《The Ember In The Dark》


 Ch. 1

    Ch. 1


    "Ember, are you sure about this?" Mom asked me for like the 100th time today.


    "Yes. I''m certain." I sighed staring out at the new high school I''ll be attending today.


    "She''s got me. Don''t worry mom. I won''t let anything happen to her." Ash spoke from the back seat,


    squeezing mom''s shoulder. He always had a way of calming mom, where I just strung her up full of


    anxiety.


    "Thank you, sweetheart." She doted. I know she says she has no favorites, but it sure seems like she


    does.


    "Whatever." I sighed, making my way towards the school.


    Ash got it all and I didn''t get a thing. He has a wolf, a dragon, and the elf magic. Yet here I am pretty


    much a human with some heightened senses. If I had a wolf it should have appeared by now. Dad said


    I should have had my dragon from birth, but I''ve never heard or seen it if I do. On top of that when I


    touched the tree of life, my magic didn''t awake like everyone else''s.


    Mom kept me in school with the elves in the kingdom anyway. She was hoping that maybe my magic


    would awaken if I learned more about it. Eventually, I got tired of failing at everything. The elves were


    snobby and rejected me quickly, always mocking me or making fun of me. Bunch of assholes.


    Ash of course always defended me, and beat up anyone that bullied me. It was causing so much


    trouble at school though. After speaking with dad and Charles and Eryn, they decided it would be best


    if I went to the same human high school that Charles went to. It''s close to the kingdom and Charles still


    has some ties there. Some of his pack members attend high school there.


    Ash didn''t like the idea of me going to a new school alone so he decided toe with me. He''s so far


    ahead on his magic that mom didn''t think it would be a problem for him. Ash is a great fighter, shifter,


    fire breather, magic bearer. He was great at everything he did, where I failed at almost everything. Talk


    about aplex issue.


    I have heightened hearing, vision and strength, which is what makes mom hope that I have a wolf


    mother, like my father, like my brother. The only thing I''m good at is being extremely intelligent, fighting


    barehanded, and disappointing everyone around me.


    "Ash, make sure to portal back right after school. You have training." Mom yelled after him. Her rose


    gold hair was thick and unruly right now. The pregnancy hormones were making it harder for her to


    tame her hair. She''ll have Charles'' son soon. They''re naming him Charlie.


    "Got it." He yelled back. "Ember, wait for me." He called after me.


    As much as I wish I could hate Ash for having it all, I can''t. He''s an amazing brother. He''s kind and


    caring, the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. He is also very handsome and could have any girl


    he wanted, but he''s holding out for his mate, chosen one, or destined one. He could end up like mom


    with multiple mates for all we know. He doesn''t want that though, he wants just one person to devote


    himself topletely.


    I''m not the only sibling that looks up to Ash or that Ash protects. Little Eric is always trailing behind Ash.


    Ash could have been the alpha of Charles'' pack, but he chose to rule the kingdom instead in the future.


    Charlie will get the title when hees of age. Eric is second in line to the throne. If Ash ever changes


    his mind Eric will rule the kingdom.


    "Hurry up." I called back to him. His dark shaggy hair swayed in the wind as he ran toward me. He had


    that sweet smile of his, showing me his sparkly white teeth. His sky blue eyes are just like dads,


    prating and intense.


    "What''s the hurry?" He asked, now at my side, matching my pace.


    "I don''t want to bete on my first day. Charles said the teachers are kind of strict here." I don''t like


    making bad first impressions.


    "Oh please, you know we have plenty of time. You''re just wanting to get away from Mom." He elbowed


    my side and I rolled my eyes.


    "Don''t roll those eyes at me. Makes me think of mom." Heughed.


    "I can''t help that I have her green eyes. Just like you can''t help having dad''s blue eyes." I deadpanned.


    "Yeah, yeah. " He ran his hand over his hair, smoothing it down.


    He had strong arms, hardly contained by his shirt. These girls are going to lose their minds. When they


    find out we are rted they will try to be my friend to get to him. I always hated that. So many fake


    friends havee into my life that way. That''s why I refuse to have any here. I refuse to be used by


    any humans or wolves here.


    "Hold still, you have a little leaf in your hair." He pulled at one of my golden strands, picking the leaf out.


    "Thanks." I smoothed my hair with my hands.


    At least dad and mom gave me good looks. Although I could do without the freckles and blush¡­that I


    have to constantly fight off. Dad and mom trained us well so our emotions aren''t as evident on our


    faces. I''m thankful for that. I never want to let others know when they''ve hurt me.


    Ash pulled the door open for me and we made our way in. The scent was mingled, a mixture of


    humans, wolves, and books. The walls were painted a light gray with a royal blue. School colors I


    guess.


    All eyesnded on Ash and I as we entered and the whispers immediately started. I didn''t shrink


    though. I held my head up high.


    "Who is that?" A prettier girl in the corner asked her group of friends. They all instantly turned to look at


    Ash and then I.


    "Oh my gosh, I have no idea, but he''s super hot."


    They all giggled and I faked a gag at Ash. Heughed at me, probably making more girls swoon. The


    guys looked at him angrily, sizing up their newpetition. Then their eyesnded on me, and I could


    feel them roaming down my body. I hate immature boys.


    "Yo, check her out."


    A guy in a letterman jacket bumped his buddy in the arm. The guy turned from his locker, his chocte


    brown eyes meeting mine. I had to fight the blush, taking a deep breath. He was actually cute, and his


    eyes never ventured below my face.


    "Must be new." Was all he said.


    "Come on, bro. She''s fucking hot. I''m going to tap that by the end of the week." He promised himself


    and I had to stifle myughter. They don''t need to know I can hear them.


    "Quit it, Micheal." His friend scolded him.


    Ash stiffened with anger beside me. I poked his side and shook my head at him, giving him a smile. He


    sighed, rolling his eyes and letting it go.


    Neither Ash nor I shrunk under the gazes and whispers of all the students. We''re used to being stared


    at everywhere we go. At least here no one will expect much of me.


    We finally arrived at the office and collected our schedules. We had lunch and 8th period together, but


    that was it.


    "I''ll meet you outside the cafeteria for lunch." He told me as we looked at our schedules more.


    "Wait here a moment and I''ll have a couple kidse give you a tour of the school." The administrative


    assistant told us.


    Ash''s person came before mine. It was the boy who had been at his locker. He was a very handsome


    guy. He had dark ck hair that hung in waves by his shoulders. It was parted down the middle and


    framed his face well. His chocte eyes met mine again, catching me staring at him. I quickly looked


    away, fighting the blush away. I don''t usually get so affected by someone''s eyes.


    "Ah Antonio." The assistant called his name. "Could you please show Ash, our new student, around the


    school?" She asked him.


    "Of course Ms. Sims. And remember it''s Toni." He reminded her of his nickname. She nodded her head


    at him.


    I heard Ash and Toni making pleasantries as they left the office. My person showed up shortly after


    they left the room. She was a very short and extremely skinny girl. She had ck glossy hair and tan


    skin. She had the nicest and most weing smile.


    "Hello Rachel. This is Ember, she''s new here. Could you please show her around the school?" She


    asked and Rachel nodded.


    She seemed like my type of person. She had on a band T, dark jeans and bright red converse.


    Normally I''d be wearing a simr style, but Ash and I went neutral today. I wore a ck shirt with white


    pants and ck converse. Ash wore a white shirt with ck jeans and white converse. We were the


    inverse of one another... like always.


    "Yes ma''am." Rachel responded to Ms. Sims. I grabbed my things and Rachel took the schedule from


    my hands as we left the office. "Hey, we have 2nd, and 8th period together. Oh we also have lunch at


    the same time." She said excitedly.


    "Oh cool." I wasn''t sure what to say to that. She was a lot bubblier than I thought she would be.


    Rachel led me around the school showing me my sses and exining this high school''s hierarchy.


    "You should join my group for lunch. We sit outside by the fountains. They''ll love you, I''m sure." She


    smiled at me.


    "Um yeah, okay. Is it alright if my brother joins?" I asked her.


    "Of course. I didn''t know you had a brother."


    "Twin actually. Although we don''t look like it."


    "That''s so cool! I''ve always been jealous of the closeness twins have. I''m an only child." She exined.


    "Anyway, here''s your first period. She''ll excuse your tardy today but make sure to not bete, ever.


    She''s super strict. I swear Mrs. Williams hates kids. I don''t know why she chose to teach." Rachel joked


    as she waved goodbye. I waved back, feeling like I made the right choiceing here.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

 Ch. 2

    Ch. 2


    I knocked on the door and a student opened it.


    "You must be my new student." An olderdy with long faded blonde hair and sses greeted me from


    the front of the room. I nodded my head at her. "Take a seat at one of the empty chairs." She


    instructed.


    Everyone kept their attention on me as I took a seat in the back row. Boys eyeing my body again and


    girls giving me curious or jealous nces. It''s always the same no matter where you go I guess. At


    least here I won''t be as much of a failure. I fit better with the humans than anywhere else.


    Mrs. Williams continued her trig lesson. The bell rang shortly after, and I collected my things.


    Next was P.E. with Rachel. I''m d we have a couple sses together, it gives me a friendly face in


    the crowd. I walked down the hall Rachel showed me earlier.


    "Ember!" Ash''s voice called from behind me and I turned to find him with Toni still. His 6''2 self was easy


    to spot amongst the crowd. I waited for him to catch up.


    "Hey, what''s up?" I asked him.


    "I have P.E. now too. We''ll be in the gym at the same time. So it''s kind of like we have 2nd period


    together after all." He smiled excitedly, he''s just like a kid sometimes. I was unable to hold my smile


    back.


    "That''s great." I told him.


    "Oh hey, this is Toni. He''s invited us to sit with him at lunch." Ash introduced. "Toni, this is my twin,


    Ember."


    "Hey." Toni nodded at me. His eyes catching mine again. My heart fluttered for a moment... odd.


    "Hey." I awkwardly nodded back. "Ash. I had someone invite me to sit with them at lunch as well." I told


    him pouting. "Her name is Rachel." I told him. "I''ll introduce you in P.E. we have it together."


    "Oh." Ash sounded disappointed.


    "We don''t have to sit together, you know. If you want to sit with Toni." I don''t want to keep him from


    making friends. He did switch schools for me already. He pouted thinking for a moment.


    "If it''s the same Rachel, I''m thinking about, she''s my cousin. I sit near her, anyway. So it seems we all


    would have wound up at the same spot." Toni added and Ash lit up.


    "Ha! How perfect." Ash was so easy to make happy. I smiled again, shaking my head at him. Silly


    brother. "I think we''re doing really well for our first day." He whispered in my ear.


    "Don''t jinx it." I poked him in the side making him grimace.


    Toniughed. I forgot he was there for a moment. I fought the blush from creeping on my cheeks again.


    We made it to the gym and I went to my spot, seeing Rachel in the distance. She waved at me and


    then at her cousin Toni, behind me. How coincidental.


    She led me down the stairs to a locker room marked girls. Inside were a group of girls changing in the


    open. I have never changed in front of anyone before. Rachel lent me some shorts that felt way too


    short and a shirt.


    "Come on, let''s go before we''re bothered." She started to push me back out, but it was toote.


    A tall 5''9 girl stood before my 5''3 self. Her long blonde hair was tied back in a high ponytail. She was


    really pretty with dark blue eyes and sharp features.


    "Hey, Rachel. Were you able to talk to Toni?" She asked her.


    "I told you I wasn''t going to get involved. Talk to him yourself." Rachel snapped.


    Tall blonde girl made a face. I can tell I''m not going to like this girl. She reached to grab Rachel, but I


    instinctively grabbed her wrist and pulled it down. She bent forward, following her wrist. She looked up


    at me pissed and confused. I let her wrist go pushing her back up. I didn''t mean to do that. I sighed.


    Damnit.


    "Leave her alone." Was all I said to her before grabbing Rachel and walking out. My heart was racing,


    knowing there would be bacshter for that. Rachelughed beside me as we left the locker room.


    "Oh girl. You didn''t need to do that, but I really appreciate it." She told me. "That''s Myra. Queen B of


    sorts. She and Toni were dating for a while before he broke up with her. He''s not into mean girls and he


    didn''t like the way Myra acted with others." She exined. "Myra thinks she can get me to change his


    mind." She rolled her eyes.


    "I''m sorry. I know what that''s like. To be the in-between of girls and a rtive. It happens to me with my


    brother a lot." I exined.


    "The twin that doesn''t look like you?" She asked.


    "Yeah. You''ll meet him here in a minute. He has P.E. this period too."


    "Oh I''m very curious now." She wiggled her eyebrows and I smiled.


    We headed back up to the gym. All the boys'' eyesnded on me from across the floor, as we walked to


    our spot. I heard some whistles, but I kept my head up. I refuse to blush or show any vulnerability.


    "You got a boyfriend Ember?" Rachel asked.


    "No, I do not." I told her. "Haven''t met a boy that doesn''t annoy me yet." I joked, but really I''ve had my


    heart broken too deeply to want to date anyone right now.


    I saw Ash from across the way. He must have borrowed some clothes too. He had a pair of navy blue


    gym shorts and a gray shirt on. He was tense, trying not to get onto all the boys for looking at me.


    ''What are you wearing?'' He mind linked.


    Ash and I could link one another since we were 5. It''s the only person I can do it with.


    ''Gym clothes, duh. I borrowed some from Rachel.''


    ''Those shorts are too short.'' He scowled at me and I returned it.


    ''Trust me, I know. I don''t like it. I''ll have my own clothes tomorrow.''


    A whistle sounded loudly, making my ears ring. I could tell who was a werewolf by the way they reacted


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    to the whistle, and it seems Toni and Rachel are among them.


    Rachel seemed to notice my sensitivity to the whistle too and we shared a knowing look. Only she


    probably didn''t really know about me.


    "All right, girls today we y with the boys instead of against them. Get in groups of 4." She instructed,


    leaving to go talk to the boys coach who had just given the same instructions to the boys.


    Ash and I locked eyes and made a Beeline for one another. Rachel and Toni followed behind each of


    us.


    "Well that was easy." Ash smiled as we all joined.


    "Rachel, this is my brother, Ash." I introduced him to her.


    "Hey" He gave her a small wave.


    "Hey. You guys aren''t normies are you?" She asked suddenly.


    "Rachel!" Toni scolded her. His voice came off strong, sending butterflies fluttering around my stomach.


    "What? You can totally smell it on him." She defended.


    "Yeah, we''re not human." Ash answered quickly.


    "I thought you guys weren''t. I wasn''t sure though." Toni said smiling.


    I nodded my head. I''m not correcting him about me.


    "We''re more than that." Ash said, not looking away from Rachel. "Our Dad''s a dragon and our mom is a


    werewolf and elf." Ash revealed.


    Toni whistled impressively.


    "That''s a really rare pairing. So wait, do you guys have both a dragon and a wolf?" He asked excitedly


    and Ash realized he messed up. He cleared his throat awkwardly.


    "I have both." Ash said, looking at me. "But Ember.."


    "I have none." I finished for him, crossing my arms and looking ahead at the wall.


    I could tell Toni was feeling sympathy for me, but I didn''t want that.


    "I''m sorry." Ash told me and I poked him in the side again. I didn''t want him to be sad.


    "Shut up. I''m fine." I rolled my eyes at him. "I''ll still beat your ass at this game." I smiled at him.


    I was the better fighter between Ash and I, but he always overpowered me. I could beat him in sports


    though. We all yed for a while until the coach blew her whistle and it was time to change. I beat Ash


    as often as I could. He was pouty when we seperated to go change.


    "Who was that guy you guys were ying with today?" Myra asked us as we changed.


    "What''s it to you?" I snapped. I wasn''t in the best mood.


    "Curious minds want to know." She stated, slightly snarky.


    "He''s Ember''s twin." Rachel answered, realizing they wouldn''t leave till they had one.


    Suddenly Myra looked at me differently and I knew she nned on wheasiling her way into my life. She


    now needs me to get close to my brother.


    "You shoulde sit with us at lunch. We would love to host the new students." She was suddenly so


    sweet.


    "No thanks. I already have ns." I mmed Rachel''s locker closed and grabbed her. I pulled her out


    of the locker room. "Sorry." I sighed letting go of her hand.


    "Hey, I get it. I''ll meet you outside at lunch, okay?" She smiled and waved goodbye

 Ch. 3

    Ch. 3


    "What do you have next period?" Ash came up behind me making me jump. I pped his arm.


    "Stop that." I hate when he masks his presence to me. "I have science." I told him.


    "I have math on the other side of the building. Toni has science during this period though." He smiled.


    "Hey Toni!" He called him over. "Will you walk Ember to ss for me? Please. I don''t like the idea of her


    alone in these halls with all these assholes." He sounded like Dad for a moment.


    "Ash! You can''t just ask someone you just met to walk me around school. Quit it!" I scolded him.


    "I don''t mind." Toni smiled at me and my heart skipped for a moment. He has a really sweet smile like


    Rachel''s. Only his smile does something different to me.


    I fought the crimson off my cheeks, as I blushed too quickly for me to stop it entirely. Ash noticed it and


    arched an eyebrow at me curiously.


    ''Shut up.'' I linked him and he smiled.


    "Meet you at lunch." He yelled back, walking down the hall. He and Rachel were headed the same way


    so they were talking as they walked.


    "You ready?" Toni asked and I turned to see his face closer than I expected.


    His eyes met mine, setting my stomach a ze with butterflies. I nodded my head at him, afraid my


    voice would give away how timid I was feeling right now. I''m not normally so bashful around boys. I


    usually just find them all annoying, but something''s different with him. I''m not sure what.


    "So where were you and Ash going to school before you came here?" He asked, trying to make friendly


    conversation.


    I peered at him from the corner of my eye. He was really handsome up close too. He had a strong face,


    yet with a smile on it, it seemed so inviting. He had a strong jawline and a little nose. He had tan skin,


    and I''m pretty sure he''s Hispanic. I liked the way his hair waved perfectly together.


    "Um, we went to school in the elf kingdom nearby. That''s where we live. After school is dragon training


    with our Dad. Eryn trains us in magic, archery, and swordsmanship every other evening. On the


    weekends Charleses over and trains us in fighting and then helps Ash train his wolf so that he


    doesn''t take him over power wise. Apparently that can be a thing." I answered, realizing I gave him


    more information than he asked for.


    "Geez that''s a lot. Why so much?" He raised his eyebrows, surprised.


    "Mom grew up not knowing she was part elf and she fell behind on getting to know that part of her. She


    wants to make sure that Ash and I know every bit of ourselves, our magic and our heritage." I sighed.


    "Although, I feel like most of it doesn''t apply to me right now."


    I don''t know why I was opening up to him like this. I don''t usually say how I feel aloud, yet alone to


    someone else.


    "Why do you have to?" He asked, curious. He wasn''t giving me any pity and I appreciated that.


    "My mom is just hoping that my magic or even my wolf are just dormant. I think she''s hoping for too


    much at this point." I shook my head. "I''m already 17, I think it would have happened by now."


    "I mean it could be. I''ve known some people that didn''t get their wolf till they were 20 and their body


    could handle them. The more powerful the wolf theter theye sometimes. Maybe yours is just too


    powerful." He smiled trying to make me feel better. I chuckled, shaking my head.


    "Doubtful." Although, what I wouldn''t give for that to be true.


    We got to the ssroom, finally. There was an older man with a receding hairline standing at the door


    greeting everyone.


    "You''ll love Mr. ck. He''s really sweet and makes this ss as fun as he can." Toni whispered to me


    as we approached. His breath sent goosebumps down my spine. I could smell the mint in it. I love the


    smell of mint.


    "Hello there. You must be the new student I keep hearing about. I''m Mr. ck." He shook my hand as I


    approached him.


    "Ember Viseron." I told him.


    "Come on in Ember. You can sit with Toni. He''s been without ab partner for some time now. Thanks


    for being here Ember." He moved aside letting me into the room.


    "Viseron is yourst name?" Toni asked.


    "Yup." I followed him to our table. They wereb tables that sat 2 per table on stools.


    "So the Charles you spoke about earlier is the Alpha Charles?" He asked me, utterly shocked.


    "Yup that''s him. He''s my mom''s 1st mate. Kinda like a second dad to me." Between Charles and Eryn, I


    was closest to Charles. He seemed to understand me better.


    "So, that means Ash is the next alpha." He was clicking pieces together in his mind.


    "No, Ash is going to be taking over the kingdom. My mom''s pregnant right now with Charlie, Charles''


    kid. He''ll get the pack when hees of age." I corrected him. We had decided this a while back. Ash


    shined better in the elf kingdom than the packnds. I somehow did better on packnds maybe


    because I was just as strong as them in human form, but Charlie will be the rightful heir.


    Toni''s mouth fell open. He seemed so surprised.


    "Howe I''ve never even seen you guys there?" His chocte eyes were melting away my resolve


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    to stay clear of boys.


    "We stay there during the summers when we aren''t in school. Our summer schedule is different from


    the school year schedule."


    "That exins it. My family and Rachel''s travel to visit our other family during the summer." He nodded


    his head. "That''s pretty cool though." He gave me a dashing smile, his teeth shining perfectly.


    "Thanks." I smirked, my heart set a flutter.


    Mr. ck was really fun. He had us do ab, and Toni wasn''t just handsome, but smart too. I''m pretty


    sure I know more though, but I won''t be arrogant enough to say that aloud.


    I went to grab the microscope from the center of the table at the same time Toni did. Our hands


    touched and my head started to ring loudly. It felt like a terrible headache. Yet where his hand touched


    mine felt like fireworks were going off. My hairs stood on my arms, goosebumps running through me.


    I grabbed my head from all the ringing. It was so loud and strong. I squeezed at my temples, wincing.


    "Mate" Toni''s wolf said so silently I almost didn''t hear it.


    I started getting dizzy, my head was spinning and my vision was tunneling. Can I have a mate? I don''t


    have a wolf. Shouldn''t he be with someone with a wolf?


    "Ember?" His voice rang in my ear, but it was toote. I was falling out of my chair, passing out. I felt


    him catch me before I hit the floor, his touch sent fireworks through me.

 Ch. 4

    Ch. 4


    I woke up in the nurse''s office. My head felt like it was splitting open. I had the worst migraine of my life.


    ''Dear Goddess. I thought I would never get toe out.'' A voice in my head echoed.


    ''What the fuck?''


    Suddenly an image of a light gray wolf, with arge patch of white over it''s right eye came to the front


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    of my mind. The wolf had one blue eye and one gold.


    ''That''s one way of greeting your wolf.'' Sheughed. ''It''s been so hard not being able to talk to you. I''ve


    been with you all this time, Ember. I''m sorry I couldn''te out till you found our mate.'' She exined.


    I couldn''t believe my mind right now. Was this real? Had my wolf really been lying dormant all this time?


    I''m not just human? Tears started to pool in my eyes. I was so happy.


    "Ember are you okay?" Toni''s voice brought me back to reality. I quickly wiped my tears away. I didn''t


    want him to see that.


    "Yeah I''m fine. What happened?" I asked him.


    "Well Reep came forward and called you our mate and then you just passed out." He gave me a smirk


    that swirled the butterflies in my stomach.


    I remembered it all now. That horrible ringing in my head. That''s what is causing my massive


    headache.


    ''Sorry that was me breaking through the barrier. It weakened when our mate found us, giving me a way


    toe through. My name''s Talia.'' She told me.


    ''What barrier?'' I asked her, confused.


    ''The one created for you. To keep you safe from dark magic. I''ll exin moreter. Breaking free has


    tired me, so I need to rest.'' She disappeared then, before I could say anything else.


    My already sharp senses felt even more enhanced now. The smell of mint and wet earth hit me


    strongly. It was absolutely intoxicating. I sniffed around the air trying to find where the smell was


    "Why do you smell so nice?" I asked him, stupidly. That''s such an embarrassing question. I pped my


    forehead. "Ignore me. I''m obviously not in my right mind." I shook my head.


    "I don''t think I could ignore you even if I wanted to." Toni chuckled. "I smell nice to you because I''m


    your mate Ember. You smell so intoxicating to me too." He exined, I looked at him through the


    cracks of my fingers.


    "I do?" I asked him.


    "Yes, very much so." He smiled at me.


    He grabbed my wrist pulling it down from my face. His touch had me feeling dizzy all over again. I


    crave his hands on me more than I would like to admit.


    ''Ash! I need you. I''m in the nurse''s office.'' I called him.


    I can''t be alone with Toni right now. I don''t know him or my wolf that well. I know you''re supposed to


    trust your wolf, but I am not sure I do, at least not yet.


    ''What the fuck? What happened?'' Ash''s voice was full of worry.


    ''I''ll tell you when you get here.''


    ''I''m d I have a free period this hour.'' He mumbled, but I could tell he was making his way here.


    "Are you sure you''re okay?" Toni''s eyes studied me as he asked.


    "Yeah, you should go back to ss. Ash is on his way now." I told him. Toni scrunched his eyebrows at


    me.


    "Are you sure?" He wanted to stay, I could tell.


    "Yeah. I''m good. Ash has got me covered."


    Toni nodded his head. He was still concerned, but he was kind enough to respect my wishes.


    "Just so you know it''s 4th period now. Lunch will start in 20 minutes and I''ll be waiting for you outside.


    We need to talk." He told me, standing up.


    "Okay."


    My heart raced at his words. No wonder mom can''t seem to keep her hands off her mates. It''s hard to


    resist thr urge I have to just jump on him and kiss those pink lips of his. He gave me onest look


    before leaving the room. I sighedying back on the bed. I didn''t expect my first day to be this eventful.


    "Ember?" Ash''s voice called out.


    "I''m here." I yelled back at him. He opened the curtain with a crazed look in his eyes. He was in


    overprotective mode.


    "So what happened?"


    "Ash!" I sat up excitedly. He was the first person I wanted to tell. "I got my wolf."


    His face went from confused, to disbelief, to shock and then finally happiness.


    "Are you serious?" He squeezed me into one of his big bear hugs, the ones that leave my lungs


    gasping for air. I tapped his arm, reminding him I need to breathe. "Sorry." He told me as I took a


    breath. "I''m just so happy for you. It''s about damn time!" He yelled.


    "Shh! People will hear you." I couldn''t help the smile that stayed on my face though. "She told me


    something concerning though." I bit my cheek thinking about it.


    Ash took a seat in the chair Toni had been sitting in earlier. He furrowed his brows at me, listening


    closely.


    "She said she had been behind a barrier. The barrier was created for my safety ording to her. She


    was able toe through because it weakened when I found my mate. I don''t get-" I started before


    Ash interrupted.


    "You found your mate?!" He shot up from his chair excited again. I gave him a look and he sat back


    done. "Right, sorry. Continue."


    "I don''t get how a barrier was created. By who? And why? And does that mean that I have magic too?


    I''m really confused." I admitted.


    "My turn?" He asked and I nodded my head. "Okay, first let''s take a moment to celebrate that you


    fucking got your wolf." He smiled so big and I smiled back. "Second, you better tell me who your mate


    is! Lastly, could you not just ask your wolf these questions?"


    "She is dormant again for a little bit. A different kind of dormant than before. I can feel her still, but she''s


    unreachable. She said she needed to rest aftering out. So I can''t ask her anything right now. She


    said she would tell me everything when she is rested though. I just don''t know. I''m not sure I trust her."


    I admitted picking at the sheets under me.


    "Listen, your wolf is the person you can trust the most. No wolf has ever wished to harm their person.


    They live in us, if we''re hurt they are hurt. You can also tell when your wolf is lying to you. It gives you a


    stomach ache. The bond between wolf and human is sacred and must be respected by both parties.


    You need to trust your wolf or you''re going to end up with a whole other set of problems." He cautioned


    me and I was grateful for his wisdom. "Don''t think I didn''t notice you avoiding the mate question." He


    arched an eyebrow expectantly.


    "It''s Toni." I whispered, my cheeks blushing. Ashughed, pping his knee.


    "Well damn, Ember. I always thought I would find my mate first. I gotta catch up." He joked, and I rolled


    my eyes, smiling at him.


    The bell rang at that moment.


    "You feel up for eating?" Ash asked me.


    "You know I always am." I smiled.


    I am always eating. I feel like I can never be full. I''m always down for food.

 Ch. 5

    Ch. 5


    We headed out of the nurse''s office and toward the cafeteria. We grabbed some tray lunches, eyes still


    very much on us. We''re still the talk of the school.


    We headed outside with our food where I spotted Toni sitting at a blue pic table around arge


    fountain. He was smiling, and talking with some friends. A lot of them wore letterman jackets. Micheal


    was amongst the group, making me question Toni''s judgment. Rachel was sitting at the fountain


    surrounded by her own friends, but still close to Toni''s area.


    "I''ll go sit with Rachel. You sit with Toni. We''ll still be close, but actually sitting with the people we want."


    I told Ash.


    "You sure you don''t want to sit by Toni?" He sang his name, teasing me. I poked his side hard. "Ouch,


    okay. Sorry." We went our separate ways to our group.


    "Ember!" Rachel called me over. I smiled at her, making my way toward her. "Everyone, this is Ember.


    That''s her twin Ash." She pointed at Ash who was now sitting beside Toni being introduced like me.


    "Ember this is Autumn."


    Rachel pointed to a girl with orange red hair. It was barely above her shoulders and was very wavy.


    She wore a ck short sleeve turtleneck shirt under her brown overall dress. She really fit her name.


    "This is Josh."


    Rachel pointed to a guy with a small blue mohawk that matched the color of his eyes. He wore jeans


    with suspenders hanging off the sides, a white shirt, and a ck jacket. He nodded at me and I nodded


    back.


    "This is his girlfriend Dawn." Rachel added.


    Dawn had long straight hair that was cut with manyyers. Her hair was a dark blue with streaks of


    dark matte purple. Her eyes were hunter green and intense. She had a bad case of resting bitch face.


    She wore ripped, baggy ck jeans, and a white shirt with ck stripes.


    "Finally, this is Leti."


    Leti had dark ck hair that curled wildly around her head. She had beautiful skin, dark with a golden


    undertone. Her eyes were a light hazel and she had a small mole on her upper right cheek. She


    seemed sweet like Rachel, giving me a smile that I reciprocated. She wore gold hoop earrings and a


    long sleeve dark green dress.


    "Sit and eat." Rachel patted the spot beside her.


    "Thanks." I said taking my seat beside her. I started eating, as Rachel and her friends talked.


    "Dude, no. I told you that the concert was going to suck. I mean you saw the lineup. It wasn''t worth it to


    me." Josh spoke to Leti.


    "Well that one band was worth the 3 awful ones to me." She defended.


    "I''m with Leti." Autumn sided.


    "I''m with Josh." Dawn added, wrapping her arms around his.


    I''m not sure I like Dawn very much. She gives me poser vibes and she seems the crazy jealous type.


    "Well Rachel. What do you think?" Josh asked.


    All eyes went to her and I could tell she didn''t want that responsibility. She gave me a cheeky smile and


    I shook my head, realizing what she was nning.


    "I think we should hear from the new member of the group. I''m sure Ember has an opinion." I almost


    choked on my drink.


    "That prep. I doubt it." Dawn muttered.


    She called me a prep. What a fucking insult.


    "What was the band that you guys felt was worth it?" I asked Leti and Autumn. I want to side with them,


    but I also won''t just say they are right if I don''t agree.


    "Never shout never." Leti responded and I winced.


    "Leti no." I acted hurt. "I so wanted to be on your side too."


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Everyoneughed at mystment.


    "I approve of our new member." Josh smiled at me and I smiled back.


    Dawn gave me a scowl and I heard a growl from the pic table. Toni was looking at Josh for a


    moment. Ash was smiling at me and I rolled my eyes at him. Toni got up and Ash followed closely


    behind.


    "We need to talk." Toni told me, standing down. He was even more handsome in the sunlight.


    "I''vee to meet new friends." Ash said happily. He sounded so innocent. He''s just like a child, I


    swear. "Just till Ember gets back. I don''t wanna cramp her style." Ash joked.


    I poked his side again. I do that when he annoys me, and he''s been annoying me a lot today it seems.


    He rubbed the spot, saying ouch.


    "Oh hush." I scolded him as I got up and started to follow Toni.


