Today Dinner Chapter 9

WARNING: Contains Hardcore BDSM, forced proximity, gruesome sex scenes, forbidden romance and uncensored vocabulary. “To the public, you are my Luna, but while in this Packhouse, you will be reminded that this union was just one of convenience. You shall abide by my rules with obedience and respect, for our bond is one of necessity, not passion. I want you to keep this in mind till you die. I will never love you, Jennita.” *** Finding solace and unexpected love in Jamal, the Alpha of the Rogue wolves, after a heartbreaking betrayal, Jennita must confront her past when her Ex-husband and Alpha returns, reigniting a dangerous game of desire, loyalty, and the haunting shadows of the moonlit night. *** Update Schedule: 1-2 Chapter(s) daily *** Book 1 Of The Hybrid Legacy Series

In the sterile calm of the operating room, Dr. Marcus Valencia is celebrated for his precision, his steady hands healing wounds that others deemed impossible. But beneath the surgeon’s blade lies a heart scarred by a past he’s struggled to bury. When he falls in love, a new chapter begins—until a shocking truth slices through, unearthing a dark secret that binds them both to a night of unspeakable horror. Now, Marcus faces an agonizing choice: fulfilling his duty or answering the resounding call for justice, now lying in front of him. With justice resting in his hands, immerse yourself in a novel where the call of duty, the depths of true love, and the burning desire for revenge for family clash in a poignant struggle.

"Are you not kidding?" Travis asked, his deep voice laced with disbelief. "You want to get married... today?" Alice's eyes sparkled with mischief as she nodded enthusiastically. But little did Travis know, Alice's intentions were far from innocent. She had been reborn, given a second chance at life after a brutal murder at the hands of her stepsister, Octavia, and her former lover, Grant. With her memories intact, Alice was determined to exact revenge on those who had wronged her. And Travis, the brooding and handsome millionaire, was just the pawn she needed in her game of revenge. As Alice and Travis navigate their whirlwind engagement, secrets and lies begin to unravel. Octavia and Grant are still lurking in the shadows, waiting for their next victim. But Alice is no longer the naive and timid girl she once was. She's been reborn, and she's ready to take back control. Will Alice's thirst for revenge consume her, or will she find love and redemption in the arms of Travis? Dive into this twisted tale of love, lies, and revenge to find out.

I’d just wrapped up a short trip with my daughter, Elara. On the way back, I figured I’d swing by the Hale, our family’s casino, to check in on my son, Cassian. Maybe grab dinner together. I didn’t expect to be mistaken for his latest fling. Correction: not mistaken—accused. Violently. “You think you can just waltz in here like some queen?” she hissed. “I’m the woman Cassian loves! What kind of whore are you? And is this your bastard daughter with him?” She locked us in the basement. No phone. No light. Just concrete walls and the stench of mildew and madness. Then came the fists. She slapped me across the face—again and again—until my skin stung and my ears rang. When that didn’t satisfy her, she pulled a gun and aimed low. The bullet tore through my knee. I bit back a scream, shielding Elara with my body. “You need to die, whore,” she spat. One of her men hesitated, “We should at least tell Mr. Hale first. If we are going to kill these two in his casino.” Lila of course said no. But that man brought Cassian anyway. My son stepped into this dark little room like it was any other Tuesday—until he saw me. His whole body went still. The blood drained from his face. And then, in the smallest, most broken voice I’d ever heard from him, he whispered, “Mom? What are you doing in my basement?”

I sat at the table, watching the food grow cold, much like my heart. Today was my birthday. It was also Leslie Buck's birthday—Katherine White's childhood sweetheart. I unlocked my phone and opened Leslie's social media page. As expected, a new post awaited me. "Grateful to have you by my side for every birthday. Let's keep our promise to celebrate every one of them together in the future!" The photo showed two hands forming a heart in front of a cake. One of them was Katherine's. I could tell from the bracelet she wore. It was the one I had given her. I gave the post a like, then set my phone aside. Without hesitation, I dumped the dishes Katherine liked into the trash and went out to a restaurant to order the food I liked, celebrating my birthday alone. From now on, I would make sure to enjoy every birthday of mine.

