Maya I run as fast as my paws can carry me, away from the burning field and into the forest. A storm is brewing, and the shadow creepers are not far behind. I can imagine their crazed eyes locked on my form. I'm their prey, the one they want dead, but I'm a wolf on a mission. My limbs feel like jelly, and my muscles ache from the effort of running over sticks and stones. I'm not sure if I can save anyone with my plan, but the reminder of how safe it was to rest my head in the crook of Finn's neck and breathe him in keeps me fighting. Alice and my sister are important to me too, but a spot in my heart is reserved for Finn. He came in like a hurricane and rocked my world—I fell in love, hard, without even noticing. The grief in my chest spreads and wraps around me, and I pant into the air, watching my breath evaporate as I stare at the tree of life before me. The branches still hold colorful leaves, but they are rapidly turning grey as if the tree of li

Maya My lips curl higher while Finn is searching my eyes. His large hands are keeping my arms locked above my head, and my chest rises and falls in line with his breathing. Sweet Jesus—he is hot when he is suspicious. I'm aroused by the situation and secretly hoping Finn will use those arms to take me by force. "Best friends, huh?" Finn questions. I laugh out loud, shocked by the crazy situation. Younger Finn is more assertive than his older version, which makes sense. The Finn standing before me isn't dealing with a heavy load of guilt, the main thing holding back the older one. Without guilt or concern about the age difference between us, Finn seems as sex-crazed as me, and without those boundaries—shit, I'm getting riled up already. "Uh…" I'm forced to bite my lower lip not to laugh again. I'm busted. "I guess we were more than friends..." He smiles, and his eyes touch each of my features as if he is seeing them for the first time.

Maya My mother doesn't even look up to greet me when I sit at our kitchen table. Lily is in the living room, laughing while two guys from our school try to flirt with her. I'm trying to prepare my breakfast in peace, but it's hard to ignore them when they are so loud. My sister is so annoying to listen to, especially when she puts on that baby voice. "Oh, Jayden, you're so funny! Perhaps you should be my new beta? I mean, you're pretty useful in battle. You're hot too." Out of the corner of my eye, I see my twin sister flip her dark hair over her shoulder. We might be twins, but she sure got the better genes—curves everywhere and big breasts. Of course, Lily isn't shy about showcasing her body. She is now wearing a v-line top to show her tanned skin and the gemstone necklace, trying to make love to her breast. No matter how hard I try to sunbathe, I can't seem to get brown—I swear I'm cursed. I have the complexion of a ghost, while my

Maya My breath catches in my throat, and I'm half-convinced that I'm hallucinating because of the alcohol I've consumed. Finn. I take him in and take a step back, gripping the faucet. He is slightly taller, and he has filled out with broader shoulders, and his face is an inkling more chiseled, but otherwise, he is still unchanged, younger than me. I swallow hard at that revelation with the taste of bitterness accumulating in my mouth. I've never been ashamed of my appearance, but right now, I'm worried about Mr. Adonis not finding me attractive since I'm older than him. He looks so young, still in his later twenties at most. "Finn..." The fairy lifts his eyes to mine, and I'm almost knocked unconscious. I've heard about second-chance mates, but I thought it was a rumor—I was wrong. The mate-bond kicks to life, and although Finn's lips curve into a crooked, recognizing smile, I want to flee. Finn left me. He never came b

Maya I'm nervous about inviting Finn inside of my apartment. I'm fumbling for the keys while he is behind me, taking in the walls. "This place is nice," Finn comments and whistles. I'm having trouble not jumping into his arms—he looks so inviting when I glance over my shoulder, especially with the dimples in his cheek. "Are you rich, Maya?" The admiring glint in his eye makes me blush. I'm bad with receiving compliments, especially when they come from gorgeous young men. I have to turn around and focus on the door not to melt into a puddle. Every nerve of my being wants Finn, but I have to fight it. We wouldn't last. We wouldn't make it. I would get hurt. "No, but I'm good at saving money." Finn beams at me. "I can tell." "Yeah..." My breathing is wild when I turn my key. Soon the tall, sexy man will enter my personal space and see the paintings I've made and everything that makes me Maya. I take