Familial Ties Novels & Stories

“I traced the family line. Your grandmother, her brother—he was your ex’s grandfather. It’s all here. Your families, their intertwined genetics, the traits that passed from generation to generation.” Serena flipped through the papers, her hands shaking as she studied the intricate details of the family trees. The connections were undeniable. She saw the dates, the shared features, the names that bound her past to his. The more she read, the more it became clear: the bond between her and her ex was not just emotional or accidental. It was written in their DNA.

Now, here I sat years later surrounded by family and friends who were all determined that Jude and I would succeed. Our family tree might have started off with different roots, but over the years our trunks had grown together until the branches now wove an artistic tapestry of love. It wasn't born from DNA or bloodlines but by choice. And we were all connected by those family ties. The End 2 1

"I got into the city high school! I'm finally going to live with Mom, Dad, and Katrina. Even though we've been apart for 16 years, I'll do my best to fit in. I'll be a good daughter and a good sister." Below the words was a simple drawing of the four of us. After reading through my entire diary, both Mom and Dad fell silent. Slowly, they reached out and touched the drawing of our family.

“Can you imagine? What kind of abomination is that? It’s practically incest. I told Jareel it’s sick, and I still stand by that.” I blinked, confused and disoriented. “But... Mum, they’re not blood-related.” “So what?” she snapped, cutting me off like I hadn’t even spoken. “It’s still twisted! That’s supposed to be family, Kasmine. Family. It’s just wrong.” My throat tightened. I rubbed my forehead, exhaustion creeping up my spine like cold fingers. “Mum, they didn’t grow up together. They’re not related by blood. It doesn’t count—”

Liana replied. “Of course you know you're just trying to be delusional right now because I don't even care if you exist or not. Liana, the fact that we both share the same father doesn't make us siblings. We are only related by blood and nothing else. We are not friends; we are just family members who coexist and nothing else.

These ties are what keep our pack together and give us our power. I tighten my hands at my sides and swallow violently. I look at Xander; his face is unreadable, but it's nice to have him by my side. I am aware that he is as nervous as I am. Despite being a part of this world, we have ignored it. Are the habits that bind us truly something we can alter? Elder Thorne reiterates, "The blood of our ancestors binds us in duty and in love," his voice striking the quiet like a hammer.

"I said you should do it." "Sir, I understand that you want to save your son, but you are endangering yourself. There are so many options." "What are the options?" "Your daughter can be a good match." They looked at her, and Sapphire was confused by their stare, so they approached the family. "There is a little problem." The family had a look of horror on their face, except Lucy who faked hers. "I'm not strong enough to donate blood to your brother, so I don't know if you can do so." Sapphire stared at her father to her mother, who nodded her head in affirmation to her.

Bob was genuinely angry. He could not fathom why Paige, a Quirk by blood, would not support the Quirks. Why would she not support him, her father, her own flesh and blood? Despite Paige having a good relationship with Chris and being pregnant with his child, what did that really signify? Marriages fell apart, even with children involved. How many couples with kids ended up divorcing? Marital bonds could break at any moment, turning the closest individuals into strangers. Blood ties, on the other hand, remained unbroken.

"One of the peripheral branches." That changed things. Family members could hide, and family members could certainly lie, but family members always left records and patterns behind. "We can narrow the suspects much faster then." "Exactly," he said as he turned several pages. "The list includes every individual with possible access through family connections, financial influence, or inherited privileges." I began reviewing the names. There were far too many—second cousins, uncles by marriage, distant relatives, and former retainers whose families had served the Santoros for decades.

I flush, but he continues, “Sydney and I are twins.” “I know–” “You and I… well, your mate bond with my twin brother connects me to you in some weird way.” I squirm a bit, frowning. He notices and laughs softly. “We’re not mates, Sarah. Sorry to break your heart.” “Are you saying we have a bond?” “Familial, yes.” He meets my gaze, and into my mind, he says, ‘We can mind-link, and you’re not part of my pack, and haven’t yet said your vows before the Goddess to join our family. Weird, right?’