Chapter Four: Whispers In the Dark

She must have gone home.

She did not look like a worker of the university, more like a student who was a year higher than him.

He went to the parking lot and waited patiently for Mr. Charles. Mr. Charles was his mother's childhood friend and with his help, Evans was enrolled at Stanford.

As Evans saw Mr. Charles approaching, he curteyed and he nodded.

They slid into the car and Mr. Charles drove out of the parking lot.

"I heard about what happened in the canteen today, Evans." Me Charles declared, his baritone voice breaking the silence.

"I did not do anything. I only defended myself."Evans retorted calmly.

"I know but those guys are not people you mess with. Their parents are influential, and a few of them are involved in the political world. I'm sure you know what it means." Mr. Charles explained then added. "What I'm trying to say is that your mom has been through it. Don't create more troubles for her, only?"

Evans nodded.

Children with influential parents go away with whatever they do, it is not new to them.

Soon they arrived at the front of the house. Evans alighted from the car, adjusting his backpack.

"Don't forget what I told you, Evans. This is the time your mother needs you...don't get yourself involved with silly things."

"Thank you, sir," Evans replied then watched as he drove off.

He walked into the house and saw that it looked different. The furniture, paintings, and little decorations had made it look better even though it had been painted.

His gaze fell on Jane who was cleaning the T.V.

"Hi, Mom." He let out as he dropped his backpack on the sofa gently.

"Hey, Evans. Welcome back."She answered back as she continued cleaning the television. "How was your day?"

"It was fine," Evans replied as he went to the dining table and then poured himself a cup of water. "You guys really did a great job."

" Yeah, we just finished a few hours ago," Jane said as she straightened, stretching her arms as she shifted her gaze to him. "Your cut is healed....it's gone."

Evans dropped the cup and then reached his hand to his forehead. "Yeah, I noticed that. Any food at home?"

"You should check the refrigerator for something light," Jane said then added. "How is school today? Everything is going fine just as we planned, right?"

Evans recalled how he had dealt with those boys even without exchanging fists.  He was proud of himself as he pondered the embarrassment they had faced and he knew they wouldn't dare bully another student.

"What did you do?" Jane questioned as she placed her hands on her hips.

"Me? I just taught some bullies some lessons...

"You have to try to stay out of trouble, Evans."

"I am trying my best. They approached me first and if I had not stood up for myself, I would have come home with a broken neck." Evans retorted firmly.

Jane heaved a sigh then nodded. "I have a leave tonight. I'll arrive tomorrow, will you be fine with that?"

Evans nodded.

"I know you prefer being left alone Evans but will you be fine with that? I can cancel the work if you want," she added, her tone laced with concern.

"I am no longer a kid, Mom. I can take care of myself."

"I know you're no longer a kid ... .you have grown up to be a strong man but...

He approached her and then embraced her gently.

"I will be fine."

Jane nodded. "I know..you are just the only one I have left in this world, please don't leave me."

"I promise, I won't."

A short while later, Jane left.

Evans on the other hand laid on his bed, scrolling through his phone. All of a sudden the shadow he saw when they first arrived in the house. The shadow breezed past him but Evans pretended not to notice but it breezed past him again...this time faster than before.

Evans sprang to his feet, reaching out instinctively, but his hands met nothing. It was like trying to grab air—untouchable, invisible.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice sharp as he sensed it behind him.

A whisper answered, cold and unsettling. "Who are you? That's the question you should be asking yourself."

Evans frowned. "Who am I? Excuse me, I'm Miller Evans....

"Is that who you really are?" the voice cut in, suddenly harsh. "No, Evans. You are not just Miller Evans. You are something more."

"I don't care what you are or who you think I am," he snapped. "Get out! This is my house!"

"You are here to find out who you are," the voice continued, ignoring him. "You are already seeing signs. Why not focus on your inner self and discover who Miller Evans truly is?"

"Stop!" Evans shouted, clamping his hands over his ears. "Get out of my head!"

•••••••••••••••

Evans opened his eyes abruptly and turned off the shower. Water dripped slowly down his body as he stood still, trying to steady his thoughts.

How had thinking about that strange girl from college led to... this?

He dried himself with a towel and sat on the edge of his bed. The words echoed in his mind.

You are something more than that.

He exhaled sharply, stood up, and moved to his laptop. Typing quickly, he searched for the meaning of "pack." Several definitions appeared, but one caught his attention.

A group of werewolves led by an Alpha.

Evans scoffed and shut the laptop immediately.

"Nonsense," he muttered. "All of it."

His vision.

That girl.

Everything.

Just an illusion.

The sound of cars pulling up outside caught his attention. Curious, he walked to the window and peeked out.

Several sleek, expensive cars had stopped in front of the neighboring gate.

His eyes widened slightly as Jasmine stepped out of one of them, followed by an elderly man and woman.....her parents, no doubt.

A chauffeur opened the large gate, and the cars began to drive in. Jasmine paused, glancing around the environment as if taking it all in.

For a brief moment, it seemed like she was about to look directly at his window.

Evans stepped back immediately and shut it.

So, they moved in next door.

He frowned, a strange unease settling in his chest. Why did it feel like she was deliberately getting closer to him?

I won't let her become important, he resolved silently.

His phone rang, pulling him out of his thoughts. He picked it up.

"Evans, are you okay?" Jane's voice came through.

"Yes, Mom..."

"Have you eaten? You should be in bed by now. Don't roam around," she said quickly.

"I've heard you, Mom. Take care of yourself."

"I should be the one saying that to you," she replied softly. "Take care, alright?"

"Alright. Goodnight.

"Goodnight, sweetie."

The call ended.

Evans placed the phone on the table and lay back on the bed, his hands tucked behind his head.

The vision crept back into his mind, but he pushed it away stubbornly.

It meant nothing.

All of it......just illusions.

Closing his eyes, he let the darkness take over as sleep slowly enveloped him.