The entire room held its breath. Fear was a smog that thickened the air and rushed into my lungs like fumes of bleach. It stung and burned, nearly making me emit a nasty cough.
You could feel the tearing and shattering of alliances, opinions being formed and beliefs being questioned.
It wasn't every day the High Table took in a potential soul-eater. Some instinctual side of me told me to use my gift, to tear the life from Marcus before he could utter another order.
Marcus's eyes held mine, ice blue and full of acknowledgement. There was something strange in his perfectly cultivated emotions, a sort of interest that bordered on gambling.
The pieces clicked together in my mind, when ever so slightly, he tipped his head at me.
'Your move', It said.
A question stood out in my mind, one that made my stomach sink. None of us had thought of it before, least of all myself.
That guard I had killed at the decrepit house; we had left him there.
"Well, that was an absolute fucking mess." Jaspar snorted, cocking an onyx eyebrow at me as he took a long drink from his glass. He seemed completely unbothered, more inconvenienced, if anything. It was then that I noticed we weren't alone. The little girl who had touched me bounced over to his side, placing a protective arm around his leg. She stared at me with hazel eyes, through hair the same color as Jaspar's. I gaped at her for a few moments, still sprawled out on the carpet until the world around me stopped shifting. "She did rather well for her first time, didn't she?" A feminine voice asked, cool and collected as she analyzed me. I pulled myself from the floor, finally noticing the woman who sat in the armchair. She wore a tight black dress, but looked professional with her short heels and crisp shoulder length cut. Her eyes were a warm shade of brown, despite the guarded look on her face. "Yes, she did." Jaspar nodded, agreein
I was ripped from what might've been the deepest sleep I've ever experienced to the shrill sound of an alarm coming from the tablet. It vibrated against the Persian rug on the floor, making me scramble even faster. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes roughly, tossing the blankets from my body in a rush. The tablet had fallen over while I slept, and I practically threw myself from the couch to grab it in time.I cringed at the harsh light from the tablet, but forced myself to look until the splotches cleared and I could finally see what the hell was happening. My stomach sank and relief flooded me all at once."We know someone's there--let us in!" Tori's voice wasn't full of panic and fear, but aggression and determination.For a moment, it surprised me. She's always been confident and strong, but this was the voice of a Luna.I tapped furiously on the tablet, scrolling through the oddly in-depth security measures that encompassed the house. The boundary line
"Are you sure?" I gasped as my back hit the cool tile of the shower wall.It jolted up my spine and through my shoulders as the cold moisture met my skin. I wrapped my legs around Alec's waist, using him to keep my face level with his own. He had been devouring my lips for minutes now, leaving me flushed and shimmering with a thin sheen of sweat.Once the pine smelling soap had carried every last ounce of dirt and grime down the drain, his hands wasted no time lifting me up to pin me against the wall. I could do nothing but whimper as his fingers trailed up my chest and towards my throat."You're the one who was concerned about what I'd say in the morning." Alec chuckled lowly, lightly pressing his fingers into the sides of my jaw.His lips traveled down the length of my neck. Little huffs of his breath caressed my skin, but it wasn't what I wanted. He refused to place his lips against me, to scrape his teeth against the smoothness of my flesh. Only when
The twin's parents contacted us nearly an entire day later. While they had the address for the safehouse, there was no way for us to contact anyone in the outside world. There were no telephones in the entire house, and our own cellphones were lost or broken during the chaos."They won't come here." Kade reassured me, "Marcus's men could be anywhere. Coming here would only bring trouble."Even though I cherished these hours with the twin's, they were wrought with anxiety. I couldn't help but feel like the world was holding its breath, waiting for the next move to be made. Marcus had clearly made the first move, ordering my capture along with Tori and the twins. It was our turn, but we were in no position to do anything.Both Tori and Zayne stayed in their rooms for most of the day, managing to come downstairs at different intervals. While it might've been chance, I had the distinct feeling they were completely avoiding each other. I thought back to last night an
"Hello, Aurora. If you're getting this message, it means I am dead." Every muscle and fiber in my body locked up at his words. His face remained plastered on the screen, while Delilah's played in my mind. My stomach rolled at the thought of something happening to that little girl, of Marcus getting his hands on her. Her strange teleportation abilities would certainly pique his interest, which I'm sure was why Jaspar kept her hidden from the world. "Your current location is safe, for now. I have prepared evacuation plans for you and your crew. Three days after you receive this message, a man and woman will knock on the front door. Trust these people with your lives, go where they take you, and for the sake of the future--stay alive." The television clicked off, blanketing the room in darkness. After a total of two seconds, I scrambled from where I stood for the remote. Before I could grab it, Alec snatched it from the table and flicked onto the news. I had no
Dex reacted instantly, slamming on the gas as he swerved into the center lane. We narrowly missed a little maroon Buick, whose nasal sounding horn blared down the highway.Before the vehicle could fully regain its balance, Carson lifted herself out the minivan and onto the ledge of the window. My heart stuttered a few beats as I heard the deafening sound of a gun being shot.Bullets peppered the dark colored SUV that drove along side of us. They swerved to the right, but it seemed we weren't the only ones with a bullet proof vehicle. The SUV veered right, trying to run us onto the shoulder."Fuck." Carson snarled, tearing the visor off her head and chucking it out the window. "They're boxing us in. If you don't act fast, Dex, we're screwed."When Dex's grip on the steering wheel turned white knuckled, I knew I wasn't going to like what happened next. Dex lifted his head and eyed the four of us in the rearview mirror, his eyes straying to me last."
