Emma.I hadn't slept well. No, I was plagued with visions of Cathy trying to hunt me down and finish me off. The thought of the poison still lingered in my mind and I couldn't help but wonder how much the hybrid from her past had hurt her. I was a hybrid. But I'd never transformed. I didn't want to see the monster I'll be. Or were the doctors even right? Could I ever transform? My head was filled with these questions as I swung my heavy legs off the bed and padded to the door. I was a little hungry and Derek had warned me against starving. The knock at my door startled me as I reached for the handle. Pausing, I moved away a little. “Come in,” I called softly. The door creaked open, and Daniella stepped in, balancing a tray with a cup of latte and a plate of pancakes. Her face lit up with a shy smile at the sight of me. “Good morning, Miss Emma, you look beautiful as always.” My cheeks flushed. I felt heavy, like a bear or something. But I guess the pregnancy glow was still a
Emma.I froze. The massive wolf stood before me, its green eyes glowing wildly. My breath hitched, and I instinctively removed my hands from my breast and crossed my arms over my chest, shielding myself as best I could. But the wolf suddenly snarled and stepped closer intimidatingly. I was lost. I was trapped. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. I tried to turn away but at this time, the wolf growled and moved towards me, each step made me back away until I was now completely immersed in her shrub. “I'm sorry," I mumbled helplessly. I didn't know what I was apologizing for. Seeing him naked? Or being so moved by it that I couldn't help myself? The wolf didn't stop, it moved even closer and its eyes remained firmly on my breast, staring intensely. “Please,” I whispered, my voice trembling. The wolf moved even closer until the space between us was a few inches. I stumbled back, my foot catching on the uneven ground. It followed. My back hit the rough bark of a
Emma.I slammed the stack of pictures down on the editor's desk, my voice trembling as I spoke. "Another attack, Mr. Karl. Another one just last night. You can't keep ignoring this." Karl barely glanced up from his computer, adjusting his glasses in that slow, deliberate way that always made me irritated. “Emma,” he sighed, leaning back in his chair like he had all the time in the world, “what people want to read isn’t wild animals running through the woods. They want celebrity gossip, local scandals, you know, stuff that sells.” I crossed my arms, trying to keep my voice steady. “People are dying, Mr. Karl. I’m talking about lives here, not some silly drama about who cheated on who." "You'll watch your tone, miss Emma.” his voice rose a notch and I stepped back. Mr. Karl sighed, tapped his pen against his notepad, his eyes locking onto mine with what looked like sympathy. “Emma, you’re good at what you do, but I’m running a business. People eat up the gossip like candy, but they
Emma.I'd had enough of the wild animal attacks. Benny was injured and I knew I had to do something. My backpack was stuffed and detective Shaw would be meeting me later. “Hello, Mr. Karl," I said, “I won't be coming in today. I've got a family dinner and all." Mr Karl hummed, “Are you upset about yesterday? Look, Emma. One day you'll write the big headlines but now, you've just gotta stick to the articles and__” "Yeah, I get the drill. I'm just busy, I'll drop by tomorrow with the articles, bye." I said all in one breath and hung up. As I stepped outside, I could feel Mom’s eyes on me from the window. She hadn’t said much after I arrived from the hospital, but she was clearly worried. As I reached the car, Alec was already there, leaning, his fingers absentmindedly playing with the onyx ring he always wore. That ring was the only thing we had left from our father. He passed months after my birth. Alec didn’t talk much about him, but that ring meant something to him. “Wo
Emma.The next morning, I sat at the breakfast table, staring blankly at my omelet and half eaten toast. The kitchen was warm, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the sound of clinking plates, but my thoughts were miles away, back to the woods, to that strange man. And now, the gray wolf."Emma, are you listening?" My mother’s voice snapped me back to the present.I blinked, shaking my head. "Sorry, Mom. What did you say?""You’ve barely touched your food, and you’ve been looking out the window all morning,” she set a plate of eggs in front of me. “Emma said she saw a wolf last night," Alec cut in, curling his salad. My family didn't eat much, in fact, I could say they didn't like food. But mum always cooked for me, she claimed. I swallowed hard and interrupted him, "I know what I saw, Alec.""We’ve been over this, Emma. You were in shock. That man you encountered in the woods, he was dangerous, but there’s no wolf. It’s just your mind playing tricks on you."I leaned f
Emma.We agreed to investigate and I'd never felt so fulfilled. Finally, I was going into the mountains to uncover countless attacks on the locals. There had to be something there, Karl would realize I've always been right. To Alec and my mum, I had an alibi ready. I was going to a party with Benny and her brother would come along too. Knowing who Benny's brother was and that he'd just gotten back into town, they would totally agree. A few minutes into work, a loud tap came on the door and Benny suddenly burst in without waiting for a reply. "Emma, wait." her face was pale with fear. "You can’t go into the woods. Stay away from the forest."I blinked. "What? Why?” "My brother's not coming." Benny said, her voice low and serious. I shook my head. Typical. “Yeah, whatever. We'll still check it out. There's really nothing out there. Maybe we could find…like a… cave where these animals are and tell the cops about it. Look, I need to do this, so many people are getting hurt." "I’ve b
I blinked, trying to shake the fog from her mind, my heart still racing. “Get off me!" I yelled, clutching my bleeding neck. He was the man from the forest the other night. "It's you!” The man hissed and grabbed me again despite my struggles, “I'm sorry, let me heal you." For some reason, his voice made me freeze, commanding and alluring, like the poetic siren's call. I held still and his lips touched my neck, a brief wet kiss that sent shivers down my spine. When he pulled away, the wound was gone. “How?" “My body can heal and I'm sorry I bit you, I was just carried away." “Wait. What just happened? You... you turned into a wolf, and now you’re—” I backed up a step, my voice rising, “—a man?”“My name is Kael. I'm a werewolf," I was about to speak when he held up his hands, his expression calm. “I know this is a lot to take in, Emma, but I need you to trust me.”“How did you know my name?” I flinched. Trust you?!” I laughed, the sound more hysterical than I intended. “You just.
