Willow The big black wolf that protected me runs further into the forest, and he is followed by the other, more scary and bigger black wolf that looks at me like it’s mad that I exist. “Don’t go!” I shout at the wolf which had turned into my friend, but it seems not to hear me, or it probably thinks I’m crazy. I prepare to climb down the tree to go to help my wolf friend. I look down and four wolves walk towards the tree. I freeze, hoping that they won't notice me, but they stand right under the tree that I’m on. I suspected that these wolves could communicate, but now I’m really sure. “I know you guys understand me. I tried to threaten you with fake wolfsbane, but here you are, still fighting.” The female wolf with dark brown fur growls in response, and the other wolves do the same. “I can’t believe I’m arguing with wolves,” I chuckle nervously, and they growl amongst themselves. Where is Liam when I need him to talk to the wolves or to translate? “Liam?” I whisper, as if my
I open the door to create enough space for me to walk out, and as soon as I’m outside, I quickly close the door behind me. Professor Eleanor Malino smiles, showing me her straight white teeth and the warm smile again. I notice her green eyes light up behind her glasses, and I feel myself getting conflicted. My mind tells me she is danger, but my heart tells me I can trust her. “I know what’s going on, Miss Gordon.” She says calmly. “May I come in?” “Well...” I falter. “Students have been complaining about you.” “Did they tell you why?” “The security department was called by students who claim to be afraid of you. That’s all I know for now.” And they sent her for that? Not the security officers? She obviously knows more than she is telling me. I open the door to let her walk in, and I can't help but look at her white floral maxi dress. She is wearing white flip-flops, and her chestnut hair is in a simple ponytail. She also has a white cardigan on, and her whole look seems so h
“Liam? Why are your eyes red?” I repeat the question. “Probably an allergic reaction.” He shrugs. “You should see a doctor.” “I will.” He says dismissively. “Where is the wolf anyway?” “I will speak to Professor Malino to arrange your meeting with the wolf. It's in her lab.” “Malino?” His eyes widen. I nod in response. “Nope, I’m good. Can’t I sneak in?” “No, the lab is highly secured.” I remind him. “I know people who work at the lab. I will find a way to sneak in.” “Why won’t you let me ask her?” “We have history, and we really, really don’t get along.” “With Professor Malino? What did you do?” I eye him suspiciously. “Why do you suspect that I’m the one who did something wrong?” “Because she is sweet, calm, and motherly. So, for the two of you not to get along, you must have really crossed her.” “Sweet? Calm? Motherly?” He titters. “Yes, she is.” He chuckles. “Don’t ask her. I’ll find a way to get in before I go to sleep.” "May I come in then? Or is
Leo (On the day they took him to the lab)Willow keeps looking back as she exits the garden, and I stare at her in disbelief. She doesn’t realize how brave she is and how she saved my life. Professor Malino walks her out, and when she comes back, she tosses a bag on the grass of the wildlife section of the garden. “I will be in the students’ lab when you are done.” She says before walking out. I shift to my human form, my body feeling stiff after so many days as a wolf, and I get dressed. I pick up Trillium, the rabbit and rub her head before exiting the garden. Thereafter, I press the button to close the doors of the garden lab. I walk into the students’ zoology lab where Professor Malino is sitting on a high chair and scrolling through her phone. Then, I stand next to the door, and she turns to face me. “Professor M, why did you bring clothes that fit me?” I say while looking at the grey tracksuit I’m wearing, surprised that it is the perfect size for me. “When I saw the vid
LeoI stare at Mike’s text, and my hands start shaking. He will always use Willow to keep me in this illegal business, and if anything ever happened to her, I could never forgive myself. She has been through so much already, with her family, her boyfriend getting married and spending a night in a forest with wolves. I take a deep breath while Professor Malino’s words echo in my mind, ‘You are not a coward.’ I call Mike, and the moment he picks up, I don’t give him a chance to say another word. “I told you I wasn’t around! You’ll get the merch tomorrow, and don’t you dare test me, Mike! You can't threaten a man's family.” “My customers are soon going to experience withdrawal symptoms. If you love your sister, you will make the delivery by tonight.” He says calmly, and then he hangs up. I throw my phone on the bed, and I pace back and forth in my room. If Willow finds out that I’m the creator of limbicus, she is really going to hate me for the rest of my life. If something happens
Willow I toss in bed for the entire night, while thinking about Leo. I know I feel something for him, but what I feel for Leo is not as strong as what I feel for Liam. Although, I would never let anything happen between Leo and I. One heartbreak is enough, I can’t handle another. My alarm rings, bringing me out of my train of thought, and I get up to prepare for CHEM 475 class. When I’m outside my room and trying to lock my door, a group of students who are passing by steal glances at me, and their loud laughter turns into whispers. I ignore them and I walk to the lecture hall. On my way to the lecture hall, I see a student staring at me, then another, and then, more gawking eyes. To avoid the stares on campus, I try to walk faster to class, but the tight knot in my stomach doesn't disappear, and it makes want to go back to lock myself in my dorm room. I have always been a weird girl who doesn’t spend time with anyone, but now I’m a weird girl who walks around with a wolf, and th
