Chapter: Chapter One-Hundred and FifteenThe following morning, Lucas delayed opening the store as he took Cecelia home to get a set of her own clean clothes for the day. She’d put up a struggle having him follow her, but eventually caved in after he kept persistent about the matter for over twenty minutes.“Does everything look normal? Untouched?” Lucas glanced around at the sparsely furnished and decorated pile dwelling that Cecelia called home for the moment. The stilted home sat far back in the swamplands where alligators would be her nearest neighbor.“For the most part, yes. But we all know Rayne can put a glam spell on anything to make it seem untouched.” Cecelia rummaged through several drawers grabbing the necessities for a quick shower.“That is true. Rayne will do anything to cover her tracks. I’ll keep an eye and ear open while you take your shower.” Lucas stood by the front door and stared out into the vast land and water.“Alrig
Last Updated: 2022-01-05
Chapter: Chapter One-Hundred and FourteenCecelia slightly waggled her head back and forth as she tried to figure out how to tell him what he wanted to know. “Are you connected to Rayne in any way?” She looked over at him so that she could interpret if he was telling the truth by his expression.“I was at one point in my life, but I learned that Rayne wasn’t the person who I thought she was.” Lucas didn’t want to divulge too much information until he found out what Cecelia’s association was to her.Cecelia nodded her head. It was a brief and basic answer. She wanted more as to how much he knew about their kind.Lucas saw the looks of conflicting emotions cross over Cecelia’s face. It seemed she was torn between telling him the truth or making up some outlandish lie. “I know all about the enchantresses of both black and white magic if that makes this all any better.” He hoped he just didn’t open up a whole new box if she had no clue what h
Last Updated: 2021-12-23
Chapter: Chapter One-Hundred and ThirteenThe electricity of their first kiss ripped through Cecelia. She had kissed men before, but this was one that no other could compare to. Lucas played with her by only allowing soft kisses until she wrapped her arms around his neck and forced them to be closer. His tongue lightly traced her lips asking for entrance, which she did without reservation. His hands that were once on her hips had moved around to fit perfectly on her ass. Cecelia softly moaned as his hips began to gently sway back and forth causing her to become wet in her panties.“Is this the type of business you are now offering, Lucas?”The sound of someone speaking halted both Cecelia and Lucas’s actions. They both knew who the voice belonged to, but neither knew that the other also knew Rayne.Lucas turned around keeping Cecelia behind him. “Rayne, it’s always a pleasure to see you.” He said this with as much sarcasm as he could put out right now. The past little
Last Updated: 2021-12-22
Chapter: Chapter One-Hundred and Twelve (Cecelia)The smell, lights, music, and ambiance of the chosen restaurant caught Cecelia’s attention as soon as Lucas pulled the car into the parking lot. “How did you know I liked Cajun food?” She looked at the many people that were seated at the outside patio tables and then back to the long line forming by the front door. “Looks like we’ll have a long wait.”Lucas chuckled. “I doubt that. I have good connections that will probably allow us to bypass that line.” He took hold of Cecelia’s hand and led her in the opposite direction of the front entrance.“Where are we going?” As soon as Lucas led her back into the darkness behind the restaurant and away from the hustle and bustle that was going on in the front, Cecelia started to get a little anxious.“Right here.” Lucas knocked on the back door and waited for someone to open it.The back door swung open and a petite, beautiful woma
Last Updated: 2021-12-17
Chapter: Chapter One-Hundred and Eleven (Cecelia) It had been two days since Cecelia went to the small store along the main street. She’d kept her presence in the Bayou hidden since venturing out the last time, never knowing when Rayne and her coven of black magic witches were going to poke their ugly heads up. Not that they were really ugly, quite opposite in fact. They were the most beautiful coven of enchantresses that she’d or anyone had ever seen, it was just their practices that were ugly.Cecelia’s cell phone buzzed to life with an incoming call. Only one person had the number and she’d given it to him as a gamble, which could have been deadly if he’d been a pawn of Rayne’s.“Hello,” Cecelia answered the call cautiously.“May I speak with Ms. Towne?” Lucas knew it was her as the sound of her voice had been floating in his thoughts for the past two days and nights. But he wanted this call to sound formal so she wasn’t so easily scared off b
Last Updated: 2021-12-16
Chapter: Chapter One-Hundred and Ten (Cecelia)Cecelia opened the back door of the small, wooden shack that was hidden amongst the cypress trees and swamp grass of the deep south. The heat, humidity, and musky smell rising up from the Bayou filled her senses as she walked across the pier that linked her small home on stilts to the mainland. She’d been in hiding since leaving West Lakes and knew this place would serve as a great cover. She'd left her home, her sister, and most importantly her niece, Madison, all alone at a time when she needed the protection of everyone in the coven.The dark ones, the enchantresses of black magic, would find her no matter where she took refuge. But, the seclusion and shadows of the Bayou would serve as protection for the time being. Cecelia had encountered those who practiced black magic when she was sixteen years old. Being of a rebellious nature and not wanting to follow in the steps of her older sister, she experimented in the dark, mystical essence that always seem
