"Do you want to come with me?" Kessler asked, taking me by surprise. "To my house."I was surprised that he asked me that because I've only been to his house once, and it was when he had his party that my father ended. "Oh, really? Well, I would like to," I responded, a bit nervous. I've met Kessler's mother, but what about his father? Will he get angry if I ask?"Come on," he took my hand, and we both walked towards his house. I don't know any of his friends, I rarely see Kessler with anyone other than two guys he sometimes walks with, but that's it. Besides Riley, of course. We entered his house. It had white walls, a set of sofas, a big television. There was a door leading to the kitchen and stairs to the second floor. It was very nice and tidy."Do you live alone?" I wanted to know, admiring the pictures hanging on the wall."Yes.""But, has it always been like this? I suppose you used to live with your parents before."Silence."With my mother... but since she became mayor, I pr
I'm dead scared, the wolf kept gnawing at the branches and tearing at the roots to get to where I was. I heard howls in the distance, which put me on high alert because I knew more wolves were coming for me. I held the knife close to my chest because it was the only weapon I had to get out of here."Go away, leave me alone!" I shouted at the wolf. But the wolf growled at me with hatred, looking extremely furious."Eva!" I heard my dad's voice. Am I hallucinating? "Eva, where are you?"It's dad. Now I'm scared for him. The wolf stopped scratching the tree where I was and turned its head back; I know it also heard my father's voice and will go after him now. Fear took hold of my body, but so did courage. I won't allow any wolf to harm my father; I'd rather die first. When the wolf left, I stood up and left my hiding spot without thinking about the possibility of more wolves being nearby."Dad!" I shouted to make him hear me."Eva, this way!" I heard his voice to my left. I ran down that
I'm in the shower, trying to wash off the smell of blood from my body. I even have blood under my nails. It all disgusts me; I feel dirty. Recent events keep replaying in my mind. This is the first time I've faced something like this: Riley, the wolf, that name, and finally, the black wolf that saved me. There's something strange about all of this. But Riley is the most involved in this. If I had told Dad that she was behind all of this, I'm sure he would have gone to find her in his patrol car and put her in jail. But that's not what I want for Riley right now. She has something strange and mysterious about her. Not just her, many guys here. Including Kessler.When I finished cleaning myself and finally felt clean, I stepped out of the shower in a towel. As soon as I set foot in the room, a silhouette at the window startled me."Relax, it's me," Kessler appeared in the darkness of my room."Kessler, you scared me to death," I reproached, giving him a pat on the shoulder."I'll make s
"Everything tastes delicious," Kessler tells me, giving me a closed-mouth smile. We had made breakfast, well, more like me since Kessler took care of tidying up his kitchen. It's clear that no woman lives here. I'm curious to know if this house is his or his mother's. I made scrambled eggs, toast, avocado, and some coffee."Thanks, I had to make something with what little you had in the fridge. You need to go grocery shopping," I said, taking a sip of my coffee."Will you come with me?" he proposed. I didn't dislike the idea at all. I like it when Kessler includes me in his plans."Sure. After the... funeral," I replied. "Hey, Kessler. Whose house is this, by the way?"Yes, I know I'm very curious... maybe nosy. It's just that I like to be informed about everything, so I avoid creating ideas in my head."It's mine.""Did your mom give it to you?"He laughed."Of course not, Eva. I bought it myself. I have my own money.""Oh, well, good for you," I smiled. "You're independent now.""I'
"What the hell are you talking about?" she snapped at me, clearly displeased with my presence.The feeling is mutual."About you. Seems like someone hurt you too. Was it your friend, the wolf?" I mocked. "What do you think my father would do if I told him that you broke into my house last night and ordered the wolf to kill me?" I threatened, glaring at her with hatred. Riley is a dangerous woman, and I won't show her any mercy. She committed a serious crime.Riley seemed slightly scared but managed to maintain her composure."The mayor, my mother-in-law, wouldn't let your daddy hurt me," she taunted. I felt anger when she mentioned Kayler's mom."You mean your ex-mother-in-law," I retorted.Riley laughed."Everyone here knows that Kessler and I will get married. It's not something he can stop," she smiled. "Nor can you."I didn't understand what she meant. She seemed very sure of her words. There's something Kessler isn't telling me, and I need to know what it is because I don't want
I woke up in the middle of the darkness, the stale, damp air filling my lungs as my body lay sore on the floor of the pit. A groan escaped my lips, and with effort, I sat up, feeling the sticky mud clinging to my skin and soaked clothes. I looked around in the dim light, trying to orient myself, to understand where exactly I was."Lottie!" I called out, searching for my friend in the darkness. Worry flooded over me when I received no response. Where was she? Was she okay? My heart pounded, fear palpable in the air.Weak sounds of movement echoed from the other side of the pit. My eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness, trying to distinguish any shapes among the shadows. Then, a figure slowly materialized, approaching me cautiously."Eva?" Lottie's voice reached my ears, filled with fear and confusion. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I saw her safe, though she was obviously scared and bewildered."Lottie, are you okay," I said, trying to calm her as I crawled towards her. We embraced
