After Duke left, I took more time looking through the multiple dresses Levi packed in a pack for me, only to end up with black leggings and a red v-neck that hugged my curves. I normally wore loose fitting clothes—they were like armor. But I wanted them to like me. Thank you, L. With my arm looped in Andrius’, he led me downstairs. At the thought of meeting those closest to him, I was a mix of both excitement and nerves. They were pack. Family. I had grown up outside of my own, but we were so low on the chain and lived far from the packhouse it almost felt like we were rogues sometimes.“They’ll love you.” Andrius must have noticed my worry.“And if they don’t?” My voice was a whisper as my feet touched the landing.“Then Duke can kill them for you.” He chuckled by my side, and I playfully slapped him. We walked through the main area, post the couches, and tables. I caught the aroma of a delicious meal and my mouth watered at the same time my stomach growled. Heads turned as we steppe
Andrius huffed and I couldn’t help but smile. I’ve never had a group of people I could hang out with, and definitely not one that were willing to fight over my time. I had Liz, but I didn’t have Levi until recently. Adding more people—long term people gave me that sickly warm feeling in my chest and I blinked quickly to stop myself from tearing up. I’d been so worried they wouldn’t like me.“I don’t have anything… too serious until Friday,” Andrius grumbled before he lifted his cup of orange juice to his lips. I was reminded of the meeting with his appointed chosen mate and her dad. That means no one will know who I am until after he clears that up. That should make me feel weird, feel small, but I only sit straighter in my seat. I’m glad I’m here. I wanted everyone to know I’m the woman by his side. Everyone at the table knew about her, but now I’m sitting by Andrius. Did th
Danny’s words were reassuring. Duke had an effect on me, but up to this point, it wasn’t uncomfortable. There was something here, between us. I wasn’t completely sure what it was, but I welcomed it. Andrius cleared his throat and I turned to face him. I giggled when I noted the side eye he was giving Duke. It made me happy knowing he had people he could be himself with. I loved that whatever was between me and Duke didn’t cause problems. None that I could see yet, anyway. The little jealousy between them wasn’t anywhere between the hate love vibes that Andrius and Levi had, but I’ve quickly realized that I love being between two men. I giggle to myself and Andrius raises an eyebrow at me.“Duke is right. The pack’s opinion matters, but what we say is the end of it.” Andrius’ teasing gaze had turned as serious as his words.“You said most will listen. Does that mean… he will be in danger within these walls?” I didn’t like the idea of Levi being in danger, or having to live a life of it
“I don’t, but that’s not what’s I’m worried about right now. Why is there blood on your collar?” Levi glanced between the two of us. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and stared into his brown eyes. I was being hostile without reason but I couldn’t help it. This uncomfortable feeling was quickly festering inside of me and if I didn’t just come out with it it would bubble up. My best friend tilted his head to the side, his eyes lit up, and a bloody knowing smile pulled the corners of his lips.“Are you jealous?” His tone was light and I swear I heard a laugh in there.“I’m sure whatever poor soul he’s just torn apart deserved everything he got,” Andrius murmured in my ear.“Levi didn’t answer the question.” I wasn’t laughing and I wouldn’t. Not until I got an answer. Was I being illogical? Maybe, but I’ve never known Levi to kill anyone. Yes, even after what he did to Dylan. ‘Who did he feed from?’ blared on repeat in my head. I chewed on my lip and Levi’s gaze dropped to the nerv
The silence stretched between us, but I couldn’t back down. Even though I knew he was bigger and stronger than me. I held his piercing gray eyes and moved back. Needing to add distance between us, not because I was afraid of him, but because I couldn’t let his proximity distract me. He didn’t stop me, but his hand was firm on my hip.Maybe I was harsh in calling him a hypocrite, but it was true, and I wouldn’t apologize for it. I would call him out on his bullshit. We were together. Yes, we were new, but I wouldn’t pretend to keep him happy. I wasn’t that woman anymore. It didn’t matter if he was my mate. Andrius would hear me. Without giving him a chance to respond, I snapped again.“You’ve got a real chance here to make them see vampires differently. Instead of taking it, you’ve kept her locked up underground. She’s one of your own, and yet, no one bats an eye
AmiaMy eyes snapped open, my subconscious bleeding away into the darkness as I woke up. My werewolf hearing enables me to pick up the sound of something shattering in the other room followed by my mom’s muffled scream as it echoes down the tiny hall to my room. Half asleep I reached for my phone on the bedside table, fumbling around something fell to the ground. The screen lit up and told me it was an hour before sunrise.The fun was starting. A door slammed announcing their arrival next door. Something exploded against the wall to my left, my instincts kicked in and I covered my head as I ducked. My eyes were squeezed shut and I gritted my teeth as I dropped my hands and straightened my back. I swallowed the thick lump in my throat and tried to focus on the rain splattering against my window sill.Pitter-patter-pit.Pitter-patter-pit.Pitter-pat.I lowered myself until I was laying flat on the bed. The silence in my room was chased from the room as angry voiced bounced off the walls
I don’t really know what my father looked like and looking at my features I couldn’t see him. I looked a lot like my mom. She’s slender and tall, has straw-colored hair that falls just below her chin and brown eyes. They were once vibrant and full of life but now they’re dull from years of living in a loveless abusive relationship. She had practically copy and pasted when she had me. I have long silky blonde hair and big brown eyes. Sometimes I can see flecks of gold in my eyes. The only difference between us is that I only stand an inch over five feet. While the woman on my mom’s side had slender figures, I was curvier, thicker, and my large breasts and fat ass always caught unwanted attention. My face was a little round and I was always mistaken for being younger than my actual age. My mom always towered over me and Greg, my mom’s boyfriend. He was shorter than her but bulkier than her and definitely stronger than me. He could throw me across the room effortlessly. Trust me, I know,
The first bell rings and I hurry to get my shirt over my head and pull the material down over my belly. I step into my jeans and I go to war with them as I struggle to pull them over my curves. When I win I button and pull up the zipper before stepping in front of one of the mirrors. The first thing I see is the light brown freckles that litter my nose and spread gently across my cheeks. The bags under my eyes are impossible to notice but my lips are light pink and plump. Disgusted with my appearance, I huff and throw my hair up in a messy bun and turn from my reflection. I grab my backpack and rush to class. When I get to my hallway, I take a deep breath to calm myself and pull my shoulders back. No one knows about my home situation and I’ve worked hard to ensure no one finds out about it. Kids are rushing to class while others are taking their time. When I get to my class, the door is still open and I sigh in relief as I walk in. Most of my classmates are seated but my teacher isn’t