Chapter 10 "It hurts," I acknowledged, wincing as the pain spread throughout my body."You won't realize the value of being perfectly fine until you get hurt," while treating the wound on my arm, my father said. "Father, I'm afraid to ride a bicycle right now; I don't want to fall again," I explained."You mustn't let fear hold you back," my father said, his voice full of assurance. "We learn from our mistakes and failures. Every time we fall, we get back up, and this process makes us more robust. Accept the falls because they are stepping stones to courage."I struggled to understand the profundity of my father's comments when I was thirteen. I had no idea his advice would soon be put to the ultimate test.That discussion echoed in my thoughts as I hurtled through the air, my life teetering on the brink of oblivion. But this time, the fall would be the end of my trip, with no chance of rising again.I opened my tear-filled eyes slowly, only to discover myself suspended in mid-air, c
Chapter 11 I left the tent and wandered through the beautiful vegetation, pondering the significance of Elodie's comments. My thoughts were in turmoil as a result of the knowledge she had imparted.I couldn't help but notice the young ladies, their grins tinged with apprehension, as I strolled through the tranquil place, simply because I was now the Alpha's bride. I wanted to connect with them, to understand their world, but Xavier cut me off."Did she say anything significant?" inquired Xavier, his tone urgent."She seemed otherworldly, possessing supernatural abilities," I said, still processing Elodie's presence and her strange signals."She can see into the past and the future. Did she say anything specific about you?" thoughtful Xavier pushed, his excitement evident."Yes," I said, teasingly withholding the facts, savoring the opportunity to play him."What exactly did she tell you?" thoughtful Xavier's voice became increasingly urgent.I stretched my arms nonchalantly, dismissin
Chapter 12Xavier's POVNumerous things go unseen, hidden in the mindless chase of power, in this world of tremendous competition, where everyone is caught up in the race, rushing without looking back. It is a perilous path that can lead to greed and craziness, allowing you to lose sight of what counts - relationships, family, and everything you cherish. The pull of power may be intoxicating, its effect so strong that even the most fearsome individuals can be readily manipulated. Those that hold power, on the other hand, are those who know how to use it properly.My father, the Alpha of Oak Pack, Garrison Ronan, was the ideal of an effective leader. He fought for justice and the well-being of our species with unshakeable pride and immense might. His greatest virtue was loyalty, but even loyalty has limits. When the thirst for power fills a person's heart, it pushes them to challenge those they once admired.Oberon, my father's loyal brother, succumbed to the seduction of power and lef
Chapter 13 "How much despise do you have for me?" I inquired, hoping to catch a hint of weakness in her eyes."More than you can ever imagine," she said, resolute in her resolve."You are unbearably stubborn," I responded, my voice trembling with rage."And you are nothing but a kidnapper," she retorted."Stop referring to me in that manner," I commanded, my voice tinted with annoyance."I'm not sure why you insist on keeping me here against my will, but one thing is certain: you will never have any part of me," she asserted defiantly."You underestimate the truth," I said, keeping eye contact and my gaze unwavering. "I am prepared for whatever may come," she ventured to say, her fearlessness both impressive and vexing.I declared my objectives without hesitation, my words cutting through the tense environment. "Whether you like it or not, I'm going to marry you. You are mine and mine alone. I'm not compelling you to take time, but your decision to do so does not give you the right t
Chapter 14 "Xavier?""Levine?!""Xavier!" she yelled, her voice piercing the air with urgency and despair.I awoke from my nap when I heard my mother's piercing screams. Even as a heavy sleeper, the echo of a strong banging on the door downstairs shocked me awake.I stumbled out of my room, my eyes hazy, examining my surroundings. As I descended the steps, I witnessed a heartbreaking sight. My mother's leg was shackled, locked by an unbreakable chain that seemed impenetrable. Her blazing orange locks tangled and unkempt, she stood in her nightgown before me, her eyes wide with dread.I dashed to her side in the living room, measuring the length of the chain attached to the wall. "How did this happen?" I inquired, looking for answers.She remained silent, her gaze fixated on me, her eyes glittering with crystalline drops of tears."Who was it that did this to you? What's going on, Mom?" a sense of discomfort pervaded the air as I inquired.I reached out to touch the heavy, burning chai
Caught A GlimpseChapter 15 I found myself surrounded by my pack members, each of whom was looking at me anxiously, waiting for my reaction. The weight of expectations weighed heavily on me, and I couldn't help but feel befuddled. Believers, I had so many believers when I didn't believe in myself. What had made them trust me as their Alpha? What had I done to merit my father's place in the pack?The fact that I was Garrison Ronan's son seemed to be enough for them to accept me as their leader. They claimed to see traces of my father in me, but they also recognized that I had distinct characteristics. They recognized my bravery, my undying commitment to protecting the Oak pack, and my dedication to honoring its ancient traditions that had been passed down through generations.The Oak pack was known for upholding norms and customs. We'd always marched to the beat of our drum, devising our own set of rules to regulate our way of life. These customs were profoundly embedded in our ident
Chapter 16 Sansa's PovI stood in the exquisite wedding hall, dressed in a gorgeous peach gown, my heart racing as Logan fixed his gaze on mine. The air was filled with a pink aroma, his warm hands were interlaced with mine, and the intense excitement in his gaze made me blush. This was the happiest day of my life, a day I wanted to remember forever.Logan's velvety and adoring voice whispered, "I would never let you go," sending a surge of warmth through me. His sincere smile lit up his face, a witness to the affection we shared.My reverie was disturbed, though, by a tremble in Logan's voice calling my name from behind. I whirled around, my heart thumping, only to see something that tore me apart. Logan trembled, his body drenched in blood, tears flowing down his cheeks. He put out bleeding, seeking to grasp my hand.As I saw the sorrow engraved over his features, I gasped, my breath seizing in my throat. Logan had been my rock, my constant support through every storm, my safe refug
Chapter 17 Have you ever stood in the rain, drenched and unprotected, while others sheltered under umbrellas? Have you ever wished for a family to be there for you through thick and thin, a consistent presence in your life? Have you ever felt a stinging sensation of solitude, even amid a bustling crowd? These feelings of separation and loneliness have haunted me not once, but several times throughout my life. I've led a solitary existence, without the company of others or the warm hug of family.There were numerous occasions when I wished for the guiding presence of a mother, but she was not present in my life. I grew up with a single father and a grandfather, lacking the feminine influence I desired. I felt adrift and alone since I didn't have somebody to confide in about the complexities of gender.My grandfather despised me, his hatred manifesting itself in curses shouted at my very existence. I never really understood why he was so hostile. Paradoxically, the more my Grandfather