I sit on the bed, thinking about how I pulled away from Jamila. She kissed me, and I pulled away. How could I not? As soon as her soft lips crashed on me, glimpses of Apphia and of us kissing the same way played in my head. I was startled. I'm always startled when I look at Jamila, and glimpses of Apphia suddenly come to mind, or I see Apphia in Jamila's position. It's not fair that my mate is gone, and Jamila is here, taking her place, and now, my heart longs for her. My lycan wants her. The moon goddess shouldn't have taken my Apphia from me! Whenever I look at Jamila, touch her, or think about her, I feel guilty. It feels like I'm betraying Apphia. She was the love of my life. I had plans for us—we made plans. We were going to get married in a big old church with all our family and friends as witnesses. Apphia wanted an elaborate wedding dress and a long train veil. She would walk into the church, and everyone would stand, and I would cry tears of joy. She asked me to cry. I chuc
JamilaI wake up in Nicholas' arms. I look at him, confused. He's asleep. How did he end up getting in bed with me? I suddenly remembered what happened last night. I was having a terrible dream. I was in the forest, and this guy was hurting me. I was scared and immobile. I try to get out of his arms, but his grip is firm, so I just lay there, unmoving, and listen to his heartbeat. It changes, and I know he's awake even though his eyes are closed. I try to get out of his grip, but he doesn't release me. " I know you're awake," I murmur. " You had a bad dream last night. Do you have them often?" he asks, deep and soft. I contemplate telling him for a moment. " Sometimes," I whisper" Are they clear?" " Sometimes. They used to blurry images, but I remembered the fear more," " Is it you in those dreams?" he asks." I'm the one having them. Of course, it's me," " I meant, are you in this body, your body?" " I don't follow," I frown. He looks at me for a long time into my eyes. "
" Enough!" Anaiah's voice cuts through the tension. She releases her strong alpha aura as if warning my brothers to stay back, but I must say, they are holding their own. But soon, from fury, that aura soothes, and the tension dies down. " Things escalated out of control," she exhales and faces my parents and then my brothers, " We are pleased to have Jamila as part of our family, and she is and will be treated with the love and respect she deserves. And Ken, I truly ask, from the bottom of my heart, that you not hurt Emily or throw away the mate bond because of the grievance you might feel for us at the moment, and you keep your word to court her," Ken bows his head, but I can tell he's conflicted. He's been with his fiance since they were in high school, and they are in love; now, there is a mate bond, and he has new strong feelings towards another woman. After lingering and having one last drink, everyone bids farewell to each other. My father caresses my cheek and kisses my fore
Jamila My parents and Nicholas are in the study. What are they discussing? I am pacing around the hallway when something through the glass window catches my attention. In the outside garden is Drake, sitting on a bench with Shai. I feel excitement in my heart. It's been a while since I've seen Drake. I immediately go outside, almost running. " Hi, Drake," I smile, he turns to me and nods, " Hello," he looks somber every time I see him. I sit next to him and smile. He squints his eyes, " Why are you smiling at me?" he asks. " I'm very pretty, but I'm prettier when I smile, so I smile a lot," I tell him. He chuckles and nods. " Good for you, Jamila," " How have you been? I've missed you. We should hang out again," I say, nervous and excited. Drake seems a little surprised. " I guess we could hang out. I need a distraction," he says. " Great! You should come whenever you want. Hi, Shai!" I greet the cat and stand up, going back inside. " So, who's that you're talking t
JamilaI'm wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress, standing in the visitor's room with the Lavistas while waiting for my family to arrive. I'm a little nervous, playing with my fingers. I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I turn. To my surprise, it's Lilibet. " Are you alright?" she asks. There is no hostility in her eyes or tone. " Yes," She hands me a glass of champagne, which I gulp. " Hey, easy," she chuckles. " Sorry," I mutter. " Don't apologize," she says. " Jamila, I've wanted to apologize for acting towards you. It was unfair, and I'm sorry," I'm stunned, not expecting that. " It's alright. I understand your behavior toward me." I truly do. They feel that befriending me is betraying their late Luna's memory. I gathered that she had a special relationship with each of them. " We should do something together soon," she says. " I'd like that," I smile, and we clink our glasses. My gaze travels to my mate, who is chatting to his little brother, Leon, and his father. They see
Jamila " Nick, you're back," Morgana saunters between us, and before I can react, kisses Nicholas' lips. I feel a stabbing pain in my chest. My mate takes a step back from her. Morgana glances at me. " Why did you go with her?" she sneers. " Let's talk," Nicholas tells Morgana and proceeds inside. She gives me a once-over, sneers, and follows my mate. The cat beside me purrs and rubs against my leg. I caress her fur and walk inside. Nicholas and Morgana are in the study, talking quietly. I linger around the hallway, hoping I can peek inside," Why is she still here? You said you'd get rid of her, Nick," Morgana hisses. "I brought you here to discuss another matter," he says. It is quiet for a moment, and the door suddenly swings open, and Morgana appears, fuming, " Do you have no manners? It isn't polite to eavesdrop. Now get out," she growls. What's gotten into her panties tonight, she's pissed. " I - I want to speak to Nicholas, not you," I stammer. She sighs and walks towards