I kept shaking my head in disbelief, hands on my flushed cheeks. My face burned every time I thought about Zach's kiss.
The problem was that word: mate.
Why did Zach say I was his mate? I don't know. Like Jasher did?
Aren't wolves supposed to have a mate?
Wait... but I'm not a full wolf, right? Which means... they're the ones who feel it. What about me? I just follow my heart. The one I like is Zach.
What should I do now?
After Zach declared that I was his mate, I rushed back to the dorm. I was afraid to be around Zach; his desire overwhelmed me.
And I'm still in shock.
I've never had a crush on a boy in my entire life. And Zach... he's the first one I've ever liked.
And he likes me back. But being a mate? Doesn't that mean forever?
What if one day we're not compatible? I may be overthinking.
But... I'm only 17! And forever is a long time. Like, forever?
I got chills just thinking about it.
I
Gulp! A piece of meat slid down my throat without being chewed, and I felt like I was choking. I quickly took a drink, waiting for the tightness in my chest to ease.Then, I turned to Jasher. "But why?""I'm scared I won't be able to protect you. I don't want to lose you, especially if I'm not by your side.""Being by my side doesn't mean you have to be my mate, right?" I cleared my throat. "Paige, Piper, and Aggy are with me more often. We even share a room.""You want to sleep with me?"I leaned back in shock. "That's not what I meant, Jasher!""Then what?" His gaze pierced me, making it hard to look away."We can be friends, Jasher..." I swallowed hard. "Isn't that enough?"Jasher wrapped his arms around my waist, rested his head on my shoulder, and ignored the staff in the cafeteria. Ugh, so embarrassing!"I need to get to class." My voice trembled."Skip class. I want to tell you something," he whispered."And get detention?!""I'll take the punishment for you.""But, Jasher..."
"Did you experience any symptoms last night? Did you have any strange dreams? Is there anything else you want to tell me?"I looked up at the woman called the Supreme Healer. The academy had healers, but this was my first time meeting a supreme healer. Maybe she was like a specialist doctor?I shook my head. "No.""You don't have to be afraid, Bernice. I know your history, and I'm sure there's a lot you still don't understand." Her smile was warm and sincere. "You see, we have mind links, and they can come through dreams."I knew a bit about mind-links. Strong feelings between mates can appear in dreams, like a premonition. But that only happens if the wolves are connected somehow.What does that have to do with the wolf that attacked me? Or the wolf I met in the woods suspected of sneaking into the academy? I didn't get it.The fact that the intruder bumped into me and didn't hurt me doesn't indicate a connection. These kinds of questions make me feel cornered again and again.When w
The morning ambiance at the academy was gloomy, and students no longer walked alone—most went in groups. The teachers addressed this since the investigation was still ongoing. There was now a joint wolf guard patrol from several packs.It was really killing the mood!I didn't greet Zach this morning. I didn't know where he was, and after our tense conversation last night, I wasn't about to look for my cousin. I hurried to the cafeteria to find Bernice, but I only saw her three roommates when I arrived.Where is she? Where is my love?I grabbed a tray and stood next to Piper. "Where's Bernice?"Piper shook her head. "She was taken by Luna Hester early this morning. We don't know what it's about."Wasn't everything with Bernice settled last night?Why is she being retaken by Luna Hester?It made me uneasy.I trusted Bernice. She was a good, genuinely sweet girl.There's no way she had anything to do with the a
I saw Bernice being led toward the dorms by Luna Hester. My heart wanted to run to her impulsively, but my steps faltered. Dad left the headmaster's office and gave me an intimidating glare. Zach followed closely behind him."I need to talk to both of you!"Dad's orders are not something I can ignore, at least for now.I had no choice but to follow him to the car, walking silently alongside Zach. I glanced at my cousin. Zach's jaw was tight, and I could feel his anger radiating from him. What did they talk about in the headmaster's office? If anything happens to Bernice, I won't just stand by!The driver opened the limo door, and Dad ordered us in. Once we were all seated and the door was shut behind us, Dad loudly cleared his throat, and the sound echoed in the car."What were you thinking?" He glared at me sharply. "I already warned you not to get involved with that human, Genesis!"I stayed silent and looked at him. I wanted to spill ever
Blood? I didn't feel any pain.Genesis stood up, yelling as he waved. "Zach! Hurry up! Come here!"Oh crap! What now?I touched the back of my neck—something wet. I thought it was sweat, but it was blood when I looked at my hand.What the hell?How did this blood suddenly get on my body? Whose blood is it?Even though I tried to stay calm, panic started to creep in.However, the commotion Genesis caused made me the center of attention for all the students. They all stared at me, looking fearful and suspicious."Bernice, hold on!" Genesis sounded extremely panicked.I started to panic, too. "No, Genesis! I'm fine!""What's wrong?" Zach asked, rushing over and looking from me to Genesis.Genesis helped me up. "We need to check on Bernice! I think she was bitten, too!""You were bitten, Bernice?" Zach's eyes widened.I shook my head quickly. "No! I'm not hurt! I don't even know where this b
Am I going crazy?I stared at the room's high ceiling as darkness filled the space. I couldn't sleep at all, my mind haunted by the memory of kissing Jasher and Genesis on the same day—one in the afternoon, the other at night.God, I must have turned into a bitch!I never wanted this to happen. But lately, I just can't control the desire that comes over me around these boys. Their attention, their kindness... I've never been in a relationship before, so I'm melting.And honestly, who could resist guys like Jasher or Genesis?Maybe this is just a rebound thing after Zach rejected me—his excuse crushed me. They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone. But that just makes me sound like a total bitch, doesn't it?I got out of bed because trying to sleep like this was pointless. My heart wouldn't stop racing. I tiptoed, careful not to wake my roommates, who were snoring softly.When I got out, it was midnig