I had a great day with Jacie. You can tell she’s the life of the party everywhere she goes. We spent most of the day setting up our room and talking, while sipping on vodka and orange juice. She completely changed my mood, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a wild year. “I can’t wear this, Jacie,” I said as I stood in front of the mirror checking out another skimpy dress, she had me try on. “Come on. This is college and you look hot. That little black dress shows off your curves perfectly. It looks better on you than it ever did me.” “I don’t know, I planned on just wearing jeans to the party.” She shook her head, “ no way. This isn’t that type of party. You need to dress up and make that boy toy of yours sorry for turning you down.” I laughed, “I’m not sure if I want to though. Creed just confuses me. One minute I want him so bad I can barely stand myself, but then I think about things. I don’t think I want a boyfriend. I want freedom. This is my chance to do whatever I wan
Ryker sat down beside me and moved my hair out of my face. “Arabella, are you OK? What the hell happened? You have never lost control like that.”“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve been feeling so mixed up and just off the last couple of days, but this out-of-control feeling came on so quick. I felt like I couldn’t even move.” I tried holding back my tears, but my emotions were also out of my control. I just laid there and let the small streams roll down my cheeks.Ryker nodded, “how much have you had to drink?”“I don’t know I lost count. I started soon after I got here.”“What the hell, Bella? It was like noon when you got here.”“I know, but it was a long drive and I just wanted to relax and have some fun. I was having a great time with my roommate.”“Fun, does this look like fun to you?”“I’m sorry. I don’t need your lectures, and please don’t tell mom or dad.”Ryker growled, “Drake and Ezra are on their way here. Can you explain to me why we are now on Creed Attora’s hit li
Creed laid me down on his bed and sat down beside me. I took a minute to look around. It’s a single room, and it’s bare. “No roommate,” I asked him. He chuckled, “no I like my privacy.” “It feels so empty in here.” “I like simple, and if you remember correctly, some little fire cracker blew up my truck.” He smiled down at me, and I blushed. “I already said I’m sorry for that.” He chuckled again, “I know, but I still like seeing how flushed your cheeks get when we talk about it.” Creed took both of our shoes off and crawled up behind me. He started slowly rubbing my arm, and it ignited the sparks between us. “Why were you dancing with that warlock tonight?” I shrugged my shoulders, “You confuse me.” I continued looking straight ahead at the bare white wall. It was easier to talk to him without looking into his eyes. “I wanted to know how it felt to have someone attracted to me.” I felt Creed’s body go stiff, “Do you think I’m not attracted to you?” I took a deep breath and tr
It’s only been two days since I’ve seen Creed, and I’m not sure if our distance is helping or hurting my wolf. I felt so relaxed when I was in his arms, but now I just feel anxious and kind of depressed. We spent the whole night talking after the party, and we told each other everything.Creed has been through a lot, and I hope he succeeds at overthrowing his father. It would be the best thing for his whole den. I wasn’t really shocked that his king is a power-hungry fool. After all, I’m from Green Ridge. We save supernaturals from that exact scenario all the time, and it’s the main reason I need to keep my powers hidden. The one thing that did surprise me was the fact that he’s a virgin, just like me. That’s almost unheard of with male wolves. They can barely control themselves and stay away from she wolfs until they are old enough to get their wolfs. There’s something special about knowing we will be each other’s first. It’s romantic, but it also makes me want him even more. I can’
I don't expect Jacie to understand everything that is running through my mind right now. All she knows about me is that I’m a wolf. I managed to get through the rest of my classes today, but I’m not sure what to do now.Dawson is definitely a bear shifter. I knew it as soon as I got close enough to scent him. Jacie pointed out that bears can track anything or anyone. She’s right, he probably already knows which room is mine. I can’t hide from him for long.I think this pond is my new favorite spot at Moonlight. It reminds me of home. We have a clearing in the woods that looks similar to it. A simple pond surrounded by large trees. There’s no place in the world more peaceful.I went for a run after class, but my wolf is just now starting to settle as I relax and watch the small ripples in the water. I need to talk to someone that knows me, but I don’t dare to tell Ryker or the other boys yet. He will go straight to my dad, and I’m not ready to go home. I just got here. I twirled my ph
I tried to rehearse the conversation in my head as I walked to Creed’s room, but I have no idea what to say. If I want to keep his trust, I know I need to be honest with him. I just hope he is understanding, and not mad.I need a minute to calm down the butterflies in my stomach before I go in. I stood in the hall just staring at his door. It’s not like it matters, I’m sure he can smell my scent just as strongly as I can smell his.I put my fist up to knock, but he opened the door before I had a chance.“Hey firecracker, what are you doing here?”“Hi, I needed to talk to you about something.”Creed smiled and kissed my cheek, “Come on in, and I’ve missed you too. I didn’t think you would be able to keep your distance for long.”I looked at the ground for a minute before answering him. His eyes are so beautiful it’s almost hypnotizing. I get lost in them.“I wish it was just an excuse to see you, but something happened today that I need to talk to you about.”“OK, what is it? You can te
