OpheliaNova’s class had been late letting out, leaving me wandering the halls by myself. I could’ve started walking home, but I’d forgotten to bring my extra bottle of scent-blocker and couldn’t risk sweating what I had on off.As the other classes let out, I began to make my way to Nova’s to continue waiting. That was, until someone barreled into me. A set of arms grabbed me from around the shoulders, yanking me backwards into a dark supply closet.I knew instantly from the myriad of sweet, floral, and musky perfumes that it was Diana, Chloe, and Gemma. Their scents reminded me of a field of flowers left out under the blistering sun, slowly rotting away as they shriveled and wilted.The light snapped on with a resounding crack, illuminating the dusty closet we stood in.I gaped at the three of them, “What the—”Diana grabbed the neckline of my t-shirt and yanked it halfway down my chest. Heat raced to my cheeks as the three caught a glimpse at my ratty, second-hand bra, but that’s n

OpheliaIn the end, I swallowed my pride and put on the obscenely gorgeous dress Nova had purchased for me.Ugh, I hated the sound of those words.I’d have to find some way to repay her, my stubborn pride all but demanded it.I slipped into the dress easily enough, marveling at the long lace sleeves that covered my dark bond mark from sight. Returning to my bedroom, I had Nova secure the corset at my back. After slipping on a matching pair of heels, I stopped to marvel at my best friends gown.It was a pretty, pale shade of blue that brought out the pink apples of her cheeks. Similar to my own, it was cut in a typical ballgown style, only instead of lace and chains, Nova’s gown was covered in delicate pink wildflowers.She looked like a spring princess.Before we left, I grabbed a bottle of scent blocker and spritzed myself from head to toe. Nova watched; her lips twisted into a deep frown.“You know, I didn’t get why you used that stuff until the night we scried for answers about our

OpheliaHe chose not to answer, and instead decided to scowl at me as though I were the problem. Well, if he wanted to be that way, then there was no way I would leave. I’d stay here all damn night!Eventually the song ended, the instrumentals dwindling into a hushed silence. I was happy to step away from Jude, to suck in a deep breath that wasn’t tainted by his mouthwatering scent.Nova appeared through a gap in the crowd with two champagne glasses in hand. Her eyes widened a bit when she spotted me talking to Jude. Clearly she was just as surprised as I was that he recognized me.“Enjoy the rest of the night, Jude.” I hurled his name like a dagger, “I know I sure will.”He grabbed my wrist before I could move away, yanking me into the heat of his chest. Lips skimmed my ear and coaxed a gasp from me.“Careful who you dance with, little dove, because I’m going to break the hands of every man you let touch you. I think I’ll start with Edward.”I ripped myself out of his grasp, “You wou

OpheliaI awoke to a lengthy text message from Lucille threatening me to hell and back for punching Kimberly in her piggish face.As I expected, I was grounded until the end of time, which meant I’d have to sneak out tonight in order to make it for Coop’s ritual. Lucille also felt the need to mention I could no longer see or speak to Nova, and that if she had her way I’d be promptly expelled from Eclipse University.She had also signed me up for a morning shift at the Moonlight Lounge, which meant I couldn’t wallow in bed the way I so desperately wanted to.Eight more days, I told myself.Eight more days until I could set my mother free.I lost myself in the fantasy of what might happen once I had her back. Would she remove the spell on Lunar Isle? Would we leave this place and start over somewhere new?The thought of leaving Ryker and Jude made my heart constrict painfully, but what was there left for me here? Other than Nova and Coop, I had no one.I put on my big girl pants, both m

Ophelia “Hey, Coop. Why don’t you spark up a couple of joints? It’ll help us relax before the ritual.” Coop tugged me outside the sliding glass doors and onto the small patio. Sarah was perched on Arielle’s lap, twirling one of her girlfriends braids around her finger. The two broke into grins as they spotted us. “Fuck, I’m so ready to get this done with.” Arielle huffed, snatching the joint from Coop mere seconds after he lit the thing. She exhaled a puff of smoke into the air, “I’m practically shaking, I’m so nervous.” Sarah planted a kiss on Arielle’s lips, swiping the joint from her fingers. “After this we’ll have our own coven. No one will fuck with us ever again.” With each puff my nerves began to ease. A weightlessness settled over me, making me forget all about dark bonds and unavailable Alpha’s. Once the joint was nothing more than a stub, we headed inside. Denver had moved to another point of the circle, leaving his back facing us. I looked over his shoulder, down at th