Ten Years Later

I walk into my kitchen—well, not just my kitchen. I share it with my roommate, Marcus.

We live in a penthouse in the heart of London.

He is also my best friend. He reminds me so much of Tasha. I really miss her,but I couldn't keep in touch with her.

I wonder how she is now. How many children does she have? Did she become the real estate agent she always wanted to be?

So many thoughts, but I shut them off. Thinking about the past brings nothing but pain.

It is my past, and that is where it will remain.

"Good morning, Princess," Marcus’s deep voice says from behind me.

"Good morning, Prince Charming. I am about to make breakfast. Pancakes?" I ask.

"Sure." He smiles and walks over to the coffee machine,but kisses me on the cheek before.

For a British man, he does love coffee more than tea.

"Are you ready for your biggest breakthrough?" he asks.

"More than ready, but a little nervous," I tell him.

"That’s normal. I need to leave very early today to check out the venue before the show starts. Everything has to be perfect—Gary must take the deal," he says with determination.

"Thank you so much. I don’t know what my life would have been like if I hadn’t met you. I love you so much," I say, hugging him tightly.

"You also found me at my weakest point. You pulled me out of the dark pit and brought life back to me. I should be the one grateful," he says, kissing my forehead and hugging me tighter.

It is true. The day I met Marcus, eight years ago, he was on the verge of ending his life.

I saved him that day, and he also saved me.

Marcus is an orphan who has been through hell in life. Moving from one foster home to another, he was abused and mistreated.

The day I found him, he had been robbed by a gang. They took everything—his life savings, all he owned—leaving him with nothing.

I had just arrived in London and was looking for a cheap hotel to stay in when I found him standing on the railing of a bridge.

He jumped off. I jumped after him, rescued him, took him to the hospital, and stayed with him until he woke up. From there, we became inseparable.

We lived in a shelter in London while working and going to school. Sometimes, we slept on empty stomachs as we saved up enough to rent a place and pay our tuition.

Two years later, we were finally able to move into our own small apartment. It wasn’t big, but we made it work. We turned it into our home.

After college, I opened a small clothing shop, and Marcus started promoting it. Month after month, it became popular and well-known.

We were finally able to move into a bigger apartment and open a larger fashion house.

I told Marcus the truth about me and my kind. I warned him to stay away from me during my heat period.

At first, he thought it was ridiculous—until I shifted in front of him and let him talk to Averia, who, I must say, is stronger than ever.

We fought hard through life, battled against the odds, and now we stand at the brink of our biggest breakthrough.

"You saved me, and I am forever grateful," he says.

"You saved me too," I tell him.

I finish breakfast, and we eat together while going through the event lineup for our runway show this evening.

My dream came true—I finally became a designer and a model. Marcus is my manager.

Tonight, I am making my biggest debut, one that will secure me the most significant contract ever with Collen House, a well-known production company.

Looking back at who I was before today, I can say that I am proud of my achievements.

Ten years ago, I left home and became a lone wolf, wandering the streets of New York, homeless and met with countless misfortunes.

I worked from restaurant to restaurant, saving enough to finally leave the USA.

Two years later, I did—and here I am, living my best life.

.

"Miss Gun, over here!" the paparazzi call as cameras click and flashes go off everywhere.

I walk backstage after taking pictures to check on my models.

"Everything is ready, Serene. I’m taking the lead. Good luck," Marcus says and kisses my forehead.

He walks away and takes the stage.

I don’t know what I would do without him.

People think we are dating, but no—we’ve never even tried. He is like an older brother to me, and I am his little sister.

Besides, I know he is secretly seeing the librarian down the street.

Two hours later, the show is finally over, and I am standing with Marcus and the CEO of Collen.

"This is mind-blowing, Miss Gun. I can’t believe I didn’t notice this before. I’ll send over the contract to you, I look forward to working with you," he says, shaking my hand.

"We did it!" I tell Marcus excitedly as soon as the man walks away.

"We need to celebrate. I’ll call Hamson to make a reservation," he says.

"Well, you can call Kiara to join us," I tease, and he chokes on his drink.

I walk away before he can deny it.

.

"Cheers to us,for a good life and an even better one ahead," I say as we toast.

We ended up making a big reservation for everyone to join us.

We drank until dawn before Marcus drove us back to our penthouse.

By "we," I mean Marcus, his little Kiara fling, and me.

She is the only woman who hasn't left him, despite he temper and dismissal ways. She is good woman and I try to convince Marcus to see that,she is the only one who doesn't see me as a threat.

He made sure I was comfortable before leaving me alone in my room.

In the darkness, alone with my nightmares.

"Don’t go there. You are stronger than him now,tronger than any of them. You are safe here. We are safe here. No one can hurt us anymore," Ria says.

"I know."

I woke up extra early today because there was a lot to do at work,hiring and signing new models, photoshoots for Vogue magazine, which came in yesterday, and taking calls from new clients overseas. Not to mention the grand openings of my new shops in France and Italy.

I am so glad we Kiara,she is one of the biggest influencers and she has been helping with our social media promotions.

