73 Fighting Fate

As Robert licked his lips, he said with a twisted grin, "Listen, Cecily. You can never get away from me. No matter where you run, I’ll always find you. Even that Lycan prince can’t hide you from me. This is fate. And today, right here, you’re going to be mine."

The wind howled through the forest, each gust stronger than the last. The branches above snapped under the pressure, and the birds squawked as they fled. Thunder rumbled in the distance, signaling that a storm was closing in.

I took a quick look around, desperately trying to get a sense of my surroundings. I knew Alpha Alex must have left by now, and it was clear I had to deal with Robert on my own. My mind raced for a way out. I wasn’t familiar with this terrain—Alex had led me both times we walked here. But I remembered there was a pond behind me. If I could somehow push Robert into it, I might buy myself enough time to escape.

Robert's hands were already closing in on my neck, and I could tell what he wanted. He was trying t