I felt as if the world was collapsing around me. The word "mate" echoed in my mind, carrying a weight that was hard to grasp."What... what do you mean by that?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.Kessler looked down, as if he couldn't bear to see my reaction. "In our world, mates are predestined. It's a deep, almost unbreakable bond. Even though my heart belongs to you, she feels that bond more intensely. It's a connection that goes beyond simple attraction."Lucas, who had been silent until now, intervened. "It's complicated, Eva. Riley is convinced that Kessler belongs to her. And that makes her dangerous."The pieces began to fall into place in my mind. Riley's threats, her persistence, it all made more sense now. But even so, I couldn't accept that it was enough to justify her behavior."So, what are we supposed to do? Keep running? Live in fear of her attacks?" I asked, my voice rising with desperation.Kessler looked at me, his eyes filled with sadness and determination. "No.
The sun was just beginning to light up my room when I got out of bed. I went straight to the bathroom, trying to clear my mind of worries as the hot water ran over my skin. I had to focus on my classes and what would come next.I finished showering, dressed quickly, and went down to the kitchen. My dad was already there, holding a cup of coffee with a pensive look on his face."Good morning, Dad," I said, trying to sound casual."Good morning, Eva. Did you sleep well?" he asked, though his eyes showed he had something else on his mind."Surprisingly well, given the circumstances," I replied, pouring myself a glass of juice. "Listen, Dad, I've been thinking about what you said last night, about Kessler and everything that's going on. I'm determined to help resolve this safely."He sighed and nodded. "I know, Eva. But you have to promise me you'll be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you.""I promise, Dad. Kessler and I are going to talk to his mother today. We'll try to find
Kessler held me firmly, his warmth giving me a sense of security despite my worries. "Eva, we'll face this together. Your dad has the right to know me, and I want him to accept me—not just for you, but because I don't want you to have to choose between us."I hugged him back, trying to calm my nerves. "You're right. This is an opportunity for him to understand us better."I returned to class, though my mind remained preoccupied with that night's dinner. I tried to focus on the lesson, but the hours dragged by. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. I gathered my things and headed to the exit, where Kessler and Lucas were already waiting for me."Ready to go see Kessler's mom?" I asked, trying to sound enthusiastic."Yeah, let's go," Lucas replied. "The sooner we get information about Riley, the better."We walked together to Kessler's house. Kessler's mom, a middle-aged woman with dark hair and piercing eyes, greeted us with a warm smile. She invited us into the
Kessler held me firmly, his warmth giving me a sense of security despite my worries. "Eva, we'll face this together. Your dad has the right to know me, and I want him to accept me—not just for you, but because I don't want you to have to choose between us."I hugged him back, trying to calm my nerves. "You're right. This is an opportunity for him to understand us better."I returned to class, though my mind remained preoccupied with that night's dinner. I tried to focus on the lesson, but the hours dragged by. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. I gathered my things and headed to the exit, where Kessler and Lucas were already waiting for me."Ready to go see Kessler's mom?" I asked, trying to sound enthusiastic."Yeah, let's go," Lucas replied. "The sooner we get information about Riley, the better."We walked together to Kessler's house. Kessler's mom, a middle-aged woman with dark hair and piercing eyes, greeted us with a warm smile. She invited us into the
I woke up in the darkness, my head throbbing with pain and the memories of the attack only just beginning to return. I tried to move, but my hands were tied, and a gag pressed against my lips. Desperation engulfed me, but I fought to stay calm.I heard footsteps approaching and tried to adjust my eyes to the dim light. A figure emerged against a faint light coming from some window. It was Riley."Well, well," she said in a mocking voice. "Look who finally decided to join the party."I tried to scream, but the gag muffled any sound. Riley approached and crouched in front of me, her eyes filled with insane fury."Don't worry, Eva. I won't hurt you... yet. I just want Kessler to see what happens when someone gets in my way."I struggled against the ropes, but they were tightly bound. Riley stood up and began pacing back and forth, clearly relishing her moment of power."Your boyfriend and his stupid friend think they can stop me, but they don't know who they're dealing with. My family ha
The following days were a whirlwind of emotions and events. News of Riley's attack spread quickly through the community, and concern for my well-being became palpable among friends and neighbors. Although I appreciated the support, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.Kessler and Lucas took turns staying with me, ensuring I was never alone. My father was also more present and protective, something I hadn't seen in him for a long time. However, fear and anxiety still haunted me during moments of solitude.One afternoon, while Kessler and I were in the garden trying to distract ourselves with a game of chess, Kessler's phone rang. I saw his expression change as he read the message."It's from the clinic," he said, glancing at me. "They want to talk to you about Riley."A knot formed in my stomach. I didn't know if I was ready to face that conversation, but I also understood that it was necessary for my recovery."Okay," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Let's go."We
"Thanks for the information, Marissa, but I trust that Riley won't be able to do anything to us while she's locked up in that asylum. Tell her that her attempts will be thwarted by Kessler," I added. "Thanks, see you," I said goodbye to her and went back to the party with the others."Is everything okay?" Jonny inquired.I nodded."Did the girl leave?" Lottie wanted to know.I nodded."I don't want to think about it anymore," I told them. "I just want to have fun," I smiled."Let's go to the lake!" Jonny exclaimed, picking me up and carrying me to the lake.The atmosphere at the party relaxed once Marissa left. Jonny carried me easily, laughing as he took me to the lake. Lottie followed us closely, laughing and enjoying the moment. I decided to set aside my worries and focus on having fun.The lake water was cool and clear, reflecting the full moon's light. Jonny carefully put me down at the shore, and the cold water on my feet made me laugh."This is great!" Lottie exclaimed, splashi
The way back home was silent, each of us immersed in our own thoughts. The cold night air felt heavier, laden with the recent events. The lights from the houses passed by us like silent beacons, mute witnesses to our turmoil.Kessler didn't let go of my hand throughout the journey. I felt the strength and warmth of his grip, a constant reminder of his protective presence. My thoughts kept returning to the moments of terror at the lake, the image of the wolves chasing my friends, and Kessler and Jonny's heroism in facing them to save us.Upon arriving home, my father insisted I go straight to my room to rest. Kessler stayed to talk to him, probably trying to calm him and assure him that situations like this wouldn't happen again. I climbed the stairs slowly, my legs still trembling from the adrenaline and fear.Once in my room, I collapsed on the bed, feeling the weight of everything that had happened. I couldn't help the tears that began to flow down my cheeks. I cried silently, relea
"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.