I haven’t seen nor heard from or about Suzanne Walterson in months. She hasn’t had to come to the office now that her sessions are over. And I tend to keep my distance from pack gatherings so we don’t cross paths.
Even if she lives down the street, we don’t generally cross paths. I went years without seeing that kid. Since her brother moved to Madonie, I haven’t had any reason to go by her house.
Not that Stephen and I were ever good friends. Mostly I was his ride since I had my car. And given how we left things, his fist in my face, we will not be mending fences.
I hadn’t thought that three months of seeing her three times a week would change anything. I got by just fine, not talking to or seeing her before.
So why have I missed seeing her? Miss the low-key banter during her sessions.
I’ve attempted to distract myself with Denise. She’s not a bad person. I get along with her well enough, but she’s human and not my mate.
Unlike the she-wolves at the pack who have snubbed and gossiped about me since I lost my leg Denise doesn’t care. She’s a physical therapist, just like me. She knows that losing a limb is painful on many levels, but it doesn’t make you less of a person.
We’ve been going out for the last few months. We went on a handful of dates early on, but nothing serious.
Granted, nothing serious did still include sex. Don’t judge me. The likelihood of finding my mate is no greater than any other werewolf but the possibility that she would accept me with my missed leg… it’s low.
So sue me for taking comfort in the arms of a human woman that sees past my injury. I’m not looking for forever. This is the woman that doesn’t believe in the supernatural.
I subtly prodded when talking about books and movies. Denise doesn’t go for any of the fiction that talks about vampires, demons, witches, angels, or werewolves.
So obviously, I can’t tell her about what I am. And because of that, I’m in this limbo-type relationship with her. I always had one foot out the door, ready to walk at any moment.
Something she’s noticing. She’s not an idiot after all. Last night’s fight certainly proved it. I sighed as the night replayed in my mind.
Full moons always make me on edge. Every werewolf is on edge at a full moon. I usually don’t come to Denise’s place on full moons, but the pack run tonight isn’t mandatory, and it’s her birthday.
So I skipped the run and took her to her favorite restaurant, and we ended up at her place after. I was a bit nervous as I gave her the gift I had picked out.
The only woman I’ve ever given a gift to was my grandma. Okay, I’m sure I gave gifts to mom before she died, but I don’t remember them.
And this was the first gift I was giving Denise, so I wasn’t sure how it would go.
“I got you a present too.” I explained, digging the square box out of my jacket pocket after getting to her apartment.
“Aw, how sweet of you, Austin. You didn’t have to get me a gift. Taking me to dinner and being with me today is enough.” Denise assured me, but given how her eyes were lighting up as she took the gift, that was a half-truth.
If anything, she probably didn’t expect me to get a gift. I had considered not getting her a gift but felt like an ass if I didn’t.
“Oh, it’s beautiful. Thank you!” Denise squealed as she took the rose gold bracelet out of the box.
I’m a dick, but I’m not a total dick. So I tried to go safe but personalized. The bracelet had her favorite flower, jasmine, and her birthstone.
“Who knew you could be so sweet.” Denise teased, pulling me into a kiss.
A kiss turned into making out on her sofa. Making out turned to move to her bedroom, a trail of our clothes being left in our wake.
I will give credit where credit is due. Denise’s a damn good lay. Okay, I was a little rougher than I have been, but the full moon is to blame.
“Whoa. That was... Wow.” Denise sighed, resting her head on my chest, fingers stroking my chest, tracing lines of my muscles.
“Happy birthday?” I tried to play it off since I couldn’t explain to her that the full moon makes me a bit more aggressive.
Denise giggled and kissed my chest. “Happy birthday to me indeed.”
She sighed, and it was one of those heavier, thinking sighs. I braced myself for whatever serious conversation she’s decided to talk about.
I’ve not had any serious relationships before, but I can only assume it can’t be good when a woman wants to have a serious talk after sex. And oh, how right I was.
“Austin, we’ve been together for a while now. And I think we should take it to the next level.” Denise moved to lean upon her elbow, looking down at me, her long black hair falling over her shoulder, the ends brushing against my chest.
“The next level?” I arched my brow.
I’m not sure what it means for a human, but it’s probably not good for me. She has no idea I’m a werewolf.
She’s never met anyone in my family. She never stays or even comes to my place. She’s accepted that I don’t invite her to my home since I live with my dad to save money for college.
