"Where were you born?"I say nothing, staring blankly at the ugly ceiling. I awoke a few minutes ago, and Elijah Coleman has been trying to get me to converse with him."I looked into you. Sinclair pulled an impressive amount of strings to get you an identity. A false one. It tickled my curiousity. Sinclair is right about the most selfish man I know."I blink, moving my head left and right to dispel the last remnants of dizziness. The colours seem overly bright, and my bones feel weary.He suddenly crouches in front of me and reaches for my hair. He tucks it behind my ear and I hate that I can't move. I want nothing more than to slam his face into the wall. Claw out his eyes too while I'm at it.But I can't fucking lift a finger.That is what scares me. Human drugs should have no effect on us, their impact fleeting due to our rapid metabolism. A temporary weakness, lasting a minute at most, nothing so strong that it'd incapacitate me. His fingers linger over my ear, stroking th
"My condolences."Elijah laughs at my tarty response, a chilling amusement dancing in his eyes. I'm not sure how he can find amusement in such a situation. He'd abducted me, but now I almost feel sorry for him.Almost.A tool for revenge, that is all Eliana is.I'm not sure what to feel. Fear for her or awe for Mr. Winchester's ruthless brilliance. He has her firmly under his control, bending her to his will. He could end her life whenever he pleases, a pawn in his wicked game of vengeance.It is the ultimate revenge.Having Elijah know that his daughter will die at some point at his hands, and he is at his mercy.It all starts to make sense now – the sniper at the business meeting, the heavy air charged with hatred and animosity."The results are inconclusive," Gary announces, abruptly entering through the door. "Whatever you injected her with is interfering with the tests. She might as well be an eel right now.""You're full of shit, you know that," I say to Gary. "Did you even mean
Nothing has ever sounded as satisfying as the sound of Yuri's screams when my claws rend through his flesh, tearing into his boner, ripping through the flesh and whatever shit exists in his dick.The scent of blood fills the air, mingling with Yuri's nightmarish roars. But it's not my nightmare—it's his. "Get her off me!" he cries in agony."Fuck!" Anton yells, angling over from the front seat to grab me. His hands clasp around my arm, attempting to pull me away from Yuri. Yet, the harder he tries, the tighter my grip becomes. In a matter of seconds, his testicles are in ribbons. I don't think Yuri will ever father children. He doesn't know that though. He has passed out.Anton results to hitting me in hopes to knock me out. The first punch knocks me off balance, and my head collides hard with the windshield, shattering it, but I barely feel the pain.I lunge forward, gripping Anton's arm, raking through his flesh. His roar is primal, and the car veers dangerously, crashing into the
"You couldn't take her somewhere else? That is my bloody room, Sinclair!"I awake to the high pitched voice of a woman. I struggle to pry my eyes open, each blink a laborious effort against the weight of my lids.I must have drifted off again because the next thing that registers is the door being wrenched open, crashing against the wall. A muffled groan escapes me as I attempt to lift my head from the pillows, those damned cushions that feel softer than a whisper.The covers are snatched off my body roughly and what follows is a cry of outrage that has my headache worsening. Cool air kisses my bare legs and I shiver, blindly reaching for the blankets."She's in your shirt! You never even let me touch your clothes!"Goddess. Her tone rises higher and higher on each word, and my head feels like it'll fall off if she keeps screeching."You're overreacting, El.""I'm--I'm overreacting? This was our space! You fuck whoever you want to, but you don't bring them home! You know how much thes
Somehow, I end up sleeping the entire evening away, tossing through nightmare after nightmare. I wake up drenched in sweat, with a thirst that has me lunging out of bed to grab the glass of water on the bed stand.I gulp the entire thing and refill the glass twice, panting and wiping my mouth once I am done. My trembling fingers rise to my face, before threading them into my hair as I will my breathing to slow.Gripping the bedstand, I lean against it, shaking. I dreamt of Yuri and Anton, but this time, they're killing me, not the reverse. My skin crawls with the feeling of blood on my skin. The sweat coating my body and shirt does little to help.Bile rises to my throat and I close my hand over my mouth to keep myself from throwing up. Pushing my feet into the oversized flip-flops by the bed and grabbing the robe by the door, take heavy steps out of the room needing to get some air on my face.I step out of the room, my tight movements triggering the motion sensors and lights sudde
I'm wearing Eliana's dress. A little green dress that hugs my ass so tight, Mr. Winchester's hands had furled and unfurled when I'd shown up, no doubt with the need to grip it.I don't feel bad or ashamed. I might keep it even, if I feel up to it.Shameless? A little, and there's nothing wrong with that.I'd always thought a night drive was cool, but now, in the early hours of the morning when the rest of the world sleeps, it is euphoric.The wind is cool, and Mr. Winchester's chosen car is without a roof top. I can feel the morning mist on my skin as he races past the streets of Brookville. I push my fingertips out the window and I smile at the breeze pushing against my fingers.I like cars. I'd always read about them and wished we could do away with carriages and horses. But the Lycan King didn't want the air getting ruined with fumes."Would Eliana be comfortable with this? Taking me out in the public's eye?"Sinclair Winchester doesn't take his eyes off the road or miss a single b
