OpheliaFifteen minutes later Coop and I sat out back, our asses on the bottom step of the porch and our feet in the sand. He said nothing as he flicked his fingers and lit a joint with his fire magic, passing it to me with an understanding smile.As we smoked, basking in the summer heat and the salty breeze, I thought about what I had learned.I was confident it was my mother in the journal. I knew Morningstar could manipulate minds and such, but the demon Jude had interrogated claimed he was actively searching for me. How could he manage that trapped within the pages of a journal? It simply wasn’t possible.Besides, if Nova’s Nana had been telling the truth about my mother’s penchant for tricks, then there was a chance the journal wasn’t a prison, rather a hiding place. Maybe it was like a room with a door, and that door had locked itself behind her.It was insanity, but I had encountered so many strange things here on Lunar Isle that I couldn’t bring myself to dismiss the idea quit
Ophelia I found Ryker in his office, seated behind his flashy executive desk. The sun was beginning to set, casting the room in a dim light that made this meet up feel a bit lucrative. It didn’t help that he looked utterly gorgeous sitting there with his dress shirt partially unbuttoned and his hair askew. He’d just finished running a hand down his chiseled jaw when I entered. “You probably shouldn’t leave your front door unlocked. Anyone could just walk in and…” His eyes twinkled in the low light, “And what, tesoro [sweetheart], attack me? Is that what you’re here for?” Butterflies waged war in my stomach, but the bond in my chest made me feel bold. It knew that Ryker wanted us, that even though fate was so cruel as to keep my mates from claiming me, he fought wtih the temptation just as much as I did. “Maybe I am,” I said softly, approaching his desk. He watched, his eyes still sparkling, and those lips—lips I thought about more than I should—twitching at the corners. “I’ll l
Ryker Once Ophelia left and the painful erection I was sporting went down, I snatched my cellphone up from where I’d slammed it on the desk. One glance at the screen had me sighing heavily. I hit the call button and waited for the chaos to ensue. “Che tipo di nipote sei, ignorando una chiamata della tua anziana nonna? Avrei potuto morire! [What kind of grandson are you, ignoring a call from your aging grandmother? I could have been dying!] ” Nonna’s voice flew from the speaker so loudly that I had to yank the phone away from my ear. I let her get it all out, knowing I’d have hell to pay should I dare interrupt her. Formidable, ruthless Alpha I might be, but no one fucked with Nonna without getting an earful. “Nonna, you know I am a busy man.” I sighed. “Mi scuso per non aver risposto alla tua chiamata. [I apologize for not answering your call.]” “Uomo occupato, bah! Vedi, questo è ciò che accade quando ti allontani dalla tua famiglia e ti rifiuti di farle visita. [Busy man, bah! Y
OpheliaThe next two days were nothing short of weird.I worked my shifts at the Moonlight Lounge, attended training sessions with Nova and Sterling, and headed to classes as usual.The strange part came when Diana of all people approached me in the hall and gave me a coffee as a “peace offering”. Of course, I pretended to take a sip whilst remaining wary of her actions.A girl could only pretend so much, y’know.I was in the University’s library brushing up on all the various types of spells when Chloe approached. She’d stopped for dinner at a small café and naturally had thought of me while browsing their pastry selection. Apparently, she thought I needed to gain some weight.I couldn’t deny that fact. I had been eating less. As much as I hated to admit it, I didn’t have an appetite after smoking. The Dark Matter calmed the hunger pains in my stomach until eating was a mere afterthought.As for the moments where I wasn’t smoking, all I had to do was think about Alpha Hunter and the
OpheliaNova’s class had been late letting out, leaving me wandering the halls by myself. I could’ve started walking home, but I’d forgotten to bring my extra bottle of scent-blocker and couldn’t risk sweating what I had on off.As the other classes let out, I began to make my way to Nova’s to continue waiting. That was, until someone barreled into me. A set of arms grabbed me from around the shoulders, yanking me backwards into a dark supply closet.I knew instantly from the myriad of sweet, floral, and musky perfumes that it was Diana, Chloe, and Gemma. Their scents reminded me of a field of flowers left out under the blistering sun, slowly rotting away as they shriveled and wilted.The light snapped on with a resounding crack, illuminating the dusty closet we stood in.I gaped at the three of them, “What the—”Diana grabbed the neckline of my t-shirt and yanked it halfway down my chest. Heat raced to my cheeks as the three caught a glimpse at my ratty, second-hand bra, but that’s n
OpheliaThe drive home with Ryker was filled with tense silence.Something had changed during the walk to his car. It had been wrong of me to call Nova a coward given I couldn’t even bring myself to ask what had happened.Instead, I slipped from the car as he parked in Lucille’s driveway, and scurried into the house, my sore bottom a reminder of what we’d done…and what could never happen again.I thought about it all night, tossing and turning in bed when I should have been sleeping in preparation for my exam tomorrow.Pain was something I was familiar with given I’d been experiencing it at Lucille and Kimberly’s hand for years now. It had been wholly different with Ryker, though. With him and Jude, pain and pleasure were two beasts forever entangled.With them I felt safe.Night turned to day, and I went to my classes as normal. It was easier to swallow Diana’s repeated displays of kindness now that I knew the reasoning behind them. I could at least enjoy the free coffee and pastries