So what does this ‘next level’ mean to her?
“Yes. I think it’s about time I met your family. And while I get you still living at home to save money so you can continue your education and get your doctorate. But you could still save money if we moved in together.” Denise explained, smiling down at me.
I froze. Does Denise want to meet my family? Yeah, that won’t be happening. Dad may be cool about it, but even he is hoping I find a mate.
She sure the fuck won’t be meeting my grandparents. Even if I were on speaking terms with grandpa, he’d lose his shit if I introduced him to a human. That would blow up in my face.
And move in together!? That would not work. There’s no way to live together and keep what I am a secret.
My panic at her suggestion must be readable because she looks pissed now.
“You don’t want to introduce me to your family? Or live with me? What the fuck, Austin? Do you not love me?” She demanded, sitting up, her entire mood shifting.
I sighed, running a hand over my face as I sat up. How the fuck am I supposed to answer any of that? Jax wasn’t helpful as he just sat silently looking at me, basically saying I was on my own.
“Denise…” I groaned.
“My family is complicated, okay. They expect me to be with a certain kind of person. Someone from a family they approve of.”
I tried to explain without saying I had a soulmate out there, and my family wouldn’t accept anyone but her.
“So what? I don’t want their approval. But they should know about us. And you still haven’t answered about us living together or if you love me.” Denise huffed as she wrapped the blanket around her sliding out of bed.
“Tell me now. Answer me, Austin. Do you love me? Can you see this going somewhere? Because I can. I can see us being more. I can see a life with you. I can see a family with you.” Denise demanded.
Oh fuck. I groaned, running my hands over my face. There is no way I can answer this, and it ends well.
“I care about you. Love? I don’t know. It feels too soon to throw a word like that around. And… I don’t know what my future holds. I don’t generally think too far out beyond my career.” I was trying to be diplomatic and trying to spare her feelings.
It wasn’t working. Denise’s eyes were brimming with tears, her features and stance changing to anger.
“GET OUT! GET THE FUCK OUT! I will not be with a man who doesn’t love me! A man that can’t commit to me!” Denise started shrieking at me.
“I thought we had a future. That this feeling you always had one foot out the door was just your insecurities. But ugh… I was fooling myself. GET OUT!” She ranted as I hurried out of her bed.
I got my prosthetic back on and started gathering my clothes. I got dressed as I followed the trail to the living room.
“Denise… I…” I wasn’t sure what I would say, but she cut me off.
“I don’t want to hear it. We are over. Hot sex isn’t enough for me. I want someone to build my life with. And, to you, I’m just someone you’re passing the time with.” Denise scoffed, throwing her birthday gift at me as she shoved me out of her apartment.
I still don’t know if there was ever a way to have made things work. I liked Denise well enough. But I would always know that out there is my mate.
Even if my mate rejected me, what life could I have built with Denise when she can’t know what I am? Maybe it’s for the best we broke up.
‘We shouldn’t have been dating her, to begin with. She’s not our mate, and I will never accept anyone but our mate.’ Jax huffed.
Yeah, that too. I rolled my eyes, focusing on my breathing as I used the leg press at the pack gym. I know, pack gym? What the hell am I doing here?
Last night was a full moon, so a dozen or so youths shifted for the first time. And usually, the first day after the full moon, a few seasoned pack members get voluntold to babysit.
Babysit might be dramatic. We are supposed to take them out for a run and some light training with their wolves. I had the misfortune of getting my name drawn.
I got to the training center early to work out before dealing with newly shifted. My presence here hasn’t gone unnoticed, given the looks cast my way and the whispers asking what I’m doing here.
I sighed as I heard this exact thing again. I turned my head as I pushed the seven hundred pounds with my good leg.
“What’s it fucking look like? I’m doing leg presses, you dumbass.” I snapped at the group as the doors opened, bringing in a burst of cold air and a group of young wolves.
My head turned to the door, not because of the teenagers’ loudness or even the bitter cold air. I turned my head sharply, letting the leg press clang back into place because the scent of honey and cinnamon hit my nose and had Jax on high alert.
‘MATE!’ He shouted, trying to surge forward.
The force Jax put into trying to shove me out of the way had me stumble off the leg press machine. I ignored the group that I had just called out for whispering.
Managing to get my footing, I made a beeline for the group that had just walked in the door. My eyes were shifting through the faces looking for whoever would be reacting to my scent.
