Lahat ng Kabanata ng Beckoned: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

I couldn’t think of torture worse than shopping for my wedding dress. Sophia and my mother constantly bickered over which dress looked the best on me. So far, there was only one they seemed to agree on. The only thing that gave me any amusement was Andre’s sister, Mirella. We had become fast friends, though I really didn’t think I had much of a choice. She was one of those people who didn’t take no for an answer, and she did it all while remaining cheerful. She was not someone I would want around right after I woke up in the morning. Still, I had to admit, it was nice to have a friend. I never really had one before because I was usually in and out of people’s lives before they even realized I was there. So, Mirella’s friendship was a new and pleasing experience. She chatted non-stop as I continued to try on every dress Sophia or my mother suggested. As it turned out, that was almost every dress in the store.As I stood before them, modeling yet another dress, I stiffened in alarm wh

That night, after tossing and turning for hours, I finally fell asleep. My mind would not let go of everything the attempted kidnapping, the fight with Garridan, the argument with Andre or how our parents still controlled everything in our lives. When they finally came out of the motor home, they told us we would continue with everything. However, the stress from my father, Garridan’s attack, and my arranged marriage weighed me down. Besides, sleep could mean sleepwalking, because sleepwalking meant danger.When I could no longer resist it, sleep came, restless and full of nightmares that caused me to bolt up in bed. A scream caught in my throat as I glanced around the room to see shadows dancing, my heart almost stopping in my chest. Sadly, I could not recall what the nightmares were about. All I remembered was they were terrifying and full of blood, teeth…and the moon that started out white, then turned into a gruesome red that reminded me of blood.I swallowed. Frightened of what I

I was exhausted, but sleep eluded me. My mind continued to replay the conversation with Katie.Had he really been with her?I groaned as I pushed the thought away again. I didn't understand why it mattered. Worse, I couldn’t understand why I felt the insane urge to find Andre and demand that he not see her again. It was crazy, insane.I had been so deep in thought, I didn’t realize I wasn’t alone. The darkness was thick around me when a hand suddenly covered my mouth. A weight pressed on me as my wrists were grabbed by a large, rough hand. Terror froze my heart when I peered up into silver eyes. My eyes widened as they adjusted to the darkness, seeing the identity of my attacker…Garridan.I inhaled sharply, wishing I was having another nightmare, knowing I wasn’t. I twisted my body, but he rested his weight upon me even more.“I told you I’d be back for you, Aurora,” he whispered in a harsh voice. “I didn't want to do it this way, but your father insists. I must do what he tells me.”I

As Mirella promised, I didn’t have to do anything. She curled my hair, piling it high on my head, then did my make-up. I was relaxed. Because of her constant chatter, I felt excited. I could almost pretend I was getting married because of love, not because of an agreement made shortly after I learned to walk.Mirella finished with my make-up and hair but wouldn’t let me look in the mirror yet. Then she took my hand and helped me step into the dress, which lay puddled on the floor. She pulled it up and I slipped my arms through the small white straps attached to the bodice. It seemed to take forever for her to fasten the buttons along the back.Once done, she turned me to face her, then clapped. “You will not believe how beautiful you are!”I shook my head. “I’m sure you’re just being kind.”She rolled her eyes. “Fine. See for yourself. However, I want you to know your lack of faith in me is hurtful and mean. I’ll expect a full apology.”I laughed. “It’s not a lack of faith in you, Mire

I sat in the limousine beside Andre, my hands clasped on my lap as we drove toward the hotel where the reception would be held. I shifted in my seat as I bit my bottom lip and glanced out the window, afraid to speak first.I didn’t know why I was so shy with him now. Perhaps it was because I had just received my first kiss…or maybe it was because I was still not used to his presence. Either way, it left us in total silence.I glanced down at my hands, squeezing them while trying to think of something to say, finding nothing. Finally, Andre’s rich, beautiful laughter echoed through the limo, causing me to jump.I narrowed my eyes at him. “What are you laughing about?” I asked, tilting my head. There was fear he was laughing at me.It took a moment before he answered. When he did, he was almost breathless. “You scared me when you didn’t say ‘I do’ right away,” he said, still chuckling. I sighed, relieved. “I thought you were going to run.”I chewed on my lip for a moment, wondering how h