When I came to myself, I was wrapped in a prayer cloth, sitting on the altar. Donovan, Ellie, and Winnie were huddled up, whispering. Donovan notices I'm watching and says, "Sister Ajay?"So embarrassed, I dropped my head and softly answered, "Yes."Now sitting beside me, he explains, "This is my calling. Sorry if I was overbearing, but once I see evil following you or around you, it's my job to get you free."I nodded his way and then watched Ellie. Hands clasped, she walks over with her head bowed, asking, "I've been through this several times myself. How do you feel?"Nodding again, Winnie kneels before me, saying, "Pastor Chauffee is on his way. He wants to see you, okay?"Pastor Chauffee enters, rejoicing. With my head down and eyes lifted, I barely clap as they praise God and dance around me. Pastor Chauffee suggests Donovan and his wife, whose name is Paige, be my prayer partners. I agree with everything they all say, so I can go home. We all leave together, but Ellie walks me
Ajay's pouring her heart out to me. While she exposes all my lies and deceptions, I feel like less than nothing. When she said she's learned to love herself, I was screaming on the inside, "How can I love this woman this much? What has she done to me?"Love is a curse, for sure. It finds you, puts a yoke around your neck, then enslaves you, but you embrace it. You own it and wish, hope, and feel you'll give your life to keep this person.It's so powerful that whenever my family asks, "Why do you love Ajay?" I always avoided it or gave an elusive answer. I had to, because the only answer I could give was, "I don't know why I love her, but I do."It's too soon to reveal everything I must do. Ajay will never understand, and neither will she submit to it. I need to be able to lie to her a little longer, but she's done accepting lies.She's interpreting my silence as compliance, but I'm warring inside. This war for power brewing on Knight Island is the last thing I want her to be a part of.
Pastor Chauffee says, "Well, Jude, I'm glad you're awake. Ajay is very special to us, so I expect to see you accompanying her some Sundays and Wednesdays."Jude answers, "I'll try.""May I ask, have you planned your wedding? If so, who's officiating it?" The pastor asks with a comical grin.While I stand mute, feeling like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Jude answers, "My uncle is marrying us. He's a minister."That statement jolts me out of a trance and I stare at Jude in disbelief. "Oh wow. Are you in the ministry?" Excitement covers Pastor's face as he anticipates a yes. Jude laughs, "No, Pastor Chauffee. That's not my calling. You and my uncle can keep your titles.""Fair enough. Well, it was nice meeting you, Jude. Ajay, when you're free, please call me. I want to hear your heart concerning Donovan and Paige.""Yes, Pastor."He walks off, and I immediately say, "Your uncle?"Jude doesn't respond to my question but says, "We can leave my rental here. Let's get you to your condo so you
Lost in my eyes from our kiss, I ask Ellie to help me, and she says, "Yes, tell me what you need, but it can't require casting spells or curses. I'm done with that."I tell Ellie, I see your power. It's vibrant and strong. It's light."Starry-eyed, Ellie sits up straight and leans closer, begging, "Please tell me what else you see.""Your aura is no longer dim but shining bright. It's alluring. When I met Ajay, I saw this light around her. It's what drew me to her.""That was the whole purpose of Your Portion. It was created for those of us who wanted to bring more light into the world. Ajay and I joined to exhibit the good that we felt many lacked. Others always harped on what was so wrong with us. We wanted to show the world we were powerful yet used our craft for the good.""Why the change of heart?""You just answered your question, Jude. Dawn used our vulnerability to change our hearts. But for the worst."Leaning into her, I ask, "What do you see when you look at me? And be hone
Confused by Ellie's response, I say, "I've chosen this path of my own free will. No one tricked me into doing anything."Jude is watching Ellie. Flustered, she says, "Jude is playing his mind games on me. That's why I didn't want to come here."Facing Jude, she yells, "You have no power here! Whatever spirit guide, or whoever told you to convince Ajay to get saved, tricked you! They made you think you caused something that was already destined to happen!"Before I cry, I turn to leave, but Ellie grabs me, pleading, "Ajay, please don't let my weakness stop you from believing! Jude told me to convince you to follow me, but I didn't! After you figured out his web of lies and deception by yourself, you chose another path."I glance at Jude, and he's stoic. Removing her hands, I walk up to him and say, "If you really can't lie to me anymore, tell me the truth. Did you cause me to choose this?""Yes.""No, he didn't! Ajay, do not listen to him! I listened, and he deceived me! He told me out
Bruce escapes, and I speed to the airport. A flight attendant wakes me up, and I start swinging from a nightmare."Sir, are you okay?"Once composed, I feel ridiculous. Rubbing my face and fixing my shirt, I clear my throat and answer, "I'm fine, thanks. What time is it?""It's one in the morning. We assumed you got here early and took a nap, but there are no more flights. Did you oversleep?""Uh, no. I'm just early. I'm waiting on my uncle.""Okay, but you can't stay by the gates. I'm sorry.""I understand."The shuttle takes me to the car rental area, and I start my journey back to Knight Island. I'm in my zone. My head is filled with thoughts. Once I make it to Tennessee, I need to go to sleep.I get a hotel room, and then the moment I'm comfortable, I pop up screaming, "Fuuucckkk!"How did I forget I mated with Ajay? Instantly, I call her phone, but she doesn't answer. I'm getting dressed, but my body gives out, and I fall into a deep sleep. When I woke up, I had slept for 48 hours
