The midday sun beat down, but Matilda felt a chill deeper than any winter’s frost. Her breath hitched in her throat, a ragged gasp caught between fear and defiance. She stumbled backward, her eyes wide with terror as Stella’s cruel smile stretched across her face.
“How dare you?” Matilda’s voice cracked, a thin thread against the overwhelming dread.
The words hung in the air, unanswered for a heart-stopping moment before Stella’s chilling laughter shattered the silence.
“Are you… are you going to kill me?” Matilda whispered, her voice barely audible above the frantic pounding of her own heart.
Stella’s response was a low, guttural affirmation, a promise whispered on the wind.
Panic clawed at Matilda’s throat. Her gaze darted wildly, searching for a weapon, anything to break the suffocating grip of fear.
A discarded rock? A fallen branch? Anything to fight back against the icy certainty of death.
Stella’s laughter echoed, mocking her desperate search. “You can’t hurt me, Matilda,” She sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. “You’re just a… a mere mortal!”
A vise-like tension squeezed Matilda’s chest, a suffocating pressure that stole her breath. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed before Stella, the cold stone floor a stark contrast to the burning shame in her cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she choked out, her voice trembling, “I’ll never do it again!” Her forehead pressed against the rough ground, a silent plea for mercy.
Stella’s voice, however, was devoid of compassion. “You’re right,” she purred, each word a drop of venom, “You’ll never do it again because I’m going to kill you right now.”
Matilda’s eyes snapped up, wide with terror. “Please,” she begged, her voice a desperate whisper, “Spare my life! I only wanted to scare you… for money.”
Stella’s grip on Matilda’s hair was like a steel trap, yanking her head back with brutal force.
A searing pain shot through Matilda’s scalp, a scream tearing from her lips. She clawed at Stella’s hand, her fingers scrabbling desperately for purchase, but Stella’s strength was overwhelming.
“I warned you,” Stella hissed, her voice dripping with cruel satisfaction, “But you didn’t listen.”
Tears streamed down Matilda’s face, mingling with the dirt and grime on the floor.
Stella released her hair, a cruel game beginning. “Stand up,” she commanded, her voice laced with amusement.
Matilda obeyed, her body trembling. She was about to plead again, to beg for her life, when Stella cut her short.
“Remove your clothes,” Stella said, her tone flat, devoid of emotion.
“Wait… what?” Matilda stammered, her mind reeling.
Stella’s next words sent a wave of heat through Matilda’s body. “You’re used to being naked, aren’t you?” The question hung in the air, a chilling revelation.
Matilda froze, her mind struggling to comprehend. “How… how did you know that?” she whispered, a blush staining her cheeks, a mixture of shame and disbelief. Her hand, clenched into a fist, was mere inches from Stella’s face when the heavy oak door creaked open, its sound a jarring interruption to the charged silence.
The sudden intrusion forced both women to freeze, their confrontation suspended in mid-air.
“Stella, no! Don’t do this!” The voice, sharp with urgency, belonged to Theo. He appeared in the doorway, his eyes wide with alarm.
In a flash, Stella moved, a blur of motion as she lunged towards Matilda.
Theo reacted instantly, his body a barrier between Stella and her intended victim. He wrapped his arms around Stella, holding her tightly against his chest, his grip firm but gentle. “Stop, please!” he whispered, his voice strained with desperation. The words were barely audible above the frantic beating of his heart.
Brandon and Tyros arrived, their faces grim.
“Get her!” Theo barked, his gaze fixed on Matilda, who stood frozen in shock.
Tyros moved swiftly, his hand covering Matilda’s mouth before she could utter a sound.
The silence that followed was thick with tension.
Stella struggled against Theo’s embrace, her anger a palpable force. “Why are you stopping me?” she hissed, her voice laced with fury. She pushed him away, her strength surprising even Theo.
“You’re not like this!” Theo protested, his voice raw with disbelief.
Stella’s response was a chilling smirk, a cruel twist of her lips that sent a shiver down Theo’s spine.
“Put her in the car,” Theo instructed Brandon, his voice firm despite the tremor in his hands.
Brandon nodded, his expression grim.
Stella watched, her face a mask of disbelief and simmering rage.
Theo’s interference, his betrayal, was a blow she hadn’t anticipated.
Stella shook her head, a silent rejection of his actions, and turned towards the door, her movements stiff and deliberate.
“Where are you going?” Theo called out, his voice laced with concern, but Stella didn’t answer.
