NALINA ROMIREZ

I exhaled deeply before knocking on my Grandma's door. Things were just not sitting right with me. Since she's been here, everything seemed normal to her as if mom didn't tell her about what was happening to me. I wanted her to acknowledge and talk to me about the fact that she was a witch and I somehow inherited traces of it.

It's been three days since my parents left and the place feels really empty without them.

Three days since my grandma has been staying with us.

Three days since I was marked by Mykel.

It felt good to have his mark on me. Too bad I haven't seen him since then but he calls and checks on me every night. He was busy with stuff and I know I should be there with him but I also needed to be here with my grandma.

"You can come in Lina, I know it's you."

I pursed my lips as I opened the door. She was sitting on the bed with a small book in her hand. I watched as she smiled and closed the book before turning her attention towards me. My Grandma looked like forty despite her being in her late sixties. I've never payed too much attention to it but now that I think about it, it was indeed a fact.

"I wanted to talk to you", I said shutting the door and not moving from my spot.

"Come here and sit beside me. Don't tell me that you're scared of your grandma", she said before releasing a small laugh. I found myself returning one before taking a seat beside her. She took my hand in hers and looked me dead in the eyes.

"I know this must be scary for you, I was in your shoes all those years ago. Having this ability isn't something to be scared of. You should embrace it with open arms", she spoke as I listened intently.

But how can I embrace something that puts my life at risk? Was that even possible? Was it possible to feel relaxed and just say nothing bad is going to happen to me? Was it possible to continue on like my life was normal?.

"But it puts my life at risk. Well, me and Avan's technically because we both have witch blood. It's just so hard to accept it grandma", I replied with a deep sigh at the end. She half smiled and started caressing my fingers.

"When I first found out that I had indeed inherited my mother's gift, it was scary and magical. I could heal not only myself but others. She taught me everything I needed to know and even a few spells. But having those abilities came with risks Lina. I watched my mother die, burned to the stake. I was forced to stop performing spells and now it has been 30 years since I've stopped. I never thought your mother would've inherited some of it and now you."

My mouth was glued shut the entire time she was speaking. This was alot to take in but I understood everything. There was both good and evil, risks and rewards to being a witch. It must've been hard back then for her because from the books I've read, witches were burnt to the stake or hanged.

"What does that mean for me? I'm now mated and I can't leave this town. I'm in danger every second and I can't live in fear for the rest of my life grandma. I need to feel free and secure", I said sitting upright.

It was a tough feeling when you know your life will never be the same as it was. To always be looking over your shoulder for any signs of danger.

To feel as if no matter where you go, trouble always follows.

"You're a Luna now, your mate will protect you with his life. Use your abilities for good and nothing less. I'm proud of you Lina. I'm proud of how far you've come with being different", she replied before giving me a warm smile. I caved in and gave her a tight hug.

A knock on the door forced me to pull away. It opened revealing a very tired looking Avan. He was wearing a shirt with literally no pants and only boxers.

"Avan dear, care to explain why you aren't wearing any pants?", Grandma asked in a calm voice and I forced myself to not laugh.

He only shrugged with a smug look on his face before looking at me.

"Your Alpha is here", he said before wiggling his eyebrows. I felt the heat rising to my cheeks as I glared at him.

He ran outside the room before I could reply. Grandma only laughed and I got up and walked out. I hurried downstairs and into the kitchen where I heard talking. My knees started to feel weary as Mykel came into view. He was perched on a stool with his back turned but he still looked desirable.

Avan was around the stove fixing something to fill himself. Mykel turned around and as soon as his eyes met mine a huge grin broke out on his face. I could stare at his face all day. The minute he reached out and lift me up, I buried my face in the crook of his neck. I had missed his warmth and touch. I also missed his sweet smell which I could fall asleep to just by inhaling.

"God I missed you", he whispered against my skin as my body started tingling. I pulled away finally remembering that Avan existed and was right in the kitchen with us. He still had his back turned refusing to look which I was thankful for.

Mykel placed me on my feet but his arms were still around me. He placed his fingers under my chin and turned my neck to the side.

"So beautiful", he whispered and I assumed he was staring at his mark. I smiled to myself as I gazed up at him. His face was happy and I knew he was also content on the inside.

"I didn't know you were coming over", I said as he took my hand in his.

