PEONY CRIMSON’S POV
A few years ago.
His sturdy arm held me in a warm embrace. That could be the definition of real secure. Xavier lifted my chin with his thumb, then kissed my lips gently. Under the covers, I giggled as I hugged his neck so he would kiss me deeper.
That night was one of those memorable moments I will never let go of in my memory. Our kiss stopped when I ran out of air. We both giggled together and then lay on our backs. The star-studded night sky witnessed the secret love between me and Xavier.
In the heart of Springwood forest, a grand abandoned castle stood as our clandestine hideout. It was a haven of a secret where Xavier and I reveled in stolen moments, lost in the intoxicating kisses and the tantalizing art of undressing. We were intertwined atop the tower, basking in the afterglow after our intimate encounter.
"I told you the sensation is different."
"I'm just worried if these stones suddenly collapse."
"Oh, they are so sturdy. It is indeed useful in times like this."
"We’re like wild animals, Xavier…."
"Indeed we are, My Goddess. We're just gratifying our instincts."
Our lips entwined, colliding in a tempestuous passion. I was about to take the lead, but Xavier overcame me first. He pinned me to the floor. As if chiseled features carved from ice, his face exuded an austere allure that captivated me. I swore his golden iris glowed.
"You shine as the gravitational force that governs my world, My Queen. The anguish that engulfs me is indescribable when I hold the absence of your presence. I’ve shown this unwavering patience, witnessing you endure unjust treatment from my bastard brother. If you command me, I will tear his heart apart now."
Our eyes locked. From how his golden eyes shone, I knew his every word was serious.
"But I really can't use eternity to restrain myself. My Goddess, you are my only love. I swear White Moon will welcome you with open arms. Will you go to the Asherius Mansion with me?"
"Are you telling me to leave my husband, my own mate?"
"He doesn't deserve you!" His jaw tightened.
"You're right, Xavier." I mumbled, "I'll think about your question."
"May I know when you will give you an answer?"
"Tomorrow."
"Sure, My Queen. I’ll wait for you here."
After that, I shied away from meeting his eyes. He thought I was giving him beautiful hope. I broke my promise. At dawn, I ran away from the Blue Moon and White Moon.
Never came back.
"Peony!"
Gloria gave me a pat on my shoulder. I blinked, thrown to the reality I had to face.
"Hm?"
"Shouldn't we go there now?"
Gloria peered at me through a perplexing prism of intrigue and bewilderment. Her gaze mingled a symphony of confusion and curiosity. As I snapped out of my daydream during a profound moment, a blush of embarrassment painted my cheeks, turning my face into a canvas of crimson. I patted my cheek.
"Still anxious, eh? Let's give it a shot. If Xavier refuses, we call it a day."
It seemed Gloria guessed my feelings through the look on my face. How could I reveal to Gloria that I recalled my sweet memories with Xavier?
All of a sudden, my breathing became heavy. Everything was already six years ago. I abandoned my identity and life as a werewolf while destroying the trust of the only man who loved me.
How could I have the courage to bring my face out in front of Xavier after what I had done to him?
After throwing everything away, it is natural for Xavier to hate me. The wound I inflicted on him was profound. I wonder if Xavier forgave me. Aren’t I just a shining example of ignorance?
Gloria took me by the hand as if telling me to continue.
"Come on, Glo."
But on the first try, I already thought we failed.
The order of the guards at the White Moon gate had changed. I didn't even recognize them, so I couldn't do anything when they rejected me and Gloria to come in.
Gloria stood before me, saying confidently at the guards looking at us full of suspicion. Their low growls sounded as if to scare us.
"We came here to meet Xavier...."
"Asherius." I continued.
"Yes, Xavier Asherius."
The four men swarmed around us with the same anger.
"How dare you call the Alpha rudely!"
Gloria turned to me and glared. "Xavier is an Alpha?"
I just smiled wryly.
"Look, I know this is the first time you have met me. But I can assure you that I know White Moon very well. I was a close acquaintance of Alpha Xavier, who came from far away. If you let us in to—"
"Stop where you are!"
One of the guards shouted. The four of them growled even more angrily. I was careful not to make any sudden movements that made them attack me suddenly.
"Where did you guys come from?"
A guard stepped around me and Gloria. His nose sniffed the air, and he made me uncomfortable.
"It's not important, okay? We promise not to do anything bad," Gloria replied impatiently.
The guard stopped before me and looked at me from head to toe.
His grin widened. "Then, say your name, Miss. Tell me what business you have with our Alpha."
"Peony... I'm a Crimson Peony. Just mention my name to Xavier. He will understand."
The guard burst into laughter. "Hahaha, who do you think you are?"
"Cut the small talk, and we must go in now!" Gloria yelled.
"And who is this wizard? Are you an accomplice of the Dark Witch?" the guard also mocked her.