Dane steps in between us before Ethan can think to retaliate.Could have told him not to bother. I can handle a fight just fine."Back the hell up, Ethan. We all mourn Danika's death in our own way and time. You want to go at it with him, do it outside my establishment. Tonight, they are my guests. You disrespect them, you disrespect me, I fucking kick your drunk ass out." Ethan bares his teeth at Dane, but he backs off, stalking back to the others at the table, his frustration seething under his skin.Soft, soft, musical laugh tinkles through the booth, quickly silenced by a warning growl from Ethan.Dane turns slightly my way, a flicker of approval dancing in his eyes. Just like that, my terrible mood is gone and I have to bite down on my lip to stifle a giggle."Which would you prefer? Dane's Club or my office?" Mr. Winchester asks as Dane leaves to fetch us some drinks. My brows furrow. "I'm not following.""Did you see the sign outside? There's an opening. If you like him so mu
I'm having one helluva day.First, for some crazy ass reason, the paparazzi were at the school when Mr. Winchester dropped me off. Getting past them had been hellish. Their mics had been shoved in my face more times than I would like to recall, and they reached for me so aggressively, my blouse got ripped in a few places when I tried pulling away.Mr. Winchester hadn't bothered to get out of his car. He'd waved for the camera before driving off, leaving me to find my way through the horde.Then I'd walked into hall to find that I was late for an assessment. Lots of minutes late, considering how they were rounding it up already. But the lecturer had taken one look at me and given me a sheet and more than enough time to sketch daises and roses on the papers because I had no idea what the heck they'd taught in the previous lectures. How would I? I wasn't even around!And then, he'd proceeded to give me an A, when it had been very clear that I deserved an F.What did that earn me? Whispe
NAOMIIt is indeed amusing, more so than I thought it would be.Dane would laugh his head off if he saw me right now, carrying a backpack, strutting down a hallway filled with women who stare at me with wide eyes and men who whistle unabashedly. I know, I look good in leather.I halt by a huge door, peering up at a sentinel who has the sternest stare. “Hello, love. Would you mind opening up for me? I have an appointment with your…principal?”His gaze rakes me from head to toe and rises back again. “Chancellor Vesper,” he mouths slowly, like he’s talking to a kid, and I can’t help the faint smile that blooms across my lips at the notion. The male turns around, and I whistle at how nice his ass looks in uniform. Stepping foot into this land has brought me across the finest specimens I’ve ever seen. There is no end to them. None at all. I step out of my allotted room in castle—hot guards. I walk the streets of Lycanthia—extremely hot villagers. I walk into school—stunning, beautiful and
It’s not mine, I swear.“I’m sorry,” my husband apologizes for the umpteenth time, dropping a kiss to the curve of my mouth. It’d almost been a mishap. Almost. Had Ethan not swooped in with rings that I’m pretty sure were new; rings I didn’t choose. As if he somehow knew Sinclair was going to lose them, like he did during his wedding with Eliana. I currently have a fucking plan B on my ring finger and the more I look at the more I want to smack him.I purse my lips, refusing to speak to him. I’m not particularly mad, but how does a man forget his own damned wedding rings? Okay, maybe I’m a little irked, and plenty disappointed.Grasping his cool hands tightly, I let him spin me across the floors in an elaborate sweep than earns cheers and I blush, smiling at a clapping Ray. “I’ll murder you later,” I tell Sinclair and Dane chokes on his wine somewhere in the gathering.“I look forward to what method you’ll chose. Your hands are much too small to strangle me. You love me too much to p
Three Months Later…GinevraMy fingers are sweaty around Rune’s arm, and my steps are slow, a complete contrast to my racing heartbeat. I cannot, for the life of me, contain my excitement and anxiety. My breaths are shallow, and I can’t get enough air in my lungs.Rune’s larger hand lands on mine, and I glance up, looking through the veil. His green eyes smile as he pats down gently. “Think of tonight. It’ll help.”Tonight. Butterflies scatter in my stomach. It’s not like it’s going to be my first night with Sinclair, but it is my wedding night after all. The first night I’ll spend as Mrs. Winchester. My toes curl in my heels at the thought of it, and maybe, just maybe I start walking a little faster to get it over with.I grin widely as Ethan, dressed in a black tuxedo, gives the huge door a large push and it parts wide enough to reveal the floral petal pathway. Rune takes the first step up, and I follow, blowing a playful kiss at Ethan, whose lips tilt up into a small smile.As I st
