Ezra's POV

"Rogue vampires!"

"Ezra?" Orla asked.

"Where?" I linked Jason.

"Near the university gate. A human student was attacked," was his quick response.

A growl ripped out of my chest. Orla must've realized I was linking because she didn't speak, but her eyes churned with anxiety.

How did the rogues get so close?! That was the line of the southern border of the pack. Too close. Way too close...

"A human was attacked by rogue vampires," I told Orla, her hands still in mine.

"Oh my God." Her eyes widened, and her pulse skittered in her neck. "Is the human okay?"

"I don't know yet."

She pursed her lips, determination written across her face. "You should go, right? Go. I'll stay inside."

I set my jaw. I didn't want her away from me. There could still be rogues out there. But she was right. I had to see if this mess was dealt with.

"Sam!" I called through our link.

"I heard about the rogues. Where do you want me?"

"With Orla. She's in her cabin."

"Figured as much. I'll be there right away."

I kissed Orla's hand. "Come on. Sam will stay with you."

We went to the cabin. Only our scents lingered in the place. Still, I did a quick sweep of the two floors. Clear.

Downstairs again, I framed Orla's face with my hands. "Have your phone with you at all times, okay?"

She gave me a smile that settled my nerves. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

There was a knock on the backdoor. I let Sam in. He gave me a reassuring nod. With one last glance at Orla, I left. No one could get past Sam, he would keep her safe. I zipped through the woods to the gate.

Jacob, our current master of arms and Jason's father, was with Vlad, uncle Zane and Hayden a few hundred feet away from the gate. Getting closer, I bit back a growl. A few wolves were getting rid of the remnants of blood, but I could still smell and see it. Right on the road, where anyone could drive by and see.

"What the hell is going on?" I asked.

Jacob bowed his head my way. "Four vampires. Rogues. They attacked a male student when he was walking towards the gate."

There was so much blood. "Is he alive?"

"Barely," uncle Zane answered. "We have him in the pack hospital until we figure out what to do. The pack doctor said he lost a lot of blood, but we got him in time. He's currently stable."

I nodded, relieved.

"The gate guard got to him first before he linked patrol. It took them a minute to reach them. The guard is being looked after as well. He was hurt, but wasn't bit, luckily."

"The rogues?"

"In the pack cells. One died during the fight. The other three are still alive."

"How sick are they?"

"Not too sick," Vlad replied, a furious frown tugging down his lips. "What is alarming, however, is that they're newly turned."

Newly turned vampires.

It was against rules to turn a human into a vampire and leave them to fend for themselves. For the first decades of their lives, vampires should be under strict supervision, allowed out in public only if accompanied by a senior vampire. Their coven holds the responsibility to guide them and train them in how to control their blood lust.

"They weren't turned by a coven member, though," Vlad added. "I would know."

"By a rogue, then?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

"That's a possibility," Vlad said. "But rogues wouldn't usually turn someone for the fun of it. They target humans to feed. Except maybe..."

"If they were ordered," I finished, a foreboding gnawing at my guts. "If they were organized in some way. Which means that there's someone out there who's making fledglings."

"Damn it," Vlad hissed, his fangs protruding and his pupils dilating. "Zane, tell Eleanor that I won't be needing that cabin anymore."

"Are you leaving?" my uncle asked.

"I need to go make a few rounds in the covens. Someone must know something," Vlad said through clenched teeth. "They'll wish they were dead by the time I'm done with them."

I sighed and rubbed my eyes tiredly. Dad was right, something was brewing. And as much as I hated to admit it, I had a feeling it had to do with Orla.

But she was just a normal human girl.

Or was she? I wasn't so sure anymore.

Vlad reassured me he would instruct Sam about how to deal with Noah, then he left with uncle Zane to the pack. Hayden and I went back to campus through the woods.

"Do you think it has something to do with her?" Hayden asked. Grass crunched under our steps, the twilit sky barely visible through the thick trees.

"I don't know. But I have a feeling it does. It's all too coincidental. Besides, you heard what that rogue, Noah, said yesterday."

My hands fisted at my sides, just remembering his words made me see red again.

The urge to be near her intensified by the second. I suddenly felt fear and worry like lead in the pit of my stomach, so heavy it felt almost like it was mine.

But it wasn't.

It had been happening more often. At first, I put it to my imagination. Now, it felt like I could almost reach out and touch Orla's feelings. They echoed in my heart, a reminder that Orla was no ordinary human, because feeling the bond before the mating was completed was unheard of.

