Maya
I'm sitting in front of Finn while trying hard to concentrate. A lot of time has passed since we set up camp for the night, and after hours, I'm still trying to shape-shift back into a human.
Finn is whispering encouragingly. "You can do it, Maya."
I take another deep breath and resist the urge to scream when my body breaks bones and forms new ones. Shape-shifting is painful, and when I'm done, I tumble forward.
Finn shoves his hand underneath me and catches me in his cupped palm. The landing is soft, and a row of flutters flies through me when I stare at his bent fingers, along with blooming insecurity.
In the various books I've read, I never understood when an author wrote, "and his touch was electric," but now I'm experiencing it firsthand, no pun intended, as I sink further into Finn's hand.
Touching him is best described as heaven, and while his hand isn't as good as being snuggled up on top of his chest, I take what I can get.
Maya The water reflects my flushed face as I'm standing in the river. Finn is sleeping next to the fire. He seemed exhausted after the sex and fell asleep like a little, content baby. I smile at the image of his face passing by my mind and continue working my fingers through my hair. It's dirty and hanging down in thick threads filled with tufts. I can't believe Finn said nothing about the smell and grimace as I gather nectar from a leaf. I'm lucky that I found fruits and flowers to use in making shampoo. Based on the dirty water around me, Finn will love the new, refreshed Maya, and if I'm lucky, he will fuck me again before morning. I smile at that thought and dip my head underneath the surface. When I come up for air, I hear giggles around me. A warning bell chimes in my head, and I crane my neck to stare up at multiple faces. Fairies, young and old, are hanging like bats and studying me. I open my mouth to scream at Finn, but the f
MayaSo much fun—this is what life is all about! I'm sprinting with the wind, letting my tongue hang out from my mouth as I dash through a puddle filled with dirt. It splashes over my face and my fur until I can't tell if my paws are brown or black."You won't win this race, werewolf! I won't let you!"Blake is desperately trying to keep up, but she is more massive than a plane, and the branches are slowing her down. The clumsy idiot has crashed into multiple trees already!I howl in victory, kind enough to let her know she is a lost cause. The other fairies are far behind, and speed isn't Blake's element. I can already taste the victory on my tongue, and-..."And where the hell do you think you're going?!"An enormous wall of ice blocks my road, and I'm forced to shape-shift back into a human for the impact not to kill me. I bump my feet into the ice and peer up at the clouds above. It seems even Blake is struggling—the wall is
Maya As I'm struggling to get into a pair of tight jeans, my mind is officially blown away by the surrounding scenery. I've never seen a place so magical, loud, and inspiring before. My lips part in wonder, and I hurry to put on clothes to explore it. "Wow!" I'm walking on mud, staring up at a large tree with cottages and lanterns sparking up the night. Magical flowers in pink, yellow, and orange are trailing up the trunk's path, and fairies, both tiny ones and some larger-than-life, are laughing. It seems most fairies only use leaves and flowers for their clothes, and with heating cheeks, I turn away when I notice some are sitting at what appears to be a café, entirely naked. Fairies aren't shy, and most of them are incredibly beautiful. My eyes travel to the left and right, and my smile only grows when I see more trees and houses and various mystic plants. The entire city is so beautifully green, and most flowers have a rich glow on them.
Finn Morning has come and washed away yet another piece of my tormented soul. Inside the walls of this room, I'm sinking a little closer to hell with every breath that I take. My sister should be here. And I should be dead. I don't have a good reason for living, and yet, the little wolf with drool glistening on her petite lips has somehow given me purpose—oh, Maya, if only I could tell you how I feel. My heart is a sinking ship, overwhelmed by ocean waves and without a sight of land. And you're the person resting your head in the crook of my neck, touching me with your icy hands, and making the world seem brighter in the dark. You make vulnerable—you're the stars, and the sky combined—you're a masterpiece, and I'm terrified because I know you can't stay in my world forever. I stare at the floor, wishing I was a better person. "And you might hate me after I've told you my story. I'm a terrible person…" Maya stirs on top of my chest. She is the woman of my dreams and too damn cute
MayaThe scent of Finn is making my brain cells go wild and jump off and die. I like him so much—his smile, laughter, and kindness—why the hell did the moon goddess make Arvin my mate? Finn is perfect. My heart beats faster as he kisses me, playing the tone of young, sad love that lacks a happy ending.Because we probably won't get one.I inhale sharply at the pain wrapping around my throat. I've had a bad feeling ever since Finn spoke about accepting his role as the fairy king, and I can't ignore it."Finn?"The fairy presses me to him, humming into my ear. "Mmm?"I lean into his touch, needing it more than oxygen. "What does it mean to become the fairy king?"He freezes and leans his head against me, sighing into my ear as if his following words are burdening him already. "It means that I have to close the portals into the human world for good—it is the only way to stop other people, like Arvin and Beatrice, coming
Finn After having eaten breakfast, Maya is holding on to my neck like a baby koala. Her legs are wrapped around my waist snugly, and when I take off, she closes her eyes on instinct. "I won't ever get used to flying!" I laugh with my lips straining to contain my happiness and fly toward the window leading out into the sunlight. "You better hold on tight!" Maya squeezes me. "Please, whatever you do, don't drop me! Flying isn't my thing." My heart squeezes when I pick up on the fear visible in her sweet doe eyes. I take a deep, calming breath not to tackle Maya to the ground and kiss her everywhere. Every bone in my body wants to comfort her, but now isn't the time to drench her with my love. "I won't—I promise." Maya's lips quiver, but eventually, she slumps her tense shoulders. "Okay, I trust you!" I smile. Size-shifting would probably be safer for traveling, but I enjoy having Maya this close to me. Her heartbe
Maya Despite Finn's earlier claim, the tree of life is what I expected—vast and colorful, with branches reaching out in every direction. The colors on the leaves are shifting in every color of the rainbow, and voices, whispering, and snickering surround me. Finn walks closer to the tree, and I hug his thumb. "Those whispering voices... What are they?" A gasp leaves Finn's mouth. "You can hear them?" "Yes." My eyes are locked on the tree. "And I can't focus on anything else while they are giggling." Finn stares at me for a fleeting second, then part his lips. "They are called sprites, and some people, with magical blood in their family, can either see or listen to their voices." Finn shrugs one massive shoulder. "Sprites also like to hang around me for some reason. They never leave me alone, but don't worry—they are entirely harmless." I open my mouth to speak. I'm about to tell Finn that I can only hear the sprites, but then I see a bl
MayaAs I take Carla's hand, the scenery around us changes drastically. The room we once stood in with its warm, inviting light disappears, along with the furniture. Soon, I see burning trees and a field with fallen soldiers on the ground. Blood colors the grass red, and there is a permanent stench in the air, making me hold my nose.My lips form an unhappy frown. "What is that rotten smell?"Carla is staring at the ground like a zombie, but eventually, she lifts her chin to watch me with glimmering eyes. Although she wears the face of a fairy, I'm having an easier time understanding she isn't a person. There isn't an ounce of emotion in her eyes, and when she steps over dead people's heads, she doesn't show remorse."We are standing right outside the city of fairies, and this is the future with the highest rate of becoming a reality. I can't tell what will happen for sure—no one knows what is written in the stars, but I fear my people are doomed. 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