Juleka X Rose Novels & Stories

"I'll go with you. Been meaning to check in with the fam anyway." Jack paused. "If you're sure... fine. We'll drop the gift and bounce right after." The banquet hall buzzed with smiles and back-pats. "Rose, you're stunning and genius-level. Chief Healer-to-be and now with pup? Congrats!" Rose soaked it in, standing dead center like the Moon Goddess herself. Right beside her? A lit-up crystal case showing off her latest potion.

“Here,” Drystan said, presenting Rosealba with the glass of juice and saving her from the embarrassment her hungry eyes had caused. She never thought she would ever be jealous of clothes but there she was ogling at clothes and wishing they didn't exist. Rosealba wore a smile, taking the glass from his hand. “Thank you.” She mouthed as she took the glasses to her lips, lowering her mouth to feel the glass against her lips before sipping never-ending the juice to quench the words that rose above her throat.

Jolene said. "I sent the money to your account….. thank you, Jolene," Rose said and Jolene unlocked her phone. A wide smile appeared on her lips. "Wow….you added extra money?" "Yes…..just take that as a welcoming gift to my world." She said. "Of course…..." Jolene was indeed a little witch in a mermaid's clothes. Unknown to Rose, this little witch had a plan, Rose didn't know Jolene wanted to be Leon's woman too.

A swipe of lipstick from tip to tip on Rose's half-pale lips was the last of the make-up that was smeared on her face. Rose tidied up her thick wavy blonde hair at the bottom. A mini black dress with strappy sleeves and a small cross-body bag were ready to take her out into the world. She glanced at the bracelet Xelle had given her. Rose couldn't wear it for the time being. She could be tracked and she didn't want Xelle involved.

Josie presses as she also sits at the table. “I didn’t exactly leave on good terms.” Callie answers, only for Mum to walk into the kitchen…flipping the telephone in her hand. “Well that was odd.” Mum states out gaining all of our attention. “What was odd?” Dad looks up from his report, his eyes glued onto Mum. “That was Rosa…” “Rosa?” Callie asks out. “The Luna of the Red Thorn pack, we are Rosa’s family pack. They are close allies of ours.” Jaxon responds on my behalf.

My heart was beating so fast I was sure they could hear it over the low thrum of music. "Gentlemen," Lorenzo began, his voice carrying that smooth authority that made people listen whether they wanted to or not. "I'd like you to meet Ellie Knight." He paused, and I felt his eyes on me even though I was staring at my hands folded in my lap. "She's officially a Black Rose now, under our protection." The words settled over the table like a heavy blanket. I didn't know what being a Black Rose meant, but from the way the three strangers straightened in their seats, it was clearly something significant. Something that changed how they looked at me.

Rose was alone in the sitting room when the door creaked open and Jude entered, supporting someone. Rose glanced toward the door and saw Jude helping Kelly inside. The corner of her lips twitched as she listened to Kelly muttering gibberish. She straightened up, her face darkening as she looked at them. “Hi, Rose,” Jude said softly. “Kelly’s a little drunk. Maybe you can take him to his room and help him change his clothes?” Rose simply rolled her eyes, turned away, and sank back onto the sofa. She grabbed the remote, changed the channel, and increased the volume.

At least his beloved was happy. "There's a gift inside. Open it and take a look," he uttered softly. My hand, which had been fiddling with the rose petals, froze. I turned to look at Julian. "Why are you being so wasteful?" A bouquet of flowers was already expensive enough, and he put another gift inside. Seeing my annoyed expression, Julian chuckled. "Don't worry. I can afford these gifts. Besides, it's only once in a while. Just take a look." Hearing the eagerness in his voice, I pulled out the greeting card. Beneath it was a small box.

I tend to fall quickly and aggressively, so it’s no shock that I'm in such a state over a man who clearly doesn't care for me one way or the other. "Look," he says, eyes flickering up to meet mine. "You have a lot going for you. Whoever he is, he's not worth your tears." The words take me by surprise. I stare at him for a moment, and then realize that he’s right. Instead of speaking, I give him a resolved, appreciative smile, one that he returns. "Whooo's ready to party?" Rose asks, setting down a vodka lemonade in front of me. Milo hands Jax some fancy-looking cocktail I don't recognize, and they clink their glasses together.

The pack buzzes with shock, but Jaxon stands tall, his hand still in mine. Later that evening, I’m in Jaxon’s room, his new quarters in the eastern cabins. He sits beside me, feeding me slices of apples from a bowl, his movements caring. I take the bite, chewing slowly. He sets the bowl down and pulls a single red rose from his pocket, handing it to me. “This is for you, my Luna.” He said. The petals are soft, vibrant. I smile, twirling it in my fingers. “Thank you, Jaxon. It’s beautiful.”