I pulled out my phone and shot her a message, letting her know I was fine and on my way back. Seconds later, she replied, and the feelings of intense fear melted away.

Next to me, Hayden had a thoughtful frown on his face.

"What is it?" I asked. There was something bothering him.

He chewed on his lip for a moment. "I have a theory. I told Dad about it, but he said it's very improbable. Impossible, even."

I quirked a brow and waited.

"There's a spell," Hayden began. "A powerful spell I read about in a few ancient magic books back home. It's called the Lock. It's old and powerful magic, no one alive has ever seen it. It's almost a myth as far as we know."

The Lock. Hayden continued, "Like the name suggests, the spell is used to lock a supernatural's magical abilities."

I frowned. "If it only locks away the being's abilities, they would still be recognized as a supernatural being. Orla is a human, there's nothing about her scent or her aura that's remotely supernatural."

"Right. According to my research, there are several types of Locks. Selective and Absolute.

"Selective Locks can take away one or several of the person's abilities. For example, it can be used to lock away Sam's ability to see into memories. But he would still be a normal vampire, otherwise. His smell, aura and attributes as a vamp won't change.

"The Absolute Lock is a different ball game. It can be used to lock away the entirety of a person's supernatural attributes. That means their magic, their aura and their smell, basically anything that makes them a supernatural will be locked. They'll turn into a normal human being."

A normal human being... Hayden and I stopped walking. "You think that's what happened to Orla? That someone put a Lock on her?"

Hayden sighed. "Like I said, it's just a theory, and it's basically impossible. The magic is very powerful and ancient. Magic that tinkers with the essence of a being is something only the Moon could do. No one on this earth can perform it." He hesitated. "Except maybe..."

I knew where he was going with it. "The Moon children," I said and he nodded.

The only Moon children in history had been Primus and his daughter, Aphra. The line had died with Aphra, since all her children had been werewolves.

Hayden chuckled. "You see why it's an impossible theory?"

I hummed and looked up at the sky. The moon peeked through the foliage as the sky darkened, its light coating the world in silver dust.

"What about the fae?" I asked.

Hayden shook his head. "I don't know, but I highly doubt it. Like I said, it's magic that messes with the essence of a being. Only the Moon can give and take away magic, and sub-consequently, her children.

"It's very powerful magic. And for a reason. No one should be able to play around with creatures that way. You are what you are for a reason, and using spells like the Lock can mess with the balance of the world."

"So it is impossible after all," I said.

Hayden nodded. "Yep. We'll have to keep looking. Do you know anything about her parents? Are they normal humans too?"

"She was adopted. She doesn't know who her biological parents are."

We walked the rest of the way in silence. A stab of pain pinched my heart at the reminder that she couldn't even enjoy her birthday because of her father's death.

God, I had been such an asshole to her earlier when she was already struggling with the painful memories.

We reached the cabins not long after. Orla's laughter spilled through the open window, and my heart warmed at the sound.

She was sitting cross-legged on the carpet with Haley. She had changed into a white t-shirt and leggings, her hair a messy knot of red on top of her head. Gray was running circles around the two girls, nipping at their hands when they tried to catch him.

Sam lounged in his arm chair, watching over them with a small smile.

Her eyes snapped to me when I got in, and she smiled. I felt an echo of her feelings again, feelings that made me weak at the knees. I'd never thought I'd be at the receiving end of so much love. It was both heart-fluttering and scary. Scary because I was afraid of how she might be affected if something happened to me.

Gray saw me. His ears flickered, and he flopped belly up on the ground between Orla and Haley. The girls cooed and rubbed his belly. What a scene stealer.

"Hey," Sam said. "I heard Vlad is going back home."

I nodded and sat on the couch while Hayden took the other armchair. "Did he link you?"

"Yep. He's going to whoop a few asses. I wish I could go see, but I have to watch over the rogue."

"Is everyone alright?" Orla asked.

"Yes. The human will be fine," I replied.

"What are you going to do with him?"

"That's where I come in, Little Red," Sam said, tapping his temple with his forefinger twice.

"Oh. Right," she said. "But what about his injuries? How are you going to explain that to him?"

"Animal attack. We'll plant some false memories," Sam replied with a shrug.

"You can even do that?" Orla asked with wide eyes. Her hand stilled on Gray's belly, which made him nip at it again to scratch his fur. My wolf nudged me, wanting to shift in the middle of the living room. My wolf was jealous of a damn pup.