OpheliaIn the end, I swallowed my pride and put on the obscenely gorgeous dress Nova had purchased for me.Ugh, I hated the sound of those words.I’d have to find some way to repay her, my stubborn pride all but demanded it.I slipped into the dress easily enough, marveling at the long lace sleeves that covered my dark bond mark from sight. Returning to my bedroom, I had Nova secure the corset at my back. After slipping on a matching pair of heels, I stopped to marvel at my best friends gown.It was a pretty, pale shade of blue that brought out the pink apples of her cheeks. Similar to my own, it was cut in a typical ballgown style, only instead of lace and chains, Nova’s gown was covered in delicate pink wildflowers.She looked like a spring princess.Before we left, I grabbed a bottle of scent blocker and spritzed myself from head to toe. Nova watched; her lips twisted into a deep frown.“You know, I didn’t get why you used that stuff until the night we scried for answers about our
OpheliaA cold chill slithered down my spine as Sterling twirled me beneath his arm.“Does this mean you’re finally going to tell me what ghost you saw that supposedly knows me?”Sterling’s eyes settled on something just beyond my shoulder, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the dead were watching us dance, whispering to him even from afar.“Spirits are complicated things,” His voice dropped in volume as we glided past another couple, “They’re often confused after their deaths, reliving it again and again. Sometimes it takes a push for them to remember who they once were. You arriving to the island, discovering your magic, joining our coven, it was all one big push.” He grabbed me by my waist and lifted me, spinning us both in tune with the song, “Your grandparents say hello, by the way.”His words caught me so off guard that I stumbled, tripping over my own two feet. Only his steadying hands kept me upright. Without flinching, he continued to steer me through the movements.“I should
OpheliaCome on, baby. You’re smarter than this.They were wrong, the two of them. They didn’t know the truth. All they knew was what we were shown the day we scried. I was sure I could’ve found a way to show them the truth myself, but was there a point? Did I really want them on my side?They weren’t on it before. Why would they be now?Just two days later I managed to evade Edward and shift into my wolf to run to the library. I needed to research what might’ve happened to my mother’s soul without him hovering over my shoulder. Surprisingly, Jude and Ryker had been busy the past couple of days. Neither one bothered to tell me what they were doing, but I didn’t care.A twinge started in my chest.Correction, the mate-bond cared.As soon as the library’s door closed behind me I shuffled behind the nearest stack and followed it deeper into the room. There were a few students seated at tables in front of the librarian’s desk. I’d have to avoid them. Word traveled fast when you were a par
OpheliaIt was tempting to change into something flat and lifeless. Some black scrap of fabric that would act as armor between me and the world. I was going to conjure something along those lines when I turned and caught a glimpse of the sunset through the window.The sun was hovering just a few inches above the ocean, painting the waves in such vibrant color that they looked like a sea of living flame. It was life and beauty, and I wanted to hold onto that even if it were for just a night.I conjured something simple. Something that wasn’t quite the old me, but also wasn’t quite the new me either.The sundress had thin straps that tied at the shoulders, along with a square neckline that showed off my chest and throat. The fabric was a rich green and soft to the touch, with a lace overlay embroidered with black roses. A slit ran up the side, exposing my bare foot and part of my calf.I held my breath as I emerged into the kitchen. There were warriors everywhere, lounging and grabbing
OpheliaThe ripples in the water fell flat and the herbs began to float to the surface. I stared at them, watching them swirl around and around, while my silencing spell slowly crumbled.Edward walked back in as the final shards of it disintegrated. He leaned against the doorframe, arms folded over his chest. The picture of wealth and good genetics. His lips quirked up into a self-satisfied smirk as he caught me staring.I didn’t have it in me to tell him I wasn’t checking him out in that way.I tried to picture myself standing by Edward’s side—by any male’s side that wasn’t Ryker or Jude. It wasn’t just the bond that revolted at the thought, but my very soul. I wanted to tip my head back and laugh up at the heavens. I wanted to demand an audience with the goddess. With the damned deity who gave me three Alpha-hole mates.Even worse, I was fairly sure I’d never be able to feel anything for another man in my life. Wait … that might be a good thing.I was halfway through planning my lif
