Eleanor's POVLawrence deliberately put the phone on speaker mode to allow me to hear both sides of the conversation. I smiled inwardly. Good initiative, husband. Bena's anxious and frightened voice filtered through the speakerphones, "Lawrence! Finally! Where are you?"Lawrence replied, "With Eleanor."Bena was silent for a moment and asked in return, "You're not in Vatican, are you?""We are traveling out of town right now, what's going on?"I heard Bena's soft whimpers coming through. Lawrence and I looked at each other with our eyes widening, baffled as to what was going on.Bena finally started talking, "Lawrence, please help me. The owner of the company has been harassing me. I have a contract with their company and I have to stay and work with him. But his harassment and threats are making me miserable. Can you please talk to him? You're the only one who can help me."Lawrence thought for a moment and asked, "Your boss? Mr. Keaton?""Yes, you've met him before. He helped prop
Eleanor's POVI joined Madison and had a couple of drinks with her at the bar. I didn't want her to continue focusing on Lawrence; my plan was to get her to forget tonight, and that she saw Lawrence. I doubted that she would let the matter rest though. But at least that would buy Lawrence enough time to escape. Madison sure kept her secret. She didn't let it slip that she knew Lawrence was a werewolf and that she was on his tail. As usual, I played the bimbo, as if I had no clue what was really going on around me. I couldn't afford to let her get close to Lawrence again. I also wanted to know how she found out that Lawrence was a werewolf. I had my nagging suspicions, but I needed confirmation. The moment I laid my hands on Bena, I swore inwardly that I would kill her with my own two hands. I bought a round of drinks for Madison and her hunter friends. They all seemed quite unsuspecting of me.It also looked like Cook kept true to his promise in keeping my real identity a secret fro
Eleanor's POVLawrence and I fell into a pensive mood. None of us wanted to discuss the reality of the situation. None of us wanted to state the impending harsh truth. The strident ringtone broke the spell. I looked at Lawrence. He picked up his phone, looked at the screen and a frown appeared. Bena. I admired Bena's bravado to contact Lawrence despite sending him into the jaws of the hunters without any remorse.Bena's voice came through, "Lawrence, how are you?"I felt a rush of anger go through me. Lawrence and I looked at each other. The audacity of her asking about his health after putting his life at risk. "Bena, you lied to me."Bena was silent for a few seconds before asking matter-of-factly, "Lawrence, what are you talking about?""Bena, you told me that Mr. Keaton was harassing you and that you wanted me to intercede for you. Mr. Keaton never appeared at the bar. But do you know who I saw? A group of hunters! Really, Bena? Is that how you repay me? Do you hate me that mu
Bena's POVI hit the call button but the operator told me that the number was no longer in service. Right. I realized with a sinking heart that he had blocked my number. I immediately felt the world around me was useless. What was the point of doing so much to end up with nothing and no one? What was the point of love? Lawrence didn't want any contact with me anymore.I felt angry and resentful. When I returned to my apartment, I picked up the empty vase with a drawing of a happy couple and smashed it against the wall. I felt like they were mocking me. In a fit of rage, I smashed the plates, the cups and whatever I could to vent my anger. I knew that Eleanor must have said something to Lawrence. Lawrence would not ignore me of his own volition. This smelled like Eleanor all over. I broke down and cried. There was no one in the house. I screamed, kicked and I smashed but that did not alleviate my pain. My mind kept replaying everything Lawrence said on the phone. It made the hole in
Eleanor's POVI looked at Bena's message with very mixed feelings. It was dangerous to meet Bena alone, but I had no choice.I had to protect my marriage and my family, and even though I knew that Lawrence didn't have feelings for Bena, this was different.I wanted Lawrence and I to be in peace. I would rather take care of this now than having to be wary of Bena's attempts at always hurting our happiness. Especially now that I was with a child. I stroked my belly, trying to feel the baby's scent from inside. I was so excited at the prospect of having a child. I wanted to give him all the best things in the world and let him grow up in a safe and loving environment. It was not too much to ask. But unfortunately, for werewolves, it was risky.So, that made it all the more necessary to remove all obstacles and dangers before the child was born. And Bena was one of those loose ends, I needed to take care of her. Hopefully, she would stay true to her word and leave for good. I reassured
Eleanor's POVI was going to die. That was certain now. I was in the clutches of hunters.Harvey and Charles wanted to kill me because I was a werewolf, and Bena wanted to kill me because I stood in her way to Lawrence. I was going to die. Or maybe I was dead already. When I opened my eyes, I saw darkness in front of me and the pain in my body told me that I was still very much alive.My head was very sore from the attack. I felt sure it was bleeding, but it wasn't bandaged. Harvey and Charles certainly wouldn't have done that.I shook my head as I remembered the last images in the warehouse. Bena had told Harvey and Charles to take me out of the company and kill me, she didn't want anyone to know that my death was related to her.I tried to move and found that my hands were tied with handcuffs. It seemed like I was in one of the containers in the warehouse.I felt distressed. I thought Bena had asked me to meet in the warehouse because it would be the safest place but I had not expe
