Unnatural

Studying at Nick’s house had become one of my favorite pastimes lately. I wasn’t sure if it was the company of the Moons I preferred over my own parents’ next door, but one thing was clear: I felt more at home among a clan of vampires than with my human mother and stepfather. Maybe because the Moons knew the truth about me—something my own family didn’t.

“Feels like math’s gotten harder over the years,” Nick muttered, staring at the textbook in his lap.

I chuckled and rested my chin on the bed, laying on my stomach.

“Trust me,” I smirked, “it only gets worse the older we get.”

Nick cracked a smile, leaning his back against the headboard, and glanced at me.

“I still think it’s weird your mom lets you come over every day,” he said, brow furrowed. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, she doesn’t exactly prioritize my well-being.”

“Maybe because you push her away,” he mumbled, eyes back on the book.

“For her own good,” I shot back. “Besides, she trusts you to ‘take care of me.’”

“Even when we’re supposedly studying for finals…” He raised an eyebrow. “At my house. In my bedroom. On my bed…”

I laughed, burying my face in his pillow as my cheeks burned.

“She and Spencer don’t need to know the details,” I said, muffled by fabric.

“Kind of like how I end up sleeping in your bed most nights?”

“One of us is actually asleep most of the time,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.

Nick chuckled, but his smile faded when I winced. A sharp flash overtook my vision. I shut my eyes and pressed my head deeper into the pillow.

“Janelle?”

His fingers brushed gently through the hair at the back of my head.

I took a deep breath and slowly opened my eyes, blinking against the blur.

“Was it the flashes again?” he asked, quietly.

I nodded but didn’t meet his gaze.

“As if the dreams weren’t bad enough…”

Nick sighed. “More insane than dreaming about your soulmate for forty years, before she even existed?”

Despite myself, I laughed and finally turned to meet his eyes.

“It’s been a month now,” he said, more seriously. “And they’re happening more often. “

“It’s always the same,” I grouched. “All I see is white, and it only last for third seconds, sometimes shorter.”

“If we can just figure out what’s causing it, or understand what it’s about.” Nick said.

“I’m not going to a shrink if that’s where you’re going with this.”

He tilted his head, frowning.

“I’d never let you suffer like that. But we don’t know what these flashes mean. If they’re connected to your dreams, your powers—”

“Powers?” I echoed, frowning.

Nick shrugged. “It’s possible. You didn’t even know you were part-immortal until recently. There might be more you haven’t discovered—like seeing the future in dreams.”

I sighed and sat up beside him, leaning against the headboard.

“Like what?” I asked. “What type of powers would cause white vision flashes?”

“Or maybe you’re overwhelmed,” Nick shrugged. “I wish I had all the answers too, wildflower,” he murmured, taking my hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed my palm.

My heart fluttered at the nickname, and warmth crept into my cheeks. Wildflower was a way of saying I was delicate, yet strong in his eyes. I leaned over and kissed his cheek.

“Behave yourselves—there are children in this house!”

I jumped, laughing, as Nick rolled his eyes. His older, adoptive brother, Jamie lounged in the doorway, arms crossed and wearing his signature smirk. His tall frame nearly filled the entry, dark clothes contrasting the mischief in his eyes.

“I’m the youngest in this house, remember?” I teased. “So don’t start, old man.”

Nick chuckled and sat straighter.

“Speaking of age…” Ally appeared behind Jamie, swaying gently. My best friend’s white skirt brushed her legs as her warm brown eyes settled on Nick.

“Have you told her about tomorrow’s plans yet?”

Nick groaned, shoulders slumping.

“What plans?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“It’s supposed to be a surprise,” Nick muttered, glaring at his adoptive sister.

“Don’t blame me when she finds out and gets mad,” Ally replied with a shrug.

Jamie grinned. “Did you really think you could keep anything from this little danger magnet?”

“What. Plans.” I repeated, sharper this time.

Jamie looked far too amused.

“Nick’s taking you out while the rest of us get things ready here,” Ally said, ignoring Nick’s glare.

“You’re not planning a birthday party, are you?” I asked, suspiciously.

