The Seventh Time Novels & Stories

v The seventh months took forever to come, but it's finally here, I saw my mate as usual and he told me to bring his sacrifice. Your time is up Romeo.

The plane taxied onto the runway. The engines roared to life. I closed my eyes. Seven years ago, on a full moon night, he’d bitten the nape of my neck and whispered, "From this day forward, my soul is bound to yours." The moonlight spilled through the window onto our tangled bodies. I thought that was forever. Tonight, seven years later, I was severing that thread myself—a thread called "fate." I summoned the ancient power in my blood.

Can't we just cool off? [Selena, when will you let me back into your life? Take your time to chill, but come back to me. Let's give it another shot.] He had even wired 75,000 dollars to my account and attached a note. [Use it to unwind. I'll be here waiting.] I forced a smile. Henry still had no clue I was done for good, and there was no coming back to him. I was about to hit the emergency call when my grip went weak, my phone clattered to the floor.

Seven renewal certificates. Every single one had my signature and Corbin's. A note from Maya was clipped to the top: "He thought collecting all seven would summon you back like some kind of twisted fairy tale." I stared at the documents, and a slow smile spread across my face. Fated mates? If seven rejections could still be called fate, then nothing in this world was an accident. I gently pressed the call button on the phone. "How may I help you?" the bellhop asked, returning quickly.

The whole arc visible. She is not surprised by what she sees. She is confirmed. The quality that was present at twenty-seven is present at seventy. More of itself — not different. The depth at seventy is what the depth at seventy is. She could not have described it from anywhere shorter. Ethan turns seventy in January.

I’ll explain it to you. [Tonight is our mating ceremony, Emma. Don't forget it.] [I’ll be waiting for you at the altar at 7:00 PM] I looked at my watch. It was 7 o'clock. I blocked his number, took the sim card out of my phone and dumped it in a trash can before I boarded my flight. Goodbye Edward. There is nothing left between us to explain.

It was clear now—I was nothing more than an outsider in this house. In my previous life, I was like a wounded bird, desperately trying to survive in this cold city for seven years, only to end it all by jumping off a building. How ridiculous. I wasn't about to make the same mistakes in this life. I would learn to stand on my own, without seeking affection or pouring my heart out. I chuckled and pointed to the most unassuming thing in the corner—a necklace made from plain seashells. "I'll take that one," I said.

-L No hype, I promise. It’s worth the wait. -M I’m counting on you. If this is some kind of joke, you’re going to regret it. -L I’d never! I’m not that cruel. -M We’ll see. You better not be messing with me, Michael. -L I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m being serious here. -M Alright, alright. Seven o’clock, right? -L Yep, seven. I’ll be there, snacks in hand. -M

The careful composure that had held the assembly together began to fracture like ice under sudden weight. "Gone? What do you mean gone?" someone demanded, voice cracking with disbelief. "Does this mean that he failed?" "What?! That's absolutely impossible!" a stout man hissed, slamming his fist down onto the stone balustrade with enough force to send a sharp crack echoing through the chamber. His face had gone red, veins standing out at his temples like twisted cords. "We are talking about the Seventh Seat! He isn't some common scout we sent to forage in the woods! Among the top ten strongest in the entire order, he ranks seventh."

Dead on impact. The Reaper felt bad for me—said I didn't deserve to go out like that. Gave me seven days. One last shot to say goodbye. When I came back, it was already dark. I kept thinking—I wish I had wings. Maybe they were waiting. But under the moonlight, as I got closer, I saw through the dining room window— Alex, sitting between my parents. Brian and Ruby, side by side. Red wine. Fancy food. Everyone dressed like they were starring in a holiday ad.