Elina “Elina, Elina, it’s time to wake up.” I feel someone shake me.“Elina.” I open my eyes—a woman with greying hair peers down at me. Who? My eyes open wide.“Grandma.” I sit up, confused.“Yes, child. Hurry and get up. I don’t know how much longer I have.”She reaches down and pulls me to my feet. What is grandma doing here? I was with Xavier last night. I look around the room and realize it’s no longer a room. Instead, we’re in the middle of the forest. How did I get here? Is this a dream?“You aren’t dreaming?” She says. Can she?“No, I can’t read your mind, but I know that’s what you’re thinking. Now come along.”She walks off, but I don’t move. This thing, whatever

 XavierI rub my temples as I listen to the reports of the latest news about what’s happening in our territory. I’ve been in this meeting since 10 and now it’s around noon and I’m ready for this to end. I glance down at the ring on my finger and smile. Maybe I should escape to El's room. I’m sure it would be more fun than this.“What are we going to do about the rogues?” Gris, one of the elders, asks, pulling me from my thoughts.“What rogues?” I glance up at my uncle, confused.“We had some rogues move in on the river in the last week.”“Why didn’t I know about this?”“You were.” He pauses. “I should have informed you, alpha. We’ve been monitoring them while you were—away. They seem harmless.” He says

XavierTwenty minutes ago“Elina!” I shout as she falls to the ground.I rush to her side and pull her into my arms.“Elina!” I shake her, but she won’t budge. Her eyes are closed, and there is a small trickle of blood coming from one nostril.‘Mate’ Silas whines as he scratches to break free. I grit my teeth and push him back.“Stop it. You can’t help her.” He whimpers as I scoop El up in my arms.“Don’t worry, she will be fine.” I turn to head to the door when Noime shouts.“Mom!” I spin as Dad’s wolf is thrown across the room. He crashes into the wall and falls to the ground.“Dad!” I shout as I hurry to his side, with El still in my arms.“Mom!” she shouts. I spin as El's grandmother rises from the ground.“Mom!”Boom! A large burst of power erupts from her, pushing Noime and me back and shattering every glass in the room. I duck, shielding myself and El, who suddenly starts panting.“El,” I call as her breathing gets heavier.‘What’s wrong with her?’ Silas asks as I watch her che

IrisI awake to the heavy feeling of his hand across my body. I groan as I remove it and sit up, staring down at his sleeping face. Why did I let him sleep here last night? I am done with him. This relationship is pointless. He won’t choose me as his mate, and that is something that will never change. I need to move on. I have my whole life ahead of me. College next fall away from this town and him. That’s what I need: a fresh start, but this town was supposed to be Raina’s and I fresh start. A change to forget the horrible memory of our parent’s death, but now she’s off chasing ghosts and I’m in love with my teacher.My eyes drift to him sleeping peacefully and I can’t help thinking of all the times we fell asleep in each other arms. I hate to admit it, but I miss him. His smile, his touch, the feel of his skin against mine. I raise my hand, suddenly feeling the urge to touch him, when his eyes snap open. My hand pauses mid-air.“You act cold, but I know you miss me.” He says as he g

ElinaSilas stops and backs away slightly, but he keeps his guard up as he stands between me and the man. I look at the man who is still on the ground. His hair is a little shorter than it was a couple of days ago, but from the scar across his left eyebrow to his ocean blue eyes, and even the exhaustion he wears. I know it’s him. I watch as he rises to his feet slowly.“Are you alright?” I ask.He nods his head. “I am just a little sleep-deprived. I’m sorry if I scared you.” He takes a step toward me but stops in his track as Silas bares his teeth, warning him to stay back.“Silas, it’s okay. I think we can trust him.” I say.I do not know him, but I think if he wanted to hurt me, he wouldn’t have saved me from getting hit that day.“She’s right, Xavier. I am only here to talk. I will not hurt her.” The man says.I stare at him, stunned, as Silas growls at the mention of Xavier’s name. How does he know him? Who is he? Were my instincts wrong, and he was sent by Titus? I take two steps