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Its Eyes Are for the Stars

By: dreamsofbirds



Here it is, the first part of the sequel to "Those Eyes." If you haven't read "Those Eyes," you'll be pretty confused so, I recommend going back and reading that story. You'll notice that this story is not in first person perspective. "Those Eyes" was Santana and Alex's story. This is all of their story. In my typical fashion, things move a little slowly as my characters develop. I hope you enjoy and please remember to comment and send feedback!

Once again, thank you Archangel for editing!

SRB





Its Eyes are for the Stars

"Love knows not distance; it hath no continent; its eyes are for the stars." 

--Gilbert Parker

The sun peeked in through the blinds, alerting Zachary that it was now morning. He pulled the lithe, warm body beside him closer to his own and buried his nose into her auburn hair. He couldn't believe that he had found her. When he'd been feeling so lost and alone, she had appeared in his life like fate. He pulled her hair aside and nuzzled her slender throat, enjoying the scent that he found there. 

She sighed contentedly as he urged her to roll onto her back. Jade eyes met green ones and both smiled broadly. She was his, and he loved these moments with her. 

"Good morning," she said softly as his lips brushed against hers.

"Morning, Anna," he returned as he sneakily unbuttoned her nightshirt with a grin on his face. She moaned as his calloused hands rasped across her soft skin. 

Each time they made love, he always wished that he had waited for her to be his first. His first had been a girl he had met on the road, a stranger he met while riding through a college town. She had been pretty and easy, just what he had needed to get his first time out of the way. His inexperience didn't seem to be an issue and if her moans and screams were any indication, he hadn't done a half bad job. 

She was a Were. He had made sure to choose a girl that he couldn't break. His first time needed to be uninhibited, and he had always heard what sensual creatures Weres were. He had not been disappointed. But now, as he looked down at his Anna, he wished he had waited. 

Her auburn waves spilled out around her as she threw her head from side to side in pleasure. He couldn't help but chuckle. She was always so open and free in expressing herself during moments like these. He watched his own hand slide down her pale body, the difference in their skin tones was so arousing. Dipping his head, he began sucking on the spot where her neck met her shoulder, his hand passing over her navel towards her bare, weeping core. 

"Yes," she gasped out, her slim form squirming as he played her body perfectly.

He knew there wasn't enough time for a full session, but making her orgasm would be enough. Moving his hand in the way he knew she liked, he stroked her higher and higher until she shattered around his fingers

The sound of her breathing evening out was comforting to him as he watched her come down from her peak. She was so beautiful, so his but he knew he couldn't keep her.

"Do you have to go to class today?" Anna asked as she snuggled back into the warmth of the blankets.

"I do, yes. I have a test next week. You want me prepared, don't you?" he responded, buttoning up his gingham-patterned shirt.

Ash Carlisle had pulled some strings to get him enrolled in university midway through the semester. The generous scholarship he received from the Carlisle family was enough to pay for his tuition, housing, and other costs. He had made Ash swear not to tell his siblings where he was, and to his knowledge the man had kept his secret. He called his siblings weekly, but was adamant about them not visiting despite their near begging. 

He could tell that they were still angry that he'd left, but he wouldn't let their yelling or tears dissuade him. Being here felt right, especially now that he had Anna. 

He kissed her forehead before he headed out. She listened for the sound of his motorcycle as he rode away. There was something about that sound that she had always loved. It seemed so familiar and comforting. 

When he was with her, she felt safe and loved. It was in these moments when he was gone that everything felt so wrong. She felt misplaced.

She had been so lost when he had found her. She hadn't understood what she was, or why she could do the things that she could do. They had bonded quickly as he mentored her as best as he could. Anna had been attempting to live on human food alone, and it had been Zach who explained to her that she needed blood to live. He had explained to her that she was special, just like he was, but she often felt that he was keeping something from her, something vital. 

Disregarding those thoughts, she focused on being grateful. He had done so much for her and all she had done was lie to him. Nearly everything he knew about her life had been made up, but the lies had spilled out before she could stop them. It was as if it was second nature to her.

Despite the lies and convoluted webs she wove, she could never shake the feeling that there was someone she should be missing. There were people that she should be missing. 

Closing her eyes, she thought back to the last thing she vividly remembered. The memory was never fluid, merely snapshots of images and feelings. There was darkness and pain, a suffocating feeling, panic, more pain, cold stone, then more darkness. She thought of the woman who had found her and smiled fondly. Marian, the older woman, had never told her where she was found, and Anna wasn't sure if she wanted to know. 

It was Marion who had given her clothes, a place to stay, and gotten her a job at the diner where she had met Zachary. She owed Marion so much. 

There were times when she'd remember. Someone would ask an obscure question and she'd just know the answer. One day, two customers had sat in a booth and argued over marketing techniques. Growing frustrated with their bickering, she'd provided her input and was met with stunned expressions that were almost comical. Retrograde amnesia is what Marion had called it. She had retained facts that she had learned, but couldn't remember the details of her previous life.

The woman inspired a feeling of safety and security, and her words had truly resonated with a very confused Anna. "I know it's scary now, not remembering. But keep in mind, dear, that now you can be anything... anyone that you choose to be. Some of us are locked in place in this life, but you... you've been given another chance." 

Even with this new mentality, she still craved to recall her life before the darkness. It was in these moments when she was alone that she strained her brain to remember, but it was always the same. All she ever saw was soulful, brown eyes, nothing else, and all she ever remembered was one name: "Anna." 

***

She watched the sky. The gray clouds rolling in were fitting for how she felt that day. Sighing, she tore her eyes away from the impending storm and back to the homework in front of her. Biochemistry seemed less important in comparison to the fact that everything she had grown to love and trust was falling apart. 

"Santana?" she heard, seemingly out of nowhere. Looking up from her textbook, she noticed a concerned looking Audrienne standing in the doorway. Her nearly white hair was pulled back into a neat bun that sat high on her head, highlighting the elegant features of her angelic face. She wore a sheer black blouse tucked into a teal pleated skirt that reached mid-thigh. Gold ballet flats and a gold Kate Spade watch finished the ensemble. 

Santana filled with a slight pride for her younger sister. The young woman had worn a uniform of some sort her entire life, and had acclimated quickly to living on the outside world... or at least looking like it.

"You look very pretty, Audrienne." Santana said with a smile. Stephen, Carmendi, and Aara all called their older sister, Audri. Santana had yet to fill comfortable with saying the nickname. "What's the occasion?"

A small smile graced the blonde's full lips followed by a blush. "I'm going to see Dr. Otto today."

Dr. Ryan Otto had asked to meet with each hybrid rescued from the lab. He took blood samples and assessed any known abilities. This was part of a plan to slowly acclimate each new addition to the family into the rest of the world. 

Her reaction was slightly confusing to the older sister. "Why would a doctor's appointment require you to look like this? Last time I went to see the doctor I was in a t-shirt and yoga pants." 

The younger woman blushed once more and opened and closed her mouth like she couldn't quite form the right words. "When Carmendi came back from seeing the doctor that day... the day you found out about her, there was this... scent that came back with her. It wasn't her scent, I know her scent. It belonged to someone else and there were these eyes... these dark green eyes," her voice stated, taking on a breathy quality that hadn't been there before. "Each time someone comes back from seeing him, it's like this... anxiety inside of me increases and intensifies. I can't blink without seeing those damn eyes. He's my mate." 

Mate. Hearing that word made Santana think of her own recently distant mate. Since the death of Aislyn, she saw him less and less. He had thrown himself into school and working with the hybrids. The children needed to be placed in school, some needed counseling, and others were too dangerous and unpredictable to be around humans yet.

At first he would sleep on the other side of the bed, no longer holding her. Now, he came home less and less. She was waking up alone nearly every morning, his side of the bed always cold. 

His blame and guilt was nearly palpable. He seemed to alternate between two looks, disdain or looking straight through her, and she felt a piece of her soul die each day.

"Santana? Santana, are you alright? You've seemed distant lately. Is..." the young girl paused, suddenly uncomfortable, "...everything okay between you and Alex?" The concerned voice of her sister broke through her haze.

"Uh... uh yeah. We're fine. I'm fine. Just stressed, ya know? A lot going on." Santana answered but she sounded fake to even her own ears. 

The look Audrienne gave her said that she was unconvinced. "Okay, well I'm here if you ever... want to talk," she said with a reassuring smile.

Santana couldn't help but smile back. This was what she had always needed, family who cared, and with her mate being so detached, her sister's offer meant more to her than she could ever know. "Yeah, thanks, Audri."

She watched her younger sister leave, excited for the girl. Suddenly, a buzzing commenced in her body and she knew her mate was home. She heard him exchanging some pleasantries with Audrienne as she left and called out to him, "Babe, I'm in here!"

Smoothing her hands through her hair, she waited for him to enter but his footsteps headed in another direction. Running water alerted her to the shower starting. She tried convincing herself that he hadn't heard her, but she wasn't so delusional. Before she had time to think it though, she was in the bathroom, watching his naked form behind the mosaic glass.

