Maya
Arvin isn't moving a muscle. His jaw is ticking, but his head doesn't seem to have fully processed the meaning of my words. He stands there like an ice cube, gaping at me without even breathing.
Should I run?
I take a step back from Arvin, aware of the crowd whispering louder now. Shivers travel up my spine, and the warning bells inside my head are chiming, yelling at me to run.
What have I done? I'm an average human, and I've rejected Arvin, the Springclan's glorious alpha—surely my parents must be so disappointed with me. Not only that, but my actions might be the beginning of a new war.
"How dare you..." Arvin laughs, and time seems to stand entirely still when he lifts his hand. His nails turn into claws, and even though I know the slash is coming, my legs won't budge. I don't avoid the impact. "Take that, you bitch!"
A smear of blood lands on the floor, making Arvin laugh out loud. My hand goes to my cheek, where the red liqu
MayaI limp after Arvin, ignoring the burning pain between my two legs. Blood is trailing down my inner thigh, and I pick up my tattered, frilly dress in a rush. I don't care if it's ruined, and without a second thought, I wipe the red liquid from my leg and then struggle to get my head through the hole of the half-massacred fabric."Are you coming?" Arvin asks.I press my lips together. The fight is no longer going on outside in the ballroom. I'm assuming Arvin's pack chased out the other werewolves from their territory, which means I have to listen to this bastard if I hope to survive."I'm right behind you!" I chirp.I speed up my pace, only for Arvin to smack me across the face with a haughty expression the moment I'm next to him. "Who gave you permission to speak?!"Slowly, I touch my cheek for what seems like the billionth time today with shaking movements, knowing there will be a scar there tomorrow. Arvin appears to be a man who love
MayaAfter two months of being Arvin's slave, there is barely any will and strength left in my body. The mighty Maya has fallen, and left behind is the shell of the girl I used to be.I'm barely even breathing, and sometimes my head is so quiet that I wonder if I'm dead.Sadly, I'm still alive, even though death would be a far kinder fate than having to keep living in this cruel world.Sighing, I stare at my feet. I'm trying not to get irritated by the people walking up and down the stairs into the basement. I swear this place is busier than McDonald's during lunch hours."Good morning, alpha Arvin!" a guard chirps. He is wearing a helmet and seems equipped for battle. The guy must be a vampire—a werewolf wouldn't dress like a fake knight. "I'm ready to be in your service—I will defend you with my life!"I avert my eyes when I catch myself staring at the idiotic young guard. I shouldn't give them any attention. Arvin punishes me
Maya I wake up in the middle of the night, expecting to be served an early breakfast, and instead, Arvin's men unlock my prison cell. Six vampires dressed as knights step inside, grunting as they struggle to walk. "How is he still so fucking massive? Didn't they shrink him?!" A guard complains in a strained voice as he enters my prison cell. "We should have dropped this fat bloke in the jungle and left it to the werewolves to pick him up! Man, my back is killing me!" Another vampire is panting like a dog. "Just shut up and lower the fucking bastard already!" I pretend to be sleeping but crack one eye open when the entire floor quakes beneath me. A half-naked man lies on his stomach in front of me, sleeping even though I'm pretty sure he was dropped. I squint my eyes. There are glowing bracelets around the man's arms and legs, which stupidly enough matches his russet skin and the tribal tattoos circling his beefy biceps. Realizing I'm o
Maya The smell of food fills my nostrils, and I immediately crack my eyes open to get some of my usual rotten fruit and pellets on a Friday morning. If you are hungry enough, everything tastes like heaven, including rotten, magical apples. "Breakfast!" A guard announces and pushes a tray with food below the bars for me to take. I greedily snap up the food but freeze when I spot the guard preparing an even larger tray with more luxurious food. It makes sense. Arvin mentioned fairy blood, which means they need to keep the big guy healthy and robust to feed June. And keeping the guy healthy means eating better food. "There you go," The guard pushes the big tray inside and then proceeds to leave the basement. He mutters as he walks. "Filthy rats." I don't take his comment to heart, and as soon as I'm alone with the fairy, I kick my tray to the side to save it for later and attack the fairy's more luxurious food. The brute is still sleeping
Maya I've spent most of the day napping, but the basement drops in temperature as it gets later. I shudder at the cold and drag my palms over my legs, hoping to warm them. Werewolves are always warm, but I will remain a weak human as long as Arvin has my wolf. Uncontrolled teeth chattering makes these weird, embarrassing sounds leave my lips, gaining the male fairy's attention. My new friend has been sleeping on the other side of the room, but he is studying me with vast curiosity right now. "I'm alright," I tell him. "It's cold, is all, but I'm used to it." The man doesn't look convinced. He lifts a skeptical eyebrow, and once I shake like a poor leaf, he gets up on his feet. Old oil lamps light up the basement, and I freeze upon having the man's shadow cast darkness over me. Flashbacks from the times Arvin has taken me by force by using his strength enter my mind. I hear my pathetic screams inside my head and try not to fall into a panic att
