ARTEMIS AKA WOLFTWO WEEKS LATERThere comes a time in a man's life when he must do the unimaginable and eliminate the people who jeopardise his opportunity at genuine, unadulterated happiness for the rest of his life.He must delve deeply, bypassing everything ingrained in his mind about loyalty, respect, and honour.And... Tonight is one of those nights for me.The car comes to a standstill beneath the flickering streetlights in an abandoned location. As I get out of the car, gravel, broken glass and filth from the warehouse district crunch beneath my shoes with every step I take.It's a depressing area, but it's also quiet; perfect for my guests of honour and for the violence that will follow for the others tonight.It will serve its purpose well.I look back at Viktor who remains standing by the car, his hand resting on his gun at his hip. The door to one of the two warehouses we are parked in front of opens. Light illuminates the gloomy parking lot as Deniz steps out."How are t

ARTEMIS AKA WOLF As soon as I see Red enter the cafe, I stand, move to the opposite side of the table, and pull her chair. "Moy angel. [My angel.]" I hum, pressing a gentle kiss on her lips as she reaches my side. She smiles, inhaling deeply, "You smell so good, Wolf." She coos as she uncomfortably settles into her chair, although her swelling bump makes it rather difficult. I raise my hand before resuming my seat and requesting service. A young female with blonde hair and blue tips approaches our table."Hello, my name is Cammy, welcome to the Break-Away cafe. Are you ready to order?" She says in a polite, inviting tone as she presses the ball tip of her pen to her notebook. "I'll have a black coffee with a salmon and cream cheese bagel," I reply, ordering something simple as I need to get back to the office. "Just a chocolate thick shake for me with extra syrup please." Red orders, rubbing her belly with an uncomfortable expression smeared across her glowing face. A low grow

ARTEMIS AKA WOLFI continuously swallow the lump that has embedded itself in the column of my throat, as I lean against the doorjamb watching Red breastfeed our daughter. A sense of pride licks my feverish skin, I feel like my life is now complete, and I try to think back as to how I got here. I sigh, shaking my head with a grin on my face as I pinch the bridge of my nose. I seriously don't know how I'm going to cope trying to keep them both safe without driving myself entirely insane. For once, I feel like my life has a purpose like I have accomplished the impossible where my heart is concerned. If only my father could see me now, blyad [fuck], I truly do hope he is rolling in the fucking grotty soil he was laid to rest in.A heavy hand lands on my shoulder, jerking me back to the present and I snap my head to the side to see a very chump-looking Deniz standing beside me."Congratulations on the birth of your daughter, my friend." He sighs with a dip of his head.I push off the do

ARTEMIS AKA WOLFTWO MONTHS LATERWalking through the slums of Russia, I grip Red's hand tighter and draw her flush against my side.I am truly grateful that my ancestors were able to get us out of the country. As I envision the life I would have had here, I am filled with dread due to the pure evil that would have landed me in prison."I still can not believe that this is where your family originated from. You wreak of money, power and sophistication. Wolf, it is absolutely remarkable how a person's lifelong ambitions may pave the way for the prosperity of their entire family tree." She hums as she takes in the scenery surrounding us.I smile at the excitement she helplessly displays. This is her first trip abroad. If I had known sooner, I would have postponed this trip and taken her somewhere more romantic and deserving."Do you think Zeynep would want to visit Russia when she gets older?" She adds, picking an apple off a tree we walk past.I snatch the apple out of her grasp, rub

ZEYNEPTWENTY-ONE YEARS LATER.I stare at my reflection in the mirror, admiring the strong young woman who stares back at me. Today is my twenty-first birthday, and my parents have decided they want to celebrate it with all their corporate friends and close confidants. I usually feel like an outcast at large gatherings or in crowded places. I am the awkward girl in the corner of the room who has been sipping the same drink for three hours while watching everyone else enjoy themselves.I turn to the side, drinking in my reflection as I take note of how well the gown fits my body.It savagely clings to every generous curve the Gods have blessed me with. The silver gown that sparkles under the light heightens the sapphire blue irises in my eyes. I have my mother's red hair and my father's eyes, but somehow I have inherited my Aunt Ana's spitfire tongue.FOR ONCE, my mother has picked something for me that doesn't make me feel like I am too overly dressed; something that will draw too