On New Year's Eve, my husband, Max Davis, took me to a private dinner hosted by a big industry player. We had barely made our way around the room when a strange woman suddenly shoved me into the pool. When I insisted on checking the surveillance footage and calling the police, Max firmly held me back. He warned me to "remember my place" and not embarrass him in front of everyone. In the brief time I changed into another gown, I returned to find that same woman perched on my husband's lap, her red lipstick leaving traces on his collar. "Max, you're right! That nasty scar on her stomach really does look like a centipede. It's so hideous!" She giggled with mock innocence, adding, "It's been so fun messing with your wife. Next time, can I slap her when no one's looking?" Meanwhile, Max gazed at her like she was the only woman in the world, gently tracing his finger over her nose. "Of course, you can," he replied, eyes still locked on hers. "I'll even tie her hands behind her back for you."

My mother was the best portrait artist in the police station. She had a strong sense of justice and brooked no evil. However, all I got was a sharp retort when I called her to save me. "You know it's your sister's coming-of-age celebration today, and you're cursing her? Kidnapped, are you? Fine, the kidnappers can kill you for all I care." She assumed it was a prank call. So, she refused to go to the police station and do her job. I wasn't saved in time and was tortured to death. When the DNA report came out, she came to the scene all wobbly. She drew a portrait of me with my bones as reference, her hand trembling all the way. "Jessica? It can't be her. This is a mistake!" She tried again and again. Yet, it didn't matter how many times she redid it as the portrait showed my face. My mother, who had hated me my whole life, teared up.

Saira was once a cheerful girl, but her life drastically changed after the devastating loss of her father. Her high school years were filled with torment, as she was relentlessly bullied by a cruel classmate who made her life miserable. When she finally graduated, she felt relief, believing that chapter of her life was over. However, after graduation, she faced another struggle, landing a terrible job where her life only seemed to get harder. Her world turned upside down again when her mother announced her marriage to a new husband and introduced her to their new family. To Saira’s horror, her new stepbrother was none other than her former high school bully—the very person she thought she’d never have to see again. Shocked and heartbroken, she dreaded what was to come. Things got even worse when she learned she would be working as his secretary. Despite her fears of facing torment once more, Saira was surprised by her stepbrother’s behavior. He had completely changed. Instead of bullying her, he was now protecting her—saving her from workplace issues, standing up for her, and being supportive in ways she never imagined. The boy who once hurt her deeply had transformed into a man who treated her with care and respect. Saira’s heart began to waver. The crush she once had on him returned, and she couldn’t deny that his changes captivated her. But forgiving him wasn’t easy. The scars of the past still lingered. Conflicted, Saira confronted him, demanding answers, accusing him of playing tricks on her. In response, he begged for her forgiveness, admitting his regret and pleading for a chance to make things right. Saira must decide whether she can trust him again—or whether the pain of the past is too much to overcome.

My husband is a rock climbing route setter. It's our wedding anniversary today, but he brings his female best friend with him on an adventure to discover uncharted territory. It comes about because his female best friend says life is so boring. We're trapped in the mountains when we encounter extreme weather, and the rescue helicopter can only take two people with them. They climb up the ladder deftly, leaving me to slowly grow colder in the rain. I shout his name with all my strength. "I have a heart condition! I'll die if I don't get to the hospital soon!" He throws a rope down at me without even sparing me a glance. "Luna has menstrual cramps—she never says she's in pain. You, on the other hand, are only good at acting. Think of a way to get down yourself." What he doesn't know is that his "good friend" has already sliced the rope he threw to me.

By six, Amelia had whipped up a six-dish dinner with soup—Chad Felton's favorites, of course. By seven, she'd prepped his bath, complete with rose petals and candles. By eight, his slippers were perfectly lined up by the door. At nine, Chad finally strolled in. Amelia stepped up, taking his suit jacket. "Eat first or bathe?" she asked, setting the slippers in front of him and hanging the jacket. "Bathe," he muttered, eyes glued to his phone.