The council had gathered, bright eyed and smiles in contrast to our exhausted, dark circles team. We had somehow managed to sleep but I could have sworn the alarm rang as soon I kept my eyes shut. "Good morning to you too," I greeted and tried to smile without yawning. The boys mumbled their greetings but it seemed the council could not be bothered. The meeting began with talks of other matters that promised to put me to sleep. All I needed to do was stop trying to make what they said and close my eyes. "Achilleas now lies in the arms of his family, thanks to you."I beamed at the lady leading the council. "You're welcome.""I hope we continue to work together, Chief Priest of Arth."Chuckling nervously, I clasped my hands together and placed them on the table. "Uh I don't think you've heard but I'm not the Chief Priest. Father is still taking the wheels.""I see." They murmured among themselves, few were nodding and others frowned. "And I've been banned." My last words completely
Sat in the sofa in the living room, I felt awkward and anxious. There seemed to be an invisible line between me and this family of werewolves. To cross that line filled me with dreaded apprehension. All I wanted was to be with Reed and Connor that I never considered his family. They might have somewhat acknowledged me but being a part of them would take some work. I looked over and caught some stares. Might take a lot of work. Nervous, I caught Connor's worried stare and gave him a reassuring smile. A glass of water hovering in front of my face got my attention. I looked up at the bearer; a tall, smiling and very pregnant brunette. "Water?" She asked with a such softness that instantly warmed my heart. "Thank you," I mustered, my mind running a mile a minute why she approached me. Taking the glass from her, I watched her settle beside me. She rubbed her round belly then tucked her wavy hair behind her ear. "I'm Jess. How do you do?" "I'm okay." I took a sip of the water before l
He fulfilled his dark promise, taking me over and over again. I was blinking the stars away from the mind blowing orgasm when I felt another building as he thrust into me, impossibly deeper and harder. Tonight, it seemed that Connor was going to watch. After his grumbles about me spending all day with Reed, he refused to rise from his seating position and silently watched. His arousal was clear in the lit room, waiting to be set free from his zipped jeans. His gaze on me burned and lit my desire anew. I wanted him to take me too, running his large hands over my body and torture me with kisses. The thought of that increased the flow of the fluids between my legs, adding to the maddening sounds of the wet slaps each time Reed's hips touched mine. I stretched my hand to my mate, beckoning him to join, and licked my lips. He smiled, shaking his head and raised his glass of wine in a celebratory toast. Reed pinned my hands down, urging me to look at him. His thrusts began to slow, callin
“What do you think of this hairstyle?”I leaned towards to Jess to see the model with a glamorous hair in the magazine she held. “It’s nice but it probably won’t last long.” “Right? With men like ours, it probably won’t last a day. But I think you should curl your hair.”“Does it look that bad?” I ran my hand through my roughly tied up hair. I tried hard to tame it and make it seem neat but I guess I failed. After a wild night like the one before, it was never going to pass for normal.It was a miracle I could even move my legs at all. My back and legs felt incredibly sore and I didn’t even think I could make it past the bedroom door. Connor had suggested canceling on my plans but it would totally be weird and rude of me after I had agreed to meet with Jess. Reed offered to follow but gave up when Jess argued with him on letting me have a life outside being around him and fucking. No doubt, my mate grew offended and I expected him to pull the Alpha card but he agreed. It still did no
My decision ate away at my conscience as Reed insisted on giving me more food. When Liam joked about another addition to the pack family, it would not go down. I tried to reassure myself with claims that it was okay to put myself first and it was ultimately my choice to decide whether to remain pregnant or not. My shoulders sagged as I came to a sad conclusion; I should have talked to them first. My train of thoughts halted when Claire offered me a red apple. I was instantly transported to that night and instead of Claire, my father held the apple. Trapped in his gaze, my mouth forced itself open, and it drew terrifyingly closer to my mouth as he urged to eat.“No!”The large table fell silent as everyone eyed me, incredulous. I opened my mouth to apologize and explain but no words made it past my lips. I looked to Connor and Reed, growing scared that I had given their family a reason to hate me. “Geez, you could have just said no.” Claire dropped the apple, clearly irritated. What
It was hard to look into any mirror without remembering the incident from the night before. What the actual fuck was that? I didn't think anything magical on that level would happen to me once I was banished. There was no Mama Owen here to turn to for advice or help. I switched out any ceramic or steel utensils for plastics, afraid to see that reflection or nothing at all. What if it was some sort of demon wanting to take my life now that I have been left vulnerable? Once Connor and Reed were out of sight, I began to search for my bag. I remember taking my mother's spell book with me. I wonder if I could create protective potions with it. Morgan did manage to do the same, right? My shoulders hung defeated when I remembered my friend and the things he had done for me. Besides, he was in Arth when he made those potions. The magic aura in Arth was more than enough to provide what I needed. But I was not in Arth anymore nor did I have any connection to it.I lit up when I remembered