Jude is fighting in his sleep. I jump out of bed for safety and then wake him. He leaps to the floor, gasping for air. With his eyes bucked, he stares my way, breathing. I ask, "Are you alright? It was only a dream."Closing his eyes, he sighs, "When does your flight leave?""Early Monday. If you don't want me to go, I won't."After releasing a loud sigh, he says, "No, I want you to go. I don't need my father-in-law hating me.""Thanks, Jude," I answered, perplexed.This is kind of him, so I suggest, "Why don't you come with me, but stay in a hotel?""I don't know if I should keep using Toro's identification to fly so often. I fear that at the wrong time, my luck will run out.""No one knows if Toro is alive or dead, Jude.""Right. Not even us, so I need to take precautions. I'll be fine here. Go enjoy your dad without me."I had a blast with my dad and Summer. Of course, they lectured me about choosing to marry Jude, but I listened with grace and then took a morning flight home.Jude
I sit alone in the dark, eating the Chinese food I had delivered. Hearing Jude grunt in his sleep, I stopped playing with my noodles and put our food in the refrigerator.Through the cracked bedroom door, I notice Jude isn't in bed. I open the door and enter. The room is freezing, and Jude is sitting in the corner away from the moonlight. Unable to see him, I only sense his presence and whisper, "Are you hungry?"He releases a faint growl. Uneasy, I turn on the light, and Jude is a werewolf. Instantly, I want to run away in terror, but I don't. I'm his mate now. This is who I'm marrying, so I can't fear my own husband.Lowering my eyes and almost bowing, I ask, "What's wrong, Jude? Why are you in this form?"He doesn't answer but sits, glaring my way. His gaze is so cold that horror begins to overtake me. Through a quivering voice, I say, "Let me warm up your dinner.""Ajay," he whispers in his eerie voice.Head bowed, I stammer, "Yes, Jude.""Come to me."Tears fall in terror as I sl
The same night I googled Dr. Houseman. He has a private practice across town. I schedule an appointment, but he's not available until next month. Uncomfortable going to anyone else, I keep the appointment and buy a home pregnancy test.My sweaty palms wet the box, while my trembling hand held the stick steady. I waited the instructed time, and it came back inconclusive. I run to the drugstore and purchase three more tests. They all yield the same result.Justine told me Delilah was discharged from the ICU and apologized to Zelma. Delilah told Zelma, "I've been consumed with Jude and finding his truth for so long that I haven't even lived. These days I grieve for Mama. She was so deep into this that there was no way she could walk away and live a normal life.I've had Eve only a few weeks, and I love her as my own. Mama loved Jude. She did what she thought was best. If Jude ever comes for Eve, she's his, so I'd have no choice but to return his daughter. But until then, I'll love and ra
I left Floyd perplexed. Soon, I heard Jude questioning me about the short story Eve wrote about Samuel and his brother. Plopping onto my couch, I close my eyes and concentrate, hoping to remember anything significant.Suddenly, I recall Mr. Knight saying, "I hear my mother's singing in my head and whisper, "Dreamers? No, filthy dreamers. My bloodied fingers thumb through my Bible. Weak and dying, I circle the chapter at the top of the page. My shaky hand draws an arrow, and I write, This is his name."Immediately, I rushed and opened the small suitcase I had taken from the island. It has Jude's Bible inside. I remove it, go to the table of contents, and find the Book of Jude. Jude had circled the title in blood.As I stare at the encircled name, I realize that Samuel VII and Mr. Knight are the same. Samuel is the baby's father. The story instructed the Knight's lineage to name his son and the next Alpha, Jude.Soon I'm wondering why Samuel slaughtered his students. Did he hope to be k
Paige offers to go with me to see Mrs. Freer. I decided it was best to go alone. Walking on campus was strange. It seems like eons ago this was where I spent most of my time. Upon entering the administration building, I see familiar faces. Some greet me while others walk by, oblivious to who I am. I exit the elevator on our floor and see Mrs. Freer talking with two coworkers.Seeing me, she does a double-take. Quickly, she ends her conversation and heads toward me. "Ms. Vernon. This is a bewildering surprise.""Hi, Mrs. Freer. My name's Mrs. Knight now, and yes, I'm sure seeing me is surprising.""Mrs. Knight, wow. Well, congratulations. Now, may I know why you're here?""I need to speak with a professor, preferably one knowledgeable in astronomy.""Professor Floyd was a friend of Phyllis's. She asked for the same help right before she passed.""Mrs. Freer, it's terrible what happened to Phyllis. I'll admit, I was pretty heartless in the past, but I'm a new person. If possible, I'd a