Lawrence's POVMy heart nearly stopped when I saw Eleanor in the video. How did she end up getting caught? She had come to the company with me and she had strict instructions to stay in my office until I came to pick her up. Yet, somehow, she had fallen into the hands of Harvey. She looked wounded and it seemed like she was being held in an abandoned house. I couldn't understand how she had gotten caught. Something must have gone wrong somewhere.I had someone retrieve the surveillance footage and discovered that Eleanor had been to the warehouse before the accident. When I asked around, one of the secretaries told me that after Eleanor had finished handing over her work, she had asked around about Bena, who, apparently, had a shooting scheduled on the premises today.I had to save Eleanor. But I couldn't do it on my own. I was still too weak. As much as I hated to reach out to her ex-boyfriend, I finally contacted Logan who was already in Vatican as well. He hurried over when he le
Lawrence's POVI stood still, my eyes darting back and forth between Bena, Charles and Harvey. I had no idea what decision Bena would make, but the most important thing right now was to bring Eleanor to safety. My priority was my wife. Harvey and Charles each grabbed one side of my arm. With a derisive smile on his face, Charles said, "Lawrence, stop struggling. It's two to one. You're outnumbered."Suddenly, noises erupted from the outside. It sounded like Madison's hunters were getting closer.Harvey threw me a quick look and said coldly, "Lawrence, it looks like we'll have to take care of you now. Those damn hunters... they've double-crossed us."Harvey snarled, bared his teeth at me and we started to circle each other, ready to attack. I quickly assessed the situation. Madison and the other hunters had attracted the majority of Harvey's men. The only ones fighting me were Charles and Harvey. Charles was wounded and he was no longer as agile as he once was. Harvey was just an ordi
Lawrence's POVThe days following my arrival at the wine estate were dull, and I seemed to have returned to my old life. Taking care of the company's business every day and accompanying Uncle Nathan to meet his business partners. He trusted and relied on me a lot. Perhaps because his son Parker was just an ordinary werewolf and I was an Alpha, he relied on me more than Parker.My presence made him seem very happy even though I had refused the invitation to join them in attacking the hunters. I hated Madison, and I hated the hunters who had taken Eleanor away from me. But I couldn't hurt them because I knew that Eleanor cared about them. So when I returned to Uncle Nathan, I simply helped him with his business affairs and refrained from involving myself in matters related to attacking hunters.After finishing my day of socializing, I returned to the estate. It was raining very heavily and it reminded me of the hunter named Jon. On the day he died, it was also a rainy day. I thought of
Eleanor's POVBecause I was worried about Harley's safety, I didn't ask him to go with me to Uncle Nathan's villa but chose to find Lawrence myself. I had been there before, and although the roads were not that familiar, I had a map that showed me the exact location. A cab brought me to the exteriors of the wine estate but the area around the estate was heavily guarded, with bodyguards patrolling everywhere. I didn't have an invitation; it was safe to assume that they wouldn't let me in. Just as I was waiting for Lawrence outside the estate, I saw Elsa and her hound, she seemed to be strolling around the property.When she saw me, she seemed very surprised, "Eleanor?"I was a little wary of her. After all, she was hostile to me because she liked Lawrence, Thoughts of ending my existence had crossed her evil mind.I nodded to her, "Elsa.""What are you doing here?""I want to see Lawrence.""Hah! Aren't you a bold one? You have no right to talk to him!" I replied, calm as ever, "Lawr
Eleanor's POVI went to visit Madison at the hospital again. Judging by her demeanor, she seemed to have recovered a lot, both physically and emotionally and that made me feel happy. Jenny was still in charge of taking care of her. Seeing Jenny reminded me of Lawrence. After all, Jenny was hired by Lawrence as a caregiver. Pulling her to the side, I secretly asked her if she had been in contact with Lawrence."Not really, but yesterday Mr. Mayer settled my salary," she explained."I see, thank you," I said.I walked into Madison's room, where she was sitting on the bed eating. Sensing my presence, she looked up and I looked at her. An awkward silence fell over the room. She was still angry at me for my relationship with Lawrence. Or maybe she didn't know how to engage with me knowing what she now knew. Likewise, I didn't know how to face her. A hunter who would threaten me and my child, and even kill my husband.The clock in the ward made an abrupt sound, and we both jumped up. Finall
