LiaThe silence from the Rosewater Clan is starting to get to me. I don’t know what the hell I am going to do about this. Because something is going on, even though the guys are trying to tell me it doesn’t mean anything.Gabi being pregnant gives them a huge opportunity. It enables them to possibly take her baby, finding a way to solve the blood oath. But I can’t imagine them taking my niece or nephew. Michael would fight tooth and nail, never allowing them to take his child.All of us would do the same.What if… they take Gabi? If they took Gabi then they could hold her hostage until she gives birth? I wouldn’t even be shocked if they didn’t kill her afterward because they wouldn’t have any need for her.Quickly I grab my phone, wanting to talk with Simone and see if she can offer me her perspective.I’ve been thinking… the Rosewater Coven hasn’t done anything to us in a while, but what if they’re just waiting for the right moment? What if they’re planning to take Gabi’s baby? I can
LiaEven with the protection wards, I was desperate. There was only so much I could think to do and one option was reaching out to the magical community. I wrote up an email to every one of their associations I could think of, but all I heard were typical generic responses.It probably wasn’t even a person saying this but one of these automatic response that got sent out! I was angry, wishing they would help me with something. How could they not help a fellow species?The guys noticed one morning I was a little down. Rain nudged me and I smiled faintly at him.“You okay, Lia?”I shook my head. "I’ve been trying to get the magical community to help, but no one is responding. I sent messages to everyone I knew, and nothing. It’s like they’ve all turned their backs on us.""Have you tried reaching out to everyone you can think of? Maybe it's just a matter of timing or people being too busy.""No, I’ve done everything I can. No one’s even bothering to acknowledge me. It’s like I don’t exi
LiaI always liked to check in with my brother and Zimone. They didn’t live at the house with us so it was the best way to communicate with them.With everything that was going on, I especially wanted to make sure everyone was safe and alive.Hey, Michael. Just checking in—I’ve been thinking about you and Gabi a lot lately. How are you both holding up? How’s she been feeling these days? I know things can get overwhelming, so I just wanted to see if there’s anything you need or if I can help in any way. -LHey, Lia. Thanks for reaching out and thinking of us—it means a lot. Honestly, we’re doing fine. Gabi’s been feeling a little more tired than usual, but the doctor reassured us everything is going just the way it should. You don’t have to worry so much, I promise. We’ve got it under control over here. -MOf course, I worry! That’s what sisters do, right? Especially with such an exciting, life-changing event like this. I just want to make sure you’re both okay. I know you’re handling
LiaI wasn’t prepared when I got this text from Michael. It made all my worries hit me at once.Had I been right all along? Were my previous worries I thought, actually coming to fruition?Michael had a right to know I feared his mate had been kidnapped. It was something I should’ve told him a long time ago, but I wanted to think the Rosewater Coven wouldn’t go to those levels.To think… they might go so far as to kidnap an innocent pregnant woman just to fulfill some stupid blood oath they refused to let go of! It was something I’d never been able to wrap my mind around.Hey, have you seen Gabi? She never came home after her appointment earlier today, and I’m starting to get worried. She said she was coming straight back, but it’s been hours. I thought maybe she stopped by your place or texted you instead, just to hang out for a bit or something. Have you heard from her at all? — MNo, I haven’t seen her or heard from her today. That’s weird. Did she mention anything about having pla
LiaMy phone buzzed on the table, the number unfamiliar. For a moment, I hesitated. I didn’t recognize it, but something told me I needed to answer.“Hello?” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.“Lia?” The voice on the other end was sharp and steady, with an edge of authority that made me sit up straighter. “This is Veronica Ruiz. The woman from the bookstore reached out to me about your... inquiry.”“Oh!” My heart thudded in my chest. “Yes, thank you for calling. I—”“Let’s skip the pleasantries,” she interrupted. “You want to learn magic, don’t you?”“Yes,” I said quickly.“Then let me be clear. This won’t be easy. Magic isn’t a game or a hobby. It’s a discipline, a way of life, and it demands everything from you. Most people start when they’re children, not... adults.”I winced. “I know I’m older, but I’ll work hard. I’ll do whatever it takes.”“Words are easy. Actions aren’t. I don’t coddle my students, Lia, and I have no patience for laziness or excuses. If you wan
ColbyThere was even more reason for us to find a leader now that one of our own was missing.It was still hard to believe they had taken Gabi. I thought about her the first thing when I woke up and before I went to bed.I was going to bring it up when we all gathered around to eat breakfast. Michael refused to come out of his room so it was just the five of us."We need to talk about the leader thing," Lia said, arms crossed.I don’t like the sound of that. When someone says they want to talk it’s a bad idea. Plus, we were talking about who was going to be the pack leader. This means Lia thinks we’ve come to a consensus.How have we come to a consensus when I haven’t even decided who should be the leader of the pack yet? Michael would be a good option.He’s excellent and I know he’s been going through it lately but he’s still perfect for the role.Rain shrugged. "Yeah? What's there to talk about? It's Colby. Or we could flip a coin if you want it fair."My head snapped up. "Wait, wha