Marcus was right—this was our biggest breakthrough, and we needed to work hard to keep it going.

Collen had just started shooting a new blockbuster movie, and thank God my designs were ready to be used.

I took a shower and dressed in a green summer dress and flats.

We were in the middle of spring, and the weather was a little chilly.

I looked out through the glass walls. The clouds were dark and foggy, signaling that it might rain at any moment.

I stepped into the kitchen to see Marcus already up, sorting through some files and papers.

"Good morning, Prince Charming," I said, kissing his cheek and picking up my coffee.

"Morning, Princess. How was your sleep?" he asked.

"The usual," I shrugged, and he sighed.

He knew I didn’t sleep a wink because of my nightmares.

He was about to say something when the doorbell rang.

"Are you expecting anyone?" I asked.

"Nope, Kiara isn't available until Sunday. You?" he said, and I shook my head.

"Wait here. I’ll check it out," he said, standing up.

This place was the safest place ever. No one could trespass without alerting security.

I stood by the table, looking through Marcus’s files when a very familiar scent filled my nostrils.

Honey and wet sand.

I looked outside. Lightning began to strike, yet there was no rain.

Okay, maybe I was just imagining it.

"Honey, can you come here for a second?" Marcus called out. The only reason he called me like that was if a stranger was here.

I placed the files down and walked over to him.

I stopped in my tracks as the scent grew stronger, and with my reflexes, I was in front of Marcus in an instant.

I wasn’t imagining it.

My brother was here.

He stood in front of me, his expression a mix of relief and worry.

"Serene," he whispered, as if he couldn’t believe I was real.

"What are you doing here, Kaden? How did you find me?" I hissed angrily.

"Is that really what you’re asking me after all these years? Do you know how long we’ve been looking for you? How much we’ve tried?" he demanded.

My brother looked older, his long hair tied in a bun.

He was even bigger than I expected.

"I didn’t ask you to search for me, Kaden. How the heck did you find me?" I hissed.

"You’re not really hiding anymore, Serene. You’re a public figure now. Word spreads quickly," he said, his eyes shifting behind me.

"And who is this? He’s in most of your pictures," he asked curiously.

"I am her husband," Marcus said, pulling me closer to his chest.

I gave him a small smile before looking back at my brother, whose face was frozen in shock.

His eyes flickered to my ring finger, and his confusion deepened when he saw nothing there.

"Wife, huh? Does he know who you really are?" Kaden smirked, his eyes beginning to glow.

"Back away, wolf boy. No need to show me your wolf," Marcus smirked back, making Kaden step back in surprise.

"Of course he knows. He’s my husband, after all," I said, resting my head against Marcus’s chest.

"What are you doing here, Kaden?" I asked after a moment.

He sighed, his expression softening.

"The Alpha wants you back home," he said.

"Tell him I said no. I am no longer part of his pack."

"That’s not why I’m here. Mama isn’t well. She’s sick, Serene, and we’re afraid we might lose her. She’s requesting your presence," he said, and my heart clenched.

My papa was sick?

"What… What’s wrong with her?" I asked.

"We don’t… We don’t know," he admitted.

"Mama has become a ghost of herself. A lot has happened since you left, Serene."

My stomach twisted.

"And papa?" I finally asked.

At the mere mention of his name, Kaden’s face broke.

"He’s… he’s dead, Serene. He died in a car accident with another pack warrior,while coming back home from a meeting from the neighboring pack. They both died on the spot. Nothing has been the same since then. That’s why you need to come back, Serene," he said, his eyes pleading.

I stared at him, my heart in turmoil.

"I… I need to think about it," I said in a small voice.

"Think about what, Serene? Papa is dead!. Mama needs you now more than ever. You’ve been selfish long enough, don’t you think?" His words stung like a slap.

"You don’t know what you’re talking about, Kaden. You have no idea what I’ve been through," I hissed.

"Oh? Then tell me what you’ve been through because right now, I don’t see it," he snapped.

I nearly clawed his eyes out.

I had to remind Ria that he was our brother.

"Get out. Get out now," I said, my voice low and dangerous.

"Please, Serene. Come with me before anything else happens," he urged, his tone shifting.

I frowned.

What did he mean by anything else?

No. I wouldn’t fall for his tricks.

"I won’t say it again. Leave!"

"You heard my wife," Marcus said coldly. "Leave before I call security and have you arrested. Believe me, this human world is nothing like the wolf world."

Kaden clenched his jaw, then exhaled sharply.

"Fine. I’m leaving—not because of what you said, but because I did my best to convince you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you," he said, staring into my eyes.

Then, before I could react, he was gone.

How dare they?

After so many years, he had the audacity to come here.

But… Papa is dead. I love my papa, no matter what.

"No. Don’t even think about going back to that place because I won’t let you," Marcus said firmly.

"But… But my papa… My papa is dead Marcus. My papa! I didn't even get to say goodbye. My papa!," I cried into his chest.

"Don’t worry. We’ll figure something out. But I won’t let you leave. Not ever," he said protectively.

