ANNALISE
“Dad would never permit you to step out in that,” Jarek uttered, withdrawing, like he fears me.
“Mom selected this one. I am confident she’ll lend me a hand with dad. Would you mind getting the rest of my bags from the car? I need to begin a load of laundry so I can wear this dress tonight and change before I’m late for training.”
“Yes. I can manage that for you,” Jarek says, and runs out the door.
It would be helpful if he would explain this supposed dream to me, so I could understand what I am up against. His behavior changed once he saw my eyes. Something has him disturbed. Shaking my head, I toss the garment in my hands in the dress pile and gather them up.
I come across Jarek on the stairs as I go to the laundry room, and he’s drenched in perspiration again like he was this morning when he forced his way into my room.
“Jarek,” I remark, turning to speak with him.
He doesn’t glance at me. “Yes.”
“We need to talk. I need you to tell me about your dream. So I can help you. The dream you had has scared you shitless.”
Jarek’s shoulders tense, and he nods in agreement and continues walking up the stairs.
***
“Take a load off, Jarek. You’re making me get whiplash with your pacing,” I command, gesturing to the spot beside me on the bed. Jarek flops down beside me and runs a hand through his hair.
Jarek accounts his dream.
“You stole my panties so you could jack off to them,” I growl, stand and punch him.
“In my dream. I have no power over my dreams, damn it,” Jarek growls while cradling his face between his hands. “I can’t omit details. Sit down and listen to me.”
“Would you do something like that?” Interlacing my fingers under my chest, I groan and flop down next to Jarek, and he scowls at me.
He tells me about Xillon and Zane kicking my ass and him saving the day. Trex did the saving, I’m sure. I don’t see Jarek ever being the one to do so.
When Jarek got to the part where I was dead, tears collected and began pouring down his face. That’s when I realized the poor fucker actually cares for me.
“It was a dream, Jarek. Look, I’m right here. Besides, Trex would let nothing like that happen,” I whisper, flinging an arm over his shoulders and caressing his biceps with my fingertips.
“A fire built up inside of you, so much so that the heat singed my lips when I went to put air in your lungs.”
Jarek tells me about the rest of his dream, and I can now understand why he’s so messed up. I am frightened as well. I’ve attempted every method to access my wolf, but have been unsuccessful. I have been trying to manifest her through hypnosis and deep meditation. It would make sense that I’m a hybrid of some sort. If you consider that, my eyes flit between three colors: blue, gold, and silver.
“Maybe we should talk to Mom and dad about this, along with the Elders. I’m scared, Jarek.”
“No shit. Now you understand.”
“Yes.”
Jarek’s eyes glaze over. He’s most undoubtedly receiving a mind link from dad. He and I are running behind for training.
“We need to go. Dad’s pissed that we are late,” Jarek groans while standing and darts out the door.
I quickly change into my training gear, pull my hair into a tight bun and fly down the stairs.
“You both have finally graced us with your presence,” dad growls when Jarek and I step foot on the training grounds.
“No training for you two today. You both are to run laps until training is over,” dad commands and turns his back to us.
“Yes, Alpha,” Jarek and I said in unison as we ran to the track that encircles the drills area.
“Take it slow, Annalise. We’ll be at this for a while,” Jarek insists as he grabs my hand to slow my pace to match his strides.
I must accustom myself to this sudden caring side of Jarek. He usually wouldn’t give a shit and would let me run myself to the ground. Since my wolf hasn’t emerged, I work harder than the others so I could gain acceptance in the pack.
Somehow, even without wolf strength, I am stronger than most shifters in the pack. I spend any spare moment I have lifting weights and sparring with dad. Dad has also taught me how to use a bow, and other weapons, to safeguard myself by other means since I can’t shift into my wolf like the others.
Why I have let Jarek, Xillon, and Zane bully me all my life is beyond me. Maybe the tides have changed. If not, I am through with letting them trample all over me. I’m going to protect myself against them from this point on.
***
I groan at the pounding on my door as I pull the dress over my head. Jarek and I ran for two hours. Every muscle in my body aches, but I am determined to go on my date with Dante. I don’t have time for interruptions.
“Come in,” I yell once I’m covered.
Jarek walks in, scowls at my dress, and shuts the door behind him.
“Dad says he will meet with the Elders in the morning. After all I told you, I would assume you would have some motivation to wear something else.”
Jarek groans and runs a hand through his hair.
“You aren’t in favor of me going on this date with Dante, are you?”
“I don’t want any dude laying a hand on you.”
“I’ve noticed since you have beat the crap out of any guy who has ever spoken to me,” I say, rolling my eyes, walking over, and sitting in front of the mirror so I could put on some makeup.
“Thank you for telling me about the meeting, Jarek, but I need you to leave. Dante will be here any minute, and I’m far from ready.”
