Chapter 10:
In the living room
Nia: “You're still up. Can I get you anything? Hot chocolate, maybe? I know it's your favorite. It always cheers you up. Did you have a good weekend at River’s? Kiani, are you ever gonna talk to me again?”
Kiani: “We should move again.”
Nia: “But Kiani-”
Kiani: “You won't tell me anything anyway so why stay?”
Nia: “But I thought you loved it here?”
Kiani: “Well, not anymore, okay?!”
In Nia’s head: We have to stay. I need to learn more about the Darkwoods.
Nia: “What has suddenly changed your mind?!”
Kiani: “You gave me space to think. I thought!”
Nia: “There's just so much I need you to understand.”
Kiani: “Well, I don't know if you don't tell me.”
Nia: “Did you hear that?”
Kiani: “Hear what? I didn't hear anything.”
Nia: “I swear that's a-”
Kiani: “Gosh, I'm tired! Time for bed. We'll talk more about moving in the morning.”
Nia: “But I-”
Kiani: “Goodnight!”
Nia: “Alright. But just because you're mad doesn't mean you can yell at me! (Kiani rolls her eyes). If your eyes get stuck up there, don't blame me. (Nia walks away)”
In Kiani’s head: The howl led me back to my garden. (in the garden). I see a shadow of a giant beast. A shudder runs through my body as I stare into his glowing honey eyes. I know what to expect next. Why is he here? As the change begins…will I ever get over that horrific change? The change I'll have to go through…always NAKED! Don’t look, don’t LOOK! Damn, I wanna look.
Kiani: “You better have brought some…aren't you supposed to be more secretive than that? My aunt nearly heard you howling. I think the whole street probably heard you.”
Rocco: “I needed your attention. Here you are.”
Kiani: “In the middle of the night?”
Rocco: “I heard you were leaving Meadow Lake.”
Kiani: “Not that any of your business, but I might be, yes.”
Rocco: “You won't be leaving, Kiani.”
Kiani: “It's better if I leave. My mark will fade quicker.”
Rocco: “No.”
Kiani: “What do you mean no?!”
Rocco: “Do you speak plain English? You're not leaving.”
Kiani: “What, just because you need a damn healer in your pack?”
Rocco: “No.”
Kiani: “Your eyes, your wolf is in control of you!”
Rocco: “Wrong again, little wolf.”
Kiani: “Then why do you want me to stay?”
In Kiani’s head: I see Rocco’s eyes devouring me. Hungry eyes reveal themselves to me. Is that all for me?
Kiani’s Wolf: “Mhmm!”
In Kiani’s head: Gulp.
Rocco: “I’m tired of ignoring my temptation for you. My wolf agrees. I want you badly, Kiani. So there’s no way you're leaving me because you're mine.”
In Kiani’s head: GULP.
Rocco: “Say something, Kiani…”
Kiani: “You said you didn't want me.”
Rocco: “Mhm.”
Rocco’s Wolf: “Idiot.”
In Rocco’s head: Shut up.
Rocco’s Wolf: “Idiot.”
Rocco: “I lied.”
In Kiani’s head: Rocco’s soft lips pressed against mine. The pure ecstasy of his lips against mine overcame my entire body. Rocco took his time exploring wanting my lips. Like he had all night to kiss me senseless. But damn, did I want more? I open my mouth to allow him to deepen the steamy kiss. His hand on my waist to pull me closer to him. I felt erotic senses all over me. My heart was aflame. Everywhere he touched me was on fire. I felt my inner wolf was also rubbing enticingly against him taking the pleasure. A dream made reality. Rocco started to become more rough, like he couldn't control himself anymore. Which made me row overflow with raw pleasure. So, I let my passion lead me. The urge to bite him overwhelmed me. As our passionate kiss got more heated. So I did. My wolf lets out a satisfied snarl.
Kiani: “ROCCO!”
In Kiani’s head: Our passion ignites and unites as we mark each other. Supernatural feeling. Might as well blasted Maneater by Nelly Furtado out loud. I'm a lusty wolf eater. (the next morning in Kiani’s room). Last night happened. This time it wasn't a dream. I marked him back. We kissed. Something feels very different. Wow, the need to be with him is intense. I'm freaking out. I feel like we just got married or something. But his kiss…my highlander knows what he's doing.
