《Bullied By My Alpha Stepbrother》


 You dare challenge me?

    Jasmine


    Anger rose within me as I watched Hardin doing the same thing that he liked doing, bullying people.


    And to make matters worse, the person that he was bullying was my friend Nadia. I hated that he had to be like that, and it pained me terribly seeing the embarrassment on Nadia¡¯s face.


    The only offense Nadia hadmitted this time was to identally spill juice on Hardin¡¯s shoes. With what I was well aware of, every responsible person that is not Hardin would understand that it was a mistake, and look past it. But he was not that way.


    He was vicious like a beast.


    ¡°Not just that you poured juice on me, you tried wiping it with your napkin that is as filthy as you are. Are you not stupid?¡± I heard Hardin yell out, and every word he uttered pierced my skin.


    He was not talking to me, but I could feel what Nadia was going through at that moment.


    My eyes quickly roamed through the hall, and I noticed that every other eye at the cafeteria was on Nadia. With their gazes radiating mockery.


    ¡°I am sorry. It was just, I really did not know. I just slipped¡­¡± Nadia stuttered. Sweat beads had already formed on her forehead, with her eyes getting wet. Her lips were shaking, and all I could see was someone going through a mental decline all because of that one person. Hardin.


    ¡°Just shut the fuck up!¡± Hardin interrupted her abruptly, ¡°you have no right to talk while I am still talking.¡±


    Turning to his friends with the confused expression on his face, ¡°I wonder where this school picks these set of paupers from,¡± I heard him say with disgust in his voice.


    My blood boiled within, listening to every rubbish that he was spilling. The one thing I wanted to do at that moment was to put him in his ce.


    Thinking that I used to have a crush on him way back in junior high caused me to cringe inwardly.


    Really, he was not that way. And whenever he walked, back there at junior high, there was this positive energy that he exuded.


    His ck hair was still as radiant as it usually was, with his blue piercing eyes.


    Undeniably, he was drop dead gorgeous.


    If he was not a bully, then I could swear that I would do everything within my power just to have him.


    ¡°You disgust me, this kind of incident should not happen again. Else, I would make you use your smelling undies to wipe the floor,¡± his voice called me out of my reverie.


    That was the point at which I did not want to bear it anymore.


    I expected that Nadia would put him in his ce. But instead, she was crying, and muttering the words, ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°Even the air around me is getting messed up just from your mouth. Are you that¡­¡±


    ¡°Just shut the fuck up!¡± It was me this time, finally raising my voice up to Hardin. Sincerely, I had no idea what I was doing, but there was this feeling within me that I should continue.


    I could feel the piercing gazes of people on my skin, with their lips apart. It was not exactly far from what I expected, as no one had ever spoken up to Hardin.


    Everyone saw him as the god in the school somehow, I did too. Well before his bad attitude became so unbearing.


    Asides the gazes from people that were on me, there was this one that was intense. It was from Hardin.


    His blue piercing eyes definitely did a good job of announcing him.


    From where I stood, I could feel the domineering aura that he exuded. As a matter of fact, he did not have to bully other people to get respect if that was what he wanted, as it was obvious that he deserved it since he had the Alpha¡¯s blood. But for some reasons known to him, he chose to be that way.


    ¡°Were you joking, or did I not hear well?¡± He asked with a low chuckle that escaped his lips though it did not get to his eyes.


    ¡°If you did not, then I can save you the stress of having to stretch your brain. I said that you should shut the fuck up!¡±


    I knew my words had hit hard on him, with the way his skin colored red.


    He was in rage. No one had probably spoken that way to him, and although I felt proud of myself, I was scared.


    I tried my best to not show it, but inside of me, there was this war that had been waged.


    Chatterings filled the cafeteria instantly, and I could hear most of what they uttered.


    ¡°Hardin will definitely cause her end,¡± I heard someone mumble, and I felt disgusted.


    Everyone was well aware of how much of a bully Hardin was, and the least they could do was to support me as I spoke up to him.


    Contradicting what I thought, they were fantasizing about my end. Maybe because he was the Alpha¡¯s son, because I still saw no reason why people would go any length, just to get his favor.


    ¡°What gave you the audacity to even dare talking to me? Do you have no fear?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Spare me those lines,¡± I retorted.


    ¡°You can do nothing, you are nothing. You are worthless. You are insecure, and you are just finding your value in bullying people. A psychopath, that is what you are.¡±


    My words annoyed him to the extent that his veins were visible on his skin. His fists were clenched, with his teeth gritted in anger.


    If he had his way, he would have chewed me. But if I did not speak up, Nadia would feel worse than she already was.


    The whole school would jeer at her for a long time, concerning the filthy words that Hardin had uttered to her. But now, they will definitely be a different story to carry.


    And even if he ended up raising his hand at me, which I doubt that he will do, as my words had made him weak. The gossip was still going to center on his own embarrassment.


    It was at that point that I noticed that Nadia had run out of the cafeteria with tears in her eyes.


    ¡°I have no more time to spend with you. You are just not worth it. So I will take my leave,¡± I motioned, then turned to go before he held me back.


    ¡°And what are you trying to do? Leave? No, I am not done with you.¡± He voiced out, and I gulped.


    ¡°It pains me that I have to talk with someone like you. You are just a nonentity that is obviously not fit to breathe the same air that I breathe.¡±


    ¡°I am certain your foolish parents will agree within themselves that you are a mistake because I would rather have a child that was picked out of the dustbins, than to have you.¡±


    The words he spoke to me at that moment, got to me and caused a crack in my heart. The hurt was so much that I could hear myself breaking.


    I tried my best to keep my emotions put, but tears still managed to slip out of my eyes and down to my cheeks.


    ¡°I am not even done with you and you are shedding tears? Why did you not think before opening your filthy mouth?¡±


    ¡°She is not worth it bro, don¡¯t stress yourself,¡± Alex, Hardin¡¯s tag along friend jeered, and his twin brother, Sandro supported.


    ¡°To think that she is in the same school as us. Her parents probably have to work out their asses and be in debts just to cater for her,¡± Sandro added


    ¡°I am certain she is being covered by the schrship. Selling everything that she has, still would not be able to afford her fees. Can¡¯t you see the cheap quality clothes she wear?¡± Hardin chirped in, while I stood there uttering no words.


    ¡°The maids at my house look healthier than she does¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really care about anything you say,¡± I voiced out, in an attempt to save myself from feeling more hurt. ¡°Even as I am poor, I know my self worth and I don¡¯t have to battle with insecurities like you are doing.¡±


    ¡°Self worth?¡± He mocked and burst intoughter.


    ¡°I can intentionally cut you off from the schrship you are enjoying, and make you lick my shoes with your tongue,¡± He smirked at me.


    I paid no more attention to his mockery, and tried to walk away. I had barely taken a reasonable amount of steps when he held me back and began to drag me towards the cafeteria door.


    I tried wriggling myself from his grip, but it was right and impossible to.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Pushing me against the walls of an empty ss, he walked to me with his eyes red.


    ¡°Let me give you this final warning, never in your life should you dare interfere with my affairs,¡± he growled at me.


    ¡°I promise to make your life miserable and your stay in this school  a living hell. Coming to the cafeteria today is the worst mistake you have made in your life, and I can promise that you will regret it in every air that you breath.¡±


    ¡°Fool,¡± he cursed, then pushed me harder against the wall before he walked away.


    The tears came outpletely as I watched him shut the door behind him.


    I had no idea what I had gotten myself into, but I could only wish that everything that was happening was not true.

 I’m getting married

    Hardin


    I was still shocked by what had happened in the school¡¯s cafeteria.


    In all of my years as the King of All Martyrs High, I could not remember meeting anyone speak back to me with such audacity like that girl had, in the cafeteria today.


    Who the hell was she to talk back to me?


    Did she not know who I was?


    No, of course she did. Everyone in All Martyrs High knew who I was. I was certain that my name made them tremble.


    Coupled with the fact that I am the son of an Alpha.


    It was almost impossible for anyone to not know who I was, except they were living under a rock.


    How dare she?


    She couldn¡¯t have been more than five feet four and even though she had curves that were alluring, withrge green eyes that reminded me of the grass on a sunny day and an innocent face that looked like she was not capable of speaking, the bitch had such a loud mouth on her.


    ¡°Still thinking about the girl from school?¡± Alex asked as we headed home and I shook my head at first, angry that she still had the ability to possess my thoughts long after our ordeal in the cafeteria.


    Well, she had insulted me and stood up to me in front of the entire school. So yes! It was something to think of.


    No one ever did that. Not to me at least. No one could even breathe when I didn¡¯t tell them to.


    If only she knew that the craziness she had disyed, in the name of standing out, had only put her under my radar. And I could swear that I was going to make her life a living hell.


    ¡°How had I never noticed her before? Well because she was a nobody.¡± I scoffed inwardly.


    Thinking deeply, I realized that I had seen her around. She only did not get my attention because she was a pauper.


    Was she a part of the Morales pack? If she was, then it would be easy to find her and deal with her, both in and out of school.


    She had no idea what she had just signed up for. But she would, soon. One thing that she would learn was that I never broke my promises or threats. And I had every intention of ruining her.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± I asked Alex and he smiled mischievously.


    ¡°I knew you would want to know about her. Jasmine Scott. She¡¯s in our ss. She is brilliant though.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at his words.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t care about thar, and I think it¡¯s none of my fucking concern, Alex.¡± I told him simply.


    I had just one concern when it came to girls at school. Whether or not they would be able to suck my cock or spread their legs wide for me to sink my dick inside them and find relief.


    The girls I didn¡¯t fuck, they were probably nothing to write home about or I didn¡¯t just know they existed.


    Girls like Jasmine Scott fell into thetter category.


    Well, now she had decided to not only make herself known but piss me off so much. It would be so wrong if I let her go scot-free with that razor-sharp mouth of hers.


    She was going to pay, and I would take  pleasure in doing everything possible to make her life a living hell.


    Jasmine Scott had just offered to be my ything for the rest of the school year without knowing. I smiled at the thought.


    Though I was still cringing inwardly realizing that my cock was going to get into her worthless pussy.


    ¡°It seems like it will taste good anyway,¡± I mumbled, then smirked.


    She looked like her pussy was sweet and tame. I could already think of a couple of ways to show her that she had messed with the wrong person. She would definitely not forget the name Hardin Morales when I was done.


    ¡°What I want to know is, who are her friends? Where does she live?¡± What are her hobbies? Is she a member of the pack?  What does she hate? Any boyfriend? These are the things I¡¯d like to know, Alex.¡± I took my face back to him, and waited for his reply.


    He furrowed his brows slightly, then replied. ¡°I¡¯ll do the homework and get back to you, Hardin.¡±


    Nodding, Alex waved me goodbye and I turned around and headed to the training camp to see my father, Russo Morales, Alpha of the Morales pack.


    The rtionship between my father and me was like oil and water. It had be worse over the past year and nothing I did ever seemed to be good enough for him.


    If I ran ten miles, he would ask why I did not run a hundred. If I came second in any activity, he would remind me that being an Alpha did not tolerate any sign of weakness.


    I had decided to give up on trying to live up to his expectations not long after my mother passed. And our rtionship had gone downhill since then.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do to appease him and frankly, I didn¡¯t give a shit anymore.


    I was going to do me until I was ready to be Alpha. Until then, fuck anything else.


    ¡°Ah! Hardin, you are here. Wee. Take a seat.¡± My father, wearing a tee and cap that made him look unrecognizable said as I walked up to where he was sitting on a bench.


    Inclining my head in greeting, I adjusted my bag over my back and sat down beside him.


    ¡°How are you, son? How was school today?¡± He asked and I fought the urge to roll my eyes at all of the pleasantries.


    The serious look on his face told me that he had something he wanted to say.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°School was fine. I¡¯m fine, are you? Why did you ask to meet up here?¡± I replied, wondering what bad thing I had done this time that had gotten to his ears.


    One of the serious downsides of being the son of the Alpha was the fact that everybody wanted to be in my business.


    Now that I was neen, their monitoring seemed to have reduced but I wouldn¡¯t put it past anyone toe and inform my father about me again in a bid to curry favour from him.


    I wasn¡¯t called the ck wolf of the pack for nothing.


    ¡°Things have been quite hard between us since your mother passed. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    My eyes widened suspiciously and my guard immediately went up because we hardly spoke about my mother since she passed away. It was a topic that neither of us ever had the courage to discuss. And I didn¡¯t think he was suddenly talking about it now for no reason.


    ¡°What is going on?¡±


    ¡°I have some news.¡± He took a pause while I watched him eagerly. My breathing was so heavy that I could even hear it.


    ¡°Okay, go on¡­¡± I voiced out, without letting himplete his long pause that he gave himself.


    ¡°I called you to tell you that I have been seeing someone.¡±


    I raised my eyebrows, wondering where this was heading to. I would be stupid to expect that he would not see someone after my mum died but a part of me hated it.


    It had barely been a year and he was already moving on. All of it just added to the reason why I hated him.


    ¡°You have been seeing someone and¡­?¡±


    ¡°I proposed to her, son. She epted. I¡¯m getting married. She has a daughter around your age and I¡¯m sure you will both get along very well¡­¡±


    The rest of his words were lost to me because even though I stared at his mouth, all I could hear were three words.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting married.¡¯


    How could he? Mum was not even gone a year and he had not only been seeing someone else but wanted to marry them?


    I would never ept this. Never!


    ¡°Hardin, say something.¡± He said, touching my arm. It took everything in me not to scream as I moved back to show him how much I repelled him. But he still ced his hand anyway.


    Pushing his hand away, I rose to my feet, my hands turning into fists as I tried to control my rage.


    ¡°Call off that wedding, Dad. Because I¡¯ll only ept a new step mother and sister when I no longer breathe.¡±


    ¡°Hardin!¡± He yelled and punched the bridge of his nose to remain calm. I, on the other hand, was anything but calm, my hands shaking with unrestrained fury.


    How could he betray mum like this?


    ¡°If you do not want problems, then cancel that wedding. Because I will never ept another marriage.¡± I said to him without respecting the fact that he was an Alpha.


    Before he could speak further, I fled out of the training camp and kept running towards the woods.


    My mother was the glue that had held our family together. And with her gone, nothing had been the same. Nothing was ever going to be the same.


    Throwing my bag under a tree along with my clothes, I shifted into myrge wolf form and continued to run, as if it would change my father¡¯s mind.


    What type of woman married a man who had just lost his wife. She had to be a gold digger. She and her daughter. That was the only way to exin how my father had been seduced into the idea of another marriage.


    He was already thinking of recing his wife with another woman a year after her death, when it still felt like yesterday when she died. My heart tightened as I remembered that awful night.


    How could he have moved on when it still hurt to even think about her?


    I would never forgive him for this. And I would never ept to have a stepmother or sister, whether or not he went ahead to get married or not.


    Russo Morales could kiss goodbye to the peace I have given him, the minute he brings the recement and her child into our home.


    I was going to make life very difficult for them, and I intend to do it.

 Married

    Hardin


    My father had only been informing me of his intention to marry and did not really care about my opinion. I realized shortly after he told me of his wedding to Cam, a member of the pack that I hadn¡¯t known existed until he mentioned her name.


    The preparations were already underway to my horror and a day had been fixed for the ceremony even as I struggled toe to terms with the fact that my father was recing my mother whether or not I liked it.


    And now three weekster, in the garden of our mansion, my father was tying the knot with Cam, with or without my blessings.


    I wanted to be anywhere but here, forced to wear a suit and pretend like I was happy for their union like the rest of the smiling crowd.


    Thest thing I wanted to do was be here. Even worse was the fact that I had to stand beside Cam¡¯s daughter to be their ring bearers. Not that I had met the woman¡¯s daughter yet. And all for the better. I wanted to dy seeing my stepsister for as long as possible. And I hoped she truly felt the same way.


    I didn¡¯t think I would ever forgive my father for doing this. Or Cam for forcing her way into this family.


    As I stood beside my father, waiting for the bride to enter, I heard him whisper.


    ¡°Thank you so much for being here with me, son. It means a lot to me.¡±


    Giving him a smile that was so fake, as my lips struggled to curve up. It would have been better if I frowned at his words, and then I nodded in response.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t give me much of a choice now, did you?¡± I said through my teeth and he was about to reply when the marching song started.


    Cam¡¯s daughter walked down the aisle holding the rings but that was not what held my attention.


    It was who she was. Jasmine Scott


    Jasmine Scott walked towards us, dressed in a peach silky dress that clung to her body, entuating every curve that she possessed.


    She looked like the definition of temptation and sin.


    Her ebony hair was in a twist, bringing her crystal clear green eyes into focus and when those eyesnded on me, there was no look of surprise in them.


    What the fuck?


    How was this happening?


    I didn¡¯t know what was worse. My father remarrying or realizing that my stepsister was none other than The Jasmine Scott that had cussed me out and had zero regards for my personality.


    There was arge possiblity that she knew that my father was getting married to her mother. Was that why she had mouthed off to me and acted like she could talk to me anyhow she pleased? I could only wonder.


    Of course, she did. She was well aware. Jasmine Scott was a gold digger like her mom, and only took joy in benefitting from what she did not deserve.


    There was no way she did not know she was going to be my stepsister if she knew her mother was marrying the Alpha.


    If I was mad at Jasmine before, the wedding changed things by a long mile. I hated her. Both she and her money grubbing mother would pay for all of this.


    I didn¡¯t care what my father said about what he required of me and how he wanted me to treat them, but I had no intentions to ever ept them.


    As Jasmine and I stood opposite each other, listening to our parents recite their vows, I tried to get Jasmine to look at me. To catch a glimpse of what she was going to expect moving forward.


    When our eyes finally met and she frowned, I smiled malevolently.


    Well, that makes two of us, sweetheart.


    That didn¡¯t lessen the way my chest tightened when the priest announced that my father was officially married.


    It took everything for me to not storm out of the garden and just run. To find something to pour out all of my rage on.


    The reception was going to take ce in the house and when my father announced that I was going to take the dance floor with Jasmine alongside him and his new bride, I fought the urge to vomit all over the floor.


    It was a damn shame that I was sober.


    Downing four sses of whiskey one after the other, I faked a smile and walked up to where Jasmine stood with some girls.


    ¡°Oh my God, he¡¯s so handsome.¡± The two girls on either side of her gushed and I smirked, watching as Jasmine frowned when I stretched out my hand.


    ¡°Hello, stepsister. Would you like to dance?¡±


    She looked at my hand like it was a sword pointed at her chest and for all intents and purposes, it was.


    Because thest thing I would ever offer Jasmine and Cami was a warm hand to hold. Not in this life or the next did I approve of this marriage.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    When her hand touched mine, my eyes widened momentarily at how soft her palm was.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled, Hardin. That was how her mother deceived your father into this sham of a matrimony,¡±I reminded myself.


    Escorting her towards the dance floor, I wrapped one hand around her waist and pulled her to me, our chests brushing.


    She smelled like flowers and strawberries. It would have been a delectable scent for a female if I didn¡¯t see her for who she was. An opportunist.


    ¡°So, tell me, Jasmine Scott, how does it feel to finally be surrounded by riches? I bet when you were mouthing off to me about being poor but upright, you didn¡¯t think to enlighten me and the rest of the school of your little scheme?¡±


    Her eyes widened and she pulled back to look at me, her gaze confused and defiant.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, Hardin.¡± She whispered and my grip tightened on her waist.


    So soft. So fragile her entire frame was. So riddled with curves that could bring a man to his knees.


    Unfortunately for Jasmine, I saw more than her pretty face and innocent eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about this sham of a marriage. How did your mother manage to trap my father in something like this?¡± I asked with a smile and watched as her eyes widened in shock and rage.


    ¡°I beg your pardon, Hardin.¡± She spat and tried to release herself from my grip.


    ¡°We have to talk!¡± I snapped at her immediately, ¡°you better stay calm ande with me. Or are you willing to cause a scene and ruin your mother¡¯s big day?¡± I mocked, and she stopped struggling, allowing me to take her hand and lead her away from the crowd.


    Taking her into my father¡¯s study, I closed the door and turned to face her.


    ¡°How much?¡±I asked, while her face distorted in confusion.


    She looked at me like I was demented.


    ¡°How much, Jasmine? Tell me how much you and your mother want, to get the fuck out of our lives!¡± I screamed and she flinched, her eyes welling up with tears.


    ¡°Fuck you, Hardin.¡± She replied and I was all I could do, to not see red.


    Pinning her against the wall, I lowered my face until I was staring at her.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± I asked and she whimpered, tears streaming down her cheeks.


    ¡°What the fuck did you say to me, bitch?¡± I roared and she started crying in earnest.


    It should have made me release her but I was far too gone.


    All I could see was my mother¡¯s face as she took herst breath.


    And now, Cam and Jasmine who were only after my father¡¯s money were going to get to live here and start a family?


    ¡°Unless I was dead!¡± I cursed.


    ¡°Leave me alone.¡± She pleaded and I smirked.


    ¡°Not until you tell me what it will take for you and your gold digger mother to leave this house for good. Name your price.¡±


    The door to the study opened and my father walked in, his face distorted in rage.


    ¡°Get away from her this instant.¡± His voice boomed, echoing round the room and I frowned, stepping away from Jasmine who looked like she was about to faint.


    Well, that made the two of us. Because I was about to pass out from being so angry.


    ¡°Go upstairs, sweetheart. I¡¯m so sorry about him.¡± He said to Jasmine and she scurried out of the room immediately, shutting the door behind her.


    Turning to face me, his face hardened.


    ¡°I have done everything to make you feel alright since I told you about this wedding and I have allowed you to be when youshed out and revolted, even refusing to eat for days. I have let you talk to me however you please because I understand that you are hurting, Hardin. But one thing I will not have you do is disrespect my wife and her daughter. Try this again and you will be punished. Do you understand me?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer. I actually did not need to, because Russo Morales had passed across his message.


    Nodding when he saw the look on my face, he walked out of the study and mmed the door behind him.


    I was still certain about one thing. If I could not get Jasmine and her mother to leave, then none of us would know peace.

 Caught

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°Jazz, are you okay?¡± A voice to my right made me open my eyes and it was Nadia¡¯s.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°You closed your eyes and shuddered, like you were having a nightmare. Your food is going to get cold.¡±


    I had totally forgotten that we were in the cafeteria and as my eyes met with Hardin¡¯s from where he was seated at the popr table again, I realized why I had gone into a trance instead of eating my lunch.


    It had been a week since the wedding.


    Where Hardin had threatened me and I had wept like a baby instead of standing up to him.


    I realized now that the one time I did it was a knock off, and I understood why no one ever stood up to him.


    Far away from him was the only way anyone could ever have the liver to talk back to him.


    I couldn¡¯t get the way he had looked at me from the other end of the aisle on the day of the wedding, his facepletely expressionless but his blue jade eyes hot with rage.


    His hands had tightened into fists as his face took me in and recognition hit. I didn¡¯t know why I had expected any thing better from the pack¡¯s golden boy who thought everyone that was not him was trash and should lick his boots.


    I was naive enough to believe that he was getting over the fact that I was his stepsister when he had asked me to dance, his handsome face putting up a smile that I found out was fake in the worst way possible.


    I had no idea what would have happened if his dad had not saved me that day in the study. Maybe I might have lost a bone from the way he continued pushing me.


    And even though Hardin had said nothing since that day, I could not help but feel that he was nning something.


    It was in the way he looked at me, face taut and fists tight.


    It made all the goosebumps on my body erupt in fear.


    ¡°Is it him?¡± Nadia said and I broke the stare off I had been having with Hardin, to look at her.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Nadia shook her head and squeezed my hand.


    ¡°You¡¯ve said the same thing twice now. Are you sure you¡¯re okay? Is he giving you trouble already?¡±


    Quickly shaking my head, I made an attempt to smile.


    ¡°No, he is not. Not yet anyways.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, he will stick to what his father said and leave you alone. Don¡¯t worry about it and eat, alright?¡±


    I nodded in response, forcing a smile to her words.


    ¡°Thank you Nadia.¡±


    I did not have it in me to break it to her that people like Hardin did not suddenly change overnight. Especially when he believed that my mother and I were really just after his father¡¯s fortune.


    It was only going to be a matter of time before he struck and I could only imagine what Hardin had in mind.


    Something not good, I was sure.


    I spent the entirety of lunch ruminating on what he might be nning but by the end of the school day, I hadpletely forgotten all about cracking my head about Hardin¡¯s next move as I entered the mansion.


    It still felt like a dream that I got to live in a ce like this considering where I wasing from with my mother.


    ¡°Jazz? Is that you? I¡¯m in the kitchen.¡± I heard my mother say as I was about to climb the stairs to my bedroom.


    ¡°Okay, mum.¡± I replied and headed to the kitchen to see her nodding as she swayed to a slow tune of music.


    She looked so happy and rxed. Much more content than I had seen her in a while and I knew Hardin was wrong.


    My mother was not someone who was opportunistic or interested in what the Alpha could offer if he didn¡¯t love her and one thing I was certain of, was that they loved each other.


    ¡°Hello, mum.¡± I said in greeting and she smiled, pulling me in for a hug.


    ¡°How was school today? Did you have lunch?¡± Nodding, I told her all about my day at school, conveniently omitting anything about Hardin.


    When her brows raised in question, expecting more and I shrugged, she sighed.


    ¡°Are you sure? How about Hardin?¡±


    I fought the urge to roll my eyes.


    My mother had been trying to get Hardin to be epting of her since he learned of her existence and it was like pouring water in a basket.


    I was grateful that as opposed to how rude and brash he was with me, not hesitating to air his opinions of what he thought of us, he was giving my mother the silent treatment.


    I didn¡¯t even have it in me to tell her what he had said or about the incident in the study.


    Ignorance was indeed bliss and I hoped it remained that way.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he is fine, mum.¡±


    ¡°How about you invite him to join us for dinner tonight? Perhaps it¡¯ll be easier to listen to a sister instead.¡±


    ¡°He is not my brother!¡± I snapped at her immediately.


    No way in hell would I ept someone like him as my brother.


    ¡°It will take some time getting used to, I know. But please try? For my sake? I¡¯ll make some of his favorites. His father told me what he likes¡± She whispered with an expectant smile and it was only until it was almost time for dinner that I realized what exactly I had agreed to.


    Stepping out of my room, I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Hardin¡¯s room was beside mine so it would not take more than ten minutes to try and invite him for dinner, would it?


    Taking a deep breath, I walked to his room, hearing the loud music that was sting from behind the door and knocked.


    When I didn¡¯t hear a reply, I knocked again and counted to ten before turning around and deciding to head down.


    I had tried, didn¡¯t I?


    But as my hand touched the railing of the stairs, I couldn¡¯t help but imagine the disappointment on my mum¡¯s face.


    Turning around, I headed back to the room and knocked again.


    When I didn¡¯t hear a response, I tried the door knob and froze in surprise when it opened.


    Turning the door handle slowly, I opened the door, telling myself that I was not doing anything bad.


    I was just going to peek if he was inside or not. If he was, I would try to invite him down for dinner.


    The worst I would get is a no.


    Okay, he might growl at me, m me against the wall and choke me to death.


    But a girl has got to try right?


    As I entered the room, the music enveloped me, the volume loud enough that it would be hard to converse and when my eyes moved round the room that looked like mine andnded on the bed, I gasped.


    Because syed sideways on the bed with her feet on the floor and her @ss hanging in the air was Dahlia.


    I knew her from school. But that was not what was important.


    It was how Hardin was ramming into her from behind, as he stood behind her, gr@bbing her w@ist and arching her back even lower.


    I should have probably looked away. I should have kept knocking until he answered. I shouldn¡¯t have opened the door.


    But even as I thought about everything I should have done, I was rooted in one spot, helpless as I watched him f*uc*k Dahlia, each thr*ust harder and faster than thest.


    I saw the ways she bit her lips, her eyes closed tight in pleasure as she raised her @ss up to receive more of his thrusts and I fought the urge to squeeze my thighs together, my ni*pp*les straining against my shirt.


    I had never had s*x before or watched porn but I had read enough about it in novels to understand what was happening.


    But seeing it, seeing Hardin¡¯s hand tighten on her hair and smack her @ss as he fu*c*ked her into the bed made my mouth fall open in surprise and something more. A strange emotion that I didn¡¯t realize.


    Pulling her up, his thr*u*sts became frantic and urgent, his growls echoing with the music round the entire room and I watched transfixed until he suddenly froze and jerked.


    Releasing Dahlia, she fell on her face to the bed and that¡¯s when my eyes moved down to stare at his groin.


    My eyes widened as I took the entirety of him in. And as I moved up his body to see him staring at me with his eyes wide with shock, I choked on my saliva.


    ¡°Oh my God, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± I mouthed even though I didn¡¯t know if he heard and ran out of his room.

 You little sl*t

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    Thest thing I could have imagined would ever happen after the long tiring day at school was looking up to find Jasmine watching me fuck one of my flings, Doreen or Delh or whatever her name was.


    One minute, she wasn¡¯t there and the next she was, her eyes wide as she watched me.


    I had realized that she didn¡¯t seem to notice that I had caught her watching and decided to give her a show to see if she would flee.


    The little bitch hadn¡¯t and she had watched me till the very end, her big green eyes wide and curious, and her rosy lips slightly parted like she was seeing someone being fucked for the first time.


    Why she looked so surprised and embarrassed when she was probably getting fucked frequently was beyond me.


    I had to teach her a lesson about not minding her business as soon as possible. It seemed as though she had forgotten that I didn¡¯t want her and her opportunistic mother in my house because I had been silent for a week.


    My silence was because I wanted her toy her guard down. I wanted her and her mother to think they had won. I wanted my father to truly believe that his warning to stay away from his precious new family had gotten through my thick skull.


    She would have to exin why she suddenly thought she could barge into my room whenever she pleased.


    Perhaps, she truly believed she was now a part of the family since she had moved into the mansion with her mother and had gotten a room next to mine. ¡°I¡¯d show her what happened to people who crossed me.¡± I muttered inwardly.


    As I closed my eyes in the shower, hearing my warning rm that I was going to bete for school, her face appeared in my mind and I instantly hardened.


    She looked so innocent, so out of ce in my roomst night as she watched us.


    A farce. She was pretending. I was very sure of it.


    Making a mental note to ensure that I made her life a living hell even if it was outside school, I stared in shockter at lunch when I entered the cafeteria to not only see people sitting around her, but she and Nadia were sitting on the popr table.


    On my table.


    It made me see red and I marched towards the table, mming my palm with a growl that made everyone else seated flinch.


    ¡°What is this thing doing here?¡± I pointed towards Jasmine and the crowd who had been bombarding her with questions about being the daughter of Russo, suddenly fell silence and Jasmine tried to look away, her eyes widening in fear.


    It was clear that she had not expected anything from me but peace.


    When I looked at the rest of my gang that sat on the table and they all avoided my stare, I knew one of them must have invited her over.


    Well, whoever did had done a brilliant job.


    Walking to her, I bent down and smiled.


    ¡°Rooftop. Now. Or would you prefer that we had our conversation here?¡±


    Quickly shaking her head, she followed me upstairs to the roof.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have something to say to me, Scott?¡± I snapped when she kept staring at me without saying a single word and she flinched, her eyes watering already.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean toe into your room, I swear. I just wanted to invite you for dinner.¡± She stuttered and I scoffed.


    Oh, she was ying this pretend game very well.


    ¡°So you came into my room to invite me for dinner?¡±


    She nodded and I took one threatening step forward, enjoying how she took a step back, intimidated by me.


    ¡°And when you saw that I was busy, why did you not leave?¡±


    Her eyes widened further and I grinned, knowing that I was right. She had indeed been watching us. Jasmine Scott was a little whore besides other things.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to. Please, can we not talk about this?¡± She whispered, her face turning red and I growled, pulling her to me by grabbing her arm.


    ¡°So, not only do you enter my room, without permission, watch me when I¡¯m fucking like a pervert, you are also entertaining fans already? Using the Morales name to gain friends since you¡¯re so pathetic enough, you couldn¡¯t get a decent one before? You little shit!¡±


    She whimpered, trying and failing to release herself from my grip and as she opened her mouth to respond, the bell rang for the end of recess.


    ¡°Please let me go¡± She whispered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever sit on that table again, do you hear me? You don¡¯t belong there. Not in school and not in my father¡¯s house either.¡± I spat and when I released her arm, she fled without turning back, disappearing down the flight of stairs.


    As I went home, I wondered what would be the best way to deal with her for entering into my room.


    Deciding to y tit for tat, I smiled miscIhievously as I climbed up the flight of stairs and passed by her room.


    Since she thought it was cute to barge into my room as she pleased, I was going to do the same and I would drop a little present too. To remind her of her ce.


    Ignoring the housekeeper when she told me that Cam had invited me out for dinner yet again¨CI needed her to give me a break and give up already.  I stepped out and got a dead mouse, bidding my time till nightfall after dinner.


    Using a pin to unlock her doorknob when I found it locked, I entered her room and headed straight to her bed to drop her present, grinning from ear to ear as I imagined how horrified she would be when she found her gift.


    Looking around the room, I was about to leave when I heard the shower running.


    Jasmine was in?


    Curious, I tiptoed into the hallway of the bathroom and my mouth fell open in shock as I watched her hum under the shower, naked as the day she was born.


    And fuck.


    I had always wondered what she looked like beneath those decent clothes that she wore. To my amazement, she was curvier than I would have imagined.


    My d*ck twitched as I looked at her t*ts and I fought the urge to bring out my d*ck and stroke it right there.


    Rushing out of her room, I groaned and pulled off my clothes, entering the shower.


    I tried to remind myself of why I hated Jasmine Scott and I rubbed my hands around the soap bar but it didn¡¯t stop my mind from imagining what would happen if she offered to s*ck my c*ck.


    It didn¡¯t stop me from wondering how her t*ts would taste. Or her p*ssy.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I growled, allowing the fantasy to take shape even though just the thought of Jasmine Scott made my blood boil.


    I imagined her in a little skirt like the one she had worn as she stood awkwardly in my bedroom, kneeling in front of me, her breasts nearly spilling from a tiny top like the ones bitches at school usually wore to get my attention, the swell of it going up and down in a steady rhythm.


    ¡°Fuck you, Jasmine.¡± I whispered as I gave in to the imagination.


    I gripped my d*ck, remembering how her big green eyes had widened at the sheer size of it and imagined her not running away but moving even closer to wrap her hand around it.


    I sucked in a deep breath, beating my c*ck faster and groaned as I imagined her taking the tip into her mouth.


    Resting my head against the bathroom tiles as the water poured down on me, I moaned as I imagined her, taking more of my cock. My thoughts threatened to splinter as I rocked back and forth into my hand, groaning and moving even faster.


    Doing this did not change my feelings towards Jasmine. I saw her for what she was and she was just like those other girls. Perhaps she was even worse.


    But maybe I could use that to my advantage. I didn¡¯t want anything more than to fuck this need for her out of my system.


    As I wrapped a towel around my waist, my ns for revenge took a new turn. I would make her life a living hell and still get what I wanted from her.


    It sounded like a fair deal, considering what she and her mother had done to ensnare my father, and I smirked in delight.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Seen me naked?

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°He didn¡¯te down today either?¡± Russo, Hardin¡¯s father asked as we sat down to have dinner in the dining hall.


    I saw my mother shrug but knew that she would be upset the most because she was trying her hardest to reach out to Hardin and I hated Hardin even more.


    Today at school, he had publicly embarrassed me after one of his friends had lied and said I could sit with them at their table since I was Hardin¡¯s family.


    Well, I couldn¡¯t me them. I med myself for being naive and thinking that the order hade from him directly when he didn¡¯t even want to go to school ore back with me.


    I shivered as I remembered the confused look in his eyes when he saw me there before it turned to rage. Pure unadulterated rage.


    ¡°What is this thing doing here?¡± He had asked and no one, not even Alex, his friend who had invited me to the table could stand up for me and exin to them that I was not there of my own ord.


    But then again, Hardin was the king of the school. Everyone was scared of him.


    ¡°Perhaps he will join us another time then.¡± Russo said, giving my mother a sympathetic smile that held so much love, I was jealous.


    I wanted to experience a love like the one they had. And I wished Hardin could see how sincere they were and just stop with all of the theatrics.


    ¡°Thank you my love. Let¡¯s eat.¡± My mum replied, kissing his cheek and squeezing his hand which caused his smile to widen.


    What was there to not like about them?


    I wanted to be loved like that. I wanted to be serenaded and have my happily ever after just like my mother had.


    ¡°So, tell me. How is school? Hope Hardin is not giving you so much trouble?¡± Russo asked and I choked on the water that I was drinking.


    How was I going to answer this without lying? Because I was a terrible liar.


    And there was no way I could tell him about what Hardin had really been up to.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    About how he had vowed to make my life a living hell despite his father¡¯s warning.


    About how he brought girls home to have sex with them.


    About how I had seen his son¡¯s penis.


    My face turned red as I remembered how he had held Dahlia down with so much control, it was obvious that he had done it a million times before.


    Rubbing my back, my mum looked at me with concern and I cleared my throat and feigned a smile.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked and I quickly nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Did the question upset you that much?¡± Russo asked and I shook my head so fast, I hoped he didn¡¯t see through my lie.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t bothering me.¡± I answered, biting the inside of my cheek to stop myself from adding the ¡®yet¡¯


    Because the truth was that I knew Hardin had ns for me. And none of it was good.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t particrly weing yet, but with time, I¡¯m hoping he is.¡± I added and Russo smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he will. He has always been a hard headed kid but he¡¯lle around. I¡¯m positive he will.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t positive one bit but I smiled and nodded.


    The proof that Hardin wasn¡¯t anywhere close to weing me into the family was waiting for me on my bed as I came out of the showerter at night.


    I screamed so loud, running to the door and panting until I realized that if I didn¡¯t stop shouting, my mother would hear ande over to find out what was wrong.


    Looking at the lock on the door, I wondered how he had gotten in because I was sure that I had locked it.


    Or had I not?


    The dead rat on the bed with a note written in blood of what was possibly the rat¡¯s, that said ¡®Wee to the family¡¯ was more than enough evidence that Hardin had been in my room.


    It hadn¡¯t been there when I got back from the dining hall, so it had to be when I was in the bathroom.


    Had he entered the bathroom?


    Had he seen me naked?


    No, I couldn¡¯t afford to think that he did. Hardin hated me. He wouldn¡¯t want to see someone that he hated naked, would he?


    Shaking my head, I took deep breaths, counting backwards from ten to one continuously, all in an attempt to calm down before I started to think of what to do.


    I couldn¡¯t confront him.


    No. That would be ying directly into his hands and I had learned more than once, that I would never win in a physical confrontation with Hardin Morales.


    He was the reason why the word intimidating was created.


    How could someone so handsome be so ruthless?


    Picking up my phone, I dialed Nadia and she picked up on the first ring.


    ¡°Yo, Jazz, what¡¯s good?¡± She sounded like she was about to sleep.


    ¡°What is good is that Hardin kept a dead rat on my bed with a note in blood.¡±


    ¡°The fuck? Are you serious? Let me see it!¡±


    Quickly changing the call to video, I tiptoed closer to the bed and she screamed.


    ¡°That is nasty. How did he get into your room? You didn¡¯t lock your door?¡±


    ¡°I did. Or I¡¯m sure that I did¡± I replied, moving back to stand by the door.


    It was almostical that I was standing in my bedroom, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around my chest like a stranger.


    ¡°Have you told your mum about it?¡± She asked, her eyes wide and looking very far from the sleepy person I had dialed.


    The news was enough to stir someone awake.


    ¡°No.¡± I whisper-yelled.


    Thest thing I needed was to report Hardin and have him more mad at me.


    His dad thought the threats had worked and thest thing I wanted was to make matters even worse for myself.


    ¡°So, how are you going to get that out of your bed or do you not n to sleep on the bed tonight?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find a way around it, but I doubt I¡¯ll be sleeping on that bed tonight.¡±


    Eyeing the couch, I knew that I would be sleeping there, if at all I was able to get any sleep after what had happened.


    First thing tomorrow, I was going to request that the lock on my room be changed with immediate effect.


    ¡°Alright, let me know if anything else happens, alright? Sleep with one eye open. That boy¡¯s a menace.¡± She said and when she nodded, I hung up and stared at the mess on my bed.


    There was a knock on my door and I flinched.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± I squeaked, hurrying to find a paper bag when I heard my mother¡¯s response from behind the door.


    This was the worst timing in the history of timings.


    ¡°Give me a minute.¡± I screamed, taking a deep breath and forcing down the urge to scream more as I removed the rat and the bloodied paper, then hid it inside a nylon bag beside my bed. Before removing the bed covers and cing it in theundry basket.


    Rushing to my wardrobe to get a robe, I took a deep breath and finally opened the door.


    ¡°Oh, you were in the bathroom. Is this a wrong time? I can alwayse backter.¡± She said and I shook my head with a smile that was probably too wide, it could be suspicious. Then I moved aside for her to enter.


    Her eyes moved to my bed and she looked at me, with her brows raised.


    ¡°What happened to your bed covers, Jasmine?¡±


    I was resisting the urge to scream at her that her step son dropped a dead rat and a bloodied note weing me to the Morales family.


    ¡°I stained my bed. Period! You know how it can be.¡± I blurted and when she nodded, I heaved a sigh of relief and gestured towards the couch.


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m not here to take a lot of your time. I know how much stress I have put you through with this marriage and I¡¯m so d that you have been so understanding. I feel like we have not hung out much since we moved. You know, just me and you. And so I wanted to ask if you would go to lunch with me. Whenever you¡¯re free, of course.¡±


    I nodded with a smile, reaching out to hug my mother and reminding myself that no matter what Hardin thought, she was the sweetest person in the world.


    She was not an opportunist and neither was I.


    ¡°Anytime is fine, mum.¡± I told her and she nodded, kissing my cheek.


    ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll leave you to it. Goodnight my love.¡±


    I waved at her as I closed the door and immediately I turned around, my smile faded because I knew that this was just the beginning of Hardin¡¯s antics.


    I dreaded what was going to happen next.

 Just the beginning

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    The next day at breakfast, I was helping my mother set up the table when Hardin suddenly came down to the dining hall.


    My mother looked like she had seen a ghost and perhaps she had because since we moved in to the house, Hardin had refused to eat with us, choosing to either eat in his room or go out to eat which I knew had made my mother very distressed and sad about how he had not still epted her.


    ¡°Oh, Hardin, it is a pleasure to have you join us for breakfast. Please sit.¡± She had said.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± He replied, his voice deep in a way that made me shiver and I kept staring at him, unable to look away.


    His ebony hair was damp, indicating that he had just showered and as the shirt he wore hugged his biceps paired with loose fitting pants, I could not deny that Hardin Morales was probably one of the most gorgeous male I had everid eyes on.


    But then, that gorgeousness meant nothing when I remembered that behind that face and body was someone who hated me and my mother. Also, he bullied people and treated everyone like they were the dust beneath his feet.


    Sitting across from him, I raised my eyebrow as Russo joined us on the table. His eyes widened in surprise and he looked delighted that Hardin was joining us for breakfast.


    ¡°Hardin, you¡¯re joining us today. What a surprise,¡± Russo said and I fought the urge to roll my eyes when Hardin nodded innocently.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± I muttered under my breath and watched as lips curled up in a smirk, clearly hearing what I had whispered and I frowned.


    Why was he here? Surely, after dropping that dead rat which was his idea of a wee, he hadn¡¯t slept and woken up to suddenly realize that he was ready to suddenly be one big happy family with us.


    Russo and my mother might be easily deceived but I knew better. Hardin was here for no other reason than himself. I was sure that there was something he was hiding up his sleeve.


    But I didn¡¯t know what and it made me very anxious. I remembered how I had barely gotten any sleep, afraid that he would enter the room and do something nasty again.


    Speaking of, I needed to change the lock to my room.


    ¡°So, Hardin, tell me, how has school been?¡± Russo asked and he shrugged.


    ¡°Fine, I guess. You should ask Jasmine. We¡¯ve been getting to know each other,¡± he lied smoothly and I watched my mother¡¯s eyes be bright with delight.


    I choked on my drink and my eyes widened as he pinned me with a look that dared me to disagree.


    ¡°Oh, really? Jazz, you didn¡¯t say anything about Hardin and you getting along when I asked.¡± My mother who was sitting beside me rubbed my back affectionately and I just feigned a smile, unable to lie, unlike some people.


    ¡°Oh, she didn¡¯t? We are bing good friends. I dropped off a gift for herst night as well. To formally invite her to the family.¡±


    I coughed and my mother¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at me and rubbed my back again.


    ¡°Christ, are you okay, sweetie?¡± She asked and I saw Russo¡¯s worried face. Hardin, however, was smiling so wide it made me understand what he hade down for.


    I finally realized why he was here. He wanted to see my reaction to the little gift he had droppedst night. I should have known that he was up to no good.


    Waving my mum off, I nodded and cleared my throat. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine and Hardin has been nothing but amodating.¡± I hoped the sarcasm in my answer was not too loud and from the way my mother smiled, she had believed my lie.


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful,¡± Russo answered ¡°Jazz, Hardin, I and Cam will be going on a trip this weekend and will return on Sunday, will you be okay without us?¡±


    My face paled and I looked at Hardin who didn¡¯t look like the news bothered him.


    I could not stay in this big house alone with Hardin. The maids didn¡¯t count because they stayed in their quarters except they needed to work and couldn¡¯t be bothered about whatever was happening upstairs. Especially when it was just supposed to be siblings in the house. What was the worst that could happen?


    But Hardin didn¡¯t see me as a sibling. I didn¡¯t even know what he saw me as. And I was not willing to find out.


    ¡°All weekend?¡± I asked shakily and my hand tightened on the fork I was holding when my mother nodded.


    ¡°Why? Hardin will be around so you won¡¯t be too lonely. We¡¯ll be back tomorrow evening, I promise.¡±


    I was sure the smile on my face did not look like a smile and I looked at Hardin who smirked and folded his arms.


    ¡°Actually, I have ns. Don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be back though,¡± he answered and I hid my relief.


    ¡°Oh? Will you be okay alone then, Jasmine?¡± Russo asked and I nodded immediately, quickly feigning sadness that Hardin was leaving.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s a big house and it won¡¯t be fun with Hardin gone too but I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    I knew I lied, it would be absolutely fun!


    After breakfast, I waved to my mum and Russo as they left. Hardin had left earlier, and I celebrated as I went to my room.


    Finally, I could get some rest. Spending the rest of the day preparing for school and doing my assignment while face timing Nadia, I took a nap after sun set.


    Opening my eyes, I screamed in shock to see Hardin sitting on the couch in my bedroom, his arms folded as he watched me.


    I was only dressed in my night dress and I pulled the covers to shield myself from his gaze.


    ¡°What are you doing here? You said¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I lied. Get with the program, Jasmine. Why would I risk the opportunity to y with you without our parents overhearing?¡±


    My face paled in horror as he stood and dragged me from the bed to stand in front of him and his gaze darkened as he looked at me. ¡°Who knew that you had such t*ts and ass on you? You¡¯ve been hiding behind those clothes of yours, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    My face paled when I realized that he must have looked at me naked in the bathroom and his smile widened. ¡°Yes, Jasmine. I peeked and now that I have, I want to have a taste.¡±


    I tried to take one step back but he pulled me against him, pushing me to the bed. Then he tore my night dress. ¡°Why? You watched me fuck someone else and you didn¡¯t move. Didn¡¯t you like it, you little bitch?¡±


    ¡°Please, stop,¡± I gasped, trying to push him away.


    ¡°Now, we can do this the easy way or the hard way but I will have a taste of what I came here for.¡±


    ¡°Please, no,¡± I pleaded but he¡¯d already pinned my hands above my head with one hand. I froze as the foreign sensation hit me and I fought the tears that fell from my eyes because in my heart, I didn¡¯t want all that was happening.


    ¡°Look at you. You¡¯re saying one thing and your p*ssy is saying another.¡±


    Moving down, he s*uc*k*ed one of my ni*pp*les into his mouth and I gasped as his fingers found m*y en*tra*nce. Before I knew it, he slipped two fi*n*gers into my ti*ght wet*ne*ss, fingering me hard.


    ¡°Please, Hardin, stop this,¡± I begged, tears falling down my face.


    ¡°Shut up or I¡¯m going to put my d*ck in your mouth, bitch.¡± He moved faster and I gasped again as the foreign sensation gripped me again.


    ¡°Please.¡± I begged again and he froze.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    Zipping himself up, he was at the door, then he paused and turned to smirk at me. ¡°Don¡¯t even bother to tell anyone about this. Or you and your mother will suffer. And get ready, because this is just the beginning.¡±

 Leave me alone

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    Heading straight for the shower after leaving Jasmine¡¯s room, I removed my clothes and rested my head against the wall as the rivulets of hot water poured down on my back.


    My mind wondered back to the horror in Jasmine¡¯s eyes, the way her body had bucked up in fear and how she had tried to flee from me, her eyes confused and scared when I touched her and I wondered if she was a virgin.


    Had I been her first? Was that why she had been so resistant of me? Or was it because I was her step brother?


    I didn¡¯t understand why instead of satisfaction from watching her squirm and beg me for mercy, from watching her body react to me even though she did not want to, from feeling that t*ght wetness and seeing thoserge tits, I was feeling guilty for what I had done.


    Why in the hell was I feeling like I should not have done that to her?


    She deserved it. She deserved everything that had gone down tonight and even the rat yesterday. Her innocent eyes could not deceive me. She was not the victim. I and my father were victims of her mother¡¯s ploy which I was sure that she was an aplice to.


    If she didn¡¯t want this to happen to her, then she should have stayed the fuck away from my house. She should have told her mother the truth that I was not a good step brother to live with and warn her mother against me.


    But what had she done at breakfast today? She had gone along with my lies and smiled. That bitch had fucking smiled and my father had smiled back at her. They had all looked like one big happy family without me!


    And no one made a mockery of me like that.


    Jasmine was the enemy. And this was just me taking advantage of my enemy like she had done to my family.


    I needed to remember that.


    Yes, she didn¡¯t get to make me feel guilty when she was the one that started all of this. First, by talking back to me. Second and worst of all, by having the nerve to force her way into my family.


    Resting my head against the bathroom tiles as the water poured down on me, I moaned as I imagined her, taking more of my cock and my thoughts threatened to splinter as I rocked back and forth into my hand, groaning and moving even faster. This was what she deserved.  To be treated like a whore that she was.


    ¡°Yes, fuck. Yes¡± This time, instead of forcing her head to stay, I imagined her grabbing my ass and moving even faster, it felt so good. My dick felt like fucking granite in my hand as I pumped mercilessly, my groans echoing in the bathroom. But what threw me over the edge was imagining my cock inside her tight wet pussy. I jerked, the orgasm hitting me hard and fast as I came all over the wall of my bathroom.


    Wearing a robe after I was done in the bathroom, I headed straight for the fridge in my room and brought out a bottle of vodka.


    Drinking straight from the bottle, I sat on my bed and fought the urge to feel any iota of sympathy for Jasmine. To be fair, I had warned her on the day of the wedding that I would show her hell if she didn¡¯t leave.


    I didn¡¯t remember sleeping, but when I opened my eyes, I flinched. The hangover hitting me hard and I squinted, hurrying into the bathroom to shower.


    As I headed downstairs to tell one of the maids to make me some soup to cure my hangover, I stopped in front of Jasmine¡¯s room, hesitating to open the door.


    Oh,e on, Hardin, enough of this bullshit. Don¡¯t be weak. She¡¯s an opportunist like her mother. Never forget that.


    I found her sitting on the floor beside her bed, wearing different clothes which meant that she had showered after I left her.


    Her knees were dragged up to her chest and she folded her arms over it, her head resting on her arms.


    ¡°Rise and shine, Jasmine.¡± I said in a sing song voice that sounded even hollow to me and when she raised her head, I fisted my hands, reminding myself that whatever she was doing was all an act.


    Her eyes were red and swollen, which looked like she had cried all night and when she looked at me, it felt like she was not even seeing me but looking through me.


    We couldn¡¯t have that this early in our game, could we?


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯re like this because of the fun we hadst night? Are you?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer, just kept staring at me like I was a ghost and when I growled, she flinched and hugged herself even tighter.


    Frowning, I headed back to my room and pressed the bell for the maid toe up instead with the soup.


    Jasmine was trying to ruin my day and I wouldn¡¯t let her.


    Quickly dialing the twins toe over to the house, I went downstairs to wee them about an hourter, feeling better from having the hangover soup.


    ¡°Yo! What¡¯s good? We came here to swim man!¡± Alex said excitedly and I rolled my eyes, leading them to the pool side.


    Sandro didn¡¯t waste time jumping into the pool but Alex sat beside me on the chaise lounge and raised his eyebrow.


    ¡°So, how does it feel to have a sister, bro?¡± He joked and when I growled, he raised his hands in surrender.


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking. I mean, knowing you, you would have done some nasty shit to show her who¡¯s boss, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    I shrugged, not interested in exining myself to Alex because at the end of the day, I called the shots and he was my minion, not the other way around.


    ¡°Hey, can we get some snacks?¡± Sandro called from the pool and I was about to call the maid when a brilliant idea urred to me. Perhaps this was the opportunity to show my friends that I was indeed the boss.


    ¡°Hold on a minute.¡± I told them and headed straight to Jasmine¡¯s room.


    She was still where I had left her and when I growled again, she flinched, huping as she wiped her wet eyes.


    Frankly, I knew this was just an act from her.


    ¡°Get up and bring snacks to the pool from the kitchen. For three people.¡±


    ¡°Leave me alone.¡± She whispered, not looking at me and I crossed the room and pulled her up, filled with delight when she trembled, her eyes wide with fear. Exactly the way I wanted her. Subservient and scared.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± I growled and she shook her head.


    ¡°Good. If you don¡¯t want a repeat ofst night right now,e down to the pool with snacks for me and the twins. Alex and Sandro, you know them, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for her to answer, turning around and heading back to the pool.


    ¡°What about the snacks, bro?¡± Alex asked me and I smirked.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be here very soon.¡±


    Alex was telling me about one of histest conquests when he stopped mid speech to open his mouth in shock.


    I turned to see what he was looking at and my smirk returned as Jasmine, her head bowed, probably to hide her face that was swollen from crying, carried a tray of snacks and drinks.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got her running errands for you?¡± Sandro asked from the pool and I shrugged, waiting for her to drop the tray on the stool in front of us.


    She turned to leave and I growled.


    ¡°Stay.¡± I ordered and my smile widened when she froze and turned to face me.


    ¡°Would you like anything else?¡±


    ¡°No. Go.¡± Nodding, I watched her walk away. She was almost at the door back inside the house when I screamed her name and she froze again.


    ¡°Count one to three before you enter the house.¡±


    I watched as her lips quivered but she did as I ordered before entering the house.


    This was only the beginning, Jasmine Scott. This was just the start.

 All over me

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    I looked at myself in the mirror and what stared back at me was a horrified, extremely sad girl.


    How my life had drastically changed in the couple of hours following my mother¡¯s departure with Russo for the weekend still felt like a dream. I wanted to wake up and find out that everything was just one horrid nightmare. But like the dead rat and the note in blood that Hardin had left on my bed, it was real.


    Hardin had done all of those things to me, each time without remorse or care.


    He had touched me and my body had shamefully responded even though I hated everything. Even though I begged him to stop. And then he had put his¡­


    I could not even say it. Just thinking about it made me sick.


    And then he had paraded me in front of his friends like a ve and even made me to call him master after bringing them food by the pool.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do. I felt like pulling my hair out. Perhaps I had pulled it during the night when I was asleep, if I could even call what little sleep I had gotten actual rest. Thanks to the nightmares that had gued me.


    And then there was the fact that Hardin actually messed with me.


    My eyes were red and swollen and when I finally finished scrubbing my skin in the bathroom, so hard that I thought I was going to peel it off, I looked at the time and saw that ording to my mother¡¯s message, they would be arriving in a couple of hours.


    She had called but I had been terrified that I would break down in tears if I heard her voice so I had lied about having a sore throat and opted to text instead.


    I needed to do a better job of hiding my feelings, if I didn¡¯t want my mother to catch on to what was going on.


    My head spun and I realized that I had not eaten anything yesterday, save some fruit. I was too depressed to ingest something.


    I needed my strength if I was going to fake being happy when my mother and Russo arrived.


    I stepped out of my room hesitantly, looking towards the end of the hallway where Hardin¡¯s room was just beside mine and just as I was about to head down the stairs, he came out of his room.


    His face brightened with wicked glee when he saw me. Immediately, I turned around and tried to enter my room but he was faster, pulling me by the arm as I just reached the doorknob.


    ¡°Why, hello to you too, Jasmine. I guess a cat got your tongue and you cannot greet anymore? No hello? No how was your night?¡±


    ¡°Get the hell away from me.¡± I screamed and my eyes widened in shock at what I had just blurted out. My hopes that Hardin would ignore my outburst went down the bin, like everything else and his face darkened in annoyance.


    ¡°So, because I didn¡¯te to drag you out of that roomst night, you¡¯ve forgotten who runs things in this house? Or you think I had suddenly decided to give you peace?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡­¡± He pulled me by the arm towards his bedroom, dragging me inside and ring at me when I cried loudly.


    ¡°Make one more sound again and I¡¯m going to make sure you regret it.¡±


    ¡°Please, Hardin.¡±


    ¡°Wrong answer¡±  He growled and pushed me towards the bed, spanking my ass so hard I had to bit down on my cheek until I tasted blood so that I would not scream.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯ve forgotten who I am and who you are in this house. Take off your dress.¡± He growled and my eyes widened.


    I was terrified that he was about to touch me again.


    I hesitated, my hands wrapping around the floor length dress that I had thrown on, and holding it against my body protectively and he chuckled, his lips tilted up as he shook his head.


    ¡°This pretense does not suit you, Jasmine. You and I both know that you¡¯re a little whore and I¡¯m not the only one who has seen that banging body hiding beneath that dress.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I whispered, genuinely bewildered.


    Where had he gotten the idea that I had slept with different guys when in fact I was a virgin and had not even had my first kiss?


    He was the first person who had seen my naked body, had touched me and used me for his pleasure against my will?


    The smile fell from his face at my question and he gripped my chin with anger, smashing his lips against mine in one move and sticking his tongue inside my mouth when I gasped.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    When he pulled back, he pushed me on his bed and I struggled. My pleas mixed with sobs as he pulled my dress over my head forcefully and pinned my hand over my head, his eyes taking in my breasts with unhidden interest.


    I was disgusted with him and myself when my legs tightened to stop my pussy from throbbing after he discarded my bra and pinched my nipple.


    ¡°Look at you, saying one thing again and meaning another.¡±


    His cock tented his jeans and in one move, he quickly discarded it, moving back to kneel on either side of my body, his cock in front of my face as one hand held my hands above my head and the other yed with my nipples.


    Groaning, he pped my face and pushed his cock into my mouth, throwing his head back.


    ¡°Fuck. For a dirty little slut, your mouth feels like heaven.¡±


    And then there were no more words as he fucked my mouth hard, pinching my breasts and growling loud enough to shake the entire room.


    My eyes watered and I gagged as he thrust in and out of my mouth and when he suddenly paused, I thought he was going to cum inside my mouth but instead he removed his cock from my mouth and came all over my breasts.


    Tears fell from my eyes as he stood up and looked at me from the foot of the bed, my breasts covered in his cum with delight.


    Moving forward, he rubbed my clit and grinned when he found my entrance wet and slick.


    ¡°So, you do enjoy my cock in your mouth, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t speak, shaking violently on the bed as I sobbed and he threw my dress at me.


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    He didn¡¯t need to tell me twice.


    Throwing on my dress, I ran into my room still covered in his cum and bent over the toilet to vomit.


    After that, I rushed into the bathroom to scrub my skin, searing hot water pooling from the showers and cried hard. Was it so terrible that my mother had married Hardin¡¯s father?


    When I came out in my robe and found him sitting on my bed, I wanted to scream and pull out my hair but he raised his hand.


    ¡°Our parents have arrived. Just came here to remind you to keep your mouth shut and be a good girl. Or else, there¡¯ll be hell to pay. And apply some powder. You look like a ghost.¡± He said and left the room and I quickly threw on some clothes, brushed my hair and powdered my face.


    Thest thing I wanted was for my mother to suspect anything.


    ¡°Oh, look at you. Why do you look so pale and tired?¡± My mother said as I was engulfed in her arms and when I looked over my shoulder, Hardin stood there, his smile almost innocent like he had not made my life a living hell this weekend and I knew that it was only a matter of time before I reported him.


    I would have to summon the courage soon enough.


    Pulling back from my mom, I feigned a smile and excused myself, lying that I had homework to do.


    The truth was that if I stayed longer in her arms, I would break down in tears and would not be able to pretend as perfectly as Hardin that everything was alright.


    Because nothing was alright.


    Absolutely nothing.


    Heading to my room, I thought of calling Nadia but what would I say? I didn¡¯t want to get her in trouble with Hardin just because I could not keep my mouth shut.


    Sitting on the ground beside my bed, I wiped my tears and was surprised when my phone rang and it was Nadia.


    Had I called her by mistake first?


    Clearing my throat, I answered the call and her panic was the first thing I could sense in her tone.


    ¡°Jazz, where have you been? I¡¯ve been blowing up your phone with messages for the past hour.¡±


    ¡°Why? What is it?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something on social media about you and it¡¯s bad, Jasmine. It is very bad.¡±

 Watch your mouth

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    One of the advantages of the fact that my father had built his mansion in the woods, was the expanse ofnd that we were surrounded by. It was easy to shift and run in the woods. It was also easy to get some exercise in it, if you wanted to do it outside and if there was one things wolves hated, it was feeling ustrophobic.


    I had just finished running and I stood in the clearing behind our house where I had set two goal posts and lined the field with chalk.


    We had acrosse gameing up soon against the neighboring town and as the captain, it would be a damn shame to be out of form and lose the game when we had managed to retain our winning streaks since the season started.


    As I removed my shirt and threw it on the grass, I picked up thecrosse stick and ball and stood in the center of the field that I had created and demarcated, ready to train when my mind went to Jasmine.


    With the way she had looked at me when our parents had returned from their tripst weekend, I was certain that she was at her breaking point with all that I had done to her and was ready to tell on me. Well, I was ready to deny any and all of her allegations.


    But this morning, she hadn¡¯t said a single word at breakfast and said she was skipping school. I had decided to do the same because I could, and I felt like also.


    But she had given me a weird look that made me ufortable.


    Who was she to look at me like that?


    With my mind wandering about Jasmine, the ball missed the and I groaned.


    I needed to stop thinking about my stepsister and just focus. I med her for it, slithering into my thoughts like the little snake that she was.


    I refused to believe the shocked look on her face anytime I touched her, like she had no idea what I was doing or had never experienced it before. She was lying to try to get me to stop and I had already made up my mind about torturing her.  Since Jasmine and her mother were going to continue staying in the house, then they left me with no choice. It didn¡¯t matter whether she cried her eyes out. I needed to remind myself that she was not the victim here.


    The ball missed the again and I frowned, about to head to where it had dropped so that I could try again when my phone rang in my pocket.


    Frowning, I saw that it was Alex and was about to ignore because it was probably to ask why I was not in school today. But just as I was about to pocket my phone, it rang again and this time it was Sandro.


    Sandro never called me except it was important, he always texted instead.


    Swiping to the right, I ced the phone against my ear.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I said immediately and when he sighed, I knew it would be nothing good.


    ¡°You need to check social media bro. There¡¯s an anonymous post about you and Jasmine. About her trying to seduce you and shit. Where have you been? I¡¯ve sent you dozens of messages immediately it came out. It¡¯s trending everywhere.¡± Sandro said in a rush and my face paled in shock, my mouth wide open as I tried to digest what he just said.


    ¡°Are you still there, bro?¡± Sandro asked and I realized that in my surprise, I had remained silent.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Thanks. I¡¯ll check it out now.¡± I answered and immediately I hung up, I started to scroll through social media.


    True to Sandro¡¯s words, the news was everywhere. It had started as an anonymous post on our school¡¯s social media website and now it was trending everywhere.


    When Sandro had said the news was about me and Jasmine, for a second I had worried that she was the one who had posted something. But this?


    I could never have expected it. This was not only false, but it was worded in such a way that had set Jasmine for the worst of trolling.


    I didn¡¯t know why I was ufortable about the news when I was supposed to be celebrating. After all, I wanted Jasmine to suffer, didn¡¯t I? And whoever just posted this had done me a favour.


    So why was I upset about the news?


    Perhaps because it wasn¡¯t true. A part of me wished that it was, that Jasmine was throwing herself at me so that it would be easier to bully her and make her life a living hell but instead, even before I found her in the bathroom, she avoided me like I had the gue and looked at me like I was nothing. It infuriated me, but this news was doing a lot of harm especially for something that was not true.


    Picking up my shirt from the ground, I turned to head into the house and shower so I could go to school and find out what had happened and who was responsible, when Jasmine came storming out of the house in a flowery dress that stopped at her knees, her hair up in a messy bun with eyes red and swollen from crying.


    ¡°I have waited for hours since I found out about this, hoping that you would take it down. Hoping that you would finally find your conscience and take it down. I didn¡¯t sleep all night because of this. I did not dare go to school because of this. I waited for your father and my mother to leave the house so that they would not witness meing to meet you but I have had enough of this. I have simply had enough.¡± She screamed as she stopped several feet from me and I froze, unused to this side of Jasmine.


    I had glimpsed this side of her once when she had stood up for her friend in the cafeteria but I had no idea that this person was still hidden somewhere since she had spent days and weeks after that, cowering in front of me. I thought I had broken her into submission.


    I was wrong.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, Jasmine. Care to exin?¡± I answered nonchntly, deciding to pretend that I had no idea why she was screaming so loud and her face hardened in rage


    Picking thecrosse stick on the ground, she pointed it at me.


    ¡°Fuck you, Hardin Morales. Fuck you. Because I have never done a single thing to you. How do you even sleep at night knowing that you have done such evil and wicked things. When have I ever thrown myself at you, huh? When have I ever tried to seduce you? You cheap liar.¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth¡± I growled but sheughed and rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Or what? You¡¯ll throw yourself at me? You¡¯ve done that already. You¡¯ve done worse things to me than you can ever imagine. But this? Lying about the truth when you are the one assaulting me every chance you get, for some likes and apuse is a new low. Even for you.¡±


    ¡°Jasmine, you just said you have been waiting for our parents to leave beforeing to see me. Does that not sound like stalking to you? Between the both of us, who is more likely to throw themselves at another person. Read the room, Jasmine. Perhaps , you should take a few tips from your mother on how to seduce properly so that you can meet up with what the post said.¡±This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Her eyes widened in horror and she started crying.


    There was a twinge in my heart but I ignored it. She deserved everything that was happening to her.


    ¡°Why are you doing this to me, Hardin? Why are you cooking up lies day after day to destroy my life? What game are you ying? Is this funny to you? Is watching me cry funny to you?¡± She yelled, whispering thest sentence.


    Her eyes suddenly closed and she swayed from side to side before falling back to the ground, her knees scratching the ground.


    Her sobs became even harder when she looked at the bruises on her knees and before I knew what I was doing, I rushed to her side and helped her to sit up.


    I carried her in a bridal style into the house and dropped her on the couch where she was still crying. And when I returned to the first aid kit, I tried to touch her again but she pped my hand away.


    ¡°Get lost, Hardin. Stop suddenly trying to be nice. We both know that you are responsible for that post, and now you want to go as far as treating me. Some game yer you are!¡± Swatting my hands away, she sighed and rushed upstairs to the room.


    As I stood from where I had knelt down to help her clean her wounds, I wondered why I had even offered to help her when she had been nothing but silly and it made me regret ever showing her kindness because she did not deserve it.


    I didn¡¯t know if she had put me under a spell that had made me rush to her side and help her like she was a friend when I was supposed to hate her.


    But it didn¡¯t matter anyways, because even though she deserved whatever she got from that social media post, I wanted to get to the root of the issue and find out who was behind that post.


    And once I wanted something, I always got it.

 Stalking me again

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    There was a knock on the door to my room and I wiped my eyes quickly, turning and ready to tear into Hardin if he was the one.


    I was terrified of him and what he could do to me but I did not deserve any of this.


    And if he wasing here to rub in the fact that he had yet again seeded in ruining my life with that useless rumor, then he would be in for a surprise because I would not cower.


    And it didn¡¯t matter what the consequences would be this time because what had he not already done?


    The door opened and when Nadia stepped in, with her smile hesitant, I released a breath that I didn¡¯t know I was holding and sniffed, more tears rolling down my eyes.


    Her face softened and she opened her arms wide as she ran to pull me into a hug.


    ¡°Oh, my sweet friend, I¡¯m so sorry. I brought those cookies that you like so much.¡± She said gently.


    Pulling back, I widened my eyes.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You did?¡± I said tearfully and she nodded, cleaning my eyes with her hand and leading me towards the bed.


    There was another knock on the door and I froze.


    Oh, God, let it not be Hardin.


    Nadia smiled and stood up, heading to the door.


    ¡°That must be the orange juice I asked for. The maid said she would bring it up.¡±


    Heaving another sigh of relief, I watched as Nadia smiled and thanked the maid, closing the door with her leg as she walked towards me with the tray that had two sses and a pack of juice.


    ¡°You should never eat those cookies alone, should you?¡± She said in a sing song voice and grinned when I nodded.


    Pouring me a ss, she opened her bag and brought out the pack of cookies, handing it to me.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re about to cry again. Aww, don¡¯t.¡±


    I blinked back the tears quickly and feigned a smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s just been a rough weekend, that¡¯s all.¡± I answered, surprised that my voice didn¡¯t sound hoarse from all the crying I had been doingtely.


    She nodded and squeezed my hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re still adjusting to being step siblings with Hardin and then someone pulls this shit? That¡¯s really low. Why would anyone think that you and Hardin would ever be romantically or sexually involved?¡±


    I choked on the cookie that I was eating and her eyes widened.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    I nodded, quickly drinking some juice.


    I didn¡¯t dare tell Nadia what had happened between Hardin and I in the past few days. I was terrified of what Hardin would do if he found out that she knew and I could not put my friend in that type of danger.


    ¡°Who do you think posted something like that? I bet it¡¯s one of those people at school that would benefit the most from this.¡±


    ¡°No idea.¡± I answered even though I was certain of the one person that would benefit the most from this rumour.


    Hardin Morales.


    Nadia sighed and moved closer to me.


    ¡°You know how rumours are, don¡¯t you? It is bound to fade out very soon, especially because it is not true. I¡¯m here for you, no matter what, okay?¡±


    She pulled me into a hug and I sighed, happy that I had Nadia on my side and decided that I would pay no attention to the rumours and Hardin.


    ¡°Have you watched thetest episode of our favorite show? It¡¯s out!¡± Nadia said excitedly, jumping on the bed and I smiled, assured that maybe things were not so bad after all.


    I was going to get through this.


    Several hourster, the next day, I realized that I had spoken too soon about how bad things were when I entered the school¡¯s hallway.


    Different eyes watched me as I stepped into the hallway which suddenly became awfully quiet as I saw girls run to their friends and start whispering about something.


    It couldn¡¯t be about me, I thought to myself, trying to reassure myself that they were not talking about me but it was hard when eyes kept watching me.


    I ignored them and walked up to my locker, my eyes widening as I saw notes that had been stuck to my locker.


    Picking them one after the other, my body shook with rage as each note was worse than thest and from the handwriting on it, they were from different people. And their phone numbers were attached to them.


    ¡°Would you like to fuck, Jasmine?¡±


    ¡°I heard you¡¯re trying with Hardin but why don¡¯t you try with me?¡±


    ¡°How about you set your sights on someone lower and more attainable? I can show you a good time.¡±


    My eyes were filled with tears by the time I read thest note and I squeezed them in my hand when I heard peopleughing around me.


    Turning around, I spotted Hardin leaning against the locker andughing at something a girl was saying and my anger increased.


    He looked so nonchnt, and so unaffected. Meanwhile, I was going through hell because of him.


    mming my locker shut, I gasped to see Jasper, one of my ssmates leaning against the locker beside mine and grinning.


    ¡°Guess which of them was my note? Ohe on, will you give me a chance or not? I promise to be good to you.¡± He flexed his arms and when his smile widened, I felt the strong urge to throw the papers at him and p his face.


    Instead I swallowed back my words and walked away, heading back to the exit door from where I had just entered, ignoring him when he called my name.


    I was going home. Nadia was wrong. The rumours did not look like they were ending anytime soon. Coming to school was a mistake.


    Two boys stopped in front of me and when I raised my head, they smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m Juan and this is Luke. We both left notes and between the two of us, who would you pick?¡± Juan asked and Luke elbowed him, licking his lips as he grinned at me and I wanted to vomit.


    ¡°A threesome is possible too, you cane to my ce and¡­¡± The rest of Luke¡¯s words were lost to me because I turned around, heading towards where Hardin was standing.


    Why did he get to smile when he was ruining my life?


    Forgetting that I had nned to avoid him as much as I could, I stopped in front of him and the people around him stopped talking, looking at me curiously.


    Hardin narrowed his eyes, clearly surprised that I was in front of him and I frowned.


    ¡°We need to talk. You need to take that post down and tell everyone that I have never nor will I ever try toe on to you.¡± I said, my voice shaking and the people around him looked at each other, proceeding to murmur.


    Hardin¡¯s smile wiped off his face in an instant and he looked almost murderous.


    I started to rethink whether it was a good idea toe up to him. But before I could walk away, he grabbed my arm and dragged me away.


    ¡°Let go of me.¡± I screamed and heughed.


    ¡°You should have thought of that beforeing to mouth off to me, little brat.¡±


    Pushing me into a closet, he entered and locked the door, pocketing the key and turned to face me.


    I tried to get away from him in the dark room but there was literally nowhere to go and he pressed me into the wall.


    ¡°Let me go, Hardin.¡±


    ¡°Why? So that you can go back outside and pretend like you are not enjoying boys following you around and all of the attention?¡±


    He had been watching me?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you saw, but you¡¯re sounding like a jealous man. ¡±


    Even in the dark, I could see his face harden as he pressed into me further and I gasped, his entire scent enveloping me.


    ¡°Shameless. You¡¯re just shameless. Aren¡¯t you? So you didn¡¯t like any of them and now you¡¯re here, stalking me again?¡±


    ¡°I have never stalked you, you liar.¡± I screamed and his hand covered my mouth.


    His lips lifted in a smirk and I struggled to speak against his hand on my mouth when his hand found my jeans and unbuckled it, pushing his hand, I did my panties to cup my pussy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you what you want, little slut. This is why you came to me afterall.¡±


    Holding his hand didn¡¯t stop him from pushing two fingers inside me, and tears dropped from my eyes as he fingered me hard and rough.


    My knees buckled and I wanted to scream but his hand was hard against my mouth and fingers moving fast, in and out of me.


    More tears trickled down my eyes and for a second, I felt him hesitate. I thought he wanted to stop.


    But the smile on his face returned and he continued to finger me, rubbing against my clit.


    In that moment, I hated him so much for manipting my body to feel things against my will.


    When he was done, he forced my mouth open and put his fingers inside.


    ¡°Taste yourself, little slut and count yourself lucky that I¡¯m in a good mood today or you would have gotten worse.¡± He growled even as he released me finally and I fell to the ground, shaking.


    And without looking back, he left me in the closet, half dressed and sobbing.

 Rumours

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°Maybe I should not havee to school,¡± Was the first thing I thought to myself when I stepped inside the hallway.


    But I was so desperate to prove to myself, to Hardin and the entire school that they did not break me, especially after what had happened in the hallway yesterday, and then when he had abandoned me in the closet, crying my eyes out.


    I had gone straight home immediately, afraid that I would be harassed some more or worse, have to exin to Nadia why I looked like I had cried my eyeballs out and was worried that I would not be able to keep it a secret.


    My mother hade up to visit me when I had refused toe down, worried that I would not be able to eat if Hardin was sitting at that table and stomach the smirk on his face for making me cum even though it was without my consent and made me absolutely disgusted by myself.


    I hated him so much for making me unable to tell my mother the truth like I had always done growing up, because I was worried about how she would react and what it would mean for her marriage. I had lied to her that I wasing down with the flu and because I had yet to shift into my wolf form, it was a lot easier for her to believe since actual werewolves were hardly ever ill.


    I had spent most of the night tossing and turning on the bed, afraid of the door opening and revealing Hardin on the other side. I had even resorted to turning off my phone due to the amount of messages I kept getting about the rumour and offer from the boys at school to sleep with them.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Sleep deprived and tired, I arrived at school earlier than usual the next day in order to avoid having to face anyone in the hallway as if that was going to change the fact that we would be having sses together but at least, not everyone would be witness to my harassment today if it ever happened.


    ¡°Today, we will be doing something very different from what we usually do and this will require your cooperation and participation,  Do you understand?¡± Miss Amy, our teacher for the lesson that was ongoing said, and there were murmurs as people wondered what kind of assignment she would give this time. Miss Amy was always known for her unconventionality in giving out tasks and on another day, perhaps a normal day before, I might have been excited to participate. But now, I wanted to just hide under a table and hope everyone forgets about me and that stupid rumour.


    A note was passed to me and I should have not opened it but I was really worried about what it might be.


    My eyes widening in shock and horror when I saw a quickly scribbled phone number and details of an  address, with a short phrase that whoever wrote it used it as a medium to let me know exactly what he thought of me.


    There were snickers all around me and when Miss Amy cleared her throat, the whispering simmered down even though I was still getting dirty looks from different people in the ss.


    ¡°Like I said, today we will be doing something very different from what we have been doing since we started the new year.¡±


    She took a deep breath and opened her eyes, scanning the ssroom.


    ¡°Something has been hidden somewhere in the woods. You will have only a specific amount of time to find the instrument in your wolf forms and the first person to discover what had been hidden wins.  You can call it the hunt if you would like. May the best man win.¡±


    I heard someone ask Hardin if he was going and I heard a negative answer filled with what he truly believed was his doing, his answer ¡°no¡± because he and some of the others believed that they were way past hunting like little kids because it looked cheap.


    Speaking about the assignment after Miss Amy left and the ss waiting for after recess during which wolves had been ordered to shift and participate in the task, I swallowed nervously in one corner, hoping that no one would remember me and the fact that till today, I had been unable to shift, my highest attempt at transformation limited to only my ws.


    I had thought my prayer to be lucky was answered but like everything else, I just had to be wrong this day.


    ¡°So, tell us, Jasmine, since you are yet to shift, are you sure you should be in this ss if it¡¯s difficult for you?¡± The voice of the person who had broken the jinx faded away as I heard all of the words that were thrown at me after that horrible question that was more or less a statement.


    There were all sorts of whispers as I headed out of the ss immediately and rounded the hallway, unable to stomach the words that I had heard and wondering if that was how people truly saw me.


    As nothing but an opportunistic.


    As I sat on the ground at the end of the hallway, all of the words that I had heard kepting back to me and Iid my chin on my arms and shook, my eyes watering again at the amount of rumours that I had heard again.


    ¡®How can she even think that she could seduce someone like Hardin? So because her mother thinks she has secured the bag, Jasmine does not know anything.¡¯


    ¡®She thinks she so special because her mum married rich and into the Alpha family and she cannot even be bothered to change the fact that she does not deserve to be there¡¯


    The voices were turning even louder in my head and I sniffed, wondering what I had done to deserve the amount of hate and disgrace I had been through in the past couple of days.


    Everywhere I turned, there was always someone or something to remind me that I had been trying to force myself on Hardin, a baseless rumour that should have not gotten the traction it did and would not have, if Hardin had taken down the website that had uploaded the video mocking me about my inability to shift and told everyone else the truth.


    I was about to turn and take the back exit door that led to the parking lot so that I would go home when I heard a couple of girls giggling.


    ¡°You should have seen her face yesterday when Hardin dragged her away like she was crazy after she came to ask him to take down the post.¡± One of the voices said and I paused where I was standing, hoping that my identity was not going to be discovered.


    ¡°I was so excited to post that news because I knew that Hardin, ever the savior would finally see her for the slut that she is and not know what to do with her.¡± The other person answered and when they both giggled, my blood boiled. Because I knew that voice. I remembered who it belonged to.


    It belonged to Dahlia who hade over to the mansion that day to have sex.


    So, meanwhile I had thought that the person behind the post and all of the subsequent videos circting was Hardin and at the end of the day, it was just some bunch of girls?


    Why were they doing that to me?


    Angry, I wiped tears and came out from where I was hiding, to find Dahlia and three other girls who had been leaning against the wall and talking, paused to look at me.


    The eyes of some of the girls widened in surprise but Dahlia looked like she had just been told that the Earth was round, her lips tilted up in a wicked smile.


    ¡°Well, well, well, who do we have here girls!¡± She said stepping forward towards me and even though I had not been expecting her to be with so many girls, I stood my ground.


    ¡°Do you hate me? Is that why you posted such a wicked rumour of me forcing myself on Hardin when you know that it is not true? You need to take down that post.¡± I said, my voice feeling braver and when Dahlia just threw back her hair andughed, her and the other girls forming a circle around me, I swallowed nervously.


    ¡°Or what are you going to do about it? For the love of God, you can¡¯t even shift into your wolf form. Even your wolf is terrified to show her face and say that it came from you. Have you ever taught about that?¡± Someone else said and when Dahlia chuckled, I stepped forward towards her, undeterred.


    ¡°Please take down the video, Dahlia or I¡¯ll report you to the school¡­¡± A huge pnded on my cheeks sending me to the ground before I could finish my statement and the girlsughed as Dahlia kicked me.


    ¡°Newssh, Jasmine? Nobody will listen to a nobody like you especially someone that cannot even wolf out. But perhaps by the time the girls and I are done with you, you will learn your ce.¡±


    She kicked me and as I closed my eyes, waiting in horror for the p she was about to hit me with again, I heard the voice of thest person that I wanted to see.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± His deep voice floated down the hallway and when I looked up, Hardin had just walked up to us, his hands in his pockets and eyebrows raised in question.

 Why do you care?

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    Maybe it was because I was sitting on the floor, my hands holding my face that I was sure was turning red.  But Hardin lookedrger than life where he stood, his hands folded as he raised his eyebrows in question.


    He looked like a predator in that moments, his eyes narrowing at the scene in front of him and his expression stoic in a way that was threatening and made me swallow nervously.


    I wanted to believe that he was truly aware of Dahlia¡¯s involvement in spearheading the spread of the rumour about me throwing myself at him but from the way his eyes watched Dahlia and the way her face paled in fear as she looked at him, I doubted that it was.


    ¡°Hardin, it¡¯s not what it looks like.¡± Dahlia started but when Hardin raised a hand, she fell silent.


    ¡°The rest of you, get out.¡± He said calmly and immediately, all the other girls ran away, looking relieved that they would not be here to witness whatever was about to happen.


    Dahlia was about to move when Hardin raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°And where do you think you are going?¡± He growled and she froze, her hands shaking.


    ¡°I thought that by the rest of you, you wanted to be alone with Jasmine.¡± She said and even I knew it was a lie because she perfectly understood what Hardin had said.


    Cornering Dahlia until her back was against the wall, he kept his hand behind his back and growled.


    ¡°So, you were truly behind the rumour. Exin yourself now!¡±


    Looking everywhere but at Hardin, she whimpered.


    ¡°I know how much you don¡¯t like her and she has been nothing but trouble since she entered your life. Has she not? I thought you would be thanking me for helping you to make her life miserable just like you wanted, right?¡±


    ¡°And where did I ever ask you to do such a thing, Delia?¡±


    Her eyes widened in surprise and I would haveughed at the fact that Hardin did not even know her name if I was not in shock to see how angry he was at the rumour.


    Everything Dahlia had said was true. Hardin had never hidden how much he disliked me ever since I had stood up to him for Nadia and it had only gotten worse after my mother married his father and he saw it as a strategy to get his family fortune.


    He had bullied, harassed and even degraded me ever since then, so why was he so upset about someone else doing it? Especially when it was his lover?


    ¡°It¡¯s Dahlia, Hardin and I thought we were a team.¡± She raised her hand and tried to touch his face. But, he caught her hand mid air.


    His mouth lifted in a cruel smile and he nodded.


    ¡°Oh, because we fucked a couple of times? Is that it? Is that what gave you the audacity to behave like you can do anything you want? And who cares what the fuck your name is, little brat?¡±


    Dahlia shook, tears starting to fall from her face and a part of me wanted to feel sorry for her. I knew what it was like to be on the receiving end of Hardin¡¯s rage but she did not deserve my sympathy.


    She had deliberately set out to ruin another person¡¯s life just to receive validation. She would never understand what it was to cry herself to sleep over allegations that werepletely false. She would never understand how it had felt to see those notes on her locker and be called a slut.


    ¡°Hardin, I¡¯m sorry. You¡¯re scaring me. I thought we were a team. I thought you liked me.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ve obviously been nothing but delusional and I have been making one fucking big mistake not scaring you from the first fucking moment you met me.¡± He growled as he grabbed her neck and she shook in horror as he dragged her until she was in front of me.


    ¡°Now, apologize to her. And mean it.¡± He  whispered in her ear.


    Dahlia¡¯s eyes widened in shock and she looked at me, seeing that I was surprised too.


    ¡°Don¡¯t keep me waiting, I have things to do.¡±


    Swallowing her sobs, she wiped her eyes, her makeup already smearing her face and nodded. Her mascara darkened beneath my eyes and she looked at me, her expression filled with guilt.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jasmine.¡± She whispered and when I looked at Hardin¡¯s face for his reaction, he looked like he was bored.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing it wrong. I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re the reason she¡¯s on the ground. So, do it again.¡±


    Gently, she knelt in front of me and stifled her sobs.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jasmine. Very sorry that I did that to you.¡±


    ¡°Do you ept her apology?¡± He asked me and I looked at him stunned. Why was he doing this to me?


    Why was he making me feel like he actually cared about me? Why was he making me feel like he was on my side?


    ¡°Yes¡± I finally answered and he nodded, walking up to stand in front of me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to youter. Leave.¡± He told Dahlia and she threw me onest teary nce before she fled.


    Opening his hand to help me up, he frowned when I ignored it and stood up by myself. I was very wary of everything that had just happened and wondered whether this was one of his tricks.


    My eyes widened when he grabbed my chin and turned my cheek to the side, examining it for a long moment before he turned my face back to stare at me.


    ¡°You should skip school, put ice on that so it doesn¡¯t form a bruise.¡±


    I felt butterflies flutter in my stomach and I cleared my throat, quickly shifting away from him because it was clear that I was getting confused by him defending me and forgetting who he truly was.


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± I muttered and ran away, not waiting to see if he would respond.


    Without waiting for the rest of the sses, I headed home and went straight to my room, making sure to lock the door. I knew that could not stop Hardin from entering my room if he wanted but it made me feel a false sense of safety.


    I knew my mother woulde up if I missed dinner again for a third time this week so I went down and hoped that Hardin did not join us.


    Luckily, he was a no show but a part of me had wanted him to be there. A part of me wanted him toe and taunt me, and remind me about the Hardin that I was used to, because I was not used to him defending or protecting me.


    In fact, it was a foreign feeling.


    I was getting my assignments done when Nadia called me.


    ¡°Hi, Jazz, how are you feeling today? I heard what happened. That was why you left school early. Didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°What did you hear?¡± I said in a low voice, hoping that there was not another rumour of me.


    ¡°I was in one of the restroom stalls when Dahlia came in crying and screaming at her friends of how Hardin had humiliated her in front of you. That he had asked her to kneel and beg you for being responsible for the video. I almost screamed but remembered that they would catch me. Is it true? Dahlia is truly responsible for spreading the rumour around school?¡±


    I nodded, then remembered that she could not see me before I whispered.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m shocked too. I hadpletely thought it was somebody else.¡±


    ¡°Oh, like who?¡±


    I wanted to mention Hardin¡¯s name, but realized that I would have to exin why I thought Hardin was responsible. And that would mean telling Nadia the truth about what had been going on between me and Hardin since I moved into the house, I knew it would be the wrong thing to do.


    Just because Hardin had stood up for me this one time did not mean he has suddenly be a good person or that his threat that he would deal with me if I told anyone had suddenly disappeared.


    I still needed to be wary even though I felt my heart pound faster when I remembered how his hand had held my chin and how I had seen a hint of concern in his eyes when he told me to ice my face.


    I was being delusional again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe one of thecrosse boys? But definitely not Dahlia, we are not even in the same ss.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but she sounded real pissed about having to apologize to you though. Said she didn¡¯t know when Hardin suddenly became so protective over you. I guess Hardin is not such a bad guy, is he?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get carried away¡± I replied even though butterflies erupted in my stomach at Hardin¡¯s protectiveness this afternoon.


    ¡°Yeah, of course¡± Sheughed.


    ¡°Does this mean you¡¯reing to school tomorrow? Please say yes.¡±


    Even though I agreed to go to school, I was still skeptical about everything, especially because I had still gotten another message to hook up this night.  Now I knew that Hardin was not responsible but Dahlia was, but would it really stop the rumour from still being spread?


    I got my answer in the morning on my way to school when my phone rang just as I was about to enter the schoolpound.


    ¡°Jazz, hi, good morning. You really need to check your messages. Something big has happened.¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Panic attack

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°Jazz, hi, good morning, you really need to check your messages. Something big has happened.¡± Nadia said over the phone and I froze in front of the entrance into the school hallway, my throat closing up as panic suddenly hit me.


    What was happening?


    Had something else been spread about me in less than twenty four hours?


    Did I need to turn back and head home?


    ¡°Jazz, are you there?¡± I heard her say, and even though the phone was on my ear, her words seemed so far away.


    Was I having a panic attack?


    ¡°Jazz, where are you? Are you still there? Jazz!¡± Nadia screamed into the phone, her voice sounding panicked and I inhaled deeply and tried to look around my surroundings.


    ¡°I¡¯m in front of the entrance¡± I managed to murmur and I found a tree to lean against, sitting on the ground as I counted backwards, trying to rx.


    Nadia appeared in front of me a few minutester and her eyes widened as she knelt in front of me.


    ¡°What happened? You look so pale.¡± Reaching inside her bag, she gave me a bottle of water and I emptied it in a few gulps, exhaling slowly as my tight chest loosened.


    ¡°You said something had happened.¡± I whispered and her eyes finally widened in understanding.


    ¡°Oh shit, my bad. Something good, Jazz. I am so sorry, I did not think you would take it to mean something bad about you. I didn¡¯t think. Forgive me?¡±


    I nodded, relieved that it was not what I had imagined and allowed her to pull me up to my feet.


    ¡°So, what happened? Tell me.¡± I whispered and she nodded, moving close to me and rubbing my back gently.


    ¡°I sent the link to your phone. It¡¯s a video. You, more than anyone should see it. But right now, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re the only one in the school who has not seen it yet.¡± She answered and I reached for my phone in my pocket and opened her chat to see that she had indeed sent me a message at about 1am in the morning with a link.


    My mouth fell open as I yed the one minute video of Dahlia confessing to being the person involved in the spread of the rumour about me and apologizing for any harm it has caused as she intentionally tried to spoil my name.


    Unable to believe that this was happening, I watched the video again and when I was done, I looked at Nadia who nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s real, I promise. It dropped at midnight and people have been going wild in thement section apologizing to you and stuff. I tried to call you immediately but your phone was turned off.¡±


    I had turned off my phone because I did not want to receive any messages from guys who were hellbent on believing that I was interested in sleeping with them thanks to a baseless rumour.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go to ss.¡± Nadia looped her hands through mine and as we entered the hallway, I saw people staring at me but this time I could actually read the expression on their faces and most of it was guilt.


    I wanted to lie to myself that it didn¡¯t matter but Dahlia¡¯s video had gone such a long way in changing the narrative about me that she had spun overnight and the fact that only some days ago, I was horrified to even enter this hallway made me grateful that it was finally over.


    Heading to my locker, I opened it as Nadia leaned against the locker beside me.


    ¡°Hardin is just the best step sibling to have, isn¡¯t he?¡±She said with a sing song voice.


    Closing my locker, I raised my eyebrows at her in confusion.


    ¡°Did anything happen?¡± There had to be a reason why Nadia was suddenly praising Hardin.


    Nadia¡¯s eyes widened at my statement, and I wondered if I had said something wrong again.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t tell you? Well, of course he didn¡¯t. Immediately after the video dropped yesterday, he dropped a message warning everyone to stay away from you. Turns out he was the one that ordered Dahlia to make the video so that your name would be cleared, can you imagine that?¡±


    My mouth fell open in surprise and I shook my head. I had not seen or spoken to Hardin since the incident with Dahlia and I had just assumed that I was going to get an apology at best, but hearing this, that he had been actively involved in trying to clear my name, it made me all forms of ufortable.


    I was beginning to wonder if I had been too harsh on him when he tried to check if I had been hurt yesterday. But as much as I wanted to believe that Hardin had a thread of goodness in him, I was worried about getting my hopes up.


    ¡°I¡¯m certainly surprised.¡± I answered and when I turned to walk to ss, my eyes collided with Hardin¡¯s where he stood with his clique on the other end of the hallway.


    His face remained stoic and even though his friends were trying to gain his attention, his eyes remained glued to mine and it felt like it was just the two of us standing in the hallway, the rest of the crowd fading away.


    I wanted to know if he could see the question in my eyes.


    Why?


    Why had he gone to such great lengths to help me?


    I knew that walking up to him like I had done thest time was a terrible idea because of how he had dragged me into the closet.


    ¡°Come on, we will bete for ss.¡± Nadia said, pulling me away from my stare off and towards our first ss of the day.


    But throughout the entire day, I tried to think about different reasons as to why Hardin had done that for me and none of them made any sense to me.


    Did he perhaps actually like me? And if he did, how did I feel about that?


    ¡°You keep zoning out, sweetheart. Is everything alright?¡± I looked towards the direction of where my mum stood in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and when I looked down, the knifeid limply in my hand, the carrot I had been cutting for dinner still not finished.


    My face turned red in embarrassment and I cleared my throat, shaking my head.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    My mother smiled and came to stand beside me as she began chopping the carrots with me.


    ¡°You can¡¯t hide that red face from me, my love. Have you forgotten that I gave birth to you, youngdy?¡±


    ¡°No, mum.¡±


    ¡°Tell me. Is it about a boy? Is there someone you like?¡±


    The first face that shed in my mind was Hardin¡¯s and how he had stared at me in the hallway and I shook my head immediately.


    Maybe I was going insane because why would that be the first person my mind thought of as an answer to that question.


    Hardin Morales was cruel, ruthless, had an ego the size of Mount Everest and thought that everyone was out to get him.


    But he helped you clear your name, a voice whispered in my head.


    I was confused. Very confused.


    ¡°No, mum. It is not about a boy.¡±


    She nodded even though she looked like she didn¡¯t believe me and didn¡¯t push further on the issue.


    The one time I wanted Hardin to actually be at the dinner table so I could gauge his motives for helping me out and he was a no show.


    After dinner was over, my mum was about to send a maid to take Hardin¡¯s dinner to his room when I interjected.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    My mum¡¯s eyes brightened in delight, and I was sure that she thought I was helping because my rtionship with Hardin was getting better just like the lie he had sold to our parents all of the times he had joined us for dinner.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, his room is beside mine so it¡¯s not a big deal anyways.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much, sweetheart. You¡¯re an angel.¡± Handing me the tray of food, she kissed my cheek and I swallowed nervously as I headed upstairs, passing the door to my room before stopping in front of his bedroom door.


    I was just going to ask him why he helped me out and leave, right after I dropped the dinner.


    Knowing Hardin, I needed to be prepared for the worst treatment but a part of me wanted to believe that he would not throw me out or have a snarky remark to my question.


    Knocking on the door, I waited, afraid that if I just walked in, I would end up intruding on something I was not supposed to see, like the first time I had caught him with Dahlia.


    But several knockster and no answer, I opened the door and peeked, surprised and relieved that he was not inside. Heading inside, I dropped the food on the table in the room and my eyes rested on his bed, remembering how his hands had held me against my will and how he had touched me in ces that had made my toes curl even if it was against my will.


    Turning around, I quickly legt the room  and headed to my bedroom, grateful that I had not met him.


    I had just closed my bedroom door behind me and turned, when a gasp left my throat to find him sitting on my bed, his eyebrows raised at my surprise.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here, Hardin?¡±

 Kneel down and suck

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here, Hardin?¡± I whisper yelled, looking outside the door of my room to be sure no one wasing up before I closed the door and rested against it.


    ¡°I give you a couple of days of peace and you¡¯re back to having a smart ass mouth, Jasmine. Well, the talk about the mice starting to y when the cat¡¯s away is quite useful in this situation or don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    He rose to his feet and walked towards where I stood, stopping mere inches away from me and when he looked down at me with a devious smirk, my heart skipped and panic made me move away from him.


    That was a mistake because immediately I moved away from the door, he locked it and pocketed the keys, grinning mischievously and my eyes widened.


    ¡°Not so smart, are you now, Jasmine. You are ying right into my hands, right where I want you, cowering and shaking.¡±


    ¡°What the hell do you want from me, Hardin? A thank you?¡±


    The smile wiped off his face and he wrapped a hand around my neck, pulling me flush against him as he looked directly into my eyes.


    ¡°A thank you? Why the fuck do I need a thank you from you, Jasmine? Do enlighten me.¡±


    I was confused. If he was not here for a thank you for helping me clear my name, then why was he here?


    Or had he decided to continue to y with me again?


    My eyes widened in horror as I realized that it might be thetter.


    ¡°Why did you help me clear my name then? I heard you went to great lengths to ensure that I was vindicated.¡±


    ¡°Not that someone like you would ever understand but do you remember how not once, but twice, you walked up to me and got all up in my face, using me of framing you with such a lousy rumour as if I had nothing better to do with my time than frame you with a message. I am the king of the school. Surely, you should have thought better than that. I don¡¯t need to type anything to make your life miserable. I don¡¯t need to even say a damn word!¡± He growled, his grip on my throat tightening as his other hand wrapped around my waist, to keep me from running away and I whimpered in fear.


    I had forgotten that I had falsely used him and from the look in his eyes, it didn¡¯t matter that his hostility towards me was enough grounds to suspect him of doing something like that.


    ¡°Do you want me to apologize? Is that why you¡¯re here? Then I¡¯m sorry. Let me go.¡± I whispered and he grinned.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re going to apologize to me quite alright and you are going to do everything I say or there will be hell to pay. Do you understand me?¡±


    He didn¡¯t wait for my answer, dragging me towards the couch and he sat down there.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Kneel.¡± He whispered and my eyes widened in horror.


    ¡°Do you want me to make you, Jasmine?¡± He said with a smirk and when I didn¡¯t move, he folded his arms.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it good for you, how about that? It¡¯s less than you deserve but if you¡¯re good¡­¡± He trailed off, his growl echoing round the room and I flinched, getting down on my knees, my eyes welling up with tears.


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    He pulled me towards him and forced my hands to his belt.


    ¡°Unbuckle it.¡± He whispered and my hands were shaky as I struggled to obey the order.


    When I finally did, he released his dick from his pants, stroking it hard as he looked at me and I froze, my eyes refusing to look down as I kept them glued to his face.


    ¡°Take off your shirt, Jasmine.¡±


    ¡°Please, Hardin, you don¡¯t have to do this.¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but you didn¡¯t have to have a smart mouth too, right? Take off that shirt before I rip it off you.¡± He said with a re that made me remove the shirt immediately and when he raised his brows patiently, I removed my bra, the first tear slipping down my eyes.


    I saw something sh in his eyes as he saw the tears trickle down my cheeks but he quickly closed his eyes with a groan.


    ¡°Come closer, Jasmine.¡±


    His hand grabbed my head but I realized that unlike before, his grip was gentle, almost as if he was worried about hurting me. It made me very confused.


    ¡°Taste.¡± He said, bringing my head close to his dick and he groaned when I did as he asked, wrapping my mouth around his dick.


    ¡°Now, move up and down.¡± He whispered and as more tears fell down my cheeks, I let him fuck my mouth, watching as he closed his eyes and threw his head back with a groan.


    His other hand that was not holding my head yed with my nipples and I squeezed my thighs, more tears trickling down my cheeks as I felt moisture pool between my thighs, my body reacting even though it was thest thing I wanted.


    He moved some more times before he pulled me away from his dick and threw me on the bed.


    Turning me around so that my back was on the bed, he hovered over me and wiped my wet cheeks, kissing down my throat so slowly, it made my toes curl.


    He had never done this before.


    His mouth found my nipple and I couldn¡¯t help the moan that escaped my throat when he suckled on it, as his hands moving into my panties to find it soaked.


    ¡°And you say you don¡¯t want this. Makes it very hard for me to believe that you¡¯re not a serial liar, Jasmine.¡±


    He slipped two fingers into me and I arched my back, biting down on my lip even as more tears fell down my cheeks.


    His mouth continued to feast on my breasts as he fucked me hard and fast with his fingers and I could feel his dick, hard as stone against my thigh.


    He added another finger, stretching me wide and I couldn¡¯t help the scream that escaped my mouth.


    ¡°Please¡± I begged, not even knowing what I was begging him for.


    And then he suddenly stopped.


    More tears fell down my face as I waited for him to stand up and leave but my eyes widened in horror when he removed a condom from the back of his jeans and ripped the foil open.


    I opened my mouth to tell him that I had not done this before to beg him to stop, but no words came out.


    I watched, speechless as he rolled the condom on his dick and his phone suddenly rang.


    I didn¡¯t realize that I had heaved a sigh of relief when he paused and looked at his phone, ready to turn it off. It rang again and he growled, picking it up.


    ¡°This better be fucking important or¡­¡± His voice trailed off and even though I could not hear what the other person said, his face hardened and without one word, he removed the condom, threw it in the bin, wore his trousers and reached for his shirt , then headed for the door.


    Immediately the door mmed shut, I gasped, shaking as violent sobs escaped my throat and I folded myself on the bed, crying my eyes out until my eyes were dry.


    Rushing into the bathroom, I scrubbed my skin until I was almost sore and changed my clothes.


    Feeling a sudden wave of headache, I opened the door and headed downstairs to get some aspirin from the first aid box when I heard yelling.


    Stopping on the stairs, I peeked and saw Hardin pulling at his hair as he looked at his father with a pained expression.


    ¡°I can¡¯t have this conversation with you anymore. I can¡¯t.¡± He walked past his father and just when I thought he would catch me watching from the stairwell, he headed out of the house, the door shaking from the force of the way he mmed it.


    Rushing back upstairs, I waited until I saw Russo enter his study, mming his door hard before I headed downstairs.


    As I swallowed the aspirin, I wondered what could have made Hardin look like he had lost the world.


    By the time I headed back upstairs and entered my room, I saw him sitting on the floor beside my bed and froze.


    Was he here to finish what he started?


    He held his head in his hands and didn¡¯t move from where he was. As I wanted to walk past him, he whispered my name.


    ¡°Hardin, please¡­¡±


    ¡°Just sit beside me.¡± He whispered, his voice hoarse and I was so surprised by his request that I went immediately and sat on the floor beside him and the only sound in the room was of my clock.


    The other sound being my heart that raced faster. I watched him but he didn¡¯t look up. Instead, he just remained with his head down on his knees,pletely different from the Hardin that I knew and was used to.


    I didn¡¯t know how long we remained like that, sitting beside each other in silence but when I opened my eyes in the middle of the night, I was on my bed, covered with nkets and he was gone.


    My chest tightened as I wondered what could have happened to him. Same time that my mother¡¯s words came back to haunt me.


    Was it possible that I still had feelings for Hardin?

 Some pussy

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    When I came down for breakfast, I was not surprised that Hardin wasn¡¯t there, but it made me even more curious about what happenedst night.


    What had he and his father argued about to make him look so distressed and upset? And why had hee to my bedroom and stayed like that?


    For someone who was very scared of what he was capable of, I was ashamed of how quickly I had slept off while I sat on the ground beside him, watching as he sat still, not even sure if he was awake because his head was on his knees.


    But I had fallen asleep as I kept watch and had woken up on my bed, draped in my bed covers.


    It was something anyone would expect Hardin to do. Abandon me on the floor? That was what I expected from him. But this was new and unlike him. Just like how he had not been the one responsible for that rumor and had taken it upon himself to clear my name.


    He was confusing me and I didn¡¯t know what he was up to.


    ¡°Take this to school and give to Hardin.¡± My mother said after I was done with breakfast and before I could tell her that it was obviously a bad idea, she shoved the bag into my hands and waved me goodbye as I walked to school.


    I was at the entrance to school when Nadia appeared beside me and looped her hands through my arm.


    ¡°Wow, you brought a lunchbox today? Is cafeteria food that bad? Or are my taste buds dying?¡± She brought out her tongue and tried to look down at it and I shook my head with a chuckle.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not for me. My mum asked me to give it to Hardin. The maid that cleaned his room returned the dinner that I dropped for himst night. Apparently it was untouched, so my mum is worried about him.¡±


    ¡°A. That¡¯s so sweet. Can your mum adopt me? Pretty please?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not. You have your own mum.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but do you see any lunch box in my hands?¡± She whined and I shrugged.