His answer seemed to nudge Gloria's patience. "Oh, are you kidding me now? Let us in!"
Gloria pushed the guard back.
"GRRRR!" The four guards immediately behaved, ready to fight. They growled, showing their sharp pointed canines.
Instead, Gloria seemed to understand the challenge. The witch raised both sleeves and took out her wand.
"Ha, I don't mind showing one or two tricks to get these puppies schooled!"
"Don't, Gloria. Stop it...." I held back her hand, but the witch brushed me off.
"You can protect yourself, right?"
But my words disappeared in the wind. Gloria waved her wand first. A ray of yellow light shot toward the guards. They managed to avoid it and changed shifts to wolves.
"Gloria, wait!" I exclaimed.
Between panics, a wolf ran at me. I didn't have time to wake Emily, my wolf who had been hibernating for a long time. With dexterity remaining, I grabbed the dagger and swung it toward the grey wolf's muzzle.
In an instant, I was dragged into an intense fight. Of course, my power and ability are not comparable to trained wolves. Just a few minutes into dodging the attack and resisting as hard as I could, my breath began to gasp.
The adrenaline rush in my body couldn't hide that I was weakened. Living in the human world took away most of my fighting ability. I can't wake Emily up at such a crucial moment.
Ah, what a shame. I was a Luna once. How could I get this weak now?
"UGH!"
The wolf's attack hit my arm roughly. I saw his movements, but I couldn’t dodge them. As a result, I fell. The two daggers I used fell, clinking to the ground.
"Peony!"
I heard Gloria calling. Why was she worried about me when she was facing three wolves at once?
"We can’t go in! Just stop here!" I exclaimed back.
In front of me, the gray wolf stepped closer and closer.
"It's too late to give up, right?" The wolf's voice echoed in my head.
I grabbed my arm to stop the bleeding while maintaining eye contact with the wolf. My whole body suddenly stiffened. Fear crept into my heart.
"Oh, Moon Goddess...."
BLAM!
The two gates pounded wide open. The four guards returned to their human forms and simultaneously lined up neatly.
The morning breeze brought the scent of Citrus and the freshness of the rain to my nose.
It was as if time stood still, suspended in the air, as my heart raced with excitement, trepidation, and an insatiable desire to be close to this person. Once filled with uncertainty, the void within me was now overflowing with a rush of emotions.
My body quivered with anticipation, my hands trembled slightly, and my breath caught in my throat, struggling to find its rhythm. A surge of electricity coursed through my veins, tingling with an intensity that could only be described as exhilarating and overwhelming.
I looked straight at the figure of the man stepping out of the gate.
"ALPHA XAVIER!" They saluted him.
"What commotion is going on here?"
His deep, indifferent voice was still the same as before. I froze.
"These two strangers insist on meeting you, Alpha."
My gaze and Xavier's met. An overwhelming surge of emotions washed over me as our eyes locked.
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"Peony? Is that you?"I could hear Xavier half-whispering as he quickly embraced me into his arms.Xavier caught my chin and kissed my lips deeply. His warm embrace brought me the sensation of love I had long left behind."Xavier...." I muttered.The man let go of his kiss, frowning towards my right hand. His eyes flashed golden as he watched blood gushing profusely from my left arm."You're bleeding."Xavier growled. In an instant, he burned with anger."What the hell do you think you're doing, hurting this woman?!" He shouted at the four guards. "Don't you know who she is?"Then Xavier carried me in a bridal style. I squealed in pain and panic."Put them in a dungeon!" ordered Xavier to one of his men. "Call the healer to the mansion, and we’re back immediately."I squeezed the man's shirt as dizziness took over my head. I tried to stay awake because I didn’t see Gloria."Xavier....""Shhh... Welcome home, my Goddess...," he whispered, then gave me a sweet peck o
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVI still remember how my first day in the mortal world went. Back then, after making it through a long night and barely finding a place to rest, I roamed the crowded and noisy streets of the city.A wolf's hearing ability is keen. I swore I would never get used to noisy vehicles, loud horns, or the babbling of humans when they met each other on the street. They are such chatty creatures.I also remember that I had a hard time adapting. I was pregnant at the time, so I was struggling with excruciating morning sickness while looking for a job.I'll never forget how awkward I was when I first gathered among humans. How their eyes stared me in the face as if they could sniff the secrets I was hiding.And that such awkwardness repeated as I was next to Xavier at the dinner table. The mansion hall was bright with the radiant chandeliers. But the member’s leers shone upon me.They served Xavier and ran the pack together. Their position was higher than mine. Their leers and
