Shirley As expected, Ralph agrees to have Keith join us. After all, Keith is his Alpha and I know he wants to please him. However, Ralph insists that I decide what we do next, leaving me to try and think of something as we leave the building together - now as a trio. Stupid, Keith. I’m so annoyed by his presence that I can hardly come up with any ideas. That is, until I recall something I’d seen earlier and am finally hit with inspiration. “We should go back to the mall and ride the Ferris wheel,” I claim, looking toward Ralph with a little excitement. “All the way to the top floor.” It has been years since I’ve ridden a Ferris wheel and have to admit I’m genuinely enthused about the idea. Seeing as this day isn’t turning out how I hoped, I can’t help but feel I’m entitled to a little self indulgence. Ralph agrees while Keith says nothing - probably because the Alpha doesn’t care what we do as long as he just gets to keep an eye on us. It’s an annoying discovery, but I tuc
Shirley I no longer hear approaching steps and I know we’re safe. Especially as I feel a body peel away from mine, allowing me to open my eyes as I see we’re no longer in the midst of the crowd as the other wolves are still fleeing twenty feet away. I don’t focus on them for long, though. No, I’m too busy glancing toward my side in search of who had just saved me from being stomped to death. And as I find them, my lips fall open. “Keith.” He’d saved me - us. I’m reminded of the mother and child’s presence as the woman begins to cry out “thank yous” while Keith helps us to our feet. I’m barely able to offer her a goodbye as she rushes off as I’m still too busy staring at the Alpha. He can teleport. Keith can teleport. And he’d used it to get us out. I’m just about to offer my gratitude, but I’m hindered as there are new screams filling the air. The fire is only growing, blocking off previous exits as wolves cower away. At this rate, we could all be trapped. “Everyone, do no
Shirley I would love more than anything to leave Ralph to rot in his cell, but I know that I can’t. Not only because I need to continue impressing him, but also because I need to see if the conditions of my charm were met. Sneaking in was easy as I stayed within the shadows and waited until the guards were in the middle of a shift change before I slipped by. Ralph’s eyes had lit up when he saw me appear at his cell door, showing him that I brought plenty of food and water for him to enjoy. But now we’re standing within the dark together - both of us tucked into his cell as I was able to get in with the key I’d swiped from the guard. I was surprised Ralph didn’t suggest we just escape together, but I think we’re both aware that the consequences are too great. So instead, we’re just staring at each other and Ralph’s eyes still shine with adoration. I know that’s my cue, my sign that it’s time to initiate the next phase of my plan, so I take a breath…and I remove my glasses. I
Shirley Things with Ralph have progressed to a whole new level. Sure, there have been a few complications, but I’ve still managed to get him in a good place to deliver the final blows. However, the end of my plan admittedly will require more information. Ralph likes me - or rather, Anya. He’s made that perfectly clear. But apparently, dizzying his head with surface level conversations and adoring looks won’t cut it. I don’t know Ralph well enough for the charm to fully work because I’m uncertain what he fully wants or needs. Hence why his sudden need for affection threw Cicy and me off. In order for this to really work, I need to know more about Ralph. I need to dig a little deeper. I decide to start my research by turning to Jean, but she - surprisingly - doesn’t have much to offer. “Ralph and I have been together for three years, but most of our time has been spent in bed together, exploring physical pleasures,” she tells me as we both sit at the Fleetwood cafe, sipping coffe
Shirley Once again, I’ve found myself drinking a cup of coffee as I sit inside another cafe. However, this time it’s not Jean who sits across from me - it’s Keith. We’ve been eyeing each other for a few minutes, both of us barely moving as we don’t even take a sip of our drinks. Ron is long gone at this point - after he heard me accept Keith’s invitation, the man had quickly said his goodbyes. So now it was just Keith and me, and I really can’t understand why he was helping me. “Why are you suddenly so eager to talk to me about Ralph?” I finally ask, getting nowhere with my silent thoughts. “Why now?” Keith huffs at my questions. “Eager might be an overstatement,” he insists. “But I guess I had a slight change of heart considering I can tell you’re serious about Ralph.” I blink as I take in his words, waiting for a “but.” However, Keith surprises me as he continues. “I still have my reservations, seeing as I believe in the sanctity of fated mates, but…” But. “I’m als
Shirley Leaving the cafe has my head in a spin as I try to juggle all of the information I just learned. I walk down the street as I think about Jean first, considering what she told me. However, as I realize most of it has to do with physical intimacy and secrecy, I abandon the details. Next, I think of Ron. He didn’t give me much to work with, but he had mentioned how Ralph and he had drifted over the years. He claimed it was “this and that,” but I can’t help but feel there’s something written between the lines. And finally, there’s what Keith told me. I’m still blown away that he was willing to talk to me about Ralph after all that he’s said and done, but regardless I’m thankful. He gave me more insight than either Jean or Ron had. But how is it helpful? He said that Ralph is a motivated and committed Beta, but he also mentioned Ralph’s mission to become the leader of the Beta. And since Keith wasn’t willing to just hand over the title to him simply because of friendship
Shirley I’m certain Ralph has seen the paper by now, and there’s no way he missed our story - it’s on the front page for Goddess’ sake. However, I have yet to hear from him and I know I can’t risk the chance of reaching out myself. So I have to take another route. It’s lunchtime and I’ve “coincidentally” decided to catch a meal at the Root - Ralph’s tried and true lunch spot. Seeing as he hasn’t come to me, I’m taking it upon myself to ensure that we “bump” into one another so he has no choice but to face me. I’m assuming the only reason he hasn’t rushed to my side is because he’s trying not to seem too eager with the information at his fingertips. Either that, or he’s still trying to process everything. After all, suddenly discovering that the girl you’ve been seeing is secretly the Alpha King’s niece isn’t an easy pill to swallow. Making my way down the street, I can see the restaurant in the distance, watching as people come and go out the front door. I don’t spot Ralph among
Shirley I feel them both waiting for me to respond, though I realize now that Keith has shifted backward, giving me a little space. His actions allow me to feel the fall breeze on my skin, making my head clearer. “No, of course not,” I tell Ralph, appearing scattered as I brush him off, attempting to hide the “truth.” “Yes, you are,” he insists, giving a nod. “I saw the paper this morning. There was a story on the front page saying the Alpha King is going to receive his niece.” “That has nothing to do with me,” I try, shaking my head before I gesture to Keith. “We were just joking around.” I try to laugh him off, looking to Keith for backup. However, the Alpha doesn’t budge as he stares at Ralph as if hanging on every word. “But your picture was included,” Ralph presses ahead. “Right in the middle of the article.” Faking surprise, I make my eyes grow wider as I take a step back. “What?” I ask. “But…but how did they -“ “So you’ve been faking your identity this entire time