And fuck me, the source of the warm sweet scent had just shoved a boy’s arm off her shoulders and pushed others out of her way. Green eyes were shining brighter-looking around with purpose until they landed on me.
Suzanne Walterson was staring back at me, lips parted in a soft gasp as she realized I was who she was looking for. I didn’t have to be close enough to know her heart was beating faster than a hummingbird’s wings.
Mine was doing the same thing. When the boy whose arm she shrugged off tried to touch her, I let out a menacing snarl.
I recognize him. He’s the idiot driving the truck when Suzie got in her accident.
“Touch her, and I won’t be the only pack member missing a limb.” I growled.
“Y… you?” Suzie finally spoke.
I arched an eyebrow, not sure how to answer that. Let alone how I was supposed to take that. For all I know, this is the beginning of the end.
Granted, Bloodmoon law forbids rejection unless your mate would be abusive. But that doesn’t mean she has to accept me, let alone right away.
“Me.” I answered back for lack of anything better to say.
The group she had walked in with here all hovering unsure what was going on. The dumb boy was still hesitant to leave her side.
“Suz? Babe? You okay?” He asked.
I growled again. Jax pushed me out of the way, not okay with some punk-ass pup calling our mate ‘babe.’
“My human wasn’t clear enough. So let me enlighten your dim ass. Walk the fuck away from my mate or lose some limbs.” Jax snarled.
I saw Suzie’s breath hitch when Jax blatantly claimed her as our mate. The boy at least had the sense to take two substantial steps back at Jax’s threat.
A blonde girl, I recognize her too. She was in the accident with Suzie. The shifted she-wolf. She stepped out of the crowd throwing her hands up.
“Nothing to see here. Move along. We have places to be people. You act like you’ve never seen two people find they are mates before.” She shooed the group grabbing the boy’s arm.
“Let’s go, Stan. That ship has sailed and ain’t coming back.” She rolled her eyes, pulling him away with the rest of the crowd.
It left just me and Suzie staring at each other. It was a staring contest or something. Neither of us was blinking or talking.
I was waiting to see who would flinch or break the silence first. Suzie was the first to break, green eyes dating to my lips when I licked them. They felt like the desert, and the urge to wet them with her lips was so much I almost gave in.
“I win.” I smirked.
Her eyes darted back to mine, narrowing. “Asshole.” she grumbled.
“You stink, by the way.” She rolled her eyes, intentionally looking away from me as she folded her arms.
Like the rest of the group, she came in with she was dressed in the tear-away clothes our pack uses. It suddenly dawned on me she was one of the newly shifted wolves I was supposed to be taking on a run.
“Liar. Your wolf seemed to like how I smelled. She was shoving punk-ass pups out of her way to find me.” I smirked, gripping her chin and turning her face back to mine.
Her wolf flashed in her eyes as the mate bond sparked at the contact. Jax was practically purring at the touch.
I knew I didn't like Denise. I mean, I can understand wanting to be serious with Austin, but he's not interested. But all good since his mate is Suzie! So hands off, Denise.
The most awkward thing about being a werewolf is the nudity part of shifting. Sure we grow up around it because every adult you know shifts, and not a single kid in the pack hasn’t seen their parents naked because of it. It makes us more adjusted than the humans who are just so conservative and worried about nudity. Are some people’s naked bodies more impressive than others? Oh hell yes. I’ve seen Ivan Furlan naked. Now that’s impressive. So while nudity is normal and part of the culture, it is still awkward to shift around the other kids getting their wolves for the first time. My parents took me out to the woods on the full moon night, where everyone was taken to shift for the first time. It was me, Shannon, Paul, and a few others. Overall there were about ten of us shifting on this full moon. So it was our families and Alpha Logan and Luna Aurelia with us. “You’ve all been preparing for today your whole life. Shifting to our wolves is as natural as breathing.” Alpha Log
‘Smooth. Real smooth. Dumbass.’ Jax chuckled while I rubbed my cheek where she slapped me. I’ve been slapped more than once by a she-wolf, but Suzie certainly packs a punch. Maybe rubbing my nose against hers was too forward for her taste. “I see you got Edith’s strength.” I groaned, still rubbing my face. “And I was holding back.” Suzie snorted. “Not a fan of rubbing noses. Noted.” I smirked as she glared at me. “Maybe you should go see if…. Denise likes rubbing noses.” Suzie huffed, turning away from me. Okay, that might have hurt more than the slap, especially as it reminded me that I was in Denise’s bed just last night. ‘Yeah, until she threw you out of it because you wouldn’t commit to her. And the reason you couldn’t is standing in front of us.’ Jax snorted. Though wait, how would Suzie know anything about Denise? I furrowed my brow because even my dad didn’t know about Denise. And I know I do not have her scent anywhere on me. Taking a step around her to be
