~(Rayne) I tried to run as Raphael walked back towards me, but I wasn’t able to move a muscle. As hard as I tried, my legs didn't even budge. It was like I was frozen in place just waiting for his next command. It was so much different than before, and this pissed me off to no end. He strolled up to me and took me in his arms. My mark exploded in approval, sending unwanted chills down my spine. It was like my body wasn’t my body. I tried to mind link Raziel and wasn’t able to. It was blocked, somehow. That sent immense panic flooding through me. I have never not been able to reach him. Raphael laid his lips onto mine with a soft sort of hunger. I reciprocated easily, as if it was what I wanted. But I didn’t, I didn't want this. I didn't want him. He pulled away none the wiser. “What would you like to do, beautiful?” He asked. I want to leave, actually. My mind was perfectly intact right now, but my body was fuzzy. It was the opposite feeling from before. Like I was being
~(Raziel) I was pacing in my brother's room trying to figure out how I could find the gate to the hidden location and stop my devious brother from completing the mating ritual with the woman I loved, when suddenly, I felt it… Rayne was using magic! That meant the barrier was down, she was no longer hidden. I materialized to her in an instant, just in time to hear her ask The Shadows to remove the mark. I knew the price. It was a bond for a bond. A price that was too steep, especially if I were her intended mate. Even though the chances were so slim, it was a possibility I wasn't willing to give up. "No!!" I screamed, desperation echoing through my voice as I lunged for her arm. But my attempt was futile. "I accept." She snarled. Panic surrounded me, but it was too late. With those 2 fateful words she sealed her fate. Before I could reach her, The Shadows enveloped her, their dark tendrils wrapping around her like a shroud. The darkness lingered for only a moment,
~(Rayne)When Raphael marked me, it was as if he was just touching my face. I didn’t feel anything for him, I didn’t feel anything at all, really, except a slight tingling. Which was still there in the morning, and that is why I checked the mirror. That must be what happens when you are marked and there are no feelings there prior. The fake feelings take a little time to manifest. When Raziel marked me, it was as if every fiber of my being exploded into ecstasy! The sensation transcended words, speaking directly to my core in a language that echoed through my soul. As his mark claimed me, it felt as though every inch of my being was enveloped, every nerve ending awakened, and every fiber bound to his. In that moment, our connection was sealed, forging an eternal bond that linked us for eternity. I watched him step back after he was done and admire me. I had no idea what his mark actually looked like, but I was assuming it was similar to the crescent moon on the golden gate
Once morning came, my mind was reeling with my newfound abilities. I was going over all the practices in my head from yesterday and I was ready to start the day training. I threw on a black pair of leggings and a flowing gold tank top then headed to the bathroom to put my hair up in a high pony. Raziel, of course, was matching, with his black and gold suit. I loved that we always matched. It made me feel like we were actually a couple. I mean, we were actually a couple… but I had never experienced anything like the relationship we had, and I loved it. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me before we left. The touch ignited a wildfire within my mark, sending shivers of delight coursing through my very essence. The sensation was exhilarating, as if the spark of our connection had awakened something deep and carnal within, leaving me breathless and yearning for more. It took every last shred of my self control to simply walk alongside him, our hands entwined, and our
I wasn’t asleep, but I was lying in bed with my eyes open. I was realizing for the first time that the underside of the top of the canopy on Raziel’s bed was peppered with small gold flakes that almost resemble stars. I had been on his bed multiple times, but never once had I looked up and truly paid attention to the fine details. Yes, I was more distracting myself from the void that I could already feel beginning to creep back in. It wasn’t until my phone went off that I truly succeeded in that distraction. ‘I’ll be there in an hour to get you for this vigil.’ Brett wrote. I groaned out loud because I had completely forgotten about it, and secretly, I hoped he had too. I couldn’t be so lucky. “What is it, darling?” Raziel purred, rolling over and wrapping his arm around my waist. “It’s just Brett is going to be here in an hour to get me so we can go to Eric’s vigil. He’s making me come, saying that my absence would be weird to the Humans given mine and Eric’s relationship.