    As we entered the hallway, my eyes searched where he usually stood with his clique but he wasn¡¯t there. Heading to my locker, I listened absentmindedly to what Nadia was telling me about thetest update on our favorite series and I brought out my phone to try to call him.


    That was when I realized that I had never saved his number.


    Between all of the things that he had put me through, I was surprised that his number was not blocked.


    Saving his number, I opened the chat box and wanted to type a message but I hesitated, locking my phone and putting it inside my back pocket.


    As I parted ways with Nadia and headed to my ss, I turned right and stopped when Dahlia stopped in front of me.


    She looked like she had not slept in so many days and her face waspletely bare today, her hair in a messy bun.


    I tried to walk away from her but she grabbed my hand and when my eyes widened, she quickly released me, looking scared.


    ¡°What do you want, Dahlia?¡± I asked in the calmest voice that I could muster and she smiled, even though it was the farthest thing from an actual smile.


    ¡°Can you please beg Hardin to forgive me? I¡¯ll do anything you want, just please beg him to forgive me already. You have forgiven me, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    I nodded, confused by why she was telling me this.


    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±


    She looked at me like I was being intentionally obtuse and released a harsh breath.


    ¡°Hardin has never done what he did for you for anyone else before. And maybe it¡¯s because you are now his stepsister. But you and I know the kind of person Hardin is.¡±


    I wanted tough and tell her why she had all of a sudden believed that Hardin was nice to me because of one incident.


    ¡°What does forgiving you have to do with anything?¡±


    ¡°He has cklisted me. I¡¯m an outcast. A pariah. He¡¯s the king of the school and  because of what I did to you, not only does he not want me anymore, his rejection has made no other person want to associate with me. Please, help me talk to him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I don¡¯t think I can be of any help.¡± I told her and before she could answer, I walked quickly to my ssroom.


    Throughout the entire ss, I pondered on what she said. She was right. Hardin was not a saint.


    He did things that served him. But what she didn¡¯t know was that I had already paid for him clearing my name with my body.


    Why then did her words make me feel special?


    Because she was right. Hardin was self serving and what he did would surprise anyone.


    During lunch, I kept my eye out for him but when I didn¡¯t see him at his usual table, I walked up to ask Alex.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, look who it is.¡± Alex said with a smirk that made me want to stab his eye with a fork.


    Ignoring his greeting, I went straight to the point.


    ¡°I can¡¯t find Hardin. He¡¯s not at home. Where do you think he might be?¡±


    ¡°Well, there is something called a cell phone nowadays. And how would I know when you, the stepsister who lives with him doesn¡¯t know a thing?¡±


    Rolling my eyes, I nodded. I should have expected nothing more from his friends.


    I was about to go when I overheard Alex asking Sandro for today¡¯s date.


    ¡°Shit, it¡¯s today, isn¡¯t it?¡± He murmured and when I turned around, the twins looked at me.


    ¡°What is today?¡±


    ¡°His mum¡¯s birthday.¡± Bringing out a lighter from his pocket, he handed it to me.


    ¡°Give this to him whenever you find him, he forgot it yesterday.¡±


    Nodding, I took the lighter from Alex and decided that it was the perfect excuse to call Hardin. And that was if he picked up the phone. He probably wouldn¡¯t if he saw that it was from me. But I wasn¡¯t about to let my mum¡¯s hard work go to waste.


    ¡°What do you want, Scott?¡± He said, picking up on the first ring and I froze, my entire body developing goosebumps from his voice.


    I had not been expecting him to pick up my call at all.


    ¡°You¡¯re not in school.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the sky is blue.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Thought we were talking about things that were fucking obvious, Jasmine. Why¡¯d you call? Miss me already?¡±


    I rolled my eyes, d that he could not see me and cleared my throat.


    ¡°Where are you? I have something to give you.¡±


    ¡°What? Some pussy? Are you finally starting to confess that you like our little sessions?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m with your lighter. And I want to return it to you. I¡¯ll leave it in front of your bedroom door after school then. Bye.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± He said, then paused before finally adding


    ¡°I¡¯m at home. In the woods behind the house. Come now.¡±


    ¡°But, I still have sses and¡­¡±


    ¡°Now, Jasmine or you won¡¯t like the results.¡± He hung up on me before I could even summon up the courage to tell him no and I knew that I was doomed.


    I med that lunchbox for this. Why did I even take his lighter when I was supposed to be avoiding him with everything I had?


    My mind shed to the argument with his father and how sad he looked as he sat beside my bed on the ground in silence.


    I hated myself for even feeling empathy for him when he didn¡¯t deserve it.


    Sending a text to Nadia that I was skipping for the rest of the day, I headed back to the house and walked into the woods.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to find him.


    He was sitting against a tree looking at a stack of rocks that he had piled up with his eyes closed.


    I took a moment to look at him thoroughly.


    His dark hair was bing long enough to fall over his face and I studied the neck piece that he was wearing. I had always wondered why he was wearing a woman¡¯s jewelry and just assumed it was from one of the many women he was sleeping with. But from what Alex said today, I guessed it belonged to his mother.


    I hated how handsome he was. How his face looked like the gods had taken their time with him. I wondered if they had known that he would be a menace with that kind of face and body.


    ¡°Are you going toe over here or keep staring at me?¡±


    He opened one light blue eye and raised his eyebrow, while I moved to stand beside him, bringing out the lighter from my pocket.


    ¡°I brought you lunch. And your lighter.¡± Dropping the lunchbag and the lighter on top of it, I turned around to leave when he growled and I froze, my face wide with fear.


    ¡°Turn around, Jasmine.¡± Slowly I did what he asked and he patted the ground beside him.


    ¡°Come and sit here.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you really want to find out what is going to happen if you don¡¯t do as I say, Jasmine?¡±


    I swallowed nervously when he smiled because it was full of fang. A reminder that he was not just a werewolf but a very strong one.

 Kiss me

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    If I wasn¡¯t so scared of the fact that Hardin¡¯s eyes were glowing and his fangs were out in what he honestly believed was a smile, then I would have been fascinated by how easy it came for him.


    It was no secret that for some reason, I was not capable of turning into my wolf. The highest I could summon were my ws and even that was soughable to do when I knew that I could not transform so I didn¡¯t even bother to do that.


    Nadia had always tried her possible best to not talk about shifting or anything about her werewolf in front of me even though I had told her several times that she could. I guessed that she was doing me a favour.


    Because now, as Hardin¡¯s face changed and went back to normal with so much ease, I wanted to ask him to do it again so I could watch and remember that the chances that I would ever be able to do that were zero to none.


    ¡°I will not repeat myself, Jasmine.¡± He growled and I blinked, walking back to where he was sitting and lowering myself to the ground beside me. Leaning against the truth but sitting so stiffly, if he pushed me with a finger, I would fall to the ground.


    ¡°Open it.¡± He said, pointing to the lunch box and when I raised my eyebrows, he frowned.


    ¡°Okay, opening it.¡± I whispered, quickly opening the box and arranging them in front of him.


    ¡°Taste it.¡±


    My eyes widened in surprise and I stretched out the fork to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry and besides this is for you.¡±


    ¡°Then throw it away.¡±


    I was sure that he ignored the look that I gave him because I stared at him with a look that said he must be joking.


    ¡°Throw it away, Jasmine.  Choose one. You either eat this with me or you throw it away.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Not that I appreciate being asked why, but what if it¡¯s poisoned? You can never be too sure these days.¡±


    ¡°Are you insinuating that my mother tried to poison you?¡±


    ¡°I am not insinuating. I am saying this as fact. I see no reason why I should trust that the food ispletely harmless. But if on the other hand, you were to eat it¡­¡±


    ¡°Say no more¡± I interrupted with a re and took a forkful of the food, shoving it into my mouth and chewing aggressively. When I was done, I reached for the bottle of water and swallowed, then feigned a smile.


    ¡°Now that we have established that the food is not poisoned, is there anything else you would like me to do because I do not have all day and I will be taking my leave now.¡±


    I stood up with my bag pack and was walking away when he grabbed my arm and turned me to face him, his face filled with rage that made all my initial bravado disappear and be reced with fear.


    Hardin was just an intimidating person up close, I knew it was the wrong thing to do when I stood up to leave. It seemed like I was always forgetting just how far Hardin would go to punish me when he was upset.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Do you have a death wish, Scott? Or do you like being punished by me? Is that it? Want me to bend you over and fuck you right now? Is that what you¡¯re fishing for? A spanking?¡±


    He grabbed my throat and pulled me even closer and I gasped, my eyes welling with tears as he waited for a response.


    ¡°No. Please, let me go.¡± I whispered and he smirked.


    ¡°Not so mouthy now, are you?¡± He answered and I opened my mouth to reply and beg for him to let me go when my eyes fell on something on the tree branch, moving towards us.


    A snake.


    I was so terrified of snakes, it could literally make me pass out. I had found out for the very first time when I was ten and had the unfortunate luck of meeting one when I went on a pic with my mother.


    I had fainted and woken up in the hospital from the shock.


    Tapping on Hardin¡¯s hands frantically, I started to hyperventte


    ¡°Please, Hardin, let me go. Please.¡±


    ¡°And what if I don¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Snake¡± I screamed, tears falling down my face as my body shook and Hardin¡¯s face turned confused, before he finally looked towards where I was pointing.


    Releasing me, I watched, holding my throat with both hands on my knees as with one wed hand he picked the snake from the branch and with both hands tore it into pieces.


    My vision blurred and I knew without a doubt that I was having a panic attack.


    Kneeling in front of me, Hardin¡¯s eyes widened in panic as he realized that I was not pretending but actually gasping for breath.


    ¡°Talk to me, Jasmine. Fucks sake, why are you having a panic attack right now?¡±


    Grabbing my shoulders, he looked desperate and when he looked around and back at me, I knew that he had no idea what to do.


    And all of a sudden, his face lit up, an ideaing to him.


    ¡°This means nothing, Jasmine. Absolutely nothing.¡± He whispered and his lips smashed against mine.


    I gasped, holding my breath in shock as he kissed me, pulling me closer to him.


    One shallow breath after the other, I realized that I had stopped hyperventting and when he stopped kissing me, I looked at him in shock.


    This was the first time that he had kissed me. For all of the times that he had touched me against my will, he had kissed me everywhere except my lips and then I hadn¡¯t really cared why, just secure in the fact that he didn¡¯t take that from me.


    But now, Hardin was also my first kiss and in the most unconventional way possible.


    I doubted that he would even believe me if I told him.


    He stared at me, his eyes wide as we knelt in front of each other and I was sure that he didn¡¯t believe that he had just done that.


    My heart beat furiously in my chest as I watched his eyes move from my eyes to my lips and I loathed myself because I knew where my thoughts were going to.


    I had not hated the kiss even though I knew I was supposed to. What was worse was that I wanted him to kiss me again


    He grabbed the back of my neck, his mouth hovering over mine when his phone rang in his pocket.


    As if he was released from a spell, he moved away from me immediately and rose to his feet to remove the phone from his pocket.


    Standing up awkwardly, I watched as he looked at the caller and proceeded to turn off his phone.


    When he looked back at me, he frowned.


    ¡°That meant nothing, do you hear me? I still think that you and your mother are opportunists. And I still think you¡¯re nothing but a lying pretending little woman. Do you understand?¡± He growled and I nodded, but I didn¡¯t know why this time, his words felt like they were noting from a ce of hate but like he just felt like he had to say them.


    I didn¡¯t know what gave me the nerve to ask but I spoke anyways.


    ¡°Who called you? Your dad?¡±


    He raised his eyebrows in surprise and I wasn¡¯t expecting him to answer so I was shocked when he did.


    ¡°Yes. Just another fight since this new family parade started. But you know all about that. Don¡¯t you? I saw you hiding by the stairs when I left the housest night.¡±


    I shook my head immediately, looking guilty as hell even though I hadn¡¯t heard anything while I was hiding by the stairs.


    ¡°I literally just got there when I saw you leaving.¡±


    ¡°Well, not that it¡¯s going to be a secret any longer but I told my aunt about all that has been happening while she was abroad. About his whirlwind marriage to your mother and my suspicions. I guess he didn¡¯t like the fact that I was not as receptive to the new family that he had created. So, don¡¯t you dare get your hopes up that how I feel about you has changed.¡±


    This time, his words actually hurt me. Not the new family part, because as much as I wanted my mother to be happy with Russo Morales, I had given up on the idea that Hardin and I would ever get along as step-siblings or even consider being one after everything that he had done to me.


    But when I looked at his face, he looked genuinely distressed and distrustful and I tried to put myself in his shoes.


    I had never met my father and I had grown up with just my mother so I had been very excited when she had found love again. But it wasn¡¯t the same for Hardin. He had lost his mother and had been forced to watch his father move on so fast and get married to someone else. His entire life must have been turned upside down.


    ¡°I will not keep my hopes up¡± I assured him quietly and he looked at me in surprise, clearly not expecting me to not argue with him.


    He was about to reply when my phone buzzed in my pocket and when I looked at it, it was a message from my mother.

 Surprise, surprise

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    Looking away from my phone after I read the message, I saw that Hardin¡¯s re was on me, his expression tortured as if he was expecting me to defend myself or argue with his horrid usations.


    He looked like he had been expecting a verbal response from me after he had all but called me and my mother names and informed us that he had reported to his aunt.


    Well, I guessed he really hated us that much and before today, I knew that I would have responded immediately, but now that I felt some sort of empathy towards what he might be going through and the changes that he had no choice but to ept immediately, my desire to argue with him had waned considerably.


    My phone buzzed again and when I saw that it was my mother, I picked it up and answered, still keeping my eyes trained on Hardin¡¯s whose face had hardened.


    I knew that with his supernatural hearing, he would hear everything that the other person on the other end of the


    phone was saying with premium ease and it made me envy him even more for being able to shift into a wolf at will and be blessed with everything that came with the supernatural.


    I had nothing. Except for the ws, my senses were pretty much ordinary and nothing was heightened. I was a human with ws.


    ¡°Hey, where are you? School closed a while ago? Are you okay?¡±


    I looked back at Hardin who was waiting patiently for me to answer.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine, I¡¯ll be home soon.¡±


    ¡°Okay, did you get my message? And have you been able to find Hardin? His dad has been trying to reach him but his phone is turned off.¡±


    I looked at Hardin and mouthed if I could say yes. Surprisingly, he agreed.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve found him. And yeah I saw your message.¡±


    Apparently, there was a guest at home. A very important guest and I could hear the nervousness in my mother¡¯s voice.


    It intrigued me because my mum was hardly ever rattled about anything.


    Looking at Hardin to see that he had finished eating, I reached for the lunchbox to pack it up, flinching when our hands brushed and refusing to look up at him because I was scared that he would catch me staring at his lips and say somethingpletely lewd and uncouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m done. Come on, let¡¯s go¡± I said when I was done packing and Hardin raised his brow, probably about to say something about him being the one to give the orders but I was surprised when he held himself back and rose to his feet, towering over me.


    We walked in tense silence back to the house and when we entered the living room, I saw my mother sitting with a woman, her posture stiff while the woman spoke to her about something.


    The first thing I noticed was that the guest had strawberry blonde hair that stopped at her shoulders.


    ¡°Oh, there they are.¡± My mother said, rising to her feet when she saw Hardin and I, her smile forced and ufortable. I was about to walk up to her and ask what was going on, when the woman she was speaking to, finally turned around and rose to her feet.


    My mouth fell open in shock at first because I had seen this woman before. Anyone that was in this pack knew Lily Morales, Hardin¡¯s mother plus I had seen some of her pictures around the house and the person standing in front of me was a spitting image of her.


    The same blue eyes that Hardin had, but her strawberry blonde hair was cropped short whereas she used to wear it longer.


    I looked at my mother for an exnation and when she looked at Hardin, I turned to look at him and saw that he was not surprised at all.


    The woman smiled widely as she took in my perplexed state and took a step forward.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re wondering why I look like Hardin¡¯s mother. I¡¯m Lily¡¯s twin sister, Lisa and Hardin¡¯s aunt. You should have seen your mother¡¯s face when I walked in. She thought I hade from the dead to take back my husband.¡± Sheughed and then covered her mouth with one hand.


    ¡°Oh, pardon me. Did I say my husband? I meant Lily¡¯s husband. It is a pleasure to be here.¡± Looking towards Hardin, she opened her arms.


    ¡°Come now, my darling nephew, will you not give me a hug? I haven¡¯t seen you since the funeral.¡± Her lips were tilted in a smirk even though the mention of the word funeral made Hardin¡¯s face turn pale.


    Slowly, Hardin walked into her embrace, bending to reach her height so that she could pat his back and when I looked at my mother, I saw that she was not looking sofortable at all.


    Judging from the way she was looking at Lisa, I had no doubts that she was the cause, especially because of the way she looked at me when I had first entered. And her words? They were insincere. As if she truly enjoyed making a joke of the situation.


    It was one thing when Hardin had told me that he had told his aunt about us, which I understood to mean he had said nothing good about us, but now that I looked at the boxes that she had brought that were being taken upstairs by the servants, I wondered if she was going to be staying for a while and what her intentions were.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Releasing Hardin, she opened her hand for me to give her a hand shake and after I did, stiffly, she turned to my mother with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading to my room to quickly shower and change, so that I can join you to prepare for dinner. I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, not at all. You can take your time. The maids will assist me.¡±


    ¡°And I will too.¡± I said immediately, finally getting a genuine smile from my mother since I entered the house.


    ¡°Alright then. See you at dinner.¡±


    Hardin was the first to join us downstairs, his hair damp like he had just taken a shower and when my eyes involuntarily moved to his lips, I was lost in it for a while. He caught me staring, then narrowed his eyes at me. Having no other option, I looked away immediately, fighting the urge to bite my mouth.


    Slipping her hand through Hardin¡¯s arm, she asked him to show her to her room and Hardin gave me onest nce before heading upstairs.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to drop my bag and be right down.¡± I told my mother and she nodded before heading to the kitchen.


    But as I changed into morefortable clothes, I wondered what kind of person Lisa was and if I was quick to misjudge her. If she hadn¡¯t heard anything good from her nephew about us, it was obvious that she would treat us badly but she had yet to say anything directly offensive. Yet. I didn¡¯t know what she had said to my mother to make her look very dejected but I was going to find out.


    My mother, on the other hand, refused to say anything when I finally joined her in the kitchen and said she was fine. So we prepared the table in silence.


    Russo came down next. He hade in  sometime around dinner and hade to say ¡®hi¡¯ to my mother before heading upstairs to shower and change. Walking up to my mum, he kissed her gently and I looked away, my mind going back to how Hardin had kissed me in the forest.


    ¡°Hello, Hardin. I tried to reach you.¡± He said as he sat down, but Hardin merely nodded and continued looking down at his phone.


    My mother was about to send a maid to call Lisa when she appeared, dressed like she was attending a ball.


    The red long sleeved dress she wore exposed her cleavage and left nothing to the imagination.


    She swayed as she walked towards us, her faceyered with make up that was quite different from the one she had on when I met her in the afternoon.


    Russo rose to his feet.


    ¡°I did not want to disturb you when I got back this evening. I didn¡¯t know you wereing. It was thanks to my wife who texted me as soon as you arrived. I would have sent someone to pick you at the airport.¡± His tone was using, especially because he looked in Hardin¡¯s direction and I realized that he hadn¡¯t told his father about his aunting. I had thought that Russo knew because they had been arguing about Hardin talking to his aunt about us but I guessed even him did not anticipate Lisa flying down here afterwards.


    When Lisa reached where Russo was standing, she pulled him in for a hug gently and kissed his cheeks before she pulled back and smiled, brushing his shoulders.


    ¡°It would have ruined the surprise. You should have seen your wife¡¯s face when I walked in. Karen, isn¡¯t it? That¡¯s your name, right?¡± She said as she looked at my mother whose face had hardened.


    ¡°It¡¯s Cam, Lisa. And please sit.¡± Russo answered, right before I wanted to, giving my mother an apologetic look.


    Lisa covered her mouth with her hand and smiled cheekily at my mother before she sat down.


    ¡°Oh, my bad. I¡¯m not really good with names. Shall we begin this dinner then? I¡¯m starving.¡±

 Popular

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    The entire dinner table was tense and even when Hardin ate with us, things were never as silent or as tense as this and I knew the reason. I was sure everyone on this table including Lisa knew the reason why.


    It was because Lisa Morales was here.


    I wondered how my mother was feeling, seeing the identical twin of Russo¡¯s first love and mother of his child sitting across from her beside Hardin, her smile bright and carefree as if she did not have a bother in the world because I knew that it worried me to look at her.


    For all intents and purposes, Lily was the temte from which Hardin was cast. He might have inherited his father¡¯s dark hair but those blue eyes that turned ssy or looked like the sky when they weren¡¯t darkening in rage, hade from Lily, his mother. And Lisa had those exact ssy blue eyes.


    And that smirk when they raised the side of their mouths or bit their lips were also the same.


    I wondered how Hardin was handling seeing someone that looked like his mother but was not in fact his mother.


    I guess he was handling it well, considering that it was because he had called her that she hade all the way to stay with us. For how long? We had no idea.


    ¡°Ohe on, why is everyone so quiet? No stories to tell? Or is everyone just like this because I¡¯m here? And I don¡¯t mean Russo or Hardin. I¡¯m talking to the two of you.¡± She said, looking at my mother and me.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    When my mother merely replied with a smile and a shrug, Lisaughed, throwing her head back like she was in a melodrama before she gently touched Russo¡¯s arm.


    The action was quick but I caught the way her nails softly ran over Russo¡¯s forearm before she picked her ss of wine and took a sip.


    My eyes moved away from her to Hardin and I was surprised to see that he didn¡¯t have a smirk on his lips or anything lewd to say.


    Instead, there was a frown on his lips and he looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here at the dining table.


    Well, that made two of us.


    ¡°As I was saying, you don¡¯t need to be ufortable around me. I¡¯m not a stranger. Or am I?¡± She looked in Russo¡¯s direction and he nodded, taking my mother¡¯s hand and squeezing gently in a way that told me that this wasn¡¯t the first time he had done that.


    I saw my mother¡¯s mood lighten instantly and was d that she didn¡¯t look so out of ce or upset anymore.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not a stranger¡± Russo answered finally and she grinned.


    ¡°I mean, when did we meet? It was freshman year high school, wasn¡¯t it?  Remember when you were dared by me to kiss someone and you kissed Lily? Or when you were asked the kiss, kill or marry question and you said that you would only ever marry Lily? Do you remember that?¡± Lisa said excitedly as she touched Russo¡¯s hand again and I had to fight the urge to be blunt and tell her that I wished she never came.


    Especially when everything she had just said made me and my mother feel like outsiders that were intruding in a family that didn¡¯t want or belong to us.


    ¡°Stop it, Lisa¡± Russo growled and Lisa raised her hands in mock surrender, feigning a smile.


    ¡°Oh, Cam, Jasmine. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you, did I?¡± Lisa said dramatically, covering her mouth with both hands in faux shock.


    My mother shook her head in response. But somehow, Lisa reached out to take my mother¡¯s hand


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, dear Cami. It¡¯s just that this man and I used to be in the same school with Hardin¡¯s mother and they were high school sweethearts¡­¡± She trailed off immediately Russo red at her in annoyance and cleared her throat with a smile that was exaggerated.


    My mother on the other hand looked ashen, like she wanted the ground to open and swallow her even though she did nothing wrong.


    Lisa¡¯s words had made her feel out of ce and like she didn¡¯t belong. Like she was an outsider. I guessed that this was what Hardin had wanted. Someone with the guts to do what he had been unable to do after all these weeks.


    Someone with the power and motive to actually make life miserable for my mother the way he had seeded in doing the same for me.


    I was so d when dinner was finally over and headed upstairs to my room while Russo escorted my mother into the kitchen.


    Hardin was the fastest of all of us, leaving the table first like the house was on fire and I wondered why he looked so distasteful throughout the dinner when he was finally getting what he wanted.


    It didn¡¯t take me long to sleep considering how tired I was after school, finding Hardin and helping out during dinner.


    As I stifled a yawn in my ss before lunch break the next day, I looked at the seat adjacent from me to see Hardin staring outside school, with little or no interest in the ss.


    My pen fell to the ground and before I could bend down to pick it, a girl beside me reached for it and handed it back to me with a smile.


    ¡°Jasmine, right? Stepsister of Hardin? I heard about the Dahlia news and I¡¯m so d that it got rectified, didn¡¯t it?¡± She said all at once without missing a breath and I blinked slowly, not understanding why she was suddenly speaking to me.


    I knew who she was. Jennifer Bullock. One of the popr girls that happened to be the leader of the cheerleading group and she extended a hand toward me for a handshake.


    ¡°Yeah, it did¡± I answered cautiously, still eyeing her warily while she merely shrugged her shoulders and smiled.


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re interested in joining the cheerleading team, I¡¯m sure I can find you a spot. Just text me, okay?¡± She scribbled her number on a piece of paper and handed it to me and I took it. Still very surprised but I continued the ss, spending most of the time wondering why Jennifer, who was one of the girls who never spoke to other girls that she didn¡¯t consider the conventional beautifies and one of the most popr girls in school had personally invited me to be a part of the cheer team.


    ¡°So, what did you say? You said you were going, right? Tell me you said!¡± Nadia screamed excitedly as we sat down in the cafeteria during lunch and when I red at her to keep her voice low, she grinned and whispered the question again, this time she was painstakingly stone.


    ¡°I told her that I would think about it?¡± I answered and she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. An opportunity to be one of the popr girls, Jasmine. Don¡¯t you want that?¡± Nadia asked with a frown on her face and I chuckled at her analogy, even though  I had to catch myself from really thinking that deeply into it.


    I nodded at her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± I answered and she gave me a satisfactory smile, appeased by the fact that I had not said no.


    Just as I was about to round off eating, Nadia gasped, looking at something on her phone and showing me her screen


    ¡°Did you know that your followers on Instagram have increased since what¡¯s her name tried and failed to make those fake ass rumours about you?¡±


    My eyes widened in surprise and I looked towards the table where Hardin sat as I remembered how Dahlia had begged me to ask for Hardin¡¯s forgiveness.  Did he have something to do with any of these? Or was this another card up his sleeve that he had orchestrated?


    As I was about to answer Nadia, another girl and boy walked up to our table, holding different colored envelopes.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Brent and this is my sister Ash. We are having a birthday party¡±


    ¡°Two actually¡± Ash interjected and handed me the envelope.


    ¡°And you are invited.¡± Brent added.


    ¡°To the two of them. You cane with any of your friends too if you need to. We hope you can make it, Jasmine.¡± Ash said with a smile and when the two of them left, I looked at Nadia with wide eyes, wondering what was going on.


    First, Jennifer had all but invited me to join the cheer team that I had tried and failed to get into my entire freshman year because of their strict body regtions.


    And now people were inviting me to parties?


    ¡°Do you have any idea what is going on right now?¡± Nadia said, her eyes wide with excitement and when I shook my head, she raised both of the envelopes in her hand and grinned.


    ¡°You, my dear best friend are now popr.¡±

 Truth or dare

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°Ohe on, what are you saying? So you¡¯re really not going to attend Brent and Ash¡¯s birthday party tonight? They literally gave you a card.¡± Nadia yelled and I had to remove my phone from my ears so that she would not make me go deaf. Switching the call to video, I dropped it on my bed.


    ¡°And I received flowers and gifts from unknown people today. So what?¡± I asked my best friend as I slumped on my bed beside my phone, my eyes on the door as if I was waiting for Hardin to barge in.


    He hadn¡¯t done anything since that night where he had left to argue with his father and had returned to sit beside my bed. I was beginning to wonder why instead of celebrating, I was worried about the fact that he had not threatened me in a while or tried to touch me.


    Did he have any new pranks up his sleeve and was just waiting for the right time or had the arrival of his aunt made him take a break from tormenting me?


    After that disaster of a dinner where Lisa had all but revealed indirectly what she thought of my mother¡¯s marriage to her brother inw which was about three nights ago, I had not once seen Hardin by chance in the house.


    At school? I did see him because he was back like he had never left, his presence more than enough for all of his worshippers to fawn over him but I had seen him staring at me more than once.


    And I knew that he had seen everything that had been going on in the past couple of days and how I was suddenly popr and treated like I wasn¡¯t a piece of furniture as I was used to.


    Nadia had been more worried about ensuring that the flowers and choctes that I got were put to good use and even though I had tried to figure out who had sent me those gifts, I had given up the chase, deciding to ept my fate. But the reason why Nadia called me still remained and when I picked up by phone, I saw that she was no longer by the phone but busy ransacking her closet as she threw clothes down on her bed, one after the other.


    Turning around to look back at the phone, she raised a dress to her body and when I raised my brows, she shrugged.


    ¡°What do you think about this dress?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes! So I¡¯ve got what I¡¯m wearing to the party and I¡¯m going to be at your house in about an hour and we are going to get you something to wear.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Before I couldin, she ended the call and I just stared at my phone in shock.


    Shaking my head, I headed downstairs to prepare for dinner and paused in the hallway when Lisa came out of her room.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, hello there. Heading downstairs?¡± She asked with a smile that I would have believed was genuine if she hadn¡¯t treated my mother like shit, all the while wearing a smile on her face.


    I nodded, turning around to continue down the stairs when she called my name again.


    When I turned to face her, she was standing closer than ever, then she inhaled, raising her eyebrows in question.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have the scent.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t smell like a werewolf. Why not?¡± She looked genuinely confused and then as if she finally realized, her lips curved in a smile.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t shifted yet, have you?¡±


    I bit the inside of my cheek, my chest hurting because I hated that she had identified my weakness. It was a sore topic for me.


    I was about to answer when Nadia came rushing up the stairs. My eyes widened in surprise as she reached where I stood and she paused to look at Lisa.


    ¡°Woah, you look just like Hardin¡¯s mum.¡± Turning to look at me, she mouthed ¡®you were right¡¯ and I replied back with an eye roll.


    ¡°I¡¯m his aunt. And you are?¡± She said gently and Nadia epted the hand that Lisa had stretched out to her.


    ¡°Nadia, Jazz¡¯s best friend. I¡¯m sorry but we have a ce to be at. Can I take her with me?¡± She asked and when Lisa nodded, Nadia pulled me back to my room and shut the door.


    ¡°Holy shit, she looks like his mother so much.¡±


    ¡°I told you. Now what are you doing here? How did you get here so fast? You said an hour.¡±


    ¡°I know but then again, why should I dress up at home when we can get dressed again and oh, I saw your mum downstairs and told her that we were going out and she has given us her blessings.¡±


    Of course, she had. Nadia was the only friend she knew I had and she would have been overjoyed to hear that I was going outside to mingle with other people instead of being a hermit that always hid in her room.


    ¡°So, I asked around and I heard that Hardin isn¡¯ting. If that¡¯s why you¡¯re skeptical about attending, then you need to get your ass up and find something to wear and no, I don¡¯t want to hear about it. We are going to have fun. Werewolves don¡¯t stay drunk for very long so I drove here and will be driving us back. All you need to do is show up.¡±


    When I didn¡¯t stand up from the bed, just staring at her, she rolled her eyes and went into my wardrobe.


    ¡°y me some music, bitch. Here is too quiet.¡± She said as she ransacked my clothes causing me to grumble as I connected her phone to my speaker. After which I watched as she swayed her hips while throwing clothes at me.


    ¡°Aha! I have found the one.¡±


    Nadia brought out a ck mini dress that fit my body like a glove and threw it at my face.


    ¡°I¡¯m the one that bought you that, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Along with all of the other dresses that should have been a shirt instead.¡±


    Walking up to sit beside me, she took my hand in hers.


    ¡°Come on, Jazz. Who knows what we¡¯ll be doing in a couple of years from now. I¡¯m sure having fun will not be a big part of them. And you¡¯re popr now. People like you and want to hang out with you. How about you give them a chance? Let loose a little.¡±


    And that was how I found myself in front of Brent and Ash¡¯s mansion, wearing a ck dress that brought out all of my curves.


    ¡°I swear, if I wasn¡¯t as straight as a pole, I would bend you over and fuck you. Look at that ass, friend!¡± Nadia said, pping my ass as we walked into the party while I rolled my eyes even though a shy smile was ying on my lips.


    Holding the jacket that I had forced Nadia to allow me to carry in my hand, I entered the house that was already filled with people, the music loud enough that it would be difficult to actually have a conversation without shouting. I swallowed nervously as people greeted me and cheered as I passed by them, with Nadia behind me.


    ¡°d you could make it. And you look hot, goddamn.¡± Brent said and before I could respond, he took my hand and led me upstairs to where I realized was less noisy and there was a long couch of most of the popr kids in school ying a game.


    Nadia was behind me and all eyes were on me as I followed Brent to where he was sitting and sat behind him, Nadia sitting beside me.


    ¡°Oh my God, I love your dress, where did you get it?¡± Ash asked and when I looked at Nadia, my friend squeezed my hand and told her.


    ¡°Cool. Your friend is cool. What¡¯s your name?¡± Another girl asked Nadia and I looked around, rxing when I realized that Nadia was right. Hardin wasn¡¯t here.


    A part of me wondered where he was or what he was doing since all of his friends were here, including Alex and Sandro, and the former was looking at me curiously and typing away on his phone.


    ¡°Nadia.¡± She answered, with the sound of her voice making me to realized that the game they were ying was truth and dare.


    ¡°Truth or Dare, Jasmine.¡± One of the girls asked and I looked at her in surprise, before looking at Nadia who nodded.


    Feeling bold or maybe it was because of the sses that Brent had kept giving me, I said,


    ¡°Dare.¡±


    There was a chorus of oohs and aahs and the girl who had asked, smiled.


    ¡°I dare you to kiss anyone of these guys here.¡±


    My eyes widened in surprise at the realization of how foolish I had been by choosing dare, while Brent took my hand.


    ¡°How about I volunteer?¡± He said with a smirk. I was about to reply when someone entered the room and all eyes moved to him.


    Hardin.


    His eyes narrowed on Brent¡¯s hands on me and without saying a word, he walked up to me and pulled me to my feet.


    ¡°Ohe on man, you¡¯re taking the step sister protective shit a little too far.¡± Brent said as he rose and Hardin¡¯s growl was scary enough that everyone in the room recoiled in shock.


    ¡°You¡¯reing with me. Now!¡± He growled at me and dragged me away from their gathering upstairs to a room.


    Shutting the door, he turned around and looked at me.


    And before I could speak, he grabbed me by the back of my neck and mmed his lips against mine.

 Moans and groans

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    I gasped from the shock when his lips crashed against mine, his hand pulling me roughly towards his body.  I held on to his shirt, trying to move away from him, my mind trying to remind me that it was Hardin and that this was a bad decision even though my body betrayed me.


    When he released me, he grabbed my chin and his eyes glowed as he growled deeply at me and I flinched, wanting to move away from him but his grip was too strong.


    ¡°Let me go, Hardin¡± I whispered gently, aware that if I came across as rude, he would only seek to keep me here and do something to me.


    ¡°Why? So that you can go back downstairs and y your little game like a slut? Look at that little thing on your body. Is it even a dress?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s it to you?¡± I snapped, irritated that he would talk about me this way.


    He raised his brow and his grip on my chin tightened.


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ve got ws now that you¡¯re suddenly popr and little boys like Brent want to fuck you, is that it? Answer me!¡± He roared and I shook in fear and surprise.


    He was getting all wrong. Brent was just being polite by offering to kiss me, wasn¡¯t he?


    ¡°Brent doesn¡¯t want to fuck me, Hardin. You¡¯ve got it all wrong.¡±


    He looked at me like I was naive and grabbed my arm, turning around to head towards the door.


    Just as he opened the door, Brent was standing behind it, his hand raised like he was about to knock and Hardin scoffed and looked at me.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Uh, Hardin, is everything okay? Jazz, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Aww, he calls you Jazz after what, like two seconds of meeting you?¡± Hardin said to me, his hand still grabbing my arm as he pulled me close to him, ignoring Brent¡¯s question as he waited for me to answer.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m okay, Brent. Just having a conversation with Hardin.¡± I answered shakily, keeping my face neutral while Brent looked at Hardin¡¯s hand on my arm and swallowed nervously.


    ¡°Come on, we are leaving.¡± Hardin announced and when Brent refused to move out of the way, he growled, his face intimidating.


    ¡°Get out of the way, asswipe¡±


    Reluctantly, he moved out of the way but as we entered the hallway, he held onto my hand and I turned to look at him, Hardin who was holding my other hand, paused when I did not continue walking.


    ¡°So, see you some other time? Can I call you?¡±


    I wanted to nod but before I could, Hardin had Brent pressed against the wall, his wed hand against his throat.


    ¡°There will be no seeing her some other time, Brent. Keep your dick in your pants and away from her. Do you hear me?¡± He growled fiercely and when Brent nodded, Hardin released him and dragged me downstairs before I could even apologize to Brent.


    Dragging me outside, he opened the passenger door to his car and when I frowned, he stepped up to me, leaving almost no space between us. I held my breath as he looked down at me.


    ¡°Get into the car.¡±


    ¡°But Nadia¡­¡±


    ¡°Will be fine without you. But you won¡¯t be fine if you do not get into the car right now.¡±


    Swallowing nervously, I entered the car and wore my seatbelt, quickly sending a text to Nadia that I was leaving with Hardin. As Hardin entered the car and drove off, her reply came in.


    ¡°Yeah, I will be alright. I have only heard about brothers being overprotective but seeing Hardin with you was over the top. I didn¡¯t know he was like that.¡±


    I fought the urge to tell her that Hardin was not being overprotective but just being an asshole like he always was. But it meant that I would have to exin to her what was really going on between Hardin and me and I knew that was a terrible idea.


    Replying with an emoji, I looked up to see that the route we were taking was not familiar to me.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked but he didn¡¯t answer and I waited again to try to figure out if this was a shortcut home.


    But after several minutes, I started to grow agitated.


    ¡°Hardin, where are you taking me?¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°To finally get rid of you, duh.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± I asked in surprise.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get there, Jasmine. Now shut up before I shut you up.¡±


    I closed my mouth and watched the path that we took until we came to a stop in front of a cabin right in front of ake, that was in the woods not too far from the house.


    Grabbing my arm, he led me into the cabin and the only source of light was from the firece that was currently lit.


    I figured that this was where he came to when he wasn¡¯t in the house or at school.


    ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡± I turned around to ask him and when he didn¡¯t answer, heading to the fridge to bring out a bottle of wine as he drank straight from the bottle, I grew frustrated and worried.


    What did he want this time?


    ¡°Listen, Hardin, I don¡¯t quite like what you did back there, dragging me out of the party when you have absolutely no right to but I thought you were taking me back home. I don¡¯t want to be here with you. So if you don¡¯t mind, can you please drive me back now?¡±


    ¡°Oh for the love of God, shut up, Jasmine.¡± He said abruptly, and I did not know what left my mouth immediately. Only realizing after I had said it.


    ¡°Fuck you, Hardin.¡± I yelled and turned around to head out of the cabin, ready to walk back no matter how far it was.


    I didn¡¯t even make it to touching the door knob because he mmed me against the door and turned me around to face him, holding both my hands over my head.


    He growled at me, his blue eyes glowing but for some reason, this time I was stuck staring at him instead of being afraid. My nipples tightened and rubbed against the fabric of the dress that I was wearing and I gasped when he forced a knee between my legs, my pussy rubbing against his leg through my panties.


    ¡°Fuck me, Jasmine? Is that why you dressed like a fucking temptation and had everyone in that party thirsting after you, wanting to stick their dicks inside you? For my attention? Well, now you have it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re delusional. I don¡¯t want anything to do with you.¡± I spat even though my words came out as a gasp and when he moved his thigh against my clit, I gasped at the pleasure that shot through me.


    Pulling down my dress to reveal my breasts, he pinched one taut nipple and I couldn¡¯t help the moan that escaped my lips when he leaned down and his hot wet mouth was wrapped around my nipple, sucking hard.


    I didn¡¯t realize that I was riding his thigh, moving so that I could get some more of the friction between his jeans and my clit until he released my nipple and smirked at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m delusional, Jasmine? Then let¡¯s see how much more delusional I can get.¡±


    Throwing me over his shoulder, he carried me into the bedroom and threw me on the bed.


    He removed his shirt and then his pants until he was standing in full naked glory in front of me.


    And then maintaining eye contact with me, he stroked his cock that looked as hard as stone and I squeezed my thigh, hating that his one simple action made my panties wet.


    ¡°I can smell your lust, sweetheart. Or am I still being delusional?¡±


    Ripping my dress off my body, he kissed a trail down my body until he got to my panties and I gasped as he pushed it to one side and stuck his tongue inside my wet heat.


    I threw my head back as pleasure shot through my spine and I forgot about how wrong this was and how much I hated Hardin.


    Holding his head to me, I rocked into his mouth with reckless abandon, grabbing on to the headboard.


    Tearing off my pants totally, he stuck two fingers into my pussy as he sucked my nipples and I grabbed his hair, my toes curling.


    ¡°Please, Hardin¡± I whispered and he groaned, flipping me over as he worked my pussy with his fingers.


    ¡°Grab on to that headboard, Jasmine.¡± He bit out and when I heard the ripping of foil, I wondered if I needed to tell him that this was my first time.


    But knowing Hardin, he would never believe me even if I swore with my life.


    Pushing inside me in one hard thrust, I gasped, biting my lip as the pain tore through me at having a dick inside me for the first time.


    But as he grabbed my throat and brought me back to kiss behind my ear and continued to move, the feeling of pain subsided and all that filled the room was the sound of his thrusts and our groans.


    I gasped when he increased the speed of his thrusts, fucking me hard into the bed and when his hand found my clit, I jerked against him, my entire body tightening as the orgasm overtook me and I found myself falling off the deep end with only one thought.


    ¡°What was going to happen in the morning?¡±

 You’re a virgin

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    I knew that I had a temper. Hell if anyone wanted to describe Hardin Morales in one word, it would be anger. Rage.


    Perhaps it was because I was the son to an Alpha and would be one myself. It was easy to exin the burning rage that I felt beneath my skin everyday as it pushed me to shift into my wolf form but I knew that many things made me upset also because I was highly irritable. And among the things that topped the list of people and situations that made my blood boil, Jasmine topped the list and I could not even exin why.


    Sure I hated her and everything that she stood for because of her mother¡¯s marriage to my father to the point that I had involved my aunt, Lisa which I still didn¡¯t know if it was a good idea, considering that it gave my dad more reason to side with his new family and ce me as the viin in his fairytale.


    But the rage that had clouded my vision when Alex had taken a picture of her in that skimpy little dress sitting beside Brent who couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her tits had made it almost difficult for me to drive safely to that house and drag her out.


    And then she had told me to get the hell out, wanting to stay back and probably take Brent on whatever offer he had for her, the little slut.


    As I watched her sleep now on the bed in the cabin, sitting on the chair across from her, I hated to admit that Alex had been right with his ¡®looking gorgeous¡¯ caption that he had sent along with the picture and it made me more upset.


    Her long ebony hair was a mess behind her and hershes fluttered on her cheeks, her mouth pursed in a little cute pout as if she was dreaming about something that she did not agree with.


    I hoped she was dreaming about me and I was giving her hell there too.


    But what brought me immense satisfaction was knowing that she hadn¡¯t ended up in Brent¡¯s bedst night. She had ended up in mine, even though she had behaved like she would rather be shot to death by firing squad than have anything to do with me.


    This little cabin used to be my parent¡¯s honeymoon pad, where they would get away for a bit but not too far because the pack and I needed them.


    After my mum died, my father wanted to demolish it and I had insisted on bing the owner. It was torture to enter here everyday and remember all of the times that she had brought me along. All of her clothes were still here and her scent was deeply ingrained here.


    I understood that it was probably torturing to still keep all of her things as they were but I was terrified that I would forget what she smelled like. What it felt like to have a mother.


    And why I had to hate Jasmine and her mother, for getting the happily ever after that she never got.


    As if she could hear her name in my thoughts, Jasmine whimpered and that was when I smelled it.


    Blood.


    My eyes widened in surprise and I rushed to the bed as I wondered where she was injured and how.


    ¡°Wake up Jasmine¡± I growled and her eyes flew open, thoserge green eyes looking unfocused for a couple of minutes before she finally settled them on me.


    ¡°You¡¯re bleeding. What is going on?¡± I asked and she looked at me, biting her lip nervously as she dragged the duvet to cover her body.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen it all already. There¡¯s no need to act so shy now. Except you¡¯ve forgotten how you were arching your back and screaming for more like a little vixen.¡± I snapped and when her eyes watered, a part of me felt guilty but I shoved the feeling aside.


    ¡°My dress. Can I get my dress?¡± She whispered and when I looked around for the piece of clothing, I saw itying in pieces on the floor from where I had ripped it off her body.


    Her eyes followed my line of sight and she gasped.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you something else. But answer me. You¡¯re going to be bleeding all over the bed at this rate and while I don¡¯t care what happens to you, I don¡¯t want you to die on my watch.¡±


    Her face hardened and she rose from the bed, holding the duvet to her chest and looked at the blood stained bed before looking back at me.


    ¡°Guess why I¡¯m bleeding or where I¡¯m bleeding from, Hardin.¡± She whispered and my face paled as I looked at the bed and then at her before my eyes went back to the bed.


    It was impossible, wasn¡¯t it?


    She couldn¡¯t be a virgin, could she?


    She must have seen where my thoughts had gone because tears trickled down her cheeks as she gave me a fake smile.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Last night was your first time?¡± I asked, suddenly feeling out of breath and my throat worked as I ran my hand through my hair in frustration.


    I remembered how I had felt like she was so tight and it had felt like heaven, like the best fuck I could ever recall having even though I¡¯d rather die than tell her that.


    I¡¯d been merciless as I fucked her into the bed like a beast and because she had taken it, it had made me hate her even more when I thought about others being in this position.


    But a virgin? How was that possible?


    ¡°You¡¯re a virgin? Why did you not tell me?¡±


    Sheughed and red at me.


    ¡°Slut, cunt, little bitch. Everytime you havee to my room, you have emphasized on how I am definitely fucking guys everyday of my life. If I had told you that you were my first kiss and that I have never had sex before, would you have believed me, Hardin?¡±


    My mouth fell open in shock and I knew she was right. I knew she was right. I wouldn¡¯t have listened if she has told me she was a virginst night. Hell, I would have punished her for lying about something like that.


    I opened my mouth to say something but I was speechless, guilt filling my chest as I wondered what else I had thought about her that was wrong.


    It didn¡¯t change anything about the fact that I still believed her mother had married my father because of his affluence but this knowledge changed a whole lot of other things about how I perceived Jasmine.


    We stared at each other in silence and she ended our stare off by reaching for the bed sheet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wash these. Just direct me to the bathroom and I¡¯ll¡­¡±


    ¡°Forget about it.¡±


    ¡°No, I will not..¡± I grabbed her hand before she could finish and she gasped, the tension between us thick and tense.


    ¡°Head into the bathroom and wash off. There will be clothes waiting for you when youe out.¡± I said and headed into the living room, walking up to the fridge and opening a can of beer.


    I needed something strong to absorb all of this.


    The trip back to the house was silent and awkward and everytime I nced at Jasmine as I drove us back home, she refused to look at me.


    I didn¡¯t even have any nastyebacks to give to her right now and that showed how much I felt terrible for what happenedst night. But I was stubborn enough to admit that I had no ns to apologize and promise to stop being mean to her.


    We walked into the house and Lisa was the first person that we saw as she came down the stairs.


    Greeting her quietly, Jasmine made to pass but Lisa stopped her.


    ¡°That dress looks good on you. Where did you get it?¡± My aunt asked and Jasmine shrugged, but my eyes widened and I cleared my throat.


    There was nothing else that I could have given her and my mother¡¯s dresses had beenying there in the cabin so I had given one to her. Of course, Lisa had recognized the scent that lingered on the piece of clothing.


    ¡°Go on up, Jasmine. Aunt, I¡¯d like to discuss something with you.¡± I said, taking my aunt¡¯s hand and leading her downstairs before she could object.


    Together, we watched as Jasmine ran upstairs before she turned to face me.


    ¡°She¡¯s wearing your mother¡¯s dress.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, something happened to hers and that was the only one avable.¡±


    ¡°What happened to the young man that called me, seething that his father was remarrying and someone from the lower ss for that matter? Not only did you not call me before the wedding so that I could stop it, you¡¯re offering favours and doing nothing to split them up. Don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯re already epting her as your sister?¡±


    I shook my head immediately. Thest thing I saw Jasmine as was a sister.


    Lisa grabbed my chin and kissed my cheek.


    ¡°That¡¯s better. Don¡¯t ever forget that your mother is lying six feet under and another woman, a tramp and her daughter are working overtime to tea your father away from you. Because, the moment you forget that, you¡¯ve already lost, Hardin. You will lose everything.¡±

 Twisted closet sex

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    I woke up before my rm even sounded, to go to school.


    It had been that way since Saturday morning when I returned from the cottage with Hardin, no longer a virgin.


    I had thought that there was something that would change in my face or skin when I finally did what others my age had been doing for a very long time.


    But instead there was nothing but a hollowness in my chest because I couldn¡¯t even be happy about what had happened when the next morning, I had to remind myself that the person that had been my first hated me beyond redemption.


    And it wasn¡¯t like I was head over heels in love with him either like all those novels that I had read made the female lead to be. Hardin made it really hard to like him.


    He had looked so shocked like it was impossible for me to even be a virgin and hadpletely shut down on me. The entire drive back, he had not said a word as if I was someone that had ceased to exist the moment he realized that whatever image he had made of me in his head had fractured.


    He had dropped me back at the house and thest I had seen of him was when he stopped his aunt from prying into what I was wearing, which had been a dress that he had given me in the cottage since he had ruined mine.


    Last I had heard from my mum, he had left the house since then and had not spent the rest of the weekend at home.


    I felt so many confusing emotions and I needed someone to talk to about everything but I could not even talk to my best friend, Nadia without disclosing that I had slept with Hardin, my own stepbrother.  And Nadia was someone I knew quite well. The minute I divulged that I was no longer a virgin, she would prod and pry and eventually make me spill the entire truth. The consequence being that Hardin would make me pay for something like that.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Shaking my head, I decided to go down and help my mother arrange breakfast before I headed to school.


    My mother smiled brightly when I came down and pulled me in for a hug and when I pulled back, I studied her face.


    I knew that my mother acted a lot more cautious these days since Lisa came to live with us. Thankfully since thest time I had seen her with Hardin, she had gone to pay a visit to an old friend in the next town and had only returnedst night.  I was sure that it was why my mother was looking a bit brighter now and more of herself.


    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± She asked and when I nodded, she gave me what to assist her with in the kitchen.


    Telling me about thetest that had happened in the elementary school where she worked, we made a quick job of fixing breakfast and were arranging the dining table when Hardin walked into the house.


    He looked even more handsome than should have been humanly possible and I wondered why someone like him had to go and look like that.


    Pausing when he saw us, he nodded curtly and turned to head upstairs when my mother called out to him.


    ¡°Hardin, hey, you¡¯re right on time. Come and join us for breakfast.¡± She said and Hardin shook his head immediately.


    ¡°Thanks but I¡¯m not hungry.¡± He answered and turned around to head up the stairs.


    Bending to tie his loose shoce, my mother looked at me and I shook my head because I saw the determination in her eyes.


    I had not been able to tell her that it had taken a lot for Hardin to eat the lunch that she had packed that one time for him and now that she looked so excited to feed him, I knew it was a bad idea even before she walked up to meet him.


    Stopping in front of Hardin, she smiled.


    ¡°Son, I know that you might not be hungry now but breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you would be thankfulter that you were able to eat two spoons.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry¡± He snapped and just as my mother ced a hand on his shoulder, I saw Lisa at the head of the stairs watching the interaction.


    ¡°But, son¡­¡±


    Hardin pped away my mother¡¯s hand and growled.


    ¡°You are not my mother, Cam. And you might love to y house and act like you really belong here with your daughter but I¡¯m not buying any of the bullshit. Keep your food and your hands away from me. My father might have fallen for your act but trust that I will never let you sink your ws into me just like you did to him. Don¡¯t touch me again.¡± He yelled and climbed up the stairs quickly.


    My mouth fell open in shock and fear because this outburst was so unexpected.


    And when I looked up to where Lisa was watching, I saw her lips tilted up in a smirk.


    She walked in the direction of where Hardin had gone and I rushed to reach my mother, seeing her eyes filled with tears.


    ¡°Mum, don¡¯t listen to him¡± I whispered, feeling the anger in my chest rise. How could he be so callous?


    My mother feigned a smile and nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let me quickly get something in the kitchen. Give me a minute.¡±


    Before I could respond, she fled to the kitchen and despite the fact that I knew that calling Hardin out on his bullshit would not end well, I could not just let this insult to my mother slide.


    Running up the stairs, I walked up to his room to tell him a piece of my mind but stopped just in front of the door when I found it slightly ajar.


    ¡°You did a good job giving her a piece of your mind and putting her in her ce. Her and that kid of hers do not belong here. And I hope that you do not forget this at any point in time.¡± Lisa said and I gasped, turning around and heading down the stairs before they would find out that I had overheard anything.


    I didn¡¯t know why a part of me wanted to believe that Hardin had actively stopped hating us here.


    When I got downstairs, I saw two lunchboxes and my eyes went wide with surprise when my mother quickly wiped her tears immediately she saw me.


    ¡°Mum, you¡¯re crying¡±


    She shrugged and shoved the boxes in my hands.


    ¡°For you and Hardin. Make sure to give it to him, okay? The kid has not been eating well or at all. And I¡¯m worried that he might break down soon.¡±


    I fought the urge to point out to my mum that Hardin would probably still give the same answer and it might be even worse but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to hurt her more after what Hardin had done. She was too kind and didn¡¯t deserve any of the things that Hardin had said to her.


    Sighing, I nodded because I wanted to speak to Hardin too. He didn¡¯t get to talk to my mother any how because he was hurting. My mother had done nothing wrong.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry again, okay?¡± I said as I collected the boxes and she nodded, wiping at her eyes and cleaning her tears.


    ¡°And let¡¯s keep what happened between us, okay? There¡¯s no point telling Russo any of this.¡± She said and I nodded because I didn¡¯t want her to be sad.


    But I knew that I would not let this matter die down like that. Not even because Hardin frightened me.


    I waited for the first half of sses to be over, nning how I was going to approach Hardin and give him the lunchbox as well as speak to him about respecting my mother because she was a human being and didn¡¯t deserve what he had said.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re about to fight a war.¡± Nadia whispered during lunch and I shrugged, waiting for Hardin to enter the cafeteria.


    When he did, I looked at my best friend.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to speak to Hardin. You can eat from my lunch, if you want.¡±


    ¡°Pfft, of course I want. Your mum¡¯s cooking is excellent.¡±  She said and I managed a smile even though I was a bundle of nerves as I approached Hardin¡¯s table.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡± I said simply and when he raised his eyebrow, I shook my head.


    ¡°Not here.¡±


    Thest thing I needed was an audience to hear about our family problems and be publicly embarrassed by Hardin.


    Rising to his feet, he grabbed my arm and dragged me until we were in front of the closet.


    Throwing me inside, he locked the door and rested against it.


    ¡°Speak.¡± He ordered and I cleared my throat.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so mean to my mother. She didn¡¯t do anything to you.¡±


    He looked at me for a bit before heughed.


    ¡°Your mother¡¯s pussy may have my father whipped, but did you think yours would do the same to me? Is that why you¡¯re here telling me what to do and expecting me to obey you?¡± He growled and I shook my head, my eyes wide and face red with embarrassment.


    ¡°You are so twisted, Hardin. That¡¯s not what I said and you know it.¡± I replied and his lips tilted in a smirk.


    Grabbing my neck, he pushed me up against the wall and unbuckled the belt of his pants.


    ¡°I¡¯m twisted, right? Let¡¯s see how twisted I can be inside that tight little pussy of yours.¡± He growled and turned me around until my face was against the tile, shoving one hand into my skirt and rubbing my clit hard as he used the other hand to circle my nipple.


    I bit down on my lip, swallowing the moan that threatened to escape from my mouth and shook as he rubbed at me roughly and before I could plead for mercy, his fingers entered my pussy to find it wet.


    ¡°You see, little slut? You¡¯re the one who cannot seem to resist this twisted cock.¡± He growled and bit into my neck as he pushed his cock into my pussy from behind. While tears fell down my cheeks because I couldn¡¯t help but feel pleasure at his assault.


    His hands continued to rub my clit and nipple as he pounded into me from behind hard and I could only hold on until he pulled out and turned me around, forcing me to my knees.


    pping my face, he forced my mouth open and fucked my mouth until he was cumming and groaning as he spilled into the back of my throat.


    When he was finished, he buckled up and abandoned me again in the closet. Like I meant nothing.

 It’s okay

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°Is there a reason why you¡¯re staring at Hardin with daggers in your eyes?¡± Nadia asked me at lunch and even though I shrugged, I hoped that he would look at me and see just how much I was angry at all of the events of the past week.


    After the incident in the closet where Hardin had showed me just how he would handle me standing up to him and calling him out on all of his bullshit behaviour to my mother, I had thought that it was the worst thing that could happen.


    And that was until Russo travelled a week ago for a Summit in another town.


    It should not have been a problem that Russo was leaving for a week.


    But the problem was that he was not taking my mother with him, which should have also not been a big deal except the fact that thanks to Hardin, his aunt Lisa who had absolutely no respect for my mother had seen it as an ample opportunity to treat my mother like she was the dirt beneath her feet.


    First, it had been subtle, like stylishly calling her a tramp andining about her food and then it had moved to her telling the servants to only answer to her since she was the sister of Hardin¡¯s mother and she imed that my mother had no right to be thedy of the house.


    The worst part?


    My mother had warned me to not retaliate, to not say anything and even though a part of me had somehow expected Hardin to call his aunt to order, I didn¡¯t know that he would do absolutely nothing.


    Most times, he was there to witness how my mother was embarrassed by his aunt and other times he would walk away.


    He had not approached me since the closet incident and I wanted him to know that if he did, it would mean war because this time I was not going to just let him treat me like that without putting up a fight.


    Thankfully, Russo hade backst night, as opposed to when he had told us he wasing back and the harassment had ended but I knew that it was not over.


    Nadia winced beside me and when I looked at her with my brows raised, she waved me off even though her face was suddenly turned down in a frown.


    She held her head with her hands and when I raised my eyebrows in question again, she shook her head and feigned a smile.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± I asked her and she bit her lip, looking like she was not sure whether to tell me or not.


    ¡°Tell me.¡± I urged her and she sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s the full moon tonight, Jazz. You know how it gets for us.¡±


    By us, she meant everyone else that was an actual werewolf. Every goddamn werewolf but me who could only unleash my ws to prove that I was actually supposed to be a werewolf.


    Now I understood why she was hesitant to speak about it. She always had a hard time talking about things like this with me because she thought that I would feel bad and even though she was right, that I would feel bad did not mean that it felt good to know that my friend could not confide in me about something that was part and a parcel of her.


    I knew what happened to werewolves on the full moon even though I could not turn into one from living with my mother who was an actual werewolf.


    Emotions were heightened to a veryte degree, they were unable to control their need to shift and by the time the moon was high in the sky, all the wolves would give in to their animal part of them and shift into werewolves.


    ¡°See why I didn¡¯t want to tell you? You have that sad look on your face again.¡±


    I opened my mouth to lie to her, to deny that she was just seeing things when there was a sudden crash that had our eyes turning to where the scene of the crash had happened.


    It was Hardin.


    He had flung Alex, one of the twins against the wall and a crowd was starting to form around the scene.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to beat the shit out of me because I asked you to chill out, aren¡¯t you?¡± Alex said with a smirk and Hardin growled, just as Sandro reached for him to hold him.


    ¡°You need to rx. You know why this is happening.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s going to expose all of us very soon if he isn¡¯t careful.¡± Nadia whispered beside me and I nodded.


    Hardin on a normal day had enough temperament of about ten people. Add that to the fact that the Alpha wolves were the most affected on a full moon and I knew that his anger was quadrupled.


    From the way he looked at Alex, he was capable of bashing his head into the wall.


    ¡°Whoa, where are you going?¡± Nadia asked when I took a step forward. In response, I pointed towards where the fight was happening.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to let him lose his mind here. If he does, we all get to be punished for it. And I won¡¯t allow that.¡±


    Quickly sending a text to his father and hoping that he could send someone over as soon as possible, I decided to carry out my suicidal n.


    Luckily, I knew someone that annoyed Hardin for the simple crime of just existing.


    Me.


    ¡°Hey, Hardin, over here.¡± I yelled from where I stood and when Hardin turned around, he was confused for a moment before he frowned.


    ¡°I bet you cannot run as fast as you im to on thecrosse field with those cloudy eyes of yours. Chase me, you asswipe.¡±


    Turning around, I ran out of the cafeteria, knowing that he would follow.


    Heading straight out of school into the woods, I gasped for breath, hating that instead of supernatural strength and speed, I was about as weak as a human with wolf nails as essory.


    I didn¡¯t make it very far, before he hit me with force, sending me sprawling to the floor and grabbed me by the throat as he pinned me against a tree.


    ¡°You¡¯re just asking for it, aren¡¯t you, Jasmine?¡± He growled and his eyes glowed while I whimpered, shaking terribly as I wondered what he was going to do.


    Because this time, I didn¡¯t know if he was going to choose to sexually assault me or just rip out my throat.


    His ws scraped my neck and I gasped.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You need to fight it, Hardin. It¡¯s the full moon. It¡¯s heightening all of your senses. You know that. Find an anchor. Find something to hold on to so that you can stay in control.¡±


    Heughed darkly and his hands tightened on my neck


    ¡°And who gave you all of that information? Last I checked you were still horribly human and posing around to be one of us. Or have her eyes started to glow yet? Have you felt your bones cracking as the beast inside you is released. Have you ever run in the wild in your fur? Have you ever shifted? Do you even know what shifting is?¡±


    His hands squeezed my neck tighter and I gasped, losing my breath but I didn¡¯t give up.


    ¡°You said if you could get rid of me now, you would. So why are you hesitating? Why are you just spending time yapping and talking without any actual real change? Not interested in showing off as a big bad Alpha wolf?¡± I forced out, my vision already having ck spots from theck of oxygen.


    He growled in my face and I whimpered.


    ¡°If you think that I¡¯ve not killed you because I care, you¡¯re even more clueless than I thought. I¡¯m not killing you because you¡¯re making it too easy for me.¡±


    He opened his mouth to say more but all of a sudden, he was flung away from my body. I dropped to the floor, gasping for breath while my eyes widened to see Russo grabbing his son by the shirt and roaring in his face.


    I watched as Hardin¡¯s eyes stopped glowing and when Russo rushed to where I was, he shook his head in horror.


    ¡°Your neck, it¡¯s bleeding and there¡¯s going to be a bruise.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I promise.¡± I whispered but he was not looking at me anymore.


    Walking to his son, he pulled him up to his feet and pointed at me.


    ¡°So what were you nning to do? Kill your own sister?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not my sister¡± Hardin whispered and Russoughed.


    ¡°And you are not my son. At least not the son that I want you to be. Of all the kids in there, you are the one that is supposed to have the most control. You have learned about this several times. I have tried to teach you to control your anger, not give in to it. You would have hurt your friends in the cafeteria and then who else? What about the humans in this school that know nothing about us?¡±


    Walking towards me, Russo helped me up and looked at Hardin.


    ¡°You think you can be Alpha after me when you cannot even control yourself on a full moon? Think again, Hardin. Think again.¡±


    As Russo helped me out of the woods, I turned back to see if Hardin wasing with us but he was gone.


    Vanished.


    ¡°Where did he go?¡± I whispered and Russo shrugged.


    ¡°To lick his wounds. But I really hope that my words help him wake up.¡±


    Nodding, I replied, ¡°I really hope so too.¡±

 Ah fuck yes

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°Mum, this is not a good idea.¡± I said as I entered the passenger seat and she turned on the ignition.


    ¡°Ohe on, Jasmine, it¡¯s just a game and he is my stepson.¡± She answered, her smile so bright, I wondered if that was even possible.


    ¡°A stepson that hates the two of us.¡± I tried to reason with her and she shrugged.


    ¡°Well, that might be true now but we cannot hate him too. That¡¯s not going to help us bring him over to our side, sweetheart. You¡¯re the one that listens to Kill em with kindness almost everyday.¡±


    ¡°Well mum, when Selena Gomez sang about that, she was not talking about someone like Hardin.¡± I murmured as she moved the car.


    ¡°Well, I choose to not believe that. And besides, it¡¯s your school too. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be fun.¡±


    Tonight was acrosse game between our school and the school from the next town. It was a big night for everyone, most especially Hardin, who was the captain of the team.


    And that was if he was going to show up since none of us had seen or heard from him since he tried to choke me to death two days ago in the woods beside the school, an incident that I had begged Russo to keep from my mother. I didn¡¯t want her to hurt anymore.


    My hypothesis was that he was staying in the cabin by theke and even though the empathetic part of me, the part that understood how hurt he was to be scolded by his father like that, was not foolish enough to decide to search for him, especially when I was sure that he med me for what happened that afternoon.


    I was thankful that Lisa had gone out and would join us at the game. After which we would be going back home with our car or best an Uber for her if I had an opinion about it because I would rather chew dust than have to watch my mother take any more insults and not be able to say anything about it.


    We arrived at the football arena and my mother rushed to sit at the front row, holding the customized Hardin banners that she had made and when she gave me one, I raised my eyebrows in warning.


    ¡°Oh,e on, you have to cheer for your step brother. You know that.¡±


    I was about to tell her that there was no way in hell that I would ever ept Hardin as my step brother or even cheer wholeheartedly for him since everyone didn¡¯t have a heart of gold like her when Nadia came to sit beside us.


    ¡°Hey, Jazz. Hi, Aunt Cami.¡± She greeted and my mother smiled, passing her the basket of snacks that she had packed for the match and my eyes widened, because I realized that she had put in so much effort and thought into the game like she was really his mother.


    Hardin was too blind to see that he didn¡¯t have to fight us. And I was sure that with Lisa around, we might as well be trying to get through to a wall to exin that we were harmless.


    Nadia bit into a cookie and moaned before looking at my mum.


    ¡°Aunt Cami, you are a goddess.¡±


    My motherughed and just as I was about to tease Nadia, the yers for our school walked out to the pitch to stand on the left side of the referee, the opposing school already standing on his right.


    My heart skipped a beat when Hardin stepped out first, walking in front and his teammates following him.


    Our eyes met just as the game was about to start and I swallowed, my heart in my mouth throughout the entire match.


    I didn¡¯t even realize that I was raising the banner supporting Hardin until the final whistle blew and our school won the match.


    ¡°Hey, go and give him some snacks and that smoothie. He must be so tired. I¡¯ll wait for you in the car.¡± My mother said and I looked at her like she was crazy but it seemed that she was serious.


    Sighing, I walked towards where Hardin was standing with his teammates when someone grabbed me and when I turned around, it was the captain of the other team.


    ¡°You were raising the g for that son of a bitch. What are you, his girlfriend or something?¡± He growled, grabbing me by the arm and I gasped in fear, the bag I was holding had already fallen to the ground.


    ¡°Let me go¡± I whispered and when he didn¡¯t, I was about to scream before someone grabbed his other hand and threw him to the other end of the field.


    Before I could understand what was happening, Hardin was on top of him, punching his face into the ground and Alex and Sandro had to pull him off.


    Running to where he was still struggling, I screamed.


    ¡°Get a fucking grip, Hardin.¡±


    He looked at me like I was crazy and grabbed me by the hand, pulling me back into school and throwing me into an empty ss before he locked the door and turned around to face me.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you?¡± I shrieked out. He growled, grabbing me by the neck and held me against the wall.


    ¡°What is wrong with me? Let me tell you, listen! Because of you, my father¡¯s opinion of me is way worse than it was.¡±


    ¡°It was not exactly good before,¡± I chirped in with a shrug.


    ¡°Shut the hell up!¡±


    I flinched, then kept quiet.


    ¡°Because of you and that little slutty skirt, I punched that boy¡¯s head into the ground and you¡¯re asking me to get a grip? I¡¯ll show you how to get a grip.¡±


    Bending me over the desk, he raised my skirt and pped my ass hard.


    Pulling my head back, he shoved my panties aside and forced two fingers into me. I whimpered, my muscles squeezing tight around his fingers involuntarily.


    ¡°You are going to pay for the shitty week that I have had, Jasmine.¡±


    Holding my neck, he forced me on to stand on the tip of my toes and the only thing I heard before he pushed his dick into me was the rapid beating of my heart.


    He groaned and when I would have screamed, his hands covered my mouth as he started to thrust in and out of me.


    ¡°You are going to pay for making my life harder, Jasmine Scott.¡±


    I could only stay bent over, helpless as he fucked me hard and into the table. My legs shook as his second hand that was holding my waist found my clit and started rubbing hard, making me clench on his dick even harder.


    ¡°You see, Jasmine. You might hate my guts and trust me, I feel the same way but you do not hate my dick and I hate to say it, but this pussy is the only thing on you that I can stand.¡±


    And then there was no more talking, just his growls and my muffled screams as he drilled into me and rubbed my clit vigorously until I felt the orgasm hit me and my walls tightened on his dick.


    ¡°Ah fuck yes.¡± He groaned, pulling out of me and turning me around before he forced me on my knees and shoved his dick into my mouth, thrusting a few times.


    And then he was cumming, his head thrown back as he pulsed in my mouth and his cum hit the back of my throat.


    I should have been used to the fact that he was going to leave me there when he was done but this time, I didn¡¯t know why I cried even harder.


    When I finally was able to make it to the car, I lied to my mother that I had a migraine and that Hardin had taken the bag of snacks and that was enough for me to have a quiet ride back home, but I didn¡¯t sleep. I couldn¡¯t.


    Maybe that was why at the entrance of the school, I walked right in front of a powerbike and even though I was almost hit, my brain cells were slow to react.


    They did react when the owner of the bike removed his helmet and rushed towards me though.


    Beautiful.


    That was the only word I could use to describe him.


    His hair was a light brown that looked like red when sunlight touched it and his eyes, they were an astonishing hazel, the swirl of green and brown mixing in a way that was just perfect.


    He grabbed my shoulders gently and looked at me from head to toe, his face filled with concern but I was still just stuck staring at his face.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± He asked and I nodded, suddenly embarrassed that the first time this boy was seeing me, I looked like a train wreck, my hair in a messy bun and dark circles under my eyes.


    But he didn¡¯t look like he cared about either of them as he smiled brilliantly at me.


    ¡°Thank Goodness. But just to be sure, let me walk you to where you¡¯re going?¡±


    I was about to tell him that I was really alright when Nadia ran to us and waved at the stranger before taking my hands and walking me into the school.


    ¡°Oh my God, who was that hottie and why do you look like you have not slept in days. The midterms are still very far away.¡±


    I shook my head for a shrug.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I replied, answering the first question and ignoring the second.


    Nadia took my singr answer as the answer to both questions and just as I was taking my seat, I wondered how I was going to make it through the day.


    Just then, Miss Smith our homeroom teacher walked in and the beautiful stranger walked in after her.


    ¡°Hello, ss, so today, we will be having a new student among us. I¡¯ll allow him to introduce himself.¡±


    He smiled very brightly and when his eyesnded on me, his smile widened.


    ¡°Hello everyone, my name is Lorenzo and it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Lorenzo¡± the entire ss chorused except for me who still had my mouth open in shock and when she asked him to take a seat, he walked towards me and sat directly beside me.


    ¡°Hey, we meet again¡± He whispered and just at that moment, I had a feeling that this was only just the beginning.

 Watch me

    Jasmine


    ¡°So for your assignment which is due tomorrow,  you are going to be working in pairs.¡± Miss Smith, our homeroom teacher announced and there were collective groans but my mind was far away from the ss because I was still stuck inst night¡¯s incident.


    Lisa had used my mother of purposely making food with ingredients she imed that she was allergic to, even though ording to my mother, Lisa had never told her anything about it.


    It had been such a huge scene with Lisa crying and indirectly calling my Mother an attempted murderer while Russo had tried to dissolve the situation as fast as possible.


    The worst part was that my mother had believed that Lisa had told her about the garlic allergy initially and she had forgotten about it,  allowing the guilt to nearly swallow her but I knew better.


    I knew better because as Russo had attempted to escort Lisa up the stairs away from the dining room, she had given my mother a covert smile that made me want to go and pull her hy the hair, not caring about whether or not she was a werewolf who could throw me across the room and I was mostly human.


    Hardin had been absent from the table as usual and it was probably for the best after what he had done to me in the empty ssroom the night of their win.


    The only times I got to see him now was in school during the sses we shared and at lunch.


    Thankfully, we were not taking this ss, English Lit together, and as I looked at my phone to theck of response from the message I had sent to my mum, I was worried.


    She had note down this morning and when I had gone to her room to see her, she had been under the covers, saying that she was cold. But I suspected that she had cried all night and was still feeling bad aboutst night¡¯s incident.


    I had instructed one of the maids to make sure that she had breakfast and I could not wait to get back home and check in on her. If she was so down that she could not go to school today, then it was really bad.


    The only reason why I had even bothered to get to school today was because Russo had assured me when I called him just as I left the house. He had gone out earlier when she was still asleep, and he promised that he was going to speak to her and take her to the hospital if she was really unwell.


    My phone vibrated in my pocket and when I brought it out, I saw that it was a text from Nadia.


    Looking up, I searched for her and she nodded for me to check my phone.


    ¡± The new guy has been staring at you for the past ten minutes. Don¡¯t look.¡±


    Well, now I had to look.


    Turning to the right because his seat was directly beside mine on the next row, our eyes collided and when he smiled, I swallowed nervously, returning his smile with what I was sure was a grimace attempting to be a smile before I turned back to type furiously on the phone.


    ¡°He is just being friendly. Nothing to see here.¡±


    ¡°Sure, he is. He is a hot friendly specimen.¡±


    I was about to fire a reply that she was being ridiculous and that I could smell the sarcasm in her voice when I heard my name.


    Raising my head, I saw Mrs Smith looking at me.


    ¡°Jasmine Scott, your partner for this assignment and for the rest of this term is Lorenzo Garcia.¡±


    All eyes, especially the feminine ones turned to look between me and Lorenzo and when my eyes found Nadia¡¯s, she was giving me arge smirk that said


    ¡®I told you so.¡¯


    My eyes found Lorenzo¡¯s and he grinned, scribbling on a piece of paper after which he passed it to me.


    The note read ¡®Hi, Jasmine. It¡¯s a pleasure to work with you. Can you scribble down your number so we can talk about the assignmentter?¡¯


    Wondering why such a good looking person would also be blessed with a beautiful handwriting, I scribbled my number and returned it to him and when he smiled after reading the note, I fought the urge to smile back, wary of what was going on.


    I was already worn out from dealing with one handsome boy and living with him.


    I had no idea what was going to happen now that Lorenzo was going to be my partner for the entire term. Or how I was going to survive the extra attention that I would be getting now that not one but two of the most handsome boys in school were somehow linked to me.


    In less than a day since Lorenzo¡¯s arrival, the only person he had been constantlypared to was Hardin and I was sure that thetter was not going to be a fan if he heard that he finally hadpetition for his title as King of the school.


    When ss ended, I walked with Nadia to return books to her locker.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Is this fate?¡± She cooed out and when I rolled my eyes, sheughed.


    ¡°Ohe on, don¡¯t tell me you have not thought about it.¡±


    ¡°He almost ran me over with his bike. That¡¯s not fate.¡±


    ¡°But you were the one that walked into the road without looking too.¡± Her face suddenly changed and her smile brightened as she looked down the hallway.


    ¡°What? Why are you smiling?¡± I asked as I turned around to see what she was looking at.


    ¡°He is walking over to us, isn¡¯t it?¡± She said with excitement and even though I wanted to say that it wasn¡¯t true, Lorenzo was indeed walking over to us, his eyes bright as he smiled at me.


    When he stopped in front of us, I looked around and saw as everyone watched the two of us.


    ¡°Hey partner, Hi Nadia.¡±


    ¡°Hi¡± Nadia said with a bright smile that made me give her a side eye and when she fake pouted, I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°So, I have something and somece to be. I¡¯ll see you around, bestie¡± she said and ran down the hallway before I could even answer, leaving me alone with Lorenzo.


    Perhaps alone was not urate because we were still standing in a crowded hallway with at least half of the people in the hallway staring at us.


    ¡°Hi, Lorenzo¡± I finally said and he nodded, his face still bright in a way that made me wonder if he grew up without any problems.


    Perhaps I was being bitter about the fact that I could not smile as brightly as him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like me very much, do you?¡± He stated and my mouth fell open in shock as I shook my head immediately.


    ¡°I did not say that. Did I?¡± I stuttered and when he chuckled, I realized that he had dimples.


    Of course, he had to have dimples too.


    Putting his hands in his pockets, he looked around and when his smile turned nervous as he scratched the back of his neck, it made me curious.


    ¡°Does the attention bother you?¡±


    When he nodded, I was surprised.


    I had gotten popr overnight thanks to bing step siblings with Hardin and the Dahlia incident and even then, it was hard to keep up with the fact that I was no longer invisible and that people wanted to associate with me. When before, I could have passed conveniently as no one and nobody would care.


    But it surprised me that someone like Lorenzo who looked like he did not shy away from anything and had a very jovial personality as well as a very handsome face would feel awkward like me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been the new kid every couple of years and having everyone watching you for the first few weeks still sucks.¡±


    ¡°Well, trust me that they¡¯re not staring just because you¡¯re the new kid.¡±


    ¡°Oh? So why are they?¡±


    He looked so confused and adorable, it made me wonder if he was that clueless or if he really believed that he was now trending on our school¡¯s gossip blogs simply because he was a new student.


    Palming my forehead at how ridiculous I would look for answering, I decided to enlighten him.


    ¡°Nobody is looking at you because you are new, Lorenzo. They are because you are handsome.¡±


    ¡°So you think I¡¯m handsome?¡± He said, his smile wide as he pulled in his lip ring between his teeth and I noticed that he also had one piercing on his left brow.


    Rolling my eyes at his question, I had to admit that his grin was contagious because the two of us startedughing and I felt my apprehension about him reduce.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re handsome, by the way. The entire school does.¡± I added.


    ¡°Uh huh. Except you, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, except me.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, Jasmine. Can I text youter then to discuss about our assignment even though you think I¡¯m not handsome?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you may¡± I said with a smile that he returned and my smile widened as he waved at me before walking through the hallway.


    I was already bringing out my phone to call Nadia back from wherever she went to when my eyes collided with Hardin¡¯s from across the hallway and from the frown on his face, I knew he had been watching me.


    I was not doing anything wrong, was I?


    Then again, it didn¡¯t matter with Hardin.


    Why exactly was I concerned? Something felt wrong.

 Jerking off

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    Anger, red hot like a me was emanating from me in the hallway and I didn¡¯t bother to even hide it this time. Because why was the new guy talking andughing with Jasmine down the hallway in front of her locker?


    Did she know him from anywhere? How did the two of them even meet?


    As if it was not enough that I had heard sillyparisons between me and this new kid since he entered the school less than forty eight hours ago, he was already hanging around Jasmine and smiling like he had just hit the jackpot.


    Or perhaps it was Jasmine that hade on to him?


    Weeks ago, I would have been inclined to believe that, but since that night after taking Jasmine¡¯s virginity, I didn¡¯t know what to believe about her anymore and I hated her even more for confusing me. For blurring the hatred lines between us by refusing to act her part as a viin.


    She and her mother were both peas in a pod, considering that after everything that my aunt, Lisa had done to her in my name, she still continued to be nothing but kind to me. I was waiting for the act to wear off but it had been months now. Surely if she wanted to show her ws, now would be the right time to do it.


    ¡°He¡¯s her partner in English Literature ss till the end of the semester.¡± A voice said behind me and when I turned around, it was Sandro, Alex¡¯s twin brother speaking to me as he bit into an apple.


    Because I had grown up with them, it was easy to tell which one was which at every time but the twins liked to y games with people, so they wore their brown hair in the same style, with their identical sea blue eyes and smirks, and would often wear the same cloths when they were feeling particrly dubious.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± I asked and he looked in the direction of my line of sight to where Jasmine and Lorenzo wereughing about something in the hallway.


    ¡°I mean the new guy. Lorenzo Garcia. He¡¯s Jasmine¡¯s partner in our English Literature ss. The ss you¡¯re not taking with us.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a shit.¡± I said and even though Sandro stopped speaking, he didn¡¯t lose that stupid smirk of his and it made me want to beat his face into the ground.


    Thankfully, Lorenzo walked away and so did Jasmine after her friend came over to meet her.


    I decided to head to the cottage again tonight. I couldn¡¯t admit that I was too cowardly to see the way my aunt made living in the mansion ufortable for Jasmine and her mother, Cam and that was the reason I stayed in the cottage by theke.


    As I entered inside, after getting dinner at one of the diners on my way to the cottage, I stopped in front of the couch. Thest time Jasmine was here, she had forgotten her purse that she had taken out.


    I hadn¡¯t bothered to open it nor was I curious about what could be in there before today. But i could not stop my curiosity this time as I headed towards her purse.


    And when I opened it, I was hit full force with her scent.  A scent that I had tried every possible way to avoid since that night in the ssroom when I had bent her over and mmed into her like a deranged animal.


    I had fucked about two girls after that night but I realized that there was a problem when everytime I wanted to cum, the name on my lips was that of the stepsister that I never asked for and hated with a passion.


    I could not get her out of my head and my dick did not seem to get the memo that we were supposed to be the ones in control and not her. It made me furious to even be thinking about her right now.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    There was nothing valuable in the purse but I remembered that in the morning before we left, she had stuffed her torn panties, which had happened by my hands in the purse, hoping to take it back with her but I remembered that she had forgotten it here as she stormed out of the house and into my car, giving me the silent treatment.


    I didn¡¯t realize what I was doing until her scent, sweet and strong hit me and I opened my eyes as I continued sniffing the panties of the one girl that I was supposed to hate.


    My jeans became full as my dick hardened almost immediately in response to her smell and I growled, keeping the panties inside the purse and heading to the bathroom to shower.


    It felt almost like de javu as I entered the bathroom, knowing that I was going to masturbate thinking about Jasmine just like the first time when I had just seen those gorgeous titties when she was bathing.


    Her soft andrge breasts made me frown as I stroked my dick and I groaned as I remembered how wet her pussy had felt when I drove my cock into it. About how her voice had sounded like music to my ears. About how hot her mouth had felt around my cock as I fucked her mouth hard and how her breasts had jiggled as she gagged around my cock.


    I sucked in a deep breath, beating my cock faster and groaned, knowing that this orgasm was going to take everything from me and hating Jasmine for having this hold on me.


    Resting my head against the bathroom tiles as the water poured down on me, I moaned as I imagined her, taking more of my cock and my thoughts threatened to splinter as I rocked back and forth into my hand, groaning and moving even faster.


    My dick felt like fucking stone in my hand as I pumped mercilessly, my groans echoing in the bathroom. But what threw me over the edge was remembering how she has called my name when she begged me, my cock deep inside her tight wet pussy. I jerked, the orgasm hitting me hard and fast as I came all over the wall of my bathroom.


    Drained, it didn¡¯t take me long to hit the sheets and when I woke up, feeling like I shouldn¡¯t go to school today, I probably should have listened because it was duringcrosse practice that I realized why I had expected today to go back.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the new guying to tryout for the team?¡± Alex said as we sat on the bench, wearing our boots and when I raised my head, it was indeed Lorenzo, also poprly known as the Golden boy, striding towards us.


    The frown of my face deepened as I inhaled and confirmed what I had already thought when I first passed him in the hallway.


    He had the same aura that I had. The aura of an Alpha wolf. Behind that easy innocent smile and eyes that looked rtively harmless was a werewolf that was probably dealing with as much anger issues as any Alpha wolf that had not grown into their strength faced.


    How he managed to hide that from Jasmine was beyond me but then I remembered that unlike the rest of us, Jasmine was not really aplete werewolf. Her senses were almost human.


    Like everything else about her, she was neither here or there. Not human enough to be human but not wolf enough to be considered a werewolf.


    ¡°And this is Hardin Morales, our captain.¡± Our coach said and when Lorenzo stretched out his hand for a shake, I raised an eyebrow and before I could speak, my phone vibrated and I excused myself to see a message from my father that made me pale.


    ¡°I was called to your school to see the guidance counselor in order to discuss your sessions that you¡¯ve been ignoring. Cam offered to go in my stead and is at the office right now. Do not do anything I wouldn¡¯t do.¡±


    Taking excuse from the Coach, I bolted towards the office to see Cam alreadying out and exchanging pleasant smiles with the guidance counselor who nced my way and offered me a soft smile before she walked back into her office.


    Cam beamed when she turned around and saw me, and you would think she would act differently considering how cold and unyielding I was since she married my father but she walked up to me and enveloped me in a hug that made me remember just how tightly my mother used to hug me once and how nice it had felt.


    It was hard to admit that this hug felt really nice too.


    Pulling away immediately, I raised my eyebrow and as if she could read the question in my eyes, she nodded.


    ¡°She is just worried about you. And all the sessions you¡¯ve missed. But I assured her that we would try our best to work with you so that you can get better.¡±


    ¡°We?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we, Hardin. As hard as it is to believe, I want to help you. And not just because you¡¯re my stepson. I¡¯m an elementary school teacher and nothing brings me joy than to help any child that I see struggling. Not to talk of one that I hold dearly to my heart. My arms are always open, sweet boy. Always.¡±


    Rising on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek, she left me feeling very confused and torn in the hallway. It was no surprise that I chose to head back to the house instead of the cottage after school and as I parked in front of the house, my eyes narrowed to see a bike also parked beside the fountain.


    Getting out of the car, I saw none other than Lorenzo waiting in front of the entry door, his hands in his pockets and as if he could feel my stare, he raised his head and our eyes met.


    And anger, red hot like a me enveloped me all over again.

 Fuck, you Hardin

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    Maybe I should have not just gotten out of bed and gone to school today, I thought again when I saw Lorenzo standing right in front of my door.


    From him all but joining thecrosse team which meant that I had to see him almost everyday now, to him befriending Jasmine and now showing up in front of my house. It was hard to believe that all of these were just coincidences and that he was not just nning something.


    My face deepened in a frown as I tried to process the entire day. Still,  Lorenzo remained in front of the door and I realized that I wasn¡¯t truly imagining him there.


    I didn¡¯t know if Lorenzo was just clueless or he was really trying his hardest to behave like he could not see that I clearly did not give two fucks about him but his smile said it all.


    He probably just did not care.


    Well, he was certainly going to have to now that he was standing in front of my house.


    Cracking my knuckles and reminding myself to show restraint because thest thing I needed was for my father toe out and find me attacking someone in front of the door, not less than how many hours ago when his text had shown that he trusted very little in my self control.


    Taking a deep breath when I reached where he was, I raised my eyebrow, looking down my nose at him even though I was just a few inches taller and when he didn¡¯t budge, just looking at me expectantly as he waited for what he thought I was going to say, I realized that ring at him would not work, unlike at school where just one nce from me was more than enough.


    Perhaps, the guidance counsellor was right to inform my father about the sessions that I had been missing at school because the rage I had darkened my vision and I knew that it would only take one misstep from Lorenzo that would push me to violence.


    It was one thing for Alphas to be in the same room and be able to control the natural tension of one trying to outrank the other or prove who was stronger in a civil setting. But in a ce where the Alphas disliked each other and could not control it? It was a recipe for violence.


    And violence happened to be my middle name. It was the reason why I had been scheduled to see a guidance counselor once a week to learn how to manage my anger.


    I wondered what the gentle Miss Morrell would say if she saw me now thinking about how to bash this pretty boy¡¯s face in, just to see how much he would bleed.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked, folding my arms as though I was waiting for a prey and when the smile on his face did not waver, my irritation increased.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to see Jasmine.¡± He answered simply, causing my anger to rise as I contemted why he would want to.


    Trying to remain calm, I reminded myself of how Sandro had told me about him being English Literature partners with Jasmine till the end of the semester and I tried to assure myself that maybe that was it.


    But my anger did not quell, neither did it just disappear. Instead it wasced with irritation at his answer and I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Just go home, Valerio.¡± I answered.


    ¡°Lorenzo. It¡¯s Lorenzo.¡± He said even though both of us knew that I had intentionally called him the wrong name to piss him off.


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a fuck if your name is Lorenzo or Miguel. You¡¯re standing in front of my house and I¡¯m telling you nicely that you need to leave. Jasmine is not avable and I can¡¯t tell you for certain that she would ever be avable to go out with you on your little bike. So back the fuck up while I¡¯m being really nice and get out of here.¡±


    He looked genuinely surprised by my hostility and I had to give it to him, he was ying the tragic prince role perfectly.


    And fortunately for him, I did not have any problems with being the bad guy.


    ¡°But she said she was going to¡­¡± He trailed off when he saw that I was watching him, not in the least bit interested in what he had to say and sighed before he nodded, getting the message and walked over to his bike.


    Pleased that he was finally leaving, I turned around to open the door and just then the door swung open as Jasmine rushed outside, looking around and I raised my brows, frowning as her scent hit me in full force.


    She was wearing a knee length floral dress that I had not seen before and she looked like she had put in an effort to freshen up, knowing that he wasing. Just knowing that he did not get to see her dressed up because of him made me feel very satisfied and I watched as she looked around before she finally had no choice but to face me.


    ¡°Did you see Lorenzo? He texted me that he was downstairs already and now I can¡¯t find him.¡± She said in a single breath, her eyes still on the lookout while I folded my arms, raising my eyebrows.


    ¡°I sent your little boyfriend away, if that¡¯s who you are out here looking all dolled up for. Told him you were not avable. And you are not. Get back inside and find something better to do with your time.¡±


    Her pupils dted and she looked so angry, it was totally a new look on her. She looked like she wanted to strangle and maim me.


    And all because of what? The cheesy new guy?


    ¡°How dare you? What the fuck is wrong with you, Hardin? Why can¡¯t you ever for once in your life stay out of my business? What did you stand to gain from sending him away now and who even gave you the right to send him away?¡± She yelled at me and when she huffed and brought out her phone, probably to call him, I grabbed it from her hand and pocketed it, grabbing both her arms when she lunged for me.


    ¡°Be quiet¡± I growled.


    Trying to pay no regard to me, she struggled against me. It was only then that I realized that she wasn¡¯t going to quiet down.


    ¡°Let go of me, Hardin!¡± She spat.


    Instead of listening to her annoying rants, I dragged her towards the car. And when she tried to get out of the passenger seat, I bent down towards her eye level.


    ¡°Do you really want your mother toe out and find out what exactly is going on between us? You really want me to tell her?¡±


    I had no such intentions to say anything to her mother but the look of horror on Jasmine¡¯s face was more than enough to know that she didn¡¯t doubt what I was capable of doing and like a good little girl, she stopped struggling and allowed me to shut the door.


    Cam was definitely going to be broken if she heard that her precious daughter was fucking her step brother. And although it wasn¡¯t her will, she did not entirely hate it.


    The whole ride away from the house, she was silent and refused to look at me but it didn¡¯t matter. She wasn¡¯t somewhere right now with Lorenzoughing and sipping tea and I didn¡¯t care if it made me an evil bastard to take away her joy.


    When we arrived at the cottage, she got out of the car and when I walked towards her, she reached for my pockets again and tried to get her phone out.


    Dragging her inside the cottage, I threw her on the couch and removed both of our phones from my pocket, dropping it on the table, before I reached for her and held her hands over her head.


    ¡°You¡¯re just itching for punishment, aren¡¯t you?¡± I growled but she looked like she wasn¡¯t afraid of what would happen this time.


    ¡°Fuck you, Hardin. I hate you. I hate you so much.¡± She screamed and tried to kick me and I didn¡¯t understand why her rage turned me on so much. Fiery Jasmine made me want to fuck her into submission.


    mming my lips against hers, I reached under her dress and palmed her pussy and she squirmed when I pushed her panties to one side and found her dripping wet, I grinned.


    ¡°For someone who hates me, your body is saying somethingpletely different.¡±


    My statement seemed to set something off in her and she pushed me so hard, her ws manifesting and digging so hard into my skin, I jumped off her in surprise.


    Rising to her feet, she pped me hard across the face, her ws leaving their mark and I held my bleeding face in shock as tears ran down her face.


    ¡°Of course, you think my body¡¯s response to you, a response that I cannot control is because I want you, you motherfucking psycho. The way you fuck is not even something that should turn anyone on. You¡¯re nothing but a self absorbed bastard, Hardin. And it¡¯s a shame. A big shame that I ever met you.¡±


    Grabbing her phone, she walked out of the house, leaving me in the center of the living room, stunned into silence and holding my bleeding face.


    Jasmine hadn¡¯t just struck a nerve with her words. She had barrelled into me and won this time.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

 Concerned

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°And then, for tomorrow¡¯s assignment¡­¡±  Miss Smith our homeroom teacher spoke but I had already zoned out by the time she started listing it out.


    I knew that Lorenzo, being the perfect boy that he was, would probably get it.


    It had been a week since Hardin had rudely chased him away from our house when he hade to take me to a nearby restaurant for us to do our group assignment.


    And by rudely, I meant it because I was sure that was what had happened even though Lorenzo assured me that Hardin had only imed I was busy.


    Speaking of Hardin, I hadn¡¯t seen him at school all week since that day when I had forced that lie out of my mouth.


    I didn¡¯t realize that he had actually bought that lie that I had concocted to hurt his feelings and that it had worked.


    ¡°The way you fuck is not even something that should turn anyone on.¡±


    It was easy to add that to the rest of my rants at him because the rest was true.


    But this part had been a lie.


    A big lie and I didn¡¯t realize that he had even bought it until he didn¡¯te home.


    I wanted to say that I felt glee after that night but I would be lying about it because I knew that it had been said out of spite to directly affect his ego. And it had hit home so hard, it was like Hardin didn¡¯t exist.


    I knew that I should be happy. I had gotten what I wanted, had I not?


    For Hardin to leave me alone and to allow me to continue with my life in peace.


    So why was I feeling like this?


    Why did I look for him at the dinner table?


    Why did I pass by his room and feel this urge to check if he was around?


    Why did I wonder how he was doing now that he was almost never around me?


    Why did I feel empty?


    The bell rang for the end of ss and it was time for lunch.


    As I walked out of the ss with Nadia, I looked at where his locker was, the spot where he and his clique usually stood and saw everyone else but him.


    He had not been home in a week and I was scared to seek him out at the cottage especially after the way I had walked out that day and called Lorenzo to pick me up.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Nadia asked as she mmed the locker and I flinched from the sound, my eyes darting away from where Alex and Sandro and the rest of the clique stood to look at my best friend.


    ¡°Nothing?¡± I lied and she nodded, taking my hand as we walked into the cafeteria and my eyes widened as I saw Lorenzo sitting at our table.


    ¡°Oh my God, he¡¯s sitting at our table.¡± Nadia squealed and I swallowed.


    ¡°I can see that.¡± I said, my eyebrows raised in question as we approached.


    ¡°Hi girls, I hope you don¡¯t mind that I¡¯m now sitting here today. Mason kind of bailed on me and the rest is history.¡±


    Mason was one of the guys on thecrosse team who was now Lorenzo¡¯s friend and they used to sit on the table beside ours during lunch.


    ¡°Oh, not at all¡± Nadia said with a wink directed at me and I fought the urge to pinch her and bury my face under the table at how obvious her actions were.


    Plus there was the fact that people were staring at our table now that Lorenzo was sitting on it and whispering amongst themselves.


    I didn¡¯t realize that I had zoned off while Lorenzo and Nadia were talking about thetest assignment that Miss Smith had given us until the door to the cafeteria opened and Hardin walked in.


    Like every ce was whenever he walked into a room, the entire cafeteria seemed to gravitate towards him, his presence taking up almost all of the attention and even though he looked like he had not slept in days, he was absolutely and painfully gorgeous.


    Heading to his table with the poprs, he sat down with them and when he whispered in Alex¡¯s ears, I regretted the fact that I did not have enhanced hearing or I would have focused on their table to hear what he was asking for.


    I stared at him for so long, hoping that he would look at me and when he did, I lost my breath, his eyes looking at me with ack of emotion or expression that made me upset for some reason.


    Because Hardin never looked at me like that.


    There was always rage in his eyes or lust or downright irritation. But now as he stared at him, there was absolutely nothing. It could as well have been that he was looking at an empty wall


    As quickly as our eyes collided, he looked away and after a couple of minutes, he rose to his feet and walked out of the cafeteria.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wait where are you going?¡± Nadia asked and I didn¡¯t realize that I was already on my feet until she spoke.


    ¡°I need something from my locker.¡± I lied and ran out of the cafeteria, hoping that I would catch up to him but by the time I entered the hallway, he was nowhere to be found.


    It was as if I had imagined him even appearing in school at all.


    After searching everywhere for him to no avail, I gave up and headed back into the cafeteria.


    Lorenzo gave me a look that I could not quite understand and looked at my empty hands.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t bring back anything with you.¡± He noted and I smiled nervously, hiding my hands behind my back as I had my seat.


    ¡°Oh, I just remembered that it¡¯s at home.  Silly me.¡±


    Thankfully before Lorenzo could ask another question, Nadia who was blissfully oblivious to my lie spoke.


    ¡°So I heard that the game is this weekend. How have practices been?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve been alright so far. I¡¯m really looking forward to my first game.¡±


    ¡°And Hardin?¡± I interjected.


    ¡°Is Hardin being a good captain I mean? He doese for practice, doesn¡¯t he?¡± I added and when Lorenzo nodded, I heaved a sigh of relief.


    So he dide for practice after school but didn¡¯te to school. Or home.


    ¡°When is your next practice?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow.¡± He answered and I nodded thoughtfully, stuffing a forkful of food in my mouth as I made a mental note to make sure I watched their practice tomorrow.


    Thest thing I expected when I arrived at hometer in the evening was for Lisa to say that she wanted to see me during dinner.


    My parents were going on a date tonight and since Hardin was not at home as usual, the servants had whipped up a light meal for the two of us.


    As I sat across from her, I felt nervous under her watchful gaze, trying my best to remind myself that this was not Hardin¡¯s mother despite the uncanny resemnce that she had.


    I wondered why she even wanted to see me.


    She had eased out on the passive aggressive bullying of my mother in the past week but I didn¡¯t believe that she was truly done with her antics. Instead I wondered what bomb she was about to drop next.


    ¡°So, how has school been?¡± She asked and I fought the urge to tell her to fuck off.


    ¡°Fine. School has been fine.¡±


    ¡°And Hardin? How¡¯s your rtionship with him?¡± She asked, her eyes stuck on me and I swallowed the food in my mouth before I shrugged.


    ¡°He¡¯s busy. I¡¯m busy. So I can¡¯t really say we have time to see each other as often since he¡¯s not in the house.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡±


    The silence after that was so awkward and tense, I could not wait for dinner to be over so that I could run away from her.


    And just as I assisted one of the maids to clear the table, she rose to her feet and gave me what I was sure she believed was a kind smile.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to be more invested in your life, dear. After all, we are family.¡±


    Her words stayed with me the entire night and even into the next day because they sounded like a threat more than a kind gesture.


    Time, however did its thing and by the end of school, I had forgotten about Lisa and her schemes as I waved at Nadia who was going home and went back into the school, heading straight for the field wherecrosse practice had already started.


    Once again, I watched Hardin and wondered if there was any part of him that was hurt. As I sat watching him during the practice, he was rammed into, making him to fall on the ground. It was obvious that he was going through some stress, which made the coach ask him to go home and rest.


    As Hardin walked away from the field back into the school building, heading for the changing room, I ran after him.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to do that?¡± Lorenzo called, grabbing my hands to hold me back and when I turned around, he was panting from running over to stop me.


    I didn¡¯t realize that he had even seen me on the bench, watching them practice.


    Gently pulling away from him, I nodded,  using a line that I never thought I would ever use before. A line that I absolutely didn¡¯t believe.


    ¡°He¡¯s my step brother, Lorenzo. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    I knew why Lorenzo was concerned. Even though he had not asked me why I had called him toe and get me in the middle of nowhere in the woods, I knew that he suspected it had something to do with Hardin and was trying to look out for me.


    But today, I was not going to shy away from approaching him. No matter what the consequences might be.

 No emotions

    Hardin¡¯s pov


    Ever since the day that Jasmine said those words to me, I felt like a part of me had be numb. As ordinary as it seemed, my pride got bruised a million times just from her words. And it hurt me more because I was beginning to feel something for her.


    Like I had always thought, though in a different kind of way, Jasmine was different.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Right from the time she talked rudely to me, and challenged me back there at the cafeteria, to that day, more than a week ago. No one had ever said the things that she said to me.


    Now, because of her again, my performance atcrosse match was visibly poor that the coach had to ask me to take a day off.


    She had constantly filled my mind, with her words reverberating in my head.


    Suddenly, I heard the steps of someone following me and I could sense a panty breathing, but I did not stress about it as I was too tired to check who it was.


    Just as I turned around the corner that led to the locker room so I could change up, the corner of my eyes caught Jasmine and it was then that I realized that she had been the one chasing after me.


    Wondering what exactly that she was still doing in school at that time, I stopped and turned to face her, holding no emotions in my face.


    Noticing that I was waiting for her, she stopped and began to walk closer to me, with her fingers ying around the edges of the sweatshirt that she was putting on. She was nervous. When in actual sense, I was the one supposed to be. It felt to me like her words had reduced me to the lowest self esteem, which was one of the reason why I had barely attended sses the past week.


    Well, everyone of them did see me as some strange god that had to be  revered. Meanwhile, I was just a regr teenager struggling with the fear of how my life was going to turn out.


    Born as an alpha wolf did not make it any better as I had to live up to some standards that my father had set.


    ¡°Strange that you are still in school. I¡¯m guessing you stayed back to watch your new prey train. What is his name again¡­ Lorenzo?¡±


    Instead of snapping at me as I expected, she said the words, ¡°I am really sorry, Hardin. We have missed you. Can you pleasee back home?¡±


    I stared at her for a while, then continued walking to pick up my things from the locker room, but had to stop when I noticed that she was still following me.


    ¡°Go back, Jasmine. Dont try to follow me. I really am not ready for the conversation you want to have.¡±


    She was just few steps away from me, with her palms together as she stared at me.


    ¡°Please Hardin, can you at least give me a listening ear?¡±


    I had no words for her, and continued doing what I had been doing, walking away. I just wanted to stay away, as I was not in the best state of mind. But I knew Jasmine enough to know that she was not going to take a no for an answer.


    It continued that way till we got to the locker room and I turned to her furiously. ¡°What exactly do you want Jasmine?¡± I bawled at her, ¡°have you not said enough already?¡±


    ¡°Just some weeks ago, I felt you were different and not the slut I used to take you as, but you just proved me wrong.¡±


    The agony that radiated from my voice was so heavy that she was shivering, with her head lowered, trying hard to hide the tears that was on her cheeks. But I didnt stop. Though it did not feel like the right thing to do, I wanted her to feel the exact pain that I had felt when she said those words to me.


    ¡°Why  will you not know how it feels for someone to be satisfying enough, when you have obviously been sleeping around with mentely? Probably the new kid, Lorenzo.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying Hardin? Why will youy such usations on me?¡± She groaned.


    ¡°Dont act like you are innocent,¡± I scoffed, and suddenly a realization hit me.


    ¡°Now I know what you do. Because the new kid is an alpha wolf like I am, you now want to get into his life. Exactly what you and your mother do. I wonder how people as low as you are, aim for Alphas only. You are just so greedy. I think it is safer to warn Lorenzo¡¯s mother, so your bitch of a mother doesnt try to take her ce. The way she had to wait for my mom to leave.¡±


    I was aware that what I said was the height of it, but I did not care less.


    Picking my bag up from the locker room, I walked away without sparing Jasmine any nce and ignoring the fact that it waste already for her to go home alone. Especially as she was wolfless and could not fight incase of danger.


    Just as I was leaving the locker room, I saw Lorenzo in the direction opposite me, staring straight at me. I gave him a sharp re with my wolf trying to dominate before walking past him. He was the reason Jasmine had to hear all of my rubbish. Maybe he was going to offer her a ride home.


    Yeah! I did not need to be told that I had said rubbish, as I was well aware of what I had done.


    Rain had began to pour in torrents as I got into my car to go back to the cottage and only realized that Jasmine had been drenched in the rain when I saw her standing just outside my cottage, as I sat down to eat.


    She was stubborn and did not stay away even after the way I had talked to her back at the locker room. Left with no other choice, I brought her in and made her to sit by the firece that I had set.


    ¡°So why did you have toe here?¡± I finally said to her, breaking the silence that had engulfed us.


    ¡°I could not go back home when I am obviously the reason why you have been away for more than a week,¡± she simply said, her voice filled with remorse.


    I did not like that she was gradually filling a soft ce in my heart as I did not want any of it. So, I stood up and left the room, after making sure that she waspletely dry and had eaten.


    ¡°Can you please forgive me, Hardin? All I said that day was not true and was only intended to hurt you. You can punish me however you like, but please, forgive me ande back home.¡± Those were thest words she said before I left the room, which I gave no reply to, and was only reaalizing that she had cried to sleep as I stared at the way she was curled up on the bed, with tear stains on her cheeks.


