Kalista held Jade's hand in a tight grip and shut her eyes tightly as the mist began to surround them. It felt cold against her skin and she shivered as her surroundings turned dark.She was faintly aware of Jade's arm around her, holding her close until suddenly, the coldness disappeared. She cracked an eyelid open and was instantly blinded by the harsh glare of a bright light. The light hurt her eyes and she shut it abruptly, and that was when she realized that the mist was gone. They were no longer in the dark forest.They were somewhere different."Open your eyes, my love," Jade whispered in her ear, his breath tickling her and sending shivers up her spine.She slowly opened her eyes again and her breath caught in her throat at the sight before her."Oh Jade," she whispered breathlessly. "It's absolutely beautiful"Before them was an entirely different realm, extremely different from the realm they just escaped from. Here, it was midday and it seemed night never visited this realm
"You!" Salem said in a sharp voice, pointing a finger directly at Kalista. "You are not supposed to exist. Why have you come here?"Kalista felt fear as Salem marched towards her. How did the witch know what she was? Her heart skipped a bit when Salem suddenly crouched and peered into her eyes.Salem's glittery emerald eyes narrowed at Kalista and at that moment, her eyes fell on the silverhaired man sitting beside her, an amused smile on his face. The look of suspicion vanished instantly, only to be replaced my a look of pleasant surprise and a mile-wide smile."Jade?" she called out."Hello, Salem," Jade chuckled and stood up, hands wide open to hug her."Oh, thank the moon goddess," Salem laughed softly and drew Jade in for an embrace. "How have you been, Salem?" Jade asked as he released her and held her at arms length."Oh, just fine," Salem brushed his question aside. "When you're a powerful witch, you don't worry about old age or old bones. I never expected to see you again"
"Something troubles you."Salem's voice broke into Jade's erratic thoughts. He looked up sharply, only to notice that the witch had been staring at him for a while.He sucked in a breath and ran a hand through his hair."I'm fine," he said, but Salem chuckled and shook her head."You are not fine, Jade," she said. "I asked what you wanted to talk to me about. Twice. It is pretty obvious you have a lot on your mind"Unable to hide it again, Jade let out a deep sigh."A lot has happened since I left here, Salem," he began. "Too much has occurred""Come, sit with me," Salem took his hand and led him to a smooth rock where they could sit. "Now, tell me everything"And Jade did. He narrated everything that he had experienced, from arriving at Northville to finding his mate, and discovering she wasn't a human, but a halfblood. Salem listened without interrupting him, and her expression only changed from calmness to shock and horror when Jade told her that both his parents were now dead and
Jade felt like every moisture within him had been sucked out, leaving him feeling dry and limbless. His entire thoughts were in disarray and Salem's words continued to ring in his ears.Orion was his uncle, and yet he tried to kill Kialista. His own uncle had tried to kill his mate. It was a hard pill to swallow. It was unbelievable. If Orion was indeed his father's brother, why did his father never mention it? Why was Orion kept a secret?He raised his head and turned to the spot Salem sat, staring at her with eyes filled with betrayal and hurt."You've known this for so many years," he said in a low hoarse voice. "I told you about my entire family, and I'm sure you knew he was my uncle. Yet, you kept it a secret from me"Salem slowly stood up and clasped her hands in front of her. "I never would have kept such secret from you, Jade," she said softly. "But Orion made me swear to him, that I would never tell anyone about him. I couldn't break my vows to him"Jade knew it wasn't real
"We meet again, Salem. I think it's time for you to return my memories," Orion said, his eyes locked on Salem.For a long while, Jade and Salem just stood there staring at Orion, both with different expressions on their face. Jade had a look of surprise and bewilderment on his face. The last time he saw Orion was after he took the secret path to escape into the forest. Did Orion follow him after that? While Jade pondered silently, Salem was rendered speechless. Memories flooded her senses as she gazed upon Orion. Memories of their time together before he begged her to erase his own memory and before he disappeared from the village. It was too much for her to handle. After so many years, all he had to say was for her to bring back his memories? Did he only see her as a tool to use?Suddenly overwhelmed with anger, she marched up where Orion stood and slapped him hard across his face.There was a shocked silence, and Orion slowly raised his hand and touched his stinging cheek."I miss
Kalista felt like she had been falling for a long time. She shut her eyes tight, waiting for her body to drop into the river beneath her but suddenly, she felt a rush of rapid air. Strong arms grabbed her, delicious sparks dancing on her body, and she felt her body collide softly with another. She didn't need to open her eyes to know that it was Jade that had saved her. The sparks of the mate bond were enough to let her know.With her eyes still shut tightly, she held on to Jade as he landed lightly on the ground, holding her close to him. She could feel his heart slamming against his chest and she opened her eyes when she felt him tremble."Jade?" she whispered, her gray eyes pinned on his.Jade took a shuddering breath and slowly lowered her to the ground, letting his hands rest on her waist when her feet touch the earth."Are you okay?" he asked softly. Without waiting for her to reply, he pulled her close and wrapped her in a warm hug. "Maybe I shouldn't let you out of my sight a
The kiss grew heated as Jade struggled with his internal wolf. He wanted to claim her at that moment. He wanted her to bear his mark, so it would be known to every shifter that she belonged to him. He wanted to rip off her dress and claim her at that moment. But he held himself back with a herculean will. He didn't want Kalista's first time to be rushed and hurried. He didn't want to take her when she was least prepared for him. He would take it slowly with her because she deserved that and more. She was like a delicate petal that had to bloom softly and fully. Besides, he also needed to discuss the marking and mating process with her. He tried to pull away but Kalista tightened her arms around his neck and pressed her softness against him. Jade groaned low in his throat and broke the kiss for a few seconds."My love," his voice sounded hoarse, raw with need. "Slow down...""Oh Jade," Kalista whispered against his lips, her body feeling like it was on fire. Jade had kissed her befor
Jade shut the door and immediately took Kalista into his arms again."That was just Mary," he said to her. "Her mother wants to host a celebration at night."Kalista knew because she had overheard everything, but all the pleasure she felt a moment ago had disappeared with Mary's unexpected presence. She hooked her arms around Jade's neck and stared into his eyes."What's wrong?" Jade asked when she just stared at him in silence.Kalista let out a deep sigh before she spoke what was bothering her."I know Mary didn't mean to push me, but I don't think her apology was heartfelt," she said softly. "Why do you say that?" Jade inquired, tracing light circles with his hands around her waist."I don't know, but for some reason, Mary doesn't like me," Kalista said and lowered her eyes. "Since the moment she discovered I'm your mate, she's been hostile towards me.""Don't pay attention to her my love," Jade assured her. "She's just jealous you're prettier than her."A pleased smile lit up Kal