With a quick pivot at the moment of impact, I remained standing as the boy crashed to the floor, holding my prosthetic leg. “Stop trying to cuddle my prosthetic, you weirdo.” I rolled my eyes, taunting. “While not a bad thought to try and unbalance me, you seemed to be under the false impression that I haven’t learned how to move and fight without the leg.” I sighed. “Don’t underestimate your opponent because of their outer appearance. Now come at me again.” I explained once more, gesturing for him to come at me. The kid was frustrated, tossing my leg aside as he rushed me again. I was laughing as I hopped out of the way. “Toro, toro.” I taunted as he lunged at me. Then with a laugh, add, “Oh lay” when he’d miss. He was huffing out of breath, and a few of the other sparing pairs who felt they had practiced enough had circled up to watch. The giggles of the crowd seemed to piss the boy off more. “Stop playing with him, Cl… Austin.” Scott sighed, correcting himself as he
I wasn’t the only one that was impressed watching Austin fight Paul. Paul has never been much of a fighter. He was below average in our pre-wolf training. But even being a below-average fighter with an Omega wolf, people thought Paul would have fared better. They didn’t think Austin would be able to fight as quickly with his injury. He proved them all wrong. I, of course, was betting on Austin. Even before losing his leg, Austin was no slouch as a fighter. After months of working with him as my physical therapist, I know how strong he is and how easily he can move even without a prosthetic. That doesn’t mean I didn’t feel bad for Paul as he got embarrassed. I’m sure he won’t be living that down any time soon. And while I initially thought Austin could have taken it easier on him, he made a valid point. Even though Paul is an Omega, he will need to grow stronger if he wants to work with the pack’s children. He will have to be able to protect them if something happens. And a
I don’t know why I expect discretion for Suzanne Walterson. I have never known her to bite her tongue or hold back on anything. I really shouldn’t be surprised. As much as I dread having the conversation I know is coming, I’m glad to at least be alone with her. No one to overhear us. No one to watch us. And no one to interrupt us. We probably need to discuss a lot, not just my past relationship with Denise. Like how she seemed hesitant and quickly retreated before I could kiss her earlier. I mean, I’m not looking to pressure her or anything. She’d probably knock me into next week. But still, I’m not so oblivious to have missed the look in her eyes. She anticipated the kiss, but suddenly she moved away and insisted we leave. “Is it so surprising that I can do nice things?” I arched my eyebrow as we left the training center. “Yeah. I mean, have you met yourself?” Suzie shook her head. “Okay, fair, I guess. But that’s you judging me on how I used to be. I’m not that guy any
If I hadn’t seen his change with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it. The Clement Shelton I knew growing up was a total self-centered asshole. But Austin Shelton is entirely different. Well, maybe not completely. He’s still kind of an asshole. But he’s not the same kind of an unredeemable asshole. “You shouldn’t have even been in that accident. That kid is a fucking moron. One for not paying attention while driving and two for even going up that mountain in those conditions.” Austin rumbled. “I chose to be in that truck. I knew it was a bad idea, but I did it anyway.” I pointed out. “Congrats, you’re stupider than your friends? Because it takes a real idiot to know something is a bad idea and still does it,” Austin rolled his eyes. “Oh, because you smell your own? I can make a list as long as my arm of all the stupid shit you’ve done that I bet money you knew was a bad idea.” I countered. “Doubtful.” Austin scoffed. “Oh, let’s see. When I was five, I remember you deciding
You have got to be kidding me! Thanks, Maxton, thanks a fucking lot. Cocking blocking, son of a bitch. Do all fathers have a cockblocker mode, or is it just him? Because fuck if he doesn’t. There is no way he could have just coincidentally timed walking out onto the porch like that. No way. He had to have sensed it like that robot in Spaceballs with her virgin alarm. I waited till she was inside, and Maxton had shut the door before backing out of the driveway. Don’t think I didn’t miss the way his eyebrow arched as he looked at me. Oh, he not only knows my jeep, but he saw me clear as day behind the wheel. I can just imagine what conversation is happening inside the Walterson house tonight. What will she tell them? Will she lie and say we ran into each, and I offered to drop her off? Will she tell the truth and say we’re mates? Or will she tell a white lie? Omitting that I’m her mate but say I was one of the instructors? So many possibilities, and I have no way of knowing
