By Zadie Smith Novels & Stories

She reeled me up and out of the abyss with a single touch, and I was supposed to not react to the news that someone else had her and still lived? “And they’re both still alive because?” “The syndicate. The bigger fish,” Adrian said slowly, as if to ground me in the mission I’d apparently been dedicated to before the accident. I licked my lips. The honor killing would have to wait then. “I’m leaving this place tomorrow. I can’t think with all the smells.” “Of course.” I looked down at Rosalind Marlow. The unprecedented light in my darkness. Pillowy lips parted, her lashes stuck against rosy cheeks.

I looked at him, my heart calm and distant, and said evenly, “Thank you. I’m very happy.” He gave a bitter smile, then turned and left quietly. He looked so lonely as he walked away. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. It was Sydney. She had tried to sneak into the wedding and cause a scene, but the security team, who had been waiting, stopped her immediately. “Zoe! I hate you!” she screamed, her voice filled with raw hatred. “Why do you get to have it all? You– If it weren’t for you, Greg would never have abandoned me!”

All we wanted was to be Jacob and Sadie and be free. I found a woman by the name of Doctor Riley Kim. She is a well-known Psychiatrist here in Baker with a hell of a reputation. She is also very expensive and hard to see. I got an appointment for Sadie and me two weeks after Sadie turns eighteen. We hoped she would work with us once we told her our situation. We needed her to see Sadie as a mentally healthy woman. We needed her to see how wrong Sadies reports were. The only thing we worried about was how the doctor could get ahold of Sadies records without giving our location away. It wasn't going to be easy, but we had to try something.

The night was dark and stormy, the rain lashing down against the windows like a furious beast. But inside the cozy cottage nestled in the woods, a fire crackled merrily in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room. This was the perfect setting for a story, and indeed, a story was about to begin. A story about a young girl named Zoe, whose life was about to change forever.

she murmured to herself, venom lacing her voice. Pulling out her phone, she made a call. “It’s time to move forward with the plan,” she said curtly. “I don’t care what it takes—make sure they never make it to that wedding.” The wedding day arrived with a mix of joy and tension in the air. The Gray estate was adorned with flowers, twinkling lights, and an atmosphere that spoke of love and celebration. Violet looked stunning in her white gown, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

I slipped into a soft white robe that barely reached my thighs and left my hair loose and damp around my shoulders. Then I opened the connecting door between our rooms. Zade’s room was dimly lit, just one lamp on beside the bed. He was lying back against the pillows, shirtless, reading a book. The sheets were pulled low on his hips, and the sight of his bare chest and the strong lines of his stomach made my mouth go dry. He looked up when he heard the door, and his face broke into a slow, easy smile that reached his eyes. “Hey, baby,” he said, setting the book aside on the nightstand.

oh, now I remember, it's Lisa's. "I'm almost thirteen. I can read whatever I want to." She flatly said as she picked up the textbook she should be reading. "Almost thirteen means you're still twelve and doesn't make this okay". I should have a chat with Lisa or perhaps I shouldn't. It wouldn't help. The Kaima I know will find another way. "Did you notice something about Zara? She looked distracted when we were in the car and even after " little Kaima, clearly trying to divert my attention. I'll let it slide, for now. Zara is more important, but this little girl still has some explaining to do.

Zayden As soon as I got done showering, I hurried and dried my body and hair, put on my clothes and walk out the door. I see my little mate sitting in the chair I left her in but with a book in hand. I slowly walk over to her and lean on the back of the chair. I notice she is reading my favorite book. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. “How do you like it so far?” I startled her apparently as she jumped as soon as I asked the question.

“Patience. You can’t get anything done if you’re impatient, understand? We have to make this perfect, or we’ll get into trouble.” Joy’s nonchalant voice came through the phone as if they were not talking about killing a human, but an insect.