Zoe's POVI was about to head to the hotel with Xavier when I received a text from Maisie. We decided to go see her first since she couldn’t leave her sanctuary.When we arrived, Maisie greeted us immediately. "Hey, how did it go? I was starting to get worried when I didn’t receive any update.""Unexpected," I replied."That’s one word for it," Xavier added, sitting on a much cleaner couch than the one Maisie had before.I glanced around the space, surprised. "What happened to the old dump?""All thanks to your mate," Maisie said. Before I could comment on the relationship, she turned to Xavier. "I don’t know what you said to the landlord, but he’s never been this nice. It’s almost suspicious.""If you can’t leave, the least I can do is make sure you’re more comfortable. You deserve more than this, but it’s a start." Xavier’s tone softened as he spoke, a warmth I rarely heard in his voice, usually reserved for his sister, Alyssa.I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Xavier had done so
Maisie's POVAfter being kidnapped and traded by that crow-witch creature, I woke up in strange surroundings. One look and an instant dread settled in my heart. That feeling turned to panic when I realized I couldn't move much.Even though I had never seen a dungeon, somehow, I knew I was in one then. It was dirty, dark, and damp. But, the worst was the cold. As a werewolf, I had never truly felt cold. Yes, winters were chilly but my grandmother came from a line of arctic werewolves. Cold was where we thrived. Or, so I had thought.That cold was something else. It was claw marks and dried blood on the ancient stone walls. It was the stink of death and decay. It was loneliness and unbreakable metal chains. It was hopelessness. And it felt like it was seeping into my soul with every passing minute.At first, I tried to break the chains, to try and find a way to escape before anyone found me out. But I could neither break the chains, nor anybody came. I don't know how much time passed. M
Masie's POV I opened my eyes when I felt something prick my wrist. "What are you doing to me?" I barely mumbled. The lack of energy was getting worse. "Shsh, you will be alright. Everything will be alright." She said softly while caressing my matted hair away from my face. "Why am I here?" I asked, but given how quickly my consciousness was fading, I don't think she heard me. ~ The next time I woke up, I felt more conscious. I was still weak, but I could hear clearer. I opened my eyes and noticed the room that I was in. At first glance, it seemed like a sterile hospital room. But then, I moved my head and noticed a girl working on the bench to my left, facing away from me. I tried not to let her know I was awake before I knew where the exit was. "I know you are awake." The girl spoke calmly without turning. "Wha-" I tried to talk but this time my throat was too dry to speak. She turned toward me and saw her facial features were so similar to the crow/witch who had died th
Maisie's POVI was hungry, thirsty, and exhausted. But I had to keep going. My escape was probably noticed and that meant Carmen was dead. I held her necklace tighter in my hand and followed the sounds of running water.I reached a stream, just like Carmen had said that I would. I washed up and had a long drink. My stomach grumbled in hunger but I needed to keep moving. I don't know how long I walked. My feet had blisters. The evening was bringing darkness and cold. I shivered but kept going. Carmen had risked her life for mine, I trusted her enough to show me the path to safety.One more step on the mossy stream bank and I slipped, instantly losing consciousness because of how exhausted I was.~The next time I woke up warm. It felt like a foreign feeling. I groaned and instantly someone was by my side."Careful, you are still weak." A voice just as soft as the bed that I was lying in called from my side. I opened my eyes and looked around the dimly lit room. It looked like a cott
Maisie's POV"So, Carmen sacrificed herself to save you. Why?" Lana asked as she prepared a large bucket of water to be used as a bath for me."She wanted to avenge her sister," I said like that was obvious."I get that. But why you? Why not somebody else?" Lana pressed so, I decided to confront her, "Lana, if you have something to say to me, just say it.""Nothing. I was just curious. Didn't mean to offend you." She shrugged and got the bath ready."You didn't offend me but I believe my presence offends you. Did you know Carmen?" I asked.She didn't reply momentarily before confessing, "She was my best friend. She was more than a friend, she was like my sister.""I'm sorry. I have a best friend who is like a sister, too. I know how devastated I would be if anything happened to her." I said softly, hoping that Zoe was better off than I was."Your water is ready. Wash up, I'll bring some fresh clothes." She only said before leaving me alone with my thoughts.Once bathed and dressed, Lan
