by Karen Ruth
“You sure have a cute booty.” He replied winking at me.
“What is the matter with you?!” I yelled at him.
“Me? What is the matter with you?” He questioned me. “You are walking around here asking for it.” He glared.
“Asking for it? I’m not asking for anything!” I boomed. “I had something important to talk to someone about. I did not come out here to get my butt slapped by some creep!” I retorted.
“Aww, the little puppy is upset. How about I take her back to my room to cheer her up.”
I gasped. “Try it, I promise, I bite.” I hissed.
“Oooh puppy has some spark to her. I like that.” He muttered as he walked closer to me.
I prepared to change into my wolf to attack this psycho.
“One more step and I will bite your face off.” I glared.
“Oh, you mean this.” He said as he took a step forward.
I got into my changing stance. Immediately, a body rushed in between us.
“Dude, back off. Do you even know who this is? You come at her and you will not only be speaking to me but to Lucas himself.” Caleb retorted.
The guys eyes widened in horror.
“Nina?” He asked Caleb while darting his eyes to me.
I simply waved once in acknowledgment.
“Oh, I am so sorry. I will go now.” He said as he turned around and literally ran in the direction of what I assume was his room.
I exhaled a sigh of relief.
“Thank you, Caleb,” I said sincerely.
“No problem.” He said to me.
“Although, you really shouldn’t go out in that outfit.” He said jokingly to me.
“So, I’ve heard.” I smiled back. “You think that guys could learn to keep their hands to themselves,” I muttered.
“Not all guys are gentleman’s Nina. Especially when they are cranked up on hormones.” He replied.
“Oh, and you are one?” I questioned teasingly.
“I never said that I was any better, now did I?” He replied in the same teasing tone.
“Maybe not,” I said as I shrugged my shoulders. “What were you doing out here anyway?” Caleb asked me.
“I had to talk to the King and Queen,” I said to him.
“About?” He asked me, probing for answers. I huffed.
“It doesn’t matter. It probably didn’t work anyway.” I shook my head. “I will see you at the wedding okay Caleb?” I said hoping he would notice my tired voice.
Thankfully, he did as he replied, “get some rest Nina, I will talk to you later.” I nodded and headed off to my room. As soon as my head hit the pillows, I was out cold.
Chapter 15
Once again, I found myself at the meeting spot with my so-called father.
“Are we going to do this every night?” I asked him while rolling my eyes. “A girl wants to actually get some decent sleep for once.”
“You tell me, Nina, I’m not the one continuously bringing us here. Although I don’t mind it as much as one would think.”
I huffed at his comment. “Are you going to tell me who you are yet?”
“I see you get your persistent side from your mother.” He chuckled.
I glared at him. “You don’t have the right to talk about her.” Again, if looks could kill, he would have fallen over in a heart attack.
He pulled himself off of the tree. “Are you sure you want to know Nina? It isn’t something that comes easily. My name is not something you want to be associated with.”
“How do you know what I do and don’t want. Not like you have been there for me the entire time of my life. And, plus, explain to me how I am who I am if you are just a human.” I rambled on.
“Who said I was human?” He questioned me.
“Wait, what? Are you a wolf?” I asked flabbergasted.
To this remark, he laughed out loud. “Oh god no. I’m a wizard.”
“Wait, how? I thought you guys are rare.”
“Oh Nina, so much that you don’t know.” He said as he walked towards me.
I held my position and put my head up to look into his eyes. They were an emerald green color.
“Nina, I am a wizard. You are what you are because years ago I was a werewolf. I hated it with every fiber of my being. That is why I found a wizard who was able to remove the werewolf side of me. Somehow, the magic powers embedded themselves into me, and I became a wizard as well. That is how you are opening these connections every night. That is how you have premonitions. Some of my wizard powers sprung onto you.”
My jaw dropped to the floor at what he was saying.
“What is your name?” I questioned him again.
“Aleksandr.” He said casually while looking at his gloves.
I raised both my eyebrows at him, my blue eyes staring straight at him.
“Like the Aleksandr who started the hunter society that wants us all dead.”
“Bingo.” He replied.
“How are you not dead? Aren’t you like 200 years old?” I asked flabbergasted once more.
He laughed at my question. “Isn’t it obvious Nina? I’m immortal.”
“But how?” I asked him.
“I dunno, but I ain’t complaining,” Aleksandr said.
“How doesn’t Cath have the same abilities as I do? How wasn’t she a werewolf from the start? Why did she need to get bitten first?” I asked him to continue with the questions.
“Cath who?” He asked me squinting an eye.
“UHH, your other daughter!” I yelled at him annoyed he forgot about her.
“Oh, your sister. So many questions tonight Nina. I’m getting bored of them.” He huffed at me.
“I think you owe it to Cath and me since you all but abandoned us our whole life.” I glared at him.
He took another step closer to me. His eyes were full of fire from anger. “I don’t owe anything to your sister. She isn’t even my daughter. She is just another filthy werewolf.”
“What!?” I yelled at him. “How could you say that about her. She is your blood. That makes her your daughter.” I was pissed at him for what he said about Catherine.