ColbyI typed up the email, allowing Lia to sit in the seat so she could look it over for me. I was chewing nervously on my lower lip, mindful that my fangs didn’t pierce the soft skin.Dear Werewolf Association,I am writing to formally notify you that I have been named the leader of the Moonveil Pack, effective immediately. After careful consideration and with the unanimous support of my pack members, I have accepted the responsibility to lead and protect our community to the best of my ability. The decision was not made lightly, and I have taken the time to ensure that this leadership change reflects the needs and values of our pack.As such, I am submitting my application for official recognition as the pack leader by the association's established guidelines. Attached are the required documents, including written verification from all pack members, a detailed summary of my leadership qualifications, and a statement outlining our pack's commitment to upholding the values and respon
LiaThe lunch I packed for myself remained mostly untouched. I picked up part of the sandwich, took a bite, and struggled to swallow. It felt like ash in my mouth, making me want to spit it out.Folded and shoved into my pocket was the invitation for my coming-of-age ceremony that was delivered to me two weeks ago. With trembling hands, I pulled it out and read it word by word.Official InvitationDear Lia Brown,It is with boundless joy and honor that we invite you to attend your Coming-of-Age Ceremony, a momentous occasion marking this significant milestone in your life. This celebration is a testament to your growth, achievements, and the exciting future that lies ahead.Event Details:· Date: Monday, the 6th of October· Time: 9:00 AMWe encourage you to arrive promptly at the clinic to ensure the smooth progression of the event and to fully immerse yourself in the process. The ceremony afterward will include heartfelt speeches, special performances, and a formal acknowledgment of
ColbyI typed up the email, allowing Lia to sit in the seat so she could look it over for me. I was chewing nervously on my lower lip, mindful that my fangs didn’t pierce the soft skin.Dear Werewolf Association,I am writing to formally notify you that I have been named the leader of the Moonveil Pack, effective immediately. After careful consideration and with the unanimous support of my pack members, I have accepted the responsibility to lead and protect our community to the best of my ability. The decision was not made lightly, and I have taken the time to ensure that this leadership change reflects the needs and values of our pack.As such, I am submitting my application for official recognition as the pack leader by the association's established guidelines. Attached are the required documents, including written verification from all pack members, a detailed summary of my leadership qualifications, and a statement outlining our pack's commitment to upholding the values and respon
ColbyThere was even more reason for us to find a leader now that one of our own was missing.It was still hard to believe they had taken Gabi. I thought about her the first thing when I woke up and before I went to bed.I was going to bring it up when we all gathered around to eat breakfast. Michael refused to come out of his room so it was just the five of us."We need to talk about the leader thing," Lia said, arms crossed.I don’t like the sound of that. When someone says they want to talk it’s a bad idea. Plus, we were talking about who was going to be the pack leader. This means Lia thinks we’ve come to a consensus.How have we come to a consensus when I haven’t even decided who should be the leader of the pack yet? Michael would be a good option.He’s excellent and I know he’s been going through it lately but he’s still perfect for the role.Rain shrugged. "Yeah? What's there to talk about? It's Colby. Or we could flip a coin if you want it fair."My head snapped up. "Wait, wha
LiaMy phone buzzed on the table, the number unfamiliar. For a moment, I hesitated. I didn’t recognize it, but something told me I needed to answer.“Hello?” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.“Lia?” The voice on the other end was sharp and steady, with an edge of authority that made me sit up straighter. “This is Veronica Ruiz. The woman from the bookstore reached out to me about your... inquiry.”“Oh!” My heart thudded in my chest. “Yes, thank you for calling. I—”“Let’s skip the pleasantries,” she interrupted. “You want to learn magic, don’t you?”“Yes,” I said quickly.“Then let me be clear. This won’t be easy. Magic isn’t a game or a hobby. It’s a discipline, a way of life, and it demands everything from you. Most people start when they’re children, not... adults.”I winced. “I know I’m older, but I’ll work hard. I’ll do whatever it takes.”“Words are easy. Actions aren’t. I don’t coddle my students, Lia, and I have no patience for laziness or excuses. If you wan
