieces are gradually coming together, we can say, but it's still not making much sense to me.This is to what end? What's this madness for? Why me? Why Oriel? Is there more to this? How did they know where to find us? Who helped me the other night?So many questions with no clear answers. I thought I was done fighting in my past life. But clearly one keeps fighting as long as you live.“How did you know about this, Liza?” Chris inquired.“Well, the other day we went to Morningstar lounge and then, we got a note. It didn't mean much except for the drawing that caught my eyes,”Chris is a goddamn good listener, he never interrupted as I went on filling him on what had happened when he was away.“The note said ‘curious? Be patient,’ but then this same drawing was at the edge of the note,”“I decided to look into it ‘cos I felt I had seen it somewhere. Then, I realized I saw it on th
Oriel’s POVI watched with keen patience and looked less interested as Liza and Chris went back and forth.If not for the situation at hand, I would have made huge fun of their childish bantering.But what can I say? These two look like siblings fighting for someone's attention sometimes. And if I didn't know better, I would have considered them siblings and not friends.I know they are both worried about how I'm processing the whole thing, but what about them?Seeing the two work tirelessly to make sure the culprits are served the justice that they deserve makes me feel bad doing nothing but scare away.I won't even lie, the whole Morningstar event shook me up a lot and if not for Liza coming into my room the time she did, I wonder what I would have done to myself.But I can't complain about being blessed with people who care about me so much. Can I?As for Liza, I know she is doing this because she feels responsible for what is happening right now, but far from it, I do not blame he
Chris' POVI set out of the pack after one of my men told me about a lead to their hideout.I know Liza didn't fully buy the whole idea of staying behind with Oriel, but what I didn't expect was for them to tail me.I could sense their scent so strongly and I don't know why it's that way. Maybe it's because I'm used to the two being around me a lot.I kept going, never for once did I make them feel like I knew about their presence.Getting to the thick woods, I was attacked by a group of rogues. I didn't want to hurt them.Truth is, lately, I've been feeling more powerful than usual. It's as if my body is going through a face of transfiguration.I've avoided training with Liza for this very course- I do not want to hurt her.And that's why I've stretched my hand of peace to these rogues the moment they had me in their ring.But I couldn't just stand and watch them come at me, especially when I was on a mission.So, when one of them charged at me, I humbled him. Thinking that's all? So
Leo's POV As much as I love to watch offenders suffer, I don't normally torture them myself. I love to watch how they break and forsake all they used to stand for. But for a few occasions when it pleases me? I torture them myself. “She keeps asking and pleading that she sees you,” Derek broke the silence that's been sitting soothingly.Like an uninterested lover in his spouse's ranting, I kept my face right on what we were working on, and “why?” Came my response.“I don't think I have the right answer to that. I'm sorry,” what's he sorry for? Derek!“So, she's just whining to see me without a reason. Why should I grant her request then?” I asked curiously “The guards keep saying throughout her torture, she wouldn't stop saying she's got something important to tell you and she can't say it to them,” Well, after hearing that- maybe I should go hear whatever she has to say. She had given us a rough mental sketch of their hideout, or at least where she had been initiated. I wondere
Now, I began to understand what Tricia was trying to say. If one had gotten injured by those arrows, you'd end up in their den.By luck, if you don't, you won't get far. Because the arrows were laced with poison.Maybe they aren't as dumb as I thought. But sadly, they are no match for this opponent of theirs.They are still learning. “What the h*** was that?” Derek blurted out deeply, trying to catch his breath.“Are you seriously breathing so heavily? You must have gone weak bro,” I teased“Are you kidding me? Do you think I have gone weak? Have you seen the way your biceps keep heaving up and down?” He burst into laughter I joined in the laughter, “Man, your weakness is as a result of your loneliness,” A scoff instantly left his mouth, and that's him dismissing the topic I was trying to bring up. “Loneliness you say? That's so rich coming from you. But not to worry, Derek got you always,” he playfully spanked my shoulder“You know if I didn't know better, I would say something is
