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Chapter 26
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Divided Chapter 1
Rain poured down from the gloomy March sky. The panes of my window wept under the onslaught, thunder rattling the loose glass with each boom. The warped wood of the frame was soft with rot. The pile of rags I slept in was quickly becoming damp from the growing puddle on the cracked linoleum. Sometimes I wish I’d never survived. I blinked twice before selecting the two worst rags from the pile and used them to mop up what water I could in an effort to salvage the remainder of my bedding. Using the soaked rags I did my best to create a barrier around the puddle. It would at least slow the inevitable. The closet I called a room was barely wide enough for me to lay down in, a mere six paces wide and only four paces across. I knew I would be soaked in the morning when I awoke; I only hoped this time I wouldn’t become sick as I had in the past. The family I lived with, the Liviers, tried to be understanding whenever I became ill. However, without their supernatural healing abilities, I re
Divided Chapter 2
Wan sunlight filtered through the thick glass of Darrien’s window. It spilled across the bed where I lazily blinked the sleep from my eyes. Darrien snored softly beneath me, my body rose and fell with his breath. Courageous in the morning light I ran my fingers through his grey pelt. I desperately wanted to lay against his wolfen form for the duration of the day; however, I knew there was much to be done in preparation for the festival, nor did I fancy beginning my day with a beating for being lazy. I sat and stretched the sleep from my limbs before getting to my feet. I glanced over my shoulder to see if I needed to wake Darrien. His wolf eyes watched me; a yawn revealed his sharp teeth. I suppressed the urge to shudder at the sight of his gaping maw, and found myself chuckling instead when Darrien finished his yawn by licking his nose. Sparing me a grouchy glance he shook out his coat and transformed back into his human state. “Darrien!” I shrieked, turning away and covering my fa
Divided Chapter 3
I wandered through the back streets away from the multitude of boutiques that lined the main roads of the pack’s village. Despite having been ordered to find something nice to wear while visiting packs were present I couldn’t bring myself to enter any of the chic window shops that lined the market area of the village. So instead, I settled for schlepping flowers to the festival grounds while doing my best to stay out of sight. As I was carrying my third basket laden with lilies, daisies, and tulips Darrien caught up to me. “Em,” he called. I did my best to pretend I hadn’t heard and kept walking toward the garland makers' booth. I heard him jog to catch up with me and felt his grip on my shoulders. I stopped walking, still, I refused to look at my adoptive brother. “Emilia, please, we need to talk.” He stated as he tried to take the basket from me. “I have nothing to say, Darrien,” I replied. I refused to relinquish my grasp on the handles. “I’m working.” “Yeah, I can see that; an
Divided Chapter 4
I swallowed thickly, unable to shake the feeling that I was in the same position as a fly caught in a spider’s web. “Sure, but Ava-“I was cut off with a wave of her manicured hand. “I’m doing this for myself as much as I am for Darrien. I know we’ve never really talked in the past, but I promise I’m not going to try and swindle you out of your wages.”I nodded hesitantly, “What do you mean, exactly?”She had been sorting the items into stacks of tops, bottoms, lingerie sets, and evening wear; but paused when I asked about her intentions. With a wistful sigh, she turned back to me, “Darrien is strong and he’s a great guy, but my family won’t let us be together unless he passes the warrior exam and begins his official training. Here, try this on first.”I took the clothes she offered; a simple black turtleneck with dark wash jeans and a black lacy underwear set. I opened my mouth to protest. The jeans and turtleneck I might do, but new undergarments were out of the question as far as m
Divided Chapter 5
“There’s no way,” I retorted, “It was over a thousand dollars when you first rang everything out.” Ava grinned at me cheekily, “It’s my shop. Besides, you can’t honestly tell me you’ll be back in three months to use your birthday discount.” “Well, I- I mean, well- th-that is- I” My mouth snapped shut when I felt my words begin to catch in my chest as I became more flustered. Ava smiled kindly, the warmth of her smile made her hazel eyes sparkle. “Exactly,” she said softly, “truthfully Emilia, it’s no secret that you’re planning to leave when the pack recognizes you as nineteen, and I don’t blame you. I couldn’t imagine having to live among those who weren’t my own kind. Let me do this, please?” “Okay,” I consented. I pulled out my pack ID and tapped it on the reader. Relief that I was only losing a week’s wages allowed the tension in my shoulders to dissipate. A small ding from the register let me know the transaction had gone through. “Why don’t you go change into something and
Divided Chapter 6
The rest of the week passed in a blur. I did notice a few new faces among the streets and within the dining hall’s kitchen, but nothing substantial until three days before the equinox. It began that morning while in the kitchen. I overheard an argument between Willow and some unknown male.“This is my kitchen!” Willow growled, “and I will not serve undercooked food. I don’t care how the lord prefers it, the lowest I will cook it is rare.”“This is simply unacceptable; you knew we were coming.” The man replied, “Alpha Lucas brought his own blood slaves, as your pack requested. Out of courtesy, he is making a point to join your meals.”“So you want me to slap a completely raw steak onto a serving platter and give it to him?” Willow challenged, her hands balled in fists on her hips, and her lithe frame looked ready to pounce at the slightest provocation.The man sighed and shook his head, loose honey-blond curls bounced around his face as he did so. “Will you at least have one of your co
