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59. From Off to Wrong
Huling Na-update:
2025-03-14 01:00:36The week only got weirder from there. On Wednesday, there was about a fourth of the students missing. At least for high school. Parents were keeping them at home while other students seemed to be more on edge too. Krista’s parents even wanted her to say home but she refused. Instead, her dad and Dee drove her to and from school.
Thursday, a third of the students were missing and by Friday we were down to half. Coach Graves wasn’t even pretending to teach class. There were only nine of us left in his class out of a class of twenty. He kept us in the gym but let us mull around more than usual.
I was glad because I wasn’t really feeling up to anything. The stress was starting to get to me even though the elephant on my chest seemed to ease just a bit for right now. I could also take a full deep breath which seemed like a luxury now. Instead, I was hunched over my notes for Biology.
Monday would be a half-day for the seniors before midterms started on Tuesday. My fi
Kaugnay na kabanata
Winter 60. Doing Something Is Better Than Nothing
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It hurt to breathe normally today. I could take a full breath but it was like someone was squeezing my lungs as I did. Or I was being sat on. It had been like that all night and into this morning.It hadn’t helped my stress level when I went to drop off Krista, her house looked like makeshift army camp. Krista tried to get me to stay but Mr. St James pulled her away and told me to go straight home.However, no one was in the house when I woke up this morning. It was Saturday so usually at least Hannah and Rebecca were mulling about. Caleb and Rebecca’s car were still gone. Rebecca must have been staying over somewhere else but Caleb and Hannah missing was weird.At least there was no one stopping me from getting breakfast and eating it at the table. My phone buzzed as I took a bit of my cereal.K: Something is going on in town.
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-15Winter 61. Taking A Chance
I pried my arm out of his grasp and shook my head. “He might listen to me. It’s stupid. I know. But I can use myself as leverage. If you’re so worried about my chastity, then come with me.”Turning again, I made my way into the party. There were different groups that were filling the main center. Some were around music, dancing and drinking without a care. Some were starting fights and what looked like gambling. It looked like a movie set. I wondered if Galen promised them that they wouldn’t get in trouble for anything as long as they stuck with him.As I maneuvered through the sea of drunk assholes, I hit the inner ring. It was a weight ring around both the bonfire and the gazebo. They were just talking and laughing, drinking, dancing and watching the chaos of the surrounding groups.I couldn’t understand why Rebecca was sitting in the gazebo with Galen. She always said that he gave her the ick too. It might have been the onl
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-15Winter 62. A Losing Bet
“How about it, Little Winter? Want to try and change the world?”“The world? No. But if it gets your ass out of town, then I’m all for it.”I didn’t like how close he was now. He had stepped down and up to me. Crossing my arms over my chest, I forced him to lean back a little if he wasn’t going to touch me. He did, smirking at me as his eyes looked me up and down.“How about this? If you can touch me, simply just touch me, in five minutes, then I will leave. I’ll pack up everyone and go.”My eyes narrowed. “I don’t want you just gone from town. Whatever the hell you’ve been trying to do this week, I want it to stop. Stop trying to take over. It’s not going to work and this little display just proves it.”His chest rose and fell. Galen was annoyed and I could see him having a real hard time holding back his anger. Still, with a final wrinkle of his nose, he nod
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-16Winter 63. A Flash of Brilliance
I let out a long and slow breath as I pushed my hair back. Despite his magic, I hadn’t given up. I picked up my speed and I pushed myself as hard as I could. My eyes glanced at the timer in Kenneth’s hands. It hit fifty-nine seconds left and I looked back at Galen. He was standing completely unbothered, smirking at me.He’d been using magic to teleport just out of my reach. Usually, it was just before I hit him and he would appear behind me. I didn’t know if there were any limitations on it, but I didn’t have the time to figure it out. Part of me wanted to cry. To just fall to my knees and give up.Originally, I thought I might have been able to get in a lucky hit. That maybe I had a chance. Not overconfidence but at least a little confidence. No. I was just being stupid to think Galen would doing something dirty like this. Dee was right. I’d never hear the end of this. I’d hear ‘I told you so’ from him until the day I died. With magic involved, I didn’t stand a chance.‘Stoop to his l
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-17Winter 64. Chastised Again
Dee and I stood in front on Alpha Damian’s desk. Hank Addison, Risa Addison’s grandfather and Principal Miles’ father, was sitting behind it. He hadn’t been leadership, but under Alpha Damian’s father he was a well respected Elder. The only reason he hadn’t been leadership was because he had a bad fight with a rogue which left him unable to move faster than a slow walk. He had a cane he used, but that was leaning against the bookshelf behind the chair.On either side of him was Mrs. St James and Mr. St James. When we got to the pack house, Mr. Addison brought us in, gave us some hot chocolate and told us to wait until Dee’s parents got back. It took them about forty minutes but they came storming in and took us to the office.They had gotten some of what had happened from the warriors nearby but apparently, none of them were close enough to hear what was happening in the park. So, Dee and I went through what happened. From start to finish. The problem was, I had hoped
