“What did you say honey?” Mom asked, still distracted with her favourite show,‘Miss Glasshorn of the year’.
“I need to talk about something, with you and Dad.” I murmured looking down at my feet. Riley was busy scrolling through her phone but at my low voice, she looked up and raised her left brow at me in question. Even Mom got the hang of the situation and muted the television. But before Mom could ask me anything, Dad entered the house with his apron still tied around his waist.
“I swear, this piece is taking ages to complete, that Jims is going to have my head if I am not on time.” Dad was still busy with untying his apron and cleaning his work shoes as he told us about his latest sculpture. Jims is his dealer and he is always very strict with his deadlines, although I don’t say it but I know it’s good for Dad because without Jims strictness he is always slacking off.
Finally noticing the tense silence, he looks toward us and frowns at me.“Thia? Why do you look so pale?”
“I need to tell you and Mom something.” I repeated.
Dad looked worriedly at Mom but Mom just nodded at him reassuringly and asked Riley to go upstairs.
“What is it Baby?” Mom asks me as she caresses my hair lovingly, making me close my eyes in shame.
“Yes, Sweety! You know you can always tell us anything right? We are here for you.” Dad assures me with his soft voice which he reserves only for us girls, Me, Mom and Riley. I feel like running right now. all this love, adoration and care will surely vanish as soon as I tell them how selfish I was being since all this time. But I know now, I am doing the right thing. My mate actually saved me from making even a bigger mistake. I could never imagine what would have happened if I had kept this secret hidden any longer. Aaron was right, I was being stupid but not anymore.
“Is this your school? Is anyone troubling you over your delay in shift? I am right? Aren’t I? I will punch those pimply assholes, just tell me the names Thia. Dad growls as he paces the floor.
“Seth! Calm down and don’t curse in front of the kids ever again.” Mom chides Dad while covering my ear. For a second, I forget my mistake and laugh at their bickering and Dad’s threat.
“See, that wasn’t tough, was it? I always want my girls to smile, so please baby tell us what’s wrong so we can fix it together.” Dad and Mom hug me as I realise it was their effort to comfort me.
Closing my eyes in defeat, I take their hands and make them sit on the large leather sofa set in our living room. Dad and Mom again do their silent talk while staring at each other.
“I lied to you guys.” I finally confess.
“What?” Dad asks as Mom frowns at me. This is it, say it Cynthia.
“I have been lying to you guys all this time because I was afraid and I really thought what I was doing was for the good.” I explain to my parents as they sit confused in front of me.
“What are you talking about Cynthia?” My Dad asks with a voice so serious that I couldn’t help but confess the whole truth.
“I- I can shift Dad, I could shift since I was 12, I didn’t-’’
“You could do what?” Dad bit out as he stood up with pale face and frown lines which I have never seen on his face before, not this big. Mom stood up with him and tried to pacify him but Dad was not having it, he dodged her comforting hand and put both his hands on his waist.
“I want you to repeat that honey, because I just heard you could shift.” Dad asked as tears start leaving my eyes. I have never seen him like that. He was always my sweet and calm Dad.
“Seth, calm down now! you are scaring her, let’s sit down.” Mom pleaded and rubbed his back.
“I didn’t tell you because my- my colour is not natural, it’s freakish white, I-I thought if I meet my mate or turn 18 it will turn to blonde like mom’s became dark brown after you guys mated. I didn’t think this through I know but I swear I had no idea you guys were this worried over my shifting.” I sob and look at my parents, who are looking at me with so much disappointment and anger that it breaks my heart in a million pieces. I pray to my moon-goddess for another chance, I wish I could go back in time and change this but nothing would happen. I did this and now I will pay.
Dad growls and stands up and does something I never thought he would do, never in a million years. Not the Seth Michaels I know, he shouts at Mom.
“This is all your fault Tessa, you have both of them so spoiled that they would even kill their parents for what they want. She has been hiding this all along while I was searching ways to protect her. This is what happens when you give this much freedom to fucking teenagers.” My Dad, the man who worships the path my mom walks on, shouts at his mate because of me, even insulted her, because of me. I am too stunned to even react but not Mom.
She stands up and rubs her nose as she looks at my Dad, she opens her mouth to counter back but then she just shakes her head. She looks at me and orders just two words.
“Upstairs. NOW!'' She hisses and I run my way upstairs to find Riley standing at the top, she opens her arms for me and I crash in them, due to height difference it's more like I am hugging her but right now, I will take anything.
We don’t tear apart until we hear Mom shouting back at Dad.
“What is wrong with you Seth, have you lost your mind? This is how you will deal with them, deal with us?”