Alex's POV Playing along as if Tammy was in real danger was fun. I mean, what else could be more interesting than the look of rejoicing on Zoe's face?She looked like the whole world had come to worship her in her glory and graciousness.On our way to the hospital, she kept sighing and acting so weird.To others, especially those who haven't had a personal encounter with her, she was being sympathetic and being a ‘good Luna who cares for her people.As for the ones who had met ‘Zoe’ they knew it was all a façade. Looking at the situation we met at the hospital- people were gradually gathering together to know what was going on.Side talks about Tammy passing on and how good she was.“I'm afraid she won't make it this time around Alpha,” the doctor said in a professional yet sympathetic tone.“No Doctor, you can't say that. You have no idea what this family has been through just to see that young woman hale and hearty,“We can't lose her like that, Doctor. You have to do something ab
I gladly hopped on the boat that would sail me to the limelight in the presence of these gullible people gathered.“If you claimed to have given her something to counter the effect of the deadly injection, then how come she's proclaimed dead? Where is she?”Olive flinched at the sound of my yell. I didn't mean to startle her, it was meant for Zoe who stood still beside me.Her feet stuck to the ground like glue. I could feel her vibrating beside me, her only prayer- may Tammy be dead. Not only was she scared, she felt embarrassed. If Tammy is alive? She's done for.The silence that followed from Olive gave her a taste of hope until it was dashed like it was never there,“There she is,” Olive said quietly and Tammy walked towards us.“There's a ghost!” Someone from the crowd shouted.I detest standing these people, but since I can't say it to their face? I'd have to keep playing along.How can someone be so dumb to say, “Here comes the one who had seen the moon goddess and she's back
Liza's POV It was not strange that Dad asked everyone to be present at tonight's dinner.“This dinner has always been a ritual in the family,” Amma informed me when I asked why we always had to have dinner together once everyone was around.Chris lives a stone's throw from us, and whenever he isn't out working, he must show up for dinner.As for Oriel? She only misses dinner when she's not around or out with friends.But tonight, she had to cancel her plans because Dad demanded that we all be present.“Do you think Oriel would like the dress I got for her?” I asked Amma“She likes bright colours, I'm sure she'd love them, and who can tell, she might be busy blushing and gushing over the dress now,” Amma calmed me downJust right on time, Oriel shrieked in excitement “Liza… this is so beautiful,” she ran over and held me in a tight hug that I had to beg her not to choke me I rolled my eyes once she released the grip. “I figure you'd want a new dress for dinner,” I smiled“Of course,
“She's no good. I thought she'd be different,” he finally made a statement.His enthusiasm was bruised and hurt beyond redemption.“I, Chris accept your rejection Promise Quest,” I felt a sharp piercing pain run through my core.Like a shattered piece of glass, the weight of how unloved I was became prominent and a sweat broke out all over me.I watched in disbelief as she left with her chosen mate, hands interlocked while I stayed glued to the spot, cold.The pain became heavier when I realized I might never get to enjoy any of the perks of having a mate.I felt the need to run, to leave everything behind and never look back.Without considering the heavily pregnant cloud, I walked into an unknown destination.That night, Louis took charge and ran through the thick and heavy woods. Leaped over thorns and flowers, while the rain poured immensely.And when I had exerted the pain, I crumbled back into my little cubicle.“Dad asked for you to see him,” Liza, who had stepped aside to pick
Chris' POV “That was refreshing,” she panted after the rigorous race we just had.“I know right… "It's been a while since I did this,” I replied to Liza who looked like she'd pass out any moment from now on.“Amma did the running, why are you the one gasping for breath?” I mocked and she gasped the more“Stop doing that,” I laughed“Well, since you are against me gasping for air, I figured I might just gasp the more,” she dragged her feetIt was in the cool of the evening and we decided to enjoy the scenery and the cool breeze of the woods.Oriel isn't here. Her best companion now is attending parties. I get it- being disappointed when you are supposed to meet your destined mate is no joke.You'd want to do everything to take your mind off the bitter memories. Sometimes, situations cause that pain like in Oriel's case and other times? You aren't just who they want. It's been two years and I don't blame her. Who would want to mate with an orphan? That makes no sense.I was over the
Liza's POV Being back at home has been nothing short of pampering and love.Fiona has made it a priority to check on me every morning and feed me every second.I mean, literally, every second. “Liza, come have some fruits,”“Liza, come taste this delicacy,”“Liza, I made pancakes,”“Liza, I bought you fresh yoghurt,”She would go on and on throughout the day, offering me one thing or the other to eat.Oriel and Chris made sure I was back to training.Yes, I finally get to enjoy the perks of having a strong wolf.Amma is a fighter, she fought for us and I'm proud of her.She constantly reminds me of someone I never thought would want to fight for me.But miraculously and surprisingly, they now fight for me. “I want to fight alongside you,” his words re-echoed in my mind.“If making them pay is the only barrier between us, I'm down with taking that barrier out of our way,”I watched as he went on to say those supportive and encouraging words.They made me feel like I wasn't just an im
