~ Zora
The moment I finished the sandwich Nox gave me, I immediately felt a fatigue so intense, I could barely walk the few feet it took to keep the food tray on Nox’s desk table and back to the bed.I suddenly realized I had no idea if Nox wanted me in his bed or not. Besides, if he wanted me in his bed, did that also mean we would have to get intimate?I had no idea if I was ready for that.Based on how he had acted towards me since we left the woods and the feelings of reluctance and discomfort that I sensed from him, I decided it would be best if he invited me to join him rather than assume. Summoning the last bit of strength in me, I grabbed a pillow and a blanket and got comfortable on the floor next to his bed. The moment my head hit the pillow, I was out.By the time I woke up, I felt well rested and renewed. Reluctant to get up, I snuggled in deeper to the musky scent of citrus, sandalwood and cedar. It smelt so delicious, I basically moaned out loud. Something moved and tightened around me and that’s when I realized my body was pressed against something hard.My eyes flew open and I found myself in bed. Raising the bed cover, I peeked beneath and saw Nox’s huge and veiny arm wrapped around my middle. Now, I could feel his soft warm breath fanning my neck at interval. That action alone made my wolf purr in desire, and suddenly I felt the urge to stretch my neck longer. A desperate need for Nox to wake up and mark me right there consumed me so much so, that my breathing became heavy and laborious.Then, I remembered how I got here and how Nox didn’t understand why I didn’t bring my belongings. He must have thought that I was one of the Eligibles; chosen and selected for him. If he finds out that I am just a common girl, I have no idea what would happen, but I know his reaction would be bad.Real bad.Taking a deep breath, I embarked on the mission to entangle myself from this man and escape as quietly as I could to Goddess knows where. I had no plan whatsoever but I also didn’t plan on staying and facing the King’s wrath. Better to be far away, than to be torn to pieces. Afterall, Nox had a reputation for being ruthless and merciless towards his enemies, and I'm sure if he finds out the truth, I'll become his enemy.With much effort, I was able to lift Nox’s heavy hand off me and slip out of his reach but I made the mistake of looking at his face and suddenly, I didn’t feel like leaving anymore. Nox was classicly beautiful with disheveled dark hair falling over his forehead. He had thick eyelashes that kissed his cheeks and his lips were shaped like an an archer’s bow.Nox was undeniably the most beautiful man I had ever laid eyes on and as much as I wanted to crawl back into his arms and pretend he was completely mine, I knew my time was ticking and if I didn’t move now, he was going to find out my true identity and then I’ll be doomed.I forced myself to look away and climbed out of bed, still clad in Nox’s shirt, I mentally chided myself for not finding some shorts to wear as well. If I decide to open the walk-in closet now, and find something to wear, Nox might wake up. Instead, I searched around for my sneakers which I wore to his room, but they were nowhere to be seen.Cursing silently, I decided my escape would have to be made barefoot. I made my way to the door and turned the knob as quietly as possible. There was a soft click, signifying that the door was unlatched. So I opened it as wide as I could fit. I had gotten one foot outside when I heard Nox's voice.“You’re going to need a car.” He said.Frozen in plaze, I turned to look at him. He was still lying on the bed but his eyes were fixed on me. My heart jumped into my mouth when I realized they were pitch black just the way they were when he walked in with a tray of food and saw me in his shirt.Confused by his statement, I stammered, “What?!”Nox sighed, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, they returned to the usual stormy grey color.“If you’re planning to escape from me, you’re going to need a car.” He clarified, getting out of bed. I retracted my leg and closed the door, watching him go into his closet and come out wearing a black t-shirt.I could sense waves of anger, disappointment, and confusion emanating from him. It was as if I had developed a sixth sense attuned to his feelings and emotions. He stood before me, with his hands shoved in his slacks. He wore a neutral expression but I could still feel anger and confusion brewing within him.“Go on.” He said with a shrug. “You will find that my territory stretches for hundreds of miles and it is easy to get lost here or to go in the wrong direction. One wrong turn, and you could be at the mercy of wild animals…" He paused. "... or a very angry beast.” His eyes darkened again at those last words and a chilling shiver ran down my spine.Deep down, I knew the ‘angry beast’ he was referring to in this statement was himself and that added to my unease.“Did you possibly think that there was anywhere you could run that I would not find you?” He said in a voice that wasn't entirely human.“I never said I wanted to escape.” I stuttered. His eyes flickered back to normal.“Please, don’t insult my intelligence, Zora.” He coldly retorted, causing me to flinch. “I have been awake since the moment you moaned into my pillow. This bond…” He motioned between us. “tells me everything you’re feeling and sometimes even what you're thinking.”“I’m sorry.” I said, not knowing what else to say.“I don’t want your apologies. If you’re going to do something, then have enough conviction to see it through. If you believe running away from me is the right thing to do, then go.”Words failed me, and I stood there speechless. I knew running away from him wasn't the right choice but Nox is still aware of the whole truth.“What are you hiding from me?” He asked and I gasped.Stupid, damn bond!
