Page 1 of Finding Embers and Stars (Twin Flames Duet #1)
Chapter one
Seven Years ago
C rack.
The sound of his hand connecting with my skin is deafening in the quiet room. The force of the hit sends me flying into the wall with a loud crash. Before I can get to my feet, my father grabs me by the throat and lifts me into the air.
“You’ll be at the ceremony tonight, and you’ll mate with whomever I choose for you! We both know you need someone with a strong hand that can keep you in line!”
I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Years of abuse at my father’s hands have taught me that the beatings only get worse if I speak my mind. Or at all.
He leans so close that his nose practically brushes against mine. His deep blue eyes would be quite pretty if they weren’t filled with madness. “Remember who will face the consequences if you don't follow my orders, Piper.”
He drops me to the floor, and I lock my knees to keep from falling as he storms from the room. I listen carefully at the door to make sure he's gone before fleeing the house.
“Pipppppppper.” Sage yells when I get to the clearing by the river. “Why do you look like you’re about to meet the firing squad?” This has been our spot since we were kids. I’d snuck out here to get away from the mean boys of the pack when I was five and she was here with her parents. We’ve been inseparable ever since. I don’t know why, but she feels like my soul mate.
When I’m close enough for her to see the marks on my face and neck, her expression turns murderous.
“What the fuck did he do to you this time? I don't understand why you won't let me curse his dick off! Why Piper? How can you let him treat you this way? You and I both know you're stronger than he is.” Her tone turns pleading as she steps closer, gently running her hand over my bruised cheek.
I sigh. “He's the Alpha Supreme, Sage. I just need to make it through tonight. Once I shift, they'll realize that no wolf here will ever be able to make me submit.”
I flop down into the grass next to her. “Besides, you know why I let him do this. I won’t risk him hurting you or your parents. That’s also why you need to keep your ass home tonight.”
She digs in her bag, pulling out her grimoire to cast a healing spell on me. “Nice try, chica, but I will be there, shoulder to shoulder with you, as we face down the assholes of the pack.”
“Heal.” With that one word her magic washes over me. Heated to start, but fading to a cool crispness of spring water as the last of the pain fades away.
“Sage. You aren’t part of the pack. As long as you don’t come to the claiming ceremony, you’re safe, but if you’re there, one of the others could claim you.” Fisting my hands in my long hair, I stand back up to pace. No matter how many times we’ve had this argument she refuses to let me attend the ceremony alone.
She steps in front of me, bringing my angry pacing to a halt. Taking my hands, she forces me to look at her. “I know you’re scared of what could happen. Honestly, I am too, but the one thing I have absolute faith in is that we have to be together. As long as we stick by each other, we will make it out of this and not with any of the misogynic cave men of this pack as our mates.”
“It would kill me if something happened to you, Sage.” Sighing in defeat, because I know I can’t change her mind, I plop back down in the grass. “Can we just tell my dad we’re lesbians and skip the ceremony?”
She collapses next to me, holding her ribs as she laughs. “You know if I was into girls, you would be my first choice.”
Lacing my fingers with hers, I squeeze her hand. “Stay close to me tonight. Even without being able to speak to my wolf, I can feel her dominance, her anger, every time he hits me. I don’t think there’s a wolf in the pack that can stand up to me. I’ll fight off any that tries to claim you.”
One more night, that's all we need to get through. After the elders do the blessing to unlock our animal spirits, we can leave the pack and run away. I know we won’t be safe as long as we stay here.