Zoe's POV Alex has been working more than usual and due to the timing, I can't figure out why.I was hoping we'd visit the Pack’s clinic together today, but just at the slightest minute, be bailed on me.“Babe, are you going somewhere?” I asked when I noticed he wasn't preparing for our visitation. “Have you forgotten I have responsibilities to take care of as the Alpha of this Pack?” He answered aggressively.I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. Standing on my feet, I moved closer to him and helped button up his shirt.“I know you have lots of work to take care of, but we spoke about visiting the Pack's clinic together.He didn't waver in his stoic look. “Yes, we spoke about visiting and I didn't say you shouldn't go. Did I?” He asked with no iota of care or concern“Alex, this is my-” he didn't allow me to finish my statement before he cut me off “And so what? Someone has to keep the Pack running, isn't it? Or do you expect the whole pack members to start living inside the cli
I sprung into immediate action the moment Liza's voice echoed through my mind.I just left her in about how many minutes and this is happening?"I'm coming right away. Do you want to leave here? So be it," I replied, hoping that would calm her down a bit before I got to her."Is anything the problem?" Oriel asked. I guessed she must have noticed a change in my countenance."Yes... Of course, everything is great," I lied. Well, I had to. I didn't want to get her agitated and worried. Liza has always wanted to leave her, and I knew it was a matter of time before she'd lose her patience.I can't blame her, given the relationship between her and Leo. But I thought they were getting along again.I have no understanding of what is going on. They were happy to learn that the Moon Goddess had paired them together as mates.And after the accident? That aircraft of enthusiasm just died without showing any sign of malfunctioning. "Let it not be a disastrous misunderstanding," I found myself p
Chris' POV I left Liza to meet Oriel who mind-linked and sounded urgently.“They can't get their eyes off you, Hun?” She teased the moment she saw me coming I chuckled and winked at her, “You don't blame them. Do you?” I teased back“No. But given how handsome their Alpha and Beta are, they shouldn't be drooling over your impressive physique,” he replied “Well, well. I'm a new face, they must have been tired of eating the same dish over and over, you know,” And there she went ahead to laugh her heart out. “You sounded so cocky right now. Where is our Chris? What have you done to him?” I couldn't help but join in the fleet of laughter.“You sounded like there was an emergency,” I said as I roamed my gaze around the vicinity for anything or anyone suspicious and weird.“Ohhh that,” she rolled her eyes and I huffed.“Yeah… there was actually an emergency just before you came,” she sounded serious“Okay… what's that? What's the problem?” I became more serious and sensitive myself.An
Leo's POV “Reject me,” What? “Just reject me, Leo. There's no point. Let's just end this painful tension between us. Let's release ourselves from this unnecessary bondage,” I felt a pang of pain in my chest. Just the mention of that word alone was enough to water the boiling point of what I was feeling.Why would she say such a cruel thing? I know I haven't been the best to her since she opened up to me and I deserve to be treated however she wants.But rejection? I'm not going to settle for that. I know the Moon Goddess can be on our side and help us find a second chance mate, but I deeply don't want that.She probably thinks she's so different from the Liza I used to know. I thought the same too, but I know that's not true now.Rather than separate the two I feel they are both one. I don't know how that is possible. But they act in similar ways.“I don't want to do that,” I said to her the moment I realised I couldn't just keep the thought to myself.“I know I've been nothing b
Those words should be sent back to wherever they were coming from.“There's nothing to want to know or learn about me,” my head screamed but my mouth wouldn't say.No… this is never happening.Not now and not ever. “The only way forward is to be rejected and then we end this ill-fated thing between us.” “But he doesn't seem to want to reject you now. Does it?” Amma shot back at me.“Amma, he can't love us, he can't love you the way you deserve,” I replied.“Why would you conclude like that? Hun?” She asked hurriedly “Because he'll always want to see the Liza he was supposed to mark as his. And that Liza is not me. You know this Amma,” I said, my voice dropping an octave “It doesn't seem like that. You haven't gotten to know him either,” Amma persisted and it was building heat within me.“No Amma. I don't want him. I have plans and I won't allow someone who doesn't care about me to destroy them. Do you think he cares about us? Wait, until I can't fight like Liza, can't meet up with