Eleanor's POVI couldn't believe that Lawrence would choose to join his uncle. He was very well aware of what Nathan had done, it was too dangerous and he had promised me he wouldn't do that.I shook my head and looked at him. "Lawrence, don't do this... Please. You promised me that you wouldn't get involved in the war between werewolves and hunters. I'm sorry about today, but that was for a reason, and you know it."His expression was very cold, which reminded me of when I first met him."Yes, I did promise you, but you also promised me, didn't you? But you broke your promise. I waited for you but you didn't come. How do you think that made me feel?" There was a flash of anger in his eyes. "You disappoint me. I don't know how to love you anymore. You always have more important things than me, everyone around you will always be more important than me. You choose them, protect them, but ignore me. Eleanor, you know very well that I don't want this. I want you to love wholeheartedly me,
Eleanor's POVWhen I heard Lawrence's words, I felt a stabbing pain in my chest. I knew that this time, it was me who had hurt him. Between him and Madison, I once again chose my best friend. But to be fair, it wasn't a decision made without reason. I simply could not watch Madison carrying the terrible load by herself and do nothing. True friends don't leave each other in times of hardship and suffering. I needed to be by her side in times of need, and now was one of them. What Lawrence failed to realize was that there was more to my life than just him. There were my family and friends.I stood in the corridor, feeling very depressed. Because of physical exhaustion and discomfort, I leaned against the wall of the corridor while slowly squatting down. I needed courage and time to digest it all, and just as I was hugging my body to comfort myself, Madison's voice came to my ears."Eleanor?"I lifted my head and looked at her, "Yeah? Madison?""What's wrong with you? Feeling sick?" she
Eleanor's POVThe next day, I went to visit Madison in the hospital like I always did. However, that day was a little different. In the living room of our villa, Lawrence had already packed our bags and prepared our tickets to Mulu. I was to go to the hospital to inform Madison that we would be leaving. Lawrence had already thought of everything, even the reason."Just tell Madison that because of my work schedule, we have to leave and might not be back for a long time. Be sure to tell her that the company would not agree otherwise," Lawrence had instructed me to tell her. Now, that was a very valid excuse. Madison would certainly understand. Although I felt some guilt, I had to do it, I needed to keep my husband and child out of danger.When I came downstairs, Lawrence grabbed me and planted a kiss on my cheek.He hugged me saying, "Eleanor, I'll be waiting for you at the airport, and after you say goodbye to Madison, meet me there, okay?"I nodded, cupped his face, and said, "We sti
Eleanor's POV In a suspicious tone, Uncle Nathan asked me, " That's strange, that hunter was with you two earlier. Eleanor, why would you, a werewolf hang around a hunter?" The way Uncle Nathan looked at me made me feel as if he was trying to probe a crime suspect. "And you, Lawrence," he turned to Lawrence and gave him an angry stare, "You disappoint me. Instead of helping me fight the hunters, you have now become friends with them." He continued, "Lawrence, you have betrayed our kind."Lawrence replied firmly, "No."Uncle Nathan was not satisfied with Lawrence's answer. "My dear nephew, you've gone overboard for this woman. As werewolves, we should attack and kill the hunters before they can even lay siege on us. And yet, when faced with them, you do nothing. Nothing at all! Lawrence, you are the Alpha, you should be doing your part for our pack, our kind! And yet here you are, accompanying this woman and acting as a chauffeur for that father and daughter hunter duo. Y
Eleanor's POVI accompanied Uncle Jon to Madison's room. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw her father. It had been a long time since they had seen each other.Madison apologized to Jon, "I lost my cell phone and haven't had time to replace it, I didn't mean to ignore your calls."I immediately interrupted them to say, "Don't worry, Madison, I'll get you a new one."Jon looked behind me and noticed that Lawrence hadn't followed me. He asked me suspiciously, "Eleanor, where's your friend?"Madison looked at me, "Friend? What friend? Eleanor, aren't you the only one who went to pick up my father?"I quickly dismissed their questions, "Ah, no. I got a ride from a colleague. He owed me one."To avert Madison's suspicion, I continued, "He doesn't know you, and I thought it would be awkward for him to come see you in the ward. Besides, it's a family reunion!"Madison shrugged and dismissed the thought. I took a deep breath silently and smiled at Madison, "Hey, guess who Uncle Jon is
Eleanor's POVAs soon as we entered the car, my phone started ringing. Uncle Jon, Madison's father, was calling again."Uncle Jon."I sat in the passenger seat and glanced at Lawrence. He remained silent. I knew he was thinking the same thing as me. Why was Uncle Jon calling me again? Uncle Jon's voice came through the phone, "Eleanor, I heard about what happened at the Vatican hospital. Madison is in that hospital, isn't she?"Madison was a very strong girl. She certainly wouldn't tell Uncle Jon about the hospital incident so as not to worry him. However, Uncle Jon was bound to find out sooner or later. I hesitated. I didn't want to be the person who 'told on' Madison. However, it was becoming very dangerous to let Madison remain in Vatican.Perhaps, Uncle Jon's call was fortuitous. It was a very good opportunity to ask him to take Madison back to Bristol.Both Madison and Lawrence and I would be safe. I said, "Yes, Uncle Jon. They were attacked but she's okay.""Eleanor, Madison