Novels by Neutral Ink

EVIE POV The moment I pulled Jordan into his room, the courage to tell him failed me. How was I supposed to tell him the betrayal was coming from inside? I looked at him without raising my head, he was staring back at me waiting for me to say something. “Evie?” He urged, breaking the silence. “I wanted to talk to you about the last conversation we had. Forget it, don’t think too much of it.” I blurted out instead since that was the first serious discussion that came to mind. He nodded, seemingly buying it. Although when he tried to pull me into his arms, I easily stepped out. “I have to see Professor Shane about Ethan’s research, they are having a meeting today.” I strode out of his room, aware of him trailing after me. “You seriously want to get involved with that research?” He inquired, adding to my confusion. “Has anyone seen Kaden?” Logan poked his head out of his room, looking at us. “He left earlier,” I responded, my face heated up at the memory of what transpired betwee

EVIE POV For some reason I have started to get an odd feeling about my brother’s research. But I have bigger things to worry about, like the migraine I woke up with this morning. I thought after showering, and drinking a glass of water, my head would stop hurting. I just figured out it was due to stress, I was wrong. Since Logan is the medicine guy, I went into his room to see if he had some pain killer. I stopped at his desk, frowning at his open laptop. The screen was still lit up, indicating he probably just left the room. I sat down, checking the open tabs to see what he’s been up to. Something—a video flashed across the screen next. The video of Victoria and the random due that's been flying around campus for the past two days. I froze up, not wanting to believe that Logan would share the video. Closing the tab, I stood up and rushed out of the room, forgetting all about the painkiller I went in there to grab in the first place. I walked into someone, causing me to jump back

EVIE POV For the first time since I have known them, Jordan was hesitant about leaving the dorm. While we wouldn’t have minded staying with him all day, I had classes to attend, so did Kaden and Logan. However, I didn’t think Kaden would be attending any of his classes as he is still obsessed with finding out the source of the linked video. It couldn’t possibly have been shared from Jordan’s phone. The culprit needs to have a copy, which they will then distribute. My conversation with Jordan left me feeling a bit jumpy as I’m scared he will tell Logan and Kaden the truth. Although it is true, I didn’t think they would understand. I’m having fun with them, but with Jordan it feels different—and I don’t hate him. I looked at Professor Shade from above my laptop, marvelling at how normal he looks. Looking at him, there’s no way of guessing he’s running an illegal activity in the school tunnel. Once class was over, I took my stuff and hurried out. “Mr. Moonstone—“ his voice stoppe

EVIE POV As Jordan kissed me, brushing me backward against the bed. I was aware of the fact that Alfred of all people was just outside the door. Colour stains my cheeks, my breathing deepening when I feel his hand creep into my shirt. Before things could spin out of control, I broke the kiss. Eyes heavy with lust, he stared questioning at me. My heart jerked against my chest at the intensity of his gaze. I almost forgot why I stopped in the first place. I plastered my palm across his chest, feeling his heartbeat. His expression shifts to confusion as he continues to curiously watch me. “You need to work through the pain, Jordan. I think the reason why he still hurts is because you’ve been running away from it. You need to feel it, to embrace it.” I whisper, sliding my eyes back up to him. My hand moved up his chest to cup his face. I bring his face down, giving the illusion of kissing him. His tongue darts out, more than ready to take control of my lips. I draw back, my lips bri

EVIE POV I have a tutor session with Asher, so I couldn’t return to the dorm just yet. Maggie and I parted ways, a sweet reminder that we are really back to being friends. I remind myself to ask her later about what caused the fire at her school and stuff like that. By the time I arrived at the auditorium, I was a little late. I slid down in front of Asher, immediately setting my laptop up. “Sorry for being late, it’s been a crazy day.” I paused, figuring out he might have an idea about what I am talking about. I wouldn’t be so shocked to learn that every department is aware of that video—poor Jordan. Things are already on the verge of rocks with his parents. I know for a fact that this would shatter whatever that’s left of their relationship. Even though Victoria is an asshole, and her husband an even bigger one. For the sake of Jordan, I am going to do something about the video before he finds out. “Do you know anything about computers? Like hacking and stuff?” I asked Asher.

EVIE POV Test week is over, and what better way to celebrate it by treating ourselves to a certain amount of yoghurt. At first I’d try to use it wisely as Jordan, Logan and Kaden, haven’t been available for me to treat them until now. We sat under a shed, just drinking and saying nothing. It was peaceful. Being with them like this— when they are not trying to torture me or ruin somehere else life. Not to mention they’ve been really helpful trying to make me forget about Maggie being here, and not talking to her. Even though it was their freaking fault. I have decided not to dwell on the past, why do that when you’re enjoying the present a little too much? My eyes met with Jordan’s, he winked at me then went back to whatever he’s watching on his phone. I could smell Damien’s scent from a distance, I knew the others could too. After the incident at the tunnel a few days ago, he has been stalking us—me in particular. Kaden had made it clear that once the deal with Alfred is over, h

