Four

CHAPTER FOUR

I wake up feeling less sorry for myself. I do not know why I am smiling. My stomach rumbles rather loudly.

I put on one of my tight black high-waist jeans, a yellow crop top, and I decide to let my hair down. I smile at my reflection in the mirror, and I run downstairs to meet my mum.

“I am so hungry,” I whine as I approach the dining table.

“Good morning to you too”, my mom teases, smiling. “Someone is happy today”.

“Yes”, I say, and she dishes my breakfast.

I thank her and don’t waste time digging into my food.

I finish up, kiss her, and leave for school.

When I get to school, I see Jordan and try as much as possible to ignore him. I haven’t accepted his rejection yet, but my mom says I have got to.

“Students, move to the hall”, I hear the principal’s voice, and all students walk briskly into the hall. Nobody wants to disobey someone like Don Richardo.

“What the fuck”, I mutter when I get to the hall. Everybody s already seated, and a tall man dressed in black with broad shoulders is already addressing everyone. The smell of fresh wood lingers in the air.

“I am so so sorry”, I apologize quickly, find a seat and sit down. He doesn’t say a word and the principal nods. I pray silently that I will not be penalized for my late coming. Don Richardo leaves after addressing everyone.

“You may all leave”, the principal says, and I stand up.

“Nala Price, report to my office now”, he demands, and I begin to shiver with fear. I have a bad feeling about this. My best friends surround me.

“I am dead, guys”. I say, and tears cascade down my pale face.

“Don’t cry,” Keeran reassures me, and I nod.

“Tell my mom I love her”

“Don’t talk like that. You will come back, okay?”, they all scold me, but I can see the uncertainty in their eyes. I leave them for the principal’s office, and every student in the hallway gives me a worried look.

Everyone knows it. I know it. I would be punished.

I enter the principal’s office, my hands visibly shaking.

“Good morning sir.” I greet and bow my head in a bid to hide my face.

“Have a seat”, he says, and I perch on the seat closest to me, afraid to even move.

“Miss Price, Mr. Richardo would like you to go with him”, he says, without mincing words.

“Why? Please, I am sorry.” Tears fall quickly down my face, and at this point, I don’t even care.

“Miss Price……” his voice fades into the background, as I perceive an amazing smell, pleasant to my nostrils. I feel my Wolf jump inside me, and I am about to turn to see the one who smelled so good when I feel someone grab me and inhale my scent.

“Mine,” a voice whispers hungrily. I close my eyes in fear.

Slowly, I open my eyes.

And I see him.

With terror, I quickly realize that Don Richardo is my other mate, and he is so scary.

Oh shit!

I quickly get off my seat and try to run, but he yanks me back to my former position, beside him.

“You are coming with me,” he says, as he pulls me through the hallway. All the students stare at me, and my friends stand there helplessly. Don Richardo pushes me into his car and drives really fast.

“I want to see my mum,” I whisper, afraid he is going to torture me or at worst, kill me.

He suddenly stops and turns the car back. I honestly don’t know how he knows my address, but he stops right in front of my house. I run inside, and he just walks at his own pace.

Calm. Unperturbed. Unmoved.

“Mummy!” I shout as loud as I can, and she immediately comes to where I am standing. I hug her tight.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

“Mum….Mum…He..” I stutter, pointing outside.

“What is it, baby? Talk to me”, she demands, already worried. She however bows her head as soon as Don enters the house.

“I’m sorry sir,” she says, keeping her head low.

“Mummy, he wants to take me. Please do something!”  I plead, pulling her, but she doesn’t say a word, neither does she look up. I turn to him, and he gives me a captivating smile.

“You may look up”, he says, and my mom raises her head.

“Sir, what brings you here?” she asks, fearing the worst.

“I am taking your daughter, and she insisted on seeing you” he explains.

“Mom, help me”, I say, sobbing and holding tightly onto her.

She hugs me back and whispers in my ears, “I’m sorry baby. I can’t do anything. Just make sure you obey him at all times. Never disobey him”. I nod.

Don stands up, and I follow, giving my mother one last glance. I see her wipe her tears. I am disappointed, why can’t she fight for me? Why did she give me up so easily?.

In the car, I am quiet, making sure not to touch anything, as I do not want to be shouted at, or beaten.