I removed my shoes at the entrance and rushed into the house.
"Mama...Papa" I called but there was no response. The house was unusually silent and I wondered where my family could be. With a full house, it was rare to find the house empty or silent.
I moved further into the house and realized the lights were off. My heart thumped in my chest. I easily got frightened and I was starting to feel some type of way.
My hands trailed against the wall as I tried to find the light switch. My fingers found it but there was another finger there already.
"Ahhhh" I screamed and jerked back. At the same time, the lights come on.
"Happy birthday Paisley" shouts erupted from all corners of the room. I looked around and saw the whole family I had been searching for. They were holding a cake and flowers and sweets.
"You frightened me" I scowled at them. The waves of laughter couldn't be stopped now. Everyone was laughing at my expression and soon enough I joined them.
"Happy birthday my love" my mother kissed me on the cheek.
"Thank you mama" the others came forward and kissed me after wishing me a happy birthday while I searched for my sister.
"Where is Nevaeh," I asked with a frown. On cue, my twin sister came out from the kitchen with a larger cake singing a happy birthday song for me.
Nevaeh dropped the cake and ran into each other's arms.
"It's your birthday too," I told her and Nevaeh chuckled.
"I had to make the cake" Nevaeh was the chef of the house. She loves cooking and baking and everything that had to do with the kitchen. I, on the other hand, hated it but I loved everything my twin made and she was always happy to make it for me.
Since we were seven, she made all our birthday cakes promising to never stop even when we were old.
"Happy birthday Nevaeh" I hugged her tightly. She was my best friend in the world.
"Happy birthday Paisley" she hugged me tightly.
"Okay, my beautiful girls. Let's move to the table for our dinner prepared by Chef Nevaeh and we can give the gifts at the table" my mother said and pushed us to the table.
We took our seats. Papa at the head and mama in his right. Coulter at papa's left and Nevaeh by his side. My place was supposed to be at mamas side but I loved to stay beside my twin.
Nevaeh and I had been inseparable since we were born. I loved her as much as she loved me and we always had each other's backs. While growing up, it was always difficult for outsiders to differentiate us. We were identical in every way.
Some of our relations claimed that as we grew up, we would become easier to differentiate but it was the opposite. From our ginger hair to our eyes, our weight and height, and the way we talked, it was all the same.
Mama, papa, and Coulter sometimes had a hard time telling us apart but they were the only ones that came close to telling us apart.
I was always the mischievous one. Got into trouble and destroyed things while Nevaeh was the complete opposite. The calm, obedient and intelligent one. The more responsible one. Mama says it's because she is the older one.
She dropped a small bag on the table and I grabbed it.
"Your gift Paisley," she said with a soft smile. I grabbed her face and left kisses all over her face. She pushed me away but I know she loves my kisses. I opened the bag and the first thing I saw was a box of earrings. I squealed. The last time we went to the jewelry store, I picked up this set but because I was short on money, I couldn't buy it and when I went back to get it, I was told somebody bought it.
I sulked for the rest of the day. But knowing Nevaeh got it for me and kept it until our birthday made me the happiest. I hugged her again.
"Thank you so much"
"Anything for you" This was why I loved her so much.
I dipped my hand and felt two papers. "There's more?"
"Take a look"
"It's flight tickets," I said in awe.
An expense-paid trip to the capital. She even bought two tickets.
"For you and Edel"
"Ohhh. Thank you so much, Nevaeh. This is the best gift ever" I was already getting teary.
"Oh don't cry" mama cooed and I chuckled.
"I don't think my gift will be this amazing"
I reached into my bag and brought out the papers and handed it over to her. I watched as her face changed from confused to overjoyed.
"Don't tell me...." I nodded and she wrapped her hands tightly around me. I hugged her back.
"I can't believe this"
"Tell is what is there"
"She made Rosa sell"
"Unbelievable" mama shouted.
"How did you even do that?" Coulter asked in disbelief.
"I'm good at convincing people" I winked.
Rosa owned a flower shop beside Nevaeh's Pasteur shop. Nevaeh has always wanted to expand but Rosa refused to sell.
She has been worried about it and I decided to get it back. Just a little bit of blackmailing and threat and Rosa jumped at my offer to buy but I'm not going to tell my family that my method was unethical.