"Alex?" she called out even though he surely sensed her. There was no response for what seemed like minutes but was only seconds.

"Yes, Santana?" His voice was level and without feeling.

"Can I join you? I feel like I haven't seen you in days." She began undressing, sure that he would accept her request. If she had been watching him, she would have seen his body tense. Pulling her dark waves into a bun, she placed her hand on sliding glass door.

"No, not tonight. I just want to relax. I'll be out soon." 

"Oh... alright. That's fine," she responded as she picked her clothes up from the floor, careful to keep the sob working its way up her throat contained.

He paused beneath the spray of nearly scalding water. He was pushing her away, he knew that, but looking at her was too hard. He didn't want to blame her. Blaming her killed him inside. He had promised her he wouldn't hurt her, but that's what he was doing... hurting her. He was breaking her heart, and he could see it in her eyes. Each day it seemed as if the cyan ring surrounding her pupils dimmed and there was a little less light in those green eyes he loved so much. 

It was all so forced these days. He did the bare minimum to show his existing affection. The occasional touch, a light kiss, the forced smiles. He'd climb into bed and it'd feel as if they were worlds apart. Neither moved, but he felt her desperate longing for his touch through their bond.

His side of the bond had been closed for weeks. When her despair seemed overwhelming, he'd open it and send any love he could muster her way. She was like a starving parasite, seeking and relishing any love and affection he could give her, and it was killing them both.

She was still the other half of his soul. Before that day in the lab, he would have sworn that he would have done anything for her, for his perfect Ana. But now he felt like a liar, like he had deceived her in the worst way possible. Before he could stop himself, his fist slammed into the shower wall, breaking several tiles. 

***

Zach sat in the booth and watched her as she moved from table to table checking with her customers. As if sensing his stare, she looked his way and smiled briefly before offering a customer a refill. He couldn't help smiling as he observed her.

It had been less than a month since he had met her, and she already meant so much to him. In those short weeks, she had become his everything, his only tether to the world. He had left all that he knew behind... twice. He felt as if nothing belonged to him anymore; everything seemed so temporary, but she was his. A gift. That's how he looked at her. And though it was selfish and thoughtless, he couldn't let her go. 

There were times when he looked at her and tried to convince himself that she was someone else. And there were times when he almost believed it. The story she had told him about moving to the Mid-west to start a new life after a bad break up could have been true, she was so convincing in her lie. 

She was so different from before. His Anna wore jeans and t-shirts on her days off from the diner where the other had worn impossibly high heels and designer dresses. There was no aloofness to Anna, no haughtiness. There was only warmth and transparency.  

He had considered telling her the truth, her truth, and putting her on the next flight out. Then she'd smile at him, her jade eyes sparkling and his mind would change. After all, she was his gift.

Sometimes he'd ponder how it had all happened. The supernatural were more like humans than any would admit. They were only immune to disease and old age. They were stronger and faster and could heal themselves, but that ability was limited. Her body wasn't able to expel the bullet, and she couldn't have healed the wound on her own heart.

It was Stephen who had brought her back. He had seemed the weakest of them all, but he was invincible. His blood possessed the ability to not only bring himself back from the dead but any who ingested it. Zach shuddered involuntarily as he imagined what the doctor would have done with this knowledge. 

Things happened for a reason, he thought as he watched his auburn-haired beauty. He had known her less than a month, and already he couldn't bear the thought of losing her. It was that feeling that often compelled him to confess. One month and already her presence was a necessity. What effects had her absence had on those who had known her so much longer?

***

Aaron watched his mate stretch outside of the apartment complex before her run. Her words kept repeating over and over in his head. 

"Do you hate me because Aislyn is dead?"

He hadn't given her a reply. Not because he hadn't known his answer but because he was taken aback by the question.

It had been two months since he had met Aara. He had envied the whirlwind that was Alex and Santana's relationship, but he found himself starting to enjoy breaking down the intricate walls his mate had constructed around herself. Every single break and crack in her barrier thrilled him to no end. 

He lacked inhibitions and was outspoken where she was contained and introverted. He often found himself wondering if she would be the same in bed, quietly taking everything he offered without giving herself in return.

"Stop staring at me," she said in her stern, no-nonsense tone. Her back was to him, but he knew she had sensed his gaze, he was practically boring a hole into her backside. And what a beautiful backside it was.

He knew that he needed to talk to her after last night. She was slowly getting used to his presence. Each night, she curled up in his bed and they watched a movie together. She always started off on the other side of the bed but would gradually move in closer until he was holding her. A nearly silent sigh of contentment was always her response when he pulled her flush against his body. When the movie ended, she would kiss him lightly on the lips and leave to go sleep in her own room. Last night, she had not moved closer.

The routine was sweet and he enjoyed the time they spent together, but he wanted her so badly it hurt. How could she not see that? How could she ever think he hated her?

"Aara?" he called out. He knew he had her attention by the slight stiffening of her spine though she never quit stretching. "Why would you think I hated you?" 

She didn't respond; she simply kept going through the motions of limbering up. 

"Aara, baby, why did you ask me that last night?" he tried again.

She sighed and turned to face him, her bright green eyes meeting his ice blue ones. "I'm only answering you now because I know you'll just keep asking and annoy me," was her response. 

He couldn't help but chuckle at her response. His little ice queen would thaw eventually. He had already compiled a mental list of all the ways he could warm her up and cause her to melt. "I'll take it. Now answer the question. You've got to know that I don't hate you. You're quickly becoming my whole world."

If he hadn't been staring at her, he would have missed the brief softening of her eyes. As if suddenly feeling awkward, she looked away. "Because..." she paused, "I'm the reason that Aislyn is dead."

He was once again speechless. How could she think such a thing? "Aara?" he began, but was quickly cut off by her quick movement. She was suddenly in front of him, staring up at him. He had never seen her cry, but he was certain that this is what she would look like right beforehand. 

"If I hadn't taken Santana, none of this would have happened. It's all my fault." There they were... tears. He had never thought he'd see this day. None fell, but they were there, gathering in her olive-colored eyes. Considering the tears welling up, her voice was surprisingly even. He pulled her into his arms, running his fingers through her silky, black hair. He could tell by her breathing that she was willing herself not to cry and he longed to tell her to just let go. 

"I don't blame you for any of that. Things work out the way they're supposed to, even if it's shitty and sucks. I blame the man who shot her, not you. I could never blame you." He pulled her back slightly and tilted her head up using his finger on her chin. He needed to see her eyes; he needed to make sure she understood.

"You promise?" she asked, her face holding so much innocence. He nearly laughed at the childish question. 

"I promise," he responded, smiling down at her. She returned his smile and as if returning to her normal self, moved to leave his embrace. He held her tighter. "Did you really believe that?"

She sighed deeply and tried pulling away again but his grip grew firmer. "Ugghhhh," she moaned as she began to slightly struggle. He now openly laughed. He knew she really didn't want to leave his embrace. She was much stronger than this. 


Its Eyes Are for the Stars Ch. 02



I've decided to do shorter chapters that come out faster. I hope you enjoy!

 Thanks again to Archangel for being such a great editor!

 SRB

*

Sitting up quickly, he struggled to catch his breath. It was still light out; he must have taken a nap. He hadn't meant to fall asleep; he had just wanted to enjoy the soft bed with all of its blankets and pillows for a moment. Raised in a lab, he wasn't used to such luxuries.

Those same jade eyes flashed in his mind, and the longing crept in once again. He hadn't understood his reaction to the stranger with the auburn hair, but something primal within him had reached out to her. When she turned those clear, jade eyes on him it was as if his entire world had faded away and in its place was something beautiful and magical but so temporary. He had loved her and watched her die in a span of two minutes. 

He had been there when they locked her cold, lifeless body in the tomb, and it had felt as if a part of his heart was locked away in the dark along with her. 

These feelings were so new to him. His entire life had been filled with nothing but training and experiments. He had lived his life within the confines of a glass room. His only interactions were with the trainers and the doctors. He could see the other hybrids, as they had called them, but he had never communicated with them beyond curious stares.

"Delta?" a small voice called through the door. He recognized the voice as Rain's, his daughter. That had been another shock. There were eight of them. He had eight young children, and he hated the Doctor even more for the fact that he didn't know them. There was Rain, who was 16, Sadie and Sam, 14 year old twins, Lucas and Liam, who were 13 and also twins, Ashley, 5 , and Regan and Dillon, who were both 4. He smiled as he thought of them, his children. There had been another, Sophie, but she had died. Anger for the doctor flared once more at that thought. 

He had felt it, each of their births, but was unable to comprehend those feelings at the time. There was no denying that they belonged to him. Each had the same nearly black hair and large brown eyes that he possessed. He wasn't sure how to be a father, but upon learning of their existence, he had vowed to take care of and protect them. 

"Delta? Are you awake?" Rain's sweet, young voice rang out once more.

