I personally think this mark is nothing but a curse. I’m never going to even find out what this mark means if they never let me leave the pack.
If by chance, I am meant for some prophecy, I want the opportunity to fulfill it. I know I’m meant for more than just picking up random odd jobs around the pack. I’m meant for something bigger. I can feel it.
I rolled my eyes as I listened to my parents. Maybe I’m just getting my hopes up, and he isn’t going to give in this time. I don’t understand why he thinks I’m so helpless. He has seen the damage I can do.
I looked out my window and smiled as I saw my uncle Gavin, Aunt Violet, and my cousins walking over. I forgot the rest of my family was coming over for dinner tonight.
This could work in my favor. I’m super close to my Aunt Violet. She always takes my side and Uncle Gavin always has a plan. He’s ready for anything.
Now I just need to get my Uncle Kain and Aunt Siah on my side. Aka Alpha and Luna. They’re a little harder because they analyze everything before they add their input. If they feel like I am in any danger, they will agree with my parents.
As my family all started to arrive, I went downstairs to join everyone in the backyard. I smiled and shook my head as I took in our family dynamics. Some things never change.
My brother Ryker, and my cousins, Drake and Ezra are all huddled together near the picnic table. Probably bragging to each other about their latest she wolves.
Our parents all claimed each other around the same time, and the three of them were all born the next year. I have no doubt that these 17-year-old morons are the future of our pack. Drake’s the next Alpha, Ezra will be the Beta, and Ryker will be the gamma.
Then we have the younger crew all playing hide and seek. My twin sisters, Avery and Arie, are 11. I love watching them play. They’re carefree and so full of life, their laughter is so loud it’s contagious.
My dad and my uncles are all standing around the grill. I’m pretty sure they’re doing more talking than cooking. I found my mom, Aunt Siah, and Aunt Violet sitting at one of the tables.
I went over to join them and gave them my best pouting face.
“What’s wrong baby girl?” Aunt Violet asked as she put her arm around me and pulled me into a hug.
“I got into college, but dad won’t let me go.”
“What do you mean he won’t let you? Going to college is a good thing,” Aunt Violet gave mom a curious look.
“I know, but he’s being stubborn, and he won’t budge.”
“Bella, tell them what college you want to go to,” Mom said as she gave me a smirk.
“Moonlight Academy,”
“That’s a great school. It’s top-rated, and it’s specifically for supernaturals.” Aunt Violet gave mom another curious look, and I watched her eyes get big as the location dawned on her. “Oh wait, isn’t that in Vermont,”
“Yep, that’s the problem,” Mom said with a smirk.
“Damian’s worried that people will come after her for her powers, and we won’t be able to protect her because she’s so far away.”
“Um yah but she’s 19.”
“Don’t go there, Violet,” We all turned toward the grill when Dad interrupted.
“She’s still too young. I can’t let her go all the way a crossed the country without a pack for protection.”
“It’s not fair. I’ve earned this opportunity. I’m ready. I can take care of myself.”
I watched my dad and my uncles look at each other, and then I followed my dad's eyes as he looked around the yard.
“Stop mind linking. I at least deserve to know what everyone thinks about it.” I stood up and crossed my arms as I stared at them.
Uncle Gavin nodded, “So going without a pack is the problem, right.” We all looked at him, knowing that he had a plan in mind. Aunt Violet smirked. She didn’t need the mind linking ability. She can read him like a book.
“We could send her with some of her pack to protect her,” Uncle Gavin winked at me, and gave me a smirk.
“And who better to protect her than the future ranked members of Green Ridge?”
“It would be a good experience for them, and a good trial,” Uncle Kain added.
“NO NO! NO!” I yelled. “I don’t want them following me around. I thought you were on my side, Beta.” I threw my hands up. My uncles hate it when I call them by their ranks.
“Ryker, Drake and Ezra are ridiculous. They won’t let any man even talk to me without them playing 20 questions or hitting them. They scare everyone away. They are the reason I’ve never even had a date.”
“You’re not helping your case baby girl,” Aunt Violet whispered to me as she patted my back.
