CHAPTER THREE

I could barely believe what had just happened, Tessy had just caught me in the middle of a sex dream, and I knew she wouldn’t rest until I told her exactly who I was dreaming about.

Tessy was still grinning from ear to ear. Yeah, she probably thought the whole thing was hilarious, but it wasn’t. How can having a sexual dream about best friends be funny?

I looked at her, expression sinking with embarrassment.

Sensing my mood, her smile faded and she sat beside me.

Her face softened with concern. “Di, what is she?” she asked gently.

I buried my face in my hands, my heart thrashing against my chest. Tessy, your friend is a mess, I thought.

“What happened?”, she asked, her tone turning serious.

My face burned, I hesitated, chewing my bottom lip, will she judge me? She will definitely judge me.

“I’m in love with two guys,” I blurted. My voice was barely above a whisper, but she heard every word.

Her laughter exploded through the room like a rocket. “You’re kidding, right?” she asked.

My face still, my stomach twisted. I shook my head, pressing my lips together.

“Wait… you’re serious?” Her grin faded, and curiosity and amusement replaced it.

I nodded, feeling like the biggest idiot in the world. My chest tightened. “I kissed them both yesterday,” I admitted softly, my voice barely audible. “And now… I don’t know how to face them.”

Tessy’s jaw dropped. “Didi! You… she paused, blinking. You kiss both Grey and Kaden?”

I let out a shaky breath. “I wasn’t thinking. I was just… caught up in the moment.

You just had a sex dream about the two of them, didn’t you? She accused.

“Di! You’re in love with your two best friends!”

“Wow. This is going to be epic.” She exclaimed,

“Okay, first, how do you feel about Grey?” Tessy pressed, narrowing her eyes.

I bit my lip, twisting the hem of my pajamas, “I … I don’t know,” I whispered. There’s just something about him. It’s like … when he is near, my whole body reacts differently. I just can’t explain it.”

Tessy raised her brows. “Keep going.”

I exhaled sharply, closing my eyes for a second. “It’s his scent. It’s intoxicating, like… like freshly baked cookies mixed with chocolate and banana flavor, it feels warm and familiar. When I am close to him, my heart races. And when he touches me- “I swallowed hard. I just lose myself.”

“And Kaden?” She asked.

My stomach clenched. Kaden. Even his name sent shivers down my spine. “It’s the same … but different,” I said softly. “The scent is similar, but I will be able to tell them apart even in a pitch-black room. Kaden's scent is spicier, like strong coffee. And when he looks at me…”

I exhaled shakily and rubbed my temples. “Tessy, I don’t know what’s happening to me, it’s like I’m drawn to both of them, and I don’t understand why.”

Di! “Do you remember, our lesson about the moon goddess and the curse?” Tessy asked with a giggle.

Yes, I answered, confused about where she was going with this.

“Do you remember that before the moon goddess cursed the werewolf’s clan, there was a mating bond, where you get to be matched to your destined partner by the moon goddess, she asked.

“Yes… Why?” I murmured.

She pressed on. “Then tell me, what are the signs we learned? The things someone feels when they meet their mate?”

I signed dramatically, “A strong connection, the ability sensed the scent of their partner, and craving it so much, that they would be able to part with them, and once marked, the bond strengthens

“Tessy, you’re overthinking things,” I said with a shrug. “It’s been two thousand years now since the moon goddess cursed the werewolf clan, do you really think she’d just lift the curse suddenly?” I wave my hand dismissively.

“Yes, the moon goddess lifts the curse because she couldn’t stand watching our precious Mildred suffer for a crime she didn’t commit,” Tessy said dramatically, giggling.

“Tessy, you’re ridiculous,” I laughed and imagined the moon goddess saying that.

I put on an exaggerated, sarcastic voice. “My humble servant Mildred… I hereby exempt you from the curse, because…”

“And why exactly would she exempt me?” I asked with a teasing smile.

Tessy hopped off the bed, grabbed a comb from the dressing table, stood on a chair, and held the comb like a microphone to her lips. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. She was such a clone.

“Because our Mildred is the most beautiful and kind-hearted Alpha the werewolf clan will ever have!” She declared.

That’s one thing I love most about Tessy: she knows exactly how to lift your mood.

“Tess, stop joking, my stomach is from laughter,” I said, clutching my side. I can’t take it anymore.

“Okay fine, I’ll stop,” she said. “But you need to know that you’re special. And no matter whatever is happening now, you will figure it out,” I kept grinning. “Enough of that, we have to go somewhere to clear your head, you can’t keep thinking about your lovers all day.” She commanded.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“The beach,” she said. “The fresh air will help you clear your mind.”

“I might as well take some alcohol. I’m eighteen already,” I said with a playful smile

“No,” she said firmly. Even if you want to, I won’t let you. Besides guys like going to the bars, you might end up running into them there.

“Okay, “let’s go to the beach then.”

“Go and freshen up, you stink,” she complained. It’s noon, and you haven’t even bathed yet, you disgusting piece of sh*t.

I rolled my eyes and went to shower. When I came back, Tess had already laid out my clothes. I always wonder how she got to know me better than I know myself.

She chose the clothes based on my current mood, a pair of joggers, and a top, with a hoodie, to protect me from the cool when the evening breeze rolled in.

“Which of the swimsuits should I pack for you?” she asked.

