All Chapters of Chasing fireflies: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

James studied her as she slept, no bruises, no scars, just peace. He eased onto the bed beside her, careful to leave space, and shut his eyes for what felt like a second. Then fingers brushed his.His eyes snapped open. She flinched.“Hey,” he turned toward her, voice rough. “How’re you feeling?”“Better,” she murmured, those blue eyes locking onto his. “Thanks for… you know.”“Get more sleep,” James said, shifting like he might leave.Her hand caught his. “Stay. Please. I don’t want to be alone yet.”James smiled. “Nobody’s getting to you here. Sleep.” His thumb grazed her cheek. She exhaled, drifting off again.Morning came. She padded to the bathroom, found a box on the towels, a dress inside. The mirror stopped her cold. Blood crusted in her hair, smudged on her skin, but the bruises? Gone.The shower washed it all away. She slipped into the dress, stepped back into the bedroom, and there he was, coffee in hand.“Morning,” she said, taking the mug.“Sleep, okay?”“Yeah.” Her gaze

James eased back, his hands lingering for a moment. “I didn’t expect that,” he admitted, his voice low.“Neither did I,” she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. “But here we are. So… would you come to my recital? I’ve got a solo.”“Nothing could keep me away,” he said without hesitation.Ella laughed lightly, then hesitated. “James…” Her voice trailed off as she leaned in, kissing him again. This time, he pulled her closer, his hands firm on her waist, the kiss deepening until she broke away, breathless.He stepped back, his mind racing, and walked out, shutting the door behind him. He paced his bedroom, trying to make sense of what had just happened. “What the hell is going on?” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. He stripped down and flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. The kiss, replayed in his mind on a loop. Hours later, he finally gave up on sleep and wandered into the kitchen.She was already there, leaning against the counter with a glass of water in

James felt like he was holding his breath, watching Ella move effortlessly. She was a damn good dancer, and he could see the story she was telling, something heavy, something he recognized. It hit too close to home, like his own mess with Chloe. Loving her was wrong, and he knew it, but Ella? She was everything he wanted, and that twisted him up even more. She was Chloe, and he couldn’t wrap his head around it. Maybe it was selfishness, maybe denial, but he couldn’t let go. His mind was a jumbled mess of feelings he couldn’t untangle. He had to figure this shit out. Ella was messing with his head, but Chloe? He’d loved her since that day in the principal’s office, her tiny hand grabbing his, that cute smile. And now? What the hell was wrong with him? She was his sister. You can’t rewrite DNA, genius. Besides, she was head over heels for Arran. He was losing it.Ella finished with a bow, and some guy handed her a massive bouquet of flowers he’d sent. Their eyes met across the room, and

James glared at Keena. “Do something, she’s in there with that thing.”“Are you talking about Ella or Chloe?” Keena shot back, her tone sharp.“Chloe, obviously. She’s my sister,” he barked. Genevieve and Keena exchanged a look.“James, are you in love with her?” Genevieve asked bluntly.“What? No, yes,” he stumbled, his voice cracking. “I know it’s messed up. I loved her before I found out she’s, my sister.”“If we’re done with the therapy session, what’s the plan?” he snapped, pacing like a caged animal.“You do realize she’s in love with Arran, right? You need to let her go, James,” Keena said, her voice softening.“I did,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I found Ella, and I love her… I just…” He trailed off, exhaling heavily.“Okay, that’s progress,” Keena said, nodding. “Come on, the elder’s waiting. We’re going to need every bit of strength we’ve got.”Nwa pack, bayouThe Elder was pacing furiously, shouting at the pack as they approached. “They’re gone. That mons

His mouth traveled up her thigh, and she gasped sharply as his hand gently parted her legs. Elijah face hovered over hers briefly, his hand slipping between her thighs while his lips found her breast. In moments, she was unraveling, her body shaking as his lips trailed lower to her navel. His mouth took over, her moans filling the room, and when his tongue pressed inside her, she came undone again. He moved over her, his cock hard against her, aching with anticipation.He kissed her deeply, her body burning with need. “I want more,” she whispered, her voice trembling.Elijah paused, studying her. “You get this is just playing right? I’m not… Fuck. Go home,” pulling away.“Why? I’m done being a virgin,” she protested as he headed for the bathroom.Elijah leaned against the sink, staring at his reflection. “I can’t lose control. She’s driving me mad,” glancing down at his stubborn erection. He cursed under his breath. Worried she might still be there, he cracked the door open slowly. Th