“Nothing.” I shook my head, attempting to deny.“You’re lying again. I detest lies and the people who practice them. I’ll ask one more time. What are you hiding from me?”I swallowed, wringing my hands and avoiding eye contact with him. That familiar feeling of pain associated with my heart breaking was beginning to form inside me and I could feel myself close to tears.“I..”“You what?” He prompted, cocking his head to the side.“I think you made a mistake.” I said.His brows furrowed. “What mistake?”“Choosing me.”“I didn’t choose you. My wolf did.” He clarified.His words stung, but I probably deserved it.“Why did you think choosing you was a mistake?” He inquired.“Because I am not an Eligible.” I sighed, tired of the whole situation.“What do you mean by that?”“I mean I am not an Eligible!” I said, raising my voice a notch. “I was not selected nor groomed for this moment. I was not handpicked from my home. I am not a noble’s daughter or from a wealthy family. I am nobody!” I said, finally meeting his confused gaze with my tormented one.Apprehension set in his features and for the first time since we met, he looked wary of me.“Then how did you end up here?”“I have no idea myself.” I shrugged, feeling the throes of everything I’ve been through in the past fourteen hours assault me . “One minute, I’m falling over a cliff, the next I’m waking up at the river’s edge. The river must have brought me here. I don’t know. I don’t even know if I am even dead or still alive!” I exclaimed. “If this is a dream and my body is still stuck somewhere in a ravine!”Nox's expression softened towards me and he no longer looked defensive anymore. I couldn't contain my emotions any longer, and tears streamed down my face causing me to turn away from him.I didn't expect it but I was immediately turned around and wrapped in his embrace and the act alone made me cry harder. He gently stroked my hair and said, “Everything will be fine, Zora. We’ll figure this out together.”**************************************************It didn’t take long for me to calm down, I guess I had the mate bond to thank for that. I sat on the bed and watched Nox make some phone calls. Before long, there was a knock at the door and Nox went to answer it. He reached out and collected a dress from someone who spoke in hushed tones, Nox mumbled something back and closed the door.He handed me the dress. “Wear this. I’ve called a meeting and you’re going to attend.”I nodded and went in the closet to change. The dress was a knee-length, thin-strapped yellow gown with sun flower drawings on it. There was a wide floor length mirror fixed to a wall in the closet and I stared at the reflection of myself.Under different circumstances, I would have appreciated how good I looked in this dress but this wasn’t the day. My buttery blonde hair was a mess so I packed it from my face and twisted it into a knot at the base of my head.When I came out, I saw Nox’s eyes roam over my body but his face was neutral. I tried to sense what he was feeling but it was like a wall had been put up.“Follow me.” He instructed, leading the way towards the door. Opening it, he gestured for me to pass through before closing it behind us. We went downstairs but instead of going out the main door, we veered down a corridor towards a door at the far end.On our way, several people passed by, bowing to Nox and offering greetings to me before continuing on their way. Reaching the door, Nox again opened it, allowing me to go in first. If I wasn’t worried about what my immediate future would be, I would have been over the moon by the act. The room we entered was an office and there were only two people standing in it.One was a fine man, nearly as handsome as Nox. Where Nox had a slim waist and a balanced physique, this man was bulky all through, with long, dark hair, styled in a half bun, and loose strands framing his smug face. His light scruffy beard contrasted with Nox's clean shaven appearance and where Nox had stormy grey eyes that were always intense, his was lighter shade of brown, filled with amusement.The other person was a woman, a big woman who should probably be in her sixties. Her stern countenance reminded me of Tyler’s mother with her thin lips downturned in a frown. She was tall, almost as tall as Nox and she stared down at me with the utmost displeasure.“Hi.” I greeted timidly.“It is abundantly clear that this is a mistake.” The woman stated, disregarding me.Nox glanced from her to me.“Zora, this is Abigail. She serves as my head of house, in order words, Chief of staff. She was in charge of selecting the Eligibles for the Hunt.” Nox said and I nodded, opting not to look in her direction even though I could feel her glaring at me from my peripheral view.“And I am Roman.” The other man chimed in, suddenly standing beside me and taking my right hand to his lips.