Nueva was surprised to find out she had been away for almost a week. Perla explained that Fay's time sometimes worked differently than human time. What had felt like no more than a day and a half had been nearly five days—making tomorrow Saturday and Marigold's birthday party. At least she only had to wait one day to see her best friend's Nueva had chuckled to herself.
"You look like you need some food. Come inside, dear, and I'll make you something to eat." Perla suggested after taking a closer look at Nueva.
In her ear, Alpha Grey whispered, "I will take you home soon, I promise. "As they walked into Perla's cottage.
The deep blue rings under Nueva's eyes clearly showed how utterly exhausted she was from the recent day's events. As soon as she returned to the human realm, her body immediately felt the lack of sleep and nutrition sevenfold. Everything that she had endured in the parasite realm hit her like a ton of bricks.
Within minutes her cheekb
Nueva opened her eyes to the robust scent of freshly ground coffee beans. Alpha Gray stood in front of her with a breakfast tray. A lonely late-season flower from the garden rested against the mouth of a small decorative vase next to two cups containing the dark velvety brew.The coffee's delightful, original compounds mixed with fluffy buttermilk pancakes gave the room a heavenly aroma. Nueva eagerly sat up with her back against the bedrest as Alpha Gray put the tray over her lap and sat down at the end of the bed opposite her.He looked extra handsome with messy bed hair and dark stubble, and the fact that he was wearing only loose jeans leaving his muscular chest and arms bare added to his picture-perfect look."Oh, you didn't have to make me breakfast," Nueva mumbled with her mouth already full of butter-soaked pancakes."I know, but I wanted to." Alpha Gray said with a soft smile.He reached for his cup and sipped on the hot liquid. "How do yo
A few hours later, the usually empty farmhouse was busting with life. Flames danced in the open fireplace, and the smell of wood and the crackling sound as it burned gave the living room a warm and cosy ambience.Nueva was sitting in the middle of the tanned leather couch with Evie and Mira on each side. They were all talking in each other's mouths, trying to catch up on everything they missed during the last weeks.Miranda was in the kitchen making lunch, and the aromas from her motherly cooking skills filled the house.Grim and Asher were glued to the large smart TV, watching an action movie."I can't get over how stunning you look." Mira sighed and eyed Nueva's snow-white hair and glistening skin."I guess it's OK while I am here with other supernatural beings, but what will people say when I return home?" Nueva said apprehensively."Um, maybe if you use a lot of powder and foundation?" Evie said seriously but in a way that made them all laugh.
After much thought and careful consideration, Nueva had settled on a romantic blushing pink dress that brightened her skin tone and brought out the natural glow of her face. However, it hadn't been easy matching anything with her pale complexion.Next, Evie and Mira kindly helped her apply a soft glam makeup look, and they styled her light platinum hair in loose curls. Nueva studied the finished result in the mirror; she hadn't gotten used to her new otherwordly look.Her previous teenage face had become longer and more angular and refined like a young woman's. She couldn't help it, but Nueva thought she resembled the Fay species but without the pointy ears.Alpha Gray was waiting patiently at the bottom of the stairs, looking fetching in a handsomely tailored grey suit. His crooked smile could win over hearts in the blink of an eye, even hers.Evie and Mira came down after her and chatted excitedly to the Pickup truck.It was a brilliant late autu
They stayed in the garden, embracing each other in silence. It was something so peaceful standing under the dark canopies of the many fruit trees with the radiating orbs peeking through the thinning foliage. The yawning wind made Nueva shiver slightly, and Alpha Gray pulled her closer to his warm chest.She felt so deeply connected to him, and she knew that a genuine relationship should challenge you to move from selfishness to giving and grow beyond your source of solace.And regardless of her and Alpha Gray's relationship being only a ships-in-the-night experience, Nueva would embrace it as a treasured "soul crossing."Even if brief, this chance meeting of their path crossing would have a lasting impact on her life. Nueva knew she would love him unconditionally with all of her heart, either as his mate or not.And almost like he could read her thoughts, Alpha Gray whispered in the crook of her neck, "I don't know how the universe gave me the chance to be
Nueva leaned back onto the countertop and exhaled a shaky breath."What the hell was that?" she mumbled, confused in utter disbelief."He won't be putting his hands on you again if I have something to do with it," Eira's growl rumbled inside Nueva's head. She was still upset that someone dared to touch her human inappropriately."I am glad to have you back." Nueva sighed warmly. "I felt a bit lost without you.""I am sorry I wasn't there for you. I tried, but something was blocking my presence?" Nueva could sense the sorrow in her voice."I think it might have happened so that I was forced to take ownership and connect with my other powers and not depend on yours?" Nueva's tone told of acceptance.She left the kitchen and walked back into the living room. Evie was slow dancing with Flynn, and Nueva was genuinely happy for her friend. Mira was in a deep drunken conversation with Marigold, who had a peculiar look etched on he
