The clouds grew darker and stormier, and a looming storm darkened the sky, but Natasha's mood was so bright and lit up it blinded her from her surroundings, and to everything around her.She continued walking, without pause or a second thought about her direction. She found herself questioning her own emotions—how could she find happiness in a compliment from the very lips that had cast her aside? From a man who had pushed her to the brink and then abandoned her? She was sure she had grown to despise him. So why did her heart betray her by reacting this way?Her cold, fierce hatred for William began to fade, evident in her beaming smile, flushed cheeks, and the goosebumps that erupted across her skin. She struggled to suppress these uninvited feelings. Despite the warmth his recent actions stirred within her, she couldn't forget the immense pain and heartache he had inflicted upon her. No amount of kind words or courageous deeds could erase those memories.As Natasha walked on, her m
"Ouch," she groaned, awakened by the relentless, splitting headache. Natasha slowly rose from the bed, her head wrapped in bandages. Turning to her left, Natasha found William sitting by her bedside."What are you doing here?" Natasha asked, her head still pounding as she spoke."Hey, hey, take it easy," William said."You… you saved me," Natasha stuttered as flashes of the night before began to resurface in her head."Yes, that I did, but there’s no need to thank me. It was my pleasure and duty, as your mate," William replied with a smile, but the idea that he had just referred to her as his mate stung Natasha like a bee.Natasha's demeanor changed in an instant."Your ma… your mate, are you serious?" She asked, to which William replied with a smirk which angered her even more.Natasha scoffed and, like a being possessed by anger and hate, she sprang up from the bed and marched out of the room."Natasha," William called out, but Natasha gave no response. "Where are you going? Where a
As they arrived at the Sinclair Mansion, Algernon had not yet joined them. An awkward silence hung between them, and Natasha was growing increasingly uncomfortable. She wracked her brain for any topic that might change the mood. "William, I wanted to ask you a question," Natasha finally said. William's curiosity was piqued. "What question?" "The Beast?" Natasha whispered, leaning in closer. "The one that nearly stopped my heart, the one you fought to save me. What kind of beast was that?" William hesitated, but Natasha's persistence urged him to respond honestly. "Well, let's say I didn't get a good look at it to determine its kind, given that I was too busy wrestling with it." "Come on, William, don't joke with me," Natasha pleaded. "It had the body structure of a wolf-transformed Lycan, but its eyes were red—like a hellish red. And its savagery was unlike any wolf-transformed wolf I've ever seen or heard of. Tell me William kind of monstrous creature was that?” William contempl
In the secluded kingdom of Hayden, nestled within its confines lay one of its most treasured monuments: The Kingdom Royal Art Museum. This day marked its 1005th Exhibition Day, a celebration of the Kingdom’s rich history, open to all. Natasha’s hand intertwined with William’s as they strolled through the hall, their eyes grazing from one art piece to the next. As they moved, every onlooker’s gaze seemed to drift toward them. It was their first public appearance together since the mating night. “You know, it's odd how everyone calls Hayden a Kingdom, yet there's no King in sight,” Natasha remarked, eyeing a glass-framed crown on display. “Well,” William hesitated, trying to formulate an answer. The more he mulled it over, the more he realized she had a point. “That’s because we do have one,” a random voice chimed in, diverting their attention. “And you’re standing right next to him, although he’s not fully with us yet.” “What? How does that make any sense?” Natasha whispered, puzzle
-- "William, I'm here to see Lady Natasha, under orders from the Grand Alpha," Fredrick announced, catching both William and Natasha off guard. "Wait, what?!" William and Natasha exclaimed simultaneously. "Indeed, but only if you could spare me a moment of your time," Fredrick said politely. Natasha stood stunned, rendered speechless. His manner was gentlemanly, making it hard for her to refuse. Yet, she instinctively glanced at William, seeking some form of approval from him. "Sure, why not," William nonchalantly responded before leaving them alone. Left alone, the two of them felt like complete strangers, though one seemed more at ease than the other. "Well, this is quite the surprise," Natasha chuckled nervously. Despite her grandfather's influence, it was unfathomable that the Grand Alpha, the most powerful figure in Hayden, took notice of her existence enough to send a high-ranking soldier to see her. "Yeah, I suppose it is," Fredrick chuckled back. “So how are you” Taken
William sat in his study, surrounded by shelves filled with books. He meticulously reviewed the pack's affairs, demonstrating that Lycans were far from mere savagery, contrary to popular belief. As he engrossed himself in his work, a soft knock interrupted his concentration. "Come in," William instructed without lifting his eyes from the documents spread across his desk. Alice, a member of his pack, entered the room. Her presence brought a hint of anticipation to the air. William glanced up briefly before refocusing on his task. "You sent for me," she said, her voice filled with curiosity. "Yes, indeed. I wanted to inform you that I will be attending the Founder's Ball later tonight," William replied, his words laced with a touch of formality. Alice's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, that's wonderful! I shall start preparing and selecting the perfect dress for the occasion," she exclaimed eagerly. William's response, however, was unexpected. "That won't be necessary," he said, h
As the grand doors swung open, William and Natasha walked through hand in hand. The sounds of live music and animated conversation swept through the elegant ballroom, filling the air with an enchanting symphony. The ballroom was adorned with glistening chandeliers, cascading golden drapes, and ornate decorations that added a touch of opulence to the scene. Dressed in a beautiful gown that shimmered with every step, Natasha exuded elegance and confidence. Her gown, which belonged to her mother, held sentimental value. It was a mesmerizing blend of rich emerald green and delicate lace, draped beautifully over her form, accentuating her every movement. The intricately designed bodice hugged her slender figure, while the flowing skirt cascaded around her feet in a cascade of luxurious fabric that matched so well with her bracelet. She was a vision of beauty. "Alpha William," an elderly gentleman approached them. "Alpha," William responded with a slight bow. "Come on, nonsense. How many
Natasha and William quickly separated, shifting their focus to the person who interrupted their kiss. It was an elderly stranger. While Natasha saw him merely as an old man, William recognized him instantly. He stood at a distance, illuminated by the ballroom's dim light. It was the only Lycan who commanded more respect than Natasha's grandfather, Lord Leonidas, Head of the Alpha Council, The Grand Alpha. William's voice wavered as he tried to regain composure. "Lord Leonidas, what brings you here at such an inconvenient moment?" he said, coyly, with a slight bow of his head. "Save the pleasantries and tell me this instant, where is my daughter?" Lord Leonidas demanded. "My lord, Lisa is anywhere but here," William replied, still flustered. "I can see that for myself. What I want to know is why you failed to attend the ball with her, as we had arranged," he said, approaching until he was at arm's length. "I wouldn't say 'failed,' my lord," William replied, composed. "You see, your