SORAYAI could barely contain myself as I walked briskly and very giddily across the boys’ dormitory lawn. It was all I could do not to squeal with excitement as I hurried into the building and up the flight of stairs. I stopped on the landing of the second flight of stairs to jump up and down and let myself squeal once again like an intoxicated idiot. I couldn't believe this was happening! There were absolutely no words to describe my joy, and the fact that I was headed up to share this news with my mate just made me even more tingly because this was our wish come true! I'd finally been accepted here to Lupine University and we could be together all the time!I took a deep breath and began trying to calm myself down so I could at least deliver the great news coherently when I got to his room. I swallowed and shook my shoulders as if to shrug off the bulk of the excitement then I continued hopping up the stairs. His room was at the end of the hall and as I excitedly approached the doo
XADENI stormed down the hallway, my teeth gritted, clenching and unclenching my hands as I put as much distance between myself and my office as much and as fast as I could.I'd had it up to my eyebrows with Celeste!My entire body was vibrating and I was almost seeing red at that point. What angered me the most was the sheer – almost – hopelessness of the situation.I headed for the stairs, people hardly used them.I wanted a child, but I didn't want her child. I didn't want a child with Celeste.I practically jumped down one flight of stairs and then,“Arghhh!”I punched the wall next to me. Hard. My chest heaved up and down as I stared at the serious dent I'd made.The woman I called my Luna acted like she had me backed into a corner, I was pretty sure she believed that because we were already married I had no choice but to count on her to get pregnant and birth an heir.But the war inside me was so much more twisted than that.I leaned against the wall in the stairwell, trying to
SORAYAI sighed as I clenched and unclenched my hand around the handle of my school bag for the upteenth time. The memory of that night was still vivid in my mind. Those sensual lips and sure hands… The practiced way they had moved over me, the heat of his body against mine, the feeling of being wanted— truly wanted — was intoxicating and by far, something the past month had proved all too clearly that I couldn't forget.Here I was, standing outside my first class at Lupine University, trying to focus on anything but that memory. What was wrong with me? In truth, I had almost given up on this scholarship. With Liam’s rejection, it had felt like my world had tilted on its axis irrevocably. It was still crazy to me how much I’d been prepared to walk away from all this— everything I’d worked so hard for, albeit so I could be with him initially. Gag. That was definitely no longer the case.In a way.. the memory of that night was part of what had fueled my actions to complete my registrat
SORAYAThe bathroom mirror stared back at me, it's clear reflection contrasting my thoughts. I brushed my teeth slowly, my mind painted scenes I didn’t want to think about but couldn’t help imagining. Scenes of telling Xaden about the baby kept replaying in my head like a movie and I couldn’t put them off. I splashed some water on my face, hoping the coolness would shock me back to reality. The icy droplets slid down my cheeks, clinging to my skin, the movie in my head finally ended. Placing both hands on the sink, I breathed in and out slowly, counting each breath. But my thoughts kept slipping, pulling me back into a haunted vision of Xaden’s office, and an unreadable expression on his face as I revealed the news. Another splash of water. I pressed my palms against my skin, making the coolness bite more into me this time around.“Stop it, stop…” I whispered, almost pleading. “Don’t imagine too much. Just get through today.” I forced a small smile at my reflection, it was a little
XADENFor two years, I'd been searching for her. Two years of wondering where she'd gone. Two years of not understanding why she'd just got up and left me like that. I thought we had something special. I was so sure when I met her again that this was for real, for life. All I had to do was get rid of Celeste, and we'd be set. But I was wrong about her. She just left. No note, no call, nothing. And I was angry. Angry with her, angry with myself. A part of me wondered if it would have been better if we hadn't met at all. Then I'd still be stuck with Celeste, but at least I wouldn't have had my hopes raised only to be shattered. I'd go over and over it in my head. Was it something I did? Did I say the wrong thing? Or was it just her? Was she incapable of commitment? Was she using me? I couldn't figure it out. Sometimes, I'd think I saw her. I'd see a woman with the same curly brown hair, big brown eyes, and the same build, and I'd get my hopes up. My heart would stop and then begin to
XADENI nursed my drink, the liquid warming my palms as I gazed into the crowd, all up in my head, trying to drown my sorrows. I felt a nudge below the stool. At first, I thought it was just the nail on the stool that was catching my trousers, so I shifted my leg to adjust my position. But then, I felt the tug again - a gentle tug on my trousers. I looked down, annoyed, expecting to see a stray thread and misplaced nail. And that's when I saw her - a small, curious face peeking out from beneath the stool, her big green eyes gleaming, a little smile gracing her lips. She was the one tugging on my trousers.I placed my cup back on the table, my mind foggy from the alcohol. I glanced around the room, scanning the sea of faces to see if anyone was missing their little one. How did this kid even end up here? Who would be so irresponsible to let their child wander around in a setting like this? The bar was no place for a kid, with its loud music and rowdy patrons.My gaze returned to the k