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-17Winter 65. Just Breathe Too
A searing pain rippled through. It invaded my dream and I screamed, thrashing until I felt myself back in my body. I continued to scream though, realizing that I was being pinned down to the bed. My eyes flung open and my heart sunk deep into my stomach.“And here I thought I would managed to at least get my dick in you before you woke up.”Galen was looking down at me, parts of his face sprouting fur as his wolf seemed to be taking over. He looked absolutely manic. His chest was bare and his arms were pinning mine up against the bed just above my shoulders. I couldn’t rotate my shoulders and so there was no way for my hands to reach him.“You know…you embarrassed me, in front of everyone!” He yelled at me, spit spraying from his mouth.The blankets had been pulled off the bed and he was sitting on my hips. I did everything I could to try and get him off. Twisting my body, hitting him in the back with my legs, twisting my arms. I did everything I could bu
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-18Winter 66. Shock and Awe
The doctor looked at the paper and then turned it to show the three standing at the far wall. It was odd because all three of them had very different reactions. Mr. St James smiled and then bit his lip, turning away from his mate and Luna. I didn’t expect Mrs. St James to ever roll her eyes but she did as she shook her head. Luna Ember was the most odd. She had a deep frown on her face as her brow pinched together.“Winter, please answer the doctor’s question.” Her tone was sharp.My eyebrows knit together. That was not the reaction I was expecting. The doctor handed me back the paper, but all I did was circle the question I wrote. Turning it back on the three, I gave them a look like I was waiting for an answer.“He’s on the territory, Winter. I don’t know what he’s doing now. Answer the damn doctor.” Luna Ember snapped at me again. “You don’t and I won’t allow Krista to visit again.”Krista’s head popped up and she looked from me to Luna Ember, the same
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-19Winter 67. A Few Answers
Again, the feeling of being overwhelmed rushed through me. My hands shook as I couldn’t imagine keeping up with the thoughts wanting to rush out of my head. It didn’t help that Caspian was looking at me like he was about to make a run for it. His worry was written all over his face as he tried to understand what I was thinking.“Winter…”Looking around, I spied the clipboard with the paper I had used earlier that day. I grabbed it and fumbled with the pen before finally writing.How? When? When did you know? How do we know? What do we do now? What is going to happen? What…His hand grabbed mine and I felt my heart leap into my chest. Tearing my eyes away from the paper, I looked back up at him.“Winter, relax. Not everything needs to come out now.” M
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-20
Pinakabagong kabanata
Winter 77. Flower Girl Energy
I wondered how long I could get away with ignoring Damian’s shouting in my head. We had another half hour or so to the end of the pack territory. If I could make it that long, then I would be fine.‘ANSWER ME! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?’This time I winced. Onan growled, it echoing just as loud for him. Winter must have caught my flinch since she looked over at me. I gave her smile, but winced again when Damian mind linked me again.‘YOU DID NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO TAKE HER! DO NOT MAKE ME REPORT YOU FOR KIDNAPPING, CASPIAN!’“Alpha, I’m assuming?” She looked back to see if the car was still following us.Nodding, I looked in the mirror as well. They hadn’t stopped, but they had backed off quite a bit. I wondered what Damian was thinking. It didn’t make sense to pull them only to yell at me. Not to mention that his accusation of kidnapping would be on shaky ground. At least within the pack laws.“I’m wondering if I can just ignore him until we get to the border. His mind
Winter 76. Loosely Considered Kidnapping
‘Just go in, Caspian. No one is going to think it’s weird you’re there.’ Onan was at his limit with me and I could feel his irritation at my hesitation.“I can’t just…go in. One, I’m not a teacher anymore. Two, I’d be picking up Winter. Which would end up raising flags.”He let off an annoyed sigh. ‘Outside the fact that she is our mate and it’s not weird. You are now Caspian Herne. The wolfs out of the bag. You can’t hide anymore that you are the Alpha’s brother. Both good and bad.’Rubbing my face, I let out a more exasperated sigh. Damian and Ember had been using that to their advantage. Every time I went into town, went shopping, or even at home, they had a wolf watching me. I didn’t know what they expected me to do, but apparently, it was something.Whether or not I wanted to let them be at the mercy of the Council, I worried that Winter would end up in the crosshairs. I worried that I would lose her simply because I wanted to spite my brother and didn’t wait to think about how I
Winter 75. Anger