After dinner, I sat in my room and cried for what felt like forever. When I look back on that day, I can’t help but laugh. I should have relaxed and trusted the boys more.All three of them got into Moonlight just like we knew they would, but it’s OK. I’ve had several talks with them throughout the summer, and they agreed to give me my space. I guess they are growing up, they agreed not to rat me out to mom and dad for everything I do. They even agreed not to interfere with my dating. As long as I give them enough information to report back to dad. We need to make them think the boys are doing their job. Ryker is a good brother. It’s just hard to admit that my little brother is constantly watching over me. I should be taking care of him, not the other way around.I spent a lot of time with my family this summer, and my parents drilled safety precautions into my head. I don’t know why they are so worried. I get it. I won’t use my powers or tell anyone what I can do. I have the scent
I followed Creed’s eyes and tried to assess the situation. There are 6 guys that I can see. Three are standing by the driver’s side of his truck, and 3 are standing on the sidewalk in front of it. I scanned the parking lot again and noticed a few other people that were trying to act casual, but you can tell their nervous. I looked back up at Creed, “look I’m not sure what’s going on or what kind of trouble you’re in, but I’m just trying to get to college without any problems.”“He looked down at me and smiled, “and you will. That’s why I’m leaving. I’ll apologize now for what you’re about to see, and I'll formally make it up to you when we both get to Moonlight. Please just trust me. This isn’t as bad as it looks. They have it coming. Stay in here until I drive away, and you will be safe.” He tilted his head up to scan the parking lot one more time.“Oh, and Bella, I’m looking forward to college now more than ever,” he winked and flashed me a big smile before he turned to walk toward
We made it back to my car safely and headed out of town as fast as we could. Now that we’re back out on the open highway, it should be smooth sailing from here. I glanced over at Creed and hid my smile. He looks like he’s in pain sitting shot gun in my little Hyundai Electra. He’s so big his knees are hitting the dash with his seat all the way back. “You know if you want me to drive I can,” Creed gave me a pleading look. I smiled, “I’m good. That little break was just what I needed to get my energy back.” “You call that a break,” he let out a small laugh. “Well, minus all the fighting, yah.” I grinned. I couldn’t explain it to him, but that fight put a spark back into me that I hadn’t been able to find in a while. I’m dirty, and I need a good shower, but I also feel more alive than I have in a long time. We drove in silence for a couple of hours before looking for a hotel. I couldn’t stop wondering what he thought of me, or what kind of trouble he was in. This isn’t how I ex
I tried everything to get some sleep, but I ended up tossing and turning all night. His scent was so intoxicating it drove me crazy.I know that he doesn’t want me. He made that perfectly clear. He might as well have thrown a cold glass of water in my face. I just wish he would have told me what I did wrong.I want to hate him for making me feel like this, but I’m confused more than anything. Why would he put us in a room together if he didn’t have intentions of doing anything? Why did he act like he cared for my safety? This car ride has been painfully quiet. Thank the goddess, we will be to Moonlight soon.I glanced over at Creed, but he just kept his eyes on the road. I felt so bad this morning that I gave in and let him drive. I’m not in the mood for anything. We made a little small talk but didn’t say a word about that amazing kiss or anything else.I slightly shook my head and looked back out my window. Maybe this is what the guys have been protecting me from. That kiss was amaz
I had a great day with Jacie. You can tell she’s the life of the party everywhere she goes. We spent most of the day setting up our room and talking, while sipping on vodka and orange juice. She completely changed my mood, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a wild year. “I can’t wear this, Jacie,” I said as I stood in front of the mirror checking out another skimpy dress, she had me try on. “Come on. This is college and you look hot. That little black dress shows off your curves perfectly. It looks better on you than it ever did me.” “I don’t know, I planned on just wearing jeans to the party.” She shook her head, “ no way. This isn’t that type of party. You need to dress up and make that boy toy of yours sorry for turning you down.” I laughed, “I’m not sure if I want to though. Creed just confuses me. One minute I want him so bad I can barely stand myself, but then I think about things. I don’t think I want a boyfriend. I want freedom. This is my chance to do whatever I wan
Ryker sat down beside me and moved my hair out of my face. “Arabella, are you OK? What the hell happened? You have never lost control like that.”“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve been feeling so mixed up and just off the last couple of days, but this out-of-control feeling came on so quick. I felt like I couldn’t even move.” I tried holding back my tears, but my emotions were also out of my control. I just laid there and let the small streams roll down my cheeks.Ryker nodded, “how much have you had to drink?”“I don’t know I lost count. I started soon after I got here.”“What the hell, Bella? It was like noon when you got here.”“I know, but it was a long drive and I just wanted to relax and have some fun. I was having a great time with my roommate.”“Fun, does this look like fun to you?”“I’m sorry. I don’t need your lectures, and please don’t tell mom or dad.”Ryker growled, “Drake and Ezra are on their way here. Can you explain to me why we are now on Creed Attora’s hit li
Creed laid me down on his bed and sat down beside me. I took a minute to look around. It’s a single room, and it’s bare. “No roommate,” I asked him. He chuckled, “no I like my privacy.” “It feels so empty in here.” “I like simple, and if you remember correctly, some little fire cracker blew up my truck.” He smiled down at me, and I blushed. “I already said I’m sorry for that.” He chuckled again, “I know, but I still like seeing how flushed your cheeks get when we talk about it.” Creed took both of our shoes off and crawled up behind me. He started slowly rubbing my arm, and it ignited the sparks between us. “Why were you dancing with that warlock tonight?” I shrugged my shoulders, “You confuse me.” I continued looking straight ahead at the bare white wall. It was easier to talk to him without looking into his eyes. “I wanted to know how it felt to have someone attracted to me.” I felt Creed’s body go stiff, “Do you think I’m not attracted to you?” I took a deep breath and tr
It’s only been two days since I’ve seen Creed, and I’m not sure if our distance is helping or hurting my wolf. I felt so relaxed when I was in his arms, but now I just feel anxious and kind of depressed. We spent the whole night talking after the party, and we told each other everything.Creed has been through a lot, and I hope he succeeds at overthrowing his father. It would be the best thing for his whole den. I wasn’t really shocked that his king is a power-hungry fool. After all, I’m from Green Ridge. We save supernaturals from that exact scenario all the time, and it’s the main reason I need to keep my powers hidden. The one thing that did surprise me was the fact that he’s a virgin, just like me. That’s almost unheard of with male wolves. They can barely control themselves and stay away from she wolfs until they are old enough to get their wolfs. There’s something special about knowing we will be each other’s first. It’s romantic, but it also makes me want him even more. I can’