~(Rayne)Red, that was the only thing I could see. The anger, it was so much… too much. Betrayal, that was the one and only emotion coursing through my veins. The words Eric had said to me that night floated through my head. The way he had manhandled me, trying to force himself on me. And here I was, pretending to care that he was dead. He fucking deserved it and we all knew it. I knew that his family was faking it just as much as I was. I could tell in the way they held themselves and in the words they carefully crafted when speaking his name. The audacity of his mother to ask me to speak on his behalf. Me, the woman he said he loved, yet would have raped without a second fucking thought. The woman he treated like a sidewalk whore… The anger grew within my chest, spewing from the cage I tried so desperately to lock it into. I had kept to myself, remained visible, and ensured to look distraught. I hugged people and spoke so highly of Eric. Everything Brett and I had spoken
~(Rayne) I did it!!! I did it! Yessssss!!!!!!” I exclaimed, while jumping up and down in place. I had been practicing that for months, and this was the first time I hadn’t stumbled when I did it. I was finally getting better. I was feeling stronger and more in control. I felt the icy warmth wash over me as if in approval of my progress. This is exactly what I was planning on. I needed the control. I needed to be able to control my abilities. Mostly for myself, and of course, my vendetta for revenge. But also, because it was my birthright. Being a Reaver, I fucking deserve to have these abilities. Those thoughts startled me for a second. That was The Darkness talking, and I knew it. All of my newfound confidence and cockiness was The Darkness. I can't say I didn't like the feeling, though. It was doing more than just filling the void in my heart and soul. I felt powerful and magnificent, like a Goddess when The Darkness was with me. Who wouldn’t want to feel this way all the t
In an instant, I was enveloped by The Darkness. I felt myself being lifted off the ground, suspended midair, as a swirling vortex of dark smoke encircled me. The Darkness wrapped around me like a shroud, its icy warmth seeping into my very being, threatening to consume me whole. I closed my eyes and took in every ounce of the icy warmth, feeling it remove any remnant of the void I had once felt. This time the icy warmth didn't dissipate leaving me gasping for air. No, this time it felt permanent. I was exhilarated, electrified by an endless surge of power. The dark energy flowed so easily through my palms, and it felt as if anything I wanted, I could have. I felt like a Goddess… no, I was a Goddess. Suddenly, I felt the familiar pull away from The Darkness and I regained consciousness as Raziel gently slapped my face. “Rayne, Rayne, come on, wake up!” He spoke with a panicked tone. My eyes fluttered open and Raziel immediately gasped. I could see my reflection in his golden eyes.
I mentally stumbled, reeling from the sudden revelation as I spoke to Wynter in stunned inquiry. "What??! How?!" Wynter's response was a mirror of my own shock, her mental voice rising to a shriek. "I have no idea, Rayne!! Oh my god!" Before I could further process this bombshell, Raziel had closed the gap between us and swept me into his arms, his eyes blazing with exhilaration. "I knew it!" He exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion. "I fucking knew it, but I just had to be sure." My mind reeled as I struggled to comprehend the impossible. "How is this happening?! I thought my mate bond was gone?!" I exclaimed, my words tumbling out in a chaotic mix of confusion and awe. And then, as if summoned by the turmoil of emotions, The Shadows emerged for everywhere and nowhere. Their dark presence coalesced from the very air itself to envelop us in an icy, unsettling chill. The Shadows' emergence seemed to have a palpable, living quality to it, as if every Shadow that existe
My entire pack was here! Roman came in behind me yelling surprise and blowing into one of those little horns that made an obnoxious noise. You know, the ones with the streamers on the end. I couldn’t help but laugh at his childlike nature. I could smell the burgers and plethora of other grilled foods being prepared. Looking towards the mouthwatering smells I could see Wolves from the pack out cooking. Even though I swear we had just eaten, I definitely wanted to eat whatever it was they were making. There was an open bar on the other side of the arena that I spotted, which I was definitely going to partake in, and I noted that the whole arena was decorated in gold decorations. As I scanned the crowd, I noticed that every single person was adorned with some touch of gold, whether it was a subtle accent or a more elaborate display. The synchronicity was striking, and I felt a thrill of delight as I realized that everyone's attire perfectly complemented my own gold dress. It
(6 Months later)Things had been going well in the pack. I had been helping with training and doing other side jobs for Alpha Drake. Our relationship had really blossomed into something amazing. I was no longer afraid of him or disgusted by him. We were strictly professional, with an occasional flirty comment from him, that I mostly just ignored. Nothing too wild though. It was more fun than anything. I realized that he was only this way with me, and usually only without the presence of others. He still had an image to maintain and I understood that. Since moving in with Raziel, I'd learned that being part of my pack was an essential part of who I was. The brief period of separation had left me feeling restless and unfulfilled. But now that I'd settled back into a routine with the pack, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. I was grateful that Raziel understood and respected my need for balance in my life. He didn't mind that I was still deeply connected to the pack, and hi
Once we made it back to his room I sat him down on his bed and looked into his golden orbs. But before I could speak he took my face in his hands. “I am sorry I lied to you about Jae and what happened. I know this is what you refer to because this is the only thing I have ever hidden from you and regardless of my intent, I know it was wrong. I promise never to hide anything from you, ever again.” There wasn’t even a moment when I thought I wouldn’t forgive him, but this made it even more clear that I was willing to go through a lot for this man. “Thank you, for keeping it from me. Honestly, I wasn’t in the mindset to handle such a devastating loss. But I am now, and I’m ok.” I said. I figured I would tell him about Jae and Jordan, but not right now. I was exhausted. Dying, and then being reincarnated by The Shadows, really took its toll. As tired as I was, my mind was still racing. Although I was still upset at Raphael, the hatred I was feeling before was completely gone.
