ALEJANDRA.Desmond’s parents are so nice.But they look young. So young.Desmond assures me that his parents are in their seventies, which is so freaky to me. They don’t look older than their mid-twenties. I know shifters live a long time, but geez.After that, Forrest explains that once wolf shifters reach their twenties, they age very slowly. Since my dad is a doctor, I do wonder about the biology of it all, but it’s not really science. It’s supernatural. Maybe everything isn’t meant to be explained.I’m sad that I didn’t get to meet Desmond’s younger brother, but I know I’ll get to meet him soon.After meeting Desmond’s parents, I’m introduced to Puma’s family.Puma has a large family. He is one of ten children. He is the oldest. I only get to meet two of his siblings because the other ones are too young to come tonight. His mom is also pregnant again—with twins. And I thought my family was big.To my surprise, everybody is nice. They all seem genuinely happy for their sons
PHOENIX. I’m pissed. How dare somebody ruin Alejandra’s night. This is her night. The night we get to introduce her to the shifter community as our mate. And somebody dares to start chaos, they dare to start a war, on her special night? Forrest is about ready to murder somebody. When we get into the room, I’m confused by what’s in front of me. It’s shifter against shifter—wolf against wolf. There are a few witches, but for the most part shifters are acting on their own. What is going on? “Give us the girl and nobody gets hurt.” It’s one of the witches. Everybody is asking what girl. But I know. Forrest knows. “The hybrid. Where is she?” That’s when I know. Tonight isn’t going to end well. They’re not getting my mate. ALEJANDRA. I’m not sure how long I sit in the basement alone. It can’t be all that long, but it feels like hours. I’m anxious. I can’t hear any noise above me and haven’t since I got down here. The guys haven’t tried to talk to me through our mind link. I k
ALEJANDRA“Your mom was my sister,” she says. “My only sister. My only sibling. Our mom died when I was a baby.” I frown, thinking how hard it must’ve been to be raised without a mom. Especially considering who her dad is— Robert Westwood isn’t exactly a warm guy. She and my mother must’ve had it rough. “My sister was only ten months older than me.” Margot smiles sadly. “I used to tease her for two months out of the year when we were the same age. She hated it. But I thought it was awesome.” I laugh. Sounds like Zaire, Katherine, and me. “When your mom was eighteen, she met her mate,” she continues. “It’s rare for our kind to meet their mate so young in life. It never happens. I mean, I’m thirty-six and haven’t met my mate yet. That’s pretty normal, actually. Until my mate comes, I am happy waiting for him.” “I’m lucky then.” “You are,” she agrees. “Who is my mom’s mate?” I ask. “I don’t know,” Margot answers. “Your mom never introduced me to him. She kept it a secret from ev
ALEJANDRA.I feel safe—safer than I ever have in my life.It’s not an usual feeling for me. I’ve always felt safe. I grew up with two older brothers and an older sister who always looked out for me. I’ve never had a true reason to fear, aside from being scared to touch people. But right now, it’s a different kind of safe. I feel like, for the first time, I can truly be myself. No hiding being a fake diagnosis. No half truths.When I wake up on Saturday morning, it takes me a few seconds to remember that I’m not at my home in Jacksonville. I’m at Shifter Academy—with my mates. All four of which are currently in my bed. They were all in here with me when I fell asleep, but I assumed they would leave after I went to sleep. Though, I should’ve known better. After what happened, I doubt I’ll be left alone much anymore.All the guys are still sleeping and I try to climb out of bed quietly, not wanting to disturb them. But as I go to climb over Phoenix, he grabs onto my arm and opens one
ALEJANDRA.Saturday was nice. After breakfast, the guys said I could choose what I wanted to do, so I forced them to watch Harry Potter with me. I thought it was finally time to introduce them to ‘muggle’ entertainment. They seemed to think it was hilarious witches and wizards were so good in the story. I guess witches in our world aren’t so powerful.I still can’t believe witches are real.Magic is real.I have a shifter boyfriend.Boyfriends?Mates?I don’t even know what to call them, honestly.On Sunday morning, only two of the guys are in my bed. Last night they decided my bed was too small for all four of us, so they’re taking turns staying with me. I feel like maybe I should protest, but I like having them in here with me.“Go back to sleep, P.” Puma’s eyes are still closed as he says it.“I’m not tired,” I say, then sit up. I scratch my arm where my scar is. Or was. When I look at my arm, I see that there isn’t even a mark left behind. It’s completely healed.“Stop
ALEJANDRA.I’m on a private jet.A private jet!I guess the pack owns a few of them for emergencies, but since Forrest is alpha he has access to them, which is absolutely incredible and kind of strange at the same time.While I’m on the plane, I calm down a little bit. When I first heard about Dahlia being in labor, I was in a panic wanting to get to her so I could be there for the birth of my niece. Now that I’ve had time to calm down, I’ve had time to think about things. Like the fact that I’m bringing four guys home.In Jacksonville I never had a boyfriend. How could I have one when a guy could never even touch me? Everybody thought I had a fear of touching. But I could never date a guy when I would know everything he’s ever thought. It’s too… invasive. It’s different with the guys. They only share what they want, which is how a relationship should be.Oh, my gosh.I’m bringing four guys home.How the heck am I going to explain that to my family? I can’t exactly introduce t
ALEJANDRA. Dahlia still hasn’t given birth when we get to the hospital, which I am grateful for. I wanted to be here when she gave birth even if I’m not in the room—I don’t want to be in the room. I feel like it would be too stressful and probably make me never want to have kids. When I walk into the waiting room with four guys, all of my family just stares at me. Well, they’re more staring at the guys than they are at me. I can’t blame them. It’s the first time I’ve ever brought one guy home, let alone four. “Who are the hotties?” Katherine asks the question that nobody else has yet. I clear my throat. Uh. This is so awkward. Also, I really don’t like Katherine calling my guys ‘hotties.’ I know she doesn’t mean anything by it—Katherine is a flirt—but still, they’re mine. “Hi, I’m Forrest Romano,” Forrest says, stepping forward. “I’m Alejandra’s boyfriend.” He’s greeted by silence. And stunned looks. Yep. This isn’t awkward at all. “I’m Phoenix Felix. Alejandra’s… friend.