When I got back to my room, Jacie was gone. I’m starving, but I’m not in the mood to go to the cafeteria. How dare Creed? I don’t know what kind of girls he’s used to hanging around with, but this girl will never submit to him. He doesn’t own me.Lucky for me, I’m used to dealing with overprotective wolves, and I know just how to handle them. I’m sure pig-headed dragons are not much different. I searched the small kitchen area for something to eat, as I contemplated what to do next. I know I need to talk to Dawson. I at least need to explain my reaction to him, but I’ve had all I can take of men’s crap tonight.I opened the freezer, oh Ben and Jerry’s for the win. Perfect pint size containers, no need for a bowl. I chose the chocolate therapy. It’s perfect after the day I’ve had.I changed into some comfy pajama pants and curled up on my bed with my ice cream. I may have had a rough day, but the rest of my night with be perfect.I tried flipping through the channels to find something
I slept horrible last night. I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing or not, but I’m going to wing it. As far as I’m concerned, I’m single. If the moon goddess granted me two mates, then I have every right to get to know them both and see what happens.I don’t have class until this afternoon, but I still got up early. I’ve been slacking on my training since I left home, and I want to make a good impression at warrior training this afternoon.I started my morning with a good workout at the campus gym, and then went for a run around my favorite pond. I’m disgustingly sweaty, so I came back to my room to take a quick shower before I head out to breakfast. Even without a lot of sleep, I feel good this morning.I looked in the mirror and smiled. I feel good and I look good today. Simple ripped jeans, and a baby blue crop top. Contrary to what Creed thinks, no one will control me. I will do whatever I want, and today I just want to have a good day.I have half the nerve to go find that gor
As the meeting came to an end, I felt a lot better about everything. I finally realized why I was marked by the Moon goddess. I feel foolish that I never realized why the rogue problem was so bad, and that the wars between species were leaving so many people helpless. This meeting has definitely been an eye-opener. I was chosen to bring the supernatural species together, and I refuse to fail.I don’t expect to ever have complete peace, but the pointless wars need to end. I sent text messages to Dawson and Rowen, and they’re both coming tomorrow night. The boys are busy trying to find information on Ezra’s mate, and I finally get some much-needed alone time with Creed.With everything going on, I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders, but I also feel completely at peace. Like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be at this moment. Walking hand in hand through my pack with Creed. The moon is high, and the stars are shining bright. I still want to be mad at him, but I mi
“Does anyone have paper and a pen?” I asked. “I just had a thought, but I need to write down the connections to see if it makes any sense.”Mom went into the house and came back out with a notebook and pen. I used everyone’s initials to make the connections of which leaders are against me and which ones support me. Starting with my fated mates. C – dragon king – against me, D – Bear king against me, R – Alpha hole – against me. R – priestess supporter, V & D – Vampire king - ? Supporter, I – quiet alpha - ? Supporter. I took a minute to look around at everyone and noticed that most of my family just realized the same thing as me.“I was fated to a powerful heir from the species that are against other supernaturals. It was the Moon Goddess’s way of bringing us together. Maybe her way of making them see how much things need to change.”I noticed a lot of confused faces, “think about it. Dad, Alpha, Beta, when you met your mates and still to this day, you would do anything for them. You
“We’re going to have to finish this later. Dad’s calling for me. A lot has happened since you left, and I might have messed up during the meeting.” Creed rubbed his hands up and down my upper arms as I slightly pulled away from him. “Whatever happens, we will get through it together, I’m not going anywhere.”I nodded and laced my fingers with his as I led him around the house to the backyard. I couldn’t hide my smile as we entered my backyard. All the adults, the boys, and Zadie were sitting on the deck, and the younger kids were all playing in the yard. I’m excited and nervous about introducing Creed to my family. Luckily, the introductions went well, and my mom and my aunts gave me a smile and nod of approval as they looked Creed over. Yeah, I know he’s gorgeous and he’s all mine. My dad shook Creed’s hand, “Alpha Kain just got off the phone with your brother. He’s on his way over.”I took my seat on the deck railing, and Creed sat in the chair next to me.“Did everything go OK w