XAVIE I eased out of bed, stretching my tired limbs. I glanced at Kian’s empty side of the bed, knowing he wasn’t far off. Picking up the robe he had tossed carelessly last night, beside a discarded lingerie. I parted the curtains, taking in the view of the ocean. We have been on our honeymoon for the past two weeks, everyone at home has been calling, wondering when we are coming back.Kian disconnected the phone two days ago. According to him, he wants nothing to disrupt our peace. Not to mention I lost count of how many places we have visited, although the one thing I’m most excited to go home for is Hilda and Derek's mating ceremony that’s coming up. I laughed, settling down in front of the dressing mirror to brush my hair. Thinking about the new hobbies I have picked from travelling, while recalling I have a fishing contest with Derek back at home. Apparently, it was my punishment for stressing his ward. As for my parents house, I’m going to rent it out to any nice family that

XAVIE A few hours later, Kian fever had gone down and I decided to give him a tour of the house. One could imagine my surprise earlier when I walked into my bedroom to find it covered in flowers. Finding out from one of the maids that Kian brought them, had me blushing. My room looks like an orchid right now, not that I was complaining. When we arrived at the fish pond, I looked at him, wondering if he remembered. My heart skipped when I figured he wasn’t looking at the pond, his gaze was fixated on me. Nervously, I blurted out the first thing on my mind. “Aurora, how is she?” I asked, plastering a smile on my face. When the servant came to inform me about his arrival, I was in disbelief. I didn’t think he would come see me after we said our goodbyes. Filled with joy, I rushed into his arms. Thinking about it now, I could only hope I didn’t make a fool of myself, especially if he has decided to give Aurora a chance. “You didn’t take your things…” His thoughts creep into mine, for

KIAN It's been three days since Xavie left. The days are getting longer, making it seem like she left months ago. Her clothes were still untouched in her closet in their shared—bedroom. That should have given him hope, except that he knows her. He knew the reason she didn’t pack was because she felt like they never really belonged to her. He still hopes there’s a chance she might come back to claim them, to stay. He missed her laughter, her eyes, her smile… he fucking miss everything about her it makes him ache all over his body. People are still talking about Alec and Annika’s death, it’s something he doesn’t see anyone getting over anytime soon. The other victim's families are coming forward as well, he left things for Logan to handle, including settling her fake parents. Who had a nice time apparently to the extent that they decided to get married for real. Tint has been spending more time with that Asher boy. He could tell she was furious at him, she refused to say a word to h

XAVIE Home doesn’t feel like home anymore. It was empty, hollow and dusty. I ignored the feeling of emptiness that echoes through the walls of the house. Despite all that happened, I had great memories there from my earliest childhood, until everything changed. An unexpected sound startled me, causing me to twist around to inspect it. I was surprised to see an elderly lady walking toward me. “Hello…” I started, trying not to alarm her. “You must be Annika,” she responded, adding to my puzzlement. “How could you not have visited your mother? She wrote to you, and you showed up today?” “I’m sorry, but my name is Xavie. Not Annika.” However, that cleared some of my confusion whether or not Annika had been in contact with her mother. I had woken up this morning wondering how she would take the news. Not because I care, I wanted to gloat over her face as I determined what her fate would be. “I’m sorry, I haven’t been around for a while. I’m the owner of this house, where is she?” I

KIAN The following morning, the news spread like wildfire. Everyone was talking about it, the media houses were calling and writing, wanting one of them to grant them an interview. Looking at the paper should bring him some kind of joy… a glorious amount. Yet a dull ache settled over the region of his heart. He hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep since last night. As desperately as he wanted to be near Xavie, he couldn’t. It hurt too much, his chest tightened with each breath he took with the knowledge that she was leaving. He almost wished he could turn back the hands of the clock, to stop her from going to Keystone Pack that morning. The truth about Alec would have remained hidden, meaning he will get to hold on to her a little longer. Composing himself as a knock came through the door, he was half-expecting it to be Xavie… or Derek even. To his surprise, Aurora strode into his study with a smile on her face. Disappointed made him relaxed back on his chair, rubbing his hand over his

XAVIE I asked one of the dungeon guards for a dagger as I was being escorted to Annika’s cell. She jolted upright immediately she saw me approached, I stepped aside for the guard to open the cell bar. She fell to her knees immediately, grabbing my legs as she pleaded for me to have mercy on her. I have waited for this day for so long, not the day she will beg for mercy, because I never thought she was capable of any human emotions. But the day I’ll have her at my mercy. “Xavie… Alec made me do it!” She cried, probably realizing her begging hasn’t moved me a bit. “I never wanted to—he threatened me, I had no choice.” “It seemed to me like you’re the one suffering from animesa now, Annika. Because this wasn’t what you told me several hours ago. I didn’t come here to listen to you moan and whine about how you were a victim in your mate’s scheme, I came here so I could listen to what I have to say.” Drawing a sharp breath into my lungs, I didn’t think I would be this emotional. But s

