I knocked on Kellan's door. His electric blue eyes looked at me in surprise before a large smile spread across his face. His hair was down around his shoulder instead of in its usually small pony tail. I saw the muscles of his strong jaw tense as he took me into his room. His large hands grabbed my arm firmly.
"What's this late night visit, Zerena?" He whispered into my ear seductively. "Don't make me say it, or I'll leave." I rolled my eyes at him. He closed the door and pinned me against the wall. He held my wrists together, above my head with one of his hands. The other hand began to play at the hem of my shirt. His fingers grazed softly over my skin. He was being a tease. He kissed my neck, but it felt a bit disgusting. His touches weren't doing anything for me. This isn't what I thought it'd be like. It's not like it was last time. It's not going to help with anything if I can't get past this gross feeling. "I need a song." I tried to hint at him. He kissed my neck, making me shudder. Kellan played music not getting the hint. I don't want to spell it out for him. He's kind of stupid though, so I doubt he'll get my hints. "Your song, Kellan." He froze for a moment, before he continued kissing my jaw. I need his siren song."But you're already here." His hand grabbed my breast and I wanted to suck in a breath to keep away from him. "Kellan." I called his name in warning, but he took it as a moan. "I like it when you say my name." He whispered seductively into my ear. It sent chills down my spine."Sing Kellan." I asked one last time. When his hand went under my shirt and towards my breast again, I gave up. I rolled my eyes and let myself be sucked into the shadow realm. "Forget it." I told him as the shadow on the wall swallowed me. "Fucking tease." Kellan yelled after me. Tonight I was, but I didn't mean to be. All he had to do was sing. I don't get why he didn't. I looked around the shadows trying to find a place to let some of this tension out. I saw his shadow in the distance, it called to me. A Kiran size shadow door.'Will I see you again?' His question bounced around in my head again. I shouldn't. It wouldn't be safe. What if one of them finds out? What if Scientist finds out? He's human, he'll die. One rule. One shit rule. Now it's broken. I blame Emerson. It seemed I didn't have a choice anymore as all the other shadow doors were closing themselves off to me. Even the shadows want me to see him. I stepped closer to his door seeing he was still at work. There was a redhead talking to him and I wanted to jump out and punch her for saying a word to him. Too bad I can't do that. I sat in here a few more minutes until I saw he was alone in his car. I stepped through the shadow of his front seat. He didn't notice me, but to his benefit nobody ever does when I first emerge…human or otherwise. He looked tired. "Boo." I whispered to him, tickling his ear with my breath. The car swerved. He was actually frightened for a moment. A few cars honked at him while he swerved out and back into his lane. I climbed over to his passenger seat as he continued driving. I didn't sit correctly, draping my legs over the console and leaning back against the door. "You can't do that." He scolded me, keeping his eyes on the road. I could hear his heart rate steadying back to normal. "Sorry." I wasn't really sorry though. "I could have killed us." He's so dramatic. "I wouldn't have died." I ran my hand over the beads on his chair… uncomfortable. "Like seriously? Or you're just exaggerating?" He looked at me for a moment before staring out of the windshield again. "Like seriously." I answered nonchalantly."Wait." He paused a moment before picking back up. "I thought you said I wouldn't see you again." "I did." Again I answered like I didn't care. "What changed your mind?" He had a smirk on his face, that he wasn't doing a good job of hiding. "I guess Emerson in a way." His screams are what kept me up afterall. "Which one is that one?" He asked curiously. I don't see the harm in answering him. "The big one." That's all you really have to say to describe Emerson."The one that turns all wolfy?" His eyebrows shot up. I guess he saw that during the fight. "That's the one." I sat up, crossing my legs in front of me and leaning forward towards him. His scent filled my lungs, easing the troubles in my mind. If only I could pocket the smell. I'd be so much better. "So what, you're just going to pop out of my shadow whenever now?" He seemed alarmed. Perhaps he is scared of me. "Not if you don't want me to." I gave him an out. "I don't really care as long as you don't come when I'm using the restroom or something." He wasn't scared. He was worried. I laughed at him, feeling a light joy fill me for a second. I don't get many moments like that."I would never. Bathroom floors