Charlotte
I can’t sleep. It’s impossible.
Mine and Sebastian’s argument plays in my head on repeat and anxiety fills my body as I’m nervous that Cassian and Maddox might find me while I sleep.
When I finally fall asleep, my dreams are filled with the twins.
I dreamed of the first time we met. As a slave, my birthday wasn’t a big deal. Although Luna Anna would acknowledge me on my birthday there wasn’t anything else that would happen.
So, I went to the dining room to set up the food for the Alpha and Luna. I liked to do it before they would come into the room, but it was a different kind of day. The moment I walked in I could feel the thick tension and I looked up to see Maddox and Cassian staring at me like I was their possession. I looked at Maddox first and I knew… I was his. I heard Cassian’s growl and I stumbled back because when I looked at him I knew that I belonged to him too.
When I had stumbled back they both thought I was trying to leave and they rushed towards me as they growled out, “MATE!”
Each of them grabbed my arm, wanting to pull me against them. When they saw that the other brother had a firm grip on me they growled trying to warn the other one to let go. But when neither of them let me go they started growling at one another trying to claim me and prove that I belong to one of them and only that one.
Thankfully, their mother, Luna Anna, had come into the room. She helped me take a seat and eat while they tried to sort things out with the men.
This was how our two-year relationship started. A relationship that would’ve lasted a lot longer if they hadn’t of killed me.
I can’t remember everything from my past life and I realize that the more time that passes in this new life the hazier my previous life becomes. But I will not allow myself to forget why I died.
It was one of them who did it. I don’t know who, but I know I can’t trust them.
I woke up and glared at my clock. I didn’t even get to sleep for an hour without them haunting my mind.
As I huff I can’t help but look towards the window, surely Sebastian won’t come with me, so… I should just go ahead and leave… right?
Or should I wait for him? Give him an opportunity to apologize and go away with me.
But the more I think about him and our kiss the more uneasy I feel.
I spend the whole night debating, unable to make up my mind. Finally, I see just a sliver of sunlight and I sit up. It’s dawn, I can leave and not feel guilty.
I quickly brush my hair and put it in a side braid and I grab my stuff. I need to leave out the window, I can’t risk walking the halls and Maddox or Cassian catching my scent. I open the window and breathe in a deep breath of the fresh air.
I’m going home.
I truly do appreciate the Alpha and Luna taking me in and caring for me the way that they did. But this is not where I belong and if our pack hadn’t been attacked, I would still be with my parents at the Southern River Pack.
I miss them, my heart aches at the thought of them. Yet… I don’t remember much about them.
It’s odd… you’d think I’d remember a lot. I was only 10 years old whenever the attack happened.
There’s only small details that are still clear for me. My dad didn’t spend much time with me in public areas and I never knew why. But if we were indoors he would dote on me like I was his pride and joy.
My mom homeschooled me, which was odd in a werewolf society. If my mom had done things the normal way then I would’ve been put in a regular school along with all the other pack children.
My mom was beautiful and she always made me feel loved. She spoke kind words over me and always reminded me that I could do anything that I set my mind to and that I am strong.
The affirmations she spoke over me helps guide me today.
I can do anything that I set my mind to, which means I can and will save Sebastian’s life.
I am strong. I am strong enough to live on my own. I am strong enough to live without my mates and not go crazy.
There’s a soft knock on my door and I freeze. A small voice in my head whispers, “Am I too late?”
The door opens up and my heart stops as I watch it and then suddenly, relief waves over me as I see Sebastian. His face seems to fall as he realizes the thing I already knew- we’re not mates.
His eyes flicker to the window that’s already open and he says, “So, you’re going now?”
I nod my head in confirmation and he walks over to me and quickly wraps me up in a big hug. He whispers, “I hope you come back soon.”
Tears prickle my eyes as I realize that he isn’t going to come with me. I choke out, “Thanks.”
He pulls away and presses his lips together before saying, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kissed you the way that I did. I just felt desperate and I thought for sure that today we would find out we’re mates… but I was wrong. Will you forgive me?”
I force a small smile as I nod and say, “Yeah, I forgive you. I’ll uh, I’ll see you around, Seb.”
He nods his head and says, “Take care, Charlotte.”
I grab my bag and leave out the window. As I leave and head towards my true home, I keep trying to reassure myself that Sebastian is safe here. As long as I’m not around Maddox and Cassian have no reason to kill him.
It’s not the way I wanted to succeed with my plans, but it will have to do. At least Sebastian will live, even if he isn’t a part of my life anymore.