Jarek growls, turns, opens the door, and slams it behind him. Is that jealousy I sense coming from Jarek, or what? It’s almost as if he wants me for himself. He dreamed about stealing my panties and jacking off to them, for crying out loud. He could have omitted that part.
When Trex takes over, I often get wet between the knees. I love Trex, and he turns me on to the point I need to bring myself to orgasm. A twisted part of me has been crushing on Jarek, Xillon, and Zane over the last couple of years. My stupid hormones don’t seem to care that they have tormented me all my life.
With limited time, I quickly put on some eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. I pinked my cheeks by pinching them and slide on some tinted lip gloss. I left my brunette locks hanging loose down my back.
A knock sounds on my door, and mom walks in with a huge grin. I stand and spin around slowly so she can see how amazing I look.
“You look gorgeous, Annalise. Come along. Dante is here and down there with Jarek and your dad,” my mother informs me and throws an arm over my shoulders and pushes me towards the door.
“Go change. You aren’t leaving this house wearing that,” dad growls when I descend the stairs with mom.
“She will do no such thing, Max. I picked this dress out for her. She’s beautiful in it,” mom smiles, takes my hand, and drags me over to Dante, whose eyes gleam with pride to have me by his side tonight.
“I hope my husband and son haven’t frightened you away,” mom says as she places my hand in Dante’s, and dad and Jarek growl. “Stop it, you two. Move along,” mom shouts and pushes them out of the room.
“You look sensational, Annalise,” Dante praises me, placing a hand on my lower back and directing me toward the exit.
“Thank you, Dante. You look mighty handsome tonight yourself,” I said, grinning as we walked outside.
My eyes pop out of my head when I see the orange and black Mercedes Benz in the driveway.
“That’s your ride?” I question, nibbling my bottom lip in excitement.
“Uh… yes, it is. My dad provided me with a vehicle once we got settled in. I had to leave everything behind in Scotland.”
“What is it that your parents did in Scotland? To be more specific, what do they do now? You know that car is almost a hundred grand, right?” I fumble for the right words as we make our way to the most stunning wheels I have ever seen in person.
“Don’t get upset with me saying this, but I can’t tell you. I can tell you, however, that my dad was told that we needed to come here for my mate. It’s crazy because I won’t know who she is until I turn nineteen. I shouldn’t be involved with anyone, but I’m captivated by you, Annalise.”
Dante clutches my arm to hold me upright when my steps falter.
“Your family is of alpha blood?”
“Yes, but that is all I can share with you for now,” Dante states as he pushes a button on his key fob and the doors rise. “If you are my mate, I can disclose more later,” he says as he aids me inside and hastens to the driver’s side.
Dante is seventeen and a grade above me in school. Who is running their pack while they are here for two years? Should I be dating him? I would hate to fall in love with him and get my heart broken when his mate is someone else. This sucks to no end because I like Dante.
ANNALISEI twiddle my thumbs and stare anxiously around at all the other couples eating out tonight. I’m brought out of my haze when Dante clutches my hand under the table.“Share more about yourself, Annalise.”“Oh, we’re starting with me. Hum, well. There isn’t much to disclose. What you’ve seen already is what you get. Uh. What have you heard about me? We should start there.”I’m feeling underdressed. Had I been aware Dante would bring me to the most prestigious restaurant within the pack’s borders, I would have selected one of my finest dresses to wear. I pull at the hem, hoping a few more inches will appear.Dante observes me for a moment before answering.“You know I hang out with Jarek and his group, correct?”“The jocks and head honchos, yeah. So I can only imagine what you’ve heard.”“I am a remarkable judge of character. I figured it would be best to ignore everything they said about you from the start, Annalise. One thing I have observed is you would be a beast on the battl
JAREKEleven o’clock drew near and there was no trace of Dante or Silver. Mom and dad went to bed an hour ago. It’s up to me to find Silver and bring her home safely. Under no circumstances would mom and dad let this one go unnoticed. She ventures out and thinks she’s freed from her curfew. I don’t think so. Xillon and Zane met up with me and we rushed to the city.“Where the hell is she?” I growl, balling my fists.We have been scouring the area for thirty minutes, and with no trace of Silver or Dante. The asshole will wish he had never been born when we find them. Silver is going to face severe consequences.“I have no clue whatsoever, man. Dante’s scent went dormant in the parking lot of the restaurant we just left.” Xillon points out.“We should shift and go into the woods. Silver takes cover out there often.” Zane suggested.“Or we could bypass the hassle and surprise them back at the pack house,” I suggested.“Sounds good to me,” Xillon muttered, and we slid into his Jeep.ANNAL