LiaI wasn’t prepared when I got this text from Michael. It made all my worries hit me at once.Had I been right all along? Were my previous worries I thought, actually coming to fruition?Michael had a right to know I feared his mate had been kidnapped. It was something I should’ve told him a long time ago, but I wanted to think the Rosewater Coven wouldn’t go to those levels.To think… they might go so far as to kidnap an innocent pregnant woman just to fulfill some stupid blood oath they refused to let go of! It was something I’d never been able to wrap my mind around.Hey, have you seen Gabi? She never came home after her appointment earlier today, and I’m starting to get worried. She said she was coming straight back, but it’s been hours. I thought maybe she stopped by your place or texted you instead, just to hang out for a bit or something. Have you heard from her at all? — MNo, I haven’t seen her or heard from her today. That’s weird. Did she mention anything about having pla
LiaI always liked to check in with my brother and Zimone. They didn’t live at the house with us so it was the best way to communicate with them.With everything that was going on, I especially wanted to make sure everyone was safe and alive.Hey, Michael. Just checking in—I’ve been thinking about you and Gabi a lot lately. How are you both holding up? How’s she been feeling these days? I know things can get overwhelming, so I just wanted to see if there’s anything you need or if I can help in any way. -LHey, Lia. Thanks for reaching out and thinking of us—it means a lot. Honestly, we’re doing fine. Gabi’s been feeling a little more tired than usual, but the doctor reassured us everything is going just the way it should. You don’t have to worry so much, I promise. We’ve got it under control over here. -MOf course, I worry! That’s what sisters do, right? Especially with such an exciting, life-changing event like this. I just want to make sure you’re both okay. I know you’re handling
LiaEven with the protection wards, I was desperate. There was only so much I could think to do and one option was reaching out to the magical community. I wrote up an email to every one of their associations I could think of, but all I heard were typical generic responses.It probably wasn’t even a person saying this but one of these automatic response that got sent out! I was angry, wishing they would help me with something. How could they not help a fellow species?The guys noticed one morning I was a little down. Rain nudged me and I smiled faintly at him.“You okay, Lia?”I shook my head. "I’ve been trying to get the magical community to help, but no one is responding. I sent messages to everyone I knew, and nothing. It’s like they’ve all turned their backs on us.""Have you tried reaching out to everyone you can think of? Maybe it's just a matter of timing or people being too busy.""No, I’ve done everything I can. No one’s even bothering to acknowledge me. It’s like I don’t exi
LiaThe silence from the Rosewater Clan is starting to get to me. I don’t know what the hell I am going to do about this. Because something is going on, even though the guys are trying to tell me it doesn’t mean anything.Gabi being pregnant gives them a huge opportunity. It enables them to possibly take her baby, finding a way to solve the blood oath. But I can’t imagine them taking my niece or nephew. Michael would fight tooth and nail, never allowing them to take his child.All of us would do the same.What if… they take Gabi? If they took Gabi then they could hold her hostage until she gives birth? I wouldn’t even be shocked if they didn’t kill her afterward because they wouldn’t have any need for her.Quickly I grab my phone, wanting to talk with Simone and see if she can offer me her perspective.I’ve been thinking… the Rosewater Coven hasn’t done anything to us in a while, but what if they’re just waiting for the right moment? What if they’re planning to take Gabi’s baby? I can
LiaThey say no news is good news, but I refuse to believe this is the case. No news is bad because it means the other side is planning something.Some may call me, Lia Brown, paranoid, but I had everyright ot be paranoid.The Rosewater Coven spend decades trying to track down my family so they could fulfill some stupid blood oath. It made no sense why they would go to those levels. What they should’ve done just left it alone and then we could all get on with our life.Yet, they wouldn’t.One of the few silver linings to this was that I was learning magic. While I was still waiting ot hear back from that woman, I was doing quite a bit of learning on my own. It seemed I was a fast learner because I had been able to cast a few spells up to this point.But regardless of how much magic I was learning, it still didn’t change the fact that I was a novice. I could only do so much.“We haven’t heard from the Rosewater Coven in weeks,” I said, breaking the tense silence in the room.“They’re r
RainAdjusting to being a vampire was easier than I thought it would be. Since I was half werewolf, I didn’t have to deal with all the trouble vampires experienced, but I still had bloodlust. Everyone had been asking me about it, wanting to know how I was fairing.Lia was no different. She sent me one of her usual texts, wanting to know how I was doing. It did make my heart flutter. The two of us had come so far since first finding out we were mates. I’d be forever grateful that we had managed to overcome the odds.Hey, how’s the whole bloodlust thing going? Are you holding up okay?– LEh, it’s manageable. Cravings are still a thing, though. Like right now, I could really use a snack.– ROh? What are you craving?– LBlood. What else would it be?– RWell, I mean… you can always bite me.– LHaha, funny. Good one, Lia.– RI’m not joking.– LWait, what? Are you serious?– RYeah. When we’re both home, you can drink some of my blood.– L… Is this a trap? This feels like a trap.– R