"Yes, I am. What do you need?" his deep, gravelly voice responded. He was met with brief silence. He couldn't help but laugh a little. Rain always seemed so uncomfortable and shy. "Rain?"

"Uh..." she began and paused once more. "Dillon, Regan and Ashley were wondering if you would come play with them or take them to the park."

Park? That was a new word. His vocabulary had been limited to only what he needed to know, but it grew daily as he learned to live on the outside. He pushed the covers away and swung his feet over the side of the bed. He was still in his jeans and t-shirt. Running his large hand down his face, he made his way to the door and opened it to reveal his uncomfortable-looking daughter. 

He couldn't tell if he was biased, but he thought she was one of the loveliest females he had ever seen. She couldn't have been more than 5'5'' and she was thin but strong. Her dark hair fell in wild, riotous curls, its color making her appear even paler, but the peach undertone of her skin prevented her from looking sickly. Her brown eyes were doe-like and framed by thick, long lashes. 

He had read the story of Snow White to Ashley the other night at her beckoning. After reading the description if the title character, little Ashley had called out, "Like Rain! She looks like Rain, Delta!" He had to agree.

To smile at her was so natural, and he was pleased with her small smile back.

"Hi, Rain."

"Hi, Delta."

Unfortunately, social training hadn't been a part of the curriculum at the lab, so, the two watched each other awkwardly, both unsure of what to say. He was her father and she his daughter, but the two had no idea of how to act around one another.

"So... what's a park?" He asked sheepishly, breaking the silence.

He was rewarded with another small smile. "It's a place outside where children can go to play. The younger ones seem to really enjoy it."

Being around the humans caused him a little anxiety and, as if sensing his apprehension, she added, "Adam will go with you. He took us there last time." 

He nodded and looked up at her as she made her way to leave. "Rain, would you like to go... to this park with us?" 

A large smile spread across her charming face. "Thank you for asking, Delta, but today is the first day of, 'Pretending to be Human 101,'" she responded, making air quotes with her fingers. He laughed. "Don't laugh. Today is just the teenage edition. Adult edition is scheduled for later this week." 

He laughed louder. "It appears the Carlisle family is trying to make us more civilized."

"Or... you know... ensure that we don't give the 'big secret' away." She giggled and turned to leave. "I'll see you later, Delta!" she called out as she left his apartment. 

He padded barefoot to the kitchen and took down a glass from the cabinet. He filled it with water from the faucet and leaned against the counter. All of this was so new to him. He thought back to the dreams he had been having of her. It was always the same. She stood there in the dark, her jade gaze never wavering. She never spoke; she just stared, beckoning him to her. 

There were times when he felt as he was being pulled towards something, like every fiber of his being wanted to be somewhere else. He had thought about following it, giving into instinct, but then he'd remember Rain, Sadie, Sam, Lucas, Liam, Ashley, Regan, and Dillon. He needed to be there for them, his children. There was no time for chasing ghosts.

***

Audrienne passed her young cousin in the hall as she made her way to the parking garage. Santana had given her permission to take her car. Quickly locating the less flashy Audi sedan, she set out for Chantilly, VA with what felt like bats flying around in her stomach.

Every fiber of her being buzzed and vibrated the closer she got. She wondered if he felt it too, if he knew that she was coming. 

"In 1.5 miles, turn right," the navigation system called out. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, repeatedly, in an attempt to calm her erratic nerves. "Turn left; your destination will be on the right." She turned into the parking lot, shut off the car, and sat there.

The parking lot was nearly empty. She knew that the lab was closed during the hours that the hybrids were on the premises. She looked around, wondering which car was his.

Her head jerked up as she heard the front door of the large building open. A man walked out, shrugging out of a lab coat and lighting a cigarette simultaneously. His blonde hair was in disarray as he ran a hand through it. She watched him in the side mirror. He was a Were. She could sense it in his animal-like movements.

She watched him until he put out the remainder of his cigarette and went back inside. She sighed as she was once again alone in the parking lot. She wished he had lifted his head so she could have seen his eyes.

Staring at the door the stranger had entered, she felt her anxiety increase once more. Taking calming breaths, she began to give herself a pep talk. "Audrienne, stop being a child. You can do this. You can do this. You can do this..." she repeated to herself as she unfastened her seatbelt and exited the car.

Each step towards the door became easier and easier and before she knew it, she was standing in front of the receptionist's desk.

"I'm here to see Dr. Otto!" rushed from her mouth and she immediately covered her mouth with her hand, mortified by her excited words. "I mean... I have an appointment with Dr. Otto," she amended after a calming breath. 

The receptionist looked up and studied her. She was young and very pretty. Audrienne immediately hated that this woman worked with her mate. Just like the man she had spotted earlier, this slight brunette woman was a Were.

"Name?" the woman asked, angling her head to the side like a puppy would. The thought almost made Audrienne giggle.

"Audrienne Renee."

"Last name?"

"I... I don't have one." Audrienne admitted.

The expression that crossed the woman's face made Audrienne want to slap her so hard that even her wolf felt it. "Oh... you're one of them. Have a seat please. I'll let the doctor you're here." Without another glance, the woman picked up the phone announcing, to the person on the other end that Audrienne was there.

She wasn't going to let the nasty woman ruin her mood. She was going to meet her mate today. Today was a good day! She picked up a magazine and began flipping through the pages aimlessly. No more than two minutes passed before she heard her name.

Olive green eyes met one light green ones tinged with gold. The slight scent of cigarette smoke wafted in her direction. The man from outside. He smiled at her warmly. And her insides flipped a little. The reaction was subtle, and she wondered if maybe she was different; maybe her reaction wouldn't be as intense as the others.

"You'll have to excuse Lidia. She's a bit of a purist, "he winked at the other woman and Audrienne couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. This was wrong. It wasn't supposed to feel like this. 

"Let's head back shall we?" he asked without so much as looking at her. She nodded and followed, holding back her tears as disappointment flooded her.

He asked her some general questions like her age and birthdate. He took her weight and height, measured her blood pressure and checked her reflexes.

"Change into these, please." He gestured towards some sweat pants and a t-shirt. "I want you to do some light exercise."

She shook her head. "I'd rather not. I've been wearing a uniform like that for my entire life. I'll do what you need me to do in this. It's not like I'll break a sweat anyway."

"Whatever you want," he stated, pointing to a treadmill in the corner of the room. "Just follow my instructions."

She nodded, walked towards the treadmill and got on. She began to move, watching as he adjusted the settings.

"Ok, I'm going to increase the speed. Tell me if it's too fast." She laughed a little and nodded, effortlessly keeping up with the increasing pace. "Wow," he exclaimed as he watched her run faster and faster with ease. "I guess I know where your abilities lie." She laughed and continued running.

"Alright, let's make this interesting." He said seconds before throwing a ball in her direction without warning. She caught it without missing a beat and dropped it to the ground. "Catch each ball I throw but don't stop moving. Got it?" She nodded her understanding.

He watched as she caught each ball no matter where he threw it, all the while running faster than anything he had ever seen. 

Clear, emerald eyes flashed in her mind and she couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips. Where had that come from?

"Audrienne, are you okay?" The deep, male voice belonging to her supposed mate asked.

She ignored him, concentrating on those clear eyes that held so many possibilities. Her heart rate increased to a dangerous pace and her body began to warm. She stumbled slightly, feeling suddenly off-balance as her entire body began to pull in the direction of the hallway.

"Audrienne?!" The doctor yelled out but she couldn't hear him.

Suddenly the door slammed open, getting her attention. In the doorway stood a man, a tall man with broad shoulders, lean muscles, short dark blonde hair, and glassy green eyes. Their eyes met and time stood still. 

She stumbled once more, this time unable to regain her footing on the fast-moving treadmill. Her left knee slammed hard into the plastic followed by her elbow before she slid off onto the cold floor. She had been on the floor no longer than one second before she felt four strong hands hauling her up into a sitting position.

Looking up, she realized her mistake. Twins. They were twins, the only difference being the golden hue that one set of eyes possessed and the slight smell of cigarettes. 

Her assessment of the two was cut short by the slight pressure of a hand on her cheek, beckoning her to turn and look solely at the new stranger. He smiled, his eyes holding an intense wonderment.

"This isn't how I wanted us to meet," she said quietly, watching the man who she knew would be her salvation.

"It'll make a funny story to tell our grandkids," was his reply. 

***

She listened as the pilot alerted the passengers that the plane would be landing soon. The closer the plane got to Charleston, South Carolina, the better she felt. It had been a month since she had seen Epic. As an alpha he was kept busy, and she was trying her best to be understanding.

Their first meeting had been so much less intense than the others', but she knew it was because they hadn't sensed one another until the moment that panel was moved. She sighed as she thought about her mate. He was so strong, so intense, and so hers. 

Her body heated as she thought of their first kiss. It had been him saying goodbye when he had to return to his pack. At first, his lips had only whispered against her own, soft and unsure. It was the first time another's lips had touched her own, and she couldn't have held back the resulting whimper if she'd tried. 