“Do you really think we’d torture you like that, little sis?” Jamie teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Nick placed a hand over mine. “You’ve got nothing to worry about, love. But it’s getting late. You should head home before Spencer starts pacing.”

I frowned. “He’s already home?”

Jamie leaned against the doorframe. “Why do you think we’re here? It’s half past four, by the way.”

“Shit.” I grabbed my untouched math book and bolted up.

As I rushed out, Jamie called after me, “Run along, birthday girl!”

By the time I reached the front door, Nick was already there, holding my jacket. Smiling, I let him help me into it before he opened the door.

Hand in hand, we crossed the lawn toward my house next door.

“You’re not worried?” I asked, glancing at him.

Nick shrugged, amused. “I’ve accepted that your parents don’t like me.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Or at least, Spencer doesn’t,” he corrected.

“He’s just afraid I’ll run off with you and live happily ever after.”

“You sound more skeptical every time you say that,” Nick said, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Makes me wonder if, when it happens, you’ll still react the same way.”

I stopped on the porch and narrowed my eyes.

Before I could respond, the door swung open.

Spencer stood there, eyes flicking between the two of us. Still in work clothes—shirt pressed, tie undone—he looked like he’d been waiting.

“Mr. Berglund,” Nick said, smoothly. “Just making sure Janelle got home safe.”

Spencer gave a curt nod. “Thanks, Nick.”

“Goodnight to you both,” Nick added, politely. “Send my regards to Mrs. Berglund.”

Spencer nodded again and stepped aside.

I turned to Nick and kissed his cheek, quickly. “Goodnight. I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he whispered, squeezing my hand before letting go.

He kissed my forehead and walked back across the lawn to his house.

~❄~

Dinner was uneventful, as usual. I sat quietly at the table, picking at my food while Chantelle and Spencer discussed work.

“André called again,” Chantelle said with a light smile toward Spencer. “He said he won’t be able to make it this weekend.”

I kept my eyes on my plate, pretending not to care. André had been avoiding me for months now. Even when he did visit, he barely spoke to me—and no one would explain why.

“Are you and André still upset with each other?” Spencer asked, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

My breath caught in my throat. “No,” I said. “It’s not that. He just… doesn’t like Nick. Or our relationship.”

I ducked my head, hoping that would end the conversation.

Chantelle and Spencer exchanged a look but didn’t push further.

After dinner, I excused myself and headed upstairs.

As usual, Nick was already waiting in my room, stretched out against the headboard with a book in hand, looking as comfortable as ever. But the conversation at dinner lingered, gnawing at the edges of my mind.

I sat on the edge of the bed and crossed my legs.

“Why do you and André dislike each other so much?” I asked, breaking the silence.

Nick closed his book with a sigh, setting it aside. “Janelle… I know you want answers…”

“There’s more to the story, isn’t there?” I pressed. “And the longer André avoids me, the harder it is to trust him—or my own family, for that matter.”

Nick’s expression softened. He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Do you still trust me?” he asked.

“Of course I do,” I whispered.

“Then that’s all that matters,” he said, but there was steel beneath the softness.

I frowned, unconvinced. “If you trust me enough to keep your secret about being immortal, then you can trust me not to freak out over whatever happened with André.”

His jaw tensed.

“I’m not keeping secrets from you, Janelle… But some truths aren’t mine to tell.”

“Is it André?” I asked.

Nick didn’t respond for a long moment.

“You should ask him. Just… be ready when you do.”

I sighed, frustrated but unwilling to push further.

Nick placed his hand over mine, warm and steady. “You should get some sleep,” he murmured.

Reluctantly, I nodded.

~❄~

A soft knock stirred me from sleep. Before I could fully register what was happening, my bedroom door creaked open and footsteps padded toward the bed.

“Janelle,” Chantelle’s voice called gently.

Crap—I forgot.

I sat up abruptly, blinking away sleep. Chantelle and Spencer stood at the edge of my bed, both smiling.

Spencer had something hidden behind his back. I pressed my lips into a tight line, hoping they hadn’t gone out of their way for me this year.

“Happy birthday!” Chantelle said, cheerfully.

I groaned, feigning annoyance, but couldn’t stop a smile from creeping across my face.

