Reflections of Each Other (Book 4) Now published so sample only

Chapter 9 - Phoenix dreams

© 2013 Sandra Corton

Chapter 9 - Phoenix dreams

Matilda’s POV

I can’t believe I survived the last few days without Xander. It has been harder than the most impossible thing I could imagine. School was hell, home was hell. Everything was empty, useless, not even worth knowing. I was a shell of sheer nothingness without him.

I hardly spoke to anyone including my family. Kale was starting to get angry with me about it but I was lost and there seemed no way to pull me back. I knew my family were worried but my only way of coping was by shutting everyone and everything out.

It was a couple of days later that I discovered her. He was still gone so I was trying to turn my focus elsewhere. I was in the back gardens helping Mum do some weeding when she first brought up the topic. I was trying to enjoy the sunshine, basking even. Really I was just desperate to push the distressing thoughts from my brain and failing miserably.

“Matilda?” Mum called my name so I turned to her and nodded “We have yet to discuss your creature and now seems to be the perfect time.” She gestured around her to the peace and tranquillity that surrounded us.

“Uh okay.” I answered vaguely still unsure of what she was talking about.

“Please show me your mark.” I did as she asked and she shook her head for a second “I will never understand after all that has been going on how that is still bright pink.” She muttered to herself and a gasp escaped me. Did she know about what was happening between Xander and me?

“Mum?” I asked and I could hear pain strong in my voice.

“Yes I know my girl. I was hoping you might realise what you were throwing away. I know how intense that jealousy is. It can rip any sane mind to shreds. Still I hoped you wouldn’t be affected. Silly me I guess.” She broke into silence for a moment before pulling me into a tight hug.

“Mum?” I asked again managing to push the word past my stubborn lips.

“Your mark there is connected to the creature within you that has stirred up all this jealousy. Do you know whether you have changed yet?” She asked and I shook my head still not knowing what she meant “Okay I want you to close your eyes and think of Xander. Not just how he looks but how he makes you feel.”

I followed what she told me as I tried to see through the pain and heartache. I forced myself to recall all the feelings he had stirred in me over the years. I thought back to when I was first furious at him for talking to another girl.

Throwing those fireballs had felt so satisfying until he grabbed me and kissed me. My stomach fluttered and pleasure rushed through me as I thought of him biting me. The growl that went through him made my breath hitch and desire shoot through me even now.

“Well done Matilda! Open your eyes.” I heard Mum’s voice from a distance and managed to finally open my eyes.

The world around me felt strange. I seemed to be a lot lower to the ground. I went to move my arms only to hear a swishing noise from either side of me. I looked around shocked to see feathered wings where my arms should be. I glanced down at my feet to find some rather sharp looking talons instead of toes. I let out a scream that came out as a fierce bird squawk and began freaking out a bit.

“It’s okay Matilda. This is your creature and what do you know you really are a phoenix.” She finished on surprise as I was trying to look behind me. I had a tail back there with beautiful orange and red feathers. I glanced at my Mum who was watching me with wonder in her eyes.