Last Updated: 2021-12-10
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-Four It’s been almost one year since Emery found out cancer returned and claimed her life. We had to move back closer to home to where her doctors practice so that she could complete her chemo and radiation treatments again. It was so hard to watch her go through that, knowing how much pain she was in and how much I wish I could’ve taken it all away, but I couldn’t. There was nothing I could’ve done to help her except hold and love her as much as I could. She kept fighting and trying to stay strong, but it seemed the disease took her from me no matter how hard we both fought it. We did get to see another snowfall together. As she watched from our bedroom window, I made a snowman for us like the ones we used to make together. I had a feeling that would be the last time we would both be present for the yearly tradition of building the snowman. Too many memories would tear me apart with that scenario to continue
Last Updated: 2021-08-26
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-Three“Austin,” Emery yelled once more at her boyfriend, who was always taking forever to get ready. “I have a long drive and you, dear, have to be at work in thirty minutes.” After graduation from nursing, they both passed the mandated state board exam to get their nursing license and landed jobs at a children’s hospital near Lake Erie.“I’m coming.” Austin bounded down the steps of their townhouse and kissed Emery when he reached the bottom. He grew to love her more and more with each passing day and couldn’t wait until the next year when she said they could finally become legally wed. “So,” he wrapped her in a tight hug, “you’ll be careful driving to your doctor’s appointment and promise to tell me everything as soon as you get back, right?”Emery kissed him once more before stepping out of his embrace. “I will, sir.” She saluted him.“I just want to know eve
Last Updated: 2021-08-26
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-TwoEmery didn’t know what to say. They’d talked about this a few times before, but as of lately it hadn’t been mentioned at all. She’d told him last year that she would never get married to leave her husband all alone if cancer ever came back and overtook her. But now that she felt better than ever, she was having a change of mind. “I don’t know what to say.” After a minute delay of him asking and still being on one knee, Emery finally gave him an answer.“I’d like for you to say yes, but that decision isn’t up to me.” Austin stood upright and kept the ring in his hand.“I thought we had talked about this before. You know my reason why. It’s not that I don’t love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you, but I can’t promise you forever.” Emery knew she was only supposed to cry at a time like this out of happiness, and she was happy, but also so confused and upset.
Last Updated: 2021-08-25
Chapter: Chapter Sixty-OneEmery heard the lock on the door being undone. She quickly covered her and Austin up even more with the additional blanket at the bottom of the bed. A girl stumbled in and relocked the door. She looked as though she’d had a few too many of whatever alcoholic drinks she’d been drinking. With her blonde curls bouncing along, she tried to quietly stumble to her bed. She glanced over at Emery’s side of the room and her eyes went wide when she saw eyes looking back at her.“Hey, sorry if I woke you. I’m Kristy” Emery’s roommate turned on her own lamp. She pointed and squealed when she noticed Austin beside Emery. “You already brought one back. I’m glad to see we’re alike in that way. I was so afraid that I was going to get stuck with some roommate who didn’t like to party and all they ever did was study and be like the biggest nerd on campus.” Kristy’s mouth kept running more than Emery wanted to hear at
Last Updated: 2021-08-25
Chapter: Chapter Sixty“Do you have everything?” Emery’s mom was helping her carry down some of the stuff that she needed to take to the dormitory. The past three weeks since graduation had passed in a blur. Mrs. Warden was trying hard to control her emotions, but this was the first time her daughter would be away from home for a prolonged time.Emery looked around her room and the suitcases she’d packed. “Yep, I think so.” The main things she would need in her dorm room were already there. The bed, dresser, and desk had all been provided. She just had to bring her own things to put on or in them. Emery noted that her mom had tears in her eyes and was trying hard not to cry. “I’ll miss you too.” She pulled her mom into a hug as they both wept about her leaving.“I guess we better get going.” Mrs. Warden finally let go of Emery after they had their big cry fest. Both their eyes, nose, and cheeks were now red. She grabbed a tiss
Last Updated: 2021-08-25
Chapter: Chapter Fifty-NineTwo days later Austin found out he’d passed his history course with almost a B. He contributed that success to all of Emery’s help with studying. He took her out to dinner for a celebration and also learned that she’d gotten her letter of acceptance into Case Western. Their plans were moving right along and each was excited to get started on the next part of their life and relationship.“Guess this is it.” Austin stood with Emery in their caps and gowns in the designated part of the stadium. It was graduation night and it was going to be a long process with over nine hundred kids in their class. His last name was in the middle and hers was at the end of the alphabet so they had a good while to wait. “Are you happy that you decided to wait this all out?”Emery nodded yes. She was going to just get her diploma in December, but once she and Austin got serious she went ahead with the normal graduation. “Just ner
Last Updated: 2021-08-25
Unforgivable Secret
A fresh start...