"I'm trying, but I can't see anything in the middle of this darkness!" Lottie replied, her tone filled with panic as she desperately searched for a hiding spot.The slippery mud made their progress difficult, each step a struggle against the forces of nature seemingly against them. But determination burned in Eva's heart, propelling her forward despite the adversities."There, behind that tombstone!" Eva exclaimed, pointing towards a large, sturdy tombstone that seemed to offer some protection against the wolves.Without hesitation, the two young women ran towards the tombstone, the sound of their own heartbeats echoing in their ears as they sought refuge amidst the storm."Come on, Lottie, hurry!" urged Eva, extending a hand to help her friend climb behind the tombstone.Lottie nodded determinedly and grabbed Eva's hand, feeling a ray of hope shine within her despite the terror surrounding them."We made it!" exclaimed Lottie, her voice full of relief as she huddled next to Eva behin
Eva calmed down a bit when she realized it was Kessler who had scared her."Kessler, I was with Lottie, we were being chased by wolves. It was terrifying," Eva said, her voice trembling as she shared the truth with him.Kessler looked at her with concern, his eyes scanning Eva's face for signs of injury or distress."Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" Kessler asked, his voice full of concern as he approached to examine Eva more closely.Eva shook her head, feeling reassured by Kessler's comforting presence by her side."I'm fine, just a little scared. But thanks to Lottie and you, we managed to escape from the wolves," Eva replied, her voice filled with gratitude toward her friend for being there for her in her time of need.Kessler nodded understandingly, his expression softening as he placed a comforting hand on Eva's shoulder."I'm glad you're safe. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll always be here for you, Eva," Kessler said, his voice full of sincerity as he offered his u
"At what party?""On the mountain, the highest one. They always throw parties there.""Are there any witnesses who can confirm that information?"I bit my lip, remembering that neither Maia nor Junior made it to the party yesterday. I also didn't see Jeremiah; the only ones who could say they saw me are Monica and Miranda.Great."Liam.""Anyone else?""Uh, yes! T-Theo... Theo W-White.""Anyone else?""Those are the only ones I know.""Alright. One moment, please." The police officer leaves the room, and I'm left alone. From movies, I know that the huge mirror in front of me is a window to another room where they are also watching me.I can't believe Jeremiah is dead, oh my God, what happened to him? My hands are shaking, I feel very anxious. I don't like this place.The officer returns minutes later."We've called Theo White, and he's on his way. You need to give us the names of at least two more people. We need proof, not just words."Whatever."There are two girls that... I had pro
"Miss, step back, please!"The wolf growled louder and approached."We're going to shoot!""Don't shoot, please!"I looked at the wolf, who now seemed to realize what was happening. It was cornered. For a moment, I thought it would run away, but no, its demeanor returned to that of an angry wolf, and it advanced towards me.A gunshot.And another."No!"They hit the wolf, but it didn't stop. The wolf ran towards the forest, but it was injured. People applauded the police for hitting it. I ran after it, thinking I must be crazy for doing this, but I couldn't help feeling that the wolf needed me. I ran and ran, following the blood trail until I found it. I saw the wolf lying next to a tree.Tears streamed down my face seeing it in that state. I wasn't afraid at that moment; I just got on my knees next to it. The wolf looked at me, and its ears pinned back."I'm so sorry."It had several bullet wounds and was bleeding a lot. I couldn't help but sob."I'm so sorry."The wolf whined, and I
I half-smiled and got out of the car. Liam drove off into the forest. What is he doing? I went inside, thinking Mom or Dad would be waiting for me, super worried, but I guess Dad is keeping his word to let me fly. I went upstairs and locked the door once I was in my room.I was surprised to see Liam there."You're fast.""I wanted to spend the night with you, Cristine. I'm not going to leave you alone again."Liam hugged me, and I was grateful for it. We both got into bed and cuddled. I felt loved, cherished, and protected. Little by little, the fear started to fade."I'll take care of your dreams."His head massages made me sleepier and sleepier until I finally fell asleep.•The next morning, I opened my eyes slowly. I heard the birds chirping by the window. I looked for Liam beside me, but he was already gone. I knew it, I knew he would leave at dawn. I got up, my head aching a little. There was a note next to me that read:Good morning, sweetheart. I'll pick you up to take you to