    "Everyone, this is Ash." I could hear Rachel start to introduce him.


    "Listen, I told you that you''re my mate. I know that you don''t have your wolf, so this probably doesn''t


    mean much to you, but could you please not test my wolf in front of everyone? He''s really possessive


    and strong. I''m still learning to control him." I felt slightly annoyed at his words.


    "Excuse me? How did I openly test your wolf?" I crossed my arms and arched my eyebrow.


    "Flirting with that guy." He signaled to Josh with his hand.


    "First of all, I just met the guy. I am not so daring as to flirt with someone I just met. On top of that he


    has a girlfriend. Literally the girl right next to him. Secondly, just because you feel like you have some


    im on me doesn''t mean you actually do. You don''t get to tell me what to do. Learn to control


    yourself. I''m not responsible for your wolf." I was annoyed.


    I started to walk away but Toni grabbed my wrist, turning me back around. His touch alone was starting


    to melt away the annoyance I was feeling at him.


    "I''m sorry. That''s not what I meant." He let go of my wrist, hanging his head. "I just don''t know what to


    do. Reep is going crazy in me and seeing you smile at him just drove him mad. You''re right though it


    isn''t your responsibility. I''m not trying to tell you what to do." He sighed. "I''m just having a hard time. I''m


    sorry I bothered you."


    Damn it, Toni. I rolled my eyes and sighed letting the annoyance fade awaypletely.


    "I forgive you. I understand what you''re saying. Charles will sometimese to my mom at random


    times and just hug her real tight, inhaling her scent to calm his wolf, Gunner. Apparently feeling your


    mate close helps calm-"


    Toni grabbed my wrist and pulled me flush against his chest. He wrapped his arms around me and


    rested his face in the nape of my neck, inhaling deeply. My body was on fire, yet cool at the same time.


    My heart felt like it was going to burst from my chest. I feel like my eyes are going to roll back in my


    head from how good he smells. After a few seconds he pulled away.


    "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have done that, but you''re right, it calmed Reep down."


    I cleared my throat, fighting down the blush that crept on my face.


    "You''re right you shouldn''t have done that." I quickly turned, too embarrassed to keep looking at him.


    That was the first time a non rtive hugged me that tightly. I walked towards Ash and Rachel, not


    sparing a nce behind me.


    "That seemed steamy." Ash teased me, wiggling his eyebrows.


    "I''ll beat you to a pulpter if you keep it up." I threatened him and he shut up.


    "I''d pay to see that." Josh chuckled. "You''re so smallpared to him."


    "Yet she beats my ass every time." Ash hung his head as he walked back to Toni''s table.


    "I love you, Twinkie." I yelled after him.


    His head perked back up, and he turned around smiling at me.


    "Ha! I love you too Twinkie." He pointed at me with both his hands. He''s a goof.

 Ch. 6

    Ch. 6


    Lunch ended without a hitch and I had a free period after. I headed to the library, curious about the


    selection here. I walked through the aisle trying to find something of interest, but I didn''t see anything.


    "I''m not sure you''ll find anything here for you." His husky voice rang in my ear. "I guess you have a free


    period this hour too."


    I turned to find those sweet chocte eyes staring at me. I took a step back, trying to keep my


    distance. Mate bond or not, I''m not gonna let it ovee me. I just met him today, even if every cell in


    my body is screaming I need him.


    "Well since you seem to think you know my style. What do you suggest?" I crossed my arms and


    arched my eyebrow at him. He just gave me this sexy crooked smile, his hands shoved deep in his


    pockets.


    "Follow me." He whispered and my curiosity peaked too much not to follow.


    He led me to the back of the library. A secluded spot from everyone else. Suddenly I questioned why I


    followed him. He walked to the corner and looked around before pulling a bookcase forward like a door.


    Oh my gosh a secret passage! I got giddy with excitement.


    "Come on." He smiled at me and my heart fluttered.


    I entered and he closed the way behind him. He checked his watch, before leading me down the dark


    corridor. Normally I wouldn''t be able to see in the dark, but now that I have my wolf it seems that I can.


    "F*ck, I forgot. I''m sorry. I''m going to grab your hand so I can guide you in the dark, okay?" He asked.


    He still doesn''t know I have my wolf, and I''m not sure I want to tell him. He took my silence as


    permission and took my hand in his. His hands were rough and calloused. I can tell he works hard by


    these hands.


    The feeling of his skin touching mine, sent my cells bursting with pleasure. My heart was fluttering and


    the butterflies in my stomach were swarming around. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself, but it


    didn''t help. All I ended up doing was taking a deep breath of his intoxicating scent.


    We walked a short way down. I could tell we were going underground as it started to get cooler. We


    approached a room with dim lighting, and that''s when Toni let go on my hand. I felt myself rx when


    he did. I felt like myself again, not like a crazy hormonal teen.


    "Wee to our hidden supernatural section. We have books here just for us. Go ahead and look


    around." He told me.


    The room was round with tall bookshelves on every wall. The books ranged in age and in species. It


    wasn''t as great as the library at home, but pretty impressive for where it was.


    "This is nice." I told him as I continued looking at the books.


    "d you like it." He sat in the chair in the center of the room. I could feel his eyes on me, piercing the


    skin on my back.


    I turned to look at him. He didn''t look away, just met my gaze. Those eyes of his melt me like chocte.


    "So, what''s your n?" I asked him, making my way towards him.


    "My n?" He leaned his head on his fingertips.


    "Yes, to get me to ept you." I smirked teasingly.


    "Oh Ember. I promise I''m going to have you swooning over me soon. I''m really quite a catch you


    know?" I could tell he was only joking. He wasn''t this arrogant.


    "Oh really?" I sat in the chair in front him.


    "Obviously not." Heughed. "I''m going to let you get to know me. I''ll probably pester you everyday.


    You''ll see me so much you won''t be able to remember a time I wasn''t present. I''ll slowly break down


    that wall of yours. I''ve been told I''m quite the romantic, so be ready to be romanticized." He winked at


    me and Iughed.


    "Got it." I nodded my head.


    "We better get back, 6th period will be starting soon." He held his hand out for me again.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    "Okay." I took his hand, feeling giddy as his skin touched mine again.


    We made it out without anyone seeing us. The bell rang right as Toni closed the bookcase door.


    "I''ll see you 8th period." He told me.


    He grabbed my wrist pulling me tightly against his chest. His nose inhaled my scent at the nape of my


    neck. I froze stuff for a moment, trying not to be ovee by the mate bond. Feeling his face so close


    to my marking spot sent shivers down my spine. He pulled away quickly.


    "Sorry. I needed that to hold me over until I see you again." He left before I could say anything.


    It took me a moment to collect myself and head to my 6th period. Nothing exciting there. Just some


    human history I really have no interest in. After that was 7th period which seemed to fly by quickly.

 Ch. 7

    Ch. 7


    The bell rang releasing us to ourst period of the day. It''s been a really long first day, so this ss


    couldn''te sooner. Yet I also didn''t want it toe at all, knowing Toni will be there.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The teacher was waiting to greet us by the door. She was a younger teacher, probably mid 20s. She


    had long straight brown hair with naturally blonde streaks. She had a sweet smile and pretty dark


    brown eyes.


    "Hi there, are you my other new student?" She asked me. Her voice was sweet as honey.


    "Yes ma''am. Ember Viseron." I introduced myself.


    "So nice to meet you Ember. Wee to the school. I hope it''s been a good first day. My name is Mrs.


    Allen. Pleasee in and take a seat. There should be an empty chair at one other table. We sit in


    groups of 4 in my ss." She exined and I nodded my head.


    I walked in and saw Ash sitting at a table with Rachel, Leti, and one other male student. I looked


    around for that one empty seat and of course it''s in front of Toni and beside Josh, and let''s not forget


    queen B herself, Myra.


    ''Traitor!'' I mind linked Ash and he just smiled at me.


    ''No way I''m sitting by her. I''ve heard stories from Toni. I''m staying clear.'' He exined, and I guess I


    could understand that.


    I drug my feet as I walked to the empty chair. Toni noticed me right away giving me that sexy crooked


    smirk. Myra rolled her eyes at me and Josh still wasn''t aware of my presence. He''s gotta be just


    human. I plopped my things down before taking a seat.


    "Hey, if it isn''t my girl Ember." Josh greeted me. He held out his first for me to bump and I did


    awkwardly. Toni stiffened in his chair. "Dude, I had no idea you were in this ss." Josh smiled at me.


    "Well I do need English ss." I took my seat finally. I tapped Toni''s foot purposefully, trying to give him


    some type of hidden attention to calm him. He rxed a bit at that.


    "Happy you could finally join me." Toni smiled at me and I rolled my eyes, but couldn''t help the corner


    of my lips twitching up.


    A hand suddenly touched my shoulder, an unwee one. Toni tried hard not to growl.


    "Hey, it''s Ember right? Remember me from this morning?" Micheal asked, his hand still on my shoulder.


    "How could I forget? Now remove your hand before you lose it." I seethed, but he didn''t take me


    seriously.


    "I would do what she says, Micheal." Toni added through gritted teeth.


    Micheal finally removed his hand.


    "Listen, my folks are going out of town this weekend and I''m throwing a rager at my house. You should


    Joshughed beside me, lightening my mood.


    "Of course, because without her there it would turn into more of a bro fest. No girls ever show up to


    your ''parties''." Josh shook his head.


    "What did you say emo?" Micheal got mad.


    "Are you deaf now too? Maybe you should stop taking too many hits to the head in football." Josh


    retorded. Oh I very much like Josh. He''s very entertaining.


    Micheal stepped over to Josh''s seat towering over him. I could see Ash fighting the urge toe help.


    He was respecting my wishes. Micheal pulled his fist back ready to punch Josh. I jumped out of my


    seat and caught Micheal''s fist inches from Josh''s face. They both stared at me surprised. I squeezed


    hard on Micheal''s knuckles causing him to wince in pain. I stepped closer to him, cing my lips right


    next to his ear.


    "Touch me or my friends again, and I''ll break your hand so bad you''ll need surgery to fix it." I whispered


    to him. "Nod if you got the message."


    He nodded his head and I let him go, sitting back at my desk. Micheal scurried away like the cockroach


    he is. Mrs. Allen walked in right as he took his seat.


    "Thanks for that." Josh leaned in towards me. Toni stiffened again. He''s going to have a hard time in


    this ss.


    "Thank you too." I haven''t had a friend insult someone for me before. He nodded his head.


    Mrs. Allen is a sweet and caring teacher. Her lessons seem pretty fun too. We worked in our groups to


    read and analyze a passage. Josh was very insightful and Myra was definitely our weakest link.


    "Wait, so what''s the answer to number #2?" She asked again, lost.


    Toni seemed to lose his patience and scooted his paper over for her to just copy. He leaned forward on


    the desk. His hand stretched out close to my desk. I think he was hoping I would do the same so our


    hands would graze. Too obvious Toni, try harder. The bell rang finally and we all scrambled up,


    grabbing our things and packing up.


    "Great job everyone. We''ll continue this tomorrow. Have a nice day!" Ms. Allen called out.


    "I think I like our new friend even more now. She''s very intelligent, Rachel." Josh told her as he headed


    out. "See you tomorrow." He called back to us both. We waved.


    "I think I like you more after what you did to Micheal." Rachelughed. "Toni, why are your friends such


    tools?"


    "They aren''t my friends. More like ''keep your friends close and your enemies closer'' kind of thing." Toni


    exined.


    "Sure, sure." Rachel said sarcastically.


    "Ready?" Ash asked me.


    "Yup let''s go."


    "We need to hurry home. Mom''s gonna flip." Ash said excitedly. I elbowed him in the side.


    "Hush." I warned him.


    "We''ll see you guys tomorrow." We both waved as we stepped out.


    "Ember wait!'' Toni called out to me in the hall. I sighed, but I waited for him. "I decided to ask this time.


    Can I please use you to calm Reep down? Just one more time before you leave. Please."


    Toni sounded so desperate when he asked, his eyes pleading with me. There aren''t many people


    around right now so no one would really see. I contemted for a moment before nodding my head.


    He quickly closed the space between us, his strong arms wrapping around my waist. His nose tickled


    my neck as he inhaled me more. He did it for a lot longer this time than thest two. My face felt hot,


    unable to fight the blush. I almost lost it when his lips lightly grazed against my neck. I immediately


    pulled away, feeling too much of a pull to him.


    "I''m sorry." His eyes were wide with horror. He couldn''t believe he had done that. I just shook my head


    at him, grabbing Ash''s hand and leaving.

 Ch. 8

    Ch. 8


    "What was that?" Ash teased.


    "I shouldn''t have let him." I was mostly telling myself that.


    "He''s your mate, Ember. You know how that is. Just look at mom. She and dad can never keep their


    hands off one another." He added.


    "Yeah. She can''t keep her hands off with Eryn or Charles either." I rolled my eyes.


    "Well yeah, but it''s her and dad that are the most in love." Ash always likes to pretend that it is just


    Mom and Dad and that Eryn and Charles were nothing more than old friends to mom. It shatters his


    delusion of hopefully having one mate.


    "You''re right Ash." I agreed, not wanting to argue right now. "Let''s just get home. Will you open the


    portal please?"


    Ash ced his hand over a tree in the nearby woods and the scent that came out was 100 times worse


    than before. Now I understood why everyone else hated it so much. I had thought they were all being


    babies, but no I just wasn''t smelling it as well as them. We came out of the tunnel in the kingdom.


    "We need to hurry and tell mom. Come on!"


    Ash seems more excited than I am to tell her. He pulled me towards the pce so fast I almost tripped.


    He didn''t relent until we saw mom in the main room. She was having a meeting of sorts, but dismissed


    it as soon as she saw us. She threw her arms around us both.


    "Okay so who''s sharing first?" Mom asked. She always had this thing where we had to take turns telling


    her about our days so that we don''t talk at the same time.


    "I think Ember should share first." Ash smiled at me. Mom looked at me inquisitively. Her rose gold hair


    was up in a bun showing off her beautiful face more.


    "It went great. I made a few friends already. A couple of them are actually from Charles'' pack." I told


    her.


    I feel kind of mmy. I don''t know if I want to tell mom about Talia yet. She''ll want to start testing or


    training me or hell evening into my brain to meet Talia herself. I''m not sure I''m ready for that.


    "That''s great sweetheart! My little fire starter. I''m d this school is treating you better." I could tell mom


    was feeling guilty about the whole elf school treating me shitty. I don''t me her though. "Ash, what


    about you?" She asked him.


    He looked at me confused. He couldn''t understand why I didn''t tell her. I know he''ll probably do it for


    me, but I hope not.


    "I had a fun time. I made a new friend and I really enjoyed observing the humans. They are kind of


    funny." Ash smiled.


    ''Thank you'' I linked him.


    ''I really think you should tell her. She can help Ember.'' His voice sounded sad, like he couldn''t


    understand why I wouldn''t tell her.


    I love mom, I do. I just feel this immense pressure to be something amazing from her. I don''t think she


    realizes she''s doing it though. I internally sighed.


    "My tater tot!" Dad yelled from behind. His arms wrapped around my waist, lifting me up and spinning


    me. He''s always called me tater tot because of my blonde hair and shorter stature. He put me down


    and patted Ash on the back. "My big man!" He smiled at us both as he wrapped his arm around mom''s


    waist. His hand gripped her hip tightly. "My wife." He kissed her sweetly.


    I do love seeing them in love. Dad''s always so sweet to mom.


    "Are you guys ready for training?" Dad asked, his eyes lighting up. He always liked training us. It was


    his form of bonding with us.


    "Yup. Let''s go!" Ash smiled excitedly.


    I started to follow them out, but mom grabbed my hand.


    "Hold on, my little fire starter. I want to talk to you for just a second." She looked at me seriously, but


    not in the ''I''m in trouble'' sense."She''ll catch up with you guys soon." Mom yelled at Dad and Ash and


    they continued up to the roof.


    "What''s up?" I asked her.


    "Ember," She started, squeezing my hand. "I feel I''ve let you down. I just want you to know that I love


    you the way you are. No matter if you get your wolf or dragon or magic. You are still the most amazing


    person. I just didn''t want to believe that because your father and I are different species that you didn''t


    get a wolf or dragon. Heli is my best friend, and I just wanted that for you too."


    Mom had tears in her eyes. What prompted this? I scrunch my eyebrows at her confused. She rubbed


    my hands tenderly.


    "I just feel you pulling away from me more and more heretely, and I''m not sure why. I''m here for you


    Ember. You and your brother, whatever you need." She gave me a small smile, looking a little down.


    She had the most beautiful smile, it doesn''t adorn her face much anymore. My heart stung a little to


    see her tears because of me. I hadn''t noticed I was hurting her. I wrapped my arms around her and we


    embraced each other for a moment. The baby bump wasrge between us. Mom held me tightly,


    pressing her fingers deep in me. She didn''t want to let go. She inhaled my scent.


    ''Everything is going to be okay. She''s going to be okay. She will be happy even without her wolf or


    dragon.'' I heard mom''s voice in my head.


    What the fuck? That''s new. I doubt she linked that to my mind on purpose.


    I just held her tighter. I''ll tell Mom about Talia after she and I get to talk more about the barrier in me. I


    need to have answers before Mom starts asking questions.


    "I love you, Mom." I told her as I pulled away.


    "I love you too." She smiled at me, wrinkling up her eyes.


    I headed up to the roof, meeting up with Ash and Dad. Dad always trained Ash on how to use his fire,


    all forms of his fire. I always watched and listened so that if I ever got my dragon I would know. I also


    used this time to mediate and try to find the tree of life in me. I never did find it. I guess because of that


    barrier.


    We trained for a couple hours before all of us had dinner together. Eryn and Charles tried to join us as


    often as possible. Charles couldn''t join today though.


    Eric''s adorable self was sitting next to Ash as usual. His hair was a light blonde, almost white like


    Eryn''s. He also had Eryn''s dark blue eyes but mom''s slightly darkerplexion. His ears pointed a bit,


    being more elf than werewolf. Eric sadly didn''t get a wolf, just like me, but he at least has elven magic.


    He turned 10 this year and got to touch the tree of life and receive his gift.


    Eryn looked exhausted, something to do with some political meeting. Apparently all elven kings and


    queens will be having a summit in a couple weeks, and we''re the ones hosting it.


    "Larminiel will being from the north. Did you know he had a daughter?" Eryn told mom.


    "Really? Since when?"


    "She''s 17 now. A well kept secret it seems. He found his chosen one around the time the ancient ones


    showed up. She was an elf that had run away from a southern kingdom. He let her stay in his kingdom


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    and they got to know each other better before he finally tied himself to her." Eryn smiled as he told the


    story.


    It seemed Mom and Eryn were happy for their old friend. I had only ever met Larminiel a handful of


    times, whenever mom had business with the council. We stopped going around the time I was 9. I''m


    not sure why though.


    "It''s crazy he was able to keep his daughter a secret for so long." Mom nodded. "I''m so happy for him."


    "He deserves that happiness." Dad added. Larminiel was like an uncle to dad in a way. Apparently he


    and grandpa are super close. It''s hard to picture, grandpa is always so serious and Larminiel is always


    so yful.


    We finished dinner quickly and Ash and I went up to our room. We had separate rooms, but they had a


    joining door that we used daily. I took a quick shower and dressed in somefy pj''s. Then went to


    Ash''s room. He had just finished taking a shower himself. His hair was still dripping wet. He''s the worst


    about drying his hair. I grabbed the towel he left on the dresser and sat by him drying his hair for him.


    Eric was off with his friends. Unlike Ash and I, Eric was epted by the elves fully. Eric always


    defended us when he could. He''s a good boy.


    "Why didn''t you tell mom?" Ash asked me immediately.


    "I want to talk with Talia before I do. I want to understand what''s happening to me before I tell her." I


    exined and he made a face like he didn''t understand.


    "Mom could help with that, you know. You don''t give mom enough credit." He shook his head and I


    grabbed it with my hands, holding it still.


    "I''ll tell her as soon as I talk with Talia." I finished drying his hair and threw the towel at him. "You''re


    going to get sick one of these days because you don''t dry your hair." I rolled my eyes at him. He just


    gave me that big childish yet adorable smile of his.


    "But you''re here to dry it for me."


    "I won''t always be." I reminded him of the most depressing subject between us.


    The day we won''t be side by side anymore. Not having Ash in my life every day seems like the most


    foreign concept ever. He sighed.


    "Don''t remind me. Hopefully by then I''ll have a mate that can do it instead." He smiled again and I just


    rolled my eyes.


    "Not how you should look at that." Such a child.


    "I really hope I find my mate soon." Ashid back staring at the ceiling. He was feeling down about it. I


    plopped beside him.


    "You''ll find her soon. I''m sure of it." I encouraged him.

 Ch. 9

    Ch. 9


    I woke up in my own bed, although I could have sworn I fell asleep on Ash''s bed. I dragged my feet as I


    brushed my hair and then braid it to the side. I decided to wear something more of my style today. I


    grabbed my red guns and roses shirt, with dark jeans and my red and white Ed hardies canvas shoes.


    Ash came into my room as soon as I slipped my shoes on. He had on a red hoodie with arge ck


    heart. He paired it with ck jeans and red and ck Jordans. He had a good sense of style in my


    eyes. His hair was styled messy, but in a neat kind of way, if that makes any sense.


    "You ready?" He asked, his backpack slung behind one of his shoulders. "Did you pack gym clothes?"


    "Yes and yes." I grabbed my bag, gym clothes inside it, and slung it over my shoulder.


    We walked out of the pce towards the trees to leave.


    "Did you move me to my bedst night?" I asked Ash.


    "Yeah, you kept kicking me." Heughed.


    "Sorry." I blushed.


    "You''ve been blushing a lot more heretely. I think you need more training on that poker face." He


    teased me.


    "I can do it when it''s most important and that''s what matters."


    We went through the tunnel, holding our breath most of the way. We stepped out and started walking


    towards the school. I could see a lot of kids walking towards the campus like us. Although what I


    noticed quickly was the jeep speeding down the road, acting crazy.


    Leti was crossing the street, looking down at her phone, blissfully unaware of said jeep. The jeep didn''t


    slow down as it approached her. I noticed the driver was looking down at his phone, not looking at


    where he was driving. Ash and I shared a look before running full speed towards her. I grabbed Leti as


    Ash stopped the Jeep mming his hand down on the hood. The jeep''s back wheels lifted up for a


    second before crashing down.


    The driver, Micheal of course, looked equally surprised and angry. Leti looked at us horrified as she


    realized what almost happened to her. She clutched onto me tightly as she caught her breath.


    "You okay?" I asked her.


    "Yeah. Yes. No. I don''t know." She said all at once.


    "Ash, take her to the nurse''s office for me." I ordered him.


    Ash, who was beyond pissed at Micheal, took a few deep breaths before walking away from the jeep.


    He scooped up Leti, his face serious with that poker face of his. He usually used it when he was feeling


    murderous. Letti had a deep blush on that gold undertone of hers as she looked up at Ash. Well she''s


    now in love with him. I pped my forehead, before getting up and walking over to Micheal.


    "What the fuck is wrong with you?" I yelled at him through his window.


    "What''s wrong with me? What''s wrong with your brother? Look at my hood!" He was mad.


    "Are you fucking kidding me?" By now a crowd had assembled on the sidewalk. "Your careless driving


    could have killed Leti just now and you''re worried about the small dent on your hood? I guess it''s a


    good thing you don''t have a person sized dent then." I yelled at him waving my hands around angrily.


    What a fucking asshole.


    He stepped out of the car and walked to the front, looking at the hand printed dent on his hood and


    assessing the rest of his car.


    "Your brother is paying for this." He told me, as if he had a right to make demands. I walked to him


    ready to bash his face in.


    An arm wrapped around my waist, sending those familiar fireworks through me. Toni leaned his mouth


    beside my ear.


    "You''ll kill him if you attack right now." He whispered.


    "Good." I deadpanned


    "Ember, take a breath. I''ll take care of him on the football field. You don''t want to get arrested for


    assault. His dad is the sheriff here." His lips tickled my ear as he told me.


    Goosebumps were running through me. I was still so mad though and I could slightly feel Talia stirring


    in me from my anger. She still felt far away though.


    I took a couple deep breaths, but it didn''t help. Toni used his hands around my waist to turn me around


    and face him. His dark hair was tied in a small bun behind his head, showing me more of his handsome


    face. His chocte eyes studied my face closely.


    Before I knew it he pulled me into an embrace, only this time he had my head resting at the nape of his


    neck. I clutched his shirt, taking a few deep breaths of his intoxicating scent. The mint and wet earth


    filled my lungs, helping to soothe my anger. I took a few deep breaths before pulling away, and pushing


    past him.


    I could hear Toni and Micheal arguing more as I walked, still a bit mad, towards the nurse''s office. I


    want to check on Leti. I pushed my way past the crowd that had been watching and they were all giving


    me curious looks.


    "Ash?" I called his name as I got closer.


    "In here, Ember" he called me towards the back.


    I opened the curtain and found Leti sitting up on the bed and the nurse bandaging the scrapes on her


    hands. I had tackled her with too much force earlier. Damn it. I''m a terrible savior.


    "I''m sorry Leti." My voice was soft, barely above a whisper.


    "Are you kidding me? You saved my life. Both of you. Thank you." She said through misted eyes.


    We both nodded our heads.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Leti, I called your parents to let them know what happened. They want you to text them and let them


    know if you want to be picked up or if you would like to stay at school today." The nurse told her.


    "Okay thank you Ms. Terri."


    "We''re gonna head to ss. We''ll see you at lunch if you stay." I told her.


    "Thanks again." Her light hazel eyes showed me a deep appreciation.


    "Don''t mention it." We both said in unison. Twin moment.


    "Jinx!" Ash yelled and I sighed. Such a child. "You can''t say a word till I say your name." He pretended


    tough evilly and Leti let out a sweet giggle.


    "You guys are cute. I wish my brother and I were that close." She sighed.


    We left the office and headed toward ss. I poked Ash''s side in hopes he would say my name to


    make me stop. He justughed instead.


    "You can only talk to the teachers, but you''re under my jinx." He told me as we went our separate ways.


    I''ll keep his jinx, just because I know he''ll be really sad if I don''t.


    Ms. Williams called on me often. I guess she wanted to see how much I knew. I answered all her


    questions correctly. I think it made her a bit mad. She even tried to trick me. What kind of teacher is


    she? The bell rang releasing me from this hell of a ss and I headed to the gym.


    "Ember!" Rachel''s voice called from behind me. I stopped, letting her catch up. "I heard what happened


    this morning. I can''t believe you and Ash saved Leti. Michael is such an idiot." She spoke quickly, very


    energized.


    I nodded my head, unable to speak to her because of Ash''s jinx. She didn''t seem to notice as she kept


    the conversation going all on her own.


    We headed down to the locker room. I grabbed my things out of my backpack and ced it in my own


    gym locker now. I had brought a pair of yoga pants and a workout shirt with a built in sports bra. It''s like


    the clothes I use when I train with Charles.


    Myra mmed my locker door closed after I stuck my clothes in it. I really don''t need this right.


    "What''s going on with you and Toni?" She asked.


    I rolled my eyes and just pushed past her. She grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back.


    "Hey I''m talking to you!"


    I peeled her hand off me, twisting her arm and then shoving her away. I gave her a death stare all the


    while not saying a word. I turned and walked away, Rachel right behind me.


    "Damn girl!" Rachel smiled. "So happy you''re my friend."


    Friend. A word I''ve never really been able to use before. Others have called themselves my friends


    before, but they never were. They''ve always used me for something and then thrown me to the side


    when they got what they wanted. The only friend I''ve ever truly had is Ash, and I''m not sure that really


    counts since he''s my twin.


    We ranps around the court while the boys yed basketball. I found myself looking at Toni often. He


    was very athletic and really good at basketball it seems. He could feel anytime I would look at him. He


    would smirk and show off when he knew I was looking. I just shook my head at him.


    P.E. was over and all the humans were panting and heaving with exhaustion. They allined


    about their legs hurting. It''s no wonder vampires can kill them so easily. They are so slow and weak


    andck stamina.


    "Hey, Toni''s gonna walk you to ss again. Don''t faint this time." I nodded my head at him, rolling my


    eyes at the same time. "Thanks for keeping the jinx. I''ll let you out of it soon." He smiled yfully and I


    couldn''t help, but let it melt my annoyance.


    He ran down the hall and walked to his ss. Myra pretended to trip in front of him and Ash being his


    kind self, helped her up. She then started to talk to Ash.

 Ch. 10

    Ch. 10


    "That''s not good." Toni said from beside me. I wasn''t sure when he got there, but he saw the same


    thing I did. Myra worming her way into Ash''s life.


    I nodded my head in agreement. I really wish Ash would have said my name already. This is going to


    be awkward.


    "I''m sorry about this morning. I just figure I''ve done it to you so many times now that you could do it to


    me once." He didn''t look at me as he spoke. He was embarrassed and it was really cute. I couldn''t help


    the teasing smile on my face. "I figured it would help calm you down and it seems like it worked."


    He looked up at me then, waiting for me to respond. I just smiled and nodded.


    "Are you mad at me?"


    I took a second to think about it. I should be, but I''m not. What he did was kind of sweet. He was


    keeping me out of trouble and trying to soothe me.


    I shook my head at him, letting him know I wasn''t mad.


    "Good." He smiled sweetly at me.


    My heart rate elevated with that smile. He was so handsome and sweet. His intoxicating scent


    permeated the air around him, only drawing me closer to him. His pinky grazed against my hand


    purposefully and it sent those fireworks through me. I didn''t move my hand, actually enjoying the


    feeling this time.


    "Good morning Ember. How are you feeling today?" Mr. ck asked me as we got to his ss.


    "I''m good. I''m sorry about yesterday." I was still embarrassed about passing out in ss. I''m d Ash


    at least let me speak to teachers.


    "Don''t be sorry. I''m d you''re okay." He smiled at me.


    Toni and I took our seats together and finished up yesterday''sb while Mr. ck yed a video for the


    rest of the ss. When we finished we sat silently watching. Iid my head on the desk with my left arm


    stretched out in front of me. Toni leaned forward with his right arm stretched out, and I could tell what


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    he was trying to do.


    I smirked to myself as he inched his arm closer to mine. I didn''t move though, neither encouraging or


    discouraging him. His arm gently touched my own. The more he touched me the stronger my want for


    him grew. It was starting to feel impossible to be away from him.


    The bell rang, breaking our moment and I headed to my fourth period before Toni could catch up. I


    don''t want him to consume all my thoughts. I barely know him.


    I made my way to art, which I had missed yesterday due to my fainting. I walked in, finding the teacher


    busy with another student at his desk. I hung back waiting for them to finish.


    "Hey yo!" I heard an excited familiar voice. I turned to find his hair down to the side instead of in his


    small Mohawk. "You cane sit by me. There''s a free art station at my table." Josh told me.


    "That sounds perfect to me. Thank you, Josh. You must be Ember. I am Mr. King." The teacher told me,


    hearing Josh''s offer. "Go ahead and follow Josh to your seat."


    I signaled for Josh to lead the way.


    "Follow me, muhdy." He joked and I smiled at his yfulness.


    I admire Josh for being so true to himself. He doesn''t give a fuck about anyone''s opinion. We took a


    seat at the back and Josh showed me where to collect all the supplies and where to clean it and put it


    up when I am done. Mr. King was adamant that we clean our own messes apparently, and I fully


    understand that.


    "It''s free paint, in a way, but we''re in the blue period so everything''s gotta have some kind of blue hue


    in it." Josh told me and I nodded, grabbing my supplies.


    Art was always my favorite. Mom had gotten me started early as a way to relieve my stress. She would


    take me with her out in nature and we would just silently paint together. I treasure those moments with


    mom the most. I was half way through when it was time to start cleaning up.


    "Damn Ember. You''re a fucking artist." Josh told me as he looked at my canvas.


    "Watch yournguage Josh. We''re still in school." Mr. King reminded him.


    I let the blush reach my cheeks. I wanted Josh to see how happy hispliment made me, since I


    can''t talk.


    "Wanna walk to lunch together?" He asked me as we washed our brushes and I nodded my head.