Her response had snapped his resolve and she soon found herself up against the wall, his large hands pressing deliciously into her hips as he held her in place for his assault. Her head had begun to swim and she struggled to return his intensity, giving back everything that she took. 

When his full lips were crushed against hers, she had wanted everything that he could give her. Her body called out for his, heating in ways she had never felt. She nearly begged him to take her, not entirely sure what she was asking for but knowing that she wanted it, all of it. And then he had pulled away, his breathing harsh and ragged.

"You make me want to lose control, to break the rules, and I can't do that, sweetheart," he had said. 

She had been confused by his words, and it was obviously written across her young face. He sighed and ran his large hand down his face. His grey eyes held so much desire. A sheen of sweat was visable on his light brown skin. 

"Pack law dictates that no female shall be... deflowered... before her eighteenth birthday," he stated, his control barely there as gold mixed with his stormy eyes. 

"But I am not pack," she noted as she moved forward, reaching for her struggling mate.

"Not yet, no. But even as Alpha, I am not above the law." He took her hands, resuming their contact without pulling her close. "I want you so badly. It's probably a good thing that I'm going away."

She leaned in, testing his control. "Us not together will never be a good thing."

The memory was interrupted as the plane descended. She couldn't control her excitement. She was to spend one month with him, assess if his pack was a suitable home for a number of the hybrids, return to her family briefly, then move to live with him and his pack. Being away from her family was going to be difficult, but being with Epic was her fate. 

He and she had made a list of the things they'd do together while she visited, but there was one item that would be a surprise. During her visit, she would have a birthday, her eighteenth birthday, and she'd finally get to appease all of those dirty thoughts her beautiful mate had inspired in her innocent mind.

***

Delta sat on a bench, watching Ashley go across what Adam had called the "monkey bars." He could barely contain his smile as his beautiful little girl went all the way across twice before dropping to the ground and running for the swings.

Regan and Dillon sat in a box of what appeared to be dirt and built some sort of structure. They shared a bucket and tiny shovel with another small boy with curly red hair. He watched his two youngest interact with the human child effortlessly and felt silly for his apprehension towards the humans. He watched each of them carefully ensuring that none of them showed their abilities. 

"Which one is yours?" A short, thin woman asked him.

He looked up at her; her hair was a golden blonde and her hazel eyes were bright. He supposed she was an attractive woman, but she did nothing for him. The woman from his dreams still haunted him. "Excuse me?" he asked, not quite understanding her question. 

She laughed softly. "Child. Which child is yours? You do have a child here right, you're not just here watching small children play, I hope," her smile alluded to the fact that she was joking.

He forced a smile and looked to Adam for guidance. The other man stared ahead, a smirk on his face. Asshole, he thought as he turned back to face the stranger.

"Mine is that one," The woman stated, pointing to a tiny blonde on a spinning contraption. 

"She's lovely," he said, meaning it. The woman smiled. "The two in the sandbox are mine and the dark haired girl on the swing, she's mine also," He stated, pointing out each of his children with a natural smile befitting his status as a father.

"My God, they're beautiful!" she exclaimed. "And all so young, your wife must have her hands full," she laughed, staring at him expectantly.

Not accustomed to social norms, her digging evaded him and he answered honestly. "No wife. Just me and my eight children."

The woman looked confused for a moment then opened her mouth as if she was about to speak. "Ma'am, my friend and I need to have an important conversation. So, if you don't mind..." Adam finally spoke up, staring intently at the small woman.

"Yes, of course," she mumbled as she walked away, slightly defeated.

"Why did that stranger have so many questions? Do you think she's working for people from the lab?" Delta asked with a serious expression on his face.

Adam laughed loudly, eying his friend. "Look around for a moment, Delta. Do you notice any prying eyes?"

Confused, Delta allowed his gaze to peruse their surroundings. "Why are all of these women staring at us?" 

Chuckling, Adam replied, "Well, supernaturals are usually more attractive than our human counterparts. It has something to do with us being predators. We don't have to chase our prey; they'll come right to us. They sense our beasts on a primal level and their bodies call out for it." He gestured to blonde woman. "She wanted you. Bad. The more time you spend out here, the more used you'll get to these cues. You can have your pick of the litter, my friend." 

Delta debated telling Adam about his dreams, but decided against it. "Yeah," was his weak response. "So, do we really have important things to talk about?" he asked, wanting to change the subject.

Hearing Adam's deep sigh caused his attention to drift from the playground to his friend. He stared at him expectantly. "We need to discuss the kids... your kids."

He turned back towards the playground as he heard Dillon laugh. "What about them?"

"You know that we've been putting all of our efforts into integrating each of you hybrids into the outside world." Delta nodded, beckoning him to continue. "Santana is the oldest hybrid, and she's only 23. The true hybrids appear older but you all matured quickly, needing only five years to mature. Other than Audrienne, Zachary, and Aara, and very few others, the majority of the hybrids are children. There's no way that my family can take care of so many young children. Out of the true hybrids, you're the only one who has shown any sort of awareness apart from receiving orders. There's no way we can leave the children in their care, so, we've begun placing them in the homes of supernaturals who we've known for centuries." 




Its Eyes Are for the Stars Ch. 02



"What are you getting at, Adam?"

Adam sighed once more, "I'm asking what you would like us to do with your children?"

Delta turned to face his friend, anger building up inside of him. "Excuse me?"

"There are some great packs and covens we can integrate them into. There are some couples who can't have children and some who live outside of traditional social constructs. There are boarding schools just for supernatural children. A lot of really great options for you to consider," Adam added. He hated that he had to have this conversation, but he was the closest to Delta and knew it was best that he be the one to broach the touchy subject.

"They stay here with me."

"Delta, you sure, man? You have no experience with children. You want to raise eight kids alone?" Adam pleaded with his friend, hoping he'd see reason.

Delta looked at his friend, imploringly. "They're all I have, Adam. If I have to raise them alone, I'll raise them alone." As the words left his mouth, he was suddenly filled with the feeling that he wouldn't be alone much longer.



Its Eyes Are for the Stars Ch. 03



This wasn't her. No, she wasn't the most confident or strongest person, but she had never needed to depend on another person to keep her life in order. She had survived the death of her parents on her own, and she would survive this. 

It had gotten to be too much for her, though She had tried being strong, hoping that her mate would just snap out of it. He had held her last night and she held in tears the entire night. It had been so forced, his body refusing to mold into hers the way she was used to. 

He had only held her because they had fought and she had threatened to do just what she was doing in this moment. As she looked around the room for her other black ballet flat, she thought back to their argument. She had raised her voice, something she never did, and his responses had been flat, passionless, but the hurt they left behind was as real as if he had yelled at her.

"You're sad. I understand. I've lost people that were my world before, Alex! I've been orphaned twice and never once did I push away the people close to me."

"That's because you never had anyone close to you, Santana."

His words had cut deep and felt like a sharp slap to her shocked face. 

"I'm here for you! I'm yours! Only yours! And you're just throwing it away. You're not even trying. She was your sister but I," she paused and pointed to herself, " am your soul mate!" she had screamed, her words finally cracking the mask of indifference he wore for her. She found herself with her back pressed against the wall, him mere centimeters from her face with his fangs barred.

"You don't know how I feel, Santana. Never claim to know how I feel! You feel like you're the victim in this, as if you warrant no blame, but her blood is on your hands, just like your father's." 

The feeling those words induced had been all she could take, she was done. She had quietly told him that she was leaving then, the words tearing apart her insides. Her heart ached, her soul shattered, and her wolf cried. 

She didn't bother packing a bag. She had everything she needed in the apartment she still paid rent for. In that moment, she was glad that she hadn't listened to Alex about ending her lease. She looked around their shared bedroom and simply shrugged her shoulders as she mentally closed off her side of their bond. She had faith that he'd get it together, but she couldn't bear to wait around until he did. Her soul couldn't take his rejection much longer. 

Dropping her car keys into her purse and yanking up her backpack, she headed out of the apartment, nearly colliding with Ash, one of Alex's older brothers. He corrected her balance swiftly with a hand on her shoulder and smiled down at her. Though she felt like there was a long storm brewing within her, she couldn't help but smile back at the man.

"Going somewhere, doll face?" the accusations were so intense within his gaze. She frowned, and opened her mouth to respond with a lie but closed it and stared at him imploringly. "I understand. He can't keep this up much longer. The fact that it's lasted this long is pretty strange. His soul won't allow him to deny you much longer." 

She nodded and grinned. "I'll text you my address. We'll have a wine and movie night," was all she said as she walked away with a smile. After five years, she had a family again. She wasn't going to give them up. 

The drive went by quickly with little traffic. She laughed a little to herself as she thought about living so close to Alex for years and never knowing. 

Her apartment seemed so musty and dust ridden as she opened her door, and it aggravated her heightened senses. She moved quickly through the apartment, opening windows to let in fresh air and turning on the ceiling fans. She hadn't been back to her apartment in what felt like years, but it had only been a few months. She sat on the couch and took a deep breath. It was nice to be away from the suffocating feeling Alex's lack of love gave her, and she finally felt as if she could breathe again.