    Her hair was sprawled about, and she was wearing my mother¡¯s gown that was  raised distally above her knees as she slept.


    Morning came fast, with the one thing I had done throughout the night being staring at Jasmine. I had no idea how I managed to control my urge, but longing for her body and not having it just when it was right in front of me was what I had to battle throughout the night.


    Cam had called me, sounding really worried as she talked about how she had been trying to reach Jasmine but all to no avail, until I told her that she was with me, with the excuse that Jasmine had stayed back for training until it started raining, and my car had broken down. So, we could note back to the house. My lie was enough to put Cam and my father at ease, but it was not the same with my aunt, Lisa, as she called me back not long after I dropped Cam¡¯s call, asking why we did not call home to send a driver for us.


    The ride back home that morning, after Jasmine changed into her now dried clothes was a quiet one, as the only thing she had said to me that morning was a thank you. And I wondered what the thank you was for exactly. If it was because I let her sleep there without touching her or that I that I gave her shelter, I could not tell.


    ¡°And my nephewes back home after one week of staying away, with kind Jasmine by his side. Is there something that I do not know?¡±


    Lisas voice was the first thing we heard immediately we got into the house. And even as she hade to stay in the mansion because of me, I began to wonder if she had not overstayed her wee already.

 To bed

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    Just when I had thought that something productive had happenedst night between Hardin and I even though he remained standoffish and quiet the entire ride back to the house, I knew that we were about to take a million steps back immediately we entered the house and Lisa was the first person that we saw.


    Remembering that the only reason his aunt was here was thanks to him, I shuffled from one foot to the other after her question, thinking about what she was up to now.


    Looking at Hardin, she raised her eyebrows, her smile dripping with mischief as she waited for an answer.


    ¡°Well, is there something I should know, Jasmine? Could it be that you were somehow responsible for the fact that he has been staying away from his own home, while you have been here with your mother, eating and drinking and sleeping like it is your own house? I¡¯m waiting for an answer, sweetheart¡± She said the sweetheart as if she was referring to a snake that she was about to hit on the head and my eyes widened because this time, her question was spot on.


    I was certain that Hardin had been avoiding the house because of me which was one of the reasons why I had gone to look for him but putting it that way, like my mother and I had concocted a n to chase him away from his own home was a new low, even for Lisa and I fought the urge to say something that would make her antagonize my mother even further because she would me her if I responded in a way that she did not like.


    But with the way her eyes were ring daggers at me, I knew that I could not walk away without replying.


    Just as I opened my mouth to respond,  Hardin beat me to it.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°She had nothing to do with it, Aunt. That¡¯s enough.¡±


    That was not even up to a quarter of the reply that I was hoping to give her but it was enough to stun Lisa and I into silence.


    Lisa looked at her nephew like she could no longer recognize him and I looked at him in shock because he had stood up for me.


    This was the first time he had ever interfered whenever his aunt was acting out like this and it made me wonder why.


    Was it because I had begged him yesterday?


    Or was this a one off?


    ¡°Hardin, I was not talking to you.¡± She said and he shrugged, refusing to look at me.


    ¡°But you were asking about my being away and you should be asking me, not her.¡± He answered and I was sure my eyes were going to pop out of their sockets and fall from my face in shock.


    Lisa looked even more shocked than I was and when she looked at me, it was with curiosity and rage.


    But before she could react, my mother walked out of the kitchen and smiled when she saw us, rushing over to envelope Hardin in a hug first that I saw surprised the hell out of him because his eyes widened when she pulled back and gently touched his hair before moving away.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to have you back at home, Hardin.¡±


    Looking at me, she blew me a kiss and started to pull Hardin toward the dining table.


    ¡°Come, food is ready.¡± She said excitedly, gesturing towards me toe with her as well.


    Hardin looked like he didn¡¯t know how to say no to her and when he looked at me in surprise, I shrugged, equally surprised that he was even looking at me at all.


    ¡°Would you like to join the kids at the dinning table, Lisa?¡± My mother asked and Lisa rolled her eyes before she turned around and headed for the stairs.


    ¡°Okay then. I¡¯ll have a maid send her food upstairs.¡± My mother whispered under her breath and I smirked as I sat across from Hardin, who looked like he was an actual stranger in the house.


    When our eyes collided, I sucked in a breath and looked away, wondering what he saw when he looked at me like that.


    Like he could see my soul.


    As my mum and one of the maids served us, she gently ced a kiss on my forehead.


    ¡°What happened to your phone? I tried calling you throughout yesterday and if not for Hardin, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to reach you.¡±


    Reaching for my bag, I brought out my phone, remembering that it was about to die when I was at thecrosse practice and I had not taken my charger to school.


    ¡°It was dead.¡± I told her but when j brought it out, I saw that it was not only on, but it was fully charged.


    How was that possible?


    And then I realized that only one thing could have happened.


    Hardin.


    Looking up at him, I saw that he was staring at me, his face void of expression and I was even more confused by all of the events that had taken ce between usst night.


    He had said harsh words to hurt me but they had hardly had any heat or rage behind them and even when he had told me to not follow him and I had asked Lorenzo to drop me off somewhere on the path to the cottage, something that he had done grudgingly considering that he had heard everything Hardin had said, I was half expecting him to send me back.


    But he hadn¡¯t. And he had not even touched me at all.


    It made me wonder if something was changing between us or if I was being delusional thinking that the dynamic between us was evolving.


    When dinner was over, Hardin politely thanked my mother and headed to his room and when I looked at the bright smile on her face, I knew that she was wondering if something was really happening to him too.


    I spent the entirety of the night tossing and turning, wondering whether or not there was something that I could do about Hardin¡¯s sudden change in behaviour.


    Why did it bother me so much that he had suddenly be so reserved?


    Why was I worried that he was probably hurting?


    What if he was struggling and had no one to confide in?


    Their big game wasing and he didn¡¯t look like he was going to even be able to y.


    The clock hit the stroke of midnight and I knew that everyone else would probably be asleep, even Hardin but I couldn¡¯t continue to roll around on the bed.


    Rising to my feet, I threw on a robe and headed to his bedroom to check in on him.


    I was just going to ask if he was still upset about what I said and if he needed help in any way.


    I just needed to know if he was alright.


    Reaching his door, I swallowed nervously as I knocked once and when I didn¡¯t hear an answer, I tried the knob, surprised that it opened.


    When I entered, he was nowhere in the room and then my eyes found him leaning against the balcony, in nothing but a towel riding low on his waist, his hair damp which told me that he had juste out of the shower.


    If he heard mee in, he didn¡¯t show it and I walked up to stand beside him, staring out into the dark woods in silence.


    ¡°What do you want, Jasmine?¡± He asked gently.


    I opened my mouth, unsure of what I wanted to say when my phone rang.


    It was Lorenzo.


    When I didn¡¯t pick it up and it kept ringing, Hardin raised his eyebrows and I had no choice but to answer, even though thest thing I wanted was for him to hear what we were going to say. .


    Unfortunately, werewolf hearing meant that Hardin would hear whatever Lorenzo said.


    ¡°Hey, I texted but figured you were busy. How are you?¡± Lorenzo said and I nodded before I realized that he could not see me.


    ¡°Yeah, I was.¡±


    ¡°How about now? Wanted to ask if we could hang out after the game? Like a date? But if you¡¯re busy, I understand that.¡±


    The silence in the room was suffocating and when I looked at Hardin¡¯s expression, there was nothing there.


    Was he angry?


    Or did he not just care?


    Why did I want it to be the former and not thetter?


    ¡°I¡¯m busy right now and I don¡¯t know about after the game too.¡± I whispered, my eyes locked with Hardin¡¯s.


    ¡°Okay¡± Lorenzo answered, sounding really civil in a way that I didn¡¯t think would ever be possible with someone as intense as Hardin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at the game then?¡± He asked and when I answered in the affirmative, the call ended and I kept staring at Hardin.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me? Did you not agree to go with golden boy because I was here? Are you trying to prove something because I don¡¯t really give a shit what you should do.¡± He said but his eyes had hardened in anger and it made me smile.


    ¡°Why the fuck are you smiling?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to just go now. And maybe, just maybe I¡¯ll take your advice. Good night Hardin. I wanted to check that you were okay and now that I see you are, I¡¯m going to bed.¡±


    I turned around and headed for the door.


    I didn¡¯t make it halfway across the room.


    Because he grabbed me by the arm and mmed his lips against mine.

 Make me stay

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    Hardin¡¯s lips sealed over mine and my eyes widened in surprise at how soft and gentle he kissed me, his hand cupping the back of my head as he pulled me closer to him. And I did not realize that my phone had slipped from my grasp until his hand caught it. And when he released me, we stared at each other.


    ¡°I¡¯m giving you a chance to walk away now, Jasmine. Do it now.¡± He breathed, stretching out his hand to give me my phone and I was surprised because again, this was unlike Hardin Morales.


    What was going on with him?


    And why did his offer to let me go now make me want to stay?


    Why did his words do nothing but make me want to stay?


    Throwing my phone on the couch behind him, I took a step forward, my eyes locked on his and when he got the message, he released a harsh breath.


    ¡°Jasmine, you had better get out now or¡­¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡± I dared to ask, watching as his eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°Do you really want to be fucked by someone that doesn¡¯t know how to fuck?¡± He snapped and I took another step forward, eyes still locked on his beautiful blue ones.


    ¡°You are all talk, Hardin. Always talking. When are you going to stop talking?¡±


    His eyes darkened and this time when he grabbed the back of my neck and kissed me, there was no hesitation, no second thoughts. Nothing but precision as he slid his tongue into my mouth, his other hand palming my ass as he groaned into the kiss.


    Lifting me up by grabbing my thighs, he ced me gently on the bed and got rid of my dress and robe, inhaling to find mepletely naked beneath it.


    When his eyes moved down to my exposed pussy, I tried to close my legs, my face turning red with embarrassment but he stopped me with a hand before I couldpletely shut my thighs.


    Nodding, he swallowed hard, pulling me closer towards the edge of the bed and began trailing his tongue up my thighs, torturously slow. I jerked immediately, sucking in a sharp breath.


    ¡°Hardin¡± I whispered, unsure of what I wanted to even ask him for, my hand going into his hair and when he looked up at me, I hated to admit that he had one of the most beautiful eyes that I had ever seen.


    A shade of blue that was sometimes as light as the sky and could suddenly be a deep azure when he was angry, upset or in this case, turned on.


    He kept the light teasing going, making sure to avoid my slit where he knew I needed his touch the most and I wondered if he was doing it on purpose.


    If he was torturing me because of the lie that I had told to hurt him. Because we both knew that I had lied that day.


    My soft pants came down in a more rapid manner as he drew the tongue closer and closer, and I gripped down on his hair in an attempt to push my pussy towards his mouth, seeking relief from his torture.


    Drawing his tongue closer to my clit, I inhaled a sharp breath, my entire body taut as I prepared for his tongue on my pussy, shamelessly pushing myself forward and gripping his hair even tighter as my legs shook with need unlike I had ever felt before.


    Perhaps I would regret this when I was no longer feeling like I was going tobust if he didn¡¯t kiss me down there but right now, all I could think about was that I didn¡¯t want to be anywhere else but with him.


    All I wanted was Hardin.


    I didn¡¯t know if that made me foolish to even be thinking out loud and what would happen after this.


    Because this was the first time that we had an actual verbal consensual agreement between us before doing any of this.


    Did that mean that he had finally stopped hating me and my mother?


    Did that mean that he didn¡¯t think we were here to take his father away?


    Did this mean that things had changed between us?


    Before my thoughts could even bepleted, my eyes locked on his again and I knew that this was it.


    No more torture. No more games.


    He took my clit in his mouth without mercy, grabbing my thighs as I threw back my head and screamed.


    My legs began to shake as he continued to lick and suck, bite and taste me, and my hands tightened in his hair, pulling him closer as if he could not already be close enough. My entire body ached with pleasure and I couldn¡¯t stop myself from whimpering his name over and over again.


    ¡°Fuck, Hardin¡± I cried as he stuck a finger into my pussy and he groaned against my clit when my walls gripped his finger hard. I gasped as he increased his pace and I knew that he felt it the moment I was close. He felt every moment of it when I tilted over the edge and fell.


    He felt it when the orgasm hit me and as my entire body shook, he continued to suck my clit through the orgasm and I jerked against his fingers, riding his digits hard and shamelessly.


    I was still quivering with pleasure when holding me effortlessly, he removed his fingers from my pussy and mmed into me to the hilt in one move that had me arching my back, a scream in my voice as I wrapped my legs around him that he swallowed with a deep kiss.


    He withdrew, dragging the thick, heavy crown across the tissues inside me. Then he moved back into me, taking me to my limits as he started to make love to me slow and steady. It was almost painful, the way pleasure rocked into me.


    ¡°Ah, God.¡± I writhed in his grip. ¡°You¡¯re so deep.¡± I whispered, beyond rational thought as I held on to him as he rocked into me like we had all the time in the world.


    He fucked me deliciously slow and controlled, thrusting like a man set out to ruin. I held on, trembling, and spread wide for the relentless drives of his hard penis. Eyes locked on mine, he moved in and out of me again and again, the slow buildup of pleasure threatening to swallow me whole.


    It made me almost dizzy, just how much fucking Hardin made me wet. I was sure that I would stain the bed with how wet and slippery I was and Hardin growled, finally increasing his pace.


    As if my body was just waiting for another opportunity to experience earth shattering pleasure, I tensed as Hardin mmed into me one more time and I felt the orgasm hit me, my walls holding on to Hardin¡¯s dick so tight, I saw his body start to shake.


    Quickly pulling out of me, he turned around and his body jerked as he came on his shirt that was on the ground.


    And then I saw his shoulders tense and he didn¡¯t look at me as he spoke.


    ¡°Leave, Jasmine.¡±This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    It felt like I was dreaming. Was he really asking me to leave? After what we had just shared.


    I should have known better.


    ¡°Hardin, I..¡±


    ¡°Just get out¡± he said and walked into the bathroom, shutting the door after him.


    I wanted to feel sad for the way he pushed me out, like what we had just shared meant absolutely nothing but as I headed out of his room,   fully dressed with my phone in my hand, I cursed myself for even having such crazy fantasies about Hardin changing.


    He was not capable of changing.


    And I was stupid for ever thinking that way.


    Entering my room, I headed to my balcony to close the doors but just as I was about to, I saw someone hiding around a corner close to the woods.


    But that was not what made me wait.


    It was the second figure that approached the hooded figure that had made me stop because I recognized that gait, that hair and that cloak.


    It was Lisa, Hardin¡¯s aunt and my arch nemesis.


    They stood there talking for several minutes and this was one of those times that I hated that I didn¡¯t have werewolf abilities. I would have been able to hear them or at least hear some bits and pieces. It would havee in handy in moments like this.


    Closing the door before Lisa could see me, I turned around and headed into the shower to quickly bathe, again.


    When I came out, I heard a knock on the door and part of me wondered if it was Hardining to apologize.


    And opening the door, it was thest person I expected to see behind my door, and knocking at thatte hour of the night.


    It was Lisa.

 Loosing my mind

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    mming the bathroom door shut as I fled from Jasmine was probably the wake up call that I needed to remind myself that I was falling into madness.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    That I was probably losing my mind at this point and that it was only a matter of time before I sold my soul to the devil.


    Because what had just happened between Jasmine and I was not fucking.


    I fucked girls. So many of them. I made them feel good but never ever did I go out of my way to make them feel great or anything and it wasn¡¯t because I was not capable of it, but I didn¡¯t see the need to make them want to cling to me after it was said and done.


    I didn¡¯t want to look into their eyes and see if they loved how I made them feel. I was not slow, soft or gentle. I was simply not what I had been with Jasmine minutes ago.


    The worst part was that I had forgotten to use a condom even when I was not in a hurry.


    And I had almost allowed myself to be carried away by the fact that I enjoyed what had happened.


    I didn¡¯t dare call what I had done making love.


    Or think about the fact that I had been ready to ignore that I was taking a risk by sleeping with my step sister without protection.


    What would have happened if I had given in to the primal urge to fill her with my seed?


    Jasmine was supposed to be the enemy. She was supposed to be the person I was most wary of.


    My father adored her because she got good grades in school, was gentle and sweet and I was sure the fact that she was incredibly pretty like her mother was also an added fact.


    It didn¡¯t even seem like he was bothered that his daughter was unable to shift into her wolf form, a situation that would have automatically called for ostracizing and yet he seemed to dote on her and treat her like an egg.


    I was supposed to remember all of this and make sure that she didn¡¯t receive any kindness from me, especially because my father seemed to only look at me with disappointment.


    Fighting the urge to stroke my cock in the shower was almost as impossible as getting thoughts of her out of my head and with a frustrated groan, I let myself cum thinking about her face as I beat my cock hard, hating how much power she suddenly had over me even though she didn¡¯t know it.


    As I stepped out of the bathroom in a robe and headed to close the doors that led to my balcony, I saw some strange movement in the woods and I stepped out onto the balcony, narrowing my eyes further as I waited to see two peoplee into view.


    It was the second figure that approached the hooded figure that had made me stop because I recognized that gait, that hair and that cloak.


    It was Lisa, my aunt. I could not see the second person but I was sure that it was a man.


    They stood there talking for several minutes and even though I could hear what their conversation was about, thanks to super hearing, nothing made any sense to me.


    And then the man squeezed my aunt¡¯s hands or did he squeeze something inside? They were too far away, too shrouded in darkness for me to see what was going on.


    But it made me suspicious as hell of my aunt.


    I didn¡¯t know when everything changed from me supporting her in all of her antics since she came, especially because she never failed to remind me that it was all for me.


    That she was doing everything that she did to Jasmine and her mother to protect me and my ce as the only child of Russo Morales.


    I wondered when I stopped wholeheartedly believing her and started bing suspicious of her instead but my gut feeling was not wrong and there was something I was missing. A big picture.


    Perhaps what she was doing with this stranger was the missing puzzle and yet I could not make any sense of their conversation, neither did I trust my aunt to tell me the truth, if I decided to confront her.


    Thest thing that however clouded my thoughts all night long before I finally drifted to sleep was the fact that Jasmine was next door and the worry that I had somehow bitten more than I could chew when it came to her.


    The first thing that potentially ruined the new day was when my father had sent a servant to call me to his study just a couple of minutes after dawn.


    I knew from the little frown on his mouth, because I had that exact same frown when I was displeased with anything that I was about to get an earful from him and when heunched into how I had beengging behind on pack duties, I knew that my day was off to a rough start.


    He reminded me of all of the duties as his son, an Alpha¡¯s son,  which he was right about me neglecting, seeing as I was rarely ever staying at home these days, hiding away at the cottage and licking my wounds like a sour beast.


    After his speech, however, he asked me to join the pack of warriors that would be training for the day and he didn¡¯t need to add that he would be getting feedback from them about how I fared by the end of the day.


    Swallowing a groan, I headed out with the pack of warriors and by the time I finally returned home, it was almost time for dinner.


    As I walked into the house, my eyes locked with Jasmine¡¯s as she helped her mother arrange the dining table and she looked away immediately.


    That was when I recalled how I had sent her out of my roomst night and even though I was never going to exin to her why, it bothered me that she was ignoring me at this point.


    ¡°Hardin, son. Wee, will you be joining us for dinner?¡±


    ¡°Mum, I¡¯m sure he has things to do that¡­¡± Jasmine started but her voice died down when she saw that I nodded my head and her brows were raised in question, like she couldn¡¯t understand my motive for epting to eat dinner.


    I didn¡¯t understand why I had agreed either, I wanted to tell her but settled for a frown before I headed up the stairs to my bedroom to have my bath ande down.


    Dinner was going to be without Lisa who I heard for the third day in a row had preferred to eat in her bedroom. Before I would have taken offense to that on her behalf but this time, I wondered if it was perhaps a good thing since she seemed to only bring drama and chaos whenever she was around.


    ¡°So, Hardin, tell us about practice? How have they been? I mean forcrosse¡± Jasmine¡¯s mother asked and when Jasmine¡¯s eyes moved to mine, they stayed there and I heard her pulse rise before she sharply looked away.


    My eyes moved over the sharp curve of her corbone that was exposed by her shirt and I remembered how I had kissed her there. And every other part of her body.


    Answering Cam¡¯s question absentmindedly, I felt Jasmine flinch when our feet touched unintentionally under the table and I knew she felt it too. That ripe sexual tension.


    Of course, she did. Given how her heart rate spiked at the contact even though it had been unintentional and she refused to look at me.


    I, however, could not stop looking at her and I made a mental note to always have condoms because it seemed like I needed to fuck Jasmine out of my system and until then, I might as well give up on trying to not want her.


    After dinner, my father decided to send me on an errand in town and as I was heading out, I heard Jasmine and two of the maids in the kitchen as they were clearing the dishes.


    Standing covertly by the door, I watched as she tried to help them and they politely shooed her away, their smiles filled with adoration for her.


    They never looked at me like that.


    ¡°So, what are we going to do about your birthday, it¡¯s only in a couple of days¡± one of the maids said and Jasmine shrugged with a shy smile.


    ¡°Nothing I guess. How did you guys hear about it?¡±


    The second maid opened the fridge and handed her a bottle of water that she epted with a soft smile.


    ¡°Well, we can¡¯t have that, can we? I¡¯m sure the boss is going to throw arge party once he finds out and I am going to tell him. He adores you.¡±


    Leaving the kitchen without waiting for a response, I wondered if my aunt was really right.


    Because it sure looked to me like Jasmine was the one enjoying the luxury that I was meant to enjoy without having to lift a finger.

 Prey

    Jasmine


    Lisa¡¯s behavior that I had noticed some nights ago still troubled me. I always knew she was not someone to trust, no doubt. But everyday it got worse. Now, the new one that she had suddenly learnt was to keep herself in istion, and act like the person treated wrongly at every opportunity.


    Initially, I felt that she was just fighting for Hardin, considering that it was the excuse she had used to stay in the house for long, but everyday was taking her farther away from what she imed to be.


    Even Hardin had be wary of Lisa as he shunned her at every asion that she tried ying the emotional ckmail part.


    Earlier today, I rushed to look for mom not long after I woke up, as I remembered that I had to talk to her about not doing anything big for me on my birthday. She always tried to go out of her way to make me feel good on my birthday which was now having the opposite effect on me. And it was not yet my birthday already, but the maids were already talking about it, confirming  my belief that mom had made it loud and had other ns for it which I knew little of.


    And just when I met mom at the garden, I saw Lisa shouting at her, saying things that I knew clearly hurt her. It was visible on her face.


    Lisa said mom was the reason for everything she was going through right at her sister¡¯s husband house as mom agreed to married Russo in the first ce. And that, the first time Russo and Hardin raised their voice to her was because of us.


    She added that mom is making Hardin to disregard her, which kind of cracked me up, because Hardin never respected anyone, and he was clearly matured enough to know what he was doing. So iming that mom was trying to control Hardin¡¯s recent actions to her was something that held no grounds.


    The insult became so much as I walked closer to where they stood, and just as I was about to speak up, I heard another voice. It was Hardin.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The way he growled at Lisa literally made everyone of us to shiver. He had the authority of an Alpha wolf and certainly, Lisa¡¯s wolf cowered and had to submit to Hardin.


    But the growling was not all. Hardin went further and asked Lisa to apologise to mom for falsely using her of what she did not do, and at that point, I felt like I was just imagining things.


    But it was not any of it.


    Lisa, right in front of me apologized to mom, and as much as the victory felt beautiful, it still pained me that if we had not intervened, mom would have silently taken in everything Lisa said.


    The part of Hardin stopping Lisa from doing some things was not really new, but yelling at her with his wolf dominance, was what I did not seeing, not in the nearest future.


    Maybe Hardin was finally changing for the better. But the hateful gaze he passed to me before leaving called me back to my senses, and right there I realized that my imaginations were probably a step faster than what reality actually was.


    The pain I felt that he sent me away after taking me to the brim of my emotions the other night gave me more reasons why I deserved to be punished for even thinking that Hardin could be a better person.


    ¡°Mydy, you might give yourself a cut if you keep on thinking,¡± A maid called out, drawing me to the realization that I was with a de as I tried carving the edges of the wood craft I was making.


    Since my wolf was not out, which denied me of one thing that every wolf did for pleasure, which is running through the woods, I decided to do something else. Making crafts from woods.


    Mom had tried using several skills to distract my mind while growing up like ying the violin and many others, but none seemed to stick. I always ended up being the Jack of all of the trades and master of none.


    Wood craft was one that I suddenly began to develop interest in, and I hoped that it was going to stick.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I smiled at her, then took my attention back to the craft.


    I was already running out of some materials and I considered going to the woods to get them. Another reason was because I wanted to have a feel of Hardin around. Lately, because of the pressure Dad had been mounting on him, he had to go to the woods almost everyday.


    I quickly packed up everything with the help of the maid that was with me and went inside to change to something more appropriate. I knew how fragile and weak my body is, so dressing in the right outfit to go into the woods with, was the best option.


    While I packed my hair into a bun so it doesn¡¯t hinder any of my activities, my phone rang and before checking the caller ID, I could guess that it was Lorenzo.


    Before Lorenzo came into the picture, I barely had calls from people, asides mom and Nadia. And if Nadia¡¯s call ever came, it was probably because of a gossip that was spreading like wildfire.


    But Lorenzo suddenly developed the habit of calling me first thing in the morning and even at night.


    His calls were beginning to make me feel like I was getting this certain care that I never knew that Icked. I just did not want it with him, as Hardin detested him for reasons which I had no idea of.


    And yes! I clearly knew that I was being stupid for putting Hardin¡¯s thoughts about my affairs into consideration.


    ¡°Hey sweetheart,¡± He voiced out as soon as I hit the answer button, causing me to gulp.


    ¡°Hello¡­¡± I said, using all the energy in me to sound cheery which was not exactly how I was at that moment.


    As usual, he mentioned that he did call to check on me, see as my day went and also asked if I was going to be avable to see a movie with him which I said no to. The third time I was rejecting Lorenzo¡¯s offer for an outing just this week.


    I always had no reasonable excuse to any, but I preferred that it was better to not intentionally hurt Hardin. Besides, Lorenzo and my friendship was growing faster than it should.


    After hanging up leaving him disappointed, I dressed uppletely and left for the woods. I did not tell mom because I did not think it necessary to stress her. But Lisa definitely saw me, as I could feel her piercing gaze on my skin while I walked along the corridor.


    I wondered why exactly she paid attention to my whereabouts. Confirming it the night that I had seen her wearing a cloak as she hade to my room, asking where I had been, since from what she observed, I was not there earlier which was true.


    I just did not want to think of her, so I increased my pace and before I knew it, I was out of the mansion and halfway into the woods.


    ¡°I should use this,¡± I muttered, then bent down to pick a particr fine wood. It would have been easier for me if I decided to check the lumber mill. But the probability of getting exactly what I wanted was low. Besides going into the woods experience was once in a while thing for me.


    Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me and only turned to see Hardin.


    ¡°You! What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Pardon, I think I should be asking you. And why are you dressed like a hunter that is desperately looking for a prey?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± I retorted immediately and just as I was about to walk away, I felt a sudden swoosh of air by my side. Next ce I saw myself was on the floor. Hardin had pushed me to the floor along with him.


    ¡°Go after him now!¡± Hardin yelled to the warrior that was with him. I was still confused till I saw the arrow that fell a feet after where Hardiny and it was then that I realized that Hardin had just saved my life.


    I was in danger for reasons I did not know, as the arrow was aimed at me.


    ¡°You should never havee out. What if something had happened to you?¡± Hardin bawled out, dragging my arms as he took me away from the woods. My vision still fixed on the arrow that was pinned on the ground.

 not flirting

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    It was hard to not hit the steering wheel of my car with my fist in anger as I drove back to the mansion.


    To be very honest, it was not hard. It was just that Jasmine was sitting so still in the car, trying to stop herself from shaking even though she was failing horribly at it and I understood that anything could scare her into crying because she looked like she was an inch away from breaking into tears.


    And I swallowed the growl that was making it¡¯s way up my throat and continued driving down to the mansion.


    But as I parked in front of the mansion and Jasmine jumped out of the car, heading inside, I rushed after her and grabbed her hand, turning her around to face me, with a growl that I could not stop anymore.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to lecture me, I already know that I could have been hurt out there.¡± She said shakily, her eyes avoiding my gaze and I released her, frustrated beyond measure at the fact that she hade so close to being mortally wounded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you know just how close you came, Jasmine. That arrow was a split second away from hitting you. And it would have been a deadly shot. It was not meant to maim, but to kill¡± I yelled even as my brain spun as I thought of who could want Jasmine dead.


    Who wanted her gone so badly that they would take that route?


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that, Hardin?¡± She screamed, her facade of calm finally cracking as tears rolled down her eyes and I looked away, surprised that her tears made my chest tighten and rubbed me off the wrong way.


    I wanted to reply but Cami walked out of the kitchen towards us, her brows raised as she found Jasmine and I standing head to head, the air around us tense.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± She asked and I realized that I was close to roaring in rage so I walked away immediately, pointing in Jasmine¡¯s direction.


    ¡°You should ask your daughter.¡±


    Heading into the bathroom, I could feel my ws and fangs extending and I turned on the shower and stayed under, trying to organize my thoughts. Trying to remain calm.


    Because anger did not solve anything. And rage did not change the fact that if I had been a second toote, that arrow could have hurt Jasmine. Or worse, killed her.


    I hated the fact that it hurt to even think about it. That I was in this much agony just imagining what I would have done if I had not gotten there fast enough.


    And then there was the fact that my father would only make me feel worse and incapable, if something had happened to Jasmine under my watch. It would be an utmost shame to even think about it. The greatest embarrassment in fact and it would be almost impossible to exin what had caused my ipetence, given that he still believed that I hated his wife and her daughter and would do anything to see them leave the pack.


    Unfortunately, I couldn¡¯t even say that I wanted Jasmine and Cam to leave anymore. And I didn¡¯t like the fact that I felt this way. That I felt like I had to protect them. Especially Jasmine.


    mming my fist against the bathroom tile hard, I ced my bruised knuckles under the shower and as blood ran to the ground, I sucked in a deep breath, reminding myself to remain calm.


    By the time I came out of the bathroom, my phone had rang and when I saw who the call was from, I quickly returned it.


    The warriors had been out searching for the person behind the arrow shooting and I wondered if the person had been found yet.


    Because if the person missed, there was almost an assurance that they would try again. And why? Was Jasmine their real target? Or was she just about to be a victim of circumstance?


    ¡°Hello, Hardin.¡± Eric, the pack warrior that I had asked to get back to me greeted and anxiety made my throat tighten as I waited for the answer to the order that I had given.


    ¡°Hello, Eric. Any news yet?¡±


    He waited a second before he answered but that second felt like years and I could already feel my anger rising again.


    ¡°No. The archer has not been found. We¡¯ve scoured through the entire woods and were unable to find anything that could help us catch them. All we had was a scent and even that is gone.¡±


    My grip on my phone hardened even as I listened to him reassure me that they were going to do everything in their power to make sure that they found the culprit and when the call ended, I felt even more lost than before.


    I didn¡¯t bother to go down for dinner, knowing that if my father had already heard about what happened, there would have to be someone that answered for it. And that someone would be me , his son that he didn¡¯t think had what it took to be an Alpha.


    Tightening my grip on the bottle of vodka, I took giant gulps and kept drinking until I passed out, only to wake up with a splitting headache.


    Heading downstairs, I was about to walk out of the house when Cam called my name and when I turned around to squint at her, she gave me a soft smile and handed me a bag.


    ¡°Jasmine has already gone to school. I wanted you to have this. You didn¡¯te down for dinnerst night and I¡¯m sure you¡¯re hungry. Thank you for saving her life.¡± She whispered, looking around to be sure no one wasing and I realized that my father had not found out.


    Taking the bag from her, I walked away, stunned when she gave me a kiss on my cheek and waved as I entered my car and drove off.


    The rest of the school day went by normally, for those who weren¡¯t on their guard, looking out for a potential killer.


    I had spent the majority of sses today trying to draw theories on who could be the culprit.


    Was it a student here at school?


    As I sat down in the cafeteria and my eyes remained on Jasmine, I wondered who could be responsible for trying to harm someone like her.


    Besides being a straight A student, she wasn¡¯t even werewolf enough to be called an omega and despite the new poprity that she had found at school, she still stuck to her best friend, Nadia.


    When Lorenzo walked to sit down with them at their table, I had to swallow the growl that tried to make it¡¯s way out of my throat.


    She smiled brightly at him and I was appalled because here I was, stressing about her almost murder attempt and she wasn¡¯t even looking like she cared that she had almost taken an arrow in the chest yesterday.


    Focusing my hearing on their table, I listened in on their conversation and my frown deepened when I heard her agree to meet up with Lorenzo after school at a diner.


    It didn¡¯t matter that it was for their group project. Frankly, I didn¡¯t care what it was for, but the fact that she agreed to it so quickly made me want to drag her somewhere and spank some sense into her.


    She was supposed to be trying not to be outside, not doing theplete opposite.


    ¡°Whoa, rx, Hardin. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Alex said beside me and when I looked at him with my brows raised, he pointed to my hand and I realized that I was bleeding from where I had gripped the sharp edges of the utensil too hard.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± I answered and I knew the look on my face warned him not to push.


    Lorenzo reached out to remove something from her hair and I already ha more than enough of this fiasco.


    Rising to my feet, I walked up to her table and her smile dimmed as she noticed me.


    ¡°We need to talk. Now¡± I said and she looked at Nadia who merely shrugged and Lorenzo, who had a small frown ying on his lips.


    ¡°Okay.¡± She said and rose to her feet, following me out of the cafeteria into the empty hallway and when we were alone, I turned around to face her.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Do you have any idea how dangerous things could be for you from now on after what happened yesterday? I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t because you¡¯re busy flirting with that kid.¡±


    Jasmine frowned.


    ¡°I was not flirting. We have a group project.¡±


    ¡°That can be done online. You don¡¯t have the slightest inkling on how to defend yourself. No heightened senses. Nothing. And you¡¯re agreeing to go out with him under the guise of group project? You will always walk into trouble and trust me that next time, I might not be fast enough to save you.¡±


    I could see her facial expression change and I knew that I had hurt her by preying on her weakness but I needed her to understand what was at stake.


    Walking away, I epted that no matter what I had said to her, I was going to keep looking for the culprit. And I hoped to find the person before it was toote.

 not flirting 1

    Jasmine


    ¡°How are you doing this morning, Jasmine?¡± That was the first thing Lisa said to me as I ran downstairs, heading to the kitchen to help mum prepare breakfast.


    The smile on her lips , clearly fake, made me to almost want to puke.


    ¡°I had a good night. Thank you¡± I simply said, then left immediately.


    I did not have the time for any fake care and attention she wanted to show, and ever since the incident where I almost got killed back at the forest, I became a little bit weary of her.


    Well, I did not have concrete proof that it was rted to Lisa, and I still could not boldly say that the attack was aimed as me, as much as I forced myself to believe that lie.


    I was certain it was aimed at me.


    I had no enemies that I could think of asides from Lisa, and maybe Hardin, I doubt Hardin hated me as much as wanting to kill me. Or was it some other enemy that I had unknowingly made?


    ¡°Mum,¡± I greeted with a smile immediately I got into the kitchen, and hugged her for some minutes.


    ¡°I hope you had a good night love?¡± She kissed my forehead, then pulled out of the embrace, before taking her attention back to the pot that was on the cooker.


    ¡°Do you always have to stress yourself like this?¡±


    ¡°What are you saying dear?¡± Mum answered with furrowed brows, her attention partly on the pot.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing it again!¡± I pouted, then dragged her away from the cooker. ¡°The maids are there, why do you have to do this yourself every morning? Do you even find time to sleep?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure!¡± She blushed, and with the sound of a cough, I turned my head to meet Lisa standing by the door.


    Why in the world did I have to see her every morning?


    If I had my way, I definitely would have sent her away from my life. I always had a bad feeling about my day whenever Lisa starts it.


    ¡°I need coffee, Cam,¡± Lisa said, then strode into the kitchen, and sat on one of the counters.


    ¡°Umm, I will just¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s there,¡± I interrupted already, holding mum¡¯s hands from doing anything.


    ¡°Huh? I don¡¯t get you?¡±


    ¡°You want coffee right? Well the powder is there. You can quickly prepare it or better still ask one of the maids to help you out.¡±


    Lisa chuckled before jumping down the counter. ¡°I am sticking to the second option, which is exactly why I asked her to do it?¡± With her jaws raised towards mom, she pointed out. And it was then that the anger I had always held within me, went beyond control.


    ¡°Lisa enough of you!¡± I growled. My outburst was not even what I had expected, as I noticed the way Lisa shivered by the time I was done.


    Maybe it was because I had made mention of Russo and how I was going to tell him of all her troubles, giving her a hint that I knew about some of her recent behaviors which was out of ce, and I felt the way that her heart almost skipped out of it¡¯s cement from fear.


    Lisa left the kitchen, and without sparing mum a nce, I left after.


    I did not want to hear any talk from mum of how I should not talk to Lisa that way, which was exactly why I left immediately without looking at where I was going to out of anger and only noticing that Hardin was in front of me when I bumped into him.


    ¡°You should watch¡­¡±


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± I countered, and rushed to the room.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I quickly packed my bag and joined Hardin to school, as Dad had given him a responsibility of always watching me ever since that incidence. Somehow, he got to hear about it from one of the warriors.


    And because of  Lisa¡¯s stupidity that got me angry earlier, I missed breakfast. Thankfully, mum had packed up food for us.


    After the series of sses that bored me out, it was finally lunch break and I left to sit at the cafeteria where Nadia was already waiting for me.


    Lorenzo joined us soon after, with the never ending res of other girls there at school, piercing my skin.


    ¡°You have been avoiding my calls, is there any problem?¡± Lorenzo asked as soon as he was settled in, pulling me closer to him, away from Nadia¡¯s hearing.


    ¡°No, there is none. Turns out that most of the times, I am not always with my phone, and also, things have been busy there at home.¡±


    I did not know how exactly to tell Lorenzo that Hardin had literally ced a restriction on me about stepping out, since ording to him, my security was now what he had to take care of, so I was left with no choice than to abide by the rules he makes.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he answered, and dug into the burger that was in his hands.


    I was guessing that he had seen through the many lies that I made, and did not want to argue with me.


    ¡°So you really can¡¯t squeeze out time from your busy schedule and go out with me this weekend?¡± Lorenzo asked, and before I could give him an answer, Hardin walked into the cafeteria,ing straight at where we sat.


    ¡°Jasmine¡­¡± He called out, and though it was not loud enough, it sure startled the people that were around us.


    ¡°Come with me.¡±


    ¡°Jas¡­¡± Nadia called but immediately kept shut when Hardin passed her a stern re.


    ¡°Hardin, let go of her.¡±


    Lorenzo¡¯s reaction was what I did not seeing, even Hardin was stunned and tightened his grip on me in response.


    ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°I said you should let go of her. I¡¯ve watched you do this countless times and I doubt I can tolerate it anymore.¡±


    The rage that Hardin felt was so visible, and I watched the way he tried suppressing his anger. The school was always quick to report his wrongs to Russo, and maybe thest thing Hardin wanted was to get on the bad side of Russotely.


    Hardin ignored him and instead tried walking away with me. Nadia was fidgeting already, and hurriedly packed up my things and hers to bring to me.


    Unable to contain any more of Hardin¡¯s annoyance, Lorenzo pulled my  hands off Hardin¡¯s grip, and in response, Hardin punched his face.


    That was the moment the whole cafeteria went aze as they started exchanging punches, leaving me to stand in shame. I did not feel good watching Hardin and Lorenzo fight because of me.


    With tear filled eyes, I ran away with  Nadia following behind me. I did not stop till I got into a ss, then shut the door behind me.


    ¡°Open up Jasmine!¡± Nadia called out, but I did not listen.


    ¡°Please Jasmine, Hardin¡¯s just trying to protect you, nothing else. And I know he probably showed his care in the wrong way, but he¡¯s trying to keep you safe as every brother will do.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not, he doesn¡¯t care about me. He¡¯s just jealous,¡± I blurted out in tears, only realizing what I had said after Nadia¡¯s question came.


    ¡°What do you mean Jasmine? Jealous about what?¡±


    I took in a deep breath to put myself in order before answering.


    ¡°Just go away, Nadia. I want to be alone.¡±


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Hardin¡¯s voice came immediately after and I was certain that Nadia experienced a heart skip.


    ¡°She is¡­ she is inside.¡± I heard her stutter.


    ¡°Open the door Jasmine,¡± Hardin growled, and I did not need to be told that listening to him was the best thing to do at that moment.


    Opening the door, I met Hardin standing by the door, with Nadia shivering behind me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    With the way he growled at me, I immediately took my bag from Nadia, assuring her that I¡¯ll be fine with a fake smile, then left with Hardin.


    How exactly did I want to tell her that the only reason Hardin acted that way was because he was fucking me and could not bear the imagination of me getting fucked by Lorenzo?


    We arrived at the parking lot not long after, and just as I was about getting into the car, I saw Lorenzo walking to his with a swollen face.


    The re that Hardin passed at me made me get into the car without wasting any more time, then he drove off.


    ¡°Did you have to get aggressive back at the cafeteria?¡±


    Hardin did not respond to my question and kept on driving, but I did not relent. If I knew better, I¡¯d have probably stopped asking and allowed the drive home to be peaceful.


    ¡°Hardin answer¡­¡±


    ¡°Can you just shut up!¡±


    I flinched at his response, swallowing hard.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking why I had to be aggressive? Are you not the cause of everything?¡± I did not even know that I had begun to cry, till I felt the tear drops wetting my palms.


    ¡°Ever since you came into my life, it¡¯s just one problem to another. This isn¡¯t how my life was Jasmine. The only thing that I asked was that you stay away from him, is it so hard to understand?¡±


    In a  split of seconds, Hardin stepped on the car brakes and turned to face me.


    He loosened his belt, and pulled my head to his dick that was protruding out of his briefs.


    ¡°Satisfy me till I¡¯ve gotten enough.¡±


    I wanted to refuse and tell him how giving him a blow job was not a worthy punishment for sitting with Lorenzo, but he was already pressing my mouth against his dick.


    With tears in my eyes, I sucked with the motion that he made my head go, till he began to let out soft moans. Hardin¡¯s hands travelled to my breasts and he began to carelessly y with my nipples as I continuously sucked on his dick.


    Even as it was not the best feeling at that moment, I was getting hot from Hardin¡¯s actions and I fought the urge to ask him to just get his dick inside of me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop¡­¡± He moaned as I was about raising my head, pushing his dick deeper into my throat. It continued that way, until I felt the area around his dick slightly vibrate, and he released inside of me. The rest of his seminal fluid pouring about my face as he let go of me.


    Hardin continued the ride home immediately he was satisfied. While I sat, tending to the hurt that Hardin always caused me whenever he sexually satisfied himself with me just to ease his emotions, regardless of how I felt.

 Her fault

    Hardin


    I could feel the walls of my room shake as I mmed the door to my bedroom in rage and even though I had thought that I could take off the edge by taking out my anger on Jasmine sexually, which had worked for the most part, I could not for the life of me get over how Lorenzo thought it was okay to provoke me.


    And how he had stood up to me, with a frown that challenged me and wanted to see what I could do to him.


    The fact that it had been in public was even worse and I knew after hitting him that I had made a mistake because now, not only would the news reach my father, it would not matter what my side of the story was.


    It never mattered to him anyways.


    I was definitely going to have no choice but to attend even more sessions with the guidance counselor than before.


    And it was all Jasmine¡¯s fault.


    There was a knock on the door and when I opened it, a servant was standing outside, her gaze on the floor as she spoke shyly.


    ¡°Your father would like to see you in his study.¡±


    My face paled and I had to force my wed hands into a fist to stop myself from turning around and tearing my room apart in rage.


    Nodding, I made my way to the bathroom after she left and washed my bloodied hands before heading to his office.


    Already dreading whatever conversation was about to happen because I was sure as hell that it was not going to be a friendly and casual one, I knocked once on the door as I tried to reign in my anger and as I was about to enter the office, the door opened and Jasmine walked out of the office, her eyes widening in surprise when she looked at me.


    Her eyes were still bloodshot, probably from crying all the way home after what happened between us in the car and a part of me wanted to feel bad for her, wanted to pull her into a hug and apologize to her but then I forced myself to remember the reason why Lorenzo had gathered the guts to challenge me in front of the entire school today.


    Why he had tried to show off the Alpha he was and had the temerity to re at me and speak against me in a school where no one could even dare to cross me.


    It was all because of her.  And I was sure that given the way her heart was beating in her chest as she just stared at me, whatever she spoke about with my father was not good.


    Curbing my desire to pin her against the wall and ask her what she must have said, I entered my father¡¯s office and mmed the door, hearing her gasp and ignoring the strange urge that I had to see if she was okay.


    My father was sitting behind hisrge ck desk and his eyes narrowed as he stared at me as I stood in front of the door, my hands sped at my back.


    ¡°You know why you¡¯re here, don¡¯t you?¡± He asked and maybe I was just interested in making him even more upset or I didn¡¯t care, but I shrugged because I already knew how this was going to end


    ¡°I might have an idea¡± I trailed off and sure enough, he mmed his hands on his desk and rose to his feet, his eyes filled with anger


    ¡°You assaulted another human being. And not just the two of you were there, which would enable you to even settle this amicably even if it meant that I had to force you to pen down a handwritten note, but in the cafeteria, Hardin? In front of the entire school? Are you out of your mind!¡± He yelled and I looked away from him , not wanting him to see how deep his words had struck me.


    ¡°He provoked me, Father.¡±


    ¡°And so, you¡¯re going to go around hitting anyone that provokes you now, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re going to show them that you are the Alpha¡¯s son and have Alpha blood running through your veins and you¡¯re going to cut them down like grass, isn¡¯t it? Answer me, Hardin.¡± He screamed thest part and I shook my head immediately.


    ¡°It was just the one time¡­¡± I interjected, trying to defend myself but it made him growl and I stopped speaking.


    ¡°Might I remind you that you are already in anger management sses and yet have somehow managed to be even worse than when you started. You were supposed to be out there protecting your sister and instead, you were busy exchanging blows?¡±


    My father shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose before he looked at me again.


    ¡°Well, I have news for you, son. The school called to inform me of what happened and even though I could ensure that you walked away from assaulting a kid like nothing happened, it is high time that there are consequences for every action. Starting with yourcrosse team, you have been ced on probation until further notice.¡±


    ¡°But Father¡­¡±


    ¡°The school will decide what else to do with you and the boy¡¯s family has thankfully decided to not press charges so I¡¯m very thankful for that. But you are grounded for a week. Is that clear?¡±


    I remained as still as a gargoyle because I feared that if I spoke, it would be catastrophic.


    And it would not change the permanent look of disappointment on his face.


    ¡°Message received. Will there be anything else?¡± I said stoically and my father looked like he wanted to say something, but instead he merely shook his head and returned to his seat.


    ¡°You may go now, son. And I hope you reflect on this.¡±


    I didn¡¯t reflect on anything. I knew that as I entered my bedroom and shattered the reading chair into two, that reflection was never going to happen.


    The door to my bedroom opened and when I turned around to see who had entered, I fought the growl that bubbled in my chest because of the way Lisa walked into the room and stood by the door, her eyes not filled with surprise, like she had just been waiting.


    ¡°What do you want? I hissed, even though my aunt¡¯s smirk grew wider and it made me wonder if she already set up something else again where Jasmine and her mother were concerned.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She had done things that would put even the devil to shame and I wondered why she was still able to walk around in the same house as the woman that she tried to frame with cheating allegations in order to have her thrown out of the mansion.


    Parts of me were not sure whether to be disgusted or ashamed that I was responsible for bringing her here, because of how Cam turned out to be towards me.


    ¡°What do I want, Hardin? I want you to open your eyes and see for yourself what is happening. See how you¡¯re losing everything over a woman.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡± I growled and she merely looked at me like I was a naive child that would never understand life.


    ¡°Because of that girl, you have been put on probation. A whole Captain of the entire team and trust me when I say that you¡¯re probably the first captain that has been done so dirty. But you still don¡¯t see how you are clearly losing your father¡¯s love and concern and he¡¯s showering it on Jasmine. Says he wishes that he could be the girl¡¯s actual father and you still think nothing is happening, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I hated how every point that she made hit home and how she knew all of my insecurities and my fears. Worst of all, it was the fact that she was right.


    ¡°You¡¯ve becent. Amodating.  I see how nice you are to Cami and her daughter. You forget that it¡¯s only a matter of time before you lose everything. You should show them your ce. Remind them that everyone submits to you.¡±


    And before I could even reply her, she walked out of the room and mmed the door, leaving me with nothing but renewed anger at Jasmine.


    Because Lisa was right. When Jasmine feared me, she couldn¡¯t dare question what I did. I had be too amodating and it looked like even that was not enough to change my father¡¯s mind against me so I was going to return to exactly who I was before.


    I was going to show Jasmine exactly what happened when you messed with the wrong person.


    And by the time I was done with her, they would have no choice but to leave my family.


    It didn¡¯t matter that things had changed between us.


    Because I was going back to being the old Hardin. And Jasmine was going to wish she never met me.

 You belong to me

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    Something had changed with Hardin since that fight with Lorenzo and I knew it.


    I could feel it in the way he looked at me that night when I came out of his father¡¯s office after telling him about what had happened because they had called from the school about the incident, a situation that I wanted to avoid. It was exactly the way he used to in the beginning, when my mother and I first moved here.


    No, it was worse.


    I noticed it the next day when the principal had called all three of us to his office and the disciplinarymittee had asked to hear our sides of the story and Hardin hadn¡¯t said one word, only asking what his punishment would be.


    Lorenzo had gotten one week suspension, with three days out of that week in school, to be served working at different ces ording to the discretion of the school.


    Hardin¡¯s was worse. And by worse, I meant infinitely worse. And it was not the fact that he was going to be at home for one week. It was that for that month, he would step down as Captain of thecrosse team and not y in any of the games. And upon his return, except he was voted in as captain, he would remain as a member of the team.


    I had seen the look in his eyes when he looked at me after hearing the announcement.


    I knew he med me for it.


    And I didn¡¯t know but I had a feeling that things were going to be infinitely worse.


    ¡°Excited for your party tonight, babes?¡± Nadia asked, all smiles as we walked into the cafeteria and my eyes moved automatically to where Hardin¡¯s clique was sitting. His seat was empty. It had been for the past one week because of the suspension.


    And he had note to the house once since that day. My mother had asked Russo about it and even tried to convince him to reach out to Hardin but apparently, he was refusing to pick any calls and answer any messages. Not that I had dared to try to reach him especially when I was sure that he would bite my head off.


    My eyes locked with Alex¡¯s and the frown on his face told me all that I needed to know. I was back to being public enemy number one.


    My birthday was tomorrow and because we had a test the day after, I had decided to do the party from the eve till my birthday morning.


    And even though we were holding the party at Nadia¡¯s home, since her parents were out of town and she had a pool plus the fact that whatever Nadia nned, she didn¡¯t want my mother to be involved, I still felt uneasy.


    I felt like something wasing.


    Lorenzo walked into the cafeteria and headed for our table and when he smiled, I could not help but feel bad towards him. I was the reason that he had to be sent home for a week and even though he had tried to text me when he was at home, I had been unable to be nothing but curt, because of the guilt that I felt.


    ¡°Hi guys. Hi Jasmine.¡± He said with a smile that I feigned in response, my eyes  locked on Sandro who raised his middle fingers at me.


    ¡°Who did you invite to this party?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Not many people.¡± Nadia assured me.


    But I should have known better than to believe her when she said not many people because my mouth fell open as people trooped into the house that night and as I watched from the railing upstairs at the amount of people dancing, wearing a red dress that was Nadia¡¯s gift to me, I turned around to look at her with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°When you said not many people, was this what you had in mind?¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on, you should enjoy the party.¡± She said and handed me a ss cup before dragging me downstairs.


    ¡°Come on, the real party is by the pool. We are moving everyone there¡±


    ¡°The birthday girl is here¡± Someone screamed as Nadia and I reached the middle of the crowd and the cheers made me want to believe that everything was going to be okay.


    I decided to take a cup of drink and rx as Nadia and I went to the pool.


    And true to her words, the party outside was way louder than inside.


    ¡°Hey, birthday girl¡± Lorenzo said, appearing in front of me and handing Nadia a present.


    ¡°It¡¯s for you. I hope you like it.¡± He said to me with a grin that I reciprocated shyly as he tucked my hair behind my ear.


    ¡°Well, well, well, if it isn¡¯t the happy couple.¡± I heard a voice say behind me and I froze. Because I recognized that voice even though I had not heard it in over a week.


    Turning around, I saw Hardin stroll  casually towards me and before I knew it, Lorenzo made his way forward and tried to block me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try anything funny tonight with her, man.¡± Lorenzo growled and Hardin smirked, already drunk.


    Poking Lorenzo¡¯s shoulder, he grinned.


    ¡°Alright then. I won¡¯t try anything with her. I never said anything about you though.¡±


    And then he pushed Lorenzo into the pool fully clothed.


    My eyes widened in shock and there was a collective gasp that told me that I wasn¡¯t the only one watching with rapt attention.


    I was about to rush to the pool side when Alex blocked me and Sandro held Nadia in ce.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Jasmine.¡± Lorenzo said when I looked at him, trying to get out of the pool. Two other boys, however, refused to let hime out of the pool.


    ¡°I have a special birthday gift for you Jasmine. Would you like to get it? Ites in a lot of parts though.¡±


    And then he looked at Alex who nodded and removed a bottle of wine from the bag he was carrying before dumping all of it¡¯s contents on my head.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Nadia screamed and I could hear Lorenzo cursing but all I could do was look at Hardin in shock, tears streaming down my face.


    ¡°What are you guys looking at? Let the party continue. It¡¯s a sibling prank¡± Hardin growled and I didn¡¯t realize that the music had been turned off until it came back on.


    Grabbing my hand, he pulled me away from the party and Nadia kept screaming but was blocked by Alex and Sandro.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I mouthed to her even though I was far from it.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I whispered as Hardin pulled me into the house and headed up the stairs before entering a bedroom and locking the door shut.


    ¡°What do I want, Jasmine? For you to have a happy birthday sweetie. For you to always think of me whenever you celebrate a birthday.  Because everytime I miss practice this month, I¡¯m going to think of you. Everytime I watch my team y, which will include fucking Lorenzo from the bench, I will think of you. So happy fucking birthday, Jasmine Scott. Yours sincerely, Hardin Morales.¡±


    Pushing me to the bed, he held both of my hands and ripped my panties as he ground my face into the bed and I froze when I heard his belt unbuckle.


    ¡°Please, Hardin.¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Why? You love my dick, Jasmine. So what better gift is there than some hot Alpha dick inside your pussy?¡±


    He mmed into me and I gasped, my entire body struggling to amodate his sheer size.


    He pulled me up to meet his thrust as he buried himself inside me in one powerful stroke and I moaned, my back arching as I tried to assimte the impact of his entry into my body, the extreme fullness, tears trickling down my cheeks.


    ¡°This pussy belongs to me, Jasmine and  I am going to make sure that you don¡¯t ever forget it.¡± He pulled out with a slow deliberation that made me whimper


    ¡°Please, Hardin.¡± I said between my tears, hating my body for not rejecting the pleasure and panting as he reached beneath me, pressed the t of his fingers against my aching clit and rubbing, massaging.


    I hated my body for squeezing tightly in response. I hated Hardin for doing this to me.


    ¡°Good girl. This is what you deserve, Jasmine. Never forget that¡± He growled and I cried out as he started mming into me over and over again.


    And then I felt him freeze and quickly releasing me, he climbed from the bed and groaned, cumming on the ground.


    I watched, lying still on the bed as sobs racked my body.


    Buttoning up his jeans, he turned to look at me with glee.


    ¡°You should probably clean this up. Except you want to exin to your friend why there is cum on her floor.  See you around, Jasmine. Your days of peace are over.¡±


    And when he mmed the door shut, I broke down in sobs.

 You’re next

    Jasmine¡¯s POV


    ¡°Thank you foring out.¡± Lorenzo said with a smile as we sat in one of the booths of the town¡¯s diner and I nodded, knowing that I had only one hour before Hardin started looking everywhere for me.


    Because since the shooting in the woods, Russo had unofficially made him my bodyguard even though I had tried to argue against it.


    Butst night when he had finally broken the news at dinner that Hardin would be the one to go with me since he felt it was better than a stranger, I had been too afraid to tell him no, especially because I could not tell him that I wanted to be nowhere around his son, especially after what had happened at my birthday party three days ago.


    It still gave me nightmares anytime I closed my eyes because I wondered if the door to my bedroom would burst open and he woulde to molest me again.


    I had even tried to go to school the next day after it happened but all that anybody could talk about was what had happened at the party.


    I had even overheard some girls whispering about how it was possible that the reason why Hardin had been rough with me was because I was pushing myself on Lorenzo, his unnamed school rival and how I deserved everything.


    I had spent the rest of that ss period hunched over the toilet, vomiting my guts out because no one knew the whole story. No one knew that beyond having alcohol dumped on my head, Hardin had dragged me up to a room and did whatever he wanted with me.


    And I had not even had the time to cry because when he left, I had rushed into the bathroom to get something to wipe the floors, terrified that Nadia woulde in and find out what had happened to me.


    Since that dreadful school day after the birthday, I had not gone back to school and today was the third day of being absent. My mother had called the school on my behalf and because I was a ster student, it was not a big deal to let me have a few days off.


    But I had a presentation tomorrow with Lorenzo that I could not miss, which brought me to the reason why in thest three days, this was the first time I was stepping out of thepound.


    As for Hardin, he and I had a silent agreement that the protection situation was a farce because thest thing I wanted was for him to be around me and since that night, he had not approached me and I had only seen bits of him in the house, all of which had been spent pretending like he was not there.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay? Did you get my text?¡± Lorenzo asked, pulling me out of my thoughts and I nodded, quickly opening my book because I had not replied those texts for a reason.


    He had asked me to be his girlfriend in one of them, the next day and said he wished he could fight Hardin on my behalf and then the day after that, he had asked me for nudes and how much he missed me and wanted to feel my skin.


    He hadter sent a series of texts apologizing for it and ming it on being drunk but it made me ufortable now, with all the stuff going on with Hardin and I wanted to be alone.


    He was about to say something when my phone rang and I picked it up immediately, rushing to the restroom because I didn¡¯t want him to hear.


    ¡°So, now you pick my call after three good days, Jazz?¡± Nadia screeched and I sighed, unable toe up with a reason to exin that I didn¡¯t want her to see me after that night because I didn¡¯t want her to find out that something was wrong with me.


    She had sent me a series of voice notes, asking if I was alright and if Hardin was bullying me and she had even wanted toe over to the house to try to speak to Hardin. That was what had forced me to send a reply to all of her messages.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ¡±


    ¡°Where are you right now? I¡¯m at your house.¡±


    My eyes widened in shock.


    ¡°What are you doing at my house, Nadia?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your best friend. Why wouldn¡¯t I be at your house? But that¡¯s not why. We were supposed to go to Astrid¡¯s party tonight. We agreed to or have you forgotten?¡±


    I froze, remembering that I had indeed agreed to attend the party. But that had been the day before my birthday party. Before everything went sideways all over again.


    Her voice went lower as she added.


    ¡°By the way, Hardin¡¯s aunt was asking me some really weird questions about you. I didn¡¯t know that you guys were that close.¡±


    I paled in shock, deciding that I needed to head back to the house. The discussion with Lorenzo could wait. We would have it online and it would be better that way since I was not ready to even be around him right now.


    ¡°What kind of questions? You know what, I¡¯m on my way.¡±


    Ending the call, I rushed out of the bathroom and quickly started packing my books into my bag, giving Lorenzo an apologetic smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I have to head home right now. Text me?¡± I said and rushed out of the house, entering my mum¡¯s car that I had driven here and headed home.


    Throughout the ride, I wondered what Lisa was up to, especially because she had been too quiettely and it made me and my mother to be on edge, well, mostly me because my mother was too kind hearted to believe that Lisa had any evil intentions towards her.


    I found Nadiaying a dress on my bed when I entered, panting and she turned around, her brows raised.


    ¡°Why are you panting? Where are youing from?¡±


    ¡°Studying with Lorenzo. What did she ask you?¡± I answered, dropping my bag on the bed and falling on the couch.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you after you get dressed and head downstairs with me. And don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m driving and I have your mother¡¯s blessings. She doesn¡¯t really think you¡¯re sick by the way.¡± Her expression turned serious.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your mum and you can confide in me. I¡¯ve given you time and now I¡¯m really worried, Jazz. What¡¯s going on with you?¡±


    Her eyes begged me to speak up and I knew that Nadia would not tell a soul if I begged her to, but she would not hold back from trying to defend me from Hardin and that was thest thing I wanted. For him to find out that I had told someone.


    I knew that the only way to avoid having this conversation was to pretend that I was okay, so that she would stop suspecting me.


    So I grabbed the dress on the bed and headed into the bathroom, quickly putting it on and washing my face while practicing my feigned smile before I came out.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s go to Astrid¡¯s party.¡±


    Exactly like I had predicted, Nadia had been too excited about the fact that I had agreed to go to the party with her that she forgot about the serious conversation that we wanted to have and as she led me to the back of Astrid¡¯s house where the bonfire party was happening, she told me about the questions that Lisa had asked. Questions about my real father, if I had a boyfriend and if I had any sickness that didn¡¯t allow me to shift. All personal questions that she could never ask me because she knew that I wouldn¡¯t answer.


    Thankfully, Nadia hadn¡¯t answered either and it made me even more curious about why Lisa wanted to know those things.


    ¡°Oh wow¡± Nadia said as she handed me a cup of drink and when I looked in the direction of where she was looking, I saw Hardin sitting on a chair and two girls were hanging around him.


    Lifting his head, he kissed one of them, who happened to be Astrid, the celebrant and my eyes widened when he kissed the second girl.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I mean, I know he¡¯s hot but with that personality, I thought girls would avoid him. And you¡¯ve not told me why he behaved like a total ass on your birthday. Or was he just being a jerk like he always is?¡± Nadia asked me at the same that my eyes met with Hardin¡¯s.


    The anger in his eyes was almost scorching and as he rose to his feet and allowed the girls to lead him away, most likely to go and have sex with them, he red at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re next.¡± He mouthed with a smirk.


    ¡°He is a jerk. And has always been¡± I answered Nadia, wondering when he woulde for me.

 Crazy

    Jasmine


    As I stood in the crowded party, surrounded by people and music, my thoughts were far from the festivities. I couldn¡¯t help but feel an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety every time Hardin was nearby. Every touch, every word, made me cringe with revulsion.


    And the way he had mouthed the words that I was next made me want to puke.


    ¡°Come with me Jasmine, let¡¯s go over to the balcony,¡± Nadia mentioned, but I simply shook my head with a forced smile, while her eyes searched mine worriedly.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You are sure you don¡¯t want to go?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I voiced out, then Nadia gave me a warm hug before leaving to join the rest of the crowd.


    My mind was consumed with doubts and questions about what I did feel for Hardin. I had epted the fact that whatever I shared with Hardin was mainly because I had no choice, and I definitely had no romantic feelings for him. But still, the thought of him being with other girls made my blood boil with anger. How dare he vite me whenever I was with Lorenzo, and now do his thing as he liked, shoving it in my face that I could do nothing, and that he was free to flirt with whoever he wanted? It was all so wrong, and I struggled to keep my emotions in check.


    ¡°I am back already, Jasmine,¡± Nadia said as I tried to turn away from where I stood. She hade just in time, though it did not favor me as I wanted to stay in every possible ce away from Nadia¡¯s continuous questions.


    With visible concern etched on her face, ¡°You had toe so soon?¡± I probed.


    Nadia got to where I was before answering, ¡°Yes dear. I didn¡¯t feel good about leaving you like that. Is anything really the problem?¡±


    I wanted to tell her what was really going on, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to do it. How could I tell her that my own step brother was the cause of my fear, as his molestations did not seem to stop. I was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t believe me, or worse, that she would judge me for keeping quiet and not reporting the abuse to the authorities.


    Besides thest thing I wanted was for Russo to hate Hardin, which was certainly going to be the oue. The look of terror and the threat to kill that always showed on Hardin¡¯s face shed through my mind and instantly, I flinched.


    I managed to force a smile to Nadia and told her that everything was fine. Nadia looked at me skeptically, but she didn¡¯t push the issue. We chatted for a few more minutes, with my mind wandering about while I thought of a valuable excuse to leave Nadia¡¯s presence.


    Mainly because I was worried about the exact thing that Hardin was doing at that moment with Astrid and the other girl, and on the other hand, I did not want to mistakenly blurt out the troublesome things that filled my thoughts.


    As I saw Lorenzo¡¯s name shing on my phone, I knew that this was my chance to escape Nadia¡¯s presence, and get some fresh air. I couldn¡¯t bear the worries that ran through my head any longer.


    I ignored Lorenzo¡¯s call. I did not feel like we had anything exactly to talk about besides the project that we had to do together, but I knew he was not calling for that. He had been giving me very weird vibestely that I did not like, and I was doing my best to stay away from those conversations.


    ¡°I will quickly take this call,¡± I said to Nadia, then left the balcony as though I had something important to discuss.


    But no! It was all because I wanted to know what Hardin was doing and confirm by myself that it was all my imaginations and that he actually was not fucking those girls.


    Left with no other choice, I began to walk just about the building, trying to locate the exact room that Hardin was in, all in an attempt to get a feel of what exactly was going on inside the room.


    Just as I took a bend into a passageway, I saw Astrid and the blonde haired girling out of a room, and involuntarily, I hid by a corner, cursing within my breath that I had not held my peace and stayed back with Nadia in the first ce.


    ¡°See who was so impatient to wait for her turn and had toe straight to me,¡± Hardin breathed on my skin, and I turned to meet him standing just beside me with his arms crossed.


    ¡°I have no idea what you are talking about.¡±


    Frowning, I made to leave but was pulled back by Hardin who red daggers at me.


    ¡°You forget everything so quickly, Jasmine. I have given you so much leverage and you suddenly think that we are equals. I think it¡¯s high time I remind you that you are nothing better than a weak human with a slut of a mother, seeking for favour, regardless of what it entailed even if it means getting fucked, like the way you did with me and even Lorenzo. I won¡¯t be surprised if you actually have to sleep with an ordinary ve from the mansion. Well not like you are any better than them.¡±


    Hardin¡¯s words hit me straight at my marrow but before I could get a chance to yell at him, he had already pushed me into the room and threw me right on the bed.


    ¡°You came around to see what I was doing right? Take it!¡± He said, and brought out his phone, throwing it right to my face. I did not want to watch whatever was ying on it, but I could not fight it. The sounds from the videos that made my face pale, their moans.


    It was like I was watching a horror movie unfold right in front of me, but I couldn¡¯t look away. I felt my heart shattering into a million pieces as the reality of what was happening sunk in.


    Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt a lump in my throat. Jealousy. Envy. Hatred.


    My thoughts were racing, and I struggled to keep up with the emotions that were taking over me. I felt humiliated and broken.


    I wanted to scream at him, tosh out and hurt him as much as he had hurt me, but I couldn¡¯t find the words. All I could do was stare at him, the man who had shattered my life into a million pieces.


    But as the shock and pain began to subside, anger began to take over. How could he be so careless with my feelings? Did he even care about me at all, or was I just a toy to y with when he was bored?


    ¡°Hardin¡­¡± I managed to cry out in tears, ¡°why did you have to show me this?¡±


    Hardin¡¯s anger towards me increased from hearing me question him, and he walked to where I was and forced me toy on the bed.


    While he undressed me, I was crying and begging him to stop. I didn¡¯t want this, not like this. But he didn¡¯t listen, he didn¡¯t care. He was too consumed by his desires .


    As he climbed on top of me, I felt vited and powerless. All I could do wasy there and wait for it to be over. I felt like a shell of myself like he had taken something from me that I could never get back.


    He ripped off my pants, and roughly ced his fingers into my dry pussy, pumping vigorously. Hardin¡¯s actions continued intensely, and he paid no attention to the fact that his fingernails were causing me injuries around my vagina. Every time, I always had to bear the pains from the bruises I got whenever Hardin was rough with me but this was worse. All of it was beginning to make me feel suffocated and I hated myself and the fact that I was still existing.


    And without even caring about how I felt, he forced his dick inside of me and began to thrust hard, just like how he had done with Astrid and the other girl.


    ¡°Hardin¡­¡± I tried calling with tears in my eyes but he would not listen. ¡°You don¡¯t have to¡­¡± Instead he went harder at my words, making me change to positions he wanted, just to satisfy himself.


    When he finished, he got up and left without saying a word while Iid there, alone and broken. I didn¡¯t know what to do next.


    Was it best if I reported Hardin to Russo or the school authorities, damning whatever the consequences may be? Or was it better to just run away from home, leaving all of the hurt behind me?


    As crazy as all the ideas that came to my head sounded, it was exactly what I wanted to do.

 Just shut up

    Hardin


    Guilt and frustration were the exact words to describe how I felt every time that I made Jasmine break out in tears. I was toxic, and I did not need to be told.


    I was gradually bing the image of me that my mother would not like and anytime I thought about how she felt watching what I suddenly turned out to be, I cursed severally.


    From where I stood at the balcony, I watched Jasmine leave the party with Nadia tagging behind her confusedly. I only realized that I had been staring at her for so long, when the twins came behind me, calling me out of my thoughts.


    ¡°Weird right? We also feel that way, I mean the way you pay special attention to her. Is there something we do not know?¡± Sandro pointed out, and I furrowed my brows like I had no idea what he was talking of.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Your step sister, man. I don¡¯t think we can hold back from saying it,¡± Alex joined.


    ¡°Ohhh¡­ Jasmine. My father suddenly added a responsibility on me by making me her personal body guard which is frustrating as hell, as she never stays at a ce. So I¡¯m just wondering if she¡¯s safe as she¡¯s leaving the party at this hour,¡± I mentioned, taking a sip from the cup of cognac I had in my hands.


    One thing that I was not the best at doing especially when it came to the twins was lying as they most times saw through my lies, so I tried my best to keep my calm with the Brandy in my hands as a corner of my eyes watched the car Jasmine had gotten into, zoom off.


    ¡°I think I should leave now. The party¡¯s not as lit as I expected,¡± gulping down thest content of the Brandy, I informed, and made to leave when Alex suddenly came up with his teasy talk of how I had enjoyed myself with Astrid.


    With a re, I made him keep quiet before walking away.


    I had barely left the balcony when Astrid and the other girl, of which I knew little of her name, walked up to me, trying to be touchy.


    ¡°You are going already? Can¡¯t you just stay a little longer?¡± Astrid asked, and why she was talking, the blonde haired girl had alreadye closer to me and was trying to rub her butts in front of me.


    ¡°Stay off me,¡± I muttered within my breath but she did not listen. With the anger inside of me, I pushed her to the floor, causing Astrid to shake in trepidation.


    ¡°Now what did she do?¡± She questioned, the hatred everyone always used to stare at me, evident in her eyes. Or maybe my brain was just overthinking but I had gotten used to that same stare from every other person that I began to care less about what they felt.


    ¡°I think you are already forgetting that whatever happened between the three of us was a one time thing, and should not be heard of in a public space. Neither will I condone any disy of unnecessary affection. Do you hear me?¡± Without expecting any reply from them, I walked straight to my car, with my teeth gritted in annoyance about how I had to fake pleasure with them.


    I did not enjoy any bit of the sex, and I only realized how foolish I was after getting into the car and had watched the video that I forced Jasmine to see. I deleted it immediately in disgust, as if there was any sex video that I wanted to watch, then it was the one with Jasmine but I could not make any video of her during sex, as arge part of me felt that I needed Jasmine¡¯s permission..


    Arriving at home, the first ce I walked to was Jasmine¡¯s room as the guilt from what I had done at the party still clouded my mind. Luckily, I had a key that gave ess to her room. Jasmine was curled up in a fetal position, with fear visible in her face as she slept. I had no idea how much trauma that she experienced before finally putting herself to sleep.


    But I could remember vividly how she sounded when she asked, ¡°why did you have to show me this?¡±


    Unable to control the guilt within me, I left to my room and only realized that I had managed to sleep when morning came, with Lisa¡¯s knock on my door.


    ¡°I came to call you for breakfast?¡± She had a wide grin as she said it, and as I was about to shake my head in refusal, she spoke.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have an option actually, your dad asked that I call you for breakfast. Thanks to Cam who bbed about how you have been missing from breakfast for a while.¡±


    I could see Lisa¡¯s intent in her speech, as it was clear that all she wanted was to stir up hatred in my heart towards Cam. But my mind was rather busy that morning to pay any attention towards her, so I nodded and shut the door behind me, so I could freshen up and join them at breakfast.


    Jasmine¡¯s face was fixed on her food as I walked into the dinning room, I guessed she was trying to not maintain any contact with me, which was really fine with me. As much as the guilt still ate me up, I was d I had reminded her of her ce and maybe whenever she tried flirting with Lorenzo, then it will ring to her head that he just wanted to enjoy the moment with her and had no real feelings for her. Not like I cared though.


    ¡°You have not beening downstairs for breakfast.  Is everything okay?¡± Dad asked me immediately I sat down, causing me to drop the fork that I had already picked up.


    ¡°I am fine. When did you suddenly begin to check on me?¡± My request had startled Dad but I saw how he tried to keep his cool. I could not hold back from saying my mind, as all of his actions felt like a pretense. Ever since mom¡¯s death, he never really showed any care for me and it only got worse when I refused to ept his marriage with Cam.


    Chuckling in a way that felt awkward to me, ¡°I have always cared about you. It¡¯s fine if you never noticed it,¡± he replied.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know. Just do your thing,¡± I shrugged and though I knew that my reply was rather rude as I felt Dad¡¯s re on me, my attention remained on my food. Breakfast continued silently with the only sounds heard, being that of the cutleries. Well, until Lisa voiced out everything she wanted to say, I noticed she had something fishy up her sleeves with the smirk that danced on her lips when she called me for breakfast.


    ¡°Nadia said something about parties yesterday. Jasmine, your friend Nadia, am I right?¡±


    Her question called every body¡¯s attention towards her, and that was the first time since I joined breakfast that morning that I noticed Jasmine raising her head.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, her eyes searching Lisa¡¯s like she was trying to read whatever was underneath her question.


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s good. I am guessing you had a good time at the party.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jasmine replied and took her eyes back down, but Lisa did not stop there.


    She had not only piqued the interest of everyone at the table, but had also caused Jasmine¡¯s heart to beat faster than usual. I could hear the sound of it, as I also struggled to keep my breathing steady. Russo will have surely noticed that something was off, if my heart pace increased also.


    ¡°You had a good time? But you did not look like you did when you rushed into the house with tears in your eyes. And isn¡¯t that the same party Hardin went to? Why did he not bring you back?¡±


    Jasmine had absolutely nothing to say, as she tried muttering incoherent words. I watched her closely, trying to predict her next disy of foolishness, as she could not be wise enough to at least hide her emotionsst night.


    ¡°Is it true dear? Tell me, what happened yesterday?¡± Cam probed, and the fear in Jasmine¡¯s face increased. Lisa did not stop, as she continued pushing to get an answer, and it took every endurance within me to not tell at her to just keep quiet.


    ¡°Jasmine dear¡­¡± Cam was about to start with her motherly care, a constant reminder to me that I no longer had a mother before Dad interrupted.


    ¡°Enough of the pressures, and you should stop it with the questions, Lisa. I think she is just going through one of those times as a teenager. You know, your crush doing things that you don¡¯t like and the rest. She will be fine, maybe you should try talking to herter.¡± Russo said, with his statement apanied by a light chuckle.


    Surprise was the exact reaction I had to his statement as I looked straight at him. It was sad and amusing at the same time, to know that Russo understood everything about pressures and the ¡°times a teenager had to go through¡± but it was always different with me.


    Did he even care if I had times?


    Did he notice that it was too much pressure whenever he talked down on everything I do and never for once appreciated me?


    Lisa was right. Jasmine had suddenly taken every ce in Russo¡¯s mind. He was now making excuses for her. Something he never did, even when I made the slightest mistake growing up. And he did not make the anger that I felt any better, when he decided to throw his next question at me.


    ¡°Speaking about Jasmineing back alone, did I not entrust Jasmine¡¯s care to you, Hardin?¡± I did not answer as I tried my best to not re up, and continued eating.


    ¡°Am I not talking to you Hardin? It was just a simple task. Always be with your sister, so simple! Still you can¡¯t do it. Is there anything you are good enough for?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­ Dad is not Hardin¡¯s fault. Actually he¡­¡±


    ¡°Just shut up!¡± I bawled out at Jasmine, unable to control my anger.


    ¡°Jasmine this, Jasmine that, Jasmine¡­ It¡¯s always Jasmine. Don¡¯t I have my own pressures? Don¡¯t I have my times that I go through?¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? Jasmine is your sister, and the pressure is all because you are going to be an Alpha.¡±


    ¡°She is not my sister, don¡¯t entrust her care to me.¡± I stood up in annoyance, about to leave the dinning room before I paused and turned back, ¡°it¡¯s too much of how I am going to be an Alpha. I just want to live a life right now,¡± I said, then walked out of the room.


    Cam and Jasmine had shivered at my outburst, while Lisa had this satisfied smile on her lips. I had no idea of the consequences of my actions, but I just wanted to find my peace.


    And I got into my car and drove out of the mansion to no where in particr as I was not ready to listen to any talk from Lisa, or even Cam.

 Call it pride

    Chapter 42 ¨C Hardin


    Hardin


    If I was right, I had exchanged barely six or seven words with Dad ever since the incidence at the dinning room. Maybe once when I had answered ¡®yes¡¯ to all of the advice that he was feeding me with, and some forced ¡®good mornings¡¯ to him.  The only reason I still stayed back at the mansion and had not moved to the cottage where I always foundfort was because Dad had intentionally added much more duties to me, which at the end of the day will not only be exhausting, but will be sote that I won¡¯t be able to leave the mansion anymore.


    Whenever Cam had the opportunity to talk to me, she came up with the thing of how everything Dad was doing was solely for my care and growth, and how I was just misunderstanding him.


    I never answered any of the things she said though, because none of it made any sense.


    If Russo actually cared like Cam said, then instead of cing more jobs on me, the exact thing that he would have been doing will have been to find out why I acted up that way.


    As I finally helped myself get up from the bed, I quickly washed up and dressed for school. It was only when I joined breakfast that I realized that Russo had gone on a trip to the neighboring pack. I could not help but breathe out in relief as it felt like freedom on me.


    ¡°Hardin dear, is everything okay with you?¡± Lisa asked as I made to stand up from the dinning, and heaving a breath of relief, I nodded with a smile. As much as she sometimes troubled me, she had been the oneing into my room and helping to put me to sleep on days I found it hard to, ever since my outburst at the dinning. And I really did appreciate her help.


    From what I heard Jasmine and Cam discussing one other time that I did not intentionally eavesdrop, it was quite visible that I had withdrawn into myself, which was really fine with me. I had my own mess and issues to face, and I needed Russo to understand that.


    ¡°Is great that you are okay. I will pack up lunch for you, and Jasmine will go to school along with it.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I simply said, and while I was about turning my face away, I noticed the fear that had crippled on Jasmine¡¯s face. She had probably been having a good time to herself, as I had been distant and not troubling her. And now if felt to her that her ¡®sweet mother¡¯ was throwing her right in front of me.


    Well, I cared about so many other things at that moment, and Jasmine was the least of my care.


    Walking inside school, I still had to face the constant res of people which I thought I had liked at a point, but I really did not. There was always something about me flying in the ears of people, and as much as I cared less that it was always about troubling things, I wished that it could be better.


    ¡°Hey bro,¡± Sandro said to me as soon as I got to my locker, worriedly and I had to pay clear attention to whatever he had to say, as Alex also had that expression.


    ¡°Did you not see the message?¡±


    ¡°Message? What message is that? Ohh! About the house party, I¡¯m sorry I could note for it,¡± I mentioned, then shoved my bag into the locker. ¡°With the way you red at me, I felt there was a rumour about me murdering someone, because people be testing me so much these days,¡± I chuckled and when I noticed that they did not reciprocate, I turned my face to them.


    Sandro and Alex had this expression of worry on their faces, which made me to feel like I was a mentally derailed person, because how had I not still gotten what they were talking about?


    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Sandro pointed out immediately.


    ¡°Then what is it?¡± I probed, ¡°what is the big news this time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about that kid, Lorenzo.¡± Hearing his name caused an instant swing in my mood. But because I was trying my best to stay sane as it was almost about what Dad wanted, that I always had good reports, I eased my mind.


    ¡°How does it concern me in anyway, and what¡¯s in the message?¡± Seeing that they were dying in passing the ¡®big news¡¯ , I picked up my phone, and my eyes met with a notification immediately.


    It was an argument that went on in thecrosse team group chat, as Lorenzo had asked that he is allowed to be the captain of the team. The news felt like a big blow to me, as I had been the captain of thecrosse team ever since I could remember, well because I deserved it and no one had tried dragging for the spot with me.


    But, I got disappointed when I continued scrolling and find out that some other members of the team supported Lorenzo, saying that I had stayed as captain for long, and that Lorenzo was a good yer too. In their words, ¡®the team needed a change.¡¯


    I felt really hurt, but I did not express it. And raising my head to meet the twins, I had not even asked my question when they gave me the reply that I expected at that moment. It was as though they read my mind, but that was a thing for another day.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably wondering what the coach said, well since the issue made the house be a divided one, he said he was going to send a response across to us. But that till then, you and Lorenzo had to meet up with him today. Which is exactly why I¡¯m surprised that you are justing to school right now, and not hurrying to his office.¡± It was Alex this time, and I just stared at him straight faced.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll put a call across to you guys when I¡¯m done,¡± I simply said then left for the coach¡¯s office. On arriving there, the first thing I came to face with was the evil smirk on Lorenzo¡¯s face. Thankfully, he was already leaving because I could not promise that I could hold back from punching Lorenzo.


    It was so much audacity that he had to even think of dragging my spot, and I badly wanted to put him in his ce.


    ¡°You called for me,¡± I said to our coach as I made to sit on the chair that was in front of him.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    As you already know, I¡¯m at a dilemma trying to decide if you get to stay as captain of the team or if it¡¯s better to allow Lorenzo fill in the space. Listening to his words, I wanted to growl at him for even having to deliberate between those options.


    It was not even up to 6 months since Lorenzo joined the team, and because of how greedy he was, he already eyed the top postion. Besides I had led ourcrosse team to a good number of victories so it pissed me off that we were even having a discussion about it.


    And after staying to hear him b about everything he wanted to say, the coach came to a conclusion that I and Lorenzo will be watched dilligently and assessed. With the assessment ranging from our academic performance to our performance atcrosse.


    I did not know how to feel about it. At that moment, nothing felt right to me, and my academics was not any better.


    I left the office rather sad,pared to the enthusiasm that I had used toe in and only felt a little bit alive when I had to talk to the twins at an empty ss during lunch break.


    ¡°So you now have to fight for something that you own?¡± Sandro questioned rhetorically.


    Call it pride, but I was certain that the position as captain ofcrosse team was what I deserved and owned. And I wished I could tell Sandro that it was absolutely what my life had turned into. I had to fight for everything, and now I was even fighting to prove myself that I was fit enough to be Alpha. Something that was rightfully given to me by the moon goddess.


    And just as I was about to continue with my sad tale of how my academics was not really good to the twins, Jasmine stepped inside the ss with a lunch pack in her hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for interrupting. Mom asked that I give you this,¡± She said, and passed it to Alex who had stretched out his hand before hurriedly stepping out.


    I watched her with hatred and disgust. As much as I undeniably wanted to pass the me of my problems to another person, the issue of Lorenzo was definitely all Jasmine¡¯s, as his rtionship with her definitely gave him the nerves to think it wise to challenge me.


    But asides the feeling of hatred, there was still another feeling lingering in my heart. I was lusting towards Jasmine and my wolf was heating up in ways that I could not exin.

 Losing

    Hardin


    ¡°You really think Lorenzo can make a good team captain?¡± Someone whispered to her friend down the hallway and thanks to supernaturally enhanced hearing, I could not help but listen to the conversation even though thest thing that I wanted to do at this point was hear anything about that darnedpetition that should not even be happening in the first ce.


    And even though I wanted so badly to punch Lorenzo in the face, I knew that it would only make things worse for me. After all, this silly idea had started right after the incident between us that had made me go on suspension as team captain.


    And now that the time had psed and it was now time for things to go back to the way they were, it was a perfect opportunity for Lorenzo to strike and dere his intent to be captain of thecrosse team. A team that I had been the captain of since I was in sophomore year.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but with the way things are going and how he is bing everyone¡¯s favorite, it might happen.¡± The second girl whispered and I didn¡¯t realize that I was gripping the door to my locker too hard until it bent and someone else gasped.


    When I turned around, everyone in the hallway was looking at me and I mmed the door shut and hurried down to the guidance counselor¡¯s office for mypulsory session with her. A session that I didn¡¯t dare miss. Not when the eyes of everyone was on me now, especially my father¡¯s.


    I didn¡¯t want to further disappoint him even though I knew that it would be almost difficult to please him, especially because Jasmine was the perfect daughter, another reason that thinking about her made my blood boil.


    She was also there that day with Lorenzo. The day that I had lost my temper in front of the entire cafeteria and cost myself the captain title.


    She seemed to always be there at every of my bad days. Just standing there, her dark hair falling down her shoulders and green eyes wide as if she could not fathom that she was to me for my misfortune at any given point in time.


    And maybe she wasn¡¯t. Maybe it was just ill luck for her to always be there when things happened to me. Or maybe I was stupid for trying to absolve her once again instead of seeing her for the obstacle that she was.


    Aunt Lisa was right. I was being stupid. Being too trusting. Being led astray by those innocent eyes once again.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been sitting there for over five minutes now, thinking hard about something. Would you like to share it with me?¡± The guidance counselor said and I was reminded that I had entered her office and sat down for the one hour session that was sure to feel like an entire year, especially because talking about my feelings happened to be thest thing that I ever wanted to do.


    ¡°No¡± I replied honestly and when she smiled, I wondered why she was always so happy and how she could remain jovial in the face of people as stubborn as I was. Especially because this was how most of our sessions went, with me refusing to speak most times.


    I knew that if I was not sitting where she was, I would have lost my shit a long time ago.


    ¡°Okay then, let¡¯s talk about thepetition then. The match against the other school across town. It¡¯s tomorrow, is it not?¡±


    I nodded, my hands tightening into fists as I tried to control my breathing like she had taught me in the very beginning whenever I was going into a fit of rage, a skill that like many others, I never bothered to use at the right times.


    ¡°How does that make you feel? Especially knowing that your performance tomorrow will y a great role in determining if you will continue to be captain of the school team.¡±


    I froze, releasing a harsh breath as I remembered how Coach had announced to me that to remain captain, I needed to make sure that I was not only to prove it academically by keeping my grades up, which happened to be going terribly by the way all of a sudden and making sure that I could show what I could do on the field.


    ¡°Angry¡± I answered and she gave me a smile that I believe she intended to mean that she understood what I was going through but I doubted that she would ever be in my position.


    It felt like I was drowning from all of the pressure. And like I was going to lose everything all at once.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°And how do you feel, knowing that Lorenzo is also vying for that position?¡±


    I pinned her with a look that didn¡¯t need to be exined.


    ¡°We both know exactly what I would rather be doing to that kid instead of sitting here and talking about my feelings¡±


    ¡°But you can¡¯t go around hitting everyone that you don¡¯t like, Hardin. And that is the reason for these sessions. To help you resolve your issues without having to resort to violence.¡±


    At the end of the one hour session, I could only feel more agitated about doing a good job tomorrow and as I headed out of school, Alex and Sandro were outside waiting for me.


    ¡°You should be resting up for tomorrow¡± I said to them as I got into my car, raising my brows when they entered the car.


    ¡°Our house is on the way to yours¡± Alex said and when I looked at Sandro, he shrugged and I rolled my eyes because the twins owned cars and even bikes, so I had no idea why they were here right now.


    ¡°You¡¯re the best captain that the school has seen in years, rage issues aside¡­¡± Alex said and Sandro pped the back of his head.


    ¡°You¡¯re not making things easier for him, man.¡± Turning to look at me, Sandro smiled.


    ¡°Remind the coach why he made you captain in sophomore year tomorrow on the field, Hardin. That¡¯s what we came here to say.¡±


    Nodding, we continued the rest of the ride in silence and when I got back to the mansion and refused toe down for dinner, a tray of food with a note from Cam saying she was rooting for me tomorrow made me feel even more pressured to do well.


    Perhaps, the pressure was too much because not only was I unable to sleep all night, but I couldn¡¯t hold back my irritation the entire day up until the time for the game.


    And just like what had happened everytime someone attacked me, I responded to the urge to attack them even harder.


    The game had been going as smoothly as possible until someone from the opposing team pushed me to the ground first.


    And it didn¡¯t matter that they were trying to stop me from getting past to score.


    All I saw was red. All I could feel was that unending rage to cause pain. To inflict the same pain I was feeling.


    And I stood up and mmed him to the ground, causing a foul that automatically made the referee decide that I had to leave the pitch for the rest of the game.


    ¡°Morales, you¡¯re out for the rest of the game¡± The referee announced and I saw Alex and Sandro look at me, their faces filled with panic from within their helmets as I nodded and walked away from the field.


    The most disappointed had to be Coach because he merely shook his head as I met him on the sidelines.


    ¡°What the fuck was that out there?¡± He snapped and I opened my mouth to exin but nothing came out.


    I had no excuse.


    ¡°With what happened today, it will be very difficult to make you captain, Morales. And that is no one¡¯s fault but yours.¡± He added and I nodded, my eyes meeting with Lorenzo¡¯s who was looking in our direction from where he stood on the field, having heard us, thanks to supernatural hearing from the way he smirked victoriously at me.


    There was no need for me to continue to watch the game any longer, I decided and when I rose to my feet and turned around to head to the locker room to change, my eyes met with Jasmine¡¯s where she was sitting on the bleachers, her bag  beside her.


    Our eyes met and we stayed staring at each other.


    I knew that she was at this game for Lorenzo and not me. Not after everything I had done to her would she be here to cheer for me.


    And yet, a twisted part of me wanted her to be sitting there for me, even though I knew that I was a terrible person that didn¡¯t deserve even the least bit of kindness.


    And especially not from Jasmine, someone who was my sworn enemy even though she didn¡¯t know it.


    But as she looked away, I realized that even in a war that she didn¡¯t know about, she was not the one losing. I was.

 Drive you

    Jasmine


    I had no idea why I felt like Hardin had casted all his hatred on me with that single stare. He was angry, and it was obvious on his face, however I was unaware of the wrong that I had done to receive such a threatening re from him.


    He had no idea that I was there to support him, so I couldn¡¯t really me him. After I had overheard his discussion with Sandro and Alex, I had been worried sick for him. I knew his love forcrosse, though his performance had not been really great at recent times from what I heard


    I had gained information from my eavesdropping that the captain of thecrosse team would be selected through the feats and performances on the field, as well as academic performance too. It was obviouscrosse practice wasn¡¯t going entirely well for Hardin, and with the decline in his academics, there was no way he was going to make captain.


    After I had finished eavesdropping on his conversation that day, I had rushed towards the cafeteria to have a chat with Lorenzo. He was Hardin¡¯spetitor, and I had intended to convince him into leaving the spot for Hardin. My expectations hadn¡¯t gone as nned, Lorenzo seemed like an entirely different person during our conversation. He was nonchnt about my request, and wasn¡¯t even considering it at all.


    He had said to me, ¡°let the best man win,¡± and honestly I had no idea about how to feel with those words. I was aware of the fact that Lorenzo and Hardin weren¡¯t the best of friends, they barely walked the same path. But Lorenzo¡¯s reply had been a bit absurd. I had thought he might consider my request after I had informed him or Hardin¡¯s academic situation, and the stress that was being imposed on him by our father.


    Lorenzo was unwavering even after my words. He was adamant about being captain, and I realized soon enough that there was nothing my words could do to change his mind.


    Throughout the rest of ss I waspletely drowned in my thoughts. I was thinking of a way to help Hardin, but there was nothing I could think of. My distracting thoughts had earned me two apprehensions from the teacher, and I was lucky to have escaped a third which would have inevitably warranted detention.


    After sses, I had snuck into the training ground where thecrosse game was currently being held. I wanted to see how well Hardin was fairing, and to offer my best supports. But my efforts had been neglected, and had even earned me a stern threatening stare. At that moment , I was just confused on what to do.


    After the stare Hardin had given me, I was unsure if I should even offer my help to him anymore. He wasn¡¯t the kind that liked people meddling in his business, and I guessed he wouldn¡¯t take it lightly if I did everything for him.


    I hung my head in disappointment and turned to leave the stadium, however a familiar voice called me back. It was Lorenzo.


    ¡°Came to watch me practice?¡± He asked with a confident smile on his face.


    ¡°Yeah, nice y out there¡± Imended with a fake smile on my face. I obviously couldn¡¯t tell him I had been here for Hardin and not him. I didn¡¯t want to stir up any sort of conflict between us, or him and Hardin.


    I was already beginning to lose a bit of my trust andpanionship with Lorenzo after our discussion at the cafeteria the other day. His reaction and replies were just things I wouldn¡¯t expect from someone like him, especially not to me.


    ¡°You seem to be leaving already, are you going somewhere?¡± Lorenzo inquired with an arched brow.


    ¡°Yeah, I got a lot of homework to take care of. I need to get home as soon as possible so I can get everything finished on time. You know me, straight A¡¯s or nothing¡± I said with a light chuckle, which Lorenzo returned.


    ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate, I was about to ask you to have lunch with me. But I guess another time¡± He revealed and I nodded in concurrence.


    ¡°See youter Lorenzo¡± I said my goodbyes and turned to leave, but he stopped me.


    ¡°About that afternoon, I¡¯m sorry about how I reacted. I really don¡¯t want this issue toe in between our friendship¡± His words sounded genuine, but why did I find it so difficult to trust them. Perhaps I was still in shock from the afternoon¡¯s encounter. A part of me was telling me that the other side of him was the real Lorenzo, while a bigger part of me just wanted to forgive him and move on with life.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s no problem. I totally understand¡± I replied before turning to leave. But once again Lorenzo had stopped me with an offer.


    ¡°Do you need a ride home? I could drive you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have practice right now?¡± I returned but he brushed my question away with a nonchnt gesture of his hand.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve had enough practice for the day, might as well just go home and get some rest myself¡± He replied before pulling out his car keys from one of his pockets.


    I couldn¡¯t deny a free ride offer, I had no strength to walk to the bus stop. Declining this free ride would just be sheer stupidity.


    The drive from the school to my residence couldn¡¯t be more than twenty minutes. He dropped me in front of the gate before driving off. I had no idea if it had been a coincidence, or a schemed encounter. But Hardin had also walked out of the gate the same moment Lorenzo had dropped me, and the look on his face was even scarier than before.


    He didn¡¯t say a word to me, and neither did I say a word to him. We just passed by each other and went our opposite ways.


    I reached my room and copsed on the bed. I was honestly exhausted, and my incessant thoughts on how to help the uncaring Hardin was draining me of my strength. I was aware that he had missed his history  project and it was a core assignment that made up over thirty percent of the total score.


    I wanted to help him, but I wasn¡¯t going to let him know about it. I closed my eyes and drifted into unconsciousness, after concluding that I would carry out any n I had tomorrow at school.


    ***


    I walked straight to the history teacher¡¯s office immediately I was aware that he was around. I had no idea how I mustered the courage to do so, but I was in his office before I could realize, and I was pouring out my heart to him to grant Hardin a little more time, preferably an hour.


    I ended up having to tell him about thecrosse situation, and the problems at home before he could agree. I didn¡¯t really care about what he would think of me or Hardin, or even our family after the information I had just given him, I just wanted to save my brother from losing both his academics and captain at the same time.


    All I needed was an hour, and I was d Mr. Mert had granted me an extra thirty minutes. It wasn¡¯t long before I was done with the assignment and immediately submitted on his behalf.


    My mind was racing, and my heart was pounding more than it should. I had no idea why I was so scared of what Hardin would think, or how he would react when he finds out about this.


    I had assured myself I won¡¯t speak a word to him about this, but there was the possibility of him meeting the teacher and inquiring of the origin of his score. And that would lead to Mr Mert revealing everything to him.


    I calmed myself down as I strode down to ss. I shouldn¡¯t worry too much, it wasn¡¯t as if Hardin was going to kill me if he found out about it. We were siblings after all, and no matter how much he despised that fact, there was no changing reality.


    I reached ss and settled quietly on my seat. Lorenzo had walked in moments after me, and we had exchanged greetings and pleasantries for the morning. I had thanked him once again for the ride yesterday. Our discussion had only ended when the history  teacher made his appearance in the ss.


    ¡°Good morning ss¡± He greeted, and without waiting for a response, he went straight to the day¡¯s business ¡°As you all know the project on the origin and rtions will serve as thirty percent of your total score. I have finished with the grading, and now I shall call out the scores of every individual. It is crucial you know your performances, and know where to add in extra effort¡±. Mr. Mert informed before calling out the scores.


    I nced around the ss, but found no traces of Hardin, he wasn¡¯t in school yet. The teacher had called out my name, and just like I expected it was a perfect score. I however wasn¡¯t interested in my score at the moment. I was only waiting to hear Hardin¡¯s.


    Just then, he stepped  in through the door, and at the same moment, Mr Mert had pronounced his name out loud.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Hardin Morales, score twenty six.¡±


    Hardin¡¯s face was filled with shock. I guess he was well aware that he did not deserve any score for the test. The only reason I had to go that extra was because I understood the pressure he was going through at that moment, though if I was judging from how heartless that he was to me, he did not deserve any of that care.


    Instinctively, his eyes narrowed towards me, and we locked eyes. I had no idea the emotions that were written behind those eyes of his, but I knew they weren¡¯t something I had expected, they wereplex, and almost unreadable.


    Just what on earth would he do to me?

 Find your mate

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    I knew that I had not turned in any assignment for History the minute Mr Mert announced the scores because with everything going on especially after that shitty game two days ago, thest thing on my mind was someme assignment at school.


    Butme might probably be a stupid word to use, considering that being captain of the team meant that I had to ensure that my grades were up, and by up, a lot higher than the way they were and doing assignments was necessary to achieving such a goal.


    Which meant that whoever had somehow managed to turn in the assignment ¨Cand by whoever, I meant Jasmine, my step sister that I would rather have my fangs removed than im publicly as part of my family, because with our eyes locked on each other and the way she looked away, unable to hide her emotions and ultimately giving away that she was the culprit¨C had just saved my ass.


    But why? Why was she being nice to me all of a sudden?


    Okay, maybe that was a bit far fetched because Jasmine was a generally kind person. I would know seeing as she was soft spoken to everyone in the entire school and probably the entire pack but me, and that was no one¡¯s fault but mine.


    So why was she helping me, especially when Lorenzo was my rival for the position of team captain.


    I would have thought that she would be pleased by the news that I was going to lose my position as captain of thecrosse team and no less to the one person in the school who thought he could beat me just because he also had Alpha blood running through his veins.


    The biro in my grasp snapped into two and ink poured over my palm, causing the girl who was sitting beside me and Jasmine who had been watching me to gasp in surprise.


    Taking excuse from Mr Mert to go and wash off the ink was easy enough, especially with the murderous look of rage in my eyes and as I walked out of the ssroom, I noted that thoserge green eyes that haunted me even in my sleep followed me out of the room and made me even more curious about the same one question.


    Why was Jasmine helping me?


    Unfortunately, I was forced to probably review the possibility that she had been helping me when school ended for the day and she continued to avoid me even though we both knew that there was no way she was escaping without exining to me why she had helped me with that assignment.


    After spending the rest of the day in between sses, when I would rather be alone but knew that missing any more sses would also affect my chances of being team captain, I spent myst hour with the guidance counselor and headed back to the mansion.


    Heading to the field behind the house for practice, Alex and Sandro were already there and they ran towards me, their gait showing that their identical faces not the only thing about them that they shared.


    ¡°How are you feeling today, buddy?¡± Alex asked and I shrugged, unable to put what I was feeling into words.


    But it felt like even though the match that I hadpletely botched thanks to my anger was over, there was still a lot of pressure on me.


    In fact, it felt worse and I knew it was because it felt like I was losing. Like I was going to lose everything. And that the first thing that I thought about whenever I woke up and thest thing that came to my mind when I slept.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just get this practice thing now. There is another game in a week and I can¡¯t mess up. I can¡¯t afford to.¡± I said under my breath and by the end of the session an hourter, Alex whistled.


    ¡°You¡¯re a beast, bro. That¡¯s the kind of energy that a captain needs.¡±


    ¡°Yeah well, I think being a beast is why he got into this in the first ce¡± Sandro and I growled on instinct before I realized that he was right.


    My temper was one of my biggest problems and had made me make many mistakes even though I knew that more often than not, people deserved whatever they received from me.


    And a prime example of that was happening right now.


    Lorenzo¡¯s car drove into our house and Jasmine got down from it and waved at him before heading inside, her less than supernatural nose unable to smell that we were in the vicinity.


    Lorenzo, however didn¡¯t miss me standing with Alex and Sandro, watching them from afar and his smirk widened before he drove away.


    ¡°That fucker¡± Alex grumbled and I inhaled deeply, my ws digging into my palm to restrain myself from running to his car and pulling it back so that I could beat the living daylights out of him.


    It seemed that yet again, the hour I had spent with the guidance counselor was a bust. Because this rage looked like it was here to stay.


    *******


    ¡°Excellent assignment you submitted, Hardin. Didn¡¯t know you had it in you.¡± Miss Duncan, my English teacher said in ss and even though Jasmine didn¡¯t share the same English teacher and ss with me, when I received the paper and looked at the work, it was no doubt her hand.


    Why was she helping me keep my grades up?


    Was this another n of hers to somehow get the best of me?


    And was Lorenzo a part of it?


    Nothing made sense. Not with Mr Mert¡¯s assignment and now this.


    Nodding when the woman smiled at me even though I knew that I had yed no part in the assignment, I took an excuse to use the restroom and trailed Jasmine via scent to find her in the gym room, waiting with the rest of her ssmates for the gym instructor.


    The other girls screamed when I barged in and dragged her out.


    ¡°What do you want, Hardin?¡± She rasped as I pulled her towards the closet.


    Turning around and holding her against the door, I scoffed.


    ¡°The question is, what do you want, Jasmine? Why are you helping me with my assignments? Is this some sort of master n to get back at me that I don¡¯t know about? The kill them with kindness initiative or what?¡±


    Her eyes widened momentarily and when she tried to release her hand from mine, my grip tightened.


    ¡°Do you want me to fuck you? Is that it? Your pussy not getting anything from Lorenzo, is that it, Jasmine? Because trust me to give it to you whenever you want¡± I whispered close to her ear and her eyes nearly fell from their sockets.


    ¡°Someone might hear you¡± she answered and I was about to speak when someone rounded the hallway and his scent drifted to my nose.


    Lorenzo.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Jasmine paled and even though I didn¡¯t care if Lorenzo had heard anything, a part of me was notfortable with the idea that if he knew, it might give him another edge over me.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± He asked and Jasmine shrugged as I released her hand.


    ¡°Whatever is going on here is none of your business, asshole.¡± I quipped and he ignored me, looking at Jasmine. ying the charming hero. The knight in shining armour as usual.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± He asked her, his voice gentle and I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his disy.


    When she nodded, he finally deigned to look at me.


    ¡°If you are content to skip sses, you shouldn¡¯t drag her into this as well.¡±


    Laughing bitterly, I fisted my hand and decided to walk away before I did something that I would regret.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to leave you two lovebirds alone.¡± I threw over my shoulder and walked out of school towards my car.


    School could wait for one day.


    Besides, my father had texted that he wanted to see me immediately after school and even though I knew that he wouldn¡¯t be pleased to speak with me now, there was no point pretending to wait till the end of school hours to go and see him.


    He was already disappointed in me. What was one more disappointment?


    Walking into the pack house, I headed straight for his office and knocked once before I entered.


    His face when he looked at me and then at the time said everything about how he felt about me skipping school.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to tell you that I said after school, do I?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m here already, aren¡¯t I? Plus you said it was very important. So, hit me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to want to sit down for this one.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s about finding your mate, Hardin. We¡¯ve been putting this off for the longest time and the elders are getting worried. It is time to address this.¡±


    No one told me before I sat down in shock.

 Crushed

    Chapter 46 ¨C Hardin


    The issue of finding my mate was one thing that I had been trying my best to avoid, and now as the elders had brought up the topic, I did not know how to feel.


    It was mainly because I was partly beginning to feel that I did not have a mate, which was probably the moon goddess punishment to me, for being the asshole that I was. It was a thing of great concern as I was going to be an Alpha, so I sincerely understood why they had to talk about it.


    But it will have been much better if they had not brought it up at that point in time.