"Okay, but we need to double security. My brother was here, and I know more will come. Especially him," I said, referring to my nightmare,my monster.

"No one is going to hurt you. Not as long as I’m here," Marcus vowed, pulling me closer.

But I knew…

I knew this wasn’t the end.

Ever since my brother left my penthouse, I’ve had an uneasy feeling inside me.

It’s as if I’m being followed.

For instance, when I was on the red carpet with Marcus at the launch of our new lingerie designs, one of the photographers looked oddly familiar.

I could have sworn I’d met him somewhere before....but maybe it was just paranoia.

There’s also always someone....an unknown figure....lurking on our security cameras.

Marcus says I’m overthinking things, but I’m just being careful.

My life is finally starting to take shape, to have real meaning, and I won’t let anything.....or anyone....take that away from me.

I can’t afford to lose myself again.

Today is one of the days I take a walk around the block.

It also marks the 10th anniversary of losing my baby boy.

People might call me awful or a bad mother, but a part of me is glad he left this world.

I wouldn’t have hated him....I would have loved him so much. Even though he wasn’t conceived the right way, he was still my son, a part of me. I would have cherished him.

He died in my arms at the hospital the moment he was born.

He was premature, with many complications...weak lungs, jaundice, an acute respiratory disorder.

He wasn’t meant to be.

I buried him by a calm riverside.

Marcus knows about this, and during this time every year, he gives me space.

Today, he’s attending all our meetings and will be home by 3 p.m. I plan to do some grocery shopping and then head back.

You’ll always be in my heart, Frosty.

He had tiny white strands of hair on his body when he was born, which is why I gave him that name.

---

"Marcus, I’m home!" I sing as I open the door to our penthouse.

Silence.

I close the door gently behind me. He should be here by now.

I remove my coat and hang it on the rack.

His coat is here. So are his shoes. He must be asleep.

"Marcus?" I call again, making my way to the living room.

The moment I step in, I scream.

Marcus is lying on the floor, his throat slit, blood pooling around him.

"Oh my God!" I rush to his side, pressing my hands against his wound.

I rip off my scarf and tie it around his neck to slow the bleeding, but it soaks through instantly.

I check his pulse.....it’s there, but faint.

"Oh God, who did this to you?" I cry.

I call an ambulance. They arrive within minutes and rush him to the hospital.

He’s taken straight into surgery.

Nine hours pass before I get any news.

The headlines are already all over us. I have to get extra security.

Now, I’m sitting by Marcus’s bedside, watching his face.

His girlfriend will be here any minute, and then I can go home and change.

The police are investigating, but deep down, I already know who did this.

My phone pings, startling me.

It’s a message from an unknown number.

End it, or else he won’t be lucky next time.

Only one person would threaten Marcus’s life.

Zander.

My brother must given him feedback on what he saw. That bastard!

---

Two days later, Marcus is finally awake—and already threatening to kill Zander.

"Don’t worry, Marc. I’m just glad you’re okay," I tell him, brushing his hair lightly.

"I’m worried. What if they come after you next? We need to do something," he insists.

"I already have. We’ll be moving to Paris as soon as you’re well enough to travel. I’ve prepared everything," I assure him.

"Okay. That will do for now," he says, nodding.

---

I leave Marcus’s room to grab lunch, then return immediately.

The moment I open the door, I stop in my tracks.

Three men surround his bed.

Two are familiar. The third is a stranger.

"Who are you?" I demanded, my eyes glow yellow in warning.

"My name is Beta Zack. This is Warrior Fred and Anil from the White Moon Pack," the tallest one says.

"What do you want from me? I’m no longer part of that pack," I say, frustration seeping into my voice.

"The Alpha wants you back. Immediately," Zack states coldly. "Or he dies."

He presses a knife against Marcus’s stitched throat.

"Please, let him go," I plead.

"No can do. Either you leave with us, or we kill him and drag you back. Your choice."

I glare at him, my hands curling into fists.

"Fine. If I go with you, will you let him go?" I ask.

Zack nods.

"Fine. I’ll go with you."

They release Marcus.

And the moment they let their guard down....

I snap Anil’s neck, killing him instantly.

"This is a message for your Alpha," I snarl at Zack. "Tell him never to touch anyone I love again."

"Now leave. Take the body with you. We’re leaving tomorrow morning."

Zack glares at me but doesn’t argue. He takes Anil’s body and walks away.

---

"Are you sure about this?" I ask Marcus for the eleventh time since we boarded the plane.

"Yes. I’m not letting you face that narcissistic Alpha alone," he says firmly.

A low growl comes from the back of the plane, followed by sneers.

I roll my eyes and lean back in my seat.

No one disrespects the alpha in front of the pack members.

After hours of flying,and Marcus making sure to annoy Zack and Fred every chance he gets—we finally arrive in the U.S.

Our pack is in Connecticut, hidden deep within the forests.

Two cars are waiting for us.

The drive takes us through the city, then onto a forest path.

And the moment we cross into pack territory,

I feel it.

The connection.

I’m home.