A knock on the door startled her from her thoughts and she turned, looking at the door as if it had offended her in some way. For a brief moment, her heart raced as she thought it might be Alex, but that thought quickly faded. She would have sensed him. 

She stood slowly and moved towards the door. She never had visitors before. When she looked through the peephole, she saw a woman standing there, her features hidden by a curtain of thick, light brown hair. She didn't recognize her.

"Who is it?" she called out, her hand on the door knob. There was no fear in the situation; she had little reason to be afraid, but cautiousness was always needed when living in a city like Washington DC.

"Adhira. I'm your new neighbor. I've never noticed anyone to be home before, so I figured I'd say hello," the mystery woman replied, a slight accent accompanying her words. 

Strange, Santana thought to herself as she unlocked the door and peered out at the woman. The woman lifted her head, stunning Santana with her eyes. One was deep blue, while the other was a hunter green. Heterochromia Iridium, she thought to herself with a satisfied smirk for remembering the science term. They were set in a café au lait-colored face, surrounded by light brown hair that cascaded to the girl's waist. Her nose was pert and slightly pointy, while her mouth was sinfully pouty. Santana had never seen someone who looked like this woman. 

The clearing of a throat alerted Santana to her rudeness. Having the good graces to blush, Santana extended her hand to the stranger, who took it without hesitation. "Hi Adhira, I'm Santana. " The two women smiled at each other. Something about the girl instantly put Santana at ease. 

"I apologize for my randomness. It's just that when I signed the lease for the place, I was told that there were tons of students who lived here and there was a friendly, social atmosphere blah, blah, blah, and when I move in a month ago, I quickly realized that there's mostly families and boring 20-something techno zombies living here. Needless to say, this is has been much more boring than the zombie apocalypse I've been preparing myself for." Her quirkiness made Santana laugh. "So, when I saw you, I may have gotten a little too excited." It was Adhira who blushed now.

"No worries. I get it," Santana replied, smiling at the girl. "I should apologize too, for staring at you. You're just very pretty," Santana said with a smile, admiring her new neighbor once more.

"I'm pretty? Girl, have you seen yourself? If my excitement at seeing a young person with a backpack hadn't been so high, intimidation would have won out, for sure."

Santana laughed a little before stepping back from the door. "You wanna come in?" she asked. She knew that being alone too long would cause her to ache for her mate, and wasn't above using her new neighbor as a distraction. Plus, the short time spent in the girl's presence had made the very solemn Santana feel slightly better. 

***

Alex sat in his office chair, staring out the window. He had been on the phone, contacting an overseas boarding school when he'd felt it. The coldness that overtook him as his mate closed her bond. It was as if ice wrapped itself around his heart and continued to spread throughout his body, leaving everything in its wake cold and brittle. Is this what she had felt like each time he selfishly closed their connection? 

It felt as if the ice had reached his lungs, and he suddenly couldn't breathe. He clenched his chest, each breath a struggle. How had she survived this over and over again? In that moment, he realized just how strong his beautiful mate was. 

The pain and chill slowly crept from his body. He had abandoned his phone call as he sat back in his desk chair, gasping for precious air. She was gone. He knew that if he went back to their apartment, she'd no longer be there. 

A part of him ached, but the stubborn, hurt part of him won out. Maybe her leaving was for the best. He'd stop breaking her heart over and over again. He'd stop being accosted by the guilt her lovely face brought on. Yes, this was for the best. At least for now.

No matter how dumb he was being now, he wasn't stupid enough to believe that he could break their bond. He was just broken right now, so broken. The bond he shared with his mate was being shaded by his guilt and sadness, and he refused to be anything but whole for her when she came back or when he went and got her; either was inevitable.

Time. He just needed time. 

***

Zach rushed across the grassy courtyard, regulating his speed as not to draw attention. He was late for class, so late. His Anna had tempted him into a lengthy morning session which had left both of them well satisfied and exhausted. The two had fallen back asleep molded into and tangled with one another, both with contented expressions on their faces. 

He couldn't help but smile to himself as he raced to his lecture. His backpack bumped against him with each step, hurling the ridiculously heavy textbook into his spine. Still, that wasn't enough to wipe the smile from his face, nor was the promise of a disapproving look from his econ professor. 

His pumping arms managed to wave at a girl in one of his classes as he passed her. She stared at him appreciatively. It was obvious that she wanted him by the predatory way she watched him, but he only had eyes for one woman.

Thinking about her always caused a clash of conflicting feelings within him. There was love and affection warring with guilt and impending consequences. He was caught up in his feelings and thoughts now, no longer aware of his surroundings. Tunnel vision and auto pilot drove him to his destination while she and their situation clouded his usually sharp mind. 

It was as if the impact was felt before his other senses kicked in. Pain followed by realization that he was no longer on grass but pavement and then the sound of a blaring horn reached his ears. It was all so out of order.

He stumbled, once, twice then hit the ground. It hurt but it was nothing that he couldn't handle, nothing a nap couldn't fix. He turned his head to the side, feeling the gravel scrape along his scalp. He saw it then, a little red Volkswagen Bug with a dented front bumper. A chuckle was his immediate response. That tiny car had probably sustained more damage than he had. 

Going to sit up, he paused at the tiny hand on his shoulder. "Don't move. Help is on the way, I'm so sorry. You came out of nowhere..." He could tell by the low mumbling that she was still speaking but the wind had shifted a little and everything else no longer mattered. He couldn't help but inhale deeply. He stilled then, afraid to turn his head in the direction of that voice. It washed over him... the warmth. It was the sort of feeling one got in the beginning of spring, when the chill left the air and a coat was no longer required. It was hope and excitement, readiness for new life and new beginnings, and he didn't want it.

"No. No. No. No," repeated over and over in his head. Not now. He had someone. He had his Anna. He didn't want this. He didn't want this.

Without looking in her direction, he shook her hand off of his body. He didn't want her touch. But you need it, he heard in his head as his soul reveled in this turn of events. 

So warm. He was so warm inside. Clenching his fist, his closed his eyes tight and gritted his teeth against the invasive feelings. Something within him clawed and fought at him, begging him to look to his right. Pleading with him to look into the eyes that he knew would be the color of whiskey.

"Sir?" the voice whispered on a sob breaking through the cloud of want, lust, and need that now surrounded him. "I'm so sorry. So, so sorry. Help is on the way." He didn't move, just concentrated on breathing through his mouth and keeping his eyes closed. He could fight this. He was strong enough to fight this.

He desperately wanted to flee but knew it wasn't an option. He had to keep up appearances for a little bit longer. He had to pretend to be a human who was just hit by a car. 

Breathing through his mouth wasn't helping. It was like he could taste her. The flavor sticking to his tongue was like nothing he had ever sampled. She smelled like fresh air, a light breeze, and wet grass with a hint of something floral... something like dandelions... she tasted and smelled like spring. 

The internal battle blazing through him caused a sweat to break out over his tanned skin. Physically, he moved to the left when everything inside of him fought to move closer to the sobbing stranger beside him. Her distress caused his resolve to crack a small fraction and he stilled his efforts to move away.

He hadn't even looked at her and already she affected him like no one ever had. Instinctively, he knew that rebelling against his need of this stranger was disastrous. Everything in him screamed that this was wrong, that he couldn't walk away from this. Look at her, his soul begged.

And then he thought of her, Anna, and how he was about to shatter her world once more. She was all that kept him from turning his head at this point and looking into the eyes of the one person who sang the same song he did. 

Sirens broke through his reverie. Fuck! His mind screamed. He couldn't let them take him to the hospital, one x-ray, one blood test was all it'd take and they'd know he wasn't fully human. 

A gasp escaped the girl as he stood abruptly. He knew he had frightened her, and that knowledge made him ache but he had to leave before the ambulance arrived. He took off, forgetting the lecture he had been late for.

The backpack bumping into his back with each move felt heavier and heavier as he moved. Each step became more and more difficult to make and his breathing was labored. Every cell in his body fought against him, longing to be back with the whiskey-eyed stranger, but he refused, only letting himself turn back and look when he was at a distance where she was nothing but indistinct features.

The knowledge that he couldn't fight the call for long pounded itself into his brain, the one part of him refusing to give in. He knew that. He knew he'd never escape fate but he needed time, just a little time to figure out how he was going to break his Anna's heart.

***



Its Eyes Are for the Stars Ch. 04



Hi!

I know it's been a bit of a wait for this chapter. Again, broken computer. I have the worst luck. Anywho, this chapter has been my favorite to write so far and I hope you all enjoy it!

I realized recently that my stories, so far, have been filled with the type of characters I dislike. You know, emotionally immature, brash etc but they're young and sheltered, it's fitting. I hope that as the story unfolds, you'll see each of them grow and change.

Thanks again to Archangel for editing!