are disgusting." I shook my head at the thought. "Okay, good… but maybe don't pop in while I'm driving. I don't wanna crash. She's all I got." He rubbed his hand on the dashboard. Great another car fanatic. Only this one isn't as nice as Emerson's. "Noted." I nodded my head. Kiran pulled into an older apartment complex, and I recognized it as the drug addict joint. My destined one better not be on drugs. I swear, I can't deal with that. "Um. Listen, my mom.." He started, but I stopped him. "It's fine. I have to go anyway." He doesn't have to tell me I'm not welcomed. "Wait. Please?" "For what?" I asked impatiently. "What's your name?" He looked bashful as he asked. "Zerena." I responded. "Zerena." He repeated, committing it to memory. "I'm Kiran." He introduced himself proudly. "I know, I saw your name tag." Introductions are weird. "Zerena, will you wait a minute longer? I just need to make sure my mom's okay." He looked desperate. He wanted to keep talking, but I could tell he felt like he needed to check on his mother. "You have 5 minutes until I have to leave." I gave him my time limit and he ran out of the car. He took two steps at a time getting to the 3rd floor. He walked over to apartment 32 and opened the door. A couple minutes later he emerged looking upset. Seeing him upset tugged at my heart more than I thought it would. Stupid bond. I was almost tempted to leave before he made it back to the car. I told him he had 5 minutes though, so I'll stay true to my word. He's got 2 minutes and 45 seconds left. I saw him run down the stairs and miss a step. He caught himself before falling. Humans can be so clumsy. He looked up at me to see if I saw and I smirked, letting him know I did. He blushed a little from the embarrassment, his cheeks were an adorable rosey pink. He made his way to his car door and sat back in the driver's seat. 2 minutes 10 seconds. "Thank you for waiting." He smiled at me. He had a really beautiful smile, revealing a perfect row of teeth. Can't be on hard drugs with perfect teeth, right? "You've got 2 minutes. Make them count." I told him. I'm curious what he'll ask in 2 minutes. "Are you okay?" Was his first question. My heart froze. Aside from asking if I'm injured, no one has ever asked me if I was okay before."Not really." I answered truthfully. I'm tired, scratch that, I'm exhausted. I hate my life. "How can I help?" He's cute, thinking he can. "You can't." Although being here does help a little. "Just stay safe. That's all I need from you." If he gets hurt I'm not sure what I'd do. I might lose control of the shadows again. That wasn't a pretty sight the last time it happened. "Oh that reminds me." He pulled out his wallet and got a little white business card out. He handed it to me and I took it, inspecting it. A fake FBI business card… hunters. "Two men came by with a picture of Emerson, asking if I'd seen him. I don't know if they were human. They handed me this and asked to call them if I saw him again." I flipped the card around in my hand a few times before handing it back to him. His golden eyes watched me the entire time. I didn't like the feeling it gave me. More like I liked it too much and that wasn't a good thing. "Don't worry. Emerson doesn't look like that now. They won't find him. Keep your distance, if you can. They won't hurt a human unless they think you're helping us or get in the way." Hunters are only ever after the supernatural. They claim to do it to protect humans, but they'll kill even a small fairy. They just want us all dead. "I have to go." Scientist will be waking us up soon. I can't be missing from my room. "No, wait." He grabbed my hand and a strong spark coursed through my body. It made me inhale deeply, intoxicating me with his scent. I pulled my hand away quickly, like he burned me. His eyes widened as he stared at me. He had felt the spark too. He furrowed his brows at me, but I let the shadows start to consume me. "Please, come see me again." Were his last words to me.I kicked my shoes off and laid in bed pretending like I actually got some sleep. This won't be the first time that sleep eludes me for a night. Hopefully today won't be too exhausting. Every day is something new with Scientist. The bell chimed loudly over the speakers in our rooms letting us know it was time to get up. I changed clothes, putting on a tight silky shirt and workout pants. Most of my stuff is black and consists of clothes that are easy to maneuver in. There's an occasional fancy dress or two for when we go undercover. Aside from that, there's not much use for anything else. We're not allowed out unless we're running an errand for the scientist, and even then we're not to be seen. I made my way to the center room. It was lined with light blue tiles the color of clear ocean water. The room was large with white walls and white hard sofa chairs. The coffee table was glass as well as the end tables. There was a white fireplace that's never used. Everything was kept organize