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVMy heart throbbed in pain. Anyone, look at this cold and stiff Xavier. Look at his bright expression, like a child being given a present. My stomach churned. Something inside me twisted in knots. I couldn't bear to look at the sparkling happiness in Xavier's eyes."Never even in my wildest imagination did I think that I would receive this surprising news from you, My Queen." Xavier gushed. But a second later, a doubtful mist settled over his face as he continued, "But, do they truly my—"I placed a forefinger on his lips. "They're really yours, Xavier. Xander hasn't touched me since."I continued my charade of lies. Is this what they call a mother's instinct to do anything for her children? I lied to the only man who stood by me without faltering, even when the whole world despised me.Xavier pulled my neck closer all of a sudden. He kissed my lips like a bee sucking up nectar, and I was the heavenly rose. Xavier made sure to immerse me in the warmth of his sweet l
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"So this is the flower garden Xavier designed for you?"Gloria strolled down the cobblestone path as she wandered through the garden. This morning, Xavier took off on account of some pack issues, so I spent time indulging in nostalgia.Together with Gloria, I visited the flower garden. Memories of this place flooded me. I swept my fingers gently over a clump of daffodils.Gloria and I walked through the compact and stunning wisteria tunnel until we reached a cone-roofed gazebo. We could see the whole garden full of colorful spring flowers blooming, as well as a big vegetable greenhouse nearby ."Yes. FYI, Xavier and I once made out over there," I said, pointing to a wooden bench near the gazebo as I giggled.Gloria glared and waved. She complained uncomfortably, "Ew, too much information."We continued to stroll around the garden, which was mostly dominated by Peony bushes. Yes, Xavier dedicated this garden after my name. Unfortunately, the peonies were still in th
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV Words couldn’t capture the gratitude I felt when I basked under his watchful care. When I told Xavier that all I needed for Emily was rest, he granted it without any question.Sometimes when we were together, I caught a glimpse of gold shining in his eyes. He also bit his lower lip as if he were hiding something under wraps. I could read the desire gathering in his eyes. I could feel it all through the soft touch of his fingers on my skin; he wants me.But it seemed like he chose to shelve his burning desire all by himself.This morning, an omega came into the room. She brought me a bowl of chicken tortellini soup and a glass of fresh juice. I recognized her. Even though she was already a teenager, her innocent smile remained the same."Thank you, Fay. This soup looks super delicious," I said kindly."My pleasure, Miss Crimson." The girl gave me a reluctant look. "But... how do you know my first name?"I frowned. "What do you mean? We used to meet often during my
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVAs the door to the Second Hall opened wide, I stepped out. A breeze scent of sweet florals and Damask roses brushed my nose. The scent concentrated in the narrow hallway next to the Second Hall. The corners of my lips lifted. I deeply breathed in the lingering Peony’s scent. She wasn’t within my line of sight, or maybe she took a quick peek before leaving with her witch friend.I intended to find her to ease my longing. But Zed, my Beta, reported some other issues that I needed to deal with. All the pack matters can't be handled on their own unless I intervene.I deliberately finished my work just before lunch. I went to my room to ask Peony for lunch together in the gazebo, like we used to do.When the door opened, my heart immediately sank. Peony, the woman with lustrous black eyes, was sitting on the edge of the bed. Her empty stare was like that of a dead fish. Her shoulders were hunched forward, and I could see an invisible sadness weighing her down.When sh
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVI sat up straight on the chair as I cast my eyes around to survey the faces of the nine warriors before me. None of them had under twenty years of experience, so I had no doubt that they were more than up to this quest."You’ve been appointed by your team Commander to join this search. Delta Randall has included all the data on the missing little girls in this document. Give it your full attention; don't lose any important details."I explained as I handed them a stack of folders. They politely came forward to take turns. A ripple of excitement ran through the room as their eyes were glued to the folders’ content."I will personally lead the search. I want every available source dedicated to tracking down those girls." I added it firmly and clearly.Judd asked, "Should we bring in a vampire to dig into the mortals' memories, Alpha?""Yes. Contact a trusted vampire and bring him here. We need all hands on deck for this quest. Considering they are six-year-old girl
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVA wave of emptiness crashed over me once the two black SUVs vanished from visibility. Closing my eyes, I clasped my hands and brought them to my chest. Sending up a prayer of safety for Xavier and the search team.I opened my eyes and didn't find Zed by my side. He had already paced his way towards the second floor, where Alpha's office was. I hurried to catch up with him."So... um... Zed?" I called him out.Zed stopped his steps abruptly, and I almost bumped into his solid back. But I avoided it by putting the brakes on my own feet. Zed turned, his figure towering like a giant wall. I gasped. Zed's ocean blue eyes flashed an indescribable anger. Pulses clearly popped out of his neck."You've been hiding in the mortal world for so long that you don't know how to respect anyone higher than you. Do you?" Zed snarled sarcastically.I laughed nervously. What was up with that attitude? He had turned into another person after Xavier's departure. I recalled that Zed isn’