While the bus ride had been somewhat uncomfortable, Justin's presence was a welcomed distraction. Anything to keep my mind from what I was leaving behind soothed my frayed nerves.
At this time of night, there were little options on flights. My options were New York, Texas and Missouri. While New York was an intriguing option, my money would burn much faster there. The flight to Texas wasn't until the early hours of the morning. Waiting until the sun crested the forest line and hung above the clouds wasn't an option. The wait alone would unravel me, my nerves turning me into a mess of anxiety.
Missouri it was.
I knew little about the state, but assumed the weather would be similar to Georgia. Humidity tempered with the brilliant sun, warm but not nearly as blazing as Texas or California.
I had
Resisting the intense urge topurchaseone of everything, I ordered myself a blueberry muffin and something called a bear claw.I sat down at one of the shiny looking booths, the striped pink and white seats gleamedmerrily. Everything in the bakery looked brand new, from the shimmering booths to the large ovens peaking over the counter.Icouldn’thelp but watch the duo running the counter in silence. It was clear they were related,most likely brotherand sister. Each had the same shade of sandy blonde hair, the same full yet pouty lips. The girl was slim with curves in the right places, looking out of place in the bakery. Iwould’veexpected to see the girl on the cover of a magazine, not at some bakery. The two of them rushed from counter to oven, to prepping tray, to cash register. Each a whirlwind of energy and determination, as I continued watching in silence.
Kade'sP.o.vI should have listened to that sinking feeling in my gut when I first locked eyes with Alpha Garrett.I should have realized why Aurora's unique eyes were so familiar.It was because I knew her father, Alpha Garrett exceedingly well. It was known he had a daughter, born from his mate but there had been no rumors of another child.In the werewolf community, illegitimate children hold the same standing. An Alpha's first born is in line for the position, regardless of the woman who carried the child.It didn't take long to figure out. The day Alec and I had gone to Aurora's house, only to find Garrett standing in the doorway, arose some suspicions. The two of us knew for sure when we saw Aurora and Garrett out at the restaurant. His eyes were copied onto her face, his nose and cheekbones identical.
Alec's P.o.v'It doesn't matter. You won't see her again.'Grace's reptilian voice echoed throughout my head, sending waves of pain running down my chest. From the look on Kade's face, he felt the same. Grace might've been cruel and slightly insane, but she wouldn't lie. She was smart enough to tell the truth. I could see Kade's self-control slipping, his eyes darkening murderously. Kade had always struggled with self-control, rarely thinking things through. I liked to believe that was why we worked together so well. Kade was brutal and animalistic, while I was cunning and calculated. Two sides of the same coin, the same person split into two. Before Grace could open her mouth and speak any further, a deafening crack sounded in the house. Grace slumped to the floor, her head bouncing against the hardwood. For a second, I had thought Kade killed her. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head, her eyelids
Aurora'sP.o.vI wiped the napkin across my damp forehead, grimacing at theridiculousamount of flour I had managed to get on my clothes.The uniform looked much like the inside of the bakery; pink and white. Even Jake had to wear one, sporting a pink and white apron as though it were the next fashion statement. Of all the things Jake complained about, the uniform wasn't one of them.A white shirt with the words 'Beth's Bakery' stitched into it with golden thread, followed by a pair of jeans and a pink and white apron. As I walked small puffs of flour filled the air, originating from my messy uniform.Within the first three hours I was coated in a thin layer of sweat. The hot ovens and constant running about did nothing to help. Despite the sweat, I was having the time of my life.I didn't have to trudge home
Kade'sP.o.vOne Week LaterWith each passing day, my patience seemed to thin. We could find nowitnesseswho spotted Aurora that night. Our first step was heading to the nearest bus terminals, speaking with security to access the camera's. After an agonizing three days, two of four bus terminals had searched through their footage. Two had not gotten back to Alec or I. It was reasonable to assume Aurora had taken a bus to Atlanta airport and then flew from there. When my patience had run too thin, Alec contacted the Atlanta Airport on my behalf. Our territory covered Atlanta, meaning we had the authority to demand this of our people.Alpha Garrett was determined to help us locate Aurora, though his reasons differed from our own. He was still unhappy with his daughter's mates, but I could've cared less. I couldn't risk hurting Aurora or Alpha Garrett would have been rotting in the dunge
Aurora’sP.o.vOne Week LaterI had somehow managed to survive the week. Not only was I baking things on my own, Beth let me create some new desserts myself. I experimented with puff pastry, sugar icing, and fresh fruit. Some things turned out better than others, but Beth had aknackfor selling. Jake was supportive as always with his sarcastic commentary, but the moment he had tasted the chocolatecroissantsI made, he was hooked.While Beth had known my actual name for an entire week, she never pushed me to give anything more. Jake had taken my abrupt name change with little more than a shrug, flashing hislop-sidedgrin as he told me he liked the name Aurora more than Amber. While atfirst,I had listened to the two of them joke and bicker, I was now joining in. Each night I left the store, I smelled like roasted cinnamon and freshly baked puff pastry.
Thalia's frantic voice spurred something within me, and I took off in a desperate sprint. My feet slapped against the sidewalk, the sound bouncing off buildings and echoing down the barren street.'They're werewolves.' Thalia hissed, 'You need to run faster.'I veered across the street and down the sidewalk, my breaths emerging in short pants. My legs were already beginning to burn, and I thanked the heaven's I removed the boot from my foot days ago. My foot had been completely healed, a perk of being half-werewolf, I suppose. My lungs screamed in my chest, making me want to scream. While my speed and strength were heightened, my werewolf side did not affect my horrible stamina.'Don't look behind you.' Thalia hissed as I started to turn my head.A ragged scream tore through my throat as a pair of arms wrapped around my waist. A hand clamped over my mouth,
For a moment, I convinced myself I was at home with my Grandma. The smell of soup filled the air, thick with garlic, thyme and oregano. The tomato mixture invaded my senses and left me with the feeling of comfort and security. My Grandma's humming floated through the kitchen into the living room where I laid on the couch. The heat lingering in the California air warmed my skin, soothing my aching muscles.It was when I found the strength to open my eyes that I realized how wrong I was. I wasn't in California, and my Grandma was dead. The peaceful humming was coming from an old woman, whose hair was white as snow. She stood in the kitchen, stirring something in a large iron pot. The heat that danced along my skin was from the crackling fire, just a few feet in front of me.Horror flooded through me as I realized I had been naked when I was found, and that I now wore a long nightgown. A thick quilt was placed over my body, smelling of lavender and other
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