    He smiled at me. If he didn''t have a girlfriend I would think he might be flirting with me. I could see his


    lip ring moving, letting me know he was ying with it in his mouth. I wonder what he''s thinking.


    ''Dawn is probably going to kill me when she sees me walking with Ember. God that woman tires me,


    but she''s such a goody.''


    His voice entered my mind and I almost jumped back in surprise.


    How''s that even possible? I shouldn''t be able to hear his thoughts. Also, Ew! I didn''t need to know she


    was a goody. Josh lost some of my respect just now.


    His thoughts entering my mind had me a little on edge. That''s not normal. I need to talk to Ash.


    The bell rang and Josh and I walked towards the cafeteria. He was humming a familiar tune and


    banging his fingers against his thighs as we walked. He yfully bumped into my shoulder and I


    smirked, bumping him back.


    "What are you doing?" Dawn asked from outside the cafeteria doors. She was furious, ring at the


    two of us.


    "Ember!" Ash''s voice rang, finally releasing me from the jinx. "Come on!" He called me from inside the


    cafeteria.


    "I''ll catch youter." I told Josh.


    "So you haven''t lost your voice then?" Josh smiled.


    "It was only a jinx." I spoke back to him, passing by a fuming Dawn. I rushed toward Ash. "We really


    need to talk. I''ll link you while we eat." I whispered to him.


    He could hear the urgency in my voice and nodded his head. We grabbed our food and headed to our


    tables. The group was together except Josh and Dawn who were off to the side having a heated


    discussion.


    ''Ash! I freaking heard a human''s thoughts!'' I linked him, practically yelling in his mind. He started


    choking on his food and Toni had to pat him on the back a bit.


    ''What do you mean?'' He got serious. ''No one can do that.''


    ''I know that, why do you think I''m freaking out?'' I deadpanned.


    ''We need to tell mom.'' I rolled my eyes. ''Ember, this is serious. No more keeping it from mom.''


    I sighed so loud.


    ''Fine.''


    Lunch went by quickly. I stuck around by the fountain, just wanting some peace outside in the sun. I like


    having a free period after lunch, it gives me some peace in the middle of the day.


    I finally get my wolf, but she tells me there''s a barrier to keep me safe. Now she''s still resting and I can''t


    get any more answers. On top of that I''m getting new abilities that don''t make any sense. Reading


    people''s minds isn''t a dragon, werewolf, or elf thing. What''s going on with me?


    I sighed real heavy, lifting my legs up and holding them tightly against my chest. I may not have had


    anything before, but I at least knew who I was. I''m so confused about how to feel about this too. I


    thought I would be so happy when I finally got my wolf.


    "What''s wrong?" Toni''s voice came from beside me.


    "Throwing a pity party." I told him.


    "Can I join?" He smiled at me, a slight look of sadness cast on his face.


    "Only if you tell me why you need a pitty party too?" I was curious why this boy that seems to be so


    happy, and have it all, looked so sad all of sudden. He scoffed.


    "I''ll tell you if you tell me." He sat in front of my feet. His hands were in his pockets and he crossed his


    ankles, looking up at the clouds. He looked delectable like this.


    "I''m just confused and I don''t feel like anyone could really understand what I''m going through." I


    admitted, not really going into detail.


    "I don''t think anyone can understand what someone is going through exactly. Even if someone is in the


    exact same situation, how they feel and act about it arepletely different. People can rte, but


    they can never fully understand." He said, still staring at the clouds.


    "That''s depressing." I sighed, tucking my face into my arms.


    "Sorry." He sighed. "I''m in a mood."


    "I can tell." I peeked up at him.


    He was looking down at his feet now. I scooted closer to him. I pinched the sleeve of his ck hoodie


    with my fingers and tugged on it. When he turned to look at me I flicked his forehead. He scrunched his


    brows and rubbed the spot.


    "What was that for?" He asked me.


    "You didn''t tell me what''s bothering you." I really did it to try to distract him from whatever sadness he''s


    feeling.


    "It''s just my mom. She wants me toe visit her soon, but I really don''t want to see her. We''ve got a


    "So your mom doesn''t live in Charles'' pack? Who are your parents anyway? I thought that I knew


    everyone there, but apparently not." I hadn''t realized I was still holding onto his hoodie, so I let it go


    finally and he seemed sad by the action.


    "She''s not a werewolf. She lives down south, by the ocean. My dad''s the beta Gabe." My mouth was


    agape at the news and he chuckled lightly.


    "Wait, but Gabe has a mate. Lana, no?" I remember meeting her when I was little.


    The face Toni made had me feeling bad for having asked the question. He seemed so ashamed and


    hurt.


    "My mom''s a siren. She lured my dad when he was down south on Beta business. When he found out


    about me he had me brought up here."


    Sirens can manipte people''s emotions and thoughts. If he''s part siren, he could easily manipte


    my feelings for him.


    "Mom didn''t want me to go, at least not at first. After she found out I had a wolf and no siren abilities,


    she let me go."


    "I''m sorry." Those were the only words I had to offer him. I mean what do you say to that?


    "Thankfully Lana doesn''t hold a grudge against me. She says the sin lies with my mom and not me."


    "Lana is a pretty sweetdy." I recalled. "Well that exins theplicated mother rtionship. Can''t


    you just tell her no and not go?" I shrugged.


    "I mean she''s my mom, even if we don''t get along. I have to respect the woman that brought me to this


    world." He sighed again.


    Well damn Toni. Now I respect you even more.


    "Then bring someone with you to buffer between you and your mom. Ash is my buffer most of the


    time." I let my legs hang over the fountain side again, getting ready to get up.


    "Are you offering?" He arched an eyebrow and I froze. Heughed at my reaction. "I''m just kidding.


    Rx. I mean it''s a good idea, but I don''t want to take anyone with me. Sirens are scary. You never


    know when you''re being manipted by one."


    "Doesn''t that put you in danger too?" I stared into those sweet chocte eyes of his. A slight flutter of


    my heart had me looking away quickly.


    "Sirens can''t manipte other sirens so I''m safe." He bumped my shoulder then, sending sparks


    through me. "I appreciate you listening to my problems. I hope you''re not judging me too harshly." He


    kinda slunk a little.


    I sighed feeling bad for him. I hate to see people sad. I bumped his shoulder back and then leaned


    against it. He smiled that sweet smile of his, showing me almost all his teeth.


    "I''m not judging you. I think I''d be a big hypocrite if I did."


    I turned to face him and found he was just a few inches from me. He stared at my lips causing me to


    bite down on them. The need to ce my lips against his own was starting to consume me.


    I need to stop letting him touch me.


    He lifted his hand and took a strand of my hair in his fingers. He yed with it a moment before tucking


    it behind my ear. His hand lightly grazed my face and I almost lost all my resolve. I grabbed his hand


    and ced it on hisp, standing up real quick.


    "I''m gonna head out. I''ll see youter." I told him quickly heading inside.


    "Toni, you idiot." I heard him mumble to himself, causing me to smile a little.


    Yes Toni, you idiot.

 Ch. 11

    Ch. 11


    6th and 7th period flew by and I had a hard time focusing as my thoughts kepting back to Toni. His


    handsome face and sweet chocte eyes. I was envious of that tan skin of his. I''ve always been white


    as snow, and I only ever burn in the sun. No tan for me.


    "Ember!" I heard Josh call from down the hall. I waved at him, walking slowly so he could catch up.


    "Ready for English?" He asked.


    "Yes and no. I don''t want to deal with any of Micheal''s antics." I admitted. I was still pretty pissed at him


    for 1this morning. Leti ended up going home.


    "I still can''t believe you dove in like that to save Leti. You''ve known her for a day and you risked your


    life for her. You and your brother both." Josh sounded so surprised and awed. "I think that''s really


    fucking amazing. You''re amazing, Ember." He elbowed me.


    "Shhh you don''t want Dawn to hear you." I joked and heughed.


    "Yeah." He scratched the back of his neck. "Sorry about her. She''s pretty jealous."


    I shrugged my shoulders.


    "It''s none of my business." I admitted and he smiled more at that.


    "Thanks."


    We entered the room and Toni''s eyes went from me to Josh. His jaw tightened as he fought Reep from


    growling at Josh. Can''t really judge Josh for his jealous girlfriend when I have a jealous boy who I''m not


    even dating. We took our seats in front of Tony and Myra. I tapped Toni''s shoe with my own and he


    smirked at me. His hands were deep in his hoodie. Myra eyed me, a little cruely, but no one seemed to


    notice.


    "How many boys are you going to flirt with in one day?" She snarked.


    "Probably less than you." I smiled at her and she scoffed.


    Josh stifled augh.


    "Twinkie!" Ash yelled as he came in, spotting me. He smiled that big beam of a smile at me. Myra''s


    demeanor changedpletely when she saw him.


    Snake.


    "Hey Twinkie." I greeted him.


    "We need to hurry after school. Today''s archery with Eryn and you know how he gets when we are


    "I know, I know." I waved him away.


    "You take archery?" Myra jumped into our conversation. I gave her a look, but Ash just smiled being his


    friendly, clueless self.


    "Yeah. Ember and I have studied archery since we were 4." He answered her. I poked his side. "Ouch.


    Quit, Ember." He rubbed the spot.


    "You quit sharing our business." I told him and he rolled his eyes.


    "Yeah yeah." He smiled at me and went to sit down.


    I don''t think I''ve ever seen a time when Ash was mad at me for longer than a few seconds. He''s just


    too sweet and empathetic.


    We finished up yesterday''s assignment, again having to drag Myra along. She''s denser than a bag of


    rocks. She''s not going far, this one. How did Toni ever date her?


    "So Ember, what are you doing this weekend?" Josh asked, trying to make friendly conversation.


    "Visiting with my..." What do I call Charles to humans who won''t understand? "Uncle Charles?" It


    sounded too much like a question. "Well he''s more like a second dad than an uncle really." I tried


    exining further.


    "Oh that''s cool. Does he live outside of town?" He asked.


    "Kind of. He lives on the reserve by the creek." I answered. To humans the packnds were called


    reserves, because they weren''t allowed to go.


    "Oh that''s really cool. I''ve always wanted to go see what it looks like, but no one ever invites me." Josh


    hinted.


    "Sorry." I lifted my hands up a bit. "I can''t invite you. Honestly, no one will. It''s just a rule." I exined to


    him.


    "Rules are made to be broken." He winked at me. Toni grabbed the side of his desk at the action.


    "Not this one." I shook my head.


    I leaned my hand forward on my desk and Toni grazed his fingers against it. The action didn''t go


    unnoticed by Josh or Myra. Josh just stared at my hand for a moment before looking back down at his


    paper. He was trying not to be nosey.


    "So are you guys dating now?" Myra asked. "I mean I saw you guys this morning."


    "I was justforting her." Toni said quickly.


    "That seemed pretty intimate for justforting." She remarked.


    "We''re not dating." I told her calmly.


    "But I want to date her." Toni made his intentions clear, making me fight hard not to blush. "She''s


    making me work for it." He winked at me, and the blush won.


    I slunked back in my chair wanting to disappear for a moment.


    "As she should." Josh added, and Toni just rolled his eyes.


    Mrs. Allen read us a short poem and we were to analyze it as a table. The overall theme and the theme


    of each stanza.


    "Obviously love." Myra said. "I mean he''s talking about the beauty of a woman here." She said.


    "Not love, longing." Josh corrected her. "He longs for her and her beauty."


    "For that stanza, but the overall theme is fear. How fear can hold you back." I added. Josh and Myra


    looked at me confused.


    "He can''t have the love of his life because he''s too afraid to speak with her. All he ever does is admire


    her from afar." Toni exined for me.


    "Yeah, okay. I can see that." Josh nodded his head looking over the poem again. "You guys definitely


    delved deeper than I did."


    "I still think it''s love." Myra muttered under her breath.


    Mrs. Allen called on each table to get their opinions and most had said love. Rachel and Ash''s table


    said longing.


    "Toni''s table what do you guys have for us?" She asked us.


    "Fear." Toni answered and she smiled at us.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "That''s wonderful. You guys are the first to pick up that theme today."


    The bell rang after that and everyone scurried off.


    "Listen, I''m in a band and we''re ying a gig in town this weekend. If your uncle lets you, you should


    on it.


    "Uh yeah sure." I''ve never been handed someone''s number before. I''ve never been invited out to a


    concert either.


    Josh left, and I just stood there with the paper in my hand like a moron. Toni cleared his throat behind


    me, and I stuck the paper in my pocket really quick.


    "Let me see your phone." He said holding his hand out. I arched my eyebrow at him.


    "What for?"


    "Just.. please." He gave me these puppy dog eyes and I just melted into his will. I pulled my phone out


    and handed it to him. He typed away and handed it back to me. "Now you have my number too. Text


    me anytime you want." He winked at me and left.


    Again I stood there stunned. The phone still in my hand. He saved himself as ''future boyfriend'' and I


    shook my head smiling. Toni you idiot.


    "You''re getting popr." Ash teased. "Didn''t I say we need to hurry." Heughed.


    "Oh fuck! Let''s go."

 Ch. 12

    Ch. 12


    We werete and of course Eryn scolded us about how important it is to be on time. That we make a


    bitter since taking the crown.


    Eric was already practicing while we were being lectured. He''d make a face behind Eryn every now


    and then and I had to try hard not tough. He''s a goof like Ash.


    Honestly Grandpa Artie retired a lot earlier than we all thought. He said he needed to beat his inner


    demon before it surfaced again. Whatever that means. He left the kingdompletely. He is now a


    councilman for the werewolves instead. We talk every 3rd Sunday of the month. He told me he got rid


    of that demon, so I guess he''s doing good now.


    Archery went well after the long lecture from Eryn. I love the feel of a bow in my hand. The whoosh of


    the air when I release my arrow knowing it will strike true. It''s an exhrating feeling. We ended training


    and headed in to eat.


    "We need to talk to mom after dinner." Ash reminded me and I sighed. I am not sure how mom will take


    it. I wish Talia would emerge already and give me answers.


    Dinner finished faster than I would have liked. Ash eyed me, making sure I wouldn''t just run away. I


    sighed and he and I made our way to our mom.


    "Hey, we need to talk to you." Ash told her.


    Mom''s emerald eyes looked at us seriously. She knew whatever we had to say was not going to be


    good.


    "Okay. Let''s go to my office." She led us quickly there and closed the door behind us. "What''s wrong?


    Did something happen at school? Do I need to bring you back here?" She shot her questions in rapid


    session. She was in protective mom mode.


    "God no." I said too quickly. "It''s not about school. It''s about me." I mmed up after that. For some


    reason I couldn''t just say it. I looked at Ash for help.


    "She found her mate and it made her wolfe out." Ash told her.


    Mom''s hands found her mouth as she gasped. Her eyes started misting as she looked at me.


    "I knew she was in there. I''m so happy for you Ember. What''s her name? Can I meet her?" She asked


    me.


    "The thing is she told me she was behind a barrier and that it was ced there to keep me safe. She''s


    been resting since she came out. She said it was exhausting for her." I told her.


    "I can help give her energy, if that''s something you would like for me to do." She offered. She was


    trying to be helpful.


    "That''s not all." Ash added, pressing me to tell her about today.


    "I''ve been hearing people''s thoughts. I heard yours yesterday when we hugged, but I thought that was


    an idental mind link. Today, however, I read a human''s thoughts."


    Mom''s face got serious and she started pacing the floor. She always did that when she was thinking


    hard. She''s a genius so if anyone can figure this out it would be her. Mom did be a doctor after all,


    even after having Ash and I during her first year of college.


    "Ember, we need to talk to your wolf. I''ll take you with me to her. I''ll heal her and then we can ask her


    what she knows. Your wolf knows more about you than anyone else right now. If she doesn''t have


    answers then I''ll ask the tree of life. Don''t worry, honey, I''ll figure this out." She ced her hands on my


    shoulders making sure I heard her words.


    "Yeah, okay, but can Ashe too?" I don''t want to do this without him.


    "Of course. Everyone take a seat and grab hands." She told us, and we did just that.


    I closed my eyes, focusing my attention on mom''s magic running through me. I could feel a slight pull


    inside me.


    "Open your eyes Ember." I heard mom''s voice.


    I opened my eyes and found us in a grassy field. The grass was about 3 feet tall. It swayed in the wind


    beautifully. Everything seemed a bit dull in color though. Kind of like we were in ck and white. That


    doesn''t seem normal. Past all the grass was a small creek that ran quickly. I saw the light grey wolf


    there, her white patch on her face made her so beautiful to me.


    "Talia." I whispered her name.


    "She''s beautiful, Ember." Mom squeezed my shoulder.


    She approached Talia cautiously, very slowly. Talia seemed out cold though. Mom ced her hand on


    Talia''s back and they both began to glow. I forgot how warm the air felt around mom''s healing magic. It


    always seemed to heal my heart a bit when I was near it. Talia began to growl and mom stepped back.


    "Talia!" I called her name and her eyes met mine, one blue and one gold.


    "Ember? How''d you get in here?" She asked surprised.


    "My mom." I told her. "She helped heal you. We need answers."


    She huffed, blowing at the grass in front of her.


    "I thought you would. I''m sorry I couldn''t exin a lot to you when I first came out." She bowed her


    head apologetically. "Come here."


    I took a seat in front of her. Mom sat to my right and Ash to my left, but behind me so they weren''t too


    close to Talia.


    "Tell me about the barrier." That one has been bothering me.


    "The barrier was made by your dragon and I to protect you when you were first born." She started and


    my heart almost shattered. She did this to us?


    Wait, I have a dragon too?


    "You see your mother here consumed too much magic when she was pregnant with you. It was dark


    magic, extremely potent." Mom gasped, probably remembering what Talia was talking about.


    "Lien, your dragon, and I couldn''t filter the magic fast enough so we created a cell of sorts. The n


    was to siphon the dark magic bit by bit and turn it to light magic as you grew. The bigger you got the


    stronger your magic would get. However, things obviously didn''t go as nned." She nodded her head


    in shame.


    "Somehow the magic trapped us with it. We''ve been slowly converting the magic to light while trapped,


    but there''s still so much left."


    Mom was silently crying beside me. She''s wracked with guilt right now. What dark magic did she


    consume? Why would she do that?


    "If we would have taken the barrier down you would have been consumed by darkness. You still could


    be if we took it down now. Lien told me to go when you found your mate. She wanted you to have at


    least one of us with you. We both feel so terrible for not being able to be with you the way we want, all


    this time. We''ve felt all your emotions and know all about you, but you know nothing of us. We''re so


    sorry."


    I was crying now. I had a wolf and a dragon and magic this whole time. This whole time they were in


    me.


    "What about her being able to read minds?" Ash asked. He was worried about me.


    "That''s because of me. I''ve always had the ability to read a wolf''s mind, but because I consumed some


    of the magic over the years the ability seems to have grown. I can help you control that. I''ll also slowly


    start releasing some of the light magic we''ve converted over the years to you. I don''t want to release all


    the light magic at once because it''s a lot and you need to adjust to it slowly."


    "When can I meet Lien?" I asked her. My dragon. She''s a part of me. I need to know her too.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "After we give you some of your magic, I''ll teach you how toe back here. You can meet her


    through the barrier. You won''t be able to ess her until all the dark magic has been filtered." She


    exined.


    "How much is left?" My heart pounded, waiting for her answer.


    "There''s still about half left. Once you get a handle on your magic you''ll be able to help her filter the


    magic. Hopefully in a few years we''ll be able to have her and all your magic."


    "A few years?! That''s so long. We can''t leave her there alone. That''s not right." I shook my head upset.


    "That''s how it has to be, Ember. She understands it. If you have a destined one and find them she''ll be


    able toe out like I did. Your dark magic would stay trapped alone that way." Talia exined.


    I sighed, it''s going to be a while before I get to have my dragon. I hope Lien is okay alone in there with


    dark magic.


    "He has the same thing. Only he consumed less dark magic than you did." She pointed to Ash with her


    snout. "His dragon and wolf have been filtering it out over the years. That''s why he keeps getting


    stronger andrger every year." She exined.


    "Oh goddess. My children, I am so sorry. I never thought that anything like this would happen." Mom


    was a weak shell of herself right now. Her sadness and guilt was so immense I could smell it in the air.


    ''He was going to kill us all. I should have killed him instead. Goddess damn you Evandrus.'' I heard


    mom''s thoughts. An image of someone that looked a lot like grandpa Artie entered my mind. The fight


    yed out in mom''s head and my own.


    "Mom, you didn''t have another choice. You didn''t know we were going to gobble it up. You thought you


    had filtered it for us." I am starting to understand mom more and more heretely. I wish she would


    share more of her post with us. She always tried to shelter us from anything bad or dark.


    "One other thing. Now that I''m out, your twin and you will have a stronger bond. He holds my twin in


    him. Levi''s ability will manifest now. He is an oracle, so Ash will start to see the future soon."


    "That''s so awesome!" Ash sounded so excited.


    Taliaughed. "I see why Levi chose you. Just as yful as he is. Ember I''ll release some of your


    magic tonight. Be careful tomorrow, it''ll only heighten our ability."


    I nodded my head at her. Please don''t let me hear anyone''s thoughts tomorrow. At least nothing bad


    anyway.

 Ch. 13

    Ch. 13


    As promised Talia had released some of my magic that night. I was finally able to touch the tree of life


    and get my affinity with mom. nts like Larminiel, Mom said.


    She''s going to train me to use it to grow, and mend nts, but also how to use it inbat. Something


    else to add to my list of things after school. Mom asked if I wanted toe back to school here now


    that I have my magic, but I told her no. I am really enjoying the human high school.


    I went to bedtest night. I couldn''t sleep with all the new information I got. I also talked a while with


    Talia. We were getting to know one another.


    My eyes feel puffy and I have some dark circles around them this morning. I''m pretty cranky when I am


    tired. For their sake, I hope no one annoys me.


    "Good morning!" Ash stepped in through our adjoining door. "Ready to go?"


    He had bags under his eyes too.


    "You couldn''t sleep either huh?" I asked him.


    "Not a wink. I''m really excited for you, but also extremely worried. I''m very conflicted inside and that


    hasn''t happened before." He admitted with a smile still.


    "Don''t worry about me. I do the worrying. You do the excitement. That''s how it always is. Don''t start


    trying to change it now." I tried cheering him up.


    "You''re right." He nodded his head.


    "Let''s go."


    I tied my hair up in a messy bun and pulled a couple strands out to frame my face. I didn''t bother with


    make up because I really don''t care and I''m just too tired to do it. I wore one of Ash''srge band t-shirts


    that I had bought him and some skinny jeans. Maybe I''ll push guys away dressed like this.


    "You sure you wanna go like that?" He asked.


    "Yup." Ash wore a ck shirt with sts of yellow throughout it. He matched it to ck nts and


    yellow Nikes. "You look nice."


    "Thanks. I actually tried." He teased me.


    "Shut up."


    We stepped through the portal and my head shed back to yesterday. Micheal is lucky he left school


    early yesterday. I''m going to end up punching that kid if hees near me today.


    The morning flew today, maybe because it''s Friday. First period got a new seating arrangement so I sit


    by the window now. Second period, girls yed volleyball while the boys ranps.


    Toni had his hair down today and it bounced so cutely when he would run. I could feel him watching me


    anytime I would serve. My servers are killer and ended up winning us the game. Myra was also absent


    so that was a plus.


    Mr. ck had a sub today so it was very quiet. She gave us a worksheet to work on by ourselves and


    she wantedplete silence. I finished it early andid my head down.


    You never texted.


    Toni wrote in a notebook that he ced between us.


    I didn''t know I was supposed to.


    I honestly meant to text him and Josh so they would have my number, but I forgot.


    That stings


    I''m sorry


    I drew a little sad face with my apology. I slipped my phone out of my pocket and when neither Toni or


    the sub were watching I sent him a text.


    Me: Hey look it''s a text from the girl you are iming will be your future girlfriend. I wonder how you''ll


    handle the responsibility of having my number?


    I hit send and I heard his phone ding. He didn''t check it though. I was a little sad cause I wanted to see


    his face when he read the text. Oh well.


    The bell rang and I headed to art excited to finish my painting. I sent Josh a text really quick too.


    Me: It''s Ember. I wanted to text you so you would have my number too.


    I entered ss and grabbed my things quickly. I''m itching to paint right now. I need stress relief.


    ''You''re doing great, Ember. Watch for your human friend, he has loud thoughts. They''ll reach us if you


    aren''t focused on something else'' Talia warned me.


    ''Got it. Thanks.''


    I''m really happy to have my wolf now. To always have someone even when no one is around. Josh


    came into the room, waving his phone at me.


    "I got your text. I got you saved under Sparky." Heughed.


    "Why?" I scrunched my eyebrow.


    "Cause embers spark a fire." He smiled.


    "Very cute." I said sarcastically.


    "I think so." He plopped his things and went to grab his painting.


    We started painting in silence until Mr. King said we could listen to music.


    "Here, listen with me. I figure we have the same style of music." Josh held out an earbud for me and I


    took it.


    I found myself humming or tapping my foot or brush along with the music. He had a great ylist. I


    finished my painting faster with the music ying. I started washing my items when I finished.


    "Ember, this is amazing." Mr. King told me as he observed my painting.


    "Thanks."


    ''This girl is fucking perfect.'' Josh''s thoughts came to my mind.


    ''Push him out, Ember.'' Talia instructed me.


    "How is Dawn going to feel about you having my number now?" I asked him, trying to give him


    something to say so I wouldn''t hear his thoughts instead.


    "We broke up yesterday." He said it so calmly like it didn''t matter.


    "Oh I''m sorry." I grabbed my painting andid it on the drying rack.


    "Eh, I''m not. She was jealous of everyone and everything. Honestly she kind of annoyed me." Josh


    scratched the back of his neck, chewing on his lip ring. "What about you and Toni? You his girlfriend


    yet?"


    Iughed.


    "No. I am not one to get into a rtionship after a few days of knowing someone."


    "I like that." He painted on his canvas as he spoke. "So he didn''t give you hell about me giving you my


    number?"


    "Not really. He just gave me his phone number too." I shrugged my shoulders.


    "And here I thought I was special." He smiled at me.


    "I mean you''re one of two people that have my number. I think that''s still pretty special." I told him.


    The bell rang as Josh was cleaning up and I rushed out before I heard his thoughts again. I forgot that I


    still had his earbud until the music cut off. I left it in my ear so I won''t lose it until I see him outside in a


    few minutes.


    I grabbed my food and went outside. Ash and Toni were sitting in with Rachel''s group. They were all


    smiling and talking. The traitorous wind blew Toni''s intoxicating scent at me and Talia had us purring


    with happiness.


    Toni stood up when he saw me and strolled to me at the same time that Josh appeared beside me.


    "I think you have something of mine." Josh smiled at me.


    "Yeah, sorry about that." I took it out of my ear and handed it to him.


    Toni grabbed my tray from me, giving Josh a look before he grabbed my wrist and pulled me with him


    to the group.


    "Come sit by me." That wasn''t a question and I wasn''t in a good enough mood for that.


    "Excuse me?" I snapped.


    "Please. I could really use your scent right now." When he turned to look at me his eyes had changed


    color. They were that honey gold of most wolves. Reep was at the surface.


    "Okay, just for today." I told him.


    ''Don''t resist our mate, Ember. It''s a sacred bond. He''s meant for us for a reason.'' Talia butted in.


    ''I don''t know him that well.'' I defended myself to her.


    ''You don''t have to. He''s our mate. We''re made for one another. You just need to trust it.''


    I''m not going to keep arguing with her so I just let it go. I trust on my own time not just because


    someone else tells me to.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Toni set my tray beside him at the table everyone was at today. Ash watched with a big smirk on his


    face and I just know he''s going to tease me about thister. Toni sat so close to me, his shoulder


    rubbed against my own any time I took a bite. The wind was blowing my scent toward him and it


    seemed to be helping him.


    "I''m sure Ember could have carried her own tray, but how chivalrous of you." Josh mocked Toni.


    Toni ignored it though, growing a little more respect from me. He didn''t let stupidments get to him.


    "Oh Ember, we''re all going to Josh''s gig Saturday night. Do you want toe with us?" Rachel asked


    excitedly. "Toni can drive us from the reserve." She offered.


    "When did I be a chauffeur? " Tony asked and Rachel justughed.


    "It sounds nice, but I''m not sure if Charles will let me go." I answered her honestly. Now that I have my


    wolf I feel like he''s going to run me ragged. Josh''s face fell a little and I felt bad. "I''ll try my best to be


    there."


    "Okay. I mean I''m sure he''ll let you go if you beg." Rachel added and I just nodded my head.


    The rest of the day went by quickly. I hid out from Toni during free period and 8th period was silent


    reading today. Thankfully today went rather smoothly.

 Ch. 14

    Ch. 14


    Dad came and talked to me after school. He told me that mom had told him everything. He was so


    happy for me, he even teared up a bit. He has always been so emotional, although he''s been great at


    hiding it.


    He told me whenever Lienes, he''ll teach me what he''s taught Ash so far. It''ll probably be faster for


    me to catch on since I''ve seen how it''s done for so many years.


    I took a shower after training, washing my hair really well. I was drying my hair with a towel when my


    phone pinged.


    Toni: I''m not being very responsible with your number. I couldn''t help texting you already.


    I was smiling so big, like a fucking idiot. Those two sentences have me getting giddy. Butterflies swirled


    in me. Is this what flirting is?


    Me: Maybe I should take my number back.


    Toni: It''s toote now. There''s no going back.


    Me: So what now?


    Toni: You tell me that it''s okay to text you whenever.


    Me: Never¡­


    Toni: You hold all the power, oh mighty one.


    Me: Thank you for realizing.


    "Oh what''s happening here? What''s that smirk on your face?" Ash came in, hair dripping.


    "None of your business. Come sit so I can dry your hair." I told him.


    He yed with my phone while I dried his hair. He spammed my camera roll with pictures of me drying


    his hair. Eventually he put the phone back down. My phone dinged as I finished.


    Toni: Ash? You shouldn''t go through your sister''s phone. Although it would be nice if she did.


    I scrolled up and found that Ash had sent a couple of pictures of me drying his hair. He wrote: Maybe


    one day she''ll dry your hair for you too. She''s really good at it.


    I pped Ash''s arm hard, my face burning hot.


    "You need to let him in more Ember. He''s your mate and a good guy."


    "It''s way too soon to know that." I reminded him of how long Toni and I have known each other.


    "He''s your mate, Ember. That stuff doesn''t matter." Ash crossed his arms. He has always felt strongly


    about the mate bond.


    "It matters to me." I snapped.


    "Is this because of Aelfric?" Ash asked and my heart instantly remembered the deep heartbreak and


    depression that boy had caused. "This is different."


    Aelfric knew that I didn''t have my wolf, dragon, or magic. Using that knowledge he pretended to be my


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    chosen one. He told me that he could see my light even if I couldn''t see his. I trusted him like an idiot


    and let him in. He took my first kiss from me and my first love. He broke my heart when he took me to a


    party and told everyone how he had lied and how easy it was to get me to do things with him. I don''t


    trust these bonds now.


    Ash beat the absolute living shit out of him. Mom had him banished, which only made matters at school


    worse.


    "It doesn''t feel like it''s different." A tear slipped out of my eye.


    "It''s different, Ember. This time you have your wolf and she''s telling you it''s true. This isn''t like with


    Aelfric. Trust your wolf and trust Toni." Ash wrapped his arm around my shoulders and I began to cry.


    I hadn''t realized how hurt I still am over what Aelfric did. I cried for a while letting it all out. Ash healed


    my heart as I cried. Eryn taught us how to do that. You let the person cry it out, bringing the pain to the


    forefront, and then you heal it entirely as they cry. The memory of pain is there, but the pain itself is


    gone.


    "Thanks." I told him as I wiped my tears away with my sleeves.


    "We are going to that concert gig of Josh''s tomorrow. I''ve already spoken with Charles and he said you


    can go after some training." He smiled at me. "Now text your friend and let him know and then text


    Toni." He ordered me, sitting me up and grinning at me.


    "I don''t know where I''d be without you." I told him, deeply appreciating my twin.


    "Are you kidding? I don''t know where I would be without you, Ember." I shook my head.


    Me: Hey. I''ll be attending your gig. Can''t wait to see your band y. You better be worth my time.


