Caleb’s P.O.VI watched Aurora approach the table while taking out her notepad, a small smile on her face.When I had first entered, she hadn’t been in the dining area, the place being nearly empty, and I had almost turned and left, before I had heard one of the employees call her name to take orders and I had sighed in relief.However, when she came to stand in front of the table, I could tell that she was in for a shock because she hadn’t looked up from her notebook yet, so her smile was still present.She looked pretty when she smiled, I couldn’t help but think to myself as I stared at her.“Hi, I’m Aurora, your server today. What can I get…” Her voice faded as she looked up from her notepad and into my eyes. The smile vanished from her face as her brows furrowed and she bit her lower lip, as if debating what to do next.I hated to see her smile fade away. Even though I could tell that her smile had been forced before, but she had looked pretty. Her dark hair was cut too short for
Caleb’s P.O.VDamien spotted me almost instantly, his forest green eyes narrowing as his lips tilted up in a smirk. And before I knew it, he was heading in my direction and sliding into the seat that Aurora had occupied only a few seconds ago.“Well, well, well. Look what the wolf dragged in!” He smirked. “None other than Caleb Blackburn.”“Damien.” I grit my teeth in annoyance, my wolf agitated at the sight of him.He hadn’t changed a bit since his early teens. His emo vide was still going strong and I hate to admit it, but it actually added to his bad-boy personality. His dark red hair fell onto his forehead and his favourite color in clothing still appeared to be all black. To add to his persona, he was even wearing ten rings on ten of his fingers, all made of silver and designed like skulls and crosses.Contrary to popular belief, wolves weren’t affected by silver at all. It was forest herbs of a special kind that affected us more. Moonflower, among others was a flower extremely p
Aurora’s P.O.VSomething had happened today…something that I wasn’t even aware of.The second the bell had rung over the door…Caleb’s expression had done a 180 and he had gone from pleading to frowning to straight out mean in a matter of seconds.But what made me even more nervous was the boy who came to visit Caleb.Dark red hair that almost looked black unless hit by sunlight, and green eyes that seemed to look right into your soul. There was just something about the boy that just seemed…off.Like Caleb and the rest of his squad, this boy too was handsome, bordering on the side of beautiful even. Chiselled appearance, sharp jaw and a pointed nose and a body made by an expert sculpture. His T-shirt had seemed plastered to his body and with every movement he made with his hands, I was afraid that his shirt would rip apart any second. But even with his God-like looks…there was an aura about him that just screamed danger in capital letters.Was that why Caleb was suddenly being rude to
Aurora’s P.O.VNext week came faster than anticipated, and on a Tuesday evening, I bid goodbye to my little brother as he happily skipped over to his friend’s family, to be greeted by his mother fondly before they got into their car and drove off to their house.I had indeed underestimated how popular Riley was in his class. After all, just because the entire town hated me because of my father, didn’t mean that they felt the same about my five year old brother.After heading to work around two in the afternoon, we quickly got to work preparing the bulk order, since everything was to be delivered fresh. After packing and loading up the van, the three of us dressed in the uniform that Jeremy had gotten especially for us and set out to our destination around ten thirty at night, since that was the time allotted by the customer.It was a midnight party and the three of us were to stay to serve the customers until it ended, so we were all prepared for a rough night ahead.The grand houses
Aurora’s P.O.VI followed behind Shane hesitantly, each step making me feel like I was about to make the biggest mistake of my life. But did I really have a choice now? I couldn’t turn back even if I wanted to. Not when he had already given the full payment to Jeremy and sent them away.Jeremy might have forgiven me after my dad went and threw a tantrum at the restaurant, but this time, I don’t think he’ll be as forgiving. If there was one thing Jeremy hated the most, it was the wastage of food and now, because of me, a hundred orders of burgers and fries would’ve been wasted and given away to the poor and homeless for free. If I hadn’t taken up this ‘job’, then there would’ve been no way I could’ve faced Jeremy again.But now, as I followed Shane inside the humongous mansion that was decorated with balloons, expensive flowers, and lights in perfect arrangements, I felt my hands tremble as I clutched them behind my back, keeping my head bowed so I wouldn’t accidentally make eye contac
Aurora’s P.O.V Once again, we went inside the elevator, this time, Mia joined us as well, standing between me and Shane. Even though her intentions were different, I was glad that I didn’t have to share the elevator alone with Shane.I stood at the corner, my hands fisted by my side as I tried to keep the skirt from riding up, my gaze fixated on the floor. We went down one floor and this time, when the elevator doors opened, light flooded into the elevator, making me squint.But along with the light, came the low hum of conversation and the light drumming of music as Mia once again caught me by my arm and hauled me out along with her and Shane.The floor that we exited on had a party going on full swing and right towards the back wall, was a sign in gold that read “Happy 18th Birthday Caleb” in bold letters, surrounded by hundreds of gold and white balloons.It was only after I had read the sign that I understood what was happening, and I felt my heart thunder in my chest, fear gripp
Aurora’s P.O.VMy legs dragged on the streets, barely able to hold my weight as I reached my familiar neighbourhood.The streets were cold and dark, the alcohol soaked dress making me shiver heaving as I wrapped my arms around myself to keep me as warm as possible.But as I neared my house, something felt…off.Nothing seemed out of place at first glance. In fact, everything seemed eerily perfect…just as I had left it when I left for work this afternoon…then why…why did I get this sense in my gut that something wasn’t right?Even though my mind kept on telling me to turn, to run…I still staggered over to my front porch, my entire body trembling from the cold and from what had happened earlier. Tears still burned my eyes, mixed with the alcohol that had been poured over me, but I held it in. I needed to shower and get this stench off of me, even though I knew that it wouldn’t lessen the humiliation I had suffered.But the minute I stepped inside my house…I knew that my father was back.
