Chapter 3

But it never came.

As he swung his hand to hit me, he lost his balance and stumbled forward, crashing to the ground. He lay there, knocked out cold.

I sat there still trembling at what just happened. My heart racing, my breath heavy. The sound of his snoring brought me out of my reverie. I quickly stood up and entered my room making sure to lock the door. He'd probably be out cold until tomorrow, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

After washing up, I lay on my bed, my senses on high alert, tensing at every sound, afraid that my father would wake up and finish what he started. I didn't even realise when I finally fell asleep.

^^^

I woke up before my alarm rang, and got out of bed. Pressing my ear against the door, I was relieved to hear my father's loud snores. I gently opened the door, to find him still knocked out. I quietly got ready for school, trying not to make a sound that might wake him.

Just as I slipped on my shoes, a car horn blared loudly outside. "Shit," I cursed out.

I swiftly gathered my things and left my room, tiptoeing around my father's sleeping form. The sudden noise had begun to rouse him, and I hurried to escape before he fully woke.

I flung open the front door and ran down the path to the car waiting by the curb. As I approached, he jumped out and swept me into his arms. Giggling, I let him.

"Morning, beautiful," he said flashing a smile that never failed to wet my panties.

I blushed, wrapping my arms around his neck and rising onto my tiptoes to kiss him softly. He held me close, our tongues caressing as we deepened the kiss.

Breathless, I pulled back and smiled,

"Morning, handsome."

He kissed me once more, then opened the door for me. I settled into my seat, and he walked around to the driver's side, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Ever the gentleman." I teased, smiling up at him as he leaned in to buckle my seatbelt. "Only for you," he whispered, nuzzling his nose against mine, breathing me in.

The moment was broken as my father's voice echoed from the house, shouting my name. I locked up and Caspian noticed.

"Hey, want me to take care of it?"

I shook my head knowing it would only make things worse.

My father continued to shout me name until we pulled away from the curb, his voice fading.

As usual, Caspian and I walk into school, his hands around my waist. Everyone turned to stare but made no comments, knowing better than make him mad.

He was especially playful today, his hand dangerously close to my ass. While I wouldn't mind if we were alone, it was different in school with all these people who didn't already like me.

"Stop it." I grabbed his hand from my ass, shooting him a warning glance, but he just smirked and placed it right back.

I rolled my eyes at him but couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. I pouted playfully, trying to appear mad, but he wasn't buying it.

"You're adorable when you're mad." He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine, surprising me.

While this was hardly our first kiss, we'd never been this openly affectionate in front of others before, preferring our privacy.

I felt a flutter in my chest as I kissed him back, our tongues teasing each other in a slow dance, our mouths melding together with the hunger of our need.

A voice cut through the air, shattering our moment. "Caspian." Bridget cried out as she stormed towards us.

I instinctively pulled away, but he held my waist firmly, keeping me at his side. My heart sank as I saw her standing there. I hated to cross paths with her. She was brutal with her words, her insults cutting deep. I mentally braced myself for the showdown.

Her eyes narrowed, lingering on Caspian's hand wrapped around my waist, before snapping back to me, with a glare.

"Caspian, we need to talk." She spat.

"Talk." He said nonchalantly.

"In private." She hissed.

"Don't start, Bridget. Whatever you have to say, you can say it here." He turned to me. "I'm too busy for your games."

I could have smiled at his blatant disregard for her, but I knew she'd make sure I'd pay for it later. Already, her eyes glinted, thinking of ways to get back at me.

By now, the entire school was watching, anticipating the confrontation. And she didn't fail to deliver.

"I want to know why you're kissing this bitch." She screeched, her voice so loud that I flinched.

He let go of my waist, taking an angry step towards her. "Don't talk about her that way." He growled. His voice threatening.

She didn't need to be told twice.

His defense of me was sweet and I felt a hint of a smile tug at my lips. Just one more thing I loved about him.

Bridget realised it wasn't going her way and tried another tactic. Her lips trembled and tears welled up in her eyes.

I almost rolled my eyes at how easy she did it. If she didn't hate me so much, I'd probably ask her for lessons. Not that I had anyone to use it on, but you never know, it could come in handy.

Why she even bothered, I had no clue. She clearly didn't realise that Caspian could see past her lies from a mile away. His strong alpha senses allowed him to easily pick up on lies. But in this case, you didn't have to be an alpha to know that.

Then she opened her mouth and her words dropped like a bomb. "I just don't want her kissing my mate." She cried.

Everyone present let out a shocked gasp.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I hadn't even felt my lips move. "M..Mate." I stammered, my voice shaking.

She...she was Caspian's Mate.