The satisfying ‘whomp’ of my fist connecting with Jin's jaw boomed through the hallway like a thunderclap announcing the arrival of a comedic genius. The smug smirk he usually wore evaporated faster than a snowflake in a sauna. On his face was now a comical look of surprise that could launch a thousand memes. Only Keiran was capable of wiping the smugness away from people like that. I should be given an Oscar or something, bruh."Woah there, big guy," Jin mumbled, gingerly touching his jaw with the grace of a newborn giraffe learning to walk. "What the heck was that for?""That is for trespassing," I declared, rolling up my sleeve because I’d be damned if I didn't fight him today.It was all I had been yearning for. To punch some senses into his brain and show him why I was the Lycan. "That is what you get for fraternizing with the enemy. Don't forget, Lucille's my mate, and you, my dear Jin, were about to commit a very serious act of smooching."I could hear the stupid Nimue gaspin
We slunk behind Chancellor Howlerton, the cheers, and jeers turning into tight-lipped whispers as the crowd parted for us like the Red Sea parting for a particularly grumpy Moses. Inside his wood-paneled office, the Chancellor began a lecture that would have made even Shakespeare himself bow, complete with enough growls that I found so annoying. Could he just let me go? I was the Alpha’s son and had no business being here! "You two are the Alpha son and Beta respectively!" he roared, his voice echoing off the stacks of detention slips lining the wall. "This kind of behavior is unbecoming! Do you have any idea what the vampires will think? Do you want them to call in the exterminators again, claiming there's a rogue… uh… badger problem on campus?" Jin, as the model student - or at least the model student who didn't get caught setting off stink bombs in the cafeteria, simply nodded in agreement with his face schooled into an expression of remorse. Yeah, that was typical of him.
Nimue ~~ I wasn't expecting the fight to escalate as such. Jin Kisaragi, the embodiment of calmness, fighting fist-to-fist with that bloody troublemaker called Kieran was something I wasn't expecting. I remember Nadia telling me about the enmity between them but I wasn't expecting it to be this heaty. Hell, they fought like high school boys. One wouldn't have thought grown-up college guys could fight like teenagers in the school’s hallway. Yet, knowing I started it by choosing to talk back at Lucille instead of just ignoring her was the cause of all of this. Perhaps, if I had taken Nadia’s hands, I wouldn't have been caught trying to get in between two hollering and fist-throwing guys right now, urging them to quit hitting each other. The worst thing was not Jin and Kieran tearing into each other, it was the comments from the students hanging around. “Is Kieran fighting for his sister or girlfriend?” “Look at her standing there after causing such trouble.” “I heard she
Jin and Kieran were in hot water. Although Jin and I were not so close and had not seen much of each other since the guy seemingly always had to work, he was still nice to me. So, I wasn't enthusiastic that he was being grilled in the Chancellor’s office but Kieran?Hell, I wished the man could return every punch the rascal had delivered on Jin back on him. But come to look at it, Jin seemed to have the upper hand in the fight.Did that mean Kieran was all talk and lesser power? Tch. Why was I not surprised?I grabbed Nadia's arm, proceeding forward urgently. "Come on, faster! We need to find out what's going on in there!"Nadia, however, dug her heels in with a frown creasing her brow. "Why do we need to find out anything, Nimue? Did you see how everyone else scattered like startled pigeons? Even Lucille hightailed it out of here.""So?" I scoffed. "They're scaredy-cats. Besides, wouldn't you want to know what the chancellor is currently doing to those two? Do you think he’ll make th
The silence after Jin's departure was deafening. Kieran was still clutching his cheek as he glared at me like a cornered badger. My own hand throbbed from the slap, but the fading sting was nothing compared to the wildfire of emotions consuming me.Dude’s cheeks felt like it was made of steel and not flesh and bones."Well?" I spat, crossing my arms defiantly. "Anything else you'd like to say, Mr. Perfect-Brother? Or are you going to continue spewing your pathetic lies?"Kieran opened his mouth to retort, but upon seeing that we were no longer alone in the corridor, he huffed and puffed vigorously, hate burning in his eyes at me. He shut his mouth with a snap, his jaw clenching tight. Umbra practically vibrated inside me with a venomous hiss. "See that, Nimue? All bark and no bite. Boy’s a chihuahua with delusions of grandeur."Luna countered with a sigh. "Umbra, maybe this isn't the time. He looks like he might explode."Kieran, as if he could hear those silly wolves argue again too
"So," Nadia said with mischief, "shall we grab some lunch and swap embarrassing childhood stories?" I grinned. "Sounds like a plan. Though, knowing me, my most embarrassing stories are probably from this very day." “Oh, I'm sure you can top anything I've got." She chuckled. As we rose from our seats, the bullies reappeared, swaggering down the aisle like they owned the place. Brock shot us a menacing glare. "Leaving so soon, pipsqueaks?" he sneered. "Just a friendly reminder to watch your backs." Nadia and I exchanged a speechless glance, then simultaneously winked at each other. This seemed to confuse the bullies, leaving them as they called us freaks from behind. Bloody humans. We exited the classroom, laughing at their empty threats. "So," I said, stepping out into the radiant afternoon sun, "where do you live? Maybe we can be neighbors." Nadia shook her head, her blonde ponytail bouncing. "Not a chance. Different creatures, different digs. Vampires tend to pr
