Taran
Tru and I tour a memorial with the rest of her peers. The wolf makes eyes at her on occasion, and sometimes she makes them back. I hate that she wants him.
I know once we have the stone, I will get Jonat back, and my desire for Tru might change. Jonat is still the woman that owns my heart. Tru is just a woman I’m extremely attracted to, nothing more. I don’t love Tru. How could I love her? We only have spent a week together, and she’s human which means I can’t trust her.
After the tour, there is another excursion we must attend. By the end of the afternoon, I’m exhausted. I didn’t sleep much last night and although Tru let me sleep in this morning, it still wasn’t enough.
Tru and I go out to dinner. Her phone goes off a few times and by the twinkle in her eye, I know it’s the wolf. Why am I so jealous of him? “What are you saying to him?” I finally ask. Anger and jealousy seep through my vo
TaranI wake Tru, and we begin getting ready to leave. She packs a bag of clothes for me and swings it over her shoulder. We leave for the same covered area I shifted last night. As we walk, I feel how nervous Tru is getting. “I won’t let you fall if that’s why you’re afraid.”Tru shakes her head, “I get nervous on an airplane, so flying on the back of a dragon seems terrifying.”I chuckle at her response, “You never know; you could love it.” She’s told me about planes, cars, and other methods of travel. From what she explained, they don’t sound terrible. I’m not sure why she gets nervous.Tru grins and playfully says, “I suppose.” Once we arrive, I begin removing my clothes. Just as I am about to shift, Tru stops me, “What if I pass out or fall off?”I look at her and smile, “Then I will catch you and keep you safe.”My words seem to
Today, Taran is flying me home. I’m nervous to fly on his back that long. We have everything packed and plan to leave late in the night.I have showed Taran on maps where I live. Thanks to the internet we found a flight plan from the hotel to my apartment. Taran assures me that everything is under control and he will have me home before the sunrise.“Tru, are you ready?” He asks.I nod and walk out of the cave onto the beach. We went back to the cave last night since we needed to check out of the hotel. I was happy because it gave me time to read more about the past. Taran wasn’t as thrilled because he hasn’t found any leads for us to begin looking. On the drive here, I brought up seeing Willow again and Taran immediately refused. Since then, he has barely spoken to me.Taran shifts and stretches out his wings. I’m not sure what it is, but Taran as a dragon fascinates me. The deep red color of his scales has small fleck
The next day I show Taran around Fort Collins. We stop by the university so I can pick up my books. First, we go to the library so I can print off the list of materials I need. But when I log in to view my class it shows there is a hold on my account and I can’t access my classes. Taran follows close behind as we make our way to the bursar's office.My heart is racing, everything is paid, what could possibly be the problem? I finally get someone behind the counter. The woman appears to be in her mid-forties and her expression shows she would rather do anything but help me. It takes about ten minutes before she finally finds the problem. In a monotone voice, the woman tells me, “You have a balance on your summer courses. In order to start classes this month, you need to pay your balance of $5,550.”My face pales. I don’t have that much money. “No, there must be a mistake. The balance for summer was paid in full before I went to Europe. I wo
TaranI am not sure where I am. There is an elevator that I rode to the top floor. I find a small walkway before a large door. Breaking down the door, I begin searching for Tru. Looking around the apartment, I find her clothes and the clothes of another mans everywhere. Sounds are coming from down a hall, so I follow them.I slowly open a door where the noises are coming from. There is Tru riding the wolf. His back is against the headboard while she’s on his lap. I feel rage watching them together. Jealousy cuts through me.Suddenly, the wolf looks up at me, a smirk on his face, “She’s beautiful, don’t you think? There is only one thing Tru needs to look perfect.”I watch in horror as his eyes turn black and his teeth elongate. Angrily I yell, “Don’t you dare mark her!”The wolf smiles, “Tru will always be mine.” Then, he bites into Tru’s neck, causing her to scream in agony.