    I inserted some emojis to let him know I was only ying around with thatst sentence.


    Josh: Awesome! It''ll definitely be worth your while.


    He texted back instantly.


    Me: You willing to drive Ash and I too with Rachel to Josh''s gig tomorrow?


    I texted Toni. I don''t know if what Rachel had said was true. Was he really going to drive her or had she


    just volunteered him?


    Toni: Only if I get to stay by your side during it.


    His response was quick, but it made me pause for a moment. I was kind of scared of letting him in and


    getting hurt again. Ash''s words were still fresh in my mind. I need to trust him more.


    Me: I can manage that.


    I can''t help the smirk that sneaks onto my face when I text him. It''s a stupid grin that I can''t avoid.


    Toni: Will you be on packnds?


    Me:Yeah. Ash and I will get there tomorrow morning. We''re training with everyone for once.


    Toni: Perfect. See you there.


    I plopped my face into my pillow letting out a small squeak of excitement. I can''t believe I actually have


    ns with people that seem to be my real friends this weekend. I can''t believe I have a guy like Toni


    who is actually interested in me. This feels too good to be true and I''m just waiting for the other shoe to


    drop.


    A knock at my door had me collecting myself. I stood up taking a couple of deep breaths, bringing the


    giddy feeling down.


    "Hey cupcake." Charles smiled at me. He knows I hate being called cupcake.


    "Hey. I thought we wereing tomorrow?" I asked him confused.


    "That was the n, but I really wanted to be here for your first shift." He smiled down at me. His


    muscles have only gotten bigger throughout the years. He was this beast of a man and yet when it


    came to Ash and I he was this squishy teddy bear.


    "My first shift?" I scrunch my eyebrows at him.


    "Your mom told me you got your wolf. Tonight''s a full moon, so a perfect night for you to shift for the first


    time. We''ll run to the packnds from here. I want everyone to meet your wolf. I told Ash already and


    he brought your bags over. He''sing back now so we can all run together. Your mother included."


    Charles was so excited I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. It was very adorable to see


    this intimidating man be excited.


    "I was wondering why I hadn''t heard Ash in a good minute." I snorted.


    "He is very energetic, isn''t he?" Charles crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "Ember I really


    am so happy for you. I know Gunner and I are very excited to meet your wolf. What''s her name?"


    "Talia. I think she''s excited to meet you all too. At least that''s what I feel when I think of her." My face


    slightly strained as I thought about it.


    "Hey, it''s okay. You''ll get a handle on your wolf and your bond. Don''t stress too much. I can see you


    thinking too hard." He poked my forehead. "You''ll get wrinkles straining that hard." Heughed. "Come


    here cupcake." He hugged me real tight, just like Ash does. "I love you kiddo."


    "I love you too." I am d that Charles finally gets to have a kid of his own with mom. Somehow mom


    managed to pull the rarest of rare cards. She was still able to have kids with the mates she supposedly


    would never be able to have any with.


    "We''ll all meet you outside as soon as the sun sets." He waved at me as he walked down the hall.


    I''m shifting for the first time tonight! Holy fuck.

 Ch. 15

    Ch. 15


    The sun was setting before I knew it. The sky was a bright crimson as the sun kissed the horizon. Talia


    was excited and ready for a run, but I was feeling kind of nervous. I''ve always heard that the first time


    hurts like a bitch.


    ''Only for a moment, Ember. After that you won''t feel pain.'' Talia tried to soothe my nerves, but it was


    too daunting a task even for her.


    When I get anxious only Ash can seem to calm me down. I am thinking it''s a twin thing, but who really


    knows.


    "You ready?" Ash''srge steps echoed behind me.


    "Not really." I answered honestly.


    "Hey," he turned me around to look at him. "It''s going to be fine. Just listen to your wolf and let her take


    over. I know that''s hard for you, wanting control all the time, but you need to let go."


    I sighed. He was right, letting go is the hardest thing for me to do after the many times I have been hurt.


    "It''s harder than you make it sound." I grimaced.


    "It really isn''t Ember. Besides, I''ll be by your side. Me, Mom and Charles. You''re not alone tonight." He


    smiled at me and I just nodded my head.


    Taking a few deep breaths to keep me from panicking, I took a step outside. Ash and I met up with


    Charles and mom at the tree line. We caught them being romantic. Charles had mom''s face cupped in


    his hand and his other hand on her stomach, carrying his pup. He was kissing her so tenderly.


    I''ve always felt bad for dad when I would see mom with her other mates, but I knew it didn''t bother him.


    It''s normal to them all now. I just can''t wrap my head around it.


    "You ready my little fire starter?" Mom asked me, her cheeks still pink with embarrassment. Mom has


    never been able to hide her blush no matter how hard she tried.


    "I think so." I took another deep breath and Ash squeezed my shoulder soothingly.


    "I''ll shift first with your mom and then Ash and you will follow. I am hoping since you guys and your


    wolves are twins then it will help." Charles told me. He was being more alpha than a second dad right


    now. It''s important to be safe. He wanted to shift first so he couldmand my wolf if he needed to.


    "Okay." I told them, clutching my shirt at my stomach.


    Charles shifted, his dark wolf a stark contrast to mom''s pure white one. Gunner was a veryrge wolf.


    He was very obviously an alpha. He nodded his head toward us letting me know it was time. Ash


    grabbed my hand and nodded his head at me.


    "You got this." He told me before letting my hand go.


    My nerves were going crazy in me. My breathing and my heart rate were elevated with anxiety. I


    swallowed hard, as if I could swallow down my emotions.


    ''Just rx and don''t fight me, Ember.'' Talia instructed me.


    I felt myself being pushed back in my mind as my bones started popping. They weren''t kidding, feeling


    every bone in your body pop and then realign itself was an excruciating experience. I didn''t scream


    though.


    I am not sure how I didn''t realize it without Talia telling me, but Ash''s wolf was almost identical to her


    except the white patch and mismatched eyes. Ash''s wolf was light gray with white spots and he had a


    ck patch over his right eye. His eyes were a shiny silver, only shining brighter with the full moon.


    I felt Talia taking control, but I was still there¡­present. Is this how she feels everyday? It''s an odd


    feeling.


    Charles started running followed by mom. She was so graceful in wolf form. I guess I should say Heli


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    was so graceful¡­beautiful. Talia was happy to be out running with her twin. She nipped at Levi''s heels


    yfully. They yipped at one another and yed as they ran behind Charles and mom.


    I could feel Talia''s happiness and it became my own. I loved the feel of the wind in our fur. The way our


    paws sunk into the earth as we pushed off to run. Running as a wolf was the most exhrating thing


    I''ve ever done.


    When we got to the packnds Talia was worn out. She and I need to build our stamina. She''s been


    trapped so long.


    ''Shift back'' Charles voicemanded.


    I was pushed forward quickly, my bones snapping back into ce. It hurt again, but a lot less than


    before. I stood there fully naked and I felt so embarrassed even though I knew I didn''t need to be.


    Everyone else was sofortable being naked, but I hid behind my hands. I''m not used to this. Ash


    threw me a hoodie and some gym shorts that I quickly changed into.


    "We''ll let everyone meet your wolf tomorrow. I don''t want them to meet her when she''s tired." Charles


    exined.


    "Can''t have her looking weak." I added. I have to emit a lot of power in order to be respected here.


    "Clever girl. Let''s head in. I''ve had your rooms cleaned up. I think you should starting here on the


    weekends instead of me going there. The pack needs to see you more." Charles added. I thought of


    Toni almost instantly. I''ll run into him more like this.


    "Yeah okay." I answered him.


    "You too Ash." Charles brought his dark eyes to Ash''s sky blue ones.


    "I go anywhere Ember goes." Ash smiled.


    The great protector Ash. What will I do when he finds his mate and leaves me behind?


    "I''ll be here tonight, but I''ll have to head back tomorrow morning." Mom told us as she dressed.


    We all headed to the pack house from the tree line. We walked past the beta family houses on the way.


    Normally a beta stays at the pack house with the alpha, but once they find their mate and have a family


    they can live in their own house. It''s usually really close to the pack house. Everyone else''s houses are


    further away on the curving streets. It was like a small town with the pack house being the most


    important.


    I could smell him before my eyes spotted him. His dark hair pulled back, showing that delectable face


    of his. His brown eyes found me in the moonlight. I pulled my hood up not wanting him to see me like


    this. I didn''t look cute. I looked like I dressed in Ash''s clothes.


    "Alpha." He bowed his head at Charles. "Luna." He did the same for mom. Toni was showing his


    respect and Charles was pleased.


    Toni''s eyes thennded on Ash and I. He looked a little confused, but he didn''t say anything. He took in


    my clothes and scrunched his eyebrows together. I could see the gears in his turning in thought.


    "We went for a run." Ash patted Toni on the back. "Full moon runs are the best." He chuckled.


    ''Ash you idiot. I haven''t told him I got my wolf.'' I linked him.


    ''How was I supposed to know? He should already know, Ember.'' He sounded slightly disappointed in


    me.


    Toni looked at me a bit confused trying to process what Ash said. I could tell he was trying to make


    sense of it all. I pulled at the strings of the hoodie trying to hide away more. I groaned internally.


    "Char! I''m gonna hang back for a bit. Soak in the moonlight and whatnot." I told Charles. I need to talk


    to Toni.


    "Don''t take too long. You''ll get hungry soon." He warned.


    "Yes sir." I mocked and he growled a little in warning. We''re on his turf now. I gotta be careful not to be


    disrespectful.


    "Need me to hang back too?" Ash asked me and I shook my head.


    "No, it''s okay."


    "Call me if you need me." He told me, catching up to mom and Charles.


    "We need to talk." I told Toni as I walked passed him, back towards the tree line.


    He followed closely behind. I was fully aware of every step and breath he took. The mate bond was


    pulling me hard towards him, especially with the full moon.


    "What''s up?" He asked me when I finally turned around.


    "I got my wolf." I blurted quickly.


    "That''s amazing, Ember!" He smiled real big at me. "How''d it happen?"


    "It happened because of you. When we touched that first day and you told me you were my mate, she


    surfaced then." I didn''t want to exin the whole barrier thing to him so I left that out.


    "You''ve had your wolf for the past few days?" He asked, an upset tone taking over his voice.


    "Yeah." I looked away, feeling kind of guilty for not telling him sooner.


    "Ember." He spoke my name so tenderly. "Does this mean you know I told you the truth when I said I


    was your mate?"


    "Yes. She told me you are my mate." I sighed.


    "But you''re still having me work for it." It wasn''t a question, but rather a frustrated statement. He was


    trying to hold it back I could tell.


    "I don''t know. I''ve been hurt before Toni. I know that''s not on you, but it''s my baggage. I am damaged."


    I looked at the moon as I spoke to him. It was so bright tonight.


    "I wouldn''t hurt you, Ember. Never. I''m your mate. I''m meant to protect you andfort you. Not hurt


    you. Never hurt you." He spoke so tenderly to me. His words were almost pleading.


    His fingertips lightly grazed against my cheek, causing my body to react to his touch. Those familiar


    fireworks burst through my skin. He turned my face toward his, my eyes locking with his for the first


    time. I felt myself melt away into him. His hand was now cupping my face. His thumb rubbed against


    my bottom lip.


    My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest with all the emotions he was stirring inside of me.


    I felt a need for him so deep it shook me.


    "Can I kiss you?" He asked me, his minty breath fanning over my lips.


    I felt myself inhale his scent involuntarily. Can he kiss me? The question hung in the air for a minute.


    He began to pull away when I didn''t answer, a deep sigh leaving him. I couldn''t let this moment pass.


    I grabbed his face with my hands and pulled him back to me. His face was just a few centimeters away


    now.


    "Yes." I whispered to him.


    His lips crashed onto mine like a meteoroid hitting the earth¡­ fast and hot. His thumb rubbed my


    cheek tenderly as his lips continued their attack on mine. I was getting lost in my desire for him. Almost


    engulfing my sense of self. I had to pull away, even though it killed me inside to do so. This is all I can


    give him for now.


    He rested his forehead against mine, his eyes still closed. He sported the biggest smile, only making


    my heart flutter harder. His thumb gently caressed my jawline now, sending goosebumps down my


    body.


    "Wow." He whispered, rubbing his forehead against my own. "Thank you, Ember."


    I couldn''t speak, it''s like that kiss didn''t just steal my breath. That kiss stole my heart, my voice, my


    whole self.


    "I need to go." I pulled away running toward the pack house.


    Why do I do this? I keep pulling away from him.


    I can''t get hurt again. Those words are etched deep into my heart.


    I can''t get hurt again.

 Ch. 16

    Ch. 16


    I woke up feeling like shit. My body hurt all over, extremely sore from shifting for the first time. I groaned


    loudly.


    "Some of us are still trying to sleep." Ash said cranky.


    I forgot we slept in the same bedst night.


    "Sorry, princess. Better not mess with that beauty sleep." I said sarcastically. "Don''t mind me. I''ll just die


    silently over here."


    "You''re not being very silent." He deadpanned and I threw a pillow at his face.


    His eyes slit open and he smiled that cheeky smile of his. Never cranky for long, this one.


    "Alright alright. What''s wrong?" He asked.


    "I feel like I got run over by 3 semis, repeatedly." I sighed.


    "Oh yeah. Your body is pretty sore after your first shift. I''ll do for you what mom did for me."


    He sat up on the bed real serious all of a sudden. He pped his hands together, rubbing them fast


    until they began to glow, then he ced them on me. A quick shock flew through me and it was like my


    body was better than before. Like I was just given an adrenaline shot that also healed my body.


    "Well damn." I chuckled. "Thanks."


    "No problem. Let''s go eat and train. I heard Charles say it''sbat training today. Your area of


    expertise. I bet with your wolf you''ll be able to beat everyone." Ash smiled proudly at me. He liked


    underdog moments and that''s all I''ve ever been, an underdog.


    "Can''t wait." I smiled.


    I could use an outlet afterst night. I still feel so pent up after my kiss with Toni. Just thinking about it


    had my body tingling.


    Ash and I ate quickly as we were running a bitte. Not a great start. Charles is gonna chew us out.


    We ran out toward the field in the back. Charles was training intermediate fighters while the beta


    trained the beginners. I waved at Gabe as we ran towards Charles, he gave me a small shake of the


    head.


    "Why are youte?" Charles'' loud voice called.


    "Sorry alpha. It''s my fault. I was a bit sore this morning." Charles'' face softened at my words, some


    sympathy in his eyes.


    "Get in ce. You''ll be the first to spar with each other as punishment."


    Ash and I took our ce in the front. I got a tingling on the side of my face. Toni was watching me. I


    could feel it. He''s somewhere in this crowd of intermediate fighters. I didn''t look around though. I don''t


    want to lose focus.


    "Today is test day. I''ll be ranking you all. I''ve set up brackets. As you can see my pups have joined us.


    They won''t get any special treatment. They must reach the top on their own. As punishment they will


    spar each other in front of you all. Study their moves and learn before we start our test." Charles


    directed everyone in his alpha voice. Real authoritarian this one. "Ash, Ember,e on up." He called


    us.


    "20 bucks says I win this time." Ash whispered to me as we made our way to the center mat.


    "You''re on. No, ''I owe yous'' either." I smiled at him.


    "Take your ces." Charles barked and we hurried to our sides. "Commence." He yelled.


    Ash lunged at me the second thest syble left Charles'' mouth. He was always so fast, but he


    seemed slower now that I had my wolf. Ash went to grab me, but I spun gracefully out of the way. I was


    like a dancer twirling around Ash as he tried to grab me.


    He punched and I dodged, pushing his forearm with my own and twisting my body around him. Inded


    a blow to his stomach and spun out of the way before he grabbed me. I toyed with him a bit as Iid


    against his back.


    "Come on brother. A little faster." I mocked and he growled at me.


    "No problem sister." He gave me that wicked smile before he kicked me in the side.


    The wind was knocked out of me, but I recovered before hended another blow. Our speed was


    reaching speeds neither of us had ever gone before. I felt like everyone around us was blurring.


    Ash went to punch my face, but I caught it andnded a kick on his chest. He took a couple steps back,


    preventing himself from falling.


    "That''s enough." Charles called out. "Don''t want to tire you out before the real test."


    Ash and I stared at each other breathless for a moment, a fighting aura still encasing us. Ash stood


    straight, pulling down the hem of his shirt, fixing it. I stood straight, following him back to our spots.


    "Guess it''s a draw." I whispered to him.


    "Are you kidding? I owe you $20. You were kicking my ass, Ember. I''m tired." He snorted.


    Did I really tire him out that much?


    "Could you see what happened?" One of the pack members whispered behind us.


    "Not all. What was that? They were moving so fast." Someone else responded.


    "They''re not normal. They are a tribreed. We don''t stand a chance." Their tone held a slight disgust.


    A loud growl came from Charles as he looked in the direction of the whispers.


    "May I remind you that although these two may not be mine by blood, they are still mine. They are my


    pups and any ill will towards them will not be tolerated. That includes whispers. You know in this pack


    we don''t whisper. Voice your concerns or hold your tongue." He shouted, his alpha waves were strong


    causing everyone to bow their heads¡­including Ash and I. Everyone went silent. "Now I''ll break you up


    into brackets. I''ll rank you based on how well you fight in your bracket." Charles projected the bracket


    on a screen and everyone broke out.


    Ash was paired with a muscr older teen. Charles was trying to pair us with stronger kids because he


    wanted it to be fair. The way he has it set is that Ash and I would meet at the end if no one beats us.


    I know Toni is on this side of the bracket with me. I saw his name, but I refused to look for him. I need


    to focus on the fight before me.I was paired with a strong male as well. I knew this kid. I think his name


    was Tyler. He eyed me cautiously, reading me.


    Tyler seemed serious. He saw how I fought earlier and he knew I was no joke. He was tense and


    ready. I could tell he was more of a brawns than a brain guy. There won''t be much of a strategy game


    with him.


    "Take your ces." Charles yelled out. "Commence."


    Tyler didn''t learn much from watching Ash it seems. He lunged right at me just like Ash had. I dodged it


    so easily. He was a lot slower than Ash. I elbowed him in the back and he fell to the ground with a thud.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    He quickly shot back to his feet, turning to look at me. He snarled his teeth and he was letting his wolf


    take him over a bit.


    He came at me a bit faster, but still not fast enough. Between Talia''s strength and the new magic


    strength, I was feeling really powerful. I already had goodbat skills but now I have the strength to


    back it up.


    I punched Tyler hard in the stomach and then kicked him in the face. He fell over and out of the mat. I


    moved up to the next fight. I had to wait a while till they finished their match. We kept going like that. I


    would be paired and then I''d win and move on. Nothing special from the other fights. Eventually it was


    just me and thest person for this side of the bracket.


    His chocte eyes met mine, a mix of emotions on his face. He seemed unsure of what to do. I could


    tell he didn''t want to fight me, but he also couldn''t just forfeit as the son of the beta.


    "I''ll be mad if you go easy on me." I muttered to him as we took our ces. I don''t want his pity. He


    needs to take this seriously.


    He nodded his head at me, getting serious. I could tell he was a good fighter by the stance he took. It


    was guarded, he wasn''t nning on attacking blindly. I smiled, getting a little excited.


    At Charles'' words Toni and I started circling one another on the mat. I watched his muscles carefully,


    waiting for them to tell me when he would attack. I waited for the muscles in his calves to coil, letting


    me know he was lunging at me. He didn''t try to grab me though, instead he went to kick my side. I


    wasn''t expecting it so I was slow to react. I wasn''t able to dodge, but I was able to block.


    The kick was strong and had me sliding to the side. My forearms hurt from blocking the kick, I shook


    them off. I smiled excitedly at Toni. I actually felt like he could challenge me.


    I ran toward him, faking a high kick, but ducking down and sweeping my leg across instead. I swept his


    feet from under him causing him to fall. I quickly jumped on him, sitting over his stomach. I went to


    punch him, but he grabbed it. His touch still sent fireworks through my body, even in this setting.


    I tried pulling my fist back, but he held it tight. He pulled it toward himself causing me to lean down over


    him. I used my other hand to push down on his chest. I was going to flip over him but he used his other


    hand and arm to wrap around my back and press me against him. He then flipped us over and he was


    on top. He smiled down at me.


    Is he flirting with me right now? Is he toying with me?


    I smiled back, getting more excited about this fight. He pinned my hands above my head causing my


    breasts to press together. I pushed my hips up trying to push him off, but it didn''t work.


    "You''re a really good fighter, but I think I got you beat." He whispered into my ear.


    "Don''t get cocky, Toni." I told him.


    I squeezed my legs out from under him and used my feet to push him off me. I flipped back and


    crouched on the floor ready to lunge. He just smirked at me, impressed.


    His freaking handsome face is so damn distracting.


    We fought for a while longer, sort of doing a tango. He would pin me then I him and so on. Eventually


    he started to tire. I kicked his side, actually making contact and then swept his feet from under him


    again, causing him to fall backwards off the matt. I had won. I held my hand out for him, helping him up


    from the ground.


    "Thanks." He smiled at me. He wasn''t mad that I won.


    "Thank you for fighting me seriously." I really appreciated him doing that.


    Finally it was me and Ash. We had a repeat of our pre match. A lot of speed and back forth. He''dnd a


    blow on me then I wouldnd one on him. We were going at it for 15 minutes now and we were both


    getting bloody and bruised. Nothing we won''t heal from though.


    "That''s enough." Charles called. "Next one tond a blow wins."


    Ash got excited and lunged at me too obviously. I dodged it and hit him in the back with my elbow.


    "Winner." Charles called. "Ranking will be listed this afternoon. Everyone, go get cleaned and eat.


    Lunch is ready."


    "Damn. I thought I had you." Ashid t on the mat exhausted. I plopped down beside him.


    "You heal me and I heal you?" I asked him. "I''m sure I can do it now that I have magic. I mean I''ve


    been taught how."


    "That would be great!" Ash smiled. "Give me your hand, I''ll show you."


    Ash made his hand glow and had me feel what the healing magic felt like. I quickly essed my own


    magic and we healed each otherying on the mat. When we were good as new we got up and headed


    to our rooms to shower.

 Ch. 17

    Ch. 17


    Ash and I were so stuffed from lunch. We were justzing about in our room for most of the afternoon.


    When the rankings were posted we went and looked. Of course I was ranked first and Ash second.


    Toni was ranked 3rd and then Tate was ranked 4th. I didn''t look past that.


    At about 5 I started getting ready for Josh''s gig. I tied my hair back in a tight bun. I wore ace ck


    choker, a white shirt with red sshes of paint and tight ck skinny jeans. I wore my ck converse


    with red roses I had painted on them. I wore some eyeliner and thick mascara. I decided to go even


    bolder and wore a matte burgundy lipstick. Burgundy was always a nice color on dad and I.


    "Well damn. I don''t think I''m dressed right." Ashughed looking at me.


    "Yeah, hold on. I''ll fix you."


    I went to his room and looked through his closet. I found a pair of ck jeans that weren''t too baggy


    and a zooyork dark blue jacket. I paired it with some dark blue vans he had and gave him a silver chain


    to wear.


    "There, perfect." I chef kissed my hands and heughed.


    A knock on the door had us both smiling excitedly. Toni and Rachel were there.


    "Damn girl, you look hot!" Rachel told me.


    "Looking hot yourself." I smiled back at her.


    She had a ck tulle skirt with sky high converse and a white shirt. She wore a 3yered ne


    made of paper clips and had her ck glossy hair was straightened. She had a headband with arge


    white flower on it as well.


    Beside her was Toni, who must have been dressed by Rachel. He had the sides of his hair braided and


    the top left straight and alone, all meeting in the back and tied in a bun. He had a gold chain, bringing


    out those red undertones of his. He wore a ck shirt and white ripped jeans with fake ck patches


    and ck vans to match. He was looking really fucking sexy and I bit my lip.


    He noticed my action and gave me that half smirk of his. If I didn''t have any self control I would have


    grabbed him and taken him to bed right now. I can''t handle this sexy look of his.


    "We better go before we''rete." Toni told us all.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    We followed them out to Toni''s car. I had admired this car in the school parking lot before, but I didn''t


    know it was his. It was a ssic 1967 Chevrolet Camero with a hardtop. Seeing him get behind the


    wheel only increased my desire for him.


    We drove out as the sun started to set. The purple and pink hues gave a delicate setting to the sky. Our


    evening will be anything but delicate. Rachel sted some all time low as we drove and she and I sang


    along at the top of our lungs. Ash and Toni gave us funny looks at times, but Ash tapped his foot along


    and Toni drummed on the steering wheel.


    I was getting excited for my first real outing with my friends. I was really curious to see Josh y too. I


    hope his band is good. I really suck at lying.


    We got there just as the sun had fully set, the night sky littered with small sparkling stars. A new moon


    tonight. We paid our gate admission and entered the club. There were a ton of people here.


    Many pointy mohawks made it hard for me to pick Josh out from the crowd. There were girls with bright


    pink hair and girls with bright blue hair. There were all the colors of the rainbow here. The guys ranged


    from skaters, to punks, to goths and even some emos.


    "Do you see Josh?" I asked Rachel.


    "We won''t see him till hees on and then he''lle out here after his set. He''s backstage right


    now." She yelled at me as the music started.


    "Oh okay."


    I could feel all the girls staring at Ash and Toni behind me. A lot of the boys were staring at Rachel''s


    legs, that exposed area of her thigh, calling to them. The other guys seemed to keep staring at my lips


    or my slightly exposed stomach. Just an inch of flesh and these guys were going crazy.


    "Don''t get separated." Rachel yelled to all of us. "Ash, you''re my buddy for tonight." She imed him. I


    knew what she was doing and Ash seemed just fine with it.


    "Oh, it''d be my honor to be your buddy." Ash smiled down at her small self. He was almost twice her


    height.


    "I guess that leaves me as your buddy." Toni whispered in my ear, cing his arm around my waist and


    grabbing my hip. My cheeks felt hot the moment his hand grabbed me. My breathing became a bit


    erratic as I fought against the need to kiss him.


    "Hello 220!" Josh yelled into the mic as the music died down. 220 was the name of the club. "Are you


    ready to rock?"


    His bandmates came out, all boys. One had long hair that covered most of his face, sweeped to the


    side. The other had shaggy hair with a beanie on top. They were both pretty to look at. The drummer,


    beanie guy, had a tattoo on his hand of a little ghost dude that seemed to dance when he drummed.


    Hair for face guy was tall and very skinny, made me think of the bass he was ying.


    The lead guitarist had ck mes tattooed on his neck and shaggy blonde hair with dark roots. His


    face was long and angr. His dark gray eyes scanned the crowd. The music started and everyone


    started jumping and dancing. We all stayed to the side, so we wouldn''t get thrown into mosh pits.


    I jumped on my feet and danced a bit. Toni''s hand never left my hip though. The feel of his thumb on


    that inch of exposed skin was driving me insane. I had to fight the urge to turn around and just kiss him.


    I focused hard on the music and Josh''s performance. He yed the guitar as he spewed his lyrics.


    His songs were good and I was really d I wouldn''t have to lie to himter.


    They yed a short set, just 4 songs before they sauntered off the stage. Josh had spotted us in the


    crowd already and beelined for us, his bandmates following closely behind.


    "Follow me guys, we''ll go somewhere more quiet." Josh told us all.


    We headed to the stairs to the side of the building and found a room made of ss walls. Inside the


    room was quiet, but you could still see everything and hear the music at a more tolerable level.


    Everyone had taken a seat. Ash in a recliner with Rachel sitting on the arm. Toni was on a couch next


    to it. Josh was toward the other end of the same couch, as Tris and Killian were on the loveseat. Dex


    sat on the floor in the corner, one leg out and one bent in. I took the only spot left, which of course was


    between Josh and Toni.


    "Guys, this is Ember, and her twin Ash, and that is Rachel''s cousin Toni." Josh pointed us all out. "Guys


    this is Killian." Beanie guy. "Tris." Hair for face guy. "And Dex." Neck Tattoo guy.


    "Nice to meet you." Killian smiled.


    In the full light of the room I could see he had green eyes with a blue outer ring. He had a strong chin


    and high cheekbones with a well sculpted nose. He was pretty handsome in the bad boy way.


    It was hard to see much of Tris except the tip of his nose, which seemed long, his small pink lips and


    little chin.


    "Yeah you too." I told him, being polite.


    "You guys did great!" Rachel told the band and they nodded their heads in appreciation.


    "Was it worth your while?" Josh asked me and Iughed, almost forgetting what I had texted him.


    "Yes it was. You guys were amazing." I smiled at him, and he gave me a small smile through the cracks


    of his fingers that were holding his head against the arm of the couch.


    "Thanks. I am d you liked it." He muttered.


    Toni sat up, leaning forward, his elbows over his knees. I was so keenly aware of every movement he


    made. The hairs on my arm would stand anytime I thought he was moving to touch me. I wanted him to


    and yet at the same time I knew it would be a bad idea if I let him. I was still feeling the warmth of his


    hand on my hip from earlier.


    We all hung out and the band drank, but drinking was never for me. It doesn''t really do anything to us


    werewolves unless we drink a shit ton. The taste isn''t worth trying to fit in, to me anyway. We were all


    making small conversation here and there andnded on what instruments everyone could y.


    "Ember ys everything. She started with the piano when we were 5. When she was 7 mom got her


    into the drums, then it went to guitar, bass, violin, harp, and cello." Ash told them all.


    "You y the drums too!" Killian sounded impressed. "I''ve always found a girl that can y the drums


    sexy." He smiled at me. Toni''s chest rumbled as he suppressed a growl.


    "Woah easy there killer." Josh joked."I didn''t invite her here for you to flirt with."


    "I didn''t mean¡­" Killian started. "Just nevermind." He sulked back in his chair. He had a couple lip


    piercings and I could seem him fiddling with them in his mouth.


    I could feel Dex''s eyes on me and something about them made me feel on edge. I leaned my body


    more towards Toni without realizing it. Our mate bond was helping sooth some of the uneasiness that


    crept in me.


    "Ember." Toni whispered my name.


    I almost couldn''t look away from Dex. Like somehow Dex had me trapped in his eyes. Toni''s hand


    gently touched my cheek, turning my head towards him. His touch on my face helped break my eyes


    away from Dex''s. I heard Dex tsk his teeth when I looked away.


    Toni leaned in towards my face, and for a moment, I worried he''d kiss me again. I also kind of hoped he


    would. His lips went to my ear instead.


    "He''s a siren. A full blooded one. Don''t stare in his eyes fully." He whispered to me.

 Ch. 18

    Ch. 18


    A full blooded siren. I had never met one before, but it exins why I feel so weird. Sirens mess with


    your head and your emotions and usually you''re not even aware it''s happening or that it has been


    done. A real mind fuck.


    I nodded my head and linked Ash letting him know. Rachel apparently already knew, which makes


    sense since she''s seen this band many times before. I wonder if the crowd goes even crazier for their


    band because Dex is on stage.


    I kept my gaze averted from Dex the rest of the evening.


    "So do you guys go to the same high school as us?" Ash asked, making friendly conversation.


    "Dex goes to our school, he''s just absent a lot. Tris is homeschooled, and Killian here goes to a school


    for the gifted." Josh answered him. Killian gave me a little smirk, being boastful about where he goes to


    school.


    "That''s cool. So how did you guys meet then?" Ash was being very curious.


    "Online." Tris answered. "Josh posted tryouts for a band."


    "Really? That''s cool." Ash took a drink of the beer he''d been holding a while. He fought the grimace as


    the bitter taste hit him.


    "Hey why don''t you guys go and get us all a new round of drinks?" Dex asked Killian and Tris, staring


    deeply at them.


    "Yeah, sounds good." Killian said melodically as he stood with Tris closely behind.


    "Ash, you wanna help me? If youe, we''d have an easier way of getting to the bar." Killian asked


    him.


    "Uh, yeah sure." Ash looked at Rachel unsure, since he''s supposed to be her buddy all night.


    "I''lle too. I feel like dancing a bit. Josh wanna join me?" She smiled at him, holding her hand out.


    Josh looked at me for a moment before he took Rachel''s hand. Just like that Toni and I were left alone


    with Dex. I am not sure how things turned out like that.