Fenrir Leaning against the wall, he overlooked the gardens where his mate knelt, tending to the flowers with her bare hands. Her light hair brushed over her cheek and she pushed it back, smearing mud on her porcelain skin. Her eyes were the brightest he’d seen them in days, and he wished he could take her with him.It was for her, after all, that he was doing this for. He would right the only wrong he had done in his life. He would return to the past, and ensure he never even met with the boy’s mother.But Fenrir knew there were consequences and sacrifices to be made if he was going to toy with time. Nothing as drastic as losing his life, but he truly did wonder if the world might have been a better place without him. An awful thought. If he didn’t exist, Hekate wouldn’t have been reborn into Rune’s body and the problem with the Void would never have been resolved. Zephyr would have been mated to some lord who didn’t understand her meek, yet wild nature and desires. The world was
GinevraSinclair bounces the Viper into the driveway later in the afternoon. He kills the engine and I wipe a stray tear from my cheek before he can notice.I reach for the doorknob, but he’s already walking around the car to get it for me. I try to get out on my own, but my feet won’t hold me up. I’m exhausted. Recovering, but still very tired. The physician said the poison was completely gone and a few days of rest would be enough to get me back on my feet. He had insisted that I still stay, but I couldn’t stand being at the castle anymore.“Let me,” Sinclair says softly, hands sliding under my knees as he lifts me up. His face has a nasty grimace when he glances up. “I’m afraid we have guests.”I follow his gaze to the familiar cars parked around the yard and I smile a little. “They must’ve missed you.”“We very well know they’re just busybodies,” he mutters, carrying me inside. “I’ll get the urn when—”“Leave it there,” I whisper, closing my eyes to push another onslaught of tears
SinclairHe walks around his desk, red robe flowing behind him, and he walks past without looking at me. At the last second, he says, "Walk with me, Norman."Norman. The impulse to rip his skin off his bones pounds through me, but I know it'll get me nowhere. I push off the door, trailing behind him slowly as he walks, hand folded behind his back.The silence stretches on for some time before he stops before a huge black door, pressing his palm against it. The door shudders and slides open, revealing a vast orchard. I hesitate at the threshold, but the king continues on, robe dragging across the grass. "If I planned on killing you, you'd be dead already, boy.""You call me boy one more time, I'll kill you," I promise, following behind him.The door shuts with a loud boom and he turns to me. "Give it a try. You know you want to."His eyes taunt me. Try, if you dare, they seem to say. I don't do well with threats or challenges. I lunge for him, my fist connecting with his jaw. The secon
Sinclair“I’ve gotten most of it out, but I’d need to administer the antidote over the next few days. I’d advise you remained at the castle for the time being, lest her condition deteriorates.”“You’re welcome to stay,” the man who I will not call my half-brother says behind me softly, and I ignore him, watching Gin shiver and sob in her sleep. I had barely stepped out of the hall when her body began to spasm in my hands.A quick inspection, and the wound from the arrow stabbed into her shoulder had turned black. Poison. It’d explain why her father died so quickly. An arrow I assume was meant for me.Naomi fidgets by the door, rattling off something to Astrid, even as her gaze keeps darting back to Ginevra. She feels guilty, and that’s a first for Naomi who doesn’t give two fucks about anything or any one else. She talks a lot when she’s nervous, and scared, and right now, even I am frightened. For Gin. She’ll recover from the poison, but I’d never seen her so…lost.A guard suddenly a
The seconds blend together and I’m there, beside my father, unable to breathe, to think a way out—Father’s form begins to morph, crumple, as he shifts. I look up, and the physician is a few feet away, but even I know an arrow in the throat is as fatal as a severed head. Still, I wail and plead. Anything to get it out, anything to get the wound to heal—because it’s not. It’s turning black instead, and it’s spreading so fast, I’m scared to blink, or I’ll lose time again.Father’s eyes, now back to being blue, shift to mine, and for the first time in so many years, I see clarity in them. He starts to talk but blood sputters from his lips, and I place my hands on either of his cheeks. “No, don’t…don’t try to speak.”I feel wet, warm hands on mine, and I look down to see him grasping my fingers tightly. It is odd. It’s been so long, I no longer know what his warm touch feels like, and though it is foreign, I tighten my fingers around his hand, unwilling to let go.In the moments when some
The air lightens, for everyone else but me. I am bound by his order, and I watch in horror as Sinclair, free once again, tries to grab me. But I suddenly feel invisible fingers around my neck, choking me. I grab my neck, gasping for breath, and Sinclair halts, snarling at King Fenrir. "Let her go!"King Fenrir leans back in his chair, crossing his ankle over his knee. "Get in the ring then." He looks back at Astrid and Naomi. "Try anything funny, and I'll snap her neck." He snaps his fingers and my head starts to move in the wrong direction. "It's really that easy."Growling, turns in the opposite direction and pulls a sword out of a guard's hostler and he's in the ring before my neck can actually snap.The king's hold on me lessens enough to turn my head forward and watch them and I exhale deeply, breathing hard and sobbing.An elder I recognize--I'm too shaken up to remember what the fuck his name is--starts rambling off the rules that no one ever adheres to. I try reaching Sinclai