I feel flustered going in to work this morning. Taran kissed me. There were many times I thought about kissing him and him kissing me. Saying I’m not happy it happened is a lie, but I hate how I reacted.The kiss was so sudden and surprising. I wish that I reacted better. I should’ve kissed back, but instead, I tensed. Then I felt embarrassed and quickly tried to hide my feelings by leaving the room.Tonight Taran and I need to talk about the kiss. I left things awkward between us. It was stupid of me to walk away as I did.At least work is busy, so it’s a distraction from my thoughts about how I could’ve handled things better. Finally, at the end of the day, I pack up and lock the clinic. Since I am the last to leave, it’s my job to make sure the alarm is activated, and all doors are locked.I walk outside and find Bryan standing by my car. I inwardly sigh. Lately, our conversations haven’t gone great. He’s tryin
I can hear the frustration in Taran’s voice, “Tru, where is this coming from all of a sudden? What did the hound say or do to scare you? Whatever it is, I won’t let him touch you….”“He pointed out that I’m just your whore, then he offered me money for… my services. Bryan explained that he did it to show how you thought of me.”Taran was quiet for a moment. I could feel the tension roll off him. Finally, he spoke, “Tru, look at me.” I continue facing out. I don’t want to look him in the eyes. Taran moves so he’s hovering over me. The stance isn’t intimidating but protective and sweet. Putting his hand on my cheek, Taran coaxes me to look at him. When I finally do, he asks, “Have I ever offered you money in exchange for sexual acts?”“You pay my bills so you can sleep with me and take my energy,” I tell him in a defeated voice.Taran's voice is soo
I stare at Taran. My thoughts seem to stop, and the numbness has completely taken hold. “I don’t know. My mind was racing, but all my thoughts have now stopped.”Taran’s suggestion of a temporary claim stuns me. His willingness to risk outsiders knowing he’s a dragon is surprising. Especially since he is risking it to save me from a possible life of misery.In a soothing voice, Taran says, “It’s overwhelming.” He is still hovering over me with a look I’ve never noticed from him before. I’m not sure what it means. Taran normally looks stoic and emotionless. This look isn’t. There is emotion—a tenderness in his eyes that conveys his sincerity of protecting me at all cost.I still can’t manage to say anything. My mind is numb. The questions I should ask aren’t pushing through. Even if they did, I don’t think my voice would ask them.“I’ll make you some tea a
WARNING! The scene described in this chapter contains a power exchange that could be triggering for some readers.TaranI don’t find Tru’s human friend, Brittany, threatening so I tell her my real name. If she’s around a lot I don’t want Tru to slip up and call me by my name instead of the alias. It will raise more questions than just allowing her to think she remembered the wrong name now.The three of us sit on the couch to watch movies after making “snacks” which is odd to me. Tru pours everyone a glass of wine and Brittany brings bowls of food. One has popcorn, the other is pretzels.As the first movie drags on, I find myself watching Tru. I’m a little annoyed with her. We have a lot to talk about and instead we are watching something mindless with her friend. I know Tru was overwhelmed and need time to process the information I gave her, but I still feel we should talk more. Okay, maybe not talk, I want to co
I slowly open my eyes. There is one high window. The sun is shining. My body is stiff and won’tmove. I try to focus my eyes, but everything is blurry. I can tell that I’m tied to a chair.A figure walks to me, “Tru, just relax. I won’t hurt you.” It’s Bryan. What has he done to me? Why can’t I move? As if he can hear my thoughts, Bryan explains, “Tru, I was worried about you. You caused an earthquake. I didn’t see another option, so I gave you something to paralyze you. You can blink. Once you promise not to hurt anyone and calm down, I will turn off the IV. The medicine should wear off quickly and we can go home. Then, we are setting new ground rules. One is that I will not cheat again if you continue how you’ve acted in the last three months. If you can give me and the pack that level of commitment, then I will never cheat again. The second is that I will cause an accident for Sarah. I’d rather do it after the baby because I need an heir, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes for
It’s a few days before Bryan and I get married. Last night, Sarah came over with a positive pregnancy test. I was surprised she had already taken one. It doesn’t feel like jealousy, but I don’t feel comfortable around Sarah. I tried talking to Bryan, but he didn’t feel the same way.As I walked by the clinic, I noticed Sarah going inside. It is too early for her to see the doctor and she is supposed to inform Bryan and me of every appointment.Curious, I followed her into the clinic. She meets an obstetrician. I wait outside the clinic. When she comes out, I call to her. “Hi Sarah. Is everything okay?”Sarah looks surprised to see me, “Yes, everything is great. I just wanted to see the doctor…. I needed another shot.”Sarah just took a shot two days ago and they are once a week. “Didn’t you just get one?”Sarah seemed nervous. “Yes, but they didn’t have enough for a full dose, so I had to get the rest today.”I can’t explain it, but I know Sarah is lying. Maybe if I make her feel more
I stare at myself in the bridal gown. The dress is a ballgown with lace sleeves and high neck. This doesn’t seem like a dress I would pick, but something Bryan’s mother would choose. Even with Bryan’s protests, I have let Charlotte help me plan the wedding. I don’t think Bryan realizes how hard this is for me since my mother is gone.“Where is the veil?” Charlotte asks the attendants.Looking nervous, the attendant explains, “We don’t usually put the veil on for the fittings.”Annoyed, Bryan’s mother tells her, “She doesn’t remember this dress. Go get the veil so she can have her bridal moment.”Looking at the time, I tell Charlotte, “We need to hurry. There is a pack meeting tonight, and I need to help organize the meal with the omegas.”Charlotte nods, “We will have you there on time.” She pauses for a moment, then says, “You have become a good luna. I know the conversation we had two months ago was a lot, but it makes me feel that it was worth it to see you being a good luna.”“I’m
