Novels by Kelly Lord

CalebThe past few months have flown by quickly. I've spent most of my days working at my Dad's company and most of my nights at Ruby's house. Her mom, Jennifer had made room for me in the hall. So, I've been crashing there for a while. I've gotten used to playing the part of a family pet. If I'm honest, I prefer the home-made dog bed more than my own actual bed.I've received far better treatment as an animal in Ruby's house, than I ever did as a person at home. I'd been avoiding my mother like the plague, just lately. Dad had taken the news about Ruby well but unfortunately, Mom hadn't.Dad respected the mate bond, which was why he'd put up with all of Mom's crap over the years. She, however, went on to accuse me of some pretty disgusting things regarding my relationship with Ruby.It didn't matter how much I tried to explain to her, that our relationship was just an innocent frie

CalebWalking back from Ruby's house gave me plenty of time to think. It was going to be hard not to get involved with her business but the kids at school had to learn to lay off her. After all, she was going to become their Luna one day.I hated bullies. Just because she wasn't a wolf, it didn't give them the right to alienate her at school. I intended to contact the principal as soon as I got home.I was greeted with the usual frosty reception as soon as I walked through the door."Caleb, back in time for dinner? Don't tell me there's trouble in paradise already?" Mom teased, in a mocking tone.She stood at the top of the stairs, wearing a black Chanel dress with a white lace collar. The finely stitched material hugged her slender figure like it has been hand painted onto her skin.The way she gripped the banister rail with her red talon-like

Ruby"OK, fingers on lips, guys." Our teacher, Miss Wilson, silenced the class with a shush.I liked Miss Wilson. She was nice. She wasn't old like my last teacher who always smelled like toilet freshener. Miss Wilson was young and had a pretty smile. She had blonde curly hair that reminded me of spaghetti.I sat down at the table that I shared with three other children. Picking the PVA glue and glitter from my fingers like a sparkly layer of skin."Does anyone need to take a bathroom break?" Miss Wilson asked, her eyes scanning the classroom for a show of raised hands."Okay, kids, go get your coats on, then go line up at the door." Miss Wilson instructed, wincing at the sound of scraping chairs.We all hurried with enthusiasm towards the named coat pegs. I stuffed my arms through the sleeves of my red jacket, then walked quickly towards the do

CalebI waited until Ruby had slipped back through the door before I crept up to the sitting room window of the farmhouse."No, ma'am. I know it's hard, but I need you to remain calm. Kids do this a lot and there's every chance she hasn't gone far. Now, I need you to give us a full description of her," I heard a female speaker give the instruction, in a controlled voice.She was a pack soldier, who to any human resident, looked like a normal law enforcement officer. Ruby and her mother weren't the only human inhabitants here in Lakewood.There were roughly around half a dozen but most were elderly. This also meant that Ruby would be the only human child at her school. I was curious to learn how they came to move here because as far as I knew, we didn't usually advertise our rental properties beyond pack boundaries. Which meant they'd probably stumbled upon it by chance.

CalebThe ten-second countdown had begun."Ten... Nine... Eight... Seven... Six... Five... Four... Three... Two... One. Happy birthday, Caleb!" Everyone chanted in unison.The sound of clapping and celebratory cheering filled the ballroom. Then the mini-orchestra Mom hired, resumed playing once again. My parents had invited everyone we knew to the party. They called it a ball because the women were wearing gowns and cocktail dresses and all the men were dressed in tuxedos. To me, it was just an excuse to get drunk, make mindless conversation with people you wouldn't usually have anything to do with on a daily basis. My parents could barely stand half the people here and that was on a good day."Caleb, do you see her? Have you felt drawn to anyone yet?" Aaron asked.Aaron, my comical best friend, was standing around trying to look all suave and sophisticated with his c

Leah's 18th Birthday.The hot August sun licked my skin with a trail of fiery kisses. Even the sunscreen that I had smothered all over me felt as if I'd just basted myself in cooking oil."This feels so good." I lay basking in the heat next to Hannah.The two of us were sprawled out, sunbathing down at the harbor. Eli couldn't make it today, as per usual. He had to go help out his father. I can't say that I wasn't disappointed."Who needs a tropical Island, when you can just stay here and get butchered by mosquitoes," Hannah breathed, with sarcasm."Shh! We're supposed to be relaxing," I muttered, lazily.We had been slow-roasting here for just under an hour on sun loungers that we hired for five dollars each. This was my idea of fun, although, it wasn't Hannah's."I'm burned to a crisp, I hope you realize," Hannah grumbled.