AVA “So, are you finally going to tell Asher how you feel?” Avery snickered, on our way back from school. It’s been seven years since Caden died. Life goes on, especially after the bloodshed. I went to college and got a degree. My plan was to go straight to fashion school, but Dad wouldn’t hear of it. He wanted me in the family business if I’m going to waste my life pursuing child’s play. So, in order to get him off my back, I needed to prove to him how passionate I am about fashion. I got the degree and handed it over to him. Having done a year—an exciting year, out of fashion school, chasing a dream that made my parents skeptical. Dad fumed for days, until he finally calmed down and made peace with my decision. That aside, for some odd reasons, my friends think I’m in love with Asher. Being at the front, I turn to look at them while walking backward. “I told you several times, Asher and I are just friends—” I bumped into someone, causing me to turn just as they gripped my sh

AVA It’s been two weeks. Final exams are taking place. Seniors are getting ready for their prom. And I have gotten four invites from seniors to be their date to the prom. Yet Caden still hasn’t been found. The house has been in a gloomy state. Dad and Don Thame are hardly seen around these days as they spend the majority of their time looking for him. Asher on the other hand spends the majority of his time hooking up with girls. I knew it was a way for him to cope with the recent circumstances. The more time passed, the harder it became for me to convince myself that I wasn’t to blame for his disappearance. No one has pointed any finger at me yet, I dread the day they do. “I’m leaving. I’ll come back for you, I promise.” His last words still echo in my mind. Asher informed the family what I told him. At first Aunt Beatrix had looked at me suspiciously, demanding to know why Caden would come to me instead of Asher or Henshel. How was I to explain that I am as confused as she was

AVA “Is it true?” Fallon, one of my friends and classmates asked, falling into steps beside me as we made our way to class.“I heard. Everyone is talking about it.” Our other friend, Avery interjects, joining the conversation. “Really? Words travel fast around here.” I sighed, feigning innocence, like that isn’t exactly the effect I was hoping for. We were about to enter the classroom, same time as Maddie. One would think she would pause for us to walk through, seeing that we got to the entrance first. She squeezed between us, forcefully creating a space for herself. Fallon attempted to go after her. I pulled her back, shaking my head.I couldn’t bring myself to care about her passiveness. Maybe it had something to do with how happy I am. Besides, she’s a senior, we only have to tolerate her for one period of class. By the time it was lunch hour, I wanted people to forget about my broken betrothal. They approached and offered consolations, one would think someone died with how th

AVA “I am floating on cloud nine, yeah, yeah, I’m floating on cloud nine—” I sang along with the blasting stereos emoting from my phone. Sophie sang along, passing the ingredients required to successfully bake delicious chocolate cookies. I paused in the act of whisking, using the whisker as a microphone instead. I extended it toward her, so she could also join in. She laughed, playing along. Short of breath due to excitement, I pulled away to focus once more on what we were doing. I was prepping the dough into the oven pan when the music abruptly cut off. “Mom…” I whine, storming my feet. “Hey, I’m glad you’re up and about. But do you have to be so loud? Don’t give me a migraine please.” She retorted, walking away. “Fine, I will reduce the volume.” I called after her, doing exactly that so she doesn’t have to come back in here and turn it off. “Hey miss cloud—“I whipped around at the sound of Asher’s voice. He stood against the kitchen door, watching us with a smile on his

AVA It’s one of the rare nights when Dad joins us for supper. Usually he’s working late. I knew the demanding nature of his job, it’s something I grew up with and accepted. Watching my parents interact from across the table, I smile. Sometimes it hurts that people have the wrong opinion about my parents and their marriage just because Dad happens to be the second in command of an empire. Don isn’t like that too, he treats Asher’s Mom with so much respect. It was one thing I admire from the world I was thrust into. “There’s something I want to say.” I blurted out before my courage failed me. “I don’t want to marry Caden Tuhka, not now… not ever.” My declaration was met with silence. When Dad dropped his spoon, it made a sound that made it seem like someone dropped a glass or something. “Why?” He finally asked, paying all his attention to me. “Isn’t it obvious? Ava is definitely concerned over his recent behaviour, as she should. This is someone she is going to spend the rest

AVA I knew my day was about to go bad when I saw Maddie approaching my locker. I brace myself for a fight, since I’ve already lost a title dear to me, there was no point in avoiding confrontation with her any longer. If she wants a fight, then a fight she will have! “Here, take your blasted earrings and stay the hell away from me!” She blurted out, thrusting two pairs of familiar earrings into my palm. I stared wordlessly at her, out of anything I ever expected her to say that never crossed my mind. Especially with tears streaming down her face. Puzzled, I looked at the earrings, dropping them on impulse the second I saw the blood stain. I ran after Maddie, catching up by her locker. “Maddie, are you okay?” I know it’s stupid to be concerned about her after everything she put me through, but I have never seen her so shaken up. She slaps my hand away, glaring at me. “What more do you want? My earrings? You might as well take it all because I can’t wear them anymore!” My confu