    It was just two weeks ago, that Sandro found his mate, at a party that we attended. And before he found his mate, he was already worried, as Alex had found his mate way back in time.


    Then there¡¯s me, older with some months, and of an Alpha blood, and still, I had not felt any sensation that was close to finding my mate.


    My face immediately contorted into a frown, that Dad noticed, as he called my name.


    ¡°Is anything the problem? Are you under some curse that I do not know about?¡± Dad probed, and the only help that his words offered to me at that moment was to increase the tension that I was already feeling.


    Was it a curse?


    ¡°I am not,¡± I answered without raising my eyes to Dad.


    ¡°I hope so, then. But I¡¯ll advice that you tell me what the problem may be, because it is really necessary that you find your mate.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll make sure to do that. Can I leave now?¡± I had already stood up before he stopped me with his hand gestures.


    ¡°Is there any other thing that you will like me to know?¡± I asked Dad as I rxed back on the seat.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    He took some few minutes before he then began to speak, while I wondered the new thing that I had done. Well, I was ready for any query as it was particrly the major thing I always did get from him.


    ¡°My son,¡± Dad started, and his voice sounded rather calmpared to other times. ¡°I think it¡¯s necessary that I make you understand that I don¡¯t hate you as you think. And all of this pressures that you think I¡¯m putting on you is actually because it¡¯s necessary and I want you to be the best version of yourself. I¡­¡±


    My attention had already trailed off as Dad said everything that he wanted to say, and I only realized when he told me that I can go.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± I nodded, then left for my room.


    Resolving the issues I had with Dad was necessary. But still, I wanted to take everything at a time and in order. Arge part of me still felt like I had to prove myself worthy, and I was not ready to go back on that challenge till I had proved myself. And I was going to start from retaining my position as captain ofcrosse team.


    Thanks to Jasmine, my performance had increased, and as much as I did not want to appreciate her efforts, Sandro had pointed it out thest time we had training together.


    As soon as I got into the room, I took a quick shower and fell on the bed just after. My mind was too disturbed, and sleeping was the only way to ease the stress at that moment.


    I had only realized how long I had slept when a knock came on the door and I realized that it was a maid who had brought dinner for me upstairs. The night had already be dark, certainly school was over and Jasmine will be back already from flirting with that crazy kid, Lorenzo.


    I had barely eaten half of what was in the food tray that the maid had sent when I noticed a piece of paper by the side.


    ¡°Twenty marks assessment to prepare for, remember. You really don¡¯t want Lorenzo to get what belongs to you right?¡±


    I just knew it was Jasmine. The text on the paper. I wanted to reprimand her for even thinking that she could advise me, but what she said was the truth, if I did not prepare for the assessment, then my good performance that was already building up will go down the drain.


    Few minutes after, I had finished eating and I shut the door behind me as I left for Jasmine¡¯s room.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Jasmine probed, and as much as I did not expect that she will want a response, I gave her one.


    ¡°I think I have missed your body so I came to satisfy myself.¡± Compared to other times, the fear in her face was not much.


    She remained where she sat on the bed, and to my surprise, said an ¡®okay¡¯ in response.


    Okay?


    I could swear that I felt that it was not the Jasmine that I knew that I was talking to.


    Okay? Instead of fidgeting?


    What happened to getting scared and begging me to stay away?


    Involuntarily, my eyes swept across the room to be sure that there was no one else, because her actions did feel like I was being watched by someone else.


    Finding no one else in the room, I settled that Jasmine had probably gotten used to the fact that whatever was going on with us was going to continue till the day that I did not feel like anymore.


    Or maybe it was my wolf that was lusting too much, as I did not waste any more time, and immediately reached out for her to satisfy myself.


    ¡°You are wet already, for me¡± I teased immediately my hands got to Jasmine¡¯s clit.


    My voice was low and I hoped that it sounded sensual to her ear.


    Jasmine gave no reply but I continued with my actions. I dipped my finger, stroking her clit gently.  She was a writhing mess under me even as she would not want to ept it.


    I pulled off my briefs and slipped into her with force and Jasmine gulped.


    I pumped into her furiously, releasing all of the anger that I had held inside of me with each stroke. She moaned loudly as I rolled my hips and my stroke quickened.


    I continued pumping vigorously inside of Jasmine as I held her waist to my hard dick while my left hand messed with her nipples.


    She tried to resist the pleasure but it was there, everyone of it.


    The sounds of Jasmine¡¯s moans only made my wolf to want more, and I did not want to stop. I felt really heated and with each thrust, I made sure her thighs did hit against mine in a rough way.


    I enjoyed the sounds that it caused, and the way her vagina constricted against my cock. I wanted more of that, and I kept on rubbing her vigorously.


    ¡°Be a good girl and let me pleasure myself,¡± I said to Jasmine, and immediately turned her to face me, making her lie on the edge of the bed.


    All along, she said nothing, and only did as I instructed. I wanted to feel guilty, but then, my guilt was definitely not going to satisfy the heat that rose inside of me.


    I quickly pulled out a new condom and wore it on my dick that was still erect. Apart from my high sexual desires that I always had, the urge was fucking high this night. I had being lusting so much for Jasmine, and maybe, trying to abstain was not really a good idea.


    Pulling her closer to me, I thrust inside of her continuously and only stopped when I noticed that I was almost climaxing.


    I pressed her closer to me, and released with my body against hers, letting it to drip down her crotch.


    Hurriedly cleaning up to leave for my room, as I did not want any of Lisa¡¯s prying eyes, it was obvious that she always had her eyes on Jasmine, ¡°you should clean this,¡± I said to her, then made to leave before her words caused me to take a pause.


    ¡°So how long do you want to keep on doing this?¡± Jasmine questioned.


    I definitely had no answer for her, neither did I n to answer her.


    I only passed her a hard re that was intended to warn her about how it was safer to just stop the questioning for her own good before leaving.


    And when Iid, trying to close my eyes to found a little sleep, I could only keep on staring at the ceiling.


    I had read for the assessment as Jasmine advised when I got back to the room, but now I was struggling to find sleep.


    I would have clearly med it on the sleep I had during the day, if my mind was not worried, as her question still lingered in my mind.


    How long did I want to keep on with the abuse on her?


    And will I ever find my mate, if I continued with all of the terrible things that I was doing?

 Fear

    Chapter 47 ¨C Jasmine


    JasmineThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    I walked from office to office checking out Hardin¡¯s academic performance. I was already familiar with most of the teachers in the school. My perfect grades and brilliant performance had me on their good list. Revealing scores to students before publishing wasn¡¯t allowed, but after ceaseless pestering I was able to get a peek at the score sheet.


    Some of the results had already been posted, and Hardin was doing very well in all his subjects. Nadia had also informed me that he was doing very well incrosse practice, and I was happy for him.


    After the incident at the field, I hadn¡¯t stepped foot back into their training ground. Nadia was the one who was keeping an eye on Hardin for me, and her reports were filled with positive results. Things weren¡¯t as perfect like this at home, but I was satisfied with the improvement in school.


    It wasn¡¯t exactly  the best day, but I was happy about one thing at least. Hardin was beginning to pick up pace in his academics, His grades weren¡¯t exactly the best, but he was doing rtively better than he was before.


    I headed back to ss and settled before the next lecture could begin. It ended rather quickly, probably because I barely paid attention to the teacher. I was too busy with my thoughts and Hardin¡¯s development.


    It was time for recess, and I sat with Nadia at the cafeteria. She was probably the only person I was close to in school, aside Lorenzo. Nadia was exining how hectic her day was, but my attention waspletely stolen by the figure that sat some metres opposite me.


    Hardin sat with his friends at the extreme of the cafeteria, and I drowned my eyes with his beauty and being. As if realizing that someone was watching him, Hardin had turned swiftly, and we had locked eye contact.


    I felt my heart skip a bit, but I didn¡¯t tear away from the ongoing staring contest. As usual I couldn¡¯t read what his eyes said, but I wasn¡¯t willing to sumb to the fear of Hardin that had been nurtured within me.


    I had won this time around, Hardin had stared away first, and Nadia had called me back to reality the next second.


    ¡°Girl are you okay? You look so lost.¡± Nadia remarked. She had probably asked me something, but I was too space out to remember what it was.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, got a bit distracted¡± I exined. ¡°What was it again?¡± I requested for her to repeat her question.


    ¡°I was asking about Lorenzo, haven¡¯t seen him in school all day. Is everything okay with him?¡± Nadia repeated. Now that she spoke of Lorenzo, and I too just realized I hadn¡¯t seen him all day.


    I was too upied with Hardin¡¯s performance that I hadpletely forgotten about Lorenzo¡¯s existence. I was definitely a terrible friend for that.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t seen him all day too. I¡¯ll give him a call after School. Lorenzo¡¯s not a child. If anything¡¯s wrong, I¡¯m pretty sure he can handle himself.¡±


    I was confident in Lorenzo, plus I didn¡¯t want to assume the worst.


    ¡°And Hardin, saw you two ring at each other. Is everything okay?¡± Nadia¡¯s question had me choking on the soda I was sipping. She immediately offered me water to ease my self, but I declined her help. I was fine, her question had only caught me off guard.


    ¡°We¡¯re totally fine. You know siblings drama.¡± Iughed everything off, before changing the topic.


    ¡°How was art ss today?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Girl weren¡¯t you listening to a thing I said? I can¡¯t spend another day in art ss with Mr Stark failing every project I submit¡± Nadiained and Iughed. I knew deep down that Nadia wasn¡¯t exactly the best at art. But she was passionate, and I would never say anything to demotivate her.


    ¡°You keep doing your best, he¡¯s going to recognize your talent very soon¡± I encouraged.


    The bell for end of recess rang out loud, and soon everybody was filing out of the cafeteria, including Nadia and myself. We had only one more ss before the end of the day.


    I stared backwards one more time to check if Hardin was still there, but he was gone. I had no idea what time he might have left, so I didn¡¯t bother myself too much. I had spent time talking with Nadia, so it was very much possible he had left within that period of time. He was probably in ss at the moment.


    I reached ss, but he wasn¡¯t there. Hardin always knew how to get my attention focused on only him. However this time, I wasn¡¯t going to waste my thoughts on him. I was actually going to listen in ss today instead of thinking about him.


    It was barely an hour ss, and it wasn¡¯t long before the bell for end of school went off. I met up with Nadia, and we headed towards the field to discuss for a bit. It would take at least twenty more minutes before the bus arrived, we normally spent that time gossiping about our day.


    ¡°Any news about Lorenzo?¡± Nadia reminded. I hadpletely forgotten about Lorenzo once again thanks to Hardin. I pulled out my phone from my bag to call him, only to see he had texted me ten minutes ago. My phone was always on silent during sses, and I hadn¡¯t received the notification.


    ¡°Can you wait for me after school? I¡¯d like to take you somewhere.¡± His message read. It was odd, Lorenzo hadn¡¯t been in school all day, and now he wanted me to wait for him after school. He probably wanted to exin himself, so I didn¡¯t really bother myself with his reasons for texting.


    ¡°Is that Lorenzo? Are you guys going home together?¡± Nadia¡¯s voice was a bit loud, and I figured the people around had heard her. I turned around to get a glimpse of our audience, and just behind us stood the figure of Hardin. His eyes had shed towards my direction after Nadia had concluded her question. I could guess he had heard everything she said.


    His stare was domineering and condescending, and I had immediately torn away from his gaze. I had given in to my fear of him once more. I turned around to check if he was still standing behind us, but he had disappeared like always.


    ¡°Shhhh,¡± I gestured to Nadia immediately. I didn¡¯t want the people around thinking that I had something going on with Lorenzo. I didn¡¯t like getting attention directed towards me. I and Lorenzo were just friends, and I preferred that our rtionship remained the way it was.


    ¡°He only said that I should wait for him after school,¡± I informed the curious Nadia. I had removed the part where Lorenzo said he had something to show me. I didn¡¯t want to put the wrong idea into Nadia¡¯s mind. She would probably act up and spill something without knowing. And it wouldn¡¯t be long before the entire school would be feeding on her rumors.


    The bus arrived momentster, and I had asked Nadia to leave without me. I didn¡¯t want to keep her waiting because of me. The next bus would take another whole twenty minutes, and I didn¡¯t want her staying, only for I and Lorenzo to drive away.


    ¡°See you tomorrow then.¡± Nadia bade her goodbyes before leaving.


    I took a nce at my wrist watch, and at Lorenzo¡¯s message.


    He better gets here fast, I thought.


    I had barely concluded my thoughts when his figure walked up to me.


    ¡°Lorenzo, where have you been?¡± I asked immediately he got close enough to hear me.


    ¡°Had something to take care of, couldn¡¯t make it to school today¡±. He exined briefly with a smile.


    ¡°Hope everything¡¯s okay with you?¡± I probed.


    He did look fine, even better than most days. But not all problems could be identified through physical appearance.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Shall we get going?¡± He gestured, and I nodded.


    ¡°Where exactly are we going to? And what is it you want to show me?¡± I was curious, but typical Lorenzo wouldn¡¯t want to ruin his surprise. I kind of trusted him, so I followed him without any more questions.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you¡¯ll see when we get there¡± He assured me with an even broader smile. I returned the smile before entering the vehicle. It was Lorenzo, I mean what could he possibly do that I wouldn¡¯t be familiar with.


    We drove out of the school premises, and had been on the road for ten minutes now. A few of the streets we passed earlier were familiar, but soon I was beginning to lose familiarity of my environment. I didn¡¯t say anything, and as if reading my thoughts, Lorenzo had pulled up by the side of the road, and stared intently at me.


    Slowly, his hands reached for my cheeks.


    I remained calm for the meantime, but pushed him away the moment noticed his lips drawing closer to me.


    ¡°What the hell? What are you trying to do Lorenzo?!¡±

 I’m sorry

    Chapter 48 ¨C Jasmine


    Jasmine


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing Lorenzo?¡± I asked again, and he seemed genuinely confused by my reaction. He seemed to be confused, and had made to kiss me again. But my second rejection seemed to have made things a bit clearer for him.


    ¡°Get away from me¡± I yelled as I pulled away from his touch.


    ¡°Get away from you? I thought you wanted this?¡± Lorenzo asked. He seemed to have misread our friendship. I did like him, but clearly not in the way he had in his mind.


    ¡°Wanted this? Is this what the whole friendship was about?¡±


    ¡°You are getting everything wrong, Jasmine,¡± Lorenzo voiced out, and tried touching my cheeks again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± I said to Lorenzo, but it did feel like my words had little effects on him.


    At that moment, I began to regret all the decisions I had taken that day.


    If only I had just stayed away from Lorenzo as Hardin always warned? Or maybe, if I had gone home with Nadia or even Hardin?


    I had been trying all I could to escape Hardin¡¯s harrassments, but I could swear that I did feel morefortablepared to having Lorenzo kiss me.


    ¡°Can you just take me back home, Lorenzo? I mean, so we keep this friendship and act like all of this did not happen, because I¡¯m clearly disappointed in you.¡±


    At my words, his face had contorted into a frown, and I got worried thinking that I had annoyed him. But it was not the case, his next statement made it clear.


    ¡°You are disappointed in me? Because I tried to kiss you? Did you not know all along that I have been interested in you this way?¡±


    From his reply, I began to wonder if I actually knew who Lorenzo was.


    ¡°I think I know now.¡± He said, and I immediately turned my gaze to him wondering what he knew.


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of Hardin!¡±


    ¡°Hardin now? You are now bringing Hardin into this?¡±


    ¡°Yes! He always feeds you with lies and rubbish about me. He tells you to stay away from me, and you blindly listen. Even with all the unimaginable things that I have seen him do to you. Is there anything about the both of you that I don¡¯t know, Jasmine?¡±


    I did not even know what to feel at that point. I shook my head, and made to open the car door to leave before Lorenzo stopped me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you daree close to me!¡± I rebuffed before stepping out of the vehicle and walking away. Lorenzo stepped down too, and had begun chasing after me. But I kept yelling at him to stay back.


    My anger filled yells seemed to have attracted attention towards us, because a car had pulled up beside me and had asked of the situation. I didn¡¯t reply the stranger, but he didn¡¯t seem like he was going to leave me alone, and neither did Lorenzo.


    ¡°If you want to get away from him I can give you a ride back to town¡± The stranger offered. On a normal day I wouldn¡¯t even think about entering this stranger¡¯s car. But Lorenzo was advancing towards me fast, and I wanted to be as far away as possible from him at the moment.


    I had reluctantly entered the strangers vehicle, and he had zoomed off in the same second.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I appreciated his kindness.


    ¡°Can you drop me a couple meters from here. I can get back on my own.¡± I only wanted to get away from Lorenzo, and now that I had managed to do so, I wanted to be out of this stranger¡¯s vehicle.


    My words were ignored, and the car had immediately increased in speed.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I tried to get the driver¡¯s attention, but his reply told me immediately that it was a kidnap.


    ¡°Shut up and sit back down!¡± The stranger yelled back at me. Instinctively, I had pulled out my cellphone and had dialed the first number I saw, it was Lorenzo¡¯s.


    I had barely spoken a word, when my phone was snatched forcefully from my hand. My attempt to call for help had fetched me a p, and curses from the driver who proceeded to smash my phone.


    I was genuinely scared, but upon staring backwards from the window, I had caught sight of Lorenzo¡¯s car speeding towards us. He probably would have attacked the stranger from behind, but he didn¡¯t want to risk us crashing to our death.


    The stranger seemed to have noticed the approaching vehicle and had stepped harder on the eleration pedal. However Lorenzo¡¯s car was faster, and it wasn¡¯t long before it caught up and intercepted ours.


    Swiftly running out of the car, I raced towards Lorenzo, but the stranger was faster and pulled me backwards.


    ¡°Don¡¯te closer or I¡¯ll kill her¡± He threatened, but Lorenzo wasn¡¯t listening. He was still advancing, and the stranger seemed to have been annoyed by his disobedience which made him push me to the ground before going at Lorenzo.


    The stranger attacked first, his speed was impable, and I was actually surprised Lorenzo was able to react on time to his blows.


    I was genuinely afraid for Lorenzo, but I knew getting involved would only be a hindrance for him. I could only stand aside and do my best to call for help. Besides, I was weak and there was absolutely no help that I could offer to him at that point.


    ¡°Lorenzo!¡± I yelled out in concern.


    He wasn¡¯t doing well against his opponent, and if things continued like that, I feared he might actually die.


    His speed and strength had drastically decreased, and I  knew that if Lorenzo continued the battle, he was inevitably going to lose.


    I was really scared and more concerned about the fact that even if Lorenzo manages to survive it, I might not be able to. The stranger had put in so much effort just to get Lorenzo out of the way, which meant that he was clearly prepared toe for me and the kidnap was not something that happened out of coincidence.


    And as the fight kept on happening in front of me, the memories of the forest attack incidence began to rey in my head, and I suddenly felt the same fear return to me.


    ¡°Mum¡­¡± Involuntarily, I began to stutter, but it did not help, as the tears continued to fall on my cheeks.


    Lorenzo was bleeding from all over and his eyes narrowed towards me. I had no idea what he was thinking, but I genuinely wished he didn¡¯t continue with the fight. I did not want him to risk his life for me anymore.


    And I had no idea what he was doing beforeing to meet me, but he looked clearly exhausted.


    All of it was my fault!


    If I had not stepped out of the car, and entered into a random car.


    If I had not raised a quarrel because of the kiss. Definitely, the effect would not have been as much as it had gotten to, right?


    I was still confused and did not know what to think any more. Subconsciously muttering silent prayers that somehow, help wille.


    And somehow it did.


    The stranger was just about to take advantage of Lorenzo¡¯s distracted self, as his gaze had averted to me. And just as he wanted to give Lorenzo another punch, he was intercepted by Hardin.


    My eyes widened in shock, ¡®What is he doing here?¡¯ I could only wonder.


    As much as his presence was life saving, he was thest person that I expected toe save me at that moment, or even Lorenzo.


    Mainly because it was no hidden fact that he detested Lorenzo, and also because he had warned me on different asions to stay away from Lorenzo.


    I was only bringing unintended trouble to myself which made me feel sad.


    Immediately he intercepted, Hardin held the attacking  stranger¡¯s wrist and snapped it before flinging the man into a tree. Hardin¡¯s eyes had turned yellow and I could tell he wasn¡¯t here for games. He didn¡¯t fully transform, only a mild one. But it was more than enough to handle his opponent.


    I watched the stranger rise to his feet,  regaining hisposure. But instead of attacking Hardin, he had aimed for me. It was all too sudden, and I wasn¡¯t even able to get away from his impending w.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I was waiting for my neck to be sliced off my body, but instead, the body of the stranger fell with a thud to the floor.


    Hardin had snapped his neck.


    ¡°Har¡­ din¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t vocalize my words because Hardin had grabbed me forcefully and pulled me up from the floor.


    ¡°What on earth do you think you¡¯re doing here?¡± His voice was clouded with rage. I wanted to answer, but he wouldn¡¯t let me.


    ¡°You bitch! Always getting in trouble and leaving the me on me! What do you think father will say you when youe home looking like this?! He¡¯s going to call me ipetent because of you!¡± He yelled out before forcefully releasing me from his grip.


    I fell back on my buttocks, but I didn¡¯tin. Hardin reached for the already battered Lorenzo and had punched him twice.


    ¡°And you bastard, you can¡¯t even protect ady! You brought her out here, and you couldn¡¯t even protect her!¡± He was visibly enraged, and had wanted to punch Lorenzo once again but I had interfered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I whispered.


    He had paused and had turned towards me. I felt his anger dwindle, but he wasn¡¯t mellow yet.


    ¡°Get up, we¡¯re going home.¡±

 Not on my watch

    Chapter 49 ¨C Jasmine


    Hardin


    It was a struggle to not scream at Jasmine as I brought her back home, Lorenzo trailing after us.


    When we arrived at the house, Lorenzo held her arm and she stopped, still shaken from almost being kidnapped, it made my anger towards her lessen a bit because it would have been insane if she had not been shaken after what had just happened.


    ¡°Do you want me to stay?¡± He asked and I scoffed, fighting the urge to p his hand away from her arm and resisting the stronger urge that I had to hold him by the neck and ask him questions about what they were doing and why he had put her in harm¡¯s way even though I was sure that he had nothing to do with the kidnappers, considering how he had fought them off until I got there.


    I could not even begin to imagine what would have happened if I had gotten there a minuteter than I have.


    When I saw the look on Jasmine¡¯s face as I pped Lorenzo¡¯s hand away, I decided that perhaps I needed to tone down my anger. She was still terrified and didn¡¯t need me to create another scene right now.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here.¡± I said to Lorenzo, raising my eyebrows and daring him to try to counter my decision.


    We engaged in a staring match for a while, his lips tightening into a thin line before he rxed his features and looked back at her with a small smile.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you, okay?¡± He said to her and when she nodded and turned around, I looked at him.


    ¡°We will have to talk too.¡± And when he nodded, I knew that he understood how serious the matter was. How we needed to put aside our differences because this wasn¡¯t about us.


    No, this was by far bigger than the two of us.


    Someone had tried to kidnap Jasmine.


    Anding right after the fact that someone had shot an arrow at her few weeks ago and we had not even been able to find the culprit, I was even more agitated than before.


    It was easy to fight your enemy when you knew who your enemy was.


    But now we know nothing.


    We were practically fighting blind.


    Entering the house and walking up the stairs, I followed Jasmine into her room in silence and she didn¡¯t even have the strength to turn around and ask why I was entering her room, like she usually did whenever I did.


    I guessed she believed that I could see that she was not in any frame of mind for my games today.


    And she was right. Thest thing I wanted to do right now was taunt her. Or try to harass her.


    It was an unfamiliar feeling, but what was even more strange was the urge that I had to make sure that she was safe. It was not even foreign to me, which I suppose made it worse that despite how much Jasmine made my blood boil, the only person that could bully her had to be me. No one else.


    Kidnapping her? Trying to kill her?


    Not on my watch.


    Sitting on the bed, I watched as she took some clothes from her wardrobe and headed into the shower, locking the door to the bathroom after her.


    Under normal circumstances, I would have probably had something to say about that, especially because we had seen enough of each other without clothes for her to still be shy around me. But I guessed that was who she was.


    She wasn¡¯t like the others who didn¡¯t even need more than a nce before they were stripping in front of me. No, Jasmine didn¡¯t give a fuck who I was.


    She didn¡¯t care if I was the Alpha¡¯s son or the king of the school. She was not afraid to tell me what she felt to my face.


    Perhaps that was why I always wanted to intimidate her. Perhaps that was why I hated that I was drawn to her despite everything that I did to make sure that I kept her at arms length.


    She came out of the bathroom, wearing a long dress that swept the ground but it did nothing to hide those curves that she had on her.


    Her ck hair was damp and as she headed towards the bed to sit, I could not keep my eyes off her even though I would have liked to pretend that she didn¡¯t affect me the way she did. Not that she was even conscious of the hold that she had on me. It made me even more angry with her. That she had the ability to draw me in without even doing anything on purpose.


    ¡°Would you like to eat anything?¡± I found myself asking as she entered under the covers of her bed and she shook her head, her bright green eyescking any form of warmth. Then again, no one who was almost been kidnapped would be able to even fake a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait till it¡¯s time for dinner. I¡¯m not hungry, thank you.¡± She whispered and it made me feel so angry at the world, because of how small she sounded.


    She looked so scared, it made me want to go back and hunt the people responsible for putting that fear in her eyes and make sure that they died a slow painful death.


    Looking away from her, I fisted my hands, filled with rage that someone was trying to harm someone like Jasmine whose only crime was being too good for this world.


    Rising to my feet, I was about to leave the room to make some calls and get to the root of this issue when she spoke, her voice barely a whisper as if she could not believe that she was speaking herself.


    Perhaps it was the request that she made that she could not believe she was asking for.


    ¡°Can you stay? Please?¡±


    When I turned to look at her, she quickly added ¡°I¡¯m not saying that you should sit beside me or anything but I don¡¯t want to be alone right now.¡±


    I thought she was scared. I was wrong. She was terrified.


    And I understood why she felt that she could not be alone.


    Silently, I rxed into the couch and we looked at each other in silence until her eyes started to flutter shut.


    It didn¡¯t take long for her to fall asleep thankfully, because it meant that she would not notice when I sat beside her on the bed and removed a loose strand of hair from her face. It meant that she would not notice how I stared at her with longing that I should not be having for my step sister.


    Stepping out of her bedroom, I closed the door gently and was about to head to my bedroom, not interested in going downstairs for dinner tonight because I knew that my father would grill me until I was about to lose my mind about the investigation into this case, because if he hadn¡¯t heard about it now, he would by dinner.


    Bringing out my phone to call Lorenzo as I held the door knob to my bedroom, I saw that my aunt had called me earlier and I closed the door to my bedroom and headed down the hallway to her room.


    Knocking once, I entered and watched as she scrambled to end the call as she saw who had entered.


    Rising to her feet, she gave me an awkward smile like she had been caught doing something suspicious.


    ¡°Hello, aunt.¡±


    ¡°My favorite and only nephew. What brings you here? You could have knocked.¡± She answered breathing, and it made my brows raise in suspicion.


    She had been making a lot of phone callstely and the worst part was that she was being awfully secretive about it which meant that it might be serious. I wondered if it had anything to do with Jasmine and her mother. If she was already nning to be mean to them again and I shook my head, deciding to give her the benefit of the doubt.


    ¡°I did knock.  You called me earlier today, that¡¯s why I came.¡± I told her and she nodded, her smile very cryptic.


    ¡°Perhaps another time we can discuss about that. It was not urgent.¡± She replied and even though everything didn¡¯t look out of ce in her bedroom, I suspected that she was hiding something.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I asked and she led me towards the door herself, gently rising on her tiptoes  to kiss my cheek as she waved me off, and when she closed the door and I turned around to head to my room, I added her weird behavior to the list of problems that I needed to solve.


    And if there was something about me that I appreciated, it was my ability to always find answers. And I was going to do just that .

 Undoing

    Hardin¡¯s POVThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re shooting daggers from your eyes, bro. Did something happen?¡± Alex¡¯s voice dragged me away from my thoughts and when I finally looked away from the table that I had been staring at, I saw that his brows were raised in question as he gestured towards the direction that I had been looking at.


    It was of course, none other than Jasmine¡¯s table where she was sitting with her friend and Lorenzo, her knight in shining armour.


    I had called and spoken to him yesterday to discuss the attempted kidnapping and to gauge if I had been wrong to not suspect him for having a hand in the attempt and so far, other than him vowing to remain by her side and protect her, a promise that would have put me at ease if he was talking about any other person but Jasmine, he seemed to be in the clear which brought me back to square one.


    Who could have wanted to kidnap Jasmine and why?


    Of course this morning before I had left for school, my father had summoned me to his office, of course already hearing all about the attempt from Jasmine at dinner that I had not bothered to attend because I was not ready to deal with the stern look on his face, a harsh reprimand for almost losing his precious step daughter, especially after he had put me on guard duty for her since the very first time that she had narrowly escaped a couple of arrows hitting her square in the chest and head.


    He had demanded that I followed Jasmine to where she would he training today and assist her in learning self defense in ce of her instructor today and even though, I didn¡¯t particrly have a problem with that order, considering that I was also scared shitless of what would happen to her if her attackers tried again and she was all by herself, I hated that she was still allowed to do things as mundane as attending bullshit sses when we didn¡¯t even know who the killer was and where he could be.


    Grudgingly, I had epted the order even though I knew that with or without it, I was going to force Jasmine to learn how to protect herself. She seemed to forget that she was a werewolf even though she had not shifted, so it was easy for her to feel incapable of doing anything since technically, she was not yet aplete werewolf because she had not been able to shift into one.


    I hated this uncertainty.


    I hated that instead of giving my time to actually making Jasmine¡¯s life bad enough that she and her mother would leave, I was watching her like a hawk, trying to keep her alive. What was worse was that I wanted to watch her. I could spend hours watching Jasmine Scott.


    Wearing a ck long sleeved title necked top, her hair in a high ponytail and baggy navy jeans that hid those dangerous curves for days, she smiled at something her friend said, who looked like she was oblivious of the attack.


    Looking away from Lorenzo, our eyes met and she froze, her lips slightly parting as if she needed to breathe more through her mouth. It made me curious about what she thought about whenever she looked at me and if she could read the look in my eyes whenever she did.


    It made me wonder why I wanted her to look at me the way she looked at Lorenzo. Like I was a saviour.


    **********


    By the time ss ended, Jasmine came out of herst ss for the day to find me leaning against her locker in the hallway and she could not hide her displeasure.


    I, on the other hand, smirked because I loved to see her squirm because of me.


    ¡°What do you want, Hardin?¡± She whispered as she closed the distance between us and gestured for me to move away from her locker, opening it to shove her books inside.


    ¡°To drive you home, of course. I¡¯m taking my guard duties very serious this time.¡± I drawled and she frowned, looking up at me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend to care about what happens to me when we are not at home in front of our parents. There is no need to score cheap points at school. I¡¯ll hitch a ride with Nadia. Or Lorenzo.¡±


    My face hardened immediately and I mmed her locker door shut, making her gasp before I stared down.


    There was no way in hell that I would let her get on a ride with Lorenzo anymore. She would have to shoot me for that to happen.


    I hated the jealousy that gripped my chest but she didn¡¯t need to know that I was jealous.  All she needed to do was leave the school with me whether she liked it or not.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re right. I don¡¯t care.¡± I lied ¡°But you are having self defense lessons with me today and I¡¯m not about to let you waste my time. So you¡¯reing with me right now or I¡¯m going to cause a scene. It¡¯s your choice.¡± I finished with a smirk that made her roll her eyes.


    But she didn¡¯t object again to following me and we drove back home in silence, going to our rooms to change into training gear before heading out of the house again to the abandoned warehouse that was located not too far from the cottage.


    Coming down from the car, I watched as she tried to stop herself from talking to me, ready to continue the silent treatment even though she was curious about this ce.


    ¡°You won¡¯t die if you ask me, Jasmine.¡±


    Frowning at me, she walked into the warehouse first, giving me a view of her lovely backside, the tights that she wore sticking to her body like a second skin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just train and get the hell out of here.¡± She answered, removing her shirt to reveal a sports bra that was the same shade as the tights and proceeding to pack her hair up into a messy ponytail.


    I hated the way my dick got hard at the sight of her. I hated that I could not seem to not want her.


    Removing my shirt so that I was left in only pants, I watched as she tried hard to not look at my body directly, and it pleased me that she was as affected as I was, even though we hated each other¡¯s guts.


    ¡°My dad says you¡¯ve been training with an instructor. Show me what you¡¯ve got.¡± I said mockingly and she charged at me, trying to hit me. Shockingly, she seeded after two tries but she was too focused on hitting me that she left herself vulnerable and I took advantage of that, tripping her.


    What I didn¡¯t expect was for her to grab me as she fell and I swiftly turned, making sure that I would fall to the ground first instead.


    Falling on top of me, she red at me, her chest flush against mine until she felt my dick pressing into her stomach.


    I should have probably stopped myself. But why should I? When she looked like sin that was sent to me.


    Changing our positions to pin her against the ground, with her chest on the floor, I raised her ass up and held her hands, spanking her hard and my dick hardened to fucking stone when she whimpered.


    ¡°Hardin, what are you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to fuck you now, Jasmine. So sit tight.¡± I growled and in one move, I pulled her tights down, taking a deep breath when I found that she was not wearing any underwear and her pussy was wet.


    I couldn¡¯t help myself. I bent and tasted her and she gasped, her body betraying her as she pushed her ass into her face even further, wanting more.


    I licked her some more, biting down on her clit and she moaned, biting down her lip to try to stop it but it was toote.


    She might hate me all she wanted but in this matter, we both knew that she loved my dick inside her.


    Pulling my briefs down, I still held both her hands behind her back and I felt her take in a deep breath when I pushed my dick inside her slowly until I reached the hilt.


    I hated how much I loved fucking her. It was like a disease that I could not get rid of.


    Grabbing her throat, I didn¡¯t give her any warning before I started to thrust, hard and fast, my butt muscles tightening as I fucked her like it was going to be thest time.


    The only sounds in the empty warehouse were my grunts and her stifled moans as I mmed into her over and over again, her walls tightening around me and making me delirious with pleasure.


    Thest coherent thought I had right before I felt the orgasm taking control of the two of us was that I should be careful.


    No, it was that I should be afraid. Because my want for Jasmine did not look like it was going to stop anytime soon. And that desire seemed like it would be my undoing.

 Well deserved

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    ¡°Wee back captain.¡± The team chorused as I stepped into the changing room and I grinned, finally able to rest and know that I was not under any pressure to keep the position any longer, especially because it involved trying not to show my intense dislike for Lorenzo.


    As I passed by him on the way to my locker, he smiled and I ignored him.


    ¡°Congrattions on bing captain of the team, again. Well deserved.¡± He said in a calm voice that would have been believable from anybody else except him because not up to twenty four hours ago, he was still running against me for this very same position.


    It baffled me howposed he looked and I wondered why he had even run against me in the first ce?


    Was it to piss me off because he had done an excellent job at it. I couldn¡¯t think of any reason why he did and suddenly dropped out. I bet Jasmine would know about why but she didn¡¯t look like she did yesterday.


    Anyways, it didn¡¯t matter anymore. I was captain again and no matter how much I wanted to punch Lorenzo in the face anytime I saw his face, I would save all of that for when we were not on school grounds.


    ¡°Thank you for your contribution to the team. It was fun running against you even though there was really never anypetition, was there?¡± I answered and the smile on his face dimmed for a second before it came back in full force. Fake. So fake. I wondered how Jasmine and the rest of the school poption did not see past his good boy act.


    Then again, as long as he did the act far away from me and Jasmine, I didn¡¯t care.


    As for Jasmine, I¡¯d be damned if I let whatever Lorenzo thought was between them flourish. He didn¡¯t know that but if he thought that by stepping down for me, he was going to find my favour in that area, then he was in for a surprise.


    ¡°If you say so, Hardin. See you at practice.¡± He answered and as he headed out of the locker room, Alex and Sandro walked over to where I was standing.


    ¡°What did he want?¡± Alex asked and I shrugged.


    ¡°To congratte me.¡±


    ¡°Well, then, that¡¯s not suspicious at all, is it?¡± Sandro said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, showing that just like me, he didn¡¯t believe that something was not up with Lorenzo.


    ¡°Whatever he¡¯s up to, we will find out in due time.¡± I answered, picking up my helmet as we headed for the field.


    Whatever Lorenzo was up to, I would find out and I would be ready for him.


    The one person that I was not ready for, however was my father because his text was waiting for me after I finished practice to see him when I got home.


    Even though I knew why he wanted to see me, it didn¡¯t make my legs feel any lighter as I dragged my feet to his office when I got home, wasting enough time in the shower and still being unable to avoid the inevitable topic that was apparently not just bothering him but the pack elders and was very important to the future of the pack.


    Finding my mate. . .


    When I entered his office, Cam was leaning against the table beside him, the two of them looking at something on theptop.


    ¡°You¡¯re here. Wee¡± Cam said when she raised her head and saw that it was me that had entered, her smile wide and warm in a way that I was still not used to. Perhaps it was because I was still unsure if she was for real and because I felt bad that liking her would be betraying my mother.


    ¡°Hello Hardin¡± My father said coolly, turning to look up at his wife with a smile. Cam leaned down and kissed him gently.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two to discuss. Shall I send snacks up?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my darling. You may.¡± My father answered with an affectionate smile that made me feel like I shouldn¡¯t even be here. I wanted to hate him for moving on. But he had loved my mum with every fibre of his being, had not looked at another woman when she was alive so as much as I was angry, I could not help but feel envious that he had been given a second chance at love. Especially because I was yet to even find my mate and given my behaviour, I was not sure that the gods would bother to pair anyone with someone as insufferable as I was.


    Patting my shoulder affectionately as she walked past me towards the door, she closed the door gently behind her and the room was silent for what felt like hours instead of minutes before my father spoke.


    ¡°You know why I called you here, Hardin.¡±


    ¡°Yes and I¡¯ve not found her yet, father. What do you want me to do? Go around sniffing the entire female poption across town to find her?¡±


    It was possible, given that I had already slept with at least half the town and was sure that neither of those people were my mate. I would know.


    Finding your mate was a very instant thing, everyone had said. And even though people could marry for love and not just the mating bond alone, like my father¡¯s marriage with Cam, there was nothing that couldpare to mating with your mate. Mating with the other half of your soul, as chosen by the goddess.


    Perhaps something was wrong with me.


    My father had found my mother when he was sixteen and I was going on neen in a couple of months with no mate in sight.


    There was also the issue that I didn¡¯t even think I wanted to find my mate. I watched my father after my mother died. I didn¡¯t think I could deal with that kind of loss. I would destroy the world in rage.


    That was why I was not even looking forward to finding her, whoever she was. I¡¯d take my chances marrying anyone else that I wouldn¡¯t lose my head over.


    ¡°Perhaps that is what we should do. But rather than go searching, we will bring the search closer to you. I will speak to the elders to see if we can host a ball, bringing all the young eligible maidens from far and near. Surely, your mate will be closer than you think.¡±This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I nodded, because that was the only way he would let me leave his office as fast as I could and fortunately, he dismissed me to continue his other tasks.


    Entering my room, I walked towards the balcony only to see my aunting out of the woods, wearing a cloak.


    Now this would have been an innocuous sign if I hadn¡¯t already seen her in that same cloak, in a ndestine meeting with someone.


    And her behaviour these days was so suspicious, I couldn¡¯t continue to look away. I wanted answers from her. She had also been awfully quiet about Cam and Jasmine when they were the reason she had flown in from across the ocean in the first ce.


    Wearing my shirt that I had already removed, I went to wait in front of her room door, feigning ignorance of her whereabouts when she arrived in front of the door and was startled by my presence.


    ¡°Hardin! It feels like it¡¯s been ages since I saw you.¡± She said, her voiceced with panic.


    ¡°I feel the same way. Where did you go?¡± I asked, making my voice sound as non-threatening as possible.


    Her eyes narrowed at me before she smiled again.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe in?¡± She answered,pletely evading my question and opening the door to her room, leaving it ajar as she entered.


    I walked in after her and watched as she removed the cloak and sat on the bed. The only whiff of scent that I had gotten that wasn¡¯t hers wasced with too much perfume for me to be able to hold on to it. But it meant that she had been out there  with someone, maybe the same person from that night that I saw her in the woods.


    ¡°Is there something you need from me, nephew? Is that why you¡¯re asking me about where I¡¯ming from like I¡¯m a child?¡±


    ¡°If you were not doing anything remotely suspicious, you wouldn¡¯t be so defensive about an innocent question, would you, aunt?¡±


    Her face paled immediately in shock but she quickly covered it up with a yawn.


    ¡°I have absolutely no idea what you¡¯re going on about, Hardin. If you have anything that you¡¯re using me of,e back with proof, alright, sweetheart?¡± She replied and when she started taking off her clothes, I turned around and left the room.


    Maybe I was wrong.


    But if there was one thing that had never failed me before, it was my intuition and I knew that she was hiding something. And I was going to find out what it was whether she liked it or not.

 In shock

    A day earlier


    Jasmine


    Everything at home had been going quite well. I confirmed when at dinner, and Russo was not around, Lisa had quietly eaten her meal, without making any attempt to taunt Mom. Hardin also, though he was not at dinner, was doing pretty okay and had barely slept outside the house in the past weeks. His absence at dinner was clearly because he had apanied Dad for a meeting.


    I could also attest to the fact that Hardin was getting better, asides that he still had sex with me when he wanted, which I did not totally hate, as I felt some emotions of love towards him.


    Well, I guess it was the one thing that always kept me in check whenever I thought of reporting Hardin. Since as much as it was wrong for a step brother to have sexual attractions towards his sister, it was also wrong for me to be emotionally attached to him.


    ¡°Take care, Mom,¡± I passed her a kiss, before finally leaving the house to join Hardin that was already waiting for me outside.


    Through out the drive to school, I did not exchange any words to Hardin, and thankfully the earphone that I had on me was a perfect distraction. But still, from the corner of my eyes, I could notice Hardin¡¯s res on me.


    Just as I stepped down from the car, I noticed Lorenzo parking by the side of Hardin¡¯s car which caused my heart beat to skip by a millisecond as Hardin had passed a sharp re on me. I was hoping that they had resolved whatever issues that they had, but as much as they had tried to resolve whatever issues that they had since after the kidnap incident, their baseless hatred for themselves still thrived.


    ¡°Jasmine¡­¡± Lorenzo walked over to where I stood with a smile on his face, and it was then that the conversation that I and Lorenzo had yesterday after dinner came back to my memory. The same thing that he had been doing for a while which always got me pissed off, was what he didst night.


    Ask for pictures of me, naked.


    When Lorenzo brought up the topic, I made sure to tell him that I did not like the whole idea of it, and that he should stop. But he never listens. And whenever the conversation was getting to the peak, and getting me clearly annoyed, he always did apologize and promise to never do it. But it was not the case.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I sighed, trying hard to let him know that I did not appreciate any of his pervy advances, even as I had forgiven him.


    ¡°You¡¯re still angry? I said that I¡¯m sorry already,¡± Lorenzo informed, and with a sigh, I dropped my chin that I had already raised.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he quickly mentioned, and we left for sses.


    ¡°Who is going with me for a party? Jasmine!¡± Nadia said, before I could even answer, startling me.


    ¡°What party?¡± My brows were raised, while my eyes searched hers, ¡°what party please?¡±


    ¡°Have you not heard?¡± She rolled her eyes, as she walked to sit where I was at the cafeteria.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    It was not exactly lunch break, but all of the other wolves including Lorenzo had gone for running, which was a particr ss activity that I always missed out on because I had not turned.


    But to my surprise, Nadia had probably skipped it, and there she was with me, talking about party.


    ¡°Astrid¡¯s throwing another party. Do you even know anything that is happening around you?¡± She shook her head, then picked up thest bacon that I had on my te.


    ¡°Nadia¡­¡± Before I could stop her, she had already thrown it into her mouth, and I was left, staring at her.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± she mouthed with a giggle.


    I could not get angry at her, anyway, so I took my gaze back to the food. But I knew exactly what to say that was going to get Nadia begging, which I did.


    ¡°I am not going for the party.¡± I mentioned, and silently waited for her response.


    ¡°What?! You can¡¯t be serious right?¡±


    Well, to Nadia, I did not want to go for the party to serve her as punishment that she ate my bacon, but I knew it was because of what happened thest time at Astrid¡¯s party. And even as I did not want to think about it, whenever I saw Astrid and the blonde haired girl that I still did not know her name, I could not help but keep on reying the videos that Hardin had showed me that day in my head.


    Soon enough, the hall became noisy, and when I tilted my wrist to check the time, it was lunch break already.


    ¡°Hey Lorenzo,¡± Nadia called out, making me to raise my face to meet Lorenzo walking towards us with a smile. Seconds after, Hardin walked in with Sandro and Alex, and when my eyes met with his, I gulped before quickly turning away.


    Anybody that had seen me at that moment, might wonder why exactly I had to because we sure came to school together.


    It was just sad that Hardin had possibly noticed the way that I looked at him, with eyes filled with admiration as he walked in.


    I was trying so much to stop myself from admiring him, but with the way his dark thick hairs dropped to his face, it was almost an impossible mission.


    I focused back on my food with Lorenzo and Nadia having little talks. Lorenzo made sure to call my name with almost everything be said, but I tried to just smile at his statement as he was clearly doing everything to get my attention and some talks which I did not want.


    With the way he sounded, he was already getting bored talking with Nadia which was a surprising thing as Nadia was always the life of the party.


    Having so many failed attempts in getting me to focus on him, Lorenzo reached out for my phone that my attention had gone to, and subconsciously, I tried to counter him.


    But that was not exactly what left me in shock.


    While he tried taking it, the fork I had in my hands left and was about falling to the floor, and definitely, it would have made a sound that will call everyone¡¯s attention towards me which I did not want.


    Reflexly, I caught it before it could reach the floor, and as much as it was a normal thing for every wolf; having an enhanced reflex, I was stunned for a brief second.


    Did it happen just by chance, or my training was gradually paying off?


    Well, I could not tell, but I made sure to note down that I was going to put more efforts into training, and probably give myself some other reflex test.


    With a smile still stered on my face from the excitement that I felt, ¡°what is it Lorenzo?¡± I probed.


    ¡°I just wanted to¡­¡±


    ¡°You are crazy for even having the thoughts of it.¡±


    Hardin¡¯s voice interrupted, with another loud punch that followed.


    About all the eyes that were at the cafeteria at that moment turned to where the noise came from, and it was then that I saw Hardin punching a random kid. I had no idea what the person had done, Sandro and Alex¡¯s faces even had confusion written on them.


    Hardin gave the kid two more punches before dragging him out of the cafeteria, and I shook my head, wondering if Hardin knew the implications of what he had done.


    His position as captain was already at stake, and with the violent act that he had just shown at the cafeteria, his chances of staying as captain was almost at nothing.


    As if Lorenzo had read my mind, he called out my attention with a smirk.


    ¡°Jasmine, you are sure Hardin is aware that he can not stay as captain of Lacrosse team with this his unending violent nature, right?¡± At Lorenzo¡¯s words, I shot a re at him before taking my eyes back to the disappearing figure of Hardin. Lorenzo was the reason why Hardin even had topete for the position in the first ce, but it did not change the fact that the truth was not far-fetched from what he had said.


    Distorting my face into a frown, ¡°but you don¡¯t really need the position of captain, you know. And we are well aware that you just want to stress Hardin. Can you please stop all of this, Lorenzo?¡±


    Instead of answering my question, he went about with teasing me.


    ¡°You sure know me, Jasmine,¡± Lorenzo answered with a smirk, ¡°I might as well not even function if I am appointed as captain.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just leave it for Hardin? Please¡­¡±


    I knew how much Hardin loved Lacrosse, and I knew better of how much he loved to lead. It was something inherent in him.


    And asides the time that I had seen him getting pressured from Russo, the Lacrossepetition thing was another thing that kept him on his toes.


    ¡°Well, I will leave it if that is what you want,¡± Lorenzo shrugged.


    I was filled with excitement, till his next words followed.


    ¡°But I have a condition.¡±

 Bare thighs

    Still a day earlier


    Hardin¡¯s POV


    If there was a motto that I lived by that I was sure was one of the reasons why I had made a name for myself in this school, it was the act first, talkter movement.


    I saw the way everyone else minded their business almost immediately I looked at them with raised eyebrows as I dragged the boy that I had just punched out of the cafeteria. I knew that once I left the cafeteria, there would be a lot of mumblings and spections about why I had punched him and was now taking him out of the cafeteria to finish the job. And if I was someone who cared about what people said, then maybe it would have bothered me but I didn¡¯t.


    Something at the back of my mind reminded me that this was not an action that I should have carried out, especially because they were yet to even decide if I was to keep my title as captain of the team or give it to that fake prince charming, Lorenzo. And from the looks of it, after this scene, I was sure that he would report it. Anything to make sure that I lost. But I still didn¡¯t care as much as I should.


    Nothing seemed to even make me want to stop myself from dealing with this guy, especially because he deserved it.


    Dragging him out to the emptycrosse field since everyone else was inside by this time, I pushed him and let go of the back of his neck, watching as he fell to the ground and turned around to look at me in fear.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Hardin. I didn¡¯t do anything, I swear¡± The boy muttered shakily and if I hadn¡¯t overheard him, I would have believed that it was not possible for him to do a single thing that was bad.


    He looked like the kind of kid that would get called the nice guy by others only to end up stabbing people in the back. He looked like Lorenzo did. Perhaps that was why his plea made me angrier and I growled, making him flinch.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything, right?¡± I drawled and when he nodded, I grinned even though anyone who saw me would know that it was far from a smile.


    He didn¡¯t do anything, actually. It didn¡¯t even count that he did something, since the reason why I had brought him out was because I overheard everything he was saying to his friends.


    Of course he would not think that the reason why I brought him out was because I had overheard him openly lusting after Jasmine and telling his friends that he was going to do everything in his power to make sure that he fucked her.


    Thanks to supernatural hearing, his words had floated over to me like he was sitting right beside me when he said them and when I had looked at his face, there was so much pride and determination on his face that he was trying to fake innocence on right now, like he was not capable of hurting a fly. And people like him, pretenders were the worst type of assholes.


    Jasmine thought I was an evil bastard but I didn¡¯t pretend to be a nice guy like Lorenzo. I didn¡¯t pretend like this guy.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Ben.¡± He stuttered and I nodded, noting it down at the back of my mind.


    ¡°What year?¡±


    ¡°Junior year¡± he answered and I nodded again.


    Bending down to grab his jaw, I held his gaze.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Listen to me carefully, young man. Because I¡¯m only going to say this once.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever you want, Hardin, just say the word.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t have much choice anyways. You will go back to your little friends and tell them that everything you said about Jasmine was disrespectful and you will make sure that neither you or your friends even walk in the same direction whenever you see her.  You will stay as far away from her as possible, do I make myself clear?¡±


    He nodded, his eyes filling with tears as I grabbed his arm. Pathetic. Utterly pathetic.


    I was contemting what would be the best punishment for him when Sandro called my name and I released my grip on Ben, turning around to look at him.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? I have news.¡± Sandro said, looking at Ben before pulling me to a corner.


    Frowning, I wondered what bad news it was, because I knew that it was only a matter of time before someone reported the scene that I had created in the cafeteria to the school, especially because everyone knew I was still on probation to be captain.


    ¡°Give me the bad news fast. I have things to do.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good news¡± Sandro said with a smile.


    ¡°Lorenzo just informed the coach that there is no need for the assessment anymore. He¡¯s no longer interested inpeting with you for your position. The best part? He said it himself that you will be a better captain. Coach is looking for you now.¡±


    My eyes widened in surprise and even though this was supposed to be the best news that I had gotten in a while, I didn¡¯t know how to feel about it. Because why had Lorenzo done that?


    ¡°Help me handle him.¡± I told Sandro, gesturing towards Ben and he nodded, patting my shoulder.


    Long after I saw Coach who repeated the same thing that Sandro had told me and announced me as captain of the team, I sat in my car, thinking about why Lorenzo could have done what he did, while waiting for Jasmine who was supposed to go home with me today.


    When the passenger door opened and she entered, I red at her, my eyes moving to the skirt that she wore today.


    It was ridiculously short or it could be that her fat ass made it even shorter but it made me blind with anger and jealousy that she had dressed up like that, allowing other guys to look at her lustfully.


    I had to remind myself that I didn¡¯t own her and I didn¡¯t have a right to be angry but it didn¡¯t stop me from growling at her.


    ¡°You could just let me hitch a ride with Nadia if you do not want me to be in your space.¡±


    ¡°We need to talk¡± I answered and started the car, knowing that I didn¡¯t want to have this conversation in the school parking lot where anyone might be watching us.


    The ride home was quick and silent and I hated the way my dick hardened everytime I nced at her bare thighs.


    When we arrived at the house, I followed her upstairs and barged into her room when she was about to close the door on my face, locking it after me.


    Her eyes widened in fear and she moved back, giving me a wide berth.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem? I thought you got what you wanted. You¡¯re the captain of thecrosse team again. I thought you¡¯d be in happier spirits.¡±


    Raising my eyebrows at her, I scoffed.


    ¡°First off, let¡¯s start with that ridiculously short skirt that you wore to school today. Do you know why I punched that guy in the cafeteria? He was talking about how he wanted to do things to you. And it¡¯s because you woke up and decided that you wanted to seduce the male poption today, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Her eyes widened and she shook her head almost immediately, looking down at her skirt.


    It made meugh.


    ¡°And secondly, I don¡¯t know what you and your boyfriend have nned and why he stepped down from thepetition but I hope he knows that I do not see this as a favour. And that he knows that no matter what he does, I will always be better than him.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t wear the skirt to seduce anyone.¡± She countered back and I hated how my dick hardened at her defiant tone. I hated how my body responded to her.


    ¡°Well, you must have worn it for attention, Jasmine. And now you¡¯re going to get it.¡±


    Closing the distance between us, I grabbed her neck and pushed her down to the bed. She gasped and as she tried to wriggle away from my grasp, she ended up falling chest down to the bed, her skirt flying up to reveal her beautiful ass in a thong.


    I knew that I wouldn¡¯t be able to be soft or slow today, the lust almost like pain in my throat.


    Pinning her down to the bed, her hands held behind my back by my other hand, I loosened my belt and brought out my cock, stroking it with a groan.


    ¡°Hardin¡­¡± She whimpered as I pushed her thong to the side and pushed two fingers into her wet tight pussy.


    I hated that she still had the ability to make me want her like this. But right now, my hatred didn¡¯t matter. Nothing mattered, except the groan that escaped my throat when I mmed into her tight heat.


    Her head fell back and I covered her mouth, thrusting into her hard and fast, the only sound in the room been my muffled groans as I fucked her like I was a dying man and this was thest time.


    Lorenzo might have thought that he had won by stepping down for me to be captain but he would never have Jasmine. Because I would never let him.

 Attempted murder

    Hardin¡¯s POV


    ¡°You look like you could use some sleep.¡± Alex said when I entered the boy¡¯s locker room to change for our evening practice and I merely grunted, too exhausted to answer.


    My father had traveled out of the pack for a meeting that was going tost for one week and had automatically made me interim head, whether or not I was willing to ept the role.


    I had almost been moved to ask him to make his Beta interim head instead but when he had spoken, I had known that this was a test. He wanted me to prove to him that I was capable of being a leader and a part of me wondered what would happen if I failed to keep things in order by the time he returned.


    ¡°Being Alpha looks like it sucks, bro.¡± Sandro quipped and even though I agreed, I didn¡¯t answer. I was born to lead. There was never any doubt that I would one daye into power. And with the way the elders and my father were insistent on me finding a mate, I knew that I had to step up my game. It was now or never.


    Heading to the field, I realized that I hadn¡¯t seen Jasmine in school. Did she note to school today?


    I had been so busy these past few days that I had hardly seen her. I was sure she would like that my bothersome ass had been too busy to look for her.


    There was still the issue of finding who had tried to kidnap her and even though we had not heard any news yet, I knew that we were not in the clear. In fact, it felt like this was the calm before the storm. Because we still did not know the perpetrators. And we had to continue to live knowing that they were still out there, probably waiting for another opportunity to strike.


    Sending a text to one of the pack guards to help me make sure that she was in the house, I pocketed my phone and reminded myself that I was not doing this because I cared for her, but because she was my father¡¯s stepdaughter and like everything else and everyone else that he had left under my care, she was mine to protect.


    I ignored the voice that whispered that I was lying to myself about my motives and by the end of practice, I felt like I was hit by a truck.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Dragging myself to the house, I groaned when my phone pinged, a reminder that I was supposed to make a call to the neighbouring pack and wrap up the conversation that the Alpha was having with my father. Heading to the bathroom first, I walked into my father¡¯s study and sat in his chair, reaching for his business phone that I had dropped here before leaving for school this morning.


    It was not lost on me that in a couple of years, I would no longer be running these errands for my father but it would be my full responsibility.


    The call was brief and straight to the point and I sighed in relief as I closed the door to my father¡¯s office, about to head down the stairs to find something to eat when I heard cries down the hall.


    That voice was unmistakably Jasmine¡¯s and before I could think about it, I was moving towards the sound and it led me into Cam¡¯s bedroom, the one that also doubled as an office for her books that she had separately from my father because she didn¡¯t like staying alone in their shared room.


    When I entered the room, I paused at the door, the scene before me pulling at the heartstrings that I thought had died a long time ago.


    Because Jasmine was weeping as she held her mother¡¯s hand.


    Cami wasying on the bed, her eyes closed and trembling.  And as I walked into the room, Jasmine finally turned her attention towards me, her eyes red and swollen from probably crying her eyes out.


    The pack doctor was attending to Cam and when he finally noticed me, he stopped briefly to bow in greeting before he continued.


    ¡°What is going on? Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡± I asked Jasmine and even though my voice didn¡¯t mean to be harsh, it came out like that but Jasmine was probably too tired to react to that.


    ¡°I sent you a message.¡± She whispered and when I brought out my phone, I realized that she had indeed sent me a message.


    Moving closer to the bed, I looked at the doctor.


    ¡°What is wrong with her?¡±


    ¡°Right now, we cannot say but I am trying to break her fever and then we will take her to the clinic to run some tests.¡± He answered and I was about to ask how long it was going to take for that to happen when my eyesnded on something that made me freeze.


    There were red bumps all over her skin and I had seen those bumps before so I was not mistaken about it.


    It couldn¡¯t be. Could it?


    ¡°What is it?¡± Jasmine asked when she noticed how wide my eyes were and I shook my head, taking her hand and leading her outside the room.


    ¡°Allow him to do his job. I want to ask you something.¡± I said when she tried to withdraw her hand.


    Outside the door, I fought the urge to panic but it was hard not to allow the dark memories to drag me down. It was hard to see those red bumps and not remember my mother.


    Because they were the same identical bumps I had seen on my mother once.


    ¡°Tell me everything that happened.¡± I asked Jasmine and she opened her mouth to speak, her hands shaking and more tears trickling down her cheeks but nothing came out.


    She held her chest and I realized that she was having a panic attack.


    It was so sad because it felt like deja vu. Like I was watching what had happened to me repeat itself again in slow motion but to someone else.


    Grabbing her face, I forced her to maintain eye contact with me.


    ¡°Breathe, Jasmine. Breathe!¡± I ordered and I watched as she took one shaky breath after the other until she stopped gasping for air.


    Leading her to the chair in the hallway, I sat beside her and held her hand. I was an asshole but Ipletely understood what she was going through now and knew that I needed to try to be nice.


    ¡°She was finest night. And just this morning, as I was about to go to school, I followed her to the kitchen because she wanted to pack lunch for us and she suddenly copsed. She woke up some minutester and said she was fine, that it was just exhaustion but I couldn¡¯t go to school because I was worried. Just an hour ago, she started to feel feverish and by the time I called the doctors, she was like that. Like the way you saw her.¡±


    I hated how my heart tightened in horror because I remembered vividly how my mother had died. And what led to it was still fresh in my mind. Those red bumps especially were too identical to my mother¡¯s to just be coincidence.


    ¡°Have you called my father yet?¡±


    ¡°No. I wanted to wait for you. The pack doctor said the same.¡±


    Because my father¡¯s instruction was that I was Alpha and that I had the final say on everything until he returned.


    ¡°You did good, Jasmine. Calling the pack doctor was smart. We will make sure that she¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t lose her, Hardin. I won¡¯t survive it. I can¡¯t¡±  She whispered, sobbing again and I hugged her, caressing her hair softly because no one deserved this. No one deserved to lose a loved one.


    Remembering that there was something I could do about it, I pulled back and cleaned Jasmine¡¯s face.


    ¡°Listen to me, Jasmine. I¡¯ve seen this case before and there is a herb that can help provide her with relief but I have to go to the forest to get it.¡± I refrained from telling her that it was my mother for two reasons. One, I  wasn¡¯t ready to talk about my mother¡¯s illness or her passing. Secondly, I didn¡¯t want Jasmine to panic and think her mother would not survive because even though a part of me still hated them for having the happily ever after that my mother never got, I didn¡¯t want Cam to die.


    ¡°What about your father? Will you call him?¡± She asked and I nodded.


    But I would do it after I hade back from the forest. There was no point worrying him when she wasn¡¯t even stable. I could help and I wanted to.


    But if there was one thing that I had gathered from all of this, it was that my mother had not died a natural death like I thought she had and whoever had been responsible for her death was also responsible for what was happening to Cam.

 Trust me

    Jasmine


    A part of me was very skeptical when Hardin had said that he was going into the woods to get herbs for my mother because with the way he and his aunt, Lisa hated us so much, I would have thought that he would be happy with the turn out of events.


    Lisa had also not been in the house since this morning and I wondered what she would think if she came in and saw that my mother was sick.


    Hardin¡¯s face had been theplete opposite of happy after he walked in and saw my mother. Like he had seen this kind of thing before. And when he confirmed it and I went to ask the pack doctor about it after Hardin left to get the herbs, the doctor had been vague and tight lipped about the issue and it made me wary because who was sick with the exact same illness like my mother that Hardin knew?


    Could it perhaps have been his mother? And if that were true, were both illnesses connected? If I asked Hardin about it, would he tell me?


    I didn¡¯t realize that I had dozed off on the chair that I had ced outside the room until someone tapped me and when I opened my eyes, it was the doctor and he had a relieved look on his face.


    Quickly jumping up, I raised my eyebrows in question.


    ¡°How is she?¡±


    ¡°Hardin has brought the herbs and I¡¯ve given her some of it. Thankfully, it worked and her fever has broken. We can only hope that the bumps keep reducing until they vanish.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for him to say the rest before I entered the room and saw that she was sleeping.


    ¡°And Hardin?¡± I asked the doctor when he carried his bag, about to leave.


    ¡°He has gone for a meeting.¡± He answered before he left.


    I had forgotten that Hardin was interim Alpha now. And what was even puzzling was that for all of his excesses and less than ptable attitude, he was actually doing very well in filling his father¡¯s shoes in his absence. It made me wonder just how good he could be if his personality was more pleasant and he didn¡¯t behave like the entire world was always against him.


    Sending him a thank you message, I sat on the couch beside my mother and would have continued to sit there until she could move about herself and when then, I wouldn¡¯t still leave her side.


    My n to stay at her side was botched however the next morning when my mother begged me to go and reminded me that I had a test that I was supposed to take that afternoon at school.


    I had tried to convince her that my test was not as important as her health and aspromise, she had invited one of her friends to stay with her for the day, pending when I got back from school.


    That had made me feel mildly better about leaving her at home.


    ¡°Earth to Jasmine.¡± A voice said and when I looked up, I realized that I had gotten carried away with thoughts as I waited for Nadia to pack her stuff from her locker so we could go home for the day.


    ¡°Did you say something?¡± I asked and she studied my expression and shook her head, linking her hand through mine as we walked out of the school.


    I hadn¡¯t seen Hardin in school today either and I knew that it was because he was busy with pack work.


    I couldn¡¯t imagine being under all of that pressure at my own age. Only yesterday that I thought my mother was dying and I was seconds away from losing my mind. I couldn¡¯t imagine how Hardin was still walking around after losing his mum.


    ¡°Are you okay? Was your test good? And you didn¡¯t reply your messagesst night so I was worried. What¡¯s going on with you, best friend?¡± Nadia said, drawing my attention and I realized that I had been distraught yesterday, I had forgotten to tell Nadia about my mum.


    And so I did and after talking to her about it, I felt better, especially when she told me about how she had felt thest time her mother had fallen sick. It made me feel like I wasn¡¯t crazy for feeling that type of way.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    When she offered to drop me at home, I didn¡¯t decline but instead of heading straight home, I asked her to drop me at my trainer¡¯s gym. Russo had hired a personal trainer for me that he thought could help me speed up the shift process and improve my wolf training so that I could be ready for the shift.


    Perhaps it was feeling like I had nearly lost everything but when we were done with training, my trainer had nothing but praises to sing of me andplimented the fact that I had started to improve. Her words made me smile and I counted it as a win, no matter what. I didn¡¯t know if I was any closer to finally shifting to my wolf but right now, I could even attempt to defend myself and I counted it as a blessing.


    By the time I got home, I was more than pleasantly surprised to see that my mother was already walking around the house,  her friend by her side and the pack doctor on the other side, guiding her steps.


    I was so ted to see her back on her feet again, especially after the way she had been yesterday.


    I hadn¡¯t met my father because he had died when I was still a baby so my mother was the only one I had. And I had almost lost her yesterday.


    When my eyes watered up again, my mother rolled her eyes and waved me off, her face bright with a smile that always made her look radiant.


    ¡°Go and get some rest, Jasmine and that¡¯s an order.¡± She said and even though I wanted to argue, I nodded because I was indeed very tired and headed upstairs to my room to take a nap.


    I promised myself that I would only sleep for a little bit and then would go back and stay with my mother when I woke up.


    But as I tossed and turned on the bed, trying to find sleep, my phone rang. I looked at the phone and saw that it was Lorenzo and I decided to answer.


    ¡°Hello, Lorenzo.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Jas. How are you? One minute I saw you today and the next you were already gone before I could say hi.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry about that. Had a lot on my mind.¡± I answered, stifling a yawn.


    ¡°Would you like me to take care of that?¡± He said, his voice sounding lower and filled with an emotion that I could not ce.


    ¡°Take care of what?¡±


    ¡°Everything that is on your mind.¡± He answered and I was lost because I wasn¡¯t sure what he was talking about. I had not told him about my mum because I didn¡¯t want to talk about it. Did he think there was something else on my mind?


    ¡°Where are you right now?¡± He asked and even though I was confused about why he was asking, I decided to answer.


    ¡°My bedroom.¡±


    ¡°On your bed? Because that¡¯s where I am, on my bed, thinking about you. And I¡¯m hard as fuck already. Wanna see?¡±


    ¡°Lorenzo, can you just stop, I¡¯m really not in¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell me if you¡¯re wearing panties or not, Jasmine.¡± He ordered, his voice filled with authority as he cut me off, like he was not used to being rejected. As someone that wanted to understand what was even going on, I was bing increasingly upset that he was even trying shit like this when I had just told him that I had stuff on my mind.


    ¡°Trust me, Jas. I just want to make you feel good.¡± He added but I was already upset.


    ¡°Lorenzo, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m interested in what you¡¯re offering but thanks.¡± I answered and hung up immediately before he could reply, turning off my phone immediately and throwing it on the bed beside me.


    Frustrated that I wasn¡¯t still able to sleep after that ufortable call, I stepped out into the balcony of my room to enjoy the silence, darkness and peace.  And that was when I saw Lisa, Hardin¡¯s aunt standing in the dark with another cloaked figure and even though they looked to be in a conversation, I could not hear what was being said and I could not help the feeling of worry that settled in my gut because I was certain that whatever she was doing right now, it was nothing good.


    This was not the first time that I had seen her with this person at a very odd hour of the day and I hoped that sooner, rather thanter, I would find out what she was nning.

 Up to something

    Hardin


    I could not deny that I felt sad for Jasmine. I tried to not show it, but I was deeply concerned for her.


    Arge part of me wanted to go straight to Jasmine and fuck her hard till she screams my name, but thankfully, my wolf¡¯s reminder that she was not in the best of state held me back.


    Though my flesh demanded that it be pleased, I fought quite well to contain myself. This wasn¡¯t the time for such. Jasmine needed me at the moment, more than ever. And as a caring brother, not as an asshole that just gets his dick into his step sister whenever he liked.


    I walked stealthily and slowly towards her room. It was night, and I didn¡¯t want to bring attention towards myself. Especially when I was walking towards my stepsister¡¯s room at night.


    I reached her room. And without announcing my arrival with a knock, I walked in. She was not there, her room was empty, but I could sense her inside the ce.


    I walked to her closet, and I still could not find Jasmine, which got me a little bit worried.


    For a moment I felt my heartbeat escte, and I had be paranoid marily. Where was she? I questioned myself before turning around to meet the patio door open.


    Instinctively I raced towards it, and took a quick peek inside. Jasmine¡¯s posture was the kind that fanned suspicion. She seemed to be engrossed in something. She had not even noticed my presence, but at that moment it didn¡¯t matter.


    ¡®What is she staring at?¡¯ I asked myself while I tried to get a clear view of whatever it was. From my angle it was quite difficult to see into the darkness as a normal human. I immediately employed my wolf vision, and it wasn¡¯t long before I caught sight of what had intrigued Jasmine.


    My aunt Lisa was out inside the bush, in the middle of the night, and she was not alone.


    I could see the figure she stood with clearly. It was a male, someone who couldn¡¯t be above thirty in age. Jasmine had the right to be curious. Lisa always acted a bit off.


    I was lost of options. Should I confront the two of them? Or perhaps leave them to finish their business before confronting Lisa. She probably would deny, which meant that I should probably go after her messenger or henchman.


    Iid in ambush for the man to make his leave. I had no idea what the transaction between Lisa and the stranger was for. But it had definitely pricked my curiosity.


    Their conversationsted another twenty minutes before Lisa finally left her guest to leave. He had left her with some sort of parcel. It¡¯s contents I was still unaware of.


    Jasmine was still engrossed in the little conversation with Lisa and her subordinate when I snuck away again. I needed to catch up with the stranger before he was far gone.


    Making a quick transition into my wolf form, I leapt after my target and chased after him through his scent. He seemed to have noticed me, and had broken into a run, equally in his wolf state. I was faster, and it wasn¡¯t long before I caught up and subdued him.


    He had tried fighting back marily, but I had easily overpowered him, and managed to pin him down.


    ¡°What are you doing here?! And what¡¯s your business with my aunt?¡± Where the first questions I asked. He didn¡¯t seem to be very cooperative, so I dug my ws into his flesh to open his mouth.


    He screamed out into the silent night. But given the distance we had raced from the start, nobody in the night would hear him. Besides wolves howled almost all the time. Hearing him wouldn¡¯t make much different.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to repeat myself once. What¡¯s your business here? And what do you want with my aunt?¡±


    ¡°Let me go you bastard!¡± He was being unreceptive once again. Perhaps he had gotten used to my first method of torture. He was a wolf too, so I couldn¡¯t me his regenerative capabilities. My w wounds had already healed, and that was why he had the audacity to oppose my words.


    Slowly I dug my ws into his knee cap, until I was almost touching his bones. Once again he screamed out in pain, and made to escape but I held back. In the process of his escape attempt, my ws had torn away a piece of his cloth. And that was when I recognized a familiar symbol on his left arm.


    It was the same symbol that Jasmine¡¯s kidnapper had on him. What on earth was going on here?


    ¡®Could it be..?¡¯ I guessed inwardly, but soon managed to get it off my head. It wasn¡¯t possible that Lisa had proposed Jasmine¡¯s abduction. And if so, then why?!


    I had intended to kill this man with my next action. But after seeing his mark, I had managed to bring my temper under control. I needed him alive in order to acquire relevant information.


    Folding my hands into a fist, I punched the man severally until I was sure he was unconscious. Then I carried him back home in secrecy.


    If I was caught carrying an unconscious body into the house, then I would have to answer a lot of questions. I sent him straight to the dungeon. That way it would look like he had always been a prisoner for long. And I could also visit at any time I wanted to without suspicion.


    After I was done with the imposter, I headed straight back to Jasmine¡¯s room. If it might be a coincidence that this man had the same tattoo as her kidnapper, then it was really cool. But it wasn¡¯t, and I was certain about it.


    Clearly, they were working as a group and as much as I could not defend my ims yet, I was scared for Jasmine.


    ¡°Hardin?!¡± She almost screamed the instant I barged in. I had taken herpletely by surprise, and it was obvious. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She questioned.


    ¡°N.. Nothing! Whatever you do just be careful. Stay indoors, and don¡¯t get into random cars.¡± I advised bluntly. I wasn¡¯t sure how to put it, and how everything came out wasn¡¯t exactly how I expected.


    ¡°Stay by your mother¡¯s side is what I meant to say¡± I was quick to correct myself. ¡°It¡¯s best if she wakes up every time to your face. Your presence will probably heal her better¡± Now I was sounding too nice and romantic.


    ¡°Good night!¡± I finished before walking away.


    Jasmine¡¯s face was covered in shock all throughout my words. I guessed she didn¡¯t expect me to be so caring with my words. It was not my first time being nice to her, but she always seemed surprised every time.


    I pushed aside thoughts of Jasmine, and focused on my next task. I was going to interrogate and torture my new prisoner until he spills every little detail of what he knew.


    As if already waiting for my return, the man had woken and had jerked back in fear at my sight.


    ¡°Where am I? What did you do to me?!¡± He was quick to ask, but never answered. He must really be brave.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let your informality slide this once. You don¡¯t ask the questions, I do. And you don¡¯t get to raise your voice at all!¡± I bellowed with a light growl.


    I did not have all night. The faster I got him to talk, the better for me.


    ¡°What do you want from me?! Please let me go,¡± He was quick to y the victim. And it made me a little bit thrilled.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you go if you answer my questions, understood?¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine. What is it you want?¡± His voice was trembling, and he drew closer towards the edge of his cell as I approached. Fear reeked from him, and his vulnerability towards me made a smile crawl to my face. I loved being feared.


    ¡°What are you doing here? And what¡¯s your business with my aunt?¡± I began.


    ¡°I¡¯m just an ordinary messenger and nothing else. I only delivered a package to her, and I came for my pay tonight¡± He spilled everything once. In his fear filled state, I doubted he¡¯ll be able to utter a lie to me. But I still decided to know if he was beingpletely honest.


    A few kicks to the stomach, and a repetition of my question was enough.


    ¡°You have to believe me. I¡¯m telling you the truth¡± He pleaded.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That tattoo, how many of you are they?¡± I questioned. He felt genuinely confused, like he had no idea what I was talking about.


    ¡°I have no idea.¡± He answered, sounding rather honest. I was genuinely tired of beating him up at this point. He had clearly said all that he knew. There was nothing I could get out of him at this point. If I wanted more information, then I would have to ask Lisa herself.


    It definitely wasn¡¯t a coincidence that Jasmine¡¯s kidnapper and this man had the same tattoo. Something was going on behind the scenes. And now that I feel like I had gotten a whiff of it, I wanted more of it.


    Lisa was definitely up to something, that much was obvious. But what exactly was she nning? What was she up to?

 On edge

    Hardin


    I was on edge when I woke up today. Scratch that, I was always on edge everyday and there was something that always seemed to trigger it without fail.


    Sometimes, it was remembering that Cam had fallen sick with an illness that I was sure was a perfect replica of the one my mother had. Other times, it was the pressure to find a mate. This time, however, it was what I was looking at from a distance right now.


    It was at thecrosse field, in a secluded part that wasn¡¯t easily seen except you were acrosse yer that wanted to do funny shit without getting caught like receiving head from your girlfriend.


    I had forgotten the case to my airpods somewhere around here and that was the only reason why now I could see Lorenzo and Jasmine talking.


    I was too far away from them to hear what they were both saying but the sight alone was enough to piss me off immediately.


    Jasmine always said and acted like she didn¡¯t like Lorenzo so why was she standing there in that corner with him?


    Whenever I called him her boyfriend, she was always so quick to deny it. Was it because she was afraid that I would ruin it for her if I found out?


    Well she was right. Because I was surely going to march over there and cause a scene. I had just taken a couple of steps towards them before I realized that I had misread the entire situation.


    On a closer look, it did not look like Jasmine was even happy to be there at all. It looked like it was  quite the opposite. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but there but was trying her best to hide it as they spoke and Lorenzo, the clueless idiot just kept smiling and moving closer to her as he spoke.


    It didn¡¯t matter that I still was skeptical of whether I wanted Jasmine and her mother to still be a part of my family but I knew that this one time, I was wrong. I had misread the situation. And the good thing to do, the best thing to do actually in this situation was the one thing that I was good at.


    Being an asshole and crashing the party. So with a frown that covered my face, I walked over to where they were standing. Jasmine saw me first and I was surprised to see that she looked relieved instead of upset at my presence. That was when I realized that my first thought about the situation was very wrong. She was truly very ufortable and wanted to get out of that situation as soon as possible.


    Lorenzo turned to look at me and the smile that he had been wearing on his face dropped momentarily when he saw me before it went back up like it did not disappear at all. I didn¡¯t know why he always wanted to act like he was a sparkling prince but that was his business. My business now was to get Jasmine out of here.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home, Jasmine. I don¡¯t have all day.¡± I said curtly, making sure that my tone was gentle but not soft and left no room for any form of argument.


    To my utmost surprise, however, Jasmine nodded immediately and quickly walked over to where I was, quickly turning around to wave at Lorenzo.


    ¡°Bye, Lorenzo¡± she said and walked away faster than I imagined. When I turned around, he looked even as surprised as I was but when he frowned at me, I realized that he had really thought that I hade here to force Jasmine away from him.


    Fighting the urge to tell him that Jasmine wanted nothing but to flee from him because I knew that he would not believe me, I settled for a smirk that I knew would piss him off.


    ¡°Yeah, bye, Lorenzo¡± I quipped and when he gave me a deep frown, I grinned at him, showing him my middle finger and walked over to start the car.


    The journey back home was very quiet and even though I was very curious about what she must have been talking about with Lorenzo, I decided to give her the liberty to speak first if she wanted.


    Especially because right now as I drove us back to the house, she had a conflicting look on her face like she was struggling to tell me something. It made me wonder what it could be.


    But by the time we got home, she braved a smile as we got out of the car and finally spoke when we were climbing the stairs to our rooms.


    ¡°Thank you. For what you did back there. I know that it may not mean anything to you. But thank you foring to get me. I¡¯m going to see my mum now, so¡­¡± She trailed off and climbed up the stairs, her hips swaying in that ridiculous skirt that I had seen a lot of boys eyeing in school today.


    She didn¡¯t know how beautiful she was. I hated that I couldn¡¯t even call her ugly to make myself feel better about always bullying her.


    Without thinking, I grabbed her arm and when her eyes widened, I cleared my throat.


    ¡°Can Ie with you? To see your mum?¡± I asked and she nodded, looking pleasantly surprised.


    I didn¡¯t think she realized that she held my hand and started walking towards her mother¡¯s bedroom and I did not know why I said nothing.


    Maybe it was because it had been so long since anyone held my hand. I had always done a good job of driving people away.


    But by the time we were about to enter, she realized it herself and her face turned red in embarrassment.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± She whispered and turned the room door open, entering before I could answer.


    There was a maid sitting beside the bed and Cam was resting against the headrest, a pillow between her and the bed as she ate from the fruit bowl in front of her, listening to what the maid was saying with rapt attention.


    The maid saw us first and she quickly rose to her feet and bowed, causing Cam to turn around and look at us and the way her face brightened in an innocent smile made my heart tighten in my chest because it reminded me of how my mother used to smile whenever she saw me, even when she was sick.


    ¡°I¡¯ll excuse you¡± The maid said and Cam nodded, giving her a fond smile.


    ¡°Come back soon. I¡¯d love to hear the end of the story.¡±


    The maid blushed and hurried out of the room and Jasmine rushed to the side of her mother, bending down to give her a kiss on her cheek and taking the seat that the maid was on.


    ¡°Hello, Hardin.¡± Cam said and when she gestured for me toe closer,  I walked towards her awkwardly and took her outstretched hand.


    ¡°Your father would be very proud of you, sweet boy. Thank you again for saving my life.¡± She said and I nodded, watching how she touched her daughter¡¯s face affectionately.


    The moment looked really private so I excused myself, swallowing the jealousy that had sprouted in my chest and headed to my bedroom to change when I saw my aunt sneaking into her bedroom.


    Wondering what that was about, I was about to knock on her room door when my eyes widened and I remembered the prisoner in the dungeon.


    It could not be what I was thinking, was it?


    Quickly showering and changing, I went downstairs to the dungeon and the moment I arrived there, my eyes widened in shock because the prisoner was there but he was unconscious.


    Rushing to open the dungeon, I reached to check his pulse and realized that he wasn¡¯t unconscious. He was dead.


    Andying beside him on the ground was a te of half eaten food. I put two and two together and came to a shocking realization that he had been poisoned.


    Thest time I had spoken to the prisoner, he had no reason to have killed himself. So it meant only one thing.


    That he had been murdered.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    And as I stepped out of the dungeon, my hands tight with rage, I had to face the truth that was staring me right in the face.


    I had to admit that everything was connected and that it pointed to one person. All the proof pointed to my Aunt Lisa as the enemy and it was only a matter of time before she made another move.


    Was I going to stop her? Or was I going to look away because she was my mother¡¯s sister? Her identical twin for that matter?


    What was I going to do?


    This situation just got a whole lot harder and I worried that I would not be able to stop her before it was toote.

 Caught 1

    CHAPTER 58.


    ~Jasmine.


    Acting out and overstepping boundaries were not on the list of my favorite things to do, but, rummaging through Lisa¡¯s room that morning was the only thing I could think of. It had been stuck to my mind from the minute I woke up, I guess it was the effect of the suspicious meeting that Lisa had been having under the cloak with those strangers.


    Immediately I noticed Lisa step out of the house, I rushed to her room to clear my suspicions . Her room was not as untidy as I had imagined but, it was not entirely tidy.  A few clothes were on the floor, some lingerie especially-draped on the couch in the room, and the nightgown she wore to bedst night was sitting on her bedside table.


    And, I began my search from there.  A bottle of aspirin, a scented candle and a few make-up were all I could find in it, nothing close to what I was looking for.


    Heck! I didn¡¯t know what I was looking for, but, I continued my search. I looked under the bed, lifted the mattress, all negative. Likewise, under the couch and inside the couch. I pulled out every drawer I could find in the room but, all I could find were lingeries, I bet she could open a massive store with them. Empty bottles of aspirin, love notes surprisingly and a few make ¨C up.


    My heart pricked as I stared at her wardrobe, it was thest ce for me to look. I didn¡¯t want to look there but, the urge to clear my suspicions drew me in and no sooner thanter, I found myself searching through the wardrobe, carefully checking each pocket of each cloth.


    ¡°Crap!¡± I muttered with a sigh as I stood at akimbo and stared into the wardrobe.  I had found nothing in the wardrobe, which happened to be the cleanest ce in the room.


    Mom¡¯s health was deteriorating and Lisa was my chief suspect, but, I couldn¡¯ty ims on her if I had nothing to hold on to. Despite being determined to bust Lisa, I was somewhat convinced that I wasn¡¯t going to find anything. Lisa was a fox, everybody knew.


    As I made to close the door to the wardrobe, my eyes caught a small opening on the floor of the wardrobe. It had nearly gone unnoticed by me due to how skillfully it had been covered.


    Stooping, I lifted the floorboard. It was there that I gasped. The package was still as she had taken it, still wrapped up in that fat yellow envelope, save the fact that the seal had already been broken. Quickly, I dug out the gloves I hade with, wrapped them around my wrists and grabbed the envelope.


    They were yellowish-ck, the dried up flower I found in the envelope. I had taken a sample from Lisa¡¯s room, and now, I was pacing my room trying to figure out what the hell that thing was.


    I had been googling but no search was getting me a bit close to what I wanted. Sighing in defeat, I grabbed the sample and made to Hardin¡¯s room almost at the same time as Lisa¡¯s return.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    With a light knock on his door, I walked into his room.


    ¡°I never saide in,¡± He wasying shirtless on the bed with his body frame covering the whole bed. He didn¡¯t move a muscle even upon hearing mee in.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I just had to talk to you about something important,¡± he still was not looking my way and I took it that he was listening.


    ¡°It is about Lisa and my¡­ our mom¡¯s sickness.¡±  His eyes, which were formerly fixed to the ceiling, turned to me immediately, and I shuddered at those ocean eyes that seemed to be looking into my soul. He slowly lifted himself up the bed to sit at the edge of it.


    ¡°Come,¡± he signalled with a finger but, it felt as though those eyes were daring me not to even breathe.


    ¡°Come over here, Jasmine, and, detail me on what you know.¡± He humphed, and I shoveled my legs to his side.


    ¡°What¡¯s the big idea?¡± Hardin asked, sounding almost impatient.


    ¡°You know how Lisa has been picking on my mom ever since we arrived?¡± I didn¡¯t mean for him to respond but, he nodded, ¡°when my mom suddenly fell sick, I had this gut feeling that Lisa was responsible for the strange sickness but, I didn¡¯t know how to prove it. But then, after consistently seeing her acting suspicious, and receiving that package from the strange-looking guy, I went to search her room and found this today.¡±


    I ced the flower on the table before him and he picked it up almost as it touched the table.


    ¡°I have searched every part of the inte I cany my hands on, but I couldn¡¯t find the name.¡±


    He pushed up the bed, bringing those ungodly abs into view, and I gasped inwardly. I was not entitled to do so, but, I did.


    He grabbed his phone from his nightstand, ¡°pass me the flower.¡± And I handed it to him.


    ¡°Henbane,¡± he announced, distracting me from my thoughts.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I asked with a blink.


    ¡°This fucking flower is a henbane. A fucking poisonous nt that kills slowly, Jasmine.¡± He was chewing his teeth. ¡°This nt better be for other reasons because, if she fucking has anything to do with my mom¡¯s death, I swear¡­¡± He paused.


    He never swore that much, and I guessed he was angry, I guess he was enraged.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± he tightened his grip on the thin stem of the flower and stormed out of the room to Lisa¡¯s. But we met her in the living room about to leave again.


    ¡°What the fuck, Lisa?¡± He blurted,ing to block her way.


    ¡°Uhm,nguage boy.¡± She rolled her eyes up and down him and made to walk away by his side, but Hardin stood at akimbo, giving her a clear signal that she wasn¡¯t going anywhere.


    I guess Lisa saw the flower in Hardin¡¯s hand because, I can swear, her eyes dted for a while out of fear.


    ¡°What are you two up to? I never mentioned to either of you that I have the time or strength for jokes.¡±


    Hardin raised the flower to her face and she took some steps back, ¡°you recognize this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a flower, stupid, everyone can see it.¡± Lisa responded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with me, Lisa. I know what this is and, I know you know what this is so,e on Lisa, tell me that it¡¯s not what I am thinking.¡±


    Hardin¡¯s free hand was tightening in a fist at intervals, and I could see him chewing his teeth to call himself. I felt like a spectator watching the two of them.


    ¡°And, so what if it is what you are thinking?¡± Lisa snickered.


    ¡°I can tear you into a thousand pieces right now, so don¡¯t y with me, woman.¡±


    ¡°Who says I was? If you know what it is that you are holding, you¡¯ll dip yourself in water and wash your body for a whole week.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that? What is that flower?¡± I asked, and she turned to re at me, her eyes telling hatred and disgust.


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t your little boyfriend told you yet? It¡¯s a lollipop.¡± She smirked and turned to Hardin, ¡°Now you know what it is, out of my way, boy.¡±


    I actually felt my heart skip when Lisa called Hardin my boyfriend, but I didn¡¯t want to react to any of her usations.


    ¡°You killed my mom, Lisa! And you are slowly doing the same thing to Jasmine¡¯s mom.¡±


    She gasped, ¡°you can¡¯t go about using people of murder, Hardin.¡±


    ¡°I frigging have the evidence in my hand!¡± His anger was beginning to take over him. I could see his wsing out.


    He had some guts, I guess that¡¯s what makes him the alpha because even with the evidence, I could never say Lisa killed his mom.


    ¡°Well, we all know she deserved what she got.¡± And, it was Hardin¡¯s turn to gasp but, his was soft and heartbreaking.


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± His voice came out in a whisper.


    ¡°I killed your mom, yes, I am saying it out loud. And I regret not killing her earlier, I should have done that when we were still little so that she will be dead and long forgotten.¡±


    ¡°That is such a mean thing to say.¡± I blurted.


    ¡°But, she did deserve what she got, didn¡¯t she?  She was always good at iming what was mine but, I knew her time was up when she imed Russo and the position as Luna. It had always been my dream to be Luna, that position was meant for me!¡± She turned to me with a re, ¡°and I thought that after I got my silly sister out of the way, everything will fall in ce but, no, you and that hag of a mother had to spoil my whole n!¡±


    She grabbed her bag and took out the package in it, it was almost the same thing as what I had found in her room. She took out the package and turned it over. All the  flowers that were in, fell to the ground.


    ¡°I was going to grind those to a fine powder, and I was going to keep adding to your mom¡¯s meals to make sure she dies a slow yet painful death.¡±


    ¡°And I guess you didn¡¯t have much luck with that, did you now?¡±


    We all turned to the direction of the voice to see Alpha Russo, standing in the doorway with a deeper frown than Hardin¡¯s.

 Anxiety

    Hardin


    Yes, I did feel like I was the clown in the life that I had been living.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    My fears were there, with my suspicions that was growing daily, but I did not want to believe that Lisa would be anyway connected to the death of my mother.


    She was her twin, and they were always in good terms all the times that she came around while I was little. So what happened now?


    ¡°I killed your mom, yes, I am saying it out loud. And I regret not killing her earlier, I should have done that when we were still little so that she will be dead and long forgotten.¡±


    Lisa¡¯s words kept on reying in my head, and I had to shut my eyes to stay sane. I only managed to open my eyes when I heard Russo¡¯s voice and I turned towards the door.


    ¡°Answer me Lisa,¡± he repeated. ¡°Did you have much luck trying to kill Cam?¡± His growl was very much domineering this time, and it took all the effort for my wolf to not cower.


    Lisa was already fidgeting, and in a split of second, Dad was unto her, pressing her neck tightly.


    ¡°Dad, please¡­ Dad,¡± Jasmine continuously yelled out, to Lisa¡¯s rescue, while I still stood where I was. I felt like my legs were frozen as I had barely taken as much as a step since Lisa spilled out her truths.


    Though I was really in support of Dad, Lisa deserved death. But Jasmine was right.


    Killing her was not entirely the best thing to do at that moment, as they were still some under investigations to undergo. Besides, he would not have been any different from the heartless beast that Lisa was, if he had gone ahead to kill her without letting her undergo trials.


    ¡°You had to kill my mother all so you could be Luna?¡± I did not realize that my tear ducts had already kicked into function, if I had not felt a drop on my palm.


    And with the way my voice was cracked, Jasmine immediately turned her face to me. The empathy she felt towards me was clearly visible in her eyes.


    Compared to how Lisa¡¯s voice had been loud before Russo entered, she did not say anything this time.


    ¡°You had to kill her! Tell me, how many more atrocities have youmitted?¡± My voice had gone louder this time, and if the guards had note into the room and were already holding Lisa at my father¡¯smand, then I might have torn her apart.


    ¡°I mean, if you had told her that you wanted to be Luna, I am certain that she would have willingly left the position for you.¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I growled louder, as my fingers ruffled through my hair. I felt like I was going insane from how fast everything was happening and I just wanted to take a break.


    Unable to hold myself any longer, I fell back to the couch, the closest thing to me that could help fill in my leg duties.


    ¡°Fuckkk!!!¡± I growled again, much louder this time and Jasmine came rushing to me.


    ¡°Take her, and have her locked up in the dungeon. Make sure that she go through the worst torture.¡± Russo ordered, and even with my mint that was distracted, my ears did not fail to pick up Lisa¡¯s screams of ¡®you can not do this to me, I have always loved you¡¯ as she was dragged away like a bull taken to the ughter.


    I only realized that I had lost itpletely when more tears poured from my eyes and Russo walked to where I sat.


    ¡°You will be fine son. You will,¡± he patted my head as he said it, and for the first time since my mother¡¯s passing, I desired that he would console me even more.


    But it was obvious that I was wishing for so much, as his next words followed.


    ¡°You have to put yourself in order, Hardin. You have to be strong.¡±


    Raising his face from me, to where Jasmine sat just beside me, ¡°Jasmine dear, help Hardin to his room,¡± Russo ordered, and he left just after.


    My eyes followed him as he walked out of the room, and it went back to Jasmine. I stared at Jasmine for a while, before lifting myself with my face still dropped.


    With Jasmine beside me, I walked back to my room, and I dropped on the bed as soon as I got in.


    ¡°She did not have to kill my mother, you know?¡±


    Jasmine only nodded, then sat beside me and patted my back. I guessed that she understood what the pain felt like, as the fear of it had almost eaten her up some few days back when Cam¡¯s illness was at the peak.


    Remembering Cam¡¯s illness, I recollected that Lisa was behind it and she still had to tell us about an antidote and how to getpletely rid of the poison¡¯s effect.


    I knew the herb I had managed toe across had helped a great deal though I felt terrible that I had note across it when it was my mom¡¯s ce. I was already settling that the moon goddess had predestined everything, so I didn¡¯t want to regret much and think of the possibilities of saving her, when she was already dead and her remains had decayed.


    But I feared that the herb I had given Cam might not be enough to clear herpletely free of the effect of the henbane, so it was necessary to get a permanent cure.


    Against my wish, as I still wanted some more hours to sulk, I wiped my tears and stood up to leave for the dungeon before Jasmine called me back.


    ¡°Where are you going to?¡±


    I did not know when exactly Jasmine had the liberty to question the exact actions that I took, but one thing that I was sure about, the feeling it caused me was calm andforting.


    It made me feel like I really was not doing life alone, and even as I did not want to ept it, the moon goddess had reced my mother in Jasmine and Cam¡¯s body.


    With the dull expression that I still had on my face, ¡°I am going to the dungeon to meet Lisa,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Now?¡± Jasmine¡¯s face had distorted into a frown as she spoke, ¡°you don¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°I am saying that I don¡¯t think you are in the best state of mind for that now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded. ¡°But I still have to ask her about the antidote for your mom¡¯s illness.¡±


    I thought she was going to let me go after hearing my reason, but instead, Jasmine walked to where I was, and pulled me back to the bed.


    ¡°You should leave that for now. As much as I don¡¯t think that she will be willing to spill it out as her eyes held no remorse, we can always send the guards. And they will make sure to torture her so she would speak.¡±


    If not that I wasn¡¯t in the best of moods, I wanted tough at what Jasmine said. It felt to me like she wanted to pour all the pain that Lisa had caused her with the torture.


    But she was making a good point. I was not in the best mood to visit Lisa and I could not guarantee that I will not snap her head in anger if I go there.


    ¡°You are right. I will quickly ask a guard to do that, and I will wait for his feedback.¡±


    Jasmine nodded with a smile, and motioned for me to go message the guard. I came back soon after, patiently waiting for the guard¡¯s feedback when Jasmine suggested that we go see Cam.


    ¡°Okay then!¡± I said, and we left for Cam¡¯s room.


    Russo was the first person my eyes met as soon as we got into the room, and it was when he turned towards us that I realized that he was also not okay.


    He had lost my mom and he was probably scared to lose Cam that same way. He was sitting just beside Cam, with his hands wrapped around hers as he watched her sleep.


    Jasmine climbed to the other side of the bed to join Cam while I remained standing.


    My arms were crossed with my gaze fixed on Cam. And I only raised my face when my father¡¯s voice came.


    ¡°I fear we might not have the cure for her like we did not for your mom.¡±


    Jasmine¡¯s eyes widened in anxiety, but I tried to keep her calm by reminding them that I had sent the guard to Lisa, and that I had asked that he torture her so much so she could spill what the antidote was.


    ¡°I hope she doesn¡¯t do something crazy,¡± Father mentioned and I replied with a nod.


    The room was silent, with the only sounds that were heard being that of our breathings.


    Well, until a knock came on the door and the guard stepped in.


    ¡°What is the report?¡± I narrowed my eyes at the guard that I had sent on  the errand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Master,¡± he said with his head slightly bowed, ¡°Lisa had already killed herself before I got there.¡±

 Something in return

    Jasmine


    ¡°Where exactly do I start from?¡± That was the exact question that yed out in my head ever since the guard walked into the room with what would have been a good news, if Lisa¡¯s well-being was not necessary for my mother¡¯s survival, but now a bad news and my lips could not part to even release any words.


    ¡°What?¡± Russo was the first to blurt out, ¡°Lisa is dead? How?¡±


    ¡°She definitely killed herself!¡± He added, as it was obvious that none of us knew the answer to his first question.


    ¡°She was such a vile woman, I hate that I even trusted her in the first ce,¡± Hardin finally spoke, and as my eyes wandered between the both of them, I was left wondering if any of them was actually talking about the real issue at hand.


    Lisa had killed herself, and we still had not gotten hold of the antidote for mum, or at least had an idea of whatever could help erase the poison in mom¡¯s system.


    ¡°How about mom?¡± I managed to speak out, asking no one in particr. My eyes were wet, and I had to take deep breaths to not let the anxiety that had filled me get the best of me.


    ¡°Lisa!¡± Hardin hissed, before hitting his fist against the wall, ¡°I wished she had died in my hands.¡±


    He wanted to say more but I guessed that he noticed the re that Dad had passed at him. Lisa was dead and we were worried about the cure for Mom, but it was not best that we wake her up, and tell her the unpleasant news of how she might not survive her sickness because of one woman¡¯s jealousy and her quest to be Luna.


    As the thoughts ran inside of me, I fidgeted. I did not want to believe it, I did not want to imagine it anymore.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Russo said, and it was only when Hardin walked after him, that I recalled that I had heard Russo make mention of going to the dungeon with Hardin to confirm Lisa¡¯s death and check if she was with anything on her that could be helpful to the many unanswered questions that we had.


    And when Hardin had stepped out with Russo, leaving me and the maid that had been made to watch over mum, all the thoughts kept on reying in my head.


    Was I even going to survive it if anything happened to mum?


    Fear creeped into my heart, and I jolted out of the bed, running into the bathroom.


    There, I cried all I could, asionally muttering out prayers to the moon goddess that mom survived all that she was going through.


    Russo was going to take care of me regardless, if anything happened to mom. But it was not going to change the fact that it will make me an orphan.


    Growing up without my father was a crazy ride on its own, and now, losing mom was almost the same as stabbing a knife to my chest.


    I cried everything I could, and went back to the room, when the maid had called out to me to check on my well-being.


    Dark circles had formed around my eyes as I stayed on the bed, with mom¡¯s hand in mine. And if Russo had not mentioned it, asking that I go back to my room to sleep when he came in, then I would not have known how pale I looked at that moment.


    Hardin did note back with Russo which got me a little bothered. But after asking a guard, trying to find out about the whereabouts of Hardin, I learnt that he had gone to see a specialist. One that they said had a vast knowledge of herbs and antidotes.


    Staring at the ceiling, with the hopes that somehow, sleep wille, take away my fears, and wake me up to a new day where mom was healthy and happy with me. But none of it seemed like it was going to happen soon.


    Still staring in the empty darkness, as most of the lights were off, I heard a sounding from the bushes. And immediately, I stood up from the bed and rushed to the patio.


    I squinted my eyes trying to know what exactly it was, but I saw nothing. me it on the human part of me when I was supposed to have a wolf.


    There again, I cursed. I felt useless and I had to wonder where exactly I had gotten it wrong.


    From my wolf abilities that werecking to everything that was happening in my life at that moment. All of it was messed up.


    ¡°Crazy¡­¡± I chuckled. The pain I felt, noticeable in my voice.


    While standing there, I remembered that I had intended to check Lisa¡¯s room again. And I quickly went for it, moving quietly as I made my way to Lisa¡¯s room.


    Just like I did earlier, I turned things, trying to see if I could find anything of relevance and I had not noticed when Hardin snuck up on me.


    ¡°What are you doing there?¡± His voice came, and I jerked.


    ¡°Nothing really¡­¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°I just feel like there¡¯s something here that we have still not discovered.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± That was Hardin¡¯s only response, and then he walked to a table and turned some books open.


    I saw it as a clue that he was fine with my reasons, and continued turning things. But after we had stayed for about three minutes more, and saw nothing important, Hardin spoke.


    ¡°We should leave now, it¡¯ste. I doubt there¡¯s anything here, and there¡¯s school tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Moving closer to me, ¡°I know what you are really worried about Cam, but everything will be fine. I had talked with a specialist and he told me that he will do some thorough research. The only problem that we might have now is time. But I am certain that if we continue to give Cam the herbs that I hade across, then we can buy enough time till there¡¯s positive results.¡±


    I felt relief from what he said, and really appreciative that he was putting himself through that stress just so I don¡¯t feel sad and get to experience what he had to.


    Nodding, ¡°thank you,¡± I muttered, then ced my hand into his that was already open to me, and walked with him as he led me back to my room.


    ¡°You should sleep. I really don¡¯t want you to go walking around the mansion thiste.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    As he was about to leave, I had no idea where the thought popped up  from, but  I had suddenly lost my mind, when I held him back and hugged him.


    ¡°Thank you very much!¡±


    My grip on him was still tight, but he did not budge, and added what was not part of what I intended.


    The only mistake being that I did not pull away when he raised my face to his, and brought his lips to mine.


    I wanted to argue but instead, I shut my eyes and allowed him to continue nibbling on my lips. Giving him the go ahead signals when I parted my lips, so he couldfortably suck the lower part of my lips.


    With how immersed we were in the kiss, I began to take steps backwards, towards my bed. And when I had gotten to afortable edge, he made mey down and ced himself above me.


    What started as a kiss was already going wild when Hardin ripped my clothes off and his hands messed with my nipples. I was getting wet, and like always, his touch was getting the best of me.


    ¡°Hardin¡­¡± I let my words trail off, as I was still not sure if I really wanted him to stop.


    His lips left mine, and came down to my breast. With the way he sucked on it, I lost every restriction that I had ced on myself, and reached out for his dick.


    Just when I was about to let my hands slide into his shorts, he pulled away from me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should do this. Sleep now,¡± He said, and left the room, leaving me to cringe in my foolishness.


    I should not have started the hug, I should not have allowed the kiss to continue, I should not have shown him that I wanted him. Many things that I should have stopped myself from doing.


    Now, I was disgusted at myself that I even desired him that much when I was to be caring about my mom¡¯s recovery.


    And still curled up in the fetal position, burning in my regrets, I had no idea when I drifted off to sleep, only noticing that it was a new day to continue living like I loved my existence when my rms kept on ringing the next day.


    ¡°Did anything happen? You have been so absent minded,¡± Lorenzo mentioned as soon as he joined me where I sat alone at the school garden, and I was d that he cared.


    Forcing a smile to my lips, ¡°I am fine. Everything is okay,¡± I replied.


    ¡°You know you can tell me anything right? I always want to help. And my instincts are strongly settled that you are not fine. What is it, Jasmine?¡±


    I turned my face away from Lorenzo as I did not want him to see the tears that had rolled on to my cheeks.


    ¡°You are crying?¡± He questioned with a frown on his face, then pulled me to him and patted my back.


    ¡°I feel sad that you call me your friend when you don¡¯t see me fit to share your problems with,¡± he sighed, his actions causing me to be overwhelmed by guilt.


    I wiped away the tears that had dropped on my cheeks, then raised my face back to him, ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine! I understand if you¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my mom,¡± I interrupted him instead. He sure deserved to know what was wrong, and hiding my mom¡¯s illness was not going to help in any way.


    What I needed was an antidote, and maybe I might just be lucky to get it from where I did not expect.


    I did not fully believe the possibilities that my mind was making me to see, but this one time, I wanted to trust the moon goddess, that everything will be fine somehow.


    ¡°What is wrong with your mom?¡±


    ¡°She is umm¡­ I don¡¯t really know how to exin, but she is suffering from the effect of a poison, henbane.¡±


    ¡°Henbane¡­¡± Lorenzo furrowed his brows.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I nodded, ¡°you have heard of it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so poisonous, and there arews against the use of it. How did it get to her?¡±


    I had no answer to his question. I still did not know how exactly to tell Lorenzo that my supposed caring aunt was the one that poisoned my mom.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to say more,¡± he smiled at me. ¡°And has she taken any antidote?¡±


    I shook my head. I did not want to go emotional in front of him.


    ¡°I know where I can get one though.¡± Lorenzo shrugged.


    My eyes widened  at his words, and excitedly I asked, ¡°where?¡±


    ¡°Rx! I¡¯m not sure yet but I will try.¡±


    Without waiting for him to say more, I held his hands.


    ¡°Thank you so much!¡± I acknowledged.


    I could not exin why I felt weird when he smiled at me. But Lorenzo was up to something, I was sure of that.


    ¡°Why are you helping me?¡± I narrowed my eyes as I stared at him.