    "How about we go dance too?" Toni asked me. He clearly didn''t like the idea of us being left alone with


    Dex.


    "And leave me all alone here?" Dex asked, feigning offense.


    Toni tensed up and grabbed my hand. Dex raised an eyebrow, curious for a moment.


    "You two a thing?" He asked Toni.


    Toni was silent for a moment.


    "Not yet." He answered through gritted teeth. He really didn''t want to tell him that for some reason. Dex


    hummed in response.


    "Hey Ember?" Dex called my name and I couldn''t help my involuntary reaction of looking at a person


    when they call my name.


    My eyes met his and I knew I had just fucked up. Something felt strange in me. I couldn''t ce it, but


    the more I tried to ce it the more normal it felt. In fact, I think it was in me all along.


    I was lost in a sea of gray. My mind felt foggy, but nice all at the same time. I could feel myself moving,


    but I am not sure where I am going. Everything felt different and yet totally normal all the same time.


    A hand reached around me and ced itself on my lower back, fingers grazing the top of my ass.


    Another hand wrapped around the back of my neck, arge thumb at my jawline. I don''t remember


    telling him to touch me and yet it felt like something I had asked for.


    Dex''s face was near mine, those gray eyes holding me captive. I couldn''t look away even if I wanted,


    which I didn''t. I heard a growl but it sounded so distant as all my attention was kept on those dark gray


    irises.


    Suddenly a burst of fireworks erupted through my skin. A hot sensationing from my bicep. I


    couldn''t help, but look away from the dark gray as the fireworks increased in me at that spot. A tan


    hand was wrapped around it, and pulled me away from Dex.


    I crashed against Toni''s chest, only causing my body to feel hot like magma. My heart felt like it was


    crashing against my chest. My mind felt a bit weird but I wasn''t sure why. What was I doing a moment


    ago?


    "Ember?" Toni''s voice called me.


    "Yes?" I looked at that melted chocte he calls eyes.


    "You okay?" He asked, brushing my hair out of my face. His fingertips leaving goosebumps in their


    wake.


    "I think so." I answered honestly. Nothing felt wrong, but at the same time it did.


    ''Guard your mind. You just let a siren control you.'' Talia let me know. ''Without the mate bond Toni


    wouldn''t have been able to break the spell.''


    I remembered what mom had told us about protecting your mind. I thought back to the lessons she had


    taught us. I focused on the image of a bubble and ced it around my brain creating a small barrier.


    ''Good, now keep it there.'' Talia told me.


    "Come with me." Toni grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the room.


    "So not together, but fated?" Dex asked from behind me.


    Toni stopped in his tracks, he turned around and looked at me.


    "Don''t turn around." He told me as he walked past me back to Dex.


    I heard a punch.


    "Try that bullshit again and I''ll kill you. I fucking hate sirens." This had been the angriest I have ever


    heard him.


    I hadn''t realized the hate he has for sirens, for his other half. Toni grabbed my hand again, his knuckles


    red from the punch. He pulled me out of the room and down the stairs. He led me past the dance floor


    and the bar. I could see Ash talking with Killian and Tris, as Rachel and Josh jumped around the dance


    floor.


    Toni pushed the door open to the club. The fresh cool air whipped around my face. The stars looked so


    beautiful against the dark sky.


    Toni kept walking for a moment and I just followed him, letting him take me where he wanted. I could


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    tell he needed a minute to cool off. When we got about a block away from the club, he slowed his pace.


    He was breathing quickly and his body was tense with anger.


    "Ember I need-"


    I cut him off, wrapping my arms around his neck and squeezing him tightly against me. I want him so


    much right now. I want to trust and I want to let go, but I''m so scared. I won''t survive another


    heartbreak. I won''t.


    Toni wrapped his arms around my waist, squeezing me tight. His nose rested at the nape of my neck


    as he inhaled my scent. I inhaled him too, trying to ease my fears and worries.


    I shook my head against the nape of his neck. I squeezed him tighter, needing to feel every muscle of


    his against my own. I can''t keep doing this to Toni. It''s not fair to him. Just because I have trust issues.


    If I were any other wolf I would have his mark on me already.


    Toni and I embraced like that for almost 5 minutes. He had calmed down a while ago now, but I couldn''t


    seem to let him go. I needed morefort than him, it seems. I want to let him in.

 Ch. 19

    Ch. 19


    Toni let me embrace him for another couple minutes, before Ash and Rachel found us. They told us


    that everyone was going out to eat at the local pizza ce. We all packed into Toni''s car. Josh, Killian


    and Tris followed in Killian''s jeep. Thankfully Dex drove his motorcycle home.


    ''You and Toni looked intimate.'' Ash linked me.


    ''I want to let him in. I just don''t know how much exactly.'' I told him honestly.


    ''I''m impressed you''re letting him in at all.''


    ''I''m trying.''


    We got to the diner and all hopped down from the car. I hung back letting Rachel and Ash walk in front


    for a change.


    ''Get me a slice of cheese. I need to talk to Toni.'' I linked Ash.


    ''Will do. Go get him, tiger.'' He joked as he held the door open for Rachel.


    I turned around holding my hand out for Toni to take. He looked at me a bit confused at first, but ced


    his hand in mine all the same. A slight smirk yed on his lips as he rubbed the back of my hand with


    his thumb.


    "What''s up?" He asked curiously.


    "Can we talk for a minute?" I asked him shyly. I am not sure what exactly I am going to say, but I want


    Toni to know how I feel about him.


    "Of course. Everything okay?" He asked worriedly. ''Is she mad at me for hugging her so long?'' I heard


    his thoughts enter my mind.


    "Juste with me." I pulled him towards the side of the building where there wasn''t anyone around. I


    didn''t want anyone to hear what I have to say.


    "Ember, I''m starting to get worried. What is it?" He asked me after I stood in front of him, silent for a


    couple of minutes.


    "I''m sorry. This is just hard for me." I sighed, staring at the ground trying to gather my thoughts and my


    courage that seemed to have vanished.


    "You can tell me anything, Ember. I am not going anywhere." He triedforting me with his words.


    "I told youst night I''ve been hurt and it''s hard for me to trust people. It''s nothing you''ve done, in fact


    the opposite. You make me want to trust you. I can feel the pull of the bond, but it''s not just the bond.


    You''re a great guy Toni. I just want you to know that although I''m not ready for you to im me just yet,


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    that I''m willing to take things slow with you. I mean if you''re wanting to anyway." I finally blurted out. My


    eyes were glued on the ground the whole time I talked.


    "Ember." He called my name and I looked up meeting those brown irises of his. "I am more than happy


    to do whatever you''re wanting to do. If that means just having these stolen moments with you, then


    that''s more than enough for me." He smiled that dazzling smile of his, as his thumb caressed my


    cheek.


    I felt my face heat up as the crimson tinted my cheeks. His gentle caress made the hair on the back of


    my neck stand on end. I wanted nothing more than to feel his lips against my own right now.


    "Kiss me?" I asked him shyly.


    "Anytime." He whispered as he brought his face close to mine.


    He stopped a few centimeters away, looking deeply into my eyes, before his soft lips pressed against


    mine. I could feel myself getting lost in him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, crossing my wrists


    behind him. His hand was pressed against my lower back as he pulled me closer to him, bending me


    back.


    Every part of me felt like it was floating away, only held down by his touch. His tongue danced over my


    lips, seeking entrance. I''d never been kissed like this before. I opened my mouth allowing his tongue to


    enter and dance along mine. A small moan left me and I could feel Toni smiling against my lips.


    "You can''t do that." He chuckled lightly, resting his forehead against mine. "If you moan like that, I won''t


    be able to stop." His thumb rubbed against my lips. "Should we go back now?"


    "Yup, just one second." I said, closing my eyes and inhaling his intoxicating smell one more time.


    "Okay, ready now."


    I felt the corner of my lips curve up high. Toni chuckled and grabbed my hand, walking me to the front


    of the diner. He opened the door for me¡­such a gentleman.


    "There you are." Rachel said excitedly. "I was wondering if you would being back." She smiled


    yfully.


    Toni rolled his eyes at her as we sat down. Ash smiled at me, handing me my te of cheese pizza


    and a grape soda.


    "Yay! They had grape?" I asked him excitedly. I love grape soda, but no one really carries it at


    restaurants.


    "Yeah!" Ash was just as excited about it as me.


    Toniughed at me, taking a bit of my pizza.


    "Hey!" I pped his shoulder lightly. "That''s mine."


    "Can''t share?" He asked, taking another bite and then putting it down on my te.


    "No " I huffed, but there was a smirk on my face I couldn''t wipe away.


    "Ember, never shares food. She''s a bottomless pit." Ashughed.


    "Rachel''s the same way." Toni elbowed her arm.


    "Whatever. At least we stay skinny." She told them both.


    We all ate, spoke andughed. It was a really nice evening out. It felt odd knowing that at just the


    beginning of this week I was depressed without friends and without a wolf. Now I sit here surrounded


    by new friends, filled withughter and joy. A strong wolf inside me with magic and a dragon I willter


    meet.


    I''m worried though, life never goes this perfectly for me. I am scared of getting too ustomed to this


    happiness. If one day I were to lose these people from my life, I would be more depressed than ever


    before, having had a taste of what friendship feels like.


    We all said our goodbyes and jumped into Toni''s car. I was feeling pretty wiped from tonight''s events


    and I felt my head start to bob against the car window.

 Ch. 20

    Ch. 20


    I woke up on my bed in the pack house, not sure how I got here. Last thing I remember is being in


    Toni''s carst night. My cheeks blushed a bit when I thought of his handsome face.


    I don''t like that Ash and I don''t have adjoining rooms here. In fact, he''s across the hall. I washed my


    face and brushed my teeth really quick. I changed into some ck joggers and a tight gray shirt, before


    stepping out into the hall. I knocked on Ash''s door, but he didn''t answer, which was odd.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ''Where are you?'' I linked him.


    ''Breakfast. You were taking too long and my stomach was growling at me.''


    ''Rude. I''ming. There better be a te for me.'' I''m surprised he didn''t just wake me up sooner.


    I ran down the stairs towards therge dining area for the pack. My eyes were focused on my feet,


    trying to make sure I didn''t miss a step. I hit something hard, causing me to almost fall back. A hand


    caught me, and pulled me back up.


    "You good? You really should keep your eyes up." Tate smirked at me. His dark hair was cut short


    along the sides and left to curl at the top. I could see my reflection in his dark eyes.


    "Sorry." I told him, keeping the blush from my face. Can''t look weak.


    "It''s alright. Be careful though, can''t have the alpha''s daughter getting hurt." He smiled at me.


    "Thanks." I nodded my head courteously at him and started descending back down the stairs.


    "Ember!" He called after me. I turned to look at him at the bottom of the stairs. "Go out on a date with


    me?" He smiled.


    Tate and I have always had a rivalry of sorts during the summer. He always wanted to prove that he


    was stronger, faster and more intelligent than me. He''s sweet, but stuck in old traditional ways.


    "Sorry, can''t." I answered him seriously. I made sure not to smile so he knew I wasn''t just trying to y


    hard to get. His smile faded quickly.


    "Why not?" He arched an eyebrow. He was still halfway up the stairs.


    "Because she''s going on a date with me." Toni''s voice came from behind me. His arm wrapped around


    my waist causing me to shiver.


    "Seriously with this freak?" He was getting upset.


    I involuntarily growled at him¡­ mad at what he called Toni.


    "Don''t call him that." I warned, cing my hand over Toni''s on my side.


    "Smart move getting her under your spell, siren." He rolled his eyes, still angry. Tate doesn''t handle


    rejection well it seems.


    Toni didn''t say anything, he seemed unbothered by Tate''sments. I wish I could be. Those


    pack my 2nd father is in charge of, to treat Toni like that.


    "Tate, I''m warning you now, if I hear another stupidment leave your mouth, I''ll make you regret it." I


    red at him.


    "Whatever, you''re not worth it." He huffed turning around. Toni growled at that.


    "She''s more than worth it." He muttered, but Tate didn''t hear, continuing his way up the stairs.


    Toni and I stayed staring at him until we could no longer see him. I still felt a mixture of emotions in my


    stomach. Mostly anger and then sadness. I turned around and wrapped my arms around Toni''s neck. I


    wanted to hold him close. We enveloped ourselves in each other''s scents.


    "Is that how you''re always treated?" I asked, starting deeply into his eyes.


    "No one says it, but they all feel that way. They stay clear of me, afraid that I''ll manipte them." He


    put a strong face on, but I could see the hurt behind it.


    "But you don''t have any siren abilities." Toni shrugged his shoulders.


    "It doesn''t matter to them."


    I felt my eyes wanting to mist over at his words. The elves had always treated Ash and I differently


    because we were part dragon. They kept us away from their kids and taught their kids to distrust us.


    Eryn and mom tried to change things, but it''s hard to change generational hate.


    "Toni, I''m so sorry." I caressed his face, wanting tofort him. How could anyone not trust this


    amazing guy? He''s the best guy I''ve met.


    "Hey, don''t worry about me. I''m a big boy. Just go on that date with me?" He smirked at me, his hands


    still around my waist, resting on my lower back. I blushed at his request.


    "When and where?" Knowing we shared the same kind of pain only lured me to him more.


    "Tonight. I''lle get you around 7. The ce is a surprise, but you should wear some running


    clothes." He winked at me.


    "Okay." My stomach turned filled with nervousness, but also excitement¡­ a lot of excitement.


    My first real date.

 Ch. 21

    Ch. 21


    "I was beginning to think you had died on the way here." Ash joked as I took my seat next to him.


    Toni had left to work on some beta training duties. I need to tell Charles that Toni is my mate, but I


    worry for Toni when I do. I honestly need to tell all my parents. I sighed thinking about how that


    conversation will go.


    Ash and I finished breakfast together and then had private training with Charles. Charles had both of us


    train in wolf form. He''s trying to build Talia and my stamina. It''s harder for me to fight in wolf form.


    There''s a disconnection between the way I want to fight and the way she fights. We''re not used to one


    another still.


    ''You need to be in wolf form as often as possible. You need to get used to one another. You''re fighting


    worse than the pups that just got their wolf.'' Charles linked me.


    It hurt to hear, but I knew he was right. Talia and I need to bond. We don''t have the same bond as


    everyone else. She feels close to me since she could feel me over the years. I however feel very odd


    around her. I don''t know how to be myself. I think my sense of self needs to change entirely.


    Charles had me in wolf form for 8 hours before having me shift back. My body felt so exhausted and


    sore. My legs were hurting so bad they were shaking. Charles wasn''t trying to be mean, but he was


    driving me hard. He wants Talia in better shape and quickly.


    It was 4 now which gave me about 3 hours to get healed, talk to all my parents and get ready for the


    date. As excited as I am, I am feeling more and more nervous.


    "Let me heal you." Ash said, as he watched me struggle to walk to the pack house.


    "Yes, please." I leaned against him, feeling the warmth of his magic pass through me.


    "He''s being too harsh." Ash was mad.


    "He''s right though, Ash. I need to get better with Talia and the only way to do that is to be in wolf form


    for as long as I can." Ash sighed at my words.


    "Still." He pouted.


    "I''m fine, as long as you''re here to heal me after." I smiled at him, patting hisrge shoulder. "Also I''m


    about to call a parent meeting and tell them all about Toni. Can youe and support me?" Ash gave


    me the biggest smile.


    "About time! Yes I will totally be there." He sounded so excited.


    "Great cause I have a date with Toni."


    Ash wrapped his arms around mine, picking me up and squeezing me tight. He was so happy for me.


    "This is great!"


    I think it dawned on us both at the same moment, that this was it. This was the moment we would start


    seeing less of each other. A sad air fell about us as we walked arm in arm to the pack house. Ash has


    always been by my side. My great protector and best friend. I know he''ll always be there for me, but


    knowing we won''t be around each other as much is depressing.


    "Enough of this sadness. You''re going on your first real date. We should be happy right now." Ash


    shook my shoulders as if to shake the sadness out of me.


    It made me smile for the most part. There was still a bittersweet feeling in my heart, but I pushed past


    it. I called everyone and asked them to meet in Charles'' office now. They were all concerned and asked


    questions, but I told them all to wait till they got here.


    "They''ll be here soon." I told Ash.


    "You can do this!" He encouraged me.


    We headed to Charles'' office and waited for everyone to show. Eryn was thest toe. He had


    some summit nning thing to take care of before he coulde.


    "We''re all here now Tater Tot. Tell us what''s going on." Dad started, a look of worry in his eyes.


    "I found my mate." I told them all and they stared at me nkly. Utter silence for a few minutes. A few


    minutes that felt like an eternity¡­ silence you could hear a pin drop in.


    "Who?" Mom finally asked.


    "His name is Antonio Torres." I answered, feeling small under their gazes. Dad was eerily silent.


    "The siren?" Charles sounded mad.


    "Siren?" Eryn''s tone mirrored Charles''.


    "Half siren, with no siren abilities." I interjected.


    "So he says." Charles huffed.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Why do you keep him here if you think he does have siren abilities?" Eryn asked Charles, slightly


    usatory.


    "He''s my beta''s kid, and I trust my beta." Charles defended. "You can''t see the kid." He turned to me,


    arms crossed.


    I felt the color drain from my face at his words. I expected Charles to be on my side, not be the one to


    say no. The room filled with smoke then, both from dad and Ash. This is the first time I''ve seen Ash


    blow smoke in anger.


    "That''s enough!" Dad yelled at them. "She just told you she found her mate. Instead of congratting


    her you tell her she can''t see the one made just for her because of what he is?"


    "You can''t keep her from her mate, Charles." Mom added.


    "Do you know how long it took her to even open back up to someone? And you want to pull this crap."


    Ash grunted.


    "For all we know he could have manipted her into thinking that she''s his mate. I don''t like this."


    Charles shook his head.


    "Her wolf only came out because she found her mate. He couldn''t have manipted that." Ash


    defended.


    "Sweetheart, all the men are speaking for you. Is there something you want to say?" Mom''s tone was


    deathly, a hidden message for her mates¡­ shut up or face my wrath.


    "Toni is a good guy. He''s patient and kind. He''s intelligent and strong. I am not jumping into bed with


    him. I''m taking things slow. I already have trust issues, but I know he hasn''t manipted me. I know


    that for a fact. We share a lot of the same pain. Ridiculed for what we are." Tears streamed down my


    face. "You two just broke my heart at the way you spoke about him, just because of what he is. I


    thought you guys were better than that."


    Charles'' face changed quickly, his arms falling by his side. Eryn hung his head a little. Dad was trying


    to reign in his anger to let me speak.


    "Tater Tot, I know you and your sound judgment. If you say this boy is good then I believe you. I hope


    to meet him soon and get to know my future son inw." He came over to me and wiped my tears


    away. "Don''t cry, litter fire starter. You have my blessing and I believe your mother''s." Dad turned to


    look at mom who nodded her head in agreement.


    "Bring him to the kingdom soon so we can meet him, Ember. Thank you for letting us know. You guys


    can go. I need to have a quick word with your dads." She smiled at me and I nodded.


    Ash and I left the room together, his arm wrapped around my shoulder in support. I could hear mom


    yelling at Charles and Eryn with dad chiming in at times. Mom was a force to be reckoned with and all


    three of them know it. They''ll probably apologize when she''s done with them.

 Ch. 22

    Ch. 22


    I''m d I told all of them together about my mate. Dad understands too well what it''s like to be judged


    by what you are and not who you are. I know he''ll like Toni.


    "I''m sorry that didn''t go the way it should have." Ash still sounded so upset.


    I shook my head.


    "Don''t be. I felt the support from you, mom and dad. Thank you." I squeezed him in a side hug.


    "You''ll always have my support in anything you do. I''m here for you Twinkie." He smiled real big at me.


    It made me think of the first time he got in a fight with a kid who was being mean to me. He had a


    swollen cheek and some scrapes from the fight, but he gave me a big grin when he won. I remember


    feeling so loved and protected. He''s like my sunshine on a dark cloudy day. My great protector. I teared


    up again¡­ I''m overly emotional.


    "You''re the best brother in the world, Ash. I mean that."


    He squeezed me real tight.


    "Let''s get you ready for that date." He said, pushing me to my room. "Where are you going anyway?"


    "I don''t know, he said it would be a surprise. He did say to wear running clothes though." I shrugged my


    shoulders.


    "He wants to meet your wolf." Ash smiled, causing me to realize the kind of running that Toni meant.


    "I hadn''t thought of that. I don''t know if Talia can handle too much running after today." I sighed, worried


    I''ll ruin my date now.


    "Hey, I''ll give her some energy and you should be fine. Just be honest with Toni and I''m sure he''ll


    amodate you. I doubt he wants you to have a bad time on your date." Ash eased my worries.


    "Okay. Wait, so what do I wear?" I am confused now.


    "Things that are easy to take off." He smirked real big. "I think maybe he wants to see you naked." Ash


    "Shut up, no. I''ll shift behind a tree." I nodded my head at myself.


    "You sure you don''t want to see him naked?" Ash teased.


    I thought about it for two seconds before shaking the thought out.


    "Stop that." I pped his arm.


    I looked through my closet, but I didn''t have much running clothes. I grabbed a long sweater that didn''t


    need a bra under it and a pair of leggings. I put on a pair of ck ts. Everything seemed easy to take


    off so I guess this is good enough. I braided my hair and tied it up into a bun. I then did some light


    natural makeup.


    It was now 6:47 and I felt my stomach turning with nerves. I was excited and yet extremely nervous.


    Aelfric had taken me out on a few dates and I remember getting the same giddy feeling. This feels


    different though, it feels a lot more serious. I know for sure that he is my mate¡­ no tricks this time.


    "Calm down. You''re making me nervous." Ash grabbed my wrists and sat me on the bed so I would


    stop pacing.


    "Sorry." I sighed. "I''m just really nervous. There''s a lot I don''t know."


    "We''ll stop thinking about that. Look, you know you like him. You know you want to spend time with


    him. Just focus on those emotions. You don''t have to worry so much." He patted my head. "I''m gonna


    go to my room before he gets here. Come find me when you get back. I wanna know how it went."


    "Yeah, okay. No teasing me though." I pointed my finger at him.


    "No promises." He said, lifting his arms up as he walked out of the room. I shook my head at him


    smiling at his goofy self. I am sure he''ll tease me tons, but it wouldn''t be him if he didn''t.


    I started pacing around again when Ash left. I was trying to calm myself, but it''s hard to calm your


    nerves down when you don''t know what''s expected of you. How do real first dates go? What about


    dates with your mate? What will Toni want from me at the end of our date?


    I sighed, falling back on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. This is stupid. I shouldn''t be this worried.


    Ugh. Calm down heart.


    A light tap on the door had me jumping out of my bed. I ran towards the door and quickly swung it


    open. His eyes assessed my body before meeting my emerald green irises. He gave me that sexy


    smirk of his.


    "You look great. Are you ready to go?" He seemed so calm right now as he leaned against my door


    frame. How can he be so calm?


    "Yeah. Do I need to bring anything?" I asked, trying to get a read on where we are going.


    "Nope just yourself." He held his hand out for me to take and I stared at it a moment.


    As soon as I take his hand, our date will start. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my beating heart. It


    was pounding loudly against my chest. I slowly stretched my hand out towards his and took it. His


    warm calloused hands felt nice against my ice cold fingers.


    He is always so warm.


    "So where are we going?" I tried to coax him into telling me as he walked me outside toward the tree


    line.


    "You''ll have to follow me and find out. I hope it''s okay that we go in wolf form? I''ve already got clothes


    for us to dress into when we get there. So you don''t have to worry about that." His pearly white teeth


    beamed at me.


    "Charles had us training really hard today. It isn''t too far is it? Talia is pretty tired." I admitted shyly,


    unable to look him in the eyes.


    He gently grabbed my chin with his thumb and forefinger and turned me to look at him. He studied my


    face for a moment before he spoke.


    "It isn''t too far. If you get tired, please tell me. I am sorry I didn''t know about your training or I would


    have nned something else." His face was still, but behind his eyes I could tell he felt bad.


    "No, it''s okay. I should have told you earlier. I am excited though, and really curious where you''re taking


    me." I smiled at him, trying to make him feel better.


    "Reep is really excited to meet your wolf." He smirked.


    "Talia is too." I could feel her jumping around in me.


    We walked to the tree line, before awkwardly separating. I stripped behind a tree and shifted quickly.


    The pain was barely noticeable now when I shift. I was grateful for that. I came out from behind the tree


    slowly, a bit shy.


    There he was in all his glory. I had never seen a wolf like him before. His fur was longer than any


    wolves I have seen before. His fur was ck, but in the moonlight it held every color of the rainbow. His


    eyes were a dark silver, sparkling as they checked me out.


    Our wolves sniffed around one another, getting to know each other. His wolf seemed yful as he


    nipped at our heels. Talia''s tail wagged happily as she got to know Reep.


    ''You''re beautiful.'' Toni''s voice rang in. ''Follow me. Let me know if you need to stop to rest at any point.''


    I nodded my head and ran behind him, keeping pace with him well enough. He would look back and


    check on me every now and again. The weather was perfect for a run. The cool air felt nice against our


    fur, cooling us off as we ran.


    Toni started to slow down as we approached a clearing near the creek. The smell of the creek wafted in


    the air, calming my spirit. I''ve always loved the smell of nature. As we got closer I noticed the picid


    out on a nket.


    ''I put your clothes that Ash gave me, behind that tree.'' Toni pointed to arger tree, in the distance, with


    his snout. ''I''ll meet you back here when you''re done.''


    I nodded and ran towards the tree. I quickly shifted, finding that Ash gave Toni one of the few dresses I


    own. It was a long sleeve ck sweater dress with brown buttons that ran all the way down it. It fit my


    body snuggly, showing my curves off well. He also gave Toni my small ck ankle boots with a 2 inch


    thick heel. I ran my hands down my dress, smoothing it out as I made my way to Toni.


    There he sat on the nket. His eyes fixed on the sky. One hand rested over his bent knee, and the


    other supported his weight behind him. He looked so handsome staring up like that. His hair brushed


    against his shoulders in waves.


    I noticed the midnight flowers all around the clearing as I approached him. I wonder if he knows what


    they are. They are meant to protect us from creatures of the night. Did he bring me here because of


    them, trying to give me a sense of peace?


    He wore a ck and white id button shirt and a pair of khaki pants. He left a couple of buttons open,


    giving me a peek at his chest. I swallowed hard, trying to keep myself from getting too aroused at the


    way he looked. He turned, noticing me, and smiled real wide. He patted the spot beside him and I sat,


    tucking my dress down.


    "Here." He handed me a basket full of my favorite snacks and some grape soda. I couldn''t help the


    "What about your favorites?" I asked, feeling bad it was all mine.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Some of your favorites are mine as well." He smiled, plopping a sour gummy in his mouth. We sat in a


    "Thank you for agreeing toe with me today." His husky voice finally broke the silence.


    "Thank you for this. It''s really nice." I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.


    Toni grabbed my chin, turning my face towards his. His lips met mine gently, barely grazing them. It


    tickled and sent a million sparks flying through me. He pulled back just the slightest bit, his lips a mere


    millimeter away. He stayed that way letting me feel his warm breath against me.


    The need to feel him consumed me and I leaned in and kissed him harder than I have before. My hand


    grabbed a handful of his hair, on the back of his head, as I pulled him closer to me. Our lips shed


    forcefully, a passion igniting in both of us. Toni pushed back on me slightly, and I began toy back on


    the nket. He held his weight over me with his elbows, our chests pressed together.


    I continued my assault on his delicate lips, letting our tongues dance with one another. A small moan


    escaped me as his hand gripped my hip tightly. His hands began to grab at my dress, pulling it up,


    exposing my thighs fully. His leg pressed between my own, his thigh now touching my core. I felt my


    breath start to elevate as my arousal permeated the air around us.


    His hand traveled up, over my dress, towards my breast. My heart began to pound so loudly I swear


    you could hear it. The moment his hand cupped my breast and squeezed, a moan left me. No one had


    touched me this way before. It felt like every part of my being was set aze¡­so alive. I was acutely


    aware of every part of my body and his. Where they touched and where they didn''t.


    I clutched onto him for dear life not wanting him to stop. I needed him close. I needed the warmth of his


    skin against mine. I felt like I was losing my mind in all this pleasure.


    Toni left my lips and started to kiss my jaw line working his way down to my neck. His lips kissed right


    where he would mark me and I felt Talia fighting me for power. She wanted our mate to mark us now,


    but I''m not ready for that just yet. Although I''m not sure this is taking it slow¡­ I can''t seem to stop


    myself.


    Toni''s tongue licked the spot, making me clutch him tighter to me. His right hand slid my dress higher


    up, exposing my ckce underwear. His fingertips yed along the hem of my panties, tugging on


    them slightly. I buried my face in the nape of his neck, muffling my moan against his skin.


    His left hand unbuttoned the top few buttons of my dress exposing my breasts to him. I had no bra on


    and Toni''s eyes devoured my breast before his hand began to y with the pink harden bud of my


    n*pple. I''d never felt such pleasure before, my back arched in response to his touch. My hips began to


    sway of their own ord against his thigh. I moaned only this time he growled in response.


    "Fuck Ember. Those moans of yours will be my undoing." He whispered into my ear, only adding


    wetness to my now drenched underwear.


    His left fingertips began to pull my underwear down and I was suddenly brought back to reality. I can''t


    do this yet. No matter how good it feels. No matter how amazing this moment is right now. I can''t do


    this with him yet. Not yet.


    I ced my hand on his chest and scooted up a little away from his thigh. I looked him deep in the


    eyes, wanting him to know I wasn''t rejecting him, just this act.


    "I''m sorry. I''m not ready for that yet." My voice was soft and very vulnerable at the moment. I was still


    very much exposed to him, my breast out and underwear still showing.


    "No. I''m sorry Ember. You told me you wanted to take things slow." He sat up, bending his knees and


    resting his elbows on them. He buried his face in his hands and shook his head, disappointed in


    himself.


    "I just get so carried away with you. I should have stopped though. I am sorry." He apologized again.


    He wouldn''t look at me again until he knew that I was covered back up.


    "I didn''t exactly stop you sooner. I was enjoying it. I got a little carried away myself." My cheeks were


    aze with that pink hue I always try to hide. I can''t help the blush that crosses my face any time I am


    with him.


    Toni smirked a little, the guilt easing slightly with my words. He took my hand in his and just squeezed


    it. Heid back on his arm looking back up at the stars.


    "You know the starse to life in the ocean. When I go see my mom I always sneak off and go for a


    night swim. The stars shine so brightly against the dark ocean water. It makes it look like a second sky.


    It gets hard to tell where the ocean ends and the sky begins." He described to me, deep in thought.


    "That sounds beautiful." Iid back beside him, our hands still holding one another.


    "I wish I could take you one day." He sighed.


    "Maybe one day you can." I whispered.


    "I don''t want you around that many sirens. I never want to put you in danger." He said sadly. This was a


    part of him, but not a part he wanted. It kind of broke my heart to see him hate that part of himself.


    "I''m sure you''d keep me safe." I turned to my side to look at him.


    "You trust me enough to do so?" He turned and looked back at me. That strong jaw of his is more


    visible in this position.


    "Yes I do." I answered honestly. I was beginning to feel safer with Toni. After what happened with Dex I


    knew he would keep me safe.


    "Good, because I''ll do anything to keep you safe." He caressed my face as he spoke.


    We stared at one another in silence again. I was memorizing every part of his face. Down to the small


    scar above his eyebrow. The small facial hair that seemed to be growing back. He was so handsome.


    "Ember?" He broke the silence. "Can I call you my girlfriend now?"


    He looked so sweet and innocent right now. His gaze had averted mine, a little worried about my


    response. He seemed so vulnerable right now and it made me want to protect him more than anything.


    "Yes, you can." I answered him softly. My heart fluttered, feeling very light at the moment.


    I have a boyfriend.

 Ch. 23

    Ch. 23


    My rm sounded and I wanted to beat myself up for not going to bed sooner. Toni dropped me off at


    my room around 10, giving me a kiss goodnight. Ash and I had stayed up talking till around 1 in the


    morning talking about the date. He and I were both dragging our feet this morning.