Stella disappeared into the night, leaving Theo alone with the weight of his decision. Her transformation was swift and brutal. She reached out, her fingers brushing against the cool night air, before her human form rippled and tore, giving way to the powerful silhouette of a wolf. Its fur was the color of midnight, its eyes burning with an inner fire.
Brandon watched, his face grim.
“Is that Stella?” Tyros asked, his voice barely a whisper.
“Yeah,” Brandon replied, his gaze fixed on the enraged creature. “And she’s seriously pissed.” He quickly ushered Matilda into the back of his car, securing her safely inside.
Theo emerged from the house, his movements purposeful. He approached Brandon’s car, his face etched with worry. “To the mansion,” he instructed, his voice low and urgent. He then hurried towards his own vehicle, the urgency of the situation etched on his features.
The drive back was a blur of thoughts and emotions.
Theo knew Stella’s anger was directed at him, a consequence of his interference. But he couldn’t let her unleash her fury on Matilda. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm within himself, focusing on the need to protect both Stella and Bryce. He reached for his phone, the decision to call Flora a desperate attempt to mitigate the damage.
Flora’s voice, laced with concern, answered his call. “Bryce is looking for his mom!” she said, her words a stark reminder of the fragile emotional state of his son.
“Tell him his mom will be there any moment,” Theo replied, his voice strained. He heard Bryce’s voice on the other end, a small, anxious sound.
“Dad?” the child’s voice was filled with hope and uncertainty.
“I’m just going to visit your grandpa at the mansion,” Theo reassured him, trying to keep his tone light and reassuring.
“Bring Mommy here, Dad!” Bryce’s plea was a heartbreaking reminder of the situation’s gravity.
“I will,” Theo promised, ending the call with a heavy heart.
The mansion loomed before him, its imposing silhouette a stark contrast to the turmoil within him.
Brandon’s car was already in the garage.
Theo hurried inside, his steps echoing in the cavernous hallway.
Alpha Raven’s voice stopped him, sharp and demanding. “Why did you bring her here?”
Theo’s response was blunt, his gaze searching for his brother. “Nah! I’m putting her underground!”
“She’s in the basement,” Brandon said, his voice low and grim. He nodded towards the heavy, oak door that led down into the darkness.
“Thank you,” Theo replied, his voice tight with barely suppressed fury. He descended the steps, the damp chill of the basement clinging to him like a shroud.
The basement door creaked open, the sound echoing in the confined space, sending a fresh wave of fear through Matilda. She recoiled, her eyes wide with terror. “Who are you? Why are you doing this to me?” she demanded, her voice trembling.
Theo’s laughter filled the small space, a chilling sound that sent a fresh wave of icy fear through Matilda. “How dare you threaten my family?” he said, his voice dangerously low. He advanced towards her, his movements deliberate and menacing.
“Please,” Matilda pleaded, her voice choking with fear. “Let me live! I’ll never do it again!”
But Theo’s decision was already made. He paced back and forth, his anger a palpable force. “I wouldn’t let my wife get her hands dirty,” he said, his voice cold and precise. “But I’m an expert at dealing with… mortals.”
Matilda’s eyes widened in comprehension. “Why are you calling me a mortal?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“Because you are weak,” Theo answered, his eyes burning with controlled fury. With a guttural growl, he shifted, his human form dissolving into the powerful form of a wolf. His fur was the color of midnight, his eyes burning with an inner fire.
Matilda froze, her body rigid with terror. She shuddered as Theo approached, his presence a suffocating weight. Tears streamed down her face, her pleas for mercy choked with fear. “Pl-please… don’t k-kill me!” she stammered, unable to meet his gaze.
Theo let out a low growl, a sound that silenced her completely.
Matilda closed her eyes, accepting her fate. A single tear escaped, a silent apology. “I’m sorry, Bryce,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the pounding of her own heart.
The attack was swift and brutal. Theo launched himself onto Matilda, his movements precise and deadly. His teeth sank into her neck, a single, decisive bite severing her head from her body.
The sound was a sickening crunch, followed by a horrifying silence. Blood erupted, spraying across the cold, damp stone floor of the basement.
Then, just as quickly, Theo shifted back into his human form, his clothes stained crimson.
Brandon entered the basement, his face grim. The sight that greeted him was horrific. “I’ll have the maid clean this up,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion. He spoke more to himself than to his brother, his words a stark acknowledgment of the gruesome task ahead.
Theo nodded, his gaze fixed on Matilda’s lifeless body. The weight of his actions seemed to settle upon him, a heavy cloak of guilt and grim determination. “I’m going to find Stella,” he said, his voice low and resolute. He turned and left the basement, his steps echoing in the oppressive silence.