    Chuckling, ¡°I am d you are smart.¡± He announced.


    ¡°I think you know how important the antidote is, and how hard it is to get. I know how much work I¡¯ll be putting in also, so I would like something in return.¡±


    ¡°And what is it?¡± My heart raced worriedly as I waited for his reply. But even as he had given enough signals, his next words were not what I expected.


    ¡°Sex, Jasmine. I want to have sex with you!¡±

 Unsettled

    Jasmine


    Making my way back home in Nadia¡¯s car, as Hardin could not stay around to take me back home because he had to attend to pressing issues and had only convinced me toe to school on Dad¡¯s instructions, I hissed endlessly.


    ¡°What is it? I¡¯ve been asking and you¡¯re not saying anything. Is everything fine at home?¡± Nadia asked, and I shook my head.


    It was not the best answer, as I had been the one to call her attention to me with the way I hissed. But I doubted I wanted to add my problems to one more person.


    Thest person that I had just talked to, Lorenzo had only added more problems to me. But putting my mom¡¯s condition first, I had to ept the creepy condition.


    The thought of it still ate me as I quietly stayed in Nadia¡¯s car.


    And even as it was necessary that I tell her about my mom¡¯s health, and I did not want to identally add the part of Lorenzo¡¯s offer so I decided to keep shut.


    ¡°Drop me here!¡±


    ¡°Here?¡± Nadia¡¯s question came. ¡°But it¡¯s still a distance from your house.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± I smiled at her then picked up my bag. ¡°Thank you!¡±


    I made my way back home on foot which was rather crazy as I had the luxury of Nadia¡¯s car, but I did not want Nadia wanting toe greet mom.


    Immediately I got inside,  I went straight to mom¡¯s room. I walked towards her bedside and pulled the covers up to her shoulders.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be fine soon,¡± I murmured as I looked into her pale eyes.


    But instead of relief, I was unsettled.


    I sprang to my feet and paced the room. asionally checking the clock, peeping through the door and peeking at my mother in session. I just hoped Lorenzo kept his word.


    I did not want to call him as I understood the part where rushing him was not exactly the wisest thing to do.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Hardin asked. ¡°Yeah, thanks. I am,¡± I responded apprehensively. I had not noticed when he walked into the room.


    As my mind worried about Lorenzo, a voice came from outside.


    And after the guard had announced what he came for, I asked him to walk Lorenzo in.


    There came some slight raps at the door. I scurried towards the door and opened it up. It was Lorenzo. He had an unexinable aura about him but I didn¡¯t care.


    He walked in majestically with his hands in his pockets. He took a quick nce at my mother and his lips curled up in a lopsided grin, my blood boiled.


    He exchanged nces with Hardin and the room was on fire. I swallowed the lump in my throat and asked as calmly as I could


    ¡°And where is it?¡±


    He broke off his gaze from Hardin and stared at me steadily. Lorenzo deepened one of his hands in his pocket and brought out a tiny bottle with a sly smile stered on his face.


    ¡°Right in here,¡± he said and pointed at the bottle. He almost dropped it in my palm but he held tightly onto it at the final moment.


    He stared at me meaningfully and waited for a response. I nodded vigorously and nced at Hardin who kept observing us with a quizzical look.


    Finally, Lorenzo gave up the bottle and stood rooted to his spot.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I breathed out rather harshly.


    I rushed towards my mother¡¯s bed but I stopped when I realized that he was still waiting. Turning around, ¡°can you please leave?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have time for this. Get it done, you won¡¯t want her to die right?¡± he fired sarcastically and red at the doctor that stood close to my mom, then  at Hardin as he made his way out.


    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡± Hardin cursed with gritted teeth and turned his back against me. ¡°Why was that piece of trash even here?¡± He questioned.


    ¡°It¡¯s the antidote! He brought the antidote!¡± I mentioned quickly and Hardin turned around. ¡°Really? Lorenzo helped out?¡± He asked and snatched the portion out of my hand.


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± He probed again in concern.


    ¡°Yes. He said it is an antidote,¡± I responded.


    ¡°We will have to find out,¡± he shrugged and together, we handed the portion over to the doctor.


    Hardin¡¯s eyes fluttered. I could see concern and confusion written all over him but he said nothing.


    We waited as the doctor examined the portion.


    ¡°I can¡¯t confirm if this is indeed an antidote but it is safe for consumption,¡± the doctor dered.


    ¡°We will have to try it out, to know,¡± I gave my consent and remained by my mother¡¯s side as the drug was administered.


    Lorenzo will not want to kill my mom, right? Besides he will want his part of the agreement to go fine.


    ¡°Mom, you will be fine, it¡¯s a cure,¡± I whispered into her ears. I was rather impatient, I wanted to see mom up on her feet.


    Few minutester, sweat broke out of her forehead. She groaned painfully and I rushed back to her side.


    I nced fearfully from the doctor to mom and back to Hardin.


    ¡°Mother!¡± I voiced out, and shook her slightly. ¡°Do something doctor!¡± I fidgeted.


    ¡°Wait outside,¡± the pack  doctor had announced.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Hardin held my arm and drew me towards the door. I refused to leave the room. I remained within the room and watched the doctor work.


    He checked her pupils, her pulse and her temperature.


    ¡°Her pupils are dted. Her pulse is normal but her fever spiked up. Get a wet washcloth,¡± he said which I did without wasting any time.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± My brows were furrowed as I asked apprehensively  while I dipped the washcloth in water.


    ¡°We need to watch her toe to a conclusion but I think she is okay. This is just some of the normal processes that she has to undergo¡± the doctor said.


    I sat by the bed¡¯s headboard and held my mother¡¯s hand. I reced the washcloth as soon as it was needed. Hardin watched on quietly without uttering a word. After a few minutes mother¡¯s fever began to go down.


    The doctor examined her. He checked all other vitals and confirmed that she was getting better.


    Hardin and I signed in relief. Her fever was going down and the redness of her bumps began to fade.


    ¡°It works,¡± I murmured, surprised about how we even got to this point just in a couple of days.  Hardin smiled faintly and looked away. I remained by my mother¡¯s bedside and watched her until she fell asleep.


    My phone beeped suddenly, it was a message. Just as I tried to open it up, more messages dropped. They were all from Lorenzo.


    ¡°Hey Jasmine, I am sure your mum is pretty fine now¡­ were you afraid that the portion I brought was poisonous? No way.¡±


    I hissed and opened up another one of his messages.


    ¡°Say something, I know you are there, I kept my end of the bargain, you should keep yours too. So when is it happening?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to have you.. you will know what I feel like when I bury myself deep inside your cunt¡­ do not make me wait.¡±


    ¡°Hello¡­ When are you even going to drop a reply? Why aren¡¯t you talking?¡±


    I read all through the messages and heaved a sigh. I had no option, I needed to reply to his messages.


    ¡°Thanks so much Lorenzo. Yes, my mom is feeling better now. You did your part of the bargain. I will definitely fulfill my part¡­ I sure will.¡± I was still not sure about what I was typing and how exactly I wanted to do it, but I had no option at that moment.


    I proceeded to send the text and I continued to watch over my mother.


    I slept off in that position and when I woke up it was dawn.


    I blinked hard and I yawned.


    My joints were already feeling sore from sleeping in a terrible posture. Russo would not have allowed it if he was around, but he had some work.


    One of the things that I heard was that he and his Beta was trying to find out how henbane got into the pack, the suppliers and everything rted to it.


    I rose to my feet and that was when I noticed it. Mother was awake. She was staring at me with her eyes wide open. I stretched forth my hand to feel her forehead. Her fever was gone. Her bumps were still there but had begun to fade.


    ¡°Mother!¡± I screamed and tears of joy rolled down my cheeks.


    As though Russo had already sensed that she was awake, he joined us immediately.


    ¡°Cam¡­¡± His voice held the emotions and the longing at how much he had missed her, I was d that mom got to experience this happiness with Russo even after having to lose her mate, my Father.


    ¡°Jasmine¡­¡± Mom mentioned my name first and my smile grew wider. After hugging her, I shifted from where I was and allowed Russo toe closer to her.


    My attentionpletely left the both of them when Hardin walked into the room and from the way his hair was disheveled, I could tell that his night was not exactly the perfect night.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you are okay now. Jasmine almost killed herself from crying so much.¡±


    ¡°Hardin¡­¡± I queried, with a frown on my face and every other person chuckled. They were definitelyughing at me.


    I wanted to pass Hardin a re but I really could not do anything to him, so I decided to join theughter even as it was about me.


    Russo chirped in some other funny thighs which got all of usughing, the joy had returned rather quickly and I could not feel any less grateful.


    Even if it might have to cost me something, it is better to get the best of happiness now, right?¡±


    ¡°I think there will be a feast here. There are just so many things to celebrate but it¡¯s been a hectic couple of weeks and we should rejoice.¡± Russo said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Hardin supported.


    I did not know why but my eyes were fixed on Hardin, admiring him and taking in all of his details. I was trying to be careful enough to not let him notice.


    And with my eyes still fixed on him, I doubted that I wanted to do anything with Lorenzo.


    But the problem was that I had no idea how to get out of the bondage of an agreement that I had gotten myself into.


    And as I listed the things that got me worried, trying to sort it out in my head, I noticed how Hardin¡¯s lips that were curved upwards suddenly fell into a frown.


    I had no idea what brought about the change but he forced a smile on his lips before walking away.


    Russo and Cam were still lost in their moment that they had noticed. With a smile, I stood up and left the room, walking just after Hardin.


    I had probably not gotten to that point of closeness with him, but this time, I wanted to know what bothered him and share his pain with him.

 Pity party

    Hardin


    Maybe it was the way Cam¡¯s eyes were bright with life and Jasmine¡¯s with joy. Maybe it was the way it looked like oxygen had finally reentered my father¡¯s lungs when he saw that Cam had gotten better. But I could not stand it for obvious reasons. It did not mean that I hated them, well that was exactly what it meant, did it not?


    I was so jealous of the fact that my mother had not survived it. Because if she had, she would still be here, smiling at me, holding my hand and chastising me for being so uptight and irritable.


    If she was here, then maybe I would not be as unhappy as I was.


    I needed to leave. The talk of celebrations were getting to me and even though I had contributed my part to ensuring that Cam was well and she had shown her gratitude over and over again, I did not have it in me to participate in a party. Not when every time that I saw Cam on that bed, I remembered the desperation that I had felt everytime my mother deteriorated instead of getting better.


    Leaving the house, I got into the car and was about to drive off, preferably to somece quiet where I could be alone and sad in peace while everyone was in a festive mood because thest thing on my agenda was to be a party pooper especially because I would have done the same had my mother recovered from her illness and even more, when there was a knock on the window of my seat.


    Looking up, I saw that it was Jasmine, panting like she had run a mile and she gestured for me to wind down.


    When I did, she took in a deep breath, steadying her breathing in a way that reminded me that she was very human at the end of the day and not like us even though she was born a werewolf.


    Her hair was down in long waves and she quickly put it up into a messy bun that I would rather die than admit that I liked.


    ¡°What do you want, Jazz?¡± I asked, my voiceing out harsher than I even intended it to because whenever I was with her, it felt like I needed to be on fight or flight mode. It could also be the fact that I just realized with a school that I had shortened her name.


    ¡°I really want to speak with you.¡± She answered, her voice soft and totally ignoring my attitude. Well, she was already used to me being cranky all the time and I had to give her a round of apuse for putting up with me.


    ¡°It can¡¯t wait? Thought you had a party to n?¡±


    She rolled her eyes and walked over to the passenger side of the door and when I rolled down the window, she answered.


    ¡°The party is not happening tonight anyways and it¡¯s really important that I talk to you.¡±


    When I just stared at her instead of replying and she folded her hands, waiting for an answer, I realized that she was not going to leave. So I might as well open the car door and take her with me.


    ¡°Alright hop in.¡± I finally ground out and opened the door to the car for her.


    We drove to the cottage in silence and when we got there, I walked out of the car down into the woods, knowing that she was following me until we approached theke.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    This used to be one of my favorite ces in the world because my mother and I used toe here to fish whenever I wanted, which was almost all the time.


    Now, it just felt hollow to be at this beautiful scenery without her but it was where I had some of my best memories of her so I could not stoping.


    Sitting with my back against a tree, I watched as Jasmine sat beside me, resting her back against therge branch of the tree and stared out to theke, her side profile illuminated by the moon that brightened up the sky.


    She was beautiful. Even though I hated to admit it, she was probably the prettiest girl that I had ever seen. Perhaps that was why I was always making sure to be as angry with her as I possibly could.


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± She asked after a long moment of silence and I looked at her with raised eyebrows, more curious than irritated by the question.


    ¡°Why did you follow me, Jasmine? You said you wanted to talk about something and here you are asking the questions when it should be the other way around.¡±


    Why was she asking that? What did she hope to hear or find? Was it rted in any way to what she wanted to talk to me about? Or was she checking how upset I was beforeunching into why she was here?


    ¡°I¡¯m here because I care about you, Hardin. You looked really sad before you left the house and I wanted to make sure that you were not sidelined or feeling alone.¡± She answered gently, as if she was expecting me to bite her for that answer and even though I was shocked by her reply, I kept my face calm and neutral.


    ¡°You are here because you care about me?¡±


    I asked, the words sounding foreign on my lips because I had been nothing but cruel to her since our paths crossed. So why was she here saying something like that? And why was I hoping it was true?


    ¡°Why? Is it unfathomable to care about you? You saved my mother¡¯s life, Hardin. I don¡¯t know what I would have done if you had not been there these past couple of days, taking charge of everything and even going a step further to encourage me even though you don¡¯t like me. I¡¯m worried about you.¡±


    Oh. I had forgotten that even though I had forced myself to believe that Jasmine and her mother were conniving aplices, a truth that some part of me still wanted to believe, Jasmine was very soft and kind hearted. Of course she was here talking to a guy that had been repeatedly wicked to her, even as far as molesting her, because he had done one nice gesture.


    ¡°You and I know that I had no choice in the matter.¡± I replied and she nodded, understanding that there was no way I could have abandoned Cam when my father was away and I had my orders to make sure everything was in ce, a test to prove how capable I was to the pack.


    ¡°But still, even if you had no orders to, it does not change the fact that you helped. And now when all of us are celebrating, there is hardly a smile on your face. If not for anything, a sense of aplishment that you saved her life. I know that you don¡¯t like or trust me, but just this once, allow me to repay the debt by being here for you.¡± She whispered and when she ced a hand on my thigh, my eyes widened and I looked at her.


    Perhaps it was the innocence in her eyes or the environment but I suddenly felt the need to speak about what gnawed at me every night when no one was looking.


    ¡°Seeing your motherying on that bed reminded me of mine. She used to be the strongest woman I know and one day, she fell sick and she never recovered.  I wonder if I could have been able to save her. That thought keeps me up at night, that if I was older then or more sensible. That maybe, just maybe I would have been able to save her. And that maybe she would still be here with me. And everytime I go to her grave, I ask her if she forgives me for being too young to rescue her.¡± I whispered, my voice monotone like I was reciting someone else¡¯s poem but when I looked at Jasmine, her eyes were brimming with tears and she wiped at her face, taking my hand in hers.


    Maybe it was the sadness but I could not resist resting my head against her jean d thighs and as she stroked my hair gently, I tried to remember how my mother used to do the same when we came here.


    ¡°You were just a child, Hardin. And she was the most loved person in the entire pack. It was not your fault. It never was.¡± Jasmine whispered and I don¡¯t know how long we stayed like that but when I finally raised my head, I didn¡¯t feel that bone crushing guilt anymore.


    ¡°Come on.¡± I said when I stood up and helped her to her feet and turned around to head back to the cottage when she called out my name.


    Turning around to face her, I waited for her to speak and her request made my eyes widen.


    ¡°I would like to visit your mother with you next time you go.¡± She whispered, looking away as if expecting immediate rejection.


    Maybe it was the way I was feeling tonight but I didn¡¯t feel an ounce of anger at her request, only momentary confusion and my answer made her eyes widen in surprise.


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go now.¡±

 Full moon tonight

    Jasmine


    ¡°Seeing your motherying on that bed reminded me of mine. She used to be the strongest woman I know and one day, she fell sick and she never recovered. I wonder if I could have been able to save her. That thought keeps me up at night, that if I was older then or more sensible. That maybe, just maybe I would have been able to save her. And that maybe she would still be here with me. And everytime I go to her grave, I ask her if she forgives me for being too young to rescue her.¡±


    I had no idea why Hardin¡¯s words stuck to me long after we had returned from visiting his mother¡¯s grave, a request that I had made that still surprised me because I was not expecting him to say yes or even take me there.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I whispered when I got to the door of my bedroom after we arrived back at the house and when he paused and looked at me, it felt like he wanted to say more. But he thought against it and nodded, walking down the hallway and entering his room.


    I could not deny that seeing that part of Hardin, him being vulnerable, tugged at some heartstrings inside of me and made me want to hug him all night till the next morning.


    Nadia would probably think I was crazy if she heard that I was having these kinds of conflicting feelings about Hardin. I didn¡¯t need her to tell me that I was crazy. I knew that I was. The entire situation was.


    But as I closed my eyes to sleep, I was d that he trusted me enough to take me to his mother¡¯s grave and I had felt the dynamic of our rtionship change. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I was being delusional too.


    However, the one thing I wished I was wrong about the most when I got to school was the promise that I had made to Lorenzo in exchange for him stepping down from thepeting position for Hardin¡¯s title, and also, bringing the antidote for my mom.


    I had not believed that he had really been serious about wanting to have sex with me. Perhaps it was because a part of me wanted to continue to see him as the nice guy that I truly thought and believed he was and not this stranger that behaved like there was something wrong with him.


    Opening the message from him on my phone when I didn¡¯t mean to, made me sigh and I realized that he was going to be in one of my sses today.


    ¡°It¡¯s so hard to reach you these days. When are we going to meet up? I miss you.¡±


    No he didn¡¯t. He just wanted to im the debt that he was owed and I was foolish to have rushed into agreeing to that kind of agreement.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look so well. What is it?¡± Nadia asked me and I merely shrugged, confirming that the ss I had with Lorenzo was for the first period.


    ¡°I feel a little sick, so I¡¯ll be skipping the first period. If Lorenzo asks where I am, don¡¯t tell him anything okay? Say you don¡¯t know.¡± I whispered to her very quietly and when she nodded even though her brows were raised in worry. I smiled and kissed her cheek before running towards the library to hide.


    Minutester, my phone vibrated and I saw that it was a text from my best friend.


    ¡°I know that something is up with you and that you¡¯re not ready to talk about it. But I¡¯m here whenever you are, okay?¡±


    Sending a reply thanking her, I was just about to enter the library when someone cleared his throat and when I turned, it was Hardin and he was looking at me with his brows raised in question.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Skipping the very first ss, good girl? That¡¯s quite unlike you.¡± He said, folding his arms like he was a private investigator.


    Shrugging, I made a show of putting my hand on my head. ¡°I¡¯m having a headache. I doubt I¡¯ll be able to hear anything anyways.¡±


    Closing the distance between us, he sniffed and when his eyes glowed, he quickly stepped back with a low growl.


    ¡°Sorry about that. Full moon tonight.¡± He answered and I nodded before holding the door knob that led into the library.


    ¡°You¡¯re hiding something. I don¡¯t know what it is yet but I intend to find out.¡± He said and by the time I turned around, he was gone.


    I ended up staying in the library for a while and deciding that I was not going to attend any sses today. I picked up my bag when the bell rang for recess, making my way down the crowded hallway when I heard Lorenzo call my name.


    Grateful that the hallway was crowded, I turned around to look at him with a smile and that was when I noticed the look in his eyes. Was it because of the full moon? Because his eyes glowed briefly before he closed them and opened to reveal that they had gone back to normal.


    ¡°Ignore that. It¡¯s the full moon.¡± He said and I nodded. Wolves always had a difficult time controlling their urges on a full moon.


    ¡°Where are you going? Want to skip ss with me? So we can chill?¡± He leaned in to whisper in my ear.


    There was no mistaking the sensual message that he was trying to pass and I quickly shook my head.


    ¡°I need to get home and see my mum. It¡¯s about her health. See you around?¡± I quickly said and fled before he could ask me any more questions.


    Thankfully, the house was quiet for the rest of the day when I got back and after dinner with my mum and Russo, with Hardin being absent as usual, I headed to my bedroom to change out of my clothes and shower. I had only removed my shirt when I heard the door knob open. Hardin.


    I quickly covered my exposed breasts with my hands when he entered but when his eyes met mine and they glowed again, fear gripped me.


    ¡°What do you want, Hardin? I¡¯m changing. Please leave.¡±


    ¡°I saw you at school with Lorenzo. I came here to ask what he was whispering in your ears and why he thought to give me a smirk after you left. But maybe that will be another time.¡±


    There was something incredibly wrong with him. Hardin was always mean but if there was one thing I knew that he possessed, it was control. But now as he looked at me, his eyes a bright Alpha red, I was terrified of what he nned to do to me.


    Closing the distance between us, he grabbed my hands and held them behind my back and his eyes darkened.


    ¡°Such huge tits.¡± He growled and I shook in fear.


    ¡°Please Hardin, stop.¡± I had thought that afterst night, things had changed between us. That we were friends even. But his expression was filled with lust and he did not look like he gave a damn about whether I wanted this or not.


    Pushing me down to the bed, he quickly made away with his belt and then he was grabbing my head and forcing his hardrge dick into my mouth.


    I tried to speak but my mouth was full of him and my hands were held behind my back as he started to move, groaning everytime his dick hit the back of my throat.


    Pinching my nipples with his free hands, he started moving faster and tears trickled down my cheeks.


    ¡°Fuck, I need your pussy or I¡¯m going to go mad.¡± He growled and when he removed his dick from my mouth, I decided to try to beg him again.


    ¡°Hardin, please you don¡¯t have to do this.¡± I said and tried to push him off but he was too strong. His response was to flip me over and raise my skirt up, my chest hitting the bed as he tore my panties and mmed into me hard.


    And then there were no more words from him, just deep growls as he fucked me so hard, mming into me over and over again like he was running out of time. The entire bed shook with the force of his thrusts and he covered my mouth with his palm.


    I hated how my body had no choice but to respond to him. My tears stained the bed sheet as he kept ramming into me. And when he finally paused, I knew that he was about to cum.


    Thest thing I expected was for him to continue moving, thrusting as hard as ever. With a final groan, he came inside me, spurting loads and loads of hot cum.


    My lips parted in shock, eyes wide with surprise that he hadn¡¯t used a condom. As he buckled up, and left the room without a word, my eyes still remained fixed on my bare thighs, streaked with his seed. And I was certain that Hardin had not realized the implications of what he had just done. For his semeny in me, warm and sticky.


    Shaken up, I pressed my face against the pillow and cried myself to sleep.

 Pregnant

    Jasmine


    My vision felt blurred as I stared at myself in the mirror. I felt confused and angry at the same time. Why did he have to continue taking advantage of me that way? It had been weeks since the incident but somehow, I wished that Hardin had actually changed.


    ¡°It is probably not happening,¡± I muttered out, rather sad, and took a piece of tissue to clear my nose. I washed my face in an attempt to somehow free my emotions and then I walked out from the bathroom.


    I needed to think up something. Hardin didn¡¯t understand the consequences of what he had done. I did not want to care if the full moon effect took a toil on him.


    There was nothing that I could actually do, it dawned on me. And as I tucked myself into the duvet trying to sleep, I hoped that somehow I was going to forget that Hardin had released into me that night, and that I could not take any pill to prevent whatever effect that might arise as thest thing that I wanted to do was to visit the pack doctor to get pills.


    What exactly was going to be my reason for wanting to take pills? There was so much that I was going to have to answer.


    Still immersed in my thoughts, I had no idea when I had drifted to sleep.


    Soon it was morning, I got ready like any other day and decided to grab lunch with Nadia.


    ¡°Hey girl, what have you been up totely? You look so pale. Is there something you don¡¯t want to share and it¡¯s bothering you so much?¡± She asked worriedly, immediately she saw me.


    ¡°I am fine,¡± I stuttered a bit and she shot me a suspicious look. I tried to tell her all what had been going on with me but I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to say it. Did I want to talk about  Lorenzo¡¯s mental abuse or Hardin¡¯s sexual abuse? I was so confused that I didn¡¯t even know who to talk to or what to do.


    ¡°Then why did you ask me to lie about your whereabouts to Lorenzo?¡± She probed and when I didn¡¯t reply, she continued, ¡°You know what girl, when you are ready to let it all out juste to me. My arms are always open and my ears are ready to listen to all your worries,¡± She held my hands softly and that guilt surged in that I almost had that split confidence to confess to her but¡­ it was just for a second, nothing more.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said to her and that was mostly how our day went, with my attempt to distract my mind. It was just so sad that it could notst when I had gotten back home.


    I had noticed something strange so far, Hardin had been ignoring me for a while and anytime our eyes met, he gave me a look of apology which left me a little bit confused.


    ¡®Was it that he was suddenly regretting forcing himself into me on the night of the full moon? Or did he by any chance realize that he had released inside of me without protection?¡¯ I questioned myself multiple times but I couldn¡¯t think of any other scenarios.


    ¡°But still, he didn¡¯te to me and apologize for what he had done!¡± I reminded myself which almost made me hate Hardin the more. Did he always have to be so proud and arrogant about his status that he didn¡¯t consider the feelings of others?¡¯


    I sighed heavily as my back rested on the bed. I just had to let it go. It had happened already, there was no need for me to trouble myself too much. Besides, it was a part of Hardin that I should have gotten used to already. I was the fool for even getting surprised about his actions.


    In hopes, I tried to console myself but I still felt that something was wrong which I could not ce my hands on. A start was, I had continuously felt dizzy while I was with Nadia. But we had concluded that I was stressing myself and that I needed to spend more time resting.


    A knock came on my door which made my eyes snap open as I stared at the white ceiling. Slowly my brain awakened and I got familiar with my surroundings. I had drifted to sleep from thinking so much.


    ¡°I was asked to call you to the dining room,¡± The maid at the door had said, and it was when I nced at the clock that was on the wall, that I realized that I had slept for a long time.


    I slowly got off the bed and made my way to the door, arriving at the dining room to meet Mom and Russo alreadyughing over dinner.


    I greeted and pulled out a chair for myself. Russo simply nodded at me in response as his attention was focused on the grilled meat and sds on the table, while mom did not stop with all the sweetpliments just to bring out a smile on my face.


    Just as I picked a piece of grilled meat to eat, I felt a presence beside me and I knew who it was.


    ¡°Father,¡± Hardin¡¯s voice flooded into my ears and memories of ourst encounter yed in my head like a broken stereo disc.


    ¡°I got informed that you called for me.¡± He took a seat beside me, causing my heart to increase, which greatly contradicted the silence that was in the dining room as only the sounds of knives hitting the ces could be heard.


    ¡°Son, when will I get the news that you have finally found a mate?¡± Russo¡¯s cold voice broke the silence and my hands froze a bit but I quicklyposed myself as I tried to ignore Hardin¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Soon father,¡± He said slowly but the next thing that happened was a bang. I also did not see iting.


    ¡°How soon is ¡®soon¡¯, Hardin? Isn¡¯t this the ripe age to get your mate?¡± His voice thundered in the dining room.


    ¡°Father please calm down,¡± Hardin uttered and Russo shot him an amused look.


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± He growled.


    Somehow I felt scared from that dangerous look Russo gave Hardin and I knew that trouble wasing.


    ¡°You must have a mate after the whole festivities of this full moon, which has stayed for rather too long, is over. If you don¡¯t have a mate by the next full moon just forget about you being an alpha because an Alpha can¡¯t be without a mate and that would nevere from my family!¡± Russo yelled at him angrily and the next thing that happened was the chair beside me getting thrown away as Hardin strode out the room in a furious manner.


    ¡°You don¡¯t dare walk out on me!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so fucking tired of all these dad, I need some space,¡± Those were thest words that he uttered, before finally leaving the dinning room.


    I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say a word to the angry man at the table so I slowly ate my food in peace. Mom also had not mentioned anything. It was safer to allow the whole tussle between the father and the son to die down on its own. I believed she was going to do something about itter though.


    And that was how the whole room remained silent all through dinner, till Russo walked out without finishing his food too. His actions could exin where Hardin picked his anger from.


    Yawning heavily, I picked up my phone. I realized that I had been staring into the empty space for roughly two hours since after dinner as I still struggled to find sleep.


    I felt Russo was going a little bit hard on Hardin as it concerned the finding a mate issue. I actually did believe that he should be rather d that Hardin was even able to shift into his wolf which was dominant and did not have to struggle to get his wolf like me.


    Fear gripped me as I wondered if a day was going toe where Russo would shout at me to find my mate, but till then, I just wanted to breathe.


    I sighed as I strolled through my chats and as soon as I got to my conversation with Nadia, I decided that I might just have to tell her everything. After all, I needed someone to hear all my troubles.


    My thoughts got interrupted by a message and I squinted my eyes to see that it was from Nadia.


    ¡°What are you nning after the exam? And what is the whole thing you have been hiding from me for a long time now?¡±


    I made up my mind. I was going to tell her and get my thoughts in order. Hardin, Lorenzo, everything. I just wanted to pass my thoughts out. Besides, she told me so many confidential things which made me feel guilty for hiding so many things away from her for so long.


    ¡°Nadia, I have something important to tell you¡­¡± I started.


    My phone crashed on the bed as I suddenly felt nauseous, I felt my stomach turn like I had just taken something that I shouldn¡¯t have. Without a second thought I dashed out from the bed to the bathroom, throwing up all that I didn¡¯t know I had in my tummy.


    I felt that bitter taste and my eyes were teary. I tried to breathe but it was just too much.


    I coughed out multiple times and rinsed my mouth, after which I sshed some water on my face. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and I suddenly had a bad premonition in me.


    ¡°I hope it isn¡¯t what I am thinking,¡± my lips shook as the thought crossed through my mind.


    With shaky hands and legs I ran back to the room. Kneeling on the floor, I picked my phone, unlocked it and didn¡¯t care to check what message Nadia had sent in reply.


    And after re-reading the exact thing I was browsing for, it dawned on me that this one time, I had not been lucky.  And that my dy to speak out about Hardin¡¯s abuse for long was definitely going to tell on me in a terrible way.


    ¡°I¡¯m done for,¡± Those were the thoughts that ran through my head as I stared at all of the exnations before me.


    ¡­Feeling nauseous and dizzy¡­


    ¡°What would my life be now? And how I was going to face people knowing that I was  pregnant for my step brother?¡± It felt like a sore in my throat when I mentioned it to my hearing .


    I had unintentionally created a mess for myself, and it didn¡¯t feel like one that I was going to easily get out from.


    I was pregnant for my step brother!Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    And just as I was about falling to the bed to digest everything that I had just discovered, another strong feeling hit me which got me running back to the bathroom. I was pregnant and it was not what I could deny anymore.

 Scent

    Hardin


    Dad was right, not like I could deny it. It was really okay for him to worry about me finding my mate, and maybe the reason why I red up so much whenever he talked about it was how I badly avoided the talk.


    I did not want him to keep on mentioning that I was mateless though it was a sad reality that was catching up faster with me than I could imagine.


    My inauguration ceremony as a wolf was in a month¡¯s time, and if I did not have a mate as at that time, then the position of the Alpha might as well be taken away from me.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I cursed, mming my hands on my car¡¯s steering wheel.


    School was over for the day, but for some reasons, I wanted to stay away from home. I had been driving about the pack, and frustratedly, I parked by the roadside to clear my thoughts.


    The pressure from the elders was not something that I could handle and I understood that it was the reason why Russo was pushing so much and just maybe, it was not because he hates me.


    I drew out a cigarette from the pack that was in my hands, and after lighting it, I decided to clear my worries with the puffs.


    Maybe, it wasn¡¯t helping so much, or just maybe, my worry was rather too much. Any of it, I wished that all of my worries could end, and I¡¯ll have the freedom to breathe properly and move about the pack without having to hear murmurs about how I was without a mate.


    Even at school, they were rumors, and the most I could do was to bully whoever it was that talked about it all in an attempt to hide my shame.


    While my mind still wandered about so many things and me considering the options of having to mate someone else regardless of who the moon goddess had chosen for me, if she actually did, a beep came on my phone.


    The only downsides of getting a mate that way was that the elders considered it as a bad omen most times and only allowed it if it is like in the case of my Dad, Russo, that lost his mate to the cold hands of death.


    Sighing, I picked up my phone as another notification beep hade in. Opening it, I realized that it was from Jasmine.


    ¡°Hello Hardin, are you anywhere around the house?¡±


    It was what the message read, and my brows furrowed as I went ahead to read the second message.


    ¡°Please answer me! There is something important that I want to talk to you about.¡±


    Now, what was important that Jasmine wanted to say to me? I could only wonder.


    It was definitely Cam that had asked her to message me to find out about my whereabouts. She probably wanted to start with the ¡®good mother duties¡¯ that I didn¡¯t really like everytime, to tell me of how I should respect Russo as he is the Alpha, and how everything that he was doing was for my well-being.


    I dropped my phone, and only picked it up when Sandro¡¯s call came in.


    ¡°Hey man, is there any problem?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Sandro said. ¡°I was just wondering if you coulde to the club downtown, I and Alex are here. And for some reason, he feels that you need to be here.¡±


    ¡°You should bro, I can¡¯t tell whenst you had a good time. Was going on up there?¡± Alex¡¯s voice came through.


    ¡°Can you just let me talk? You had refused to call earlier. So let me be,¡± Sandro countered, and as it happens everytime, they started disputing between themselves, leaving me alone to talk on the phone with  myself.


    On a very normal day, when they are having these kinds of arguments, I¡¯ll growl and they¡¯d have to do away with the quarrels for the meantime.


    But at that moment, nothing did interest me, including going to the club. Somehow, Sandro or Alex was going to bring a talk that rted to their mate, and it really was not what I wanted to listen to at that moment.


    While their quarrel still persisted, I hung up and was left with thest option that I had. Driving home.


    The cottage would have been a very perfect idea if I had not gone out of supplies, food supplies precisely, and I was toozy to hunt.


    I could get every other foodmodity from the market, but it was a rare thing to get fresh meat from the market. Only the pack mansion always had it in supply, and it was the exact thing that I longed for.


    To maintain bnce,ws were ced on huntings, to help regrize everything in the society.


    I started my car engine, and began the ride home. And before I could even get to the pack mansion, another call came on my phone. This time, it was from Cam, and I guessed that whatever reasons she called me for, was the same as why Jasmine texted me endlessly.


    The mansion felt the same as always, on arriving there, and I had only decided to take in the details of its beauty aftering across a picture of the mansion that my mom had taken before she asked that the interiors and exteriors be adjusted to her taste earlier today.


    Undeniably, afterparing the photo with the appearance of the mansion now, my mother sure had a beautiful taste.


    Thinking about her made my lips part into a smile, and just as I was about turning down the hallway, to my room, a voice interrupted me.


    It was Russo¡¯s.


    ¡°Where are youing from?¡± He probed, and I heaved a deep sigh before walking to where he was.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    From where he sat, Cam sat beside him, and Jasmine, opposite them.


    It made me wonder about the family meeting that they had in my absence, which majorly consisted of my name. I could tell that my name was about what was on everybody¡¯s mouth in the mansion, including that of the servants.


    It exined why I got texts from Jasmine, and a call from Cam.


    ¡°You have not answered me, son. Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°I was spending some time at the cottage.¡±


    ¡°Oh wow!¡± Russo snapped, ¡°I am not against where you are, or where you go. But I do hope that whatever you are doing is bringing you closer to finding your mate.¡± He mentioned, and I felt my blood boil.


    He never spared a minute to remind me that there was so much in front of me, beginning from steps that he feels should be as basic as finding my mate.


    ¡°You leave me no choice, son. I think I¡¯ll have to host a ball in theing week so you can find your mate.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± That was the only reply that I gave him, and turned to leave when he stopped me again.


    ¡°Jasmine has been waiting for you. She is dressed, you should take her to her instructor today, and stay with her until she¡¯s done with training.¡±


    I raised my eyes to Jasmine, and then nodded at Russo. Maybe it was me overthinking, but she was avoiding having any eye contact with me.


    I had an idea that it was rted to the night of the full moon. I could tell little about the details of what had happened that night, but I knew my wolf had gone wilder than I could control, and was burning in lust for Jasmine.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will quickly pick up my kit,¡± she answered, and I walked back to the car, leaving her behind.


    The ride to her training ground suddenly felt like a long one. It was probably because of how Jasmine felt uneasy around me.


    Unable to put up with the tense atmosphere, I let out my question.


    ¡°You had told me that you wanted to text me, Jasmine. What is it?¡±


    ¡°I had?¡± She suddenly turned to me, and I shook my head wondering if she had suddenly gone mad.


    ¡°Yes you did. Or do I have to remind you too?


    I picked up my phone and ced it in front of her face without waiting for her.


    ¡°See?¡±


    ¡°Ohhh¡­¡± she drawled, as though realization had suddenly hit her.


    ¡°It was nothing. I mean, Dad was asking about your whereabouts and I needed you to drive me to training.¡± She mentioned.


    ¡°Nothing more?¡±


    ¡°Yes, nothing more.¡±


    I nodded, then let out a low sigh, ¡°okay.¡±


    The ride continued till we got to Jasmine¡¯s training ground. It was then that I noticed the dense forest that had been on that side of the wild, and I decided to go for a run while waiting for her.


    After so many days of having to think so much,  I felt rather d that I was freeing my wolf and getting to enjoy this moment of rxation.


    But something happened.


    One that I had not imagined.


    The scent that I had been waiting to perceive.


    The scent that its absence was making me go crazy.


    I had never felt it before, but from what I was told, it was how ted every wolf felt on finding their mate.


    And I turned, running to the direction from where it came from. Only stopping when I met myself back in the training ground where I had left Jasmine and her tutor.


    ¡°You seem excited. What is it?¡± Her tutor asked, and my brows arched as I tried to settle in.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± I muttered, while my gaze wandered about the field.


    The scent was gone.


    Had I not felt my mate now? Or the moon goddess was messing with me again?


    My shoulders cked. My high expectations were definitely affecting my sense of smell.

 Caught 2

    Jasmine


    ¡°You did great today, Jasmine. You don¡¯t have to look so down. It¡¯s progress.¡± My instructor said when she saw the disappointed look on my face and even though I nodded in response, walking to the tree to grab my bottle of water and towel to wash my face, I could not help but feel a veryrge sense of sadness because I knew that I had been so close to shifting.


    I had felt it in my bones and in that split second, I had transformed, and even though it was not evenpletely, I had seen the ws.  I had felt my sight sharpen, I had felt everything around me change, my sensations heightening and then before I could blink, it was gone. Like it never even happened.


    ¡°You did good, Jasmine.¡± My instructor said again and she smiled as she came to sit beside me where I was currently seated, at the foot of the tree.


    ¡°How do you get over something like this? How do you continue to not give up hope? I was so close and now it felt like I had only imagined everything.¡± I said, my lips quivering and she took my hand in hers.


    ¡°When we started, you could not even make a transformation, Jasmine. And now you can. Baby steps.¡±


    I wanted to ask her how much longer when someone cleared his throat and when I turned in the direction of the sound, I swallowed nervously as my eyes met with Hardin¡¯s.


    He hade earlier, looking rather disoriented after my run. But after my tutor questioned his uneasiness, he said he was going to leave and check on me when I am done.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to pick you up.¡± He said, his face showing mild irritation that I had alreadye to ept was a part of him. He was a prickly person through and through, and sometimes it could be something as simple as the change in weather.


    ¡°Hello Hardin¡± The instructor said with a slight bow of her head that reminded me that while I saw Hardin as many things, he was first and foremost the future Alpha of the pack. .


    Nodding in response, he ced his hands in his pockets and waited for me to pack my bags, walking beside me to where he parked the car. But all I could think about was how close he was and how it made me so nervous because of the news that I had to tell him that I was unable to for the past couple of days.


    As I buckled my seat belt, Hardin opened the console between us and handed me chocte.


    When my eyes widened at the gesture, he rolled his eyes and started the ignition, dropping the chocte on myp.


    ¡°It helps to keep your sugar up after training so you don¡¯t go fainting on me before we get home.¡±


    Oh. For a second I had thought he had sensed something growing inside of me that had made him do that. Of course not. Hardin¡¯s response would be anything but calm if he found out that I was pregnant with his child.


    I had texted him yesterday that I wanted to talk to him about something but seeing him now in the flesh, I didn¡¯t think I was ready to reveal that I was pregnant with his child thanks to that night where he had not used protection and sumbed to the whims of the full moon.


    ¡°You are tapping your leg restlessly, Jasmine. Is there something bothering you?¡± When I nced at him, his eyebrows were raised in question even though he was not looking at me and I felt like there was something blocking my throat. It was fear.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you are but whatever¡± He answered and even though I wanted more than anything to tell him, there were many reasons why I knew that was a terrible idea, especially because it wouldn¡¯t change how Hardin felt about me.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Perhaps it was the most hurtful part of all of this, because just earlier I had heard Hardin tell his father that he could go on and host the ball for him to find his mate. I had just been a means to an end. A way to act on his impulses and anger that his father had remarried another woman rather than spend the rest of his life pining after his mother.


    Hardin was never going to think of me as anything other than the stepsister he never wanted or asked for. And that was what hurt the most because I had been delusional that telling him would make him change towards me.


    Feeling my eyes prick with tears, I quickly bit into the chocte bar that he had given me as he drove past the main gate into the house and not even waiting for him to park in the garage, I got down from the car and rushed inside, heading straight upstairs and locking myself in the bathroom to throw up.


    Sitting on the ground when I was done, I held my head between my hands as I tried to think.


    Should I run away? Because there was no doubt that Hardin would never ept that this baby was his or that his actions were the reason that I was in this situation in the first ce.


    I could not tell my mother anything, not with how fragile her health had made her. How was I going to exin that I had been sleeping with Hardin for a long time, even though I had never intended for that to happen.


    Should I tell Nadia? So many options with bleak answers were what I was staring at but the one thing I was certain of was that I was not going to lose this baby. With or without Hardin or anyone else¡¯s support, I was going to keep the baby, I vowed as I held my stomach.


    I didn¡¯t realize that I had ended up sleeping off on the bathroom floor till dawn until my rm rang and I snuck downstairs to fix myself something to eat before everyone was up before heading over to Nadia¡¯s house to wait for her so we could go to school together.


    If she wondered why I had done that, she didn¡¯t say anything and I was grateful that she did not ask questions.


    Thest thing I expected to happen today was a confrontation with Lorenzo but as I made my way to ss for the first period, someone grabbed my arm.


    When I turned around, it was Lorenzo, his handsome face contorted in an ugly frown as he raised his eyebrows at me.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡± He said and before I coulde up with an excuse, he dragged me away till we got to the boys changing room and shoved me inside, closing the door behind him.


    The room was of course empty because everyone else would be in ss and when I looked at the crazed look in Lorenzo¡¯s eyes, I felt my entire body shake with fear.


    ¡°I never took you for a liar, Jasmine.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I asked even though I was sure that I knew what he was talking about.


    ¡°We made a deal and I kept my end of the bargain.¡±


    When I didn¡¯t say anything, he grabbed me by my throat and mmed me against one of the lockers and I gasped in fear as he whispered close to my ear.


    ¡°Since you don¡¯t want us to do this the easy way, then we are going to do it the hard way. And trust me, Jasmine, I really would have loved it if we had done this the easy way.¡±


    ¡°Please stop¡± I begged but when I saw that he meant what he said, I started to struggle against his hold.


    ¡°Stop fighting me.¡± He growled, his hands tightening around my throat and all I could think about was my baby.


    cing my hands in front of my stomach protectively, I croaked.


    ¡°Please, Lorenzo. You¡¯re hurting me. Please, if not for anything, for this child I¡¯m carrying¡­¡± Before I could finish the statement, he released me and took a step back, his eyes wide with surprise.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Did I just hear you clearly?¡±


    My eyes widened in surprise, realizing what I had just blurted out, but since it was already out, there was no more point in denying it, was there?


    When I nodded, he shook his head in disbelief.


    ¡°Did you just say you¡¯re pregnant, Jasmine?¡± He asked slowly.


    ¡°Yes, Lorenzo. I¡¯m pregnant.¡±


    The silence in the room was almost deafening and that was when I realized that we were not the only ones in the locker room after all, my eyes wide with surprise when Hardin walked out to where Lorenzo and I stood, his face filled with shock and rage unlike any I¡¯ve seen before.


    He looked at me with a murderous re and I realized what he thought even before he said it.


    ¡°So you are now pregnant for this son of a bitch?¡± He roared, his voice shaking the room.

 You disgust me

    Hardin


    I was mad was a total understatement.


    I felt like I was going crazy and at that moment, I wanted to hold Lorenzo by his neck and slit his throat. I wanted to drain out life from him and watch him in pleasure as he groaned in pain.


    But I could not do any of that. And the fact that I could not, made me feel suffocated.


    Well because he was also an Alpha, and causing him any harm, like attempting to kill him, was definitely going to get me summoned by the wolves council.


    Dad will not want to bring any shame to the pack, so definitely he will support the motion that my inheritance be taken away from me.


    So many things were running through my head at that moment, and I just wanted to breathe.


    ¡°You are really pregnant for this son of a bitch, huh?¡± I asked again, letting out a low chuckle. I was fighting to not show the rage that I felt within me.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ it¡¯s not true, I¡­¡± Jasmine stuttered, and it only got my blood boiling the more.


    Lorenzo, on the other hand, had a sly grin on his face. Initially, it was confusion, but seeing that somehow, whatever he had with Jasmine that led to her getting pregnant irked me, his grin widened.


    ¡°You know what? Forget it. I should have known better. You have always been a slut, and you¡¯ve totally only cared about what sleeping with men will get you. You disgust me! I hate that I am being identified as a step brother to you.¡± I bawled at Jasmine, restraining myself from hitting her.


    I paid no attention to any of her cries. It was all fake, like every time.


    It was filled with deceit, and I regretted every single time that I looked at her with care. I felt like my ego had been bruised.


    I could not tell if it was because I actually had feelings that lingered in my heart for her, or if it was because of her pregnancy that was proof to me that she actually had affairs with the son of a bitch, Lorenzo.


    As much as I had said it so many times, it felt like a new piercing to my heart that I was not the only one in possession of Jasmine¡¯s body.


    ¡°You are a cheap slut!¡± I yelled out again. And when Lorenzo tried to stop me from speaking more, I growled at him, advising him that it was better to mind his business, before walking away.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to mind anything that he is saying, Jasmine. I¡¯m here for you.¡± I heard Lorenzo¡¯s voice, and I gritted my teeth in anger.


    Jasmine, once again with her foolishness, had given him the opportunity to be the bigger person.


    ¡°Just leave me!¡± My ears picked Jasmine¡¯s response to what Lorenzo had said, and I scoffed.


    She still wanted to get herself involved with me, it exined why she was suddenly pushing him away after getting pregnant for him.


    I had acrosse game to y in an hour, and it was worse that it was very necessary for me to be there. But Jasmine had done a good job disorienting me.


    As I made my way to the car, I picked up my phone and dialed Sandro¡¯s number. I had to ask him to cook up an excuse for me to our coach, as I was definitely going to flop if I tried yingcrosse.


    ¡°Hardin¡­¡± Jasmine called me just when I tried getting into my car, and I waited for her to walk down to me.


    I wanted to hear the excuse that she was going to cook up, as the reason why she had been lying to me all along.


    I had fucking  asked her countless times if she had anything going on with Lorenzo. And every time that I did, her answer was no.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I turned to her.


    Her eyes were teary as she walked closer to me, and even as I felt this weight on me seeing her cry, I refused to care one bit.


    ¡°Will you please listen to me now?¡± She started. ¡°I had not told you all along, but I think it is necessary that I do now.¡±


    For some reason, my eyes were keen on her. And I was more interested in knowing what she wanted to say, than I will on a very normal day.


    ¡°I am pregnant. But it¡¯s not for Lorenzo, it¡¯s for you.¡±


    Hearing her words caused a sudden surge of anger to rise through me. She definitely thought that I was a child that she could lie to at any time, and even lie about the father of the crap in her womb.


    ¡°Just shut up! Can you surprise me anymore than you have already?¡±


    ¡°I am not lying, I tried telling you¡­¡± she tried to counter, clinging to my hands. And in rage, I pushed her away, watching her on the ground as I drove off.


    ¡°Hard¡­¡± she tried to speak as I drove, but I did not listen. From my side mirror, I watched her hands on her belly, as she tried hard to fight off more of the tears that had fallen on her cheeks already.


    She was disgusting and a filthy liar.


    Entering the first bar that I came across, I quickly ordered drinks. Just anything to make me forget that Jasmine had bruised my ego not just in front of me, but also in front of the one person that I hated more than anything.


    Or was I just overreacting?


    I did not own her to even care about whatever she wanted to do with her life, then why was I acting that way?


    She said I was the father to her child, just how?


    Or was there any time that I released inside of her? My head had not been totally clear of worries, but I doubted that I would have been foolish to release inside of her.


    Besides, if I was the one responsible for her pregnancy, then what did Lorenzo have to do with it?


    Why did she suddenly have to tell him first, and only realized that I was supposed to know after I caught both of them.


    ¡°I really do care about you.¡± Her words from one time that I was down resounded in my ears, and my belly churned at how much I had been yed. She yed with my mind and my emotions.


    I hated her terribly. And that I did enjoy sex with her even as she  was a low life caused me to cringe.


    The omegas at the pack were definitely better than her. It was an established fact that they were weaklings, but at least they had their wolves. They were notughing stocks, and the only person that shield Jasmine from all the embarrassments that she would have been getting was me and the rtionship that she had by being my step sister.


    But now, I intended to make Jasmine¡¯s life a living hell.


    ¡°I need some more drinks,¡± I called out to the bartender.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Alcohol had very little effects on werewolves and as an Alpha wolf, I had better tolerance to it. But this time, I wanted to take so much that I wouldpletely not be able to think and I made sure to take the strongest of wines there.


    ¡°You seem like you want something more than alcohol. Can I help you take your problems away?¡± A she-wolf whose face was not really clear to me probed, while her hands rubbed on my chest.


    From her scent, I could tell that she belonged to my pack.


    ¡°Stay away from me,¡± I mumbled, but as though she had been sent, she came closer and even ced her cuddly butts on my dick. Thanks to the covering that my cloth offered.


    ¡°I have been seated at the other table, and I noticed that you are really down. I will not feel any better if you remain this way, so can I help?¡±


    Her hands brushed against my lips, and I let her.


    Notpletely in control of my thoughts, I stood, dragging the wolf that was with me till we went to a corner of the bar that was secluded.


    She wanted to continue being touchy with me, but the whole romance did not sit well with me, as I just wanted to m into her.


    I quickly pulled her clothes away, and made her turn in a way that her ass was really close to my dick.


    Bending her slightly, I proceeded to zip my trousers down. And just as I was about to m into her, I lost the urge for any of it.


    Why did Jasmine keep ying in my head when I should hate her for all her betrayal?


    ¡°Get dressed,¡± I informed thedy but she turned to me with a frown.


    ¡°You can¡¯t leave me after getting to this point.¡± She queried.


    ¡°What exactly about get dressed do you not understand?¡± I said, gripping her neck tightly.


    She was hurting from my hold, I could see the red marks. But I did not care.


    I thought I had suddenly stopped being vile after Jasmine got into my life. Even as it was all sex that we had, it definitely influenced my actions most times. But at that point, I felt darker than ever.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± she struggled. And when I was satisfied, I dropped her to the floor. With her cries audible to me as I walked away.


    The drive back home was rather too fast for me, and as I stepped into the house, I hoped that I would not have any reason to get pissed than I already was.


    But trust the mother and daughter to be a thorn to me.


    ¡°Hardin dear,¡± Cam¡¯s voice came and it sounded like she was disappointed. ¡°Have you been drinking?¡±


    The scent had probably rubbed off on me, but I really did not have the time to answer her question.


    Jasmine stood by Cam, quiet and as though she was innocent. Meanwhile, she was a devil in disguise.


    ¡°What is it? You can tell me,¡± she added. And when she ced her hands on me, I pulled away from her.


    ¡°Whatever is wrong with me is none of your business,¡± I yelled at her. ¡°You should spend this time caring about your slut of a daughter, so she doesn¡¯t get to sleep with every man. And not pretend to be a caring mother.¡±

 Numb

    Jasmine


    It felt like the whole world had copsed on me after hearing Hardin say those words. My eyes widened in horror and when I looked at my mother, she looked like she could not even believe what she had just heard.


    Well, that made the two of us.


    A slut. Hardin had just called me a slut right in front of my mother and it felt like every moment that I had actually thought there was something there, that he was more than this bully, this asshole, that he was just someone that was struggling with his pain and needed to be heard, it felt like those moments were a lie.


    This was the real Hardin. This was who he was. This was what he was capable of. He was nothing but a dick.


    ¡°What are you talking about, Hardin?¡± She asked, her voice calm but shaky as she struggled to grasp the words that had been used to describe me.


    Hardin merely looked at me, his face filled with disgust and stormed upstairs as fast as he could and I heard the door to his bedroom m shut.


    My mother turned to look at me, her eyes filled with so many questions.


    ¡°What is he talking about, munchkin? What does he mean by that?¡± She asked gently and it was all I could do to not start crying.


    Tears trickled down my eyes and when I saw her trying to close the distance between us, I shook my head and ran up the stairs, locking the door to my room and sitting on the floor beside my bed as the first sob burst out of my mouth.


    Lost. I was so lost. How could this be happening to me? What was my offense? What was my sin? How was I going to even exin to my mother that I was pregnant and that contrary to what Hardin believed, the person responsible was him, not a random person because I had never even kissed anyone else that was not him.


    How would I begin to exin that my stepbrother was the father of my unborn child?


    It would break my mother¡¯s heart. I couldn¡¯t tell her and now that the one person that I had hoped to tell wanted nothing to do with me, I was fucked.


    ¡°Jasmine?¡± I heard my mother say as she knocked gently on the door and I quickly tried to reduce my sobs so that she would not be even more worried.


    ¡°Mum, please not right now.¡± I answered and when I didn¡¯t hear anything, I thought she was no longer at the door. I thought she had gone but then I heard her gentle voice again.


    ¡°Jasmine, I don¡¯t know what happened between you and Hardin but please you can talk to me. I know that he might have said those hurtful things but I¡¯m sure they are not true, sweetie. He was probably speaking from a ce of pain and I¡¯m sorry that you had to hear that.¡±


    My mother was such a sweet soul. I knew that other mothers would have asked what Hardin meant, but look at her believing that he was only being mean. She trusted me with everything she had and yet I had gone and disappointed her. No matter how much I needed a hug from her right now, I could not open the door.


    I could not tell her the truth.


    And so, I stayed quiet instead of answering her, walking to sit by the door.


    ¡°Know that it is still you and me against the world, my love and I¡¯ll be here to talk about anything, alright?¡± She whispered and then I heard her steps receding.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I sat on the ground but my phone started ringing and when I looked at it, it was from Nadia.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I was about to turn off the phone and throw it somewhere when a message popped up.


    ¡°If you turn off your phone, I¡¯m going to show up at your house. Pick up, Jasmine.¡±


    Knowing that she would do exactly as she had said she would if I didn¡¯t pick up, I answered the phone on the next ring.


    ¡°Oh my God, Jasmine. What¡¯s going on? Your mom called and she sounded like she had been crying. She is really worried about you. What happened? She said Hardin said something that upset you.¡±


    I scoffed at that. It would have been nice if those words had only been upsetting. It would have been really nice if that was just it and had nothing to do with the fact that it was the father of my child that had basically denounced me.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Jasmine? Talk to me.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t talk about it right now, Nadia.¡±


    ¡°Why not? Did Hardin do something to you? Did he say that he was going to hurt you if you spoke about it? Because, girl, you have been acting really strange these past few weeks and I know that something is up with you but you just won¡¯t say it. But now, even your mother is worried. I am worried too. You need to talk about it¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t¡± I snapped immediately and even though I knew that it was wrong for me to be this rude, I couldn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Jasmine¡­¡±


    ¡°I said I can handle my shit, Nadia. I don¡¯t need you always trying to rescue me. I am not a child. And you should really mind your business. I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯m turning off my phone right now. Don¡¯te to the house.¡±


    And then I ended the call, another sob breaking out of my mouth as I switched off my phone.


    I had just seeded in chasing away the only friend that I had. I felt so horrible for being so mean to her even though I knew she was trying to help but I chose not to focus on that at the moment.


    Nothing had changed the fact that I was still very much pregnant and then I thought about Russo.


    Maybe if I told him, he would be able to help me since Hardin had decided that he was not going to hear me out. Cleaning my eyes, I quickly showered and snuck out of my bedroom, avoiding everywhere that I thought my mother would be because I was not yet ready to face her.


    I headed to his office and when I knocked and didn¡¯t get a response, I entered and saw that he was not there. My eyesnded on the picture of Russo and my mum. It was the day of the wedding. They looked so happy.


    And then I saw the picture that had all four of us. Russo, my mum, Hardin and me. It had been taken right after Hardin had threatened me to leave with my mother or he was going to make life a living hell for me. It was only my mother and Russo that had genuine smiles on their faces. As for Hardin and I, our smiles were forced.


    Well, he had gotten his wish now. He had not only seeded in making life a living hell for me, he had created another life with me and abandoned me without even hearing what I had to say. I was going to be a single mother because of him.


    Heading out of the study, I moved downstairs to the garden where I knew that he usually was around this time of day.


    I saw him first and hope bloomed in my chest as I started to walk up to him and that was when I saw the look on his face.


    ¡°You need to get your shit right, Hardin. I have had enough of your temperament, your attitude and everything in general. Do you think being angry is what makes an Alpha?¡±


    ¡°I never said that.¡±


    ¡°It only makes you look stupid. And I¡¯m tired of having to deal with my incapable son¡¯s messes. I¡¯m tired. I have coddled you since your mother died but even she would be disappointed in how you¡¯ve turned out. From fighting to skipping school to have temper tantrums like a child, I have had enough. One more slip up, one more mistake and I might just deny you the position of Alpha.  After all, not all Alphas are born, some rise to the asion.¡±


    My eyes widened in horror and I didn¡¯t even wait to hear if Hardin responded, heading to my room and mming the door shut.


    Telling Russo about this pregnancy would definitely make him strip Hardin of his title and Hardin would no less me me for it even though we both knew whose fault it was that I was pregnant.


    I hated him but I didn¡¯t think I would ever forgive myself if Hardin lost his position because of me.


    This meant that I had only one option left. I was going to run away and face the consequences of being a rogue wolf.

 Find her

    Hardin


    I still could not believe Jasmine would be pregnant with Lorenzo¡¯s child even as it was now three days since I found out about it. If it wasn¡¯t for him, I might have taken it lightly but for Lorenzo of all the people in this world? It was really stupid and crazy of her to sleep with him in the first ce.


    It was not like I didn¡¯t satisfy her enough when I had her. What annoyed me more was that Lorenzo had a taste of her. The taste I¡¯d been savoring and enjoying, not wanting to share it with anyone, but she randomly opened her legs for him.


    I seriously wanted to punch the hell out of him and beat him up till his pack failed to recognize him as one of them.


    I couldn¡¯t take this and my anger was seriously making me sweat. I pulled off my clothes and looked at myself in the mirror, after tying a towel around my waist. This was what she left behind for some ugly and irresponsible guy, after all that we had shared.


    I angrily punched the mirror and it shattered to pieces before I walked into the bathroom to take a quick shower to get her off my mind. I was going to have a very long day tomorrow, and I really would not want the thoughts of her stressing me before the main stress that I was going to experience at the ball that father was hosting.


    Soon, I fell asleep not even bothering to think about her again. She wasn¡¯t worth my time. She was just a cheap slut who can easily strip before any man just to get pleasured and better fame.


    Morning came with all the excitement that the servants disyed, but I wasn¡¯t thrilled. The ball was going to be tonight and it was going to be another stress with Father asking me to get my mate today or losing the alpha position.


    I couldn¡¯t lose this alpha position at all or Lorenzo and his guys would mock me, no doubt.


    He would make life miserable and I would wish I actually just took ady for my mate. And maybe that was what I was going to do,dies could not have enough of me. I would just shut her up and she would easily pretend to be my mate.


    I walked out of my room, half naked with a towel on my neck. I headed towards the gym and then I caught sight of twodies peeking through the door as I worked out. They were the guests who arrived early and I wondered if they actually had nothing to do or a life to live toe here very early when it was still a good number of hours before the ball.


    I saw them rush away and I already knew someone wasing so I slowed down the treadmill. The door pushed open and my father¡¯s omega walked into the room.


    ¡°Good morning to you Alpha Hardin.¡± He bowed gently and I raised a brow, not saying anything and he got the cue to continue, ¡°Alpha Russo sent for you. Your attention is being sought by him.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I replied and he nodded before walking out.


    I knew Father had an important thing to talk about and it definitely would be rted to tonight¡¯s ball. I walked back to my room and took a quick shower before changing to something casual, then walked over to his study, where I met him sitting patiently for my arrival.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for dying you father, I had to round up in the gym.¡± I replied as I noticed the frown on his face, and he acted as if he didn¡¯t hear me at all.


    ¡°I wonder daily what kind of son you are, Hardin. For a year now, you haven¡¯t found your mate still, and you¡¯re proud to walk around on my property as the alpha to be? A mateless alpha to be and a disgrace to this pack!¡±  He snapped rather harshly at me, and I bowed my head gently, not ready to meet his gaze.


    I already expected him to start his lecture again and it was getting annoying, each passing day for the past few months but what could I do? Nothing.


    ¡°I found my mate the same day I turned and almost all the past alphas but you. You¡¯re past eighteen and yet you don¡¯t have a mate, all you do is pick updies around and sleep with them, wasting my money on whores that have no shame. Is that the type of alpha you want to be? An irresponsible one?¡± He growled.


    ¡°Answer me!¡±


    I could not exin what exactly stirred up the anger in him at that moment, but it was best for me to stay calm.


    ¡°No, not at all, father.¡± I replied and he hummed.


    ¡°Then beg the moon goddess and ask her to give you your mate today if you still want to hold that title because I won¡¯t mind taking it away from you. Is that understood, young man?¡± He ordered and I nodded. ¡°Now get out!¡±


    I stepped out as he wished and I knew he really meant his words of giving the title to another person. Well, I had always known since he started using that threat.


    Not only will I be kicked by those stupiddies, I¡¯ll be mocked by Lorenzo and that slut, Jasmine with their child. I gritted my teeth before stepping out of the house and driving off to where I expected Sandro and Alex to be.


    I walked over to the bar after parking my car and I wasn¡¯t wrong to think Alex and Sandro would be there already. As soon as they saw me, they looked surprised. They probably didn¡¯t expect me toe out before the ball that was going to be held.


    ¡°Hey man.¡± Sandro stood up and shook me, while Alex sat back, staring at me.


    ¡°Is there any problem?¡± Alex asked as thedy behind the counter walked over to us with a tray. She dropped a bottle of liquor before me and a pack of cigarettes with lighter.


    I didn¡¯t need to order anything before I got it and if I lose this title, things might be different.


    ¡°My old man said I should get my mate tonight or I would lose my position.¡± I replied to them, and they both looked shocked and worried.


    All along, I had not told them this pressing part of why I needed my mate soon..


    ¡°So what are you going to do now? You haven¡¯t found her yet right?¡± Alex asked. I shook my head negatively. It was totally crazy that he was asking the obvious, I just did not have the strength to dispute it.


    ¡°If I had found her, I would not be going through this stress right? And getting rejected by her is not even an option right now. She would definitely want me, and even if she doesn¡¯t, and refuses me, I¡¯d kidnap her and lock her up. Only letting her out when I need her outside.¡± I replied and they both burst intoughter. I was at that point that the only way I could stay sane was making a joke out of my life.


    ¡°Come on, nody can reject you. You¡¯re not the hottest man here for no reason.¡± Sandro replied as I picked a cigarette and lit it.


    Everything felt better now. I should have upied myself with it since yesterday rather than stressing my brain over the whole mate trash. Why did we even need a mate? And who had set those crazyws?


    ¡°What should we do about it now man? We all know that you have went to lots and lots of parties but you still haven¡¯t found her.¡± Sandro said.


    He was right and asides the fact that I had always attended for the fun, I had been personally searching for my mate in those parties right from months back.


    I had seen my parents¡¯ rtionship, and I could justify that the mate rtionship was a beautiful thing.


    The only terrible part was the immense pain that I noticed Russo felt when my mother died, and I doubted that I wanted to have that kind of rtionship with anybody. Just the sexual rtionship that I had with Jasmine that almost got me attached, was messing  with my head in more ways than I could imagine after realizing she had lied about Lorenzo to me.


    ¡°But what do you think is the reason why you have not seen your mate yet?¡± Sandro probed, and I passed him this disappointed stare.


    If I knew what the answer was, I definitely would have answered him.


    ¡°But what if your mate is much younger than you?¡± Alex threw the question, and we both looked at him. ¡°Yes, only a wolf past 18 years of age can shift and know his mate and vice versa so that means his mate hasn¡¯t transformed or he doesn¡¯t have a mate or he hasn¡¯t just found her yet.¡± He added.


    ¡°There¡¯s a chance that one of those is correct.¡± I replied and when he said thest one, I couldn¡¯t help but bring my palm to my face.


    ¡°Or maybe she¡¯s dead.¡±


    ¡°Just shut the fuck up already Alex.¡± I growled as I gulped down a whole ss of alcohol.


    ¡°Be careful of how much you drink now, Hardin. So your old man wouldn¡¯t scold you again if you get drunk before the party.¡± Sandro reminded me but I was too busy trying to forge out a n to use as a backup  in case that I did not find my mate at the ball.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I might do something,¡± I mentioned, and they furrowed their brows at me.


    ¡°Tell us, do you have any ns you have cooked up yet?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± I started, ¡°so tonight, you should arrange a girl for me. Just one who can act as my mate in case I don¡¯t find her. Make sure it is one that wants me and would do anything to have me all night.¡± I replied and the both of them stared at me like I was some genius.


    ¡°Well look here bro. I admire your guts. You¡¯re the super sexy boy and you want to use it to trick your father by hiring a whore. Nice.¡± Sandro patted my shoulder. ¡°I think I¡¯m starting to have a soft spot for you.¡±


    ¡°We can go somewhere and we can have a nice time together.¡± I shrugged and Alex chuckled.


    ¡°I never knew I had gays as a friend and brother.¡±


    ¡°Cut it out. It was just a joke.¡± Sandro rolled his eyes, and his action had me chuckling really hard.


    I spent all afternoon with them and soon, night approached. The whole house was already filled with pack members and the tension of finding my mate began to rise. What if none of my ns work?


    ¡°Good eveningdies and gentlemen, please let us wee our Alpha, and our alpha to be, Hardin,¡± the wolf that was moderating called out as we made our way into the hall. Right there, as we stood waving at the well-dressed guests, all decked invish gowns and suits, father whispered the words to me again.


    ¡°Remember Hardin, you have to find her or you¡¯ll be disowned.¡±

 Abducted

    Hardin


    I walked down the stairs behind my father and everyone pped and cheered. The whole ce was filled with different influential people in the pack and from other packs.


    I nced around fleetly and tried to see if I could catch the scent of my mate from afar but there was nothing.


    Where was she when I freaking needed her!? And she was going to put both our futures in danger if she didn¡¯te today, as in, tonight.


    I wasn¡¯t the kind to actually be dedicated to one chick for so long but just to have her for my wolf and to get that title, nothing more and nothing less.


    ¡°I thank all of you foring today to honor my invitations. I hope we all have a wonderful evening, please do enjoy yourselves.¡± My father said and everyone pped and cheered again.


    As everyone took their eyes off us, he looked back at me and I got the cue to get to the searching business. He walked away with his beta and omega and a sigh escaped my lips as I walked towards Alex and Sandro who were standing with somedies around them.


    Sometimes I wondered how their mates coped with them always being around girls who would stop at nothing to pleasure them. But it was not a thing to deny that we all knew who they loved the most, the girls were just there to have the pleasure to touch and have them.


    ¡°Any luck yet?¡± Sandro asked and I shook my head negatively as he sipped from the ss with him. Alex already chased the girls away by then and we had the chance to speak without anyone eavesdropping.


    ¡°None. I don¡¯t even know what to do. You know I¡¯ll have to reject my actual mate if I do find her after taking one.¡± I said to both of them and they seemed to think about it for a moment before Alex finally spoke up.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s always going to be a way. It is going to be a contract with thedy so we can fake her death and do stic surgery for her or something.¡± Alex said and as much as what he said did make sense, well to me, my father was hard to trick.


    With his smart Beta and Omega beside him, damn, I had no chance with these two dumbos unless the girl herself was smart enough and without biting lips, smart girls were hard toe across since all most of them wanted was the money and body.


    Well, except Jasmine. She was different, and every time that I talked less of her, I did not totally mean all. And that was until she actually proved me right by going ahead to sleep with Lorenzo and even get pregnant for him.


    Thinking about it made my blood boil.


    And speaking of Jasmine, it was only then that I realized that I had not seen her all day. She was probably hiding and trying to cover her shame.,


    ¡°But we seriously have to do something now and very fast¡­¡± Before I could finish my speech, one of thedies from earlier in the morning who was checking me out while I was working out walked over to me and I recognized her instantly. She was the only one who looked pretty and I would have wanted to pin her down and fuck the hell out of her if it was a normal day but I had to find my hiding mate, if I had one.


    ¡°Hello, Hardin.¡± She said seductively and I smiled back at her as she curled her hands around my arm. ¡°I was trying to get your attention this morning but you seem distant. Do you need any help?¡±


    I looked up at Sandro to look at him licking his lips as he stared at her. I could tell he wanted her and undeniably, she gave up the really seductive vibe. She was busty in his preferred size and her hips were killing.


    ¡°I have been pretty upied but since you want to have time with me.¡± I winked at her and she giggled. ¡°Sandro would be pleased to keep youpany, I have to tell you, he is very hospitable.¡±


    She looked up at me with a frown, then at Sandro who was making some crazy moves trying to be ¡®seductive¡¯.


    I could tell she wanted to refuse, but after I passed her a re, she let go of me gently and walked over to Sandro. I winked at Sandro as he took her with him.


    ¡°I hope this isn¡¯t a big mistake.¡± Alex sipped from his ss. ¡°He is an animal when ites to handling women in his taste.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s going to like it, and besides, it¡¯s going to get her off my back for a while as I focus on tonight¡¯s task.¡± I replied to him and looked around the room again. Maybe I could catch a glimpse or scent of my mate but I got nothing and it was getting quite frustrating and annoying.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I said to Alex who just hummed as he was already secretly kissing a girl in the corner where we stood.


    Both brothers were always the same. There¡¯s no doubt they were twins for first timers seeing them. I walked out of the hall into the garden and looked up at the moon which was up, high and bright. I let out a sigh before walking down the garden and looking into the forest.


    ¡°You too don¡¯t like the party?¡± I heard a feminine voice behind me and for once I wanted to wishdies would stop following me.


    I turned back to look at one of thedies from the party. She dide with Alex and Sandro¡¯s family but they didn¡¯t introduce her as someone rting to them.


    ¡°How may I help you?¡± I asked her and she chuckled gently before walking towards me and sitting on the grass.


    ¡°I¡¯m Lydia. Just staying at Alex¡¯s and Sandro¡¯s. My mother is close to theirs.¡± She replied and my lips curved into shape, like realization has just hit me. Fake realization though, because the only thing that was going to intrigue me was finding my mate.


    ¡°So that means you also had a taste of them right?¡± I raised my brows teasingly and she giggled and a hue of pink came up her face. ¡°So that¡¯s a yes?¡±


    ¡°Sandro isn¡¯t that bad but too bad he isn¡¯t my mate. Don¡¯t tell anyone please, it¡¯s my little secret and his. I have a mate and he¡¯s outside the country.¡± She said before standing up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to disturb your time being alone. See youter.¡± She waved before disappearing into the house and I had to admit, she was hot. And I wondered how many girls Sandro must have had. I was definitely a starter where he was, I wondered why Dad had toin about me all the time.


    A sigh escaped my lips as the fresh breeze soothed my nerves. I immediately pulled off my clothes and shifted before running into the forest. I kept on running, not having any ce in mind. I just wanted to leave the house to clear my thoughts and thene back for my mate¡¯s business.


    I continued to run carefree till I caught a scent. The scent was both alluring and intoxicating. It was driving me crazy and at the same time arousing me.


    It was a bit familiar, but I did not want to draw any conclusions about it before I heard my wolf growl. ¡°Mate.¡±


    Mate? My mate? I couldn¡¯t believe I finally found her after searching and searching and being threatened because of her. And this sudden fear came to my heart from the experience ofst time and I hoped that she did not disappear after I had suddenly found her.


    She came just before it was toote. It was amazing the way she heard my pleas. I ran towards the direction of the scent and I could hear faint growling sounds and bones cracking.


    I could tell by that time that she was just shifting. My wolf ran as fast as he could but it just seemed like the distance was getting longer and I became impatient.


    I increased my pace before finally stopping behind a tree. My breath hitched as I stared at her. The wolf was beautiful as it stood there in amazement.


    It suddenly went down and immediately shifted. The scent just grew stronger and thedy stood up still naked but that wasn¡¯t my concern.


    She was familiar, with ck hair and when she turned to my direction, I saw her green eyes sparkle and I recognized the person. ¡°Jasmine?!¡± I asked myself in a whisper.


    What the freaking hell was going on? It was Jasmine? She¡­ the slut was my mate? That was simply impossible. The moon goddess should have given me anyone but her.


    I immediately shifted to my human form but as I was about to approach her, smething unexpected happened. Some wolves surrounded her and they growled at her hungrily.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She let out a loud shriek and suddenly, she shifted again and then a came upon her. As I stepped forward to shift and attack the wolves, a white smoke came flying towards me and it hit me directly in the face.


    I recognized it immediately. It was one of the poisonous drugs werewolves must never sniff. It was banned from each pack and most of it has disappeared. It was used to weaken werewolves for a few minutes but it was also dangerous to their health.


    I felt my vision start to blur and I saw the wolves carry her away as she struggled with them. I fell on my knees and curled up, forcefully letting my wolf out.


    After a few minutes, I finally gathered myself together. They were gone. With my mate. I felt my blood boil as it dawned on me.


    I had just found my mate, and even though I was still trying toe to terms with the fact that it was Jasmine, she had just been abducted.

 Intruder

    Jasmine


    I was hit with a very strong headache as I opened my eyes and found myself in a ce that I could not recognize.


    Where was I?


    What had happened?


    And then as if thinking about them suddenly made all the memoriese back, I was flooded with so many memories. The ball that had been in full swing to help Hardin find his mate, running into the woods and¡­


    And what happened after that? Why was I in this dark room that smelled like dust and soot?


    I could not remember and just thinking about that made me begin to panic in earnest because what could have happened while I was unconscious? And my baby? Was my baby alright?


    I tried to reach for my stomach and that was when I realized that my hands were tied behind my back. I was wearing a dress that for the life of me, I knew was not mine and had a scent that I did not recognize and it made me wonder what was going on.


    Where was my mother? Where was Russo? And even though the mere thought of him caused me immense heartache, what about Hardin?


    The door to the dark room suddenly creaked and when it opened, a maidservant entered, surprised that I was awake before sheposed herself and dropped a tray of what smelled like food on the floor close to me.


    ¡°Please, where am I? Can you please tell me where this is?¡± I asked and she paused, her face filled with contemtion before she turned around and quickly left the room, mming the door shut behind her.


    Well then.


    Without a doubt, I was nowhere close to home. I must have been kidnapped. But by who and for what? I had the shittiest luck.


    I didn¡¯t know how long it was but the door creaked open again and I was ready to try another tactic to beg the maid to let me go when the person behind the door entered and closed the door behind him.


    My mouth fell open in shock.


    ¡°Lorenzo? What is going on here?¡±


    What did Lorenzo have to do with any of this? Sure, he had been hounding me to sleep with him as payment for the deal that we struck but kidnapping me? Why?


    If he was truly behind this, then did that mean that all this while he had only been pretending to be a good person?


    ¡°Hello, Jasmine.¡± He said and as he tried to close the distance between us, I shifted back from him and when he dragged out a chair to sit in front of me, I kept moving back until my back was against the wall.


    ¡°Answer me, Lorenzo. What the fuck is this? Why are my hands tied? What do you want?¡± I yelled and he shook his head, his face calm and gentle, like it usually was but this time, nothing about his calm nature made me feel safe or even rxed. It made me feel on edge and anxious.


    ¡°Please be calm, Jasmine. Struggling will only cause you to bruise yourself and you don¡¯t need to be afraid. Thest thing that I want to do is hurt you, you of all people know this.¡±


    ¡°Then what am I doing here and why am I tied up like an animal? Release me and take me back home at this instant.¡±


    He raised his eyebrows at that.


    ¡°You want to go back home to Hardin? Really, Jasmine? After everything he has done to make your life a living hell? I do not know the extent of what has been going on between you and him but he is not worthy to even speak to you. He does not deserve you. He has been nothing but an asshole to you and you and I know that he will not stop even if you go back today, am I right? He probably does not even care that you are not there right now and someone else will already be warming his bed.¡±


    Warming his bed? Did Lorenzo also know that I and Hardin had sex several times, or had Hardin let it out and made me aughing stick?


    I remembered how Hardin had nonchntly called me a whore when he found out that I was pregnant and how he had proceeded to go on with the ball as if what we had was nothing. Well, what we had was actually nothing. It had never been anything in the first ce. I was the one that had somehow gone and grown soft despite everything he had done to me. I was the one that was delusional about Hardin and had a little part of me hoping that he was not just an asshole. That he was more than that.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Foolish. I was so foolish and of course delusional.


    This pregnancy had made me believe that it would change how he acted towards me. I had seen that he was capable of kindness and that he was more than an angry misunderstood wolf, but Lorenzo¡¯s words gutted me and at the same time, it triggered the rest of the memories that were missing.


    I remembered leaving and running into the woods with nothing but pathetic thoughts on how to escape the reality that was my life. Yes, I had felt so low that I was ready to hurt myself. That must have somehow triggered my wolf because one moment I was feeling suicidal and the next, it felt like there was something inside me that was struggling to get out. I remembered the crunching of bone against bone, the exhrating feeling of power and shifting into my wolf.


    And then I remembered the most important  piece of the puzzle. My wolf had called out to our mate and Hardin had appeared. Hardin was my mate.


    ¡°Look at how sad you look. That is what happens to anyone that associates with Hardin. He takes everything that he touches and he ruins it. Look at the way he has been ruining you, Jasmine. Tell me that your life would not have been better without him in it.¡± Lorenzo said and when I looked up at him, he left where he was sitting to gently kneel in front of me.


    ¡°Hardin does not even deserve to lick your feet, Jasmine. He deserves everything bad in the world. And I can make sure that he will suffer for everything that he has done to you, if you will allow me. All I need you to know now is that I have you by my side. I can take care of you.¡± He was saying all of the words that made sense. He was saying words that I had imagined Hardin would say when he heard that I was pregnant, but I felt nothing.


    It would not and did not change the fact that Hardin was my mate. This changed a whole lot of things. Yes, he was an asshole that hurt me and he was mean and rude and was fucking other people. Yes, he deserved a whole lot of curses but right now, I was so tired of it all and now Hardin was my mate.


    I did not even know how to feel about that. I did not know if I wanted to cry in relief that my child¡¯s father was my mate or curse the gods for this pairing that had caused me so much humiliation and pain even though I knew that I had feelings for Hardin. I did not know what was going to happen going forward, but I was certain of one thing. The decision was mine. Lorenzo was trying his best to paint Hardin as a bastard and while I did not disagree with him, he was no saint either.


    He had pretended to be a hero and my friend, but I feared he was not that. He had tried to ckmail me with sex, kidnapped me, tied me up like amon animal and was still thinking that he was better than Hardin.


    ¡°If this is about your baby, then I promise that no harm wille to the child while you are here, Jasmine, because like I said, I would never hurt you. But you have to tell me who is responsible, sweetheart. Who is the father of your child, love?¡±


    His voice brought me out of my thoughts again and when I looked at him, he waited expectantly for my answer.


    Well, fuck it. There was nothing to hide anymore, was there any?


    ¡°My child is Hardin¡¯s, Lorenzo. Hardin is the father of my baby.¡±


    The smile on his face disappeared as quickly as it came and he stared at me in horror, about to say something when a servant rushed into the room, his face filled with panic.


    Still dumbfounded, Lorenzo turned to look at him, as did I.


    ¡°What is it?¡± He growled.


    ¡°There is an intruder in the mansion!¡±

 Unwanted Rescue

    Jasmine


    The only thing that kept me from falling back after I had heard what Jasmine said, was the pir that I had held as a support.


    Even as it was not physical ¨C her words, the gravity of my guilt immediately clouded my mind and I hated myself for how terrible I had been all along.


    That the baby in her womb was mine? And that as much as I can be the way that I am, she would never be so reckless as to have some sort of intimacy with any other man.


    I had been a terrible person all along, with the way I just thrust my dick into anydy¡¯s hole.


    ¡°I have been terrible,¡± I muttered out. And then, remembering how I had not just had sex with other girls, but brought them to Jasmine¡¯s knowledge by making her watch videos made me cringe.


    I waspletely shocked at everything Jasmine said to Lorenzo. I didn¡¯t know this was how she felt till now and I feel like a total idiot, a sadist and a maniac.


    I¡¯ll have to apologize sincerely to her. It was not  something I enjoyed doing, but for the sake of our bond. I can¡¯t have my mate detest me now.


    Serves you right. My wolf said and I snarled at him. The only time he knew he wanted to talk was whenever I was in a position that he could easily mock me. Well, because I had warned him one time to do himself a good job of sensing his mate, rather than trying to give me advice every single time. Maybe if I had listened to him, I would not have been in the fucked up situation that I was in.


    When I found out that my mate was Jasmine, and that she had been under my nose all along, I totally felt like a stupid person.


    Even as her wolf was not active yet, which was a clear reason why I could not sense her all along, my instincts should have told me better.


    Maybe it did. Maybe it exined why I had mixed feelings for Jasmine, even as I tried hating her.


    Just as I noticed that she had been taken captive, I wasted no time, running back home and immediately mobilizing soldiers toe along with me, so we could go save Jasmine.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Dad had asked me what the matter was, and in a hurry, I told him that I was going to exin when I was back, only allowing him to let me go when I announced to him that Jasmine was in serious trouble.


    I sighed, before looking at the guard who was walking towards my direction, drinking from a cup. I immediately hid and as he passed by me, I hit him straight in the guts and he fell unconscious.


    They had only informed Lorenzo that there was an intruder. Little did he know that it was ¡®intruders¡¯ that were on to him. I had made sure that one of my warriors showed himself, to distract Lorenzo from the time being, while I went straight to where they had kept Jasmine, get her out and leave.


    The other warriors that I went with, were to stay around and only show up if the whole escape thing did not go as nned.


    My pack and Lorenzo¡¯s pack had not been best of friends from time immemorial which was another reason why I detested him, so it was wiser to y the safe card.


    I hurriedly changed into his outfit and hid my hair under the helmet he was wearing.


    Turning into a corridor, my ears picked the nging sound of metals against themselves. Lorenzo had somehow gotten knowledge of the men that I kept aside, and they were already fighting. I wanted to quickly join the rest of them and fight, losing was not something that I liked doing, and as much as we wanted victory, I did not want to incur any loss of lives.


    ¡°I think they came for her, and I can sense that brat somewhere around. Ask the guys to keep a closer look at her, and at the same time, keep your eyes out for him.¡± I heard Lorenzo¡¯s voice. With what I could make it, he was addressing his assistant.


    I smirked, recalling that he had called me brat. I might not be in the best of state, as my mate was their captive, but I was sure going to make him pay for thinking that he couldpare with me in strength.


    ¡°He obviously forgets so quickly.¡± With my teeth gritted, I decided to focus on finding Jasmine first. From the nging of metals that had been going on, my men were fighting pretty good and it gave me enough time to get to Jasmine before the other guys could, and take her somewhere else.


    A small number of guards stood at the mansion at that point and I was guessing that Lorenzo¡¯s pack was possibly in a war with some other pack. It was one thing that they enjoyed doing, causing troubles and having to fight.


    Some guards, two precisely, marched towards a room and from the scent that I could pick there, Jasmine was there.


    Her intoxicating scent didn¡¯t fail to fill up my head and I couldn¡¯t help but fall into the deep muskiness of her scent. I got myself together and walked towards the origin of the scent just then, I saw Lorenzo walk out of the room. He gave the guards that were at the door a stern warning of how they should keep their eyes on her.


    He looked around suspiciously before walking away. I made sure he was gone before sneaking closer to the door. With the uniform that I had on, the guards did not see any cause to create any rm right  until I got closer and snapped off the head of one of the wolves, leaving me with one more to fight. Well, if there was no more guard inside of the room.


    The other guard that immediately got alerted, drew out his sword. And as he charged at me, I sent the dagger that I had along with me straight into his chest. Good thing that the dagger was poisoned so it was less stressful trying to make sure that he was dead.


    They had started the killing spree when I saw him draw his sword into one of my men, so it was no harm doing the same. He should not have dared kidnapping Jasmine in the first ce.


    Wiping off the blood in the dagger with a piece of cloth that I had torn from the guard, I stepped into the room. And it was there that I saw Jasmine curled up in a corner. As she looked up at me, she gasped in shock. I didn¡¯t know what exactly was going through her mind but her expression definitely didn¡¯t show any of it at all.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to rescue you from Lorenzo, Jasmine.¡± I said as I rushed over to the bed to help her up.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She finally found her voice when I carried her out of the bed and it was then that I realized that she was chained to the bed.


    I dropped her on the bed and with one pull, I cut the chain off. He didn¡¯t even use a strong chain. He underestimated her that much?


    ¡°I¡¯m here to rescue you like I said.¡± I replied and all she did was snort before I pushed the door open with her still in my arms.


    ¡°We really do not have so much time. Can you just let me?¡± I mentioned, but instead ofplying, her response was rather repulsive.


    ¡°I am no longer the filthy slut you can¡¯t even look at? Why did you evene to save me in the first ce? I don¡¯t want to be your charity case.¡± She hissed and I could hear a hint of anger in her voice.


    ¡°Please we¡¯ll discuss well once we get out of here. I just want you to know that I am really sorry Jasmine. I heard everything you and Lorenzo spoke about, and as much as it was not why I came to save you, I hope that you do forgive me,¡± I said to her and she was quiet for a few seconds.


    ¡°So you were eavesdropping. I hope you¡¯ve gotten the information you need to hear.¡± She replied not changing the tone she spoke to me with and I knew she was still angry and hurt.


    We managed to get out of the mansion. I moved as fast as I could far away from the house before dropping her and breaking the cuff on her ankle.


    ¡°Look Jasmine, I didn¡¯t know that¡¯s how you felt. I didn¡¯t mean to treat you in any way wrong. I was just not in my right senses.¡± I said to her and sheughed.


    ¡°So now that you realize we¡¯re mates, you are now in your right senses? So you can use me to get your alpha position and once again leave me and insult me, humiliate me! I might have been a fool the first time but not twice Hardin.¡± She growled angrily and I pulled my hands up in a surrender.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to do any of that to you, trust me. I want to make up for the wrong I did.¡± I replied and she looked at me like she was disgusted by the way I was standing there.


    ¡°Like the way I trusted you in the first ce and you broke my trust. You humiliated me¡­¡±


    ¡°Let thedy go, Hardin. You¡¯ve caused her enough pain and humiliation for one time.¡±


    I heard Lorenzo¡¯s voice from behind and we both looked in his direction.


    ¡°It is none of your business.¡± I snarled.


    ¡°Leave thedy alone or you¡¯ll regret it. I¡¯ll give you a mark you¡¯ll continue bearing till the end of time.¡± He threatened again.


    ¡°You don¡¯t tell me what to do, Lorenzo. I will advise that you stay off my business and respect the fact that we are not best of friends.¡± I warned and made to leave with Jasmine, but he growled.


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve her, and I won¡¯t let you take her. I¡¯ve seen you abuse her countless times, and you can¡¯t suddenlye and act like everything is well between the both of you.¡±


    He was trying his luck again. To piss Jasmine off, and make her hate for me increase and maybe choose him over me. It now made more sense to me why I had detested him from the start. He was sly, and his character was not one that I enjoyed putting up with.


    ¡°And what will you do if I don¡¯t let go of her?¡± I teased. This time, I was trying to use his game against him. He should get really angry and try to attack me. I was not going to let Lorenzo make Jasmine see the bad part of me anymore.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t want to know.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°Bring it on.¡± I shrugged, and he immediately shifted to his wolf form. I wasn¡¯t left out either. I shifted immediately and he charged at me.


    I didn¡¯t give him any space to fight back and we both rolled on the floor, tackling each other. With the corner of my eyes, I saw Jasmine curl up into a ball as she stared at both of us wanting to tear our insides out because of her.


    I wouldn¡¯t let Lorenzo take her away just because she told him all about this. It didn¡¯t mean I could not change my attitude. It didn¡¯t mean I couldn¡¯t mend my mistakes.


    I charged at Lorenzo as I bit deep into the back of his neck and he rolled on the floor, shifting to his human form. His neck was bleeding already and he red daggers at me as he saw the blood.


    He growled, fangs disyed, furious, ¡°You¡¯re going to regret this Hardin.¡±


    I immediately shifted to my human form with a sly smirk on my face. ¡°Who will give who the evesting mark now? Bring it on fool.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to see me at my worst, Hardin,¡± Lorenzo bawled, and bared his teeth at me.


    As he charged towards me, Jasmine shrieked and we both stopped in our advances to look at her.


    ¡°What is your problem?¡± She screamed, standing on her feet with her wobbly legs. ¡°If you want to kill yourselves, you can as well do that immediately but don¡¯t do that because of me. I don¡¯t care about any of you. I don¡¯t know you both at all and I don¡¯t care if you drop dead or something. I¡¯m leaving right now.¡±


    And after screaming at us, reminding us that we acted foolish most of the time, she shifted to her wolf form and ran into the forest.

 Apologies

    Jasmine


    I went for a run in the woods, ignoring the whine of my wolf as I ran farther away from Hardin, but thest thing I wanted right now was to see him. How could he expect me to just ept him back after everything?


    He had even organized a ball to pick a mate because he would rather do that than admit to himself that he could be responsible for my pregnancy, choosing to call me a little whore because it served his purpose of not taking ountability for his actions.


    I could not believe that I had gone and fallen for him despite everything, that somewhere along the line, I had stopped hating him and started hoping he was just misunderstood, but if he thought that just because we were mates that I was going to ept him then he had another thinging.


    My wolf whined but I ignored her, changing our course and decided to run towards the house.


    If there was an option to go somewhere else, I would have as I was not yet ready to face my parents.


    What was mom and Dad going to think, and it was worse that I did not know yet what Hardin had told them.


    But there was no other ce to go to, aside from the mansion. Nadia would have been a good option, a very good one, if only she was not going to try knowing what was wrong with me, and possibly telling mom that I was at her ce if she actually did call to look for me.


    I had left Hardin with Lorenzo back in the forest, and I hoped that he was already on his way back home. They would not actually try to kill themself as I had advised right?


    ¡°You should not be having those devious thoughts against Hardin,¡± My wolf snapped, and I shrugged. ¡°Did I have a choice?¡±


    Left with no other option, I realized that heading home was the best decision I could make at that point.


    ¡°Face your fears, Jasmine. Face our fears!¡± That was the advice my wolf kept on giving me and I almost told her to let herself do the talking when I have to face mom and stop with the motivations that I was not ready to buy.


    Shifting back, I heaved a sigh of relief and leapt up into the tree to pick the dress that I had kept there, pulling it over my head and breathing in the deep fresh air as I walked back to the mansion.


    Luckily I did not meet with any questions from anyone as I walked back to my room, aside from the prying eyes of the servants that felt like it was prickling on me.


    They definitely would have heard about my kidnap, but what else did they know? I sighed, and went straight into my room.


    I had juste out of the shower when I saw my mother sitting on my bed, her entire stance nervous and I cursed under my breath. How had I forgotten to even lock the door in the first ce? Because now, who was going to help me answer the pile of questions that mom must have definitely stocked up for me?


    ¡°Jasmine, sweetheart. I miss you so much, I got scared that I might not see you soon and you don¡¯t want to imagine how ted I was when one of the maids informed me that you were back.¡± She said, her eyes teary as she pulled me in for a hug that made me remain still, not because I did not want it but because I could not face her just yet, knowing that she probably knew everything about what was going on now.


    Leading me towards the bed, she helped me sit and ced a tray of fruits in front of me.


    ¡°You need to eat. To preserve your strength. Do you know who kidnapped you and why? What about Hardin? I want to know everything, tell me what happened dear, I am so worried.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be worried anymore, mom.¡± With my hands, I wiped the stray tear that had fallen on her cheeks. ¡°I am here now, and I am fine. I think that is the most important thing.¡±


    After sniffling to hold back more of the tears that wanted to fall, while I watched her, ¡°yes you are right,¡± mom voiced out. ¡°The most important thing right now is that you are fine.¡± She pulled me into a hug as she spoke.


    Pulling out from it, ¡°but how exactly did you get kidnapped?¡± Her brows were furrowed as she looked at me. ¡°You were supposed to be at the party that night right? And if my memory serves me well, the mansion was well secured. Or were you somewhere else?¡±


    As much as I did not know what to answer yet, her question was a relief to me. For her to be asking questions like that, then she did not know that Hardin was my mate. If she knew, then she would also know of the affairs that I and Hardin had. And certainly she would understand why no one in my state would stay back, smiling and watching Hardin pick another girl as his mate while I was already pregnant for him. At that point, I was not asking for so much like being his Luna or whatever it was, I just needed him to not hurt me more than he had already done.


    Because if he had not tried forcing himself on me even with the countless times that I resisted him, then we would not have gotten to the point where I would be pregnant for him.


    ¡°You are not saying anything?¡± Mom¡¯s voice interrupted my thoughts, ¡°What is it? And where had you gone that night?¡±


    I could not tell where and how exactly I had learnt the habit of pretending. But the way I responded to mom¡¯s question even surprised me.


    With a very bright smile on my face, ¡°Oh mom, I remember!¡± I shrieked, ¡°how did I not mention it to you since?¡±


    Her eyes were filled with interest as she continued listening to me and my lies ¨C my escape from reality. Maybe it was not a lie, as everything I nned to tell her was true, but I knew quite well that it was not the answer that her question deserved.


    ¡°Okay? I¡¯m listening,¡± she said, and I continued.


    ¡°Finally, I was able to shift that night, and in excitement, I went for a run.¡± Mom¡¯s face curved into a smile immediately, and I was d that my half truth, at least till the heartbreaking news of I and Hardin¡¯s affairs came open, she was going to be so happy.


    ¡°Wow! Bless the moon goddess, this is great news. It makes more sense now. You were kidnapped when you went running?¡±


    ¡°Yes Mom,¡± I nodded. But the weight that ran through my mind at that point, could not let me stay happy for long as my face fell into a frown again.


    ¡°What is it? Are you sure that you are really fine?¡± She probed again.


    I had no idea how I was feeling if I was being sincere. From finding out I was pregnant to being rejected by Hardin who had not bothered to think for a second that he was responsible, to watching him go ahead with the ball to find his mate, to finally shifting into my wolf and getting kidnapped by Lorenzo who I had truly believed was my friend and would not harm me, and now anticipating how Mom and Russo will feel about everything when they found out?


    Who was I lying to? I was not okay, but I could not tell Mom.


    I nodded, ¡°I am fine. I am just really stressed out.¡± And she reached out to run a hand through my hair. ¡°You should rest then.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    That¡¯s true, Hardin,¡± she mentioned as she made to leave, and I felt my heart skip. ¡°He should be back, have you gone to thank him? He was so terrified  when he came to tell us that you were missing. He even asked that the ball be canceled so he could go look for you. He is so sweet and caring, I think you should go thank him now.¡±


    I resisted the urge to scoff loud enough to mom¡¯s hearing but internally, I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Okay, I will make sure to thank him. Can I rest now?¡±


    ¡°You should just go now,¡± Mom tried to query, but I was thest person in the mood for it at that moment.


    ¡°Honestly, mum, I think that we should have this conversation of me thanking him another time. I just went through so much stress, and you know it. I am really tired now.¡± I interjected and when she wanted to speak, I shook my head.


    ¡°Please mum, can you allow me to rest now?¡±


    I hated that her face fell because of me but I was hurting. Nothing about this would ever be convenient for me.


    ¡°I love you, Jasmine.¡± She whispered, rising to her feet and cing a kiss on my forehead before she left the room. Following her to the door, I locked it and went back to lie on my bed, staring at the ceiling.


    My phone rang minutester and I saw that it was from my best friend, Nadia and that she had left a dozen messages already. Feeling bad for not responding did not stop me from turning off my phone and I hoped she would understand.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I stared at the ceiling but I must have dozed off because a sounding from my balcony caused me to wake up.


    Wondering what could be making that sound, I took slow steps outside and when I peered down, I saw Hardin standing there about to throw another stone up.


    His hand paused mid air when our eyes met and he dropped the stones to the ground, dusting his hands on his jeans and stared up at me.


    ¡°What the fuck do you want, Hardin?¡± I snapped, less than pleased to see him there even though my wolf was happy that our mate was near.


    ¡°Hi, Jasmine. Can we talk please?¡± He answered, his voice small and nervous and my eyes widened at how his usual arrogance seemed to have vanished.


    It made me scoff. ¡°What? Why are you suddenly being careful and polite now? No irritation and curse words for me today? Am I no longer a whore?¡±


    His eyes widened at my reply and I waited for him to lose his mind, for him to get angry like he always did, since being rash was always his first response to everything.


    Thest thing I expected to see was his face be pale in shame and he looked away from me, clearing his throat before he spoke again.


    ¡°I am so sorry for everything, Jasmine. Please, I need you to believe me. I just need a chance to prove it to you.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Are you truly sorry for hurting me? Or you are sorry just because you know now that I am your mate? You know what? Don¡¯t answer that. I¡¯m going back to sleep and please do not throw stones on my balcony anymore. Good night.¡± And before he could speak, I went back inside.


    The Hardin that I knew would have demanded that I listen or even found a way to breach my personal space and I watched the door anxiously, but he never came.


    Breathing out in relief, I closed my eyes to sleep as I definitely needed strength for the whole drama that I was sure would unfold soon.

 Secret out

    Jasmine


    For the most part of the night, I struggled to sleep.


    I spent it thinking about what I was going to do and I must have dozed off again, thankfully without having to wake up in the middle of the night  this time,  because there was a knock on the door and when I opened my eyes, the sun was already up.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± I muttered out, as a yawn escaped my lips. I had definitely ced my neck in the wrong position while I slept, because it was hurting terribly.


    ¡°It¡¯s Lily. I have a message for you from the Alpha.¡± The quaint voice said.


    Massaging my neck, I left the bed and opened the door, to meet Lily standing with a tray of food in her hands.


    I must have slept so long, I could not even meet with breakfast at the table.


    ¡°Your mother asked me to bring this up. Can I bring it in?¡±


    I nodded and moved aside for her to enter.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I mentioned as she kept it for me. And when she made to leave, she halted in her steps and turned back, causing my eyes to narrow.


    ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± My hands still massaged my neck, thankfully it no longer hurt as much as it did when I woke up.


    ¡°The Alpha would like to meet with you in the living room when you are done with your  breakfast.¡± She said, and when I nodded in response, Lily bowed, then left the room after.


    Knowing that whatever I was going to talk about with Russo would probably take a while, I forced myself to eat and swallowed down the nausea, quickly showering and heading to the living room.


    I knew Russo wanted to talk to me, but what I did not expect was to be met by 3 pair of eyes staring straight at me. Russo, Mom and Hardin, and though I could already guess what the talk was rted to, I decided to not make any assumptions yet.


    When I entered, Mom rushed to me and pulled me in for a hug before releasing me.


    ¡°Jasmine dear,¡± she said, gesturing towards a chair and when she offered me water, I took it.


    There was a moment of silence after I had sat down and their gaze fixed on me began to prickle my skin. Russo¡¯s gaze was stern, and mom¡¯s  eyes held so many different emotions. I did not want to look at Hardin. But the time I had stared at him as I walked into the living room, his eyes held an emotion that I could liken to guilt. But I was not ready to be swayed by any of those fake pretenses just so he retains his position, especially not after all what he had put me through.


    My decision was going to be a tough one, I was well aware. Every single time I tried staying away from Hardin, my wolf sulked. But maybe if she had been with me earlier, then she would realize why staying away from him was the best choice for us.


    Russo rxed back into his chair, and began to speak, his eyes constantly fixed on mine.


    ¡°I want to talk to you about a sensitive matter and I hope that I have your understanding. Can I go on?¡±Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes Dad.¡± I smiled, a forced smile.


    ¡°Hardin right here, just informed us that you are his mate, and even if it got me and your mother really surprised and a little bit confused, what beats us most is that he told us that you are not epting the mate rtionship. Do you have a reason for doing that, dear?¡±


    I did not have a reply to all Russo had said. Hardin was at it again, as from the way Russo sounded, Hardin had not mentioned about the times that he abused me.


    He was still terrible and there was no hope for change for him.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± Mom walked closer to me as she called out. ¡°I know you and Hardin did not start on a very good end. But the mate bond, it is a union formed by the moon goddess and there is nothing that we can do about it. I¡¯m afraid you might have to work on every loose end with Hardin ande to the eptance that he is your mate.¡±


    I stared at Hardin, he was doing the exact thing that he had been doing since I stepped out, keeping a pity face. The same face that I had whenever I begged him to note close to me, but he would not listen.


    He was acting innocent, and whenever I looked innocent, he would call me a slut.


    My teeth gritted in anger as I remembered every single shit that I had to face from Hardin.


    Maybe I would have felt less annoyed if he had not worsened it by opening his mouth to speak and when he did, I red up.


    ¡°You are saying sorry now? Sorry for what exactly?¡±


    ¡°Jasmine, you don¡¯t have to¡­¡±


    ¡°Just stop it!¡± I interrupted him. Mom and Russo probably did not expect my outburst, I also did not. But this time, I wanted to speak.


    ¡°You actually did run to Dad and Mom now to tell them about my refusal? The same people that you threatened that I don¡¯t speak to about  any of your abuse, right?! You know what, you started it, I will help you finish it.¡± I yelled, without even taking a break to breathe.


    Russo and Mom had surprise on their faces, but they did not say anything and allowed me to speak.


    ¡°Mom really, I don¡¯t know what Hardin is sorry for now. If it is for the many times that he forced himself into me, abusing me.¡± Gasps filled the room, gasps from Russo and Mom. But I was not done.


    ¡°Or if it is the time that he called me names in school, slut, daughter of a slut, whore, all of them that he did. Or for making me fear him so much that I could keep my mouth shut when he entered inside of me and stole my virginity.¡±


    Russo¡¯s teeth were gritted now, and the rage in him filled the whole room. Mom was emotional, always emotional and it was making me tear up.


    Hardin¡¯s face had fallen but I did not care.


    ¡°Now because he finds out that I am his mate, he ising with the apologies. Ask him if I was not the one begging all those times, or if he had at least apologized when he got me pregnant, but instead he pushed me away and imed that I had gone sleeping with someone else!¡±


    I had said a lot of things in the room, so many. And everyone of it sparked up Russo and Mom. But they did not see the pregnancying.


    It felt like a bomb had been dropped in the room, and everyone had to go silent.


    ¡°You are pregnant?¡± Somehow, Russo and mom managed to ask at the same time, and I nodded in response.


    ¡°And Hardin is the one responsible for it, and every other abuse. Under my roof!¡± Russo muttered. It did sound like a question, but I realized that he was just talking to himself with the feeling of regret as annoyance washed over him.


    ¡°Hardin!¡± Russo bawled out, his face fighting to remain calm. But I doubted that Russo achieved the purpose of staying calm as he used his fist to punch Hardin immediately he stood in front of him.


    I had seen Russo in many states, but I had never seen him throwing punches at his son. I felt bad as Hardin growled in pain, and Mom kept on begging Russo to not make any rash decision, but the beast in Hardin deserves more than all of that.


    ¡°This your misbehavior gets me disappointed all the time and I really wonder if you are of my blood. I knew you were always fighting, womanizing and doing every other rubbish in school. But sexually abusing your sister? Tell me, who else have you abused?¡±


    After keeping quiet for so long, Hardin finally spoke. ¡°I have not been that way with anyone else. And I am not in denial of all Jasmine had said, but if she would please listen to me, I am really sorry for all that I made her go through, and I am ready to take whatever punishments it is as long as Jasmine forgives me.¡±


    ¡°Including your position as Alpha?¡± I had just asked to remind him that he was bluffing, which Russo supported.


    To our surprise, he nodded, ¡°including my position as Alpha. I have really been a terrible person to you and I just hope that you can forgive me.¡±


    I scoffed. Now, he was saying things he could not do. And I did not like that he was. I wanted more reasons to hate him.


