The first half is done. Thank you for all your patience. I am hoping to write the next half more quickly.
Xavier15 minutes priorI watch Elina run down the steps, my heart aching to be with her and hoping she finds that door quickly.Boom!A loud crash pulls my attention back to the front of the house.“Are you ready?” Silas gives me a mental nod. I take a deep breath a shift into my wolf.Boom!Something flies through the house towards us. We jump and dodge it in time.“Come here and finish this, girl,” Minerva shouts.“Let’s go.” We sprint towards the window, jump through and land on the ground. She pauses with a powerful blast in her hand when she sees us. Then she laughs before throwing it. We dodge it quickly, so it becomes a game for the next minute of escaping. She throws a blast that hits us on our rear leg. We yelp and whimper as the pain hits us.“We have to get up. It hasn’t been long enough. El…” Our body lifts off the ground. We struggle to break free, but she’s too strong.“Goodbye, Dog.” She says before a bright white blast aimed at us.“I’m sorry, El.” We close our eyes be
I step through the portal, make my way to the steps, and see Elina leaning against the door.“What are you waiting for? Aren’t you going in?” She turns and wraps her hands around my neck.“I was waiting for you.” She takes my hand, smiles before she kisses and pulls away.“You’re worried about seeing Cass,” I say once our lips part.“Hey, stay out of my head.” She pouts. I chuckle and ruffle her hair.“I wasn’t reading your mind. I can feel your emotions, and right now, you’re.”“Anxious. I don’t know if I can forgive her, but she’s my best friend.”“You’ll work through it.”“What if we can’t?”“Then I’ll be your best friend.”“I’ll still have Iris.”“I’m much
Elina“Elina, Elina, it’s time to wake up.” I feel someone shake me.“Elina.” I open my eyes—a woman with greying hair peers down at me. Who? My eyes open wide.“Grandma.” I sit up, confused.“Yes, child. Hurry and get up. I don’t know how much longer I have.”She reaches down and pulls me to my feet.What is grandma doing here?I was with Xavier last night. I look around the room and realize it’s no longer a room. Instead, we’re in the middle of the forest. How did I get here? Is this a dream?“You aren’t dreaming?” She says. Can she?“No, I can’t read your mind, but I know that’s what you’re thinking. Now come along.”She walks off, but I don’t move. This thing, whatever
Cassie and Istareat each other awkwardly. We've been best friends since I can remember, but what do you say to your best friend who betrayed you and nearly killed you as a result?“I’ll leave you two alone. Sweetie, I made breakfast. Cass, join her. I’m sure you’re hungry.”"I already ate," Cass says.“You can never eat too much. Well, you can. Don't listen to me. I'll leave you two to talk”“Thank you,Dad,”I say as I hug him before he heads downstairs. We watch him walk away before our eyes refocus on each other.“Are you okay?”"I’m just fine, now that I had my body drained of demon’s blood. I'm feeling amazing," I say."El, I know it won't mean much, but I'm sorry.""Sorry for what, exactly? For Poisoning me with Eriq's blood? Causing grandmother to stab me? Or are yo
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
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. I’m not sure what he meant when he said he’d see me again. I’m hoping he’s not another enemy to contend with. Titus and his pack will be hard enough to deal with.“If he then we will face him together,” 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.“Together,” I murmur, closing my eyes for a brief rest.“El,” The sound of Xavier’s voice stirs me from sleep. I slowly open my eyes and realize we’re not moving anymore. I release Xavier and sit lean back, realizing we’re in Cass’ driveway.“You fell asleep. I guess we got a little rest after last night.” 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.“
XavierTwenty minutes ago“Elina!” I shout as she falls to the ground.I rush to her side and pull her into my arms.“Elina!” I shake her, but she won’t budge. Her eyes are closed, and there is a small trickle of blood coming from one nostril.‘Mate’ Silas whines as he scratches to break free. I grit my teeth and push him back.“Stop it. You can’t help her.” He whimpers as I scoop El up in my arms.“Don’t worry, she will be fine.” I turn to head to the door when Noime shouts.“Mom!” I spin as Dad’s wolf is thrown across the room. He crashes into the wall and falls to the ground.“Dad!” I shout as I hurry to his side, with El still in my arms.“Mom!” she shouts. I spin as El's grandmother rises from the ground.“Mom!”Boom! 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.“El,” I call as her breathing gets heavier.‘What’s wrong with her?’ Silas asks as I watch her che
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 he’s leaving in two days. I need to become the leader he wants me to be.My phone buzzes and I grab it, hoping it’s Elina. I’ve been calling her all day, but she’s 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 isn’t El. I sigh. I guess I’ll 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 I’m 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