Emma.Selene’s face went pale, her eyes glued to the tattoo on my collarbone. “No… this can’t be. It’s impossible. She can't be the one.”I clutched my shirt, feeling my heart racing in confusion and fear. “What are you talking about?” My voice broke as I watched them speak. The Lycan king had just called me his Nate. But surely, I knew he didn't mean that. He couldn't have. “I am sure, Selene. Look for yourself." Kael replied. Seen grabbed his arms, staring at the intricate pattern like she wanted it to disappear. But it didn't. “What do you mean by ‘The one’? Can somebody please explain what’s going on here?”Selene spun around, glaring at Kael. “Do you understand what this means, Kael? This mark, it’s the Luna’s Mark, the sign of the Alpha’s chosen! You brought her here? Are you out of your mind?”Kael stepped forward, calm but firm. “Selene, calm down. We don’t know enough yet. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”“Calm down?” Selene hissed, her voice rising as she turned her gaze
Emma.I froze. The massive wolf stood before me, its green eyes glowing wildly. My breath hitched, and I instinctively removed my hands from my breast and crossed my arms over my chest, shielding myself as best I could. But the wolf suddenly snarled and stepped closer intimidatingly. I was lost. I was trapped. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. I tried to turn away but at this time, the wolf growled and moved towards me, each step made me back away until I was now completely immersed in her shrub. “I'm sorry," I mumbled helplessly. I didn't know what I was apologizing for. Seeing him naked? Or being so moved by it that I couldn't help myself? The wolf didn't stop, it moved even closer and its eyes remained firmly on my breast, staring intensely. “Please,” I whispered, my voice trembling. The wolf moved even closer until the space between us was a few inches. I stumbled back, my foot catching on the uneven ground. It followed. My back hit the rough bark of a
Emma.I hadn't slept well. No, I was plagued with visions of Cathy trying to hunt me down and finish me off. The thought of the poison still lingered in my mind and I couldn't help but wonder how much the hybrid from her past had hurt her. I was a hybrid. But I'd never transformed. I didn't want to see the monster I'll be. Or were the doctors even right? Could I ever transform? My head was filled with these questions as I swung my heavy legs off the bed and padded to the door. I was a little hungry and Derek had warned me against starving. The knock at my door startled me as I reached for the handle. Pausing, I moved away a little. “Come in,” I called softly. The door creaked open, and Daniella stepped in, balancing a tray with a cup of latte and a plate of pancakes. Her face lit up with a shy smile at the sight of me. “Good morning, Miss Emma, you look beautiful as always.” My cheeks flushed. I felt heavy, like a bear or something. But I guess the pregnancy glow was still a
Emma.Cathy sprang to her feet, looking at me guiltily. I started, transfixed. Cathy. Cathy poisoned me. “You," I caught myself saying before I could stop myself. “What? Emma, how could you say something like that?" Her face went pale, her hands trembling slightly as she held them up in surrender. “Why would you?” I started, but my voice broke. Cathy had been my only friend in the whole pack. She was my stronghold. Why would she poison me? Why would she want me dead? Was she trying to save her pack from me? Did she think I was a spy? Words failed me. I looked at Cathy and tears poured down my face freely. “Wait,” Derek stepped between us. His voice was calm. “Cathy, did you give her the tea?” “Yes, but—” Cathy stammered, shaking her head. “I didn’t know! I swear, I didn’t know anything was wrong with it. I just made it the way I always do!” “Nightshade doesn’t accidentally end up in a cup of latte,” Derek said, his tone hardening.“I didn’t do anything!” Cathy cried out
Emma. When I woke up, I could hear the soft beeping beside me and I knew I was at the clinic again. The smell of antiseptic hit me and for a second, I heaved dryly. I had an aching temple and I wanted nothing more than to just sleep. “Hey, are you okay?" I heard a voice say softly and touch my face as I blinked my eyes open. The doctor’s face was scrunched into a slight frown as he scanned the clipboard in his hands. When he finally looked up at me, he sighed. “I’ve made a rather shocking discovery,” he said, his voice low, as if trying to soften the blow. Cathy shifted beside me, and for the first time, I saw Derek was standing in the clinic too and he crossed his arms but didn’t say a word. “What is it?” I asked, my voice shaky. The doctor glanced at Cathy briefly before looking up at me. “Emma, your body is being weakened by the hybrid nature of your child. It’s wearing your system out and your body just isn’t strong enough to sustain the pregnancy in its curr
