Levi’s POV
I hate her. I thought she cared for me. I really believed she loved me. Who wouldn’t, when all my life I stood by her side, listening to her, abiding her sick ways of living, getting beaten and bullied for no reason, in hopes for some affection and love only a mother could offer.
She was no mother. She was a monster. My anger rises every time I think how she tricked me all these years until I heard her talking to her demon, realizing that she was actually the one behind my parents’ death. The agony I felt...the pain...the fury...
I’ve heard her speaking to herself many times, but somehow, I couldn’t decipher what she was saying, or who she was speaking to...until the day before my 18th birthday, when everything changed.
Her demeanor and the way she acted towards me. I wasn’t her adoptive son anymore, the one who she rescued from the bewitched rogues who supposably killed my family, no... I became instantly her enemy. Therefore, she had me trapped in this place... whatever this place was, it was driving me mad. 7 years have passed, and I still don’t know how to get out of here.
My imprisonment.
My curse.
I exhale deeply looking away from the clear night sky I see every night. Every time the same.... I’m stuck in an endlessly loop. At first, I thought I was somewhere in a forest near a city of humans somehow, but seeing that every morning looked the same, every evening felt the same, even the same birds were chirping at the same time every day, spotting them in the same place...
Every.
Freaking.
Day…
It’s worse than being caged and beaten every day for not obeying the tasks my so-called mother would give me...
I cannot even remember how it feels to shift exactly. The last time I shifted, it was earlier on the day I was rebelling against her, trying to knock her down, right after hearing her conversation that opened my eyes for the first time to see the real face of the one who kept me by her side all these years...
FLASHBACK
7 years ago
After a run in our area, I cut my training short wanting to ask mother to extent the limit of my training area. Thunder is getting very restless that he is not allowed further on to run free and I’m having a rough time to control him and make him understand it is dangerous to wander off without protection. So, we we’re told. Whenever he tries to convince me with arguments, his voice becomes muffled, and a headache starts. I have to ask my mother about that, it’s happening more often and I cannot have a decent conversation with my wolf because of that.
“Not now I won’t!!” she hissed through her gritted teeth, “There is still time, I have a plan!” she said a bit louder, looking around her suspiciously, trying not to get caught.
“I know he is her mate!! I’m am not a fool, be careful what you are implying demon!! that only makes things worse!! I thought I could use his powers, but I’ll manage! Damn Selene!!” she said rubbing her temples seeming to be in great distress.
Who is she talking to?? Demon??! I try to stay hidden so that she doesn’t spot me. And whose powers is she referring to?
After a slight pause she added hissing with pure hatred in her eyes “I will bend him after my will, and toss him afterwards in the pits of hell, just like I did with his parents! Of all men on this earth, her mate is exactly who I need the most to finish them, once and for all!! Humph! Thinking they could live happily ever after...oh, no, no, no dear sister...no happy endings for you in this lifetime! I’ll have my full revenge soon!... just have to take care of my greatest asset a few more years...” she said in a loud whisper with a sinister smile on her face. “Just a couple more years... dearest son!” she added now caressing the gold diamond shaped pendant around her neck which had an intense purple colored crystal in the middle.
It was me!! I am the one who’s referring, but that means...she killed my parents??? I thought that... rogues killed them, and she had been my savior. I cannot even remember them that well, just glimpses of images. They we’re innocent. We had a quiet beautiful life in the forest...I was only 4...My anger is flaming and without thinking my claws emerge slightly scratching the wall.
She looked in the corner mirror at her reflection as if talking to herself, and I could see that one eye was glowing bright red, and the other one dark green as her witch powers were surging being fueled by her anger. I’ve seen that happening whenever she performs a spell, but I’ve never witnessed the red one. Just as the scratching sound was heard, in a fleet of a second she spotted my presence behind the wall line I used to hide myself to listen and with her heightened senses she knew right then that I was spying on her.
A blast of black electrifying energy was instantly emitted from her hand towards the wall making it blow, throwing me to the ground, shocked. She never shown me such a display of power. Fuck, she was strong.
With gritted teeth she asked “What are you doing here...dear?” the latter word being venomously spitted from her mouth, as her eyes were glowing bright in the poor lighted living room. “Are you spying on me...my son??” tilting her head like she was speaking to a small child.
“I am not your son!!!” I shouted, still shocked after her confession of murdering my parents, jumping right back on 2 feet with a swift move trying to pounce.
I wanted to kill her, my wolf too, but yet again as I was assessing the situation with him, that headache came back, this time more powerful than ever, making me kneel before her, clutching my head between my palms, the pressure and loud ringing being too much.
“You really thought you could attack me??? Ungrateful brat!!” she yelled as she sent a small current in the pendant that she was now touching with her forefinger. Just then, I felt as someone electrocuted me and everything went black.
END OF FLASHBACK –
I woke up here, not knowing where “here” was.
I remembered the conversation with her, getting fired up again, this time no claws emerging. I sensed that something was amiss when I tried to reach Thunder, but it felt like he was locked away in a corner of my mind unable to free himself. For days I tried to reach him but it was useless.
On the day of my 18th birthday, as I woke up, staring at the wood ceiling of my prison-hut, I thought of my mate…If he/she existed in the first place. During my childhood years, and as a teenager I’ve just read some books about werewolves and their history, and so I’ve learned about the existence of the so-called soulmate one could have. A bond established by Selene, our Moon Goddess, through which every individual could learn to love unconditionally and to grow spiritually. At least that was the theory.