“I don’t care for this manners and parenting bullshit right now, I want to fucking tear apart this house. She has been lying to us. Do you have any idea what I had planned for us?’’ Dad shouts back, breaking my heart.
“I don’t care even if you had planned a murder, this is us, your family, it was no big deal if you had to make some sacrifices for us.” Mom counter back.
“Do you hear yourself Tessa? Do you? Because I don’t think you do. I have been dying here trying to support you and your expensive tastes and you are telling me whatever I do and was about to do is no big deal?’’ Dad asks with clear hatred in his voice.
What have you done Cynthia, this is all because of you. Your family, the family you love so much is in so much pain just because you were insecure about your color. With shame in my eyes I look down at my sister who has fear on her face. I shake my head at myself and force comforting words out for my little sibling. “It's okay Riley, you know them, they are just bickering.”
Aaron .K. Langston
Age- Immortal
Aaron.K.Langston, the king of the Glasshorn Island and the royal alpha of the Wolf’s valley was going back to his Royal Villa in his beast form. After finding out what little Cynthia has been upto, for some reason he has been feeling not at rest. His beast was also pacing hard, making him frown.
Aaron was not used to this feeling so it bothered him that much more. After living in deep forests of Dark-Howl for over a decade to train his mind and emotions according to his requirements, it is very rare Aaron and his beast lose their control. He was not acting like a bloody King when he bit Cynthia’s wolf. Nope! that was reckless of him.
He still remembers how his blood heated and heart raced when he first spotted that unusual wolf. He remembers feeling like he needed to be near that wolf to breathe again and then feeling disappointment when he found out that wolf was none other than Seth’s little Cynthia.
Aaron knew he has been past the time he gets mated but for some reason whenever he thinks about mating with any other she-wolf, his wolf growls and encourages him to wait for his one true fated mate that Moon-Goddess has chosen for him. Like his wolf knows who his mate is but it’s only Aaron who is unaware. But whatever his beast says, now Aaron can’t wait anymore. His Mother Sylvia Langston, Queen dowager of Galsshorn island, has been on this subject for quite some time now and Maya’s frequent visits are also a clear indication that soon things will be out of his hands.
He tried to look for his mate, even travelled to other clan’s islands but when nothing came out of that , he stopped. Maybe his beast is just used to the life of a bachelor or whatever his hang up is, Aaron can’t hold it anymore, being a King Aaron has some responsibilities and that include portraying a conventional family life and for that he needs to have a queen by his side and two little pups in his lap. He scoffed at that thought. Only if he wasn’t bound by these responsibilities. He was near the High-Gates of the Villa when he shifted back. His muscles were all tighten up after that long run so to loosen them, he was stretching when his phone rang. Seeing it was Seth, Aaron groaned. Looks like little Cynthia has finally opened up.
“Hey! Bud.” he said as he rolled his left shoulder to loseen up his muscles.
“Aaron! Cy-Cynthia, we can’t find her.” his long time friend cried on the phone.
“What do you mean? I saw her this afternoon, didn't she come back?” Aaron questioned while feeling stupid for not making sure Cynthia has gone home or not.
“She did but it’s a long story just come here and help us, she ran on us and it’s all my fault. I was angry and Tessa- it’s all my fault Aaron. I did this to my family.” Seth sobbed and pleaded.
“Calm down Michaels, i will bring her back.it’s my Island and there’s no place she can hide from me” Aaron said reassuringly and shifted back after disconnecting the call.
