RUM “Mmm….” I jerked my gaze to the bed. “Blast it, she’s awake. She’s going to move. Stop her,” the Luna ordered, both her palms still hovering over Rose’s neck—which didn’t seem to look any better, colour wise. I was right back on the stool and leaned close to whisper into Rose’s ear as she stirred some more. “Hey Rose, it’s me.” “R…am?” She was about to lift her hand to rub her groggy eyes when I gently pressed on her wrist to stop her. It’s still a little scratchy but thank goodness she can still talk. “Yes. Rum. You knocked out for quite a while there. Don’t! Don’t move. Elena’s still treating you.” And the poor girl froze—in a super adorable way that made me want to kiss her entire face. “You can relax, stupid girl. Just stay still.” I had to stop myself from reaching out to touch her. “Oh…kay…,” she whispered. “How do you feel?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking. “Less… pain….” But she was still wincing and I felt my heart drained. The wheels in my min

ROSE He kissed the side of my head then pressed his lips into my lips to muffle his groan of bliss, and I felt his body tensed up. Then, it relaxed again. And I felt another kiss on my forehead then his lips spread into a smile. We sat there, in the dim glow of the oil lamp, in each other's arms, listening to our heavy breathing coming down, our heartbeats becoming normal. “There's something you need to know. This place is nothing like the human world.” There was a snigger in his voice. I breathed in and sighed. “I’m aware. I see nothing but trees and rocks. I mean, this inn is by far the only man-made structure I’ve seen.” And it’s made entirely out of rocks. “I mean the bathroom, cub.” He pulled back and kissed my cheek. “There’s no shower.” And he flashed a bright smile. I was shocked. Werewolves' existence is one thing. But no showers? “You’re kidding.” “I’m not. Want me to show you how to use the facilities?” I don’t like the smug smile on his face. ***** SPL

ROSE A few jumps later, we came to a stop and Bell immediately grabbed my wrist, locking it in her grasp, before she jumped off. “You want to come down, you answer my question, Rose.” “What’s the problem?” Hansel asked, his snout faced me, his eyes watching fiercely. And Bell pointed at my neck. “I asked her how she got that nasty wound around her neck and she ignored me!” I continued glaring at the pretty woman in a biker jacket when Hansel sighed wearily. “She can’t talk, Bell. That’s why.” A few blinks later and the smile was back. “Ah!” Two warm palms cradled my cheeks and her thumbs stroked my skin affectionately. “I’m so sorry, love.” Don’t call me that, I tried to tell this werewoman with my glare. But, clearly, she didn’t notice. “Come on. Let’s take a break.” She helped me down, making sure I don’t pressure my neck too much. “Stay here. I’ll get some water for you.” “Bell…,” called Hansel, a reminder in his tone. “Don’t worry. Magnus will understand. She’s wo

RUM Ellis stepped forward. “Keithen….” “Deity’s ass…,” growled Magnus in disapproval. “Magnus, please. Let me.” Ellis patted the Crystal Sparks Alpha’s and turned to me. “Keithen, we’re not asking you to reconnect with the deity. And I’m not going to lecture you about our natural bond with her.” “Sounds better.” I crossed my arms. “So why don’t we try this: you take Magnus’s training for three days—.” “One day.” “Two.” Ellis frowned at me. “Or we tell everyone” Fucking hell. I glowered at both werewolves. “FINE. Two days.” “Try Magnus’s training because that special ability requires some sort of stimulation to be harnessed and manifest.” Ellis flashed a kind smile. So they don’t know how to get that dumb thing out of me. They’re just trying their luck too. It makes sense since father was the only one who had it and the only one who knew how to unleash it. “What if nothing happens?” I asked. Since they are like Dan, I need to remove the stick which they would use on

ROSE Mrs. Hook didn’t show up for dinner. So I ate alone in my room. Potato stew with boiled carrots—at least that’s what I thought it was, based on the grainy texture, the starchy taste and the orange bits floating in my wooden bowl. The room was as large as Rum’s bedroom back at the penthouse, which gave me a cozy feeling and at the same time anxiety and worry. I still wasn’t sure if Rum would come back for me. I’m in a world completely new to me. Though I learned a few things from Rum, they weren’t complete. And his absence made me feel more like a speck of dust in a giant world; I have absolutely no idea what’s gonna happen or how I’m supposed to act to keep myself safe; I have zero control over my circumstances and my future, being blown around wherever suitable for the others. Even the slightest breeze could blow me away. Fuck. I turned from the moon outside the window and stared at the queen size bed, the wheels in my mind churning. I can’t stay here and do nothing.