FinnWith a conflicted heart, I study the sleeping human woman. Her name is Maya, and she is currently leaning her head against my chest with a big smile on her face. She looks so cute when she is dreaming. The rugged, tortured look on her face, like she has walked through hell and survived, is gone, and left is a cuddly kitten.I prefer that version. It bothers me that such a young woman seems to have endured more pain than some people will experience throughout their entire lifetime.Maya rubs her cheek against me. "I will take one bucket of fried chicken wings and two curry dip sauces... And I want extra cayenne..."A smile strains my lips as I listen to Maya talk in her sleep. Calling her charming wouldn't be accurate. She is a terrible drooler, and I'm half-convinced she is crazy and yet-...No!I won't acknowledge it. Attraction is a dangerous thing. It can lead to love, and that emotion will make you fight battles that aren't yours to
FinnI'm alone inside the prison cell but glance up when Arvin pushes a crying Maya inside of the gates. Her hair is messy, and her eyes puffy and swollen as she sits down in her corner.Arvin blows her a kiss. "You were spectacular tonight, Maya! So aggressive, passionate, and lovely that I didn't have a single boring moment with you!"Maya glares at the man but doesn't speak. She hugs her knees and proceeds to disappear into her head. I never understood her fear of men before, but now I get it—Arvin is the reason behind her terror. In her eyes, the man must be a nightmare materialized."I will see you again tomorrow!"Arvin leaves us alone, and I clench my fists, angry that I wasn't here to protect Maya. I've been spending my entire day with a horrifying, mummified June. I assumed she was dead, but it turns out the wicked vampire still lives, even if she is older than the street."Does Arvin visit you a lot?"Maya doesn't reac
MayaI never expected to enjoy being touched by a man, but Finn commits and kisses me in a way that makes me question life. He caresses me and breathes life into my heart with his lips. My entire body is going down in flames and wanting, no, needing, more of this embrace, more of his beautiful, gentle soul.His tongue darts into my mouth, and I lose the ability to think, lost in the moment. I see stars and drown in his arms. His lips are addictive, and he tastes like lust, desire, and a hint of excitement.Much too soon, Finn breaks our earth-shattering kiss with me still in his lap. He is breathing heavily, letting his warm breath catch onto my delicate skin. "Are you alright?"I meet his concerned eyes, smiling. "Kiss me again."Shock settles over his features, and the much-too-beautiful man searches my face as though seeking a confirmation that I want him. Whatever he sees must tell him that I stand by my words because he dips in and kisses me a
Maya Epilogue A few years later. "What is it?" I tilt my head and smile down at my daughter. It's Christmas, and Finn is busy cooking our grand feast with Kyra and my mother. Elijah is drinking wine with Alice and my father. The pack is happy, and while I'm not friends with Bianca anymore, it finally feels as if I'm home. Everything is as it should be. "You need to open it." I stand up from the couch and sit down on the floor next to Elvira. "Here, let me help you!" Elvira beams and laughs as I help her open the enormous package. She has Finn's pointed ears, but she can already shape-shift into a wolf—one with gorgeous wings. It seems she has inherited a lot from us both. "A unicorn!" Her eyes are radiating joy. "I got my own unicorn!" I laugh. "Yes, you do!" "I'm so amazed!" I sit back and smile at Elvira, who is on top of the world and holding up her XXL stuffed toy for the world to see
Maya I throw myself at Lily, snapping and biting while the people looking at our duel are shouting and whistling. Kyra is rooting for me, but I can't face my friends—I'm too invested in the fight. Finn must be worried, but seeing his expression might throw me off my game, so I continue my battle without distractions. I can't lose. Lily fights with anger, and darkness follows her with every attempted bite at my neck. Her shadow is growing, and half the sky turns black. Our fight suddenly turns into a battle of day and night. Darkness threatens to conquer the sky, but I force out light since I have to win. My blood is boiling and my frustration from all the years Lily spent harassing me offers me motivation. I bite at her shoulder, headbutt her stomach, and slash her face. Lily whimpers and falls to the ground, where I bend down to maul her. Blood splashes everywhere, and I know I've officially won the battle. Lily is still breat
Maya Lily is already waiting for us when we step out of the car. The entire block is emptied of ordinary people, and the skies above us are dark and eerie as if set for a battle. Werewolves from the Winterbite pack surround us; countless of them bare their teeth and growl viciously. They all seem ready to slaughter us if their alpha, Lily, decides to snap her fingers. Elijah glances around, baring his teeth to hiss at the wolves. Veins appear on his face, and Kyra widens her eyes at the sight of her vampire mate. I'm guessing she has never seen Elijah's true colors; regardless, newfound respect shines in her eyes. It seems even she understands that the vampire isn't to be underestimated. "I don't like this," Finn says as he takes in our surroundings. His wings spread out from his back, although the only reason for him to fight is if I lose against Lily. "Me neither," Kyra agrees. "Why are they all staring at us?" Lily chuckles.