Masie's POVOne day, I woke up like any other. I was ready for the day ahead. It wasn’t hard. The bonds I was making and the things I was learning were exciting.I got dressed, had a light breakfast, and left the cottage I shared with Lana and her brother, Marco.Marco was the older one. He had found me at the edge of the village and carried me to safety. He was part of the patrol guard that took care of the village borders. He was rarely home, and when he was, it was only to sleep or change clothes.Lana and I had become close. She helped me get used to everything. We even shared a few classes. She’d been a great mentor.That day, I was going to meet Lana for another history lesson. As I walked outside, I saw Marco coming home. “Hey, have you seen Lana?” I asked.For a moment, I was distracted by Marco’s tall, muscular frame. He looked tired, as always. Most nights, he had back-to-back patrols. I didn’t understand why the village needed so much security. After all, the witches had ma
Zoe's POVAfter hearing Maisie's story, I felt so bad for her. We stayed a bit longer but eventually, we had to leave.We promised to keep in touch and direct her father to her so that he wouldn't go insane while searching for his only daughter. Maisie couldn't go anywhere but Xavier and I needed to talk.We said our goodbyes and headed back to the motel.On the way, my hands kept touching the letters in my pocket. I knew I couldn't run from them forever. It was about time I read what my mother wanted to say to me. I remember the doctor saying to my father that I had been so traumatized by my mother's death that my subconscious had erased all memories of her. But I didn't want all her memories gone. I wanted to remember my mother. What kind of daughter would I be if I deleted my mother from my life?"How about we order Chinese and talk? You've had a long day." Xavier softly offered as soon as I parked the car."Good idea. You go ahead, I'll join you in a bit." I muttered with my hands
Zoe's POVI sat in the car holding the first letter. I didn't know when I started crying but the tears just won't stop. I never knew how one could miss someone whom they did not even remember. But I missed my mother. I wished she was there. I wanted to hug her and tell her that even though I did not have memories of her, I loved her.Knowing a part of my mother's story made me feel a connection with her that I hadn't had in years. Aunt Julie had tried to take care of me to the best of her abilities but no one can replace a mother. I felt a pit in my stomach at the thought that Mom knew something was going to happen to her. That is why she wrote the letter. More importantly, she knew something could happen to Dad as well. I wracked my brain for any suppressed memory that I could think of about the way Mom died. But, I couldn't retrieve anything.How can someone erase a memory so important? 'Maybe it was too traumatic for you?' Dahlia offered softly."Maybe. But I would still like to
Zoe's POVI sighed and sat down on the bench beside her. I went there for a reason, I was going to see it through."You say that when you know that not only we weren't aware of the Blood Contract, we were a little busy not knowing you even existed. Excuse us for wanting to accept our fated mates and
Zoe's POVI was braiding the hair on the edge of my shaved scalp when Olivia rang the intercom. Xavier walked out of the wardrobe with a spring in his step and let Olivia in, who rolled in a trolley of steaming breakfast.It was Xavier's idea to have breakfast in the bedroom. He said he wanted to sp
Zoe's POVWhen I woke up next, my head felt like I had been hit by a truck. Xavier's arm rested on my belly as he lay deeply asleep beside me. It was strange to wake up to him after spending weeks of him coming and going while I slept. I took the time to cherish his touch and light breath. He looke
Zoe's POVMy head was pounding. It was like someone had cracked open my skull and was performing brain surgery without anesthesia. It was torture. I wanted to yell,' Stop it,' and I think I said something, but different words were coming out.I tried to yell. I knew Xavier was holding me, but every
Xavier's POVMy head was fuzzy. I was trying so hard to focus on the conversations around me. It was like I had been underwater and just resurfaced. The light, the sounds, the colors, everything felt weird. I blinked as I tried to focus on the fork in my hand. I whispered to Zoe, "Please get ready
Zoe's POVThat night, I stayed up and waited for Xavier. He took his time coming to the bedroom. He must've thought that I was asleep, and that's exactly what I pretended. But, I had a theory and I was about to test it out.I stayed still, kept my heartbeat calm, and eyes closed. Until Xavier went t
Zoe's POVWhen Xavier and I walked in hand in hand, every jaw in the dining hall dropped, but no one was as shocked as Blondie, who entered after us. She must've been waiting for him when he was walking me to the dining hall. She swallowed her shock and forced herself to sit on the opposite end of t
Zoe's POVFinding friendship with Alyssa was one of the strangest things that happened to me that week. Since then, I saw less and less of Xavier. He came to the room when I was already asleep and often left before I had woken up. We missed that one meal we used to share before the coronation.He sp
Zoe's POVThe conversation with Xavier was the hardest I've ever had with anyone. He was acting like I was just another wolf in his pack that he was responsible for. The only emotion I got from him was regarding the baby but even that was fleeting. I was so bewildered that I ended up asking, "Are y