Morgan Eastman cannot wait to finish high school. One more year is all that stands in the way of her new life.
A way out…
Ethan Lowry has it all. Well, almost. Captain of the soccer team, beloved by all, the only thing he needs… is to get away from home. Escape the prison holding him back.
A bet that would ruin them both…
Ethan soon learns the bet isn’t going as planned. Instead of Morgan falling for him, for the first time in his life, he is chasing after her. How didn’t he notice it before? Morgan is stunning. She’s smart. She’s kind. She’s everything he ever wanted. Everything he ever needed. This couldn’t possibly be love… could it? There’s only one thing Ethan knows for certain. Morgan can never find out about the bet. It would ruin them. And now, the only thing Ethan needs most in his life… is Morgan.
If all is fair in love and war, then why does it hurt so… damn… much?
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Chapter: One Year Later - EthanThere was a straight line in the carpeting from me pacing back and forth between the window and the door. The photographer got pulled away by Hope over an hour ago, which meant I would be front and center in less than thirty minutes. I wasn’t worried or even nervous about getting married, I knew Morgan was the one and only, but I was terrified of making a fool out of myself in front of all those in attendance. Sure, I was a cocky, confident ass in high school, but picturing myself becoming a mumbling idiot in front of five hundred people, some of whom I’ve never met, well, that’s got me anxious as fuck.So far over the past year of all of us living in The Keys, life has been more than great, it’s been the best time of my life. College was going well, my mom finally became the woman I knew that was hiding away from us for so long, Ms. Christine was more than I ever expected in a grandmother and kept all of us in line, Hope had friends, was high honors i
Last Updated: 2021-11-17
Chapter: One Year Later - MorganMy hand clenched at my stomach. “I don’t know if I can do this.” I was used to being in crowds, like when I was in debate back in high school and with all the reports and public speaking, I had to do with several of my courses, but this, this was totally different.Clarissa smoothed out my veil and gave me a hug. “You’re going to be fine. Just focus on Ethan and don’t worry about the other five hundred people in the church.” And with that comment, she gave me her best non-convincing smile.Five. Hundred. People. And that was the attendance at the marriage ceremony, that wasn’t including all the others who would show up for the reception. It seemed Ethan’s grandmother knew half the population here in the Keys, and according to her, as we made out our guest list, you can’t leave so-and-so out of the invitations, that would be a recipe for disaster.So, since she was footing most of the expenses,
Last Updated: 2021-11-13
Chapter: Epilogue - Morgan“Ethan, it’s almost dinner time,” I called out from the balcony that looked over our own private section of the beach. I was staying at Christine’s house, Ethan’s grandmother. Like she’d said back in Pennsylvania, she had a big house with a bedroom just for me if I wanted anywhere to stay. What I didn’t know at that time was that Ms. Christine was quite wealthy. It seemed she and her late husband had bought up a lot of oceanfront property way back in the day before Key West became a tourist site. Then, as the years progressed she sold off several plots of land to developers but kept some of it for her own personal oasis. Now, she has a six-bedroom house on five acres that looks out into the deep, dark blue ocean. I’d been in Key West with all of them for over six months now. Clarissa came to help me pack the night before my flight left. We’d put almost all of my summer clothes, laptop, and the basic necessities that I would need into two suitcases. I said goodbye to
Last Updated: 2021-11-08