Chantelle’s brown hair was tied back in a sleek ponytail that brushed the middle of her back. Spencer stepped forward, revealing a large purple box.

“Happy birthday, Janelle,” he said, warmly.

I sighed, accepting the gift.

“You didn’t have to—”

“Nonsense,” Chantelle interrupted with a wave. “Eighteen is a big deal. It deserves something special.”

I rolled my eyes, but the grin on my face betrayed me.

“Go ahead,” Spencer urged. “Open it. You’ll like it—and it might even be useful.”

Curiosity sparked as I lifted the lid. Inside was a pristine art kit: a thick drawing pad, twenty vibrant colored pencils, six bottles of paint, and a wide selection of brushes.

My breath caught. A complete collection.

“I remember how you used to sketch those strange dreams you had as a kid,” Chantelle smiled, sadly. “Even though it something crept me out, that didn’t stop me form seeing how talented you are.”

My heart ached, and I wasn’t sure if I should believe her. Unlike music, Chantelle was supportive of my artwork and creative mind. But she surely didn’t see it as a profession, but more like a hobby. I never overstepped those judgements, because Chantelle wasn’t a creative thinker, unlike myself. She was a formal business woman who spend her free time relaxing in front of the TV. Even Spencer showed a bit more ambition by reading in his spare time.

But I didn’t allow Chantelle’s words to overcloud me.

I leapt from the bed and threw my arms around Chantelle’s neck.

“Thank you—thank you both so much!”

Chantelle laughed and hugged me tightly. “You’re welcome, sweetheart,” she said, kissing my cheek.

Spencer followed with a light kiss on my forehead. “Get ready for school,” he said, already turning to leave.

I rushed to the bathroom, practically bouncing with energy.

After getting dressed, I returned to my room to grab my bag when I heard a familiar voice from outside.

“Hey, birthday girl!” Jamie called from the yard. “You can’t hide inside all day!”

I groaned and smacked my forehead.

At least he’s in college. I couldn’t imagine dealing with him at school, too.

I grabbed my jacket and bag and hurried downstairs.

When I opened the front door, I couldn’t help but smile.

Nick was standing on the porch, arms crossed, a playful grin on his face. His backpack slung over one shoulder, and his messy blonde hair fell just above his warm brown eyes.

“Morning, beautiful,” he greeted, casually.

I rolled my eyes and shut the door behind me.

“And do I dare wish you a happy birthday this early?” he teased, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m getting old,” I sighed.

“If you think eighteen is old…”

“You’re the youngest one in the clan,” I said, smirking.

He chuckled. “Still older than you.”

“If the girls at school knew your real age…” I said, nudging him.

“They’d run for miles,” he finished with a grin.

I giggled as we stepped off the porch, his hand naturally finding mine.

Across the lawn, Nick’s adoptive siblings were already gathered in the Moon’s driveway. Ally, Jamie, Harry, and Gabby stood near Jamie’s Jeep. Nick’s sleek black Mercedes was parked behind it.

“Happy birthday, Janelle!” Ally called, waving.

I ducked my head. “Thanks, but could we not announce it to the whole neighborhood?”

She rolled her eyes, dramatically.

“Be glad none of us remember when our birthdays are,” Harry said with a smirk.

“Really?” I asked.

“As you get older, some memories just fade,” Gabby added. “Immortal or not. Trust me—in a hundred years, you probably won’t even remember your own birthday.”

Nick rolled his eyes at her.

“Some of us have records, though,” she said slyly, smirking at him.

I turned to Nick, intrigued.

Gabby’s grin widened. “Would it kill you to tell her your birthday?”

Nick met my gaze, lips twitching into a reluctant smile.

“September twenty-fourth.”

Noted.

“We should get going,” Gabby said, glancing at her watch.

“Do we have to?” Ally whined, slumping her shoulders.

“You’re the one who insisted on finishing school,” Harry reminded her.

Ally groaned.

“Don’t worry, honey-bun,” Jamie said, tossing an arm around her. “Only two more weeks until spring break.”

Harry snorted. “You wish it was spring break,” he teased, wiggling his eyebrows.