SRB

***

The past two and a half weeks had felt like an eternity. Zach had called Ash, pleading with him to write a physician's note with a made up reason as to why he wasn't able to attend classes without revealing the true cause. Ash had been furious but had conceded, muttering about how the family hadn't paid to get Zach into the school for him to decide on a whim that he needed a break mid-semester.

This was another point of guilt. The Carlisle family had done so much for him and his siblings, and how had he repaid them? He had let this own selfish needs keep away the one person needed to mend their family. 

"You're such a piece of shit," he whispered to himself with disgust evident in his tone. He was lying in bed alone; it was the middle of the day. Anna had gone to work, leaving him alone with his thoughts. She sensed the change in him, and had asked on several occasions if he was alright. He'd just lied. Lied to her like he had been doing for so long. 

He had avoided leaving his apartment. He wasn't ready to risk the chance of running into HER. At night, those whiskey colored eyes invaded his dreams, calling him to her. And during the day, each blink, each moment of rest his eyes sought revealed HERS.

It wasn't facing or meeting HER that frightened him. No, that part excited him a little. It was everything that came with it. It was the confessions and the consequences. 

***

Aara wasn't sure if she wanted to smile or to scream. She had just finished Skyping with a very excited and happy looking Carmendi. Her little sister's eighteenth birthday was in two days, and Carmendi had enthusiastically shared her plans of how she was going to seduce her mate the moment she was of age. 

Aara had asked her if she was sure she was ready, and when her baby sister eagerly replied in the affirmative, Aara couldn't help but ask how. She listened intently as her sister explained how much she loved Epic, how her body yearned for his, how she just knew that the moment she joined her body to his there'd be peace in her soul. 

Sighing, Aara turned and looked towards the door that she knew concealed her mate, her ever so patient mate. He hadn't pressured her, hadn't crossed any lines. He gave her space when she needed it, and affection when her soul begged for it. So attuned he was to her needs, so attentive. 

Before, she had been the doctor's perfect soldier. Cold, calculating, aware. A mission well done had always been what motivated her, and her hatred for the doctor soared as she suddenly feared that she was incapable of giving her mate what he needed. 

Tears prickled the back of her eyes, a sensation that was new to her. She suddenly stood and began pacing her bedroom, the heels of her hands pressed hard to her eyes in an attempt to force the tears back. She imagined a future where her mate was unhappy, unfulfilled yet obligated to stay by her side because fate demanded it. She pictured herself never being able to break free of her training, never being able to love the way that was required of her—or worse, loving him with all of her heart and him never knowing, because showing emotions was something she wasn't sure how to do. 

She was nearly shocked as she felt a tear slide along her cheek and under her chin. Her pacing ceased. She was crying. This was crying. She moved to the bed and sat as the tears continued running down her face. A salty drop slipped over her upper lip and she stuck her tongue out the taste it. Bringing her hands to her face, she wiped away the moisture and looked at the proof of her feelings on her hands.  

Standing up quickly, she crossed the room to the standing mirror and smiled at her reflection. She laughed a little as she took in her appearance. She hadn't cried since she was a young girl, hadn't allowed herself to feel much of anything. This was feeling! She was feeling and knew in that moment that she would be alright, eventually. More than alright. 

A successful mission, that was what drove her, and she knew now that fate had given her a new mission. Aaron was her mission; his happiness was her mission. Opening up, freeing herself was her mission—better yet, allowing him to free her was her mission. 

Never one to do tomorrow what she could do today, Aara wiped her face, left her room, and crossed the living area to her mate's room. She would tell him how she was going to be everything he needed one day, that she appreciated his patience, and that she loved him, because she was pretty sure that she did.

Before entering, she realized that he was in the shower and turned to go back to her own room, resigning herself to talking to him when he got out. She took two steps before she stopped in her tracks and turned back around, marching determinedly into his room and towards the bathroom door. 

She peeked into the steamy room, steeling her nerves and forcing her feet forward. She watched him silently, appraising his form through the frosted glass. His large hands moved over his body, leaving a trail of white suds behind, and she gritted her teeth with envy. She wanted to touch him him; she always wanted to touch him, and was sick of fighting her desires. 

Her steps toward the shower door halted as she watched his hands move. Over his chest, down his perfectly sculpted torso, and even lower. Her breath caught in her throat as he palmed himself, beginning a slow stroke. His image was skewed by the effects of the glass, but what he was doing was obvious. It suddenly felt as if there wasn't enough air in the room. 

A moan escaped his lips, and her legs nearly buckled from the intense want coursing through her veins. She watched as his length thickened and grew. His head fell back as he touched himself, his breathing becoming harsher. 

Aara was suddenly embarrassed, unsure of what to do and turned once more to leave him to this very private moment. 

"Yes, Aara..." Aaron sighed breathily, and she froze. He was thinking about her. She was on his mind as he... as he brought himself pleasure. 

She mentally chided herself for her silliness. Of course she was on his mind. He was hers. 

No longer wanting to leave the room, she turned and focused all of her attention on her sexy mate, curious to what he was thinking of, eager to hear what he'd say next. 

"Just like that, baby. Do you like my dick in your mouth?"

She slammed her hand to her mouth, quieting the gasp on her lips. Without conscious thought, she moved forward, nearly touching the glass of the shower door. Her pulse quickened, her body heated and she used the hand at her mouth to muffle a moan. 

Placing her ear against the glass, she listened intently to every moan, groan, and gasp that escaped her mate's lips. 

"Oh yeah, take it all. Yesss," he bit out with a growl that caused her nether muscles to clench and pulse. 

She could see it vividly in her head now, her on her knees as he fed her what looked to be a long, thick cock. This new train of thought scared her, but she found that her excitement won out. She could do that for her mate, allow him to take pleasure from her.

For a while, he didn't say much, simply enjoyed his mental images that she wasn't privy to. She now had both hands resting against the glass, needing to be in physical contact with something as she continued eavesdropping on her mate. 

His breathing became faster and harsher, and she couldn't help but look once more. His pace had quickened, his head rolled to the front and shudders began to wrack his body.

"Yes, let me fuck your mouth, Aara Belle... Good fucking girl... Yes, yes, yes... OHHHHHHHHHH!" 

She gasped loudly as rope after rope of cum shot from the tip of his cock, and couldn't tear her eyes away. Though his image was blurred, it had been the most intense, most beautiful thing she had ever witnessed. Watching her mate as he reached his peak, the noises, the shudders, the near buckling of his knees... all of it had appealed to her like nothing had before, but still, she wanted to be the one bringing him pleasure. 

Forcing herself to leave the steamy room quickly, she made her way to his bedroom and sat on the bed, willing her breathing to return to normal. She didn't have to wait long, as he emerged minutes later with a fluffy blue towel wrapped low on his hips and water still dripping down his chest. The imagery was almost too much for her frayed senses to bear. Their eyes met as he dried his hair, and he smiled at her, causing her heart to beat faster. 

"Good morning, darling," Aaron said, approaching her and bending to place a light kiss on the top of her head.

"Hi," was her weak reply. 

His brows furrowed as he looked from his closet to her. "Is something wrong?"

She looked up and managed a small smile and patted the bed beside her. He sighed and joined her. She could tell by his expression that he was preparing himself for something unpleasant, and she cringed inwardly. Apparently, he expected nothing good from her.

"We should talk," she managed to get out, despite the tightening in her chest. What she was about to do terrified her. She was going to open up, let him in.

"I'm difficult," she began.

"I know," was his quick response. 

"You've been so patient."

"You're worth it."

"Are you going to let me talk?" She couldn't help but smile at his antics, still unable to look into his eyes after what she'd witnessed moments ago in the bathroom. 

"Not if it's something I don't want to hear." 

"No, it's good things."

"I like good things," he said, pulling his stiff mate into his arms, hoping his warmth would relieve the rigidness of her posture. 

"I've been thinking..."

"You think too much." She peeked up at his face then. Deep green eyes met icy blue ones, and she immediately relaxed. How could she have ever thought that she couldn't love this man?

"Emotions scare me." She paused and looked at him, expecting him to interrupt, but he simply smiled, a twinkle in his nearly-white eyes. His arrogance annoyed her. "I hate you," she huffed and went to pull away, suddenly feeling vulnerable.

"You love me," he said jokingly, poking her side causing her to squeal a little

Her mouth moved as if she wanted to say something. He now watched her curiously. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her nerves, prepared to resume her turn in their banter. "Maybe I do."

Pushing back the hair falling into her face, he bent down and kissed her forehead. The sweetness of the gesture was enough to bring tears to her eyes once more. "I could be your everything. I know I can. I can do this," she whispered. 

"You already are, Aara Belle." Grabbing her ponytail, he used it to pull her head back, forcing her to make eye contact with him. He stared at her face for a long moment, his brows furrowed and his mouth pinched. "You've been crying. Why have you been crying?" Anger and concern swirled in the icy depths of his eyes, and he looked as if he'd rip apart the world to prevent her from shedding a tear. 