Emma.I stayed behind the pillar, barely breathing as Tristan and Regina exchanged pleasantries with Derek. My eyes wasn't playing tricks on me. Tristan was really there and Regina was right beside him. Regina. What did she want with Tristan? Did they know each other? Did she have something to do with Roger's death? Most likely. Tristan’s presence alone was enough to unsettle me, but Regina's fake smile made it even worse. I shifted slightly to get a better view, my fingers gripping the cool stone of the pillar for support.For a second, his eyes darted in my direction and it narrowed. Had he seen me? My heart thundered as I quickly stepped back behind the house and fled the lakeside, hurrying into my room. The rest of the day became a game of avoidance. Every creak of a door, every approaching footstep sent waves of anxiety through me. I practically stayed in my room, avoiding any room I thought Tristan or Regina might enter. I was still in my room, a little too absorbed
Emma.The morning light trickled through the curtains, warming my face and waking me before I was even ready to wake. My body ached, not from physical exertion but from the discomfort of being in a place that wasn’t home. I stretched, shaking off the fog of sleep, and swung my legs over the side of the bed. I had to take a warm bath and perhaps a little stroll to ease the tension I felt within. A soft knock startled me and Cathy walked in. She was already dressed in her usual tight leather with her hair pulled pack into a neat bun. "Morning," she said, her lips stretching into an easy smile. “How are you feeling today?” I hesitated. Was there a correct answer to that? “Fine, I guess.” I lied fluidly. I was anything but fine. I wanted to be somewhere else. I wanted to be with Roger. I wanted to be home. She frowned slightly. “If you need anything, nything at all, just let me know, okay?” “Thanks,” I murmured, sincerely appreciating her concern. But now I was wary of peo
Derek.The sight of Emma standing there, naked and startled, with water dripping down her shoulders, was enough to root me in place. The basin was too small for her frame. I could see every inch of her no matter how much she tried to fold into herself. She crossed an arm over her chest, cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she tried to shield herself. Alpha," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "What... what are you doing here?" I snapped out of my stupor and cleared my throat as I bent down to retrieve the dagger. "I knocked. Twice. You didn’t answer." My voice came out more hoarse han I intended, but I couldn’t help it. Was I pissed off at her or was my husky voice a sign of something else entirely? I couldn't dwell on that. She averted her eyes, reaching for a towel on the stool beside her. "I didn’t hear you," She trailed off, pulling the towel around herself hastily. "Why are you bathing in here?" I asked, gesturing to the cramped basin. The question sounded s
Derek.The moment the doctor uttered the word hybrid, my stomach twisted. It wasn’t just shock, it was dread. I, Derek Moon, was not afraid of anything. I had lived life so fiercely that even fear cowered at my entrance. But a hybrid?Hybrids were more than rare. They were a calamity waiting to happen. And now, one was in my pack, Emma. Was she going to give birth to a hybrid baby too? Yes and that would make two hybrids. The child would be a pure blood by birth, immune to both vampire and werewolf threats. But Emma was more endangered. I didn't know what to say. I couldn't send her away. As soon as Emma was led back to the guest room, I waved the doctor off and headed for the quiet corner of the clinic where Cathy was waiting. She raised an eyebrow when she saw my face. “What’s with the grim look, alpha?” she asked, folding her arms. “Tell me everything,” I said sharply. “About the accident. From the start.” She looked taken back. “Do you still think she's a threat li
Emma.The moment the man set me down on the chair, I couldn’t stop shaking. My entire body trembled, soaked to the bone from the lake’s icy water. He crouched before me, his piercing green eyes filled with concern and a liftie bit of curiosity. “Are you okay?” He asked with a firm voice. I nodded, though my body betrayed the lie as another shiver wracked through me. Without a word, he stood and barked an order to the guard behind him. “Get a blanket, now." I was still shaking and trying to squeeze into my own heat. Moments later, the guard hurried back with a thick blanket. The golden haired man took it from them and draped it over my shoulders. The warmth was immediate, though it did little to calm my nerves. The man stepped back, his tall frame towering over me. His blonde hair was even more striking and though he’d just transformed from a massive golden wolf into human form, his movements were still as intimidating and graceful. “Who are you?” he asked, his voice was comm