Kiani’s Wolf: “Mate!”
In Kiani’s head: Damn, this is strange. What do I do now? After our make out session, this feels like it's gonna change my whole damn life. He just laughed and said, ‘I'll see you soon, little wolf’. I like when he calls me his little wolf. Especially in his sexy deep voice. I can't believe he's all mine. Is he all mine? Did I get a male hunk? What do I do with him? Do I leave Meadow Lake now? Do I want to? (in the living room)
In River’s head: Thank God Kiani didn’t leave.
Nia: “River, would you like a cuppa while you wait for Kiani?”
River: “Yes please. I'll text Kiani to let her know that I'm here.”
In River’s head: How can Nia just reject her inner wolf? No scent whatsoever. Literally murdered her damn wolf. It makes me mad.
River’s Wolf: “Grr!”
In Kiani’s head: I wonder if River saw Rocco this morning?! I need to find something to wear. Oh shit, I'm late. This will have to do. (Kiani runs). Did I realize the massive wolf mark on my neck? No. (at the university)
Curtis: “Haley, what's up with you?”
Haley: “Nothing, I was just-”
Curtis: “Avoiding the ‘group’? Why are you?”
Haley: “It's stupid.”
Curtis: “It would be with Brooke.”
Haley: “Curtis, they’re right there. Brooke’s been blaming me since the woods party. Just because I was hanging out with the new girls. You know, the girl you kissed?”
Curtis: “She couldn't get enough of me.”
Haley: “Yeah, she was drunk. I was drunk for half of it. Brooke is a pain in the ass.”
Curtis: “I've always said it. But we can get away with murder in this group. Brooke’s parents practically own this University. Plus, my boy is hooking up with her.”
Haley: “I'll go over and she'll blame me, watch.”
Curtis: “You better make peace, don't wanna get on her bad side.”
Haley: “TOO LATE!”
Curtis: “Get moving Hals! Time to suck it up.”
Haley: “Hey. (Brooke rolls her eyes)”
Kiani: “Really?! You didn't think to tell me?”
River: “I didn't think there was any need. We wear our marks proudly.”
Kiani: “It looks like a real big hickey.”
River: “A sexy hickey.”
Kiani: “With a big ass bite mark.”
River: “I'm so happy for you.”
Kiani: “Are you even listening to me?”
River: “Did you give Rocco a big bite too, huh? Winter threw a fit. What's wrong?”
Kiani: “I think WInter loves Rocco…”
Kiani’s Wolf: “Grr MINE!”
River: “I think your inner wolf said something different.”
Kiani: “She's a heartless cow.”
River: “She's not gonna let anyone near her true mate. It's her mate and that's it. You have to believe it as well and you'll bond even more. Winter wouldn't think twice about you if she mated. All is fair in love and war.”
Kiani: “What do I do with him now? (River laughs hysterically)”
River: “I'm sorry, that's just hilarious.”
Kiani: “For you! I'm fucking serious. (Lucas is mad)”
Lucas: “Kiani blew me off at the woods party.”
Curtis: “You need to up your game, my man.”
Lucas: “Maybe she doesn't go for white guys.”
Curtis: “I'm not complaining. She’s a hot kisser as well, damn.”
Lucas: “Do you still want her?”
Curtis: “Are you over Brooke now?”
Lucas: “I like a challenge. Kiani’s hot man. Brooke and I have an open relationship. I bet you went in too soon with Kiani. You're just a drunk hookup.”
Curtis: “Don't hold back.”
Brooke: “Do they think that we can't hear them? Jerks. Open relationship, sure, but not with that ugly brat. How can he think she's hot? I'm the best thing to happen to him. He's just got a bruised ego that she rejected him.”
Peyton: “Exactly. You know guys love the chase.”
Brooke: “Why did she turn them down? Like she has a lineup of boys?! Don't even get me started on River Darkwood. They have a secret and I wanna know what it is.”
Kiani: “I mean, is Rocco my boyfriend?!”
Lucas: “Hello gorgeous.”
Kiani’s Wolf: “Grr!”
Lucas: “What's with that face, River? You're not so bad yourself.”
River: “Oh, I'm flattered.”
Lucas: “But I've come to ask Kiani out.”
Kiani: “I thought you were with Brooke?”
Lucas: “That's old news.”
Kiani: “I'm not interested.”