SORAYAI sipped my fizzy drink, the bubbles tickling my nose, when Ava appeared at a distance. Her eyes scanned the room. Then, they locked onto mine, and her expression turned serious. She mouthed the word, "emergency"My mind went blank as I stared at Ava, my thoughts racing. Something was wrong. Oh God, was it the baby? Was Ava going into labor? I felt my heart pounding in my chest. I quickly set my drink down.I followed Ava through the throng of people, the music growing fainter as I approached her. Ava's long hair swung as she turned to face me. For a moment, I studied Ava's face. As I looked at her, my heart calmed. She didn't look like she was in labor. Her face wasn't contorted in pain, and her eyes didn't have that frazzled look I'd seen in pregnant women about to give birth. Whatever was wrong, it didn't seem to be about the baby's arrival. Yet, the worry in Ava's eyes told me something was still off."Kaylee's been wandering off all night," she said. "I've had to chase af
SORAYAJeremy nodded, picking up Kaylee as he spoke. "Xaden has been away for two years," he explained. "It only assumed he wouldn't be here this year either,” he paused, fighting back a small smile creeping to his lips, a smile that warmed my heart. “Which was why I thought it was a good idea for you to join me as my date this year."A smile spread across my lips, but was soon stolen away by a torrent of worrying thoughts. What did Xaden want? Why was he here?Jeremy reached for my hand, slowly caressing it. “I'm sorry. I had no idea he would show up. I wouldn't have brought you here if I knew."I shook my head, my eyes meeting his. "It's not your fault.” Then, I grabbed Jeremy's arm and whispered urgently, 'But Jeremy, we need to leave. Now."Jeremy nodded in understanding, giving my hands a soft squeeze. He offered a customary handshake to the people whom we had been sharing a table with. “I’m so sorry, but we have to leave.” Pleasantries were exchanged, and Jeremy rested Kaylee'
SORAYAI tried to make a stance and defend myself to the best of my abilities. I wished with more than anything in me that Xaden would find me right now. I could really use the help. I watched as the Rogue continued to run at me, preparing to pounce. He came at me, claws first as he dove over a vehicle that separated us. I closed my eyes out of instinct as I waited for the killing blow. It never came. All I heard was a sharp wince that seemed to come from the Rogue as it collided with something—or someone.I opened my eyes, promptly locating the rogue on the pavement. He was been pounced on by someone. I couldn’t make out who exactly but I silently thanked them—feeling extremely lucky for their timely intervention.I moved slowly towards them and I noticed that it was a woman. She continued to beat the Rogue savagely. Clawing and biting at it with every intention of killing him. When the Rogue stopped struggling, probably from passing out or dying, I tried to thank her for coming to
SORAYAI quickly located the car in Xaden’s parking spot after a brief glance around the lot. It was a little corner spot that overlooked the faculty and I made my way to it before unlocking the trunk. I retrieved two large picnic baskets and set them down gently on the floor beside the car.It was really nice being out of the house again. Kaylee definitely needed it but I may have needed it more. The poor kid, it’s unfortunate she has to grow up in such less than ideal conditions. But at least for today, she could be happy playing in the sun and feeling the wind on her face. The atmosphere was clear and the sky was blue with very few clouds, it was perfect for a little family day out. The morning sun shone brightly, it’s golden rays sparkled with radiance. I felt renewed and content. Life couldn’t be better. Our enemies seem to have all been defeated and the pack finally accepted me as their Luna—I couldn’t explain the feeling I felt. Celeste had been banished, along with her father
MALCOLM“Can I see some Identification?”“Definitely. Uhh...let me check...” I stumbled through my jacket pocket and retrieved my business card. It still had the dark moon insignia from our previous business together.Thank the blessed goddess.She picked up the card and glossed over it intently, resigning only when she found no faults with it.“Well, it seems authentic to me Mr Malcolm. Being affiliated with a pack, especially one as influential as the Dark moon pack, gives you certain privileges.” She started as she folded her arms across her chest. “One of those privileges is free passage to and from the borderlands as long as you don’t plan to stir up any troubles there. However, it is my job to keep you informed on how dangerous a place it can be.” She said, looking up again. “Everyday, we are swarmed with reports of many going in, and only very few returning. Do you understand what I’m saying Mr. Malcolm?” She inquired as she made eye contact with me. I remained silent. I knew t
MALCOLMI mustn’t fail her. I must not fail Celeste again. I thought to myself as I made my way to the corner closet. I had to get her the yellow wolf’s bane even if it meant breaking the rules and crossing the border.Failing her would basically spell doom for me. Money was drying up fast and the business was basically dead in the water. Those spineless cowards! The community Pack leaders and the Alphas. Refusing to do business with me because they were afraid of him. Afraid of that bastard Xaden! I sighed at my impossible situation, knowing it was all my doing. This was all by my design. They would however be sorry in the end. Those spineless fools! When Xaden was finally back on my side. They would then understand the true meaning of pain.I drew out a large suitcase out of the closet. I didn’t know how long I was going to be gone. It was going to be dangerous. But I needed this. Desperate times required that I suck it up and get my ass across the border.What had I been thinking?