“No, actually, she isn’t my blood. Your mother was with some filthy human years before I ran into her. She never found her mate, aka me, so she settled with some lousy human. Of course, she convinced some wolf who always loved her into saying that Catherine was his. Nobody so much as blinked an eye. One day your mother and I ran into each other, you were made, and the rest is history. So no, Catherine is not my daughter, and she never will be.”
"Where is her real father?" I asked him.
"Dead. I killed him a long time ago. He wanted to expose your mother and I obviously couldn't let that happen." My father explained nonchalantly.
My heart dropped at the news I was hearing. Catherine was not my real sister. She was only my half-sister. My whole life felt like a lie. I couldn’t find any words to say to my father. I was dumbfounded.
“I think that is enough questions for one night, plus, I think it is about time you woke up. It is almost time for that wedding you need to go to.” My father said.
“How do you know about that?” I questioned him.
“I have my ways. Until we meet again Nina.” That was all he said before walking away from me. The area around me going black once more, all the sounds fading in the distance.
Chapter 16
I awoke with a start, my bedroom coming into view around me. The sound of the fireplace crackling. I shook my head to clear the thoughts that surrounded them. I had too much to do today, I did not have time to think about everything that my father told me. Sooner or later, I would have to tell Catherine about her real father. She would be disappointed, but it is her right to know.
I pulled the sheets off of me and immediately shut the fireplace off. I peeked outside through my window to see if anything had changed. Just like my dream from earlier last night, the setting looked the exact same. The white chairs were dispers
ed along the soft green grass. The bright blue sky was casting down its rays on the gazebo where Lucas and Adelina were to get married later this morning. The crimson aisle runner was spread down from the castle all the way to the gazebo. My heart stopped. What time was it? How much longer do I have? I questioned. I looked at the clock on my phone. It read 9:30 am. I let out a huge breath, my lungs depressing, ridding itself from all the air that was trapped inside. I had to find Reed. If any of this happened today, I had to prepare him, so he knows to defend himself. If Devlon truly can’t do anything about the wedding, I need to try to alter some of the outcomes.
I quickly changed into a set of leather outfits. I wasn’t going to waste any precious time getting ready right now. If it came to me looking like a bum today, so be it. Not that I cared about this wedding anyway. Heck, I hardly wanted to go. My heart broke just thinking about it. I wasn’t going to let myself be a big baby though and skip it. Adelina would get way too much enjoyment out of that. I would not let her win, no matter the cost.
I ran out of my room, the sound of bacon sizzling alerted my sensitive ears. I took a deep sniff, the greasy smell hitting my nose. It made my mouth water in delight. Too bad I didn’t have any time to eat it. As I jogged past the kitchen, I noticed Catherine at the frying pan.
“Nina? Why are you in such a hurry? Please tell me you are not wearing that?” She questioned with a mom's voice in her tone.
I quickly turned around so I could look at her. I continued walking backward, not having time to stop to talk to her.
“Cath, no time to explain. It’s really important. I will tell you later ok?”
Catherine took one look at my face and her face dropped.
“Nina? Is everything ok? You know I’m here for you if you need me right? I know that today must be extremely hard for you…” Catherine started but I cut her off.
“I need to find Reed. Have you seen him this morning?” I questioned her, not letting her finish what she was telling me.
I felt bad for the way that I cut her off. I knew that she was only trying to help, but now was not the time for that sort of talk. Plus, everything about my feelings felt numb right now. I had too much to worry about than what was going on with me.
“I haven’t seen him this morning yet. My guess is he is with the other guys in your pack getting ready.” Catherine said while shrugging and flipping the bacon.
Pain laced her voice. I needed to make sure to let her know everything that was going on as soon as I was done speaking to Reed. I didn’t want her to get injured either due to her lack of information. My head was beginning to throb by all the stress I was putting it through. I placed the palm of my hand over the right eye and pushed into to. Giving it just enough pressure to help alleviate some of the pain.
“Nina? Are you sure you are ok?” Catherine asked me concerned once more.
“I’m fine. Thanks, Cath. I will be back real soon. I need to tell you something when I get back. Don’t go anywhere until then, ok?” I asked urgently.
“You are scaring me…” She said as her eyes searched mine.
“Promise me?” I questioned back.
“I promise.” She sighed in defeat.
I didn’t respond to her. I just shook my head in acknowledgment and ran out of the door.
“Reed?” I thought opening a connection to him.
No response.
“Reed?!” I pressed a little more urgent than the first time.
Again, no response.
“Oh My God Reed! I swear to God if you don’t answer me I will….”
“Jeez calm down Babe. I’m a little busy, what do you want?” Reed replied a little agitated.
“Where are you?” I questioned him.
“With the guys in Lucas’s room getting ready. Why?” He asked me confused.
“I will be outside the door in one minute. Come out the door and follow me.” I instructed while running towards his room.
“Dude, I can’t just leave.” Reed retorted.
“Jesus Reed, this is important. Find a way!” I yelled at him, severing the connection.