I decide to wait in the car and let Justine handle everything. Once Zelma opens the door, she sees me. Instantly, she gripes, "What is she doing here?"Justine says, "She needs our help, Zelma.""From the moment I first helped her, it's been nothing but tragedy for those I love. You promised me you wouldn't go to Knight Island.""If we hadn't gone, Ajay would've been stranded there.""I don't care!" Zelma shouts."We're not like that, Zelma." Justine sighs.As much as it hurts, Zelma is right. Since the moment I stepped on Knight Island, it's been nothing but devastation and death. Once we get to their home, I retrieve my suitcase and leave. I tell Justine, "I promise I'll be in touch."Before I exit, Zelma stops me, saying, "I don't hate you, Ajay. And I understand the hold Jude has on you. I know you're worried and want to find him, but have you ever considered maybe he wants to be lost?Delilah attacked me over some books with mathematical formulas that no human could possibly deci
I'm hiding in what's left of this burned cabin when I hear voices. Realizing they're women, I rush out into the open. I see a woman running, and two chasing her. Then I hear, "Shellie, stop running!"I see Justine and cry out, "Justine! Over here!""Ajay? Is that you?" Justine shouts.Immediately, Shellie stops and runs toward me. Dottie and Justine come to me as well. They all stood staring my way, speechless. Slowly, Justine reaches to touch me and asks, "Are you okay?"The only thing I could do was cry. All three of them huddle around me. These strange sounds in the distance make Dottie say, "I think we need to go.""Are you alone? Where's Jude?" Justine asks."I'm alone, and Dottie's right. We need to leave."They have food and liquor on their boat. All three care for me until I'm no longer trembling from fear. We're miles away from the island when Justine asks, "Do you want to talk about it?"How do I explain this? Honestly, I don't know what happened myself. Coughing to clear my
Zelma doesn't know. I've been looking for Ajay forever. After I learned she practiced witchcraft, I told Zelma. Zelma warned me, "Knight Island was demonic. We just didn't know it. Dad was privy to some information but tragically learned it wasn't just superstition and ghost stories."I'd called Ajay but she never called back. Then, I decided to wait for her in the library's occult section. Afraid other students would see me and think I was a witch, I started asking about her instead.The student aid at the desk knew who she was. He told me, "Ajay is great. I haven't seen her in a minute, but sometimes she'd go to the coffee shop down the street."Cafe Sheol made me look more sketchy than sitting in the library. Only the barista and I are present. I go to the counter, order a tall latte, and ask, "Hi Cecily, I'm Justine. Do you remember a girl named Ajay being a customer?"Before I can describe her, Cecily answers, "Of course. I love Ajay. Why do you ask?"I explained how we lost cont
My life flashes before me as we drop to the ground. I open my eyes and am in the top bunk bed at my foster home. It's a clear night. As I gaze out into the stars, I think, I wish someone loved me.The Michaels have four foster children. All four of us are girls. We're all around the same age. I climb out of bed to use the toilet and overhear my foster parents discussing how one of the girls has been adopted.I hurry back to my room, crying. Now, staring into the night sky again, I whisper, "Please let someone love me." The following morning, Aunt Irene adopted me.It's my senior year of high school. My boyfriend, Benjamin, and I ditch prom and drive to the marina. We sneak in and lie in someone's boat. Lying beside each other, we gaze up into the sky, and he asks, "Do you think anyone's truly out there?"I answer, "Look how beautiful and vast the sky is. How can it not be?"Nodding, Ben says, "I agree. So, is it God or aliens?""Definitely, God. Aliens are techies, according to what t
After weeks of sailing, we find nothing. We return to Brazil, and Jude says, "Let's just go home."The closer we get to Knight Island, the more uneasy I feel. Early morning, we leave Florida. Soon, the island appears, but it's no longer the paradise I knew. It's burning wasteland. Wide-eyed, I look at Jude, but he's expressionless. I stammer, "W-What happened?"Knight Island looks exactly like the island I spent a night alone on. Had I swam all the way here and then returned to another location near Columbia? Our boat hits a rock behind this burned-down villa. Jude anchors our boat and then stretches out his hand. Nervous, I lightly place my palm in his. He helps me to shore. Once he releases me, I stare into his eyes.Exhaling, he pans across the island, saying, "They would've told my secret. I start to panic, but a still voice calmly says, "Agree with him."Through a shaky voice, I say, "You're right, babe."Jude cuts his eyes at me and says, "Come here. I'll carry you."He lifts
Mrs. Dotson taps her ruler on her desk, saying, "Sit down, students. Class is in session. It's October 30. Today we will explore stories of myths and monsters."A crisp autumn breeze gusts through the room from the opened window. The ten children are prim and proper for school, in their uniforms. Each innocent face intently gazes at Mrs. Dotson, anticipating her reading.She looks up and sees me standing in her doorway. Her eyes light up, and she says, "Kind day to you, Mr. Knight. Is there something that you need?""I'm celebrating my birthday. I hoped to leave a tad earlier. Will you see to it that my class leaves on time?""Anything for you, Mr. Knight.""Thanks."I enter my mill and chain myself in the dungeon. Everyone I love dies. It's been 500 years, and I'm still here. As the sun sets and the full moon rises, I begin my change. Though I can control my inner beast, tonight I'm frustrated and want to kill. But killing will attract unwanted attention. Once I'm transformed, I let