The kitchen was quiet for a moment. My brother and I stared at each other. Ember was looking at me as well, but she turned to her mate. He didn’t look at her. His focus was on me and I wondered if it was because he was still deciding if giving me the truth was worth it. My hand curled into a fist.“Yes, we made the decision to lock Winter’s wolf away!” Ember was the one who answered, the words tumbling out of her mouth.My eyes continued to watch my brother as he sighed and rubbed his eyes, his back falling against the wall. He pulled his leg up and frowned. Damian looked exhausted, but not from the blooming bruise on the side of his face.“We…we made the decision. A choice. To protect her and the pack. Especially after Linny passed…” Ember sat back on her knees, looking up at me. “Yes, we made the choice. I’m sorry, Cas.”“Why? Why would you do that? What could a young wolf do to pose such a threat that you brought in magic, forbidden magic I might add, to seal away her wolf? You can’
Winter 74. Rolling Up Your Sleeves
*** Caspian’s POV ***I tried to be as normal as possible for Winter. She was already nervous going with Maddox and I to the diner. It was funny because we definitely turned a few heads. However, once we sat down, she relaxed a little. Not as much as I wished though.This had broken her. She spoke about not having her wolf but the fact that it had been taken from her. Not that she wasn’t supposed to have one, didn’t just devastate her. I was gutted. It wouldn’t change how I felt about having her as a mate. My acceptance of her wouldn’t change. This just felt so raw.I’d had Onan with me years before most wolves did. We were a team. Albeit a weird team. We didn’t think or work together like other wolves but he was the other part of my soul. My grouchy old man part of my soul.‘Hey.’I chortled. “Tell me I’m wrong.”Onan huffed. ‘Whatever.&
Winter 73. Who You Are
I curled up tighter, not wanting to hear whatever was going on downstairs. There was yelling, that was for sure. It got louder for a second before I realized it was because someone was opening my door. The yelling mellowed down to a murmur again. Someone touched my shoulder and I jumped.“Winter…”Tears that I thought were done filled my eyes and I curled up tighter, trying to get away from the voice. I knew it. It was the voice I wanted to avoid like the plague. Who would want a wolf-less mate? Who would accept anyone like that? And an Alpha at that?“Talk to me, Winter. Please.” His hand brushed my arm, but I tried to scoot as far away as I could. “Look at me at least.”Squeezing my eyes shut, I lifted my head. Slowly, I peeled them open. Caspian was sitting on the bench in front of me. His face reflected the worry I heard in his tone. My tears fell and I started to shake my head.“Oh, little wolf.
Winter 72. What It Means to Lose
Caleb slammed the door behind him as he got out of the car. He didn’t wait for me or even help me. He just walked into the house. Stepping out gingerly to the driveway, I slung my bag over my shoulder before slowly making my way into the house.Closing the door behind me, I was surprised to find Caleb with a beer in hand, leaning against the kitchen counter. I didn’t even know we had beer, let alone that Caleb drank it. He shook his head as he looked up at me.“You ruined years of mentoring and work.”I frowned. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”“Galen Rue, you stupid girl. I have been mentoring him and pushing him to take over for Alpha Damian. It’s time that Damian step down. He has no children and I don’t think he ever will. Galen was the obvious choice and only needed a little help.”For a moment, I stared at Caleb. I hoped he was joking. It didn’t look like h
Winter 71. Snapped
Collapsing against the bed, I shook my head. For the most part, my throat had healed. My voice was still a bit soft but it didn’t feel straining to use it anymore. The issue now was walking. I’d been so weak from two weeks in bed that it was like I was trying to learn to walk again. It frustrated me that I would get so tired simply from walking down the hall and back.“You did good, Winter. Better than last time. You’re getting stronger. That’s progress.”I gave the nurse a deadpanned look and she laughed.“I mean it. Two weeks in a coma might not seem like a lot but it is.”“Yeah. Sure. Whatever you say.”She laughed again but it was cut off by some commotion outside the door. It sounded like chaos until a voice rose above all the noise. A voice I knew well but I never thought I would hear in the hospital. The nurse, also confused, stepped out from the room to see what was going on.
Winter 70. Colors
There something about being held by Caspian. I’d felt it when he carried me to the hospital. I felt it last night and now tonight. It felt like home. A feeling I had been working toward, but thought it would only be when I finally kicked my family out. Feeling it now, I wondered if I had it wrong all this time. That I would have been disappointed the moment I made the house mine but never really had that sense of home from it. No matter how much remodeling I did.“I want you to move in with me.”The words tumbled out awkwardly and Caspian pulled back, shock written all over his face. “What?”My face turned bright red and I stammered. “I…that’s not…I mean…shit.” Rubbing my eyes, I dragged my fingers down my face. “I just…I’ve been working towards getting the house from Caleb. And on my birthday, I’m going to kick him out. With the lawyer and everything. I just&h
Winter 69. Sweet Summer Child
Krista squealed as I gave her a rundown of what I spoke about with Caspian, and also how I felt after. When I was done, I buried my face in my hands. She sat up, straddling my legs as she faced me.“You can’t be embarrassed, Winny! He’s your mate!”“Yeah but…like…this is all…I’ve never…” I could feel my ears getting red.Krista laughed. “Oh you sweet summer child.”“Winter. Winter child.”She laughed again. “Winter, you don’t need to worry about that right now. I think he will have enough sense not to push you into anything. Usually, even if mates do mate right away, there is a period of transition. They still ease into the processes. It’s not something that wham! All of a sudden you’re moved in, having kids, and showering together.” Humming, I watched her wrinkle her nose. “I guess some do. But it&rsqu
