The next day we were at high school, watering the plants in our garden. We were all outside, there was a light drizzle and it was very cold. The teacher was explaining photosynthesis and all that."Remember, kids, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy," the teacher said while holding a wet leaf. "It's essential for their growth and for maintaining the balance of our ecosystem."I was engrossed in the class, concentrating on the teacher's words. I must keep studying and not think about other things. I don't like doing poorly in classes."Eva," the teacher called, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Could you briefly explain the function of chloroplasts in photosynthesis?"I nodded, trying to recall what we had learned. "Chloroplasts are the organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs. They contain chlorophyll, which captures the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.""Exactly," replied the teacher w
When I got home, I felt exhausted. Everything was lonely and strange. I felt a strange presence just now. Maybe it's just the stress. I went to the kitchen and made myself a sandwich because I was hungry. At that moment, I heard a noise in the living room. I froze because I feared it might be a wolf again.My heart began to pound as I remained motionless, trying to hear any other noise that would confirm my suspicion. I grabbed a knife from the kitchen drawer, more out of instinct than thinking I could use it against a wolf. I walked slowly toward the living room, trying not to make any noise.When I reached the threshold of the living room, I saw a shadow move quickly past the window. I stood there paralyzed, unsure whether to move closer or back away and run. The shadow seemed human, but with what I had learned recently, I couldn't be sure of anything."Who's there?" My voice came out more trembling than I had expected.There was no response, just an unsettling silence. I took a dee
"I trust you, Kessler, but I need to know more. I don't want to live with doubts," I said, keeping my gaze fixed on his.Kessler sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. It's fair that you know. My pack and I... we've had conflicts in the past, with other packs and with humans. Some decisions I made weren't the best. It was a dark time, but I've changed. What Alex told you... well, it's true to a certain extent, but he doesn't know the whole story.""What decisions?" I asked, feeling a knot in my stomach."Decisions that involved fighting and protecting my pack from external threats," Kessler replied somberly. "There were clashes and... some lives were lost. I don't want you to think I'm a monster, Eva. I did what I thought was necessary at the time."I stayed silent, trying to process what he was telling me. "Kessler, I'm not perfect, and I don't expect you to be either. But I need transparency. If we're going to be together, there can't be any secrets."He nodded slowly. "
“Dad, it wasn’t necessary to kill him,” I responded quickly, trying to calm him down. “He wasn’t attacking us; he was just curious.”Dad looked at me with a mix of surprise and incredulity. “It was a wolf, Eva! It could have killed you.”“I know,” I replied, trying to sound reasonable. “But it didn’t. It kept its distance and showed no signs of aggression. Maybe it was more scared than we were.”Lucas approached, also looking concerned. “Are you sure about what you did, Eva? Dad was just trying to protect you.”I nodded, firm in my conviction. “Yes, I’m sure. Sometimes, animals just need a bit of space. We shouldn’t assume the worst immediately.”Dad sighed, lowering his rifle. “Alright, Eva. But I want you to be more cautious. We can’t always predict the behavior of wild animals.”“I understand, Dad,” I replied, feeling a bit more relieved. “I’ll be more careful.”We spent the rest of the day in the forest, learning more about hunting and survival. However, my mind kept returning to
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of birds singing and the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the window. It was Sunday, a day we usually enjoyed the tranquility at home. Dad didn't work, and we all usually spent the day as a family. However, today would be different. Kessler had invited me to a barbecue with his family and the pack near the lake, and although I hesitated at first, I finally agreed. I knew this was an important opportunity to get closer to his family and understand his world better.After breakfast, I went to my room to get ready. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. What would Kessler's pack be like? How would they receive me? While choosing a casual but nice outfit, my mind kept running through all the possible scenarios. I finally opted for comfortable jeans and a light blouse, suitable for an outdoor barbecue.When I went downstairs, Dad and Lucas were in the living room watching TV. Lucas looked at me curiously and a mischievous smile appeared
The time in the clearing seemed to stand still, enveloping us in a bubble of peace and connection. But we knew we couldn't stay there forever. Kessler stood up first, extending a hand to help me to my feet."It's time to head back to the barbecue," he said with a smile, "although I could stay here with you all day."We made our way back to the group, following the same path we had taken to arrive. As we walked, the shadow of worry had faded from Kessler's face, replaced by a serene determination. I felt relieved to be by his side in these important moments for him.Upon our return, we found the pack in full enjoyment. The aroma of grilled meat and laughter filled the air. We joined the group, and soon I found myself in lively conversation with Kessler's mother about family recipes and culinary traditions. She was a lovely woman, and her warmth made me feel at home.Meanwhile, Kessler mingled with his father and some other pack members, discussing what I assumed were important leadersh
The barbecue was coming to an end. The embers were slowly dying out as the last rays of the sun faded on the horizon. The pack was saying their goodbyes with hugs and warm words, promising to meet again at the next gathering. Kessler and I stayed a bit longer, helping his mother gather the last remnants of food and clean up the area."Thank you for everything, ma'am," I said, giving her a hug. "It's been a wonderful day.""I'm glad you enjoyed it, Eva," she replied with a smile. "Remember, you will always be welcome here."Kessler approached and wrapped his arm around me, looking at me with affection. "Ready to go?""Yes," I responded, feeling a bit tired but happy.We said our goodbyes and started walking towards Kessler's car, which was parked a few minutes away. The night was cool and the sky was sprinkled with stars, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere. We walked in silence, enjoying each other's company.Suddenly, Kessler stopped and tensed his body. "Did you hear that?" he
Kessler looked at me seriously. "Yes, but we must be careful. We don't know what they might be facing."I dressed quickly as Kessler did the same. We left the house and headed into the forest, following the sound of the howling. The morning was cool, and the dew still covered the grass, creating a mystical atmosphere around us."Do you have any idea what they might be trying to tell us?" I asked as we walked.Kessler shook his head. "Not exactly. But wolves don't usually come this close to populated areas unless something is wrong. We need to be prepared for anything."We continued advancing, delving deeper into the forest. The howls grew louder and more frequent, guiding us toward their source. Finally, we arrived at a clearing where we encountered an unexpected scene. The same wolf pack we had seen the previous night was there, but this time they showed no signs of aggression. Instead, they seemed worried and agitated.Kessler raised a hand in a gesture of peace and stepped forward.
"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.