Brandon followed, stopping in the living room.
Alpha Raven’s question was sharp and accusatory. “He killed her?”
Brandon’s simple reply, “Yeah,” was a stark confirmation of the brutal act. He sank onto the couch, the weight of the event settling upon him.
Meanwhile, Stella stood in the heart of the woods, the vast expanse of the sky above her. She stared up, her thoughts a turbulent mix of anger and regret. “I should have killed her myself,” she murmured, shaking her head in disbelief. The peace of the forest was a stark contrast to the turmoil within her.
A cold breeze caressed her skin, a momentary comfort in the midst of her emotional turmoil. “I want to see my son,” she whispered, a longing for her child cutting through her anger. She turned, her movements slow and deliberate, and gasped.
Theo stood near a massive oak tree, his presence a sudden and unexpected interruption to her solitude.
“How did you find me?” Stella asked, her voice a mixture of relief and apprehension. She began walking towards Theo, her steps hesitant at first, then gaining confidence as she drew closer.
“I followed your scent,” Theo replied, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He opened his arms, a silent invitation.
Stella saw the warmth in his eyes, the unspoken promise of safety and comfort. She ran into his embrace, her body relaxing against his.
“Everything’s alright now,” Theo whispered, his voice a soothing balm to her troubled soul.
Stella nodded, the tension draining from her shoulders.
Their return home was met with an outpouring of emotion.
Bryce saw them from the doorway, his face lighting up with joy. He ran towards his mother, his small body launching itself into her arms. “Mommy!” he cried, his voice filled with relief.
Stella held him close, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. “I’m so sorry I let that woman get you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Bryce shook his head, his small hand stroking her cheek. “I’m okay now, Mommy. Don’t worry,” he reassured her, kissing her cheek.
Flora appeared, a warm smile gracing her lips as she watched the tender reunion. “What a happy family,” she murmured, her voice filled with genuine affection.
Theo smiled gratefully. “Thank you for taking care of Bryce while we were gone,” he said.
Flora’s response was warm and heartfelt. “Don’t mention it. It was my pleasure to spend time with him,” she replied.
Stella turned to Flora, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you so much,” She said, her voice choking with emotion. She embraced Flora tightly, her gratitude overflowing.
Flora gently caressed Stella’s back, her words a gentle reminder. “You need to protect your family,” she whispered.
Stella nodded, her resolve strengthened. “I will,” she said, her voice firm and unwavering.
A few weeks drifted by, marked only by the subtle shifts in the rhythm of their lives.
Stella found herself summoned to a meeting with Alpha Raven, a summons that sent a ripple of unease through her. She was preparing for the meeting, her mind a whirlwind of anxieties, when Bryce appeared in her doorway, his small hand clutching a worn stuffed animal.
“Can I come with you, Mommy?” Bryce asked, his voice filled with innocent hope.
Stella knelt, her heart aching with a mixture of guilt and love. “I’m sorry, honey,” she said, her voice gentle. “Aunt Flora will be here any minute to play with you.”
Bryce nodded, his acceptance tinged with a hint of disappointment.
Once prepared, Stella and Theo descended to the living room, a silent tension hanging between them. They waited for Flora’s arrival, the quiet punctuated only by the ticking of the grandfather clock.
“Ready?” Theo asked, his voice low and steady.
“Just waiting for Flora,” Stella replied, her voice betraying none of the turmoil within. A sharp knock on the door startled them both.
Stella opened the door to reveal Flora, her smile bright and reassuring.
“Hey!” Flora greeted her warmly.
“You’re right on time,” Stella said, her voice brisk. “We need to go. Just keep an eye on him, okay?” She kissed Flora on the cheek, her gratitude evident.
“Of course,” Flora replied, her eyes twinkling. “I wouldn’t take my eyes off him for the world.”
Stella hugged Bryce, her heart heavy with the impending meeting. “We’ll be back, honey,” she whispered.
Theo bid a quick goodbye to Bryce and stepped out the door.
Stella followed, her steps a little unsteady.
Theo opened the car door for her, his touch a silent reassurance.
As soon as they were settled, Stella voiced her apprehension. “What’s this meeting about?” she asked, her voice tight with anxiety.
Theo started the engine, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I don’t know,” he replied, a playful lilt in his voice.
Stella fastened her seatbelt, her gaze fixed on Theo.
He did the same, his eyes twinkling. “Or maybe,” he said, a slow smile spreading across his face, “it’s about our marriage.”