Kiran's P.O.V."Please come see me again." My voice sounded desperate and I hated it. Why am I so desperate to see her? She doesn't even seem that interested in me. She's so laid back and cold. It's hard to get a read on her, maybe that's the way she likes it. I sat in my car alone now, just staring at the passenger seat she had just been in. Her lilac eyes could hold me captive forever. The feeling I got when I touched her couldn't be explained. It consumed me and wrapped around my heart. Zerena. At least I have her name now. I headed back up to my apartment. Mom had passed out on the floor, but I didn't have time to move her earlier. I just checked that she was still alive and went back to Zerena. I bent down and picked mom up off the floor. I carried her to the couch, covering her with the blanket. I began to pick up the empty cans of beers and cigarette buds that littered the floor. I won't touch her needles. She can clean that shit up herself. I went to my room and pulled o
Zerena's P.O.V.Why is my destined one an idiot? He sensed that his coworker wasn't human. Yet instead of distancing himself, he hints that he knows. Then he goes and antagonizes a shifter. Now here I am, saving his ass again when I should be hidden. I grabbed this guy's wrist before his fist made contact with Kiran's face. His dark forest green eyes looked at me surprised. He hadn't been expecting it, but then he surprised me. He smiled at me like he knew I was there. I furrowed my brows at him pushing his wrist back. He was no threat. Did he do that to lure me out? "I knew you smelled different." He told Kiran. I turned to Kiran, annoyed. "Seriously? Don't ever let them know that you know." I shook my head at him, rolling my eyes. No one else had noticed me yet and the cameras weren't on. At least not yet. "Be more careful. I have to go. I won't be back for a while." It was my way of letting him know that he better watch himself. I won't be here to save him. Tonight I will be w
Kiran's P.O.V."Wait, what are you?" Tate asked Zerena. It made me a bit jealous that he was curious about her. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with." I was happy she didn't just tell him the same way she told me. It's like only I have the privilege of knowing. She sunk into the shadows then. I won't see her for a while. I wonder how long is a while? I hope it’s not too long. "What the fuck, Kiran?" Tate looked at me like I was some kind of alien. "How'd you get yourself involved in my world?" "It's a story, that's for sure." I laughed. Wiping down the bar counter again. "Spill." Tate demanded. I gave him a simplified version of the story. I spared some details, not trying to give too much away about Zerena or even the fake FBI guys. "Damn man. That's one way to get roped in. Most humans get to know this world either because they were almost killed or because they are some supernatural's mate or chosen one or destined one or whatever." Tate explained."What's a mate?" I
Zerena's P.O.V."You know it's against the law to steal." The older gentleman smiled at me. He wasn't mad for some reason. He seemed amused even. "Well, normally I don't get caught." I deadpanned. "I knew you were coming. It was a trap for Alester's best, after all." He raised his eyebrows.Scientist, damn it. For once you were an idiot. You'll still blame it on us too. "So what now?" I asked cautiously. "Good question. I honestly didn't think he would be stupid enough to send you." He leaned away from the door frame, shutting the door behind him. He was large, larger than Emerson even. He reeked of wolf and gave an intimidating aura. He was an alpha, I'm sure of it. His dark hair was gelled back neatly showing his handsome face clearly. He had high cheekbones and a jaw so strong it could probably break a brick. His tan skin had an almost golden undertone. His dark thick eyebrows raised up as his eyes roamed my body. "You know I could just kill you and take it." I threatened. He
I thought hard about Percy's offer. You would think it would be a simple answer. I hate the Scientist, they hate the Scientist, but there's a lot to think about. If I say yes, I'll have to be 100 times more careful. I interact with the Scientist the most. I will also be the one taking the most risk. I know I'll be the one expected to mess with his things. Granted, having Percy will minimize that risk. I looked at Kiran. Would he be safer or in more danger if I do this? I can't decide until I know, but the only way to know is to tell Percy. Can I really trust him? My head was going to burst. This was too much to think about… too many choices to make. "Percy, tell me something." I started, still staring at Kiran. He still hadn't looked back at me. "What's our chances of beating him with me joining you?" "It's hard to really say. There's so many things that could happen." He answered honestly and I appreciated that. He wasn't trying to give me any fake promises. "Estimate for me. How
