I stared blankly as my reflection in my vanity looked me in the eye. Eyeliners and eyeshadows rested around my eyes, with the proper colour of foundation and concealer applied in the right places. My usually pale pink lips were now a bright shade of red like a vampire that had just finished feasting on his victim for the night.I sighed as I picked out the jewelry already laid out in front of me. It was all Laura's doing. She was supposed to be here to help me dress up but I'd insisted on doing it myself. I wanted to be alone. Why? I wasn't quite sure yet. With my eyes still fixated on the mirror, I picked up the diamond encrusted necklace. It was a gift from Noah no doubt and the jewel seemed to go perfectly with my dress for the evening, and yes it was purple too. After clipping in my earrings, I subconsciously grazed the side of my ear. I shivered as the memories of last night came running back."Tomorrow, Bailey Gayle, I'll be marking you as my mate and Luna in front of everybody.

Jolts of pain spread through my skin, temporarily numbing the area. My eyes were closed so I couldn't see, but I didn't need a shaman to tell me that area was pink, or red even. It was throbbing and with each throb, it felt like I was pumping out a huge gallon of blood. I could feel Noah's breath fan my cheek, causing goosebumps to crawl on my skin. It wasn't your regular kind of goosebumps, these ones were different.I felt disgust crawl over my skin and if I could, I would shed like a snake here and now. But alas, fate wasn't on my side. Instead of feeling hot and unbothered, Noah's breaths were doing the complete opposite."It is done." Diana announced and the crowd erupted in cheers, applauses and whistles flying about. " It is done!""Now, you're mine." I felt Noah smile against my cheek before standing upright. His eyes seemed to rake over me, stopping at the Mark he'd given me before resting on my face again. " You're all mine.""I'm not!" It had sounded fierce in my head, but

I blinked a couple of times as my eyes started to water, causing my focus to break for a few seconds. Using the back of my hand, I wiped the tears that were already cascading down my cheeks. I shook my head and hissed, this was becoming harder than I'd thought.The white backdrop stared at me, like it didn't try to blind me in the past one hour. It just stood there and I wondered why we didn't have the same effect on them as they had on us when we stared too much. Do you get? But to be honest, I didn't blame it. The blame was on me for trying to keep my eyes glued to it like my life depended on it .It actually did.Deciding I'd take a break, I headed over to my vanity. I took a seat and stared at myself in the mirror. I looked mad, ragged to be precise. My hair was sticking up in places it shouldn't and beads of sweat built a heavy fort on my forehead. My eyes were tired, they looked droopy and if they fell off any minute now, I wouldn't be surprised.I blamed Ethan for this, after o

Noah The view ahead was quiet, serene and still. The trees stood unmoving, only swaying their branches when a slight wind seemed to ripple through. The night was young and the moon bright, although not particularly full. I glanced at my wrist watch before looking back out at the window. It was late and still no word from him.I wish I could say I was surprised, but I wasn't. I'd predicted this exact same thing and it looked like it had come to pass. If things were any different then I should have received a letter on my desk hours ago.It was Ethan. Just like he said he would, he really did leave before sundown. I did hear rumours from the servants that he didn't till high noon though, but that wasn't the point. He left without telling me and didn't send his usual letter that he had arrived. Normally, he'd send an attached letter written by Michelle cussing me out, but tonight, there was nothing. Neither his nor hers.I went back to the night of the marking ceremony and everything th

"What exactly do you think you're doing, Bailey?" I stared at him in shock, my mouth unable to form any words. My eyes did nothing to leave his face even though his facial expression wasn't fun to look at all. " I'm talking to you!"I still said nothing. I just pressed my lips harder, like words could come out with me moving my lips."Are you deaf?" He screeched and I winced. His voice was like a combination of eight or bass drums together and it was hurting my head. If I didn't get him to stop, I could go deaf. " Bailey, I'm talking to you! I…""...can see that." I finished up for him. I got to my feet and my toe almost knocked the pot over. I thought of hiding it behind my dress, but we both knew he'd seen it already. Instead, I sidestepped the kitchen accessory and walked up to him. " Why do you have to yell though?""I ask the questions here." He snapped, his face inching closer to mine.." What the hell do you think you're doing?""Even a toddler could tell I was relaxing but you