I remove my teeth from El’s neck and howl as our connection deepens. I feel everything she’s feeling: shock, confusion, love, and pain. It’s minor, but I hate that she is in pain because of me. I bit her before the full moon, and though it’s frowned upon, the effects are usually just mild pain and prolonged sleep. “AHHH.” El cries out, and simultaneously pain surges through me suddenly. I growl and shift back into my human form, pulling her into my arms. “El,” 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. What’s wrong with her? “I don’t—-” “AHHHH,” she cries out again. “Troy!” “Yes, Alpha.” “Get Dr. Dyer, now!” Twenty minutes later, I’m pacing before the room as Dr. Dyer examines El. I can feel she is no longer in pain, but I can’t help from feeling like this is my fault. I shouldn’t have bitten her before it was time,
“What? Dad!” 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.“Tess, this is for your own good.”“I’m not some charity case, Dad. I told you I could handle this on my own. I don’t need anyone and certainly not him!”I glare at Xavier, who is still in shock.“I don’t know how much longer I have. With his protection, I know you will be okay.” He reaches out to touch me but I turn away from him.“I don’t need his protection. I’m strong. Stronger than you think I am. I will—”“Wayne!” Xavier shouts followed by a large thud.I spin and find my father on the ground twisting in pain.“Dad!” I say as I run to his side.“What’s wrong with him? Is this related to his illness?”Xavier asks.“I don’t know he’s only ever coughed up a little blood before. Dad! What’s wrong?! Tell me what’s wrong?” He grits his teeth as blood leaks from the corner of his lips.“He needs a doctor—-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 it’s him. I watch as he rises to his feet slowly.“Are you alright?” I ask.He nods his head. “I am just a little sleep-deprived. I’m sorry if I scared you.” He takes a step toward me but stops in his track as Silas bares his teeth, warning him to stay back.“Silas, it’s okay. I think we can trust him.” I say.I do not know him, but I think if he wanted to hurt me, he wouldn’t have saved me from getting hit that day.“She’s right, Xavier. I am only here to talk. I will not hurt her.” The man says.I stare at him, stunned, as Silas growls at the mention of Xavier’s 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. I’m glad Cass and I are back on good terms. It was hard being mad at her. Even if it was only for a day.“Elina.” 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.“You’re not here to kidnap me again, are you?” I joke as he approaches me.Not getting the joke, his face grows stern. “I’m really sorry.”“Which part? Poising me with your blood or trying to resurrect my dead great-grandmother in my body?”“Both. El, I’m really sorry. About everything. I don’t know how to make it up to you, but I promise I will. On my mate’s honor. I will.”“
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 won’t 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. That’s what I need: a fresh start, but this town was supposed to be Raina’s and I fresh start. A change to forget the horrible memory of our parent’s death, but now she’s off chasing ghosts and I’m in love with my teacher.My eyes drift to him sleeping peacefully and I can’t 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.“You act cold, but I know you miss me.” 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 he’s leaving in two days. I need to become the leader he wants me to be.My phone buzzes and I grab it, hoping it’s Elina. I’ve been calling her all day, but she’s 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 isn’t El. I sigh. I guess I’ll 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 I’m 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 ago“Elina!” I shout as she falls to the ground.I rush to her side and pull her into my arms.“Elina!” I shake her, but she won’t budge. Her eyes are closed, and there is a small trickle of blood coming from one nostril.‘Mate’ Silas whines as he scratches to break free. I grit my teeth and push him back.“Stop it. You can’t help her.” He whimpers as I scoop El up in my arms.“Don’t worry, she will be fine.” I turn to head to the door when Noime shouts.“Mom!” I spin as Dad’s wolf is thrown across the room. He crashes into the wall and falls to the ground.“Dad!” I shout as I hurry to his side, with El still in my arms.“Mom!” she shouts. I spin as El's grandmother rises from the ground.“Mom!”Boom! 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.“El,” I call as her breathing gets heavier.‘What’s wrong with her?’ 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. I’m not sure what he meant when he said he’d see me again. I’m hoping he’s not another enemy to contend with. Titus and his pack will be hard enough to deal with.“If he then we will face him together,” 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.“Together,” I murmur, closing my eyes for a brief rest.“El,” The sound of Xavier’s voice stirs me from sleep. I slowly open my eyes and realize we’re not moving anymore. I release Xavier and sit lean back, realizing we’re in Cass’ driveway.“You fell asleep. I guess we got a little rest after last night.” 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.“
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