We pulled into the lab and Percy didn't comment. Seems Scientist must be pleased, or at least not angry. Time to try to get Emerson's car back. We entered the house making our way to the center room. Scientist waited for us there. He held his hand out and Percy handed him the vile. I have to remember that I'm not supposed to know what is in it. I watched Percy carefully. He'd been acting for over a year now. He's really good at it. Before tonight I had no idea he was forming a plan. Hell, even Emerson didn't give me an inkling. I hope I can do the same. "Very good. Zerena, were there any problems?" He asked. "The vile wasn't in the safe, but I got it." I answered honestly. I could tell he knew something and this was a testing question. "I'm impressed you still got it. Tell me how's Alpha Everett doing?" I knew it, he knew. Percy tensed, the movement was so small, I almost didn't notice it. "Strong." I answered him."Stronger than you?" He asked with his eyebrows furrowed. He se
'My name is Shade. I am your shadow.' The voice responded. 'My shadow?' 'I am the one that helps you control the shadows. The one that gives you more power. There is so much more you can do, but haven't been able to without me. Because I was taken from you at such a young age your body isn't used to me. You need to go to Kiran. He'll help you see again.' Shade explained. 'Why Kiran?' 'Because you don't have any strong bonds. The bonds you have with the people here are too weak. That's why they only created slivers of light. Kiran will illuminate all the darkness.' So that's what those slivers were. My small bond with each person here. I felt my back land on my bed. Percy laid me down gently. I could feel him hovering over me. "I'm sorry. This is my fault." He whispered. Something wet hit my hand. Is he crying? "Don't be. I'll be fine. As far as experiments go this wasn't bad. He gave me something back that was mine. Go to bed Percy. I'll be fine." I tried to comfort him. Altho
I traveled to the spot in the yard, not believing my eyes from that distance. I approached the figure in the moonlight cautiously. He turned when he heard me step on a twig. That long black hair and dark eyes met mine. He smiled widely at me, swooning my heart the way he use to. “Percy?” I cried. “Hey, Zae.” “You as.shole.” I went to punch him but my hand went right through him. He laughed at me. “I figured you’d try to hit me. Sorry I don’t have a body anymore to hit.” He shook his head at me. “I’m sorry, Zae.” “You should be. You have no idea how much this has hurt. Damit Perc, you should have told me. I would have stopped it!” I yelled at him, tears flowing out of me like a waterfall. “You couldn’t have. Trust me, I didn’t want to leave our Ares, but it was the only way.” He sighed. His transparent hand reached for my face. I could feel him the same way I feel the air across my cheek. “Our Ares could really use a visit from you.” I told him. “I only have one more of
8 years later“Happy birthday Ares!” We all yelled, trying to surprise him, but who were we kidding he already knew.“I knew you wouldn’t forget.” He smiled at us all. “Auggie said everyone had forgotten about my birthday and that’s why no one had said it to me yet.”“Augustus Daimen Barlowe! Did you really tell your brother that?” Kiran scolded him.“I thought if he believed it he would actually be surprised.” Augustus explained.“I’ll talk to him, keep the party going.” Kiran told me, kissing my temple, before pointing to the door to let Augusutus know to walk out.I hugged Ares, holding him tightly for a long moment before he complained.“Mom.”“Sorry
Topher had already finished here. He was wrapping the elders up. We don’t plan on killing them or imprisoning them. They just won’t be in power anymore. I know they won’t like it, but with only a few elders they won’t be able to go against a whole army. We’ll be changing a lot around here, starting with the parties and classist shi.t. Obviously the higher class will hate it, but since they are few, I’m not worried about it. “Everything go well in the North?” Topher asked me, wrapping his arm around my waist and kissing my temple. “Easy as pie.” I assured him. “Yeah, especially after she went all devil on us.” Isaiah smirked. “You did?” Topher asked, obviously not liking the fact. He didn’t like me using that side of myself much. “Yes, just for a little while. I’m fine, don’t worry.” I assured him. He looked at me for a while, assessing me, before nodding his head. He kissed my forehead now, letting his lips linger there. He let his arm wrap around me further, until his hand