Caleb’s P.O.V“Good evening ladies and gentlemen!” Caroline’s father took the microphone to make the announcement, grabbing everyone’s attention instantly. “The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here! Please welcome the birthday boy and his beautiful date onstage.”‘I’m so sorry.’ Caroline told me via the mental bond. ‘First the dress and now this…I don’t think he understands that mating bonds can’t be forced.’‘It’s alright.’ I smile at her outwardly as I kept up the mental connection. ‘Let’s just get this show over with.’‘Yes, everything will become clear in a few seconds.’ Caroline added as I got on stage and helped her up.The crowd, that consisted of all unmated women of the pack and beyond, from teens to young adults, looked at me expectantly, and I couldn’t help but feel my heart thrashing inside my chest as the weight of their combined glances weighed heavily on my shoulders.“No! Caleb, there’s only a minute left for the clock to strike midnight and for the big reveal.”
Damien’s P.O.V“Baby…” Salone leaned against my bike, her green eyes narrowed at me as she studied me from head to toe. “You’ve been very distant lately. Is something wrong?”“No.” I gave her an almost half-hearted answer as I drank from my coffee cup. Truth be told, I had been extremely distracted since last month.I had finally turned eighteen, the age at which a wolf was supposed to find their mate. And yet, I haven’t been able to find that one person who had been chosen for me by the Moon Goddess.Salone was an amazing girl and we had been dating for the past year now, but the second I had turned eighteen and found out that she wasn’t my mate, everything between us had changed in an instant. I had been trying to figure out a way to break it off with her, without looking like a complete douche, but I was failing miserably in that department. So I went ahead and started being as elusive as possible. Maybe if I’m paying less attention to her, then she would break up with me first and
Riley’s P.O.V‘Dear Big Sis…I met a girl recently…and I think she’s a witch.’“Shit!” I deleted the entire text and stared grudgingly at my screen. “Who the fuck writes ‘Dear’ in their emails anymore?”Letting out a sigh, I closed my eyes and thought about what to write to my sister or how to place the pressing issue at hand. My ginormus crush on Dixie Vaughn, the ‘goth’ girl that had stolen my heart at first sight.The first day of college had been the most uneventful day of my life; completely different from what I had imagined the day to be like. But when I had entered my first class of the day, thinking that this would be just as eventful as a middle-aged professor with glasses entered with a pile of books and began introducing the subject and himself to the class…in had come Dixie, wearing all black, her hair in braids and metal hoops and a dragon tattoo on one hand, that covered the entire length of her arm.Her crop top had grabbed just as much attention as her belly button pi
Aurora’s P.O.VThe moonlight painted a silver sheen over the restless waves, their endless dance meeting the shore with soft whispers. I walked along the damp sand, the cool grains pressing between my toes as I followed the trail of footprints ahead of me. Large wolf paws, their weight sinking deep into the earth, followed by much smaller ones—tiny, hesitant steps pressing into the sand right beside them. My heart clenched at the sight, warmth spreading through me as I lifted my gaze, scanning the dimly lit beach. And then, I saw them. Caleb emerged from the shadows of a large tree, his toned body gleaming under the faint glow of the moon, dressed only in his swim trunks. His hair was damp, clinging to his forehead, evidence of his earlier run through the waves. But it wasn’t just him—right beside him, waddling as fast as his tiny legs could manage, was Cameron. Our son. Only two years old, but already fascinated by everything his father did. His brunette curls bounced as he giggled,
Caroline’s P.O.VThe wedding reception buzzed with laughter and music, the air thick with the scent of roses and wine. I sat beside Damien, the warmth of his body just within reach, yet it felt like there was an ocean between us. Five years. Five years of love, passion, fights, and making up. Five years of knowing—deep in my soul—that this man was mine, my mate, my forever. But lately, something has shifted.The once unshakable bond between us felt... strained. I didn't know when it started, but I knew I could feel it. The way he held me less, the way he spoke in careful, measured tones, the way his eyes sometimes seemed far away even when I was right in front of him. And it was killing me. I swallowed hard, gripping my champagne flute as I turned to him. He was staring ahead, his jaw tense, his eyes unreadable. Damien had always been composed, always guarded with his emotions, but this was different. This was distance. And I couldn't stand it any longer. "Damien," I said softly, my