“The black one,” I replied.

I got dressed and slipped on my sneakers; I looked up, and Tessy was already fixing the bed. “Tess, you don’t have to do that, the servant will handle it.

“I just wanted to keep myself busy before you finished,” she said.

“Where’s your swimsuit?” I asked.

“We’ll pick it on our way.”

“Alright let’s get going.”

We arrived at the beach by 1 p.m., changed into our swimsuits, and looked for a place to settle.

I helped Tessy spread the mat, while she carried another bag, and I wondered what she packed. It’s looking a bit heavy.

We settled under a tall palm tree, we laid our mats and sat down under the tree, the wind there was indescribable, it seeped through my veins, calming down my nerves.

“Didi, what will you do about them?” Tessy asked wryly.

“Who?” I asked confused,

“You know who exactly I’m talking about,” she replies with a stern expression.

“I don’t know,” I said with a shrug. “Maybe I’ll just avoid them until they go back to school.”

“But you can’t possibly avoid them forever,” she said.

I signed, “Right now I just wish I could disappear from the face of the earth,” I muttered, lying back on the mat.

Tessy burst into uncontrollable laughter, until little tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

Why are you laughing, I demanded, It’s getting annoying, Tess. Stop laughing, I urged.

“Did you see your face right now? You look like; you were about to sh*t yourself,” she wheezed.

“But anyways,” she continues, wiping her tears, “if things get really worse, you can just tell them that you were drunk and didn’t know what you were doing.” Besides, you are not the first person to mess up in a drunken state. She suggested.

“Yeah, I also thought about that too,” I muttered. “But they know me too well. They will know I’m lying. It’s annoying, I don’t even know what to do.”

“Well! forget about the boys for now. Let’s focus on enjoying the beach,” she said. “I brought snacks. I know you’re a foodie, want some?”

“Oh no… no, no, no. This can’t be happening,” I muttered.

“What is it?” Tessy asked, turning around, then froze when she saw what I was staring at.

“Our good moment is about to get ruined,” I said with disappointment.

“Crystal? What kind of evil wind brought her here?” Tessy hissed. “Bad energy like that shouldn’t be allowed near the ocean, she might contaminate our waters,” Tessy said.

“You’re right. Can we leave before we get infected by her bad vibes?” I asked.

“Too late,” Tessy muttered.

“Hi, Mildred.”

“Hi, Crystal,” I replied dryly. I knew she came for trouble; she had never approached me with good intentions, ever.

Crystal smirked and flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I heard your former best friends came back,” she said her voice dipping with mockery.

My finger curled into a fist at my sides. “Yeah. We met last night.”

“Hmm,” she mused, tilting her head. “Strange, considering everyone knows they abandoned you three years ago.”

My nails dug into my palms. Breathe, Mildred. Don’t let her get to you.

I forced a laugh, “Yet they flew in from New York for my birthday.”

But then she smirked again, a glint in her eye. “You know, Kaden and I had a nice chat this morning,” she said, casually. “He’s really something, isn’t he?”

Something inside me snapped.

My breath caught, heat rushing through my body like wildfire. I clenched my jaw, stay calm. Stay calm.

But all I could think picture was her standing too close to Kaden… smiling at him… even touching his arm.

No.

I gritted my teeth and forced a tight smile. “That’s nice, Crystal,” I said flatly. “But you should probably keep your distance.”

She blinked, then burst into laughter. “Why? Are you jealous?”

“No,” I lied smoothly.

“I’m not interested in anything that has to do with them,” I said. “As you said, they’re former best friends. I learn towards her, so the former shouldn’t bother me, right?

I stood up and walked away.

“Where are you going?” she called after me.

“None of your business,” I replied. I’m not done with you yet!” she shouted.

“Well, I’m done with you,” I shot back, my heart still boiling with anger.

“Where are we going now?” Tessy asked.

“To get some coffee,” I said flatly.

“Then let’s at least change first,” I nodded as we walked toward the changing rooms.

“Didi,” Tessy said slowly, “You should be used to crystal by now. So why were you so angry?”

“Because she is in love with my Kaden,” I snapped. “And I’m not letting her get anywhere near him. I don’t care if she is Kaden’s beta or not; I won’t allow it, even if it means carrying him on my back all day.”

Tessy burst out laughing. “And how exactly will you carry him on your back when you are avoiding him? She asked.

“Shut up,” I snapped. “You are so annoying, do you know that?”

“No, I don’t,” she giggled. “It’s not like I’m in love with any of your men, she replied, still giggling.

“Tessy, shut up,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Alright, alright, I’m done,” she surrendered.

We arrived at the café and sat at a small table.

I ordered an espresso, I like my coffee strong, while Tessy ordered a cappuccino. I kept ranting because of what happened earlier.

I had barely taken a sip of my coffee when a familiar voice made my stomach drop.

“Hello, sweet pie.”

The sound of that voice sent a jolt through my stomach.

I froze, my finger tightening around my cup. Oh no, no, no. Please let that be my imagination.

Slowly, painfully, my heart hammering against my ribs as I turned my head.

He was standing there, leaning against the doorway, arm crossed with an infuriating smirk. And beside him…

My breath hitched.

Kaden.

He was staring at me with those piercing eyes.

My heart kept thrashing against my ribs, my fingers gripping the edge of the table. Did they just hear me ranting about Kaden?!