"Me." Sighing, she looked down again. "I worked myself up, imagining making you unhappy, imagining you not being satisfied with me as a mate. It was all very childish, and won't happen again." 

Wrapping both arms around her, he pulled her tighter to his body, willing himself not to respond to her nearness as he was still only wearing a towel. "Don't hide your feelings. I want you to feel everything. I need you to, in fact. Just never feel those particular feelings again. They're stupid. Feeling that way is stupid because I am so freaking happy with you. God doesn't make mistakes, Aara Belle." He looked at her pointedly then smiled. "He may have a sense of humor, though." 

"Jerk," she replied with a smile as she kissed his chin, taking note that this was one of the first times she had initiated physical contact with him.

"Whatever; you love me. Said it yourself," he said with a sure nod, the smile never leaving his face.

"I believe that I said, 'maybe.'"

"Semantics, Mate. And I maybe love you too." He removed his arms from around her and stood, turning his back to her. He began undoing his towel and paused, looking over his shoulder. "Even if you are a dirty, spying pervert." Laughing hysterically at the crimson blush that spread across her face and up her throat, he dropped his towel and disappeared into his closet.

***

Epic watched Carmendi rolling around on the ground with a wolf pup. The courtyard was bathed in moonlight as members of his pack milled around after the barbeque they had just had. He observed her as she held still, letting the pup get closer and closer to her. When the pup was almost touching her, she'd suddenly move, causing the pup to jump and scurry back. He couldn't help but laugh at her antics. 

She was just what his pack needed after such a dark period. New blood. She was the sunshine that graced the earth as the clouds parted. She was his. 

He couldn't wait until he could have her. Really have her. When he asked her about her birthday, she had said that it was a surprise. Her answer had baffled him. All of the files from the lab had been taken, and he had contemplated asking his cousin Ryan about the date. However, he didn't encounter many surprises in his line of work, so why ruin this one?

With her, it was one surprise after another. She had been there for three weeks, and he had woken up each day not knowing what to expect. There was the morning that he had woken up to the smoke detectors blaring. He had rushed throughout the house, looking for a fire, panic beginning to set in until he made it to the kitchen. There he found his mate, standing on a chair, waving a towel at the device making the offensive racket. 

Flour was caked onto her olive skin and in her flaming red hair. She pouted in his direction when she noticed his entry, refusing to meet his eyes. 

"I tried to make pancakes," she frowned, climbing down from the chair. He looked around his once pristine kitchen. His mate wasn't the only thing covered in flour. He laughed then, loud and from the stomach. He hadn't remembered ever laughing so hard. 

Just yesterday afternoon, she and some of the younger pack members had bombarded him and his betas with water guns and water balloons. He wasn't sure what he was more impressed with: that she and a group of kids were able to catch the a group of well-trained soldiers off guard, or that the kids had listened to her. She was his equal in every way, his perfect match. 

He watched as she stood up from her crouching position. Just looking at her was enough to get him going sometimes. Her tight, black jeans clung to her muscular thighs in a way that caused him to envy the lack of space between her jeans and her soft skin. Her hair was pulled to the side in a loose braid, exposing her bronzed neck and shoulder to his gaze. He couldn't wait to put his mark there.

She turned towards him then, grey eyes meeting green. She smiled for a moment, right before taking off towards him at full speed. Despite being thrown off guard, he caught her as she leapt, losing his footing in the process. He hit the ground hard, his silly, giggling mate landing on top of him. 

"I've got a surprise for you, Alpha Otto," she whispered with a smile, staring down at him.

He lifted himself slightly, reaching beneath his body to remove a rock, a grimace on his face. Carmendi made no move to lift herself from on top of him. "I don't know if I can handle more of your surprises, you weirdo," he responded with a smile as he lifted his hand to brush a stray strand of red hair from her flawless face.

"Nah, you'll love this one. I promise. Now let's go to bed," she said as she stood and began walking in the direction of his home. He couldn't help but groan as he watched her shapely body sway.

After saying their goodnights and a chaste kiss, Carmendi now stood, back against her bedroom door, attempting to calm her nerves. It had been decided by pack elders that she and Epic sleep in separate rooms and considering how amped up her libido had been lately, she knew that was for the best. She turned her head to look at the digital clock on the nightstand. It was 11:09pm. In 51 minutes, she would be 18 years old, and she planned to bring in this new year of her life in the most delicious way possible. 

She had considered seeking advice from her sisters, but had decided against it. Aara had yet to let Aaron close enough to kiss her, refusing to give up her frigid sensibilities, and Audrienne had only found her mate a couple of weeks ago. And then there was Santana, who had apparently moved out of the complex earlier in the month. Santana was the last person she'd ask. She didn't want to burden her sister with her excitement while it seemed that everything fell apart between her and her own mate. 

Seeking the answers to her questions over the Internet had led her on a strange, tantalizing and at times frightening journey, and had caused her to reach one decision... do what feels right. Her plan for the next 51 minutes was simple: shower, shave, and climb into her mate's bed wearing nothing but a robe. 

She had always found being in the shower calming, but tonight it had the opposite effect. The pressure of the liquid aroused every inch of her skin and, by the time she emerged, she was nothing more than a ball of nerves. She had spent more time in the shower than she'd intended, letting the sensations prep her body for the night. 

Before clicking off the blow dryer, she turned to look at the clock. 11:56. She unplugged the appliance before taking a deep breath. Making her way to the bed, she picked up the teal silk robe she had purchased weeks ago and slipped it on, letting the fabric entice her skin to further arousal. Inhaling and exhaling deeply once more, she exited her room and made her way towards Epic's.

It took only a second for her eyes to adjust to the darkness of his room. Using her skills of stealth, she was sliding onto his bed before he had even noticed there was another person in the room... or so she thought. 

"What are you doing, Carmendi?" he asked, rolling to his side to face his mate. Smiling at her baffled expression, he explained: "I smelled you the moment you opened the door. Now, why are you in my bed?"

Lifting the comforter, she slid in next to him. Propping herself up on her elbow, she looked down at him and replied, "Little red wanted to tempt the big bad wolf." Her witty reply did not have the desired effect, as Epic leapt from the bed and stood ramrod straight in the far corner, eyeing her warily.

"Carmen, I'm not above rules, sweetheart. This isn't going to happen." She sat up suddenly, the movement causing the top of her silk robe to slide down, revealing her right shoulder and the top of her breast. He groaned and looked away, unable to stand the enticing picture his beautiful mate made. 

She smiled and moved to her hands and knees, crawling towards the end of the bed. He snuck a peek in her direction and gritted his teeth. She was going to be the death of him. 

Pouting prettily, she spoke. "Epic, I'm very disappointed in you," 

A loud, pained growl filled the room and she gasped at his reaction. "Why, because I refuse to break the rules?" he bit out almost angrily.

"No," she responded, looking intently into his grey eyes, still perched in her seductive position. Seeing her on her hands and knees made his wolf restless, clawing to break free, and she watched with a smirk on her face as his eyes bled from grey to gold and back to grey again as he fought for control of his beast. 




Its Eyes Are for the Stars Ch. 04



He growled once more, refusing to lose control. "Then for what, Mate?"

She looked away coyly, feigning shyness before she spoke. "For not telling me 'happy birthday.'" 

One second she was watching realization dawn on his face, and the next she was looking up at him as he slammed his mouth against hers. Her body sank into the soft mattress below her as he settled his strong, hard body onto hers. 

Wearing nothing but flannel pajama bottoms, the heat from his body quickly warmed her own, and she moaned at the delicious feeling of finally having his body mold to hers. His full lips danced over hers with an urgency she had never felt from him, and when he roughly grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head, she gasped, granting his tongue entry into her mouth. 

He ground his pelvis hard into her, giving her a preview of what was to come, and her inexperienced body shivered with anticipation. His left hand left her wrist but she dared not move it, curious to see where his now unoccupied hand would go next.

Lifting slightly from her body, he placed his large hand on the inside of her right thigh, tickling lightly as he made his way beneath her robe. Biting her lip, closing her eyes, and holding her breath, Carmendi drowned out the world, focusing solely on the sensation of her mate's hands on her body. 

She waited for the moment that he would touch her heat...and waited...and waited. The haze lifted slightly, and it was then that she noticed the insistent banging on the door. Looking up at her mate, she noticed the annoyed expression on his face shift to the mask he wore with everyone but her. as Their own little world drifted away, and he was no longer just her beautiful mate but Alpha Otto, surrounded by all of his duties and obligations. She sighed at the loss.

"Yes?" he called out, the growl in his voice unmistakable. The gold still swirled in his eyes as he attempted to get control. 

"Alpha?" The person behind the door responded, clearing her throat in an uncomfortable manner. It was obvious that the person on the other side of the door knew what she was interrupting. "There's a phone call for Miss Carmendi. "

"Take a message!" He barked out. 

There was a pause as if the person on the other side of the door was deciding what to do. "Uh... It's her brother, sir. He says that it's an emergency, he needs her help."

Her mate looked at her, his gaze begging her to say no, but just as he did, she also had duties and responsibilities. 