    I haven''t seen Charles or Eryn since yesterday evening before the date. I''m not sure what Charles is


    doing, probably avoiding me. He''s the worst at apologies.


    I know I have training with Eryn after school today so he''ll probably try to make it up to me in some way.


    Eryn always went out of his way when he wanted to make someone feel better. He''s a good guy, just


    being king has put too much pressure on him. He''s too stressed all the time and it''s taking its toll on


    him. I can see it in the way he''s changed.


    I got dressed and ready quickly, having hit snooze too many times. I bunched my hair in a messy bun


    and ran out with Ash. His hair was standing in many different ways and yet he still looked so


    handsome. He''s lucky like that.


    "I me you." I told Ash as we ran towards the school.


    "Me?" He asked baffled. "How is this my fault?"


    "You wouldn''t stop asking questionsst night."


    "I can''t help my curious nature." He raised his eyebrows at me. "It''s not like you were holding out on the


    information. You talked just as much as I did."


    I pursed my lips at him as I opened the door to the school. My eyes immediatelynded on Toni, who


    stood dead center looking pissed. Micheal was opposite him with a smug look. I''m not sure what''s


    happening. It honestly looks like Micheal is about to get himself killed.


    "I heard she slept around with a lot of boys at her old school. Is that why you''re always around her


    Toni? Trying to get some ass?" Michealughed stupidly. What''s he talking about? "I mean look, she


    was literally in Dex''s arms this weekend. She probably slept with him that night."


    He shed his phone at Toni who took it furiously. He looked at it for a moment and the fire in his eyes


    only grew. What''s going on?


    "I wonder if she''d give me a go, if I asked." Micheal was surrounded by a group of football yers who


    all stared at Toni with stupid smirks.


    I didn''t like this feeling I was getting. It feels too familiar. Ash felt it too as he tensed up beside me. They


    were starting rumors about me.


    Toni was seething and he punched Micheal straight in the jaw. His head spun as he hit the floor. The


    guys around them just watched in shock.


    "Don''t talk about shit you don''t know. She was with me that day. Dex tried something stupid with her


    and I punched him just like I punched you. You try anything with my girlfriend and I''ll beat you to a pulp.


    This is your warning, Micheal." He crouched down as he spewed his threat. Micheal''s eyes widened. "If


    I hear you continue to spread these rumors about her, you''ll be sorry. I know your secrets Micheal and


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    I''ll spill them all."


    "What the fuck is your problem?" Micheal shouted as he got up. "You''re gonna pick her over your


    friends. She may be fine, but no ass is worth this shit." Micheal rubbed his jaw.


    "She''s more than worth losing fake friends over." Toni deadpanned. Micheal narrowed his eyes at him


    realizing Toni was never really his friend.


    "Let''s go." He ordered his crew behind him. They all turned and saw Ash and I at that moment. Micheal


    froze for just a second before he continued to walk.


    I walked towards Toni, who smiled widely at me as he saw me. His smile always sent my heart a flutter.


    "Are you okay?" I was concerned about him losing all his friends because of me.


    "Not really, can I hug you for a moment? I need your help calming down." He held his arms out at me.


    His muscles were still tense and his hands were having a hard time not balling into fists. I nodded my


    head at him and he grabbed me quickly. His arms wrapped around my waist and I wrapped mine


    around his neck. He pulled me tightly against his chest and inhaled my scent at my neck. His nose


    tickled me as he breathed me in, sending goosebumps down my back. He held me for a couple


    minutes. I could feel everyone watching us, but I kept the blush away from my face. I don''t want them


    to think I''m embarrassed to be with Toni.


    Ash had stayed near us, just a little ways away. He watched Micheal closely from down the hall. I know


    he was in protective mode right now. He was developing a n of sorts to get at Micheal. Ash can be


    very intelligent when ites to revenge.


    "I''m okay now." Toni whispered into my ear, and I let him go. "Thanks."


    "Anytime." I had that stupid grin on my face again. The one I can never seem to wipe away when I''m


    with him.


    "What exactly did Micheal tell you? And what did he show you?" Ash asked him as soon as Toni and I


    separated all the way.


    "Someone sent him a picture of Dex holding Rain in that ssroom of 220. It was when he had her in


    his spell for a moment. I had punched him after breaking the siren pull. Someone just took a picture at


    the wrong time. He''s heard that Ember has slept around in herst school. Which I know is a lie. I also


    know that Micheal didn''t start this. Someone else is starting these rumors, but I''m not sure who. That


    picture was sent to him." Toni shook his head in disbelief.


    "I''ll figure it out." Ash promised us all, including himself.


    The bell rang and we all headed to ss. Toni walked me to my ss and told me he would be walking


    me to all my sses now that I''m his girlfriend.


    "Don''t worry about my tardies. The teachers love me." He winked at me as he left me by Mrs. Williams''


    door and sprinted toward his ss.


    1st period flew by today. Nothing new was learned for me, so I just looked out the window. There was


    someone outside,ing inte. Prettyte actually. I recognized his motorcycle almost immediately¡­


    Dex.


    The bell rang and I went to my 2nd period. Rachel was absent which I thought was odd. I hated being


    alone with the other girls. We ranps inside with the boys so that helped make me feel less alone. Ash


    and Toni ran with me as we kept pace with one another.


    Myra tried to run with Ash, but she couldn''t keep up. Thankfully Ash wasn''t interested in slowing down


    for her. He may be kind but he''s not stupid. Myra was not happy.


    Eventually the coaches had us go and change before the bell rang. I headed down to the locker room,


    feeling a little alone. I wish Rachel was here.


    "I heard you and Toni are dating now. Is it true?" Myra''s inquisitive eyes found mine.


    "Yes." I told her inly.


    "You better be careful, he''s not what he seems." She walked off after that.


    What the heck kind of cryptic message is that? He''s not what he seems? I pushed her words aside as I


    finished getting dressed. When I left the locker room Toni was waiting for me with Ash. I reached them,


    just as the bell rang.


    "Ready for science?" Toni held out his hand, waiting for me to take it. Ash gave me a teasing smile


    while he wiggled his eyebrows.


    ''Quit it'' I scolded him.


    I nodded my head at Toni taking his hand. The familiar fireworks erupted in me as our skin touched. I


    looked down at our interlocked fingers, a small smirk spreading across my face. He gently rubbed the


    back of my hand with his thumb as we walked.


    "Has anyone given you any problems today?" He asked, probably thinking about the rumor this


    morning. I shook my head.


    "No. I mean Myra annoyed me earlier, but I wouldn''t say she caused me any problems." I don''t


    understand why I even let her words cloud my judgment for a second. Toni is exactly what he seems.


    "I promise she wasn''t always like this. She used to be really sweet, and kind. High School changes


    people and not for the better usually." Toni sighed. I guess he felt he needed to exin why he ever


    dated her.


    "I can''t picture it." I tapped my chin, and he justughed.


    "I know it''s such a crazy thought now."


    I''vee to notice some more small things about Toni heretely. Like the way his eyes wrinkle at the


    sides when he smiles real big. He also had an adorable dimple on his right cheek. These little things


    only add to the flutter in my chest.

 Ch. 24

    Ch. 24


    Science went by too quickly. I kind of wish Toni and I had more sses together. Toni was walking me


    to my art ss even though his ss was on the opposite side of the building.


    "Are you sure it''s okay? You''re going to bete." I asked him again, feeling guilty.


    "Yes I''m certain. I love walking with you. I''m taking every extra minute I can with you." He pulled at my


    hand turning me into him and giving me a quick hug, before turning me back around. It was so fast I


    almost didn''t realize what happened.


    We got to the art room faster than either of us intended. He let go of my hand and I felt so empty all of


    a sudden. The more time I spend with him the lonelier I get when he''s gone.


    "I''ll meet you outside for lunch. I''lle sit with you." He smiled at me as he left down the hall. He


    looked back at me a couple times, catching me watching him.


    "Are you going toe in?" Josh''s head peaked out from the room, bringing me out of my daze. I


    cleared my throat real quick.


    "Yeah. Yup." I was caught off guard.


    "What''s got your head in the clouds?" He asked me as I took my seat beside him.


    "It''s nothing." I was too embarrassed to tell him that Toni was taking up every part of my mind.


    Josh and I were talking about his songs and the club, when Dex walked in. He had a mustard yellow


    turtleneck sweater, ck jeans and vans on with a ck beanie. He eyed Josh from across the room


    and then met my eyes. I quickly looked away remembering what happenedst time.


    "I didn''t know he had this ss." I muttered to Josh.


    "Yeah, who''d you think used the other station beside me." He smiled at me not realizing how


    inconvenient this is for me.


    ''Remember keep your mind guarded'' Talia''s voice echoed in my head.


    I ced that bubble around it. I really don''t know if that works against sirens, but better safe than sorry.


    I don''t think he''ll do anything at school either.


    Dex took a seat, grabbing his things. Today we were supposed to paint still life. There was a vase of


    sunflowers with a big bup bow on it for us to paint. We all got to work focused and silent for a while.


    "I saw a picture of you and Ember circting around. Wanna tell me what happened between you two


    at 220?" I heard Josh ask Dex.


    He was whispering very lowly, without my sensitive hearing I would have had a hard time hearing him. I


    could feel Dex''s eyes on me, but I knew better than to stare back. I just continued painting like I wasn''t


    paying attention to them.


    "Honestly, nothing happened. I thought I could get a kiss goodnight, but her guy wasn''t having it." I


    could hear the smile in his voice.


    I remembered Toni punching him for touching me. I still remember the feeling clearly, of wanting him to


    touch me. It still feels weird to think about. I still feel the remnants of that want in me. It feels like a


    gross reminder that I was controlled by him.


    "I thought I told you not to mess with this one. You always pull that shit Dex. I always bring a girl and


    you manage to snake her from me." Josh sounded upset. Although I''m not sure why he feels like I was


    snaked away from him. I was never his.


    "Don''t worry Josh. I won''t do anything unless she asks me to." I turned to face them.


    ''She''ll ask soon enough.'' I heard Dex''s voice enter my mind. His eyes met mine for a moment and he


    furrowed his eyebrows, confused. ''How are you in my head?''


    I jumped, surprised he could tell I heard him. No one had been able to tell until now. He smiled at my


    reaction. Any interest he had in me only seemed to peak now.


    "You alright?" Josh asked, noticing me jump.


    "Yeah, I just thought I saw a spider." I lied. I knew I shouldn''t look into Dex''s eyes, but something in me


    told me it would be okay.


    Boy am I stupid. I felt myself get sucked into his mind. I was no longer in the art room, but on a beach


    with white soft sand. The ocean waves crashed against the sand hard creating that white foam you see


    in paintings. The water was crystal blue and the clearest I had ever seen an ocean be.


    "So, you can invade my mind." Dex''s voice surprised me, causing me to jump forward and quickly turn


    to face him.


    "Where are we?" I asked, confused. Did he bring me here? He looked at me in slight disbelief.


    "You''ve invited yourself deep into my mind. This is where I keep my siren side until I need it." He


    exined it to me. "What are you? I thought you were a wolf, but wolves can''t just invade the minds of


    others like this."


    I backed away as he approached with his hands outstretched. He wanted to touch me, but I knew that


    would be bad.


    "What I am doesn''t concern you. I''m sorry I invaded your mind. It wasn''t my intention." He may not feel


    bad about invading people''s minds but I do. No matter who they are.


    I tried to focus and get back to my body, but I couldn''t seem to leave. I honestly have no idea what I''m


    doing. Mom had always talked about how to travel to people''s minds, but she never spoke much about


    how to get out.


    "You''re kind of stuck here until I show you the way out. So answer my question Ember." He says my


    name as if saying it gave him power over me.


    "I''m not just going to do whatever you say. I''ll get out on my own."


    I mean there''s gotta be a way. I tried to call on Talia for advice but she wasn''t here with me. It''s just


    me¡­and Dex.


    Dex watched me struggle for a while. He sat on the beach rxed, as I got more and more frustrated.


    I''m really stuck here.


    "Give up yet?" He smirked at me and I sighed heavily.


    "How do I get out?" I rolled my eyes.


    "First tell me what you are."


    "I''m a tribrid. Now how do I get out." I answered him without detail.


    "Interesting. A tribrid of what?" I felt his eyes roaming my body as he checked me out more.


    "I''ve answered your question. How do I get out?" I was growing irritated. I''m not even sure he''s telling


    the truth.


    "I''m the only one who can let you out." He answered.


    "Okay then let me out." I crossed my arms.


    "Not until you answer my question fully." I rolled my eyes at his words.


    "Dragon, werewolf and elf."


    "The elf part exins how you''re here." He said pensively.


    He got up from the sand, dusting his bottom off with his hands. He stepped closer to me and I took a


    step back again. Landing my right foot in the water.


    "Stop backing away. I can''t send you out if you keep away." He told me seriously.


    I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. I don''t trust him at all, but I currently have no choice. His hand


    grabbed my bicep tightly, pulling me to him hard. I crashed against his chest. My handsnded on his


    pecs as I braced myself from the force. I looked up at him to say something, but his lips crashed


    against mine before I could do anything.


    My eyes stayed wide open with shock. His lips aggressively pushed against my own and I froze. I


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    couldn''t seem to move away, my feet were being held captive by the water. Wrapped around my ankles


    like shackles.


    He had lied. Of course he had lied.


    His hand grazed my jaw lightly. I can''t remember why I don''t want him to touch me now. In fact, I don''t


    think that''s true. I''m pretty sure I want him to touch me.


    ''No Ember, break away from him.'' I could hear my mother''s frantic voice in my head.


    Why do I need to pull away when I want this. His hands feel good against my back. His lips fit into mine


    perfectly. I clutched his shirt, pulling him closer to me. My lips parted, granting his tongue ess to


    every crevice in my mouth.


    "Tell me you want me." He whispered against my lips.


    ''Ember no! Snap out of it. This isn''t you.'' I heard my mother yell again. Where is she? ''Remember Toni


    and focus on him. Feel his presence in the distance.''


    Toni. Oh God Toni.


    All I needed was to hear his name to remember who I was. I just needed to think of him to realize what


    Dex was doing. I pushed back slowly, not trying to give away that I broke free of his spell. I then


    punched him hard in the stomach. I heard the air leave him.


    I focused on Toni and his presence. I could feel him. He was close by.

 Ch. 25

    Ch. 25


    I woke up, with a massive headache, at the nurse''s office. Toni was holding my hand, and Ash was


    hovering behind him. They both looked so concerned and deep in thought. They hadn''t noticed me


    "What happened?" I asked my throat raspy.


    "I was hoping you could tell me." Ash responded a bit snappy. He was scared.


    "I remember being in art and then.." I thought about it a moment and then it all rushed to me at once.


    "Dex.." I whispered his name.


    Toni tensed up beside me.


    "What did he do?" Reep was near the surface, traces of his growl in Toni''s voice.


    "I mind traveled by mistake. I have never done that before and I didn''t know how to leave. He took


    advantage of that and got me under his spell again. I only broke away because I heard mom''s voice tell


    me to think about¡­" I paused for a moment a bit embarrassed.


    "Think about what? What do you mean you heard mom?" Ash asked a bit inpatient.


    "I don''t know. Her voice just popped into my head like she was there with me. She told me to think of


    Toni." I blushed starring Toni straight in the eyes.


    "Did he do anything to you?" Toni was concerned. Although he was mad he tried to keep the anger


    from his voice while he asked me.


    "He kissed me." I couldn''t look at Toni when I said this. I felt guilty. If I would have just been more


    careful or if I would have known how to get out on my own.


    "I''m so sorry Ember." He told me, but hearing that only hurt me.


    "I should be the one apologizing. I kissed someone else." I shook my head in disgust.


    "It wasn''t you. It was him. He made you feel that. He made you do that. You did nothing wrong." He


    reached for my hand, but I pulled away. I feel gross right now, even if he told me not to.


    "Mom called the school and had us checked out. She wants us home." Ash interjected, and I nodded


    my head getting up.


    "Ember¡­" Toni''s voice sounded worried.


    "I''m fine. I just¡­" I sighed. "I feel gross right now. Just give me a little while."


    He nodded his head. I could see the hurt in his face and it only made me feel worse. He may forgive


    me, but I''m having a hard time forgiving myself. I would have given Dex all of me at that moment if


    mom hadn''t stopped me. How can he still be okay with me? I should be stronger than this.


    Ash and I headed out together, leaving Toni behind in the nurse''s office. I felt Talia getting anxious in


    me. She was worried for our mate bond.


    "Hey, it''s going to be okay." Ash elbowed my arm lightly, trying tofort me.


    I just nodded my head still deep in my thoughts. We arrived home rather quickly, walking in a peaceful


    silence.


    "Ember, thank God. I saw you snap out of it, but I''m not sure what got you out. I''m just happy you didn''t


    go through the same thing as¡­ I''m just happy you''re okay." Mom embraced me tightly and a faint


    emotion of trauma rang in her mind. Who''s Luke?


    "Mom, you''re the one that helped me." I scrunched my eyebrows tightly.


    "What do you mean? The tree just had me project to you and all I could do was watch in terror at what


    was happening. I''ve told you before, when I project I have no control of the person. I can think to myself


    and pray they hear me though." She squeezed my shoulder, still looking at me with a mixture of strong


    emotions. The tree of life always had mom project into people at important moments. Things she


    needed to see or feel through that person.


    "I heard you mom. I heard you tell me to stop. I heard you tell me to think of Toni. Mom, I''ve never


    traveled before. I didn''t know how to leave." I felt the fear seize me then.


    "Oh my baby. I''m so sorry. I should have told you how to do that. I realized I only ever talked about how


    to get there, but not how to leave. That''s my fault, and we are going to fix that this evening."


    Mom was determined. She didn''t want to leave us vulnerable like this again. She told me about how


    she was sexually assaulted in college by a man named Luke. He was her highschool boyfriend. She


    never wants that to happen to me. I had no idea mom had gone through something like that. She never


    really speaks about life before us. She always says how life before us isn''t worth mentioning.


    We spent the afternoon training our minds. Mom taught me how to ce a strong barrier over my mind


    and my soul. She then taught me how to get out of people''s minds. She had me practice on her several


    times.


    Mom had a very warm and weing mind. It was really beautiful where Heli stayed when she wasn''t


    in control. The colors were very vibrant which worried me about my own gray drab mind. Evening rolled


    around and mom finally let us go. We had about an hour before it was time to train with Eryn.


    "You want to grab a snack before training?" Ash gave me that big childish grin of his.


    "You know it. I''m starved."


    We headed to the kitchen and grabbed a couple snacks. I decided to check my phone while I ate them.


    Josh: Hey, you okay? My weak ass couldn''t carry you to the nurse''s office. Dex had to. I hope he didn''t


    bother you. I hope you''re okay now. You really have me worried.


    Of course Dex carried me to the nurse''s office. I just assumed it was Ash or Toni for some reason. I


    think my head might still be a little muddier than usual. I don''t remember him holding me.


    Me: Yeah I''m okay. I am sorry I worried you. My mom''s taking care of me. You probably don''t know, but


    she''s a doctor, so I''m in very good hands.


    I sent him a few emojis to lighten the mood and let him know I really am okay.


    Toni: Ember please don''t pull away from me. I know it wasn''t your fault and I don''t me you for any of


    it. Sirens only ever want power and you exude that by the millions.


    I read his text a few times over. I wasn''t sure how I felt. I know I don''t want to hurt Toni, and I don''t want


    to pull away from him. I just can''t help the feeling of guilt that is weighing my heart down.


    Me: I''m sorry. I''m just struggling with how to feel about it. I know you don''t me me, but I me


    myself.


    I responded to him after a while. I still don''t feel like I got my words exactly right, but it''ll have to do. He


    responded almost immediately.


    Toni: The only person to me is Dex. Never me yourself for falling for a siren''s voice. It can''t be


    helped. Their words are weapons.


    I read his text a few times, trying to engrave them to memory. Trying to tell myself, and my heart, that is


    what it was. He made my soul think I wanted him. I know what real want feels like. It feels like it did


    when I was with Tonist night. That is what I really want. Not what happened with Dex.


    Me: Can Ie see you tonight? Around 8?


    I need to feel him on me again. I want to kiss Toni so much that I forget the feeling of Dex''s lips on my


    own. I want to feel totally engulfed in Toni.


    Toni: I can''t. I have patrol duty today. Can Ie see you after that? If you''re still awake.


    I sighed wishing I could see him sooner. I do have training tonight anyway.


    Me: Yeah okay. Do you know how to get here?


    I know technically the pack and this kingdom are tied together, but I''m not sure how many of Charles''


    pack even really know how to get here.


    Toni: Yeah, my father showed me once before. I''ll text you after patrol.


    I didn''t respond after that. I was just happy I would get to see him at all tonight. I''ll sneak off from my


    room to meet him.


    "Ash, I need you toe with me. I want you to learn how to do some of these royal duties. Ember no


    training today. I''m sorry for what I said yesterday. I should have been more epting." Eryn told us, his


    face was sullen as he spoke.


    "Yes, you should have." I won''t be quick to say it''s okay, because it''s really not. "I forgive you though."


    "Thank you. Head up to the roof. Nate wants to talk to you and Eric is up there with something from


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    me." He smiled that gentle smile of his and I nodded my head.


    Ash gave me his big bear hug before following Eryn.


    ''Save me.'' He joked.


    ''You wanted this.'' I reminded him.


    ''Meh, I know.'' He walked off with Eryn.


    I headed up to the roof. I wonder what dad wants to talk about. Usually roof time is dragon training. We


    know that I have my dragon, but I can''t ess her or her magic.


    When I got to the roof I saw Eric sitting beside Dad. They were talking about something, but I couldn''t


    catch what they were saying, as they stopped when they saw me. Eric beamed that adorable little smile


    of his at me. He ran to me and gave me a big hug around my waist.


    "Hey little guy. Or should I say big fe? You''ve grown!" He was always worried about his height. He''s


    shorter than most of the elves right now.


    "You noticed! I grew a centimeter!" He said so excitedly and my mouth widened in arge grin.


    "Yup, I knew it. I can see it." I held my hand out measuring him against myself. "You''ll outgrow me in no


    time." I shook my hand in his hair and he squirmed trying to get away.


    "Quit it." He said annoyed. Iughed, putting my hand down at my side. "Here dad said to give this to


    you. He said he was sorry."


    Eric handed me a gold ne with arge pearl strung through it. The pearl wasn''t white though


    under the light it reflected different hues of pink and blue in circles. I''d never seen anything like it.


    "He asked that you wear it everyday. He said mom told him what happened today and he found this.


    It''s supposed to be an amulet that lessens the effects of a siren''s voice on you" Eric exined, looking


    down at the ne curiously. I hope that''s true. I don''t want to ever fall under Dex''s spell again.


    "Thanks." I squeezed his shoulder. "Wanna watch a movie with me when I''m done here?" I asked him.


    "That sounds nice, but you won''t be done here for a while and I like to have a good night sleep on


    school nights." He was poking fun at myte night habits.


    "Fine then. Be that way." I flicked his forehead and he rubbed it, pouting. He was cute when he pouted.


    "I''ll watch a movie with you Friday night." He promised.


    "Okay I''ll hold you to that." I smiled at him. He gave me another big hug before heading back inside.


    "Come here Tater Tot." Dad patted the spot beside him on the edge of the roof. He was sitting with his


    legs dangling over the edge. He can fly, but I can''t. Sitting here puts my nerves on edge. "I want to take


    you somewhere. I know you can''t ess your dragon yet, but now that we know she''s there, I want to


    take you to Mount Ignis."


    Mount Ignis was where dragons go to get their mes when they are young. I''m not sure how that will


    work with Lien still locked away. Dad seemed really excited though. He always felt bad not being able


    to take me when he took Ash. I do want to see it though.


    "Um okay. If you think that will work then I would love to see it." I smiled at him.


    Only dragons can get to Mount Ignis so only they know what it''s like there. Dad''s wings spurted out


    spreading wide behind us. He grabbed me from under my arms and we jumped off the roof. My


    stomach dropped out of my ass when we were falling, quickly going back to its ce when we started


    flying.

 Ch. 26

    Ch. 26


    Dad was a great flier. He knew how to fly so that I felt safe in his arms. I''ve always called him my


    shadow protector. He''s always there but unnoticed until you need him. He gives Ash and I space to


    discover ourselves while still staying involved. He doesn''t pressure us into anything and lets us decide


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    what''s best for us. I''m definitely a daddy''s girl.


    I enjoyed the flight over the ocean. I had no idea it was so far. I realize why Eric said I would be gone


    for a while. Dad let me touch the ocean water as we flew by. It was really nice. I could tell dad was


    getting a bit tired from carrying me so long though. Usually when you bring your child they are small


    and not an almost fully grown adult.


    We approached an ind that looked like it was glowing red. I could see dragons flying around it. The


    blinded me. I got a little nervous as we approached.


    I could see a volcano in the center of the ind and it looked active. The heat radiating from this ce


    could be felt a mile away. I was sweating by the time we got there.


    "Dad, how can you stand this heat?" I asked him as wended on the shore. The sand was as ck as


    obsidian.


    "I don''t feel it. Haku keeps me from getting hot. I was hoping maybe Lien could still help cool your body


    even behind a barrier." Dad pursed his lips a little disappointed.


    ''I can have Lien give me some of her magic through the barrier and maybe that will help?'' Talia offered.


    ''Might as well try.'' I didn''t know that was a possibility.


    My body started to feel cool suddenly, like ice had just been poured over me. The sweat on me


    dissipated into steam.


    "It worked." I said out loud a big smile on my face.


    "What did?" Dad looked at me puzzled.


    "Talia was able to give me a little of Lien''s magic to help cool my body." Dad and I were smiling real big


    at one another.


    He seems so excited about me having a dragon. I hadn''t realized how sad he was that I didn''t have


    one before. He never let on about how he felt and I appreciate that.


    "Come on. It''s this way." Dad took my hand and led me down a path.


    Large trees I''d never seen before shaded the path. The trees looked almost like leather. They were


    dark, giving off the appearance that they were burned, but they were shiny and thick. Down below grew


    wild dragon lilies that were all set aze in the center. The further down the path we went the darker it


    got and oddly enough colder.


    When we reached the end of the path we came upon a fork. There were three paths in front of us. Dad


    stopped right in front of them and let go of my hands.


    "Alright my little ember of fire. From here on you lead us. Your dragon may be in a barrier, but knowing


    she''s there you should be able to focus and feel her if even the slightest. She will tell you which way to


    go. Listen closely." Dad pushed me a little, making me take a step forward.


    I closed my eyes and tried to focus. I could feel Talia and I could feel this sort of muted part of me. I


    focused on that part listening closely.


    ''Let us out'' A dark voice rang, almost making me lose focus.


    ''Ember, be careful.'' A voice I didn''t recognize sounded. It was majestic yet extremely powerful. Her


    voice sent a calm air about me, a confidence I hadn''t felt before. ''Don''t focus on this part of yourself for


    long.'' She warned.


    ''Lien?''


    ''Yes my girl. You found me. It''s so wonderful to meet you.'' She sounded so emotional. I mean I was


    pretty emotional myself. ''Listen Ember, I''ll tell you which way to go now. Do not focus on this part of


    yourself again. It''s dangerous. You give the darkness power when you do.''


    I felt my chest tighten at her words. I want her to be out here with us. She shouldn''t be locked away.


    ''Okay. I''m listening.''


    ''You''ll take the path to the left. From there you will go off trail. Your father will question you, but tell him


    that is the way. You''ll go off trail when you see a light blue tree. Follow the blue trees to a cave. The


    cave will be covered in ice. Enter it. When Yukina asks you why you disturbed her from her sleep, tell


    her that her daughter has found her way. She will bless you with her magic. After that you will head up


    to the volcano, with her blessing and magic, you''ll ice your hand and grab the magma from the volcano.


    Turn the magma to ice and eat it.''


    There was so much information to remember. So many questions to ask, but I could tell that I had no


    time. It felt like Lien was being pushed aside by the darkness. I snapped back and looked back at Dad,


    trying hard to remember everything she said. Thank God I have a good memory.


    I took the left path like she said, but I was worried I went the wrong way when I didn''t see the blue tree.


    After about 10 minutes I saw it in the distance, a deep contrast against the dark trees. It was the


    lightest blue, like ice. It was smaller than me. More of a sapling than a tree.


    "Wait Tot. We can''t go that way." Dad sounded nervously.


    "She told me this was the way and that you would say that. Trust me dad. She said to follow the blue


    trees." I gave him a reassuring grin and he nodded his head. His face looked worried, like he knew


    where we were headed.


    "What else did she say?" Dad was suddenly curious.


    "Um that we''lle upon a cave in ice and I need to enter it." I started recalling, dad seem to tense at


    my words. "She said to tell Yukina that her daughter has found her way or something like that."


    "Her daughter?" His voice sounded surprised but also amazed.


    "Yeah, that''s what she said. I am supposed to receive her magic and her blessing then go to the


    volcano and turn the magma into ice and eat it." I was proud of myself for remembering it all.


    "Ember, I don''t think you realize what this means." Dad stopped walking for a moment and I turned to


    look at him, a bit confused. "Yukina is an original dragon. No human side in her. From what your


    dragon said it sounds like you have Yukina''s daughter in you. Ember that''s a very powerful dragon. An


    old dragon spirit from an original dragon. I can''t believe it!" Dad was giddy with excitement and pride.


    "Really?" I had no idea Lien was so powerful.


    ''That exins her arrogance.'' Taliaughed inside me.


    "Let''s go! Lead the way, my powerful daughter." Dad smiled so wide.


    We continued walking till we saw the next tree and turned toward it. After about 15 minutes we made it


    to the icy cave. It was cold and oddpared to the heat of the ind. It was light amongst the ck


    and red of this ce.


    Dad waited outside the cave, he said it wasn''t for him to enter. I crept in slowly and carefully. I didn''t


    want to slip on the ice. There was nothing to hold onto. The entire cave was ice, walls and ceiling. It got


    darker as I ventured deeper. Talia''s sight was the only thing making it possible for me to walk right now.


    "Hello?" I called out. I heard a rumble and some rocks shifted. The ground shook under me and I knew


    Yukina was moving.


    Herrge body came into few as she stepped towards me. Her scales were white and light blue like the


    trees that led me here. She was a different kind of dragon than dad. She made me think of the kinds


    that the Japanese draw. No long wings, just a long slender body that coiled on the ground under her.


    She looked down at me, her intense light blue eyes stared angrily at me.


    "A wolf darese to this ce and disturb my peace. Do you have a death wish?" Her voice was


    smooth and deep. It was beautiful even when it was angered. I cleared my throat trying to get rid of any


    weakness it held.


    "Your daughter has found her way." I repeated the words Lien told me to say.


    Yukina''s face bent down quickly in front of me so quickly the air blew around me. She huffed at me,


    freezing the air around me. I felt a coldness I had never felt before deep in my bones awe.


    "If what you say is true, why do I not sense her?" Her chest rumbled with suspicion.


    "She''s stuck behind a barrier inside me. She ced it there to protect me from dark magic, but got


    caught in it." I exined.


    Yukina circled her body around me. I was surrounded by her. Her head was floating above me, looking


    down. Herrge teeth showed and for a moment I feared she would eat me.


    "That won''t do." She spoke through gritted teeth.


    Her talon came to my forehead, touching it lightly with the tip. Her talon and forehead glowed so


    brightly that I had to close my eyes. I could feel her in my mind searching for Lien. I heard a pop,


    feeling darkness encase me. I began to feel an immense pain as the darkness started to take me over.


    She had let Lien and the magic out.


    I felt Yukina''s body squeezing me tightly as I wiggled around trying to break free. I was feeling such


    dark urges, something I have never felt before. I want to kill. I want to fuck around. I want to cause pain


    for the fun of it.


    "Let me go!" My voice didn''t sound like mine. It was deep and raspy, seductive yet dark.


    "Hold still child!" Her voice echoed off the cave walls.


    Two of her talons shone again only this time she ced it over my forehead and heart. I could feel her


    gathering all the darkness inside me. She was turning it back to light magic, turning me back to myself.


    My heart felt right again. Only I felt so powerful. I had so much power right now. I could feel everything


    and everyone around me. I could hear dad''s thoughts from outside and even Ash''s all the way in the


    kingdom.