Settling in with the pack was easy. I felt like I belonged. There were few moments that went terribly crazy but it drew me tighter to the family. It's like I was sewn into their group. Each day went on about the same. I would have breakfast with my mates, hurry out to meet Jess, Sam and occasionally, Claire to talk about books, life and the boys. Then we would each lunch and take walks or sleep, and then I would be dragged away by my mates. When I questioned why we couldn't all live together, Jess attributed it to a normal occurrence. Once a werewolf (or werewolves as in my case) finds his mate, he takes her away and keeps her to himself until she either becomes pregnant or he deems it fit she was safe and protected around others. I found it ridiculous and brought it up to my mates one time. It ended in a round of argument and me getting my brains fucked out. At this rate, there was no way I could not be pregnant. But I religiously went to Jess to get a shot. I still had not found
Between checking up on Jess and her newborn and stalking Sam to make sure she gets the help she needs when her baby decides to push its way out, the days passed quickly. It was the night of the tribal gathering in the Central. I did not want to go any longer but it seemed compulsory for the Alpha to come with his mate if he had one.I wore a red velvet satin dress with black stilletos from Gianvito Rossi, and paired with a small GV3 bag. After tying my hair in a high ponytail, I wore the shimmering pearl earrings Reed picked out. With each step I took, the slit of the dress parted to highlight my long nimble legs."Stay right there."Halting on the stairs, I watched Reed with a bemused smile. I leaned against the railings as he fished out his phone and took pictures."We might need to keep her in here instead," Connor commented, putting on cufflinks. "You look beautiful, my love.""Thank you." I reached the end of the stairs and wrapped my arms around his waist, taking in his earthy s
When Morgan left, it felt like life pushed me back into my reality. Wiccan terminologies and slangs I thought I had forgotten came out of me as Morgan and I chatted, and reminisced about the good old days and the things that happened in my absence. The house buzzed with everyone talking about their day, well except Claire. She stalked Morgan out of here. A mail arrived an hour later, requesting all Alphas to be present for a meeting that evening. The sudden call turned the atmosphere tense as everyone realized the cause and could only imagine the outcome. I catered to the potions and charms Morgan made, keeping them in a safe drawer in my room. The strong colors showed the potency and strength the potions held. It would be possible to protect the house and everyone in it with these alone. “Are you hiding in here to cry now that your friend is gone?” I laughed at Jess words as she walked in into the bedroom. “Reed and Connor said to check in on you. They would have done so themselves
I pulled Morgan into a hug once more. It felt as though he might disappear if I take my eyes off him or let him go. He laughed and held me steady, reassuring me. I drew back and took another look at him. He dressed in casual clothing and boots but his exhaustion was clear as day on his face. “If I knew I would be missed this much, I will stay away longer,” He joked, his gaze shifting to the giggling babies. “Aw, babies. Any of these happen to be yours by any chance?”“No.” I picked up Pete from the hastily made bed of soft towels and pillows. “This little guy is Pete and the other is Theo.”He shook his head and refrained from carrying the baby. “Babies are cute to look at but I don’t know how to care for them. That is Ace’s job.”“Try it! He’s soft and cuddly.” “And easy to drop.” He rejected the offer once more. “When will you start popping out yours?”Turning Pete to rest on my chest, I threw Morgan a scowl. “Why are you here anyway?” “Wiccan envoys from Arth decided to drop by
The construction of the safe house came along faster than we expected. Rhys and Liam worked as contract construction workers in a private company. Their knowledge was useful in gathering materials and putting in the work to build the shelter. I tried to help by lifting tools and joining materials together. When my usefulness was outdone by the werewolves’ strength and speed, I resigned to working with Orion to get more provisions. As we began to offload the groceries into the car, the shadows suddenly spread across the ground. The wind picked up, bringing with it a storm of dust. As I shielded my face, my clothes pulled against me. I helped Orion get into the backseats of the car to hide out. “I don’t believe this change in weather was included in the weather forecast this morning,” he said, coughing. My nose itched as I looked at the dark sky. The clouds covered the sun, blocking away rays that attempted to escape. The sand storm might have been overlooked by the forecast team,
“Where have you been?” I grabbed the demon by the collar of his shirt, demanding. “I asked you a question, you damn demon!”“Go easy on the shirt. It cost me a lot.” He grabbed my wrists, loosening my grip on him. “I ventured a little farther and got captured.”“What? Who did it?” I noticed the dark blood prints on his shoes and knees of his white trousers. “Why is there blood on you?”“Calm down, Princess. Some of it isn’t mine.” He sighed heavily, running his hands through his hair. “I took a small vacation back to hell to regain some of my awesomeness.”“Quit saying shit and tell me what happened.” I offered him a glass of water then wondered if demons needed to drink water at all. Lucas drank greedily, and wiped his mouth when he finished. “Some crazy witches caught me, the ones serving the ‘Lord’ and tried to use me to do their dirty work.”“Tried?”“They used me to do their dirty work, okay? Murder, extortion, anything you can think of. It was awful not having a free will.”
