My house is around the corner. We stop at the stop sign, and Jude reaches over and pulls me closer by my neck. Lips to my ear, he whispers, "I'll be waiting," then exits.I quickly park my car. By the time I jumped out, Jude had disappeared between my neighbor's bushes. Shrugging, I stare in his direction, wondering what he meant.Confused, I got back into my car and drove home. To my surprise, multiple vehicles were in my driveway and in front of my home. As soon as I parked and exited, Winnie exited her car. "What's going on? Did I forget it was my birthday?" I tease.With a straight face, Winnie answers, "I asked some of our members to help you deliver Jude."As several church members gather near and on my porch, glancing back, I chuckle, "Did you ask the whole church?"No one laughs, then Winnie asks, "May we go inside?""Uh, sure."Brother Charles tells me, "Sister Ellie, we brought water and juice. May I bring it inside?"Nodding, I answer, "That's fine."Everyone greets me wit
We all stare at Jude, awaiting his response. Only watching me, he answers, "Why the fuck would I know?"Micah scoffs, "How can we follow a liar?"Jude lunges his way, but all three of us block him. Squinting my way, Jude asks, "My mate is willing to turn on me?"Feeling guilty, I mumble, "Never, but I need answers, too. You have us here to help you, yet you won't tell us anything. You allowed Deena to let us think Chiara was healing when she wasn't in her room. But we have to trust you took her to the hospital? You came to me upset over Chris, yet you conceived a baby with Deena.""Deena had me under a spell!""It doesn't matter, Jude. You wouldn't have told me if I hadn't found out through Deena! Stop the lies and tell us the truth. Will you continue to lie to your mate?"Jude huffs, "Melanie's not here. She's in Michigan. She convinced Ellie to side with us."Flustered, I stammer, "Melanie? How?"Glaring, Jude answers, "Because she trusted me." Holding back tears, I look away. Jude
As we board the boat to the mainland, everyone looks stoic. Deena's facing down, looking at her belly. Jude tells Micah, "Take care of the family while we're gone. You're in charge."Micah nods with a faint smile. Jude then calls, "Deena!"Quickly, she looks up, and her eyes are filled with tears. They gaze into each other's eyes. Then he gives her a nod. She nods back and then leaves. Wilson boards with us. The closer we get to Florida, Jude tells him, "Go visit your family. We'll grab you on our way home. You have a whole month before the full moon."We dock, and Wilson hugs us, asking, "You guys don't need a ride anywhere?"Jude answers, "Nah, we'll catch a cab or ride share. Take care of yourself."Looking like a lost puppy, Wilson nods, "Yeah. You take care as well. Bye, Ajay.""Bye, Wilson."He jogs off as we head the opposite way. There's a liquor store about four blocks up the road. Jude holds the door open for me. We grab beverages and snacks and then wait on the curb for ou
I stutter, "Uh, it was Chris.""And what happened to him?" asks my dad."He, uh, he dumped me." "What? What a loser. Now you see why I disliked him before I met him," my dad says to Jude, laughing.Jude adds, "I met him. And he was a loser."Caressing my neck, I say, "Let's go inside and eat before the food gets cold."The day ends well. As soon as we enter the bedroom, Jude wants to make love. I'm telling him no because my dad is next door, but he has to have me. The quieter I try to be, the more passionate Jude becomes. I'm biting my lip and gripping his back so hard that I break the skin on both. When we wake up, there's blood on my sheets and comforter.I whisper, "Let me beat them up and have breakfast ready.""Why don't we go out then head to a jeweler immediately after."Smiling, I say, "Okay."Summer and my dad seem smitten by Jude. We're at a jeweler in a ritzy area in Michigan. Jude allows me to pick out whatever ring I want. The jeweler says, "Let me size it for you. And,
Daddy's words were valid. With nothing to discuss, Jude and I drove home in total silence. Anxious to be married, Jude suggested we go to the court and wed, but I refused and said, "I want my destination wedding, but not on Knight Island with monsters lurking and ready to kill."Jude sighs, "Make the arrangements. I need to talk to Ellie.""No, I want to speak with her too.""About what? Plan our wedding while I tend to more urgent things.""Don't you mean more important things?""Ajay, don't start whining over nothing. You know what's at stake!""Do I? I'm just following your orders like one of your servants...""Bye, Ajay!"He leaves, slamming the door in my face. I snatch it open and yell, "Make sure you invite her to the wedding!"Jude speeds off, and I call my dad. He wants to discuss Jude, but I interrupt him, "I only called to talk about my mother. I'm a witch dad. I need answers to why I've become what I am. This isn't a coincidence but on purpose."My dad starts, "I met Nika
The plan was for Irene not to tell her mother I lived with her. I thought I was nothing like my mother, but when Irene betrayed my trust, I became vindictive towards her. The betrayal made me feel she was treating me how our father treated my mother.Lucus always came around, but Irene didn't have a steady boyfriend. A few dates would be seen here and there, but Lucus seemed to live with us. He and I were together every day, but he was becoming a drunk.Irene knew I practiced witchcraft, but she saw nothing threatening about it. Often, when she'd see me with large amounts of cash, she questioned if I were selling drugs like Lucus. To prove my income was legit, I'd introduce her to customers or others in the occult who paid me for my services.She seemed okay with my lifestyle, but one day, she had her friends over and decided to deride me. They were in the living room having girl talk and sipping wine when Lucus and I entered. Lucus was tipsy and tripped over an end table while walkin
My dad ended our conversation, "I was in rehab when they found Nika lifeless on the front lawn. Her face and fist were clenched like she was shielding herself from an attack. Learning that sent me on another downward spiral. The only light was when I heard your Aunt Irene claimed you."I ask, "So you never witnessed my mom's power?""She had no power, Ajay. Everything she did was counterfeit or a scheme.""I don't believe that.""Let me ask this, and it should answer your question. Do you have any power?""Yes.""What?" "Daddy, just because mom didn't walk around boasting about it doesn't mean she had no powers. You haven't seen me do anything, but I'm feared by those who know me.""Wow, your mom told me those exact words. In fact, it was right before she started seeing things and hearing voices. Do you hear voices?"Not willing to admit that, I sat quietly. "Ajay, are you still there?"After clearing my throat, I answer, "Yes, I'm here. And no, I don't hear voices."Our conversatio
After my Master's Degree ceremony, my family takes me to dinner to celebrate. We're at an exclusive yacht club. My father is well known in my hometown, so almost everyone present congratulates me. Before I head home, my dad says, "I talked to a few deans so you can prepare for your doctorate within weeks.""Thanks, Dad, but I need to take a break from school.""Need or want, Deena?""Both. I'm burnt out.""No, you're lazy. Keep going, or you'll never finish. Now, end of discussion. I'll have Professor Brown call you first thing Monday morning."When my dad hangs up, I call Maureen. She answers, "Hello, Talented Tenth.""Hey," I laugh."I thought you were celebrating with your fam?""I was, I did. Hey, let's take a trip. I need to get away.""I'm game. Where to?""I overheard my dad discussing this place called Knight Island, so I Googled it. And it's gorgeous. Have you ever been or heard of it?""Can't say that I have," Maureen chuckles."Me either, but the photos and reviews are exc
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