    ¡°I am really disappointed in everything that Hardin did. But can we think of what to do next now? The mate bond, you are step siblings and it¡¯s never been heard off¡± Mom¡¯s voice came and it held so much worry.


    ¡°It bothers me too,¡± Russo added. ¡°I have just heard so many things today and I don¡¯t know which to take first. But about the mate bond, since it is made by the moon goddess, I doubt that we are left with any choice than to proim the both of them as mates.¡± Mom nodded slightly at what he said, while I just stared at nothing.


    ¡°But for Jasmine¡¯s forgiveness that Hardin wants, I am choosing to not interfere. And don¡¯t try to persuade her,¡± Russo said to mom, ¡°he should work for it.¡±

 Car race

    Chapter 75.


    ~Hardin.


    Nobody would have probably believed me but, I was damn serious when I said I could give up my position as the Alpha if that was what it would take Jasmine to forgive me, I thought as I walked through the hallway.


    I had wronged her and I didn¡¯t realize my wrongdoings early enough to apologize. I was sorry now and was willing to prove it but, first, I needed to make her see reasons why she should forgive me.


    And I intended to do that, right until Lorenzo interrupted my thought with a growl that came at me.


    With a frown on my face, ¡°What is it Lorenzo?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to be innocent with me, Hardin!¡± He bawled out immediately, and I wondered for a start, if Lorenzo was even sensible enough to realize that for one of the first times since I had known him, I just wanted to have a peaceful talk with him, without having to throw punches.


    ¡°Innocent?¡± I scoffed. ¡°You know that is one thing that I would not dare. Good thing, I don¡¯t find myself pretending like you do.¡±


    ¡°Stop trying to go around corners, Hardin!¡± He remarked. ¡°You know I¡¯m talking about Jasmine. And I am only having this discussion with you, because I respect the part that she is your step sister, intentionally choosing to avoid every other sexual thing you have had with her as much as it irks me.¡±


    I chuckled. If it was Jasmine, Dad or Cam, I would have actually been filled with guilt. But at that moment, I was d that even Lorenzo admitted that it pissed him off.  My dislike for him was still so much, even as I did not know why. But everyday, with all of his actions, he made me see reasons why I actually should hate him.


    ¡°Jasmine is my mate, Hardin. Can you do me the favor and stay away from her, because I really don¡¯t want to go about this cycle with you.¡±


    I had not taken anything Lorenzo said to heart, until he mentioned that Jasmine was his mate.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± I probed, with my brows furrowed. How was it even possible?


    ¡°Jasmine is my mate, Lorenzo, so what you are saying makes no sense.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not possible, you should not say that!¡± He growled, and before I could get a chance to respond, Lorenzo sent a punch to my face.


    ¡°You did not just dare that,¡± I clenched my fists in anger, and that was how we continued throwing blows thatnded us in the office of the principal.


    And as things could turn out, the principal dismissed us, after making sure toin to Russo and Lorenzo¡¯s father that we fought for a reason that did not make sense, because it really did not make sense to me. And the only thing I could see was Lorenzo intentionally getting on my nerves.


    ¡°How do you expect I let your son im my son¡¯s mate? It isn¡¯t right and has never been done.¡± Alpha Hills, Lorenzo¡¯s Dad, said to Russo and my brows knitted. Dad had invited Lorenzo and his dad to our pack to deliberate on the mate issue -an issue I didn¡¯t see the need for deliberation.


    How could he not realize that Lorenzo was clearly lusting after Jasmine and was not actually mated to her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t just let your son im Jasmine as his mate. The moon goddess had taken her time to mate them.¡± Dad replied and I looked up at Lorenzo to see him ring at me.


    ¡°And the moon goddess didn¡¯t mate us?¡±


    ¡°Let the elders speak,¡± I said to Lorenzo while returning the re he was giving me.


    ¡°Yeah son, let the elders speak.¡±


    ¡°Lorenzo clearly is confused about his mate¡¯s identity,¡± I began after dad spoke and Lorenzo raised a brow at me, obviously pissed that I got to talk after shutting him up.


    ¡°Because I am positive that the moon goddess wouldn¡¯t think of mating Jasmine with someone like him.¡±


    Lorenzo sprang up from his seat and tried toe at me and I stood too, ready to defend myself.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go sit your scared ass down on your seat?,¡± Lorenzo threatened, closing up the space between us.


    I chuckled dryly, ¡± I am not scared of you and you know that. I¡¯d rather advise you to do as you have just said.¡±


    Lorenzo growled, his fangs turning visible as he trieding at me again, but Alpha Hill got himself in the middle of the both of us, holding Lorenzo back. I had always known that the calm person that Lorenzo put up in front of Jasmine was a facade, and once again, he was proving me right.


    Dad only passed a re at me, and left with no other option, I had to sit back.


    ¡°I think I have found a solution to this issue.¡±  Lorenzo¡¯s dad said as he directed Lorenzo back to his seat.


    ¡°Yeah? That Lorenzo is not man enough to have Jasmine?¡±


    ¡°A car race.¡± He announced, ignoring my petty talk,  and somehow we all managed to ask ¡®what?¡¯ at the same time.


    ¡°Yes, a car race, two days from now  at the open field dividing our packs, whoever wins the race shall be announced as Jasmine¡¯s mate.¡±


    ¡°I think that is a good idea.¡± Dad concurred and I furrowed my brows.


    ¡°A car race really?¡± I felt it was rather absurd. So whoever wins would be announced as Jasmine¡¯s mate randomly, what if Lorenzo was even lying? Why had nobody even included asking Jasmine from the start?


    I understood that Dad did not want to get her head messed up with the ¡®dragging for mate thing,¡¯ and concurred to the car race because he probably wanted me to prove myself. But it still did not make any sense.


    ¡°I am in,¡±  Lorenzo said, interrupting me and I sighed.


    Staring at him intently, like I was trying to search his thoughts, ¡°and if I win the car race, we will not have this juvenile banter anymore? Because I am really sick of all of these with you.¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he nodded, and I wondered if I was doing the right thing.


    ¡°Fine then,¡± I mentioned. ¡°A car race it is.¡±


    The days went by quickly and soon, the day for the race came. I had been sitting in the living room all day since I woke up, shuffling between staring into space and wondering how it would be if I did or did not win the race.


    I was prepared, though I had been prepared since I had woken up, but Icked the strength to go about other activities.


    ¡°Do you need help with that?¡± I said to Jasmine who came into the living room ignoring my presence as she tried to fit her ne around her neck.


    She cut me a nce and deadpanned, ¡± I got it, thanks.¡±Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I kept my gaze on her as she went to take a seat across from me, probably waiting for mom and dad  and I turned my face to her.


    ¡°Am I not yet close to receiving your forgiveness?¡±


    ¡°My forgiveness only goes to someone who deserves it and you, Hardin, do not deserve my forgiveness.¡± She didn¡¯t care to raise her face to me and I fell back into my seat.


    She was still reluctant about epting me as her mate and still unwilling to forgive me. And when Dad had asked her if she felt any connection with Lorenzo, she had said no.


    But to just get Lorenzo¡¯s troublesome ass out of our face, I had to finish the race that I had epted to partake in.


    Perhaps, I thought, if I win the race, by the moon goddess¡¯s aid, she will see how apologetic Iwas and finally ept me as her mate.


    I turned my eyes to the stairs as I heard someone walking down, to see dad while Cam walked behind him. They were dressed and ready for the race. Cam walked over to Jasmine,  gave her a side hug and kept her by her side.


    ¡°Are we going to see you there?¡± Dad said and I nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, I will be there in a few minutes.¡± And he turned and left, leaving Cam and Jasmine to follow behind.


    I kept my eyes fixed on Jasmine till she got into the car and out of my sight. I wondered why she needed me to go through that race stress, but if she was ready to look at me if I won, then I was willing to risk it all and win.


    As soon as dad left with Jasmine and Cam, I got into my car and headed for the field that had been chosen for the race. Dad, Cam and Jasmine were already seated, same as Lorenzo¡¯s parents.


    I went out back to check on the car I had chosen for the race; an Audi R8 LMS and I cussed under my breath as I saw Lorenzo checking out his car.


    ¡°Look who the cat dragged in, it¡¯s the mate thief. How have you been, Hardin my boy?¡± He asked and gave out a mockingughter as I looked at the inside of my car.


    I had a thousand things I wanted to say to Lorenzo but I decided to keep quiet so we could get over the race and I could take Jasmine home to make her start loving me.


    For me, the race was just a protocol. I was certain that Jasmine belonged to me, and though we had not started out at the right footing, I was ready to prove it.


    ¡°I am talking to you, punk face,¡± Lorenzo said and nudged me.


    ¡°What the fuck, Lorenzo?¡± I was already in a bad mood which had been worsened by Lorenzo¡¯s presence but I wasn¡¯t interested in getting irritated by him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I am going to let you steal my mate from me, huh?¡±


    I ran my hands through my hair and clenched my fist to hold myself back from attacking him,  ¡°Go away, Lorenzo, I have exined clearly times without number that Jasmine is my mate, but since you want topete with me and see things for yourself, you can. Just make sure to do that from your ownne.¡±


    ¡°And if I don¡¯t, mate thief?¡±


    I chuckled dryly, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want to know what wille next.¡±


    Before I could finish the sentence, ¡°Lorenzo grabbed me by my shirt and pressed me against my car, instinctively, I clenched my fist and gave him a punch.


    He winced and let go of me, buying me enough time to give him another punch.


    ¡°What the fuck, Hardin?¡± He rubbed his jaw and made to rush at me but I slid from under his arm causing him to punch my car which gave it a dent.


    ¡°That costs a lot, you know,¡± I yelled from behind him and he turned to me, with one hand caressing his jaw, the other clenched  and ready to throw a hit.


    ¡°What are you guys doing?¡± Lorenzo¡¯s dad¡¯s voice came and we turned to him, ¡°You guys are here to race out your difference and not fight it out. Get into your cars and get on to the track, now!¡±


    I growled while giving Lorenzo a hard stare as we went back to our cars.


    We drove out to the field to meet each of our family members standing on both sides of the track.


    ¡°The rules are quite simple,¡± Dad said loudly to us, ¡± the both of you are to go round this field three times and the winner of this race will be dered as Jasmine¡¯s mate. You may begin the race.¡± He announced.


    I woke my engines and sped off. The field was quiterge yet could be ssified as a little space when being explored with a car. It was my second round and I was almost making it to the next round when I felt Lorenzo¡¯s car hit against mine twice.


    I turned to him with furrowed brows and saw him giving me a mockingughter as he drove past me.


    He was trying to steal my mate through a crooked way? Furious, I pressed on the throttle and sped off, whooshing past him. As I sessfully rounded the third trip, I brought the engines to a halt, stepping out of the car with a proud smile on my face.


    I turned to Cam and Dad and they had the same smile on their faces but Jasmine? She was expressionless.

 Battle

    Jasmine.


    I exhaled deeply and released the breath that I wasn¡¯t aware I was holding in as Hardin rounded the third round and sessfully made it to the stop. My heart thumped, even though my face was void of emotion, as I watched him step out of his car with a proud smile on his face, but I tried my best not to show my happiness. I was d that Hardin had won but I was happier that he was the one to be proimed my mate.


    I kept my eyes on Hardin as he looked up at dad and mom, who were looking down at him with so much pride. And when he turned to me, I locked my eyes, pulling him into a staring contest. It was not until we heard Lorenzo¡¯s car screech loudly beforeing to a halt that he turned his eyes away to look at Lorenzo. I kept my gaze, still, fixed on him without even caring to look down at Lorenzo who was now using Hardin of cheating his way through thepetition.


    ¡°The youngd would have dropped dead by now had your eyes been guns,¡± Mom said, rubbing my hand slowly, and I turned my eyes away from Hardin. Knowing that other people must have noticed my stare too.


    ¡°Now he has won thepetition, you should learn to look at him with loving eyes,¡± she added, except, I had not been giving Hardin death stares, I had only lost the clue on how to change my expression from a frown to a smile.


    Dad stood up as Lorenzo got out of his car and took some steps down the stairs, pping cheerfully as he walked down.


    ¡°Thepetition was simple, Lorenzo,¡± Dad responded to Lorenzo¡¯s usations, ¡°and we all watched it from up here, we saw whomever it was that tried to cheat but, we decided not to discuss that because it would be a waste of time for us. Alpha Hills¡¯ Dad called, turning to Lorenzo¡¯s dad, ¡°Why don¡¯t you do the honours?¡±


    Alpha Hills cleared his throat, giving Dad a quick re as he climbed down the stairs from the other side and stopped at the same level as dad.


    ¡°Two days ago,¡± Alpha Hills began, ¡°to resolve the issue of who will be Jasmine¡¯s mate,¡± he pointed at me, ¡°we decided to have apetition stating that anyone who wins thepetition will automatically be Jasmine¡¯s mate.¡±


    I tuned out Alpha Hills as I reverted my gaze to Hardin. He was biting his upper lip and raking a hand through his hair. Even though he had won thepetition, even though everybody had seen him win, he was very nervous, as though he were thinking they would change the result.


    I shifted my eyes from Hardin to Lorenzo, who had his fist clenched and was obviously chewing his teeth. Lorenzo was one person I never seemed to understand and at the moment, I couldn¡¯t tell if he was angry because he lost to Hardin or whether he was angry because he lost me as a mate.


    ¡°¡­and this day,¡± I subconsciously tuned in Alpha Hills, with my eyes still on Lorenzo and turned my eyes away quickly as he shifted his gaze to me. ¡°Hardin Morales from has won thepetition and henceforth is dered a mate to Jasmine.


    Mom rubbed my hands happily and began pping, Dad was beaming with smiles while my heart pounded intensely against my chest. It was racing from abination of emotion- excitement and anxiousness.


    I looked down at Hardin. He appeared relieved, a proud smile on his face as he bowed his head respectfully to the praises but the minute he turned to me, his smile fell. I was still expressionless or rather, trying to figure out how to put on a smile.


    ¡°No! I can¡¯t ept this!¡± Lorenzo yelled, attracting every eye to him, ¡°Jasmine is my mate, I can¡¯t let him have her, not while I¡¯m alive.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°You were there when we agreed to this, Lorenzo, let this go.¡± Alpha Hills said, giving Lorenzo a stern re.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, she is my mate, I can¡¯t,¡± he said and quickly ran up to me, ¡°Listen Jasmine, you don¡¯t have to go with these rules, we don¡¯t, you are my mate, and I am certain about that. I am positive that you are mine.¡±


    I shook my head rigorously and withdrew my hands as he tried to grab them, ¡°I am not your mate Lorenzo. I¡¯m sorry. I do not feel any bond with you and I have never felt it.¡±


    ¡°No, you need to stop saying that Jasmine, you, me, the both of us, we were fated by the moon goddess, we were meant to been toget¡­¡± Lorenzo was sent flying before he could finish his sentence, causing a gasp to escape mine and mom¡¯s lips. I turned to where the force hade from to see Hardin fuming and charging towards Lorenzo.


    ¡°Leave her be, Lorenzo. This is myst warning to you,¡± Hardin snarled, stopping a foot away from Lorenzo as he held him down with his re.


    ¡°I am not going to watch you steal what is mine, she is my mate and I will take her back,¡± Lorenzo said through gritted teeth.


    I darted my eyes between the two boys, shuddering in my seat. I didn¡¯t want to go with Lorenzo, and I didn¡¯t want Hardin fighting Lorenzo to make my point clear.


    Hardin scoffed, ¡°I will be more than happy to watch you try.¡±


    Lorenzo chuckled loudly and closed up the space between them. Hardin had his fist clenched and ready to throw a punch. His teeth were clenched to keep himself from making the first move.


    They locked each other¡¯s eyes and the connection that passed through them was filled with anger, hatred, pain, and rage. Lorenzo took a step further, climbing on Hardin¡¯s feet and bringing down his face to be at the same level as Hardin¡¯s. Hardin, though feeling the pain of Lorenzo¡¯s hit, ignored him but kept his eyes locked on Lorenzo.


    Hardin pushed Lorenzo away, causing him to stumble backwards, but Hardin caught him before he could fall to the ground as he stered his face with punches and they both fell to the ground with Hardin on top of Lorenzo still punching him.


    ¡°Hardin stop!¡± Mom yelled, while Dad ordered the warriors to go stop Hardin.


    A deep growl reverberated from the depths of Lorenzo¡¯s throat, it was clear he wanted blood.


    ¡°Enough of this child¡¯s y, both of you!¡± A familiar voice, from one of the elders that had tagged along, called out to the bloodthirsty duo. ¡°It seems a race wouldn¡¯t be enough to settle all thismotion, how about a duel?¡±


    ¡°No please, no more fighting!¡± I objected with finality in my voice. I was tired of all the violence already, I didn¡¯t want anymore of it.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ve been aching to put this loser in his ce for a long time ¡± Hardin concurred.


    ¡°Hardin please.¡± I pleaded with tears in my eyes. He turned to me with a reassuring smile before turning towards the elder. ¡°Winner takes all.¡±


    Lorenzo¡¯s face beamed with a cynical smile, and in that moment I couldn¡¯t deny the fear that had suddenly welled up inside of me. Though I knew nothing I said would really be of use against Lorenzo, I still turned towards him with tears in my eyes. But just as expected, he turned away and went ahead with the proposed duel.


    ¡°I want it now, right here, right now,¡± Lorenzo suggested.


    ¡°Is that okay with you youngd?¡± The elder inquired from Hardin who shook his head inpliance.


    Instinctively everyone who was gathered round began to retreat from the duo, with me being the only exception. There was no way I was letting Hardin battle to death with a monster like Lorenzo.


    ¡°Stay back Jasmine, please,¡± Hardin said, but I wasn¡¯t bulging. Before I could say a word I felt a hand grip onto my hands and in an instant I was pulled away from their range. I nced back to see who had pulled me away and my eyes met with those of an elder. I wasn¡¯t exactly shocked, there was a reason why they were the strongest of the wolf n.


    Once I was out of the way, Lorenzo attacked Hardin, but his blow was evaded in a skilled sidestep.


    Lorenzo struck again with his other hand which was promptly restrained by Hardin. Then in a movement I could barely follow, Lorenzo swept Hardin¡¯s feet off the ground and delivered a devastating ax kick to his torso to m him back on the ground. A third kick sent Hardin tumbling across the clearing until he dug his hands in the dirt to slow his roll.


    I was scared to my bones, I was about to break free of the Elder¡¯s grip, but he was too strong and mentally I knew that intruding would only make things worse. Lorenzo was clearly more powerful at that point, and he wasn¡¯t holding back at all either.


    Hardin growled at his opponent in anger. He had not expected to be so outssed by Lorenzo, but that didn¡¯t stop him from standing and fighting back.


    I watched as the fight quickly became one-sided from there. Lorenzo held the advantage in speed, skill and agility. Hardin was bigger in size and thus presumably had the upper hand in strength but that did not matter when he could not hit his opponent. All it did was make him a bigger target for Lorenzo.


    And as the struggle continued, Lorenzo kicked Hardin causing him to fall on the ground.


    ¡°Stop!¡± I cried from my restrained position, but nobody seemed to be listening. Lorenzo had murder in his eyes, he wouldn¡¯t stop until Hardin was dead.


    Hardin was losing badly, and the fear in me constantly kept growing. If things didn¡¯t change then Hardin might actually die.


    I had my eyes on Hardin all the time, that I barely recognised that Lorenzo had already transformed into his wolf. I watched as the two men stared at themselves, one, a monstrous wolf brimming with hatred, the other, in human form and down on his knees.


    Then the monster began to lumber forward, slowly before breaking out into a run.

 Winner takes all

    Jasmine


    Out of the corner of my eye, I only caught wisps of dissipating smoke, when out of nowhere a massive caramel blur moving at a high speed mmed into the oing beast to send it crashing backwards to the trees.


    A positively huge wolf covered in familiar brown colored fur prowled around in the middle of the clearing. I did a double take at this neer and only then had I recognized it was Hardin.


    They circled each other for several moments before leaping at once. Possessing greater body mass in his current form, Lorenzo pushed the brown wolf backwards. But in a show of skill that convinced me that it was definitely Hardin, the brown wolf fell on its back and kicked the ck one over it.


    Rolling onto his feet, he dashed after the beast, biting and wing at everywhere he found entry until Lorenzo threw out an attack that made Hardin retreat.


    I continued watching in terror as Lorenzo lunged at him to grab his head. Slinking under the beast¡¯srge arms, Hardin was able to get behind it to deliver a deadly sh of his long ws at the back of Lorenzo¡¯s wolf¡¯s knee. When it went down, he leapt onto its back and opened his mouth to bite into its neck but Lorenzo held his head and flung him away.


    Hardin transitioned from an uncontroble tumble to a perfect recovery roll and jumped right back at the beast. He kept up with this method of attack, picking apart Lorenzo¡¯s wolf with small scratches and bites, never once giving it breathing space.


    For a moment I was starting to feel confident in Hardin¡¯s capabilities, but in the next moment my confidence hadpletely vanished.


    When it became too much for Lorenzo to bear, he pushed himself out of Hardin¡¯s path and mmed his hands together. A vertical sh ofpressed air made its way towards the brown wolf at incredible speed. The lupine creature suddenly vanished from its spot, and was sent flying and crashing into the ground. Then, Hardin, who was already badly wounded, turned back to his human form and Lorenzo followed suit.


    Reflexly, I pulled out of the elder¡¯s grip, and rushed closer to where they were.


    Just as I almost crouched down to Hardin¡¯s level, Lorenzo¡¯s words that followed left me in a state of shock.


    ¡°See who wanted to stop me,¡± He mentioned, and began chuckling really loud.


    It was then that I noticed that Lorenzo was not even alone, but some men, dded in ck with the symbol that I had seen on my kidnapper¡¯s, boldly drawn on their faces, surrounded us.


    Murmurs and chatterings had already filled the open space, as everyone wondered how the tables had suddenly turned. We were now at the mercy of Lorenzo and his men, while Hardin winced in pain on the floor.


    ¡°How can you stop me when you couldn¡¯t even save your mother and her sister?¡± Lorenzo said and forced a chuckle out of his enraged self, ¡°remember? Thatpetition we had in school some years back, you cheated your way through thepetition and stole my glory and my shine. And it was that day that I swore that I will take everything that was important to you and trust me, it was beautiful seeing the pain on your face after she passed.¡±


    I gasped, mom gasped, dad and Alpha Hills too. We all knew that Lisa had killed Cam, she had confessed to that before taking her life in her cell, was that all Lorenzo¡¯s doing?


    ¡°Lorenzo!!!¡± Hardin groaned in pain, but before he could stand, Lorenzo punched him at his groin.


    There, the only thing that I felt towards Lorenzo was disgust. At that point, he felt like a devilish beast to me and seeing him made my blood boil.


    ¡°What are you saying, Lorenzo? The poison?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ but I swear, I am really sorry, Jasmine. All of it was just for my revenge. Foolish Lisa was only a pun for me, but she got hold of the poison and tried killing your mom, which was why I made sure to give you the antidote.¡±


    Now, everything made sense. All of it. How Lisa got hold of the poison, and how Lorenzo had the antidote readily avable for an illness that doctors could not treat. It all made sense.


    I stood there, with my facepletely pale.


    ¡°I am really sorry, Jasmine.¡± He repeated and pulled me in for a hug.


    And that was when I did all I could at that moment. With no emotions left inside of me, I pulled the needle into Lorenzo¡¯s arms.


    ¡°What did you just do?¡± Lorenzo voiced out immediately, with his right palm pressed tightly against his left arm.


    Yes, it did make me feel wicked, but I had given Lorenzo a taste of his own tea. I had just injected the poison into him.


    While he and Hardin fought, I had noticed his continuous struggle to inject some kind of fluid into Hardin, which Hardin was able to push away with a punch, but I was not aware of what it was. Up until Lorenzo¡¯s revtion. He probably thought that he had won even before the battle could be over. And that was how I picked it up, while rushing to save Hardin.


    Still struggling to stay calm, Lorenzo tried rushing towards me this time, but to my surprise, Hardin was up on his feet and had punched Lorenzo on his face.


    I was fidgeting, I had no idea that Lorenzo was that vicious.


    The men that were dded in back rushed towards Hardin and tried attacking him. Thankfully, Dad had managed to mind link his beta, which got him rushing to the field we were in, with some other warriors.


    ¡°You killed my mother!¡± I heard Hardin¡¯s growl loud and clear which made me turn to where he was.


    ¡°You deserved it.¡± Lorenzo countered, struggling to raise himself up.


    From Hardin¡¯s voice, I could feel the different emotions that ran through. He was weak, but winning the race was what he wanted to do at that point. For him. For me. For our baby. For us.


    With the many series of events that were unfolding, Lorenzo managed to pull out a knife which we were not aware that he was with, and my eyes widened in school. Immediately he tried aiming at Hardin¡¯s chest, Hardin managed to dodge, and at the same time, took the knife away from Lorenzo¡¯s hands by bending it.


    Lorenzo had wed the rules of the game, so it was no longer a game. It was now a battle of the fittest.


    The only thing that managed to keep me sane, was my wolf¡¯s constant assurance that everything would be fine. She was really confident which should not be the case, considering that our mate was probably in trouble.


    My mind had wandered away, and I had not been able to follow up with the many events happening around me. Dad, his Beta, Sandro and Alex, and the other warriors fighting off Lorenzo¡¯s men.


    Everything felt like it was not happening.


    And when I heard Lorenzo whimper in pain, still filled with fear, my eyes rushed back to Hardin.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    The knife was in his hand, and he had stabbed Lorenzo in his chest.


    With the intensity of Lorenzo¡¯s cry, I knew the knife was poisoned. To think that he wanted to stab Hardin with it, caused chills to run through my spine.


    The warriors had managed to defeat Lorenzo¡¯s men, and from a distance, Alpha Hills stood, saying nothing. But disappointment was written loud and clear on his face.


    The warriors grabbed hold of Hardin and pulled him away from Lorenzo who was still struggling to survive. Sadly, it was almost impossible as he had fallen into his own trap.


    As Lorenzo was taken away, the warriors let go of Hardin, and he dropped weakly to the ground. I saw his lips quiver as his shoulders shook,  a stray tear rolled down his eyes before he hugged his legs and buried his face inside.


    The pain of learning that his mom had not died the way we had thought was unbearable, especially for him, I could see it when he looked up at me. All of the emotions he had buried seemed topletely awaken.


    ¡°He killed my mother, for a mistake that he could handle with me. My mother is no longer here for very petty reasons.¡± Hardin¡¯s pain did not seem to end.


    I shook my head as I ran down to him, I didn¡¯t want to see him that way and I didn¡¯t need him hating himself for everything that had happened in the past. I dropped myself to the ground next to him and pulled him toward me, hugging him as tight as I could before taking his face in my hands as I wiped his tears.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Hardin. I hope you will be fine soon.¡±


    And when he raised his face to me. ¡°I am sorry, Jasmine. I am really sorry for everything. For being a jerk and not caring about your emotions,¡± was the first thing that left his mouth.


    ¡°No, Hardin,¡± I interrupted immediately, ¡°you don¡¯t need to keep apologizing, I have forgiven you, Hardin. All that happened is now in the past, I have forgiven you because I love you, Hardin, I love you and I don¡¯t want you to be this way.¡±

 Leaving

    Jasmine


    The moment those words had left my mouth, I wanted to cringe. Feeling stupid, I wrenched my hand away from his and ran as far as I could.


    Acting as the best man there is in the world, did not feel enough to me, to make up for all Hardin had done.


    My heart might have flustered a little after Hardin¡¯s words, but my vengeful conscience was not a very forgiving person. His words had moved me for a moment, but going back to our past and all that Hardin had put me through, I just couldn¡¯t find myself forgiving him so easily, especially over spoken words.


    Was I supposed to just give in, and wee him back? What if he decided to go against his words one day, I would be the one hurting and not him.


    ¡°But he¡¯s proven himself to you Jasmine, he¡¯s your mate¡± my wolf reminded me but I wasn¡¯t listening. Being my mate was not enough of an excuse to buy him forgiveness. Had I not been his mate, would he have felt sorry that he tortured and harassed me all these while? If for anything, Hardin had taught me that he didn¡¯t care about the fact that I had emotions when it came to maltreating me.


    And as for proving himself, it wasn¡¯t enough! Yes, he might have gone into a dangerous race with Lorenzo for my sake, and even though it earned him a bit of my respect and admiration, it still wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡°What about your baby? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s going to be hard if your child grows up without a father? Reason being that his mother is just intentionally acting like an unforgiving person?¡± My wolf was once again trying to fight for Hardin. I understood that she was probably fighting to be with her mate, so I didn¡¯t really hold it against her. But as my wolf, I really expected her to be on my side more often. And the only excuse that I could make for her was that she was not there with me while I went through all the harassment from Hardin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s better for my child to grow up without a father than to have an abusive one?¡± I asked my wolf. She fell silent for a moment, probably due to her inability to bring up a good argument to counter my question.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought¡± I added after her silence. She probably couldn¡¯t argue anymore. No child would ever want toe into a world where they¡¯d only suffer. With Hardin, that was looking like the case. Though he was making improvements in his character, I still couldn¡¯t bring myself to fully ept him that easily.


    I flopped down on a root, exhausted.


    ¡®Speak of the devil¡¯ I thought to myself the moment I saw Hardin¡¯s figure approaching me. Without warning, he leaned down to my height and threw his arms around me in a warm embrace. Subconsciously, without me even realizing, I had withdrawn from the embrace and had spaced out from him. It was only after my reaction that I turned to see Hardin¡¯s stunned one.


    ¡°Is anything wrong Jasmine?¡± He inquired but I didn¡¯t answer, in fact I didn¡¯t want to talk to him at all at this time. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s bothering you¡± He urged but I didn¡¯t yield.


    ¡°Can you leave me alone for the moment? I really need my privacy if you don¡¯t mind.¡± I requested as calmly as I could. If he had stayed any second longer I might have said or done something that I would probably spend the entire week regretting.


    ¡°Fine, if you say so¡± He leaned away before walking away. I could tell he was disappointed, probably hurt, or that he was feeling both at the time but I honestly didn¡¯t care at this time. I was way too worried about our future together than of the current moment.


    What would happen when our child or children discover that their father had once molested and harassed their mother? What would happen if Hardin didn¡¯t change for real and was just acting. He was too unpredictable and currently that trait wasn¡¯t working in his favor at the moment.


    Now tired of the entire world, I picked up my bag and found my way home. If I was going to be doing all this mental work then I needed to do it in a safe zone, somewhere I probably wouldn¡¯t have to worry about unregted outbursts.


    I breathed a sigh of both frustration and relief before I took a step into the house. I was exhausted at the moment and all I wanted to do right now was rest, but that didn¡¯t look like it would be happening anytime soon.


    Hardin had done quite enough. I could say without a doubt. But to me, enough did not look like it could convince me. Or maybe, I had probably developed the feeling of repulse towards him. Even times that I tried forcing myself to let go of everything, memories of his constant abuse came back, and messing with other girls and showing me pictures then did not help.


    It only got me pissed and increased the anger that I felt in my heart, and I did not like that I had to constantly feel that way.


    I knew he had done quite well. Definitely I won¡¯t be ungrateful to say I didn¡¯t appreciate him when he went extra miles just so my mother could stay healthy after the poison incident. And when he apologized to mom for every attitude that he had shown.


    Or was it the other time that in front of the whole school, he announced that I was his mate and was sorry for treating me the way that he had? All of it was beautiful and something that I would admire on every normal day, if the questions did not linger in my head.


    ¡°If I was just Jasmine and not Hardin¡¯s mate, will he have been sorry for all of the despicable things that he did to me?¡±N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Upon arrival at the pack house, I met Hardin and his father engaged in a conversation I could tell was serious from the tension in the room.


    And when Hardin noticed my presence, his face fell while Russo spoke up immediately.


    ¡°It¡¯s good you are back, Jasmine. I was about asking the servants to go get you.¡±


    My brows furrowed a bit, but I did not talk and decided to pay keen attention to what Russo wanted to say. Why was my presence needed that much at home?


    ¡°Please can you help me ask Hardin here,¡± he continued, ¡°why exactly he wants to leave his position as Alpha and travel away from the pack too. Because I really am struggling to understand.¡±


    The only thing that kept me from screaming out in surprise at Russo¡¯s statement was the clear effort that I was putting in to stay away from Hardin. I acted like everything that concerned Hardin did not affect me, because I actually did not want him to matter so much, but it was really a tough thing to do.


    ¡°Oh,¡± I cooed out like I was less affected. ¡°And why is that?¡±


    ¡°I think you should ask him. Because all that he is saying doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± Russo spat out, and walked away rather annoyed, leaving the both of us.


    ¡°Father said I should ask you. Do you care to tell me?¡± My legs were tapping the ground like I was in a hurry. Good thing it was the exact thing I wanted him to think.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s more personal, but I know it¡¯s for the best.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± I simply said. ¡°I believe you are mature enough to bear the consequences of your actions.¡± And that was how I left Hardin standing to himself, and his ns of leaving the pack.


    I did not need to be told. It was clear that he wanted to leave because of me. He had mentioned it one time that if I did not forgive him, then there was no point being an Alpha. All of it was empty talk. I was certain.


    And while Iid on my bed, trying to sleep, my mind was in an emotional conflict. Did Hardin really want to leave? Was there any point not forgiving him? What if he had actually changed?


    He was a terrible person, no doubt, but did I really want my child to grow without a father?


    Wasting no more time, I stood up and rushed down to Hardin¡¯s room. I had no idea what I wanted to do there, but easing the restlessness that I felt was a good start.


    On getting there, Hardin was nowhere to be found. But I could still pick his scent.


    Could it be that he had actually gone like he mentioned? And my fears got confirmed when I asked the maid that passed and she confirmed that she had seen him carrying a bag that was not enough for someone that wanted to relocate, but quite enough to hold four or five clothes.


    Out of impulse, I ran after the direction that his scent felt stronger without caring howte it was. And that was how I found myself in the woods. Good thing, I had caught up with Hardin.


    ¡°And what are you trying to do?¡± I said immediately I got to him, but he did not answer. ¡°Leaving now? How do you think Russo would feel, and how should I feel that somehow I am the cause of it?¡±


    ¡°Answer me Hardin!¡± I yelled, as he did not look like he nned to give me an answer.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t intend to make you feel that way Jasmine. Please forgive me, but I really can¡¯t stay here anymore, seeing you everyday and realizing that you hate me and would not want to even hear me out. I don¡¯t see the point of all of it. The position, the pack, if you would really not forgive me. ¡±


    ¡°I spoke with Dad, and the leadership would not leave our family. I think this time the rest of the pack would have to agree to have a female as their leader. Because I am entrusting the pack to your care, and our little baby in your womb. Dad would be around to help you at every time.¡±


    I wanted to snap at him for saying ¡®our little baby¡¯ but there was no point lying to myself. Hardin was the father of my child and I¡¯ll hate myself if I let him go.


    ¡°It¡¯s not really safe out here. You should please go back.¡± He mentioned, and then turned away leaving me behind.


    My fears wereing to reality, and it was not what I wanted. It dawned on me now that I¡¯ll rather stay with him even with how terrible I feel most times than part ways with him.


    There I screamed, ¡°you really are leaving me now? Do you care about our child? What is supposed to happen to us?¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts. Please don¡¯t go. I have forgiven you, I am really ready to, as long as you don¡¯t go away.¡±


    ¡°For real?¡± Hardin turned to me, his voice sounding really enthused.


    ¡°For real!¡± I nodded.


    ¡°Yes!!!¡±


    And the next ce I found myself was in Hardin¡¯s tight embrace. ¡°I got so scared that I will lose you, Jasmine. I got so scared. Thank you so much for forgiving me.¡±

 Forgiven

    Hardin


    Jasmine had said that she loved me, and had helped me walk through the phase where I had to get over mom¡¯s death especially after hearing that it was all for a petty revenge, and all of her actions threw it at my face that I had done nothing, and was rather banking at the fact that she had easily let all my sins slide. But it was not what I wanted. The only problem being that at the moment, I was still lost on what to do.


    I still felt guilty, because every everytime that I told her how sorry I was, she said that everything was fine and that she had really forgiven me.


    Cam and Russo had also mentioned about how I was probably acting out of ignorance and had epted that I was set to turn a new leaf. The joy in the house had returned, and Cam and Russo had nned so many dates for me and Jasmine to get better than we already were. Thanks to them, it was working really well. Everything at home did feel like it was working perfectly well, if my wolf did not keep haunting me that I had not done enough.


    ¡°I feel she was so lenient on you, to let everything slide easily. I really would not do that, because you were such an asshole.¡± My wolf will say every time, and truthfully, I could not dispute.


    I had no idea that I had drifted away in my thoughts, and was already filling the cup with so much water till Jasmine¡¯s voice came.


    ¡°Is anything the matter? You don¡¯t look so well¡± Jasmine¡¯s voice distracted me from my thoughts. Instinctively, my expressions changed into a beaming smile and I proceeded to pull her into my arms, after dropping back the jug.


    She had requested water, and I really wanted to save her the stress of getting to do it, so I decided to do it myself.


    ¡°I am better because you are talking to me now,¡± I said before nting a kiss on her forehead, then slowly I progressed towards her demanding lips. Before now, my actions would have caused me to cringe, but now I was loving every single one of them and wishing I could express my love to Jasmine in a more romantic way.


    Gently, Jasmine pushed me away from her body before throwing her hands around my neck.


    ¡°You can¡¯t kiss your way out of everything, tell me what¡¯s wrong,¡± she demanded.


    I tilted my  head to the side to get a better look at her supposed serious face. I opened my mouth to answer, but instead  kissed her deeply as a reply.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you already? I said, I¡¯m fine, you don¡¯t need to worry about anything.¡±


    Her face brightened up with a smile just before she let me go. I would have loved it if she kept holding onto me, her presence always brought happiness to my being, but her touch brought a whole different sensation. Before she could take a step away from me, I pulled her back into my bosom and threw my arms around her.


    ¡°Thank you Jasmine, thank you for everything.¡±


    ¡°What are you thanking me for again? Is anything bothering you?¡± I could sense the genuine confusion in her tone, she cared for me deeply, and for a moment I could actually sense fearing out from her. Now I was getting her worried, it wasn¡¯t my intention to scare her or anything so I immediately cleared up the reason for my appreciative words.


    ¡°You¡¯re the best thing that has happened to my life. I can¡¯t possibly begin to exin just how much you mean to me.¡± I said, repeating the same words of reassurance that I had been doing in the past weeks, though I did not expect it to be enough.


    ¡°Stop it Hardin, you don¡¯t have to say anything to back up your feelings for me, I¡¯ve never doubted your love for once, and I never will.¡±


    My embrace around her tightened a little and slowly I rested my head on hers. ¡°I want to make it up to you, I want to show you just how grateful I am for everything.¡±


    ¡°Hardin you don¡¯t ha-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking no for an answer this time Jasmine, I¡¯m sorry but this time you are going to have to do what I want.¡± I stated. She wasn¡¯t going to sweet talk her way out of this situation, I had made up my mind to make it up to her, and that was exactly what I was going to do.


    ¡°Fine, fine!¡± She concurred. ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet, but for now, I just want to massage your neck so you would be able to rx,¡± I answered with a smile before nting a kiss on her head, while Jasmine looked at me with arched brows.


    ¡°Oh okay, lover boy¡­¡± She teased before breaking free of my embrace and turning to face me.


    ¡°I love you, Hardin,¡± she whispered softly.


    Those three words were words that girlsmonly threw at me on a regr basis, but whenever she said it, I found my bones melting in delight. There was a spell she had bound to those words, because they always brought me down to my weakest point anytime.


    ¡°I love you more Jasmine¡± I whispered back before bringing my lips down on hers.


    Almost immediately after I was done with the massage, which seeded in putting Jasmine to sleep, I began setting up ns for the party. I had decided that I was going to throw a party just to celebrate Jasmine, and though I did not know how exactly she was going to feel about it, I hoped that she would like it.


    It was going to be a small but memorable one. Initially I had decided on a date, only the two of us. But on a second thought I decided it would definitely be best if we had some friends and well wishers around to celebrate Jasmine too. It wasn¡¯t enough to sing to her just how much she meant to not only my life, but everybody else.


    And after putting all the arrangements in ce, I had so much joy when I watched the servants get Jasmine dressed up for a party that she had no idea was dedicated to her.


    ¡°And what did you say Mom and Dad want to celebrate this time?¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Mydy, for the betterment and prosperity of the pack. I think so.¡± The servant had delivered just as I expected, which caused my lips to separate into a wide smile.


    The party was going on quite well and I had already had a couple of dances with Jasmine.


    Finally deciding that it was the right time to do it, I drew the attention of the crowd to myself by clinking sses against themselves.


    ¡°Attention everyone,¡± I started. ¡°I am sure most of us do not know why we are here.¡± Chatterings filled the hall, while Jasmine¡¯s eyes were fixed on me. Even as I stood there, I still was not sure about what I was doing, but I hoped that it was for the best.


    ¡°Well, we are here today because I think it is necessary that we celebrate one special person. She came into my life, she beautified it. She made me feel, she gave me a reason to find happiness. And even as I have been a jerk and an asshole, and undeserving of her love, she still lets me in.¡±


    The voices did not stop, this time around, it was louder.


    And I fixed my eyes on Jasmine¡¯s, my gaze unwavering like hers. Her face was expressionless, so I could not tell what ran through her mind.


    Did she really like the public show of affection, and was I doing it the best way?


    Still bothered with the conflicting thoughts, I looked away, and then, my eyes met with that of Sandro and Alex.


    They looked indifferent, as if they didn¡¯t believe in love, but with their thumbs, motioned for me to continue.


    Being nervous was not one thing that I was familiar with, but right there, Jasmine¡¯s response to my actions got me really bothered.


    ¡°And with the help of the moon goddess,¡± I continued, ¡°she is not just my mate, she is my life, my joy, my Luna, the mother of my child and mypanion.¡±


    I was guessing that the whole crowd would be already aware of the person that I talked about as our marriage had taken ce already, alongside our coronation ceremony. But just to satisfy their curiosity, I was going to be more straightforward.


    Walking to where Jasmine was, I went down on my knees immediately I got there.


    ¡°Hardin, you don¡¯t have to¡­¡± She tried interrupting, but I did not let her.


    ¡°Jasmine, I know you have said it countless times. But, it¡¯s terrible that the guilt that I feel eats me up so many times. I wish we can start everything afresh, I wish that you would allow me to give you all the happiness you deserve, and I wish that you¡¯ll let me into your heart and make me feel like the luckiest person alive. Would you please do this for me?¡±


    My face fell and I felt too guilty to look at her. But to my surprise, she raised my face and held my lips with her in a very deep kiss.


    Contrasting her shy behavior, she held me with so much love even in front of the whole pack that was gathered.


    The noises in the hall grew louder, with the cheers increasing.


    And I raised myself and continued the motion that she had set in, kissing her like my existence depended on it.


    ¡°I love you so much, Jasmine, even more than myself. And I promise to never do anything to hurt you.¡±

 The beginning of the end

    ~Jasmine.


    Sinking into the rocking chair, I racked my brain for a new luby to sing, as I had already sung the ones I had at the top of my fingers. I looked down at the little infant who was yawning out of tiredness yet had refused to fall asleep.


    I smiled as I rubbed his little nose, just when I had thought I had known love, someone little came to remind me of how big it is. He had these sparkly blue eyes just like his Dad and with the way he was fighting so hard not to yield into sleep, I bet he would be as stubborn as his father is.


    A new rxing poem rushed into my brain and just as I began humming the lyrics and rocking to its tune, the door to the room opened and Hardin walked in.


    ¡°He still hasn¡¯t fallen asleep?¡± He whispered as he gently closed the door behind him and I shook my head in negation,


    ¡°Ugh, he is as stubborn as his mother,¡± he said in mock annoyance and rolled his eyes.


    ¡°As stubborn as me?¡± I asked, and he chuckled and gave me a light kiss on the lips before stooping to kiss the baby¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Can you allow mummy some minutes of rest by going to sleep?¡± Hardin said to our child, and a smile came to rest on my face.


    It had been 12 months since the fight that Hardin had with Lorenzo. And though it caused grief for a while, we were over it.


    We were rather disappointed by Lorenzo¡¯s confession, Hardin had it worse, but with time, we all came to terms with everything that had happened, and Hardin, though roughly, slowly got over his mom¡¯s death. I ran my hand through Hardin¡¯s hair as he continued humming the poem from where I stopped.


    Though it was made that whoever won the car race would be proimed my mate, I was certain that I wouldn¡¯t have been with anyone who wasn¡¯t Hardin. I was in love with him, and I was damn sure, from the way he made me feel, I was certain that he was just the person for me.


    After he was proimed my mate and I professed my love to him, Hardin and I tied the knot, and the little bundle of joy in my arms was sent to us as proof of our love.


    ¡°See,¡± Hardin grinned excitedly,¡± I put him to sleep, isn¡¯t this proof that he loves me more?¡±


    I chuckled as I rolled my eyes, and Hardin took the baby from me andid him in his crib.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± He asked as he helped me up the rocking chair.


    ¡°Obviously.¡± I blurted and locked my fingers with his.


    ¡°What do you say about a night out?¡± He asked, sliding his hand around my waist, while he pulled me closer to him.


    ¡°With or without Reagan?¡± I probed with a raised brow and he slightly turned to look at Reagan, our child before turning back to me with a pout,


    ¡°I think I will just order food for us. Or I should not?¡±


    At his confusion, I chuckled.


    I knew he was disappointed, and I bet he had been nning all day for a date which I would have readily epted, but we were in a foreignnd and I hadn¡¯t a clue of whom to trust with my baby.


    I felt Hardin¡¯s hot breath on me, and I looked up at him and locked my eyes with his. They held love, pure love, and I couldn¡¯t ask for more. I lifted my arms from my side and trailed them up his arms before wrapping them around his shoulders.


    ¡°Hi,¡± he whispered, and I chuckled.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I replied and pushed back the strands of hair that fell on his face and as I turned my eyes back to him, he gripped the back of my head, tilting it slightly to the side, and wrapped my lips with his. It was probably the 50th or 60th kiss I was getting for the day. I wasn¡¯t certain, but I was sure as hell that it was the warmest.


    His lips moved against mine and I parted my lips giving him the way into my mouth. After which, I gripped the back of his neck and brought his face closer to mine.


    The door to the room suddenly pushed open, which was rather strange, but neither of us pulled away to know what had caused it.


    ¡°Ugh, you both should get a room.¡±


    I chuckled into Hardin¡¯s mouth as we heard the voice, and he stopped to smile against my lips without pulling away from our position.


    ¡°We are literally in a room, Nadia, you are the one intruding in our space.¡± Hardin¡¯s breath fell on my face as he spoke, and I felt like bringing his lips back to mine, but I just released my grip from his neck to ce them on his back and rested my head on his chest, keeping my face toward the direction of the door.


    ¡°You came,¡± I said, and Nadia nodded, taking a quick survey of the room. ¡± When did you get here?¡±


    She opened the door fully and walked in.


    ¡°About thirty minutes ago and became worried thinking something had happened to you guys not knowing that you were here doing¡­¡± She darted her eyes between the both of us, ¡°Okay. I am literally cringing,¡± she shook her head and waved us off which caused me tough.


    ¡°Now, if you would excuse me, I would like to see Nadia Jr.¡±


    ¡°He is a boy, ma¡¯am, a gentleman.¡± Hardin said as Nadia walked to the crib, and she paused to give him a scowl,


    ¡°What I name my son is none of your business, get it?¡±


    A chuckle escaped my lips as Hardin threw his hands up in defense, ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°And what are you doing here anyway, don¡¯t you have a pack to look after, Mr. Alpha?¡±


    ¡°I am pretty sure an Alpha deserves rest and besides, I don¡¯t know if you saw it, but I was taking care of something important before you walked in.¡±


    She gave him a scowl and turned to the baby.


    ¡°He¡¯s prettier than what the picture said.¡± Nadia giggled excitedly.


    ¡°You are going to wake him up if you keep talking like that.¡± I warned instead.


    ¡°I will be more than delighted to carry him, but then again, I am yet to rest from my journey, so I will let him rest while I go unpack.¡±


    Trying to leave Hardin¡¯s hold, ¡°I wille help you.¡± I muttered.


    Hardin raised a brow at me, holding me back as I tried to pull away from the hug.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, I would rather not have anyone tearing my flesh away with his eyes,¡± she caught a quick nce at Hardin and turned back to me, ¡°I will let Hardin continue taking care of whatever it is that he is doing, you can join me whenever you are done. Besides, I am not running away, I only just got here.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said with augh and ced my head back to Hardin¡¯s chest, while Nadia mumbled some words which weren¡¯t clear enough, before she walked away, closing the door behind her. Iughed harder, Nadia sure knew how to amuse me.


    ¡°You wanted to leave me,¡± Hardin mentioned with a pout immediately Nadia was out of hearing, and I looked up at him with my chin on his chest.


    ¡°Never.¡± My smile fell as my mind rushed back to the events of yesterday and how everything came to end. I was trying to have a talk with him, because I wanted reassurance for reasons which made no sense to me. But pack duties that came over the phone kept on distracting us, and I could not.


    Noticing the frown that hade on my lips, ¡°What¡¯s wrong,¡± Hardin asked as he rubbed a thumb against my cheek.


    ¡°Would you say we got a happily ever after? Do you think we will live happily ever after from today?¡±


    He shrugged and shook his head,¡± I wouldn¡¯t say so.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked with a furrowed brow pulling my head backwards to have a better view of him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t give you happily ever after, Love, the only thing I am sure that I can give you is myself and while I am sure I am not worthy of your love, I will live the rest of my life proving to you how much I love you.¡±


    I smiled. Genuinely and contentedly because that was all I wanted. Hardin, he was all I wanted.


    I ced my head back on his chest and hugged him tighter, ¡°That is far better than happily ever after.¡± I whispered softly because certainly, nothing else was better than this, nothing was better than he.


    Nadia¡¯s POVContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I was happy for my friend. Despite everything Hardin had done to her, they were together now. While it was amazing, it was surreal to say the least.


    As I drove out of the alpha¡¯s house, my phone rang. I rummaged through my bag, with a hand, careful not to lift my eyes off the road. The number said unknown but I still picked it up.


    ¡°Who is this?¡±


    ¡°Your darkest nightmares, Nadia,¡± a gravelly voice said. A voice I thought wouldn¡¯t exist in my life anymore.


    Goddess, no, no, not again. My hand shook but I managed to ask, pretending to be clueless, ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite funny how you think you can shrug us off just because you¡¯re done with highschool,¡± another tone, darker and deeper than the first, bit out into the phone.


    ¡®I¨CI,¡± I stammered, my heart pounding furiously as I navigated the car around a corner. It was a wonder I was still driving with the shock running rife in my veins.


    ¡°You thought we wouldn¡¯t find out about the college you got admitted into? Baby girl, you¡¯re our possession and if you think you can hide from us, I¡¯ll advise you to rethink.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong.¡± I cradled the phone into my ears, preparing myself for the lie I was about to tell, ¡°It¡¯s been eight months after graduation. I¡¯m not going to college anymore.¡±


    Dark chuckles met my ears. Chilling. ¡°Such silly lies from your pretty, cock-sucking lips.¡±


    Then the voice turned abruptly to a much more sinister tone. ¡°Remember when we told you that you can¡¯t breathe without us. Cannot do a fucking thing unless we deem it so? We were being fucking serious Nadia. And for breaking that rule, you will be punished. Severely. No one messes with us and gets away with it.¡±


    No one messes with us and gets away with it.


    Swirls of anger began forming in my chest, hot and furious. Who exactly did they think they were again? I had taken their abuse for far too long and I wouldn¡¯t anymore. Enough was enough.


    Putting up a brave shell, I started to speak into the phone, ¡°I¡¯ve heard enough of both of you. You don¡¯t own me! You don¡¯t tell me what to-¡±


    The darker voice interjected, ¡°Looking forward to seeing you soon at All High College. We hope you¡¯ve been keeping that pussy tight for us.¡±


    The phone went off just as my left foot hit the brake pedal.


    My entire body was as petrified as stone. I was frozen, scared to death even because my highschool bullies were going to attend the same college as me. Alex and Sandro.


    And they were back to torment me. Ruthlessly.


    ***


    Next book in the series: Bullied By My Alpha Twins (Nadia, Alex and Sandro) A dark reverse harem romance.

 #Book 2 Pregnant For My Bully

    Pregnant For My Bully


    ****


    Ever since her parents died, nerdy Amelia Forbes has always been bullied by the school¡¯s bad boy and jock, Jason. Ruthless and drop dead gorgeous, Jason makes her school years a living hell. Meaner than the devil himself, he is always sure to ruin Mel¡¯s day.


    One day, they are paired up for a school project and in the process of working on the project at home, Jason forces himself on her. Ashamed, Mel feels disgusted with her inability to stand up for herself and soon, she finds out she is pregnant with her bully¡¯s baby.


    Scared out of her wits, poor Mel is helpless. No one is willing toe to her aid except Adrian, Jason¡¯s best friend. And as Jason sees Mel with Adrian, he begins to get jealous and soon, he finds himself falling for Mel.


    But will Mel ever forgive him? Will she ever forget the wrongs he had done to her?


    ****


    ****


    Mondays, for me, were like a restart of my routine, mind-numbing, perpetually dull life. It was an endless cycle of boredom, my life, beginning everyday with the rickety, old and faulty rm, which sat atop the nightstand beside my bed, waking me up at 6:30, thirty minutes too early.


    Then, it was in the bathroom till it clocked seven-not that I spent thirty minutes taking a shower, though. Sometimes, I fall asleep there.


    Next, after that, was to pull on a somewhat presentable cloth and brush my blonde hair till it shone, before going down to meet Nana, my grandma, for breakfast,municating through signnguage, because, well, she was deaf, kissing her goodbye and then leaving for school.


    School had its own individual cycle, just like waking up had it its. First off was to get off the bus, seeing as, at eighteen, I still trailed along with the freshmen in the school bus because the only car I had, grandma¡¯s old, vintage Chevy, decided to give up on me in my sophomore year.


    Right after getting to school would be the quacking, shoving and pushing by other students oblivious to my presence, until I got to my locker.


    Now, when I got to the said locker, two things could happen. One, I open my locker to a shower of glitter, or to a jack in the box straight to my face, nted by yours truly, Jason Shitface Asshat Davenport.


    If that didn¡¯t happen, I¡¯d most likely open my locker to just my stuff. The worst I could meet, buried under them,  would be a note saying I should stick my head in the toilet, or I should just kill myself. This time nted by Kimberly Bitch Thot Slut Adams.


    Luckily, today, I arrived at school to find my locker just the way I¡¯d left itst Friday. Apparently, both Jason and Kimberly seemed to have forgotten about my existence.


    Yeah, right. That could never happen. Not while we were still ssmates.


    So, after the locker episodes, up next were the sses. Of my nine sses every day, I had Jason in two, which was enough torment as it was, judging by the fact that he never failed to leave chewed gum both on and under my seat and desk, or shoot spitballs at me as lessons were going on-it was a wonder how the teachers never caught him. Probably, they did, but just didn¡¯t care.


    Next in the cycle was lunch period, where I got served the regr blob of something that was supposed to be ¡®food¡¯, an apple, which was my only savior, preventing me from dying of starvation, and a milk carton.


    The only different day was Tuesday, when the school decided to be so kind as to serve it¡¯s exhausted students a helping of pudding, since it couldn¡¯t afford tacos. They termed it ¡®Pudding Tuesday¡¯. Shudders, that was what I felt saying it.


    Right after lunch and the rest of the day¡¯s lessons would be meeting up with Jason at the sports field, as he instructed me to do everyday after school, to retrieve his homework from him, process, analyze, break it down, decipher, solve, just do whatever and return it to him the next day to be submitted. Note, I used the word ¡®retrieve¡¯ because, ording to him, his homework was my possession.


    After I¡¯d stashed his homework in my bag, I was to sit and watch him practice football-he was the team¡¯s midfielder-until it was over. I was to guard his stuff, hold his water, hand it to him whenever he needed it, while my head remained bowed, by the way, and hold his face towel, even when it was sweaty and dripping.


    asionally, and very intentionally, while I sat under the sun, watching something I had absolutely no interest in, the ball would fly out of nowhere straight for my face, most times my chest. Then Jason would run along to pick it up, while I remained on the bleachers, wincing at the pain from where the ball had hit me. As he jogged past me, the ball in his hands, he¡¯d yell something like ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t see no boobs there¡±, or ¡°My bad, didn¡¯t see you there¡±.


    After practice, by then the school bus had already gone, so I was left to walk home by myself. A fifteen minute distance, all alone. Jason said it was essential to help me lose weight. Note, I wasn¡¯t more than 40 kg.


    Sometimes, his friend, Adrian Goldfield, the football team¡¯s defender, would offer me a ride, which I never turned down-the inside of his blue Ford was heaven, I could assure you, with it¡¯s blue seats and air conditioned interior, not to mention it always smelled likevender, just like he did.


    Once I got home, I was then to do Jason¡¯s homework first before I did mine. Next in line was my night shower and dinner with Nana before I put her to bed by eight and then binge Netflix for the rest of the night. Sometimes, I¡¯d get a call, or a FaceTime, from my former best friend, Benson, but even that was rare now, ever since he started dating Katie Henshaw.


    So, there you have it, my endless, repetitive cycle of a life.


    Get a life, you might say, but here¡¯s a little secret. I had one. Before high-school, back when boys worshipped me, literally, and every girl wanted to be my friend. Back when everything was perfect, and I had mom and dad. Until the summer holiday before high-school, when my parents died in a car crash, and I was subjected to living with my grandma, the only rtive close enough.


    I retreated into my shell, like a snail when touched. Became an entirely different person than I used to be. Lost everything, my friends, although Benson stayed, my poprity, everything. And gained Jason Davenport¡¯s attention, a guy I so remember used to crush on me back in fifth grade.


    All that was by the way, though. At this point in my life, I was already used to it. As a senior, knowing I¡¯d soon be out of this shithole and out of Wayne¡¯s County, never to see any of the hateful faces anymore, it didn¡¯t bother me much. Not like it used to. All I needed to do was focus on my studies and getting a schrship. And that I did.


    Today, being today Tuesday, our test scores fromst week have been returned to us. I made an A+ in pretty much all five of them, as expected.


    It was currently lunch time. The queue had shortened considerably by the time I¡¯d gotten to the cafeteria. Without much waste of time, it got to my turn.


    I looked away, with a disgusted face, as the lunchdy pped the gooey stuff onto its corner, looked back with a smile when she ced an apple where it should be, the milk carton and, my personal favorite, a small bowl of chocte pudding.


    Offering her a smile, which of course, she didn¡¯t return, I turned away from her and began my journey to the ¡®losers table¡¯. No, no one termed it that, but everyone that sat at it was regarded as a loser so . . .


    It was at the far end of the cafeteria, at the corner where nothing went noticed and you could eat like a pig, rubbing food all over your body, but still no one would care.


    Jason¡¯s table was kind of far from mine, a safe distance if you asked me, but asionally, I¡¯d look up from my food to see him staring daggers at me. When I maintained eye contact, he¡¯d look away, a tic present in his jaw.


    The only hassle getting to my table was the fact that I had to pass both his and Kimberly¡¯s table on the way, hers before his. It wasn¡¯t as easy as it sounded, trust me.


    I was approaching Jason¡¯s table now. As instructed by him, I was to keep my eyes the other way as I passed, lest he made eye contact with me. That I did as I got to the table, averting my gaze to the table beside his.


    I was almost past his table, the only thought on my mind being the chocte pudding my hungry hands were soon to devour, when, all of a sudden, I felt a shoe at the front base of my foot, and next thing I knew, I was falling forward, the tray of food flying out of my hands, an inaudible gasp escaping my wide open mouth.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

 In Deep trouble

    A hushed silence fell over the cafeteria the moment I crashed to the floor on my hands and knees. Only then did it dawn on me what had just happened. I wasn¡¯t having any pudding. I wasn¡¯t going to have lunch at all. Not with my food scattered everywhere, the apple not too far from me and the glob of unidentifiable food lying a little to the right of the apple.


    Just as I was starting to wonder where the pudding went, a shriek pierced the air, hurting my eardrums, seeing as it came from beside me.


    At once, I whipped my head to my left to meet the shock of my life. The right half of Kimberly¡¯s face and neck was covered in chocte pudding.


    Oh, no. No, no, no, no.


    At once, I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the snickers that came from Jason¡¯s table, the loudest from him.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I began, holding my hands out, making sure to keep my distance too. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean-¡±


    I¡¯d barely gotten out thest word, ¡®to¡¯, when in a sh, Kimberly shot up from her seat, grabbed the nearest te of pudding and hauled it at me. I saw it a second toote to duck.


    A foreign pain exploded on my lower lip and jaw where the te of pudding had impacted, as I toppled backward, lost my footing and fell onto the floor.


    I sped a hand to my hurting jaw, tears pricking my eyes at the outburst ofughter that broke the silence from Jason¡¯s table. My jaw, neck and red nnel top were covered in chocte pudding.


    ¡°Sorry won¡¯t fix my hair, bitch!¡± Kimberly spat.


    The first tear pooled in my right eye.


    Don¡¯t fall. Don¡¯t fall.


    When it could gather no more, it rolled down my cheek.


    Crap.


    ¡°Look what you did to my face!¡± Kimberly yelled. ¡°I should throw another at you for this.¡±


    My eyes cast to the floor, hand still on my throbbing jaw, I hurried to my feet.


    ¡°It was obviously a mistake, Kim,¡± someone from Jason¡¯s table said, as I turned away from the pairs of staring eyes, all hungry for more drama.


    ¡°Oh, shut up, Adrian,¡± Kimberly retorted. ¡°Of course, you¡¯d take her side.¡±


    ¡°No, you shut up.¡± Adrian shot back. ¡°I mean, you act like you have no fucking sense of reasoning. You could¡¯ve hurt her badly . . .¡±


    Speeding out the cafeteria, my head still down, the tears now falling in torrents, his words faded.


    On getting to the bathroom, I pushed the door open and walked in, shutting it behind me. I turned on the tap, put my hands under the cold water, scooped up some and sshed it on the pudding on my face. I repeated the action severally until all the pudding on my face and neck was gone.


    After that, I took a tissue and wiped down my top before removing some of the stain with water. Only after I was done did I then look up at my reflection.


    The tears had stopped as soon as I started cleaning off, but the sniffles hadn¡¯t. My grey eyes were red rimmed, nose pink and the lower side of my jaw bearing a simr pink hue, a bruise on the right side of my lower lip. The edge of my shoulder length blonde was damp and matted to my corbone. I flinged it out.


    Normally, I wouldn¡¯t cry, but hauling a freaking te at me? And the othersughing right after? That was more embarrassment than I could bear. And it¡¯d never been physical, Kimberly¡¯s aggression towards me, so why then did she, all of a sudden, throw a freaking te at me?


    Blinking away the tears that¡¯d pooled in my eyes once again, I blew out a breath through my lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re fine,¡± I said to myself, my daily mantra whenever I got bullied. ¡°Only two hundred days left, Mel. You¡¯re doing great.¡±


    Nodding at my words, I exhaled once more and left the cafeteria at the moment the warning bell. for lunch period to be over went off.


    Outside, on a bench not too far from the bathroom, I saw a denim jacket I hadn¡¯t noticed earlier, lying there with a note on top of it.


    At first, I wanted to leave it, just walk on, like I¡¯d never seen it, but the note drew me in.


    Walking over to the jacket, I picked up the note.


    Sorry about your lunch, it read. I¡¯m leaving my jacket. Maybe you could use it to cover up the pudding stain?


    Adrian.


    Folding the note, I picked up the jacket.


    It was a wonder how two close friends could be so different, with contrasting personalities.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Jason and Adrian had been friends since middle school, their friendship extending into high-school. They weren¡¯t just opposite in character, Adrian being the nicer, sweeter one and Jason the rude, arrogant ¡®bad boy¡¯, but also in their looks. Adrian, a lot hotter than Jason, for me though, was towering to about six feet, had the body of an athlete and jet ck hair.


    His keen, observant, blue eyes and million dor smile pretty much pulled every girl in school, not that he was a yer though.


    Jason, on the other hand, had the same height and body as Adrian, only that he had light brown eyes and sandy hair.


    Sometimes, I wondered how Adrian still managed to remain friends with Jason, despite being so different. Despite Jason being such a douchebag.


    Slipping on the jacket and buttoning it up, I said a silent ¡®thank you¡¯ to Adrian in my head.

 Don’t mess with Jason

    Jason Davenport


    Leaning back against one of the upholding pirs behind the school, I stuck a hand into my jacket pocket, the fingers of my other hand holding, loosely, onto the burning stick of cigarette between them.


    Where the hell was she? I wondered, casting a brief gaze to the watch around my wrist. It was three o¡¯clock already. She knew she was to meet up with me immediately after sses, but here she was wasting my time, like waiting on her was all I had to do the entire day.


    She¡¯ll get it when she eventually shows up, that¡¯s for sure, I thought, with a frown, raising the cigarette to my lips.


    Taking a short drag, I dropped my hand and blew the smoke out in two, oddly shaped rings.


    I waited another minute, my mind nk, before taking another drag, this one longer than the previous. I held it in my mouth for a couple of seconds and then released it into the air. Right after, I really started to get pissed.


    Looking at the time on my watch, I scowled. 3:10pm.


    ¡°How the heck am I the one waiting for her?¡± I thought aloud. ¡°The bitch should be one fucking waiting for me.¡±


    Getting off the pir, I started forward, back to the front of the school when I heard footsteps approaching. Thinking it was a teacher, I stopped and quickly hid the cigarette behind my back, pulling out my phone, as well, and pretending to be going through it.


    I looked up from my phone when the footsteps stopped a few feet from me, it¡¯s owner not saying a word or doing anything but standing there, silent.


    My gaze fell on Amelia, staring at me, her face expressionless, although her grey eyes held an angry stare. At the stare, I smiled. Tripping her at lunch had had its desired effect, I could see. The knowledge of that alone made me happy and, even better, satisfied.


    ¡°Get over here,¡± I nodded towards me, my smile still present.


    At first, she hesitated, her hands stuck into a jacket I hadn¡¯t noticed she¡¯d been wearing when my eyes first fell on her.


    When she hesitated some more, I began to get pissed once again.


    ¡°Get the fuck over here before I make you,¡± I growled, staring daggers at her.


    With a sigh, she rolled her eyes and plodded over to me, stopping a few inches before me.


    ¡°Who the hell gave you that jacket?¡± I raised an eyebrow, noticing it looked like the denim jacket Adrian normally wore.


    She looked away. ¡°Someone better than you.¡±Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, was that supposed to be for me?¡± I scowled.


    ¡°No,¡± she mumbled, her gaze still turned from me.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna let that slide,¡± I said, after a while of intense ring, ¡°midget.¡±


    She whipped her gaze back to me then. ¡°I¡¯m 5¡¯6¡å.¡±


    ¡°Meaning you¡¯re a fucking midget,¡± I retorted.


    She opened her mouth to speak when I stopped her.


    ¡°Enough of that,¡± I ordered. ¡°Now, whose jacket is that?¡±


    ¡°Adrian¡¯s,¡± she answered, boldly making eye contact with me.


    Getting some nerve, wasn¡¯t she? Not for long.


    ¡°Adrian, huh,¡± I nodded, her words confirming my thoughts. ¡°Alright. No problem.¡±


    ¡°There never was any,¡± she shrugged.


    Having had enough of her newfound feisty attitude, I reached out and grabbed her by the cor, yanking her forward. The look of fear in her eyes as I¡¯d reached for her was priceless, although I made sure to hide my emotions towards it, a huge frown the only feeling present on my face.


    ¡°Enough of that, Amelia,¡± I sneered. ¡°Any more and I¡¯ll give you something to keep you shut.¡±

 I’m not sorry mom

    Jason


    Letting go of the jacket, I pushed her backward and quickly wiped my hand on my jacket, as if I¡¯d just touched a ball of cow turd. Not that she was dirty, though. Just to make her more upset.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± I asked, raising the cigarette to my lips once more. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to meet me immediately after school, like I¡¯d told you to.¡±


    ¡°You said we¡¯re to meet at the field everyday after school,¡± she muttered,  her gaze cast to her shoes. ¡°I went out to the field and didn¡¯t find you there. I was searching all over for you before someone told me you¡¯d be here.¡±


    Silent, I looked her over. Technically, she was right. We weren¡¯t supposed to meet behind the school.


    I took a deep drag and was blowing it out toward her when some smoke hitched in my throat, momentarily choking me. Doubled over, I coughed, wheezed and coughed some more, beating a hand to my chest.


    ¡°You know smoking reduces your lifespan by eleven minutes everyday you do it, right?¡± Amelia told me.


    ¡°Of course, only you would know that,¡± I sputtered, embarrassed by the situation. ¡°Shut the fuck up and look away.¡±


    She looked away then, and coughing some more, clearing my throat asionally, the cough reflex behind my throat began to die down until it stoppedpletely.


    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t been here, that would¡¯ve never happened,¡± I said, wiping the tears in my eyes.


    Slowly, she turned back to look at me. ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one that told you to start up smoking.¡±


    One angry look from me and she lowered her gaze.


    ¡°I got a B in my history homework.¡± I went straight to the point, stubbing out the cigarette and slipping off my backpack.


    Flipping through the books in the bag, I pulled out a sheet from the middle of two notebooks. I flung the sheet toward her and then pulled out today¡¯s homework, zipped up my bag and slipped it back onto my right shoulder.


    The paper now in her hand, she stared at me.


    ¡°How the hell did I get a B?¡± I cocked an eyebrow.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she answered simply.


    Annoyed by her smug reply, I reached forward and thumped her forehead.


    ¡°Ow,¡± she winced, stepping back, a hand to her forehead.


    ¡°Next time that happens, I¡¯ll do a lot more than just thump you, trust me.¡± I told her. ¡°So, for your sake, there better not be a next time.¡±


    There were tears brimming in her eyes. Ignoring them, I held today¡¯s homework out to her. ¡°Take it.¡±


    Seconds after, she was still staring at me, the tears shining brightly in her eyes. Knowing her, she stubbornly refused to let them fall.


    ¡°Is there something you¡¯d like to do to me, geek?¡± I said. ¡°You wanna thump me back? Punch me? What you wanna do?¡±


    She kept silent.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± I exploded, and, at once, she recoiled backwards.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°What do you wanna do to me, Amelia?¡± I spat in her face.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she said, the first streak of tears going down her face.


    ¡°You sure? ¡®Cause that¡¯s not what it seemed like a second ago.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do anything,¡± she muttered, sniffing.


    ¡°Good,¡± I said, stepping back from her. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡±


    Throwing the homework at her, I said, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna ever see a B on my homework paper again,¡± and walked away, back onto the field, not too far from where Amelia and I had just met, for practice.


    An hourter, I was pulling my Audi-hand-me-down, from dad-into the curved driveway of the mansion, stopping directly beside the dolphin fountain.


    Getting out of the car, I shut the door and tossed the key to the valet before heading on toward the huge, oak front door, which was always left wide open, except at night time.


    I walked past the threshold and into the wide and evenly spaced living room, with its plush couches, chandeliers and floor to ceiling tinted windows.


    I¡¯d barely taken three steps in when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted dad and Ashley at a corner of the room, standing before one of the windows. Dad was directly behind her, slipping something that looked like a gold ne around her neck.


    I watched, with contempt, as he hooked it behind her and adjusted it so it sat properly on her neck. Turning around with a smile, Ashley leaned in and gave him a kiss.


    I wanted to gag. Most especially when the kiss held on for much longer and dad¡¯s hands began to wander.


    To distract them and bring to their attention my presence, I dropped my backpack to the floor with a dull thud. At once, they broke the kiss and dad spun around in my direction.


    ¡°Jason, hey!¡± He smiled, as soon as he saw it was me, his face flushed. ¡°You¡¯re home early today. What, no practice?¡±


    ¡°Practice ended early,¡± I told him.


    ¡°Oh,¡± was all he said, Ashley slinking up to hold onto his arm.


    ¡°Hi, Jace,¡± she smiled at me.


    Returning her smile with a scowl, I said, ¡°It¡¯s Jason. I¡¯ve told you that for over a million times now.¡±


    ¡°Jason,¡± Dad said, ¡°speak to your mom with respect.¡±


    ¡°You mean my third mom,¡± I snorted. ¡°Who¡¯s barely older than me, by the way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m twenty seven,¡± Ashley defended.


    ¡°And I¡¯m eighteen,¡± I said, ¡°eleven years your younger brother.¡±


    ¡°Jason, stop that,¡± Dad stepped in.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just keep marrying every woman that flits your way, dad,¡± I frowned. ¡°You and me, we¡¯re just fine on our own. We don¡¯t need nobody else.¡±


    ¡°He called me ¡®every woman¡¯, honey,¡± Ashley pouted, clinging tighter onto dad¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Jason, Ashley is your mother now, and she¡¯s not going anywhere,¡± Dad said to me, ¡°the sooner you realize that, the better for you.¡±


    Bending down, I picked up my backpack from the floor. ¡°Ashley¡¯s not my mom and will never be. She¡¯s just your third wife, for the meantime, though. Not long now.¡±


    Turning away from them, I started up the windy, marbled staircase when dad¡¯s voice stopped me.


    ¡°You will call her mom, Jason, and not Ashley,¡± he ordered, now standing at the base of the stairs.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t,¡± I said.


    ¡°Then you leave me no choice than to seize your car, cut off your allowance and ground you for the rest of the school year. No parties in the house, no going to parties, no friends visiting and no visiting of friends. All your gadgets will be seized, as well.¡±


    I turned to look at him. ¡°You can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t test me, Jason,¡± he said, in a low voice, one that signified he was getting to the wall.


    ¡°But she¡¯s not my fucking mother,¡± I yelled. ¡°I can¡¯t call her that.¡±


    Dad¡¯s tone rose. ¡°Mind yournguage, boy, before Ie over there and whoop your silly, arrogant ass!¡±


    ¡°Now, you will apologize to your mother right away,¡± he added.


    ¡°I can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Right now, Jason!¡±


    Gritting my teeth, I fisted my hands.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I said, through clenched teeth.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like you¡¯re sorry to me,¡± Dad said.


    Looking away from him, so my gaze fell on Ashley, I stared. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mom.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Apology epted.¡±


    I stared some more before looking back at dad. ¡°Happy now?¡±


    Turning away from him, I stomped the rest of the way up the stairs and straight to my room. I banged the door behind me as I walked in, throwing my backpack onto the floor.


    Maria, Jackie and now goddamn Ashley, I thought, heading over to my bed and plopping down on it. How many more moms toe. Five more? Ten?


    In the space of seven years, since mom died in a car crash, I¡¯d had three different moms already. I was done with that. I was sick and tired of the pretentious, gold digging sluts dad brought in as wives simply because they knew how to serve it right.


    All these, the women, the fact that I didn¡¯t have my mom with me, would¡¯ve been avoided if I hadn¡¯t convinced her to take me to David¡¯s party that Friday evening. If Amelia¡¯s parents hadn¡¯t been driving at 90 miles per hour. At least I¡¯d still have my mom now.


    Annoyed, I raked a hand through my hair. Being at school pissed me off,ing home did the same. I couldn¡¯t be anywhere and be happy. At school, I had to deal with the reminder of mom¡¯s death, Amelia, and at home, I had to stand Ashley.


    I didn¡¯t know for how long I could go on that way.

 How I hate the jerk

    Amelia Forbes


    Everyday, my hatred for Jason Davenport burned brighter. I had so many thoughts in my mind toward him. Thoughts, ideas, that were sure to inflict pain if gotten a chance to be carried out-m his head into a wall severally, kick him in the nuts as often as I could, but to mention a few. After all, it was only deserving.


    I mean, as if the humiliation I¡¯d passed through this morning in the cafeteria, because of him, was not enough, he went on to treat me like an absolute piece of worthless junk when we met up behind the school after sses, grabbing me by the cor of Adrian¡¯s jacket, as if I was some sort of guy he had issues with, and thumping my forehead because he got a B in his history homework, very much forgetting that I was human too and could make mistakes once in a while.


    Thereafter, he ordered me to sit at the bleachers, under the sun and guard his stuff. To make matters worse, I had a headache, stemming from the bowl Kimberly had thrown at me during lunch. I actually grew dizzy sitting under the sun with a pounding head. Luckily, the practice ended just before things could get out of hand.


    Adrian offered me a ride back. It was one of those days, I guess, when he wasn¡¯t rushing off to somewhere, like he normally did, after practice.


    I¡¯d been walking down the paved road outside the school, hoping to hail a taxi with the little change I had on me when his blue Ford rolled up beside me.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he said to me, as his window slid down.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I blushed, slightly embarrassed that I still had his jacket on, a favor from my mortal enemy¡¯s friend.


    ¡°You¡¯re on your way home, right?¡± He hooked an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll drop you off? If you want?¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Um, okay, I guess,¡± I said. It wasn¡¯t like it was the first time he was offering me a ride, or I was getting into his heavenly car.


    Pressing a button so the door to the passenger seat unlocked-oddly enough, he preferred me sitting in the passenger seat-he gestured for me to climb in. That I did, without further hesitation, opening the door wider and slipping in. After I shut the door, my body already enveloped by the chilly atmosphere of the interior of his car, senses satiated with his familiarvender scent, Adrian resumed driving.


    He was a somewhat okay driver, that much I could say. He wasn¡¯t exactly bad, but neither was he great, in the sense that he could literally be texting with one hand and steering with the other, which I considered very unsafe. Asides from that, on asions, he¡¯d let go of the wheel to crack all ten knuckles, a habit of his I¡¯d noticed on the third day he offered me a ride. But, although he was faulty in the concentration aspect, he never really went above the speed limit. Not the way I¡¯d seen Jason do most times.


    As usual, we sat in silence, him focused on his driving-sometimes, he did pay attention throughout the drive-me thinking up things to say to him but never really saying it. I guess just because someone was nice didn¡¯t necessarily mean you guys became a dynamic duo all of a sudden.


    We were approaching downtown, a ten minute distance from my street, B-street, when, all of a sudden, he spoke to me.


    ¡°I saw you in the field today, during practice,¡± he said, his eyes not leaving the road ahead. ¡°I mean, I see you everytime, but today seemed kinda different. Like you were, um, not feeling too good or something.¡±


    All the while he spoke, I did nothing but watch him, drowning in the sweetness of his voice when low. I¡¯d never heard him speak, at least to me directly. I mean, of course, I¡¯d heard his voice before, just not towards me, and even that was not very often as he wasn¡¯t much of a talker. But now, now he was speaking to me, I couldn¡¯t help but admire how soothing his voice was, not too deep, but not squeaky or high pitched because of puberty either. It was just the right blend.


    ¡°So?¡± He nced at me.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I blinked. Had he asked a question?


    ¡°I . . . sorry I didn¡¯t really get you,¡± I said, feeling highly embarrassed.


    ¡°I was asking if you¡¯re alright, because back in the field you looked kinda sick.¡± He told me.


    He¡¯d been watching me?


    ¡°Oh. Yeah, I¡¯m good,¡± I said.


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Why do you evene to the bleachers so often?¡± He asked. ¡°Like every single practice day I see you there. You like football that much?¡±


    So, he didn¡¯t know? About every order Jason gave me? Apparently, he wasn¡¯t aware.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I lied. ¡°I¡¯m a fan of football. My dad initiated me . . . kinda.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± He looked at me with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s really dope. So, what¡¯s your favorite club?¡±


    Oh, crap. Crap, I¡¯d put myself in a tight situation.


    ¡°Um, Barca?¡± I raised my eyebrows.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying it like you aren¡¯t so sure,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Well, that¡¯s understandable. There are more than one amazing clubs. My favorite is Manchester United.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so cool,¡± I said with faux enthusiasm.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he nodded and secondster, we fell into silence once more.


    From the corner of my eye, I observed him drive. Watched his bodynguage. Liked how easygoing andid back he was. I admired every little detail about him, from his looks to his personality to his aura, he was just perfect, nondiscriminatory and cordial.


    Eventually, he pulled into my street, went past the first few houses before finally stopping at the driveway of grandma¡¯s.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, looking at him as he turned off the car, a hand on the door lock. ¡°For driving me. And for your jacket.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure,¡± he smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯ll return the jacket tomorrow unfailingly.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sure.¡±


    ¡°Bye.¡± I unlocked the door and stepped out, shutting it behind me.

 Meet Nana

    Amelia Forbes


    I waved briefly before turning away from him and heading up the front porch. When I stopped to look back, his car was gone.


    I turned back toward the house and began my ascent up the stairs. Getting to the door, my feet standing on the old mat that said ¡®Wee!¡¯ in bold letters, I took out my key from my backpack and unlocked the door. I and my Nana had separate keys for the house. Whenever I was in and she wasn¡¯t, I was supposed to lock the door from inside. The same went for her whenever I wasn¡¯t in.


    I closed the door behind me and locked it, leaving the key in its hole.


    During my first months of living with Nana, whenever I came back from school, the first thing I¡¯d yell was, ¡°Nana, I¡¯m home!¡±, always forgetting that she was deaf and couldn¡¯t hear me. I began to adjust to her being deaf though, and now, I couldn¡¯t make that mistake again.


    She wasn¡¯t in the living room when I walked in, so I headed on into the kitchen, where she was most likely to be. On getting there, I saw her sitting at the edge of the kitchen table, kneading a dress, her favorite pastime.


    She looked up from the cloth in her hands as soon as I walked into the kitchen.


    Hi, Nana, Imunicated through signnguage, walking over to her to give her a kiss on her smooth, wrinkled forehead. Although Nana was already seventy, she was still very agile, which was pretty much the reason I was sent to live with her instead of being sent to some crappy foster home. Thankfully.


    Hi, sweetie, she gestured when I pulled back. How was your day?


    Stressful. I drew back the seat beside her and fell into it, holding my head in my hands. Jason was being an asshole again.


    Yeah, she knew about Jason. It was hard for her not to find out, judging by the fact that most times, I came home from his bullying with a tear stained face.


    What did he do this time? She wanted to know.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Leaning back, I unbuttoned Adrian¡¯s jacket and faced her so she could see the stain on my shirt.


    He¡¯s basically the reason for this, Imunicated.


    I think I shoulde to your school one of these days. Give Jason a piece of my mind, she frowned.


    No, I shook my head. It¡¯s fine.


    So, whose jacket is that? She asked after a short while of silence. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s yours.


    No, it¡¯s not. A friend of Jason gave it to me to cover up the stain, I answered.


    A friend of Jason¡¯s, she raised her grey eyebrows.


    You don¡¯t have to worry. He¡¯s really nice and very different from Jason. He offers me a ride home on many asions.


    Okay, Nana shrugged. If you say so.


    Yeah, I nodded, pushing back my seat and standing up. I had Jason¡¯s homework to do and his previous history one to look through, like he¡¯d told me to just before he went home, and certify why he¡¯d gotten a B, saying, ¡°I can¡¯t have my machine malfunctioning now, can I?¡± as he walked away from me.


    I gave Nana one more kiss on her cheek, this time asking her what we were having for dinner-I was looking forward to one of her wholesome meals. Telling me we were having chicken casserole made my stomach rumble in anticipation.


    Picking up my backpack, I headed upstairs to my room. I opened the door and stepped into the small space I owned to myself, with it¡¯s small bed, definitely not anything close to queen sized, small dresser and closet.


    I plopped down on the bed and pulled my backpack onto myp. Getting out Jason¡¯s current homework as well as his previous history paper, I stared at them. Many times, I¡¯d wanted to rip his homework all up and toss it into the trash can. Many times, I¡¯d wished so bad that I could, but, just like me wishing Jason would stop bullying me, it was a dumb wish.


    Sighing, I got out my own history homework, in which I¡¯d gotten an A, and beganparing his with mine, word for word, trying to figure out what went wrong.


    I noticed some errors on his paper. For one, I¡¯d written the wrong spelling of a word. Secondly, I saw a question where I¡¯d written an entirely offkey answer. I pped my forehead, just realizing why it was this way. I was literally asleep while I was doing Jason¡¯s history homework.


    Shaking my head at the mistake for which I was both thumped and regarded as a machine, I set his history homework aside.


    Let bygones be bygones, I said in my mind.


    Kicking off my shoes and shrugging off Adrian¡¯s jacket, I changed out of my school wear into arge t-shirt-it used to be my dad¡¯s-and denim shorts. Then I gathered my stained clothing and Adrian¡¯s jacket and went down to theundry room to wash them.


    I put them inside theundry machine, scented the water with somevender oil I found in Nana¡¯s room and then set the timer.


    All the while I waited for the clothes to be done, my mind worked on, much to my distaste, moving from one issue to another and finally settling on Jason. And Kimberly.


    How was I to avoid them if they kept bumping into me at school, or finding a way to do that. And, once again, Kimberly had thrown a bowl at me, knowing it could injure me badly. Things were starting to get physical the more I looked at it. Even the way Jason spoke to me today seemed as if he was just about to beat me up.


    I sighed. If things went on the way they did, I was most likely to end up in the clinic anytime soon.

 Adrian has a fine ass

    Amelia Forbes


    The next day, I arrived at school a lot earlier than I normally did, my new tactic at avoiding Jason, who was a chronicteer. As soon as I got to school, I geared right into the homeroom, making sure to keep my head down, so Kimberly didn¡¯t spot me, signed my name and took my seat at the far end beside the window.


    I was the only one present in the room-pretty much everyone had lives more exciting than I did-giving me thefort to do whatever I wanted. Like eating the sandwich Nana had made me this morning just before I left for school.


    Leaning back into my seat, I took a bite of the sandwich, my attention on the content of the phone in my hand. A text message from Benson popped up at the top as I scrolled through it. At once, I tapped the message.


    I¡¯m on my way to school, and I¡¯m not picking Katie up today, for once, phew. Want me to pick you up? It read.


    Tapping the keys on my keyboard, I replied, I¡¯m already at school :).


    What?? He sent, some minutester. But it¡¯s still like 7:15.


    I¡¯m trying to avoid Jason, I told him.


    Oh, he replied. Alright then.


    We talked some more before I left the chat for Instagram. By then, the sandwich was already long gone and more people had begun trooping into the homeroom. Amongst them was Kimberly and a minion of hers, Malia.


    At first, and much to my favor, they didn¡¯t notice me, chatting about some boy, from what I could get out of their not so subtle conversation. That was until Malia cast a fleeting gaze in my direction. Then, more carefully, she looked back and her neatly plucked eyebrows bunched together. All this, I made out from the corner of my eye.


    ¡°Hey, Kim, isn¡¯t that Miss Klutz?¡± She said, tapping Kimberly lightly to gain her attention.


    Kimberly looked up from her phone she had just begun pressing at me then, and, like it or not, my heart skipped a freaking beat. I guess after the cafeteria incident yesterday, I¡¯d unconsciously grown scared of her.


    ¡°Howe she¡¯s so early?¡± Malia tattled. ¡°Isn¡¯t she, like, always thest to arrive at ss?¡±


    It¡¯s none of your damn business! I screamed in my head, my attention still seemingly on my phone.


    All of a sudden, Kimberly straightened up from the desk she was seated on and began weaving her way around surrounding desks, up to me. Stopping directly beside me, she leaned her weight onto her right foot so her right hip protruded, and then she crossed her arms, Malia doing the same not too far behind her.


    ¡°Whose jacket were you wearing yesterday?¡± She rapped.


    Ignoring her, I scrolled on through my phone silently. I was ready to do that throughout the period she stood there, until, in a sh, she reached down and snatched my phone from my hands.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I yelled, jumping up from my seat, an unfamiliar burst of courage coursing through me. ¡°Give it back!¡±


    ¡°I asked you a question, mongrel,¡± Kimberly said in a cool voice, a smirk across her lips. ¡°You either answer it or you lose your phone. Your choice.¡±


    My angry gaze darted from her to Malia and then to the few members of the ss present. Seeing it was two against one, because clearly no-one present was going to be man enough to stand up to Kimberly for me, I tried to think rationally. Calmed myself into backing down.


    ¡°It was Adrian¡¯s,¡± I breathed, stepping back from Kimberly and crossing my arms like she¡¯d done. ¡°Adrian gave me the jacket. Do you have a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°I knew it,¡± Kimberly said, more to herself than me. ¡°That . . . ugh, that boy can never listen to me. For once!¡±


    Then she looked up at me once more. ¡°Don¡¯t let that get into your head. Adrian is just being nice because it¡¯s in his nature to be. It¡¯s natural. If you think, for a second, that it¡¯s something else, then you¡¯d be very foolish.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me the difference, Kimberly,¡± I stared. ¡°Knowing you already made it obvious.¡±


    ¡°Being snarky, aren¡¯t you?¡± She raised an eyebrow. ¡°Let¡¯s see for how long.¡±


    pping my phone into my chest, she turned around and walked back to her desk, just as Mrs Hopper, our homeroom teacher, walked in, all sweaty and uncoordinated, like she hadn¡¯t gotten up on time to prepare the kids for school and had to alternate making breakfast with dressing up for work.


    I retook my seat, upset that, yet again, I¡¯d been humiliated and treated like trash.


    199 days now. Only a hundred and ny nine to go, I chanted in my head, in a bid to calm myself down and take my mind off all that had just happened.


    It worked. It always did. Reminding myself that I didn¡¯t have too long to stay here. By the next minute, my mood was as airy and light as a bird.


    The rest of the lessons went by in not so much a blur but pretty quickly, and before I was sure what sses I had left, the period for thest one, Music, before lunch hade.


    Knowing I had this ss with Kimberly, like I¡¯d had History with her this morning, I was anything but enthused. Matter of fact, the thought of it alone brought down my mood by a notch, but I wasn¡¯t going to be fazed.


    Due to some drawback by my Trig teacher who had to ¡°quickly¡± tell me about apetition he¡¯d like me to participate in, I arrived at my Music ss a little behind schedule. By then, everyone was already seated and Mrs Griffin, our Scottish music teacher, was just about to stand up from her desk, a signal that the ss had begun and all gadgets should be put away.


    I slinked into the ss and took my seat, just beside the ssroom door.


    ¡°You¡¯re very lucky, Miss Forbes,¡± Mrs Griffin eyed me before moving her attention back to the ss in general.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I noticed Kimberly seating two seats beside me snickering. Looking up to affirm, I realized she was reallyughing. At me, to be precise.


    With a frown, I wondered why. Thinking it was probably Mrs Griffin¡¯sment that set her off, I looked away from her. It was just Kimberly being Kimberly anyway.


    During the course of the lesson, I did what I did best; I paid rapt attention, noting down key points where needed. Eventually, by 11:40, the lesson came to an end and Mrs Griffin, who didn¡¯t like to waste time, like some teachers so very much enjoyed-Mr Redmey, our English teacher, for example-rounded off with a homework assignment.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Packing my stuff into my backpack, I stood up and slung it over my shoulder. To this move, I heard a gasp from the guy seated directly behind me, a nerdy geek with brains smarter than Einstein but social skills worse than Shrek¡¯s. When I turned back toward him with a puzzled look, he quickly averted his gaze from me, his face a pink hue.


    Looking away from him, I frowned. What the heck was wrong with him? Ignoring his expression, I headed on toward the door and blended into the crowd walking out too.


    Just as I was about to slip out of the ss, a brown skinned girl beside me chipped in, ¡°Girl, you gotta get cleaned up, real fast,¡± before walking on in the opposite direction.


    So as to prevent blocking the way from other students, I moved to a corner outside the ss before I could think properly about what she said.


    What was she talking about? What did she mean by get cleaned up? I wondered with a frown. Did I smell?


    Instinctively, I sniffed at my hair. It smelled like my shampoo. More subtly, I did the same to my pits. They had the scent of my deodorant. So, what exactly did she mean?


    Maybe it was a mistake? I thought. Maybe she wasn¡¯t really talking to me.


    Shrugging off my worries, I headed on toward the cafeteria, my stomach rumbling already.


    Just as I took a turn down the stairs that led to the cafeteria, I spotted Adrian at his locker pulling out something, and, immediately, I remembered his jacket.


    Turning away from the stairs, I headed over to him, noting quickly that he had on his varsity jacket over a ck t-shirt and faded blue jeans with matching blue sneakers.


    Adrian had a nice ass, I had to admit. Shamelessly, I couldn¡¯t keep my eyes off them as I walked up to him. At least, I knew he was distracted and wouldn¡¯t catch me staring.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I said, as soon as I got to him. Right then, he stepped back from his locker, a blue notebook in his hand.


    Was his favorite color blue?


    ¡°Hey, Amelia,¡± he smiled at once. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Uh.¡± I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. ¡°Can you, um, can you just call me Mel?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± he said, ¡°it¡¯s Mel? Not Amelia. My bad, sorry.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head. ¡°I mean, my name is Amelia, but pretty much everyone calls me Mel, so, I¡¯m kinda, like, more used to it now.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± He raised his eyebrows. ¡°Okay, I understand, Mel.¡±


    A warm feeling crept up to my cheeks. ¡°I just wanted to return your jacket,¡± I said, lowering my gaze from his piercing ones, a smile on my lips.


    ¡°Oh, yeah, the jacket,¡± he said. ¡°Totally forgot about that.¡±


    Slinging off my backpack, I unzipped it and got out his jacket from where I¡¯d neatly folded it into. Then I zipped it up once more and hung it onto my shoulders, holding the jacket out to him.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I told him. ¡°Again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± he smiled, collecting it from my outstretched hands.¡±Again.¡±


    After he¡¯d taken it and was unzipping his bag to put it in, I decided there was nothing left to say.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna go now,¡± I said.


    He looked up from his bag and nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Nodding too, I turned away from him and began walking away. I was almost at thending of the staircase when, all of a sudden, Adrian called my name, jerking me into a stop.


    Turning back to look at him, I said, ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°I think, um,¡± he began, raising a hand to his eyebrows. He crossed the short distance between us. ¡°There¡¯s, um, something . . . on your skirt.¡±


    I wore a cream colored skirt that stopped slightly above my knees. At once, I looked down at it. Not spotting anything out of ce, I looked up, confused. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Behind your skirt, actually,¡± he said. ¡°Um, just . . . look at it. You¡¯ll see what I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    Quickly, I held the edges of my skirt and turned it around to meet the worst sight of my life. On the lower area of my skirt was a huge, red stain, so wide it looked like I¡¯d made a mess on myself.


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± I whispered, feeling very embarrassed. I looked up at Adrian. ¡°It¡¯s not my . . . it¡¯s not what you think. This is . . . not real. Kimberly . . .¡±


    Only then did I start to realize why she was snickering back in ss and why the guy behind me had gasped and what the brown skinned girl had meant.


    ¡°It was Kimberly,¡± I said, more to myself than to Adrian. ¡°Kimberly put . . . ketchup on my seat. And all along, I didn¡¯t realize.¡±


    ¡°So . . . it¡¯s fake?¡± Adrian asked slowly.


    I nodded, my mind riding on a coaster of embarrassment.


    ¡°Here,¡± Adrian sighed, getting out his jacket once more. ¡°You can, um, use it to cover up. Later on, I¡¯ll talk to Kim about what she did.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Don¡¯t tell her anything please.¡±


    He frowned. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Please, just don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he shrugged. ¡°But have the jacket anyway.¡±


    I obliged, seeing as it was my only option.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, as I took it from him. ¡°Thank you very much.¡±


    ¡°You can keep it this time,¡± he said.


    ¡°What? No-¡± I began to protest when he cut in.


    ¡°Please, Mel.¡± He stopped me. ¡°I insist.¡±

 What the hell Jason?

    Jason Davenport


    Practice time. The only period I ever looked forward to at school, other than picking on Amelia, that is.


    sses were over now and the team was in the field doing basic warm ups before the main practice began.


    Amelia, as I¡¯d told her to, was seated on the bleachers, watching nkly, my stuff beside her. Just to make sure she was actually watching and not doing something else, like pressing her darned phone, I kept one eye on the field and the other on her. It wasn¡¯t as hard as it sounded.


    Shortly after the warm up, the main practice kicked off at the sound of Coach Hens¡¯s whistle.


    Okay, yes, I looked forward to practice, pretty much everyday at school, but on some days, some asions, like today, when it was devilishly hot, I might as well pass it up.


    We yed for over thirty minutes before Coach Hens decided to give us a break, which I was very much thankful for. At the sound of the whistle, I doubled over, hands on my knees, panting hard, lines of sweat dribbling down my face and jaw.


    Straightening up, I wiped sweat away from my eyes and forehead, squinting against the re of the sun. Then I remembered I had something I could use to mop up the sweat in my face-the bandanna inside my backpack Amelia was holding. I jogged up to the bleachers to get it.


    ¡°Short break?¡± She asked, squinting up at me, as soon as I got to the bleachers.


    Reaching down, I snatched my bag up from beside her.


    ¡°None of your business,¡± I muttered, unzipping the bag and getting out the bandanna. Tossing the bag at her, I used the towel to dry up the residual sweat on my brows and face and at the base of my hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking because I really have to go. The sun¡¯s too much and it¡¯s working my head up in an ache,¡± she frowned.


    ¡°Oh, so now you understand how I feel,¡± I said.


    ¡°Hey, I wasn¡¯t the one that told you to join the football team. If you weren¡¯t ready for the work then you could¡¯ve backed-¡± she was ranting when I passed her a deep scowl.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me like you know anything about me,¡± I red at her.


    I saw her jaw tic, her face set in an equal frown, grey eyes cold. Secondster, she moved her gaze from me.


    Grabbing my backpack from her arms, I dropped the bandanna back in, zipped it up and threw it back at her before heading back to the field to join others. They were doing basic passes now, Coach Hens at a corner talking to the twins of the team, Jake and Gabe.


    Not too long after I rejoined, someone kicked the ball toward me. Catching it at the sole of my foot, I stopped it from rolling. About to pass the ball back, I saw I was standing not too far from Amelia and directly opposite her.


    A smile curling my lips up, I stepped back two inches, moved forward and kicked the ball as hard as my right foot could. It whizzed in the air, headed straight for Amelia. A secondter, it collided with her cheek-she was looking in the other direction.


    Her head snapped sideways at the impact. A hand to the spot the ball had hit her, she fell forward and off the bleachers.


    ¡°What the hell, Jason?!¡± Was the next thing I heard.


    It was from Adrian, who was already running up to where Amelia sat-she¡¯d gotten up after she fell-a hand to her head. Two guys followed after Adrian.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything!¡± I yelled in defense, my hands up in the air.


    ¡°Yes, you did!¡± Adrian shouted, crouching down and taking Amelia¡¯s hand. Gently, he pulled her up.


    The bitch actually swayed, like she was dizzy or something. I rolled my eyes. I wasn¡¯t buying her bullshit.


    Adrian sat her on thest bleacher before turning to face me, a hard look on his face.


    ¡°I saw you,¡± he said, walking up to me, ¡°you could¡¯ve passed the ball to Fred, who was right beside you, but you shot at her instead.¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine, I did.¡± I held his gaze. ¡°So what? It was a mistake anyway. Anyone could¡¯ve done that.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Adrian looked surprised. ¡°Jason, you could¡¯ve hurt her. You could¡¯ve hurt someone.¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t.¡±


    His surprised expression morphed to an angry one in seconds. ¡°But you could. What the hell is wrong with you, man?¡±


    ¡°Alright, break it up, you guys,¡± Coach Hens said suddenly,ing to stand between us. ¡°I can¡¯t have two of my best yers and friends arguing weeks before the uing match.¡±


    ¡°Coach, he kicked the ball at someone,¡± Adrian reported.


    ¡°It was an ident,¡± I said.


    ¡°One that¡¯s not happening the first time.¡± Coach Hens moved his gaze to me, crossing his arms. ¡°I¡¯ve seen you do it many other times before.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t-¡± I began when he cut in.


    ¡°To end this quickly, you go over to her and apologize. Meanwhile, this is thest time I ever want to see her at practice. If you¡¯re the one that kept her there then tell her to go. Now.¡±


    ¡°But, Coach-¡±


    ¡°No buts, Davenport.¡± He was already walking away. ¡°Just do as I said.¡±


    I stood at the spot for a full minute, ring at Adrian who red right back, if I might add, before, huffing, I looked away from him.


    Slowly, and rather reluctantly, I trudged up to Amelia still sitting at the bleachers.


    I noticed her eyes had a pinkish hue as soon as I got to her, as if she was on the verge of tears. The moment our gaze met, she looked away.


    Coach Hens wasn¡¯t right beside me to know if I told her sorry or not, so I didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Go,¡± I said instead. ¡°You can go.¡±


    She looked back at me then.


    ¡°And don¡¯te back. You¡¯re not gonna be sitting here at practice anymore. But you¡¯ll wait for me everyday after school. In the library. You can use that time to do my homework. Now, scurry off.¡±


    Slowly, she got up from the bleacher, grabbed her backpack and made to leave when, all of a sudden and much to my surprise, she swayed and fell sideways, into me.


    I caught her by the arms and pushed her off me before steadying her.


    ¡°Quit the act already,¡± I said and let go of her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not acting,¡± she said and brushed past me, walking off.


    ¡°Yeah, right.¡± I rolled my eyes.


    Practice ended a whileter. After that, I freshened up in the boys locker room and went out to the parking lot to meet Amelia standing by the gateway, staring out. Her ride, the school bus, had already left. Seeing that, I smiled. Serves her right.


    Just as I was about to get into my car, I spotted Adrian walking up to her. At that, I frowned. What was he telling her? Asking her, rather, from what it looked like.


    All of a sudden, they began heading towards his car? What the . . . Adrian was giving her a ride, yet again.


    I couldn¡¯t let that happen. Adrian might not have anything for her, and it might just be him being nice, but I wasn¡¯t buying. The more he gave her rides the more he made herfortable, fueled her ego or something, and the more chances there were that he might just fall for her because, as much as I hated to acknowledge the fact, Amelia was beautiful.


    Gingered by the thought of him falling for Amelia, I started towards them.


    ¡°Hey, Amelia!¡± I called, just as she was about to get into the passenger seat of Adrian¡¯s Ford.


    Her hand stopped at the door handle as she turned to look at me. The moment her gaze fell on me, she frowned.


    I ignored it. Normally, she knew I wouldn¡¯t, but because Adrian was there, I ate up her bullshit. Getting to her, I gave her a wide smile, one she didn¡¯t reciprocate, instead her annoyed expression turned to a confused one.


    ¡°I thought I told you I was gonna take you home after practice. To make up for identally kicking the ball at you,¡± I said.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°And now, all of a sudden, I see you with Adrian. You¡¯re notfortable with me or something?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know she was meant to go with you,¡± Adrian spoke up, looking at me. ¡°Or I wouldn¡¯t have asked.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± I said.


    Amelia was about to say something when I gave her a warning smile that literally said, ¡°You better y along. For your sake.¡±


    She understood. That I could tell from the look on her face.


    ¡°I actually forgot Jason offered me a ride,¡± she muttered, turning to look at Adrian.


    ¡°It¡¯s no problem. As long as you get a ride,¡± Adrian shrugged.


    ¡°Come on, Mel,¡± I said, reaching out and taking her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s getting prettyte.¡±


    She flinched at my touch. An encouraging act. One that told me she still feared me. Just like I wanted.


    ¡°So, I¡¯ll see you guys tomorrow?¡± Adrian called as we got to my Audi.


    ¡°Yeah, sure thing,¡± I answered for both of us.


    Letting go of Amelia¡¯s hand-trust me, that¡¯s all I¡¯d been wanting to do ever since I took it-I walked around the car to the driver¡¯s seat. I unlocked the door and pulled it open.


    Seeing Amelia was about to open the door to the back seat, I ordered, ¡°Passenger seat. You know that.¡±


    Reluctantly, she let go of the door handle and opened the door to the passenger seat instead. As soon as she got in, I locked all the doors and started the car.


    Slowly, I backed out until the car was out of the parking lot, then I did a reverse and sped forward.


    ¡°Jeez, Jason, take it easy!¡± Amelia yelped, as I took a sharp cut right.


    ¡°You don¡¯t tell me what to do,¡± I muttered, maintaining my speed level.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even ask for directions,¡± she frowned. ¡°Where are you taking me?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I smirked, looking over at her. ¡°Home, of course.¡±


    Right then, a look of fear shed in her eyes.


    ¡°Jason, stop the car,¡± she said, staring at me.


    ¡°But I¡¯m taking you home. Don¡¯t you want that?¡± I cocked an eyebrow.


    ¡°Jason, stop the car,¡± she repeated. ¡°Please.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Stop the fucking car!¡± She screamed suddenly, her eyes wild with fear. ¡°Stop the car or I swear when I get out, I¡¯ll call the cops on you.¡±


    Annoyed at her statement, I braked hard. Really hard, so she went jutting forward, her head missing the dashboard by an inch.


    ¡°That¡¯s what happens when you forget to put on your seat belt, Mel.¡± I looked at her. ¡°You have to be more careful. Not everyone looks out for you the way I do.¡±


    She remained silent, her shaky breath the only sounding from her.


    ¡°I could have died just now,¡± she said finally, moving her gaze to me. ¡°You could¡¯ve killed me.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye and good riddance then,¡± I shrugged with a smile.