Leah Grayson: age 17."Bye, Sandra, I'm going to head off now," I shouted. My voice reached through to the kitchen to where Sandra, my boss, was dumping an arm full of plates into the sink. I was glad that my shift had ended. There was no way I wanted to tackle all of those dirty dishes. I smirked as Josie donned a bright-pink pair of rubber gloves and was already leaning over the sink-full of steamy hot water, wiping the sweat from her brow."Sure, honey. See you on Friday," Sandra replied back.Plenty of changes had taken place within the first twelve months of me living here. I received a letter from the principal of the high school through the mail, telling me that there was a legal requirement for me to attend school.I was allowed to continue to live in my apartment, just as long as I had a responsible adult to watch over me. Sandra volunteered, of course. I also c

"Morning." I waived to my boss as I entered the diner.Sandra lifted her gaze, smiling brightly."Hi honey, are you ready for today?" She asked, cheerfully."Yeah, sure. Where should I start?" I asked, feeling a surge of enthusiasm.Gratitude didn't even come close to how I was feeling. The woman was a lifesaver. My very own guardian angel. She really helped me out yesterday. The least I could do in return was to apply myself here at work."Here, take this order pad and pen." She handed me hers. "All you have to do is make a note of the table number and write down what the customer wants," she explained.To be honest, it was all pretty straightforward, even a monkey could do it.My first day was fairly easy. I learned how to make milkshakes with ice-cream, brew coffee, and make cakes. I'd never done anything like this before. It was fun.

I stopped to read the sign at the edge of the town. It was a decretive plaque, that had a figure of a wolf etched into it. When I saw the wolf symbol, I instantly thought of the surrounding forest inhabited by wolves. I assumed that this was one of those places, home to protected wildlife, because why else would you choose to have that particular symbol?It also made a stroll through the woods seem like a daunting prospect. Wolves could be watching me right now. Eying me up for dinner. I shuddered, then hastened my steps.Stonevale wasn't at all what I was expecting it to be. As soon as I reached civilization, the place looked pretty and pristine. Frost glittered along the pavements, with not a trace of litter to be seen. Planters had been placed here and there, filled with some of the prettiest winter flowers. Each store window display was stylishly decorated in Christmas themes.It was mid-November, and the snow hadn't even begun to fall. The air all

Leah Grayson: Age Sixteen."One-way ticket to wherever that bus is headed, please." I emptied my life savings onto the counter at the booth. A whopping one hundred and twenty dollars, consisting of mostly coins and a few crumpled bills.I'd deliberately chose the furthest destination that I could get to by bus. I gulped nervously knowing that I didn't have much time.The attendant looked taken back. "Are you sure, honey?" She seemed reluctant to hand over the ticket through the gap in the glass.She was a small brunette lady who looked like she was in her late forties. She had a gold band on her wedding finger and a pendant around her neck that had 'Best Mom' engraved on it. Her eyes drowned with pity as she took in my battered appearance. She was old enough to be my mom and probably had a son or daughter around my age."I'm sure. The further the better," I replied, managi

“Why are you just standing there with your mouth open?”I giggled.As I pulled on my nightdress, the poor guy's confidence was draining faster than the color of his face.He was grabbing my ass half an hour ago and chewing my face. Something told me that he didn't think I'd be so quick to skip a few bases and that's why he wanted a month.Fair enough, I was being direct. I was used to getting exactly what I wanted and this guy was no exception. I usually slept with a guy on the first or second date, depending on how much wine I’d had to drink. There was no way I was prepared to have a month's abstinence.Sorry bear-boy, that's just not an option.Even Goldilocks tried out every bed in the house. Well, maybe not like that, but that depends on which version you read.He licked his lips, running a hand through his already messed up hair.“What, li

“I mean, yeah, sure. If you wanna?”I replied with a shrug.I watched as Axel gulped, squirming nervously on his seat.“What? You'd really dothat? But you don't even know me that well yet,”he mumbled, shocked by my blasé attitude when it came to sex.“So. It's not like I haven't done it with tons of guys before,”I shrugged, nonchalantly.I watched his Adam's apple bob in his throat. The light in his eyes seemed to diminish with disappointment.Did what I say hurt him?“What did I say?”I asked, narrowing my eyes with concern.I'd obviously struck a raw nerve. His jaw pulsed and his lips formed a tight, thin line as he dropped his gaze to the breakfast bar.“Axel," I spoke gently, placing a hand on his forearm.He flinched away from my touch as if burned by the contact, then abruptly pushed bac

My jaw practically hit the floor as Axel began to transform. He went from, hot looking man, into big, furry'not so cute' bear, bashing against the chest of drawers and knocking off a few framed pictures.“You weren't kidding! Oh my God! It was you. You damaged my fucking car!" I yelled, pointing an accusing finger, feeling my temper surging.He had transformed into a huge, mean-looking grizzly bear, and in any normal circumstances, I wouldn't be yelling at him. But this was the same guy who: dented my door, removed the glow plugs from my car, insulted my singing, not to mention dissed my favorite band, and to top it all off,stoleme like a creep in the dead of night.He canted his head to one side, observing my reaction as if to say ′seriously?You're bringing this up, now?'Even in bear form, he was still an annoying jerk. But a handsome annoyi

