8

Hope POV

After sending Landon away the last thing I wanted to do was to get up early and meet Alaric outside of the school. But I knew that if I didn't do what Alaric asked he would be disappointed with me so here I am 8AM bright and early waiting for him to show up. I notice a distortion in one of the trees by the gate and started to worry. Is this another monster I wonder while prepping for battle. Only to be shocked when I see Alaric step through the distortion.

Alaric just waves at me and says, "Stand down Hope it's just us we brought the new students." It was at this moment that I noticed two people emerge from the tree after Dorian. A small but graceful girl not any older than me by the looks of her and a tall well muscled boy bringing up the rear of the group.

Alette POV

Stepping through the portal after Dorian I see a girl standing in front of a very large building. She is cute with a small face and eyes that look detached from the world but that is not the most shocking thing about her. She has a true mate bond with my brother and a forced mate bond with someone else. The forced bond is concerning because I can tell it is affecting her decision making skills. It is forcing her to prioritize the fakes life over her own and taking away her will to live.

I reach out to my brother placing my hand in his and say through our link "Don't freak out but I see that girl over there's bond and she is your true mate but she has a fake mate bond corrupting her mind and making her put that fake first even before her own life." 

Arion was knowingly shocked at this new information he tightened his grip and nodded while replying through the link "She looks just like Hope from the show. But knowing that she is my mate not Landon's is shocking. I will have to take it slow if her relationship with him is developed enough."

Thinking about what he said for a second I say "It's not a strong bond yet just formed actually they must have kissed recently we will have to see where we are in the story to find out more don't worry brother I will help you." 

Hope POV

I don't know why but when the girl took the hand of the boy beside her I got angry. It's crazy but it almost felt like jealously. Alaric walked towards me and said, "Hope I would like you to meet Arion and his sister Alette." So she is his sister I thought. That thought made me release the breath I didn't know I was holding which is weird I shouldn't be feeling anything for him. I have Landon or I did have Landon until I sent him away. That thought made me sad again and a frown creased my brows which usually sends people running in the opposite direction. But the girl Alette just placed her outstretched hand Infront of me as if to shake hands.

I took her hand and she said "It's nice to meet you Hope, I was hoping we could be friends. I've never had a friend aside from my brother of course." Shocked by the honesty and affection in her eyes I smiled letting the emotions I usually keep bottled up seep slightly into my chest as it warms at her gesture and offer of friendship. 

"Hey, Don't leave me out sis I want a friend to. Will you be my friend as well Ms. Hope?" Arion said questioningly I laughed at his playful demeanor towards his sister and said "I would be happy to be a friend to both of you." They both smiled and high fived each other and said ""SCORE"" in unison.

Alaric just smiled at our interaction and said "Hope I need you to take them to the room next to yours and get them settled in they will be starting class first thing Monday morning." 

I nodded and said "Sure thing Dr. Saltzman. Follow me guys I will show you around the school and then to your room. Are you guys ok with sharing a room?" 

Alette nodded and said "I have been with him since birth I see no need to be separated now our father and Aunt were the same way even after they found their mates."

"Mates?" I asked quizzically 

Alette just nodded while saying "Everyone has a true mate and you are lucky if you find them. They balance you and bring out the best and truest you. I have a gift that allows me to see bonds we for example have a friendship/sister bond I usually don't tell people about love bonds because I feel it takes the mystery/romance out of life so don't ask." 

I stopped in my tracks looking at her I asked, "You can see bonds? Do you see the bonds of people who have died?" 

Alette just nodded and said "Yes, but it becomes muted after their death I can see a fatherly bond that is full of love, pride and hope for your future if that helps." 

At this I just start to cry all I could think was that my father didn't hate or resent me for his death. I felt two hands on my shoulders I assume is the siblings and smile while saying, "Thank you for that Alette. You have no idea what you just told me means to me. My father means the world to me and I miss him." 

Arion POV

'She looks so small when she is crying.' I thought I would never say that out loud she looks like a girl who would skewer me if I did.

Placing my hand on her shoulder again I said, "I know losing a parent is never easy and the pain never really goes away but it gets easier with time to only remember the good times.That helps with a lot of the pain that comes along with the loss." She looked up at me and I smiled at her. Her tear streaked face is heart breaking I wish I could just hug her but it's to soon for that.

Sensing my feeling Alette took action for me she wrapped Hope into a tight hug and said, "We may have just met but I want us to be good friends that can help each other to carry their burdens."

Hope smiled after my sister's arms wrapped around her and said, "I would like that as well."