Umbra whined in a disappointment that I soon came to share. "Don't let that jerk’s good looks get to you, Nimue! You don't have to put up with this! Get a grip!"Don't mind Umbra, Nimue. He's right and is just trying to protect. For now, it's best to avoid any more trouble, and Jin… IS that ‘trouble’.”With immediacy, I fought to get a hold of myself and not allow Kieran to get to me. Right now, ‘ashamed of myself’ was an understatement. What the hell was I doing?!I yanked my arm away, glaring at him like I wasn't the one softly mesmerized by his beauty a few seconds ago. "Don't touch me, Kieran! And for your information, I wasn't the one making out with someone else just a minute ago!"Ignoring my outburst, Kieran practically shoved me into the front seat of the car before climbing in beside Lucille in the passenger seat. And what did the Barbie do? She giggled and wrapped her arms around him again.Pfft!“Hi, Mr. Bruno. Thanks no thanks for that cornering. What a nice stunt.” I sar
I hadn't realized that I had blacked out until Mom prompted me. "Yes, honey? Everything alright?" she asked with concern."Yeah, Mom," I muttered, forcing a smile. "Just... a lot to take in, you know? New school, new town, upcoming wedding..." I couldn't finish because I knew that I was unable to voice the real worry gnawing at me – the looming mating ceremony.She squeezed my hand. "I know, sweetie. It's a lot. But hey, you're strong, you've got this. And remember, if things get too overwhelming, you can always talk to me, okay?"I squeezed back as a warmth bloomed in my chest. "Okay, Mom. But you too, alright? Don't bottle things up. You know I'm here for you, no matter what."She chuckled with her playful demeanor returning. "Seems like the roles are reversed here. You're turning into the mother and I'm the teenager.""Hey," I countered playfully, "we've always had each other's backs, right? Especially since Dad..."Mom pulled me into a hug, her familiar scent of sunshine attackin
A MONTH LATER.."Ugh, at this point I'm beginning to think the object for breaking the curse is back at RavenWood." I groaned while playing around with my cup of coffee.Sitting across at the other side of the table was Kieran, who wore a black hat that kept his face hidden.He also had a steamy cup of coffee in his hands, merely giving me a nod as he gazed around our surroundings warily. We were back in the city where his pack was located, specifically at an open cafe close to Pure Blood College. Unlike what one might think, we weren't here to make any inquiries about school or anything like that. Nope, we were here to meet up with some old ‘friends’, but the catch was that Kieran and I had to keep ourselves hidden. There was still a chance that the Alpha Council would be after us even though they hadn't made a move since we first escaped the city more than a month ago. Anyway, I stared at Kieran for a while before I rolled my eyes. "Can you relax? I doubt your Dad or those ol
Sadly, I was still in my male form, unlike what I'd originally expected. As heartwarming as it was that Kieran was able to hold me close even in my male form, my eyes stung with hot tears. I'm so stupid! Why had I been half expecting the ritual from the witches to somehow rid me of the curse? They clearly stated that the ritual was only meant to gauge the inner workings of the curse so they could come up with a possible solution for removing the curse without stripping me of my Umbra wolf. "I'm still a man, Kieran." I sobbed, clutching his arms tightly for support. Meanwhile, my father walked up to me, placing a hand on my shoulder briefly. But he didn't linger for long and proceeded to meet with the witches. Just then, Kieran snapped at Theodora. "I thought you said this ritual wasn't going to hurt her? Why, then, was she in pain during the process? What voodoo did you use on her?!"Somehow, hearing Kieran defending me so vehemently against the witches felt comforting, but I w
After a few minute's drive in Marcel's car, we arrived at an isolated part of the city, which seemed eerily darker than other parts. We stepped down from the car, my father slamming the driver's seat door behind him before he explained. "Most human cities have a certain amount of supernaturals among their populace. This city, in particular, has numerous vampires and witches but only a few small werewolf packs."My eyes shone in surprise as I turned my gaze to my father. I was once again shocked and impressed by the amount of information he could get at a whim. Anyway, Kieran placed himself beside me, grabbing my left hand which was already getting sweaty. He glanced at me, giving me a reassuring smile as if he could feel my anxiety through our mate bond. "I'm with you every step of the way, okay?" He reminded me, caressing my hand affectionately. My heart melted at how much affection he was showing me even though I was currently in my male form. I knew how weird it was for him an