CynthiaAge-14No one loves me, cares for me.Stop it, Cynthia! It's all your fault. You did this.But they are my family! They should try to understand me.Understand how you almost destroyed them?No! fine, I am the villain here! Kill me! I left them now, didn’t I? They can live happily ever after without me. They can love Riley as much as they want while their good-for-nothing daughter is withering away in this scary and dark forest. Away from everyone. Everyone in the clan must be partying right now. I am sure Dad must have alerted the Beta force by now. He must have done that right? He at least would bother to alert the authorities, right? Even if he doesn’t, Mom would, right? God, Cynthia, you are such an attention seeker. Urghh! I am literally talking to myself for the past five minutes like a complete lunatic.“What is wrong with me?” I groan out loud and hold my head in frustration. the dark forest doe
After reaching the safe territory I release Finn, who doesn't waste any time and runs toward the forest in the opposite direction. Watching him enter there safely I also shift back. After a minute Willa catches up with me and shifts back. Looking at each other we both hug in relief. “That was close” Willa sighs and lays down on the soft green grass at the open ground behind the Royal Villa. This is the only place any rogue would think twice before coming so this should be safe.“Very close, I could even smell their evilness.” I exaggerate and Willa laughs.“Seriously Cyn! I love the thrill and all but we got to be careful, especially with your beast.” Willa with a deep frown on her face, warns me and I agree with her. People now know I can shift but not everyone has seen me. The reason I am finally an outcast because everyone has their own theory about my beast. Some believe I hide because it’s hideous and s
After Leaving Willa at the Royal Villa, Aaron is taking us to my home in his old Jeep. No matter how high and rich his status is but he is very down to earth with his lifestyle choices. I have never seen him flaunting his status and money, which I admire. There is a reason he is so respected and admired as a King. according to my history classes, he is the youngest King Glasshorn has ever seen yet no one questions his authority. I am surely, very blessed to have him as my mate but i still don't know if we are right for each other.“How is school, Little Cynthia?” Aaron asks breaking the awkward silence between us. for a second I think about ignoring him altogether but then think otherwise and reply.“Stop calling me little,” I murmur and look outside the moving jeep.“Cynthia, look at me.” He growls at me as we take a turn toward the dark forest's hidden path.I sigh but oblige. As I turn and meet his deep b
After reaching the hunting ground early, Riley and I look for Mom who was knee-deep in the preparations. Mom’s job doesn’t have a particular description but you could say she is the Queen Dowager’s Manager’s assistant. The job might have been not that special but it suited Mom. No matter what Dad thinks, I believe it was the right step for her as well for us as a family. she seems happy after getting this job and I am happy for her.“Riley, your friends are here. You can go with them and I will join you after finishing this.” I say to Riley who is checking the to-do list. I know she won't say it but her frequent glances at the watch is an clear indication of her excitement. I might be an outcast but my sister is a total rockstar and i love seeing her happy and vibrant.“You sure?” she asks with a gu
Chapter-11CynthiaAge-16I was running toward the backside of the event ground. I could still hear the crowd cheering and oohing over the contenders. They were all really excited but no one probably saw that Cole wasn’t there. That stupid guy disappeared from the screen before they even crossed the first level. I was running as Riley followed me. I didn’t want her here but she just won’t listen.“Go back, Riley. I am warning you!! My head is already fucked up because of that stupid dumb guy. I don’t want to worry about you too.”“But I could help you. I am not le
Cynthia I was back at the ground where we were waiting for the winner. After Cole was taken to the clinic, Aaron told me to come back here to my family as Cole will be at the clinic. He also told me his family has been informed. He actually ordered me to come here and enjoy the event which was the right thing to do. I need to be here for mom. She basically organized the whole thing and I need to witness her glory. As soon as the projector showed how Nash has managed to hunt a wild boar the whole ground went up in cheers and shouts. He was making his way back. “I didn’t think Nash would win, to be honest. Did you think it was a set-up?’’ Eva asked when Daisy cheered up for Nash.“Hey! That’s my friend you are talking shit about.” Daisy said defending Nash. I suspect she has a little crush on him or maybe-maybe just like me she knows he’s her mate. To be honest I hope not. For us mortals, immortal mates are just like a curse. “I mean he’s family to the royal
Chapter-13Age-16 Cynthia. “Are you feeling better now?” I asked Cole who was sitting on a single ply bed with a plain blue bedsheet dropped on it. Apparently, the royal Healer is a hippy by nature and believes in colors for healing instead of plain white usual of hospitals. Honestly, I agree with her. Pastel colors can be calming and can relax your mind enough to let your body heal itself.“I am, but what are you doing here?” Cole frowned at me and winced when he shifted to sit more comfortably. His hand is in a cast now and his forehead has a little scrap, other than that my friend is all good. Being a shifter his body can handle much more than an average chap. “What do you mean by that? I am here for you. You are my best friend after all.” I flicked his nose teasingly. Yes, I was avoiding his question but what can I even tell him. He doesn’t know about Aaron being my mate and I don’t think now I even want to te
Chapter 14Cynthia AGE-16“I know you are my mate, Princess.” He reveals and sighs.I had imagined thousands of scenarios in my head. Scenarios of hearing the same words but in none of them, I was this numb. I mean this was what I wanted right? Then why do I feel dread, like I am waiting for another shoe to drop? Still focusing on the words I respond in the best way possible.“You know? How? I mean when, how? That’s amazing! Do you have any idea how long I have been waiting for you to find out.” my words are a mess just like my emotions. I can’t believe he knows. My mate finally recognized me. he feels our bond and just like that I could feel my bond healing itself under the care of knowledge that our mate has recognized us. He frowns but nods and starts explaining to me what really happened today. “ I knew you were something to me from the moment you were born Cynthia but the way we are, the situation, your