Tori sounded frantic, and if her rapid knocks were any indicator—something had happened. The twin’s and I were out of bed in an instant, shoving on any article of clothing we could. Perhaps there was a downside to sleeping naked.
I wrenched the door open once the twins had at least put shorts on. Tori stormed in, her fiery locks an absolute mess and her eyes wild. I was still in the process of putting on my own shirt, forgoing a bra completely.
“What?” I stammered, grabbing onto Tori with gentle hands. I searched her eyes for answers but found only fear and questions. “What happened?”
Tori shook of the fear that warped her insides, much like I thought she would. She squared her shoulders, and let out a shaky breath before composing herself.
“I planned to go down a floor for some ice, figured it wouldn’t hurt because all of the guards posted and what not.” Tori let the words out in a rush, and gave Kade
“Fuck, we’re five hours from the hotel and even farther from the High Table.” Kade hissed under his breath, quickly shoving a handful of waters into our small cart.If it weren’t for the weight of everything looming down on me, this moment would’ve been hilarious.We had woken up completely naked, as all werewolves do when they shift back into human form. We had trudged through the woods for an hour before finding an actual paved road—with actual street signs. Hiking through the forest, completely naked—it’s not something I’d do again given the option. Half an hour later, we found the only full-functioning store in this little town.Apart from the faded lettering, “Mini Mart” on the sign at the front of the parking lot, there was no other indicator of what this place might be. I was expecting a gas station, but was surprised to see people emerging from the store with carts full of groceries and ot
I was seeing red in an instant, unable to hear anything past the blood rushing to my ears. My ability gave me insight into the strong emotions of our wolves. They felt things just like we did, though their reactions could vary tremendously. I had never felt my own wolfs anger in this way. Perhaps I had felt it during the battle, but there was too much commotion for me to truly taste the emotion in its prime. I wasn’t sure when I had stood up from my seat in front of the vanity in the room, but I was horribly hot and itchy, my skin uncomfortable and much too tight. When the towel fell from my body, it did nothing to cool me down.I could see the twin’s mom back out of the room, shutting the door quickly behind her. I didn’t have the time or need to care. I was too busy connecting the dots in my head, the dots that would lead Zayne Novak and his father to an early grave. Zayne had made it fairly clear his father keeps white wolves for their abilities; whether or not
The hour after my somewhat feral sex with Kade had gone by in an instant. His mom was back ten minutes later, fixing my hair and ignoring what had clearly gone on between me and her son. She put a light coating of make-up on my face, darkening my large eyes and making the two different colors more pronounced. The meeting before the High Table meeting wasn’t a formal event—it was more like business than anything else. Assessing potential enemies, seeking out weaker Alpha’s, and generally causing havoc for most of the lower ranked werewolves. Kade’s mom helped me into a slate grey dress, zipping up the low-neck back in a smooth motion. The dress reached my knees and was tight around my curves. It showed just enough cleavage to look classy, and brought out the silver tones in my one blue eye. It was best everyone viewed me as a capable adult, and not an emotional teenager. They needed to believe I wouldn’t use my abilities recklessly, or for my own vengeance. I
“Explain that again.” I deadpanned, the tears that burned in my eyes turned to acid.“It’s exactly what it sounds like.” Tori swallowed heavily, taking another chug from her second glass of water.Other than severe dehydration and low blood sugar, Tori was virtually unharmed. Her biggest injury was the bump on her forehead, and that was from her tumble when the gas had spewed into the room.She was incredibly lucky, especially considering the sudden influx of white wolf kidnappings over the last fifteen years. The High Table had been hiding it for quite some time, but it was surprising what Kade could find out when motivated by the kidnapping of his twin.While I was beyond elated that she was alive, there were a few things I was struggling to come to terms with. She had little to no information about where her and Alec had been taken. They had both passed out from the gas, and by the time Tori had awoken, Alec was gone
I hadn’t really known the twin’s all that long, around six months if you wanted to be more accurate. We bonded quickly, though it was much longer for werewolf standards. The bond helped us all feel familiar and comfortable around one another, but there were still things I didn’t know about my dashing mates.One of those things was how truly terrifying Kade was when in a murderous rage.I had seen him on the battlefield, though my attention was horribly divided between him and his injured brother. I had seen him move in wolf form, but there was something sickeningly attractive about watching Kade move in his human body.Kade raced forward, much faster than Tori or I could intercept and barreled into Zayne. Even in a suit, he was much faster than I would’ve anticipated.Unfortunately, Kade was faster.“Kade, don’t!”My mouth clamped shut as Tori’s heightened voice rang out, practically drowned by
“Take a deep breath, sweetheart.” Kade chuckled in my ear, but I was not oblivious to the tension in his own emotions.We were being escorted down to the second floor, where the meeting would take place. The entire floor was heavily guarded, and was much wider and more open than the other floors.“Do not speak unless you’re called on.” A tan-skinned woman in a pencil skirt warned Kade and I. She walked effortlessly in her heals, swaying her hips like a runway model. “If they wish for you to speak, they’ll call on you. That’s your chance. You can also call as many witnesses as you please, so those you came with are free to speak on your behalf.”Kade and I had been debriefed as much as possible, but nothing could prepare us for what the outcome might be. Other than Marcus Novak, we hadn’t a clue what the other High Table members might want.I adjusted the dress I wore and grimaced as the rigid mat
The room was silent for a few long seconds before the room erupted in chaos. Witnesses were shouting on all sides, emotions flung like daggers at my neck and chest. Many were outraged that I dare disrespect the High Table. They hurled insults my way, blaming my upbringing.Much to my surprise, there were some coming to my defense. Though their voices weren’t as loud, they shouted that I had a right to stake claim on my life and abilities. They accused the High Table of becoming to powerful, a thought that made me shiver.I couldn’t help but notice that the Alpha and Luna with the golden hair remained silent, their emotions conveying no animosity towards me.The chaos lasted a total of five seconds before Marcus Novak silenced the room with a wave of his hand. “Enough, we cannot blame the girl for her outbursts. She was not raised on our values and customs, so she can and will be excused.” Marcus told the room. The flimsy compliment
Marcus Novak considered himself a collector, but things became difficult when your possessions were living humans with thoughts, feelings, and a will of their own. His own son had slowly begun to turn against him, though not for the same reasons most would. For reasons completely unknown to the three of us, Zayne Novak needed a group of ten white wolves transported from his father's territory. It was strictly a stealth mission; in and out. The white wolves would be deposited at the edge of Marcus's territory by an ally. Our job is to transfer those white wolves to our territory. Being caught would ensure a huge mess, one most of us might not escape from. Marcus Novak would have all rights to attack us for taking something of his. If we were to be the ones venturing on his territory--death sentence. So long as Marcus remained in the dark, all parties were safe. "Naveah and Isaac, they're the most important.
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