Divided Chapter 7
I had just finished the arrangement of tulips and lilies for the next garland when he found me. It was the cheerful tune he hummed that pulled my attention away from my task. I glanced up to see a newly familiar face with a sweet smile that revealed his elongated canines, just as it had this morning. He commented pleasantly, “There you are! I’ve been searching for you since that incident at breakfast, I never imagined they would squirrel you away out here.” “I don’t know what you mean.” I replied respectfully, “I’ve been assisting with the flower arrangements for the equinox since preparations began.” “Oh?” He inquired, an eyebrow arched gracefully to show his disbelief. I was thankful when he didn’t press the issue, instead, he informed me I was needed for the noon meal. “I apologize, sir-“ “Eskal,” he corrected. I paused cautiously before I continued, “I apologize Eskal, however, Willow has instructed me to assist here until she calls for me.” The smile Eskal was sporting vani
Divided Chapter 8
“Perhaps not,” Eskal stated as he snatched the dish from me before it clattered to the floor and ruined the meal. “You should train your staff better mutt.” He sneered at me from where I sat on the ground, dazed from the disgust at what I’d poured into a mug to be consumed. Vampires a second realization hit me. Vampires were the only beings besides demons to regularly consume blood in any form. My confusion grew at the realization. Vampires had a tenuous relationship with werewolves at best. It must be about the war with the band of demons on the pack’s border. It was the only reason vampires would be allowed to enter pack lands, which meant the negotiations were over an alliance to help rid the pack of the band. No one in the pack spoke openly about the matter. I knew the situation had worsened by the longer hours Darrien spent training, as well as the frequent injuries he came home with. I took a deep breath to regain my composure and carefully placed my feet under myself once mor
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Divided Chapter 26
I sighed with contentment as I ran my fingers through the lush grass. The afternoon sun shone across the castle gardens. The heat of the late summer day had reached its peak and bathed the area in a drowsy warmth. I rested against the rough bark of an apple tree. The blooms had given way to a multitude of fruit that was almost ready to harvest. I glanced up toward the main building to see if my absence had been noticed yet, The window’s as I left it, so I probably have at least an hour before anyone starts looking for me.It had been nearly two months since the ceremony where Lucas had formally introduced me as a blood slave to the Anerchmeno Astri pact. After that night Lucas moved me into his room. We were supposed to spend as much time as possible together to strengthen the bond between us. Eskal had said it had something to do with Lucas being of both vampire and werewolf descent. I had been shocked and relieved when Lucas continued to feed from the other girls in his harem, howev
Divided Chapter 25
I stood, the long cream dress swirled around my legs in the midnight breeze. The night air sent a chill down my spine that caused me to absently rub the spot where the choker usually sat. Lucas had told me I would wear it again after the ceremony, but it was traditional for me to enter without it since he hadn’t officially staked his claim on me. I watched as Lucas moved to face the crowded amphitheater. The platform on which he stood had been perfectly positioned so he was bathed in the pale summer moonlight. The torches that lit the space flickered and danced; his amber eyes caught the warm light and reflected it back as he glanced at me. He’d begun the address to inform all the werewolves and vampires present that he’d taken on a new blood slave. Soft murmurs passed through the crowd at his announcement. I shifted, self-conscious from my place in the shadows, at the number of people present. Emilia, come here, his call shocked me from my reverie. He stood, regal as any emperor from
Divided Chapter 24
I gasped as I lurched backward. My eyes wide as I regarded Lucas, I could have sworn I heard him as clearly as my own thoughts. Talk to me, Emilia. I heard again, though his lips didn’t move as he spoke. How? I stared at him from across the couch. His face lit up when the question flitted briefly across my mind.I’ve linked with you. It’s something vampires and werewolves naturally do within their roosts and packs, but I can link with you because you’re my mate. Lucas grinned and offered his hand as he spoke directly into my thoughts. Will you be able to see everything? I asked tentatively.“I’ll teach you how to create a wall around your mind to protect yourself, but for now, if I went looking, yes,” Lucas admitted. I felt the color drain from my face at his admission, even as he reassured me. “I won’t snoop, Emilia, I have no desire to wade through your memories.”Alright, I answered. I had no choice but to trust the vaewolf for now.“Though I must warn you,” He began, the more you
Divided Chapter 23
I felt my body relax as the warmth from the tea spread throughout my body. I didn’t try to fight the weightlessness that settled over me. It’ll be better this time. Now I know what to expect. I took a deep breath to calm the glazed-over edges of my nerves as I prepared myself for the sting of his fangs that would surely come. I watched Lucas though my eyes felt heavy. He regarded me in a similar manner as he refilled both our cups. “How do you feel now?” He asked as he passed me the steaming cup of tea. I accepted it from him and took another sip before I replied, “Better.” “I’m not surprised, this tea is brewed with medicinal herbs to help you relax.” He responded, then quietly requested, “Now, will you tell me about yourself?” “What would you like to know my lord?” I inquired, the tea had removed the vice from my chest and throat. I felt a small smile play across my face at the ease with which I was able to speak. Lucas tapped his chin thoughtfully before he answered my question.