After class, I wait for everyone to leave, and I walk to Leo’s desk. “How could you do this to me? Do you know how many people are going to hate me because of what you did? Did you do this because I made you to leave last night?” I glare at him. “Which question should I answer first?” He asks calmly. “This is not a joke, Professor Brown.” “I told you to call me Leo.” “But we are in class, and a student might walk in. Please answer me.” “I didn’t know you thought so highly of yourself. I don’t have that much free time to change my teaching schedule because of you. Especially someone who is blinded by infatuation.” He says that while organizing his papers, without looking at me. “Why are you insulting me? Unless you are really bitter because of last night.” “No. I wanted to teach Paris a lesson, along with those who think they will be able to seduce me.” “I get that, but what about me? Why did you put me on the spot like that?” “You don’t like to talk. I want you to connect ot
When I walk into class, I bump into a hard surface that doesn’t feel like a wall. “Watch it!” A voice roars. The large and looming figure that is looking down at me makes me shiver. His eye contact is intense, and the scars on his face seem permanent, as if he was born with the scars. “You watch where you going!” I stand in front of him, unwavering, but my heart rate shoots through the roof. “Oh! Sorry, it’s you, princess.” He grins, showing his blindingly white teeth. “Do I know you?” I blink, trying to comprehend where his sudden grin comes from. “No, I don’t think so. I just saw that video of you walking with a wolf and I knew that you shouldn’t be messed with.” “But I haven’t seen you in any science class before, during any year. Students don’t know the names of most classmates, but we know each other’s faces.” “I’m the quiet one who prefers to be undetectable. Maybe that’s why.” He shrugs. “Okay, I’m gonna go sit down.” I cut the conversation to get away from his intense
Willow I lean against a wall, the sharp pain returning, prompting me to hold on to my chest. My eyes sting with tears and my knees wobble as if they are carrying the entire planet. I find myself walking slower than a tortoise, the pain getting stronger. “Are you okay?” A distant voice asks, followed by a hand on my shoulder and another one on my elbow. “Let me help you,” the stranger says softly. She places my arm around her shoulder and puts a hand on my waist. We take small steps to my room, the stranger patiently moving as slowly as I go. I hand over the keys to her and she opens the door. She helps me take off my shoes and get into bed. “I’ll call the campus health services. They will get here in less than five minutes.” She takes out her phone. I take a sharp breath and I close my eyes. “No, I’ll be fine. I just need to sleep it off.” “I can’t leave you like this. I’m going to stay for a minute.” “Willow? Willow?” I slightly open my eyes at the sound of a knock on the do
Willow “You managed to protect your little boyfriend?” I shiver as Liam’s warm breath slightly tickles my neck. “I underestimated you.” “I need to turn around. I want to face you,” I try to keep a steady voice. “Anything you want, babe,” he whispers before letting go and taking only two steps back. I turn around to face him, a smile plastered on my face, hoping that he can’t hear my loud heartbeat. I cover the trembling of my voice with a chuckle, “Do you think you've learnt your lesson?” “You think you are now invincible?” He chuckles bitterly. “Let me tell you about Leo, he is acting like he can stand you because he feels sorry for you, and he wants to spite me. Once I’m done with you and out of your life, he will be done, too. He will find a way to get rid of his ridiculous guilt. Leo will never ever get committed to anyone and I feel sorry for you. Ask him if he ever had a girlfriend.” “What do you mean when you say when you are done with me? You don’t own me!” “I can stil
Willow “Like in werewolf books?” I ask in what I hope is a nonchalant manner. “Yeah, you know I never read those, too much fantasy.” She says dismissively. “You watch vampire and werewolf movies, Chloe.” “Yes, to see the hot guys.” I murmur in agreement, and we both end up giggling. “So, he was doing this to imitate what he read in books? He is such a geek.” She rolls her eyes. I let out an uncomfortable chuckle. “What did he say in return?” “He said he accepted my rejection,” she says absent-mindedly. “That was when I felt the intense pain. The pain is gone, but I feel this sadness and emptiness.” “Nnnno! It can’t be,” I mumble. “Can’t be what?” “Nothing.” I shake my head. “It’s just a stupid theory that I have.” “You believe in werewolves?” “Of course not,” I shake my head. “Oh! No, you do,” she says in an accusatory tone. “You are a scientist, Willow. Even a five-year-old probably knows that it’s impossible.” “I assure you, I don’t believe in that,” I say defensively