ANNALISEDante’s mouth meets mine and a surge of energy courses through me. Fireworks exploded beyond my shuttered eyes. I’m as light as a cloud. Nothing could separate me from Dante. My soul could explode any second, and I relish the sensation.He teases my lips, and I succumb to him. I find it hard to catch my breath because he kisses me with such intensity, but I don’t mind. I never desire this to cease. I shove my fingers through his locks, yanking the strands as I pull him closer to me, gyrating my clit along his erection. Thank goodness, I'm donning a dress. Moaning, I deepen the kiss as Dante massages my glutes. I'm certain to come if we keep this up. A fierce flame courses through my body and sweat breaks out on my skin. This is all far beyond remarkable to be true.A sound of throat clearing emanates from near us. He withdraws and we gasp for air.“I had greater expectations, Annalise. Join me before the Alpha catches you. Take a hike, Dante. You plastered your scent all over
ANNALISECuddling my body pillow, I lay my head down and do my best to shut my mind off. We filled this evening with excitement and wonder. I can’t help but presume I am so close to connecting with my wolf. For, three months I’ve sweat and toiled. If Larissa would join me in this struggle against Jarek, my life would be so much simpler.It’s crazy. I shouldn’t be, but beyond everything. I am concerned about Jarek. I don’t believe I’ll be able to relax until I confirm he is okay. He deserved every bit of what I gave him tonight. Wouldn’t feel bad doing it all over again if the opportunity presented itself. Nevertheless, I am aware Trex has left him, as he often does. I need to reach out to him and convince him to heal Jarek. Otherwise, there could be irreversible damage. I wasn't in my right mind when I booted him in the temple. His trachea was shattered. I have faith in Cadance, but still.Sitting up with a groan, I throw my legs over the side of the bed and jump down. Putting on a pa
DANTE“Father.”“Hello, son. It's late, what's wrong?”“I believe I have found her.”“The princess.”“Yes, sir. However, it’s hard to tell with the limited information we have gotten. She is unaware of who or what she is. She cannot bond with her wolf. Despite that, I put her under a hypnotic trance and Titan linked with her wolf, Larissa.”“Hum. Good job, son. You must bring her to me as soon as possible. You are not strong enough to help her. She's doomed if her wolf fails to manifest soon. Her human nature will oppose being three entities in one. I hope we are not too late.”“I apologize, sir. I gave it my best shot. As you said, I'm not powerful enough. An ancient Alpha like yourself is the only person who could assist her. ““Bring her to me promptly. There’s no time to waste.”“That might be hard for me to accomplish. One entity within her took over tonight, and she attacked the Alpha’s son. I have no knowledge of his condition, but he didn't appear to be in good shape when I wa
ZANEI said it before and I'll repeat it; Silver will be the Pack’s downfall. Our future alpha will remain confined to bed for a while because of her. It’s my job to get rid of the problem. If it weren’t for her, Jarek would have brothers and sisters to strengthen his line of succession. Like me, I have seven siblings, and Xillon has five. Silver came along and Luna Celestia became barren.Jarek has always pussy footed around the fact that we should torture her, so when she turns eighteen she’ll leave on her own. Now I’m leaning towards removing her in the present. Two years is much too long. I’ll be head over military tactics and guard. Protecting the Pack is in my blood, and that I will do. Disposing of Silver is of the utmost priority.‘You are insane. If you think for a second, I would let you touch her.’‘You’ve stayed loyal for the past twelve months. What’s changed now?’‘If you want to call not healing broken bones and not coming to your aid when a human virus attacks you, sta
XILLONI’m struggling to make sense of the little information I have. But I’m baffled by what I know so far. Selene’s daughter dwells inside Annalise’s subconscious. Jarek’s dream he had seemed to unfold before our very eyes. Just not in the way he described. Honestly, I’m afraid of what we are about to uncover once Gabriel and I tear down the walls that have her bound in darkness.“Annalise?” I yell into the dark abyss of Annalise’s mind. I can’t sense her, or anything, within the darkness.“She’s no longer here. Her soul has left her body. Quickly, we must go back,” Gabriel commands, and suddenly we are transported back to our bodies.ANNALISEFloating aimlessly above the scene unfolding before me, I feel a sense of peace and serenity. Which is something I’ve never felt from the day I was born. I would rather remain here than return to a life where I have been tortured and never loved. Not by whom I hoped to be loved by, anyway.I watch as Xillon and Gabriel fuss over my body. I hea
ANNALISE“You, my child, are the daughter born of my father, creator of all things, and my mother, creator of shifters. At one time, put in human terms, they knew you as the goddess Aphrodite. In time, you will recollect where your soul originates from. You hold the power of three powerful beings in one. Which is why my twin sister Zadrial inhabited you. You were the only one who could withstand her power and not perish before she could carry out her plan to seek her Twin Flame. I must go back and let mother know where Zadrial is located. I could only tap into her via our twin bond. Being inside her consciousness, I can see and feel everything she has planned.”“So what am I exactly? Has Zadrial always been inside me? Is that why I was born as a freak? My life has been hell because of her. I haven’t been able to manifest my wolf Larrisa because of her meddling with my life. And what exactly is a Twin Flame?”“No. Zadrial inhabited you just before you came of age to shift into your wol