ALEJANDRA.Adeline Rose Smith was born an hour ago.I’m an aunt.Now, I finally get to go back and see her and hold her.Adeline and I share a middle name, which I think is so sweet. I love that Dahlia shared a part of me with her child. It makes me feel special, like I really am part of the Monroe family, even if I’m not biologically part of it. Of course, they don’t know that and I hope they never do. Since I can’t tell them about me being supernatural, I’m not sure how I could explain it to them. They’ve been compelled with false memories. Memories of me coming home from the hospital with Katherine and things that never happened. It’s strange to think all the stories my parents told me about my birth just aren’t true.I need to talk to Margot Westwood if I want to know anything about my birth or anything about my biological mom. I have a lot of questions, but I’m not ready just yet to ask. Soon, hopefully, I will be.When I walk into the room, Dahlia is holding the baby. She’
ALEJANDRA. Over Christmas break, I told my family the truth—that I am a fairy. I told them them that they were glamoured to think I’m their daughter. And that I have four mates. My family didn’t believe me, which I expected. I mean, I had the exact same reaction when Forrest told me he was a wolf shifter. So… I did the only thing I knew I could do to prove it. I had Phoenix shift into a wolf. Don’t worry… I made him go to the bathroom before shifting back. After that, my parents had a lot of questions, as did the rest of my siblings. And so, I literally spent the whole day telling them everything. And even though it’s technically against the law, I am the queen. I’m allowed to break the law. Plus, Alpha Romano gave me permission. I wasn’t sure what to expect after that, but my family seemed to accept everything. I mean, they had a lot of questions about the whole ‘having four mates’ thing, but they didn’t freak out and they listened when I explained it to them. It’s more than I co
ALEJANDRA. Everything is too bright and too loud. I’m about to yell at Katherine and tell her to shut off her alarm when I realize… it’s not an alarm. I’m not in Jacksonville. I open my eyes and shut them immediately. The fluorescent lights are bright. My head hurts, my back hurts, my chest hurts… What happened to me? “Alejandra.” I hear somebody say my voice softly. I open my eyes again, slower this time. Four pairs of eyes are looking down at me. I try to sit up, but a hand reaches out to hold me down. “Just lie down.” I lie back against my pillow, but only because my chest hurts so bad. “What happened to me?” I ask, rubbing the spot on my chest. “Thomas Freeman stabbed you in the back with a silver knife. He actually stabbed your heart.” Forrest clears his throat. “He didn’t know that you’re immune to silver.” “If he stabbed me in the heart, how am I not dead?” Because whether I’m immune to silver or not, getting stabbed in the heart seems like a sure way to die. “I don
ALEJANDRA. I am so nervous on Monday morning. My heart is racing and my hands are shaking. All of the guys wanted to stay with me last night, so we ended up making this huge pallet on the floor and sleeping there. It was kind of cool waking up surrounded by my mates. I realize I want this every morning. We’re going to have to find a bigger bed to make this happen because a king size bed isn’t cutting it. I think the reason I’m so scared is I don’t know how things are going to go today. What if Tiffany and the others change their mind? What if they decide to go ahead and side with Robert Westwood—that’s a scary thought. But what if they don’t and Robert follows through on his promise? What if Robert is able to have Tiffany’s children murdered. The thought hurts my chest. He has to be stopped. I don’t care if he’s my biological grandfather or not. His terrorizing days are over after this. He is going to answer for his crimes. Today when I get dressed, I don’t care so much about loo
ALEJANDRA. The urgency in Forrest’s voice makes my heart race fast and hard. And even though we’re in the middle of helping everybody get settled, we leave the castle to talk to Alpha Romano. I push out Forrest’s thoughts, not wanting to force myself to know what’s going on. If Forrest wanted to tell me what’s happening, he would. I get the feeling this is something I need to hear for myself anyway. We walk out the front of Shifter Academy and get into the car we drove over. The parking lot is still just as empty as when we arrived this morning. I don’t know why it surprises me. I guess I expected the parking lot to be full, but how would they even get the cars here? Also, the fae can’t drive. So that was just a silly thing to think. We drive to where Alpha Romano is staying and I’m surprised when we walk inside and see one of the wolves from the council there. She’s actually one of the wolves on the side that is firmly against the fae. I’m hoping she is here to tell me she’s chang