Divided Chapter 22
A pained look crossed Lucas’ face when I asked the question. I couldn’t meet his eyes as he studied me. A thick silence hung in the air between us. After a moment he said softly, “No, Emilia, I told you, you’re my mate.” I glanced at him. Confusion wrote itself across my face as questions swirled behind my clamped teeth. I desperately wanted to ask him what that meant, I wasn’t a werewolf, and he was only half. What are mates supposed to be, exactly? Why did Darrien never explain this stuff to me? Lucas must have been able to read me like an open book because he offered, “I’ll explain everything to you if you’ll answer some questions for me.” “A-alright,” I nodded. I was eager to finally get some answers, even if it meant I made myself vulnerable in the process. I’m a captive here for the rest of my life anyways, besides, he could always torture me instead of asking nicely. “Do you know anything about the history between the vampires and werewolves?” He asked; wine sloshed in his gl
Divided Chapter 21
“I’ll meet you later after I finish with my work,” Lucas said quietly as he ran his fingers through my hair. “Eskal will take you to my chambers, wait for me there?” I nodded and shifted to move away. Before I could completely detangle myself from his grasp Lucas pulled me close once more to place a chaste kiss on my lips. My hand flew to my mouth as he released me and turned back to his work. His attention didn’t stray from his task as he said, “Eskal, take Emilia to my rooms and let our guests know we are ready to return to negotiations.” I obediently followed my escort as he lead me down several corridors. I quickly lost track of the twists and turns. I instead opted to take in the elegance of the building as we walked. My eyes ran up the tall stone walls littered with ornate drapes and portraits. A multitude of windows allowed the sun to light the hallway in place of the crystal chandeliers. “I thought vampires couldn’t go into the sun,” I uttered suddenly. I snapped my mouth sh
Divided Chapter 20
Eskal pulled me in after him as he burst through the doors of what I remembered to be Lucas’ office. The room was bright and airy, sunlight shone cheerily through the large picture windows behind the desk. I longed to bask in the sunlight, it had been months since I’d seen any hint of the world outside the den. Instead, I stood silently behind Eskal and observed the scene before me. It appeared as though we’d interrupted a meeting. There were several men seated around Lucas’ desk and Lucas held Eskal’s glare with a scowl of his own. “Alpha,” Eskal stated with a curt bow as he yanked me forward to stand beside him. I tried to shrink under the men’s scornful looks. They said nothing as they watched us expectantly. “What’s the meaning of this?” Lucas asked as he straightened himself to his full height. “I’m in the middle of something.” “Yes, my lord,” Eskal replied, “But there’s an urgent matter that needs your attention.” Lucas barely glanced at me before he turned his attention to
Divided Chapter 19
I awoke to a slight pressure on the bed beside me. I lay still as I felt the intruder’s weight shift. The room was only dimly lit from the hallway as there were no windows. It was much too dark to make out who had come to my room at such an odd hour. My heart began to race as he hovered over me, a hand planted on either side of my prone form. I took a shuddering breath as he brushed my hair from my face. “Emi,” he said in a hushed whisper. I turned to look at him, his eyes resembled molten gold in the darkness. Our lips nearly brushed as he shifted over me; his hair created an inky curtain around us as it fell over his shoulders. Chills ran down my spine as he sighed against my skin, “I’ve missed you.” “Ah-ah-I’ve mmmmm-mmmi-mi-mi-missed you t-t-t-too.” I breathed without thinking as I raised my arms to wind them around his neck. These past weeks had been lonely. I hadn’t realized how isolated I was until Tamsyn and Nisha had left the den to return with Loren. After a week the bored
Divided Chapter 18
Izak came by my room later that day, he offered me a drawn smile as he entered the space. Tamsyn, Adeline, and Nisha cleared out in a flurry of giggles and sugary promises to be back to check on me later. I waved as they left, my body had yet to recover, and my energy was low. Izak ran his hand through his hair in a way that reminded me of Darrien. My heart ached at the gesture and the memories that sprung forth. I carefully tucked them away as Izak stood just inside the doorway.“It’s good to see you awake,” he commented as he shoved his hands into his pockets. He leaned against the doorframe as if to keep the exit available.“Thank you,” I replied. Though I was wary of his presence I smiled at the wolf. I wasn’t sure what Izak wanted, but the last time I’d seen him I had ended up unconscious for two days and awoke to an IV in my hand.“Well, uh, that is,” he began, unable to hold my gaze. “I wanted to ask if you’d forgive me for taking you to Lou, I mean, Alpha Lucas.”“What is ther