JEREMY“Where are you?” I asked, speaking into my phone and attempting to dust off my shoes as I entered the building. It was futile. I disposed of them and put on some hiking boots that had been left by some of the other groundskeepers. He was holed up in the basement. I found a small flashlight and went down the flight of stairs. “Cyrus..” I called out, peering in the dark and reaching for a light switch. Turning it on, the dark and dingy basement came to full view, completely lighting up. I spotted Cyrus sitting in a corner of the basement, clutching tightly to a steel black box. He was bruised and bloodied badly, looking quite roughed up.“Boss..” He managed to call out to me as he fumbled to get to his feet. He placed the box on a wooden slab, turning it to face me.“What the fuck happened, Cyrus?” I looked him over. He seemed to be healing but not quite fast enough. His jacket was completely shredded and he seemed to have lost an eye. I looked over at the box. I picked it up a
JEREMY“Take me back to the compound!” I said to the driver as I walked out the cemetery gate. I had been quiet in my arrival, slowly creeping up on him, startling him. He was leaning over the bonnet, probably smoking.“Arrgh...yes Sir...right away sir.” He said, dusting off the ashes and crushing the cigarette butt.It had such a rancid smell.“You were gone for quite sometime sir. I was beginning to worry but you’ve warned me never to interrupt you when you visited, no matter what.” He said looking at me and gesturing me into the car as he pulled the door open.“Yes I was and you were right not to disturb me.” I said, looking up at him. “I took sometime because I needed to take sometime and that’s the end of it.” I said, making my way into the car and pulling my phone out from my pocket as he locked the door.“Yes sir.” He said and made his way to the driver seat. I had indeed taken quite some time. The sun had set already and we slowly approached twilight. The autumn falls made e
CELESTEThe things I had done for him. He drove me so crazy and what was crazier still, was that I would do it all over again without missing a beat. That was how much I wanted to be with him.My train of thought were completely cut off by movements in the front porch. I heard someone stumbling against the door. It was probably my father again. He had been a loose cannon of recent, drinking himself rotten, only able to feel a little buzz with each binge. He was taking it hard. Business had basically grinded to a stop as he could no longer namedrop Xaden to the surrounding communal packs. He had become a disgrace, a pariah, almost executed even had it not been for the benevolence of Xaden and my own naïvety. The packs didn’t want to work with him for fear of Xaden and the humans would not work with him for fear of the packs. He was lost.It was his fault. I thought callously as I finished the last bit of scotch in my glass. He was a stupid man and the architect of his own misfortune. W
CELESTEThings had begun to fall pleasantly into place and it seemed like for once, the fates were finally on my side. I thought to myself as I took a swig of scotch before setting the glass on the counter. The bottle was almost empty and I let out a low growl—father couldn’t even afford to replace our liquor anymore.I poured myself another cup and made my way to the couch, kicking off my shoes and reclining into the sofa.The moon goddess was however very gracious to me. Even from the point of despair and sadness, a ray of hope seemed to burst through, casting away the shadows and banishing my worries.Jeremy. I thought to myself trying to remember the series of events that had led up to today’s meeting.I had been so down and bad, almost depressed to an inch of my life—how had things gotten so bad, so fast? I had it all. Everything I could have ever wanted lay in my hands and I lost it. I still could hardly believe it. Where had it gone oh so wrong?Soraya. I bit my lip at the thou
XADEN“Well hello Mr. Professor.” Soraya said, fondling the threads on my robe and wearing a mischievous grin. She drew me closer for another passionate kiss. “Lupine would be perfect for a little picnic and Kaylee could play with other kids.” She said as she hugged me tight. She had needed this. “Thank you Xaden. I’ll go get dressed.” And like that, she was gone. Hurriedly making her way upstairs.“And I’ll get the car ready!” I managed to call out after her before looking over to Kaylee. She was playing with her spork, messing up her leftovers.“And as for you little lady...” I begun, picking her up. She giggled loudly.“...we’re going to get you in a nice little dress.” She was on my shoulders again and we headed for the nursery. I could only stare blankly, in total awe, as Soraya made her way down the stairs. She was wearing a bright yellow maiden gown and a sky blue cashmere scarf. Both colors looked marvelous on her and she was radiant. I could fall in love with her all over aga