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Prologue
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Lost moments and memories pass behind my eyes. I am here again, as if I am always waiting to find the answers to what has happened to my life in this place.
“This is the reason I'm always tired,” I think to myself.
Twenty-four years of coming here and still not a single clue, but every time I close my eyes, I return to this place. I know my surroundings perfectly. Oddly the place is beautiful to the eyes. The old house sat among flowers growing around all sides. The aroma of honeysuckle and jasmine fill my lungs filling me with a moment's peace. The blue and white paint was only a little worn around the porch railings. Chipping enough to know the house has stood there for a while.
I’m sitting in my usual spot. Gripping the ropes of a swing in the front yard held by a large oak tree. Waiting I begin pushing my legs back and forth sending me in motion. I know something is about to happen. It happens every night. The house moves in front of my eyes. I see the shadows coming, but I don’t stop swinging. They are black as night but I can see smiles within the shadow grinning bright.
“What is this place!” I cry, fed up with this nightly repetition, but no sound emerges.
A noise can be heard from the back of the house. One of the shadows turns toward it. I jump down to follow only to have the other shadow hold me back.
“Don’t go. Not yet. Listen to me!” I beg the shadow moving away from me.
The scene continues before my eyes. Evil starts to permit the air. The scent of it clogs my lungs and stops me from fighting for release. I try and pin point the direction it is coming from. I watch the shadow I had been trying to stop turn back to look at me. A loud bang rang out into the area. I felt pain as if was my own as I watch the shadow fall. The other letting go of me runs to catch the other. The next shot rings out.
Control snapped as always sending heat coursing through my blood. The pain always feels so real. Flames leap across my vision. The ground below me turning to ash. The tree turned to char as the flames dance across the branches. Swallowing it whole. The swing falls and crumbles. Seeing the house begin to burn, the flowers long gone, the fire blazes around me, and my world goes black.
Pain is the strongest reminder I was there. I open my eyes and look at my surroundings. Ashe covers the metal in black smudges. Yeah, I’m home. Letting my breathing return to normal I reach out and unlock the handle and push on the iron door.
“Just another night of wonderful sleep for me. I’m beginning to think it's useless Melody. If it weren’t for you though I’d have no one to wake up too, so thank you. Here’s some breakfast for you, baby.”
The black cat rubbed against my ankles as I poured the kitty food in her dish and refilled her water. Purring her appreciation to me she tilted her head as if trying to talk back. Yeah, I know I’m really home when I climb out of a metal box for a bed only to have a conversation with an animal.
“Now let’s get me ready for work Melody, my favorite fashion consultant, so I can at least pretend to be somewhat normal.” Yep, totally somewhat normal.
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Chapter 1Hanging the phone back on its cradle, a long night was in front of Keegan. He had forgotten that his sister and future brother-in-law were doing a complete traditional wedding with all the things with it, including the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Grimly thinking tonight was going to be hell, he donned the appropriate apparel for tonight’s festivities. He loved his sister dearly and even slightly enjoyed the company of her mate. He was just not much for meeting people for reasons other than food or business. His family always thought it weird that even though he didn’t care to be around many others his most lucrative business was the bar he started. People outside of his family just didn’t fit well
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Across the sound system you could hear the DJ announce in a deep husky voice, “Please welcome to the stage, Ember.” Seemed he knew what was coming, but was enthralled as much as the other guests. Keegan’s vision seemed to narrow entirely on the beauty appearing within the smoke. She was swaying to the slower beat as she seemed to be dancing with the tendrils of smoke. Dark hair trailed down her back, but when she leaned back, her grip tight on the silver pole, it was like her hair came alight. All sorts of reds and golds appeared throughout a deepsilky blackness that caressed her as she moved. A rounded face with a gentle slopping nose. Her eyes were closed as if she was in her own world. Roderick nudged hi
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Ember was changing in the back room. The smell of a million perfumes swam around in the crowded space.Women chatted around her but nothing was really said with any importance. What had just happened? No one had ever startled her while she was working a trance. Maybe it was time to leave again? She had gotten too comfortable. The problem was she like it here. The town was small and quiet. The beach was not a far walk so that you could always feel the moisture in the air coming off the ocean. She had found this club tucked back in the old rundown strip. Robert was a good boss and he made sure the girls were treated right. He even let her rent the small house that use to be his mother’s on the edge of town for a next to nothing amount of rent. Con
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“Hey, Ember, you hear me?” Robert’s voice broke in to her thoughts. “Ember are the lights on and no one home?” He laughed at his own joke. As a bigman you could tell that he loved his beer and meat. With his red hair and a freckled, rough face he carried the strongfisherman look well.“I’m here Robert. Just must be out of it tonight.” Turning her head to face him fully.“Your usual?”
