Marcella slowly stirred from the depths of unconsciousness, her senses returning in fits and starts. At first, there was only a vague awareness of warmth and comfort, as if she had been cocooned in a soothing embrace. Then, as her consciousness sharpened, her eyelids fluttered as she transitioned from the depths of unconsciousness to a hazy awareness. Her surroundings felt familiar, and it took a moment for her to piece together where she was. The soft, muted light filtering into the room, the subtle hum of a ceiling fan, the comforting scent of fresh linen—all these sensory fragments coalesced into a realisation.She was in Lucas's apartment.As her vision cleared, she turned her head slightly, a dull ache thudding in her temples, and there, at her side, was Lucas his handsome face etched with worry as he sat perched on the edge of a nearby chair. A shiver of recognition rippled through her as memories flooded back. He seemed to be lost in thought as there was a sad and solemn dispo
Marcella listened intently as Anna told her about the supernatural creatures who had abducted her; werewolves. Things she would have never believed were real if she'd heard it from someone else.Her worry for Lucas and the consequences of their rescue operation were skyrocketing with every piece of information Anna shared. "Anna," she cut in with an apologetic tone, "Are you guys in danger? I mean, with the police and all... What about Lucas?"Anna offered a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with a reassuring warmth as she seemed to understand what she couldn't say out loud. "Marcella, you needn't worry. Everything has been taken care of."Marcella couldn't help but feel more worried. If this information got out into the wrong hands, they would be hunted. "What about the bodies? The girls saw them and if they're questioned…" She was going into panic mode until Anna leaned forward to grasp her hand and instantly calmed her down, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone."I disposed o
As the days passed, Marcella's life resumed some semblance of normalcy. Her graduation ceremony was just around the corner, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was a significant milestone, a culmination of all her years of hard work and determination. Yet, there was a shadow of unease that hung over her, a nagging worry that refused to dissipate.One of her main concerns was Gina. Despite her attempts to reach out, there had been no response from her friend. Text messages remained unanswered, and calls went straight to voicemail. It was unlike Gina, and it left Marcella deeply concerned. She had hoped to share this important moment in her life with her closest friend, but it seemed that fate had other plans.Marcella sat cross-legged on her bed with her laptop open before her to a graduation checklist. There were so many details to attend to – her cap and gown, and the endless paperwork required for the ceremony. Yet, her mind couldn't help but drift
As the graduation ceremony concluded, Marcella and her friends joined the crowd of jubilant graduates and their families outside the college auditorium, basking in the joyous atmosphere. But amidst the sea of familiar faces and the cacophony of congratulatory voices, there was one person noticeably absent: Professor Lucas.She had scanned the rows of professors seated on the stage during the ceremony, her eyes searching for his familiar face. Yet, his absence couldn’t be any more loud. It was strange not to see him there, especially after what they had been through and a gnawing sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach. Was he ill? Or was it something else entirely? Would he skip the ceremony just to avoid talking to her?She was mulling over different reasons for his absence as she excused herself to make her way to the ladies' room when a familiar face appeared on the periphery of her vision.Carlos.Her heart skipped a beat for a moment and she paused, contemplating whethe
Marcella's apartment felt different as she moved through it while packing up her belongings. It was still quite early in the morning and finally learning the truth about Lucas, about their bond and the depth of his suffering, had transformed her world. There was nothing left for her in Willowdale now; she had to find Lucas and make him understand that she had always wanted him, no matter the circumstances.With each item she placed into her suitcase, she thought about the life she was leaving behind– her friends and the place where she had grown up. After packing all her essentials, she took one last look at the apartment, a place that had been her sanctuary for years, and then locked the door behind her. The journey ahead of her was uncertain, but her mind was already made up. As she travelled to Mystic Pines, the location Anna had given her, her mind was filled with thoughts of how he would react, whether he would be receptive to her feelings, or if he would turn her away. She felt
Prologue The full moon shone down on the forest, casting its pale light over the trees. The wind was still, and the leaves rustled only slightly in the breeze. The only sounds were the chirping of crickets and the occasional hooting of owls.Torrez was on patrol. His sharp senses were on high alert as he prowled through the underbrush, scanning the woods for any sign of danger. He had been feeling very uneasy ever since Lucas, his alpha left for an urgent meeting leaving him in charge of their territory. The forest was Torrez's home, and he knew every inch of it. He had spent his life here, growing up with the pack, learning from his elders. He had always felt safe in the forest, protected by his pack and the natural order of things. He mused about how his fellow packmates teased him relentlessly for not sealing the bond with his mate, Freya. Smiling slightly to himself, he hoped she understood that he was trying to be a gentleman. He didn’t want to just claim her like a wild anima
3 Years LaterLucas Blackwood jolted awake in a cold sweat, shaking with grief and his heart pounding uncontrollably from the same nightmare that's been plaguing him for over three years, struggling to keep his werewolf side under control.Though it didn't always start out the same, it always ended up the same way every time. Him running back trying to save them and coming to see their mangled bodies. He rubbed at his eyes and blearily sat up to take in his well-furnished bedroom to convince himself that he was truly awake.The walls were painted a calming shade of blue, and the king-sized bed was covered in luxurious silk sheets. The room was spacious, with large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.His bed with the rumpled covers atop it was framed by a sleek, modern wooden headboard, which was adorned with a few of his favourite books. A matching nightstand was situated on either side of the bed, each topped with a lamp that gave off a warm, soothing glow.
Marcella groaned as she woke up from the blaring sound of her alarm clock before reaching over to turn it off. It was 4am and she wasn't a morning person by any means. She groggily got up from her bed and slowly padded out of her small room to the bathroom with a hand on her head. Gosh, she hated Mondays.Stepping into the bathroom, she switched on the lights and was met with her reflection staring back at her. Her hair looked even wilder and crazier than usual and she scowled at it.The brown curly hair was the bane of her existence and the only reason why she woke up an hour earlier than normal just to try and make it look presentable. Hair straighteners didn't work on it, and the various assorted hair products which lined the shelf beside the mirror that promised straight sleek hair were just a waste of her hard earned money. She gingerly picked up her toothbrush and hurriedly brushed her teeth before undressing. Assessing her familiar nude body, she felt insecure as she took in t