It took them two more days to part away from Orion and Samrat Kingdom. They discussed some basics like vacating the mansion and using it as a school while Orion wanted to stay in the cabin, as a remembrance of Selena and Zaden. They took this opportunity to explore the land, together with Makeala, Xavier, and Sitka. Selena specifically wanted to go to the sparkling river stream running in the midst of the kingdom which she saw the day she became alpha and insisted on getting into the waters and so, the rest followed her. Zaden stood shirtless behind her, embracing her waist gently just in case she slips. The rest weren't that far. Just a few feet away, and soon got into a battle of ‘Who can hold breath underwater the longest'. A war of splashing water followed and Orion quickly cruised to Selena, standing in front of her as she grabbed his arms, peeping over at the others. Orion felt a stab in between his chest as he gazed at Selena's innocent face. Zaden eyes were
8 months later... A white jeep cruised leisurely through dirt road, lined by thick forest on both sides. A few human workers and a heavy auger machine hustling at the starting point of the road. Orion's eye inspected the poles and wires lying in roles by the roadside. A lot has changed since the last time he had been to Mount Manuka. A bumpy ride towards the mountain valley is now smoother, thanks to Selena who had initiated the idea of clearing trees and making a leveled dirt road so that pack members could travel faster in and out of the mountain. It has also opened the gate to civilized development, beginning with electricity. Soon, telephone lines and the internet would also be installed. Selena's friend and her brother, Aaron greeted Orion at the entrance of the brick packhouse. This is the second time they have gathered at Mount Manuka. Orion came exactly 12 days after Selena had left him in charge of Samrat Kingdom, for their wedding, a day before the full m
Orion was greeted by a tight, crushing hug from Zaden once he stepped out of his four-wheel drive. He sure looks terrible with an undereye bag and an untrimmed beard. “How is she doing? Heard her contraction kicked in” Orion's first question is and always regards to Selena. Being next to Zaden and Selena doesn't hurt as much as it did before since he had marked her. If anything, his protectiveness of her increased noticeably. “Not good!!! I didn't expect this from Sitka” Zaden said with a sigh. “Sitka??? I'm talking about Selena!!!” Orion frowned in confusion. Has Zaden finally gone cuckoo? “You will understand soon. Come” Zaden guided him to the back of the red brick house. ... Orion, Selena's family, and friends left the next day after marking, and thank god, they did. Her pregnancy was a roller coaster and because only Zaden can handle her, he brings her along on every trip out of the mountain, drop
Once upon a time...In a distant land... There lived a beast who was the most powerful, merciless, and fierce of all, making him the king of the beast–King Samrat. His endless thirst for self-perfection made him the best as a leader, a philosophist, a healer, and a warrior. His way of thinking and ideas were
“Poor King…But grandma Genesis, it is not that bad if he takes me away… he would love me just as he does his daughter and buys me lots and lots of candy and ice-cream and toys and..” the little girl’s galloping imagination was cut off. “And what will happen when the King finds out that you are not his baby, but you ate up all the candy he bought for her and played with her toys?” the confused little girl stuck a finger into her mouth and looked blankly at grandma Genesis. “He would cut you up and take out all the candy from your stomach.” The little girls covered her mouth with both her palms and wide eyes. “NO!!! Grandmama, I don’t want to go with him” she hid her face in her grandma's chest as Grandma Genesis kept rocking her chair, back and forth. “Uh-hmm… So, I would advise you to go to sleep, now” there was a hint of demand in her tone and baby Selena quickly scrambled down her granny’s lap and ran to her bed, with her curly hair bouncing all the way, syncing with her move. Sh
The day they anticipated finally came and all five got ready to leave to Mount Manuka. It was a 3-hour drive from their home and by the time they arrived, it was already late for them to go up and come back, so they camped at the mountain foot, lit a bonfire, and sat talking until late at night. It was the ideal stress relief that the group needed. If only Selena could knock off the creeping sensation on her skin as if someone is staring at her. She constantly swiveled around, but she couldn’t figure out why she felt a gaze on her. She brushed it away as an illusion before settling down to sleep inside her camp.The confined, blue membranous space didn’t do any good too. She tossed and turned till 1 am in morning. That’s when it hit her. A mild perfume of vanilla that grew stronger and stronger by the minute. An addictive or rather aphrodisiac smell of vanilla mixed with orange. The stronger the smell, the more it stirred Selena's hormonal pool. Butterflies spring fro
The boys were very friendly except for the black-haired one, called Zaden Black– suitable enough. He is leading the way, the furthest in front, constantly checking the surrounding. The one with a golden brown beard and man bun is Orion. The blond with blue eyes who looked way younger than the rest is Sitka. They engaged in conversation throughout the walk. Orion seem to pivot to Selena more, trying to get her involved but Selena was way too tired to give lengthy feedback.From the corner of her eye, she could see Zaden looking over his shoulder every now and then towards them or precisely, her. She swept the thought away with excuses such as she is too tired to imagine such a thing. After about 45 minutes, they arrived at their place which is a village in a valley, surrounded by hills, hidden from civilization.“THIS is your place” Selena stressed on ‘this’ more than necessary, turning everyone’s attention to her. She stood dumbfounded for a moment“It’s just that…. i
Her body felt light, floating in the midst. Chill air brushed against her skin, courtesy of humidity from the sparkling waterfall. The musty odor from moist earth lingered around her. Toes curled, she tried her best to avoid kicking into the soft bedding beneath her–swinging back and forth to her heart content. White chiffon dress, long flowing hair, and a heart-stealing smile on her face as she gazes at the waterfall. The same man stood behind her, pushing her swing. The same soft and soothing flute, interlude into swirling wind. It lasted for a long time. The swing stopped and a pair of hands sneaked from behind to cup her chin, lifting her head up. A soft lip planted a kiss on her forehead.“Mine…” Selena chuckled with the repeated word. She stood up from the swing, walked around to him, and laid her head on his chest–which felt normal by the way. As a reflex, he hugged her over her arms, fiddling with lumps of hair, curling around his fingers.“Are you going to say t