Author's POVThe entire family of the McAlesters stared at Ariel with so many questions in their eyes. But were polite enough to not ask her directly. Letting her eat with enough breathing space, was just enough for her.Ariel sighed as she tried to swallow the food she was chewing. Her body still ached from the pain it had endured. Even her wolf was unmoving, her soul grinded to dust. Ariel wouldn't be surprised if they don't allow her stay with them. Everyone is being protective of their families. Clearing her throat, Ariel looked up at them catching their gaze. "I know this is off for you all to see. And I am mostly grateful for your understanding and not probing me. I would clearly understand it, if you won't let me stay." Charlie sat up, "why would we send off one of our own. We just need you to be very sincere with us. None of us here knows you well, except Collin. It's not like we don't trust the words of our son, we just need to hear you speak for yourself."Collin looked to
Collin's POVI just can't take it anymore, for how long will this continue. For how fucking long! It's not our fault that we have been made this way. Why won't the humans just suck up that fact and rest? Ariel had been mindful enough to keep all of the silver scars away from my family. But I have seen them and felt how much pain she must be enduring. Those bastards had the guts to lay their filthy fingers on her. I couldn't hold In the yell as I screamed on the top of my lungs into the night. I had the same fate, parents killed by unknown people. I can't imagine what would have happened to me if charlie and Ester didn't see me that night. Would I have died also? Or probably become a criminal, tormenting everyone around me. The thoughts drive me mad, and I can't seem to keep them away. I should have known something was wrong with Ariel, she was too jovial. How did I not notice? Maybe, I could have saved her from getting hurt this far. "You wouldn't have been able to do much, if she
Alessia's POV"What did he say?" Patrick asked me eagerly. I would have never thought he would be wi concerned about anyone this much. But, I was more bothered about the fact that Collin just shunned me on not to act petty. What the hell? What boyfriend says that to his own girlfriend? "Alessia, say something." Allen urged. I rolled my eyes, "Collin says she is fine. And would be staying with him at his house." Patrick exhaled loudly, "oh, my! That feels so relieving to hear."He looked so tired, all morning he has been pacing around and mumbling to himself. Ashley and Tephanie had to retire home. But, Patrick chose to follow myself and Allen back to our house. Till I heard from Collin. Every of the other family members seem excited with Patrick's presence. I had almost forgotten all about our pretence deal. But, it was good for show. As it would keep them all off my back for the time being. "Thank you so much, Alessia. I would call Collin and ask for his address." Patrick said.
Collin's POVI woke up with loads of body ache. And my sleep was really short, got myself thinking and brooding hard over what to do to help Ariel out of the situation she is in. Can't seem to stay put. Jumping off the bed abd getting ready for school. I was surprised to not find Ariel in Rodger's former room. Only to see her by the kitchen, munching on pancakes and laughing to whatever lake joke Seth is telling. "Are you sure, you are fit to get out of bed at this time?" I inquired, scrunching up my face in worry. Ariel turned to look at me smiling, "yes, have you forgotten I am a werewolf. Tendency to heal fast." She grinned at me. I was at least glad, that she was returning to her usual cheerful self. I pulled at her cheek gently, mumbling a greeting to Ester and Seth. "Where is everyone else?" I asked, eating the pancake I had stolen from Seth's plate rapidly. He could really have me rolling on the floor, spitting it all out if I am not careful. "Mum, did you see that?" Seth
Author's POVAriel inhaled deeply as she stared out the window. It felt so quiet and lonely at the same time, calmly at peace. She couldn't remember the last time she had a good sleep. There is no way she would be able to thank Collin enough, for saving her. Her life had been brought to a halt that night she disagreed with Tom. What she didn't mention to Collin is the sexual abuse she endures in Tom's hands. He had gotten so accoustomed to ripping her clothes off her and had made it a point of duty to get down on her every night. But her wolf couldn't endure any of it anymore, fighting her way out. Ariel had run as far as her legs could carry her. Praying to the goddess that she doesn't get caught by the bloodthirsty wolf hunters. Tears lingered at the back of her eyes, Ariel inhaled again. Leaning against the window sill, she tried to keep the tears from falling. Ester stood by the doorway, with pity in her eyes. She couldn't imagine having a girl child and she gets to experience
Collin's POVI could see Ariel turn white at Tephanie's sudden announcement. It seem like she had run out of blood. My laughter hanged in the air as I walked towards her angry. "What the hell was that for? Do you want her to have a heart attack?" I bellowed at her. Seth stood in the way, turning his head to the side at me. "Easy, man. You haven't heard her out." Patrick was also on his feet with Allen. The ladies tried to calm Ariel down. "What exactly is going on?" Patrick inquired. "What's this all about Tephanie?" I glared Tephanie sniffed, "I didn't mean to, I promise. I thought they would be worried to know where she might be." I hissed, "you could have waited till you affirm what exactly happened. You just sold her off to her predators again.""It's okay, Collin." Ariel's weak voice pleaded. "I will explain it all to them." I raised a brow at her, worried she might spill her real identity. Her eyes seeked for my understanding. I ruffled my hair in frustration, letting her
Collin's POVThe vicious look in Tom's eyes when they landed on Ariel, I could almost smell the hatred from him. Whatever did we werewolves do to this humans? Even if our ancestors had acted wrong, we the new generation practically live like every other human. Why they find it so hard to accept us and who we are, would always amaze me. This is the more reason why it scares me to tell Alessia about my true identity, I might never recover from the rejection. At the same time, I know a day would come when I would need to be sincere about who I am.I just wish she would be as understanding as Ingrid is. My mind was drifting off again, I almost didn't see Tom being held to the ground by Uncle Gab. "What happened?" I asked anyone who was willing to answer. Annette rolled her eyes, "did you zone out again?" I scratched the back of my neck, "sorry." I mumbled more to myself than her. "He tried to attack, Ariel." She replied. I was just about to have a piece of his flesh, when he stared
Collin's POVI rushed towards them, my eyes searching the entire space. "What happened? Where is Ariel?" I asked hurriedly. "Sit down, Collin. She is fine." Ester replied, ushering me towards the empty chair. "She is asleep." Annette answered my inner questions. "Can you just relax please." "I have a strange feeling about this, that man appears to know more than one would imagine." Ester saidI rubbed at my forehead, "what do you mean?""You think I don't know what your father and brothers including you, have been hiding from Annette and I? We already know there is a scare of the wolf hunters out in search of us again."I scratched the back of my neck, short of words. There is no way I am going to affirm or refute it. Charlie never gave the permission to talk about it to the women. "But, there is nothing to worry about anymore. We know now that it was all just the theft iniitiated by Tom and his wife, using Ariel's wolf form." I explained. "Why are you putting it so lightly?" Ann