ALEJANDRA. On Sunday morning, the fae start arriving. When they arrive, we have to make room where we can—some of them stay in the castles. We try to make sure families have homes that are empty on the island. It’ll be a little pack when everything is said and done, but we do what we can. I’m glad nobody seems too upset about having to share their space. Everybody is super welcoming to the fae. A lot more welcome than they were to me when I first came, but now that I’m here, I can’t even blame them for being wary of me. I probably would have too. I’m so glad I know that I’m a fae. And I’m glad that everybody else knows too. There is no hate… well, aside from the council members and the panthers. But the council is nowhere to be seen at the moment and the panthers are hiding in their dorm rooms, which is preferred. I love seeing the castle full of fae. It’s actually incredible. Roshan gathers everybody for a meeting once they get settled—we definitely have a lot of things to catch
ALEJANDRA.After we leave Roshan’s place, the guys and I go back home, but they tell me to put on a bathing suit when we go inside. I start to argue, but I can tell by the looks on their faces that they mean business. So I go to my room and put on my bikini and throw on a coverup before heading downstairs. My guys are waiting for me. Today has been a rough day. Scratch that, it’s been a rough week. Maybe going out and getting a little sun is exactly what I need. Zaire, Katherine, and I used to go to the beach nearly every single day. Even in January and February, when it was too cold to be in the water. Though, I have seen a few tourists around that time of year swimming because it is very warm in Florida compared to whatever mid-western town they’re from. Something about the sound of the waves, the feel of the sun, and the smell of salt water is comforting. Maybe because it reminds me of home. And I miss home. I miss my family more than anything. But I can’t go see them right now
ALEJANDRA. On Saturday morning, I plan to meet with Roshan and the other fae to let them know how everything went with the council. I’m a little bit nervous to tell them. I just hope they don’t get discouraged from the news, but how could they not? Still, I promise myself not to let it show how bothered I am by the news. I want to help keep their spirits up about it. And the truth is, we don’t know what is going to happen. The council could come back and say that they’ve decided to side with the fae. That is my hope. If not… well, I don’t even want to think about that unless it happens. Roshan is staying in his own place. He has two wolf shifters that live close by—other teachers. So I know he’s safe over here. For now. We all meet at his house to discuss things and I’m a little bit anxious. “Everything will be fine.” Desmond squeezes my hand as we approach the front door. I know I always give my mates a hard time about listening to my thoughts, but most of the time I like it. T
ALEJANDRA. It’s weird seeing Alpha Romano in the house, but I suppose this is the only place we really have privacy. Now that I’m fully seeing him, he looks tired. Exhausted, really. I can tell all of this is weighing heavily on him. And what he’s willing to sacrifice—it’s a lot. I can’t believe he’s willing to give up his entire life for me. Well… it’s not just for me. It’s also for Forrest, his son, and all the fae. I keep saying it’s bigger than me because that’s the truth. I’m just the queen who can’t stand the injustice my people have suffered. They need somebody who is willing to fight for them, and that is me. I know the cost and I am willing to pay. Alpha Romano paces in the living room. Forrest is sitting on the side of the coffee table, hunched forward. Phoenix, Puma, and I are sitting on the couch, with me between them, and Desmond is sitting on the arm of the couch, by Phoenix. “Every single shifter, aside from the panthers, has decided to side with the fae.” Alpha Ro
ALEJANDRA. Today, my hair and makeup are on point. I even tried on twenty different outfits before I settled on a simple black dress. I put on a blazer, thinking it helps me look more ‘mature.’ I hope it does. When I walk into the council today, I don’t want them to see a seventeen-year-old girl. I want them to see a fairy queen. I want them to take me seriously and I want to fight for my people. The door to my room opens and Puma sticks his head inside. “Do I look fierce?” I ask, doing a spin for him. Since I basically just gave Puma permission to check me out, he does. He slowly scans my body and there is fire in his eyes when he finally makes eye contact. “You look really hot.” “I don’t want to look hot. I want to look professional.” I look at my four-inch heels. I thought the added height would help me look more intimidating. “Maybe I should wear flats.” “It doesn’t make a different if you wear heels or flats. You’re still short.” I stick my tongue out at him, taking off m