Ophelia“Are you sure about this, dad? They’re going to try and use the bond against me.” I winced and rubbed my chest. The phantom ache was right there, stronger than ever. If I listened hard enough, I could hear it urging me to them. “It’s not the most pleasant thing, but I can resist. I’ll do what needs to be done, I promise.”The words tasted like poison, sweet and deadly.Edwards shock turned to disbelief. He looked up at me again and shook his head, miming zipping his lips. I held up a hand and told him to wait. He thought my father would be angry with me, but he didn’t know my father the way I did.My father wasn’t like his.“I know you will, my girl.” Warmth filled his voice. “Accept the Romero brother’s terms. You’ll spend your days with Edward seeing to our plans, and your nights under their roof. There are ways to temporarily dull the effects of a mate-bond. The ingredients are hard to come by, but I’ll have a friend procure them and bring them to the island. It may take a
Ophelia“They won’t get away with this,” Edward snarled.Ever since the others left he’d been on edge. The vine situation didn’t help his mood, but I wasn’t sure that was what had him all worked up. One look at his pink cheeks and I could tell it definitely wounded his pride a little, but this was something else.Shaking his head, he flicked his sun-bleached hair out of his eyes. They were the color of the ocean, and that should have been enticing considering I loved the waves surrounding Lunar Isle, but I felt nothing when I looked into them.“Their family has done nothing but suppress the people since they stepped into power. There hasn’t been a good Alpha since Alpha Lorenzo. That’s Alpha Ryker’s grandfather if you weren’t already aware.” Pulling back his shoulders splayed each hand out on the counters surface and leaned forward so that our eyes were level. “You won’t be staying with them. I won’t let it happen, and more importantly, your father won’t let it happen.”Who was he to
OpheliaThis was not going to go well.I looked around at the sea of familiar faces staring out at me. Ryker, Jude, Sterling, Nova, and Edward all scattered about, perched in seats around a rattan dining table.“You didn’t tell me we were getting the Brady bunch back together.”“You are still a part of this coven, Ophelia. As a coven we make decisions together. It’s important we stick to that now that we have a new member.” Ryker replied from his place at the head of the table. His hands sat clasped in front of him. A strip of tanned skin peaked out from his shirt where the fabric was unbuttoned. I caught a glimpse of hard muscle as he leaned forward in his seat.He continued speaking, but my mind was lost. Snagged on something he had previously said.… now that we have a new member …Astrid was a part of our coven now. I knew this would happen when I made the decision to put Kimberly in that room, but for some reason it hadn’t hit me as real until now.Goddess, did she know?The shar
OpheliaSomething very strange was going on here.Edwards kindness stretched far beyond wanting me to know the layout of the top floor. Far beyond the odd lingering glances and the pathetic attempts at joking, and far beyond merely wanting to ensure my safety by suggesting I pick the bedroom directly next door to his.Not happening, buddy.Maybe if I were that girl—the one I was before—I would have fallen for it, but I wasn’t and so I recognized the signs immediately. There was no mistaking that pit in the center of my gut, the one that filled with dread and paranoia the longer I thought about his odd behavior.Edward Van Houten was flirting with me.No, I didn’t have much experience with men. Most of said experience was with Ryker and Jude, anyway. That didn’t mean I couldn’t tell when a male was interested in me.After choosing a room far away from his I locked myself away within it. I didn’t spare a glance at the four-postered bed or the wall of glass to my left, one that gave a pe
OpheliaWe ran into a familiar face just outside of La Stella.“Ophelia?”Nova stood a few feet away from the back-alley door leading into the club. She wasn’t wearing her usual lacey, coquette clothing. The babydoll dresses, Mary Jane shoes, and frilly socks were her staple. Her outfits were what drew my attention when we first met. This time there were no bows in her hair or eyeshadow on her lids. It was exhaustion she wore.Her eyes darted around before settling on us. Something had her on edge. Nova wasn’t usually this flighty.“Nova.”I meant for her name to come out as nothing more than a passing greeting, a wall thrown up between two people who had once been friends, but instead it came out like a projectile. The stupid drink that heightened my emotions was still screwing with me.Stupid, it had been so very stupid taking a sip of that drink without confirming it had been the right one. I’d been distracted from the girls slamming into me, but that was no excuse. I had only mysel
RykerI had never paid much attention to what women wore. To get my attention they typically dressed themselves in the finest clothing they had. Jewelry, heels, gowns, the works. They thought it impressed me. It should have.I liked Ophelia most when she wore those small jean shorts that hugged her bottom while she ran across the beach. The little lace tank top she paired with it barely concealed her perky breasts. It wasn’t at all modest, but she was oblivious to that fact. Tomorrow she’d quietly whine and pout, muttering about the horrible sunburn she had. A sunburn that traveled down her chest to the soft swells I wanted to taste.Ophelia was the warmth of Lunar Isle. She was the brightest of colors and softest of sounds.The memory left as quickly as it had come.We talked as we danced. She had her back flush against my chest, her chin tipped to the side as she spoke. Back and forth we went. She was intoxicated from something and would need to be watched. As for me, I was drunk on