KNIGHT “You know, you didn’t have to do this.” She watched me clean the dishes while helping me put them into the dishwasher. “You don’t have to help me, Nirvana. I can do it myself.” “If you say so. Anyway, if you wish to stay, Kailin’s room is open. Some sheets and blankets are clean. You can stay there. It’s all yours.” “I’m good with the couch.” “I think that’s too small for you. Bed is better, but it’s up to you. Knock on my door if you need anything.” “Thanks.” “I suppose you’re not gonna wring my neck in my sleep?” I could do many things, but definitely, it didn’t involve wringing the neck. If there would be, it should be a kink. I held that thought. She left the kitchen. When I told her I liked her, she didn’t react. I didn’t know if she decided not to respond or didn’t believe me. After that, we didn’t talk about it anymore. After cleaning up her tiny kitchen, I brushed my teeth. Then I grabbed two pillows and Kailin’s comforter and arranged them on the couch. I

NIRVANA “Hey, girl.” Kailin was unusually jolly today as she hugged me tight before entering the apartment. “Grandpa.” “Hey, honey.” He put his arm around my shoulders and kissed the side of my head. “Mr. Blackwell.” “I think we passed the formality, Case.” They shook hands. “So, how was your night?” Kailin asked her cousin. “He probably has a headache or neck pain but hides it very well.” I joined them in the living area when the doorbell rang again. “I got this,” said Kailin as she went to the door. Then Zarah walked in, looking gorgeous in her white corporate dress. “Zarah.” I got up, surprised to see her. “My dear, good to see you again.” We did a cheek-to-cheek kiss. “Me too.” I suddenly felt uneasy when the apartment felt small for all of us, and I had a bad feeling that this meeting was set up. “Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Tea?” “I’m good, darling.” Zarah took a seat to my right. “Honey, we have something to tell you.” When Grandpa started in that

NIRVANA “He’s not!” I glared at Kailin. “This dickhead? This arrogant son of a bitch is my soulmate? No freaking way! I don’t accept it! And I don’t believe in that mate thing. This is insane.” I left the kitchen when the silence became deafening. “You can’t deny the mating bond, the pull, Nirvana. This is what it is,” said Zarah. “Well, I’m not one of them. At least, not right now. So, I’m out that setup or whatever the Moon Goddess has cooked up there or wherever she is. Why him anyway? He hates me. He kicked me out and treated me like garbage.” All of a sudden, I remembered what he said to me before I interrupted him. “Why? Because I’m not like him? Because I’m only human who happened to be blonde. Well, get this. I hate him, too.” “Don’t say something like that, Nirvana.” Zarah just freaked out as if I pulled out a pin of the grenade in my hand. “Why? Because he’s a freaking werewolf and an alpha, whatever does that mean. I don’t give a damn about any of these. Three days ago

NIRVANA “Hey. You need to sit down. You’ve been through hell in the last three hours. Take it slow. It’s not a sprint.” Kailin forced me down the chair and gave me a glass of water. “I need to learn about you guys. Your strength. Your weakness. What made you vulnerable so I could avoid it.” I looked at Grandpa. “It’s okay.” He nodded. “So, the silver can really hurt you guys?” Kailin had a funny look. “How did you know?” I shrugged. “Well, I didn’t know what I saw in the vineyards, but at the same time, I was not drunk that night. So, I did some Googling. I didn’t find anything useful that you guys exist, but is it true?” “So a part of you believes that supernatural beings like us exist, but you still deny what you saw.” “I don’t wanna end up in the mental hospital because who would believe me if I told someone I saw a wolf turn into a human.” I drank the water. My hands were still shaky. “I’m so sorry you have to go through that alone.” Kailin put a hand on my shoulder and s

KNIGHT “Oh, you’re awake.” Kailin pretended to be surprised. I was pretty sure she heard me talking to Nirvana. “How are you feeling, son?” There was still a worry in Case’s eyes. “You should know that she didn’t know what she was doing.” “I’m good, Case. I deserved it after what I did to her. It’s all good.” “I was mad, terrified, and immensely shocked. Everything just dropped on me, and he is fine. You don’t have to defend me, Grandpa.” Her laugh dried in her throat. “And I see what’s going on here. You’re more concerned about his well-being than your own granddaughter.” “He’s the alpha, Nirvana—the leader of the pack. Your grandfather is just showing him respect,” Zarah said. “It’s fine. Really. Thank you.” “So what? People bow for him, kill for him?” “Yes,” Kailin answered confidently. “And he will do anything to protect his pack, give up his life for us.” She slowly turned to me, both shocked and amused. “So he wants me to submit to him? Not gonna happen. Besides, I’m no