I tried to ask mother about it, and she said it was all just a fairytale, and that I have no use in investing my time in made-up stories. She wanted to throw the books away, but I was faster than her as I already hid them before our conversation. Remembering all those red flags I ignored growing up, another feeling of rage washes over me, and right then I’ve sensed another presence in me, one I never felt before, empowering me.
Just as I wanted to let it take over, whatever that was, my arms started glowing and golden chain-like tattoos appeared on them as suddenly an increasingly burning sensation took over them, spreading to my back and chest... kneeling me once again...
And that was just the first time...out of many... How am I going to end this torture? Is this really it?....
Josie's POV I've let my mom in the care of the pack doctor, who assured us, she would recover after a few hours of rest. After telling dad what we were doing when she fainted, he made it known that each time my mother tries to use her magic, it ends on a hospital bed due to the pain she endures while trying to tap into her powers. Feeling pity and anger for this whole situation my mother was in for years, I barged into the library, startling the night-owls of my friends in front of the laptops and books. "Now that's an appearance. You scared the shit out of me, sis!" Marco said dramatically putting his hand over his heart. "You'll live." replied his loving sister, not bothering to look up from the screen. "So, people, first of all, we have to find out what a Soul Reaper is. Apparently, this creature is responsible for the chaos outside." Patrols were doubled due to this event, and my father contacted the coven and the council representative for our region to report this inciden
JOSIE’S POV As I neared the packhouse, I smelled the distinctive scent of fresh blood. I couldn't see anything amiss, but although I had a perfect night vision, the darkness could easily hide something among the forest that borders our garden. Though it was faint, my sense caught it up. This was not normal. What was lately? 'Sarah! Get the others and head to the back garden. Something's not right. It smells of fresh blood. But there isn't any other scent out here.' 'Be right there!' In less than 10 seconds all of them were here in their wolf form sniffing the light traces of blood. It took us several minutes to find a small puddle of blood at the base of an old oak tree. 'Here is a thin trail of droplets of blood going north, I'll head that way.' mindlinked Steph. 'Zane, go with Steph please, we'll check the surrounding area. If anything, give us the signal.', I continued the group mindlink. 'Ok, boss' replied Steph. Ember, Tanja's wolf, started whimpering a couple of feet
Levi’s POV "Did you enjoy your meal...my son?" a sinister cooing voice came from behind me while I was cleaning after breakfast. How dare she call me her son. I could feel Balthasar's shackles rising up, and anger was seeping through me instantly. Without turning, I asked seething my teeth. "What do you want from me?" "I'm the one putting questions here, worm!!" she shouted, followed by a blast of fire whooshing in my direction. I ducked and rolled in the last second, using her surprised state to side-kick her ankles. With a loud thud she collapsed on the floor, and I pinned her easily, my force being multiplied by my beasts. Panic coursed through her eyes but quickly faded, as a smug grin appeared on her face. "I underestimated you, young prince. Maybe you can be useful to me in another way, still alive..." Is that lust in her eyes I spot?? I'm going to vomit. Crazy bitch. Before I got to think my next move her eyes turned orange-red, her body was turning hot underneath m
Josie's POV The words spoken by the woman before me left me reeling. Wasn't she the same person who had advised my grandfather to rebuild his life without my grandmother? After allowing her to have her moment of laughter, I peered into her almond-shaped eyes, a deep shade of hazel, with all the seriousness I could muster."This is not funny. I demand an explanation," I stated, struggling to contain my curiosity and anger."Alright, there is no need for you to get worked up. It would be better if I showed you," she replied, extending her arms towards me with her palms up, waiting for me to place my hand in hers."Come on, I won't bite. This may weaken me for a few hours, but it will be worth it," she reassured me. Still unsure, I tentatively placed my hand in hers. I felt a warmth emanating from her hands, moving up my arms and into my head. My eyes closed on their own, and instead of darkness, I saw a hazy scene that gradually became clearer with each passing second.Before me stoo
My thoughts elude me. Looking at my grandfather's mixture of tears, a blend of joy, sorrow, and regret for all the lost years, I come to the realization that...wait. What do I realize exactly? I, myself, am unsure. My mind is numb. ‘Take a deep breath, Jo. We'll figure it out together. It's alright," my wolf reassures me.Staring at the front cover of my grandmother's journal, racking my brain for the next step, an idea suddenly springs to mind. Grandma Violet. She knew my grandmother, and they were both in the same line of work."Grandpa, do you happen to know Marco and Tanja's grandmother?" I ask.Furrowing his brows, he seems to recall something unpleasant. "Yes, I do know Violet. It's been years since I last saw or spoke to her.""Was grandma close to her?" I prompt, eager for any information he can offer.He stares ahead, unfocused, and nods. I wait for him to continue."And?" I prod after 15 agonizing seconds, hoping he will provide more insight than just nodding.He looks a
JOSIE’S POV Even though I wanted to tell Sarah everything about my otherworldly encounter with the one who “haunted” my dreams the last couple of years, I’ve decided against it, postponing it for later. She sighed, watching me with concern this time, taking the hint that I don’t wish to get into details right now. “We are here for you and for our pack, whenever you need an ear to listen, just say the word and… I’ll throw a nice sleep-over full off gossip, nail-polish, junk food and binge watching romcoms. I’ll be on my way now, lots to do-o! See you la-ter!” finishing her short encouragement in a sing song voice, winking at me playfully. I’m very lucky to have them on my side. I glanced again at my reflection, this time feeling empowered. After straightening my posture, I marched towards my father’s office. Thinking about what I should ask them, in case they miss something, I heard more voices coming from the office, where the door was left ajar. “You already know my opinion in t