I felt awful. A person being happy about someone else’s misfortune has a price. Having a conscience does little good and gives little benefits but it pays. It pays to have people be indebted to you. Okay, that’s enough with this terrible monologue. But I was right. Those two blondes are twins. The cab stopped in my familiar, middle class town. I stepped into Jess’ clinic and found it empty. There was no sign of struggle or blood. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself into thinking she stepped for a moment. Making use of the private bathroom, I showered and changed into some dress I found in a lost and found box. The bell at the door jingled as the door creaked inwards. I stopped mid-twirl and stepped towards the entrance. “Doc is out at the moment,” I said, sweeping my hair into a messy ponytail. “Oh, it’s you guys.” “You sound disappointed to see us.” Connor carried in a gift basket while Jess held a bouquet of fresh flowers. “Where did you go earlier?” “Out and about.” I look
"Is that a limo?" The nail file fell to the clean tiled ground with a sharp clang. I gawked at the sleek black, long vehicle parked in front of the clinic. I scurried to the door, gawking at the extravagance. When Alpha Simon said he would send transport, I did not think he would send a flashy one. This was highly unnecessary. What if my mates were present? How did they even find me? “Jess? I’ll be back in a few.”“That,” she pointed at the limousine. “…is for you?”“Surprisingly so.” I turned to grab my purse. “Could you not tell Connor and Reed about this? Ill let them know myself when I get back.”“But what if they drop by?” she asked, darting another look at the vehicle outside. The suited driver stepped out of the car, and came around to wait at the passenger’s door. “Make up an excuse. I am sorry about this and thank you, Jess.”“But where are you going?” she yelled as I dashed out of the clinic. “Be careful.”Climbing into the vehicle, I waved her bye. Settling in, I came f
The day to intrude on Alpha Simon came sooner than expected. I took a cab, growing unsettled by the minute as the vehicle entered the next town. I had the cab pull up in front of the town's hall. When I got off, my plans suddenly seemed childish. What was I thinking? How am I supposed to find an Alpha in a town of many people? What was I going to do, walk in and ask for a Simon? There could be a thousand Simons in this town for all I knew.I watched people come and go, unable to tell the difference between them. They could all be normal people, wondering if I was the weird one. I brushed my hair out of my face, irritated by the afternoon breeze. I really should not be here. Pulling out my phone, I looked for a cab to get me back home. A shadow cast over my figure as someone fell in step beside me. "The Alpha bet you would be here but I did not believe him."Startled, I flinched at the low voice and looked at the bearer. It was the Mohawk dude from the other day. His piercing gaze sh
"Reed explained the situation to me. I do agree it's important to calm everyone down." She peered at me with a firm gaze. "I believe you have been explained to how the process goes." "Yes," I replied. "This might be a source of discomfort to you, baring yourself to wolves at a time like this. Don't worry though. The test will take place before the council and some by this time next week." I nodded in understanding. "I can't wait to get this over with." "If you don't mind me asking, have you come in contact with any witch since your banishment from Arth?" "No, none." "Strange," she mused. "Pardon me but when Arth is this quiet, its people are up to no good." "I like to think they are just healing from the mess. Besides, they have a serial killer bound. They are probably preoccupied with investigating than planning another attack." "Let's hope so." Her grave tone tugged at my nerves. Connor grabbed my hand and gently squeezed. I might have been banned from Arth but my friends h
In bed, I curled up in Reed's arms, browsing celebrity gossip on his phone. The evening found the Pack House quiet after the departure of Simon and his men. Connor, Jeremy and Rhys went to make sure they were truly good from our lands and scurried around for signs of another invader. Simon have no other information other than what he wanted from us: me. From his manner of speech, it seemed to be something of grand scale. If it was, Alpha Simon should know that I do not bear powers that made a witch a master of the elements. Before I retired, I sent Lucas on a spying mission. He had been keeping an eye on the imprisoned witches who continued to work in secret. I paused in my reading, feeling Reed's hands venture under my night gown and massage my breast. It reminded me of how long it has been since we last made love. With everything that has been going on, it seemed like the last thing on anyone's mind. Besides, the kids are right next door. I could hear them reading a book with Lia