Willow “Leo, please leave.” I look up at him. My eyes avert to the pencil on the floor. He picks it up and gazes at me. My heart beats faster as his eyes burrow into mine, his face void of emotions. “Leo?” I whisper. His jaw clenches, he exhales, and then opens his mouth as if he is about to say something. Then he walks out. I open my mouth, but I decide against asking if he ate something, or what on Earth is he doing on campus when he is supposed to be recovering? My phone rings as I lock the door to head to my meeting with Jeremy. Jeremy’s name appears as my screen flashes. Jeremy apologetically tells me he has to cancel our plans, informing me he has an emergency meeting with his agent because of his fan meeting. “I’m so sorry, Jeremy. I didn’t mean to get you into trouble.” “You didn’t. I had so much fun. But, why did I risk my career for you?” “You have just said...” “Just in case I’m in trouble,” he interjects. “I know that the cops weren’t happy.” He laughs. “You kno
LeoAfter tossing the entire night, I prepare myself for work in my lab on campus. That’s all I need right now, as much distraction as possible. I feel a growth of my emptiness within. There's Asclepius’ silence, the recently broken mate bond, and Willow’s coldness.It’s a relief that Willow knows what I have done and doesn’t think of me as a saint, but the weight of what I have done still weighs down on my shoulders. Her image of when she was crying and screaming on the floor keeps replaying itself in my mind, causing me to wince.After leaving my car in the parking lot, I head to her dorm room to find her locking up and dressed up in a pretty red dress. She looks up at me, her eyes cold and unwelcoming.“How are you feeling?” I ask her, surprised that my hands are slightly shaking.“I’m okay,” she says dismissively. “What are you doing here?”“You are not okay, you were crying your eyes out yesterday.”“And whose fault is that?” She glowers at me, but gestures for me to get in. “
LeoThe door busts open, letting in about a dozen police officers who throw themselves into my apartment. Their shouts fill my house and three German Shepherds frantically search the area. I watch as three other officers follow the dogs as they move to the sink and away in uncertainty. Two police officers walk to me. I slowly get up, glaring at them before they get to me. How are people going to take me seriously when I look this fucking weak?“What the fuck?” I roar in a low tone, keeping my eyes on them. The rest of the officers are not paying attention. Instead, they search the cupboards, yelling at each other to work faster. “Sir, you are under suspicion.” One officer who looks young, and probably fresh out of the academy, says timidly.“For what?”“Drug creation,” the authoritative brunette lady next to him chimes in. “Sir, we are really going to need you to co-operate. These allegations against you are serious.”“There are other cops in your other apartments. It is said that
“Leo, please give me that,” I hold out my hand. “I’m sorry,” he shakes his head. “I will get you bodyguards if I have to, but I’m not staying.” “You are being unreasonable! You are being a coward.” “Willow, what you are trying to do won’t work. I deserve this.” “Every night before I fell asleep, I imagined myself making a person who created limbicus suffer. When Liam told me it was you, I got so mad, I felt betrayed. I wanted to make you pay.” I blink back the tears. “I never thought I would meet the person who created limbicus and say these words to him, but I want you to forgive yourself. You are a good person, I don’t care what you think.” “How did you buy this?” He wrinkles his nose as he gazes at the packet in his hand. I feel a sting after my ignored speech. “Liam did.” “I thought as much.” He clenches his jaw. “If I go to jail, I think he will set you free. You will be of no use to him.” “Use?” I chuckle awkwardly. “Liam and I started dating before I met you, we didn’t
Willow TW: Mild mention of suicide “Whoa! The hottest TA on campus needs my help?” Jeremy’s still cheerful voice says on the other end. “Jeremy, you are such a flirt,” I force a chuckle. “Only with you.” I force another flirty chuckle. “So, to what do I owe the pleasure?” He asks. “Jeremy...” I hesitate. “I need your help.” “If I help you with whatever you need. What do I get out of it?” “Anything.” “Hmmm... How about a date?” He asks as if the idea has just popped into his mind. “Fine,” I sigh. “A date is okay. We will never ever be together, just to be clear.” “I just want to spend a day talking to you. What do you need, my queen?” “If you said this under normal circumstances, I would be blushing right now,” my lips slightly curl up. “I need you to organize a fan meeting at the location that I will send to you, and it needs to be held right now. Just do something, do some fan signing and stuff.” “Now?”“Two dates?” I plead. “I don’t want to come as desperate to my fan
Willow I walk into Chloe’s hospital room, half expecting her to be asleep, but I find her sitting up, her eyes focused on her phone. “Chloe!” I throw myself in bed next to her and hold her in a tight hug. “Are you my sister?” She places her palm on my forehead. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” I chuckle. “I’m glad,” she grins. “Willow, Leo loves you. He can’t even hide it, everyone can see it. His protectiveness, the way he looks at you, and how his eyes light up when you are around.” “He’s supposed to be your man,” I frown in confusion. “We both know he would do anything for you,” she shrugs. “Because he feels guilty. Please don’t make me change my mind.” “Guilty of what? Change your mind about what?” “Chloe, Leo is not the person we thought he was.” “What did he do? Does he have something to do with your kidnapping?” She asks. “No, it’s something else. We had a fight.”“People have fights all the time, I want you to think about it. I'm not asking you to marry him, I just want