Back From The Brink Book Novels & Stories

"And bring him back." ***

I had to get closer to the bond, to make sure she was okay. Before I could make it out of our lands. I was being called back by the mind link. How anyone knew I was gone was beyond me. I reluctantly turned back. They would come after me, that I was sure. I couldn’t risk anyone else getting hurt. I wanted to do anything in my power to know she was safe. But I couldn’t endanger my people. The crickets chirped loudly, as I made my way back to bed. I was expecting to find someone waiting for me. The grounds were still and quiet, no one had bothered to give me a lecture. Which was surprising. I had been braced to defend my actions. I knew I was acting off feelings alone. Something which would be

I couldn’t face that pain right now, and with another rumble from my belly we stepped from the shower and dressed. Brack used every possible opportunity to inappropriately touch me that night. He made me smile and laugh. He also made me dream about the future. One where crazy stalkers didn’t kill innocents and my life could return to semi-normal. No, never normal again. If I survived, I would be forever changed. And thinking of change, I couldn’t believe the difference in Brack since he reversed his refusal to sleep with me. I wasn’t sure what caused him to jump into sex, but I was glad he did. I needed his body to keep my mind off real life.

Soup thickens, bread rises higher, laughter creeps back into the corners. One afternoon, as sunlight cuts sharp through the pines, Bram returns—filthy, exhausted, but triumphant, leading two mules loaded with sacks of flour, dried fish, and jars of pickled vegetables. He is flanked by strangers: a stooped witch with wind-burned cheeks and a young werewolf with a haunted stare.

Rubbing her brow, she said wearily, "You should head out first." "But, Ms. Thorne—" "I said go!" she snapped, her patience worn thin. Maxwell pressed his lips together. Despite his reluctance, he forced himself to step out. After he left, Beatrice went back to her desk. Looking at the error-filled report, a wave of memories washed over her. Seven years ago, I had also been a rookie starting from scratch. I had neither experience nor an outstanding academic background. Surrounded by applicants far more qualified than I was, I barely stood out at all. Yet somehow, I was the only one who made it through the probation period.

I was the real daughter of the Jenkins family, recently brought home, while Coco, the fake, unexpectedly procured the College Entrance Exam Leech System. All she had to do was give a name, and the person's score would be transferred to her exam sheet. She was overjoyed when she mistook me for the star student who had been the top scorer in the city's high school for three years, and quickly put my name in. Then, in the three months leading up to the college entrance exam, she would be watching Youtube videos in class, getting her nails done after school, all while bragging she could get over 700—even with her eyes closed. I warned her that college entrance exams were no joke, but her boy

the young man replied. "Young Master! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I'm so very sorry! This is my fault that we got into this accident!" a middle-aged man continuously apologized as he kept on bowing to the young man. The driver clearly saw that it was the "go" sign, so he pressed on the gas handle. However, in blindsight, someone suddenly rushed in front of the car, resulting in a collision and accident. Thus, the driver could not help but tremble, knowing that someone could possibly die at this moment due to him.

I also watch my step because I don’t want cuts on my feet again. Some people call this the walk of shame; I call it the stride of pride. My back is still a little sore, but it isn't anything I haven't felt before. The walk to the bar was swift and easy, and I didn't mind it. If it was any longer, I'd order a ride to the place.

Emerging from the grip of withdrawal felt like stepping out of a prolonged, oppressive darkness into the the sun. Each day unfolded like a delicate petal, revealing a touch more clarity, a shade less discomfort, and a gradual strengthening of both body and soul. This journey back to myself was painstakingly slow, a path marked by frustration and impatience, but with each passing moment, I sensed the essence of who I once was piecing back together, bit by bit.

When Dad came back that day, he had yelled at me, his eyes bloodshot. "Why did you lie?" I didn't know what he was talking about. All I could do was cry in fear. Suddenly, he gripped me by the neck with one hand. I couldn't breathe. I tried to push him away, but he was surprisingly strong. No matter how I tried, I couldn't free myself. Unconsciously, I mumbled, "D… Dad…" Just as I thought that he was about to strangle me to death, Aunt Caroline appeared and saved me. "What the hell are you doing, Benjamin?" she demanded, holding me close.