SebastianI watch with a heavy heart as Charlotte climbs out the window and disappears. I couldn’t go after her… I mean, I guess I could have. But… it’s not the right move for me.By the end of three days, I’m sure Charlotte will be back here. She doesn’t remember much of our childhood, but I remember everything. As the Beta’s son, I learned all about the pack and specifically about rogues. Rogues are horrible and only the worst end up rogue.Rogues… those disgusting, vile wolves that were part of the cause that made us lose everything. The last thing I want is to end up like them.I huff as I leave her room and go to the kitchen to find something for an early breakfast. Once I eat I could go for a run while I wait for the training session to start. I don’t know what else I could do with my time.Training is tricky for me, I’m naturally talented and one of the best warriors that the Lightning Pack has, but I don’t want them to know who I am.Our parents were careful so that no one woul
CassianMy heart feels like it’s in my throat knowing that my mate is out there by herself and will be shifting at some point today. Maddox is determined to find her and surprisingly, he isn’t arguing about me coming with him. I expected that he would be more possessive over her.I am possessive over her, but not surprised by the fact we share a mate.It’s rare for twins to be in a high ranked position, but it’s not uncommon for twins to share the same mate.We both rush from her room and down the stairs only until our father’s voice rings out, “Where do you two think you’re going?”We turn to face him and I say, “To find our mate.”His eyebrow raises and he shakes his head, “You can go on a wild goose hunt to find her tomorrow or the next day. Don’t you two remember that today is the day that we are announcing that you are two separate Alphas? And that we will be officially dividing the people among you?”“She could be in trouble, we’re leaving now.” I answer in a simple matter-of-fa
CharlotteI felt relieved when I finally made it to the Southern River Pack, the hours of running had been worth it. It’s in horrible shape and it’s sad to see my old home in such disarray, but I feel happy being here. I’m away from Cassian and Maddox and Sebastian should be safe since I’m gone.I find my old home and I’m relieved to find out that it hadn’t been burned to the ground like so many other homes. My sense are on high alert as I slowly enter the house. There are so many rumors that surround these pack grounds, I know I have to be careful.But at the same time, I can’t help the feeling I have like I… I finally returned home. It didn’t matter that the home has no electricity or running water, all that matters is I’m free. Plus, there’s a river nearby and I could live off the land if I need to, especially once my wolf comes in. I have time to figure out my next steps.I put my bag on the ground and bring out my blanket and make myself a small pallet on the floor. I take a de
CharlotteMy eyes flicker back and forth between Maddox and Cassian as they argue. A small part of me wonders if they’ll be so caught up in their argument that I could run away. But… I know that won’t work. They’re Alphas… they’d be able to catch up to me easily.I clear my throat and both of their heads snap towards me and I say, “What if I rode on one of your wolves half of the way and the other wolf the other half? Then it would be fair.”They glance to one another, considering my words for a moment. This is how they were last time. They took my words into consideration for a few days before they stopped listening to me entirely.I say, “Or we could walk and walk for a little bit first.”Maddox shakes his head no, “You walked here on your own and who knows when you’ll start shifting. We need to get you back to the pack so you won’t be in danger.”His eyes flicker to Cassian and his lips are pressed together before he says, “Ride on Cassian’s back. Your safety is the most important
Cassian The look that my father gave me riddled me with guilt. I’m supposed to be the mature one, I’m supposed to be the better child, and yet I stooped down to Maddox’s level and fought over our mate. Charlotte… how could I not fight for her? I would do anything for her! How am I supposed to live my life sharing her with him? I know that he won’t stay in this pack and run it with me. We don’t work well together and we both have been waiting for this day where we aren’t forced to be shackled to one another! Dad sighed in disappointment as he took a seat in his office and he folds his hands together and says, “The two of you have the same mate. You need to figure out how you are going to make this work.” His lips press together before he says, “We’re going to wait a week before officially splitting the packs. It’ll give the two of you time to get to know your mate and maybe the three of you can figure out how you want to move forward.” Maddox’s arms are crossed as he stares forwar
CharlotteI push myself to move in front of Sebastian’s body, blocking him from Maddox's and Cassian’s gaze. Both of their eyes have darkened, showing that their wolves are present, but not quite in control yet.Maddox takes a step forward, his eyes on Sebastian and he asks, “What do you think you’re doing in here?”I don’t allow Sebastian to have an opportunity to answer before I say, “He’s my best friend. I want him here and if that’s a problem, then the two of you need to get over it and get used to his presence.”Maddox’s eyes lower from Sebastian, and they roam over my face. He’s thinking about how he wants to handle me. I know him; I know a lot about him from my first life, but he knows nothing about me. It’s not normal for him to be uncertain, but right now he is because he doesn’t want to lose me before he’s even had a chance to know me.Cassian speaks up and, in a gruff voice, demands, “Leave, Sebastian.”Before I have a chance to argue, Sebastian rushes out of the room. Cass
MaddoxI watch Charlotte as she closes the door to her closet to keep us from watching her. My imagination goes wild and I desperately want to open the door and see her perky breasts as she changes. Of course, I refrain. We aren’t at that point yet. Her tone of voice shows her attitude towards us as she asks, “Was there a reason you wanted to come in here or did you just want to embarrass me?”Cassian crosses his arms as he huffs in response. She is getting under his skin and honestly, it’s entertaining. He’s used to people falling at his feet, no doubt, he expected his mate to have the same reaction. Cassian finally responds, “We want to be here to help you through your shift. You still don’t feel anything?”Charlotte walks out of the closet and my wolf feels like he comes alive by her presence. She’s trying to get a reaction out of us. She changed into a pair of low cut jeans and wears a black crop top that shows her entire stomach. Cassian immediately growls, annoyed her her test
CharlotteIt’s been hours of us waiting outside and although no one has directly commented on it, the tension in the air is thick. Alpha Ethan seems the most impatient as he paces back and forth.Sebastian sits on the ground in front of me and is careful to make sure there’s plenty of distance between us. Neither of us speak to each other, mainly because Maddox and Cassian are glaring at us as if they’re trying to assess is Sebastian is a threat.He’s not. I’m not sure how I’m going to convince them of that though.Luna Anna leans against a tree with her arms crossed, her brow furrowed, and her lips puckered into a pout as she watches her mate as he continues to pace.As the sun begins to rise Sebastian says in a low voice, “Maybe you should get some rest.”Everyone pretends like he never said a word. A moment passes in Alpha Ethan roars as he stomps toward me, “Why didn’t you shift?”My eyes go wide and my mouth suddenly feels dry and I don’t know what to say to him. Why didn’t I shi