Today has been a whirlwind of changes. Hell, the last twenty-four hours have been a trip. Last night, I shifted for the first time, and now I’ve also found my mate. I still don’t know how I feel about my mate being Austin. ‘Why are humans so difficult?’ Kayla scoffed. ‘Excuse me?’ I arched my brow. ‘You heard me. Why are humans, or I guess just you, so difficult? This isn’t rocket science. It’s actually really simple. He’s our mate. Therefore, we should be with him.’ Kayla sighed. ‘It’s not that simple. You don’t know what Austin was like.’ I frowned. ‘WAS!’ Kayla shouted, making my head hurt. ‘What he WAS like! I don’t give a fuck what he WAS like. And I know exactly how he used to be. Remember, I can access all your memories from before I awakened.’ Kayla rolled her eyes. ‘People don’t just change personalities overnight.’ I countered. ‘It’s been YEARS! Our mate has focused on improving himself, of making himself a better man for YEARS!’ Kayla insisted. And I hate t
The bathroom mirror reflected Evie and me standing side by side, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but marvel at how surreal everything felt. My soft pink lace dress hugged my figure, the delicate floral appliqués shimmering faintly under the warm bathroom light. The fitted bodice gave way to a flowing A-line skirt, and the soft curls of my hair framed my face, half pinned up at Evie’s suggestion. It was rare that I felt this beautiful, but tonight wasn’t just any night—it was Valentine’s Day, and for the first time, I had someone to share it with. Evie adjusted the sweetheart neckline of her lavender mermaid gown, and I turned to watch her. The dress hugged her figure like it was made just for her, the appliquéd beads catching the light with every slight movement. Her brown curls cascaded over her shoulders, soft waves framing her glowing amber eyes. She caught me staring and smirked, her cheeks flushing faintly. “You’re staring again, you know.” “Can you blame me?” I teased, step
It was well into the evening when persistent knocking pulled me from blissful sleep. My body felt heavy, and I blinked in confusion, slowly realizing that Sophie’s bare back lay beneath my hand. Memories of our bond flooded back—her teeth at my neck, the thrill of becoming mates. The knocking came again, sharper this time. As I lifted my head, I noticed Sophie sleeping peacefully, her dark hair splayed around her. I almost ignored the sound to stay curled around her warmth, but my wolf, Noria, grew annoyed. My phone lay dead on the sofa; I had missed any calls. Reluctantly, I slipped from her side, pulling on some clothes and tying my messy hair into a ponytail. I glanced at my reflection—happy but tired. I shut the bedroom door quietly and moved to the front door, where the knocking continued urgently. I peered through the peephole and recognized my parents, Andrew and Roxanne. A wave of unease washed over me. My parents rarely showed up unannounced. Taking a deep breath, I open
Evie placed her hands on either side of my head, trapping me against the door. My heart fluttered, filled with anticipation. Her gaze dropped to my lips, the questions swirling in her mind. Before she could speak, I gripped her sweater and pulled her closer, our torsos bumping together. A soft gasp escaped her, and our restraint snapped. We kissed hungrily, with a fervor that bordered on desperation. All the pent-up longing, the nights I’d lain awake in France, imagining my mate and our first night together, now guided every motion. The taste of her lips intoxicated me, and I sighed against her mouth, letting her slip her arms around my waist. A strangled moan escaped my throat when her fingers skated under my sweater, brushing the warm skin beneath. Between kisses, we shed more layers. First, my sweater, then hers, tossed onto the floor. A flush heated my skin when I realized I was standing here in my bra and pants. Under normal circumstances, I might have felt self-conscious, but E
I stood in the doorway of my apartment, my heart pounding so loudly that I was sure Sophie could hear it. The overhead lamp cast a warm light across the living room, illuminating the scattered evidence of my messy lifestyle—music sheets, guitar cables, and a precariously tilted cello case. She and I had come all this way—quite literally, on her part—and the reality that she was truly here, in my space, felt surreal. Sophie’s breath fanned across my cheek as she leaned in, and the tension in the air crackled with electric anticipation. My pulse raced, every inch of me straining toward her. The fresh scent of her skin—warm and a little sweet—curled around my senses, chasing away the lingering chill from outside. Her gray-blue eyes searched my face, and I realized she was waiting for me to close the final gap between us. I whispered her name, unable to control the tremor in my voice. The corner of her mouth quirked with the slightest hint of a smile, and I felt a surge of daring race th
