Leila

Chapter One

Leila was running down the busy streets of LittleCreek, her long auburn hair blowing into her face as she tried to get to work on time. Trying to brush it aside with one free hand as she balanced her heavy textbooks on the other. Her beautiful green eyes flushed as she fought to ration her energy for the day. These past months have been a strain financially. Nonna needed extra medical care, and, despite the jobs Leila managed to get, she had to skip a few meals. Nonna is her world. She is the only family the young girl has known for her. Eighteen years ago, Nonna found a baby dumped at the doorstep of the refuge for widowed Lunas. Nonna had a few miscarriages before her husband, Alpha Theo, was killed in a rogue attack. She was one of the few survivors that escaped during the bloody confrontation. The former Luna never really knew where the bubbly baby came from, but she thanked the Moon Goddess for giving her a second chance. Despite the clans' financial hardships and lack of funding, Nonna ensured that Leila had everything she needed. A stable home, food and a decent wardrobe, even if it means skipping meals. 

Leila took a minute to gaze at the beautiful flowers that lined the well-kept streets of LittleCreek and think of Nonna. She loved flowers. There were always fresh flowers in their tiny room back at the refuge. It was their Wednesday afternoon after-school activity. Nonna would pick her up from school and head into the meadows for a walk to pick flowers and wild berries. A car honked, and Leila realized that she had been staring at the flowers for longer than intended. Mr Gran would scold her. The pharmacist hired her since she is aspiring to become a pharmacist. The pharmacy is at the end of the row of high-end boutiques. Leila started sprinting when she bumped into a stranger running towards her, sending all her books into the air. But the person kept on running. Leila bent down to collect her books when two hands grabbed her and pinned her against the wall. Confused, she started wriggling, but they were too strong for her.

'Let me go!! What are you doing?"

"You little thief", came the reply

'What?'

' Where is it ? We saw your partner handing you the wallet!'

'What?'

' Let her go and call the police, another voice thundered.

'Police? what?'

Leila started freaking out. She did not understand what was happening to her.

The two men started going through her things while the new arrival watched. The two men found a wallet and a phone in Leila's tote bag. Leila stole a glance at him. He was furious. His dark eyes narrowed, sweat dripping from his jet-black hair. His grey suit jacket was open, and so were the first three buttons of his chemise. Leila could not help noting how perfect he looked.

' What are those doing in my bag?' exasperated Leila tried to pull her bag away, but she was pushed against the wall before she could snatch her purse away from the men.

'Call the police and have her arrested. I am sure she was in on it.'

'No. Please, it is a misunderstanding please. I am already late for work. I will get fired, please.' Leila begged. She was desperate.

' Call the police and let them deal with her. I want to press charges. James! You wait here. Cameron, come with me, let's go! I am already late for my meeting'.

Leila cannot bear to look up at the man with the steel gaze and cold voice. His presence is disturbing. There was something in his eyes.