"Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked Xander, my voice void of any emotions. I was in my warrior stance in front of the whole pack. Back straight, hands folded in front of me and feet shoulder-width apart. I know I looked composed because that's my training. Be composed; don't lose control. Don't lose the battle. But all I wanted to do was run into his arms. Beg him to reconsider. Promise him that I would be the best for him. "I, Xander Valverde, Future Alpha of The Nightfall Pack reject you Anala Rozinov as my mate." With those words, I felt our bond begin to break. It was agonizing like being whipped and have those wounds have acid poured on them. That burning sensation started in my heart, and I felt it spread throughout my body. I took a shaky breath but remained cold and emotionless. I needed to leave quickly; I need to find somewhere safe. "I, Anala Rozinov, Daughter of Beta Keone Rozinov accept your rejection as your mate," I replied my voice, surprisingly even and cold. "You are now free to join the Alpha King's Army. Please go pack your things and report to my office. The King will be sending someone to collect you." He said, his voice rough with emotions. "Sorry Alpha. But I have decided I will go rogue." There were gasps among the crowd. The Alpha looked appalled this wasn't a part of the plan. No one refused the King. But I refuse to be another playing card for another pack. No more. I want my freedom. If my mate isn't it, I will find my own way. PS: I do not own any of the images used within the story; they have been borrowed from Pinterest or Google and belong to their respected owners. #TheLitAwards2019

Kayden Lee is a girl from New Jersey with newly divorced parents and an annoyingly perfect cousin staying with her for an entire summer. Blaze Merg is a wizard... but not a particularly good one. He's still surprised that he managed to graduate, and finding a job has proved to be a lot more difficult than expected. Their lives become intertwined just as the magical world erupts into chaos. Spells begin failing, people start dying, and the two are magically bound together against their will. As the magical community struggles to survive without magic, Blaze and Kayden try to find a way to break the spell that has physically bound them together. But as they navigate through magical politics, they must also control their growing attraction to one another, which may just be another unfortunate side effect of their spell gone wrong. * * * Awards and Featuring: Ranked #13 in Fantasy (Dec 2016) Wattpad Featured (Dec 2016) Editor's Choice (May 2020) Featured on @ContemporaryLit (Jan 2020) Featured on @Fantasy (Feb 2021) Featured on @WattpadUrbanFantasy (May 2021) Cover image by @TheRainbowPig