Unfortunately, I had to crash at Aunty T’s, sleeping on her tiny little sofa. Or it sure as hell felt tiny to me. I would rather have taken the room in the packhouse that Alpha Grayson had offered me, but Mum was adamant we stayed with her Aunty. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my Aunty, but I did not love her lumpy sofa and neither did my back…
“Oh, Finn… sunshine…” Aunty T’s voice was bright and cheerful from the kitchen, and as I forced open my eyes, the strong smell of coffee hit my nose. Along with the smell of cooking. “Breakfast is ready.” she called, sounding far too bright and breezy for a morning.
I felt almost guilty now for saying I hadn't wanted to stay with her. I mean, how could I think badly of her after she has made me food? I chuckled, throwing back the crocheted blanket that had been covering me, as I plodded my way into the kitchen. “Morning Aunty T.” I greeted her, bending down
My Mum was busy at an appointment having flowers finalized for the funeral, with Aunt Indie. Dad had said he would stay at the house with me and Grandma, so at least I had him here to help, because I found it difficult to know what to say to her. It had never been like that with Grandma before, but she wasn't herself right now. She seemed to be in almost a trance, bless her. Staring off into the distance more often than not, and when she was talking it was so often about memories of Grandpa.Dad reassured me this was normal and just because her and her wolf were struggling with the loss of their mate. It was hard for someone to lose their mate, especially when they had been together so long. But I hated seeing my Grandma like this. She was usually so strong. So confident. Right now she was nothing but a shell of her former self.Having sat in an awkward silence for what felt like an eternity in the lounge, I wandered through to the kitchen. “You want a cup of tea
I had already had to endure the pleasure of Kai’s company over breakfast, and the sheer happiness that exuded from him as he realized that his mate would not be coming down to the dining hall for breakfast. He looked at me like it was my fault. Snapped at me like it was something I had control over. I had just about tolerated all I could with him today, and it wasn't even halfway through the morning yet.I still had to endure the journey home with him, which could be absolute carnage if the meeting with his mate did not go as Kai hoped. But, I tried not to think of that.And, thankfully, my cousin, Jack had been dropping into the dining hall to grab some food like he always did before he headed to training, so I quickly pulled him to one side and asked him to mindlink the upcoming Luna discreetly, saying I needed advice as the next Alpha of River Ash. Thankfully, she thought nothing of it, and from what Jack said, she sounded quite proud of the fact I had come to
I walked through the trees, rushing quickly to get further into the forest and away from my Dad and Grandma. I did not want to risk them hearing this call. Especially after what had just been said. My phone was in my hand, with Landon on loudspeaker. And his words felt like they had wounded me. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could I have been so foolish as to think he had changed his mind? I kept allowing myself to build my hopes up, only for him to bring them crashing down again.“What the fuck is that meant to mean?” I snapped. I was sick of his weird way of twisting his words, so I didn’t quite know what he meant. Why could he not just want me? I was meant to be with him. That is what the moon goddess had decided, wasn’t it? Why could things not just go right for a change? Was it not bad enough I had to lose my Grandpa, without this on top of it?“Cleo, I think you are amazing. Incredibly beautiful. The sweetest girl I know&
Sitting sharing breakfast looking at the ugly face of Landon was far from ideal. And having to listen to the mundane and forced, polite conversation he was creating was almost torture. But he was helping me today, so I had to be civil. Even if the fucker was still hellbent on breaking my sister’s heart. Right now, he was the only way I could get to talk to my fated mate, so I would allow him to assist me with that, and deal with his sorry ass once I had fixed my mess. So, I did my best to zone out from his wittering, and almost look through him, focusing my thoughts on my plans for the day... and of course, my mate.Thankfully, Bella had been more than willing to agree to meet Landon, which instantly made me suspicious. Just how close were they? Had something gone on between them? Would he sink that low as to try to steal another Alpha’s planned mate? Or was that just my over-suspicious mind working overtime because I had barely slept and was ter
I loved the cute little coffee shop, Cozy Corner Coffee. I often brought myself here to escape the hecticness that was my new pack. Life there was certainly not what I had expected it to be. I had expected a nice, relaxed little pack similar to my own. A chilled out Alpha, much like my Dad. But, no… instead I was sent to a large and extremely busy pack, mainly due to the warrior training facility that it enclosed, with an overbearing and controlling Alpha, that I was unfortunately expected to marry.So, my regular trips to the coffee shop were becoming a regular excuse for me to flee the madness for even just a short spell of tranquility, and a moment of peace from the pressure of my soon-to-be husband and mate. He was quite, erm, domineering, shall we say. Again, not what I had expected of a relatively young Alpha.I had been surprised that Landon had asked to meet me, but had felt a sense of pride too. I had heard of him, of course I had. He was extremely popu
Okay, so my attempt at a joke had gone down like a lead balloon. Now Bella thought I was arrogant. Wonderful. Just what I needed. I don’t think this could go much worse. I had so wanted to make a good impression, and already I don't think I could have made more a worse one...And, to top it off, Nyko was already in a mood with me, and off in the nether reaches of my mind, refusing to talk right now. Not that I minded, as my head was enough of a mess without his added input. But as the two of us sat in an awkward silence, both cradling our mugs of coffee awkwardly, I couldn’t help but wonder if Bella would be even be willing to listen to me at all now.I raised my gaze to look at her, and she was staring off into the distance, her big green eyes looking like she was off in her own world, as she twiddled her hair around her finger. I sighed heavily. “I am sorry, I was only messing, I am not good at this.” I mumbled awkwardly.“What? M
I looked toward Kai, hating the hurt expression upon his face. I had warned him he would not like what I had to say. He was an upcoming Alpha, he had to know that arranged marriages still occurred. Especially when they are of benefit to packs. Sadly, when that was the case, fated mates meant nothing. Obviously, my soon-to-be husband didn’t have to consider a fated mate having lost his in an unfortunate accident, where she slipped on the stairs.But, the fact they all knew I would have a fated mate somewhere out there had gone disregarded, without a second thought. And when I asked my father, I was told not to make things difficult for him, or mess up the arrangements for him or our pack. I knew then I would not get a say in any of this. I could not be seen to be disappointing my pack. Although now I had met my fated mate, I was beginning to wonder if I had made the right choice or not…“What if we arrange a meeting?” Kai spoke, his face more de
My feet felt like lead as I walked through the hallways of college. It just did not feel the same anymore. The excitement I had once had for this place had all but gone. The anticipation for the course I was doing... gone. It had been everything I had wanted, to follow in my Mami's footsteps. But now, I was beginning to doubt if I was even capable of it all. All because of that man. All because I now knew his secret.Yet, I knew that this was my own doing. This was nobody's fault but my own. I had been swept off my feet by the charms of his handsomeness... his way with words... despite the fact I knew I should never have gone near a tutor. Maybe the forbiddenness of it all was part of the appeal. I just wish now that I had been stronger and had resisted. But instead, I had been a fool. I could only imagine my Papi’s words if he knew… after he had broken Lukas’s legs, of course. He would be sure to punish any man that had hurt his daughter... and damaging her heart was some of the wor