Standing in my childhood bedroom in Paris, I considered canceling my flight for a Valentine’s Day mate gathering in Silverclaw. My father insisted I wouldn’t meet my mate if I stayed in Les Hurleurs Sanctifiés, the pack I grew up in. At twenty-one, I was well past the age when many wolves find their mates; friends had found theirs by eighteen or nineteen. My mother encouraged me, saying the bond was worth the effort. So, as Valentine’s Day approached, I gave in and booked my flight to Portland, Oregon, the nearest major airport to the Silverclaw Pack in Washington. It all made sense on paper: attend the mate gathering, meet wolves from other packs, and perhaps walk away with the partner fate had promised me since birth. In my heart, though, I was nervous. What if it turned out the same as all the other mate gatherings? What if I left, still feeling that lonely ache in my chest? I pushed away the thought as best I could. The flight was long—from Paris to Amsterdam and then to Portland
Winters in Bloodmoon have always been beautiful, but it’s the kind of beauty best shared with someone else. I had no someone else. I was alone in my tiny apartment, in that awkward in-between place where my wolf demanded companionship I still hadn’t found. I’m eighteen, living on my own for the first time, enrolled at the University of Portland for music…and mateless. It was lonely in ways I couldn’t describe to my friends. At university, my classmates saw a seemingly normal freshman, a girl with a bright smile, wavy brown hair, and a knack for the cello. They didn’t see how my wolf, Noria, prowled inside me, restless and craving that fabled mate bond. It was a Friday night, one I should have spent partying or doing anything with friends. Instead, I planned an evening of tragic solitude. I’d just flopped onto my sofa, halfheartedly scrolling through N*****x. My reflection in the dark TV screen caught my eye first: hair tumbling past my shoulders in loose brown waves, warm-toned skin w
Dear Readers, Love has a way of surprising us—especially when fate steps in. Thread of Destiny is a story about friendship, longing, and the magic of fated mates. It’s a sapphic paranormal romance that blends the thrill of unexpected love with the warmth of a second-chance connection. If you’ve been following my stories, you may already be familiar with Evie and Sophie. Evie Rock is the younger sister of Rohan Rock, whose love story with Shikoba Thorn unfolded in Cult of Love (featured in The Genius Delta). Sophie Blanchett was first introduced as the French nanny caring for Rohan and Shikoba’s twin daughters. Their paths crossed in the past, but they were just side characters in someone else’s love story. Now, it’s their turn. Evie also made a small cameo in Her Second Chance Mate, and some of you may remember last year’s Valentine’s novella, A Moonlight Valentine, where love took center stage. This year, fate is weaving a new thread, one that connects two hearts who never expected
Dear Readers, Thank you for taking the time to read this Anthology. I hope you have enjoyed all the stories it contained. With the conclusion of The Hybrid’s Vampire, we have come to the official end of this Anthology. I will take the rest of November off to work on a project. You can follow me on social media to stay current on what I'm working on. I will return to Goodnovel in December with Her Second Chance Mate, Alex Whitland and Holly Boland's story. Bring tissues! See you son and thanks for all your support! Bryant
As we entered the hall, I locked eyes with the various members of our family, and my vampire bandmates posted up around the room. Someone I knew was truly loyal to us was watching all the exits, which made me feel safer. The elders and their sons were already waiting on the stage. Christian, Elton, and Otto spotted us and hurried over with concerned expressions. “What’s wrong?” I asked, skipping any small talk. “Something feels… off,” Christian whispered, beckoning us to an alcove away from others. “Define off,” Sage said. “Beyond that, your families and the vampires are on high alert and watching all the exits?” Otto folded his arms. “They were weird all day. What’s up with that?” Elton asked. “Back to what’s off.” I nodded my chin to Christian. “Our dads and grandads. They... I can’t place it, but they’ve been acting weird the closer we’ve gotten to the ceremony.” Christian whispered. “Spit it out, kid.” I hissed. “Auðr.” Sage elbowed me. “I’m gonna need you to elaborate.