UNKNOWN They rushed in and knelt in front of my desk, their anxiety peaking. Grunting with displeasure, I leaned back on my seat idly tapping my fingers on the armchair."Speak" I said. Julian, one of my most trusted men rose to his feet. "The mutts are gone. The two werewolves whom we'd managed to capture apparently set them free before our arrival" he said. Pissed, I brought my glass of fresh blood to my lips. "What about the adults? Did they escape?" I asked calmly. Julian gulped, lowering his head. "My lord, please forgive us. We were careless," he stuttered."I am disappointed, Julian" I spat, slamming the glass on the table. "Forgive us, my lord!" My men cried as they bowed their heads. There was a frantic knock on the door. One that drew my attention. "Come in" I ordered. A short blond hurried in. In his hands was a small black box. He placed it on my table."My lord, we found this ring on the scene. We believe it belonged to the woman."With trembling fingers

AVA He approached us with a smile lingering on his face. His eyes had changed from crimson to gold, just like the first time I'd met him. "What's your name?" He said to Keegan who looked disoriented. When he didn't reply, the vampire snapped his fingers in front of Keegan's face. "You're a vampire" Keegan breathed.He hummed softly, his gaze resting on me. "Of course, I am. Isn't it obvious?" "I know... I just think you're different. You don't smell like typical vampires" Keegan rambled. The vampire's eyes lit up, a grin breaking out on his face. "So, do you like it?" He asked. Keegan scoffed and looked away. For a moment, a pink blush bloomed over Keegan's cheek. I gasped, surprised to see how flustered he was. "I guess it's not bad" he mumbled, refusing to look the vampire in his eyes. "You're no fun" our other mate mumbled. "Ava, what do you think?" My eyes widened when he said my name. "H-how do you know my name? I never told you" I breathed. His dimple popped out w

AVA "If it happens, I'd rather die than have you become my personal blood bank" Darian said, his golden gaze locked with mine. "But-" He placed a finger against my lips, his gaze soft. "Let's not dwell on it. I won't let things escalate to that point" he whispered. I stared at him, tears blurring my vision. There was a high chance that he would eventually get infected. Darian pressed a kiss to my forehead. When he pulled away, there was a smile on his face."You should get some rest. Today has been hectic. I'll walk you to your room, okay?" He said. I nodded once. He took my hand in his. Together, we left the art room. I couldn't help but wonder what our future had in stock for us. When I got to my assigned room, I laid down on the bed. Exhaustion hit me all at once. While I stared at the ceiling with heavy lidded eyes, I replayed everything that had happened earlier today, in my head. Only at this point did I realize that I'd broken the promise I'd made to Hayley. "She mus

KEEGAN "Look who's here," Shade drawled, her tone laced with mockery. I clenched my fists but kept my face blank. "Talk about such unyielding brotherly love. Who would have known that you would show up just because of your sister?" She continued, leaning back on her seat. I knew she would continue to rub it in my face if I let her, so I spoke. "That's enough. I'm here now. Where's my sister?" I droned. Shade snickered. She rose to her feet and walked towards the large window in the office. "Not so fast, Key. Let's strike a deal, why don't we?" "What deal?" "A deal that will favour the both of us."My patience was wearing thin. I didn't want to think because if I did, my regret and guilt would hit me hard. Handling Shade was something that required my concentration. Shade turned to look at me, her silver eyes gleaming."Become my soldier and I'll send your sister to you." I froze. "Your sister is close by, you know? Once you agree to this deal, I'll bring her in here."

AVA He lay motionless on the bed, his face pallid. I rushed to his side, my panic nearly shooting through the roof. I grabbed at his shoulders, willing him to move, to say something. He was limp like a broken doll, strands of his hair resting on his face. I bent over to listen for signs of a beating heart, but heard none. It was at this point that my knees gave out. Letting out a cry of dismay, my legs lost their strength, and I sank to the ground, still clutching at his forearm. "Ava! Look! He's breathing!" Darian's voice pierced right through my consciousness, snapping me back into reality. I stared at the unfolding scene before me, confused. Keegan was curled up into a ball but he was breathing. Judging by the trash can on the floor, he seemed to have vomited. Darian was sitting by his side, patting his back. I hadn't moved to Keegan's side, I realised. I had been standing by the door, my imaginations holding me captive for a few terrifying seconds.I brought my shaky hands t