At a point, I felt regret but seeing the joy on her face, it was worth it.
"You're the best Paisley"
"I know. No one comes close" I winked at Nevaeh and she chuckled.
"There's a lot to do. I have to go early tomorrow. Get more equipment. Oh tomorrow is going to be very busy"
"Relax. We will all be there to help you. Anything you need" I assured her.
"Aren't you supposed to spend the day with Edel?"
"He'll understand. I'm going to be with you tomorrow. And right. There will be deliveries for new equipment"
"Oh. You should not have bothered Paisley. With the wedding coming up, I know you have a lot to do. Don't spend your money on me"
"I'll get really upset if you talk like that. You mean the world to me" he squeezed my arms.
"Enough of that. You guys act like a married couple" Coulter rolled his eyes.
"You're only jealous. I know you wish you have a twin" I made faces at him and he scowled.
"Enough of that all of you," my father said with a light smile and the table went silent.
I noticed the look my mother gave my father and I began to think something was wrong.
"There won't be any work tomorrow"
"Why?" I asked. We already started making plans for the delivery tomorrow and we needed to go to the shop.
"The selection is tomorrow" I froze and cast a look at Nevaeh. She also looked uncomfortable. I squeezed her hands and gave her a weak smile.
"As usual, we all have to go" The unspoken question hung in the air.
'What if our family was chosen' It was something no one dared to ask.
The rest of the night was gloomy. The morning was even worse. So far, our family has never been selected but what if we were unlucky today. Nevaeh was quiet. Mama chewed on her fingers. It was a nervous habit. Papa was his normal self but I could tell he was worried. Coulter on the other hand was indifferent. I know he cared about us but right now he wasn't thinking about it. I took my shower quickly and wore a yellow dress. The hand straps were thin. The sun was already shining brightly. I was the last to join them in the living room. It was a bad habit I had. Coming late. Papa scolded me often but today he didn't spare me a glance. We started our trek to the town hall. Mama walked beside Papa and they talked in hushed tones. Coulter walked far ahead while Nevaeh and I walked together. The hall was full and our family took the vacant space by the window. Our leader Silas and his beautiful wife Harriet were not here yet. They had three daughters. They were below the age of twent
The house was silent. I thought the morning was bad, it was even worse. My mother silently cooked in the kitchen, father locked himself in the bedroom and Coulter was nowhere to be seen.I opened Nevaeh's bedroom door. She wiped her eyes quickly. "Nevaeh? Are you crying?""Of course not""That's a lie. There's tears in your eyes""I said it's nothing" she snapped. I plopped in her bed but she remained seated with her back facing me."You don't want to join me?" I asked and she sighed and lay down with me."I'm sorry for snapping at you""I'm not offended""Still. I shouldn't have. It's not like it's your fault""What do you think is going to happen" I asked her instead."We are the only daughters papa has""But I think something can be done. Maybe we can speak to the alpha and make him change his mind about it, maybe he can choose another family"She scoffed. "It doesn't work like that Paisley""But if...""Stop it Paisley" she said angrily and sat up again."Do you think the other f
I was sitting at the table alone drinking warm chocolate milk. Everyone has gone to bed but I just couldn’t find sleep. “Couldn’t sleep?” I turned round to see mama standing at the kitchen door.“No” she poured herself some chocolate milk and joined me. We sat in silence just staring at the stars.“Nevaeh didn’t mean any of the things she said. She’s only upset”“Why does she have to go. Why does any of us have to go to the beasts?”“It’s how it’s always been. From the time of your great grand parents till now. We can’t change it”“And so we have to accept abnormality as normal? It’s like you don’t even care you’re sending your daughter away”“Don’t say that. Of course I care. I’ll do anything to stop it but I can’t. If we don’t send Nevaeh, the wrath of the beasts will be upon us. Upon the village. Do you want so many to die because we don’t want our daughter taken?”“Why must Nevaeh be the savior?”“Other families have sent their daughters too. If they decided to keep their daughte