“He’s my Beta.” Nox added.There was something unnerving about Roman's gaze. Sensing my discomfort, he leaned in closer, and whispered in a conspiratorial tone. “Abigail, may seem intense but she’s really a softie.” He nodded enthusiastically, making me nod too.“Roman, you shouldn’t be cozying up to her, for all we know, she could be a spy!” Abigail snapped.“What?!” I whipped around at her. “I’m not a spy!”“Then how did you sneak in?!” She sneered, looming over me.“I told you already she said she came by river.” Nox interrupted, cutting me off.Abigail scoffed. “I don’t believe that load of crap!”“That’s why Roman is here.” Nox said, sitting in his chair. “He’ll get the truth from her.”Images of being tortured flashed through my mind, but before I could protest, Roman took my hand and guided me to one of the chairs in front of Nox’s office desk. Seated across from me, he held my hands in his.“Calm down Zora.” He said in a soothing voice. I began to feel my body relax. I looked at Nox who watched me closely. I couldn’t tell what he was feeling or thinking. His face betrayed no emotion.“Hey, look at me.” Roman said and I found myself turning to look into his eyes. “Keep looking into my eyes and don’t look away until I say so. Understood?”
I felt myself nodding. Then Roman’s eyes turned pitch black and the blackness seemed to get bigger and bigger until I couldn’t see anything else but darkness around me. I tried to move but I couldn’t. It felt like all my limbs were locked in place and I had become stone.“Relax.” I heard him say again and my body obeyed his command. “Now, tell me everything.”~ ZoraI had no idea how long I sat there being interrogated by Roman. Being completely enveloped by darkness made me lose sense of time and place. Only Roman’s voice tethered me to the present. He asked about the pack I was from, what I did as an occupation, if I was a spy. Then he asked how I fell from the cliff and something in me began to struggle against his hold on me. I didn’t want to relive the trauma of what was done to me so I tried to shake his hold. It felt like I was glued down but I knew my body was still moving.“Shhhhh. Calm down. Relax.” I heard Roman say but the effect of his voice was no longer soothing on me. “Let me out!” I shouted. I continued to tug against the mental hold keeping me pinned until I felt a hand on my shoulder and delicious warmth course through my body. “It’s okay.” I heard Nox’s voice whisper in my ear. “You’re here now. You’re safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.”My body seemed to relax at that and my breathing evened. Roman continued
~ ZoraMy head. There was a bounty on my head and the only thing I could do was blink. Then I felt my legs move, one after the other till I was walking out of Nox’s office, down the passageway and out the main door. By now, the moon was high in the sky lighting my path. I kept walking with no plan of where I wanted to go. Someone may have called my name but I couldn’t hear anything else. I couldn’t hear past my own thoughts and raging emotions. What if I hadn’t shown up on Nox’s territory? Would I have been executed by any of the packs I stumbled into? Did my family know about this? Were they worried? Was Tyler also in on it? Did Emilia say I did something?“Zora!” Nox’s voice thundered through my thoughts. I jumped and turned around to look at him. He looked worried. I could sense his concern settling around me like a blanket. “Are you okay?”“What do you think?” I said in barely a whisper. I tried to feel something but it was like I was numb. I could only feel what Nox felt f
~ TylerI had no peace. Ever since I rejected Zora and claimed Emilia as my mate, everything within me had felt wrong. My wolf had gone restless, seeking the familiar scent of my rejected mate and the pleasure of her warmth. She had trusted me and I had betrayed her in the worst way imaginable. The thought alone haunted me as I stood beside Emilia and received congratulations and well wishes from people. My eyes had scanned the crowd for Zora but I knew she wouldn’t be there. Not coming to wish my chosen mate and I well was an act of disrespect but I hoped my father would let it slide. I could barely stay on at the party afterwards so I retreated to my bedroom. At some point, Emilia had asked to borrow my phone and I was so uncomfortable around her, I simply agreed so she could go away from me. I had no idea when I slept off but when I woke up, Emilia was in my bed as she had been for the past couple of weeks, but that morning, her scent had repulsed me. Everything about her annoye