TaranI place the stone on a large table in the temple. “Please, show her to me,” I whisper. I’m given of vision of Tru cooking. My heart aches. Two years ago I left Tru under the protection of Bryan’s wolf pack. Everyday I miss her. There are nights I dream of her and I feel at peace in that moment.Tru never feels happy or excited anymore. At first, I questioned if I wasn’t feeling her emotions because of our bond, but after seeing her in the stone, I realized she isn’t happy. I wish so much to go save her. Soon Brehm will finish our house and I will fly to her. Once I killed all the dragons that wanted to harm her, we will never part again. Until then, I will hide her.My vision of Tru ends. I wait in the temple for one of the council members. When Peter arrives he seems anxious. “My king, I heard you requested me.”I nod, “Is there anything you wish to tell me?”Peter looks puzzled, “I don’t believe so, your majesty.”I turn towards the lighting crystals, “Did you know they change
TaranI flew to the island where I took Tru’s family with Brehm and building materials. This island will sustain them, but I know they miss modern life.Brehm seems to panic when he sees Bill. I introduce them but don’t bother explaining to Bill that Brehm killed Tru in the past or ease Brehm’s nerves by explaining that Bill has no magical abilities.While unpacking the building materials, Bill asks, “How is Tru?”I pause, then say, “Tru is still asleep. Once the dragons and I rid the hunters away from Bryan’s pack, I will wake her. I don’t want her magic to be noticed, so I want to leave no excuses to return.”Bill nods. Softly, he asks, “What do we do if the dragons come here?”Easing his concerns, I explain, “They won’t. There is no magical pull to this place. Brehm will help you build more stable housing. This island has natural vegetation so there is plenty of food. I will find a way to give you entertainment. Here are some lighting crystals. This way you won’t always need a fire
TaranI gave Tru to the wolf. The deal is that he is to make her laugh every day, never tell her the truth about me, and keep her safe from the other dragons. I used a spell to hide her in his territory, then I will tell the other dragons we hold a treaty with Bryan’s wolf pack. Bryan will keep Tru safe on his land. If they wish, they can marry and build whatever life together they wish until I return. Then Tru can choose to stay with him or come with me.Tru and I are still connected, but I gave Bryan a special herb to put into her tea once a month to keep my symbol from glowing. As long as he administers it to her monthly, she will never notice it.Bryan told me that if Tru fell back in love with him or if they got married, I was to leave her with him. I agreed. I doubt our mate bond will allow her to fall in love with someone else, but on the chance it happens, I want Tru to be happy.I’m not sure what Bryan told her, I explained to him that she wouldn’t remember me. He seemed over
Bryan’s mother gives the tailor a disapproving look, “Can’t you make her look a little more regal?”The tailor looks at her, “We can elongate the coat to make her seem taller and use a skirt instead of slacks, or we could try a dress?”“No, the straight dresses make her loose her shape. Her body is just so awkward. I’m not sure how to dress it. We need her to be seen as a wise and regal leader. No one will think that is she continues dressing like a broke college student.”The tailor nods and goes into the back to find more clothes. Looking at me, Bryan’s mother says, “Next, we need to work on your hair. It clearly doesn’t matter how often we go to the salon; you can’t style it yourself.”“Charlotte, I will never live by your standards. It doesn’t matter how many outfits you have, the pack makes me, or how many times you do my hair. I will always be this way.” I tell Bryan’s mom.She lets out a sigh, “I’m only trying to help how you are viewed.”“You’re trying to turn me into you,” I
“Tru? Are you home?” I hear Bryan call.“I’m in the office!” I reply. I’m stacking small rocks that I turned from paper. It is about twelve rocks high when Bryan enters.“You ready to go….” Bryan looks around, “Tru, is there a little green guy helping you? Are you wearing him like a backpack?”My concentration breaks and the rocks fall. “Look if that were the case, I would go find the dragons and say, this isn’t the sorceress you’re looking for.”Bryan smiles, “You are fighting against an evil emperor.”I pause for a moment and think, “Is the Dragon King evil? You never talk about him, no one does. I heard he got rid of the hunters and most of the vampires. Doesn’t that make him good?”Bryan shrugs, “He killed a lot of my friends. Have you forgotten that they killed your family?”The truth is I had forgotten. It isn’t real to me that my family is dead. Somehow, I’m lying to myself about it. I missed everyone’s funeral and Bryan won’t take me to the cemetery, so I have nothing to prove
Bryan and I head to a private elevator and take it up to the top floor. I notice Bryan looking slightly anxious, but he doesn’t say anything. As we reach our floor and step out, Bryan looks upset. I hear him mumble, “She better not do what I think she’s doing.”I am about to ask what he means as he opens the door to our home and a group of people yell surprise. I freeze and look around. None of these faces look familiar, yet all look happy to see me. A banner hangs reading, “Welcome home Luna”. Bryan’s mother suddenly appears, she hugs me tightly and welcomes me home. I am not sure what to say or do. Everything feels overwhelming. Who are these people? Why are they here? Why does nothing seem familiar?Bryan looks slightly annoyed at his mother, “I told you not to do this. Tru doesn’t remember anything. This is probably really overwhelming for her.”I squeeze his hand, thanking him for standing up for m