    I felt my muscles growing too. Every part of me felt bigger. Yukina had released Lien and all the magic


    and converted it all to light magic at once. Yukina was extremely powerful, and I see why dad was


    nervous. Yukina then added to my power by giving me and Lien part of her magic. It felt like ice had


    entered my veins, prickling my skin. A cold fell over me.


    "Now go child, take care of my daughter." Yukina let me go, pushing me out of the cave back to dad.


    ''Seems we just needed to visit your mom this whole time.'' Talia spoke.


    ''It wouldn''t have been that simple. I''m just d I''m out here now.'' Lien came in.


    "Dad." I started to cry. Everything that just happened had my mind reeling. I was so unbelievably happy


    right now and yet deeply overwhelmed.


    "Ember, my baby girl! What''s the matter?" He held me tightly against him, rubbing the back of my head


    soothingly.


    "She let Lien out. I have her now dad. I have them both and even all my magic." I cried harder into his


    chest. I felt such a rush of emotions.


    "Ember you''re freezing!" Dad pulled back away from me looking into my eyes. "Your tears are ice and


    your lips are blue." He was worried.


    ''We need to hurry to the volcano. Shift into me Ember.'' Lien instructed.


    ''How?'' I had never shifted into her before.


    ''The same way you do with Talia, only focus on me instead.'' Lien''s voice was so soothing it helped


    calm my nerves.


    I listened to her and shifted to her easily. Shifting into her caused me no pain at all. She was the same


    kind of dragon as her mother. She had light blue scales and white whiskers, like the ones on koi fishes.


    Lien pushed off the ground and began to run up in the air getting higher and higher until she started to


    slither our body in the air toward the volcano. Dad had shifted entirely as well. Hisrge red dragon


    followed closely behind us.


    When we got to the volcano we shifted back. Well damn, I wish I could keep my clothes like this every


    time. What''s up with that anyway? Why are werewolves the only ones that lose their clothes when they


    shift. It''s stupid.


    ''Use the ice magic that my mother gave you. Encase your hand and grab some magma. When you


    have it, focus and turn it to ice.''


    It wasn''t hard to focus on the ice magic as I was pretty much turning to ice already. I did as she said.


    The magma didn''t even feel hot against my hand. Dad watched astonished beside me. I turned the


    magma into ice and it was so clear it was almost like ss. I stuck it in my mouth and ate it just as Lien


    said to do.


    After I ate the magma my body started to warm up. The ice I felt in my veins was gone and my lips


    were no longer blue.


    ''The magma will help keep you warm now. It will also allow you to breathe fire.'' Lien exined.


    I ran to dad and hugged him tightly, feeling the happiest I have ever felt before.


    "Ready to head back home?" Dad asked.


    "Yes. Thank you so much for taking me here!" I squeezed him again.


    "I am d we came. Ember I am so proud of you and honestly very impressed. I can''t believe the


    dragon you host." Dad shook his head in disbelief as he stretched his wings out.


    "You don''t have to shift all the way to fly if you don''t want to." Dad told me."Focus on the part of her that


    makes her fly and use that."


    "She doesn''t have wings though so I''m not sure what makes her fly like that." I don''t mind shifting with


    her though.


    ''I use magic to fly.'' Lien told me.


    After a short exnation from Lien I jumped off the volcano. Heights no longer seem so scary. I soared


    through the air, controlling it around me.


    "That''s pretty amazing, Ember. It''s crazy to see you flying without any wings. There aren''t many


    dragons left like that." Dad exined.


    "What does Ash have?" I realize that to spare my feelings Ash never told me what happened when he


    came.


    "He has the same kind as you, which is actually pretty rare too. You are your mother''s children. He has


    a lightning dragon though." He told me, he held pride for Ash in his voice.


    "I had no idea. We never really spoke about it." Because of me Ash was never really able to celebrate


    these big moments. I need to do something for him.


    "He took the middle path and received his blessing and his fire from the base of the volcano. That''s


    usually how it goes. You get your fire and blessing from one of the 3 dragons at the volcano. The top,


    base and middle." Dad started exining what usually happens.

 Ch. 27

    Ch. 27


    We made it back around 8. I felt pretty tired from all the flying. It was really beautiful though to be up in


    the sky while the stars were shining.


    "I love you Tater tot." Dad gave me a big hug


    "I love you too Dad."


    We went our separate ways afternding. I headed to Ash''s room knowing he was there.


    "Ashy ash. Where are you?" I yfully sang as I entered his room.


    "Knock much?" He snapped as he pulled his pants over his underwear.


    "My bad." I shielded my eyes.


    "It''s safe now." He sounded a bit annoyed.


    "What''s up with you?" He''s usually happy to see me after we''ve been apart.


    "Just cranky. It''s nothing." He smiled at me, but it wasn''t his usual smile. ''They won''t ept me as king.


    They all told Eryn they wouldn''t hold the meeting with me there.''


    The faces of sour elders came to my mind and my heart shattered into a million pieces.


    "One sec. I actually forgot something. I''ll be right back." I backed out of the room and closed the door.


    Those fuckers. How dare they deny him? I ran down the hall and down the stairs. I headed straight for


    the grand meeting room. I was on a mission. Smoke was blowing from my nose and mouth and it was


    an odd feeling trying to control that for once.


    I passed by mom who saw me seething and got up slowly from her chair. She was trying to chase after


    me, but at her stage of pregnancy she could only waddle quickly behind me. She realized where I was


    headed and stopped following. She didn''t try to stop me though. Her way of giving me permission


    because she couldn''t do it herself.


    I pushed the doors open wide and hard, letting them hit the wall behind them. Everyone''s eyesnded


    on me quickly. Eryn''s face said it all. He was pissed too but as the king he really can''t say anything


    without igniting a war or breaking an alliance. As the ck sheep of the family, this is where I can


    shine.


    "You sons of bitches." I seethed. The smoke I had been holding back came out of my mouth. I


    mmed my hand down on the table and ice spread through the table. A frost covered everything.


    "How dare you say you won''t hold a meeting with the future king here? Do you n to no longer hold


    an alliance with us once my mother and Eryn step down? Tell me Lyric, will your small kingdom survive


    without our protection? What about you Dryden? Your kingdom wouldn''t have survived without our


    medical help."


    I eyed two of the older members here. I may not be taking over, but I listen and watch and know


    everything that is happening here.


    "Stop acting like children and throwing a fit just because you don''t like our dragon sides. Fucking deal


    with it!" I mmed my fist down again.


    I have never been this mad before. I expect to be treated badly. I''ve always been treated with disdain,


    but I''ll be damned if I let it happen to Ash.


    "If I were you I would apologize to the future king and invite him to the next meeting. No matter how


    much you protest, Ash will be the king, so you bettere to terms with it now."


    They looked bbergasted. They couldn''tpose themselves fast enough to say something back to


    me. I huffed grabbing the doors and backing out of the room. I mmed them closed, feeling pretty


    good about myself.


    "Ember?" Ash''s voice surprised me. "What just happened?"


    I was caught.


    "I''m sorry Ash. I heard your thoughts and I couldn''t stand it." Ash looked at me a bit surprised, but he


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    gave me the biggest smile.


    "Ember, did you just tell them all off for me?" Heughed.


    I blushed a bit, a little embarrassed by my oush.


    "Yeah"


    He continuedughing for a moment before he brought me in for a tight hug.


    "Thanks. It''s odd being protected by you for a change. " I heard your voice through his chest as he


    continued to hug me. Something wet hit my scalp and I realized he was crying.


    "Hey, it''s okay. Don''t let those idiots get to you. You''re amazing." I made sure to look him deep in the


    eyes when I told him. He doesn''t need to feel small because of some idiocy.


    "It''s not that. You aren''t going to need me to defend you much anymore. You''re growing up, Ember." He


    was smiling, but his eyes were still misted over. I felt a pain in my chest as his words registered.


    "I''ll always need you Ash. You''re my big brother. My womb buddy. My Twinkie. Now you can focus on


    your mate hunting more, not having to worry about keeping me safe." I lightly punched his arm.


    "That does sound tempting. Gods I hope I find her soon." He looked up, as if saying a prayer.


    "Let''s go back to the room. I want to talk to you." I told him.


    We walked back, y fighting along the way. We weren''t exactly being quiet. When we got to the room


    we were bothughing.


    "So what''s up?" Ash plopped on his bed.


    "I got my dragon." I smiled real big at him.


    "No fucking way. Seriously?" I could read the excitement all over his face.


    I told him the whole story and the kind of dragon I have. I told him about the ice magic and magma


    eating. I even told him about having all my magic now.


    "How do you feel?" He finally asked after processing everything I told him.


    "Freaking ecstatic. The magic seems like a lot. I have a lot going on inside me right now, but it''s under


    control for the most part. A lot of new things I need to get used to though." I thought of the smoke


    earlier when I got mad. I can''t do that at school.


    "I''m so happy for you." Ash meant it too. I could feel it.


    "Ash I''m sorry that you never got to tell me about the time you received your magic. I should have


    gotten over myself and asked you about it. I feel I cheated you out of those moments." I picked at a


    string on my pants as I spoke.


    "No, Ember. You didn''t cheat me out of anything. That was my choice not to tell you about it. Besides,


    Mom did a good job of celebrating for me."


    That''s why they''re so much closer.


    "Good. I hope you know that you can share anything with me." I looked into those sky blue eyes of his.


    "Okay I will. Actually¡­" He paused for a moment and my phone buzzed.


    "Oh fuck, what time is it? I told Toni I''d meet him after his patrol." I panicked, looking at my phone and


    seeing his message.


    Toni: I''m at the outskirts of the kingdom. West side.


    Me: Be there in 5.


    "Hurry up and go!" He pushed my back lightly, sending me out.


    "Are you sure? I thought you were going to tell me something?" I looked at him concerned.


    "It can wait. Go and have fun." He winked.


    It''s crazy that just this morning I had rumors spread about me, fell into a siren spell, and got trapped in


    a mind. Now here I stand with my wolf, dragon, and all my magic able to apply everything I''ve learned


    over the years by observing. I have to tell Toni.

 Ch. 28

    Ch. 28


    Toni was leaning against a tree, his leg bent beside him. He was looking up at the stars again. I think


    that is his favorite pastime at night. He''s always looking up.


    "Hey." I snuck up on him. He didn''t jump though.


    "Hello beautiful." I think my heart just stopped and restarted. He was giving me that sexy crooked smirk


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    of his.


    "Thank you for meeting me." I started fidgeting with my fingers, getting shy suddenly.


    "Anytime you want me toe, I''ll be here." He grabbed my face, forcing me to look up at him.


    "I have some good news." I smiled excitedly at him.


    "Oh? What is it?" His fingers started to y with a strand of my hair giving me goosebumps. It made


    me want his skin against my own.


    "I got my dragon."


    His smile mirrored my own. He was just as excited for me as Ash was. He really cares for me and


    respects me.


    ''Thank you Goddess. She''s so happy.'' Toni''s thoughts enter my mind.


    He was truly happy for me. I really do have the best mate. He''s made for me. I feel so sure of our mate


    bond now. There are no more doubts guing my mind. Lien can feel the pull to Toni too. He''s mine


    and mine alone.


    I pinched his shirt and pulled on it a little. He took a step forward brushing my arms with his fingertips.


    Fireworks erupted inside me under his touch. He stared at my lips with hunger. I caged my lower lip


    between my teeth, trying to contain my own hunger for him.


    His hands trailed up my arms to my neck and towards my face. His thumb rubbed against my lip gently,


    causing me to open my mouth ever so slightly. I nibbled his thumb, causing him to lick his lips.


    "Ember." He spoke my name with such a need.


    I sucked on the tip of his finger and he growled lightly.


    ''If she keeps this up I don''t know that I''ll be able to stop myself.'' Toni''s inner thoughts reached me.


    I stopped sucking on his finger and started kissing his neck just below his jaw line. I licked his neck,


    clutching his shirt in my hands. I want him. No, I need him.


    Toni couldn''t take my teasing anymore. He grabbed my face between his hands and pulled me towards


    him. His lips began their assault on my own. There was no tenderness tonight, just a lot of desire and


    lust. His hands wandered down my back and his fingers brushed against my ass. I pressed myself


    closer to his chest allowing my breasts to push against his pecs.


    My back arched as desire coursed through me. Toni''s tongue entered my mouth tasting every corner. A


    small moan left me, muffled against his lips. I want to feel his bare skin against my own.


    I yed with the hem of his shirt, slowly lifting it up. I let my hand memorize every dip of his muscles.


    His skin was warm and soft, but his muscles were strong and hard. He grunted in pleasure as I


    continued lifting his shirt up. Our lips broke apart for a moment while I slipped his shirt over his head.


    "Are you sure about this Ember?" His chocte eyes met my emerald ones.


    "I just know that I want to feel your skin against my own."


    With that, Toni''s lips found my own again. Our tongues danced and my hands ran down his abs. The


    feel of his muscles coiling under my hands had me growling with desire. Toni grabbed the hem of my


    shirt and quickly lifted it off me. His hands grabbed my sides tightly, pulling me closer to him. My


    abdomen was pushed against his hard abs. My breasts were barely contained by my bra the way they


    were pressed up against his chest.


    Toni''s fingertips wandered up my back, sending goosebumps down my spine. I felt his fingers y with


    the sp of my bra before it came undone. He broke away from my lips cing open mouth kisses on


    my neck and down my shoulder. He grabbed my bra strap with his teeth and took it off, grazing my skin


    along the way. The only thing holding my bra on right now was his chest against my own. I inhaled that


    intoxicating scent of his causing my bra to fall.


    Toni''s chest grazed against the hardened buds of my n*pples causing another moan to leave my lips.


    His hand grabbed a handful of my hair at the back of my neck. He tugged lightly on it, not to cause me


    pain, but to have me lift my head back. He used that to lick and suck at my neck. His teeth grazed my


    marking spot and my heart began to race uncontrobly.


    My head was in a lust filled daze. Nothing upied my brain but Toni, his touch, and his body. Toni


    lifted me up, wrapping my legs around his hips andying me down on a soft patch of grass. His


    tongue licked down me from my neck to between my breasts to above my navel. His hands grabbed at


    the waistband of my pants. He began to pull them down a bit, stopping for a moment to look me in the


    eyes. When I didn''t stop him he continued.


    He pulled my pants off, throwing them behind him. The only piece of fabric left on me was my red silk


    panties, that were very obviously soaked with my need for him. Toni began to ce open mouthed


    kisses up my inner thigh until he reached the wet spot between my thighs.


    He slipped his finger on the waistband of my underwear pulling on them so they snapped back at me. It


    wafted the scent of my arousal around us. He growled loudly letting me know how desperately he


    wanted me. I had a hard time keeping my eyes open. They kept wanting to close and focus on his


    touch.


    Toni hooked his finger over the waist of my underwear and pulled them down. He threw them by my


    pants. I felt so exposed right now. No one has ever seen me this naked before. The hunger in his eyes


    as he looked at my naked flesh made me feel so wanted, washing away any timidness I was feeling.


    Toni parted my wet folds with his index finger, feeling the slickness he has caused. His finger slowly


    prated me, causing me to arch my back in pleasure.


    "Fuck Ember, you''re so tight." His seductive voice was breathier than usual.


    His mouth began to suck on my pulsating cl*t and I couldn''t help but let my eyes roll back. My hips


    lifted toward his mouth, slowly moving against his face. His finger continued to slide in and out of me,


    slowly getting deeper and deeper in me. His other hand reached up and cupped my breast.


    "Toni." My voice came out shaky.. almost breaking with the ecstacy his finger and mouth were bringing


    me.


    He continued his pace only adding another finger. It was a little ufortable at first, but as I adjusted


    it began to feel nice again. The strong muscles of his tongue danced over my cl*t. With every flick of his


    tongue my moans got louder. Eventually I couldn''t hold it anymore and I just climaxed over his face and


    fingers.


    Toni slid his fingers out and ced gentle kisses on the flesh of my stomach and chest. Eventually he


    licked my n*pple making me moan again. How can I still be so turned on after just having orgasmed?


    Toni kissed my neck and I felt his teeth graze my skin. I grabbed his face and pulled him up to me,


    kissing those soft lips of his again.


    "Thank you." I told him.


    "For what?" He asked, kissing me again.


    "For being mine. For being patient. For that orgasm you just gave me." I blushed again.


    "Oh I don''t know if you should thank me for thatst one. I have your moans engraved in my mind for


    burned at the thought. "You know you''re really cute when you blush." He buried his head in my neck


    like he couldn''t take it. "Too cute." He shook his head.


    "Toni?" He lifted his head meeting my eyes again. "Do you think you can wait another week to mark


    me? I want to get through this summit before I let you mark me." I wanted to be honest with him.


    "I''ll wait however long it takes." His eyes were filled with care, maybe even love. "I will warn you that


    the longer you wait the wilder Reep will get. I won''t hurt you Ember, but it may not be as gentle as I


    would like your first time to be." He drew wide circles on my abdomen with his fingertips as he spoke.


    "I''ll keep that in mind."


    Toni handed me my clothes and I got dressed. Weid on the grass, cuddled against each other,


    staring at the stars for a while.

 Ch. 29

    Ch. 29


    "Get up! You''re both in so much trouble." Ash''s voice woke me up.


    My eyes took a second to adjust to the bright sun. Where the fuck am I? I rubbed my eyes harder.


    "Rubbing your eyes isn''t going to change the scenery. We''ve been looking for you for a few hours now.


    Mom''s pissed. Hell, I think dad is even mad." Ash shook his head at me.


    I looked around more, realizing I was in the spot Toni and I had been cuddlingst night. I guess I


    should say still cuddling, since his arm is still around me.


    "Fuck." Toni muttered as he sat us both up. "I''m so sorry." He pped his forehead upset. "Your


    parents are going to hate me."


    "No they won''t. I''m in deep shit though." I sighed. Mom is going to chew me out.


    "You both better hurry up and get to the pce." Ash shook his head.


    "Both?" I was surprised, although I guess I shouldn''t be.


    "Yup, both. Now hurry up." Ash repeated, helping me up.


    "Right, okay."


    I grabbed Toni''s hand and pulled him along behind him. I quickly walked us toward the pce. I could


    have flown there faster, but I am not sure I wanna fly into my doom. I can''t believe we feel asleep out


    there. What time is it right now? The sun is pretty high. Fuck me.


    We reached the pce doors shortly after and I took a deep breath. Toni squeezed my hand before


    letting go.


    "Probably better if we''re not touching when we see them." Toni correctly suggested.


    "I''m so sorry Toni." I apologized in advance for my parents.


    I opened the door to find mom pacing. That''s never a good sign. Mom mad was already scary, mom


    mad and pregnant is 100 times worse. Her eyes locked on mine and she stomped her way over. Oh


    boy here we go.


    She grabbed my chin and lifted my head inspecting my neck. She was checking for a im mark. She


    eyed Toni for a moment before continuing her inspection. When she was satisfied she backed away.


    Dad hung back a few feet. His face was deadly serious, which let me know he was mad. He just wasn''t


    trying to show it. I really fucked up, it seems.


    "Ember Elizabeth Viseron." Not the full name. "Do you have any idea how worried we''ve been? You


    can''t just leave at night and not let anyone know where you''ll be. You aren''t supposed to leave at night


    at all. Perhaps we''ve given you too much freedom." Mom started with the guilt trip.


    "Tot, I can''t believe you did this." Dad''s voice was disappointed and it hurt to hear.


    "I am so sorry. I really didn''t mean to fall asleep outside." I sighed.


    "It''s my fault. I should have made sure to walk her back sooner. We just started staring at the sky and


    passed out." Toni interjected trying to save me from my parents.


    "It''s not your turn yet, Toni. I''ll get to you in a minute." Mom said. Her voice was friendly yet eerily


    threatening. "Ember, you''ve caused us all to worry about you. You met up with your mate unsupervised


    and without permission. The fact you don''t have a mark is your only saving grace."


    "We know that you will soon have a mark, but we want to make sure you are being safe when you do it.


    You''re still too young to have a kid. Your mother and I had a hard time graduating when we had you


    and Ash. We don''t want you guys to have it harder than you need to. You need to tell us the n


    Ember. We need to know." Dad chimed in.


    "You''re starting birth control today. You''re grounded this week too. I know it is hard not to see your mate


    so he will be allowed toe here and see you for an hour with us present. You will also have your


    regr training plus extra training. You will also spend time with Eric who didn''t want to go to school till


    you were found. You scared him, and Ash, a lot." She shook her head disappointedly. Her attention


    then went to Toni.


    "Toni, this is a terrible first way to meet. You kept my daughter out all night. Whether you were having


    sex or not, that is uneptable. You''re going to have your work cut out for you, climbing yourself out of


    this terrible first impression you''ve made." Mom was thankfully not tearing too harshly into him.


    "Come with me boy. We need to talk." Dad signaled for Toni to follow him. I was going to follow too, but


    mom grabbed my wrist.


    "Oh no you don''t. Those two are talking alone and so are we."


    Mom pulled me into her study and lectured me more. She was relentless. She added that I would need


    to attend the summit, And dress the part, as punishment. I hate summits. It just brings more elder elves


    that don''t like Ash or I.


    Eventually mom let me leave her office and I found dad and Toni smiling at one another. Dad must like


    him if they are smiling already. That''s a relief.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Your mother is finished with you already?" He asked looking behind me for confirmation from Mom. I


    nodded my head at him.


    "That''s surprising." He smiled at mom, a twinkle in his sky blue eyes. Dad adores mom and it''s always


    so visible in the way he looks at her.


    "Come with me. We need to talk." He gestured up the steps and I knew that meant he wanted to talk on


    the roof. "Toni, I wish you the best of luck." He squeezed Toni''s shoulders sending him to the peril that


    is my mother.


    I followed dad up the steps in silence. His body was rxed, but his face was serious. He was deep in


    thought, probably trying to get his words right. Dad was always particr about the words he used. He


    thought of every argument or counter that could be said.


    He was always three steps ahead in a conversation. Dad was smart like that. I think that''s what makes


    him such a goodwyer. That and the deep care he shows for people that need help.


    When we got to the roof dad sat on the edge again. His legs dangling over in the air. I sat beside him,


    less nervous about the height and more nervous about what he was going to say.


    "Although I was worried about you, and pretty disappointed in you when I found out where you were, I


    am d that you are learning to let people back in. I know you''ve had it rough all around. I can''t


    imagine what you''ve endured emotionally. Ember you''re so very strong." Dad didn''t look at me as he


    spoke. His eyes were focused on the clouds above us. "I want you to know that I love you a lot and I''m


    here for you. Whatever you need, I''ll provide. Whatever bad you''ve done, I''ll help you get out of it.


    Whatever bad happens to you, I will seek revenge for it. You''re my little girl, although not so little


    anymore." Dad''s sky blue eyes met mine, a bit red from the tears he was fighting back.


    "Thanks, Dad." I couldn''t keep my eyes on him. I started twirling my thumbs.


    "Toni seems like a great guy. Lean on him when things get dark." I''m not sure why, but I get the feeling


    dad''s holding something back. ''You''ll survive what''s toe. I hope you can save him too.'' Dad''s


    thoughts came heavy and sad. What''s he talking about?


    "Save who, Dad?" I couldn''t help asking.


    "Ember!" He got upset. "You can''t just read people''s thoughts whenever you like."


    "I can''t help it when theye into my mind all on their own. I don''t seek them." I defended, crossing


    my arms. "Tell me what you''re talking about. Save who?"


    "It''s something your mother said the tree warned her about. We''re not supposed to tell you or it could


    keep you from saving them. Just know that you will be okay, no matter what we will be here with you."


    Dad squeezed my hand.


    My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to process everything he just said. I felt more confused than ever


    before. Save who? Why would telling me keep me from saving him? Is it Toni? Ugh I hate this cryptic


    shit. I sighed heavily, slightly frustrated.


    "Yeah, okay." I sighed frustrated.


    Dad got up and held his hand out to me, helping me off the ledge. We headed back down in silence


    again. I kept thinking about what he said. About the thoughts and why they were so sad. Who is in


    danger?


    "I''ve called the school and told them you''re out for today. Gabe called for Toni as well. You two are


    going to spend the day here. We have a lot to prepare for the summit and you''re going to help. Eric and


    Ash have already started since they missed school. Go down to the garden and help them." Mom


    instructed me as we got downstairs. I nodded my head, grabbing Toni''s hand and leading him out.


    "We need to talk." I heard Dad whisper to mom. "She heard my thoughts about the prophecy."


    Prophecy?


    "No. He''ll be gone forever." Mom gasped, sounding really scared.


    "She doesn''t know who. Don''t worry. Just keep your mind guarded." I heard him tell her as we reached


    outside.


    This is going to drive me crazy. I''ll just have to keep a close eye on the males in my life. Which is oddly


    a lot. Eryn, Charles, Dad, Ash, Eric and now Toni. One of them is danger.

 Ch. 30

    Ch. 30


    Ash, Eric, Toni and I all helped prepare the bouquets and hanging flowers for the summit. The flowers


    were all beautiful pastels of pink, blue and purple with dark green ents to pop.


    "I me you." Ash groaned as he wrapped the green ribbon on his 10th clear vase


    "Rightfully so." I nodded my head feeling bad for dragging Ash and Eric into this.


    "I''m just d you''re okay. I was worried something happened on mount Ignis that no one wanted to tell


    me about." Eric chimed in.


    "No way, little dude. Everything went great there. I got my dragon now. She''s super powerful too.


    Wanna see something cool?" I smiled at him eagerly.


    He''s such a cute kid. His eyes widened with excitement as he nodded his head. A big grin crossed his


    face.


    I ced my index finger on a leaf of the flower focusing on the ice magic that Yukina blessed me with. I


    turned the leaf into ice so pure that you could see through it. Eric''s dark blue eyes could be seen


    through the leaf.


    "That''s awesome!" He shouted as he inspected the leaf more. "Is that because of your dragon?" He


    poked the leaf. "It''s cold."


    "It''s ice. I was blessed with the original ice dragon''s magic." I wiggled my eyebrows at him. "You


    impressed by your big sister?"


    "Yeah, although I still wouldn''t take you to my friends. You''re too embarrassing." He teased me.


    I feigned hurt, cing my hand over my chest and scuffing.


    "Listen, I really am sorry that I worried you." I ced my hand over his arm. He didn''t deserve to be


    worried because of me. He''s too innocent.


    "Don''t do it again." Eric deadpanned, but then smiled real big.


    "You got it." I squeezed his arm.


    We worked and sang and talked the rest of the day. Toni had to go early to train with his dad and mom


    let him go. Eric left around 3 to go train his magic with his tutor. It was just Ash and I for an hour before


    our own training.


    "I don''t think my fingers can tie another bow." Iined, bending my fingers.


    "You''re telling me." Ash showed me how raw his fingers were.


    "I''m sorry. This is my fault." I sighed, feeling guilty again.


    "I should havee and found you when you didn''t show up around midnight. I just didn''t know where


    you were or what you were doing." He winked implying Toni and I were doing naughty things. Which at


    one point we were, so he''s not wrong.


    "Shut up." I threw a stem at him, and heughed.


    "Honestly, I thought I was going to find you with a mark this morning." He shrugged his shoulders.


    "I''m not ready for that. I told him after the summit he can im me." He''s the first person I told that to.


    "Really?" He smiled at me and I nodded my head. "Good. You deserve all the love and happiness. Toni


    seems to make you really happy after just a week of knowing him."


    "I know. It''s odd. Although I guess not really. The mate bond just makes everything so much more¡­" I


    didn''t know the word I was looking for.


    "Deeper? Intense?" Ash suggested.


    "Yes, both of those." I nodded my head, thinking about my deepening bond with Toni.


    "I''m jealous, Ember. I really want that already. I want to find my mate." Ash looked at the flowers


    fidgeting with a petal of an orchid.


    "You''ll find her. I''m sure of it. Maybe she''lle during the summit." I suggested and his face lit up.


    "Could you imagine? That would be amazing."


    We worked for another 30 minutes before heading to our training. The summit will be this Saturday


    already. Kings and queens from all over will being. There really is a chance that Ash will find his


    mate then.


    I want that for him, but at the same time I know it will separate us both more. It''s a thing of life I guess.


    You grow up and have your own lives. It''s natural, I just wish we could stay next door to each other all


    our lives.


    Eryn had us training with swords today. I was okay with those. Ash on the other hand was a beast with


    a sword in hand. Dad then trained us both. It was harder than I thought to produce fire. Even though I


    knew how, applying what I had learned was hard to do. Dad helped me work on it most of the evening


    while Ash practiced with his healing fire.


    Charles hade over wanting to speak with me. When I finished with my training and went and found


    him. He was holding mom''s baby bump in his hands. He was talking down to Charlie. He''s so excited


    to have a kid of his own with mom. Not to say he didn''t see Ash, Ember, or Eric as his own. This time


    though it will actually be his.


    "Hey, you wanted to talk?" I called Charles, snapping him out of that tender moment with mom. He


    cleared his throat, bringing back that dominant tone of his.


    "Yeah, let''s go out back and talk." He gestured to the back doors that led to therge patio.


    I followed him out, leaning against the railing. The sun was setting, hues of orange and red swirled in


    the sky setting it aze. A sunset that set the sky on fire.


    "So what''s up?" I asked, although I was already sure what this would be about.


    "Look, I shouldn''t have reacted the way I did when you told me Toni was your mate. It''s just hard. I saw


    how Gabe was fighting his guilt for years after what Toni''s Mom did to him. I know it isn''t Toni''s fault,


    but he''s a product of her and it gets hard for me to separate the two. I know that''s my problem and not


    his or yours. I will work on it." He sighed. He didn''t look at me once while he spoke. As far as apologies


    go this was the best he could. Admitting he''s wrong is something big for Charles.


    "Thank you. I hope you can get past that prejudice you have towards him. He''s a good guy." I poked his


    cheek, being annoying and trying to get him to look at me.


    He rolled his eyes, but faced me.


    "I know, you''re right. Now let''s go eat. I''m starving." He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and


    squeezed me into a bear hug.


    Dinner was peaceful and full ofughter. Mostly at my expense, but I was fine with that. I was just


    happy they weren''t still mad at me. After dinner we all cleaned up and went to our rooms. Eric gave me


    a big hug before he went off to his room. He reminded me of our movie date Friday. I won''t forget.


    "So you got more jokes to say before we go to bed?" I closed Ash''s bedroom door behind me, eyeing


    him curiously.


    "Nah, I got them all out at dinner. I need an audience for my good jokes." yful Ash.


    "I need to keep you away from people then. Maybe you''ll stop teasing me so much." I stuck my tongue


    out at him and he did the same. We both chuckled.


    I plopped on the bed with him, sitting back till I touched the wall. I grabbed one of his pillows and held it


    tightly against my chest.


    "I''m a little nervous to see Dex again." I admitted to him, not looking at him.


    "I get that. Not being sure if you can keep your mind safe is scary. Wear the ne, bubble your


    mind and remember your training with mom yesterday." Ash encouraged me. I kept picking at the string


    on the corner of the pillow case.


    "I don''t get why he wants to keep messing with me." I sighed.


    "Because you''re beautiful and strong. Ember, any guy would be crazy not to go after you. He just so


    happens to have the ability to make you want him too." He picked up my legs and put them over his so


    he can stretch his legs out on the bed.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I hate having to worry about it." I sighed, dropping my head into the pillow.


    "Then don''t worry. Worrying isn''t going to do anything. Just wait and see what happens. Remember


    you''re stronger now. You have all your magic now." He patted my leg encouragingly.


    "It''s hard for me not to worry. You know I hate the unknown. I''m not one to just go with the flow." I


    reminded him from behind the pillow.


    "Ember, get your face out of my pillow and talk seriously." He sounded like Dad. I pulled the pillow


    down and scowled at him. "Yikes." He made a face.


    "Oh shut up." I rolled my eyes.


    "Maybe if you make that face at him he won''t want you anymore." Heughed and I threw the pillow at


    him. He caught it, and threw it back at me.


    "No, but seriously. What do I do if he traps me again?" His sky blue eyes went still, taking my worries


    more seriously now.