~(Rayne)I felt weightless, as if suspended in mid-air. It was disorienting, considering I could've sworn I was just being propelled through the earth at breakneck speed. But when I finally materialized, I found myself standing in a familiar yet unsettling landscape. The scenery around me seemed to match the area just outside the pack arena in Maine, but something was off. A gaping hole, which I was certain I had just emerged from, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, I stood amidst an eerie stillness, the sky above tinged with an ominous reddish hue that cast an unnatural glow over everything. There were many Wolves here training, and I could hear them being led by an unknown male voice. He sounded powerful, with conviction. I made my way to the arena and looked inside. I was right, a strong looking male figure was teaching about 25 Wolves. I leaned on the side of the arena bleachers and watched. Some of the Wolves training looked young, like children. Others were full
~(Raziel) This battle had been ruthless, and knowing that it was pointless to even try and intervene, I was somewhat enjoying the show. Things seemed as if they were coming to a head, but what would that outcome entail? These were the questions I wasn’t sure I wanted the answers to. I looked up at my brother and we locked eyes just as he sent multiple giant black fireballs hurtling my way. Beside me, Alpha Drake dodged to safety, and I instantly materialized to the side, narrowly avoiding the inferno. But Roman remained paralyzed, frozen in shock, utterly helpless. I knew I couldn't reach him in time. That's when I witnessed a selfless act that would haunt me forever. Rayne materialized directly in front of Roman, positioning herself to bear the full force of the attack. I watched in unspeakable horror as the twin fireballs struck her with unrelenting ferocity, the blast slamming into her chest with devastating precision. My heart plummeted, sinking like a stone into the
Raphael barely had time to regain his footing before I launched both fans at him with deadly precision, hoping to connect with flesh once again. He materialized out of the way, but he was still a second too late as one of my fans bit deep into his calf muscle. A triumphant smirk spread across my face as I watched my fans, with almost sentient loyalty, boomerang back into my waiting hands, ready to be wielded again in our dance of vengeance. The Darkness once again asserted its influence, healing Raphael's wounds with an otherworldly swiftness. But what happened next caught me off guard. With a sudden, sharp motion, Raphael clenched his fist, and my fans were torn from my grasp, flying toward him as if drawn by an unseen force. I expected him to catch them, but instead, he unleashed a black fireball that struck the fans with incredible accuracy, shattering them into a hundred glittering fragments. Blades and shards of gold spun through the air, suspended for a moment in a dea
As much as I didn’t want to see him, Raphael was honestly looking like a gorgeous, dark God. I couldn't deny that I was attracted to him. It was impossible not to be. He had on a solid black suit with a silver suit vest and silver shoes. His dark hair was perfectly positioned on his head in a neat short cut. He never had a hair out of place. He had stubble on his chin, which made him look a little gruff. His silver eyes were solid black, as black as night. He was absolutely breathtaking in this form. But what caught me off guard was the unexpected, visceral pull I felt towards him. It was a sensation that was decidedly absent before. This newfound attraction was unmistakably sensual, igniting a spark of desire within me that I neither welcomed nor understood. My frustration mounted as I struggled to come to terms with this unwelcome development. My mark reacted out of its own volition. It must have sensed Raphael’s feelings for me, and responded by burning with an intense,
Alpha Drake was in his office talking to Roman. He looked up and I could see a brief flash of fear followed by worry, snake through his eyes. My smile seemed to calm his mind though. “Hi Alpha!” I said excitedly. I ran up to him and threw my arms around him. He stood there for a moment in complete shock. I had never done anything like that before, especially not in front of another Wolf from the pack. I was a little worried what his reaction might be knowing he had an image to uphold. But then he slowly wrapped me in a bear hug, calming all of my previous worries. My mark raged out of control, its fiery energy surging to a fever pitch. I couldn't help but wonder if it was somehow attuned to the emotions of those around me, burning brighter in response to their feelings. I wondered if it burned worse when they were in proximity as a warning, or if it just didn’t like Alpha Drake. I ignored it, pulled away and smiled, then looked over and locked eyes with Roman. I coul