When all of my senses were blocked; it was the emotions I felt. They were at their rawest; churning seas of rage and disgust, boiling lakes of hatred and desperation. Those festering, poisonous emotions bubbled beneath my skin, picking and scratching as they fought past my control.Floating in that darkness, with nothing but those carnal emotions guiding my thoughts; I couldn't remember why I was holding them back in the first place; why I shied away from what I could do.My powers weren't beautiful or inspiring, they were blunt and vicious. Unashamed of the death and destruction they could cause. No matter how dark my abilities were, there was this voice in the back of my head that told me only brutality would win this war; only rage would end Marcus Novak's life.As those last shreds of fear and shame left my mind, I unleashed the hail storm of emotions on the guards that had invoked them. I wished more than anything I could give them the full scope of my ange
"Tell me, what did you pick up from Athena?" Mera asked, breaking the silence that I knew wouldn't last long. There were too many questions on our end, and both Isaiah and Mera could feel our rising curiosity.We were in the dark colored SUV now, humming down the road we had once stood on as we neared Isaiah and Mera's pack. The faint scent of cherries and tobacco wafted from the front of the vehicle, where two dark clothed guards sat.It was a bit of an awkward fit, with Tori sitting next to Mera and Isaiah, but I refused to let her take another vehicle. I was no stranger to how it feels when you lose both a mate and a best friend. It was something I wasn't willing to risk again, even if we were headed to safety. Tori didn't seem to mind, and actually liked Mera as much as I.My mind strayed to what Mera had asked of me. It was difficult, giving a loose interpretation of a person based on just a few seconds of information. At times, someone's emotions were a di
The humid summer air, with it’s traces of fresh water and wildflowers, had always been my favorite. It was especially fragrant here, in the field of golden grass I often visited. Even as I sat on the thick quilt I had brought along, I longed for the feel of the grass beneath my feet. Rummaging through my bag, I pulled out a cherry-almond croissant I had saved from my bakery. After all the years, it was still up and running. The new management was a feisty girl named Kiara, whose pastry experiments often turned out incredible. This place had once been secret, but as I watched the children laugh and play, I couldn’t bring myself to regret sharing this place with them. A piece of the purest happiness I had ever experienced, countless memories full of it—all of which were made here. There were six of them, three boys and three girls, darting through the grass with earsplitting grins on their faces. Some were missing a few baby teeth; others were c
Three Years LaterMy back arched and eyes rolled back as molten pleasure coiled between my legs, increasing with every desperate stroke of Kade’s tongue. My hands were tangled in his hair, tugging him closer while also pushing him away. His snarls vibrated against my slick folds, coaxing unfathomable sounds from my lips. The man ate like he was starving, devouring every inch of my swollen flesh with his lips, tongue, and teeth.Alec lay beside me, the heavy length of him pressed against my hip as he stroked and played with my tender nipples. Lavishing kisses down my neck and shoulder. Goosebumps erupted where his light caresses fell, even though the air around us was humid and warm.Both he and Kade were entranced, feasting on me as they had countless times, only this time—their attention would stray down to my stomach, to the swell of life hidden within my womb.They were achingly gentle with me. To the point where my core throbbed, begging t
One Year LaterI glanced down at the old article I had saved, snickering at my name in such a bold font. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to it, having every werewolf in the world know my name.A photo of the twin’s and I sat below the headline, my odd colored eyes bright and vibrant. I was glowing with happiness as I stood between the twins, like a light had been switched on deep within. Kade stood behind me, his arms wound around my waist as I grinned and stared into Alec’s eyes. None of us were expecting a hidden reporter to snap the photograph. Even after an entire year, my love for my mates hadn’t dimmed. If anything, it had grown stronger. It was my favorite picture of the three of us.The reporters had a field day when the twin’s and I were finally married.The ceremony was mostly for show, an excuse to throw an extravagant party that would lighten spirits and spread some happiness. The public were invited, along