    Her lips pulling down in a deep, hateful scowl, she turned away from me, flipped the lock open and grabbed the handle. Right at the moment she was about to open the door, I reached out and gripped her arm.


    ¡°Let me go,¡± she glowered, eyes fiery.


    ¡°Or what?¡± I matched her tone.


    ¡°Let go of-¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up and listen if you don¡¯t wanna go home with a bleeding lip,¡± I sneered.


    The threat pretty much pinned her lips shut, and the silence that followed was greatly weed. She talked too much.


    ¡°Now here¡¯s what¡¯s gonna happen,¡± I began, my gaze fixed on her. ¡°You don¡¯t talk to Adrian. Ever again. Whatever shit is going on between you two has gotta end. Today. If he offers you a ride you decline. If he offers you help, you decline too. Got it?¡±


    For moments, she did nothing but look at me fixedly before slowly she nodded.


    ¡°Any day I see you doing the contrary, I believe you already know what¡¯s gonnae next,¡± I added. ¡°Now, get out.¡±


    Letting go of her arm, I pushed her away. Secondster, she was out of the car, banging the door really hard behind her.


    I just shook my head, starting the car once more. I already got what I wanted anyway. Dumping her in the middle of nowhere, that is.

 You’re kidding right?

    Amelia Forbes


    Every day that I had to see Jason got me more and more upset than I could take. Pushed me further toward the wall. I didn¡¯t know if I could wait for the remainder of the hundred and ny days before I saw him no more. I wasn¡¯t sure if I could contain myself any longer. Eventually, sooner orter, I was going to snap and probably do something, most likely, not beneficial to me. But after the incident in his carst week, I think I wouldn¡¯t mind.


    Yes, I feared Jason, but there was a limit to everything. Even to my fear. After what he¡¯d done on Thursdayst week, after he¡¯d spoken and acted with so much hate and scorn, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if there was something more to his bullying. If maybe, all along, it wasn¡¯t really bullying out of boredom or habit, but bullying borne out of pure hatred. And I couldn¡¯t help but fear for my life. My safety.


    So, I decided to steer clear of him, by all means. And even if I had to interact with him, it¡¯d be one sided or monotonous. All he asked me to do, I would without question, just so our conversation didn¡¯t carry on for too long. So far, it¡¯d been better that way; the bullying felt less than it normally did.


    Today was Friday, thest day of the second week in the third term of senior year and I was exhausted already. I¡¯d done a pretty good job at avoiding Jason, which was one of the reasons for my pent up stress. School was over and I could¡¯ve been home, having a proper sleep, but no, I was in the library, as Jason had instructed me to be after Coach Hens banned me from being in the field during practice, doing a project of his fromst week.


    Stressed, tired, drained by the week¡¯s truckload of school work, I felt like falling asleep right there in the library. Giving into the soft, lubic caress of sleep, I crossed my arms on the desk and dropped my head into them. I was at the far end of the library so, hopefully, Mrs McConnell wouldn¡¯t spot me any time soon-she hated sleeping in the library, so much so that she even printed a warning note about it and pasted it on the billboard outside the library.


    I was almost at the bar between reality and dreand when I felt a hand tap me gently. At first, I ignored it, so drowsy I almost barely felt it. Moments after, the hand shook me, this time with a little more effort. Then I reacted.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sleeping!¡± I eximed, jerking my head up at once. ¡°Mrs McConnell, I can exin-¡± I began, but stopped on realizing it wasn¡¯t Mrs McConnell who¡¯d shaken me, but . . . Jason. Sitting right across from me, his brown eyes like pools of melted caramel, holding mine.


    On instinct, and almost reflexively, my heart skipped a beat in fear, but I was quick to cover it up with a look of indifference.


    I kept silent, lowering my eyes from his to his project before me. Luckily, there was no drool on it, although there was a wet patch on the leg of my jeans.


    Moments passed and Jason did or said nothing. I began to feel ufortable and squeamish under his gaze. What was he doing here anyway? Wasn¡¯t he meant to be in the field practicing or something?


    Just when I couldn¡¯t bear the silence any longer, he exhaled, a possible sign that he was about to start speaking.


    And I was right. Secondster, he began talking.


    ¡°Can we, um, talk? Outside?¡±


    At his words, I moved my gaze up to him, not sure I heard right. Did Jason just . . . ask to talk with me politely?


    I blinked. Something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong here. Growing wary, I inched back in my seat.


    ¡°Please, I need to talk with you. But not here, or else Mrs McConnell will be on her necks,¡± he went on.


    This time around, he¡¯d added ¡°please¡±. Jason Davenport, my mortal enemy, had just talked to me in the most polite of manners, with the meekest of voices, and he¡¯d added ¡°please¡±.


    What was happening. Let me rephrase that. WHAT WAS HAPPENING?? Had I fallen asleep and thought I was awake? Perhaps I was dreaming.


    Under the table, I pinched my wrist, just to be sure. It hurt. And I was aware it hurt. I wasn¡¯t dreaming. This was real. This was as real as the day that broke.


    ¡°You . . .¡± I began, my throat feeling rather parched. ¡°You want to talk to me?¡±


    He nodded at my question, brown eyes shades of eagerness.


    Around me, Jason always bore an annoyed expression, his face threatening, stance intimidating. His voice was almost always in a growl. Times when it wasn¡¯t, he was busy barking orders. But today, right now, his countenance was rxed and hopeful. And for the first time ever, I was seeing the beauty in Jason. Yes, beauty. Jason was . . . beautiful with a childish expression, when he wasn¡¯t scrunching up his face, that is. His thick dark eyebrows, which were raised, entuated the childish, hopeful look as he stared at me.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t . . . aren¡¯t you supposed to be at practice?¡± I swallowed, still unable to understand how, what exactly had changed.


    ¡°Coach Hens canceled today¡¯s practice.¡± He told me.


    The way he answered my question, without hesitation, anger, or without thinking me dumb . . .


    Was Jason sick? Maybe someone had . . . cast a spell on him. Absurd as it might seem, it looked like the only option at the moment. Jason had been hypnotized into treating me nicely. Like I was human too.


    ¡°So, can we talk?¡± He asked once more. ¡°Please? Outside.¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± I blinked. ¡°Okay?¡±


    ¡°And you don¡¯t have to do this anymore.¡± He reached forward and took his project from me. ¡°I¡¯ll finish it up myself.¡±


    Someone punch me. Jason was talking about doing his project himself. Wait a minute, did we move three generations forward while I was asleep? How long had I slept for?


    Slowly, my heart racing, I stood up, and Jason followed suit. I began walking toward the door, almost robot-like, Jason trailing behind me.


    It could be an act. It could all be an act. There was no way Jason Asshat Shitface Davenport could just change overnight.  Yes, I said overnight because, although I¡¯d failed to notice this until now, Jason hadn¡¯t bugged me throughout today.


    The two sses I had with him were stress-free, and during lunch, he¡¯d passed me no nces. After school when I waited for him in the field to give me his homework, he didn¡¯t show up, and after some minutes of waiting, I resorted to going to the library to finish up his project that was due next Wednesday.


    So, back to the main topic: it could all be an act. Pretense. For whatever reason.


    The thought that Jason was just faking his changed personality surfaced in my mind. Filling it up. And remaining there. As we walked past tired-eyed Mrs McConnell and till we got outside to the spot at the back of the cafeteria, I refused to let go of the thought.


    That is until Jason did something that shook it¡¯s grounds. He smiled at me. Not a toothy one, but one that certainly reached his brown eyes, crinkling them. His face a radiant structure, eyes lulling me to calm, I couldn¡¯t help but wish, dearly, that this wasn¡¯t an act.


    Sitting on one of the benches, he said, ¡°Sit. Please.¡±


    The word again. Who knew Jason could actually pronounce the word ¡®please¡¯.


    ¡°Are¨Care you sure?¡± I stuttered.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he nodded. ¡°Of course, why not?¡±


    Gingerly, I sat down at the far end of the bench, my cautious side taking over.


    For moments, we sat in silence, my eyes low, cast to the grassy ground, asionally traveling from the grass to Jason¡¯s white converse sneakers to my scuffed ck ones and then to the grass once again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t . . .¡± Jason began with a sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t really know how to say this. How to . . . put it so you believe me.¡±


    I moved my gaze up from the floor then, settling them on his face. His eyes. Our gazes held. It was surprising, really, how just yesterday I¡¯d been unable to maintain eye contact with him for fear of him saying something hurtful, or worse, hitting me.


    He opened his mouth to speak. Paused. Took in a deep breath, and then lowered his gaze from mine, his rtively longsh casting a faint shadow below his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said, his hand folded before him, eyes still cast to them. ¡°For the way I . . . treated you all this while. In the past. The things I said. Did. I¡¯ve realized . . . I was wrong. And I should never have done that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡± Was the first thing I said after the silence that ensued at hisst word.


    He looked up at me then, brown eyes meeting mine once again.


    ¡°No, Amelia, I¡¯m not.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I know this is hard, and you don¡¯t believe me-¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Hell, yes, I don¡¯t,¡± I cut in.


    ¡°I understand if you don¡¯t believe me, Mel,¡± he said slowly. ¡°Trust me, I do. It¡¯s normal. All I want to do, right now, is apologize and hopefully invite you, firsthand, to the party I¡¯m throwing two days from now, Friday night. But it¡¯s entirely your choice to . . . forgive me. And your choice to attend the party.¡±


    ¡°So, why the sudden change of heart?¡± I asked with spite in my tone. ¡°You only just realized I¡¯m a human being too?¡±


    ¡°You wanna know why I changed?¡± He raised his eyebrows. ¡°What made me realize what I was doing was wrong?¡±


    ¡°Please, by all means, tell me, Jason,¡± I shrugged, still not convinced by his words. ¡°I guess . . . scratch that, of course, I want to know.¡±


    Once more, he lowered his gaze.


    ¡°Yesterday,¡± he began, ¡°I had an encounter. With my dad¡¯s wife, and I saw how she treated me, even when all I¡¯ve been to her is mean. She looked past my facade, I guess, and saw, deep down, I was really hurting, and despite my attitude toward her, she took care of me.


    ¡°And, I don¡¯t know how, why, but I remembered you. At that moment, all I could think about was you. All I¡¯d done to you was bully you for . . . no apparent reason, when, in retrospect, I could just be nice to you, or in the very least, neutral towards you. And I felt really upset, with myself, for my behavior. Also really bad. And today, I decided I¡¯d apologize to you, as hard as it may be.¡±


    I had to admit, his words were pretty convincing. Everything about him was convincing, from his sudden meek nature, to the innocence and hope on his face to the calmness in his voice, it all pushed my doubt further to the background, such that all I could think of were his words and how genuine and heartfelt they sounded.


    ¡°And you really expect me to believe you, in the least. Or just . . . forgive you. After everything you¡¯ve done to me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t, really.¡± He looked back at me. ¡°I don¡¯t. I can only hope. But this I promise you. Never again will I bully you. Or say mean words. Or tell you to do my homework. You can go home after school. Whenever you want. You don¡¯t have to do anything for me. Ever again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Amelia,¡± he added. ¡°I really am. It¡¯s your choice to forgive me just as it¡¯s your choice to not. I can¡¯t force you, but at least, I know I apologized.¡±


    With a sigh, he rose from the bench.


    ¡°I have to go,¡± he said, looking down at me. ¡°I really do hope you ept my apology. At this point, honestly, I don¡¯t want anyone to hold a grudge against me. You most especially.¡±


    With that, he turned around and began walking away. My eyes remained on his retreating back until he walked back into the school.


    What just happened?

 Time to party… right

    Amelia Forbes


    I was soon to attend my first ever high school party, only for the sole reason of Jason inviting me himself. Handing me a flyer yesterday. And for him apologizing too, I guess.


    It was Friday night, the time set for the party, and I was starting to regret taking Jason¡¯s flyer. Agreeing to attend his party. I was getting cold feet, and I had my reasons.


    For one, although I¡¯d epted Jason¡¯s apology and had forgiven him, even when I didn¡¯t want to, even when I knew an apology couldn¡¯t just erase everything he¡¯d done to me, I still had this gut feeling that it wasn¡¯t genuine, his repentance. For some reason, I still felt it was all an act. Now, I wasn¡¯t one to act on my gut feelings, trust them, because, sometimes, they¡¯d let me down, so, as much as I didn¡¯t want to, I ignored them.


    Secondly, I was getting cold feet because I wasn¡¯t used to parties, and I had absolutely no idea what to wear. I had a lot of dresses. So many. Short, long, extra short, tight, loose, y, I had them all, with very few pants and jeans. And I didn¡¯t really think wearing a dress to a high-school party was advisable. It was okay, actually. Many people wear dresses to parties, I just didn¡¯t want to, so I settled for my jean jumpsuit from middle school. It was still presentable, in the least, faded a bit, but just the right size to make me look cute-for some reason, I was also interested in looking good. And blending in.


    Now that I thought about it, I realized the reason why. Jason was the one taking me to his party. Believe it or not, he said he¡¯d be picking me up and taking me to his house, where the party was set to hold, since I didn¡¯t know the way around, or his ce. To this arrangement, I¡¯d agreed, despite myst encounter in his car.


    On remembering the encounter, I clutched the jumpsuit tightly in my hands and plopped back on the bed behind me.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± I groaned into the jumpsuit. ¡°What was I thinking? This is bad. This is really, really bad. I shouldn¡¯t have agreed to this.¡±


    I guess it was the way he¡¯d told me. Not forcefully. Not authoritatively. Just a simple question. ¡°Do you want me to pick you up since, um, you¡¯ve never been to my ce before?¡±


    And just like that, I said yes. No hesitations. No second thoughts. I guess I was still not used to Jason being polite. To anyone, me most of all.


    Maybe I should call him, I thought. Tell him I feel sick or something. Just make up something, a reason to not go to his party. Yeah, that¡¯s what I should do.


    I reached for my phone lying a few inches from me on the bed. Going to my call log, I browsed through until I found his name.


    Jason.


    He¡¯d given me his number yesterday at school, so that was pretty much how I had it in my phone. It felt surreal, seeing his name on my phone. Having his number. . . I still couldn¡¯t grasp the idea.


    Just as I made to tap the call symbol, the phone buzzed in my palm. Speak of the devil. It was Jason.


    Ignoring the sudden dryness in my throat, I answered the call at once.


    ¡°Hey, Mel, what¡¯s up? You good? Only fifteen minutes till I gottae pick you up,¡± he rapped, as soon as I put the phone to my ear.


    Jason using my nickname, Mel, still felt knew to me. But nice. New but nice. Sweet. I like the way it sounded when he said it. Mel.


    I blinked. Where had that thoughte from?


    ¡°Hey, you still there?¡± His voice came back to me, pulling me away from my odd thoughts.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I blurted out. ¡°Yeah, I still am.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± he drawled. ¡°What you saying? You ready now? Or I wait the fifteen minutes before I pick you up?¡±


    ¡°Ah, no, I¡¯m not yet ready,¡± I told him. ¡°I still have some stuff to help my grandma out with.¡±


    ¡°In fifteen then?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Twenty?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he exhaled. ¡°Twenty it is.¡±


    Shortly after, the line went dead.


    Yes, I still had stuff to do for my grandma before I left, but I could do all that even under fifteen minutes. I only added an extra five minutes to the time to test Jason. See if he¡¯d snap and blow his cover, if he was actually pretending, that is. But he didn¡¯t even flinch. There had been nothing at all, just sheer amodation. And if that didn¡¯t convince me that Jason was beingpletely genuine, then I didn¡¯t know what would.


    Fifteen minutester, I was all dressed up and had put grandma to bed, although I knew she wasn¡¯t sleeping yet. She liked to stay up a little longer to sit by her window and knit, a habit of hers she¡¯d had even when I was a little girl.


    With the rest of my time, I did a little touch-up to my face, putting on some powder and glossy, clear lipstick. Very unlike me to care about my looks, at least to that extent, not that I didn¡¯t care at all, but I guess Jason was already taking a toll on me. In a good way. And growing on me too. I could get used to his newfound gentleman personality.


    He was two minuteste though. Trust me to check that. Not that I was upset or anything, but, apparently, my brain wanted to take note of what to rate his punctuality. It gave him a 98%, two points off foring two minutester.


    I knew he¡¯d arrived when I saw the headlights of his car momentarily wash over the house before going off. Then I literally began to get cold feet. And hands.


    This was Jason Oliver Davenport, in my house, here to pick me up, in his car, for his party. How true was that? Honestly, if anyone had told me, prior to this time, that such a thing would happen, I¡¯d never have believed. I¡¯d have thought the person a fool, but here I was, living the very same thing I¡¯d have abused someone for insinuating.


    The doorbell dinged suddenly, almost ripping my heart from it¡¯s cage in anxiety. I swallowed, staring at the door. On the old, wee mat stood Jason. I was very sure that was the spot in which he stood. Most visitors did. I could almost envision him, standing at the door, dressed in something simple but hot anyway, his handsome face and smothering lips . . .


    Smothering lips? Amelia, what the hell has gotten into you for crying out loud?! Get it together or I¡¯ll do that for you! The  reasonable side of me yelled. Since when did you develop an interest in Jason¡¯s lips?


    Just as the other, more unreasonable side was about to retort, the doorbell rang again. This time, I made no hesitations, heading straight for the door. I wrapped my hand around the cold, metal knob of the door and slowly pulled it open, the door creaking all the way. I didn¡¯t bother about waking grandma up with the sound. She was deaf anyway.


    As soon as there was room enough for me to step out, I did so, shutting the door behind me.


    Standing not more than two inches from me was Jason, a casual smile across his lips, his sandy hair done in a different style from its infamous one-gelled up. This time, he¡¯d gelled it slightly to the side, entuating the new haircut he¡¯d gotten. Jason looked hot. Breathtaking. Standing barely two inches from him, able to hear his breathing, feel it, looking straight into his brown eyes, all that did wonders on my emotions.


    Quickly, to dissuade the unreasonable thoughts stirring up, I stepped back from Jason.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, my bad.¡± He stepped back too. ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to cause any . . . inconvenience.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head at once. ¡°No, you didn¡¯t.¡±


    At my words, he just shrugged.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± He said, holding out his hand.


    I lowered my eyes to his hand before me, pale pink and two times bigger than mine. Did he mean for me to take it? Did Jason mean for me, Amelia, to put my hand in his?


    Surprised and confused, I looked back up at Jason.


    ¡°Come on,¡± he urged me. ¡°Take my hand. We¡¯re alreadyte.¡±


    Jason did want me to hold his hand. Whoa.


    Reaching out slowly, I wrapped my hand around his, which quickly enveloped mine in both its warmth and size. Turning around, he started down the steps. In a trancelike state, I followed in his wake, his hand still holding tightly onto mine.


    Getting to his Audi, he unlocked the door of the passenger seat first and held the door open for me. If I was surprised about him wanting to hold my hand, I was shocked that he held the door open for me. Slowly, still in a trance, I got in and he closed the door, jogging over to the driver¡¯s seat.


    Momentster, we were driving down the paved, brightly lit street, headed for his party.


    I sat still, as rigid as a rock. Not saying a word. Not doing a thing. In the silence of the car, all that could be heard was my breathing-very faintly-and the sound of him switching gears. That was how awkward the whole thing was.


    ¡°So,¡± Jason began all of a sudden, causing me to snap my gaze towards him. ¡°You ever been to a high-school party before?¡±


    While asking me, he cast a quick inquisitive nce my way. Despite how fleeting it was, I couldn¡¯t help but feel like a neophyte under it.


    ¡°N-no,¡± I said, shaking my head.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Okay.¡± He nodded before smiling. ¡°Good thing you have me then, yeah?¡±


    ¡°I guess,¡± I muttered, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.


    ¡°You look great, by the way,¡± he added as he took a turn. ¡°I mean, for someone who¡¯s never been to a party, you dressed just right. And I like what you did to your hair.¡±


    What I did to my hair . . .


    All I¡¯d done was let it loose from it¡¯s regr ponytail. But screw that. Did Jason justpliment me? I, Amelia Forbes,plimented by Jason Davenport. Oh boy. Oh boy.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, still stunned.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± he nodded. ¡°Trust me, you¡¯re gonna love my party. There¡¯s a pool if you wanna go skinny-dipping. There¡¯s a game room, drinks and so much more. Aside from the game room, we¡¯ll be yingmon party games because what¡¯s a party without them? So get ready!¡±


    None of Jason¡¯s words enthused me the way it did him. I wasn¡¯t too keen on swimming, neither was I on gaming. And drinks? Hell, no. I¡¯d never even had a taste of alcohol before. The games? I didn¡¯t even know what to think about them, just that they¡¯ll surely be freaky.


    ¡°You ever drank before?¡± Jason asked, casting me a sideways nce. ¡°Or been in a truth or dare game before?¡±


    Silently, I shook my head.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll be doing so today!¡± He eximed. Seeing the expression on my face, he mellowed his voice. ¡°If you want to, though. Totally your choice.¡±


    I looked down at my hands, sitting on myps. ¡°Yeah, I guess.¡±


    Some minutester, Jason pulled into the curved driveway of a mansion that stood almost 30 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Not that I knew this for sure, I was no architect, but I could certainly say this house was huge. And magnificent with its numerous bright lights, that cast a glow on the pool and dolphin fountain before it, and gold ted pirs. It had this vintage look to it but with a slight touch of modernity.


    And there were people. Lots of people whom I couldn¡¯t realize, milling about on the outside, some already in the pool.


    I began to get jittery hands and a thumping heart. There were so many people, I wasn¡¯t used to this.


    ¡°You like what you see?¡± Jason asked, breaking into my thoughts.


    Admittedly, his house was beautiful.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I said, trying to cover up my nervousness. ¡°Your house is amazing.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Shall we then?¡±


    I looked at him. ¡°You mean the party?¡±


    His smile growing wider, he said, ¡°Of course. What else?¡±

 Want to finish up our dare?

    Amelia ForbesProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    It was official. Parties just weren¡¯t my thing.


    Jason¡¯s party was fun, actually, for people who liked parties, that is, but personally, I couldn¡¯t see the fun in loud noises, people screaming on top of their voices in the name of talking, dirty dancing, drinking too much alcohol and puking thereafter. It just wasn¡¯t my idea of fun.


    So, I was already preparing to leave without telling Jason. All I had as my biggest hurdle was sneaking out, which wasn¡¯t so much of a hurdle-seeing the huge crowd present at his party, it was easy to blend in or get lost.


    Finding my way home wasn¡¯t going to be much of a problem either-I was good with directions, sorta, and when I was in Jason¡¯s car, I¡¯d done well to note the way around.


    I was currently engaged in an uninteresting conversation with a me haired guy whom I wasn¡¯t sure of his name but was certain he was a senior too. He was hitting on me, and failing miserably at it, judging by his poor choice of pickup lines like, ¡°Are you a lizard? ¡®Cause ¡°agama¡± eyes on you.¡±


    It took all my willpower not to burst out inughter at the hrious pickup line, which by the way was viral on the inte, he¡¯d just used now. Instead ofughing, I just nodded with a smile, channeling my thoughts towards escaping from the party.


    Just when I¡¯d had enough of the guy, I broke in mid sentence and excused myself, saying I needed to use the bathroom, which, of course, I didn¡¯t want to use.


    On passing, I dropped the cup of beer the guy handed me on a nearby table and continued weaving around the throng of people inside the house, not knowing where in particr I was going. That was until, all of a sudden, someone grabbed my hand from behind, causing me to let out a surprised gasp. Stopping to whip around, I saw it was Jason.


    ¡°Jason,¡± I breathed. ¡°You scared me.¡±


    Across his lips was a small, handsome smile. His brown eyes looked a bit drowsy but just the right amount of alert for me to feelfortable.


    After I arrived at the party, Jason, who was supposed to at least help me out with some kind of introduction and getting around, was pulled away from my side by his friends. Of course, I minded but Adrian-very surprised to see me at the party-kept mepany until he too was pulled off. That was when I began my uninteresting conversation with Mr me Hair.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Jason said, dropping my hand. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± I murmured.


    ¡°So, um, some friends and I are ying a game in the sitting room. Not many are there and the room is soundproof. And I figured you¡¯d like something quieter, so . . .¡±


    ¡°You want me toe join the game?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he nodded. ¡°Can you please join us at the game?¡±


    ¡°Um, okay,¡± I said, unconsciously tucking my hair behind my ear.


    He smiled then and held out his hand to me. ¡°Come on. I¡¯ll take you to the sitting room.¡±


    Unlike earlier, when Jason came to my house to pick me up, I didn¡¯t hesitate to take his hand. Reaching out, I wrapped my hand around his at once, weing the feel of it, slightly rough, yes, but warm anyway.


    He led me past the crowd and down the stairs to a room I had crossed earlier on my way into his house. It was wide, like other rooms at the floor base, but unlike other rooms, it was a free space with nothing but bare walls, white drapes and a few bean bags scattered about.


    Every bean bag was upied except for two at the end of the circr gathering. Jason walked me over to them and took a seat on the first before gesturing the second to me.


    ¡°Wait a minute, what the hell is she doing here?¡±


    I knew that voice all too well to not recognize it instantly. My gaze flew to the middle of the gathering only for it to fall on Kimberly, her phone in her hand, staring daggers at me.


    ¡°She¡¯s with me,¡± Jason spoke up, staring at Kimberly. ¡°And she¡¯s staying?¡±


    Kimberly¡¯s mouth fell open. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what?!¡± Her friend, Malia, on the bean bag beside her, eximed.


    ¡°You heard me,¡± Jason said. ¡°She. Stays. And if you don¡¯t like that you can get the fuck out.¡±


    The rude side of Jason had surfaced, but for the first time ever, it wasn¡¯t toward me, but toward Kimberly.


    ¡°Is there anyone else who has a problem with Amelia being here?¡± Jason asked, in a much calm voice now.


    I passed a gaze around the small bunch. I could recognize all of them, from Kimberly and her friend Malia to Greg, the team¡¯s goalkeeper, Rory, the basketball team¡¯s captain, Aneeka, a member of the cheerleading squad, Dani, the school¡¯s tomboy and a sub at thecrosse team.


    These were all top notch people. High school celebrities. Realizing this, I began to feel rather awkward among them. What was I even doing here? How could I have let Jason Davenport cajole me to his party and then to a game with the popr click?


    Oh boy.


    ¡°Good, no one else,¡± Jason said. ¡°So, are we starting the game or . . .¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with a game of Would You Rather . . .¡± Dani piped up, dropping her phone beside her on the bean bag.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll go first!¡± Malia sat up straight.


    ¡°I brought up the idea, so I¡¯ll go first,¡± Dani countered.


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Just let her be, Malia,¡± Kimberly interrupted.


    ¡°Whatever,¡± Malia mumbled, rxing back into the bag.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start with . . .¡± Dani began, looking around the group. ¡°Rory,¡± shepleted.


    Rory, a dark skinned guy with a mass of curly dark hair, dark, deep set eyes, sensual pink lips and a fine jawline with a budding goatee, looked up from the phone in his hand.


    ¡°Yay,¡± he intoned, waving his hand, obviously not interested in the game.


    ¡°Would you rather,¡± Dani went on, ¡°jerk off to me or to Kimberly.¡±


    At her words, I almost choked on my breath. I knew it. I just knew this would be the type of stuff discussed, but I was already neck deep in it to back out.


    ¡°Kimberly, of course,¡± Rory answered quickly. ¡°Can¡¯t be jerking off to my fellow man now, can I?¡±


    ¡°Ouuu,¡± went Greg and Jason, holding a fist to their mouth, snickering.


    Dani held up her middle fingers to Rory who just shrugged with a smile.


    ¡°Greg,¡± he began, ¡°would you rather bang Malia or eat pretty little Miss Amelia here.¡±


    Greg, unlike Rory, was Asian, with jet ck hair, ear piercings and a cute face. He moved his dark eyes to me at Rory¡¯s question. A smile creeping up his face, he moved his piercing gaze-thank goodness-from me to Malia.


    ¡°Malia¡¯s old meat,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°So, Amelia.¡±


    Embarrassed, I flushed, looking down at my hands.


    ¡°Fuck you, Greg,¡± Malia frowned. ¡°You¡¯re old meat too, you know.¡±


    Ignoring her statement, Greg went on to ask Aneeka if she¡¯d rather French kiss Dani or Jason-Aneeka was a bisexual.


    To his question, Aneeka asked, ¡°Where exactly?¡±


    ¡°Anywhere,¡± Greg replied.


    ¡°Dani.¡± She told us, passing a coy nce at Dani, who I think was bi too. ¡°Girls sometimes taste better.¡±


    The game went on with more bizarre questions until Jason called an end to it, saying it was getting boring and we¡¯d already used up the interesting questions.


    ¡°So, what do you want us to do?¡± Aneeka asked.


    ¡°Something else,¡± he shrugged.


    ¡°Truth or dare!¡± Greg eximed. ¡°Always save the best forst.¡±


    ¡°Truth or dare it is,¡± Jason concurred immediately.


    ¡°So, who goes first?¡± Kimberly asked, already piped up for the game, unlike during the Would You Rather . . .


    When no one came forth, she started. ¡°For this, because I know y¡¯all sneaky bastards, everyone has a minimum of five truths and five dares. And you have toplete all of them.¡±


    ¡°Get on with it already,¡± Rory said in his usual bored tone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start with you.¡± Mika looked at him. ¡°Truth or dare.¡±


    Rory moved his gaze to her. ¡°Truth.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the first dirty thing you¡¯d do if you woke up as a girl?¡± Kimberly cocked an eyebrow.


    ¡°Why, fuck my own pussy,¡± Rory chuckled. ¡°I always been wondering what it¡¯s like for you girls to do that shit.¡±


    Kimberly rolled her eyes. ¡°Your turn, ask someone.¡±


    ¡°Aneeka, truth or dare,¡± Rory stated.


    ¡°Dare,¡± she replied.


    Rory¡¯s lips pulled up in a smirk. ¡°I dare you toe over here and stroke my dick.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh, hard-core,¡± Greg whooped.


    What? I gulped. Stroke his . . . what?


    ¡°I¡¯d rather drink,¡± Aneeka said, and reached for the bottle of beer I was only just noticing on the floor before us.


    She took a somewhat long swig before dropping it back on the floor.


    ¡°Your loss,¡± Rory chortled.


    ¡°Greg, truth or dare,¡± Aneeka said.


    ¡°Dare,¡± he told her.


    ¡°I dare you to take off ten things on your body, right now,¡± she smiled, crossing her arms.


    By the time Greg was done with his dare, he was left with just his drawers, which was pink by the way.


    ¡°All my other ones are in theundry,¡± was his defense.


    ¡°Kimberly,¡± he called after he was done dressing back. ¡°Truth or dare.¡±


    ¡°Truth,¡± she said.


    ¡°You ever been in a threesome?¡±


    ¡°You know the answer to that,¡± she stared at him.


    ¡°Do I, though?¡± He cocked his eyebrows, smirking.


    ¡°Yeah, I have,¡± she said uninterestedly, ¡°with your sorry ass and Thierry.¡±


    Thierry was on thecrosse team.


    Things were getting more and more intense. My palms began to sweat. What if Kimberly called me next?


    As if hearing my thoughts, Kimberly¡¯s gaze flew to me. Slowly, her plump lips stretched wider to form a creepy smile. At that moment, I knew I was done for.


    ¡°Jason,¡± she spoke up, still looking at me. My heart jolted. ¡°Truth or dare.¡±


    ¡°Dare,¡± Jason said, all too quickly.


    Leaning forward, Kimberly said. ¡°I dare you to grab Amelia, French kiss her and suck her titties afterwards.¡±


    I had to stifle the gasp that tended to escape my lips. I was shocked, and was in no way going to let Jason do that.


    ¡°No!¡± I blurted out, just as Jason turned in his bean bag.


    ¡°No?¡± He asked.


    I shook my head. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Then you have to drink,¡± Kimberly spat.


    I wanted, more than anything, to stand up and run, but that would make me look so chicken, so I drank instead and during the game, I was dared a number of times and used in dares, all which I had to decline in exchange for a drink.


    Toward the end of the game, I began to feel very lightheaded, and oddly . . . gay. In my belly was an unsettled feeling.


    Excusing myself, I stood up and headed out of the room to the bathroom for which I¡¯d been directed to.


    Despite my dizziness, I spotted one of the bathrooms, after a few minutes of more directions. Opening the door, I stumbled in and shut it behind me. I stepped up to the mirror and stared at my reflection. My eyes seemed heavy.


    Raising my hands up to my face, I pped my cheeks, only just realizing that I couldn¡¯t feel them. Just as I was registering this fact, the bathroom door creaked open and secondster, closed with a light click.


    Jason was standing behind me.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he said as soon as our gazes met in the mirror. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t know you were in this one.¡±


    At once, he turned to leave.


    The lingering feeling within me stemming from the moment Kimberly had dared Jason, pushed me to turn around and grab his arm just as he was turning away.


    I didn¡¯t know what it was, probably the beer in my system making me bolder and irrational, but the next thing I said was, ¡°Don¡¯t leave.¡±


    Jason stared at me for some seconds before with a smile, he said, ¡°Want us to finish up our dare?¡±


    My lips parted but no words escaped from them. To my surprise and in my drowsy mind, it was what I wanted. I wanted Jason to kiss me. I wanted to know what he tasted like, what his lips felt like, his hands on me. It was a newfound lust for Jason-he was smoking hot after all, and his sudden good nature only enhanced it-fueled on by alcohol.


    I guess Jason took my parted lips for a go-ahead, because next thing I knew, he¡¯d put his hands on my waist and pulled me forward, so our bodies were touching. Without hesitation, he covered up the distance between us, his lips pressing against mine, working up a jittery but sweet feeling in my belly. Absently, mind almostpletely numb, my hands found their way up to his face, resting on his cheeks.


    It was never a slow kiss. It¡¯d started off heated and was progressing into something more, our hands now roaming each other¡¯s bodies. All of a sudden, Jason grabbed my ass and, pushing the paper cup on the counter aside, lifted me onto the counter.


    The moment he kissed my neck, I felt an odd tinge in my core. I was a neck person. Clearly, I was because the more he trailed kisses down my cheek, the more I grew hotter, and more irrational. I¡¯d already thrown all caution to the window, wanting Jason to take me there and then.


    It was the alcohol. It was definitely the alcohol or I wouldn¡¯t be doing this.


    The next few minutes passed in intense kissing and roaming until I began to feel the chilly air on my skin. Only then did I realize that Jason had unstrapped my jumpsuit and had taken off the shirt underneath.


    It shocked me to know that I didn¡¯t care. It was what I wanted. All my body craved for.


    His hands caressed my breasts through mycy bra, sending tingles across my skin, a gasp escaping my lips at his touch. Then, before I realized it, my bra came loose and being a sleeveless one, fell to the floor in a second.


    ¡°Now, for the second part,¡± he murmured, cupping my breast.


    His fingers met my nipple, hard, taut and raw, and on the first tweak, I let out a gasp. Caressing my right breast, he cupped the other, leaning down to kiss its cleavage. Then slowly, his lips made their way to its nipple. He kissed it tenderly, blew a breath on it, which sent aroused spikes up my thighs, before flicking a tongue over it, his other hand all the while still caressing my right breast.


    At every flick of his tongue over my tight nipple, I let out a gasp, my body shaking with need.


    Thest thing I remembered from the night was Jason¡¯s fingers making their way down my jumpsuit to my already wet center.

 I got fingered

    Amelia Forbes


    I woke up, with a start, to the light filtering into my room through the half open curtain, a throbbing head and a parched throat.


    Squinting against the mild re of the sun, I propped myself up on the bed and pushed my hair out of my face, my sore eyes taking in the contents of the room.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I murmured to myself, little bits of the party fromst nighting back to me. ¡°How did I get back?¡±


    I tried to recall how I returned home but nothing came to mind. Thest I remembered was drinking to the dare they¡¯d given me, which I declined doing.


    Figuring I must¡¯ve gotten really drunk and Jason brought me back to my house, I sighed and swung my legs down from the bed.


    I needed an aspirin. Two aspirin. Fast. But first, some water, and then checking in on grandma. Knowing her, she would be up by now.


    Speaking of the time, what was the time actually? I twisted my body to look at the rm clock sitting on the nightstand at the other side of the bed.


    It read 9:30am. My rm clock was thirty minutes, so the time was actually ten o¡¯clock.


    ¡°What?!¡± I eximed, shooting up from the bed, which was a bad, very bad move.


    The room spun, my wobbly feet gave way and I crumpled to the ground in a heap, suddenly feeling very nauseous. The onught of vomit was not too far behind.


    sping a hand to my mouth I struggled to my feet with thest strength in me, ignoring the headache and the dizziness. Thest thing I wanted was to throw up in my room. That¡¯d make a huge mess because the floor was rugged.


    I yanked open the door and ran down the stairs, two at a time, straight to the bathroom, passing Nana-in the kitchen-on the way. Getting to the bathroom, I kicked the door open and stumbled to the sink. Then I threw up, retching, coughing and gagging until my stomach felt empty.


    Feeling very drained, tired and hungry, I washed my mouth and leaned back from the sink to look at my reflection. My face bore a ghostly look.


    ¡°Note to self,¡± I muttered. ¡°Do not ever, ever drink again.¡±


    Since I was already in the bathroom, I brushed my teeth right away, rinsed my face and dried it before heading out to meet Nana in the kitchen.


    ¡°Hey, Nana,¡± I said, walking up to her and hugging her from behind.


    We exchanged greetings in signnguage before I went over and took my usual spot at the far end of the table.


    Just a little more time, she gestured with her hands. I know you must be very hungry.


    It¡¯s fine. I shrugged with a smile.


    Five minutester, grandma and I were seated for a breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup, bacon and eggs, cornbread and sses of orange juice. For once, I was actually grateful for grandma¡¯s overcooking.


    I was halfway through the pancakes when grandma stopped eating to talk with me.


    A boy brought you back yesterday. She told me. By 12 in the morning.


    12? My eyes bulged.


    Yeah, 12. You were passed out.


    I¡¯m really sorry, grandma. That wasn¡¯t supposed to happen.


    It¡¯s fine, she shrugged. It was a different boy though. I saw the one who picked you up. It wasn¡¯t him. The one that brought you back had dark hair, blue eyes.


    What? I frowned. But . . .


    It was in that moment that all the memories from the party came flooding back to me in torrential shes, like the repeated clicking of a camera. The me haired guy that was trying to woo me. Jason inviting me to the games, the dares and the drinking.


    Everything up until then was clear before slowly things began to get hazy. Thin. I¡¯d felt weird after taking myst shot, so I went to the bathroom and . . . Jason came in shortly after.


    ¡°We kissed,¡± I gasped, a hand flying up to touch my lips. ¡°Jason and I . . . kissed.¡±


    But we didn¡¯t do just that. Jason touched me. My neck. My breasts.


    Remembering the feel of his hands as they caressed my breasts, I dropped the pancake in my hand, my eyes going wide in horror.


    And then I remembered thest bit, a memory almostpletely buried away but somehow rearing its disappointing head.


    Jason had fingered me.


    In shock and horror, I stood up from my seat, my heart racing.


    ¡°What have I done?¡± I whispered.


    Mel? What¡¯s wrong? Grandma stared at me.


    For her sake, I tried topose myself. Act like nothing had happened.


    With a small smile, I sat down once again.


    I just remembered who brought me back, that¡¯s all. I lied.


    Ok. Who?


    His name is Adrian.


    After breakfast, I took two aspirin and then stepped into the bathroom. Wondering how I¡¯ll face Jason in school now, I sank to my butt under the hot shower.


    How could I have been so loose? To let Jason kiss me. Touch me. I was better than that. Influence of alcohol or no influence, I could have done better, because I wasn¡¯t that way. I was always cautious about these things. And I was very picky.


    For almost twenty minutes, I remained in the bathroom, under the hot shower until my skin became too tender and pink, then, still unable to believe I¡¯d let myself be used for a brief, short lived moment of pleasure, I dried my body and stepped out of the bathroom.


    Times like these were when I needed someone I could actually talk with the most. Someone who understood the type of person I was and could rte with me on personal levels. Of course, Nana was there, but she couldn¡¯t hear a thing. And, I love her, but I was just not in the mood for signnguage.


    I dressed up in one of dad¡¯s old tees-we still had some of my parents belongings down in the basement. After their death when I was fourteen, I just couldn¡¯t ept they were . . . gone. So I took some of their stuff and ced them in my room, just so I could feel their presence whenever I needed it the most. Like now.


    Clutching mom¡¯s stress ball tighter, I called Benson. Twice. Only on the third ring did he pick. Good for him. I was just about to call till night fell.


    ¡°Hey, Mel, sorry I wasn¡¯t able to pick up on time,¡± he said as soon as he answered the call. ¡°I was out ying basketball with my neighbors and Jackie, who was sitting right beside the phone, couldn¡¯t be bothered about your call until the third time.¡±


    Jackie was his younger sister who was a freshman at Wayne¡¯s County High.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Are you busy right now?¡±


    ¡°Uh,¡± he drawled. ¡°We¡¯re on a break here so technically no.¡±


    ¡°Can youe over?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Right now?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay, sure. They have more yers anyway, and besides, it¡¯s been a while since I came by, or you came by.¡±


    ¡°School work, I guess,¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°Nope. Katie. She¡¯s so clingy,¡± he sighed. ¡°But I love her anyway. I¡¯m on my way!¡±


    Ten minutester, Benson was in my room, sitting at the edge of the bed opposite me, his legs crossed on top of mine and mine on top of his, like old times.


    ¡°So, are we just gonna sit doing a staringpetition or you got something fun we can do?¡± He crossed his arms, hazel eyes trained on me. ¡°Or something fun you¡¯d like to tell me.¡± He wiggled his eyebrows then, smiling.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen you with Adriantely,¡± he added. ¡°Anything going on between you and the jock?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a nice guy you know,¡± I said.


    ¡°Oh, so you like him then?¡± Benson¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Just like every other girl in school. You know, Katie told me she once had a crush on him. Back in sophomore year.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t like Adrian, Ben. I only do as a friend. But there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Ouu, is it a secret?¡± Benson straightened up.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded. ¡°Kinda.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said, assuming a more interested position. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°First of all, you have to promise not to judge me.¡± I fixed my gaze on him.


    ¡°Have I ever really?¡± He shrugged.


    I sighed. ¡°No, but, you might after I¡¯m done-¡±


    ¡°Amelia.¡± He called my name in full. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Looking down at my hands, I sighed again. ¡°You know I went to Jason¡¯s partyst night?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Benson said. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware. Howe you didn¡¯t tell me?¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess it¡¯s because all you think about is Katie.¡± I looked up at him.


    The cool expression on his face changed immediately.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I muttered. ¡°I¡¯m kind of in a foul mood.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± he said, ¡°you¡¯re right. Lately, I¡¯ve been neglecting you, and I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I offered him a small smile. ¡°We can always call a truce.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Truce?¡± He stretched out his hand to me.


    ¡°Truce.¡± I took his hand and shook it.


    ¡°So, you went to Jason¡¯s party, and?¡± He asked, dropping my hand.


    Remembering what had happened, my mood became sore once again.


    ¡°You promise not to tell anyone?¡± I asked, lowering my gaze to the throw pillow cradled on myps.


    ¡°Amelia,¡± he groaned. ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me anymore? I promise.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± I began with a sigh, looking up at him. ¡°So, Jason apologized, that you know. Then he invited me to his party which I agreed to, for some reason. I guess because he was being so nice and polite, and I wanted him to remain that way towards me.¡±


    ¡°What if it¡¯s an act though?¡± Benson broke in. ¡°You do know there¡¯s an eighty percent chance that it¡¯s just an act. That he might have an ulterior motive.¡±


    ¡°I know. And I thought about it. Benson, I tested him. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s an act. I think he¡¯s for real.¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°If you say so. But I think once a bully, always a bully. If you ask me, I¡¯d say the change was too sudden and personally I¡¯d be skeptical, but then again, what do I know?¡±


    Silently, I admitted he was right. I was too quick to believe Jason. Too quick to agree to attend his party. To let him touch me. As if that was all I ever craved for.


    ¡°So, I went to his party,¡± I continued, pushing my thoughts behind me. ¡°Yesterday. He was the one who picked me up. Took me to his house. And there was this game. He wanted me to join. y with his friends.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you agreed.¡± Benson stared at me.


    ¡°I did,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Oh.¡± He pped a hand to his forehead. ¡°You have to be shitting me, Mel. Okay, even if you did, don¡¯t tell me Kimberly was there.¡±


    ¡°She was,¡± I told him.


    ¡°You have queened yourself a royal screw-up,¡± he stated. ¡°A big, messy one.¡±


    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± I frowned. ¡°And besides, it was a truth or game-¡±


    ¡°Oh, boy. Even worse.¡±


    ¡°-which I took no part in.¡±


    ¡°But, lemme guess, you drank, since you didn¡¯t want to do your dares.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I did,¡± I affirmed. ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t have, but I didn¡¯t want to seem . . . chicken. I¡¯m almost eighteen, Benson. Sooner orter I¡¯ll have to do these things. I¡¯ll have to drink anyway.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± he nodded. ¡°Trust me, I do. Do you know I¡¯ve never gone down on Katie? I mean, she wants me to, and sooner orter I¡¯ll have to, but for now, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready yet. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll get it right.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said slowly, with a confused look, ¡°not that I asked about you and Katie¡¯s sexual life, but thanks for understanding.¡±


    ¡°So, I drank,¡± I went on. ¡°And I got drunk, because they dared me so much. I tried to use up all my truths, but Kimberly kept insisting I had to use up my dares first.¡±


    ¡°So, what happened?¡± He asked, after I paused and said nothing.


    ¡°I got fingered by Jason,¡± I rapped out, eager to get straight to the point.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡± Benson blinked. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t supposed to happen. I was drunk, he came into the bathroom and . . . we kissed and one thing led to another and-¡±


    ¡°You mean to tell me, right now, that you kissed Jason Davenport, that you both exchanged saliva, and then afterwards, he fingerfucked you?¡±


    ¡°I was drunk,¡± I defended. ¡°You know normally I would never do that. Hell, I couldn¡¯t even let Henry peck me in junior promst year, and now I let Jason fuck me? Do you think I¡¯ll do that in my right senses?¡±


    For minutes, Benson sat silently, his hazel eyes holding me in surprise before, with a small sigh, he looked away.


    ¡°So, what do you wanna do now?¡± He asked, looking back at me.


    He¡¯d kept his promise. He didn¡¯t judge me. Or me me. And that was why he¡¯ll always be a good confidant.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I whispered, feeling embarrassed already.


    ¡°Are you both like a thing now?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No,¡± I shook my head. ¡°We aren¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Was he drunk too?¡±


    ¡°I guess?¡±


    ¡°Well, you just have to hope he doesn¡¯t go bbing it to his friends, because if Le gets news on this, oh man, I don¡¯t even wanna think about it.¡±


    Biting my lower lip, I looked away. That was my biggest problem. That Jason would tell.

 A video of me naked?!

    Amelia Forbes


    It started during the first period after lunch, in math ss. The weird looks and knowing stares. At first, I shrugged it off, ignoring them and taking my regr seat, just beside the window that overlooked the football field. But as the sses rolled by, the stares kept getting worse and worse and I even heard someone make an odd remark, one I couldn¡¯t quite grasp.


    The blonde had said from behind me, just before our Physics teacher came in, ¡°And here I was thinking she was different.¡±


    I didn¡¯t understand. Was she talking about me? Figuring it was probably just a conversation between her and her friend, I shrugged and focused on the lesson at hand, the only thought on my mind being how to face Jason. And beg him, if I had to, not to tell anyone about what had happened with us.


    He hadn¡¯t been at the cafeteria today-pretty much the only period I had with him today being Monday-which I found odd and weird. And upsetting too. Jason had never missed lunch. It wasn¡¯t like he ate outside the school. Today, of all days, when I needed him to be around, to be in the cafeteria, he wasn¡¯t.


    It was, at the moment, in thest period of the day, and was already counting down the minutes to the end of ss. All I wanted to do, all that¡¯d been on mind, was bolting right out of the ss, searching for Jason and putting things right with him.


    The moment the bell went, I grabbed my stuff, shoved it into my backpack and shot up from my seat as though it had gone metal hot. I dashed out of the ss, headed for Jason¡¯s ss-History-which, for some reason, I knew he was in.


    I was on the steps, heading down to thest floor where his ss was located when, all of a sudden, a voice called me, stopping me in my tracks.


    ¡°Amelia!¡± The voice yelled, some feet behind me.


    Turning around, my eyes fell on Benson, walking up to me, a weird look on his face, his hair unusually tousled. Not to mention, he¡¯d called me by my full name.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked, climbing back onto thending and moving to the side to give room for other people passing by.


    Grabbing me by the wrist, Benson pulled me further aside, to a corner far from the staircase where less students were.


    ¡°I told you you shouldn¡¯t have trusted Jason,¡± he started off, a worried look on his face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, Ben. What¡¯s going on? What happened?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°Wait,¡± he frowned. ¡°You . . . you haven¡¯t heard? Seen?¡±


    ¡°Heard what? Seen what, Benson?¡± My voice rose, mind on a not-so-slow journey to panic.


    For a moment, Benson hesitated.


    ¡°What the hell is going on?!¡± I yelled then.


    ¡°You really haven¡¯t seen,¡± he muttered, lowering his gaze from me. Then he looked up again. ¡°The video, Amelia. You haven¡¯t seen the video? Or heard of it?¡±


    ¡°What video?¡± I stared at him.


    ¡°On Le¡¯s vlog. She posted it today during lunch, and it has almost five hundred views already. I can¡¯t believe you really haven¡¯t seen the video.¡±


    My eyebrows knitted. ¡°What has a video got to do with me?¡±


    ¡°It has everything to do with you!¡± He burst out immediately. ¡°Heck, the video is about you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± I muttered, trying to piece two and two together, and getting nothing.


    ¡°You need to see it.¡± Benson told me. ¡°You need to see the video, so you can understand what I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    ¡°Well, then show me,¡± I snapped, sick of the suspense. ¡°Show me the goddamn video already.¡±


    Hesitantly, he sighed and reached into his pocket.


    ¡°I saved it,¡± he said. ¡°Just in case you haven¡¯t seen it.¡±


    Unlocking his phone, he tapped the video icon and thest video he watched popped up immediately, starting from the middle.


    ¡°Here.¡± He held out his phone to me, looking away as he did so.


    I took the phone from him, anticipation eating at my mind. I dragged the motion line to move the video back to the beginning and then I began watching.


    At first, I couldn¡¯t make out anything from the video because the room was sort of dark, then, as if the person behind the camera had moved a little, more light filtered into the room, and I quickly realized the room was actually a bathroom. With two people in it, who appeared to be making out.


    ¡°Okay, so it¡¯s a bathroom with kissing couples, so?¡± I frowned, still watching the video.


    ¡°Just,¡± Benson exhaled. ¡°Just keep watching the video, Mel.¡±


    I refocused my attention on the video and only then did things begin to make sense, starting from the moment I recognized the guy to be Jason. And the girl to be . . . me.


    On realizing this, I gasped, a hand flying to cover my mouth. My face, expressions, in the video was clear for everyone to see, while Jason had his back to the camera. Every sound, every moan I made, every pleasured look on my face was recorded. And the video didn¡¯t just stop there. It carried on to the moment Jason took off my shirt, kissed my breast-although the scene was blurred so you couldn¡¯t really see much there, but you knew that it was me. The video ended with a final gasp from me as Jason¡¯s hand slid down my jumpsuit.


    With the end of the video came a dawning. A new understanding of the looks I¡¯d gotten all the while today after lunch and the reason for Jason¡¯s absence.


    ¡°I told you not to trust Jason, Mel. I told you.¡± Benson¡¯s voice came to me as though from underwater. ¡°People like Jason, they never change. And even if they do, it takes more than just one night.¡±


    ¡°Why would he do this to me?¡± Was the first thing that fell through my lips, my mind racing, hands trembling. I had a sex tape now on the inte. Everyone in school had seen me, heard me, and it was all because of Jason. All because I was too trusting. Too foolish to believe that he could ever change.


    ¡°Why would he do this to me?¡± I repeated, tears welling up in my eyes.


    Slowly, Benson took his phone from my hand.


    ¡°Everyone has seen this,¡± I whispered, looking up at him. ¡°And their . . . perception of me . . .¡±


    All of a sudden, he stepped forward and took me in a hug. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mel. Honestly, it¡¯s not your fault, so don¡¯t me yourself.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I ripped away from his hug, suddenly infuriated. ¡°It is my fault, Benson. To think that Jason could ever change. To think I could be friends with the popr click. And now I have a sex tape out there for everyone to see. How could I be so stupid?! What was I thinking?!¡±


    ¡°Amelia, calm down,¡± Benson said, reaching out to hold me.


    ¡°Calm down?¡± I stared at him, teary-eyed. ¡°I¡¯ve been bullied, deceived, used, shamed, and now I should calm down?¡±


    I was yelling now. ¡°Look at the video, Ben. Jason¡¯s face was in no part. No fucking part! He used me, all for what? A goodugh?! Another means to torture me?¡±


    ¡°What we need to do now is report to Mrs Jenkins, so she can tell Le to take it down and then do something to Jason,¡± Benson suggested.


    ¡°And then what?¡± I stared at him, my jaw quivering. ¡°Jason gets off withmunity service? But the stigma still remains with me? How could I be so stupid.¡±


    My hands flying to my hair, I pulled. Pulled really hard. ¡°How could I be so fucking stupid?¡±


    ¡°Amelia, stop it!¡± Benson shouted, grabbing my hands. ¡°You¡¯re panicking. You have to try and calm down.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I screamed, yanking my hands out of his grip. I knew he was only trying to help, but right now, nothing was getting past my stunned mind.


    ¡°What I need to do,¡± I said through gritted teeth, ¡°is give Jason a fucking piece of my mind.¡±


    With that, I turned away from him and started down the steps, headed for the field.


    ¡°Jeez, Amelia,¡± Benson called. ¡°Wait a minute, just think about things first!¡±


    Getting to thest of the stairs, chest heaving, face wet with tears, I marched to the field where I knew Jason would be.


    I spotted him as soon as I got to the field, standing beside Coach Hens and talking coolly, like he¡¯d done nothing. Like he wasn¡¯t aware of the video.


    ¡°Jason!¡± I shouted, stomping over to him.


    He whipped his gaze in my direction as soon as he heard his name. On spotting me, he lips curled into a smirk, knowing brown eyes going cold.


    If there was any thought left behind in my mind that he had no part in the recording of the video, it was quickly wiped from my mind by his smirk.


    ¡°How could you?¡± I spat, eyes, although blurry from tears, fixed on him.


    ¡°I take it you¡¯ve seen the video,¡± he smiled, cing his hands on his hips. ¡°You put up quite a show, you know that right?¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what it was, probably the fact that I felt so betrayed and stupid and dumb, and couldn¡¯t control my anger toward myself, Jason and the world for taking my mom and dad away from me, but by the next moment, I¡¯d balled my hand into a fist and punched Jason square in his teeth.


    Following the outburst from his team members was Coach Hens¡¯s own.


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa, what¡¯s going on here?¡± He frowned,ing to stand between Jason and I.


    ¡°Did you just punch me?¡± Jason stared at me, a hand to mouth.


    ¡°You set me up!¡± I yelled. ¡°Bullying me, treating me like I¡¯m worth nothing wasn¡¯t enough for you, so you set me up. What have I ever done to you, Jason, that you have to treat me this way?¡±


    My voice broke at myst words, tears streaming down my face now.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°What is going on here?!¡± Coach Hens yelled this time.


    By now everyone present in the field had gathered around to get the gist of what was happening.


    ¡°Can someone tell me what the heck is going on here?¡± Coach Hens repeated.


    Unable to speak, my eyes remained on Jason, who had his eyes on me too, a deep, deep scowl on his face.


    ¡°He set her up, Coach,¡± Benson said all of a sudden from behind me.


    All attention, including mine and Jason¡¯s, flew to him.


    ¡°He invited her to his party,¡± Benson went on. ¡°Told her to a game and took advantage of her drunken state, made a video of her and then uploaded it for everyone to see.¡±


    I had never loved Benson more. When I needed him the most, he was there, standing up for me when I couldn¡¯t do it myself.


    There was an outburst from the silent crowd at the end of Benson¡¯s words.


    ¡°What?¡±


    It was from Adrian.


    Coach Hens turned to look at Jason.


    ¡°Did you really do that?¡± He asked.


    Jason remained silent, now staring daggers at Benson.


    ¡°Answer me before I fuck you up this moment!¡± Coach Hens exploded.


    Finally, Jason dropped his hand from his mouth and moved his gaze to Coach. As he spoke, I noticed a small cut on the inside of his lower lip. I had gotten him pretty good.


    ¡°I did,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Adrian scowled, reaching out and shoving Jason¡¯s arm. ¡°How the fuck could you do something like that?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Goldfield.¡± Coach Hens stepped in. Then he turned to face Jason squarely.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you could, would do such a thing,¡± he said, ring at him. ¡°I thought you were mature, Jason. What kind of a ¡®man¡¯ would do that?¡±


    ¡°She de-¡± Jason began when Coach cut in.


    ¡°Get off my field,¡± he growled.


    ¡°What?¡± Jason blinked. ¡°You-you can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, I very much can,¡± Coach Hens nodded. ¡°Get the hell out and don¡¯te back until next week.¡±


    ¡°But, Coach-¡±


    ¡°Now!¡± He burst out.


    For moments, Jason hesitated before looking away from Coach Hens.


    ¡°And before you¡¯re able to return, you¡¯ll write an apology to her and read it out in the general assembly on Friday morning,¡± Coach added.


    Jason stopped abruptly and turned around. ¡°Nah. I¡¯m not doing that.¡±


    ¡°Then consider yourself off the team!¡± Coach yelled.


    I saw Jason¡¯s face harden and his jaw tic before he turned around and stalked off.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that boy,¡± Coach Hens said to me. ¡°My sincere apologies. I¡¯ll make sure to have the video taken down.¡±


    Nodding, I wiped my tears away. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Mel, let¡¯s go home,¡± Benson said, taking my hand and pulling me away from the gossip-hungry group.


    For the first time in a long while, I felt like someone had my back. And I cherished the feeling.

 My pull-out game is best

    Jason Davenport


    I was upset. Scratch that. I was beyond upset. I was furious. Murderous. If I got my hands on Amelia, only two things could happen: I beat the shit out of her, or I punish her so bad she wished I beat her up instead.


    She thought she¡¯d won this one, didn¡¯t she? In her mind, we were even, right?


    I scoffed. Till tomorrow. The bitch better not show up at school tomorrow, because by the time I¡¯m done with her, she¡¯ll be begging to write my apology letter herself. Which she will, by the way. I wasn¡¯t going to pick any goddamn pen and say I was writing an apology letter for her. That apology letter was going to be written by she herself.


    Who did she think was, punching me that way? Humiliating me in front of Coach Hens. And to think Coach took her side. And Adrian actually shoved me, for her.


    ¡°By the time I¡¯m done with you, Amelia,¡± I said through clenched teeth, my hand gripping the stic ball in it harder. So hard the veins in my arm bulged. ¡°By the time I¡¯m finished with you, you¡¯ll wish you¡¯d kept your fat mouth shut.¡±


    Unable to hold in the pent up anger anymore, I channeled it to the ball, throwing it toward the window opposite me. It hit the window frame and bounced right back at me. Catching it, I threw the the ball again. It bounced against the window this time, but deflected on returning to me, hitting me square in the nose instead before falling onto the bed beside me.


    Now enraged, as the action only reminded me of the punch Amelia had given me this afternoon, I grabbed the ball, picked up the pen lying on the nightstand beside my bed and stabbed the bloody thing until it deted, then I tossed it aside, along with the pen.


    Exasperated, I fell back onto the bed with a sigh, throwing a hand over my head.


    ¡°Why does Adrian always take her side, anyway?¡± I muttered, staring at the ceiling. ¡°He¡¯s never on my side. Not that I expect him to be on this one, but every other time he always has something to say when ites to her. And we¡¯re supposed to be buddies.¡±


    Exhaling, I ran a hand across my face, muttering, ¡°What if he has something for her? It could be the reason.¡±


    Then on a second thought, I changed my mind. ¡°Nah. It¡¯s not even possible. Amelia¡¯s not his type. In no way.¡±


    But the idea that he could actually be interested in Amelia kept nagging me. If that turned out to be the case . . . it better not be.


    I diverted my thought to the way Coach Hens had reacted earlier, on the field. That too was odd. I mean, I expected him to be mad, but not to that extent. Now that I thought about it, it felt like he took it too personal. Kicking me out of the field for the whole week? Asking me to write an apology letter to Amelia and then read it out to the whole school on Friday? That was too much.


    Maybe he¡¯d had a simr experience before?


    Speaking of reading an apology to Amelia before the school, how the hell was I going to do that? How was I going to read an ¡°apology¡± letter when in reality I felt no way apologetic, and which I wasn¡¯t going to write myself, by the way.


    Knowing I was going through all these because of Amelia, and Kimberly who gave me the dumb idea to pull off, my anger began to seep back in.


    I cracked my knuckles in a bid to direct the anger somewhere else. There was no point stressing over someone I¡¯d already plotted my revenge on. All I had to do now was wait till tomorrow. Till I was able to see her at school. Then she¡¯ll really get hers.


    Sighing, I sat up from the bed and, reaching out, picked up my phone from my dresser, where I¡¯d left it earlier. I wanted to text Adrian. Ask him if he¡¯d hang, because, to be exact, I was bored. I¡¯de home earlier since Coach Hens had told me off and since then I hadn¡¯t done anything else but loathe and loathe some more.


    Going onto Instagram, I went straight to his DM and sent him a ¡°hey, you wanna hang? y basketball or something?¡±


    Secondster, he replied. Is that seriously all you have to say right now?


    Frowning, I typed. What dyou mean?


    Don¡¯t act like you don¡¯t know what I¡¯m talking about. What the fuck was that back there at school?


    I sighed. The issue has passed, Adrian. Why are you still dragging it?


    Just because Coach reacted to it doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s passed. Wtf is going on with you? And Amelia. I mean, how could you do something like that? Honestly, I still can¡¯t believe you would do that.


    I rolled my eyes. Not like you¡¯re a saint, man, so chill.


    I would never do that, he sent some secondster.


    Why tthe heck are you even so interested in that girl. Do you like her or something? I typed with a scowl.


    It¡¯s not just about her. It¡¯s about how you act in general. To some people, like her. Which is very unfair.


    The question is, do you like Amelia or not?


    How¡¯s that important rn?


    Do you? Just answer the goddamn question already.


    A secondter, his reply came in. And what if I did? Then what?


    My eyebrows shot up at his statement. So you do?


    I don¡¯t. She¡¯s not even my type, but that¡¯s not the freaking point, Jace. What the hell is going on with you that you now vent your annoyance one everyone. They¡¯re people too, you know? With their own problems.


    I don¡¯t vent my anger on anyone. Just Amelia, because her case is different.


    Whatchu mean?


    You won¡¯t understand, so forget it.


    And we¡¯re supposed to be friends ??


    Not knowing what to say, I sent a ¡°. . .¡± Alongside a shrugging emoji.


    Look, man, Adrian sent, a couple of secondster. I don¡¯t know what it is you¡¯re going thru but you gotta fix it up, before things get out of hand.


    I got you, I replied.


    Yeah, right.


    I gotta go now, he sent.


    Ok, cool.


    Secondster, I was left alone in the confines of my room, still bored out of my mind. I had virtually nothing to do. All my homework had already been done by Amelia beforehand, not that I was going to do it myself anyway, and I¡¯d yed videogames so much already that as of now they seemed mundane to me. Besides, I had no one to y with. It wasn¡¯t like Ashley downstairs knew how to. And even if she could, I still wouldn¡¯t y with her.


    Groaning, I tossed my phone aside on the bed and raked a hand through my hair, racking my brain on something to do. Go out to a friend¡¯s? y basketball at Rory¡¯s?


    Nah. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to hang out with any of those guys, especially after what happened in the field. And also knowing they were in on this too. It¡¯s just luck that their sorry asses and the part they yed, Kimberly most of all, weren¡¯t in the video too, and I wasn¡¯t one to snitch, so, even if I was asked who made the video, I¡¯d say nothing.


    Speaking of Kimberly, I wondered what she was doing now. Maybe she coulde keep mepany. After all, it was her fault.


    She was the one who¡¯de up with the darned idea while we were ying truth or dare at the party. We were already well into the game when she suggested I bring Amelia in the game, make sure she gets drunk and then video what happens next with her.


    And now I was in this mess because of her. Kimberly, I mean. So, she had every reason to share the boredom with me. Ease it up in whatever way she could.


    I called her. On the second ring, she picked up. I told her what I needed. Told her to drop by so we¡¯d have sex. I just couldn¡¯t wait. Ten minutester, she was walking in through the door of my room-she¡¯d never turned down a request to meet up with me, and she always arrived on time-dressed in a tight, sleeveless crop top that stopped just above her navel, a short skirt and sneakers.


    ¡°Was that your stepmom I saw on my way here, in the living room?¡± She asked as soon as she walked in, shutting the door behind her.


    ¡°Yay tall, blonde hair, skinny legs?¡± I asked, dropping my phone on the nightstand and scooting over on the bed so Kimberly had room to sit.


    ¡°She is not skinny.¡± Kimberly rolled her eyes. ¡°She looks like a fucking model.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± I waved it off. ¡°Enough about her. Did you do what I asked you to?¡±


    Taking off her shoes, she raised her feet onto the bed, her green eyes trained on me.


    ¡°Well?¡± She smiled, cheeks dimpling. ¡°What does it look like?¡±


    My eyes trailed down her face, stopping at the tips of her breast. I could make out her nipples, pointy and round, pushing against the fabric of her top.


    Looking back up at her, I gave a smirk. Just a tiny one. Nothing to show I was satisfied. Yet.


    ¡°And your panties?¡± I asked. ¡°What color is it?¡±


    ¡°Nude,¡± she replied, her cat-like eyes never leaving mine.


    Only then did my smile widen. ¡°Good. What next?¡±


    Straightening up, she propped herself on her knees, before pushing me back onto the bed and climbing on top of me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a condom,¡± she said, slowly, but sensually, rocking her hips against my crotch.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s finished, but my pull-out game is best,¡± I said, my hands reaching up to hold her waist.


    She rolled her eyes. A habit of hers. ¡°You¡¯re just lucky I¡¯m on birth control, so you can hit it raw.¡±


    The smile that spread across my lips at her words reached my eyes this time. ¡°You always seem to know what makes me happy.¡±


    Tightening my grip on her small waist, I held her and flipped her over so I was on top now and she was under.


    Without any further waste of time, I grabbed my shirt, yanked it off and tossed it aside, just as she did hers, her perky breasts bouncing as soon she took off her top.


    Cupping the right one with one hand, I leaned in and kissed her, hard and long, just the way I liked it, the fingers of my hand all the while fondling her breast, tweaking its tight nipple, squeezing.


    Her hands tugged at the fly of my jeans first before they grappled its way to the zipper.


    I broke the kiss, stopping her hand from pulling my zip down.


    ¡°Not the regr.¡± I told her.


    ¡°Handjob then?¡± She breathed, sitting up.


    With a nod from me, she pushed me so I fell back onto the bed, then she held the zipper of my jeans and unzipped the fly. Out sprung my cock, already fully aroused.


    Wrapping a hand around it, the motion sending tingles up my belly, she began moving slowly. Up and down. Up and down. Stroking. She stroked rhythmically from the tip to the base and back to the tip. She varied her speed nicely, and then, by the next minute she was moving faster. Quicker.


    In my belly was a built up tension, growing and growing as the minutes passed by until I couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer.


    My eyes shut, breathing ragged, I rasped out, ¡°I¡¯m about to.¡±


    The moment I spoke, she went faster, her hand moving up and down in swift motions until, unable to hold it in any longer, I climaxed. On a pillow she, out of nowhere, ced over me.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°You think I was gonna let youe on my hair?¡± She smiled devilishly as she moved away from me. ¡°I have other ces to be, you know.¡±


    Ignoring her remark, I held her by the arm and pulled her closer, turning her around so she knelt before me.


    ¡°Your turn,¡± I growled, pulling her in.


    Spreading her legs wider, I teased first, sliding the edge of my cock over her clit.


    ¡°You know how much-¡± stopping suddenly, she gasped the moment I slid it in fully.


    That pretty much hushed her, enabling me to concentrate on the thrusting. My motions as I pounded in and out. Her ass pped against the base of my belly, titties bounced to and fro. She moaned. Gripped the sheets of the rocking bed.


    Reaching for her boobs, I squeezed, pounding harder, her moans getting louder, breathing faster, head thrown back and eyes rolled back into their sockets until finally, I held her waists tighter and gave onest, deep thrust. With it came the ejaction, right at the moment the door to my room swung open.

 Pathetic you are, Amelia

    Amelia Forbes


    The video had been taken down. That I was certain of, because I¡¯d personally gone on Le¡¯s vlog in search of it, but couldn¡¯t find it. Coach Hens had kept his word, and for that I was grateful. And by the looks of it, it seemed like he was already enforcing the punishment he¡¯d meted out to Jason. This morning, after I arrived at school, I spotted Jason leaving the coach¡¯s office, a deep frown etched onto his face. He¡¯d probably gone to beg so he didn¡¯t have to write the letter but had been turned down.


    Good for him. That¡¯ll teach him.


    Aside from spotting him earlier, I¡¯d also had two sses with him today, Geometry and English, and all the while, there¡¯d been no spitballs or chewed gum. Throughout the sses, he¡¯d done nothing but sit crossed armed, staring at the teacher, obviously notprehending a word from the look on his face.


    What did Jason really think? That he could just do anything he liked to me and go scot free? That I was some sort of dumb kid who couldn¡¯t stand up for herself once in a while? Well, jokes on him.


    I was a hundred percent sure that I¡¯d shocked him out of his wits yesterday with my reaction, and I¡¯d do it again if I had to.


    At the moment, sses hade to an end. The second the bell went off for the end of ss, I grabbed my backpack, stuck my notebook under my arm and stood up, making my way out of the ss even before Miss Danielle, our AP Biology teacher, could finish reading out homework.


    I didn¡¯t want to be caught up in the rush as students tried to cram and force their way through one small space, knowing the stigma of yesterday¡¯s event still followed me around.


    It hadn¡¯t been all chill since I arrived at school. I still got odd stares, although a little bit less than yesterday¡¯s, and I still asionally heard people murmuring nasty things about me.


    I tried to ignore them, after all, in due time my scandal will pass. Scandals always did. But deep down, I just couldn¡¯t. The humiliation from yesterday was still hovering in my mind, drifting from one corner to the other, so much so that it¡¯d made me feel ufortable while I was having lunch today. I felt like everyone was watching. Watching me eat. Watching my every move. Judging me. I knew I was only being paranoid, but I just couldn¡¯t shrug off the feeling no matter how much I tried.


    And I was going through all these solely because of Jason. The hate I had for him kept festering, burning brighter and brighter, and with every prank, every bully done to me, more fuel was added to fire.


    I told myself one day I¡¯d eventually snap, and yesterday, I did. But that was only a bit. If he kept up with the act, I didn¡¯t know what next I¡¯d do, but one thing was for sure. It was going to be drastic.


    Getting to my locker, I quickly entered thebination, swung the door open and buried my face in the open space, not exactly in the mood to entertain any more weird nces.


    I ced the notebook under my arm in the locker and emptied my backpack of unneeded texts before taking out my earpieces, then I shut my locker and turned to go, only to m right into a sturdy chest borne by a six footer.


    Stepping back at once, I looked up, a peculiar jolt in my heart at the thought that it might be Jason.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I was standing in your way unannounced,¡± Adrian said, holding a hand to his chest where I¡¯d bumped into him.


    Releasing a sigh of relief, I shook my head. ¡°No, I¡¯m the sorry one. I didn¡¯t see you there.¡±


    ¡°How are you feeling today?¡± He asked suddenly, throwing me off guard.


    Apart from Benson, no-one else had cared to know. Bothered to ask how I felt after being used and victimized, but here was Adrian, concerned, non judgemental and sensitive, wanting to know about my wellbeing even after seeing the video.


    I couldn¡¯t admire him any less for being friends with an arrogant bully but still having such a wonderful personality.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I smiled mildly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know. Look,¡± he sighed, touching a hand to his neck. ¡°I just wanted to apologize on behalf of Jason. What he did was wrong, so wrong, I admit. And I¡¯m sorry that he did that. Hell, I can¡¯t even believe he did it, but Jason can be too much. Sometimes. I mean, he¡¯s angry and stuff, although that doesn¡¯t make it right to bully others, but, deep down, he¡¯s really a nice guy. He just has to ovee all that anger. And hate.¡±


    Sometimes? Jason can be too much sometimes? Jason was always too much! And I understood Adrian trying to paint Jason in a new, better light, after all they were friends, but Jason was well aware of his actions while carrying them out. No way in hell was I ever going to pity him for his unstable family situation or fall for him again, for his lies and deceit. Hell would freeze over before that ever happened.


    ¡°So, all I¡¯m saying is, don¡¯t take it too personal. Don¡¯t hate him. He¡¯s going through a hard time,¡± Adrian concluded.


    ¡°And I¡¯m not?¡± I looked up at him. ¡°Jason¡¯s going through a hard time, and I¡¯m not? Three years ago I lost my parents. Watched through the window of the hospital door as they struggled for their lives but eventually gave up. Watched them die, right before me, but you don¡¯t see me venting my anger on anyone. Why does Jason get to have a pass? And why does it have to be me?¡±


    ¡°I heard about your parents,¡± Adrian said, after a short while of silence. ¡°I mean it¡¯s a kinda small town, so I did, and I¡¯m sorry about what happened, but that wasn¡¯t what I meant.¡±


    Then what exactly did you mean?


    In order not to drag the conversation too far, seeing as it was already pissing me off, because clearly, Adrian had no idea about the other stuff Jason had been doing to me, I said, ¡°OK, I get you now. Thanks for your concern, once again, but I gotta be at the library.¡±


    Turning away from him, I took a step towards leaving when he held my arm.


    ¡°Hey, wait a minute,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I upset you.¡±


    I looked at him. ¡°No. You didn¡¯t.¡±


    He dropped my arm then. ¡°Sorry once again, about Jason.¡±


    I offered him a brief smile. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    And then I turned and left, heading down to the library to finish up my assignment before going home.


    Just as I got to the base of the staircase, someone grabbed me roughly by the arm and yanked me to the side before shoving me into the janitor¡¯s closet at the corner of the stairs, shutting the door behind him with a subtle click.


    Scared out of my mind and unable to see in the dark room, I groped around for a couple of seconds, my lips trembling, until I found the light switch. Without hesitation, I flipped it on.


    Right before me, standing with his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans, his face in a hard frown, was Jason.


    My heart skipped not one but two beats, palms suddenly going sweaty.


    Yes, I was scared of Jason. I mean, it was one thing to stand up to him, and be ready to do it again, but to be in a confined space with him alone? With no one else around? It went without saying that I was frightened. His presence, especially when angry, which was almost always, was intimidating. It freaked the shit out of me.


    I quickly covered up my fear, locking eyes with him and holding my head up high. It¡¯ll only fuel his ego if he notices any sign of fear.


    ¡°What did you think?¡± He cocked an eyebrow, the shadow cast on his face by the single, overhead bulb giving his face a sinister look. ¡°That you could punch me, humiliate me in front of not just my coach and mentor but my team too and get away with it?¡±


    ¡°You started it when you lied to me, got me drunk, made that video and posted it, thereby humiliating me too. So, I guess we¡¯re even now,¡± I said in a steady, calm voice.


    The next sound that came from him was a low rumble in his throat. Laughter. ¡°We¡¯re even? Oh, yes we are, actually. But I¡¯m about to change that, Amelia. Just a few adjustments here and there.¡±


    In a sh, he crossed over to me at the end of the room, grabbed the cor of my shirt and shoved me backward into the wall. My back hit the wall hard, sending a pounding sensation up my head. I winced at the sudden throb in my head.


    As if pushing me was not enough, Jason reached out and held my jaw, so tight his fingernails dug into the skin of my face. I grabbed his hand, trying to push it off but his grip was strong.


    ¡°Let me go,¡± I said, my voiceing out muffled.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re so badass now, huh?¡± He stared at me. ¡°You think now you can stand up to me?¡±


    Pushing my face to the side, he dropped his hand.


    ¡°Psyche! You¡¯re not. You¡¯re just a worthless piece of ugly trash,¡± he spat. ¡°No one wants you, midget. No one ever would. Hell, even your own parents couldn¡¯t stand you so they fucking died on you. Your grandma got so bored of your senseless babble she got deaf on you. And Adrian who you think is being nice to you actually just pities you.


    ¡°You¡¯re pathetic, Amelia. Useless and unworthy of love. You don¡¯t deserve any of it and that¡¯s why all you ever get is hate, hate and more hate. Why do you think no one talks to you? Why do you think you have no friends? Fuck, don¡¯t you get it? No one fucking cares to associate with someone as unlucky as you, so go jump off a bridge or something. Just put yourself out of your goddamn misery already. Save some of us the stress of having to see you every day.¡±


    With every hateful word Jason spoke, every spiteful sentence he made, my resolve deted, getting smaller and smaller until it was nothing but a speck. I recoiled into the wall, my hands to my ears, trying to ward off the voices telling me he was right. Adrian did only pitied me. Who was I to think he felt any other thing but pity for me. And he was right about my parents. I¡¯m pretty sure mom got tired of the fights we always had.


    ¡°So, next time you go feeling important, do well to remember all I just told you,¡± Jason continued. ¡°Just to recap them. You¡¯re worthless, useless, pathetic and unwanted, Amelia. Always remember that. No one cares for you and no one ever will, especially now they¡¯ve seen your true colors. You¡¯re nothing but a slut. A hypocritical one at that.¡±


    ¡°Please, stop,¡± I whispered, tears already streaming down my cheeks. ¡°Please.¡±


    ¡°Why, midget?¡± Jason sneered. ¡°Can¡¯t ept the fact that I¡¯m right? That your daddy and mommy left you because they couldn¡¯t stand you? That your parents are murderers who snatched my mom from me?¡±


    Shutting my eyes tight, I tried to block out his words.


    ¡°Go away. Go away. Go away,¡± I muttered over and over, my hands pressing hard against my ears.


    ¡°That¡¯ll teach you,¡± I heard Jason say, as he stepped back from me.


    ¡°Lower your hands,¡± he ordered.


    For a minute, I did nothing of that sort, still shaken by his words, until he yelled, ¡°I said, lower your fucking hands!¡±


    A yelp escaping my lips, I did as he said.


    ¡°Now wipe your tears,¡± he said.


    Slowly, I wiped away the tears on my face.


    ¡°Look at me.¡±


    I did as he said.


    ¡°Good. Now that stupid move you pulled yesterday should never ever repeat itself again. Is that clear?¡±


    I nodded, his words still echoing in my head.


    I was worthless. Useless and dumb. And it was true. I really was all that and more. Or else I wouldn¡¯t have fallen so easily for Jason¡¯s prank.


    ¡°And you continue to do my homework everyday after school in the library, starting from when I resume practice. Speaking of practice, that apology letter, you¡¯re gonna write yourself.¡±


    On hearing hisst statement, I looked at him.


    ¡°Yeah, you heard me. You¡¯re going to write my apology letter and hand it to me by Thursday for proofreading. You got that?¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what to say. My mind was cold and numb.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you did. Oh, that¡¯s right, you do know there¡¯s a testing up tomorrow. Physics, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Chemistry,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Yeah, Chemistry. And what are you supposed to do?¡±


    ¡°Read for both of us.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°I¡¯m d you remember all these. It¡¯d have cost you extra if I had to start listing them off once again. But there is one more added to the list. Stay the fuck away from Adrian. Give him negative vibes so heys off. Did you get that, Amelia?¡±


    I nodded, my eyes cast to my old shoes.


    ¡°Do I have to list them off for you again?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I murmured.


    ¡°Good.¡± He tossed something at me. It hit my chest and fell at my feet.


    Stooping, I picked it up. It was his homework.


    ¡°Bring that in first thing tomorrow morning. If I have to remind you, it won¡¯t be an easy reminder.¡±


    He stepped to the side then, leaning the path to the door open. ¡°Believing you¡¯ve heard all I said, you can get out. Leave.¡±


    Holding his homework in my hand, my self esteem sitting alone in a dark corner, I trudged past him over to the door, grabbed its handle, twisted and pulled. Then I stepped out, back into the outside world full of people that didn¡¯t give a damn if I lived or died.

 Bad day, I guess

    Jason Davenport


    ¡°Dear Amelia. An apology letter written on behalf of my offenses. Please ept my sincere apologies for the scandal created in your name, solely caused by me. I eptplete responsibility for my actions and shorings and the inconveniences it has caused you by far. I am truly sorry for them andpletely understand your disappointment in me.


    ¡°I cannot defend my actions, and if I could reverse them, I would, but I can not. However, I can personally assure you that no such mistake would be made in my name again. Once again, please ept my sincerest apologies. Sincerely, Jason Davenport.¡±


    At thest word, I heaved a ¡°remorseful¡± sigh and looked up with hope in my eyes, folding the letter in my hands. The crowd of students was in a mild disarray from the letter I¡¯d just read, clearly the ones doing the forgiving for Amelia, who on the other hand, sat at a corner of the bleachers, somewhat isted from the others, her head hung low and her hands folded on herp.


    My words from Tuesday still had an effect on her. Seeing that alone brought a queer satisfaction to me. At least now I was assured that next time, she wouldn¡¯t go messing around.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    The moment I made to look away from her, she raised her head, slowly, and her gaze fell on me. There were tears in her eyes, a few having gone down her cheeks already.


    ¡°You did an excellent job on the letter,¡± I mouthed with a smile before looking away from her and descending the podium.


    I walked over to Coach Hens sitting at a corner with principal Jenkins and handed him the letter. Then I handed its duplicate to principal Jenkins.


    ¡°I hope what you did never repeats itself again,¡± Coach Hens said sternly as he took the letter from me.


    ¡°If it does, you will lose your football schrship, so be very careful Jason,¡± principal Jenkins added.


    ¡°I understand,¡± I nodded somberly.


    I didn¡¯t need a schrship. My dad could pay for it. But I had one already anyway and losing it was the least thing on my mind, especially if I was losing it because of Amelia.


    Speaking of which, I was really impressed by the apology letter she¡¯d given to me after school yesterday. So heartfelt. Touchy. Just the right amount of pity-inducing words. Apparently, she¡¯d done her homework well. Yeah, there were a few ces she needed to adjust, but in general, the letter was great.


    I looked over at her once more. Her friend, I guess, the one that¡¯d also stood up to me in the field, was beside her, his arm around her while she wiped her face.


    Rolling my eyes, I looked away. She was such a crybaby. Crybabies pissed me off real bad. But then again, what else could she do but cry. After all, that was the only thing weaklings were good at.


    ¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã


    ¡°Today feels like a great day, don¡¯t you think so, people?¡± Mrs Sandra, our Biology teacher remarked, her brown eyes roving around the ss, with a smile on her lips. ¡°I mean, Friday always feels like a great day, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    The reply from the members of the ss didn¡¯t exactly reflect her odd enthusiasm. Matter of fact, everyone seemed bored, some slouched over their desks, others reclining into the chairs, arms crossed. I fell into thetter category while Amelia, who I had Biology with every Friday, fell into none.


    She sat at the front, just beside the window, which I found a great distraction seeing as almost every minute she was looking out through it, like she was doing now. But then, what did I care? As long as she aced her grades and mine, she might as well learn from the outside of the ssroom for all I cared.


    ¡°Well, if it doesn¡¯t feel like one to you, it does so to me,¡± Mrs Sandra smiled. ¡°Which is why, today, I¡¯ll be pairing each and everyone of you with someone for the uing Biology project, which, of course, you¡¯ll be told about at the end of the ss.¡±


    At this particr statement, the ss let   out a loud groan of disagreement.


    ¡°But we¡¯ve already had like two projects  now,¡± someone from the ss said.


    ¡°Which is why you¡¯re seniors, Aliyah. More projects will keep rolling in in order to prepare you for the bigger picture ahead. College. So quit whining and prep yourselves to receive your partners.¡±


    I cast a nce toward Amelia, just to see her reaction. She seemed unfazed. Inattentive even, still staring out the window. If that girl fails one darned test because of herck of attention, I swear she¡¯s gonna leave that seat.


    Just so I don¡¯t get upset, I looked away from her.


    ¡°Now, here¡¯s how we¡¯ll do this pairing,¡± Mrs Sandra continued, walking back to her table. She picked up a sheet before turning back to the ss and leaning against her desk.


    ¡°I call your name and youe up here and pick out a female name from the, well, ballot papers on the table, as you can see. This sheet I¡¯m holding now bears only male names, as I¡¯m trying to make this a mixed pairing. Luckily, you all happen to have partners of the opposite gender. No one is left out, so do not fret.¡±


    Still, the ss fretted. No one was interested in doing any project-me most of all-, or in being put in any such pairs.


    ¡°Mind you, no amount of wailing can reverse your being paired,¡± Mrs Sandra waved and then looked back at the sheet in her hands. ¡°Here we go. The first one of you is, in no special order, Aaron Mcdonald.¡±


    A ginger haired guy at the middle row stood up and trudged over to Mrs Sandra¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Pick a paper.¡± Mrs Sandra told him.


    He picked up a folded paper amongst the rest and turned to the ss.


    Unfolding it, he looked up from his hand and said, ¡°Yvonne Mayweather.¡±


    The ss let out a whoop and a cheer, as if the two of them were bing a couple or something.


    ¡°Great!¡± Mrs Sandra smiled, writing down Yvonne¡¯s name beside his.


    ¡°Next, Grant Edwards,¡± she called.


    Grant was dark haired and a member of thecrosse team. That much I knew about him. He stood up from his seat in the second row and walked over to the front of the ss.


    Picking up a paper, he unfolded it, hesitated for a moment before looking up. ¡°Uh, Tracy Anton?¡±


    I almostughed at his expression. He clearly didn¡¯t know who he was being paired with. Tracy might as well be a ghost for all he knew.


    ¡°That¡¯s me!¡± A girl with dark hair like his raised her hand at the back of the ss.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he said, then raised his hand in a thumbs up, dropping the paper back onto the desk.


    ¡°Going forward,¡± Mrs Sandra continued. ¡°Jason Davenport.¡±


    I blinked, having been taken by surprise. Too soon?


    Slowly, I stood up and walked to the front of the ss.


    ¡°Pick a paper.¡± Mrs Sandra smiled at me.


    Looking away from her, I scanned the group of folded papers for a second then reached forward and picked up one from the middle.


    I turned back to the ss and began unfolding it until I¡¯dpletely done so.


    At the name on the paper, a smile stretched across my lips. Well, what did we have here?


    ¡°Well?¡± Mrs Sandra asked.


    I looked up from the letter then, my eyes on the ss.


    With a smile, a rather satisfied one, I said, ¡°Amelia Forbes.¡±


    The ss erupted in an outburst of cheers, whoops and asional ¡®aw¡¯s¡¯.


    Only when I called her name did Amelia look away from the window, her eyes wide, mouth hung open.


    Ah, the desired reaction.


    Turning back, I dropped the paper on Mrs Sandra¡¯s desk and walked back to my seat. Then I looked at Amelia. She was still staring at the now empty space in which I once stood, apparently still in shock.


    I chuckled. I guess we were just meant to be together. There was no avoiding me, and vice versa. Either way, I was d. Now I didn¡¯t have to do anything at all. All that was left to do was wait for the project and then watch Amelia do all the work.


    Perfect.


    ¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã


    ¡°Don¡¯t you find it such a coincidence that you got paired with Amelia today for the Biology project?¡± Noah, who I also had Biology with,mented, picking out a fry from Kelly¡¯s full tray beside his.


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Kimberly, who happened to be eating with us today, started from Noah to me and back to Noah. ¡°You got paired with Amelia?¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± I muttered, taking up my apple and leaning back into my seat before having a bite.


    ¡°I mean it¡¯s weird,¡± I shrugged, swallowing the bite in my mouth. ¡°There was no cheating, all the papers were neatly folded. And Mrs Sandra hadn¡¯t assigned partners. We had to choose our partners, and I picked up a paper from the rest and it turned out to be  her.¡±


    ¡°Bummer,¡± Kimberly said.


    ¡°Nah, not really. At least I don¡¯t get to do any of the work.¡±


    ¡°Speak of the devil,¡± Frank, another one of my friends muttered, looking straight ahead. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Amelia? Coming up to us?¡±


    I looked up from the apple in my hand, my gaze following Frank¡¯s line of sight to fall on Amelia walking up to us, like he said, her head up but eyes red rimmed.


    Had she been crying? I scoffed. So what if she¡¯d been? It wasn¡¯t like I gave a damn.


    Finally, she got to our table, lowering her eyes on approaching us.


    ¡°Well, look who¡¯s here,¡± Kimberly piped up. ¡°Just in time. Care to join us in our conversation, Amelia?¡±


    Ignoring Kimberly¡¯sment, she looked up then, g?ey eyes falling on me.


    ¡°Can youe with me?¡± She asked in a low voice.


    I cocked an eyebrow. ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Frank chuckled. ¡°Another makeout sesh.¡±


    ¡°Please, Jason. Come with me. Mrs Sandra wants to see you,¡± Amelia said.


    ¡°And what if I decline?¡± I crossed my arms.


    ¡°She said to bring you now.¡±


    ¡°Just go, man,¡± Noah nudged me. ¡°It¡¯s a teacher.¡±


    Sighing, I dropped my apple on the table and stood up.


    I was going to go anyway. I was just pulling Amelia¡¯s legs.


    Turning away from the table, she began walking away, her steps somewhere in the middle of quick and slow.


    ¡°Walk faster or get out of my way,¡± I told her. ¡°Quit acting like your grandma died or something.¡±


    At my words, her steps quickened until we walked out of the cafeteria. It might be good to mention here the awkward stares we¡¯d received as we walked past the rows of tables cramped with hungry students.


    The moment we stepped out of the cafeteria, Amelia stopped abruptly, so I almost bumped into her, and turned to face me.


    ¡°I have a favor to ask,¡± she said, staring up at me.


    My eyebrows shot up. ¡°You have to be kidding me,¡± I scoffed.


    ¡°Please, Jason.¡± She reached out and ced her hand on my right bicep.


    At that, my eyebrows bunched together, eyes lowering to her hand on my arm.


    ¡°Please,¡± she repeated.


    ¡°Can you not touch me?¡± I stared at her.


    As if realizing what she¡¯d just done, she took her hand off my arm at once as though my arm was burning coal.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She looked away from me.


    Crossing my arms, I fixed my gaze on her. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    She looked back at me then. ¡°When Mrs Sandra asks if you want to be my partner, please say no.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I raised my eyebrows, a smile spreading across. ¡°Is that what this is about? Youined about me being your partner.¡±


    ¡°I had to,¡± she said. ¡°Just, please, do what I asked. Please.¡±


    ¡°Not like I want to be your partner either,¡± I said. ¡°Whatever.¡±


    ¡°For real?¡± She stared at me, a new light in her eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just get this over with,¡± I muttered, turning away from her just in time to hide the smirk that spread across my lips.


    No way in hell was I agreeing to that. Amelia would be stupid to think I¡¯d agree to that.


    Eventually, we got to Mrs Sandra¡¯s ss and met her sitting at her table, her reading sses on.


    ¡°Ah, Jason,¡± she beamed, taking off her sses.


    ¡°Mrs Sandra,¡± I nodded.


    ¡°Amelia brought aint to me that she doesn¡¯t want to be partners with you. That, matter of fact, you both don¡¯t want to be partners. Is that the same way you feel, Jason?¡±


    I frowned. ¡°No. No, Mrs Sandra.  Actually I really like Amelia as a partner and want to be partners with her.¡±


    Amelia gasped. ¡°Jason, no, stop it, please.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure, Jason?¡± Mrs Sandra stared at me. ¡°Because that¡¯s not the way Amelia made it seem.¡±


    ¡°A hundred percent, Mrs Sandra.¡± I told her.


    Mrs Sandra then looked at Amelia, who had a broken, hurtful expression on her face.


    ¡°Then why did you tell me all that, Amelia?¡±


    Without a word, Amelia turned away from Mrs Sandra and fled from the ssroom, hitting my shoulder as she went.


    Mrs Sandra¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°What in the world is wrong with her?¡±


    ¡°I dunno,¡± I shrugged with a smile. ¡°Bad day, I guess.¡±

 You suck

    Amelia Forbes


    182 days left, I reminded myself, simultaneously trying to calm my breathing. Realizing I was griping at my newly changed bedsheets, I slowly released my fingers.


    I wiped the furious tears that had started to form in my eyes, watching a single tear fall and sink gracefully on the fresh sheets.


    ¡°Why do I keep falling for Jason¡¯s pranks?¡± I queried myself aloud.


    By now I should be used to this. To everything. Used to him pulling my legs and making fun of me, used to hearing how worthless I truly was.


    Then why?


    Why do I keep believing every darn word thates out of his mouth? Was I really that stupid to think that he would tell Mrs Sandra he didn¡¯t want to be partnered with me?


    Of course he wouldn¡¯t.


    It was a great opportunity for him to keep making my life a living hell-not that he wasn¡¯t doing that already-so why not?


    Right?


    I guess I really was stupid like he always said.


    Swallowing with difficulty, I trudged down the stairs and into the kitchen to meet Nana sitting at her usual knitting spot.


    She looked up as I walked in, her white eyebrows puckered in a frown. She dropped the cardigan she was knitting and observed me.


    Gesturing in signnguage she asked, what¡¯s wrong?


    I cocked an eyebrow in surprise.


    How could she tell?


    Yes I can tell, silly, she said smiling. You¡¯re my baby girl.


    Smiling again, she asked. Now what¡¯s wrong?


    Defeatedly, I slumped into one of the kitchen chairs and buried my head in my hands.


    I was paired with Jason for a Biology project, I signed.


    Thinking about it brought a fresh wave of subdued pain.


    My n from the very beginning was to focus on my studies and pass good enough to get a schrship. How would that work when I was partnered with Jason Shitface Asshat Davenport.


    Nana frowned. Him again? Can¡¯t you request for a different partner, maybe put in aint


    My head shot up in rm. That was literally begging for it. It would be a disaster.


    I signed quickly, No Nana, I can¡¯t do that. I tried, desperately trying to wave her attention away from the idea.


    Thest thing I needed right now was another episode with Jason.


    Seeing she wasn¡¯t convinced I tried again. It¡¯s no big deal, just a tad annoying. I¡¯ll deal with it don¡¯t worry.


    Smiling for effect, I walked up to her squeezing her in a tight hug. Rx, Nana, it¡¯s fine.


    Promise me you¡¯ll be okay, she signed, doubt still lurking in her eyes.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I nodded.


    Sumbing, she returned my hug, patting my back lightly.


    Forcing a smile I asked, So. . . what¡¯s for dinner?


    Her features rxed as she smiled. It¡¯s a surprise.


    Iughed lightly. I¡¯m prepared to be wowed, I signed as I walked up the stairs back to my room.


    I ignored the lump in my throat and repeated my mantra in my head. You¡¯re okay. You¡¯re. . . just fine. You¡¯re doing great.


    All I had to do was get through the project and count down the days. Seeing as I would be doing all the work-obviously, the great Jason Davenport would never lift a finger to help-I would make sure to round up as soon as possible and get it over with.


    Just 182 days left.


    Jason Davenport


    I took a long hard drag at my cigarette as I sat in therge beanbag chair right beside the window in my room-to ward off the smoke in case dad got home from work early-watching dad¡¯s gold digging third wife strike pose after pose as her personal photographer took shots of her bathed in the sun.


    I hissed in contempt as she shouted orders from the reclining chair shey in, pausing asionally to apply some more oil to her skin.


    Fake bitch.


    If dad wasn¡¯t so fucking blind he¡¯d see that his beloved Ashley was nothing but a whore out to get his money.


    I was starting to get pissed now. If only mom was alive. . .


    Taking a sharp drag of my cigarette I raked my fingers through my hair. Everything always boiled down to Amanda fucking Forbes. Everything was her fault.


    My frown deepened, hate coursing through me.


    Hissing, I flung the remaining of the stubbed cigarette out the window and plunked down heavily on my bed.


    As I whipped out my phone-nning to call Adrian over for a video game-I noticed two notifications; one from Kimberly and another from. . . Amelia?


    What the fuck was she texting me for? So she¡¯s bold enough to text me now?


    I hissed. Guess I¡¯ll have to correct that impression. Can¡¯t have her feeling bold enough to do that now can we?


    Not bothering to go through it, I tapped on Kim¡¯s message instead.


    A sharp breath escaped my lips.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    A short video of Kimberly in nothing but a sexy red G-string, twerking her thick well-oiled ass, cheeks pping against each other, increasing the tempo from fast to slow.


    My lips fell open, stimted by the pping that sounded like two people fucking. asionally she would slide a finger in her clit, moaning deliciously every time she touched the right spot.


    Unintentionally I let out a moan, feeling my already hard cock struggling to break free from my pants.


    Scrolling, I paused as the next video came into view.


    Her round nipple stood hard, firm and red and she pped her boobs repeatedly, teasing, squeezing, jerking.


    My cock throbbed, pushing harder against the thick fabric.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    I dialed her number. She picked on the first ring.


    ¡°Did you like my little. . . gift?¡± She breathed from the phone.


    My breathing was ragged. ¡°Be here in 10 minutes.¡±


    ¡°On my way.¡±


    Some minutester she walked in. I scanned her slowly. She was dressed in a pink jumpsuit, so thin her taut nipples looked like they would pierce through them.


    ¡°So?¡± She asked seductively.


    I smirked. ¡°You look alright.¡±


    ¡°Alright?¡± She raised an eyebrow, rolling her eyes.


    I shrugged, not letting her see the effect that jumpsuit was having on me.


    I grabbed her butt, squeezing it a little. ¡°Clothes off, Kim,¡± I said huskily.


    She rolled her eyes again, unzipping the jumpsuit from the front and letting her boobs fall free.


    She smirked, falling to the bed and propping her knees in her favourite position.


    I grinned, pping her butt and leaning in to kiss her. ¡°You just know how to satisfy me don¡¯t you?¡±


    Without waiting for a reply I savagely tore my shirt off while Kimberly fumbled with my zipper.


    I moaned in pleasure as she grabbed my pulsating cock and thrust it between her lips. As she made a fist round it and began to stroke, my bedroom door burst open.


    Kimberly let out a yelp and tried to cover herself up as Dad walked in bristling mad.


    ¡°What the hell is going on here, boy!¡± His strong voice echoed through the room.


    I quickly zipped up my jeans.


    ¡°Dad I can-¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth and answer the question!¡±


    Shooting Kimberly a death re he fired, ¡°Grab everything that belongs to you this instant and get the hell out of my house!¡±


    Dad¡¯s hand trembled in anger and he returned his attention to me. ¡°I can see that you think that you¡¯re some sort of big shot now. You think you can misbehave and do whatever the hell you feel like?¡± His nose red in rage.


    ¡°Not in this house, boy!¡±


    ¡°Dad she¡¯s here because we have homework together-¡±


    ¡°Homework?¡± Like thest time?!¡± He boomed. ¡°Yes I saw you two thest time. Homework my foot!¡±


    Turning to Kimberly he said, ¡°What are you still doing here?¡±


    Kimberly shot me a bitter look before grabbing her purse and speeding out the door.


    ¡°And if I ever, ever, see you here again, I¡¯ll break both your legs!¡±


    ¡°And as for you,¡± He turned to me. ¡°I¡¯m cutting off your allowance for 6 months. No phone, noputer, no video games-¡±


    My eyebrows shot up in disbelief.


    ¡°Dad-¡±


    ¡°-if you need to make a call you can use thendline. I¡¯m seizing your car and all your gadgets and cutting off all your activities-¡±


    Angry now, I screamed, ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡±


    ¡°-except ser. And that¡¯s final!


    With that he spun round and walked out, banging the door loudly.


    I cursed loudly. What was I supposed to do grounded? I¡¯d lose my fucking mind.


    Groaning in frustration, I knocked down the ss vase on my bedside table and buried my head in my pillow.

 Why mad?

    Jason Davenport


    I woke up angry. Reaching for my phone to see what time I was, I remembered I didn¡¯t have one anymore.


    Just great.


    Dad had finally found a way to take my life away from me. Maybe now he¡¯d have the chance to enjoy life with his fucking underage mistress.


    I¡¯m sure Ashley would love that.


    A knock interrupted my thoughts, irritating me further.


    ¡°Who the fuck is that?¡± I barked.


    One of the many servants who worked for us walked briskly inside, leaving the door half closed.


    ¡°Mr Davenport demands that youe down for dinner.¡± He said curtly.


    ¡°Tell him to go fuck himself,¡± I snarled.


    He made no sign to show he heard me. Instead he only said, ¡°Mr Davenport insists.¡±


    I¡¯ve never wanted so desperately to smash someone¡¯s head against the wall-well, except Amelia-as I did at that moment.


    I contemted on punching him, maybe take out some teeth, as I clenched my fists. But I knew there would be consequences.


    ¡°Get out,¡± I barked.


    After a moment I added gruffly, ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a moment.¡±


    The servant gave a short stiff bow and walked out the door.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Going towards my closet, I grabbed the first shirt my fingers touched and pulled it on. I raked a finger through my messy hair.


    Not like I give a fuck if I look presentable or not.


    Trudging down the stairs and into the dining room, the scent of potatoes and fried chicken wafted in the air, making my stomach rumble.


    I hadn¡¯t realized I was hungry.


    The sight of Dad and Ashley exchanging mouth fluids in a heated kiss nearly made me lose my appetite.


    I coughed loudly and plopped down on the nearest chair.


    Dad looked up, face flushed. ¡°Ah, Jason, you¡¯re here. We can start dinner now.¡±


    Scoffing, I grabbed a drumstick and bit generously into it.


    No way was I talking to him after that shit that happened. If he thought we were cool then he had another thinging.


    ¡°Hi, Jace,¡± Ashley piped up. The sound of her obviously fake ent was enough to tick me off.


    ¡°For thest time, it¡¯s Jason,¡± I said angrily.


    ¡°Jason, don¡¯t start,¡± Dadmanded.


    Biting down hard on my lips to keep myself from retorting, I concentrated on my pudding instead.


    After a few moments of silence, with only the annoying sound of spoons hitting against tes, Dad spoke again.


    ¡°So. . . Jason, your mother came to speak to me on your behalf regarding the ruckus you caused this afternoon,¡± He said, biting into a piece of celery. Pausing, he looked at his wife. ¡°Ashley?¡±


    I tried not to scowl at him using the word ¡®mother¡¯.


    Ashley wiped her lips with a napkin and put on one of her stic smiles.


    ¡°Yes, Jace. I must say I¡¯m truly disappointed in you-¡±


    ¡°Am I supposed to give a fuck about that?¡± I cut in.


    I was starting to get pissed. Who the fuck did this bitch think she was acting like my mother.


    She frowned, ncing at Dad. ¡°Babe I¡¯m trying to be supportive here aren¡¯t I?¡± She pouted.


    Disgust ran through me.


    ¡°Can you drop the act, Ashley?¡± I said, pissed.


    ¡°Jason!¡± Dad warned.


    ¡°But dad, can¡¯t you see-¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth, boy!¡± He bristled.


    ¡°Now. You will sit quietly, finish your dinner and treat your mother with the respect she well deserves.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s. Not. My. Mom.¡± I spoke through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Is that clear?¡±


    I exhaled furiously for a few moments. Seeing Ashley smile through the corner of my eye didn¡¯t help either.


    ¡°Yes dad.¡± I said bitterly.


    Dad smiled and reached for Ashley¡¯s hand across the table. ¡°Baby, you were saying?¡±


    I almost gagged at the pet name.


    ¡°As I was saying,¡± Ashley continued, smiling brightly.


    ¡°I am disappointed in you Jace. I expected better.¡±


    If she wasn¡¯t dad¡¯s wife I would¡¯ve smacked her across the face. Instead I stuffed more chicken in my mouth.


    ¡°But. . .¡± She continued, ¡°I think the punishment is a little bit severe. So. . . I convinced your dad to let you have your phone back at least.¡±


    I huffed, acting like I wasn¡¯t interested. Getting my phone back would be a huge relief.


    I looked at Dad without saying a word.


    ¡°Yes,¡± He confirmed.


    I managed to mutter a ¡®thanks¡¯ in reply.


    ¡°Good. Now finish your dinner,¡± Dad said and plunged into an animated convo with Ashley.


    I held back a scowl and stabbed my fork into my potato sd.


    Amelia Forbes


    My mind wandered as I scrolled through Instagram. It had been hours since I¡¯d texted Jason, asking when he was free to start the project.


    I was hellbent on plunging quickly into the project. I had even started the work already-not like that would be a problem, because I would be doing all the work already.


    Did he really have to make everything hard for me? What¡¯s the big deal in replying a text?