They had stayed for a few more hours helping Ryan and Marigold to clean up. As a pack community, they helped each other whenever needed. Everyone focused on their tasks to get the job done quicker. After boarding up the window and cleaning up the living room, Ryan called it a night and sent the people home.Nueva had caught him more than once glaring at her in a way that made her hair stand on end.Alpha Gray had told her Ryan was the one who called him about the attack as soon as he had come too from the wolfsbane poison.Nueva wanted to ask Marigold what was up between her and Ryan. But then, she had been too worried to cause them more trouble. Nueva just had this feeling she needed to keep her eyes on the couple.It was clear now that the attack happening elsewhere on the pack territory had been a distraction to remove Alpha Gray and Declan from the house.The more Nueva thought about it, the more confident she became that this whole thing had bee
The rain whipped down like crystal nails, and veined lightning decorated the sky as the pick-up truck speeded down the shiny road through the tar-black valley.The car window danced with spray, and the humming of the fast windscreen wiper's clear, regular lilting pattern didn't have its usual soothing effect.An ominous orange glow lit up the sky behind the ragged forest line as they got closer to town.Nueva clenched her fists until her nails dug into the skin of her palms. Not knowing what to expect filled her with terror, pain, and grief. Yet, it also brought a profound sense of purpose.Alpha Gray turned the corner down the main street, and he immediately slammed on the brakes. They both gasped at the devastating scene unfolding in front of them.Countless bodies of both civilians and soldiers lay dead on the street, their blood pooling and flooding down the road in the pelting rain.Most of the shops and cafes were on fire. Roaring flames
In one swift move, they jumped into wolf form, ripping Nueva's wet clothes in half like a second skin.The rain was teeming down in a biblical deluge, flooding the street, drowning the ice, and overflowing the drains.Eira's paws thundered over the water-filled and ice-glazed asphalt. Her sharp claws effortlessly gripped the slippery surface.The older man used his crooked time-worn body to shelter his wife from the mauling Rogue's deadly claws and fangs. Nueva could hear the wife's desperate screams as the woman realized her husband wouldn't make it without help.Eira gave no warning as she launched herself at the feral animals with eyes wide glowing blue, tail tucked in, and her ears flat. Eira's sharp claws sunk through fur and flesh like melted butter.Nueva shivered at the puncturing sensation and the stickiness of the blood but let Eira finish them off however she pleased. She would never get used to killing, even at the crucial moments.
Nueva pov. Alpha Gray's face stayed on her retina as bright and clear as if he was there with her. His tender smile comforted and followed her on the first stretch of the journey into the unknown. But then, as the darkness became more dense and sunken, his calm, reassuring countenance disappeared into the void. "Don't go. Stay with me!" She called out and chased after his fading image. Nueva soon realised she was not only lost but utterly alone in this strange dark place. She was dressed in a sheer bright white fairytale gown, and her pale locks draped perfectly down her back. Nueva's creamy complexion formed an aurora glowing light blue in the heavy blackness. She didn't feel scared despite being alone in this alien world. Neither was she cold nor hungry, sad nor happy. She just existed. "Is this how it feels to die?" Nueva thought to herself as she strolled tirelessly forward. "I had pictured a very different place. Definitely more light and welcoming. Maybe this is a half
Perla was waiting for them at the front door. She limped down the steps as the pick-up came to a screeching halt.Alpha Gray jumped out, carrying Nueva in his arms."I have been waiting for you. I knew something had happened when I saw the light beam." Perla called out in a raspy voice.Nueva's hand fell down and hung lifeless by her side as Alpha Gray ran past his grandma.Perla gasped, and her age-worn hands cupped her thin, cracked lips. She hurried after her grandson."Put her down on the couch", she instructed in uneven breaths. Marigold came running from the pick-up, and Perla waved her past her inside the door.Alpha Gray gently placed Nueva on the old couch next to the crackling fireplace. The small living room was warm and smelt like wood smoke and chocolate cookies.The light was dim and yellow, lit up by a tall foot lamp standing in one corner behind the rocking chair and a few pillar candles burning above the fireplace, giving the place a cosy feel. "What happened? Did s
Alpha Gray lay still in the shallow water.His face was resting on Nueva's chest. Her breathing was slow, and she rocked his head in an irregular movement.He was confused over the event that had just transpired, and it took him a moment to collect his thoughts.The winter sun touched their faces and left warm rosy trails on their skin from its butter yellow kisses. Alpha Gray sighed at the sunshine's comforting caress.Everything felt more intense, the sunlight's bright rays burning his eyes and brushing over his skin. It was like he could see and feel things more apparent, and his senses seemed to be buzzing with a new form of energy that he couldn't explain.Then, suddenly Alpha Gray remembered where he was and what had just happened.He scrambled onto his knees, and his eyes darted around the clearing for any imminent danger.Marigold stood to their side, bowed head and hiding her eyes, but Alpha Gray could see light streaks of salty tears on her cheeks."Marigold, You are alive?
