“Now that we have introduced all the ladies, it is my pleasure to announce that the Vampire King is ready to make his bridal selection. Ladies, I wish you all the best.” The short werewolf announced into the microphone. He motioned to stage left for the Vampire King to appear and when he did, Claire’s breathing stopped.Mal stepped onto the stage, looking just as intimidating and sexy as ever, as his stoic face never once glanced at Claire.She felt her chest collapse in on itself.This is why he’s been so despondent these last few days. He’s the FUCKING VAMPIRE KING.Claire closed her eyes as he walked past her to shake hands with the werewolf. “Thank you. And thank you to every one of these ladies on this stage and their families. I know this isn’t the best of circumstances, but I appreciate it, nonetheless.” Mal stepped away from the microphone as the werewolf took back control.“Now, Malachy. Please choose your bride.”Claire kept her eyes shut, refusing to believe this was happeni

Xavier motioned for Jack to stand. A father stood up, looked at his daughter, beaming with pride. “Sweetheart. The Council is giving you an amazing opportunity. You can stay with us. Me, your brother, and sister.” Jack’s hand found hers and squeezed. “To help train future Guardians.. Given that you are human, we will have to take extra precautions to keep you safe and out of harm’s way. You’ll never be out in the field. Or...” Jack’s eyes welled with tears. Priestess Ramona stood up, “Or sweet child. You can continue to live as a human, among other humans. But you will no longer be a part of the Mythical community. You’ll give up all that you have known, everything you love. To be a normal human. Without fear of rogues. Without anyone here, including your family.” She gingerly lifted Claire’s face as the tears fell.“So, if I choose to be a normal human, whatever that means, I won’t be able to be with or see my family again?” Her eyes met the leader of the lone dragon, who had a gr

Mal couldn’t believe it. She was going to leave them, leave him.“I will no longer train to be a Guardian. I choose to have a normal human life, away from the Mythical community.” Her words replayed in his head as his mouth fell open. The small crowd of Mythicals were whispering about themselves, as confusion spanned the room. Claire looked confident in her decision as she glanced at each of her family and friends. Her eyes beaming with love.“We, the Council, accept…” Council Nathanial spoke, as Jack stood up, effectively interrupting the acceptance.“Wait one minute, Council. If Claire is choosing to leave our community, then I will leave with her. As her father, it is my duty to protect her and I will not let her go out into the world without me.” He beamed with pride as he looked down at his daughter. “And I will go with them as well.” Marian walked behind the father-daughter duo, placing her arms around their chairs. Jack smiled as he grabbed her hand, kissing the back of it,

The cries were unbearable. The entire house was in an uproar because for the umpteenth time that weekend, the Lockwood’s latest additions, Jillian and Julian, were crying in their cribs. Claire managed to get one asleep, but then the other would cry, waking the other twin up. She was about to give up hope when she put both babies together in the same crib. Five minutes later, both were fast asleep, cuddling one another.She softly closed the nursery door and turned to meet the thankful eyes of Marian’s sister and the Luna of the Lockwood Pack, Jordyn.“How did you get both of them asleep? We’ve been trying for weeks!” she asked, impressed.Claire shrugged her shoulders, “When you felt bad when you were little and your mom wasn’t around, who did you turn to? I always think of my siblings, Steph and Zach. So why wouldn’t the babies?” Claire placed a hand on the Luna’s shoulders, directing her down the hall. “Come on now. You asked for some help with the babies, so I’m here to help. Go r

“Hello, summer! Here we come! Mark my words, this will be epic!” Quinn screamed while bursting into the living room. She dropped her backpack next to the couch before pouncing on Claire, who was napping on the couch. “Ooooompffff. What the fuck, Quinn? Some warning next time would be nice.” Quinn rolled off of her and plopped on the floor. “What’s got your panties in a bunch? We’re supposed to go to the mall.” Her voice changed to one of concern when she saw her friend’s face.Claire’s eyes focused on the bright red envelope sitting on the coffee table. Quinn noticed and dove for it. “What the fuck is this? From Malachy.” Her eyes grew three times their size as she shouted. “THE Malachy??” With a shaky breath, Claire nodded her head in agreement. “I think it’s his wedding invitation…” “WHAAAAT????!!!” Quinn’s voice seemed to echo in the house. “You were messing around with an engaged man? Claire, what in the actual fuck?!” Claire clapped a hand over Quinn’s ridiculously loud mout