River: “Kiani’s taken.”
Kiani: “RIVER!”
Lucas: “You made out with Curtis at the party. Cheating already? I'm down for that.”
Kiani: “I'm not a cheat.”
River: “But she is taken.”
Kiani: “RIVER!”
Brooke: “You've got a boyfriend? That's the biggest joke of the century. Lucas, go! She still doesn't want you. (Lucas storms off)”
In Kiani’s head: Why does Lucas listen to Brooke?
Brooke: “I didn't know you were so desperate. Did that mystery man give you a love bite? You're begging for it.”
Kiani: “I COULD CLAW YOUR DAMN EYES OUT THEN YOU’LL BE DUMB AND BLIND. I’LL BE ‘BEGGING’ TO SEE THAT!”
Brooke: “You're a psycho. I should’ve known, you hang out with River. You joined her cult already? Are you hiding any bite marks, River? I wouldn't be so surprised. I can't believe Kiani has a boyfriend. You probably got River to do it for you.”
Kiani: “She's not worth it, River.”
Brooke: “Listen to your lover. (Brooke walks off)”
River: “WHAT A-”
Kiani: “Someone didn't get enough love in their childhood. Seriously, she needs a hug. (River laughs). To hug her quickly before she dies of bitterness. (both laugh)”
River: “Or you might claw her eyes out.”
Kiani: “I'm still trying to rein in these mood swings. So what do I do with Rocco? It's eating me alive.”
River: “Make mad love to him.”
Kiani: “What now? (at the parking lot at the university)”
Brooke: “Quit moaning, Lucas. You can make me moan later.”
Lucas: “Whatever. (Lucas rolls his eyes)”
Brooke: “Haley, I didn't see you there.”
Haley: “Are you still mad at me?”
Brooke: “Join the cult for all I care.”
Haley: “I was drunk. I can't talk to them but Lucas and Curtis can try and sleep with her? That doesn't make sense.”
Brooke: “Lucas learned his lesson.”
Lucas: “Shut the hell up, Brooke.”
Brooke: “Do you want me to come over later or what? (Lucas and Haley roll their eyes). Besides Haley, I saw those selfies you took with River.”
Haley: “What do I have to do?”
In Haley’s head: The things I do to stay in this group.
Brooke: “Fail your next exam. Then I'll know you're loyal to me.”
Haley: “Are you serious? The next exam is essential.”
Brooke: “I know you'll do it. If not, you'll lose my beautiful friendship. You don't wanna do that, Hals, right? (Haley walks away)”
Lucas: “You're a savage, do you know that?”
Brooke: “You have no idea.”
Lucas: “Later tonight I will. (Brooke’s shocked - Rocco walks in)”
In Rocco’s head: Urgh, humans.
Brooke: “Now that is what you call a man.”
Curtis: “Fucking hell, what is that? He's built like a truck.”
Brooke: “Tell me about it. (Lucas and Curtis are nerves)”
In Kiani’s head: Rocco’s strong dominant aura hits human males hard. More effective being an alpha. They feel a strong sense of danger. Intense feelings of vulnerability, exposure of all insecurities and no confidence. They have no idea why.
Brooke: “What’s going on with you guys? Not so hot anymore, huh guys? Guys?!”
Curtis: “That guy looks dangerous.”
Brooke: “Yeah, I love it.”
Lucas: “Whatever, he ain’t all tha-”
Curtis: “You wanna look at him again?”
Brooke: “I want to know who he's looking for.”
Curtis: “Good luck with that. I'm out!”
Lucas: “I'll see you later. (River and Kiani walk out shocked)”
Rocco’s Wolf: “Mate!”
Kiani’s Wolf: “Mate.”
In Kiani’s head: Lust hits me. Heat rises throughout my body. Especially where my new mark is. His scent fills my nose and I can moan with pleasure. I forgot where I was for a moment. (Kiani walks over to Rocco)
Brooke: “What the hell does she think she's doing?”
River: “Oh, you don't know? That’s Rocco Darkwood. I thought you knew everyone?”
Kiani: “Hi.”
In Kiani’s head: I see the mark I left on his neck. Is it weird that I've never felt more aroused? Why is he here? All I'm thinking about is his lips on mine. Please kiss me.
Rocco: “Your training starts today.”
In Kiani’s head: Not how I thought this was gonna go.