Aurora’s P.O.VFive years later…I stand in front of the mirror, my fingers grazing the intricate lace of my wedding dress, feeling the delicate embroidery beneath my touch. The reflection staring back at me is almost unrecognizable—the girl I once was has transformed into this woman, this bride, glowing with anticipation. My heart is steady, my breath even, a stark contrast to the usual nervous energy brides are supposed to have. But how could I be nervous when this is everything I’ve ever wanted? "Aurora, I swear you’re the calmest bride I’ve ever seen," Caroline teases, her fingers fussing over the tiny buttons at the back of my gown. "Are you sure you’re not secretly panicking?" I turn slightly, meeting her playful gaze through the mirror. "I’m sure," I say with a soft laugh. "I don’t need to be nervous when I know exactly what I want. My family is here. Caleb is waiting for me at the end of that aisle. There’s nothing to be afraid of." Caroline's expression softens, and before
The ground trembled beneath the ruins of the old house, the earth groaning as though awakening from a restless slumber. Crumbled stone and splintered wood shifted, dust rising in thick clouds. Then, with a slow, eerie movement, the debris parted, forced aside by an unseen power.From beneath the wreckage, a woman emerged—no, something that had once been a woman. Her silver hair, now dull and matted with grime and dried blood, clung to her gaunt face. Her skin, once smooth and luminous, stretched tight over her bones, her cheeks sunken, her lips cracked.She took a ragged breath, a sound more like the whisper of dead leaves scraping against stone. In her frail arms, she cradled a child, no older than twelve, her small form limp and unmoving. The girl’s face was peaceful in unconsciousness, her dark lashes resting against pale cheeks, stark against the filth and dried blood staining her skin. The skeletal woman’s hollow eyes fixated on her, but there was no warmth, no tenderness in her
Aurora’s P.O.VThe next few days were a whirlwind of events, from college applications to making sure the progress of the new house, the one that was currently being built in the land where my previous house stood, was going as smoothly as I had anticipated.Finally, after days of hard work and sending out applications, Caleb and I found some quiet time for ourselves and we couldn’t help but sneak out of the packhouse, so we could spend some quiet time together.“Phew!” Caleb sighed as we headed to the beach, our fingers intertwined and him swaying our hands lights as we walked through the thick foliage. “It’s been a rough few days.”I nodded, my smile faltering for a minute as I thought about all the applications that Caleb had rejected…all because of me.He thought that I hadn't seen them, that he had managed to hide them efficiently. But he hadn't. And even though we had both now perfected the art of hiding things from each other through the mating bond, there were still a few gli
Aurora’s P.O.VI felt my stomach tighten with surprise as I step out of the car as Caleb holds the door open for me.Of all the places in the world, why here? My eyes darted to him, searching for some kind of explanation, but he simply smirked, his hand going to the small of my back as he propels me forward.“You’ll find out soon,” he said, his voice laced with a mystery that only made my curiosity grow.I let out a small breath, shaking my head as I glanced towards the diner again. That’s when I saw them—Jade and Caroline stepping out of their cars, their faces glowing under the warm evening lights. But what truly caught my attention was Damien, standing in the distance, his posture relaxed yet unmistakably expectant as he waited for Caroline.My heart gave a strange, unsteady thump at the sight of the diner. It had been so long since I had seen them, Jeremy or any of the staff, since I had felt the warmth of their presence.As they headed inside together, Caleb reached over and plac
Aurora’s P.O.VThe auditorium buzzes with energy, a mix of hushed conversations, excited whispers, and the occasional burst of applause as another name is called. I sit between Caroline and Jade, my hands clasped together with Caroline, and Caleb sits beside Jade, his knee bouncing slightly. The four of us have spent years dreaming of this moment—of walking across the stage, receiving our certificates, and stepping into a world far beyond the walls of this school. But now that it’s here, I feel an odd heaviness in my chest, like the weight of the past pressing down on me, a reminder of everything it took to get here.The class president is giving his speech, something about perseverance and ambition, but my mind drifts. I swallow hard, fingers tightening around the fabric of my gown as I stare at the stage. Almost a year ago, I wasn’t sure I’d make it to this moment. The obstacles, the losses, the nights I thought about giving up—they all come rushing back in a blur. But I’m here. I m