Nimue~~Long story short, the dinner wasn't... Exactly awful. But dearie me, it sure was dramatic.There was an awful knot in my stomach that still lingered after Marcel revealed the scar on his eye as an aftermath of my mother's betrayal of him. We didn't even have dinner long before he brought up the plan of meeting up with Theodora and her coven. Sigh... So much for a 'perfect dinner'."This dinner was bound to fail, Nimue," Umbra muttered encouragingly in my mind. "I don't even know why Marcel suggested it. He probably just wanted you to see your mother before going to the witches."Currently, Kieran and my father had taken my Mom to the airport to send her back to Alpha Viktor's territory, leaving me all alone in the house. I felt bad for her, but she knew what she was getting into when she decided to marry that man. I just hoped the Alpha council or the Alpha himself didn't do anything to hurt Mom. If not... I wouldn't mind sticking my claws into his throat.Meanwhile, Luna
I subconsciously glanced at Nimue, noticing the sympathy flashing through her eyes. Sympathy for her father. Everyone had tagged him as a 'crazy rogue' bent on hunting her for years, but he had depth. He had a story and his reasons. And for some reason, I felt bad for him too. Maybe because he still made an effort in trying to protect his daughter. Unlike another 'father,' I knew. Meanwhile, Marcel placed the eye patch back on the ghastly scar, drawing in a deep breath as he stared at nothing in particular. Even Ulmer was dead silent now, looking down at her legs in shame. "Well, this dinner just got awkward fast." Scratch muttered in my head, but I didn't even have the mental strength to hush him as I subconsciously held Nimue's hand from underneath the table, trying to reassure her. She shot me a weak smile before turning her gaze to her mother who still had her head lowered. "Well? Don't you have anything to say, Mom?" She asked with arched eyebrows. Ulmer's lips parted in
"For the last time, I think it looks perfect." I groaned dramatically when Nimue asked me what I thought about the house for the umpteenth time. I was already beginning to regret agreeing to let her and her parents use this house as their venue for a 'family get-together.’It was obvious Ulmer and Marcel were still bitter with each other and I had my bets on everything ending in an argument or worse. Meanwhile, Nimue, who was dressed in a lovely red dress with white floral prints, swerved her head to me while she placed the finishing touches to the dinner table. "Well, sorry if I'm feeling nervous about my parents seeing each other in the same house." She uttered sarcastically before adding. "Are you sure you gave them the right address? It's already five PM."It had been two days since we agreed to see Marcel and Ulmer. Luckily, it was the weekend so I didn't have work today. I felt it necessary to be present since I still didn't trust Marcel. Anyway, I responded to Nimue's ques
The persistent ringing of my phone caused me to place a pause on my makeout session with Nimue. However, when I brought out my phone and saw the same unknown number that Marcel had used to call me earlier, my mood changed drastically."It's your father... Again." I muttered to Nimue's hearing. Her face darkened instantly as she glanced warily at my phone before turning her gaze to me. "Well? Are you going to answer it or not?"I rolled my eyes discreetly before I picked up the call. "Hello?""Ah, Kieran. I just want to inform you that I've made contact with Ulmer and she's agreed to see me and my daughter." Marcel's deep baritone voice sounded from the other end cheerily. I still found it hard to believe that this was the same man who was involved in kidnapping his own daughter who he hadn't met since she was born. Meanwhile, Nimue's mouth opened in a stunned "O" at her father's words and I had a feeling I knew why. It was probably because her parents, who had a bitter past, were i
As soon as Marcel dropped the call, I had no choice but to rush to my office and ask to leave my post to go attend to my girlfriend, lying that she was 'sick and alone.'I mean, the alone part was real, but there was only one ‘sickness’ afflicting Nimue and that was her Dual wolf curse.And now there seemed to be hope for removing the curse's side effects. However, when I got home, Nimue and I ended up having sex for the first time in a while. On the kitchen counter, too. We were so unhinged, but it was so damn worth it. I hadn't realized how much pent-up sexual frustration I had until I got a taste of Nimue's glorious body.Anyway, I proceeded to drop the bomb of Marcel's call when we were done, but she didn't take it lightly at first. But then I decided to add the most crucial part of the conversation after telling her about his wish to see both her and her mother."He thinks he might be able to get the witches he works with to find a cure for your curse without stripping you of
Kieran ~~ The day when Nimue and I finally escaped my father's mansion was nothing short of epic. The best part was when I finally put Jin in his place and used his diabolical wolf-repellant drug on him. I chuckled to myself each time I remembered the look on his face when he realized he was wolfless. That should be a worse punishment than death for any werewolf. And it served him right... He'd think twice before shoving his face into me and Nimue's life again. Gosh, I couldn't believe that two-faced snake dared to bargain with my father over NIMUE. Over MY mate. Anyway, escaping the city was the easy part, but settling into a new city on the other side of the country was harder than I thought. I picked this location because I wanted to be as far away from my father and all the annoying pack politics as much as possible. Also, I had a new job opportunity to chase after that would enable me to sustain my living with Nimue. "I would've never imagined ‘Kieran the ma