None of us said a word as we walked out to the car. My dad looks like he’s a mix of proud and concerned. Yeah, there’s a long lecture coming my way, but it was so worth it. I can’t read the look on Uncle Kain’s face, but Uncle Gavin looks proud. Even if he is trying to hide his smirk.As soon as our car doors shut, I had four sets of eyes on me.“What the hell were you thinking,” my dad yelled.“Are you completely crazy,” Ryker added.“That was awesome. Did you see the look on their faces?” Ezra smiled wide until my dad and Ryker stared him down. Drake just ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. “Don’t be mad at me, someone had to tell them how stupid they're acting. They act like it’s normal to hate each other, just because of the species you were born as. You have all these Alphas and kings in the same room acting tough, but nobody has the guts to call them out on their crap.”“There’s a reason for that, Bella. I don’t want you to think I’m mad about you standing up for
I didn’t mean to say that out loud. I looked at my dad, and he just ran his hand over his face.“Is this your girl gamma?” Rowen’s dad said.“Yes, she’s my oldest.”Rowen’s dad looked back at me, “I thought you were a wolf. What are you?”“My genetics are my business. The important thing is, I didn’t kill the vampires?”I noticed Cyrus had a smirk on his face, yep, he knows who I am.“Why didn’t you kill them? We don’t need to worry about blood suckers. If they attack you, take them out.”“No disrespect sir, but I don’t think you have a right to tell me how to act. If that’s the way you think, then you’re not any better than the fallen dragon king.”“You don’t know who you’re talking to, little girl.”My dad stood up to defend me, but I jumped up and grabbed his arm.“Let me handle this,” I linked him.He glared at Rowen’s dad for a minute but nodded to me and sat back down.“I know exactly who I’m talking to. If you think that I should have killed the vampires, then I should have kil
This week has been a rough one, but hopefully we can get some answers tonight. The boys have been helping our dads locate the Blood Moon Pack. We’re hoping to find Abby, so Ezra can explain the situation. If she is meant for him, she should understand and forgive him.I’m hoping we can get more information at the meeting. I’m nervous for Ezra, and to find out what’s going on with Creed. I need to know that he’s OK and not lying in a ditch somewhere.“Bella, let’s go. It’s a meeting not the prom,” my dad yelled up the stairs.I took one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs to meet the boys. The butterflies in my stomach are driving me crazy. Calm down Bella, you’re just there to listen. I keep telling myself. The drive to the convention center was quick. Dad gave me the run-down on how these meetings usually work on the drive. The Alpha’s all sit at their designated tables with their Beta and Gamma’s behind them, and the heirs sit in the last row along the wall. Whoever c
We all just stared at him. No one knew what to say. Finally, my aunt Violet piped up.“OK, what can you tell us about her?”My aunt’s trying to keep him calm, but I can see the wheels turning in all of our parents' eyes. There has to be a way to fix this.Ezra swallowed hard, “it’s kind of a blur. I was coming out of the dining hall, and I picked up her scent as soon as I walked out of the door. She was headed into the library. She was beautiful.”He took a minute and closed his eyes as he ran his hand through his hair. “I followed her into the library. She was curled up in one of the lounge chairs reading a book. She looked so peaceful.” Ezra shook his head to snap himself out of it.“Anyway, she’s a wolf from the blood moon pack. Her name is Abby Jennings.”My aunt Violet nodded and gave my uncle Gavin a look, pleading for him to fix this.My uncle Gavin nodded and put his hand on Ezra’s shoulder, “take your time, but I need you to tell us everything, son. You won’t be in trouble, b
“Ezra, where in the hell did you get those cookies?” I closed my eyes as I already knew the answer. It was right there in front of our faces this whole time.“She said she loves to bake, but only for the people that she loves. I thought she was just trying to show me how much she cared about me.” Ezra sat there staring at Tate completely stunned like the rest of us.“How long have you been eating them?”“A couple of weeks, maybe a month. I was starting to get sick of them, but I was trying to be nice. So, I gave the ones she sent home with me to Tate. I figured what she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.”“Let me get this straight, a witch has been baking you cookies for a month. She told you that they were only for you, and you ate them.” I glared at him from across the table.“Well, yeah, but she wasn’t just any witch, she was Jacie. I’ve been with her since I got to Moonlight. I trusted her, we all did.”“Aunt Violet, we need you.” I yelled to her, and she gave me a curious look.“Wha
After the long chat I had with my dad and a good night’s sleep, I feel a lot better. As I walked into my uncle’s house, Tate the tornado was running full speed ahead. Dropping cookie crumbs on the floor behind him.“Bella, Ezra said I could have his whole box of cookies.”I laughed, “I can see that. Did you get any of them in your mouth?”Ryker walked through the door behind me. “Hey buddy, are you causing trouble already today?”Tate shook his head no, “Ezra gave me his cookies.”Ryker looked at the vanilla frosted cookie, “You’re a lucky boy. Ezra doesn’t ever share his cookies. He even calls them Ezra only cookies.”I shook my head. You guys are weird. Ezra and my cousin Zadie finally came downstairs.“It’s about time, we should have been at the gym a half hour ago, slackers.”“Calm down, Drakes not even here yet.” Zadie yelled at him.“Bella, do you want to see my dress for this weekend?”I smiled, “Yes. Sweet 16 are you excited?”“I’m nervous,” she said as she pulled me upstairs