This moment seems so unreal. Fearing I may wake up, I remain silent our entire ride. Jude parks in front of his mansion and then exits. My eyes are fixed on him as he walks around the hood of his car to open my door. My door opened, and he headed to his porch without looking back. I follow. Once inside, he gazes my way as he shuts and locks the front door. Entranced, I watch him. When he headed upstairs, I hesitated but then followed.Upon entering his bedroom, he starts undressing. Only wearing underwear, he walks over to me and starts removing my shirt while kissing me. Once we're nude, we enter his shower. While embracing, we caress each other's bodies and exchange gentle kisses. Now aroused, he lifts my leg and starts making love to me against the tile. With each thrust, my fingers grip his back. I hold on tight as his passion intensifies. We exit the shower and continue making love in bed. Soon, our desire for one another is uncontrollable. His flesh tastes like sugar, and I m
Bruce, Mitchell, Emelia, and a host of guests and residents are waiting at the dock. Coast Guards and a gang of police officers guarded us as we entered the boat. I'm searching for Jude when Marisol whispers. "He's coming!" "Stop talking to me!" I shout, then head towards Bruce. He's instructing the authorities when I ask, "Bruce. May we talk?"Lifting his finger to an officer, he says, "Gimme a second. Yes, Ajay.""Jude's still on the island."Nodding, he replies, "We'll address all your concerns once everyone is accounted for. Please stand with Mitchell and Emelia.""No.""Ajay, your residence is our cabin, so stand with them to be accounted for. Now excuse me."Standing near them, I lean against the wall, chewing my nails. As more people enter the boat, I get excited, but still no Jude. Soon after, the authorities start filling the boat. We're preparing to leave when I shout, "Everyone's not here!"Andrew grabs me, but I snatch my arm away. Bruce gestures for me to keep calm, bu
Work is different. Ken acts as if I'm invisible. Rumor has it he has a new girlfriend who works on a different floor. Coworkers keep gossiping, hoping I'll care, but I don't. As of late, I don't feel anything. I only want to be back in Jude's house with Jude.Mrs. Kent isn't as kind to me as she once was, but I understand. She spoke very highly of me to get me hired. I haven't been here for six months, have missed numerous days, and then taken a leave of absence. Coming here is a nightmare, so I've been applying for new jobs. Lana's been helpful but distant. Mentally, I'm unable and unwilling to care why.I've been home just over a month when Lana called asking, "How'd you like a six-figure income?""Like? I'd love it!""Our soror leaders are looking for sisters to fill positions at UMU. If you're in our sorority and apply first, you'll be a top candidate for a position. Can you be here in fifteen minutes?""Uh, sure.""Great! Bye Bye!"I'm in Lana's driveway, and a brand-new luxury
Concealed by the darkness, I watch as every islander boards this ship. Once Ajay entered, I began to lose my will not to attack, so I sprinted in the opposite direction. The island is dark with dead silence. Knowing it's just me alone, I turn and go wild, destroying anything in my path. The heat from the sun awakens me. I'm behind Delilah's home. Stomach growling, I enter through her storm doors and raid her fridge. While eating, I hear very faint beeps. It's then I remember all these homes have surveillance. Hands covering my penis, I hurry outside and head home. Upon entering my home, I noticed my phone on the floor. The face is cracked, and it's dead. Once I place it on the charger, it starts buzzing and beeping. Seeing Ajay's name, I want to call back, but I fear she knows what I am. Now, listening to her messages, she's revealing nothing. She only asked that I return her calls. As I soak in my tub, I let my mind drift. Before anyone knew I was their desperately wanted alpha
Now entranced, I shake myself, pan my surroundings, and say, "Let's go inside."That night ends with us doing what we do best. The following day, we head to the villa. Deena enters, spunky and glowing, but I'm furious. Yes, the sex is good, but I don't want Deena. She's too clingy and obnoxious for me. If she's a purebred female werewolf, there's more in the world.When Melanie sees me, she's like a deer in headlights. Gripping her arm, I drag her away, saying, "Let's talk."In her bedroom, I ask, "How do you know Deena's a werewolf? Did you see her change?"Melanie stutters, "I-I mean, we were wasted. I..she told me her father knew a werewolf was here. That's why they built a home here."She stops, and I stand shrugging. "Jude, I don't have any proof, but how would she know that?""You're joking, right?""She's not pretty or intelligent, so why else would you choose her?""Who chose her? We just fuck! I didn't admit I'm a werewolf, but my questions and actions basically confirmed I a
Three days later, I was called for an interview. I go and am hired on the spot. At first, I was going to decline it, but that would've been foolish. Finally, I can gain some respect. Making a six-figure income is something I never imagined would be my lot in life.Lana and I work different shifts on different floors. I purposely volunteered to work afternoons. Occasionally, I'd see her in passing and during the monthly meeting. Naturally, we made up, but we're fake friends. A relationship is kept due to our sisterhood. After three months of this new income, I moved into a condo. It's rent to own. Once my income is established, I'll buy it. No one knows where I live. My address is listed as a P.O. Box. I don't need anyone disturbing my peace.The only people I had to boast to were Aunt Irene and Drusilla. I have a small housewarming for us three. Aunt Irene entered my home saying, "Oh wow, you have a lake view. That's impressive."Drusilla scowls, "You just had to beat us to it, didn'
+Phyllis refused to tell me anything. She left, and I went to my meeting, and then she was missing in action. Mrs. Freer and Lana told me she took a leave of absence to finish her book in Vermont, but her words stayed with me.What did she mean when she said I was running out of time? Curiosity overtakes me, although I want to forget about Jude and that place. Once home, I search the internet for Knight's Island information. There's nothing about it being closed to the public. My laptop was now off, and soon, I was trembling from anxiety. Not having Lana to confide in, I've harbored all this regret and sadness. Since the day I returned home, I've been so depressed over losing Jude. Those two nights of bonding convinced me we were so much more. I honestly thought he loved me. He never said it, but actions speak louder than words. I could see and feel his love. Spring is nearing, and Drusilla wants me to vacation with her. This will be a first. We grew up together as sisters. As ch
Valencia called the police, and Drusilla pressed charges. Since we were out of town and this was my first crime, I was given a fine and released.Aunt Irene called, leaving threatening messages, but I blocked her and Drusilla. I should've followed my instincts and not allowed anyone to know my address. This is my punishment for wanting to boast, I guess. Wednesday, I returned to work, but things were different. I'm pretty friendly and talkative, but lately, I'm subdued and quiet. Going to lunch with coworkers never bothered me, but now I want to be alone.A middle-aged coworker I befriended, whom we call Winnie, usually hangs with me for lunch. She comes over to my cubicle, energetic like always. Massaging my shoulders, she leans in, saying, "It's break time," before she shuts my laptop.Quickly, I reopened it. Snippy, I say, "I'm not done!""Whoa. This isn't my Ajay. What's wrong?""Nothing," I grumble."Lies! ...C'mon Ajay. I got us reservations. We need to wine and dine this after
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