2 months later.“It’s gotta be simultaneous.” I told them all, through a mass shadow message. I stared down the elder’s building with group 1 at my side. I decided to take down the north elders, while Topher led the west rebellion group. We had a good amount of people with us in each colony.Our civil war begins. Only it won’t be a war, it’ll be one battle, and we will come out victorious.‘We’re ready in the south.’ Felix, the leader of the south, responded with his own shadow message.‘Say the word and we’ll attack.’ Helena from the East sounded ready to b
It’s been a month now since the battle with Alester. Percy’s funeral hit me hard, breaking me further. I almost couldn’t bring myself to go. Kiran and Topher dragged my as.s there, not giving me a choice in the matter. I saw Allie, her beautiful innocent eyes were puffy from all the crying. She admitted to me that she knew what was going to happen. She told me Percy had asked her not to tell anyone, and that he had set things up for Ares. Apparently Electra had been helping him see into the future. She admitted that she would be joining him soon too. It was almost poetic…almost. It’s so damn heart breaking. I am not sure there is a heart left in me. It feels so hollow in my chest, like it’s run away, unable to take the pain anymore. The only times I felt a remnant of it, were when I was with August or Ares, or when I’d look at Jesse’s ultrasound. She’s not shadow kissed like Augustus. She’s like Ares, in my normal womb. Topher and Kiran did their best at trying to cheer me up, or a
Zerena’s P.O.V.No! God No!Percy’s lifeless body laid at Alester’s feet, his eyes open, staring at Ares. I kept waiting to see him heal. Kept waiting to see him move, to get back up and pummel Alester before him. I watched him for a while, completely dumbfounded. This isn’t real, this isn’t happening. I haven’t lost Kiran and Percy just now. Kiran will come back with his Phoenix, and Percy will heal. They have to. They can’t leave me.A thick sadness was beginning to envelope me. I felt the cold seeping into my bones, as the darkness began to over take me, feeding on my depression. I felt it turning all the heartache in me into an unbridled rage. I looked at Alester now, who had Percy’s heart still in his hand, burning it to Ash befo
Percy's P.O.V. Zae had made her announcement to everyone. I thought it was sweet of her to go along with Topher's plan to have an announcement party. This is how it should have gone. A baby with only the person she chose and not because some crazy bastard gave her a sea witch's potion. I watched as everyone congratulated her. She actually accepted the hugs. God, I hope she continues to open up after I'm gone. I wrote her a letter too. I put it where I knew she'd find it after my funeral. I hope she takes the advice I wrote for her. Everyone was having fun. I watched as Zae's people all intermingled. It was like watching the many parts of Zea's life come together beautifully. Eventually, the party had started to whine down. The first to leave was group 1, followed by Zea's parents, and then Tate and Alara with her twin, Alexis, plus Maple left. Kellan had decided to stay a while longer to talk to Dex about water portalling. Rain and her mate, Nate, left as well. The only ones he
Zerena’s P.O.V.“How does this look?” Kiran asked, when he finished the icing on the cake.“Looks great!” I smiled at him, kissing his cheek. “Thank you, Kiran.”I was actually excited for today. I never thought I would be a big announcement kind of gal, but I think that I am. I really like the idea of surprising everyone today. Topher and I have been over the moon about our baby girl. I can’t wait to share the news with everyone. I am so very lucky to have Percy. I don’t think I would have noticed I was pregnant for at least another month. I am also so grateful that he has saved me time with naming all these children. Already knowing their names and their genders has been very convenient.
Percy’s P.O.V.Dearest Ares,I know you’re going through a hard time right now. It’s hard to be in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way as you. I felt this way about your mother for the longest time. I know it is difficult, especially to watch them be happy with someone else. I promise you, it will get better. You will find your mate soon, and the pain you are feeling will be a distant memory.Stay by her side, fight through the pain, my son. She will need you when your brother inevitably breaks her heart. It will hurt, but you’ll have to help fix them in order to find your own happiness. I know you have a great heart. I can already see how morally grounded you are. You will make the right decision. I have faith in you.&nb