My ribs were killing me with the exertion I was putting them through. I took a deep breath and winced grabbing my side. Now was not the time to be a wimp. I needed to push through if things were going to work out ok today.
I made it to the door, Reed was outside, back on the wall, with his knee up. He was half dressed, no shirt on him. His ginger hair looking to the ground lost in thought.
“You always come to the hallway without clothes on?” I teased him.
“Yo, Chica, if I remember correctly, someone didn’t really give me time to put said clothes on,” Reed said flashing me his usual bright smile.
I simply flashed a quick smile back. “Do you know where we can go where nobody will hear us?” I whispered urgently.
Reed sighed. “Follow me.” He instructed.
Just as we were about to walk away, the door opened. The smell hit me before I could even see who it was. I couldn’t help but to take a deep breath, closing my eyes.
“Nina? What are you doing here?” Lucas questioned; dark bags noted under his eyes.
“I…” I stammered as I realized he was only in his boxers. His broad chest in full display. My heart began to race. “Sorry Lucas. I need to take Reed for a bit. Be safe ok?” I questioned while turning around to leave.
Reed grabbed my hand to walk me away. Lucas glared and him and let out a low deep chested growl. Immediately, Reed dropped my hand and looked to the ground. Butterflies flew around in my stomach at the sound. Lightning coursed through my body, electrifying every fiber of my being.
“Nina, wait.” Lucas muttered to me.
“Lucas….” I pushed knowing that I needed to go.
I could tell that he was conflicted on what to do as his face kept changing. He started to reach his hand out towards me but abruptly brought it back in. My heart dropped at this, disappointed. Eventually he settled on a long-exhausted sigh.
“Whatever you guys are doing, just be careful.” Lucas muttered.
I didn’t respond, I just nodded my head in acknowledgment and started following Reed to wherever he was bringing me.
In just a few moments he stopped at a depressing-looking door.
“Here we are.” Reed said while opening it.
“What’s this?” I asked him intrigued.
“Just a random storage closet. Ladies first.” He said while still holding the door open for me.
“Why thank you Mr. gentleman.” I said jokingly to him.
“Girl, if you think this is being gentleman, guys need to teach you more respect.” Reed joked back.
I walked silently in. The room was pitch-black, boxes were sprung around it. Looked empty enough to me. The only reason I could see what I was doing was for my heighted eyesight. A regular human would have no idea.
“Can anyone hear us in here?” I asked him.
“They shouldn’t be able to, no. Lucas and I used to mess around in here as children. Nobody ever caught us.” He retorted while shrugging his broad shoulders.
I let out a huge sigh that I didn’t even realize I was holding in. “Reed, I had another dream last night. About the wedding.” I started.
“Nina, I know that you are upset about the whole thing. We all are, but there really isn’t anything we can do about it.” Reed said giving me a sad half smile.
“No Reed, listen. I think it was one of the premonitions that Devlon thinks that I have. Well, my father said they are real too but hey.” I said shrugging my shoulders confused.
“Wait, I thought your father is dead?” Reed questioned cocking his head to the side.
“Yeah, well, so did I. Now is not the time for that convo though. Reed, we can’t let the wedding happen.” I hissed at him.
“Why?” He questioned me further.
“People died Reed. Many, many, wolves died. It was a full-out war” I began saying, my mind filling with the images of the premonition.
>
“Like who?” Reed questioned, cocking his head sideways.
“You.. You don’t want to know.” I said shaking my head and putting my hand to my eyes.
“Tell me.” He said as he gently removed my hands.
“I couldn’t see everyone’s face. There are only two people that I know for certain who died. Adelina and and….” I started not knowing what to say.
“And who Nina?” Reed pressed again.
At that moment I looked Reed directly in the eyes.
“And you Reed,” I muttered softly, my eyes searching his.
Reed backed up against a wall.
“Well then.” He muttered.
“Yep.” I simply responded.
“But how? How did it all happen?” Reed asked once more, trying to get details.
“Adelina wants to take over the pack. She wants to exile me as soon as they are coordinated, and she becomes queen. She told Lucas himself at the wedding. Of course Lucas didn’t take this information very well. They threatened to call off the wedding. She claimed she already thought of that and there was a guy behind me armed with a gun with wolfsbane. She said that if he called it off, she would tell him to shoot me. I don’t understand why Lucas freaked out as much as he did, but he ended up bringing his wolf out and killing her on the spot. As you can imagine, one thing led to another and yeah. You get the gist.” I said shaking my head and waving off the images.
“Nina, Lucas is protective of you. Of course, he was going to freak out when she threatened your life. You saw the way he acted when I just grabbed your hand.” Reed explained.
I sighed. “I guess you are right. I tried talking to Devlon about the whole thing early this morning. Although, I’m not sure if any of it actually worked. I asked him to get rid of the law to be married first. He was not so keen on the idea and said he needed to speak to the elders first. By the way, everything is looking right now, Imma say the wedding is still on.” I huffed.
“Yeah, I doubt Devlon will change a major law like that one. Like I said before, he cares about the pack. Even more than his own family.” Reed muttered.
“Even more than Amelia?” I questioned flabbergasted.
