Drake sighs but nods his head.“You were playing in the garden with James. You adored him, Anja, and he adored you twice as much. You and James had the closest bond of all three of your brothers. From the moment you were born, James was devoted to you. Amongst hybrids like us, it’s possible for siblings to imprint on each other.”I narrow my eyes because I didn’t know that. I know orphans can imprint on people when they feel safe, thus finding new parents. It can even happen with grandparents, but I’ve never heard of siblings imprinting.“The day you were born, James had been away on business. He arrived home and rushed straight to Amanda’s room. She was sitting up in bed, you in her arms, myself, Byron and Charles sitting with the two of you. James’ eyes landed on you, and he gasped.“I watched James’ eyes wolf over as he slowly made his way to the bed. Amanda was watching him curiously as he reached for you. She handed you over, and James stared at your little face and smiled. Then
I swallow the lump in my throat and then take a long breath.“So the mother I remember wasn’t my real mother?”“No,” Drake shakes his head. “She was not your mother. We understand that she died in childbirth.”“Yes, she did.” I look down at my hands. “It was the worst day of my life. I’ll never forget that day as long as I live.”He takes both my hands in his, and I wonder how he could possibly know that the Amanda I knew died in childbirth. Then I realise he must have been checking up on me throughout the years; that’s why he’d know.“I know how much it must have hurt, Anja. To lose someone we love is not something we ever get over. All we can do is move forward.”“That’s easier said than done. There are still days when I wonder why we had to lose her. Leopold was never the same, and Brody, his son, reverted into himself. Then there was this tiny baby who needed so much attention. But I honestly believe that Dania saved Leopold from following Amanda into the next life.”Drake nods hi
I don’t know where I am, nor if I’m asleep or awake. I’ve been awake so long looking for Anja that I no longer know what the hell is going on.It’s been two days since Anja disappeared, and it sent me into a spin. I couldn’t eat nor sleep; all I had done in that time was; search for my mate. I have the whole of Zidiah looking for their Queen, but there has still been no sign.Anja wouldn’t just up and leave; there’s no way in hell she would do that. Anja and I are one, and I know she’d never willingly leave me.But that still begs the question, where is she?How could she have disappeared into thin air?No one saw Anja leave the mansion, and I have interrogated hundreds over the past few days. Nobody knows anything; there has been no sign of Anja anywhere. She’s not in Zidiah, nor any of the shifter clans surrounding us.I have searched everywhere, even contacted packs across the world. But there is no sign of my mate, and I’m at a loss of where to look next.Tracey doesn’t believe An
My heart sinks.If this is a future vision, then I’m to lose Anja to death very soon. That cannot happen!“We have spent our whole lives learning everything we can to find a way to stop Mother’s death. You told us we’d know when the time would come for us to find your past self. That time is now,”“Dad,”There’s an ache in my chest as I look at Luther. These are my cubs, part of my Anja. They may be grown and have come to me in a vision, but my love for them is insurmountable.“By now, you know the powers Mum possesses. You’ll also know that she can’t control them most of the time. Mum’s powers, aside from the ones she possesses thanks to her vampiric and Omerian blood, are due to the blood of the firsts.”“Wait, vampiric blood? The blood of the firsts?”Luther nods. “There is much to explain,”And he does just that. Luther tells me about where Anja came from and why. I learn about her parents and why Amanda was given one drop of blood from the first Vampire, Phoenix, Siren, Wolf, Dra
“Orrin, this is crazy!”I pay Adrian no attention as I push through the library doors, Adrian and Tracey hot on my tail.As soon as I showered and changed, I bumped into Adrian and Tracey on my way to the library. I gave my brother a quick rundown of what happened with my cubs.Suffice it to say, Adrian thinks I’ve lost my mind. He wants me to see the pack doctor, not to mention the healers. Adrian believes Anja’s disappearance has driven me insane.I ignored Adrian and continued on my way to the library. Of course, both he and Tracey have followed me here. I couldn’t give a shit right now if they’re here or not, but nothing will stop me.The double doors slam against the walls, and Keley jumps out of her seat, eyes wide. Bitch knows why I’m here, and if she’s not lucky, I’ll rip her apart!“You!”“My King,” Keley swallows hard before bowing.“I know what you’ve done,”She looks at me, and I can tell that she doesn’t need me to clarify.“How far back did you send her?”“Orrin, this is
My head throbs as I sit up and take in my surroundings. I’m in my bedroom, I just woke up, and the sun is shining through my window.I fall back on my pillow with a giggle, grabbing the ragdoll Mama made for me and bringing her to my chest, giving her a big squeeze. I close my eyes and snuggle into the blanket.Then it all comes flooding back to me, the day’s events.Yesterday?I’m not sure right now; all I know is that I shouldn’t be here. However, my heart is torn. I remember every moment in my life, past and present, and I am so conflicted.I remember the powers I possessed as a child and how sometimes I couldn’t control them. I remember the elders telling my parents that I was a ticking time bomb, and one day soon, I could destroy the world with those powers.I remember Mia telling my parents how the elders should not have allowed the Firsts to offer their blood to save me while in my mother’s womb. However, if they hadn’t, my mother and I would have died.I also remember trying s
“Please, don’t be cross, Anja.” Briar looks at me with tears in her eyes.I’m not cross or angry; her confession stumped me.“You were gone, and I was so lost without you. James and I spoke about you all the time. James would talk with me whenever I was sad about missing you, and I would talk to him when he felt sad. He often felt down because his soul ached, as it would because you’re imprinted.“There was such a pull between us, and James said he knew I was his mate. I was scared to admit that I thought so too, but it was hard when I knew it from the age of sixteen.“I had never said anything because I didn’t think it was possible. I thought that I was doomed to be mated with a man who didn’t feel the mating pull.“One evening, James said we needed to talk. I was worried that he’d realised my feelings and that he was going to tell me that I had to leave.”“I’m guessing that he didn’t?”Briar shakes her head.“James sat me down and said that he needed to tell me how he felt. I listen
I’m nervous as Briar, and I make our way to the parlour. I’m not sure why I’m nervous; this is my family I’m about to see. However, my heart is beating fast inside my chest.We stop outside the door, and I brush down my dress. Whoever invents the steam iron in the future is a genius.“You look fine, Anja.” I nod at Briar and blow out a deep breath. “You have nothing to be nervous about.”I smile at her. I then follow her into the grand parlour. I remember this room so well, and all the time’ Mama read to me in here.My eyes land on Papa, then shoot to each of my brothers, who tip their heads gracefully. I do the same.Then I see her sitting in the armchair, my beautiful mother. A rush of emotion fills me. I’m relieved to see her looking so well, yet I’m saddened that I had to go through the grief of believing she had passed away.“Mama.”Mama rises gracefully from her seat and opens her arms to me.I rush to her, wrapping my arms around her waist. “Anja.” She mumbles around a kiss on