Breyona & GiovanniFive Years Later – Breyona’s P.O.V.I appeared in a plume of inky shadow, emerging from the darkness like I’d been there all along. If there were any humans nearby—which my hearing told me there wasn’t—they’d see nothing more than a lingering shadow dancing along the brick walls of the abandoned store front I lurked outside of.This wasn’t my ideal hangout spot, but for whatever reason, this was where Freya had chosen to hide a bunch of magical texts and artifacts. I absolutely adored my job of traveling the country via shadows, collecting information that was thought to be lost among the witches.It was similar to what my parents had done, a realization that never failed to bring tears to my eyes.Even after all these years, I missed them so much.I slinked along the back wall, past the rusted dumpsters that hadn’t been used in Goddess knows how long, to the backdoor Ember’s source promised would be unlocked. Sure enough, when I tugged the handle, it swung open wit
Tessa and ZekeSix Years Later – Tessa’s P.O.V.“What do you say we wrap up early and head out to the cabin—just the two of us?”A voice I spent the last six years memorizing called out from across the room. I lifted my head from the mountain of paperwork I was sorting through, a smile already tugging at my lips as I spotted the playful light shimmering in Zeke’s eyes.My mate and fiancé—a term I couldn’t seem to stop using—was peering at me from across our shared office, a shameless grin tugging at his velvet soft lips. I drummed my fingers across the top of the desk, tapping out a pattern that filled the silence between us.A jolt of electricity crackled along my skin, delving past my flesh to settle in my stomach. Once upon a time, I couldn’t bare more than a few seconds staring into those eyes of his. Now I couldn’t seem to get enough.We’d come so far from where we’d once been. Not as far as Ember and Brandon, who had a sea of troubles even six years later, but those two were ano
Ember and BrandonSeven Years Later – Ember’s P.O.V.“Darcy Mathews, if I see so much as a single snowflake in the bathroom’s you’ll find yourself in detention for a week.”This was the fourth time this month that the pipes had nearly burst from being frozen solid. Damn water elementals.The squirrely brunette with her spattering of cinnamon freckles jumped a foot off the ground at the sound of my voice, unwittingly letting out a pulse of elemental magic that spiraled down the corridor in a gust of chilly wind. It slammed several lockers shut, startling a handful of students.“Sorry Headmistress.” She hung her head sheepishly.There was once a time where Tessa and I couldn’t control our magic. It was easier for my twin. No one looked twice when you sprouted flowers in your wake or animated the topiary bushes trimmed into animals. Starting fires, however, that drew attention.“It’s alright…” I sighed, taking it easy just this once. I already had a reputation of being a hard ass, but on
Reunion Lola’s P.O.V. 10 Years Later… “Ramona, so help me! If you don’t stop stealing your cousin’s toys I’m going to sick Aunty Ember on you, and you know she won’t hold back.” I shouted from the kitchen, craning my head to look over my shoulder where I locked eyes with my dashing mate. Asher was leaned against the wall, his arms downright bite-able in the fitted t-shirt he wore. He brought the beer in his hand to his mouth, lips twisted in a knowing smirk that had me contemplating a fourth child. If this man doesn’t calm down, we’re going to have to hire a second nanny. He returned his attention to Zeke and Brandon as though our little heated exchange hadn’t occurred. On cue, Ramona let out a shrill scream that quickly morphed into pulses of erratic laughter. A familiar pang of longing hit my chest as it did every time I heard my daughter’s laugh. She sounds just like Mom. Ember’s monstrous roar emerged from the living room, followed by a cacophony of giggles from the other c
I can tell you the exact moment my life began to fall apart. The moment where everything came tumbling down and I no longer knew what my place was in the world. The familiar instantly became foreign and I was left with nowhere to go.It all started when my boyfriend had found his mate.
I didn't stop running until I was deep into the forest, my lungs burning from being deprived of oxygen.My wolf, Maya, was furious.
The drive back to my old pack was only five hours. While I remembered Tyler finding his mate like it was yesterday, the run to my grandma's house had been hazy."You ran five hours?" I asked Maya, somewhat shocked.
I woke to the sound of banging. Startled from my sleep, I jumped out of bed just in time for my bedroom door to open."sh*t Lola, what're you still doing here?" My Dad exclaimed, his eyes darting around at my restless appearance.