NicholasThe baby was small and innocent, his tiny face scrunched up tightly as he slept peacefully in my arms. He was beautiful, perfect in every way, and yet…I felt nothing.No, that wasn’t entirely true. I felt something, but it wasn’t joy or pride or the overwhelming love I had expected to feel
Before Anna could respond, the door opened, and a nurse walked in with her arms full of supplies.“It’s time to teach you how to breastfeed,” she said cheerfully, completely oblivious to the tension in the room.I took the opportunity to slip away, my mind racing as I made my way down the hallway. I
KaylaNicholas was still asleep beside me when I woke the next morning.My eyes fluttered open, squinting against the harsh sunlight streaming in through the windows, and my breath caught as I looked over and saw him laying there. He was on the opposite side of the bed now, his back turned to me, al
Other.But even before that, I’d always had a hard time making friends. I was a lonesome and often sullen child, content with staring at the stars through my microscope and reading in trees. I was too much of a tomboy for the other girls in the pack, and too stubborn for the boys to put up with me.
NicholasThe forest was quiet as I padded through the trees in wolf form. My breath came out in white puffs, the cold air biting at my nose.How could she be so stupid?She knew it was a bad idea, knew it could lead the guild straight to Grace. And yet, she had left that damn note, saying she was go
I stared at her incredulously. If Kayla hadn’t come to the cabin, then where was she? And why had she left that note?I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I tried to make sense of it all. At least I had been able to find those two guild wolves and lead them astray before they found Grace. I d
KaylaI was lost in the stars, as I often was this time of night, when I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. I looked up from my telescope, my breath catching as I saw Nicholas standing in the doorway of my haven. His jacket was covered in snow, his hair damp and disheveled, and his expression w
“I’ve been missing you these past days, Kayla,” he whispered, his eyes meeting mine. Flecks of gold caught the moonlight, like small stars winking into the center of an already star-bright galaxy. “I hope you’re not offended by how I kissed you last night, but I lost control. Again. Just like I alwa
“I’ll schedule another,” Nicholas said matter-of-factly. “I had a trip planned for the tropics, but if you don’t like that, we can go somewhere else. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”I flushed at the thought of days spent on the beach, nights spent in an expensive hotel room, and everything in betwee
KaylaNicholas’s face lit up when I said those words. He swallowed hard, nearly choking on the large bite of sandwich in the process.“You’re sure?” he asked, almost as if he couldn’t believe it. “After everything, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted a—”“I’m sure, Nicholas,” I cut him off. “I want t
Nicholas & KaylaNicholasNora stared at me, her eyes wider than before. I stared back in shock, but when I turned to see where Kayla had gone, she was no longer there. I glanced back at Nora, who was still gawking at me like she’d just seen a ghost.“Is there something you needed to talk about?” I
I nodded, suddenly feeling my legs go weak. Three days walking nonstop in the forest, living on berries and squirrels, finally seemed to be catching up to me. I sank down into a nearby chair, slumping slightly.Nicholas glanced at me, then walked out of the room without a word, leaving me and Jade a
KaylaI didn’t hesitate. “Take me there,” I said, turning abruptly toward Nicholas.Nicholas furrowed his brow slightly, as did Emma. I knew they were both surprised at my sudden interest in Nora, who had been nothing but a thorn in my side since we’d met. And frankly, I didn’t blame them. Maybe a f
At that, Nicholas released me, taking a step back. He furrowed his brow. “You look surprised.”“Because I thought you had no intention of going on a honeymoon,” I blurted out, smoothing down the front of my jacket. “I thought…”My voice trailed off, and I couldn’t find it in me to say it out loud. I
KaylaI looked up to see Nicholas approaching, his face pale. “Are you alright?” he asked, stopping a little ways away from where I was standing.I quickly turned away, hoping he couldn’t see the tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m fine.”“Kayla.” Nicholas stepped in my way. “Talk to me. Did something
Was it true that Nicholas had laughed in her face when she confessed her feelings? Was he truly that heartless, even back then? Was it true that Nora thought she was doing me a favor by trying to break us up, by showing me that audio clip?I didn’t think Nora could ever be my friend, not by a long s
KaylaI stared at the deer turning on the spit, its skin turned red and glistening with fat as the fire cooked it from beneath. The air smelled like roasting meat, mingling with the scent of fresh bread and mulled cider.I was starving and surrounded by food that looked utterly delicious, and yet my