"Sounds like a good idea." I took off his shirt, kissed his neck, and licked his ear. I looked at the half-moon in the sky, illuminating us a bit. I thought about how Liam would pay for deceiving me and how the moon would help me with my revenge. I sensually removed all my clothes in front of Liam, my naked body exposed to him. There was grass on the ground, so we lay down there. This reminded me of the night we became a couple."You're so beautiful."More than Miranda? I wanted to ask but kept quiet."So gorgeous... everything about you drives me crazy." Liam sucked on my breasts, and I felt so much pleasure that I moaned. I sat on top of him, starting to move back and forth. "Oh yes... Cristine, you're incredible." He scratched my back."Do you like it?""A lot."I smiled bitterly as I made love to him.When we were about to climax, I felt Liam getting extremely hot, just like what happened with Theo the other time. I was a bit puzzled by the similarity but decided to ignore it. May
I went downstairs."Are you going out?" Dad was at the table reading some papers."Yes, we're going to a party with Maia and the guys. Can I go?" I approached him. I didn't like being distant with my father; I've always been a daddy's girl, which is why Greg and his friends teased me. And now, with Liam's presence, he's not happy, so he's been very distant from me."Alright, have fun, honey.""I don't like being mad at you." I sat on his lap. "You're my daddy, and I love you.""I love you too, honey, it's just that... there are things you still don't understand. You're very young, and I just want to protect you. That's all."I smiled and kissed his cheek."Let me make my own decisions, let me make mistakes because that's the only way I'll gain experience and learn life's lessons. You can't keep me in a glass box forever, Dad.""That's what hurts the most: not being able to do that.""Dad...""I'll try not to be so distrustful and give you more freedom, but don't hesitate to come to me
-What are you doing here?Theo's look was dark, he didn't seem to see me.-My mom brought Maia so I couldn't get away, don't worry we're leaving," I crossed my arms.-Christine, you shouldn't come to this house anymore.Her words hurt me but I also swallowed the feeling.-If that's what you want, it's okay, you won't see me again.Theo closed his eyes for a few seconds and then let his guard down.-It's not that I don't want you to come but that it hurts me to see you and know you're not mine.A lunge.-It hurts me to see you and know I can't touch you, kiss you, or make you mine.Another thrust.His words would make any woman fall in love.I bit my bottom lip and lowered my gaze to his lips. What the hell am I doing? Am I hurting because of the way Liam is cheating on me? Maybe Liam right now is kissing Miranda or making love to her, I don't want to think about that! It's torturous.-I already told you that you won't see me again now please jump.Theo moved closer, I could tell he wa
"That's just the town entrance; there are still a few kilometers to go before we reach the houses.""Sorry, ladies, but this is as far as I can go.""We'll have to walk."I rolled my eyes, paid the taxi driver, and we got out. The man's behavior was strange; he didn't want to enter the town."What now?""We walk."Maia and I started walking. The afternoon was fading, and the sun was setting. Maia knew to respect my need for silence and reflection."I'll get over it. We were only together for a day."Maia laughed."It's funny, but you were together before Liam made it official.""Yes. I suppose it was just attraction," I swallowed hard."You're angry, but I know it hurt to see him with someone else.""Of course. I feel betrayed and hurt, but believe me, if I could get over Kaleb, I can get over anything.""I never thought Liam would lead a double life."I sighed."Neither did I. He seemed so sincere when he was with me, but I guess he's a perfect liar.""Are we not going to the party t
"There are a lot of handsome guys."I laughed."I see that.""And to think Theo would be here.""Calm down, Maia. Theo still has time to come to the university.""I know, I hope he comes around. You know, I'm starting to think that if the girl is at the university and Theo didn't want to come... it might be because she's not here.""And you're just telling me this now.""We're already here."We climbed the stairs until we reached the administration office."Hello, good afternoon. I'm looking for my friend CB."The secretary looked at us strangely. She was just a very young girl."CB?""Yes, she's my friend's cousin. She came from out of town, and we want to surprise her. We call her that out of affection; those are her initials: CB. I don't know if you can find her by her last name.""Let me try. There's a long list of girls with the initials CB.""Layla! There are two boys arguing in the yard. Come quickly, please," a blonde girl approached the secretary."What? Girls, wait here." Th
"Where did you go?" Maia was sipping her juice. I sat down next to her with my untouched lunch."I stayed in the bathroom.""How's your foot? When I looked for you, you were gone, so I came here alone.""It's fine, don't worry." I took a sip of my juice."Are we going to the university today?""Today? I don't think we'll have time.""Where are you planning to go?" Liam appeared behind me and sat down next to me."Umm... am I intruding?""Not at all, Maia.""We hardly talk, Maia, but now that Cristine and I are dating, I hope that changes."Maia smiled."You're dating? Cristine hadn't told me anything! Congratulations.""I hadn't had the time to tell you.""Do you mind if some friends join us?""Who?""Them.""Oh, the ones you had trouble with Kaleb the first time.""Yes.""No problem."Liam signaled to his friends to come to our table. They sat with us. The guys were serious like Liam and wore black jackets."This is Junior and his brother Jeremías.""Nice to meet you.""Hi, I'm Maia.