“Calm down and I'll explain.”The large naked guy held his palms up as if I was the one over fucking reacting.“Excuse me, are you insane?" I yelled, frantically, sidestepping away from him.Each attempt he made to try and grab hold of my arms, I spun mine in circles. It looked like some freakishly weird dance moves“I think we've finally established that this is not a dream, "he patronized.And he had the audacity to look at me as if I was the one stark raving mad.“Youkidnapped me from the guest house.Youneed to let me go or elseyou'regoing to be in serious trouble buddy, "I warned, pointing a finger at him.He dragged his hand down his face, clearly frustrated. My eyes landed on his engorged appendage and I let out a shocked gasp.“Oh my God! Cover your thing!" I screamed, slapping a hand over

With my music cranked up to high volume, I cruised along the dark woodland road, singing along at the top of my lungs to my favorite song: My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade.“Sometimes I get the feeling she’s watching over me, and other times I feel like I should go.And through it all, the rise and fall, the bodies in the streets.And when you’re gone, we want you all to know, we’ll carry on...”“Oh shit!”I screamed.I slammed my foot down hard on the brake, forcing an emergency stop. I'd been way too preoccupied singing along to my music. I hadn't seen the bear that had wandered out of the forest and onto the middle of the road.I was deep in the wilderness, somewhere on the edge of Nowhere-Ville, heading towards Stayridge City. From the edge of the road, on either side of me, was just dark dense woodland. I must've taken a wrong turn somewhere because I didn't recognize

"That's what people said." Teresa shrugged. "The girls weren't mistreated or anything, they all came back with the same stories. That the men were searching for the right one but none of those women was right for them," she finished. "Personally, I think that the majority of them went looking to see for themselves. Most seemed disheartened when they came back... whores." She scrunched her face with revulsion.Helen giggled and even Teresa began to relax and see the funny side. The scientist in me was rolling her eyes, calling this out for the bullshit that it was, but after the night I had, something that Teresa had just said resonated with me. Like an itch I just had to scratch or else it'd bug me."I thought I heard wolves howling outside the guest house last night. That's what it sounded like anyway. So, what you're saying is, there are men in the woods who go around impersonating the call of the wolf? Bloody hell." I shook my head slowly. "I

Helen pulled into a free parking bay along the edge of the town square. Hawcroft Town was a cute little place that had an ample amount of shops, despite being in such a small populated area. You could get a good view of Shade Lake from this side of the town. There was a picnic area along the water's edge, with an adventure playground for children. The harbour was bustling with families, all out enjoying the sunshine and feeding the ducks clumps of bread. I could imagine this place being great to raise a family. Helen and Sam certainly picked the nicest place to raise Ashlyn and Caleb."I'm going to take the kids to choose a gift for Sam. We could meet up for lunch later, if you don't fancy getting dragged from store to store," Helen suggested."I'll meet up later," I decided, wanting to go off and explore on my own for a while. "I fancy having a mooch around."Helen nodded. "It's impossible to get lost around here. Whichever w

I gazed out through the windscreen and up at the highlighted brickwork. The guesthouse was bathed in a pale yellow hue from the spotlights. A sun canopy stretched around the front of the building like a striped skirt. From the well-maintained grounds to the internal artistic décor, everything was modern and immaculate.Peter helped to bring my belongings inside. We had to be quiet so as not to wake the sleeping guests. Helen and Sam were there to greet us, and what a fine-looking couple they were too. Her tanned skin was flawless, contrasting against her platinum blonde hair and perfect white teeth. The summer dress she wore, clung to her voluptuous figure like she had been hand-stitched into it. Her husband Sam, was around six-foot-five with looks to die for, and the body of a temple. I didn't need x-ray vision as his well-defined assets strained beneath his tight V-necked t-shirt, leaving nothing to the imagination.Peter and Sam carried all m

The following morning..."Have you got all of your travel documents and your visa?" Mum asked as she crossed off each item on the checklist.Mum was a list maker. Not a single day went by where she didn't compile a list of things that she needed to do or things she needed to buy. This time, she had put together a list of all the things I needed to take with me to America."Yes, Mum, they're in the travel wallet you bought for me," I replied, holding it up as evidence."See, Arron. Those things come in handy, don't they? They keep everything together all in one place. Everybody should have one," Mum suggested as she wagged her index finger at Dad. He had initially scoffed at the idea of owning one, back when she was ordering them from E-Bay the other week.Mum began rhyming things off, using her fingers to mentally count on. "Let's see, you've got your money, your

"Miss Isobelle Harding," our principal, Mr Saunders called me to the stage.Shaking with adrenaline and sweating like a bitch in heat, I ascended up the metal steps with the sound of applause ringing in my ears. All my focus went into not tripping in my graduation gown and looking like a complete dick-head in front of all these people. The pressure of having a hundred pairs of eyes following me across the stage scorched my face with embarrassment. I wasn't exactly an outgoing person and despised being the centre of attention. Perspiration began to form across my upper lip like a sweaty moustache.Why did this gown have to be made from black polyester?In temperatures of thirty degrees, the heavy material was suffocating. By the time I had walked across the stage, I had turned into a flustered mess. As subtly as I could manage, I wiped my moist palms across my gown before accepting the scroll. The principal grasped my