It was finally time for me to go to college. Something I'd been dreading for a while. I got out of bed sluggishly. Esme had given me a new haircut the day before, and she'd even picked out a cute outfit for me.But sometimes I wondered what the point of it all was. Would I even live long enough to become someone who saved the lives of others? I heard a knock on my door as I stared at myself in the mirror. My reflection told me different stories. I wasn't ready for this, for any of this. I opened the door and found Rsme waiting for me with a big smile on her face “Good morning. How are you? Are you ready for your big day?”“Ready as I'll ever be”Esme led me downstairs for breakfast. It was just the two of us along with Kieran and Leah. Naturally it was a very awkward situation. I didn't hYave much of an appetite to begin with. “So Eva, I heard you'll be studying medicine” Leah spoke sweetly.“Yes”“Awwwn that's such a sweet dream for a young girl like you… especially considering th

Months had gone by since I first stepped foot on Black Bourne, and I was almost done with my first semester and dreading exams. Slowly, I'd adjusted into the pack. I was mostly at college or in my room anyway. I'd even gotten used to seeing Leah and Kieran together. Neither of them bothered me anymore. I'd learnt to look the other way. Even my feelings for Kieran weren't as solid as they used to be. I wasn't sure what I felt for him anymore.The only people who made Blackbourne a not so total nightmare were Damien and Esme and Alaric. Alaric had slowly become the big brother I never thought I wanted and Damien was one of my best friends, not that I had many, and Esme had always been like a sister to me despite the unavoidable strain Kieran and the whole situation put on our relationship.I was sitting in the garden late one evening trying to study with Damien's help, but my mind was all over the place, and Damien could tell."Have you decided whether you'll go or not?" He asked out of

My mother threw her arms around me, embracing me in a tight hug.“Oh my baby. I've missed you so much”“I've missed you too mum” She held onto me much longer before she let go. “Come on in. Honey, who's your friend? Mum asked as she finally noticed Damien standing behind me. “He's a friend from college. He offered to come with me” “I see,” mum replied as she led us into the living room. Nothing had really changed much since I left. Mum's work was still scattered on the table and couch. And she looked visibly tired and stressed. I felt a small pang of guilt knowing I was responsible for some of that stress.“Talia isn't home now. She said she'd try meeting you in Blackbourne one of these days when she's free from work. We're quite the workaholics in our family aren't we” mum ended with a small laugh.“Yes, I guess we are,” I replied. “Damien, I'd like you to meet my mum. Mum, Damien” I introduced them both officially. “It's lovely being her Ma'am you've raised an amazing daughter”

Bear a child... At my age. I still had my whole life ahead of me. I wasn't ready to just settle down with a man who didn't love me. Kieran's proposition was preposterous, but I knew it was more than just a compromise. It was what was required of me.As I turned on my bed and faced the window, the early morning sun hit my face through the curtains. The sun rose every day, pushing out the darkness. But I'd been stuck in the dark for far too long. When would my own light come? There was no hope for me in the midst of this confused world. I wished for once that I could just lie there a little longer and do nothing, but of course, I couldn't. I stirred and pulled myself out of bed. It was the weekend but I had a lot of school work to catch up on. I trudged into the bathroom, took my bath, and got dressed. I joined the rest of the house for breakfast downstairs, but I wasn't in high spirits, so I didn't engage in small talk. Half the time, I could feel Kieran's eyes on me, but I pretended

Esme's story shocked me and I had so many questions. Why did she never mention that she was a wolf and how had she never turned since I'd found out the secret. I knew I had to hold back my questions for the moment she saw so clearly shaken up and not in the best frame of mind. So I decided to just be there for her. The questions and answers could come later. “Come on. Let's get you to your room” I said gently as I helped her out of the couch and took her upstairs.“Do you need anything?” I asked after she was properly settled in bed but she shook her head no. I sat by her and stroked her hair till she eventually fell asleep. When I left Esme's room, I saw Kieran standing outside. He seemed to have been contemplating whether or not to come in“Kieran, can we talk?” He nodded and walked into his room. I took the initiative and followed him in. He sat on his bed and I followed suit at a much safer distance.“You have questions. Ask”“And you're going to answer them?” He didn't give m