An hour was much too long to get ready.
I brushed my hair, and changed my clothes in ten minutes. That left me fifty minutes to contemplate what the hell was going on. Fifty minutes to realize how horribly my fractured life had been upended.
Once hour passed, and Garrett knocked on my door. He didn't wait for me to answer, he simply poked his head inside until his eyes locked on my own.
"Ready to go?" Garrett asked, his eyes shining brightly.
I nodded, grumbling something unintelligible and stood to my feet. While my face was somehow miraculously healed, my ankle was anything but. Occasionally dull pain would twitch up my ankle, making me wince.
Garrett and I walked downstairs, to where Melissa and Frank were sitting on the sofa. Frank was drunk, as usual. Melissa was desperately trying to keep her gaze off of Garrett. Her eyes kept flickering from the TV to his towering form. I resisted the urge to scoff, she's more interested in
I cringed, but telling him about Frank was a lot easier than telling him about Grace. Frank couldn't torment me anymore, not with me being forced to live with Garrett. Grace on the other hand could still manage to get to me."Frank likes to drink." I shrugged, "He gets rough. I ran and locked myself in my room. He was trying to break down my door so I climbed out the window and jumped.""You jumped from your window?" Garrett's voice was calm."No." I replied, deadpan. "I jumped from the roof.""That fact makes no difference." Garrett growled under his breath."Look." I sighed, "Don't go playing the caring father card. Seriously, for my sanity don't do it."This entire conversation was giving me a headache. My heart was being pulled in so many different directions, I wondered if it could withstand all of the torment. 'Only a few more days', I told myself. Then I'd be in the wind, not a single person to worry about.Two devastatin
'I thought you'd never ask.' The voice huffed, 'You can call me Thalia.''The voice in my head has a name.' I nodded. 'This is great.''Look at it this way, we're improving.' The voice sounded happy.'Improving?' I scoffed, 'More like descending into madness.''Hey, I'll be along for the ride.' The person in my head grinned, 'It'll be fun.''Y'know, I didn't expect the voice inside my head to be so damn optimistic.' I rolled my eyes.'Get used to it, Aurora.' The voice chided me, 'I'm here for the long run.''Great.' I sounded unenthusiastic.Garrett looked over at me from the corner of his eye, concern evident in his gaze."Feeling alright, Aurora?" He questioned, more concern flooding through his tone."Yup." I popped the 'p' on my lips, "Just talking to the voices in my head."I wasn't sure what made me say that, but I didn't really care. This week has been one for the books. I was nearly one hundred per
KadeIt wasn't our intention to find Aurora in the forest, but once we caught her scent it was nearing impossible to stop.Alec and I locked eyes, our wolves inhaling the creamy scent of their mate. She was sitting by herself, her back against a large tree. The sunlight peered through the trees hitting her in the perfect spot. Her chocolate hair was glowing under the sunlight, looking like freshly spun silk. The sun brightened her unique eyes, making them radiate with color."Are you going to eat me or not?" She huffed, her face impassive as she looked at my brother and I.There was no fear in her eyes; just the acceptance that her life could possibly end today. That fact send a sharp ringing pain throughout my body, sending the memory of the night we ran into her rushing to the front of my mind.She was stumbling down the sidewalk; Alec and I noticed her before she saw us. She looked out of her mind with fear, the kind of fear that makes peo
AuroraI left the note, changed my clothes in one of the many bathrooms and left for work.Today was a school day, but that didn't bother me. My boss was so desperate to find someone to cover an extra shift, he didn't even ask about school.I sent Tori a quick text, letting her know I didn't need a ride to work. She was in school, which forced me to walk. I never minded walking, it gave me time to think and clear my head. Unfortunately, I had too much to think about at the moment.I was sure Garrett would give me a ride to work, but I truthfully didn't want to ask. I felt smothered in his huge house, surrounded by people who didn't want me there (Lucy excluded).By the time I made it to the restaurant, my booted foot was aching. The pain wasn't as bad, but it was still annoying to walk on.'One miracle is good enough.' I told myself, thinking about my magically healing face.The next few hours, work was effortless. There were no kids
The laughter fell from my lips in waves, and I realized I hadn't truly laughed in so long.Garrett sat in his seat, a perplexed look forming on his face as he watched me. It was comforting to know the mental decline ran in the family, but didn't give me much hope for the future.My erratic laughter died down, and I was left taking a few deep breaths."Look, Garrett." I snickered, placing my hand against my mouth to stifle another wave of laughter. "I think you need to get some help, which means I definitely need to get some help.""Aurora--" Confusion formed on Garrett's face. Did he really think I was going to believe that? Werewolves?He rips me from my life and confesses there's a world of magical creatures? This isn't a book; Life isn't full of fantasy. You work, get fucked over by people, try to survive and then die."Don't--" I shook my head, "I shouldn't even have to entertain this."I turned on my heel and st
Despite the gut feeling brewing within me, I swallowed down my bile and got ready for school.School was the last place I wanted to be, but somehow I knew I'd never escape if Garrett whisked me away to his 'pack'.It was only one day. One day and I could run to work to grab my check, leaving this town behind only a few hours after.I texted Tori that night, letting her know to pick me up for school. She was practically ecstatic that I was coming back, making me feel even more guilty.Thalia questioned my every move, using every moment she could to plant doubt in my mind.'What if Garret's telling the truth?' She huffed, frustrated after spending an hour arguing with me to no avail.'He's not.' I shook my head, 'I'm not buying it--It's just not real.''You know deep down, Aurora.' Thalia sighed, 'You've always known there's been a piece of you missing. This is that piece. This is why you're so strong. You we
We pulled into the school and the first two classes of the day went as planned. None of the other students seemed to notice I was gone.My third class was another story entirely. I had almost forgotten I sat with both the twins in this class.The moment I walked through the door, both of their eyes were on me. Their gazes burned into my skin, the guilt bubbling within me nearly made me nauseous.I walked slowly, my eyes guarded as I looked into their own.It seems the two of them had seen better days. Their eyes looked darker, almost black. Deep rings lined their eyes, making it look as though they needed a good nights sleep.Kade was as gorgeous as ever. His hair tousled on the top and short on the sides. His long sleeve shirt clung to every dip and arch of his body.Alec looked stunning with his longer and tousled hair. His typical leather jacket was in place.They were sitting next to eachother for a cha
My lips hit Kade’s with a hunger I didn’t know I had. For just a second, the tight control I kept on myself slipped. I could truly see how much my body had been craving their touch.They were right—I belonged to them, but I didn’t know if that was enough. I needed normalcy, a normal life with normal people. Not a delusional dad, a murderous ex, abusive parents, and a backstabbing girl who pretended to be my friend. The only bright spots in this were Tori, Kade and Alec. But would they be enough?When Kade’s tongue ran across my lips, I didn’t fight. My tongue ran against his own, savoring the taste of him and committing it to memory. Alec’s lips ran the length of my neck, leaving his marks on my skin.The hard spot in Kade’s pants pressed against me, my panties our only barrier. He ground himself into me with a low growl, hitting against my covered clit.A moan slipped from my parted lips, never once leaving
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