*Trigger Warning: Death* ISAIAH The room was dark aside from the light coming through the window. I held my breath as I stared at Alaia standing beside the window. Her back was turned to me, but I could hear her whispering something. “Luna, you shouldn’t be out of bed,” Doctor Callie said, moving beside her, but Alaia shrugged her off. “I don’t need you telling me what to do!” Alaia snapped at her. She turned around, not noticing me at all. She held a pink blanket in her arms, cuddling it to her chest. She looked completely different. Her skin was pale like ash, and spidery black veins were spiraling from her temples, disappearing into the hospital gown. “Luna Alaia, it’s best if you try to get some sleep. You underwent an extensive operation.” “Shhh,” Alaia said softly. “You will wake the baby.” Alaia sat on the bed, rocking back and forth, speaking into the blanket. “It’s gonna be okay. You are not alone. Mommy has you.” Doctor Callie looked at me for assistance, and I rea
ZIRAColdness. That was the first thing I remembered feeling when I hit the river below. Then, in an instant, I was sucked into oblivion. I wasn’t sure if my eyes were open or closed. I couldn’t see anything. Just lying...in darkness, or maybe I was floating. I couldn’t tell. Where am I? Was I in heaven? Hell? Would the Goddess take it out on me? I couldn’t tell if I was moving. I couldn’t see myself. Is heaven just a black abyss? That would be disappointing. Behind what I thought was my mind, I heard something. Was it water? I think it was water. I felt cold. I never felt this cold before. I was beginning to feel numb. Was I dead? I must be dead. Wait, if I’m dead then… Oh please, please, Goddess, keep my baby alive. He’s innocent in all this. I’m the stupid one. Please. I reached out for anybody to hear. Nina, Isaiah, Isabella, my parents, anyone. I needed to keep him alive. I tried to reach for him, to feel him. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I cried and screamed, and I
JAMES After helping the Alpha Isaiah of the Black Moon Pack, I waited until I got news about Victoria before rejoining Zack. She was broken up badly, but at least she was alive. I felt out of place, so I waited to help get my aunt settled before leaving with George to return to Zack’s pack. It was strange seeing Alaia again after so long. I didn’t get to see much of her, which was good for me, but what I did see will forever be cemented in my mind. Spidery black veins sprouted over her face, which told me whatever happened in that forest wasn’t good. I knew I didn’t want to be around that when she woke up. Who knows what state of mind she was going to be in. Seeing me might bring up things neither one of us wanted. I didn’t want to think about it, so I busied myself with Zack and helped him get his pack under control. It took hours to finally get control of the pack members, assess all the damage, tame the fires, and get rid of the rogues’ bodies. I took a break to ensure my m
JAMES I sat up, trying to control my breathing. Who was she? Why did she smell like Maria? I got up and went outside. It was early morning, and the crisp air was perfect for a run. A run that I really needed after yesterday. I have been wired since last night. I went to the woods and took some deep breaths. I love the cold air. It was refreshing. I weaved through the trees, following the routes I used to take when I was a kid. It was a scenic route where I could see most wildlife during their morning routines. Though around this time of the year, I usually see snow bunnies, deer, and hares skirting around the snow. I turned to head back when suddenly a gust of wind blew my way. It danced across the snow-covered ground, creating little snowy whirlwinds passing around the trees. I watched as it swirled in a specific direction. There was something familiar about it. Did it want me to follow? I wondered as I stood still contemplating. I decided against it and turned to go back to
ZIRAI was so cold it hurt, and I could do nothing. Just lie here, floating in nothingness. Again. I thought this was another dream but returned to the dark when I closed my eyes, just like before. The only difference this time around was Nina. She lay right by my side, so I wasn’t alone. At least if I was dead, I was with her. I knew she tried her best and only wished I could be as strong as her. I could feel myself shaking. My body lay flat on the floor. So, I couldn’t wrap my arms around my legs to warm myself up. The cold never left me. It only seemed to get worse. Until I felt the warmth of someone’s touch spread throughout my body. Was someone holding me? Was I alive? “Did you feel that?” I asked, opening my eyes and finding Nina nowhere to be seen. “Nina? Nina, where are you?” Panic started to creep into my mind again. My breathing became ragged, and I felt like I was going under. Though I wasn’t sure if I could go further than this. I was still stuck on the floor as if some
NINA...but his scent was normal. Zira sighed. "Then we're mistaken. Besides, they were just dreams, right?" "No. Something's not right here, Zira." I didn't want to believe her. True, I would instantly know if he was my mate by his scent, but something had to be off. This couldn't have been the man who found me by the river. Even his touch did nothing for me. "Can I have my neck back now?" I realized I still had him hostage and quickly let him go, especially since we had an audience in the doorway. Heat began to rise to my cheeks from embarrassment, mostly from Zira. "I'm sorry," I grumbled. I didn't like being made a fool and felt foolish. "I thought you were someone else." "I get that a lot," the man smiled as he straightened his clothes. I noticed he was blushing as well. "Are you okay?" I could only nod my head. Something about him made me speechless, but I couldn't figure it out. If he wasn't my mate, we had to be connected somehow. He was staring at me, and I was caugh
JAMES The moment she pulled me in to pick up my scent, I could instantly feel the sparks running through my body. It has been a while since I felt them. I’ve forgotten what it felt like. So much so that I didn’t want her to let go. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and bring her closer. I wanted to bathe in her scent-juniper berries and fir. No, not fir, but cedarwood instead. Still, it was amazing. Even Deacon shared thoughts of marking her right then and there. “Her wolf would love it,” Deacon kept saying. He’s been running those thoughts in my head since we found her at that riverside. I almost did when she flat-lined minutes after I brought her in. It took Alpha Fiona and some fairy magic to calm me down. But it didn’t stop me from pacing in front of her door until I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to be near her, see her, and touch her. I ran in, begging Miss Emma to do whatever it took to save my mate. Then, a bright light filled the room, and her pulse returned. There was
ZIRA The man from before was back and holding my hand. I was more like gripping it, but he didn’t seem to mind. He was handsome, from the sparkle in his green eyes to the gentle expression on his face as he spoke to me. I wasn’t even sure what he was saying. I noticed his hand grabbing a necklace and wondered if he was the praying type. I needed all the prayers I could get. I have yet to have much luck with necklaces, and how he held this one must’ve meant it was important. Another contraction took me away from my thoughts. “They’re coming a bit faster than usual,” I said through gritted teeth. “Isn’t it too early to be this far?” “There’s nothing normal about a werewolf pregnancy. Everything comes faster,” Miss Emma told me. Great! The baby is coming, and I’m nowhere near being strong enough. “But I’m... I’m not strong enough. Can’t we hold him back or give me more time?” “Now, now, sweetie. Looks like this little one is ready to come out, whether you like it or not. Thi