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Into the parking lot, they went out the back entrance. She expected him to stop there, but he kept walking until he was next to a very sleek black car. He easily maneuvered her to open the door for her to seat on the seat. He then faced away from her, opening his jacket, and stood in front of the door. Ok, weirdo, she thought silently to herself. As she began to gain more control over herself in the cooler air though, she realized she was outside in her outfit and that was why he was standing like that. He was still protecting her. Funny most men wouldn’t even think of what she was wearing with everything else going on. The slithering, glitter top and skirt was deep green that went well with her hair. The straps for the top
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After listening to an uninteresting argument between a couple of the girls concerning why they were not attracting the attention they deserved tonight. Ember finished tying up my black worn sneakers. Done for the night all she wanted was a long shower to cool herself off and to cleanse the sleaze off myself. The men were on the way out the front door after emptying their pockets and some of their bank accounts to Ember on stage.Feeling sorry for the other girls, but knowing after she’s gone their money will go back to normal. It’s not an easy life they live. Yeah, some of them, mostly the really young ones that won’t last long, are just here for the excitement and the easy cash. The others though they have kids to take care of, schools to attend, and debts they must pay. They found themselves in a situation they couldn’t help. Money makes the world go round, right? Some of these would move on from this life soon.Unfortunately, for a girl like
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Keegan had watched her walk back inside in his rearview mirror as he pulled out of the parking lot. It turned his insides to think of all those lush curves being seen by others than him. In all these years no one had ever sparked this type of reaction from him. Finding your mate truly was one of the most spectacular feelings a wolf could ever have. He had just dropped Chris back at his sister’s, due to the promise he had made. He had slight indigestion after shoveling the meal at Stella’s in his mouth as quick as possible. Hanson and Roderick played along since they could tell he was on edge. Keegan only knew he needed to see her again and solve the mystery of her. She didn’t smell like a wolf, but she didn&rsquo
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“Melody, can you please stop being underfoot?” Ember prayed for the third time after almost breaking her next because her adorable cat was not amused with her packing things and running between her feet seemed like the best type of revenge. Luckily, she had just placed the last bit by the door. Pretty sad that her whole life came down to two boxes and two duffle bags. Oh right, she reminded herself as she turned towards the bedroom. Plus, the giant box monstrosity that was her bed.It needs to go in the SUV first. She had already moved the backseat down before walking in. Picking up Melody she moved her to her little travel kennel. No way was she risking another fall while carrying this thing. Also, keeping Melody out of the way and safe.“Sorry, girl, I know you’re not happy about this either. Maybe we’ll head somewhere with a lake, and I’ll catch you a fish. Sound good?”&nbs
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Knowing that the house from her dreams was real troubled Ember. Everything always burned in her dream, so if it was real, how could it be still standing? Maybe it’s a different house that just sounded the same? Lots of houses in the South have honeysuckle vines. The internal dialog was going nowhere. The grip returned to her hand. That’s right, Ember thought, someone else was with her. She had agreed to accept help. It was strange, listening to others discuss something that had plagued her for as long as she could remember. Realizing she had spent almost a whole day with the man next to her was also strange. She should feel weird, but having him there felt right. Like, she was moving towards something, instead of just running away. Finding out that Robert wasn’t a regular human was surprising, but Ember was used to rolling with the punches. Maybe she just needed to realiz
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“I’m sure y’all have heard the stories about Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and her son Cupid. They could spread love, but, also, lust or obsession.” Robert leaned his elbows on the bar and rubbed his forehead. “The lust and obsession part became a problem because of Aphrodite’s jealousy, spite fullness, whatever you want to call it,” Rolling his eyes skyward and waving a hand, he continued, “and her son’s willingness to please his mother. It created a problem with the other Gods. Then all hell broke loose when Hera found out Zeus was letting them off the hook because Cupid was using lust on humans Zeus found attractive a few times. I mean the stupidity of some people.”
Flames of Revenge Chapter 21
Keegan enjoyed showing Ember around the community after convincing her that Melody would be fine staying behind in her room. Ember seemed to enjoy seeing the training grounds. Keegan knew he shouldn’t have felt jealous, because of the bond, but her not being a wolf left him a little concerned. That was until he learned her fascination was due to her love of dancing. She was impressed with how in sync everyone moved with each other. Several of the men and women training came over to meet the future Luna before Keegan dismissed them with the promise to return at a different time. Seeing the hopeful look on his mate's face, he asked her if she would like to train with him the next morning. They were now sitting in one of the back booths at his restaurant, enjoying a quick appetizer, while waiting for Terry. Ember jumped at the idea.
