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Elina
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āYou could have just asked to kiss...ā He stops and looks around, finally realizing our surroundings. He slowly rises to his feet.
āWhere are we?ā
āI donāt know,ā I reply, but it does look similar to the woods surrounding the house.
"Itās your mind; canāt you control your thoughts."
Elina My heart pounds in my chest as I run through the dark woods illuminated only by the red moonlight. Dread fills my heart as we get closer and closer to Xavierās home. Are they under attack? Who would attack them? I wonder, but I already have a sinking feeling in my stomach what today will be. I arrive through the clearing out of breath as Xavier and his younger self runs into an invisible barrier. Young Xavier growls loud as he tries to run into it, but he bounces back. A witches barrier, I note, these are used generally for witch meetings and counsels. Only witches can get in and out with ease. āXavier, stop!ā Young Elina screams, running to his side after his second attempt sends him flying into the woods. āDonāt touch me,ā he shouts, brushing her off. āIām trying to help. You canāt get through because itās a witch's barrier; you need a witch to enter, so please take my hand.āShe reaches out to him; he looks at her hand for a mo
Elina I watch, mesmerized as they continue to fight. āYou were always too weak and a coward,ā Xerxes growls. Titus jumps to his feet and lunges at him again. Xerxes dodges him and swings a right hook in his jaw, causing him to stagger and fall to the ground. āI am a coward; you are right. But there is no honor when you are dead.ā He shouts, pulling a red necklace from his pocket. He throws it over his neck and immediately shifts into a wolf. Then he runs full speed lunging at Xerxes before he can react, biting him on his leg. Xerxes cries out as he rips his flesh out. He doubles over on the ground. Titus wolf continues his attack on Xerxes, biting and scratching. Xerxes starts rising to his feet. He swings his arm, knocking the wolf down. Then he goes to one of the dead wolves and pluck the necklace off their neck and shift into his wolf. āI pump my fist into the air. Yes, now they are on a level playing field. Xerxesās wolf growls and
Elina Fifteen minutes ago āHi, Elinaā I look up at my younger self, her eyes pure white. I stare at her, confused. Why am I here? Can she see me? āYou can see me?ā āI did just say hi to you, so that would mean...ā I frown; who is this little girl giving attitude? I mean, sheās me, but... ā you donāt have to be smart, ā I mumble. āYouāre acting like itās normal talking to yourself.ā āIām sure youāve seen stranger things.ā āWell yeahā¦wait, could you see me back there? Did you bring me here?ā āI was the one who showed you the memory, and yes, I brought you here. The young version of yourself, however, was not me.ā āThen who are you? Why are you people playing in my head?ā I reply, frustrated and annoyed with everyone who thinks my mind is their own personal playground. āI am you; we are one.ā I furrow my brows. āYou said you werenāt the young me from the vision.ā āI am
Alavic I sit in my office scanning the files detailing the search for Katerina. Itās been seven years, and weāre no closer to finding her. āAny movements by Titus?ā I ask crus my second in command. āHis people have been quiet for some time now, too quiet. Now that the Alpha is about to come of age, Iām afraid heās planning somethingā I frown. Thatās probably true; even though Titus has sworn he had nothing to do with them getting attacked that day, I had my suspicions. But I have no proof since Katerina is missing and my brother... BOOM. The sound echoes through the house as the walls begin to shake. āAre we under attack?ā I ask as the sound echoes a second time. āWho would have the guts to attack head-on, not even Titus.āHe replies. I jump to my feet immediately as the house shakes again. I open the door and walk out with Crus following. Whoever it is will pay dearly. I stop at the ton of the stairs and look over the banister. What I see shoc
āWe three were always the best of friends because we were all only a year apart, your father the eldest at sixteen at the time, I was fifteen, and Titus was fourteen. We use to do everything together, fishing, hunting running, and although we were all boys, we all accepted that your father would be the next Alpha of our pack. Our family, therefore, was a peaceful one until Titus brought Katerina home one day. The moment she met, your father fell in love, and as you know, in our pack, the Alpha mate isnāt chosen by faith but by his heart. They chose each other, but Titus was already in love with her. He never forgave your parents for what he thought was a betrayal by both.ā I listen intently as he recalls the past. So that is what he meant when he said he came from what was his back in Elinaās mind, āThe first red moon, the year you were born. He attacked, but he was alone, and your father bested him quickly. We had forgotten about his hatred, so we werenāt on guard and I was