The pink place was busy as usual. It was an upscale restraint owned by Edel's sister Rhea and she was a bitch.I searched for Edel and when my eyes found him, I smiled. He waved me over and I joined him at the table. I leaned in for a kiss. He tried to deepen it but I chuckled and pulled away. "You brought cupcakes?" His face lit up as I handed the small bag over to him."I did. Nevaeh asked me to give them to you""Ohhhh. That was sweet of her. I love her cupcakes""You're not allowed to bring food in here" Rhea's annoying voice said from behind me."Don't start Rhea" Edel grumbled."It's the rules""Then maybe we should leave""I'm not saying that" she muttered before leaving our table."I don't know why she likes to act like that every damned time" he said with a frown."You should ignore her""Tell me. What has your family said about the choosing" I looked around. We were at a public place. "I don't want to talk about it here""Come on Paisley. I'm dying to know. We can talk in
"Shit. Shit" I muttered under my breath as I grabbed my bags. I ran out of the room only to realize that I was barefoot. I dropped the bag and ran into the room searching for my shoes. I found them and grabbed them putting them on as I ran out again grabbing my bags."Be careful Paisley" my mother shouted at the same time I hit my foot on the chair."Fuck" I cursed."You have to be careful. You'll hurt yourself" Nevaeh said from the kitchen doorways as she watched me run around like a headless chicken."I'm late Nevaeh. I'm in so much trouble" I hurried for the door."Don't forget to Kamiko" she called out before I slammed the door shut. Shit. I forgot to call her yesterday. The call would have to wait until later today. Firstly, I needed to get to work.I couldn't run on my feet. I was already so late. I took a cab to the office."You're late" the receptionist Patricia said to me cocking her head to the side."I know. My alarm didn't work this morning""You'll have to explain to the
I closed the last folder and grabbed my bag. It was evening already and I was exhausted. Most of the staff had gone home already. The light in the boss’s office was still on so I knew he was still around.Patricia was still at her table and I felt pity for her. I wonder who put up the stupid rule that the receptionist had to be at her desk until the boss decides to leave.“I’m leaving Patricia” she yawned tiredly.“I wish that bastard will finish already. I’m tired” she grumbled lowly.“His light is still on. I don’t think he’s going anytime soon. Give him an excuse or something”“Excuses don’t work on him. I’ll have to wait. Goodbye love”“Goodbye Patricia” I waved at her and exited the office. I reached into my bag and dialed Kamiko’s number. She picked on the first ring.“I’ve been waiting for your call”“I’m sorry. I had a lot to do and there was no time”“I’m upset with you”“And I’m sorry babe. Let’s do dinner”“At the pink place?”“Where else?”“I hate seeing Rhea’s face”“We h
I woke up early today and it didn’t take me long to get ready. I had about thirty minutes before work officially started.I knocked on the Nevaeh’s door but she didn’t respond.“Nevaeh”“Coming” she shouted from inside. Her voice sounded much better so I felt at ease.She opened the door and I entered.“You didn’t open yesterday” I said in an accusing voice.“I’m sorry Paisley. I just… we have only four days until they come for me”“Stop talking about leaving Nevaeh. I’m going to see Silas today”“Promise me Paisley. That you’ll get me out of this”“I promise Nevaeh” I squeezed her hands. My phone rang and I reached into my bag.“Patricia. I’m awake and already on my way”“There’s no need for that” I frowned.“Why? Did I get fired”“No. The boss asked us not to come in today”“What? Are you serious?”“Yes. He said we should consider it an off day”“I can’t believe it”“What’s that?” Nevaeh asked. “The boss gave us an off day” her eyes widened.“I’ll talk to you later Paisley. I have
BRAYANS POV There was a loud banging on my room door. I opened my eyes and looked around. The girl on my bed was sleeping soundly. I frowned. I thought I asked her to leave. Now I'll have to change the sheets and the bed. "Brayan i know you're in there" mama shouted from the other side of the door. I pulled on my pants tossed on the floor and grabbed a shirt while I went to open the door. "Mama" "Brayan what the fuck is wrong with you. I've been knocking on your door. Is that? Is that a woman in there?" "Please don't start" "When are you going to stop doing all this. Your mate will be coming in four days. You have to stop sleeping around" I rolled my eyes. I didn't want a mate much less an arranged one. "A mate that I don't want" I pushed past her and walked down the hallway but she followed me. "You've not even met her" "I don't need to meet her to know I don't want her. How do you expect me to tie myself down to a woman that I don't even know" "She'll be here for a mon