"Yeah. It's going to be easier since he's a human," Sam said.

"I'm a human too , though. Aren't you afraid he'll turn out like me?" Orla asked. "He might remember someday."

"We've worked with this strategy for centuries. You are the first exception to the rule," Hayden said.

"It's safe to assume that he won't remember. Besides, even if he does, he'd just assume it was a dream. A bad dream," Haley said. "You had known it was real because we already told you beforehand, and because you had already discovered our existence."

Orla slowly nodded. Gray moved to Haley's lap when Orla's hand stilled again. He laid his head on her knee and closed his eyes.

"When do you want to start the rogue treatment?" Sam asked.

"As soon as we can," Orla replied.

I sighed. "Maybe tomorrow?"

"Great," Sam said, standing to his feet. "Tomorrow evening then."

Hayden and Haley did the same. Haley scooped up Gray and took some of his food so she could keep him for the night.

When the door closed behind them, I slipped to the floor and sat down next to Orla. "How are you doing?" I asked.

She smiled. "I'm good."

"Are you?"

Her smile dimmed. "I've been better. But I'm always like this on my birthday. I'll be back to my cheerful self by tomorrow."

I brushed some strands off her face. My heart hurt for her. "You don't have to pretend with me, you know."

There was an echo of a strong emotion, an emotion that wasn't mine. Orla froze, her eyes meeting mine. "Did you- do you feel it?" she asked in a whisper.

I gave a slow nod. So she felt it too. "It's not the first time."

Eyes wide, she leaned closer. "What is it? Why does it feel like I can... feel your emotions?"

"Probably because you can," I replied, taking her hand in mine. "The mating bond. Mates can feel each other's emotions through their bond. But it only happens after they're marked and mated."

She frowned. There was an echo of her confusion in me. "But we're not."

"We're not." I grinned and dipped my head to kiss her neck and speak against it. "We can remedy that right away."

She giggled and tugged on my hair. "You're incorrigible."

I drew in a deep lungful of her scent and looked at her face. A delicious blush spread across her cheeks. "Does it bother you? The bond, I mean."

She thought about it and shook her head. "No. I actually like it. It makes me feel closer to you."

I nodded and decided to try something. I focused and tugged on that faint thread of emotion I felt from her. It was like a tiny stream that was still finding its path, barely there. If I didn't focus enough, I wouldn't be able to sense it. But it was very much there.

"Orla?"

Orla frowned, cocking her head to the side. I tried again, tugging harder on that thread.

"Orla?"

Orla jumped, her eyes widening. I could hear her racing heart, but I could also feel her emotions of surprise and then undiluted delight.

"Did you- did you just mind-link me?" she asked in a whisper.

I smiled. "Why are you whispering?"

She jumped again, her eyes comically wide, then a grin split her face. "I don't know," she whispered. "I feel like if I speak out loud, it's going to stop working."

I chuckled and put my hand on her shoulder, my thumb brushing the bare skin of her neck. She put her hand on her chest and frowned.

In that moment, I felt something shift between us. A barrier dropped, and something popped into place with a snap in my head that made stars dance in my vision and my ears ring. Two cogwheels falling into place.

Orla's skin felt warm under my touch, and as the ringing stopped and my vision cleared, so did the bond between us. It felt so alive with her emotions; wonder, joy, love. They fed the thread until it was a strong rope that pulsed with our emotions. No longer a stream, but a deep river that couldn't be misplaced.

Orla's wide eyes met mine, and I could feel her in me. My mate.

Slowly, she let go of my hand and lifted her hands to frame my face, wonder filling every breath of hers. The usual tingles I felt exploded, twice as electrifying.

"I can feel you," she whispered, her eyes slowly filled with tears as she smiled. I brushed a tear that slipped down her cheek.

"Why are you crying?" I asked.

"I don't know. I can feel your love," she said. Another tear escaped.

"You shouldn't be surprised by now," I said even as my own breath hitched at the intensity of her own emotions.

She gave a watery laugh and threw her arms around my neck. I hugged her to me, relishing in the waterfall of her love and affection.

"I love you, too," I said. My heart settled into a steady beat again, and my emotions settled down. But beneath it all, the bond was still pulsing with life. It was there to stay.

She giggled. "I just keep getting interesting, huh?"

She sure did. My little miracle.

