Valene: When I felt my eyes moving against my closed eyelids, I was aware of my return to consciousness, yet I was still too weak to open them. Gradually, I garnered the strength to open my eyes and when I did, I found myself in a large room with curtains drawn to the side, covering what I assumed was the only exit, save the window to my right.. Was there someone else in here? “Hel…hello?” I attempted to say when I felt the scratchiness in my throat; there was a dryness in my mouth that I nearly choked on. Quickly, I looked around for something to nourish my parched tongue and fortunately found two bottles of water sitting on the stand next to my bed. They must have known that this was bound to happen-my waking up to dehydration. After gulping down one of the little bottles, I sat up in my bed, only pushing the covers far enough back to lift my shirt and check the wound that got me here in the first place, as I recall. As I attempted to lift my shirt, I realized how sore I was, so I

“Don’t seem so surprised,” expressed Harlyn as she nudged me. Her expression was playful at first but only for a moment as a glint of sadness appeared behind her eyes. “I do care about you, Vali. Despite what you or even Daddy thinks. I’m just…not good at expressing those feelings. Especially, where-” “A human is concerned?” I finished her sentence. Part of me hoped that I was wrong. She shrugged. “The truth is the truth, Vali.” Harlyn instead confirmed my assumptions. “Right.” Harlyn exhaled and opened the bag that she handed me; I had completely forgotten about it. “I brought you something besides clothes, Vali. I wish you’d take a look.” She beat me to the punch and opened the bag for me, pulling out a box, and I already knew what was in it. It may seem gluttonous, but my eyes lit up when I saw them; sweet treats! “I saw this donut place on the way here and thought, what the heck.” “Thank you!” I exclaimed. “I probably shouldn’t be so excited about these,” I took a chocol

“This is your territory, and because I have long respected you, I will not encroach on your territory with disrespect. Although, I am surprised that you actually had someone as…prestigious as your heir pick her up from the hospital.” “Tell me,” Harlyn said. “How else would she have gotten home?” “Walk? Hitch a ride? Usually, a Keeper does not care enough to concern themselves with it.” beta Almeida replied. Harlyn seemed to have found this slightly amusing, but then she replied, “Valene may have acted out of character the other night, but she is still a good human and one that has served this family diligently for years.” Harlyn said. I admit that I was surprised that my daughter had defended Valene in such a way. “I would not leave her to fend for herself in a matter that was not completely her fault.” She stepped toward the Alpha. “It wasn’t like she was the one who acted out of character that day…was she, Alpha?” she looked past Ares and at his beta. “As I remember, you two…wer

I looked past Carrie to see my soon-to-be former boss approaching swiftly. “H-hey!” I anxiously replied. I knew before he could even approach that he too wanted me to stay.“Val, I need you to-”“Wait, wait, before you say anything further, Herry, I didn’t come here to pick up an extra shift. I-”“Valene, I really need you tonight.” He said with desperation. “You see that we have special guests. And I don’t have any entertainment! I need entertainment! They-”“Who are these men, Herry?” I asked. Sure, it wasn’t any of my business, but what did it hurt to ask? There was something about these men that seemed to hold significance to Herry. It was only during such times when these men were present that he paid close attention to detail. Suddenly, I was concerned.Impatiently, he rubbed his face and exhaled. “Normally, I’d tell you that it isn’t any of your concern, but…well now I’m starting to wonder if maybe you knowing will make you more inclined to help me.” Reflex made me glance bac

Immediately, this man’s cohorts stood up and was rearing to fight. And just as they did, my officers appeared on cue. As always.“I assure you…that this is not a fight that you want.” Aziz pushing through in team with me. “You two are late.” I said.“Sorry, Alpha. Took a minute for John here to get spiffed. I could hear Kilder in sync with his counterpart and I knew that Kine was already in team with John.“Perfection takes time.” John countered. “Now…down to business.”“Right,” I said, and kept my gaze on the men angrily staring at me. “Now, I’m going to assume that this fool is not the one who speaks for you all as he is quite…emotional. I’d like to speak to the one whose really in charge here.” They were silent and visibly reluctant. So, they want to try us, both Aziz and I thought. I slammed my hand so hard against the table so hard, it cracked. “Tell us…who’s in charge!” I growled in team with Aziz.Even more men stood as I made my aggression known. Neither me nor my officers wer