"I wanted to see you before tonight since its a full moon. I barely left my office for the past days since alot has been happening. I had to offer support to a neighboring pack that was attacked by rogues. Things are getting serious and my wolf has been on the edge lately. I want to know where you are at all times Lina, I can't have anything happening to you."

I was about to reply but was interrupted by glass shattering on the floor. We both turned our heads towards Avan who cursed as he eyed the floor. I bit my lip as I felt a weird feeling washed over me. I couldn't explain it but it was the same feeling I got when Jace was around.

But that was impossible.

I grit my teeth as I tried to ignore the feeling but it felt like it was getting worst by the second. My palms itched and my throat suddenly felt dry. What was happening with me?.

"Good morning"

I got my answer when I turned around and saw Daija standing there. My mouth fell into a thin line as I looked at her figure. I noticed the purple marks on her neck that were clearly visible. I also noticed that she was wearing Avan's clothes and even if I had half of a brain, I knew what happened between them last night. I just couldn't believe it.

"You're awake, I made you breakfast", I heard Avan say as I looked at Daija who seemed to notice that I wasn't pleased to see her. I felt Mykel's hand on my waist and he pulled me into his warm chest. I peeked up at him and sure enough, his face was as stern as mine. Maybe he could feel it too. He could feel that she wasn't to be trusted and her presence here is unwanted.

"That's really sweet but I think I should go. I don't think I'm wanted here", was her next words as she glanced at the floor. I felt a pinch of guilt but I quickly pushed it away. The sooner she leaves the better for me.

"Lina, could you please stop staring at her like that. You're making her very uncomfortable", Avan was the next to speak and I looked at him. His face held a 'stop it' expression to it and I crossed my arms in defense.

"I don't trust her Avan and neither should you", was my only reply as I kept my eyes on Daija who's face fell slightly but managed to not look towards the ground. The gesture seemed to insinuate hurt but I wasn't going to fall for it. At this point in my life, I can't trust anyone who gives off a negative aura.

"Could you just stop!", Avan shouted at me and I flinched from his voice.

Did he really do that?

I heard growling and I looked at Mykel who was glaring daggers at Avan. His teeth was partially bared and his eyes were glowing. As much as he knew that Avan was my brother, I don't think his wolf would think twice about ripping him to shreds. I rubbed his arms that were secured around my waist to calm him down which seemed to work as he placed his face in the crook of my neck and started inhaling my scent.

"It's ok Avan, I don't want to cause any trouble so I'll go. Thank you for last night, I had fun."

I swallowed harshly as she walked away. I looked back at Avan who strolled past us and after Daija. I sighed deeply as I leaned against Mykel's chest.

"I don't trust her baby, she gives off-

"-negative energy", I finished his statement by cutting him off. He nod and I exhaled deeply.

This was bad.

Avan had an intimate session with her and now he won't let her up. I was never the one to judge someone based on their appearance but what could I possibly do about how I always feel towards them? It's like once they were close something goes off in my body warning me that I was in danger. It was a bittersweet feeling because I was pushing people that I didn't really know away but also protecting myself.

"Shit!"

I looked at Mykel who's eyes were glued on the phone in his hands. His face was dead serious and I knew something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong.

"I have to go, it's an emergency", was all he said as he attempted to give me a goodbye kiss. I however pulled away and glared at him.

"I'm coming with you", I declared crossing my arms over my chest

"No. I will handle this and you still stay here and keep safe", was his reply but I scoffed and straightened myself up. I wasn't going to back down so easily.

"I'm your Luna Mykel, I should be there by your side handling any emergencies or problems our pack faces. I'm not afraid and I will not let my pack down by not being there with them. So it's either you allow me to go with you or you leave without me and I trail behind and perhaps get kidnapped by a vampire or lycan."

I couldn't believe I was saying these things and talking back at my Alpha. But I didn't want to hide for the rest of my life because I was afraid of the dangers. If I'm to be Luna and protect my pack, I have to be as strong as them. And I was determined in doing just that. Mykel looked quite amused with my response. It was the first time I wasn't running from danger, I was finally facing it with the thought of coming out unharmed.

"What am I going to do with you?", he whispered quietly before pecking my lips. I smiled in triumph as my heart thundered away in my chest.

What was he doing to me?

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