My Luna Ceremony commenced the following weekend, making Carrie even more frazzled as she planned last minute details. Day by day, her buns became just a tad messier. Flower arrangements, guest lists, and food. She had even gone as far to search for entertainment. I had all but forbade her to make an event out of it, but the twin’s ordered her not to listen.Streamers of cobalt and powder blue wrapped around the light posts in town, hanging brightly decorated wreaths. Storefronts hung lights, and laughter trickled in through the cracks of devastation.The crowd of guests that cheered when I walked under the pavilion erected in the park made my face flush. The positive emotions made me giddy as I passed from guest to guest, riding the high of happiness and celebration.As the ceremony commenced, the joy in my stomach turned to worry. Self-doubt lingered at the corners of my mind, fleeing only when the twins came into sight.Alec had trimmed his hair
Two Months LaterOne deep breath, and then another.“Relax, Aurora.” Zayne’s flat voice sounded from a few feet in front of me, icy eyes pivoting across the lounge to meet my own. Ever since his father’s death, there were moments where he seemed carved from ice. The only one able to thaw him was currently waiting along with the rest of the crowd. “Whether they know it or not, they’re looking for a leader, someone better to replace Marcus. Speak with confidence and they’ll listen.”“He isn’t wrong.” Brandon Fox shrugged. The only similarities between Jaspar and his eldest son were the piercing eyes and lazy grin. Everything else, including the golden hair, came from his mother.“Still, she is not wrong to be worried. There are some that won’t be happy with this decision.” Isaiah chimed in, the voice of reason as he stood second in line.“What do you think?&rdqu
The sound of muffled arguing emerged from the kitchen, most of which held the noticeable soprano of Tori’s voice. Every few seconds, I could hear Kady’s mom snap back in a venomous tone. Even Garrett was perfectly content with letting them argue, considering he was still processing all that I had told him. He hadn’t moved from his position on the couch, his chin resting in the palm of his hand. The same rush of emotion had once washed through me and even now, it was hard to believe that things were changing. Julian sat at his side, unable to conceal the wide grin that stole his face. The exact opposite of his brooding and severe brother. It made him look younger, even though the lines etched into his smooth face were a testament to his age. He leaned forward on his haunches, eyes sparkling. There had always been something feral about Julian. Still, he was more approachable than Garrett. “How’d you kill him, kid? Did he beg?” My stomach soured
I turned on my heel, a hand clasped over where my own bullet wound should have been. My mind was reeling, but my body understood what to do as I stumbled over to where Kade lay on the cement floor. Alec was hunched over him tearing the clothes from one of the dead inner circle members, a middle-aged man with greying hair and a scar just above his lip. The thousand-dollar suit jacket was shining with Kade’s blood, even as Alec held it tightly against his chest. I could feel the blood pumping out with each ragged heartbeat. A small clump of silver metal sat beside Alec’s knelt form, the bullet he had fished from Kade’s chest. Kade shifted into his human form after the bullet had been removed, his skin translucent and pale. There was a thin sheen of sweat that covered him, even though he was cold to the touch. Alec’s eyes met mine, unending darkness that seemed surprisingly calm despite the earthquake of emotions shattering what strength he had. I glance
Kade’s rage became him, heating his blood until it boiled as it pumped throughout his form. The violent emotion overtook him completely, giving his increased strength a savage edge. Alec’s head was a different story, the same book but in another format. He could see and breathe through his rage, using it to propel not himself, but his thoughts forward. Strategies and plans flitted through his head, disorienting and at rapid-fire. Many of them looked like football plays, marking where Ariana, the Hound, and the two guards stood. I tried not to give into the sinking feeling that overtook me, when even Alec couldn’t produce a plan of action. We were outnumbered, exceptionally considering I couldn’t use my magic while Ariana was in the room, and my combat training was strictly lodged in the beginner stage. Still, I hadn’t come this far by giving up. Through pain and blood, I’d give everything I had. With my mates at my side, both identical and different in every
“It is within all of your best interests to stand down.” Jaspar Fox’s voice rang throughout the crowd, strong and very much alive. The wolves he had brought with him twitched their tails in irritation, we were evenly matched now. I could see shimmering eyes deep within the forest, watching and waiting from the outside. “Defy your Alpha and take your own life into your hands, because soon Marcus Novak will be dead.”Jaspar looked towards me and somehow, I was able to decipher the words within his pale colored eyes. He was asking me a question, a simple yes or no. It took only a few seconds, reaching out with my magic before I had the answer.Disappointment and acceptance flashed in his eyes as I shook my head ‘no’.Many of the warriors here were loyal to Marcus, and radiated waves of hostility as they barely managed to keep themselves still. I could feel that so many of them were desperate for a way out, but the fear that