Xavier I walk through the hallways as I make my way to my first class; itās English. Elina also takes this course, and although I donāt want to admit it, Iām looking forward to seeing her. I head into the class and scan the room, but she isn't there. I spot her friend Cassie sitting by the window, an empty chair beside her. Where is she? My mind begins to race with all the horrible possibilities. āMr.Ivanov, if youāve located what youāre looking for, will you please have a seat.ā Mrs.Carter, the English, pushes up her glasses as she looks at me. Mrs. Carter's voice pulls me from my overthinking. I grunt then make my way to my seat, passing Keira on the way. She smiles at me, but my mind is only on Elina. Why isn't she in class? Is she more hurt than I thought? āMr. Ivanovā¦.Xavier Ivanov.ā āHuh?ā āXavier Ivanov, were you paying attention? Your essay on love, are you ready to read it?ā Essay? Oh, we di
Elina I flip the pages of the tenth spell book today and groan as I once again find nothing useful. All locator spells need some possession of the person to be able to link to them. However, I have nothing of Katerinaās, and since Xavier hasnāt bothered to call or visit in the last two days, I canāt ask him even though Iām trying to help him locate his mother. He just brushed me off as if I was nothing to him, but from my memories, we really cared about each other. Even though itās been a long time, why are my feelings coming back, but heās still a cold-hearted wolf. Uh, letās not think about him. If he can act like I donāt exist, then so can I.Iāll forget him and his stupid smirk and his stupid face. Ughhhhh, I scream in frustration. āBoys are so annoying,ā I scream as I throw the book across the room. It stops mid-air and floats around for a bit before landing Iris. āThatās true. They do suck.ā She agrees as she flips through the pages of the
Cassie Present Elina walks in holding a pile of boys' clothing and sighs as she takes a whiff of it. I furrow my brows, confused by the clothing and her actions. Ris and I exchange a quizzical look before we turn back to her. āWhat do you have there?ā Ris asks before I can. āXavier clothes.ā She mumbles, her face still buried in it. āWhy do you have Xavier stuff?ā And more importantly. Why are you smelling it? I think to myself but do not dare say it. āHe was just here...Ris; you said he checked in on me today. What did say?ā āHe wanted to know how you were; I guess he missed you at school.ā Iris looks at Elina concern as she plops down on the ground while clutching Xavierās shirt as if it was some treasure. Wait, she went outside to meet Eric. What happened to him? Did he tell her about Keira and me? āWhat about Eric?ā I ask nervously, but I donāt think I have anything to worry about from
I remove my teeth from Elās neck and howl as our connection deepens. I feel everything sheās feeling: shock, confusion, love, and pain. Itās minor, but I hate that she is in pain because of me. I bit her before the full moon, and though itās frowned upon, the effects are usually just mild pain and prolonged sleep. āAHHH.ā El cries out, and simultaneously pain surges through me suddenly. I growl and shift back into my human form, pulling her into my arms. āEl,ā I call out to her, but her eyes are closed as her body shakes. I can feel the pain coursing through her. Silas claws against my being, trying to get out. Stop it, I command. There is nothing you can do. Whatās wrong with her? āI donātā-ā āAHHHH,ā she cries out again. āTroy!ā āYes, Alpha.ā āGet Dr. Dyer, now!ā Twenty minutes later, Iām pacing before the room as Dr. Dyer examines El. I can feel she is no longer in pain, but I canāt help from feeling like this is my fault. I shouldnāt have bitten her before it was time,
āWhat? Dad!ā I shout, angrily. I was wondering why he wanted to see him so badly. Of course, he would make such a desperate request since he has no faith I can succeed him on my own.āTess, this is for your own good.āāIām not some charity case, Dad. I told you I could handle this on my own. I donāt need anyone and certainly not him!āI glare at Xavier, who is still in shock.āI donāt know how much longer I have. With his protection, I know you will be okay.ā He reaches out to touch me but I turn away from him.āI donāt need his protection. Iām strong. Stronger than you think I am. I willāāāWayne!ā Xavier shouts followed by a large thud.I spin and find my father on the ground twisting in pain.āDad!ā I say as I run to his side.āWhatās wrong with him? Is this related to his illness?āXavier asks.āI donāt know heās only ever coughed up a little blood before. Dad! Whatās wrong?! Tell me whatās wrong?ā He grits his teeth as blood leaks from the corner of his lips.āHe needs a doctorā-Se
ElinaSilas stops and backs away slightly, but he keeps his guard up as he stands between me and the man. I look at the man who is still on the ground. His hair is a little shorter than it was a couple of days ago, but from the scar across his left eyebrow to his ocean blue eyes, and even the exhaustion he wears. I know itās him. I watch as he rises to his feet slowly.āAre you alright?ā I ask.He nods his head. āI am just a little sleep-deprived. Iām sorry if I scared you.ā He takes a step toward me but stops in his track as Silas bares his teeth, warning him to stay back.āSilas, itās okay. I think we can trust him.ā I say.I do not know him, but I think if he wanted to hurt me, he wouldnāt have saved me from getting hit that day.āSheās right, Xavier. I am only here to talk. I will not hurt her.ā The man says.I stare at him, stunned, as Silas growls at the mention of Xavierās name. How does he know him? Who is he? Were my instincts wrong, and he was sent by Titus? I take two steps