Alpha Gray found Nueva lying motionless in a large shallow water puddle on the thawed ground.She was on her side with her back facing him. Her pink naked body stood somewhat out against the colourless backdrop.Alpha Gray's heart hammered in his chest, and a sudden stab of fear crossed his grave face.He ran towards her and sunk hard onto his knees in the freezing silverly coloured water.She opened her swollen eyes, and he could see that she had been crying. Her plump lips turned into a tender smile when she saw his face. But before Alpha Gray could speak, a tall, dark shadow fell over them.The attack was swift and sudden.The blade sliced into his back towards his heart. His chest ripped, and his ribs broke in a sickening crunch.Alpha Gray wobbled and fell onto Nueva; his dark blood stained her naked body. Nueva screamed in shock. His warm damp, and heavy body pushed the air out of her twisting her chest small."Leave him alone." Nueva cried out. Her voice was weak and airless.
Thawing Thiago's heart had erased the cursed demon in him, turning back the time to before he became cruel and ruthless in his pursuit of power. So, instead, in front of Eira stood a young and spirited strawberry roan wolf. Thiago stared at her, and his impressive wolf form seemed to grow with every breath after hearing Eira's word, turning his stance confident and proud. "Mate," Thiago said in return, and his hackles glowed in gold when speaking this loaded word."What has just happened?" Nueva stuttered, confused."He's my mate," Eira answered, equally bewildered."But, how?" Nueva started, then it hit her, and the unanswered pieces fell into place. "I know what needs to be done," she continued in a vacant voice. "What do you mean?" This time it was Eira who was clueless. "Sometimes, the best thing to do is not overthink. Instead, just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best," Nueva whispered in a bittersweet tone. "I don't understand what you are tryi
Eira's coat glistened from sweat in the low light of the wintery sun. Her breath was laboured, and her pink tongue flapped in the wind.They had been galloping over the crusty frost-covered fields forever.Both of them were desperate for a moment of rest. But the demon had sealed the fog and the only way out.So instead, Nueva and her bestial wolf were trapped and locked away from their earthly world, running tirelessly to escape the imposing peril.Eira cut over the fields into the quiet woodland, darting between the weighty branches bowing down to the white land.The fresh, clean air was loaded with the unmistakable scent of snow. Dirty clouds floated over the sky with the promise of an impending refill of crystal stars.Suddenly the faint whispers returned. "Make fire with ice." The woman's voice sang beautifully with the winnowing breeze. "I don't understand?" Nueva groused, confused. But the voice only repeated the exact words."Eira, do you hear a woman's voice? Nueva asked her
Nueva cried out as she saw Marigold's stunned face, paralyzed in shock, falling through the ice sheet.Her brown locks and arms blended in slow motion as they flung into the air when the frozen floor gave way under her feet.The beast tumbled and fell sideways into the roughly wedge-shaped cleft. Marigold's small frame disappeared under the massive creature's flaming fur, and her horrifying screams echoed before fading away as she slipped into the unknown. Alpha Gray came running to Nueva, where she lay on the thin ice above the bottomless pit. He placed himself on his stomach and carefully leaned out over the gaping hole; a gust of wind from within ruffled his dark hair as he reached his hands out."Take my hand." Alpha Gray called out. A spasm of worry crossed his face.Nueva held her breath, and the tip of her fingers grasped his hand inch by inch.The sheer layer of ice moaned and groaned unhappily under her weight. She gasped as a hairline crack snaked under her stiff form, spre
The storm howled and roared for hours, concealing the landscape in dull greys. The men had taken turns digging the way out of the snow moulds covering the exit of their Safehaven after the winds finally died down. Back outside, the tranquil winter landscape unveiled a serene weather change that lulled them into a false sense of security. Bright-white hills glisten over the fields basking in creamy yellow sunlight. The temperature was crisp but comfortable. Nueva found a tiny silvery-blue babbling brook between winter trees shivering in the bitter wind. Their naked branches were adorned with snow. Clusters of twigs, gnarled and twisted, extended like the very hands of older gentlemen against the pristine cloudless sky. The group quenched their thirst and drank greedily from the crystal clear mountain spring before continuing the search for the fog. Light purple shadows rested under the heavy fir trees as Nueva trudged next to Alpha Gray at the front in the deep dunes. Eira had f
A distant but penetrating feral roar exploded from the beast's secure holding place outside the campgrounds.The demon rose from within like a blast of bestial raging red amongst the large pieces of tarp flapping freely before taking off with the blustering winds.A man could be seen running from the ripped tent."Gray." Nueva gasped and pulled at the thick ropes. He hadn't spotted her yet.Ryan and Harlow stopped abruptly in their steps, and the colour drained from their faces."Do something!" Ryan yelled at his men as perspiration beaded his furrowed brows.The Rogue soldiers separated and surrounded the monstrous canine, agitatedly stalking closer to the camp."I am the frost demon, and this is my territory." The beast roared in a thunderous bloodthirsty howl before shifting into a blazing inferno when the fire erupted from his fur, eyes, and mouth.Black as coal smoke billowed from his muscular frame. The demon's distinctly almond-shaped eyes burned with green fire, lusting to con