Florence As I slowly stirred from sleep, I became aware of the sensation of being lifted off the ground. I slowly opened my eyes and the night sky greeted me. My eyes shifted to Nicholas who wore a serious expression while I was cradled in his arms in a bridal-style carry. Confusion clouded my thoughts as I blinked. "I'm sorry, you can put me down now," I murmured, attempting to wiggle out of his grasp. “Stay still, Florence if you don't want to fall, '' he commanded firmly. His grasp tightened around me. His serious tone made me pause, and reluctantly, I complied, stopping my attempts to wriggle free. I sighed, “Why didn't you wake me up?” "If I had a choice, I would just let you rest on the bench. But the mosquitoes were having a feast on your blood. I had to carry you away from there before they had a full-course meal." His lighthearted comment made me chuckle, imagining the mosquitoes treating me like an all-you-can-eat buffet. “Thanks” I whispered and I felt hi
Florence “Just leaving me like that after that stunt huh” I muttered through gritted teeth. Heading into my bedroom, I shut the door, needing some space to think things through. Thoughts whirled around in my head as I paced back and forth, trying to make sense of everything. “Two weeks, two weeks” I ran my hands through my hair, “Damn. I need to figure something out in just 2 weeks” My gaze landed on my phone. And one person crossed my mind. “Percival '' I whispered, grabbing my phone but remembering that it was from Layla, there was a possibility it was tracked or bugged. Nicholas might have put something in my phone that can track whoever I contact. I let out a frustrated sigh and thought some more. If I can't use my phone, then I will need to use someone else's phone. ……… The next morning, when I arrived at the flower shop, I got an early start on cleaning and arranging the flowers. Sammy walked in, and I greeted her warmly. “Morning, Sammy” "Hey there, you'r
But as I fished for the key, I couldn't seem to find it. Panic stirred within my chest as I patted down my pockets again, searching. “What the heck?!” I groaned when I didn't find it. My heart sank as the realization hit me – they were gone. Breathing deeply to calm hoping against hope that I had perhaps dropped the keys somewhere along my shift. But there are no keys around. My car stood silent while rain clouds gathered ominously above. Maybe I left it in the locker room earlier. With a resigned sigh, I accepted my fate. It's not like I have a key to the shop anyway. “At least I have a phone to call Percival” I whispered to myself, hoping to find positivity in my afternoon. Walking home was my only option tonight. I tightened the hood of my jacket around my face as the first droplets of rain began to fall. The rain started as a gentle drizzle, but it turned into a full-fledged storm within moments. The cold raindrops pelted against my skin, soaking me through in sec
The rain provided the only soundtrack, a soft patter against the car's roof, as Jake continued to fix his gaze on me. After a stretch of minutes, he looked away, his laughter tinted with disbelief and pain. “Damn it. I'm screwed,” he muttered, “So, that’s why you seemed so hurt whenever you saw Samantha and him. He's your mate.” I tried to lighten the mood, “I guess I am not good at masking my emotions now huh” "Damn. I'm such an idiot," he groaned, banging his forehead lightly against the steering wheel. I couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction, "Hey, cut that out." He turned to me, a faint redness now decorating his forehead, "But seriously, why did he introduce you just as his mistress?" “Well….he dont want me. He wants someone strong for you guys. And I don't fit the criteria” I can't believe how I am still putting a good image of Nicholas here. He shakes his head, “You know sometimes I think my Alpha is an idiot. I would follow his order in a heartbeat to kil
After almost an hour, I exited the bathroom only in my robe, my eyes were swollen from tears, and droplets of water clung to my skin. With a heavy heart, I made my way to the bed, grabbing the phone I borrowed from Sammy. I sat on the floor, hugging my knees. My fingers trembled slightly as I dialed the number I had memorized by heart. The phone rang once, twice, and then a click followed but no one answered first. A sad smile appeared on my lips since I told them that if the call was from me, I would speak first and they should wait for me to speak first. It is for safety purposes. "Hey," I said softly, trying to mask the weight in my voice. A familiar voice came through, "Took you forever, kiddo." I managed a faint smile at the familiar greeting. "Give me a break, Percival. How's Sara?" Then, in the background, I heard someone approach the phone. “Dad, is that Florence?” There was a pause, then another voice, full of excitement, “Florence?! Is that really you?! We we
“WHAT THE HECK!” Quin's outburst echoed through the line. “Dad, we need to get her out there!” “Calm down, Quin,” Percival's voice was firm, holding authority and concern. I chuckled, “I knew it would blow Quin’s mind.” “You didn't tell her what you are, aren't you?” Percival’s voice held a hint of concern. “No,” I admitted. “He only believes the lies I said, that I cannot shift, so he rejected me as his mate but demanded for me to stay.” “What's your plan? I knew it was not the only reason you called us” “Nicholas was investigating the incident in the Swiftmane Pack and he already has a lead. She saw Sara going North and was currently salvaging the file that contains the profiles of the members of the Swiftmane Pack” I ran my hands through my hair in sudden frustration, “I should have called sooner” “I am also expecting it. Nicholas used his best team to investigate the incident, I knew he would find the girl. I am already prepared if he ever called to me” I sighed
The next few days became so hectic at the flower shop that once I got home, I was knocked out instantly. I didn't even notice that there were only 3 days left before the Werewolf Council visited this place. Ever since the conversation I had with Percival and Quin, I decided to follow their suggestion and just lay low for now. I decided to wait for the meeting of the Werewolf Council to pass before I set my plan to action, which was to get close to Nicholas as much as possible–maybe make him fall in love with me. However, I continued to familiarize myself with the map Jake had given me, just in case. It's always good to have a backup plan. During this time, I hadn't seen Layla or had any visits from Gayle. And as much as I don't want to admit it, I was expecting Nicholas to visit unexpectedly but he never did. He must be really busy. While wiping down the counter, my attention shifted to a stylish elderly lady engaged in a serious conversation with Sammy. I couldn't help but
Isaac replied, “We cannot allow you to do that. The order was to bring you to the Alpha’s chambers—” I shot back, "You brought me here against my will, Isaac. The least you can do is respect my decision which is to see him right now" “But—” I sighed frustratedly, "I’ll scream my lungs out and bolt back to my cabin if you refuse me one more time" There was tension in the air, each waiting for someone else to make a move. I stood my ground. “I think it is not too bad to bring her there” Gyale breaks the tense silence. Isaac glanced at her and sighed, “Fine” he gestured to the forest, “This way” He led the way towards the forest while Gyale was behind me. I noticed some warriors glancing at us as they hurried deeper into the woods. As we ventured further, the trees swallowed us whole. The air grew thicker with every step like a thick fog. I can't help but ask, “Do you always have training at this hour?” Isaac shakes his head, pushing and holding the bushes as I pass