    "Then you snap out of it like you did. Just remember Toni and find him in your mind. Do what mom


    taught you. Oh also avoid Josh tomorrow if you can." I scrunched my face at hisst sentence.


    "Why?" I poked his knee.


    "I had a vision. Unless you want your friendship ruined, make sure you''re not alone with him." I grinned


    so big.


    "Why didn''t you tell me you were having visions already?!" I shook him yfully and he almost fell off


    the bed.


    We knew it would happen, but I assumed he would tell me whenever it did. Why didn''t he tell me


    sooner? Doesn''t he know I''m here for him just like he''s there for me?


    "I had my first onest night." He shrugged his shoulders like it wasn''t a big deal.


    "Dude! You had a freaking vision of the future. That''s fucking amazing!" I shook him some more


    excitedly. "Be excited with me. We''re a pair of powerful freaks." Heughed at that.


    "Alright, alright. I''m excited." He shook his head at me. "It was weird. Levi exined that I can''t tell the


    vision in detail or it could change the future. It''s not written in stone. He did tell me some visions are


    fated toe true though. As in no matter what you try to prevent it, it will still ur. I am not sure I like


    knowing the future though." He sighed. "It feels like too big of a responsibility. Plus I''m too impulsive to


    not act on these things."


    Iughed at him, because he was right. He''s way too impulsive.


    "Maybe this will mature you." I stoppedughing when I realized he wasn''t smiling. "Hey, it''s okay. You''ll


    get a handle on this. I''m here too. You''re not alone." He nodded his head.


    "Let''s go to sleep."


    I plopped the pillow next to him and we fell asleep holding hands like we did when we were kids.

 Ch. 31

    Ch. 31


    The wind howled wildly around me, carrying an eerily coldness with it. My heart sped with adrenaline,


    feeling like something evil was nearby. I looked around trying to get my senses together. It felt like I had


    been dropped into a nightmare.


    The tall trees were the only familiar thing. They looked like the ones in our kingdom, but I know I''m not


    there. I wandered down the path a little more till I came to a clearing. I could see Ash''s back, his broad


    shoulders looking evenrger. His hair was blowing around in this crazy wind.


    Levi was beside him, he was almost as tall as Ash sitting next to him. They were speaking but the wind


    was so loud it made it hard to hear.


    "Ash!" I yelled his name, but he couldn''t hear me.


    I approached them carefully, the wind almost pushing me at times with its force. The closer I got the


    better I could hear them.


    "It''s breaking Ash. We can''t control it." I heard Levi yell at him.


    I could see more of the clearing now. In the distance was Ash''s dragon. He had ck scales that


    shined almost blue in the light. I could tell he was huge because he seemed so big even in the


    distance. His body was coiled around arge crystal ball full of dark smoke.


    "Brontus can''t hold it together for much longer. We can''t filter it all fast enough either. Ash this serious.


    You need to get help." Levi''s voice sounded so serious. A deep worryced his tone.


    What''s he talking about? What does Ash need help with?


    "We''ll be fine. I believe in you guys." Ash smiled, sending waves of his magic out to calm Levi. The


    wind died down slightly.


    "Ash!" I yelled his name again, but my voice didn''te out. My lips moved, but my voice didn''t carry.


    I walked further towards him and Levi turned, looking me dead in the eyes. Ash turned to look at what


    Levi was staring at, but his expression didn''t change. It seemed like he looked past me. Can he not see


    me?


    "Ash, this is serious. You can''t keep blowing it off." Brontus growl of a voice yelled through the air. "I am


    growing tired and this barrier can''t be redone again. At least not without letting some of this darkness


    out. It affected youst time. You felt it."


    "It turned out fine then. I''ll be fine." Ash denied his worries.


    "You almost killed the kid." Levi scolded him.


    "Aelfric deserved it." Ash defended himself.


    I didn''t know that Ash had almost killed him. Why hasn''t Ash talked to me about any of this? What


    exactly happened that night?


    "This isn''t okay Ash. Get help!" Brontus yelled at him. He was mad.


    "From who?" Ash snapped. I''ve never seen him like this. He was stressed and frustrated. "Mom will


    only die with guilt and she won''t be able to filter much of it. She can''t repair the barrier either. Dad can''t


    even travel here and neither can Charles. Eryn can get here but he can''t even filter magic. And


    Ember¡­" He stopped for a moment. "She''s still learning. She can''t help. She just got lucky enough to


    have Yukina filter her magic for her." Ash ran his fingers through his hair.


    Maybe I can help. Maybe together we can all help. Ash hasn''t talked to any of us about this. This has


    been going on for thest couple years and I had no idea.


    I felt a tear slip out of my eyes. My heart was breaking for my dear twin. He''s been dealing with this


    alone. He''s been putting on a front with all of us and none of us noticed. He''s always there for me and


    I''ve never been there for him. I''ve been beside him, but I''ve never been able to do anything for him.


    I promise Ash. I''ll find a way to help.


    "Just go rest. We''ll hold this together for as long as we can. You have a few months at best, as long as


    you don''t lose your shit." Levi sounded exhausted as he spoke. He was stressed too.


    "Yeah okay. Not a problem. I''ll just let it roll off me like always." Ash threw his hands up. I''ve never seen


    him this annoyed or frustrated. It was like an unknown Ash. Some foreigner with Ash''s face and voice.


    Ash left after that, back out to the real world to sleep. Levi turned his head back to me. He could see


    me.


    "Come here, Ember." He called me over and I listened. "I brought you here because Ash never will. He


    won''t share his troubles. I need your help. I need you and Talia to help. Brontus needs Lien to help him.


    Can you help?"


    I nodded my head frantically.


    "Call on them." He poked my chest with his snout, a light emitted from where he touched.


    Talia and Lien appeared, only they looked like ghosts. They weren''t solid, but see through. It was just


    their presence and not their physical selves.


    "Brother." Talia could tell something was wrong instantly. "How can I help?"


    "Give me some of your magic. I am growing weak trying to keep the barrier from breaking." He sighed.


    Talia leaned in towards him and wrapped her nuzzle around his neck. She blew out yellow bright


    embers thatnded on Levi and seeped into his skin. Levi breathed in like a weight had just been lifted.


    "Thank you sister." He sighed, his worriesing back to him.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''ll go help Brontus." Lien said as jumped in the sky ascending toward Brontus and the barrier.


    "Ember, you need to watch Ash. If anything too upsetting happens to him the dark magic can seep


    through the cracks and affect him. If something were to make him snap this barrier will break and we


    won''t be able to contain the magic any longer. " My chest felt tight. I wasn''t ready for this. I had no idea


    something like this was happening. My Ash was dealing with so much silently. I cried heavily falling to


    my knees.


    "You''re a good sister, Ember. The way you shed tears for him. Keep him safe Ember. You''re the only


    person that can help." Levi looked like he was smiling at me. He was trying tofort me, just like Ash


    does. It only broke me further. "I''ll send you back now. Be careful not to let anyone bother you or Ash.


    Watch out for him." He reminded me as his snout touched my forehead.

 Ch. 32

    Ch. 32


    It felt like I hadn''t sleptst night. I slept after Levi sent me out, but I was drained emotionally. I guess it


    was my turn to put on a facade, even though I knew what was happening with Ash. Ash didn''t want to


    ask me for help and I can''t have him mad at Levi for calling me there.


    ''I''ll keep a close ear on his thoughts. If I feel him getting too upset, I''ll let you know.'' Taliaforted me.


    ''Thank you''


    "Good morning, sleepy head. We need to get ready for school." Ash''s grin was the first thing I saw this


    morning, and I had to fight hard not to cry. This is going to be harder than Ash makes it look.


    "Do I have to?" I hid my face in the pillow, trying to wipe away the mist that had formed in my eyes.


    "Yes. Come on. I''m sure Toni is looking forward to seeing you." He poked me and I peaked my face


    out.


    "Yeah I do want to see him too." I could use a tight embrace from him right now.


    I sighed and got off his bed, heading to my room.


    "Hey Ash?" I stopped in front of our adjoining door, my hand on the knob. I didn''t look back at him. He


    hummed in response. "Thank you for always being there for me. Please know that I''m here for you too.


    Especially now that I''m not so useless." I drylyughed.


    "You were never useless." He told me seriously. "I love you Twinkie. Now go get ready."


    I opened the door and rushed into my room letting a few tears slip. Stubborn Ash.


    ¡ª------------------


    We made it to school a little early this time. I didn''t drag my feet this morning. I wanted to get to school


    and inhale Toni''s mint and wet earth scent. I need him to calm my breaking heart.


    I yed with the pearl on the ne that Eryn gave me. I was chewing on my cheek as we walked.


    "Hey, quit stressing. Dex won''t trap you again. You''re stronger now."


    For once I was thankful for Dex, because it hid my true worry. Ash just assumed my stress was still


    about Dex and I''m good with that. Makes it easier for me to not have to act like everything is okay when


    I know there is a time bomb inside Ash.


    "It''s hard not to stress. I''ll feel better when I see Toni." I opened the front doors of the School.


    Toni''s scent hit me before my eyesnded on him. I ran toward him practicallyunching myself at him


    when he turned around. My arms wrapped around his neck tightly and my nose pressed against the


    nape of his neck. I took deep breaths feeling myself calm down.


    "Woah, you okay?" He ced his arms around my waist and held me tightly. He didn''t push away.


    "I just need you." My voice muffled against his neck.


    "I''m here." His breath tickled my ear, his voice soothing every part of me.


    "She''s worried about Dex." Ash told him.


    It seems that is going to be the reason for my emotions today. I''m fine with that.


    "I thought of something for that. Since you told me how thinking of me snapped you outst time." Toni


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    pulled away from me, and I frowned. At least until he handed me his letterman jacket. "I thought maybe


    if you smelled like me it would help." He was being shy now.


    I smiled real big, my heart set a flutter by his words. I dly took his jacket and put it on. It smelled


    strongly of him. I wrapped my arms around myself.


    "This is perfect." I blushed. The jacket felt so nice on me. "Thank you."


    Toni''s hand cupped my face, his thumb caressed my cheek. I leaned into his hand, sparks flying


    through me. His touch had me forgetting all about my stress and worries. At least for the moment.


    Ash faked a gag, breaking the moment. He was being his goofy self and normally I would love that.


    Knowing what''s happening inside him, seeing him be goofy only made me sad. I pushed that feeling


    aside and poked his side like I normally would. He rubbed it, pretending it hurt.


    Let him be okay please!

 Ch. 33

    Ch. 33


    1st-3rd period flew by and Toni was now walking me hand in hand to 4th period. I remembered Ash''s


    warning fromst night. Can''t be alone with Josh today. I don''t want whatever is going to ruin our


    friendship to happen if I can avoid it. Now I just have to avoid Dex and Josh. My joy for art is being


    stolen by these two today.


    "I''ll meet you outside for lunch. You got this. Don''t stress. I''ll be here no matter what happens." He


    squeezed my hand before letting me go. He was telling me that even if Dex managed to do something


    to me he would still be here with me. He wouldn''t leave me for it.


    I reluctantly went inside the room. Josh and Dex were already at their stations. Both their eyes flew to


    me the moment I entered. They both took in the jacket I was wearing.


    "I told you she had a guy." Dex smiled at Josh.


    "Whatever." Josh muttered.


    ''I thought she was different. Such a cliche.'' Josh''s thoughts shot me like an arrow. What''s his problem?


    "Hey." I greeted him as I grabbed my art supplies.


    "Seems you''re all better." Josh said, not taking his eyes off the canvas.


    "Yup doctor for a mom, remember?" I was being friendly, but I was still kind of annoyed at his thoughts.


    "That''s cool." He sounded annoyed. What the fuck is up his ass?


    "What are you wearing today, Ember?" Dex''s voice popped into the conversation. I made sure not to


    meet his eyes.


    "My boyfriend''s jacket. You know the one that punched you for trying to kiss me." I sassed as my paint


    brush touched the canvas.


    "Toni punched you?" Joshughed. I could see Dex shrug his shoulders from the corner of my eye.


    "You''re an idiot." Josh shook his head.


    "I agree with that." I added.


    "I thought you were going to make Toni work for it. I didn''t realize a week was long enough." Josh is


    really annoying me today.


    "Okay." I snapped, mming my brush down and turning to face. "What the fuck has crawled up your


    ass and died?" Josh seemed taken aback by my forwardness.


    "Nothing, just thought you were different." He looked back at his canvas.


    "Different than what?" I was getting irritated fast.


    "Than most of the girls here, falling over the guys with the lettermen jackets." He rolled his eyes.


    "You''re joking right? You''re not that fucking dense." I grabbed his arm, turning him to me. "I''m not with


    Toni because he ys sports. Here I thought you were different too. You''re just like all the other guys


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    here."


    Seems I didn''t have to be alone with Josh for him to ruin our friendship, just needed to be near him.


    "The fuck I am." Oh it seems myment made him mad.


    "Tell me that you''re not just after sex. That you''re not just mad that I''m with someone who isn''t you. I


    honestly thought you wanted to be my friend, but you''ve had ulterior motives the whole time. You''re just


    like all the boys I''ve met." I huffed turning back to my canvas.


    Josh stayed quiet for a moment. Registering my words.


    "Yeah, okay. I''m mad you''re with Toni instead of me. That doesn''t make me like all the other guys." He


    pouted.


    "Yeah, okay." I was being sarcastic.


    I was turned around by the hand on my shoulder. I thought it was Josh''s, but I thought wrong as I fell


    into that sea of gray. Fuck me. What a terrible day.


    "I think you need to be more sensitive to Josh''s little broken heart." Dex defended Josh.


    "No, he doesn''t get to just be an ass to me. He can grow up and deal with his emotions in a healthier


    way." I turned myself back around before Dex could pull anything.


    "Dex take a seat and get to work. You have a lot to do." Mr. King yelled from the front of the room.


    Thank you Mr. King.


    "Josh, switch ces with me." Dex whacked Josh on the shoulder.


    "Josh, don''t." My eyes pleaded. That seemed to make Josh happy.


    "Sure thing Dex. Anything for a friend." He smirked at me.


    Has he always been an ass? I sighed heavily. If only you knew, Josh.


    Dex and Josh switched quickly. Dex scooted his station a bit closer to mine too. I looked over Dex at


    Josh and he wasn''t paying any mind to me now.


    The anger was disappearing, leaving room for the all too familiar sadness. The heartbreak of realizing


    a friend was never really your friend. I thought I had found a good group, but maybe not. It seems my


    judgment of character is still crap.


    I pulled Toni''s jacket over my nose, inhaling his delicious scent. It helped ease the hurt and calm my


    nerves. I''m so d he thought of this. It''s helping in ways he probably didn''t think of.


    "I''ve always thought it funny how wolves smell their mates. It''s so animalistic." Dex seemed amused by


    my action.


    "Well we are animals, so it makes sense to me. Maybe you shouldn''t miss so much school. It''s


    affecting your education." I snarked and Dex justughed.


    "You''re very clever, Ember." He leaned in, but I refused to look at him. He was so close that I could feel


    the heat from his body.


    "You''re in my personal space, Dex. You should back away, before you lose a limb." I spoke through


    gritted teeth, focusing on the painted sunflower in front of me.


    "Surely you wouldn''t reveal your secret to everyone." He whispered as he rested his chin on my


    shoulder. I shook my shoulder, shoving him off.


    "Who says I''ll do it at school?" I threatened and I could see the whites of teeth as he smiled.


    "You''re really avoiding my eyes today, Ember. That''s so rude." He leaned in again. This time he kissed


    my neck.


    I lost it, Talia on the surface. I turned and punched Dex straight in the face. My canvas fell over, spilling


    paint everywhere. Everyone turned and looked, gasping and whispering.


    "Ember and Dex, go to the principal''s office now! Josh clean up the mess." Mr. King was mad.


    "What? Why me?" Josh asked, annoyed.


    "Because they''re your friends."


    I grabbed my things not waiting on Dex and headed to the principal''s office.

 Ch. 34

    Ch. 34


    Fuck! If I get suspended then Ash will know something happened. He''ll get mad and I''m not supposed


    to let that happen. My first day in trying to keep him safe and I fucked it up. Why am I still such a


    fucking failure?


    Tears started to stream down my face as I walked toward the principal''s office. I could feel Dex


    approach me from behind, but I didn''t care. I was too upset with myself to care right now. What am I


    going to do? How can I keep this from Ash?


    "Hey." Dex''s hand wrapped around my bicep and turned me towards him. His stupid smirk fell when he


    saw my tears. "Ohe on. You''re not actually upset that you got in trouble." He sighed.


    "No. I''ve got bigger things going on in my life. Being suspended will only make those things worse." I


    couldn''t help the tears that continued to slip from my eyes relentlessly.


    "Woah, calm down." He seemed different suddenly. Like my crying was making him ufortable.


    "What if I just get the principal to give you detention instead?" He offered.


    That would be amazing, but what''s his y here? I eyed him suspiciously, the tears easing their


    tournament on my face.


    "Why would you do that?" I narrowed my eyes on him.


    "Because I hate seeing girls cry. Besides then we''d be stuck alone in some room together for a week."


    He winked at me with that yful smirk returning.


    "Why do I feel like there''s more?" I didn''t trust him one bit.


    "Clever as always. I''ve gotta take advantage of that desperation. You have toe with me Sunday for


    3 hours with no questions asked."


    "What? No! No way!" I shook my head. Alone with him for 3 hours no questions asked seemed like the


    opposite of a good time.


    "What if I said I promise not to mess with your head for those 3 hours?" He gave me a cheeky grin.


    "Like I''d trust that." I rolled my eyes, continuing my stride to the principal''s office.


    "I''ll give you crimson kelp." He yelled after me.


    I stopped walking. I heard about crimson kelp. When trying to figure out a way to get Dex not to enter


    my head. Crimson kelp can be taken to block a siren''s abilities. It can only be given to you by a full


    blooded siren though.


    "Are you serious?" I turned to face him.


    "So you know what it is? Smart Ember." He sang. "Yes, I''m serious and if I don''t give it to you Sunday


    you can call off the deal." He added.


    This would be perfect. I am just having a hard time believing him yet alone trusting him. I need to keep


    Ash safe though. He can''t get upset right now.


    "Fine." I reluctantly agreed.


    "Perfect." He smiled real big.


    He held the door open for me and we walked in seeing the principal mad. As promised Dex


    manipted the principal into giving us detention for the week instead. I''ll tell Ash I got it for telling off


    Dex or something. That would probably make himugh at me. We left the principal''s office right as the


    bell rang.


    "I''ll see you after school for detention." Dex whispered into my ear as the halls started to fill with


    students. I shivered.


    "Ember!" I heard Ash''s voice down the hall and I froze for a moment. I need to get better at acting.


    "Was that Dex just now? Did he mess with you?"


    "Not in the way you''re thinking." I shook my head.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    We walked toward the cafeteria and I told him what happened with Josh and how I told Josh off and he


    switched with Dex. Then I told him about how Dex messed with me. I didn''t tell him about the kiss on


    the neck, or the punch. I just told him that I yelled and cursed at him real loud.


    "So I have detention for a week after school. You''ll have to go home without me this week. I''m sorry." I


    gave him sad puppy dog eyes. He shook my hair with his hand.


    "Let me know if he bothers you anymore. I''ll beat the shit out of him." Ash promised.


    "I can do that myself now." I protested.


    "But that''s my job." He sounded hurt, like I was taking something from him.


    "Okay, we can both beat him up." Iughed, feeling a bit normal with him.


    We grabbed our food and headed outside to meet Toni and Rachel. Ever since Toni defended me to


    Micheal he has been sitting with Rachel and us. He was pushed to the side of his friend group. I think


    he understands the pain of fake friends all too well.


    Speaking of, Josh was sitting in the circle like nothing had happened. I guess he has more im to this


    friend group than I do. He was their friend first. I walked over and tapped Toni on the shoulder.


    "Come eat with me?" I asked him, signaling to the empty blue table in the corner. He looked confused


    at first, but nodded his head and followed me.


    Ash, Toni and I sat at the table and Ash told Toni everything that happened. He stared at Josh harshly


    for a moment. His eyes softened as he stared back at me.


    "I''m sorry about Josh. I know that hurt you." He rubbed my hand gently, sessfullyforting me. I


    just shook my head.


    "Better to know now thanter." I sighed.


    "You know Rachel is going to be upset that you didn''t sit with her." Toni smirked thinking of Rachel''s


    upset face. It was kind of cute and funny.


    "I figure she''ll forgive me once she knows what''s wrong." I assured him.


    "More than likely she will try to fix things between you two. Don''t let her make you do anything you


    don''t want to. You can tell her no." Toni was worried about me.


    "Got it." I giggled. Rachel is a force to be reckoned with or so I''m learning.


    I didn''t want lunch to end because I knew when it did I would have to tell Toni about what really


    happened with Dex. I also need to tell him about what''s happening with Ash. He could help me, help


    him.


    "Hey look Micheal is eyeing you." Ash pointed in the distance to an upset Micheal. "I think he''s still mad


    you punched him."


    Toni shrugged his shoulders, not really caring at all. I was happy to have such an amazing mate. He


    wasn''t quick to anger and he didn''t hold grudges. Toni is respectful and kind despite the way he''s


    treated.


    "I''m not really worried about him. He''s just a weak, insecure human." Toni shook his head and Ash


    "Very true." Ash nodded.


    We all finished eating and talked for a bit before the bell rang. Ash gave me his big bear hug, that


    tugged on the strings of my heart. He left and Toni and I got up from the table.


    "I need to talk to you." I sighed. "It''s stuff about Dex and Ash."


    "Um, yeah okay. I''m all ears." He was concerned I could tell by the way his eyes examined me. By the


    way his hand held mine a little tighter.


    "I didn''t tell Dex off, I actually punched him in ss." I scratched the back of my neck nervously.


    "You what? Why? Not that I''mining." He was actually smiling, but he probably won''t be for long.


    "He was messing with me and I got mad and punched him when he wouldn''t stop. He didn''t manipte


    me at least." Toni nodded his head. He could tell I had more to say. "Before I tell you this next part, I


    need to tell you what''s happening with Ash."


    I started telling Toni about Ash and what was happening. All the while tears silently streamed from my


    face. I still couldn''t help the sadness etched in my heart for my twin. The more he pretended to be


    happier the sadder it made me.


    "Ember, I''m so sorry. Of course I will help keep an eye on him. Is there anything else that I could do to


    help?" He wiped my tears away while he talked. His skin against my own soothed my aching heart.


    "Not unless you can filter magic or create a barrier." I sighed. "But thank you."


    "So tell me what does this have to do with Dex?" He brought the topic back to where we started.


    "I didn''t tell Dex about Ash, but I was crying on the way to the principal''s office. I told him that


    suspension would just make life harder for me. He offered to manipte the principal to give me


    detention for a week instead. He and I will have it together. Which I know is why he did it." Toni tensed


    for a moment, calming himself down before he spoke.


    "You need to be careful now that you''ll be alone with him and the detention teacher. She tends to fall


    asleep during detention and he knows that." Toni warned me.


    "That''s not all, Toni." My cheeks burned with shame and embarrassment as I thought of my deal with


    Dex. "He would only do it if I went with him somewhere on Sunday for 3 hours, no questions asked."


    Toni was losing it, I could tell. He didn''t want this for me. Hell, I didn''t want this for me. I was stuck at


    the moment and Dex knew it.


    "I''m sorry, Ember. I''m trying to stay calm but Dex is such a clever shit." His hands were clenched into


    fists at his side.


    "He did say that he would give me crimson kelp on Sunday so he can''t manipte my mind." I tried to


    soothe him a little.


    "You think he actually will?" Toni snapped. "Sorry. I swear I''m not mad at you at all."


    "I know, you''re mad at Dex. I don''t trust him at all, he did say that I could call off the deal if he didn''t


    give me Crimson Kelp on Sunday." I assured him. "I will beat the shit out of him if he tries anything


    Sunday."


    "I''ll follow you just in case." He told himself and me, trying to make himself feel better. "I''m sorry you''re


    dealing with so much. Exins the warm embrace this morning." He smiled.


    "Can we do that again?" I could use another tight embrace.

 Ch. 35

    Ch. 35


    Toni and I had spent the rest of our free period attached to one another. We would go between hugging


    and holding to kissing and licking. We made sure to stay out of view of other students and teachers.


    Toni seemed to be the only thing keeping me grounded right now. His gentleness and caring heart were


    making me fall deeper in love with him. His crooked smile only filled me with more desire and hunger.


    He is exactly what I need right now. The moon goddess seems to really know what she''s doing when


    she picks mates.


    The rest of school was pretty eventless. 8th period came and we had new seating arrangements, which


    was great and not so great at the same time. I didn''t have to sit with Josh, but I lost being able to sit by


    Toni. I was now sitting with Ash and a girl I had never met before.


    She was shy and quiet. Her dark hair fell over her face covering her sses. She seemed sweet


    though. Toni was with Rachel and Micheal. My poor mate. Josh ended up with Leti and another male


    from the football team. Myra was with a friend and a boy from the basketball team. She seemed right at


    home.


    Ash is going to let mom and dad know about detention this week. They''ll probably be upset that I won''t


    be home in time for training. My schedule seems to be getting busier and busier. I feel like I''m drowning


    in it all.


    Toni walked me to detention hand in hand. It was held in an old room on the far end of the building. I


    felt a bit nervous as we got closer.


    Dex will be here with me.


    "I''lle take you home after detention. It''ll end around the same time as football practice. I''ll text you."


    Toni''s thumb and forefinger held my chin captive, lifting it to his lips.


    We kissed like we hadn''t kissed in years. It was long, passionate and hungry. I had to take a deep


    breath after to keep from drenching my underwear. His kisses did things to my body that had me all hot


    and bothered. Toni left down the hall and I watched him for a moment. A whistle had me snapping back


    to reality.


    "That was steamy." Dex smirked. "Can we do that too?" He leaned forward close to my face.


    I took a step back, rolling my eyes. I walked into the detention room and signed in. Dex followed closely


    behind. I took a seat in the front, hoping if I sat near the teacher I''d be safer. Dex took a seat behind me


    and I realized it might have been better to sit on thest desk in the row.


    He poked me with his finger for a minute. When I didn''t turn around he started to run his fingers over


    my back, softly. It made me shiver. I caved and turned in my seat. I leaned back against the bar that


    welded the chair and desk together. He leaned forward a bit.


    "How much do you wanna bet that old Ms. White will fall asleep in the next 10 minutes?" I just shook


    my head at him. "You''re no fun." He pouted, sitting back in his chair.


    He was right though. Within the next 10 minutes Ms. White was deeply asleep. Light snores came from


    her direction. Thanks for keeping a close eye on us Ms. White, really appreciate it. I sighed heavily, as I


    realized I was at the mercy of Dex.


    "Wanna y a game?" He whispered into my ear, his breath tickled, making my ear itchy.


    "Not particrly." I deadpanned. I don''t trust his games. I don''t trust him at all.


    "Ohe on. Please?"


    He started poking me with his finger. He was trying to break me by being annoying. When poking my


    arm didn''t work he started, rubbing his fingers on my arm. It kind of tickled, but I didn''t relent. When he


    realized that wouldn''t work he snapped my bra strap instead.


    "Hey!" I yelled. Ms. White stopped snoring for a second at my yell, but fell back asleep secondster.


    Dex only smiled at me.


    "Let''s y." He insisted.


    "You''re so annoying. You know that right?" I rolled my eyes.


    "Eh, I''ve been told." He smirked. "So, you gonna y or just keep pretending to ignore me?"


    I''ve been avoiding his eyes, only looking at his lips or the tattoos on his neck. They peaked over his


    turtle neck just a little. I wonder if it hurt to get that.


    "Depends. What are you wanting to y?" I caved.


    This is going to be a long week.


    "20 questions. You have to answer honestly. I will too." He poked my arm again and I rolled my eyes


    pushing further away from him.


    "Fine, but you have to stop touching me." He sighed at my request.


    "Fine. I''ll go first." He smirked again. Something tells me I should have said no. "Why do you seem


    stronger than you did a couple days ago?"


    "I unlocked the rest of my magic with my dragon." I don''t see the harm in telling him that. It might even


    intimidate him a little.


    "So you have both a wolf and a dragon?"


    "I believe it''s my turn to ask a question." I raised my eyebrow at him. Although I''m not really sure what


    to ask.


    "My fault." He raised his hands up a bit in surrender.


    "Does this pearl help at all at keeping you from manipting my mind?" I grabbed the pearl on the


    ne that Eryn gave me. Dex took it in his hand and inspected it closely, bringing his face a bit too


    close to mine again. He smelled strongly of the ocean breeze, kind of salty.


    "It makes it harder, but not impossible." He gave me that mischievous smile of his. "Where''d you get


    it?"


    "One of my dad''s gave it to me."


    "One of your dad''s?" He arched an eyebrow surprised.


    "Yeah my mom has 3 mates." I shrugged. "Guess it''s my turn again."


    He went to protest, but I held my finger up.


    "You just asked me two questions. So it''s my turn now. What''s your deal with me?" This question has


    been bothering me. Why does he keep trying to get with me when he knows I have a mate?


    He thought for a while, just staring at me. Knowing he would have a harder time manipting me with


    the ne, I decided to look him in the eye. He had a slight sadness about them. I''m not sure why.


    "You''re extremely powerful and strong. It would be to my benefit to have you at my side. It''s a bonus


    that you''re so beautiful." He winked at me.


    "Why not go after someone else that''s powerful and isn''t mated?" I am sure I''m not the only powerful


    person here.


    "Because it bothers Toni so much. It kind of irks me how he hates sirens even though he is one. You


    can''t deny yourself like that." He shook his head, leaning back in his chair. I was kind of surprised by


    his answer.


    It was quiet for a moment. He seemed a bit upset and I wasn''t sure why. What was he thinking about? I


    find Dex very curious. The more I get to know him the more I realize he isn''t evil, just doesn''t give a


    fuck about anyone else. He does whatever he wants when he wants. I''m not saying he''s a good guy,


    but he''s not evil.


    "What''s the mate bond like? For you anyway." He leaned forward, resting his head on his hands. His


    question took me by surprise.


    "It''s hard to exin exactly. It''s intoxicating really. Anytime he''s around, he''s all I can think about. His


    scent, his touch, his presence consumes every part of me. His touch brings my body to life. His kiss


    sends fireworks bursting through me, a spark I''ve never felt before. It''s hard to pull away from him. All I


    want to do is be with him all the time. He''s like this missing part of myself. I know it''ll only get worse


    once he ims me. It''ll magnify these feelings." I didn''t look at him as I spoke.


    I stared at the white ceiling, picturing Toni''s face. I wasn''t sure I was ready to be all consumed by him. I


    know he''s going to be my everything soon, but I''m too worried about Ash right now. I can''t be


    consumed by Toni right now. I sighed, putting my head between my knees.


    "You don''t seem happy about that." I could hear the smile in his voice.


    "I''m just not sure I''m ready for that. I have a lot going on right now to be consumed by him. I know all I''ll


    want to do is jump him anytime he''s around once he''s imed me. I need to have my senses about me


    right now." I sighed again.


    I want Toni, I do. He''s perfect and kind and mine. I just can''t have him right now. I told him he could


    im me after the summit but now I don''t know. Ash needs me. I need him to be okay.


    "You''re the first wolf I''ve met who has fought their mate bond like this." Hemented, seeming


    impressed. It''s not something I am proud of though. Poor Toni is stuck with me as a mate.


    "That''s not a good thing." I rolled my eyes at him, sitting back up again.


    "I beg to differ. It proves your more than just your mate bond. You have a sense of self stronger than


    that of a god given bond." He nodded.


    I didn''t argue, not because I thought he was right but because I didn''t want to deal with him anymore.


    We finished our game and I learned that Dex lived alone. He had an abusive father and when he was


    able to, he left home and came here.


    Apparently Toni''s Mom had told him toe here. She was hoping Dex would teach Toni to embrace


    his siren side. When Dex got here Toni pushed him away and treated him badly. I couldn''t picture Toni


    being so rude off the bat. I guess maybe because Dex was sent by his mom, Toni didn''t trust him. I


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    could understand that, but I also felt kind of bad for Dex for a moment. I can''t forget who I''m dealing


    with though.


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