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
“Tomorrow is going to be a day to remember!” Papa holds his glass in the air in a toast.Briar smiles widely in his direction, and James brings her hand to his mouth, dropping a sweet kiss on her knuckles.After James shook away the premonition, no one mentioned it, though he held Briar close to him. I could see that he was worried about her, but she soon made James realise that everything was okay.There was a lot to think about, but I couldn’t at that moment. I just wanted to sit down with my family and pretend nothing happened. I’d been away from them for so long that now wasn’t the time to talk about what might be.Byron quietly leaves the room without a word. He’s always been a quiet man, and celebrations make him uncomfortable. I wonder if he’ll ever find his mate. Maybe he’d come out of his shell a little more if he did. That’s not to mean my eldest brother is weak; the man is anything but.I’m sitting next to Mama, holding her hand. I’ve missed her so much, and I just need to
I round the corner, and the sight that befalls me is just what I saw in my head. Orrin really is here, and so are Adrian and Tracey.Both Adrian and Tracey spot me first, but they both seem to be in shock, so neither says anything.Orrin is hypnotised, and my heart lurches.“Byron!” I yell my brother’s name while using my vampiric speed to reach him.I hold my hand up towards him, throwing him against the wall. But for some reason, it didn’t break his hold on Orrin, who is still standing stock still and staring into space.It seems my brother’s power has grown in the time I’ve been gone.“What the hell was that?” Byron yells while getting to his feet.“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Byron? This is my husband!”He yanks on the lapels of his suit jacket while rolling his neck. “I know who he is, Anja. However, he brought others with him; no one should be able to do that! The portal is for direct descendants of the Crowley-Beaumont family, not strangers.”“What have you done no
Charles led Adrian and me to a room down the hallway in which we landed. Anja and Orrin didn’t follow; they were led away by Anja’s father.I’m not going to lie; I am terrified right now. What Charles said in the hallway about him being my real father shocked me.I mean, it can’t be true, right?My mother wouldn’t be that cruel, would she?I sit beside Adrian on the old-fashioned sofa and keep my hand in his.I’ve never seen anything like this room. I’m not sure what year we’re in, but it seems to be the 1800s or thereabout. From the décor and furniture, I’d say I was right.If that’s the case, and if what this man is saying is the truth, then I’m related to my best friend. Christ, it would make Anja my aunt! And to think, I thought I was older than Anja.It also means that my mother has been lying to me my whole life. She bound my wolf, but she kept my true identity from me.How am I supposed to forgive that?I don’t want to believe Charles could be my father; I feel I would be betra