Mysteries of the Moon │The Zodiac Series

8.

❝she wore her troubled past like scars - she had been through battle and though no one could see her demons, they could see the face that conquered them.❞ - atticus 

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I've always loved playing games, especially when I won. Being born a twin gave me a built-in partner for every game I could imagine. When we were younger, Sawyer and I used to get in trouble for playing hide-and-seek with the guards.

The only problem was that we never told the guards when we were playing. 

When I eventually grew into my tracking abilities, it made winning even easier. I had not only my natural wolf instincts to rely on, but a gift from the Moon Goddess herself, as well. Some may call it cheating, but I've always viewed it as using my strengths to my advantage.

I got so good at playing games that I never really learned how to lose gracefully. And I really can't lose this time around.

I've somehow got myself wrapped up in a game of Cat & Mouse. I've been forced to play the scared role of the mouse, bound by my father's command to stay away from the Parity pack. The only issue is that my newly-found mate, playing the role of the Cat, is not giving up without a fight.

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An exasperated breath slipped through my lips as I sealed my escape, letting my bedroom door lock behind me. The wood felt firm against my back, biting into my skin. I ignored the ache, leaning against the frame for support as I caught my breath. 

He was close to me. Too close. 

I could smell the strong notes of fresh-ground coffee and cinnamon dancing in the air, licking at my skin. It was taunting me. One part of my body pulled me closer to the scent, leading me to the great hall. But another part of me, strained by the Alpha command, repelled the scent. My body was fighting against itself. 

One foot took a step closer while another took a step away. 

I have to stay away from him until he leaves, or at the very least, until this command wares off. I can't handle this constant battle with my wolf.

Sawyer, I called through the mindlink, finally leaving my spot glued to the door to collapse on my bed in defeat. Will you be the best brother ever and bring me some food? 

His snarky response came in rather quickly, I'm your only brother so there isn't much competition. A silent pause filled my head before he thankfully chimed in one more time. I'll have the kitchen staff wrap you up something. Your boyfriend is looking for you.

I scowled, shaking my head at his sarcastic comment. I can't wait until the day Sawyer finds his mate. I'll be sure to remember just how supportive he's been through this all. 

One: He's not my boyfriend. Two: I doubt he's looking for me, he has better things to worry about and we don't know each other. I responded, quickly adding one last fleeting comment before closing the mindlink. Three: Don't be skimpy on the potatoes. I'm starving.

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Nearly four hours have passed and Sawyer was most definitely skimpy on the potatoes. Instead of the alarming pile of food I would have composed for myself, delivered at my door was a sad looking salad, half a potato, and an over-cooked piece of chicken. 

I'm starting to get the impression that Sawyer might have forgotten about little old me and just rounded up the leftovers on the councilmen's plates.