[Elise’s POV]As long as I could remember, I lived in a small town with a farming family. They were well known for taking in children who weren’t wanted in the orphanage, and although they had all the workers convinced they were these caring people who truly wanted to help the kids, they just wanted free farm hands.Of course, I was chosen to be one of these free labor kids, and that’s how I found myself living with humans despite what I really was.The first ten years with them weren’t so bad if I blocked out the beatings I received and the way the older kids used me as their scapegoat so that when they messed up, I would be the one who received punishment.In the beginning, I thought if I simply remained quiet and did as I was told, they would forget I existed, but the more I did that, the more everyone decided to place the blame on me until I was locked away for being so disobedient.I was left in a small cellar that reekedwreaked of piss and shit with a bucket to do my business an
[William’s POV]“Elise!”Her name leaves my lips in a hiss as she lays motionless in front of me. How did she get this injury when we were both here together?“Elise!” I repeat, shaking her only for her to remain unconscious. “Dammit! This isn’t funny!”‘She needs a healer.’ Rue hisses, forcing his way through my panic. ‘Don’t just sit there!’A healer. Where in the hell would I be able to find a healer on such short notice? I didn’t know anyone in Rosco’s territory!‘Maria,’ Rue huffs, his annoyance slamming into me. ‘They’re only twenty minutes away.’For a moment, I pause as I realize that she was the best option, but what would happen if Rosco and Denali came here? Wasn’t my bastard father still roaming around, waiting to try to bum rush me and drag me back to Crystal Fang?‘What matters most?’ Rue demands. ‘Helping Elise or remaining hidden?’‘Elise.’ I respond instinctively. It was the most obvious answer.‘Then call Rosco!’Nodding, I pull my phone out of my pocket and click on
[William’s POV]“I won’t.”The words leave my lips as I collapse on the couch while Rosco and Denali continue to watch me. I know that they’re trying to find something in me that says I’m not being serious, but I truly was. Even if Elise and I were in the early stages of truly getting to know each other, not only physically but also emotionally, I was certain of one thing: she was the first woman I felt any semblance of emotion with.“Since you’ve come to a decision, go to her.” Rosco says, though it is clear he isn’t pleased. “Just don’t end up regretting it.”“You keep telling me that.” I chuckle, getting to my feet. “Do you think the third time will be the charm?”“Who knows.” He shrugs. “Just remember she has a sordid past that won’t be so easily overlooked.”“I’m aware.” I say, beginning to move. “But don’t we all?”Not waiting for a response, I begin to move until I spot Maria sitting on her heels, watching Elise as she speaks.Feeling a wave of relief slam into me, I quicken my
[William's POV]Closing my eyes, I allow Marigold's face to come to me willingly for the first time in I wasn't sure how long. For the most part, I tried not to think about her since it usually left me having trouble breathing due to the pain I felt from losing her.“Have you decided to go to sleep sitting up?” Elise asks when I continue to let all the memories and emotions attached to them flood into me. “I thought you were going to tell me a sad story that would make me want to open up to you.”Sighing, I just ignore the hit that Elise is giving me. I was beginning to learn that when she was at her sassiest, it was when she desperately wanted to hide something. Who was becoming acquainted with the actions of the wild cat? Oh, it was me.“Right, my sad story.” I agree, trying to decide where to begin. “Have you ever felt the pain of losing a mate?” I ask, deciding that the very beginning was the right place.“Can’t say I have.” She responds, though I see something flash in her eyes t
[Elise’s POV]I don’t stop moving until I am safely out of William’s line of sight before finally drooping forward while every fucking emotion I didn’t want to feel crashes into me. This was dangerous, so fucking dangerous. I knew that the best thing for me to do was leave, but in order to do that, the issue with my father and his goons needed to be solved quickly.Making my way into the bedroom, I look down at my clothes from the previous day and decide to just leave them. I grab a shirt from the dresser.Throwing it over my head, I gather my hair and busy myself, wrapping it in a bun on top of my head while heading to where Rosco, Denali, and Maria are waiting. When they see me, they wait as I settle on what needs to be done.“Take me to Jose.” I say. “I’ll help him with whatever it is he needs under one condition.”“A condition?” Rosco repeats. “And why do you think you…ugh?”He doesn’t get to finish his grand exclamation before Denali is elbowing him and shooting him a look.“What
[Elise’s POV]Jose’s words drift around me while I continue to stare at the building in front of me. With each passing minute, it becomes more and more familiar, and I can’t deny that I actually know this place.Shivering, I try to make sense of why this is happening. Everything was just as I remembered it from the dock that sat just behind it and the calm sea. Even the seabirds that fly high in the blue sky are exactly as I remember them.“Why?” I whisper, unable to believe it. “Why is this the place?”As the words leave my lips, I feel myself drifting back to reality, and when the world comes into focus, I realize that tears are streaming down my face.“What’s wrong?” Jose asks, reaching out to brush one from my cheek but stopping as I let a growl escape me. “Did something happen?”“That place,” I say slowly, feeling my hatred for my parents rise once again. “That’s the fucking orphanage I was in.”It was made to look like the perfect Catholic church with caring pastors and nuns who
[Rosco’s POV]Later, I sit with Denali as she hums softly to Serenity, who is fast asleep. Despite myself, I find my eyes traveling down to her tiny wrist, which holds the mark of the curse that is plaguing us, and before I can stop it, a growl is escaping me.“Ssssshhhhh,” Denali whispers, giving me a look. “You’re going to wake her.”“Sorry,” I sigh, snuggling up to Denali’s side. “I just wish I could be the one carrying that fucking mark instead of Serenity.”“I do as well.” Denali admits kissing me. “But I’m positive that you and the others will protect her with everything you’ve got.”Nodding, I prepare to say that was exactly what I was intending, but stop as Denali’s phone begins to go off.Frowning, I reach out and grab it, then pass it to Denali.“Text message.” She murmurs, swiping up the screen and then clicking on the message on the screen. “Who…”She doesn’t finish her sentence as her eyes grow wide from shock and her hand begins to shake.“What is it?” I growl, grabbing
[Elise’s Pov]I stare at the bar in front of me, understanding completely why Anasastia wanted to meet Denali here. Since it was located on the poorer side of town, the people who frequented these places were drug lords and criminals.“Sneaky, sneaky.” I giggle, straightening my skirt. “But not sneaky enough.”Putting a look of innocence on my face, I begin to move, heading into the building, which wreaks of alcohol and stale smoke. Once inside, I look around until I spot her sitting in a booth while sipping on some fruity drink.Doing my best impression of Denali, I make my way toward her and then take a seat while she watches me.Only when I’m settled does she give me a smile that gives me the creeps.“I’m so glad you came.” Anastasia beams. “I wasn’t sure if you would.”“Of course I came.” I counter, smiling gently. “How could I ignore my dear sister when she reached out?”“And here I thought you forgot all about me after taking over Emerald Moon with your husband.” She huffs.“No