Elina.The morning passes by pretty quickly and soon enough; it was time for lunch. I stand on the staircase waiting for Xavier and the girls. Iām glad Cass and I are back on good terms. It was hard being mad at her. Even if it was only for a day.āElina.ā I spin as Eric comes walking up to me. I figure he would come back to school soon. I wondered how I would feel when I see him again. If I would be angry or feel betrayed. However, what I feel now is indifference. Perhaps because, unlike Cass, he was a stranger to me before all this. Plus, after being stabbed by my grandmother, nothing else really surprises me.āYouāre not here to kidnap me again, are you?ā I joke as he approaches me.Not getting the joke, his face grows stern. āIām really sorry.āāWhich part? Poising me with your blood or trying to resurrect my dead great-grandmother in my body?āāBoth. El, Iām really sorry. About everything. I donāt know how to make it up to you, but I promise I will. On my mateās honor. I will.āā
IrisI awake to the heavy feeling of his hand across my body. I groan as I remove it and sit up, staring down at his sleeping face. Why did I let him sleep here last night? I am done with him. This relationship is pointless. He wonāt choose me as his mate, and that is something that will never change. I need to move on. I have my whole life ahead of me. College next fall away from this town and him. Thatās what I need: a fresh start, but this town was supposed to be Rainaās and I fresh start. A change to forget the horrible memory of our parentās death, but now sheās off chasing ghosts and Iām in love with my teacher.My eyes drift to him sleeping peacefully and I canāt help thinking of all the times we fell asleep in each other arms. I hate to admit it, but I miss him. His smile, his touch, the feel of his skin against mine. I raise my hand, suddenly feeling the urge to touch him, when his eyes snap open. My hand pauses mid-air.āYou act cold, but I know you miss me.ā He says as he g
I walk out of the shower and head into my room. I towel dry my hair and pull on shorts and a t-shirt, then sit on the bed. After leaving Uncle Alavic, I spent the day training, determined to get better. I need to be stronger now that heās leaving in two days. I need to become the leader he wants me to be.My phone buzzes and I grab it, hoping itās Elina. Iāve been calling her all day, but sheās been ignoring me.I flip it over and see a text message from KeiraWe need to talk. Why would I need to talk to her? I frown and throw my phone down, depressed that it isnāt El. I sigh. I guess Iāll have to wait until school tomorrow to talk to her. Right now, I should try to get some rest. I pull back the covers and slip under, turning off the lamp. I close my eyes and try to sleep, but all I can think about is Uncle leaving and if Iām ready to be the Alpha without him guiding me? I toss and turn for hours until I give up and sit up in the bed. I need to clear my head. Maybe going for a run w
XavierTwenty minutes agoāElina!ā I shout as she falls to the ground.I rush to her side and pull her into my arms.āElina!ā I shake her, but she wonāt budge. Her eyes are closed, and there is a small trickle of blood coming from one nostril.āMateā Silas whines as he scratches to break free. I grit my teeth and push him back.āStop it. You canāt help her.ā He whimpers as I scoop El up in my arms.āDonāt worry, she will be fine.ā I turn to head to the door when Noime shouts.āMom!ā I spin as Dadās wolf is thrown across the room. He crashes into the wall and falls to the ground.āDad!ā I shout as I hurry to his side, with El still in my arms.āMom!ā she shouts. I spin as El's grandmother rises from the ground.āMom!āBoom! A large burst of power erupts from her, pushing Noime and me back and shattering every glass in the room. I duck, shielding myself and El, who suddenly starts panting.āEl,ā I call as her breathing gets heavier.āWhatās wrong with her?ā Silas asks as I watch her che
ElinaI keep my grip on Xavier as he steers the bike down the road. My thoughts return to the man who had just saved me. His exhausted eyes were ablaze with rage. Iām not sure what he meant when he said heād see me again. Iām hoping heās not another enemy to contend with. Titus and his pack will be hard enough to deal with.āIf he then we will face him together,ā Xavier says through our mindlink.It still feels weird when his voice pops into my head, but it also makes me feel closer to him. I wrap my arms around him and lay my head on his back.āTogether,ā I murmur, closing my eyes for a brief rest.āEl,ā The sound of Xavierās voice stirs me from sleep. I slowly open my eyes and realize weāre not moving anymore. I release Xavier and sit lean back, realizing weāre in Cassā driveway.āYou fell asleep. I guess we got a little rest after last night.ā He says as he gently massages my hands that are still wrapped around him. I lean forward and press my face against his back, inhaling him.ā
XavierI rub my temples as I listen to the reports of the latest news about what’s happening in our territory. I’ve been in this meeting since 10 and now it’s around noon and I’m ready for this to end. I glance down at the ring on my finger and smile. Maybe I should escape to El's room. I’m sure it would be more fun than this.“What are we going to do about the rogues?” Gris, one of the elders, asks, pulling me from my thoughts.“What rogues?” I glance up at my uncle, confused.“We had some rogues move in on the river in the last week.”“Why didn’t I know about this?”“You were.” He pauses. “I should have informed you, alpha. We’ve been monitoring them while you were—away. They seem harmless.” He says