Chapter: MorganIt’s been over a month since Ethan and his family made the big move to Florida. We talk every day and video chat at least three times a week. He sent me pictures of him and Hope at the beach. His hair had gotten longer, and the constant sun exposure brought out all kinds of highlights. With his dark tan, good looks, and perfect body he could be a model for some vacation guide or something. I mean really, once someone would see Ethan on the front cover, they would want to go the Keys that minute.He told me Hope has already made some friends, and that he found a new love. But once he saw my hurt expression, he had to backtrack on what he just told me. He loves trying to surf and is even taking lessons from one of their new neighbors.I told him I’m doing well, but that’s a lie, and he probably knew it. I’m sure he could see and hear the pain every time he talked to me.I couldn’t help it, I just wanted him to come back home, but I kn
Last Updated: 2021-11-08
Chapter: MorganAn hour later, me and Hope packed up two more boxes in her room. I think we spent more time playing around, dancing to her favorite songs than we did any actual work.I heard a soft knock on the door, and Ethan poked his head in. “I have to get Morgan back home.”Really? I didn’t know I had a curfew. Maybe this was his way of getting rid of me?“Aw, c’mon. We were having fun. I won’t get to see Morgan much longer.” Hope flopped down across her bed. She put on her best pouty face, hoping to get her own way.“You’ll see her tomorrow. Maybe.” Ethan would say anything to put a smile on his sister’s face.“Okay.” Hope bounced back up, put her arm around my waist, and led me back down to the living room.I gave her a quick hug and kiss, a promise to come back tomorrow, then followed Ethan out.The ride back home was…quiet. Like Ethan didn’t even turn
Last Updated: 2021-11-08
Chapter: MorganI couldn’t believe it had been ten days since we graduated.Ten days since we left it all behind and never looked back. We rode off into the sunset and lived like a king and queen.Okay, not really. We didn’t go anywhere except for a few parties and the special getaway that Ethan had planned for our graduation night. One in which I fell in love with him ten times over.After stopping in at a few get-togethers graduation night, Ethan took me a bed and breakfast a short distance out of town. Without me knowing, he had Clarissa gather up a bag for me so that I would have what I needed for the night and the following day. My sister decided to pack Victoria's Secret negligee, stockings, and stilettos, instead of my usual shorts and t-shirt for nighttime wear.Did I wear them?Hmm, let’s just say they didn’t stay on too long.Anyhow, Ethan had been acting kind of weird the past week. He hasn’t told me anything that wa
Last Updated: 2021-11-08
Bonded to the Future Alpha
Renko (Ren) Watson was your average high school senior. She had good grades, was best friends with Ashlyn, and in a relationship with Vance, who was one of the star basketball players. Their relationship was more off than on most days. She was trying to get her last year of high school all in order with less partying and more time studying. Of course, not wanting to be the party pooper, and also wanting to make sure that Vance didn’t do anything to jeopardize their relationship once again, she agreed to one last event. One final night that was supposed to be fun-filled, one last night that changed the course of everything.
Max Hemming was a future alpha. His father, the appointed alpha of the pack of shifters that controlled thousands of acres in the Appalachian Mountains, taught him since the day he could walk of how to take control of a situation, never take shit from anyone, even your own mate…that was until Ren entered the picture. Max had one more year before claiming his mate became the main priority, the only thing was no female, in the pack or at school, had sparked any type of interest. With his good looks and charm, he could have anyone he wanted, and in most instances, he did, but no one ever filled that void his wolf felt without having a mate.
That was until Renko came along. She filled that space that he always had. She made him laugh, cry, feel all the things he never thought he’d ever feel again…but most of all she made him love. Max’s only problem now was getting Renko to feel the same way.
