Envy and jealousy consume me when I see Chiara. Jude has a devilish grin on his face as he watches all the blood drain from mine. However, after their kiss, Chiara zones out. Quickly, coming out of her thoughts, she grins and says, "Fancy meeting you here." "Did we meet, or am I being stalked?" I sneer. "Nonsense, Ajay. It's the other way around, I believe." "No, it's more like you wished! Well, I assume you all are here to protect your precious mutt." Now focused on Jude, I deride, "Good, because he was about to get a clean yet painful castration." Jude's eyes glare through me, but he's deep in his head. I watch him momentarily, then look at Andrew and ask, "Is this what you've been reduced to? Pity. You were the one Knight I believed in." "Ajay, shut up!" Jude says in a firm tone. "Aww. Jude's mad." I mock. Unbothered, Andrew never responds but continues to glare my way. Soon, I feel Wilson's piercing gaze. I cut my eyes towards him, saying, "Ask your master if what you're th
It's the middle of the night, but I can't sleep. I'm at my desk browsing the Internet, reading, and studying. The blinds to my balcony door move, and I swivel my chair to face them. I watch the door briefly and then return to what I was doing. I'm trying to stay resolute, but I close my laptop and lay my head on the desk. Jude hates me, so what is all this even for? The laptop back opened, and I searched for plane tickets home. I'm typing away when my blinds move again, but I feel a presence. I turn on the lamp sitting on my desk and pan across my room. Although there's nothing there, I finish with the lights on. Ellie's bedroom door opens, and I chuckle, "You can't sleep either?" She doesn't respond, so I repeat, "Ellie? What, you can't sleep either?" When she doesn't answer this time, I stand and witness a black figure enter her bedroom. Instantly, I start chanting as I head toward her. A muffled moan comes from inside. Hurrying, I flick on her bedroom light. Ellie is on he
In a condescending tone, Deena asks, "Any more questions?"Bruce smirks, "No, but this was a fascinating conversation when Jude had a funeral. You forgot he's supposed to be dead."Waving him off, Deena replies, "That lie is for the others who lived there—not the man Mama, Jude, and I asked to perform my wedding.""What about the authorities?" Bruce probes."Since you're all privy to my family's biggest secret, there are no authorities. They don't care. This world and universe have so much happening every second of the day. Jude is a sand pebble in the full scope of things. How do you think Knight Island established its own government?The elder Knights' agreement with the so-called authorities was to keep your kind away from our kind, and we'll live forever in harmony. Unlike you, Mama, Uncle Julius, Micah, and I gave you more credit than that. We respect your office and gifts, so we hoped you'd respect our privacy."Bruce nods, "I can accept that. So why are we being banned from com
Tonight is festive in the Bahamas. Wilson is like a kid in a candy store as every other woman gawks at him. The werewolf's allure can get you into trouble, so I gave him and Andrew a crash course on who to seduce before we left the house.I instruct them, "Beguile someone who is a challenge. If it comes too easy, you'll be humping every woman in sight. You don't want to look desperate or catch a disease. This is your life now. Respect and treasure it. And who knows, you might find your mate." Many beautiful women are out tonight, but none are as stunning as Chiara. Her beauty hypnotizes men. Andrew and Wilson look like studs, but they can't attract the prize woman in a crowd if I'm around.Wilson sighed, "Every girl I've approached asked if I'm with you, Jude."Andrew agrees, "Wilson and I will be alright. We'll see you all at the hotel.""Wow, we can't enjoy tonight because you can't get a date?" I laugh.Before Andrew answers, a nice-looking woman uses the pickup line, "You look fa
Bruce found some island felons willing to drive a boat to Knight Island. Ellie and I are taking a ride share near the location, but we'll need to walk about half a mile in the dark to reach the ocean's shore. I'm playing it cool, but I'm pissed with Ellie. Did I join the most pathetic coven on earth? We have total access to all the power in these books, yet Your Portion is a coven of light that only studies dark magic to combat other witches. Dawn taking me under her wing was the best thing for me but the absolute worst for her. And now there's Ellie. She possesses some dynamic powers, but they're useless in her hand. Even though I don't want to, Deena being so near, I may have to.My mom, spirit guide, or whatever it is, started me on the path to becoming powerful enough to combat Deena. Lucy and Chiara's bond made them a strong force against Deena, but they were already against me.Removing Lucy weakened Chiara significantly. Although I dreaded her running to Jude for safety, I k
The boat docks behind Dean's gas station. Wilson, Chiara, Andrew, and I exit and my entire family awaits our arrival. One by one, they embraced me or Andrew. Chiara and Wilson remained by the dock, watching.After Micah hugs Andrew, our eyes lock. He looks well. Smiling, we hug. I kissed his cheek and whispered, "This is what Mama died for."Once our hug ends, Micah wipes his tears and nods. Arm across his shoulder, I followed him to his SUV. I introduced Chiara and Wilson. While driving, I teased, "Where's your muscle car?"Smirking, Micah answers, "I sold it."I glanced back at Andrew, and we burst into laughter. Shaking his head, Micah laughed.Wilson and Chiara are quiet as mice. I'm sure my joyful demeanor has them in awe. As we pass by my mansion, Micah says, "We have a feast prepared for you at the villa. We don't use it much anymore, but Deena was hellbent on honoring Mama's legacy and dining there as a family.""We want to freshen up a bit. Stop at my home first," I said.Hes
Ellie and I are walking through the woods towards the shore. We arrive and it's empty. The only sound is the rippling waves. I ask, "Are we at the right location?""Let me check," Ellie says, removing her phone. Soon we hear an engine revving in the distance. "It's them!" Ellie shouts then starts jogging towards the vehicle. The truck's headlights blind us as we come up the path. We use our hands as shields, then we hear, "Ajay? Ellie?""It's us," I yell. Finally, we can see each other faces. Bruce sighs, "There's no boat. The police caught wind of their scheme and thwarted our plans.""Now what?" I ask."Nothing is by coincidence. Yes, we all want to go and face the Knights, but maybe the delay is for our protection.""What?" I scoff."Like a divine intervention, Ajay. We think we can combat whatever they're doing, but maybe we can't. Nobody's the same anymore. We're chartering unknown territory.""Now you figure this out? How convenient, Bruce. You purposely let them leave knowing
Our funds are low, so Ellie and I decided to return to Florida and drive a rental back to Michigan. Knowing our plans, Bruce suggests, "You two can stay a night at my home and then fly out with Mitchell."Mitchell joins in, "I'll pretend we're related then you both can fly with me for free." Ellie said, "Thanks so much," before asking me if I wanted to do that. I'm listening when Bruce asks, "Will that work for you Ajay?""Sure." Our plane lands in Florida in the afternoon. Bruce left his SUV at the airport. We load in his truck and then head to his home. It's located between Miami and Tampa. It isn't far from the ocean. The neighborhood is older but pristine. Bruce has a nice colonial home with navy blue siding. It looks very beachy. An attractive middle-aged woman opens the door. "Oh my," she grins and continues, "You brought a houseful home this time."Smitten, Bruce kisses her lips, saying, "Hey babe. Let me introduce you. This is my beautiful wife, Lily."Motioning with her ha
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