Maya The sky is cloudy, and rain is patting against the window as my new pack members, and I drive through a sleepy village. I'm tired of the view, and my head won't stop spinning and thinking about the upcoming fight taking place tomorrow. I'm about to challenge my sister, Lily. I shudder at the thought, knowing it won't be easy to win against her since she isn't a weakling. My sister controls the darkness while the light listens to my command—we are opposites of each other, yet I intend to win. Or more like I have to win. Lily is keeping everyone a prisoner. She has turned the Winterbite pack into something not to be proud of—the female alpha doesn't allow anyone to have a different opinion, and if you stand up against her, she will throw you to the sharks. She isn't a good alpha. 'You will be a better one,' Lumi says in a calm tone. 'Hard times breed strong women, and you've gone through hell and survived—the storm h
Maya I splash cold water up at my face, meeting my angry, determined eyes in the mirror. It's soon time to face my fate. Lily has plagued me with her nasty words from the first day in high school. She looked down upon me and laughed at me for not having an inner wolf. Even though we are sisters, she spat in my face and bullied me until I saw no other option than escape from my hometown. I left my old town behind. I abandoned my pack. I cut off the ties I had with my family, and now, I'm taking it all back. I'm angry, pissed off because Lily thinks she can do whatever the fuck she wants without consequences. But she is wrong. She killed Elijah's mate. She hurt our father, kidnapped Bianca, and I will make her pay. 'We will make her pay,' Lumi corrects me. 'Remember that I want in on this too. We will take our rightful place as the alpha of the Winterbite clan, and then NO ONE will laugh at us again.' 'I will become the a
Kyra I wake up to Elijah pulling the curtain to the side. The sunlight streams inside of the room like an unwelcome guest, and the vampire laughs when I hiss. I drag the bedsheet over my head, and the vampire sits down at the edge of the bed. "Please pull back the curtain..." I beg. Elijah chuckles in amusement. "If I didn't know better, I would say you're acting more than a vampire than I do." I speak from under the bedsheet. "Don't your kind like the sun?" "Usually not," he exhales, seeming to drag his hands over his thighs."I love the sun, but the light burns my skin unless I wear a daylight ring. I'm an original vampire, one of the first. I won't die, but the sun still hurts." Slowly, I uncover my face, meeting his red eyes. My mate smiles at me, and it hits me that Elijah must be bored. He watched me sleep for the entire duration of the night and probably can't wait to leave the bed behind. Embarrassingly enough, I vaguely
Maya I'm stirring my milkshake while walking in the park together with Finn after sunset. The future concerns me, and I sigh. "No offense, but how am I supposed to beat Lily? Last time I checked, I don't possess any offensive abilities." Finn glances down at me, smiling. "Because only the light can defeat the darkness. It doesn't matter what you throw at the shadow creepers—sticks and stones, fire, water, earth, or even lightning can't beat them." 'Finn is right,' Lumi says. 'You're the only person who can put an end to your sister's dictatorship. She wasn't made for the role of alpha. No matter what, we have to defeat her.' I grimace. "I don't even remember how to shape-shift." Finn laughs, tapping my shoulder. "That's why we are here in the park at night. You can transform here, and..." he shrugs. "Pretend to be my oversized dog if someone sees you." My lips twitch. "You haven't seen my wolf's form when you're a human—are you
Kyra Elijah is bouncing me up and down on his cock. It's fantastic, his cock is so thick, but his piercing gaze is hard to swallow. I've been avoiding his eyes for the entire duration, embarrassed by the sounds leaving my lips. What if he is embarrassed by me? "Kyra...?" I suppress the urge to moan when he lifts his ass from the ground, thrusting deeply into me. Oh-my-fucking-god. Elijah is a beast. I see stars and grow weak in my limbs. "Kyra, look at me." I don't listen. "Kyra..." Elijah slows his speed, and the building pleasure stops growing, forcing me to bounce faster. But Elijah stills my legs, holding me in place as he speaks. "If you want my cock, then you need to look at me." The authoritative tone in his voice got me peering down at him. Elijah smiles in satisfaction. He looks downright delicious, with his captivating abs and mischievous eyes. I squeeze my legs, knowing I'm about a hundred times wetter. How t
Kyra I might die from a heart attack any second now. I'm standing in the shower booth and finding it harder to stand straight as Elijah enters through the door. When my mate offered to get me cleaned up and took me to a human hotel, I didn't expect him to have hidden motives—I was wrong. As warm water pours over my head, I stand there, jaw slacking to the floor as I take in the adonis closing the door behind him. Elijah looks like he just stepped out of every woman's wet dream. He is entirely naked, making it impossible not to drool over his bulging biceps, muscular chest, and flat, washboard abs. I count the ridges and lose all breath of air. Perhaps I am more into men than I initially thought? Piercing red eyes that are even more intense now that we are both naked meet mine. Elijah smiles at me, a crooked half-smile that makes my heart seize in my chest and my belly tighten in suspense. He looks keen to eat me alive, and I'm horrifie