Stella’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. “Wait… what?” she exclaimed, her voice laced with surprise and disbelief.
Theo’s smile widened, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. “You heard me, Stella,” he said, his voice filled with confidence and love.
Stella shook her head, her disbelief palpable. She looked away, her mind reeling from the unexpected news. The word “marriage” echoed in her ears, a strange and unsettling sound. “Marriage?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Theo nodded, his expression serious. “I heard they’ve already set a date,” he said, his voice low and steady.
Stella’s gaze snapped back to him, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. “For real?” she asked, her voice barely audible.
Theo’s response was firm and reassuring. “Yes, Stella. I’m telling you the truth,” he said, his eyes filled with a warmth that calmed her racing heart.
The imposing gates of the mansion swung open, a silent welcome.
“Thank you,” Theo said to the security guard, his voice polite but firm.
“No problem, sir,” the guard replied, his tone respectful.
Theo drove towards the mansion, the grandeur of the building a stark contrast to the turmoil within Stella. He stopped the car, handing the keys to his father’s secretary with a brief instruction. “Please take care of my car.”
A flurry of activity greeted them as they stepped out of the car. Numerous maids emerged from the mansion, their greetings a chorus of welcome.
Then, Alpha Raven appeared, his presence commanding attention. “Finally!” he exclaimed, his voice booming.
Stella greeted him with a respectful nod. “Good to see you again, Alpha Raven,” she said, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil.
“Come inside,” Alpha Raven said, his tone authoritative. “They’re waiting.”
Theo offered his hand to Stella, his touch a silent reassurance.
She took it, her fingers intertwining with his, finding strength in his presence.
“Don’t worry,” Theo whispered, his voice soft and reassuring. “I’ll support whatever decision you make.” His words sent a flutter of warmth through her heart.
They entered the room, the air thick with anticipation. Officials sat around a large table, their faces impassive.
Stella spotted her father and quickly sat beside him, seeking comfort in his presence.
Elder Remus’s voice cut through the quiet, his question direct and to the point. “Where’s Bryce?” he asked.
Stella’s reply was calm and reassuring. “He’s with Flora at home,” she said. Elder Remus nodded, his gaze unwavering.
“We are gathered here today to discuss the marriage of my eldest son to Elder Remus’ youngest daughter,” Alpha Raven announced, his voice resonating with authority.
All eyes turned to him, the weight of the announcement settling heavily in the room.
Stella murmured under her breath, “Here we go again,” her voice barely audible.
Her father, Elder Remus, shot her a sharp look, his expression a mixture of impatience and expectation. “Just accept your fate,” he whispered, his words a low, urgent plea.
Stella remained silent, her thoughts a turbulent sea. She turned her attention to Alpha Raven, a flicker of defiance in her eyes.
He smiled, a gesture of reassurance. “There is an upcoming full moon within this month,” Alpha Raven continued, his voice smooth and confident. “We’ve decided to hold the wedding under the full moon.”
The proposal was met with nods of agreement.
Beta Helias added his voice, his words laced with subtle persuasion. “A most auspicious choice, Alpha Raven. It will create a bond unbreakable by any force,” he said, his gaze lingering on Elder Remus, then on Stella. “Wouldn’t you agree, Elder Remus?”
Elder Remus nodded, his expression softening slightly. He looked at his daughter, his gaze filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension.
Alpha Raven turned to Theo, his question direct and to the point. “What do you think, Theo? Is this agreeable?”
Stella watched Theo, her heart beating a little faster.
Theo’s response was immediate and unwavering. “Anything is fine with me, as long as Stella is my wife,” he said, his voice firm and filled with affection.
Stella couldn’t help but smile, her gaze locked on his.
Alpha Raven turned to Stella, the weight of the decision resting on her shoulders.
They waited, the silence stretching, thick with anticipation.
Stella nodded, a single, decisive movement.
Theo’s face lit up with joy. “I agree, Alpha Raven,” she said, her voice firm and clear. She smiled at Theo, her heart overflowing with a mixture of relief and happiness.
Alpha Raven clapped his hands, his approval evident. “Excellent! The date is set,” he declared.
After the meeting, Elder Remus sought out his daughter. “Thank you for doing this for our family,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Stella’s response was heartfelt and honest. “Let’s not talk about that, Dad. I’m doing this for Theo,” she said, her voice soft but firm.
Elder Remus smiled, his relief palpable. He patted her shoulder, his touch gentle and reassuring. “I’m so happy you’ve found happiness,” he said, his sincerity evident in his voice.
Stella felt the warmth of his affection, a comforting balm to her soul.