This story contains actual memories from my childhood, what my former relationship was like, and so much more. I kept this under wraps for 20 years, and finally want to tell my story.

WATTYS WINNER When her fiancé ends up in a coma and his secret mistress, Halley, shows up, Mary feels like her world is falling apart. What she doesn't realize is she's actually falling in love...with Halley. ***** Eight years after a traumatizing accident that killed one of her loved ones, Mary Kincaid is about to marry her childhood sweetheart when the universe yanks the rug out from under her yet again, leaving her fiancé badly injured and in a coma. Of course this is when his secret mistress shows up, a beautiful person whom Mary should by all rights hate - so why does she find herself inviting her to stay in the spare bedroom? She soon learns that sometimes the person you're looking for comes when you're not looking at all. Content and/or trigger warning: This story mentions violence, addiction, and childhood trauma, which may be triggering for some readers. [[word count: 150,000-200,000 words]]

I disregard the stares that follow me toward that cottage on the edge of the village, their judging eyes boring into my back, my legs shaking harder with every step I take and the more whispers I hear on the wind. My knees threatening to buckle and take me down to the level they think I should be. Was I really stupid for coming back here? Maybe-but I could not ignore their call for me. I could not overlook their need of me in this time. I never belonged until they took my mother and I in, kept her safe in their pack even after my shame and for that I would always come when they call. This is too much to ask of me. They know it. I know it. Yet I've come. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Important My books are written explicitly for a MATURE AUDIENCE 18 YEARS AND OLDER. There will be some instances/scenes/suggestions of sexual acts, crude language and will portray gay relationships between males. If you do not enjoy stories of this nature please leave now. I will not condone/defend/accept any sort of attacks on my stories, my characters or myself. It is well within your right to choose what type of entertainment you prefer but I will not be blamed for your curiosity. Read at your own risk. ******************************************************