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Seeing his sister’s submission, Keegan tried to calm himself. This was something that should have been brought to his attention though. Even if it was a rumor, it would need to be investigated. Terry knew that they couldn’t take any risks when it came to pack safety.“What did you hear?” Keegan said through clenched teeth.“I’m sorry, Keegan, I really didn’t t
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Keegan tried to stop Terry, but realizing it was useless, he chose to just brace Ember and her chair. He should have realized his tender-hearted sister was going to turn into a bawling mess. Hell, he even had trouble listening to Ember talk about her past. At least he was able to focus on his anger at her situation instead of bawling like his sister. Poor Ember looked like a deer caught in headlights. Luckily, instead of igniting Terry into flames, she looked like she was, very awkwardly, patting her back. Then, before he knew it, Terry stood up and began pacing the kitchen. Ranting about the atrocities of some people. Her face was red with tears and anger, proclaiming that they’d have to go through her to ever see Ember again. Keegan couldn’t contain it when the laughter bubbled up out of him. “Keegan! How dare you laugh at a time like this! I’ll show them not to mess with this she-wolf’s sister-in-law!” Terry’s words were becoming rough and sounding mo
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Sitting at the small table in Keegan’s kitchen nook. Half-listening to the brother and sister’s chatter about the budgets and stocking needed for one of the bars they own. An older lady, named Ilene, had sat plates of delicious smelling bacon, eggs, and toast in front of everyone when they had first sat down, but after devouring it all, Ember was trying to decide what her next move would be. Strange as it was, she didn’t feel like leaving Keegan behind. Besides those strange electric tingles, she gets every time they touch, it was the intense look in Keegan’s eyes when he said he would help. Ember had never had anyone help her with anything. It was always just her. Alone. From her earliest memories, Ember had been placed in that little room by herself. No one to help her dress, eat or brush her teeth. They gave her instructions that she had to follow. Punishments if she didn’t. Ember had heard screams from other patients but was never allowed to see them. The only information she re
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Her taste was exquisite. Ember was melting into him. Keegan was struggling to find control. Her scent was addicting. Comforting him and exciting him all at once. Reminding him of the smell of a burning fire on a cold winter night with hot chocolate and peppermint. Keegan could feel the beat of her heart matching his. “Meerrroww!” Suddenly, a squirming ball of black fur pushed its way out of the middle of them. Announcing her frustration at being squished. Melody flicked her tail as she jumped off the bed. Breaking apart and breathing heavily, Ember stared into Keegan’s eyes. Thankful to see that they were sharing the same struggle. Keegan touched his forehead to hers and pressed a kiss on the tip of her nose. Ember looked so confused. “I’ll help you. We’ll solve this together. You don’t have to run. Promise me that you won’t run. Even though there’s nothing wolves love more than a game of chase, I
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Placing her head in her hands, Ember wondered why she was doing this? Keegan had a strange pull on her, especially when he looked at her with those dark, intense eyes. Was she really his mate or was the loneliness of her life finally getting to her? “Melody, what do I do?” The little cat rubs her head beneath Ember’s chin in comfort before settling in her lap. “I guess I’ve got nothing to lose by telling him.” Looking into the slanted eyes of her best friend. “Except you, but I’ll burn it all to the ground before losing you too. I promise.” “I promise too, Ember. I won’t let anything happen to you or her.” Keegan’s voice had Ember lifting her head to find him standing in the doorway. Freshly dressed in a pair of dark slacks and a light blue dress shirt. The top couple of buttons were not closed and he was still barefooted, but he just radiated confidence as he looked at her.
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The muffled screams wake Keegan. Instantly awake he rushes to the door leading to Ember’s room. Finding it locked Keegan pulls harshly and the door frame breaks. Falling to pieces. Not caring about the mess Keegan rushes into the bedroom. He could feel the urging of his wolf to protect his mate. Trying to locate where the screaming was coming from. They were already quieting though. His eyes landed on the box that had been moved to the furthest corner of the room. Ember’s cat was sitting on top, tail up, and arching her back hissing in Keegan’s direction. Realizing how feral he must look with his wolf so close to the surface and his sudden entrance had the cat in protection mode. The screams had stopped. Slowing his breathing he lowered to a knee and spoke as softly as his wolf would allow with his hand out.“Don’t worry little one. I’m not going to hurt your momma. She scared me.”The li