After Orla bundled up in a jacket, we went to have dinner, hand in hand. Campus was buzzing with news of the rogue vampires. People were speculating about the attack, and more than one shot Orla a curious look. There hadn't been a rogue attack so close to the pack in a long, long time. So it was natural to suspect the attack was linked to her existence.

Beneath all the excitement and the buzz, there was an underlying feeling of unease. Sick rogues were always bad news.

We had dinner with Ashley and Zach and went immediately back to our cabin. I could tell Orla was overwhelmed by the bond. I was used to having people within reach mentally. But she wasn't.

Still, the bond vibrated with her excitement and joy.

I didn't tell anyone about it. I was afraid if I did, it would disappear. It was an irrational thought. I would tell them later.

As soon as Orla got into the cabin, she turned to me, pointing to her neck where I'd left a vibrant red spot earlier. "I kept wondering why people were staring at my neck. You know how embarrassed I was when Ashley pointed it out!" She pointed her finger at me. "That's not funny!"

"I didn't laugh," I said.

"Well, I can feel your amusement!" she said and walked ahead of me up to her room. I grinned and followed her.

"You weren't complaining," I mind-linked her.

She shot me a narrow-eyed look over her shoulder. Adorable.

Once in the room, she pulled off her jacket. "I'm getting ready for bed. Do you want to use the shower first?"

"How about we go in together?"

I ducked out of the way, barely missing the pillow she chucked at me. Then she hurried to the bathroom, amusement and embarrassment fighting to win over the bond.

Heart light, I made my way to my cabin- well, Zach and Ashley's now. The guards posted outside both cabins nodded at me, their eyes bright through the wood's darkness.

I filled one big bag of clothes, grabbed my toiletries, laptop and some school work, then went back to our cabin. Orla was still in the shower when I entered the closet with my clothes.

My heart lifted at the sight. She had made sure half the closet was empty for my stuff. As I put my clothes away, a constant buzz made my ears ring.

Silver.

It was that same necklace she'd put on yesterday. The jewelry box sat on top of a drawer shelf.

I walked to it and opened the small box. The necklace was there, glittering under the closet's spotlights.

The silver was pure. Too pure. It was as if its properties were enhanced somehow. I cocked my head, observing the intricate design of the feathers. Taking one of my t-shirt, I wrapped it around my hand and picked up the pendant. The two wings were beautifully carved, each and every feather made with meticulous care. I frowned. Even through the thick layer of fabric, my skin itched.

I turned the pendant and froze, my blood turning to ice in my veins. Hayden's earlier words echoed in my head.

Moon children.

There, wedged between the two wings, glittering with blue lights, was a small moonstone.

A coincidence?

I shook my head and put the necklace down. There was no way. That line was dead. It had stopped with Aphra. Or had it?

Doubt began seeping in.

"Are you okay?"

I turned towards Orla. Wearing a fluffy bathrobe, her hair lay in a heavy mass around her shoulders, she frowned at me. Right. The bond. She must've felt my confusion and dread.

I shook away the feelings, which wasn't too difficult which such a sight in front of me. She flushed as I ran my eyes over her frame, and looked at the box.

I cleared my throat. "The necklace is interesting. There's a moonstone behind the wings."

"Yeah. I always thought it was odd how they hid it," she said, walking closer. She picked up the necklace. "It's a pretty gem. Shouldn't it be in front?"

Unless they were purposefully hiding it. She put the necklace in the box and tucked it inside one of the lower drawers. The uncomfortable buzz disappeared, clearing my head.

I must be crazy for even considering my suspicions. Orla cleared her throat. "Aren't you going to shower?"

I smiled and leaned my hip against the drawers. "Don't you need help getting dressed?"

"Oh my God!" She covered her eyes with one hand and pointed to the door. I chuckled, brushing her warm cheek with my finger before leaving her.

I took a shower, then Orla and I went to bed. Her eyes were heavy with the weight of memories, now that she was alone with her thoughts. I wrapped her in my arms and kissed her temple.

"Are you okay?" I whispered, even though I knew she wasn't. Her emotions weighed down the bond.

"Not really," she mumbled, half asleep already. "But I will be."

Her words rang as the truth. There was nothing I could do. Some wounds, only time could heal.

She drifted to sleep, and the bond fell into a state of tranquility. The moonlight flitting in through the window bathed her skin in silver, making it glow.

And my mind wandered back to the necklace, the only thing she had of her past. A past she knew nothing of. A past that would define her identity. Her true identity.

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