Guides

LAKE

I twist my fork in the pasta as the silent tension between me and Lucas builds. He takes a loud gulp of wine for the third time in the past ten minutes.

“Once you become my mate, I’ll be able to see the green return to your eyes,” Lucas smiles. “I always loved that about your appearance.”

I scoff and roll my eyes. “I prefer the black, soulless look. Thanks, though.”

“Love, you belong by my side,” Lucas pushes out of his chair and walks around to me. His hand lands on my shoulder. I simply look forward and glare at the flower centerpiece on the table.

“Besides, the rogue has never seen those green emeralds, has he?” Lucas whispers in my ear.

“Nor has he seen how long and luscious your hair can get. He hasn’t seen how loving you can be toward your family.”

At this point, I’m twisting my foot from side to side on the ball of it. I continue to scratch my fork on the porcelain china plate. My heart feels as if it’s going to burst out of my chest.

“Face it, Lake,” Lucas sniffs my neck deeply. “That rogue is nothing compared to me. He doesn’t even know you.”

I slam my hands on the table and stand. The china goes flying as I flip the stupid table over as well. My eyes stare deep into Lucas’s.

He has a smug look on his face as warriors hold my arms behind my back.

“He knows me more than you ever could,” I smirk. “In more ways than you ever could, as well.”

Lucas raises his eyebrows and clears his throat.

“Remember where you are, Lake. You’re in my territory—under my control. If I want to take you on this goddamn table, I will.

“If I want to fuck you in front of that filthy rogue as the light dims from his eyes, I will.

“Take her to my room,” he orders. “My mate needs to learn manners when addressing her alpha.”

I sit in the corner of Lucas’s room, gripping my crystal. It’s still hot against my skin. The red light shining from it lights the room at a low level. My tears fall over it.

There’s a pain in my chest that’s caused an entire chasm to form. I crave the heat and protection of my mate. The way he wanted me instead of needing me as I am needing him now.

Shayna and Lee are standing outside the door in case I need anything, but I refuse to move from this spot. This hollowness inside my chest is more than all the pain I’ve ever endured.

“Is this how you felt, Riley?” I cry softly. I hug my knees to my chest and bury my head into them.

***

~“Lake.”~

~

~I appear in front of a large willow tree with nothing around but white. The center of the tree’s trunk is twisted around a large, slowly ticking clock.~

~

~I’m wearing a flowing dress, and my hair is up in a braided bun.~

~

~“Who’s there?” I call out. “Show yourself!”~

~

“Lake, calm down.”

Tears fill my eyes as I recognize that voice. Standing behind me is Riley. She’s smiling softly, wearing the same dress I’m wearing. Her hair flows loosely in the breeze.

I run into her arms and almost tackle her to the ground.

“Riley!” I wail. “I’m so sorry!”

“Shh, Lake.” My best friend smooths my hair and pulls away to wipe away my tears. “I’m here now. You’re here. We’re together.”

I nod and hug her tightly again. Riley returns my embrace, and I can feel her tears on my back.

“This again?” a voice groans behind me. “I never get the attention she gets!”

Riley giggles as I pull away slowly. If I wasn’t crying hard enough before, well, now I am.

“Hey, Lake.” My twin brother waves, and his other hand is in his pocket. He’s wearing a simple white outfit with matching shoes.

“L—Landon!” This time, I actually tackle my victim to the ground. Landon laughs and hugs me back. My tears form Niagara Falls on his back.

“Jeez, sis, you don’t have to be so emotional,” my twin jokes. “It’s only been a few months.”

“But, I—” I shove my head into Landon’s neck at the thought of the actions I did. Landon sighs and rubs my back like he always would when I was crying.

“Lake, that’s in the past.” Riley bends down so I have to face her. She puts a hand on my cheek. “We’ve forgiven you.”

“What’s done is done, Lake.” Landon pulls away and leans into Riley’s lap. I lie on his chest to just hear his heartbeat, but nothing is there.

“We’re here to help you.” Riley smiles and plays with her mate’s hair. “In this realm, we’ve agreed to be your guides.”

I sniffle and sit up. My brother puts my hand in his, and I can’t look them in the eye. My heart is beating painfully as I wince from the memories.

“Hey, knock it off.” Landon smacks the side of my head. “We only have a certain amount of time to talk, so listen, okay?”

“What’s going on?” I ask. “Why are you here?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the Day of Prophecy from Jake and Lucas?” Riley sighs and looks me in the eye deeply. I nod sternly.

“You have to get back to Derrick before this day happens,” my brother urges. “Be by him and have the mark heal completely.”

“What?” I blink a few times. “Why?”

Suddenly, the clock in the tree begins to toll loudly. I cover my ears in pain.

“Lake, we’re out of time.” Riley hugs me tightly. “Please, before the Day of Prophecy, get back to your mate. You have only ten days.”