Lahat ng Kabanata ng Midnight Bride: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 5

I jolt awake, gasping for breath as I remember bits of strange words from my dream. They echo in my mind, like a distant past, but they quickly slip through my fingers like sand. I’ve woken up like this before, and I expect it to happen again.My heart pounds in my chest as the last of the images go, only to leave behind an ache in my chest that will last for the rest of the entire day. The scent of the tiny attic fills my lungs. It is dusty, stale, and a reminder of where I am. My alpha’s attic is the worst place to live, but this is where I have been since I was twelve years old. When my parents died, I was only seven. For five years, I was passed between other pack members’ houses. Despite kindness from some, I felt unwanted, like I was a burden they wanted rid of as quickly as possible. Then, when I turned twelve, the alpha said he would take me since so many others had rejected me from their homes. I was shut away into this attic under the guise of protecting me and taking me u

I keep going toward the market, trying to ignore the feeling of eyes on my back.Kendric is handsome with a strong build and he’s someone I would desire as a mate if I could have one. Part of me wonders if he’s desperate, and that is why he is practically chasing me, but I feel ridiculous for thinking someone like him would be hurting for a mate.There are probably plenty of women waiting for him at his door every single day. The girls love a dark and intriguing alpha who is just starting his own pack.I tighten my grip on the list and hope that I can get all the items she requested. My gaze moves across the various booths in search of it all and it seems like it’s going to be a good market day. Most, if not everything, is here just from a single glance.Kendric grabs my arm as I’m about to examine the fruit at the first stall. “Are you not going to talk to me about everything?”“Your question isn’t worth answering. There is nothing you can do about it, and it’s not like I can go into

I stand frozen in the echoing silence of the entryway, the metallic clang of handcuffs still ringing in my ears as Barrett marches Alpha Jackson and Millie out of sight.Kendric’s arms are my haven, a shelter from the storm raging outside. He clings to me tightly, refusing to release his grip.I continue to peek around his arm from time to time, waiting for instructions, but everyone that passes by leaves us alone. It makes no sense and I’m surprised they aren’t asking more questions.Why aren’t they taking me in to be questioned as well?Kendric lets his arms slip from around me and takes one small step back. “Are you okay? You don’t seem to tremble anymore, but your eyes look fearful.”“What is happening? Why were you holding me for so long?” I ask, my voice cracking under the pressure of the unknown.“I held you because you needed it,” he says sweetly. “Don’t worry too much. Whatever horrors you have lived through are over. No one will harm you ever again.”A wave of warmth spreads