~ Zora Roman took me to the dining room to have dinner and after that, he led me to another bedroom just as Nox had ordered. My new bedroom was on the same level as the previous room I stayed in, maybe five or six bedrooms away from Nox. I also noticed that this room was almost identical to Nox's except there was a Queen-size bed in my new room instead of a King-size and the color of my curtains and beddings were lavender instead of gold. The first thing that had occurred to me the moment I stepped in was the fact that I couldn't smell him. It felt like living in a world full of color one minute and then suddenly being ripped from it and thrown into a room with monochromatic features. How could I have only spent a day with this man and he already has such an effect on me? More importantly, how could I desire a man who has been known to be ruthless and dangerous? Still contemplating my thoughts, I noticed a blue nightgown had been laid on the bed for me and when I got closer, I re
~ Zora Nox withdrew his hand from the brunette’s touch just as his cold gaze roamed my body. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and chose to ignore him. After all, I had something to prove to myself. Roman, soon appeared by my side with his hand outstretched for me to take. In other to spite Nox, I gave Roman the brightest smile I could muster, before taking his hand. As Roman led me to the left side of the dining table, we both said our greetings. I had no idea how seating systems worked so I aimed for a chair farthest from Nox but much to my disappointment, Roman, pulled out the chair closest to Nox. Sitting at the table, I could feel Nox’s eyes on me, like fiery heat, but I refused to look at him. Instead, I focused on dishing myself a balanced meal. “I don’t think I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with you,” Roman said to the brunette as he took his seat beside me. I felt displeased that he was even speaking to her at all but then again, I reminded myself to put my
~ Nox From the moment she walked into the dining room, I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. It was like as if her very essence called to me and this way, nothing else mattered but her. Her delicious scent made my mouth water for a taste of her large bosom, her curvy hips and the treasure that lied within them. Before my mind could go astray, I looked away but then, my traitorous eyes found my way back to her again. I was able to control my lust for her until Mabel began to say spiteful things about her person, and our bond became assaulted with waves upon waves of her sadness and pain. The fact that she kept calm and gave Mabel a false name right when Roman and I were still contemplating how she would be introduced made my wolf and I feel something we hadn’t felt for someone in a while - Pride. Maybe, it was the bond between us, but I instantly became aware of her need to be comforted. Somehow, I just knew she needed physical contact and I had been right. It was fascinating the way
~ Zora It took a while before I could muster the will to get up from Nox’s desk and walk out of his office. I felt numb and unable to comprehend my feelings. One minute, I was mad at Nox for entertaining that Mabel brat, and the next, I am kissing him and spreading my legs, willing to be marked. What the hell is wrong with me?! If Roman had not come in, would Nox have marked me completely? Would he have regretted it afterwards? Would I have regretted it too? Earlier on, I had sensed a bit of wariness and relief from him before he shut me out again. Of course, we just met, it made perfect sense for him to be wary of me. But I still couldn't shake the feeling that his wariness was a result of something else - something that might later become a problem in the future. I made a mental note to talk to Roman about it. Instead of going to my room, I decided I needed to take a walk. So, when I came out of the hallway that led to Nox’s office, instead of veering left and climbing the st
~ Zora Tremors of trepidation coursed through me as my heart raced while I processed the news. I knew eventually, I had to face my soon-to-be-ex Alpha, but I guess I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon. But then again, Nox had promised he would handle things and he was doing just that. “Will I have to be present?” I asked, silently hoping he’d say no. “Yes.” He said, with his eyes fixed on me. “Scott won’t be the only one coming too.” Another round of anxiety hit me. Was Tyler coming too? Was I ready to face him yet?” “Who else would be coming?” I stuttered. “Your parents.” “Oh!” I exclaimed, exhaling a shaky breath I didn’t know I was holding. Nox watched me curiously like he was noting every reaction of mine and filing his observation away in some mental file cabinet.Then he suddenly half-turned and motioned with his head towards the pathway that led out of the woodland I was in. “Have lunch with me?” I nodded in response and fell into step beside him as we walked. “Who els