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Chapter: Chapter Six MAXI heard and smelled some of the pack as I made my way home with Renko. Thankfully, most were on patrol and didn’t have time to see why I was out and about. My father met me at the door but never asked why I was naked and who the girl was I carried in my arms. I knew as soon as I laid Renko down and got dressed, I would be bombarded with questions.“Care to explain?” My mother confronted me as soon as I entered the kitchen.I grabbed bottled water out of the fridge and sat down at the table. “About?” I knew what she meant but might as well prolong the agony.Mom sat down across from me. Her expression already said she wasn’t happy with this scenario even before she said any words. “Max don’t play stupid. Your father told me what he saw tonight. Who’s the girl? Why were you carrying her here?”“Long story short, I was out running, a car came up the back road behind ou
Last Updated: 2021-12-05
Chapter: Chapter FiveMAXAre you freakin serious?Now, what the fuck was I supposed to do?I ditched the so-called happening party an hour ago. Not my crowd or scene, but me and the guys had a special invite by Suri, who promised lots of beer, food, and girls.Again, not exactly what I was looking for. But my boys wanted to go, so I caved in. They were all hitting up with a few townie girls, ones that were shallow and pedantic, not of our kind, but I didn’t want any part of it.How could I?I wasn’t the average eighteen-year-old waiting to graduate high school, go to college, have fun before real life kicked in. Nope, I was next in line to follow after my father, the alpha shifter, who reigned over the whole Appalachian Trail.But now, I had an issue. A fuckin big one.I was running across the road, in wolf form, and a car came upon me.What the fuck was a car doing out here, in the middle of fuckin nowhere, late
Last Updated: 2021-11-30
Chapter: Chapter FourVance looked shocked to see me standing there. His face was flushed, which could be because of his recent activity of the fact that I caught him red-handed cheating on me.The girl, or should I say, woman, grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around herself. “Renko—I, u-uh…” Obviously, she had no words for what was going on.“Sorry, uh, Linda, uh, Mrs. Greene, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” I looked over at Vance, who had his head laying on the pillow. “It’s over…like really over this time.” I couldn’t keep the tears from falling. I knew he cheated on me before, but to have him say he would never do it again, then to catch him with Tori’s mom blew my mind.I had to get out of there and far away from this party. I slammed the door shut on the way out. I raced down the hall and ran down the steps. I heard Vance yelling my name from the second floor and knew he was going to try and find me.
Last Updated: 2021-11-26
Chapter: Chapter ThreeI stood there for a few moments. Like did that shit just happen? Just because I didn’t want to fuck him on the deck, he gets all pissy.A few more people came out to join in on the big party, well really it was just me since everyone else disappeared. I so wanted to go home and leave all this shit behind. I knew if I didn’t leave, Vance and I would get into some nasty fight and who knew how long that would last—come to think of it—did I care? That’s all we ever did anymore was argue and fight. We both needed some serious help or just to step away from each other for a while or maybe call it off for good this time.I walked back into the house in search of Ashlyn. The crowd seemed to thicken since I was in here last. I saw her with Reese and several other people we hung around with on a regular basis. She looked like she was enjoying this party way too much for us to leave early.“Renko!” Ashlyn squealed and pulled me int
Last Updated: 2021-11-26
Chapter: Chapter Two“Oh. My. God. You are going to totally rock the night.” Ashlyn slipped her arm through mine. She’d come over early so we could get ready for the big Tori party together. We did the two-hour shopping trip last weekend to get all the things that we would need to make our appearance known. The thigh-high stockings, high-heeled ankle boots, and of course, the tight little black dresses that clung to our bodies like a second skin.“Yeah, but this is like the most uncomfortable outfit I have ever worn.” I twisted and pulled the skirt part of the dress down so that maybe it would cover another half-inch of my skin. I don’t know why I allowed Ashlyn to talk me into getting matching outfits, but she always seemed to have that effect on me. I say no and she gives me some reason my answer is wrong, and why I should listen to her. Her rationale was that if I dressed like this, there would be no reason for Vance to have wandering eyes.“It&
Last Updated: 2021-11-26
Chapter: Chapter OneRenko“Because I don’t want to.” I mean really, isn’t that a good enough reason not to want to go somewhere?“Renko, you have to.” My best friend, Ashlyn wouldn’t give up on the pestering of wanting me to go to the big upcoming party next weekend.Our friend Suri, well not really a friend but more of a rival in the social ladder competition that we were all trying to climb in our last year of high school, was supposed to be throwing this huge get-together for all the big who’s who of our school. Usually, that meant that the usual crowd would show up, like all the popular kids, and then they would be so drunk halfway through the party, that no one cared who else showed up. I mean I’ve been there and done that so many times that it was becoming routine anymore. The only thing about Tori’s that was different from all the other parties is that the group of partiers didn’t have to snea
Last Updated: 2021-11-26
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