"Tell him I'll be there in a minute!" she called out, ignoring the angry look from her mate. 

***

Zach had finally gotten up the nerve to leave his apartment and go to class today. He went to his two classes, met each of the professors in their office hours to discuss make up work and extra credit, and grabbed lunch with a friend from his finance class. There was still a little buzz on campus about the mysterious male student who had been hit by a car and run from the scene, but no one seemed to know it was him. That knowledge helped to appease his anxiety about returning. 

It had been a good day so far and he had happily resigned himself to never running into HER, considering he hadn't ever done so before. He adjusted his backpack on his shoulders as he crossed the courtyard towards the small coffee shop where he was meeting his management professor to discuss his days missed, and what Zach would have to do to still end up with an A or B in the course. He entered the warm, eclectic café and noticed his professor sitting alone at a table by a window, grading papers. The older woman looked up and they made eye contact; she quickly waved him over before returning her attention back to the work in front of her. 

He sighed, hoping that his normally stoic professor was in good spirits. After dodging a few students and chairs, he stood in front of his teacher, peeking at what she was working on: exams. He internally groaned, hoping he hadn't missed an exam in her class. 

"Sit down, Mr. Shane," she said without looking up. 

Because the hybrids didn't have surnames, he'd used his middle name as his last name when he had realized that it was much stranger to not have a last name than a middle name. He sighed and took a seat directly across from the perpetually cross woman.

"Glad to see that you are feeling better. I know getting over mono is difficult," she stated, her voice lacking any real sincerity.

"Thank you, ma'am," he responded, mentally thanking Ash for coming up with a plausible illness. 

"You've missed six classes, a group project, and a presentation. " 

"Dr. Foster, I'm willing to do any sort of make-up work or extra credit. Getting an above average grade in this course is very important to me." The plea was evident in his voice even as he rejoiced inside at the fact that the exam she now graded was not for his class. 

The woman looked up then, peering at him from above her dark framed glasses. "Yes, well, I will leave it up to my advisee to explain to you how you will make up your missed assignments and lectures. She's coming in now."

The bell above the door sounded at that moment, alerting the staff that a new patron had entered. A gust of wind accompanied the new guest, her scent sailing on the breeze, and Zach froze. It was HER. 

"Over here, Simone," Dr. Foster called out and he only hoped that SHE and the TA weren't one and the same. As the scent became stronger and stronger, he knew that luck was not a friend of his on this day. 

He contemplated getting up and running away, grades be damned, but he knew that that wasn't an option. He had been running and hiding from her for way too long, and he didn't think his soul would allow him to flee this time. Plus, he was dying to finally look into the face of his soul mate.

The peace granted by giving in settled over him as he turned his head in HER direction. 

"I hope to see you in class tomorrow morning, Mr. Shane," he heard distantly as the world fell away and all that was left was HER.

She was tall for a woman, at least 5'10", and her skin was a radiant shade of copper. The front of her black hair was styled with long bangs, swept to the side while the back was cut short, above her ears. The short length of her hair drew all attention to her face. And what an amazing face it was. 

Those eyes, those whiskey colored eyes were crescent shaped, pointed up. "Sparkling" was the word that came to mind, and he almost laughed at the fact that he never thought he'd use such a unquestionably feminine word in his life. High, round cheekbones framed a wide but seamlessly fit nose and cupid's-bow lips topped off what was a decidedly perfect, flawless face. Anna was far from his mind as he took in the woman who was made for him. 

A leather jacket, white t-shirt, and dark skinny jeans covered what appeared to be a thin, willowy frame. She was slim for sure, but her posture and graceful movements screamed 'dancer.' He watched as awareness took over her expression, and he knew that she recognized him. Not as her mate, but as the man she had hit with her car nearly three weeks ago. 

She eyed him with both surprise and suspicion as she moved to take the chair his professor had vacated unnoticed. "It's you!" rushed from her mouth in a whisper, obviously not wanting anyone to overhear. 

It took him a moment to regain his ability to speak. He only wanted to stare at her forever, admiring her beauty for the rest of his life. However, he never go the chance to utter a single word.

"You have no idea how worried I've been! I stayed up nights imagining that after you STUPIDLY ran off before you could go to the hospital, you died in some alley from internal bleeding! And look at you just sitting there," she gestured towards him, "in perfect health while I've been worried sick that I'd murdered you!" 

She used her boot covered feet to push back from the table and stand, the sudden movement snapping him out of the haze her presence surrounded him in. 

"You, Mr. Shane, are an inconsiderate crazy person!" she said, her whisper taking on an angry edge. "I'm too angry and confused to be around you right now," she huffed. 

He watched her, still speechless. She was gorgeous in her anger. His eyes followed her as she began walking towards the door only to pause near where he sat. "Meet me back here tomorrow, same time," she muttered and left. 

Only when she had exited the café did his brain resume full function. He sighed as he stood, refusing to dwell on what had just happened, refusing to let Simone take over his mind again just yet. One thing was certain, however: he was in deep trouble. 

The rest of the day was spent going through the motions, and he now lay in bed alone. Anna had picked up the overnight shift, and he was thankful for the solitude. Every thought was plagued with a brown-skinned beauty with the longest legs he had ever seen. Those whiskey-colored eyes offered him no reprieve and he knew that sleep would only bring dreams of HER. 

Glancing over to the digital clock that sat on his nightstand, he realized that it was after midnight and officially Carmen's eighteenth birthday. He grabbed his phone, his intentions to wish his baby sister a happy birthday. While listening to the phone ring; he suddenly wanted to confide in someone, the urge too insistent to ignore. His actions and the events of the last few months weighed so heavily on him and the stress of a lie that lasted too long would soon cause him to break. 

Her voicemail greeting sounded and he hung up. He scrolled through his contacts list and found the number of the Otto compound, where he knew she was staying for the month. He knew he should have waited until morning, but his resolution to confess and set everything right was unwavering in that moment. He wasn't sure if he would ever feel that courage again. 

He waited restlessly as whoever answered the phone fetched his sister. Abandoning his bed, he began pacing the room. 

"Zach? It's me. Is everything alright? What's going on?" 

The sound of his sweet sister's voice calmed him slightly and before he lost his nerve, he told her everything. He told her about Anna... Aislyn. He told her about Simone. And when he was finished, he waited to see what she would say. 

The line was silent for a long moment; he assumed Carmen needed time to absorb and process everything he had just thrown into her lap. 

"Tell her," she finally said. The anger and sadness evident in her tone. "And then you send her home." 

***



Its Eyes Are for the Stars



Leaning forward, he kissed her lightly on her lips then pulled back to tsk her. "Not until you tell me why you thought that, Aara Belle."

Her struggling ceased. "Fine, but only because I need to go on my run."

"You don't need to run," he responded.

"No, I don't, but it helps clear my head. Plus there's this part of me that relishes in the feel of a long run. It must be the wolf in me."

He looked up as if pondering what she just said. "Makes sense. Now, back to the topic at hand. Explain."

Sighing once more, she opened her mouth as if beginning to speak but closed it once more. "Okay... I didn't really believe you hated me, your actions tell me as much. It's just that... Alex..." she paused.

"What about my brother?" his curiosity was now piqued. 

"You don't see it?" she asked.

He was confused now. "I don't see what?"

"He can't even look at her anymore. He spends all of his time away from her and during the occasional moments that he looks in her direction, it's with blame, distrust, sometimes hatred. It's killing her, Aaron." This was the most emotion he had ever seen from her. 

Santana. She was talking about Santana and Alex. He had noticed the tension between the two over the last couple of months, but nothing more. He would admit that most of his attention had been on his own grief and his slow-to-warm mate. But now that she mentioned it, this was not the same brother who had nearly slaughtered him for threatening his mate.

"And if he hates her after the sort of love they have and their bonding, I can only imagine what you must think of me."

He thought for a moment before he spoke. "Alex is the youngest. He has yet to live a lifetime and experience death the way I and our older siblings have. He's more sensitive to the world. I miss Aislyn with nearly everything that I am, but he and she were the closest out of us seven. She doted on him and was probably more like a second mother. "

"That's still no excuse for how he's treating my sister. She doesn't deserve that. If he should hate anyone, let him hate me," she said with finality. She moved to leave his embrace once more. He shook with head no and she pouted prettily, ceasing her movement.

"Hating you would hurt me. That's probably how he sees it right now. He's not thinking straight. This haze of grief will end soon and when it does, he'll feel like a jackass for pushing Santana away," he said right before leaning down and crushing his lips to hers. Her lips were so full and soft and he couldn't help sucking on the bottom one before pulling away. She moaned her disappointment as he ended the kiss.

"You're so hot when you're compassionate and concerned." He was staring down at her, enjoying the light pink flush of her cheeks. 

"Don't get used to it."

"Can I join you on your run?" he asked, gesturing to his workout clothes. 

She pretended to think it over as she backed out of his arms. "Just try and keep up this time," she called over her shoulder as she took off.