Chapter 6: Gut Feeling

Terrence’s POV

Hour Ago

"You need to go see her, Terrence."

My mother’s words cut through my thoughts like glass. I looked up from my phone, clenching my jaw.

“I’m busy, Mom.”

She raised an eyebrow, “You’re getting engaged today. You can’t just leave Natalie alone, no matter how ‘busy’ you claim to be.”

I let out a slow breath through my nose. “I’ll go,” I said stiffly, even though the last thing I wanted to do was stand in a room with Natalie.

“You need to at least show your face. It’s the proper thing to do.”

I nodded, trying not to scowl, but my stomach churned at the thought of her. 

Not because she disgusted me—no, it wasn’t that simple. My mother was pushing hard for what couldn't be—and I couldn't pretend to be happy as I went along with her wishes. 

I wished that both of them would understand that I loved someone else. I could not give Natalie what she wanted, what was expected of me. 

But my wolf, Gio—the stubborn beast—had a different opinion. 

He snarled in my head, making it impossible to think clearly. “You don't love Alyssa. You just think you do. The Moon Goddess knows better, Terrence. Natalie is ours. Besides, she's the one who knows you best. You know her best too, don't you?”

I shut him out, ignoring his growls as I stood from my desk. 

Gio had liked Natalie from the moment I gained him, when I was only about 14 years old, and since then, we’d fought constantly. 

I didn’t love her. I couldn’t. Mates or not, I had feelings for someone else. He couldn’t just—

“Go to her. You’ll see.” Gio added. I wish he'd just let this whole Natalie thing go. 

I gritted my teeth as I approached her door. This was for show, I told myself. I didn’t have to feel anything for her. 

I was just satisfying my parents. 

When I opened the door, I saw her struggling with her zipper. 

“Hey,” she mumbled. “Can you help me with this stupid zipper?”

She probably thought it was one of the helps. 

“See? Oh, she's so perfect and beautiful.” Gio said. “Go on, help her with her zipper.” 

I hesitated but my wolf was stirring. I rolled my eyes and went forward. 

My fingers brushed against her bare skin as I reached for the zipper. The contact was electric, a strange jolt running through me that I tried to ignore. 

Her body stiffened under my touch, and I felt her pulse race. Mine wasn’t much better.

She snapped her head up, her eyes locking onto my reflection in the mirror. I could see the surprise in her eyes, the way her breath caught.

“I... I thought you were the maid…” I figured she had only said that because she was awkward about me touching her. 

I guess the change in our dynamic was affecting her the way it was affecting me .

“I know you feel awkward about this too, don’t you?” I said, my hands trembled slightly as I gripped the zipper, pulling it up carefully, slower than I needed to. 

Gio hummed in approval. 

“She’s perfect,” He whispered, satisfied. “This is where you belong. Oh, stop pretending you don't care!”

I ignored him, continuing, “Best friends to a couple. How could it work?”

And then, I perceived her scent—it was everywhere. Sweet, warm, intoxicating.

“Stop,” I told myself, clenching my jaw. This wasn’t what I wanted. I wasn’t here for this.

But it didn’t make sense. Why did her presence affect me so much? Why was my wolf so insistent?

And then she fell—I caught her, she had a strange look in her eyes too. It quickened something in me.

I should have let go of her right away. But I hesitated. It was as if some force made me stop.

But then she kissed me.

I felt like my head was going to explode. And my heart skipped a beat.

Gio was cheering, but my sanity suddenly came back to me.

I immediately let go of her, taking a step back. 

What was wrong with me? 

It wasn't until she had said, “Alyssa said you had plans tonight. With her.” That I snapped. 

Her words were like a cold splash of water, pulling me out of the haze. 

Alyssa. Of course. That was what mattered. 

Not this. Not the bond. Not Natalie.

I had to get to Alyssa. 

Then, I instantly regretted listening to my mother and coming in here. Not only that, but if not for that singular act, Natalie and I wouldn't have gotten into the stupid argument afterward that turned my mood sour. 

Anyway, I slammed her door shut and made my way to Alyssa.

But why did I have those strange reactions earlier? And that kiss...

It was the bond, I told myself. It meant nothing.

But as I headed down the hallway, Gio growled low in my chest, disagreeing.

“You’re wrong,” he hissed. “She’s yours. You just refuse to see it.”

It wasn’t real. I loved Alyssa. I chose Alyssa.

------

When I found Alyssa, the tension eased from my shoulders. 

She stood by the balcony, looking over the garden. She turned as I approached, her smile lighting up her face.

“You came,” she said softly.

“Of course.” I walked over, pulling her into my arms and placing a kiss on her forehead.

But then she pulled back slightly, her brow furrowed. “Terrence,” she began, “don’t you think this is... inappropriate? I mean, it’s your engagement party with Natalie. Shouldn’t you be with her?”

I shrugged, forcing a smirk. “I’ve already seen her. It’s fine.”

She didn’t seem convinced. Her gaze drifted away, and I noticed the way her lips pressed into a thin line.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Alyssa sighed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “The gathering between us and Lycans is next week... and then after that, you and Natalie are getting married.” she whispered her next words, “What if you stop loving me after that?”

I stared at her, frowning. “Alyssa,” I said firmly, “that’s not going to happen. I’ll always love you. Only you.”

She looked up at me, “But the mate bond...”

“I don’t care about the bond,” I cut in, grabbing her hand. “It doesn’t change anything. You’re the one I want, Alyssa.”

Her lips quirked into a sad smile. “I know you believe that. I just... I worry.”

I didn’t respond right away. Instead, I pulled her closer, my hand finding the back of her neck as I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers. This is the right thing, not that kiss from Natalie.

“I’ll always choose you,” I whispered when I finally pulled back.

Alyssa nodded and lay in my arms.

I stroke her hair, but my heart jumps around like bubbly water. I couldn't help but think about Natalie.

But I shouldn't. I love Alyssa. She was the only one for me.