    Gulping, I tried to stop thinking of the very obvious fact that I was in trouble.


    I wasn¡¯t supposed to contact him unless he contacted me. He¡¯d probably think I was feeling spiteful all of a sudden.


    But what was I supposed to do? It¡¯s not like he was going to reach out. I mean, God forbid the untouchable Jason sends me a text.


    I sighed.


    With Jason Shitface Asshat Davenport you could never win.


    Sighing again, I continued scrolling through my phone. I stopped as I came across a photo of Kimberly in a matching red bikini, uploaded hours ago.


    My eyes widened and I almost dropped my phone.


    The bikini was. . . well, revealing, to say the least.


    And as much as I wanted to slut shame her, I desisted from such.


    But I couldn¡¯t deny the fact that she was gorgeous; from her tiny waist down to her bellybutton, which was adorned by a tiny piece of jewelry.


    Ugh. Weren¡¯t those painful to get?


    Taking my mind away from Kimberly¡¯s piercing I scrolled down to see the reactions to the post.


    There were likes and worshipfulments from a bunch of our ssmates.


    I rolled my eyes.


    A like from Jason.


    Duh. No surprise there.


    And one from. . . Adrian?


    I felt something stab into my chest.


    He didn¡¯tment, he just liked the post.


    But why did it hurt so much?


    Adrian was sweet and kind and easygoing-the only person at school that seemed to really care. Perfect guys like that shouldn¡¯t like posts of girls like Kimberly.


    Wait, what? Did I just call him perfect?


    Where did thate from?


    Groaning, I shook my head hard. As if that would take the image of Adrian¡¯s very nice ass out of my head.


    ¡°Oh God, Mel. Take a chill pill,¡± I pped my forehead.


    Scrolling back up to Kimberly¡¯s photo-I almost felt like she could see right through me,ughing at me, nning a stupid new prank to y on me-her stare pierced through me, and I wished with all my heart that she would forget about my existence and stop trying to make my life hell, every single time.


    I scoffed. Like that would ever happen. It was probably the best part of her day.


    Sighing, I exited the Instagram app just as a notification from Jason popped up.

 F**king midget!

    Jason Davenport


    Iy on my bed feeling full, and grateful that I had my phone back.


    That bitch Ashley had been useful for once. That doesn¡¯t mean we were buddies now.


    I scoffed.


    If this was her way of trying to get me to warm up to her, then she was in for a hell of a surprise.


    Dad was obviously whipped. He was so wrong if he thought any of these sleazy women he kept tying the knot with were ever, ever going to be good enough to rece Mom.


    And now he obviously believed Ashley was doing well as a sweet, considerate mother.


    Bullshit.


    He had decided that he was going to be blind to the whore¡¯s tactics.


    Hissing, I swiped my hand over my hair.


    It would eventually bite him in the ass, I decided.


    Whipping out my phone from my jeans pocket, I tapped on the Instagram app and went straight to my dms.


    Messages from a bunch of people asking if I was down to hang out.


    I hissed. Well, I can¡¯t now can I?


    Thanks Dad.


    Angrily, I scrolled down quicker until a dm from Amelia came into view.


    Of course. I¡¯d forgotten that the bitch had the guts to message me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach her to message me,¡± I said aloud as I tapped on the chat.


    ¡®When will you be avable to start working on the project?¡¯ That¡¯s what the message said.


    I frowned.


    Stupid nerd. Of course she couldn¡¯t wait to start working. That¡¯s all she knew, after all.


    ¡®I know you didn¡¯t just message me, bitch¡¯, I typed and pressed send.


    I frowned after a few minutes had passed and she still hadn¡¯t responded.


    I could see she was online, so why wasn¡¯t she replying.


    Oh, this bitch was gonna get it tomorrow, I thought, shaking my head.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    So she was brave enough now to message me and still replyte to my messages?


    Angrily, I shook my head, about to exit the app, when I received a new message from her.


    ¡®It was the only way to reach you,¡¯ she replied.


    I hissed.


    ¡®I can see you¡¯re feeling all important now, midget,¡¯ I typed.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, Jason, but I didn¡¯t know how else to reach you,¡¯ she responded.


    ¡®Shut your fucking mouth, bitch.¡¯


    I was getting pissed now.


    ¡®Meet me in the library after school tomorrow,¡¯ I said.


    ¡®Ok,¡¯ She replied simply.


    Scowling, I exited her DM and searched for Adrian¡¯s DM. Finding it, I texted, ¡®Issues came up with dad. Wanna hang out after school tomorrow?¡¯


    After a few minutes he replied, ¡®But we don¡¯t have practice tomorrow.¡¯


    I rolled my eyes.


    ¡®Yes I¡¯ll tell dad we do so we can hang out,¡¯ I replied.


    ¡®Sure.¡¯


    As soon as he replied, the green dot that showed he was online disappeared.


    I raked my fingers through my hair. The following months were going to be the worst in my entire life.


    A notification popped up, showing that Amelia had sent a new message.


    Wow, this bitch was really on a roll today wasn¡¯t she? What the fuck did she want now, I wondered.


    Amelia Forbes


    My palms were sweaty as I dared to send Jason another message.


    It had caught me a little by surprise when he replied my first message. I hadn¡¯t expected him to.


    In surprise, I had hesitated for some minutes before replying the message.


    As usual, he had started the ¡®conversation¡¯ with an insult and ordered me to meet him in the library tomorrow.


    I knew I was in trouble, and that texting him again would only put make my punishment worse. But he hadn¡¯t answered me properly yet.


    I needed to know where we would be meeting for the project so I could fix my ns and schedule properly.


    If he decided he didn¡¯t feel like it, and ordered me toplete the project on my own, that would even be better.


    I would concentrate and finish the project before the week runs out, and everything would be just fine.


    I silently prayed everything would work out.


    Hands trembling, I typed, ¡®When and where do we start the project?¡¯


    I read it again, hoping it sounded polite, then pressed send.


    My heart skipped a beat as it showed that he had read the message.


    I knew it¡¯d be hell at school tomorrow but I just wanted to get it over with.


    ¡®At my house, of course. You¡¯re being extra dumb today, bitch,¡¯ He replied.


    The pain I felt from the insult was dulled by the sudden rm I felt.


    His house?


    No way.


    Jason already had a pure burning hatred for me. He could poison me for all I knew.


    Not like anyone would notice I was gone though.


    I mentally cursed, wondering why I had to be paired with Jason of all people?


    Shaking my head, I replied, ¡®I was thinking school instead. . . maybe the library?¡¯


    Knowing he would see me giving a suggestion as a bold move, I tugged on the end of my shirt and awaited his reply.


    Jason Davenport


    I cocked an eyebrow as I read Amelia¡¯s message.


    ¡®Why would I want to stay in school for two hours extra except for practice,¡¯ I typed.


    I could tell she was struggling to text back, trying to beat the fear.


    I can¡¯t have that now. She was supposed to fear me.


    Fear me to the extent that she wouldn¡¯t speak unless I told her to.


    But here she was, literally having a conversation with me.


    I cracked my knuckles.


    I guess I¡¯ll have to beat this new-found boldness out of her then.


    ¡®Well, it¡¯s for the project. We can¡¯t do my house so I think meeting at amon spot is better, hence the library suggestion.¡¯


    As I read her reply, I felt rage bubbling through me.


    Was she being sassy?


    Hell no.


    I decided yet again to let it slide.


    I typed, ¡®And I said no. My house.¡¯


    She left my message on read for a few minutes so I added, ¡®And why the fuck do you think I¡¯d want to go to a house that¡¯s probably cramped and stuffy that smells of dead parents, a klutz and a deaf granny?¡¯


    I could see that she had read the message.


    After a few minutes, the green dot disappeared, and I knew she had gone offline. Probably to cry. That¡¯s all she knew how to do.


    Smirking, I exited the app and put my phone down.


    ¡°Poor Mel,¡± Iughed aloud. ¡°Where did all the guts go now?¡±


    Fucking midget.

 When yoou have good friends

    Amelia Forbes


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel really jumpy at school today. I ducked at the sight of every six feet male figure, feeling incredibly foolish when I realized it wasn¡¯t Jason.


    Okay. It wasn¡¯t my fault. He had literally threatened mest night so. . .


    I checked my timetable. We only had once ss together today.


    Not that it would prevent the threats from happening. But it¡¯d be nice to not have to see him tillter.


    A tall, sandy haired figure came into view and I let out a small yelp and attempted to hide my head in my locker.


    After a few uneventful moments, I carefully inched my head out just in time to see the sandy haired guy-who was definitely shorter than Jason and had a pair of sses on-give me a strange wondering look as he walked past.


    I restrained from pping my forehead as that would only make me look worse, and confirm the fact that I had gone nuts.


    Instead, I grabbed my books and fled to find an empty space to hide.


    Yes, I¡¯m scared of Jason.


    It was hard not to be.


    I had gotten to the base of the staircase leading to the back of the school when someone grabbed my arm from behind.


    I let out a small scream and struggled to break free.


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey. Rx, Mel,¡± I heard someone say from behind me. I looked up to see Benson. ¡°It¡¯s just me.¡±


    I have never felt such relief as I did in that moment.


    I almost wanted to hug him for not being Jason. But well, that didn¡¯t. . . make any sense.


    Slowly, I began to rx and willed my heart rate to return back to normal.


    Benson features contorted in to a frown as he watched me carefully, eyes narrowed.


    I tried to fix my expression so he wouldn¡¯t suspect it had anything to do with Jason.


    ¡°What is up with you, Mel?¡± He asked, still studying me.


    I tried toe up with some reasonable exnation that wouldn¡¯t give me away.


    ¡°Well, I, um, I feel a little, um, sick. . .?¡±


    He red at me suspiciously. ¡°Sick? Since when?¡±


    ¡°Well, it was, um, yesterst night, I mean.¡±


    I intertwined my fingers behind me cursing internally.


    I¡¯d never been a good liar. But thest thing I wanted was for Benson to worry about me. Surely, he had more important things to do than worry about a lost cause.


    Benson folded his arms across his chest. ¡°So, being sick makes you jump outta your skin when someone touches you?¡±


    I tried tough.


    ¡°Well, you know me,¡± I said, hoping the giggle sounded believable.


    ¡°Cut the crap, Mel.¡± He rolled his eyes. ¡°And don¡¯t lie to me this time. Everyone knows you¡¯re terrible at that.¡±


    My shoulders slumped as I gave up. Ben was my best friend. It was no use lying.


    As I recounted the events of the past few days, Benson listened with rapt attention.


    When I told him I was partnered with Jason for the project, his mouth fell open.


    ¡°Oh. My. God. Jason as in Jason Davenport?¡± He asked, his mouth forming an ¡®o¡¯ in surprise.


    ¡°Yep.¡± I confirmed.


    ¡°Woah,¡± He said, looking just as mortified as I felt.


    Suddenly frowning he said, ¡± I¡¯m starting to think this school is out to get you.¡±


    Despite myself Iughed out loud.


    Ben red at me for a few seconds and then joined in.


    And then we spent the next few minutes snickering like idiots.


    I felt a little weight lift off my chest and I realized I missed this.


    I missed theughing, happy me. I missed moments like this with Ben. It felt good to not feel like a burden for once.


    For the first time in a long time tears pooled at the corner of my eye, but this time, they weren¡¯t tears of sadness.


    Benson pulled me into a hug, stillughing.


    ¡°Please be careful, okay?¡± He said. ¡°Just. . . try to stay out of his way as best as you can.¡±


    I nodded vigorously.


    ¡°Thanks, Ben,¡± I muttered, feeling eternally grateful.


    For the first time since he started dating Katie Henshaw, I finally felt like we were on the road to bing best friends again, and that thought made me feel warm and happy inside.


    ¡°Tell you what?¡± Benson said suddenly.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked,ughing. His excitement was contagious.


    ¡°How about Ie over this weekend? Like old times?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I said. ¡°You can get the snacks. I¡¯ll get the drinks.¡±


    ¡°And. . . maybe I¡¯ll let you beat me in cards,¡± I smirked.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Let me beat you?¡± Benson cocked an eyebrow andughed. ¡°In your dreams, Mel,¡± He said in a singsong voice.


    Giving me a pat on the back, he said, ¡°Gotta go, Mel. I have a ss soon.¡±


    I¡¯d almost forgotten I had sses too.


    ¡°Sure okay. See youter.¡±


    I watched as he walked off, the smile never leaving my face.


    For the first time in months, we¡¯d had a conversation and he didn¡¯t bring up Katie.


    I smiled and walked back up the stairs to ss,pletely forgetting about Jason Davenport.

 What right do you have to be happy?

    Jason Davenport


    My eyes narrowed as I saw Amelia emerge from the stairs leading to the back of the school.


    What the fuck?


    She looked. . . happy.


    I hadn¡¯t seen her all day and I was starting to think that she was avoiding me because she was scared-which was good, of course.


    But here she was.


    The bitch was smiling like she just won the fucking lottery.


    Seeing her look so calm and rxed pierced at something in my chest, rage beginning to bubble through me.


    What right did this bitch have to happy?


    It¡¯s her fault that mom isn¡¯t with me today. So what right did she have to look so happy.


    She was destined to be lonely and miserable for the rest of her fucking pathetic life. And I was going to make sure of that.


    Jason Davenport


    My hands formed a fist in pocket as I leaned against a desk in the library. I checked my watch.


    I¡¯d been here for 15 minutes?


    This bitch was making me wait for her. Again. Didn¡¯t she learn her lesson from thest time? I wondered.


    Irritated, I nted my feet-which were initially resting on a desk but quickly brought down whenever the librarian came into view-back on the floor, checking the time again.


    As I looked up from my watch, my gaze fell on Amelia. She looked breathless, as if she had run all the way here, but she still had the rxed air from before.


    Not for long now.


    She stared at me without a word, probably waiting for me to say something.


    After a few moments she spoke up, ¡°The music teacher requested me to help with cing the instruments back into ce.¡±


    I regarded her coolly, my jaw beginning to tic.


    She didn¡¯t sound rude. But she didn¡¯t sound scared either.


    What the fuck was going on?


    Fuming, I stood up in a sh, gripping her left arm and dragging her out of the library.


    I saw her flinch in pain at the force I was applying on her arm.


    Good.


    I dragged her down the stairs, heading for the back of the school-the most secluded part of the school.


    Getting there, I mmed her hard against the brick wall, smiling with satisfaction when she shut her eyes tight from the impact, a stream of tears falling from her eyes.


    Not giving her time to recover from that, I grabbed her by the cor, grappling her neck in my fist.


    ¡°What the fuck was that shit you pulled yesterday?¡± I demanded.


    Her fingers rose to her neck tapping weakly against mine.


    Smiling I squeezed tighter.


    ¡°Answer me, damn it!¡± I shouted.


    ¡°Not so brave now, are we?¡± I sneered, keeping my grip on her neck firm.


    ¡°Ple-please. . .¡± She managed to choke out, squirming in my grip.


    I leaned towards her. ¡°Now, listen to me carefully. Don¡¯t you ever, ever, think you¡¯ll ever be anything more than a pathetic, dumb bitch.¡±


    ¡°Remember that next time you start feeling important, like you¡¯re worth something. Because you¡¯re not. And you¡¯ll never be. No matter how hard you try, you¡¯ll always be the girl that everyone pities.¡±


    ¡°You think you have friends?¡± Iughed heartily. ¡°Your dumb friend Benjamin what¡¯s his name? Adrian?¡± Iughed again.


    ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a charity case, Mel.¡± I said with contempt. ¡°Nobody really cares about you. They just feel sorry for you.¡±


    She had stopped struggling now. The glint in her eyes slowly disappeared until it waspletely gone. Her shoulders slumped and her head drooped, teardrops falling in torrents on my hand.


    Good.


    We were back on the same page.


    Slowly, I released her neck, watching her double over to cough painfully and move her hands up to caress her neck.


    I grabbed her roughly and nted her upright on her feet.


    ¡°Do we understand each other?¡± I asked threateningly.


    She cowered at the sound of my voice and mumbled a ¡°yes¡± in reply.


    ¡°Wipe your face,¡± I ordered.


    She slowly ran the edge of her sleeve over her tear stained face, avoiding my gaze the whole time.


    I smirked, satisfied that she¡¯d remembered her ce.


    After a few moments of watching her struggle to stop her tears, a broken expression on her face, I asked, ¡°The project is due to start today right?¡±


    She nodded weakly, avoiding my gaze.


    ¡°Good. You start ours tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°My house,¡± I added.


    She looked up like she was about to protest but lowered her gaze at my cold expression.


    ¡°Okay,¡± She muttered.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hear you.¡±


    She looked up again with a tired fed up expression. ¡°I said, okay.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now get out of my sight.¡±


    She quickly scrambled away from me-desperate to escape-bumping into an approaching Adrian in the process.


    The expression on his face melted into one of concern as he sighted her.


    ¡°Hey Amelia, you okay?¡± He asked, cing a hand on her shoulder to steady her.


    Luckily she wasn¡¯t crying anymore, although her eyes were red rimmed. I immediately shot her a death re. A sign to keep her mouth shut.


    Sniffing a little, she cleared her throat, ¡°Yeah I¡¯m fine. How-how are you?¡± She said faking a smile.


    I rolled my eyes.


    Could this bitch be any more dramatic?


    Adrian narrowed his eyes, a bit confused. ¡°Um, I¡¯m fine too, Mel.¡±


    Annoyed I cut in. ¡°Yo, Adrian, buddy, I¡¯ve been waiting for you. Can we go now?¡±


    Adrian looked from me to the bitch. ¡°Are you sure everything is okay?¡± He looked at her.


    ¡°She said she¡¯s fine Adrian,¡± I told him.


    ¡°I met her like this too and I asked her. She said she¡¯s okay.¡± I added, coating my voice with fake concern.


    Her head shot up immediately. She stared at me, her eyes full of hate.


    I smirked at her, crossing my arms in front of my chest.


    Bitterly, she turned to Adrian. ¡°I have to go now. My grandma will be home soon.¡±


    Adrian looked like he wanted to say more, but instead he just ced a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Take care of yourself, Mel.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Why did he care so much about this bitch? What was it about her?


    He was always so concerned about the bitch and it pissed me off.


    She nodded and scurried away and out of sight.


    Adrian looked on after she was gone, concern still written clearly on his face.


    Annoyed, I thumped him on the back. ¡°Come on, man. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure,¡± He said, snapping out of it. ¡°Video games at my house?¡±


    ¡°Hell yeah,¡± I smiled.


    I hadn¡¯t yed video games in two days and it was killing me.


    I scowled as the thought of being grounded resurfaced.


    Fuck that shit, anyway. I¡¯d enjoy the moment as much as I could then.

 Party, party, party!

    Jason Davenport


    Assorted bottles of alcohol lined up in the center of Adrian¡¯s huge living room as the gang sat in an uneven circle, exchanging thetest juicy gossip and snickering heartily.


    We had all agreed to hang out at Adrian¡¯s today as I¡¯d told them I wouldn¡¯t be avable to do so for a while as I was helping my dad on an important project he was working on.


    No way was I telling them I was grounded.


    That was embarrassing.


    The only person who knew was Adrian of course, although I didn¡¯t tell him why.


    As Greg plunged into a story of the best blowjob he¡¯d ever received- everyoneughing and chipping in at intervals-I noticed that the only odd ones out were Kimberly and Adrian.


    Kimberly sat in the center of arge sofa-Malia and Aneeka on either side of her-joining in the conversation once in a while, but mostly staring daggers at me everytime our eyes met.


    We hadn¡¯t talked since the shit that went down at my house. I pretended not to notice her scowling at me, and instead just joined in the animated conversation.


    ¡°Y¡¯all remember the girl in my geometry ss? The one I told y¡¯all about?¡± Rory was saying.


    Greg¡¯s eyes widened in mischief and he patted Rory¡¯s back, beginning tough.


    Rory¡¯s lips curled into a wicked grin as he said, ¡°Well, we finally fucked.¡±


    There were ¡®whoops¡¯ and ¡®ahhs¡¯ as everyone cheered him on.


    Greg, who was even more excited for some weird reason,ughed long and hard.


    ¡°And that¡¯s not all,¡± Rory continued.


    ¡°There¡¯s more?¡± Malia put in, sarcasm evident in her voice. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what we like to do on a hot Monday afternoon-listen to you gloat about your sexual escapades.¡±


    The girls ¡®ooh¡¯ed¡¯ while Rory only rolled his eyes saying, ¡°Shut up, Malia. The only reason you¡¯re mad is ¡¯cause you never get any action.¡±


    This time it was the guys¡¯ turn to ¡®ooh¡¯.


    ¡°Please Rory,¡± Dani said, rolling her eyes. ¡°We all know Geometry girl was the first you¡¯ve gotten in six months.¡±


    She smirked as everyone started tough, while Rory pulled his tongue out at her, causing even moreughter.


    At that moment Kimberly made eye contact with me.


    Warding it off, I said, ¡°Ok, ok, break it up guys. We¡¯re here to hang out and have fun.¡±


    Scowling, Malia poured herself a shot, and the conversation carried on as usual-everyoneughing at Rory¡¯s stupid antics.


    Everyone except Adrian.


    I cocked an eyebrow as I looked over.


    He was on his phone?


    And sure enough he was. Scrolling through something and looking bored.


    He wasn¡¯t looking in my direction but I red at him.


    He¡¯d been acting weird since he bumped into Amelia at school today.


    He was that worried?


    Was he seriously still feeling sorry for that silly excuse of a girl?


    I didn¡¯t want to bring it up because I knew it¡¯d only end up in an argument, but it still ticked me off.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Holding back a frown, I resolved to give Amelia a second warning when I saw her. To stay the fuck away from my best friend.


    Looking up, I saw Kimberly ring at me for the one millionth time today.


    Wouldn¡¯t she give it up already? I wondered, getting annoyed.


    Making up my mind, I motioned to her and asked, ¡°Can I talk to you for a minute, Kim?¡±


    She rolled her eyes, but still got up to follow me outside.


    The gang was too deep in conversation to notice us leave.


    Getting outside, Kimberly nted her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes, waiting for me to say something.


    ¡°What the fuck is your problem?¡± I demanded. ¡°Why do you keep staring at me like that?¡±


    She took her hands off her hips and ced them underneath her boobs, pushing them higher up; a motion that made it difficult to keep my gaze on her face and not her very exposed cleavage.


    ¡°Oh, no problem at all,¡± She spat. ¡°Just how big of a pussy you actually are.¡±


    I felt my jaw tic. ¡°What the fuck did you just say?¡±


    How dare she talk to me that way?


    She moved closer, no trace of fear in her eyes. ¡°You heard me.¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t try to scare me, Jason,¡± She added. ¡°I¡¯m not your silly Miss Klutz that you can push around like a fucking puppet. Remember that.¡±


    Annoyed, I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°What was I supposed to do then?¡± I asked feeling embarrassed about the whole thing.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± She retorted. ¡°You¡¯re the one who invited me over.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what to say to that so I red at her instead.


    ¡°So I take it that¡¯s the end of our little. . . rendezvous?¡± Sheughed.


    She¡¯s obviously enjoying this.


    ¡°Well, well, no problem for me, anyways,¡± She stated. ¡°I know how and where to get dick whenever, wherever I want.¡±


    Then she moved closer, our lips a breath apart, and ced one small hand on the fly of my jeans, stopping when she located my cock. Then squeezed. Stroking. Teasing.


    I squirmed in shock and pleasure this action taking me by surprise but not unweed.


    She smirked, taking her hand off as soon as she felt my cock began to throb, fully aroused.


    Satisfied, she whispered, ¡°Well it¡¯s your loss.¡±


    Laughing, she winked and fixed me with a look that made me want to take her there and then.


    As if she¡¯d heard my thoughts, she inserted a finger underneath her top and teased her nipple.


    Watching as her nipples went from rxed to taut and pointy, enhanced by the thin material of her shirt, I swallowed, a moan threatening to escape my lips.


    Seeing she¡¯d gotten the desired effect, she took out her finger and straightened her top.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry though,¡± She continued. ¡°We¡¯re cool.¡±


    Giving me onest wink, she stalked off-deliberately swaying her hips from side to side in a sensual motion-leaving me with a not-so-subtle hard-on.

 Nana Cares

    Amelia Forbes


    My hands shook as I struggled with the lock.


    Nana wasn¡¯t home yet so I had to let myself in with my key.


    Tears brimmed in my eyes, blurring my vision.


    Trying to wipe them away only made me cry even harder.


    Honestly speaking, I felt stupid for crying.


    How could I be so dumb? Why did for one second believe that today was going so well. That nothing would wreck the tiny confidence and happiness I had felt after talking with Ben.


    Jason was right. There really was something wrong with me.


    Finally managing to get the door open, I fled up the stairs and into my room.


    As I plopped down, the small, rickety bed groaned in disapproval. I gave a bitterugh, ¡°Of course, everything in my life is against me.¡± I said aloud, covering my head with a pillow.


    Realizing now that I waspletely exhausted, I felt my eyes begin to droop.


    Just a few minutes of rest, I decided.


    A few minutes, I reminded myself, already feeling my eyes droop a second time as I drifted off to sleep.


    A few hourster, I was awakened my the sound of Nana working in the kitchen.


    I got up and stared at myself in the mirror, trying to put on a smile as best as I could. Thest thing I wanted now was to get Nana worried over nothing.


    But as much as I tried, my lips refused to cooperate. Refused to curl into a smile. Giving up, I trudged slowly down the stairs, stopping as I got to the kitchen.


    I watched Nana for some time before I walked in-the beautiful smile on her face as she worked, checking on the pie in the oven, her shoulder length white hair wrapped in a low bun-trying to mentally prepare myself before seeing her.


    As if she could sense my presence, she turned, her face breaking into a smile as she saw me.


    Smiling back as best as I could, I signed, When did you get back?


    She paused to throw a cup of diced carrots into the simmering pot. Looking back up, shemunicated, Maybe an hour ago. I was going to wake you but you looked really tired.


    I tried to keep a straight face while signing a reply. Yeah just school, I shrugged.


    Okay then, you can go shower thene down for dinner, she signed, offering me another smile.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    As I walked up the stairs back to my room, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she really did like having me around, or if she just felt obligated to do so.


    Amelia Forbes


    An hourter after I had showered ande down for dinner, I twisted my fork in Nana¡¯s special spaghetti delicacy, although I really didn¡¯t feel like eating today.


    Nana bit into a meatball, watching me carefully.


    When it looked like she couldn¡¯t take it anymore, she dropped her fork loudly on her te, getting my attention.


    What¡¯s the problem, she signed.


    The worry on her face should have convinced me, but Jason¡¯s words still rang loud and clear in my head.


    Was she just patronising me? I wondered.


    As the thought came in, I quickly waved it off, mentally scolding myself for thinking like that.


    But still. . .


    I decided to y dumb-ha, like I needed to act for that-so I asked, Yes, why?


    Her eyebrows bunched together in confusion as she signed, You¡¯re acting strange. Did something happen?


    Yes something happened, I thought. Something always happens doesn¡¯t it?


    Instead, I signed, No, I¡¯m fine.


    It was clear to see that she didn¡¯t believe me. But in order not to push it, she busied herself with trying to finish her te of spaghetti, looking up to nce at me every few minutes.


    Slowly, I forced myself to eat my spaghetti, pushing the meatballs aside as I wasn¡¯t in the mood to chew meat.


    Every swallow felt like punishment. But this was important to wave Nana¡¯s suspicion away.


    As I scraped thest bits of spaghetti sauce off my te, Nana motioned me to follow her to the kitchen.


    I obliged, clearing the table and carrying the tes with me.


    Help me with the dishes, baby, Shemunicated, motioning to the sink.


    I nodded, rolling up my sleeves and adding a few drops of washing liquid into the clear water.


    We worked in silence for a while, Nana rinsing and drying as I washed.


    Suddenly filled with a burst of something I didn¡¯t understand, I waved to get her attention, and signed, Do you really care about me?


    For some reason I was starting to feel annoyed and defensive.


    Ignoring the look on her face as the te she was drying fell back into the sink, I signed, You just feel sorry for me, right? Well don¡¯t. I¡¯m not your charity case.


    I could feel fresh tears beginning to form in my eyes.


    Furiously, I wiped them away with my right elbow, focusing instead on scraping away thest bits of sauce in the pot I was currently washing.


    After a while, I felt Nana ce a cold hand on mine, forcing me to look at her.


    I did. Only to see her eyes shining with tears too.


    Why was she crying?


    Shit. What have I done?


    I cursed myself. Why was I always saying the wrong things. Doing the wrong things.


    As I turned to apologize, she started to sign, Darling, I love having you around. The best part of my day ising back home to meet you.


    A single tear dropped from my eye and into the sink.


    Nana continued, I know you¡¯ve been having a hard time ever since your parents died. But I want you to know that it¡¯s okay to feel lost and afraid and unloved. But just remember that I¡¯ll always be here, taking care of you, no matter how many times you try to push me away, because I love you and I always will. You are not a charity case. You¡¯re my baby girl, and the best thing that¡¯s ever happened to me.


    Unable to hold the tears back, I leaned toward the sink for support, my body racking with sobs.


    She did love me.


    Nana cared about me.


    It wasn¡¯t an act.


    Jason was wrong this time.


    So wrong.


    As Nana engulfed me in a hug, parting my back at intervals, while I let out all the pain in my tears, I knew in that moment that no matter who despised me, deserted me, gave up on me, Nana never would.


    And that was the most calming feeling in the world right now.

 Dramatic bitch

    Jason Davenport


    I shaded my eyes with my hands as the sunlight peeked through the huge, open window right across my bed.


    Squinting, I tried to adjust my eyes to the bright light.


    The wall clock opposite my bed showed that it was 6:50am.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I scowled.


    I hade intest night and I hadn¡¯t even gotten enough rest. Now I have to go to school.


    Fuck school.


    After stalling for a few minutes, I stalked to the bathroom where a servant had already prepared my bath, as per usual.


    Still feeling sleepy, I rxed and let the hot water soothe and rx my muscles.


    As a thought crossed my mind I said out loud, ¡°I hope that midget remembers that the Chemistry homework is due today.¡±


    She better not. Or she¡¯d get it.


    It took me approximately forty five minutes to get ready. With one final look in the mirror, I grabbed my backpack and headed for the living room, propelled by the delicious scent of bacon and fried eggs.


    I frowned as I caught a glimpse of Ashley. She was bent over the dining table-giving her personal photographer instructions on how to angle the camera-as he took pictures of the neatly arranged set of tes filled with bacon and eggs.


    Probably for her Instagram page.


    I rolled my eyes.


    Jobless bitch.


    Suddenly she pped her hands looking satisfied.


    ¡°Great!¡± She squealed. Then motioned the photographer to leave.


    Spotting me, she smiled. ¡°Oh hey, Jace. How are you doing?¡±


    I frowned, taking a seat and digging into my food without a word. If I stood talking with her for much longer, I would lose my appetite.


    Undeterred, she took the seat across from me asking, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to wait for your dad?¡±


    I rolled my eyes, determined to ignore her.


    She sighed. ¡°Why are you always in a bad mood, Jace?¡±


    I looked up. ¡°Why are you such a whore, Ash?¡± I retorted, in a salty tone.


    Her face reddened and she rubbed her temple, looking like she was going to be sick.


    Dramatic bitch.


    Dad walked in then, increasing his pace as he saw her.


    He ced a hand on her back as he got to the table. ¡°Baby, you okay?¡±


    I rolled my eyes in disgust.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to have breakfast here,¡± I said, scowling.


    Ashley threw me a dirty look. I replied with a shrug and a smirk.


    Dad fixed me with a look full of disappointment. ¡°Look Jason, I know you¡¯re still trying to adjust to having a stepmom,¡± He stated.


    I decided not to point out the fact this was my third time having a stepmom.


    ¡°But,¡± He continued. ¡°You should treat your mother with respect and care about her wellbeing.


    ¡°She¡¯s not my mother,¡± I said, folding my arms and my fork fell to my te.


    ¡°Jason.¡± Dad said sternly.


    ¡°But she¡¯s not!¡± My voice rose an octave. I was sick and tired of him trying to force me to pretend that we were one big, happy family.


    Dad rose from his seat, a reddish hue to his face. ¡°Let this be thest time you disrespect your mother. Ever again?¡±


    I looked on, breathing hard.


    ¡°Is that clear?!¡± Dad repeated.


    ¡°Yes.¡±I murmured.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hear you! And I¡¯m pretty sure your mother can¡¯t either.¡±


    I was breathing hard in rage.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mother,¡± I managed to blurt out.


    At that, Dad retook his seat.


    ¡°Good. Now finish your breakfast quickly. The school bus arrives at 8:30.¡±


    My eyebrows bunched together in confusion.


    School bus?


    Dad looked pointedly at me. ¡°Yes. The school bus. It¡¯s part of your punishment.¡±


    No. Hell no.


    I jumped up in protest. ¡°There¡¯s no fucking way I¡¯m riding the school bus.¡±


    ¡°Language, boy.¡± Dad said, giving me a death stare. ¡°Now. The school bus will be your ride to school for the remainder of the school year. Whether you like it, or not. So next time you think of doing something silly you¡¯d think of the consequences.¡±


    I stared on, knowing that arguing would be useless.


    Getting up from my chair I murmured ¡°I lost my appetite¡± and stormed off.


    Getting downstairs, I dialed Adrian¡¯s phone number. Asked him to drive over and pick me up.


    I was so pissed with Dad.


    There was no fucking way I would ever ride the school bus.


    With Amelia fucking Forbes. So she¡¯d start to think we were equals?


    No fucking way.


    Amelia Forbes


    Today was going, well. . . horribly to say the least.


    Early this morning I¡¯d been greeted with a spray of gum coated glitter- which you would imagine, took almost an hour to wipe off every trace of-as I opened my locker. Courtesy of the queen bitch Kimberly, of course.


    Then, I¡¯d realized that our Chemistry assignment was due today and I¡¯dpletely forgotten.


    So I had to run all the way to the library and solve both mine and his. I really didn¡¯t feel like dealing with him today.


    I managed to finish the assignment within a few minutes.


    Hurrying out of the library, I bumped into a tall figure, my eyes widening in horror as I realized it was Jason.


    He red at me, grabbing me roughly by the cor and shoving me aside.


    ¡°Out of my fucking way, midget.¡±


    In annoyance and without thinking, I shouted. ¡°Hey!¡±


    He stopped mid-stride and retraced his steps.


    ¡°What the fuck did you just say?¡± He asked, cracking his knuckles.


    I swallowed, trying toe up with a reasonable exnation.


    I wanted to scream and tear at my hair. The whole n for today was topletely avoid Jason, talking to him only when necessary.


    But no. I just had to open my big mouth.


    Thinking quickly, I held out his homework in an outstretched, shaky hand. ¡°You-you¡¯re homework,¡± I said, trying to keep an innocent face.


    He shot me another one of his signature death res and snatched the paper out of my hand.


    He gave me onest push before stalking off.


    God. We were starting the project today. And I already knew it was going to be hell.


    Jason Davenport


    I nced sideways at Amelia as I drove back home.


    I would¡¯ve preferred it if she had to find her own way there, preferably on foot, but Adrian had suggested I take his car instead to make it easier for us.


    His partner lived 3 minutes away from school so he had no issues getting there.


    Apparently he was still very concerned about this bitch.


    I shot her another icy re.


    She lowered her eyes at my gaze, fumbling with the hem of her shirt, shaky fingers intertwined in herp.


    So she was scared.


    Good.


    I killed the engine as I got to the house, hoping I wouldn¡¯t bump into Miss Gold-digger. She was thest person I wanted to see right now.


    Passing through the entrance, I noticed that Amelia wasn¡¯t behind me.


    Where the hell was she?


    I looked back to see her still cowering in the passenger seat.


    Rolling my eyes, I shouted, ¡°Bitch you need an invitation?! Get the fuck out of the car.¡±


    Irritation ran through me as I wondered how one person could be so many versions of stupid.


    She slowly inched her way out of the car, gripping a pile of books in front of her like a shield.


    Running out of patience, I thumped towards her and grabbed her roughly, pushing her in front of me.


    ¡°Walk!¡± Imanded.


    All of a sudden, she broke free. Standing her ground, red at me, hate ring in her eyes.


    I cocked one eyebrow observing her.


    ¡°What are you gonna do, Mel?¡± I asked tauntingly.


    My lips curved into a smile. ¡°You¡¯re gonna hit me? Beat me up?¡± I let out a loudugh.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a joker, Mel.¡±


    She swallowed, still breathing hard. ¡°You don¡¯t have to push me like that. I know how to walk.¡±


    I didn¡¯t let it show that I was shocked at her impudence.


    How the fuck does she go from meek and scared to angry and fiery in a space of two minutes?


    Instead I gripped her by the neck and squeezed.


    ¡°What was that you were saying, Mel?¡±


    She choked, struggling to breathe. I squeezed harder. Harder. Till the defiance in her eyes began to dissipate. Till only fear remained.


    She was sobbing now.


    Fucking crybaby.


    ¡°Stop that,¡± Imanded.


    She did as I instructed.


    Good.


    Satisfied, I regained my hold on her arm and dragged her up the stairs.

 That’s why I’m having crazy thoughts

    Amelia Forbes


    I tried to stay quiet as Jason dragged me up the stairs.


    I had to jump, sometimes two steps at a time, to avoid getting injured. He obviously wouldn¡¯t slow down to let me adjust.


    I hadn¡¯t been here for over ten minutes and he¡¯d already tried to choke me to death.


    A tear escaped my eyes and I quickly wiped it off with my free hand. He¡¯d ordered me to stop crying, and disobeying him would just attract more punishment.


    Just 178 days left.


    You¡¯re doing great, Mel. I reminded myself, repeating my mantra in my head.


    Just don¡¯t try to be brave. Focus on the project and get it done. You¡¯ll be okay.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Seeding in steadying my breathing, I decided to stick to my resolution.


    Desperate to distract myself, my eyes scanned the mansion.


    I had thought it was beautiful the night of the party. But this right here was. . . magnificent. It was even more exquisite in the day, even.


    My eyes scanned the chandeliers, the marble floors, the Victorian-like staircase, the walls and floors so shiny I was scared of stepping on them or touching them.


    This was the Dream Home. Straight out of a magazine.


    A vicious tug on my left arm from Jason jolted me out of my admiration trance.


    I winced in pain at the impact on my left shoulder which nearly brought tears to my eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re staring like an idiot.¡± He stated. ¡°Not like you aren¡¯t one or anything,¡± He continued, smirking.


    I forced my mouth shut.


    Let him have his fun.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare try to steal anything,¡± He said, clearly not finished. ¡°I know, I know, you¡¯re not used to such luxury.  But. . .  try to control yourself. We don¡¯t want to kill your grandma off finally by telling her you¡¯re a thief as well, do we?¡±


    I felt my temple throb as he mentioned Nana. Determined not to fall victim a second time today to his bait, I tried to block out his words.


    ¡°Not that she¡¯din anyway, right? I mean anything to get away from you.¡± He let out a loudugh.


    I still kept quiet, concentrated instead on not letting the tears that had begun to pool in my eyes fall.


    No matter how much I tried not to let things get to me, they always did.


    Always.


    Maybe it¡¯s because everything he said was true.


    I knew Nana truly loved me. But what about everybody else?


    What about Mom and Dad? Did they get tired of me too?


    Why do I feel like such a burden to everybody?


    It¡¯s because I am. No matter how much I tried to deny it.


    Jason finally stopped as we came to a part of the house that looked like the living room.


    He shoved me aside, rolling his eyes when he saw me wiping my face.


    ¡°Jeez. You¡¯re such a fucking crybaby. Can¡¯t you do something else with your time?¡±


    He dumped the pile of books he had taken from me when he¡¯d been dragging me up the stairs on the table and plopped down on a sofa.


    I wasn¡¯t sure I was allowed to sit so I stood awkwardly, waiting.


    He looked up from his phone he¡¯d already begun to scroll through and gestured toward a chair in the middle of the living room.


    ¡°Well. . . the fuck are you waiting for?¡± He said. ¡°Quit staring like a moron and do your work, midget.¡± He sneered, a look of disgust on his face.


    I slowly made my way toward the chair, selecting the books I needed for research and reference.


    Trying to make myself asfortable as anyone could be around Jason Davenport, I bent my head over the books and started working.


    Jason Davenport


    I was slowly starting to get bored. Instagram lost its charm at some point, and I wasn¡¯t in the mood to text anyone or engage in any form of chatting.


    I would¡¯ve been ying video games right now if Dad hadn¡¯t insisted on seizing everything.


    Now, my life had officially be ten times boring.


    Maybe I can sneak out and hang with the gang, I thought.


    I quickly brushed the idea off. That would never work.


    I had barely gotten away with using practice as an excuse thest time. Dad hade back from work five minutes after I snuck in through my bedroom window.


    I scowled.


    All this was because of Ashley. She was changing him.


    Dad would have never seized my gadgets leaving me bored and with nothing to do.


    She was trying to take him away from me so she¡¯d have him all to herself.


    And dad was falling for it.


    Like he always did.


    Every single time.


    I shook my head, trying not to think too much about it.


    Soon.


    Soon she¡¯d leave. After attempting to steal a huge amount of money from dad¡¯s bank ount. Just like the other two before her.


    And dad would see that I¡¯d been right all along.


    And then. . . he¡¯d apologize for all the things he said to me.


    I looked around the living room, wondering what to do with my time.


    Maybe I should take a nap up in my room.


    No. What if dad got home early? I¡¯d have to answer a ton of questions. I shook my head.


    Slowly, my gaze drifted to Amelia.


    It was obvious to see that she was struggling to befortable on the ¡®too small¡¯ chair I had purposely ordered her to sit in.


    She used her left leg as leverage to hold up the pile of books she was using, while she sat at the very edge of the chair because it was the only way to prevent the books from falling.


    I could see her left leg shaking as she struggled to not let it fall. I had told her I didn¡¯t want her filthy books staining the floors of my house, so she couldn¡¯t ce them on the floor.


    Nevertheless, she worked on. Eyebrows puckered in concentration, eyes rapidly scanning her materials.


    I could see that she was in her zone. Fingers rapidly sweeping through pages of books upon books. At intervals, she would jot down something on the piece of paper that was clutched in her left hand.


    Her face was calm but searching, her fingers sometimes reaching up to tuck stubborn hair strands behind her ears.


    In this state, I realized that she looked. . . pretty.


    What? I caught myself, realizing what I¡¯d just been thinking.


    What the fuck is up with me?


    Was I actually sitting right here and thinking about how pretty Amelia fucking Forbes was?


    I shook my head.


    I¡¯m frustrated and tired. A lot has been going on. That¡¯s why I¡¯m having crazy thoughts, I said to myself.


    It was Amelia after all.


    And Amelia Forbes was nothing but a clumsy waste of space.

 Forever a jerk he is

    Amelia Forbes


    I could feel my legs about to give way any second as I tried to bnce four Harry Potter sized books on my leg.


    Jason had made it clear that everything I touched automatically became filthy. So he didn¡¯t want filth in his house.


    I wasn¡¯t even allowed to touch the armrest of the chair.


    Trying to take my mind off my leg, I focused on the project. So far, I¡¯d gone considerably far in my work.


    The fact that I¡¯d started beforehand really helped. At this rate I might even finish before the week runs out.


    I¡¯d calcted that I¡¯d be done in a week but at the rate I was going it¡¯d probably be done in 4 to 5 days.


    I screamed in joy.


    In my head, of course.


    Lest Jason find another reason to torment me.


    A few minutester, I was at thest page of the first chapter I¡¯d been studying-which brought day one of my work to a close. I rounded up quickly and began to fill the pages of Jason¡¯s project manual.


    I¡¯d do mine when I got home. I didn¡¯t need himining about anything now.


    My leg still hurt like a bitch so I paused, transferring the books to my other leg.


    At this point I wasn¡¯t even sure I could feel my legs. Plus every time I bent forward to write, the books hit my abdomen. This happened so many times I started to feel nauseous.


    Damn Jason. Treating me like a ve.


    I mean, there were about six veryfortable chairs in the living room. And a table I could¡¯ve used.


    This is just another one of his ways of punishing me, I guess.


    Closing the manual after I was done filling the first section, I wiped sweat off my eyebrows.


    My throat was parched and I realized how hungry I was.


    He hadn¡¯t even offered me water.


    Asshole.


    As if on cue, I noticed him looking at me. Staring actually.


    I suddenly started to feelfortable.


    Why was he staring like that?


    Did I do something I wasn¡¯t supposed to?


    He suddenly scowled and looked away.


    I raised an eyebrow.


    He¡¯s probably thinking up another prank to y on me. Would he slump if he just decided to leave me alone?


    Tired, I looked away, standing up and bncing the books in my hand.


    I walked towards him, extending my arm to hand over his project manual.


    ¡°Your manual,¡± I muttered, arm still extended.


    He faced me, looking me up and down and sneering.


    ¡°What the hell am I supposed to do with it? Chew it?¡±


    ¡°No-no. . . it¡¯s one of the-the things we have to submit after the project.¡± I stammered.


    His scowl deepened.


    ¡°Well keep it till you¡¯re done.¡± He said tly. ¡°Stop being moronic.¡±


    I exhaled as he hissed and plugged his eyes back to his phone.


    Jason Davenport


    I watched Amelia¡¯s face turn a bright shade of red as she held my manual in her hand.


    After a few moments, she walked back to the chair she had been sitting in and packed all the books in her school bag.


    Suddenly she stopped, looking unsure. Slowly she made her way back to me.


    ¡°Do I leave the books here or just go back with them?¡± She asked meekly, looking down the whole time.


    As I stared at her without a word, she chewed on her bottom lip, running her tongue over to moisten it.


    I swallowed with difficulty.


    My eyes, trailed her face, down to her lips.


    Her lips looked smooth and nice. Probably soft too. I couldn¡¯t help but imagine how good they would fit right on the tip of my. . .


    Fuck.


    My groin stirred.


    Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. This is Amelia we¡¯re talking about here. Get yourself together Jason, I reprimanded myself.


    Immediately, I jumped up, grabbing her by the arm and shoving her school bag in her chest.


    ¡°Get out,¡± I ordered. ¡°Now.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Oh, um, ok. But. . . how do I get home?¡±


    I frowned. ¡°What? You developed amnesia in thest two hours?¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°No,¡± She countered. ¡°My house is pretty far from here. . . and. . . it¡¯s getting prettyte. . .


    She paused, ncing at me.


    I chuckled. ¡°And how the fuck is that my problem? Look, midget. I don¡¯t give a fuck how you get home. You can even walk if you feel like it. It¡¯s none of my business. Now get out.¡± I stretched one hand toward the staircase.


    Her expression started to lean towards a re and she looked like she was about to say something. Instead she grabbed her school bag, shot me a look and practically ran down the stairs.


    I headed to my room with Kimberly on dial. Kimberly was what I needed right now.

 He’s not worth it.

    Amelia Forbes


    He¡¯s not worth it. Jason Davenport is not worth it. He¡¯s not worth it. I refuse to react. I refuse to give him another reason to pick on me.


    I repeated this in my head as I walked through the gates and out of his mansion.


    Two hours.


    Two hours working on OUR project. All on my own. And he didn¡¯t even offer me a single drop of water.


    I knew he was an asshole. But this. . . it was inhumane.


    I didn¡¯t expect him to be nice to me or anything. But this was something else.


    And I was famished, I felt like I would drop anytime soon.


    Just 4 days and it¡¯ll all be over, I reminded myself. I just need to finish on time.


    I checked my phone. 4pm. Nana would be worried.


    With that thought spurring me on, I walked faster.


    As I got to a street sign-from there a 15 minute walk to my house-I heard someone call out my name.


    Huh? That¡¯s weird. I don¡¯t really know anyone around here.


    I¡¯m probably just hearing things, I concluded, pping a hand to my forehead.


    I doubled my pace. Desperate to get home, I ignored the sharp pain in my knee every time I took a step.


    ¡°Mel!¡±


    This time it was loud and clear.


    I paused in my tracks, turning to catch a glimpse of whoever it was.


    My eyesnded on the tall approaching figure of Adrian.


    His smile faltered as he approached me.


    ¡°Mel. What¡¯s the matter? And why are you walking alone?¡±


    Oh no.


    Jason had warned me before to stay away from his best friend.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    But somehow, Adrian was the one who kept finding me.


    ¡°Mel, I asked  a question,¡± He repeated. ¡°Why are you walking alone? What about Jason?¡±


    I swallowed. I had toe up with a reasonable exnation.


    ¡°Well, uh, we finished early. But I-I felt like walking home. To clear my head, you know?¡±


    His face rxed and it looked like he believed me.


    Slowly I let out a breath of relief.


    ¡°Oh, uh, ok. I¡¯m walking home too. You know, because Jason has my car?¡±


    He smiled.


    How could one person be so adorable?


    ¡°So, uhh, do you needpany?¡± He asked, touching the back of his head.


    Was he asking to walk with me?


    Without hesitation, I nodded vigorously. I hated walking alone, anyways. Plus it was gettingte. I really could use somepany.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I said, giving out my first real smile in days.


    As we walked side by side, chatting about everything from school to food to hobbies to football.


    Yep. Football.


    Remember that time I lied and told him my favorite team was Barca?


    Yeah I may or may not have cleared him on that.


    As he spoke-cracking his knuckles every few minutes-I watched him, marvelling again at how someone as good as him could be best friends with an asshole like Jason Davenport.


    It was beyond me.


    The more I thought about it, the more confused I got.


    Shaking my head, I concentrated on my conversation with Adrian instead.


    After walking for a while, Nana¡¯s house came into view.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± I announced, halting the conversation.


    ¡°Oh, um, right.¡± He gave a smallugh, touching the back of his head.


    That, I noticed, was another habit of his.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± I stated, still standing awkwardly.


    I¡¯d had such a good time walking with him. Not like I would tell him that. . .


    ¡°Um, yeah.¡± He turned away.


    ¡°Wait!¡± I called out.


    His beautiful blue eyes looked at me, waiting.


    ¡°Would you, um, like toe inside?¡± I asked.


    Did I just invite Adrian Goldfield into my home?


    I swallowed, waiting for his response.


    He smiled. ¡°I¡¯d love to. But it¡¯s getting prettyte. I should head home.¡±


    Goodness. I wasn¡¯t even considering that. Why am I so dumb?


    ¡°Right. Of course. I¡¯m so sorry. You should go.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± He smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter?¡±


    I knew I wasn¡¯t supposed to but I said, ¡°Yes, sure.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Cool.¡±


    Still standing at my door, I watched his nice butt as he retreated into the distance.


    Jason Davenport


    Desire ran through me as I dialed Kimberly¡¯s number. I hadn¡¯t been able to leave the house in days, and I desperately needed her.


    Finally she picked up.


    ¡°Hey Kim,¡± I said, my voice raspy and heavy.


    I could almost see her rolling her eyes through the phone.


    ¡°Well, well, well. Look who called.¡± She said,ughing a little.


    I went straight to the point.


    ¡°Can youe over?¡±


    ¡°Are you fucking kidding me?¡± She eximed.


    ¡°Wait. Wait.¡± I stated, trying to exin. ¡°Dad isn¡¯t home. And we¡¯ll be quick. . . okay?¡±


    She was silent for a while, then, ¡°You¡¯ve lost your damn mind, Jason. You lost your chance, now your paying for it. That¡¯s none of my business.¡±


    I cursed silently.


    ¡°Go take care of your boner sweetheart. Lots of porn and lots of lotion should do the trick,¡± Sheughed.


    And then the line went dead.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I shouted, throwing my phone on my bed and kicking my shoes off.


    Fuck Kimberly.


    Who needs her anyway?


    Taking her advice, I stormed to the bathroom and proceeded to wank the desire away.


    Amelia Forbes


    As I got to school today, I unconsciously did two things as I walked through the hallway-trying to avoid Jason and searching for Adrian.


    As I realized that they¡¯d probably be together, I pped my forehead.


    Gosh, I could be so stupid sometimes.


    As if on cue, they both burst through the front doors, with nearly the entire ser team trailing them.


    Jason had one arm on Adrian¡¯s shoulder, saying something to him as they bothughed.


    There had never been such clear opposites in the history of man, I was sure. And they were friends.


    As they sighted me, I immediately wished I could crawl into my locker and disappear.


    Jason scowled, a look of irritation on his face, as if I¡¯d just ruined his perfect morning.


    Adrian¡¯s face broke into a smile and he raised his right hand to give me a small wave.


    Oh no. No, no, no.


    Jason cocked an eyebrow, looking from Adrian to me. His face clouded and he threw me a look that clearly said he¡¯d deal with meter.


    Half the girls who stood in the hallway, stared at me, mouth agape.


    Oh no.


    Literally every girl at Wayne County High had a huge crush on Adrian. But of course, he never gave them the time of day.


    Now here he was, waving at a nobody in the middle of the very public hallway.


    I honestly hated all the attention.


    Quickly I spun around and headed for for my first ss.


    As I sat, I realized that I didn¡¯t wave back at Adrian.


    What if he felt bad? Or felt like I ignored him?


    I didn¡¯t want him to think that I was stuck up. Or proud.


    But no. Jason was there. Jason wouldn¡¯t have taken it lightly.


    Me, a worthless nobody, exchanging pleasantries with his best friend.


    I shuddered at the thought of what he would do.


    Deciding that I would just apologize to Adrianter, I concentrated on ss instead.


    Halfway through ss, I noticed Kimberly and her minions ring at me from the back.


    Huh? When did they get in?


    I tried to pretend that I didn¡¯t see them. They probably saw what happened in the hallway with Adrian.


    I shut my eyes tightly. Why couldn¡¯t these people just leave me the heck alone.


    I breathed deeply. Ok, Mel. Pull yourself together. Just try to avoid them as much as possible today and go home quickly. You¡¯ll be okay.


    Some hourster after I had attended my first three sses, I jumped up, escaping to the bathroom.


    At intervals I¡¯d look behind, checking to make sure no one was following me.


    As I got to the bathroom, I let out a breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding. Looking in the mirror, I wiped the beads of sweat that had started to form on my forehead.


    Just two more sses for today and I¡¯d be free.


    I stalled in the bathroom for a while to make sure it was safe to leave.


    Satisfied, I threw the door open, looking left and right before walking out.


    As I congratted myself on my sess, a strong arm grabbed me from behind and shoved me into an empty ssroom.


    Jason Davenport


    I sighted the bitch as she walked out of the girls¡¯ bathroom.


    So she thought she could escape me today. Not even in her dreams.


    I quickly covered the distance between us, grabbing her arm and pushing her into an empty ss.


    As she started to let out a squeal, I pped a hand over her mouth and shook my head.


    She nodded, fear visible in her eyes.


    I slowly released my hand, ring at her. As she opened her mouth to say something, I gave her a heavy whack on the forehead.


    She whimpered, holding her hand to her head.


    ¡°What did I tell you about Adrian?¡± I growled.


    She recoiled at the sound of my voice, tears beginning to form in her eyes.


    ¡°What the fuck did I tell you about Adrian!¡± I shouted. Louder this time.


    ¡°To-to stay away from him,¡± She murmured almost inaudibly.


    ¡°Good. So what the hell was that shit in the hallway,¡± I asked, feeling my temple throb.


    As a response, she hung her head, tears spilling on her cheeks.


    Could she do any better than this? She was always crying like some moron. And it was more irritating than anything else.


    I tightened my hold on her neck.


    ¡°This is thest time I¡¯m gonna say this. Stay the fuck away from Adrian. Next time, if I catch you having any form of contact with my best friend, I promise you¡¯ll regret your existence.¡±


    As I let go, I heard her murmur something like ¡°It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t regret it already¡±.


    ¡°What was that?¡± I growled, regaining my hold on her neck.


    She coughed violently, her face reddening. ¡°No-nothing,¡± She managed to squeak out.


    ¡°Yeah, I thought so,¡± I said.


    Letting go, I scowled and walked out to the sound of her whimpering.

 The pain is too much to bear

    Amelia Forbes


    It seemed like my bad luck was on a roll today because, I soon as I walked out of the ssroom door-wiping the remaining tears on my face and still massaging my neck-Kimberly and three of her minions waid me.


    They backed me into a corner and forcefully led me into the girls¡¯ bathroom.


    As we got in, Aneeka secured the door and took her position directly behind Kimberly.


    Kimberly looked at me, one hand on her waist and her right hip protruding in her favorite pose.


    ¡°What the fuck is going on between you and Adrian?¡± She spat, shooting me a re.


    I swallowed.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, trying to buy time.


    Malia rolled her eyes saying, ¡°Bitch, don¡¯t act dumb.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± I repeated, crossing my hands in front of my chest.


    Kimberly walked up to me. Out of nowhere she grabbed a fistful of my hair and dragged on it. I let out a sharp yelp, shoving her backwards with all the strength I could muster.


    Malia and Aneeka stared at me in shock, mouth agape.


    ¡°You little bitch!¡± Malia eximed, just about the same time Kimberly recovered, walking up to me and pping me hard on my left cheek.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever put your hands on me, bitch!¡± She screamed. ¡°You fucking ruined my top!¡±


    My cheek stung. And I could tell that the rings Kimberly always wore would definitely leave a mark.


    Clearly not done, Kimberly grabbed me by the jaw, her artificial nails digging into my skin. Forcing me to look at her she said, ¡°You¡¯re a nobody, Amelia. Stop forgetting that. Adrian doesn¡¯t give a shit about you. Stay the fuck away from him.¡±


    I struggled to release myself from her grip but Aneeka and Malia held me down, holding my arms on either sides.


    ¡°I see what you¡¯re trying to do, Amelia. ying the good girl so Adrian would fall for you? You¡¯re trying to be part of the cool crowd now, huh? You pathetic piece of shit.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s NOT what I¡¯m doing,¡± I screamed out in protest.


    I would never do that. What the heck did I need poprity for anyway?


    Kimberly shushed me saying, ¡°There¡¯s no need to deny it Amelia. I see you. I see what a pretentious bitch you are. All you want is to be on top right?¡±


    Sheughed. ¡°Go home, Mel. Go throw some roses on mommy and daddy¡¯s grave, will you?¡±


    Kimberly saw that she had hit home. She smiled, cing a hand on my shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s right, loser. Go on. I mean, they obviously can¡¯t stand you either. But. . . they¡¯re dead so it wouldn¡¯t matter of course.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    A tear began to pool in my eyes.


    Malia noticed. She cackled as if seeing me cry was the funniest thing in the world.


    As the three of them surrounded me,ughing and sneering at my misery. I felt like nothing more than a mere cockroach for everyone to step on.


    And, not for the first time, I wished I was in the backseat of that car the day of my parents¡¯ death.


    Amelia Forbes


    I sped from the bathroom, tears still dripping my eyes.


    This was the second time I was crying in less than 30 minutes.


    I grabbed Nana¡¯s house keys from my locker and headed for the exit. I needed to go home. I needed to sleep. I needed all this pain to stop.


    It was raining heavily and the sky was dark. Just like state of my life right now. Dark and gloomy.


    Nevertheless, I walked into the rain. I had already decided I was going home right now, and not even the rain could stop me. Besides it was perfect for hiding the tears streaming down my face.


    Nana wasn¡¯t home when I got back. I unlocked the door and walked in, my clothes and shoes leaving pools of water on the floor.


    I put a hand to my forehead, sliding slowly to the floor.


    A sob escaped me as I recalled the events of today. When would the daye where I would go to school and not have any one insult me, throw something at me, or hit me.


    Was it too much to ask to just live a normal life. Why couldn¡¯t they just leave me alone.


    I don¡¯t want to be here. I don¡¯t want to be here. I repeated this over and over as if repeating it would make ite true.


    ¡°All I want to do is feel normal!¡± I yelled to the empty house. ¡°I want to be left alone. Just leave me alone.¡±


    Tears spilled down my cheeks. I wanted to throw something. Hit something. me someone. But I knew.


    I knew it was my fault. Everything. I realized that the only crime I hadmitted was. . . existing.


    Living. Breathing.


    Slowly, I walked up to my room and copsed on my bed.


    I woke up to Nana shaking me awake, rm visible in her eyes.


    I realized that I was still in my wet clothes.


    Seeing me awake, Nana signed, Are you okay, dear?


    My lips parted to reply but no sound came out. My throat was sore from crying and I found it hard to breathe.


    I could see that Nana was panicking. I wanted to reassure her. Tell her I was okay. Tell her nothing was wrong with me. But all I could hear was the pounding of my chest in my ears.


    My lungs felt like there were weights resting on them. It was getting harder to stay awake by the second. Nana pped my cheek lightly, probably in a bid to keep me awake.


    She ced the back of her palm on her forehead. The speed at which she snatched her hand off was enough to show me that I was running a temperature.


    Stay awake, baby, Nana signed. She rushed out, returning with a bowl of water and a cloth.


    Thest thing I remembered was copsing in her arms.


    Jason Davenport


    ¡°We¡¯re going on a vacation.¡± Dad announced as we sat at the dining table for breakfast.


    We rarely had breakfast together. Dad was either on a business trip or rushing to work. So this was kinda rare.


    I considered his statement, raising an eyebrow. ¡°But school is still in session, Dad. And will be for like two more months,¡± I said, confused.


    Dad¡¯s face faltered. ¡°Oh, um, I meant your mother and I. Your mother and I are going on a vacation.¡±


    I felt my face begin to heat up.


    ¡°You¡¯re taking this-her? You¡¯re taking her on a vacation?¡±


    He didn¡¯t have time to talk to me or take me anywhere because he was always so damn busy, but he wasn¡¯t too busy to go on vacation?


    That was rich. I shook my head, anger surfacing.


    Was itpulsory for dad and his gold digging wife to infuriate me every fucking day?


    Ashley let out a squeal, obviously not hearing what I had just said. ¡°Oh my gosh, babe!¡± She raced to dad¡¯s side of the table and enveloped him in a hug, kissing both his cheeks in turn.


    Dad smiled, obviously pleased with himself.


    ¡°But dad!¡± I attempted onest time. ¡± We¡¯re supposed to go on vacation. As a family. We haven¡¯t done that since mom. . .¡± I trailed off.


    Ashley nced at me with a pitiful look on her face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, baby. We¡¯ll go after your final exams. As a family, so don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever call me that. Ever again in your fucking life!¡± I bellowed.


    Was this bitch crazy or something, I wondered.


    ¡°Jason!¡± Dad countered.


    I ignored him and faced Ashley. ¡°Stop fucking trying to be my mother and concentrate instead on being his whore. After all that¡¯s why you¡¯re here-¡±


    I hadn¡¯t finished my statement when all of a sudden Dad swung a hand across his side of the table, giving me a resounding p.


    I ced a hand to my cheek in shock.


    Dad had neverid a finger on me. Never.


    ¡°Because of her, right?¡± I screamed at Dad. ¡°You never hit me. Can¡¯t you see what she¡¯s doing?! To you! To us!¡±


    Dad red at me. ¡°What is wrong with you, Jason. Don¡¯t you see how disrespectful you¡¯re being. Ashley may not be your birth mother. But she¡¯s older than you, and she¡¯s trying. Give her that respect. She sure as hell deserves it!¡±


    I looked from dad to Ashley-who sat quietly, one arm linked to dad¡¯s-and I could see it clearly. He was choosing her over me.


    He wasn¡¯t thinking of mom, or me. The only thing he cared about was Ashley.


    Swallowing, I stood as if stung by a bee. ¡°Have fun wherever the fuck you two are headed.¡±


    With those words I stormed off, heading out to get some fresh air.


    Amelia Forbes


    My eyelids were extremely heavy as I struggled to open my eyes. My head ached and it seemed like the world was spinning.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I¡¯d been lying here. Everything was a blur. I only recalled a few things. Like Nana bathing me in a tub full of hot water, Nana feeding me some strange kind of  soup.


    I think I recalled a nurse giving me some injections and writing down a list of things in a scrap of paper which sheter handed to Nana.


    I saw mom and dad too. But they kept disappearing.


    Parting my lips, I tried to say something but my voice was really low and scratchy.


    So in conclusion, I felt like crap.


    Right then, Nana walked in with a tray of soup. Seeing that I was awake, she hurriedly put the tray down and rushed to my side.


    Finally you¡¯re awake; how are you feeling baby? She signed.


    My hand felt heavy but I signed nheless, I feel really sick. How long has it been?


    Nana first enveloped me in a hug and I could tell that she was struggling to hold back tears.


    Afterwards she sat at my beside, feeding me while we talked.


    I thought you were leaving me, Nana signed, tears in her eyes.


    I suddenly felt guilty for being such a burden to her. I felt bad for falling sick. Why did I have to walk under the rain?


    I remembered seeing mom and dad. And then it hit me. The reason why I kept on seeing them was because. . . I wanted to join them. I wanted to be with them.


    As I looked at Nana, I saw the fear in her eyes. The fear of losing me. Just like I¡¯d lost my parents.


    And I remembered how unfair it all felt. And how broken I was.


    And I realized that Nana would have felt the same way if anything happened to me.


    I held Nana¡¯s hand, trying tomunicate without signing. Telling her how sorry I was.


    And I wept like a baby. Because the pain was too much to bear.

 …And it was nice

    Amelia Forbes


    From everything Nana had told me, I gathered that I had caught a really bad cold walking under the rain and I¡¯d been unconscious for days.


    Realizing what that meant, I panicked. That means I¡¯ve missed school, homework, maybe even tests.


    Nana noticed this andmunicated to me that the school was aware, so any tests or homework would still be made avable to me when I was feeling strong enough.


    Relieved, I settled down and resumed my conversation with Nana.


    I also found out that a guy hade to see me. And from Nana¡¯s description, it was no other than Adrian Goldfield.


    I had mixed feelings about the whole thing.


    Jason had already warned me about associating with his best friend. And he wouldn¡¯t take it lightly if he found out Adrian had been to my house. But on the other hand, Adrian was the only one who cared to check up on me when I missed school.


    I couldn¡¯t just ignore that.


    He¡¯d gotten the drugs prescribed for me, and he got fruits for me as well.


    I had to thank him, at least.


    Okay, I decided. I¡¯d thank him and that¡¯d be it. Yes, he was nice to me. But associating with him would only make the bullying worse. And that¡¯s thest thing I needed right now.


    Jason Davenport


    Iy on my bed still seething. What I needed right now was alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol.


    I was fed up with dad. This was the height of it all. Well, fuck dad and fuck Ashley. Fuck this shithole and all these fucking servants.


    I checked the time. It was 8pm. I needed to get out of here. I couldn¡¯t stand being in the same house with those two.


    Frankly speaking, I hated being around here ever since mom died. Everything in this house was irritating to me. Dad had only made it worse when he started to bring in all these women.


    I thought of where to go. There was a a party at Greg¡¯s tonight. I could go for that. There¡¯d be pot, alcohol and lots of girls. Just what I needed.


    Making up my mind, I flung out a t-shirt, a leather jacket and a pair of jeans to wear out of my closet. Grabbing a pair ofbat boots out off my shoe rack, I ced them on the floor, close to my bed.


    My mind wandered as finallynded on Amelia Forbes. It¡¯d been almost a week since I¡¯d seen her in school.


    Maybe she had finally taken my advice and decided to jump off a cliff. I smiled at that thought.


    The only annoying thing about it was that it put the project on hold. And I couldn¡¯t afford to fail that. It carried a lot of marks.


    I frowned. She better reappear from wherever she ran off to. My grades were at stake here. The bitch just had to add to all the problems I already had.


    Hissing, I got up to jump into the shower when my bedroom door opened.


    Dad walked in, stopping at the door and observing me.


    I felt my blood begin to boil, and I decided that the best thing to do was ignore him. I slipped my phone out of my pocket, and began to scroll through Instagram.


    Dad approached me, taking a seat on the free side of my bed.


    ¡°Jason,¡± He called out gently.


    I stuck to what I had resolved to do. Ignore him.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Look, I know you¡¯re mad at me. And you have every right to be. I¡¯m sorry for hitting you. I should never have done that. It was very low of me. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I pretended not to hear him, still scrolling through my phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± He repeated. ¡°I know you miss your mom. I do-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± I yelled. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk about mom. You have no right to do that.¡±


    ¡°Jason-¡±


    ¡°No! You¡¯ve already desecrated her memory in this house by bringing all these women in here. So don¡¯t act like you give a shit about mom or me!¡±


    His eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Jason, why would you say that.¡±


    There was so much hurt in his voice. But I didn¡¯t care. He deserved it. Besides, everything I said was true. He had his new woman now. So fuck me. Right?


    Getting up forcefully I said, ¡°You know what, dad? I gotta go. And you have work tomorrow. You should go to bed.¡±


    I started to walk away when he grabbed my arm.


    ¡°Jason. I know everything is confusing right now. I understand that. Just. . . please give me a chance to exin. A chance to prove you wrong. I do care about you, Jason.¡±


    He squeezed my arm. ¡°I know you miss your mother. But please-¡±


    I snatched my arm away. ¡°You know nothing about me! Nothing. Now please leave.¡±


    I was breathing hard, staring daggers at him.


    Dad sighed, watching me. Then slowly, he spun round and walked out of my room, shutting the door with a click.


    Amelia Forbes


    I was feeling better today. My chest still felt heavy, but the headache was gone and my eyes didn¡¯t hurt anymore.


    Nana sat on a reclining sofa close to my bed, signing to me and rting to me how the week had been going.


    Iughed at intervals, simultaneously eating the chicken soup she had prepared for me.


    She had emailed the school, so my homework was brought over to the house by one of the teachers.


    A pile of my homework, all solved, was arranged atop my study table. Suddenly I thought of Jason. We had a lot of homework. I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯d be mad when he realized I hadn¡¯t been in school.


    Not like he cared about that. Even if I was dying, he wouldn¡¯t care. The only important thing were his grades.


    Come to think of it, it was kind of impressive how much he cared about his grades. But sometimes I wondered if he really cared about his grades, or if he just enjoyed putting me through the torture.


    Unlike me, his life didn¡¯t depend on his good grades, or a schrship. His father could pay or buy his way into school. So, it was obviously the second reason. He probably just enjoyed torturing me.


    Now, that I¡¯d gotten it straight that I could have my assignments delivered to me, and also take my own tests as long as a teacher was present here, I was really d that I wasn¡¯t going to school.


    Yes it was weird missing school. But it was nice too. I didn¡¯t have to deal with Jason and Kimberly, and pretty much the entire poption of Wayne County High.


    It felt nice. No shoving, no hitting, no bullying, no insults. I felt like I could finally breathe.


    Secretly, I wished it could be like this till my final exams.


    But every good thing had toe to end sometime right?


    Even though I was miles ahead in the curriculum, I still had to attend sses. That thought was depressing so I tried not to think about it.


    The sound of the doorbell jolted me from my thoughts.


    Still surprised, I quickly recovered and signed to Nana, telling her that someone was at the door.


    She quickly stood up to go answer.


    A few momentster, she walked in. Adrian stood behind her, all smiles, a bouquet of flowers in one hand, and a box of choctes in the other.


    Amelia Forbes


    My jaw fell open as I sighted Adrian. The smile on his face was the most heartwarming thing I¡¯d seen in a while.


    How could someone like Adrian be so happy to see. . . me.


    Amelia Forbes.


    Who was bullied daily by his best friend. Me. A nobody.


    ¡°Hey. You feeling better?¡± He asked cheerily, still smiling.


    ¡°Well, I, um. . .¡± I blurted out like an idiot.


    Nana wiggled her eyebrows at me, smiling mischievously. I gasped when she signed, So this is the boy you¡¯ve been crushing on.


    Adrian looked at me confused. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Um, yes,¡± I said, still flustered. To make the lie believable, I tried to disguise the gasp as a cough.


    Nana hid a smile behind her hand. I narrowed my eyes at her. She was clearly enjoying this.


    She winked at me and then signed so that Adrian would see, I¡¯ll go get you both something to drink.


    Adrian rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, I don¡¯t have any experience with signnguage so. . .¡± He trailed off.


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s fine, really.¡± I assured him.


    I tranted to Nana what he had said. She smiled at him and shook her head, showing that it was fine.


    He smiled back at her, his eyes tinkling.


    Damn he was fine.


    My eyes widened as I realized what I¡¯d just been thinking.


    Seriously Mel? That¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking about right now?


    I resisted the urge to p my forehead, lest Nana and Adrian think I¡¯d finally lost my mind.


    I looked up just as Adrian handed Nana the bouquet, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand.


    He opened his mouth to address Nana, then as if he suddenly remembered, he pped a hand over his mouth and turned to me.


    ¡°I, um, these are for your grandma,¡± He said, looking embarrassed.


    Oh boy. This was going to be awkward if Adrian kept feeling like he was offending Nana by not knowing signnguage.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said to him. ¡°It¡¯spletely fine. You don¡¯t have to feel bad or weird. You¡¯re not used to being around someone who¡¯s hearing-impaired. It¡¯ll take some getting used to.¡±


    I smiled at Nana who understood all I was saying, as I was signing and talking simultaneously.


    ¡°You know, in the first few months of living with my Nana, I¡¯d always forget that she couldn¡¯t hear me,¡± Iughed a little.


    ¡°And I¡¯de home bawling ¡®Nana I¡¯m home!''¡± Iughed again at the memory, Adrian joining in this time. ¡°So. It¡¯s fine. You get used to it. Anything you need to say to Nana, say it. I¡¯ll just interpret.¡±


    I finished with a smile. My chest felt kinda strained from talking for too long. But apart from that I was fine.


    Adrian gave me a grateful look. ¡°Thanks, Mel. I feel so much better now. And I guess you¡¯re right too.¡±


    Did I mention I liked the way he said my name?


    Fine. I¡¯ll stop now.


    I tried to concentrate on the words he was saying instead of the way they sounded.


    Adrian turned to Nana. ¡°Would you like me to put these in water?¡± He asked, gesturing to the flowers.


    I tranted to Nana as he spoke. Nana smiled back at him signing, Don¡¯t worry, kiddo. I got this.


    Adrianughed out loud as I tranted to him. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± He said raising both hands up as an act of surrender.


    Nana smiled widely. She could lip read a little, so she understood him without me having to trante.


    I smiled at them getting along, and from what I could tell, Nana liked him.


    I mean who wouldn¡¯t. . .


    Oh my goodness.


    What the hell was wrong with me today.


    Adrian saved me from berating myself by handing me the box of choctes he¡¯d been holding on to.


    ¡°Um, I wasn¡¯t sure what you¡¯d like so I got you choctes,¡± He grinned, holding them out to me.


    ¡°I love chocte,¡± I responded. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    He nodded, taking a seat next to my bed. ¡°So. . . are you gonna tell me what happened?¡± He gestured at me on the sick bed.


    Oh. He wanted to know how I fell sick.


    I swallowed. ¡°Well, I was feeling adventurous. So I thought it¡¯d be a good idea to walk in the rain.¡± I tried to make it believable byughing.


    ¡°Ohh,¡± Adrian stated in an exaggerated manner which made meugh because I¡¯ve never seen him act so goofy. ¡°So miss, do you get these bouts of adventurous moments often?¡±


    ¡°Why, yes,¡± Iughed, ying along.


    He nodded, pretending to write down something on an invisible piece of paper.


    Iughed so much my chest started to hurt.


    ¡°Do you wanna talk about it?¡± He asked softly, suddenly back to his usual self.


    I considered it for a moment. But I decided I didn¡¯t want to. Maybe someday. But not. . . right now.


    So I shook my head in reply.


    He gave me a small nod to show that he understood.


    And we carried on the conversation. Knowing that we had an understanding.


    And it was nice.

 Sobbing on the floor

    Jason Davenport


    I didn¡¯t have to sneak out because dad already knew I was going out. Not like he could stop me anyway.


    But the way downstairs was so long. I didn¡¯t feel like it right now.


    So I just climbed out my bedroom window, using the spaces in the walls as support.


    As I was almost at ground level, I heard someone moving below, close to the trees.


    Shit.


    I wasn¡¯t sneaking out, yes. But I didn¡¯t want dad to find out that I had been using my bedroom as an escape route. He¡¯d probably switch rooms for me. And that¡¯d be shit.


    I descended slowly, trying to be quiet. Thank God it was dark. Else it wouldn¡¯t have ended well.


    I just needed to get the fuck out this house.


    I stopped my descent when I heard Ashley¡¯s voice.


    Was she arguing with someone?


    I looked down to check, and sure enough she was alone. But I could see the dim light from her iPhone, so I figured she was on a call.


    Why did she have toe outside for the call though?


    Straining, I leaned in to listen in.


    ¡°Look, we have to be careful. These things can go wrong. . .¡± She was saying to the person on the other line.


    ¡°Um. . . yeah okay, that might work. I¡¯m going on vacation with him soon-¡±


    I caught these little bits of the conversation, although I couldn¡¯t hear the person on the other side.


    But they didn¡¯t make sense.


    Suddenly she stated in a hurry, ¡°Ok, ok I gotta go now. He¡¯ll be wondering where I¡¯ve been.¡±


    A pause. Then,


    ¡°Okay I send you the details. . . Yeah. . . Okay. Bye.¡±


    She hung up the phone.


    For a moment, she stood making sure no one was around. Then she walked out from behind the bushes and made her way back upstairs.


    I frowned.


    What was this bitch nning, I wondered.


    All I could tell right now was that it had something to do with Dad.


    Well, whatever it was, I was going to find out.


    Amelia Forbes


    As I walked through the hallway and to my locker, I desperately hoped that Jason and Kimberly had forgotten about me in the past few days that I had been absent.


    I knew that wouldn¡¯t happen though.


    But still, fingers crossed. Right?


    As I got to my locker and started taking out the notes and textbooks I would need, my mind wandered to Adrian.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Unintentionally, a smile crossed my face.


    Having him over was the nicest thing that¡¯d happened in a while.


    We had talked about stuff while eating the chocte he¡¯d gifted me. After a while we¡¯d walked to the kitchen still talking, where he had offered to make dinner.


    Yes, Adrian was an excellent cook. Which surprised me, to be honest. He didn¡¯t seem like the type that¡¯d know how to even turn on the cooker.


    But yeah, at the the end, the spicy spaghetti and chicken hade out surprisingly well.


    He even made a small portion of chicken soup-to help my cold.


    Apparently, Nana had liked hispany so much she invited him over for dinner this weekend.


    But what if. . . she was just trying to set us up.


    I wouldn¡¯t put it past her.


    But as for me. . . I wasn¡¯t sure I felt THAT way for Adrian.


    I mean, he was nice and sweet and cute. Not to mention his very nice butt. . .


    That¡¯s not the point, Mel, I chided myself, putting a hand to my forehead.


    What the hell was I doing? I caught myself, realizing the reality of the situation.


    I was supposed to be staying away from Adrian. Completely avoiding him, even.


    But no. Here I was.


    In less than a day, he hade over to my house, gotten me a gift, and cooked for me.


    I tugged at the ends of my hair. Jason wouldn¡¯t take it lightly if he found it.


    I needed to be careful, I decided. It was probably best to not see Adrian anymore.


    Yes. That¡¯s the best thing to do.


    Sighing inaudibly, I trudged a the way to my first ss. Which, of course I had with both Kimberly and Jason.


    As I walked in, I noticed Kimberly and her minions sitting at a corner in the back of the ss.


    I quickly tried to find my way to my seat, hoping they wouldn¡¯t notice me.


    But we all know that¡¯s never gonna happen.


    Aneeka noticed me trying to stay out of sight, and tapped Kimberly. Almost immediately, she whipped around and fixed me with a dirty re.


    ¡°Argh, no.¡± She said, rolling a lollipop in her mouth. ¡°When we all thought she was dead.¡±


    Malia and Aneeka burst into a round of cackling.


    I tried to keep my face calm, hoping they would just leave me alone.


    Kimberly¡¯s outburst made almost everyone in the ss notice me. I hated the stares, the res, the sneering. I tried to actively block them out as I found a seat and put my things down.


    ¡°Girl in the rain!¡± Someone shouted from the back, egged on by the cheers andughter from my ssmates.


    I knew it was Aneeka. Her stupid tinkly voice. . .


    ¡°Aquawoman.¡± Someone sitting right beside me said, sniggering.


    I did a double take. I didn¡¯t even know this girl. Now people I didn¡¯t even know had joined in the bullying.


    Tears of pain and shame threatened to fall. But I knew that was what they wanted.


    Out of nowhere, someone threw a crumpled piece of paper at me, attracting moreughs from my ssmates.


    Soon everyone started to join in.


    The tears hung on the edge of my eyes.


    Please don¡¯t fall. Please don¡¯t fall.


    A single tear rolled from my eyes and down to the front of my shirt.


    I tried again to block out the taunts. Theughing.


    I looked around, the tears partially blurring my vision.


    Everyone here wasughing at me.


    Everyone.


    I was that much of a joke. Just a piece of trash in the wrong ce.


    I grabbed my books, tears still flowing, and fled to the bathroom.


    Jason Davenport


    I watched Amelia leave ss crying.


    Finally the bitch was back. We had limited time to finish up the project. Plus I had homework that was due today.


    I knew she was going to the bathroom to cry. So I followed her and waited at the nearby ss.


    After what seemed like hours, she trudged out, looking like the world hade to an end.


    Irritated, I grabbed her by the shoulders, turning her to face me.


    ¡°Where the fuck have you been?¡± I spat.


    Her eye widened in fear as she looked down at her feet murmuring, ¡°I¡¯ve been sick.¡±


    I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Who the fuck cares about that?¡±


    Hissing I threw the four homework assignments I had at her feet.


    ¡°That¡¯s my homework. Take care of it,¡± I ordered.


    She slowly bent down to pick them up, nodding.


    ¡°And as for the project, we continue today.¡±


    She looked up, her eyes widening. ¡°I can¡¯t do today. I still don¡¯t feel well.¡±


    I moved forward and grabbed her arm, squeezing.


    ¡°Whether you feel good or bad, it¡¯s none of my fucking business. You¡¯re not the first person in the world to fall sick.¡±


    She stared at me, something that resembled anger beginning to spark.


    I smirked. ¡°You wanna hit me, Mel?¡± I asked, gripping her arm tighter.


    She squirmed in my grip, tears of anger visible in her eyes. In defiance she didn¡¯t let them fall.


    ¡°Huh? What you gonna do, Mel? Hit me?¡± I taunted her, enjoying the look helplessness in her eyes.


    ¡°Well?¡± I asked again, my grip tighter than ever.


    She let out a broken cry in pain.


    Good.


    Motivated, I squeezed harder. She let out another cry.


    Finally she let the tears fall.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± She sobbed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for falling sick, I¡¯m sorry for being such a waste of space.¡± She slumped to the floor, letting the books fall.


    ¡°I¡¯m. . . sorry. I¡¯ll do the homework right now. Please. . . stop.¡±


    Her eyes were red and swollen from all the crying as she sat on the floor begging.


    Why was this bitch always so dramatic?


    The things she does just for a little sympathy from others.


    Sighing, I realized I needed a smoke. So I walked away from her still sobbing on the floor.

 So she had nice legs…

    Amelia Forbes


    I sat in the library all day solving Jason¡¯s homework assignments. It was easy because I had done mine already, so I remembered most of the answers.


    My chest was heavy and my eyes hurt. I was simply exhausted. I wondered again why I couldn¡¯t just stay home and take all my tests and exams there.


    School was the most exhausting ce to be, for me. Topped up with the constant bullying.


    I needed to get out of here.


    Just 170 days left, Mel. You¡¯re doing great. You¡¯re doing great. Just. . . hold on.


    All I had to do was stay out of their way. Jason and Kimberly. And avoid Adrian. I¡¯d be okay.


    I felt a second round of tearsing up but I shook it off and continued my work.


    Almost as if Adrian had heard me mentioning him in my head, he walked into the library.


    I said a silent prayer, hoping he wouldn¡¯t notice me.


    But he did, obviously. When had my prayers ever been answered.


    He waved at me from the door and proceeded to where I was sitting.


    My brain turned in circles as I contemted on what to do. I wasn¡¯t supposed to be talking to him. And I didn¡¯t want to get into more trouble with Jason.


    He got to where I was sitting and ced a hand on the free chair across me, asking, ¡°May I sit here?¡±


    I shrugged, trying to look busy.


    ¡°Um, okay.¡± He sounded unsure but still he took a seat.


    After a moment of silence, he asked. ¡°How are you doing today, Mel? And how¡¯s your Nana.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re both good, thanks,¡± I replied quietly.


    ¡°Okay cool,¡± He said. Still sounding unsure. ¡°Wanna hitch a ride home?¡± He offered, giving me his signature smile.


    ¡°No I¡¯m good, thanks.¡± I replied.


    He studied me from across the desk. ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±


    I looked up from the books, fixing him with a nk stare.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± He continued. ¡°You¡¯re acting weird.¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, Adrian,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m just really tired.¡±


    I gestured as the books. ¡°And busy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Okay then.¡±


    He stood with a small smile and gave me a small nod.


    Tears threatened to wash down my face as I watched him leave.


    I¡¯d finally made a friend who cared about my wellbeing. And all I could do was push him away. Because I was too scared to stand up to an asshole who hated me for no reason.


    I caught the tears in my palm before they would stain Jason¡¯s books.


    Wiping them with my free hand, I concentrated on the work in front of me.


    Amelia Forbes


    I was sitting on a chair at the back of the school.


    I should¡¯ve been on my way to Jason¡¯s house for the project but I waspletely exhausted. My chest hurt and I knew I needed to rest.


    But I couldn¡¯t tell Jason that, of course. I¡¯ll just sit here and rest awhile, I decided.


    I ced a hand on my forehead feeling weak just as a very flushed looking Benson came into view.


    He was making out with Katie as they inched their way to the back of the school.


    A strange anger pumped through me as I saw Ben.


    Did he even remember I existed?


    After a few minutes of making out and roaming hands around body parts not worth mentioning, they finally noticed me.


    With a yelp they tore apart, blushing furiously.


    Katie Henshaw smoothened out her hair and offered me a wave. After a few awkward moments she kissed Benson on the cheek and whispered something into his ear before walking away.


    Benson stood unsure for a while before walking up to me.


    ¡°Um, h-hey Mel. What¡¯s up?¡± He asked awkwardly.


    I had a lot to say but I decided it was best to keep quiet. So I just nodded.


    He rubbed the back of his neck.


    I don¡¯t know what it was. Maybe it was the gesture that reminded me of Adrian. Or the frustration at everything that had happened to me. But I exploded.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± I gave a hollowugh. ¡°What¡¯s up is that the person who¡¯s supposed to be my best friend didn¡¯t even notice I was gone for days with a terrible cold that could¡¯ve killed me. What¡¯s up is that you gave me hope. You acted like you actually cared. You knew everything that was happening, with Jason, with Adrian, with everything. And you left me, Ben.¡±


    I felt like I was choking. And I could feel the tears streaming down.


    ¡°What¡¯s up is that you made me believe that I had someone, even if it was just one person, that someone could really care about me. Really love me.¡±


    He shook his head repeatedly.


    ¡°No, no, Ben. We were supposed to have our bestie timest weekend. You didn¡¯t even remember, right?¡±


    Iughed again as a look of realization materialized on his face.


    ¡°Mel, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± His voice shook. ¡°Katie and I-¡±


    ¡°Katie,¡± I repeated. ¡°Everything is about Katie now. I understand that since you¡¯re dating her you won¡¯t have as much time for me anymore. But it was just one day. One day, Ben. You knew I was having a hard time.¡±


    I sniffled, wiping my running nose with my sleeves.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even call to cancel. You just left me there. Waiting like an idiot. It hurt, Ben. It really hurt.¡±


    His eyes were watering now. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m so sorry,¡± He kept on repeating.


    I wiped my burning eyes with both hands, nodding.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little toote for that now.¡± I smiled bitterly.


    ¡°I can see now that I¡¯m nothing but a joke to you. I¡¯m not that important. And it¡¯s okay. It-it¡¯s okay,¡± I whimpered.


    Wiping my tears away for the fifth time today, I stood.


    ¡°I have somewhere to be.¡±


    He held onto my sleeve. ¡°Mel, please. I can fix this.¡±


    I gently extricated myself from his hold.


    ¡°Take care, Ben.¡±


    With that, I walked away to find a taxi to Jason¡¯s house.


    Jason Davenport


    I sat out on the porch smoking. I wasn¡¯t worried about getting caught because Dad wasn¡¯t home.


    It¡¯d been nearly an hour since I left school. Amelia hadn¡¯t arrived yet.


    Adrian had dropped me off. Surprisingly, he didn¡¯t offer to take her with us.


    Good. He was probably learning that she wasn¡¯t worth it. And that¡¯s exactly how it should be.


    She had to find her way here. But I didn¡¯t care. She was wasting my fucking time.


    It was almost baffling how someone could be so dumb. You¡¯d think by now she¡¯d learned her lesson and consequences of keeping me waiting.


    Feeling my temple throb and trying to get rid of the irritation, I scrolled through my phone.


    My eyes narrowed as I sighted a message from Kimberly. I tapped on it and a pic of her in a revealing dress popped up. I swallowed and put my phone on sleep.


    Bitch. She was doing this on purpose. Teasing me. Because she knew I couldn¡¯t have her.


    cing my phone down I checked the time. 3. 15pm.


    As I was about to say something, a small figure emerged from the gates.


    Took her long enough.


    She took her time walking from the gates to the porch.


    I stood as she got to the porch. ¡°Traffic,¡± She mumbled, wiping a drop of sweat from her face.


    I cocked an eyebrow, observing her. Deciding to let it go, I shoved her towards the stairs.


    ¡°You know the way to the living room don¡¯t you?¡± I barked at her.


    She nodded and proceeded up the stairs.


    As we got past the second flight of stairs, Amelia nearly bumped into Ashley who wasing from the opposite direction.


    I shut my eyes, starting to fume. Thest thing I needed now was these two dumbass bitches in one room.


    I would fucking lose it.


    ¡°Sorry!¡± They both said at the same time.


    I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Grabbing Amelia, I prodded her toward the stairs.


    ¡°We have work to do, Mel,¡± I said, giving her a look she very well understood.


    Ashley wouldn¡¯t let us, of course. ¡°Who¡¯s your pretty friend, Jace?¡± Ashley asked sweetly.


    My face reddened as she used the nickname she knew I despised. But right now, I was wasn¡¯t in the mood for Ashley¡¯s drama. So I swallowed the anger and answered straight. ¡°She¡¯s a girl from my ss. We¡¯re paired for the project.¡±


    Ashley¡¯s face froze in surprise. This was the first time I¡¯d answered her clearly and with no trace of contempt. Most times I just ignored her.


    She recovered quickly, offering me arge grin. ¡°Well she¡¯s so pretty,¡± Ashley squealed in glee.


    Amelia looked on, giving a polite smile at intervals.


    I tried to control myself. My patience was running out.


    ¡°Would you like anything to drink?¡± Ashley was asking Amelia. Amelia stood helpless, looking at me.


    I sighed inaudibly. ¡°Water,¡± I answered for her. ¡°She¡¯ll take water.¡±


    Ashley smiled and pped both hands together. ¡°Would you like to stay over for dinner. . .¡± She trailed off.


    ¡°Amelia. Everyone calls me Mel,¡± Amelia answered for her.


    ¡°Oh my gosh. That is such a pretty name.¡±


    Amelia gave another polite smile. ¡°And. . . thanks for the offer but I¡¯m having dinner with my grandma.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Ashley¡¯s face fell. ¡°Okay maybe, next time?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Amelia smiled.


    Her smile didn¡¯t look so forced this time. Actually it looked kinda warm.


    Was this bitch having fun? I frowned.


    ¡°Well I¡¯ll leave you two to it,¡± Ashley said smiling even harder. If that was possible.


    Finally.


    Ashley gave Amelia a side hug as she walked past us, while Amelia looked on in horror.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    If I wasn¡¯t so angry I might haveughed.


    I dragged Amelia up the remaining stairs. As we got to the living room, I backed her in a corner.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± I demanded.


    She stared at me, looking confused. ¡°I don¡¯t understand-¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up.¡± I spat. ¡°So now you think you can carry on conversations with anyone you meet here?¡±


    She cowered murmuring. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me not to talk to your cousin.¡±


    My hand froze in the air.


    My cousin.


    The reality of it all was so annoying. Anyone would even take her for my sister.


    But no. She was my stepmother. That word always left a bitter taste in my mouth.


    In anger, I grabbed Amelia. ¡°You¡¯re not here to make small talk. You¡¯re here to work. Understood?¡±


    She nodded weakly.


    ¡°Good. Now sit,¡± I ordered.


    She walked to the tiny chair she¡¯d sat in thest time.


    ¡°Not there,¡± I barked. ¡°I gestured to therger chair and table. ¡°Sit there.¡±


    Ashley had seen her already. It¡¯d look odd if she happened to see her sitting there. And it would attract a lot of questions.


    To keep up appearances, I abandoned the couch Iy in and took a seat three chairs from the one in which she was sitting.


    Her eyes widened in surprise and she wasted no time to getfortable on the chair, obviously grateful for it.


    I watched her take her time to getfortable on the chair.


    She took off her school bag and ced it in front of her, pausing halfway to make sure I¡¯d actually told her to sit.


    As she did her skirt rode up a little exposing one clear, creamy thigh.


    I swallowed involuntarily, forcing my eyes off her and gluing them on my phone screen.


    After a while, my eyes wandered back of their own ord. I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off her thighs.


    So she had nice legs. . .


    Shit. I stopped myself. The only time I¡¯d ever gotten close to Amelia was the night of the party when I yed that prank on her.


    And it was nothing exciting. It was merely to teach her a lesson.


    Giving up, I tore my eyes off her legs and focused on her face instead.


    She tucked her hair behind her ear, chewing on the end of the pencil she held. She flipped through one page of the textbook on the table, using her index finger to trace the words.


    I sucked in a sharp breath. I¡¯ve never found Amelia attractive.


    So why?


    In anger I banged the table and stood. ¡°Finish up and get out. I have stuff to do.¡±


    She looked up questioningly but didn¡¯tin.


    I spun round and walked out fast enough to conceal my erection.

 Jason’s mom

    Jason Davenport


    Iy on my bed exhausted. I¡¯d just gotten home from school after a 3 hour long practice.


    Coach was getting us ready for a game against St John¡¯s High; the current state champions. So we¡¯ve been training hard for it.


    I guess this was good in some way, as I usually got homete as a result of the training. And as soon as I had dinner, I went straight to bed.


    This actually helped me forget that I was grounded. Well, except on the weekends when I had absolutely nothing to do.


    Well, Dad was leaving soon. And obviously the guilt of leaving me behind would prompt him to lift the ban. And voil¨¤, I¡¯m not grounded anymore.


    I just hoped he would let me have my car back as well.


    I stopped running my fingers through my hair as I thought of Ashley. Ever since I¡¯d seen her that night underneath the tree talking to someone on the phone, I¡¯d been suspicious.


    Was she nning to rob him?


    Hurt him?


    My heart skipped a beat at that thought. But. . . she needed him for his money so why would she do that?


    One part of me wanted to let it go, let her do her thing. So that when she¡¯d steal from Dad, he¡¯d see that I¡¯d been right about her all along. And then maybe he¡¯d learn to listen to me. Trust me.


    I smirked, ying it out in my head and liking that I¡¯d had enough sense to see through Ashley¡¯s facade. The satisfaction I would gain was worth it.


    But another part of me just couldn¡¯t shake it off. If she was nning to do something stupid, which I knew she was, I wanted to be the one to catch her in the act.


    Gold digging bitch. tion pumped through me as I thought about it.


    Making up my mind to monitor her even more closely from now on, I jumped into the shower to freshen up.


    Two hourster I sat at the dining table with Dad and Ashley gulping down generous portions of potato porridge while dad discussed something with Ashley.


    At intervals, Ashley would look up from her food to offer me a warm smile.


    It took all I had in me not to scoff. She¡¯d been acting like this since the day she met Amelia. Did she really think we were buddies now because I answered her question politely.


    Bitch. She was trying to warm up to me slowly. Because she knew that as soon as she trapped me in her web of deceit with her fake kindness, she would secure her ce in the house as dad¡¯s wife, then use that opportunity to get anything she wanted.


    I ignored her smiles and focused on my food. I wasn¡¯t falling for her crap.


    But for now, I would keep calm, keep my cool. So she wouldn¡¯t think I suspected anything.


    Then when she was least expecting it, I would expose her for who she truly was.


    Amelia Forbes


    It was Saturday. And I was exhausted. Yeah sure, I¡¯m always exhausted, but this was different.


    I needed to go out. Get some fresh air. Breathe. The week had been hard on me, as though all forces were against me.


    What I needed right now was a generous serving of frozen yogurt and I was going out to get some. The only problem was that Matty¡¯s-where you¡¯d find the best frozen yogurt in the whole of Wayne County-was the most popr hangout for teenagers, especially on the weekends.


    God forbid I should bump into Kimberly or Jason around there. They were already doing a good job of ruining my weekdays-and hence my life-but I was adamant about enjoying my weekends at least.


    An hourter after I¡¯d managed to get myself into a faded pair of joggers and a sleeveless top, I sat in a bench outside Sally¡¯s-where I¡¯d finally decided to go and get not-so-great yogurt-shaded by a huge umbre.


    It wasn¡¯t much, but it was yogurt. Good enough for me.


    As I dipped my spoon into the half eaten yogurt, I saw a very familiar looking girl walk out the shop, a huge cup of yogurt in one hand.


    She looked some years older than me. Her luscious blonde curls with light pink highlights in them looked amazing in the sun and she looked like she¡¯d just walked out of a Vogue magazine.


    As I tried to recall where I¡¯d seen her before while also trying not to gawk like an idiot, I noticed she¡¯d seen me already.


    A look of recognition surfaced on her face, and when she smiled I remembered. She was Jason¡¯s cousin.


    ¡°Hey,¡± She said as she got to where I was sitting. ¡°Can I sit here?¡± She asked sweetly.


    I almost stuttered. ¡°I, um, yes.¡±


    Don¡¯t me me. I¡¯m not used to having this much perfection around.


    As she grinned in reply, pulling out a chair, I decided that her teeth definitely couldn¡¯t be real.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    She¡¯s a freaking goddess.


    I tried topose myself although I was freaking out internally.


    Please, for once in your life Mel, don¡¯t embarrass yourself.


    ¡°You¡¯re Mel. Jason¡¯s friend right?¡± She asked, eating a spoonful of yogurt.


    ¡°Shit. This stuff is terrible,¡± Sheughed after swallowing. Her expression was funny so I couldn¡¯t help butugh too.


    ¡°Yeah I am,¡± I answered. ¡°And you¡¯re his cousin right?¡±


    Realizing something, I said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t get your name though.¡±


    She gave a heartyugh. ¡°Oh my gosh, so sorry. I¡¯m Ashley.¡± She extended her arm for a handshake. ¡°And. . . I¡¯m Jason¡¯s stepmom.¡±


    I nearly choked on my yogurt. His stepmom? No freaking way.


    I knew Jason¡¯s mom had died in an ident years ago, but I didn¡¯t know his dad had remarried. I looked at Ashley again in disbelief.


    She didn¡¯t look a year above twenty one. She looked so. . . young.


    Was that why Jason was so angry?


    I remembered the look on his face when I¡¯d called her his cousin. The hesitation. The resentment.


    Well, crap.


    I guess any one would be embarrassed and angry too, especially since Ashley wasn¡¯t much older than him.


    I swallowed, contemting on how to react. I knew I was terrible at disguising my emotions.


    Sheughed at my expression. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s cool. I get that look a lot. Yeah, it¡¯s difficult. But we¡¯re making it work.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s cool,¡± I replied, not sure what to say.


    ¡°Anyways. . .¡± She said, reaching out to touch my hair. ¡°You are one hell of a beauty. Ahhh, the things I could do to your hair. We just need to touch it up a little and you¡¯d look even more glorious,¡± She squealed.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile. Her excitement was contagious.


    ¡°Well what do you say?¡± She asked, still smiling. ¡°We should do it sometime.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I blurted out without thinking. ¡°That¡¯d be nice.¡±


    ¡°Yay!¡± She pped her hands together.


    Iughed at her excitement.


    After a while of talking about random stuff she threw her yogurt in the trash and stood.


    ¡°Gotta go, Mels. I have somewhere to be.¡±


    Mels. It was new. But I decided I liked it.


    ¡°Okay sure.¡± I replied, getting up and wiping my hands with a napkin.


    I realized I was enjoying herpany. I don¡¯t remember thest time a female, aside from Nana, was nice to me.


    She gave me one of her side hugs and fled to her car which was parked right outside Sally¡¯s.


    All I thought of was how much better she¡¯d made my day as I watched the car zoom off.

 Adrian again

    Amelia Forbes


    It had been nearly two hours since I met Ashley at Sally¡¯s. And although the yogurt had been terrible and what I needed was to sleep it away, I didn¡¯t go home.


    Nana had volunteer work on Saturdays so she wasn¡¯t home. And no way was I going home right now to sit there all alone. I would think to a very unhealthy point and probably end up crying and feeling sorry for myself.


    So I just walked. I walked round Wayne County. Well, it was a small town so it wasn¡¯t so difficult.


    From Sally¡¯s I walked past Matty¡¯s, carefully of course, to avoid being seen.


    As I looked through the ss windows at Matty¡¯s, I could see people, guys and girls in groups, talking,ughing, having fun.


    That was me once, I thought.


    Feeling the sadnessing, I walked past as quickly as I could to shake it off. It wasn¡¯t the time for it.


    After a tour round Wayne County, the only ce I hadn¡¯t been to was the park. It¡¯d been years since I¡¯d been to the park.


    Thest time was with mom and dad. . .


    I swallowed back tears. I was determined not to cry today. And I was nning to stick to that.


    Finally I got to the park. There was a free bench so I sat, clutching the hotdog buns I had gotten in one hand.


    I watched kids ying while their parents watched, couples holding hands and kissing, people getting on rides with their friends.


    The whole scene made me feel sad and nostalgic. I always tried not to think about mom and dad so much.


    But it was so hard. This scene just made it ten times worse. As I watched parents with their kids, I wished I could take back all the wrong things I ever said to mom and dad.


    The first tear that dropped on my hotdog reminded me that I had to go.


    I dumped the hotdog in the trash and stood. It was time to go.


    As I wiped my eyes with sleeve, I bumped into someone.


    I raised my head in rm and embarrassment, ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t see you-¡±


    I paused as I saw that it was actually a couple. Benson and Katie.


    Their arms were linked tightly together and they each held a stick of cotton candy. By the flushed look on their faces, I could tell that they¡¯d just ridden the roller coaster.


    Some kind of pain tugged in my heart. They were having fun. It was great actually for Benson. For them both, I guess.


    Benson¡¯s eyes widened as he saw me, and I could see the guilt and pain in them. As he opened his mouth to say something, I beat him to it.


    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t see you guys there,¡± I mustered a fake smile and walked off. Quickly, so they wouldn¡¯t see that I was crying.


    When I got home, I knew Nana was back already because the door wasn¡¯t locked.


    I walked to her room to find her, and engulfed her in a hug when I did.


    She was a bit startled by the gesture. But she waited till I¡¯d calmed down. After she¡¯d let me sob like a baby for a few minutes she gently raised my head to face her.


    Are you okay, baby? She signed.


    I could see the worry in her eyes, and I immediately felt bad for being a burden to her.


    Fresh tears filled my eyes as I signed, I just really miss them.


    She gave me a tight hug and signed, Me too.


    I let myself go. Sobbing until I felt better. It was sad realizing that the only person I had right now was Nana.


    Amelia Forbes


    I didn¡¯t remember falling asleep or getting into my bedst night. Everything was a blur.


    I felt like I was having a hangover, although I didn¡¯t drink yesterday.


    Sighing, I got up from my bed and jumped into the shower. After going through my morning routine-except getting ready for school, because it was Sunday-the smell of waffles prompted me to go downstairs for breakfast.


    As I sat on a chair in the kitchen after signing good morning to Nana, she eyed me, nodded and continued her work.


    What? Imunicated.


    She poured another batch of batter in the waffle maker and wiped the countertop, throwing the utensils in the sink.


    Adrian emailed to cancel for today, She signed, watching me carefully.


    Right. He¡¯d gotten Nana¡¯s email address thest time he came-in case he needed to reach her, and to check up on her.


    I felt a stab of guilt in my chest. I hadn¡¯t even given him an exnation for my behavior thest time. Maybe he¡¯d decided to give me space. Or who knows, he might even hate me now. Like everyone else.


    But it was for the best, I decided. Best to avoid shing with Jason.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Oh, I signed to Nana, trying to look clueless.


    She eyed me again, squeezing arge amount of liquid soap on the dishes.


    What did you do? She signed.


    I gasped in disbelief. Why do you think I did something, I asked.


    Nana shook her head. Adrian is a sweet boy, She signed. He wouldn¡¯t just cancel, unless something happened.


    I folded my arms across my chest and signed, Well maybe he cancelled because he didn¡¯t feel likeing over anymore.


    Nana shot me a re as she turned off the waffle maker. Shaking her head again, she took out two tes to dish out the waffles. She cut it into four portions, topping it off with three drops of butter and maple syrup. Just the way I liked it.


    Passing mine to me, she signed, Adrian is a good boy, the one friend I know you¡¯ve got apart from Ben. Don¡¯t lose him because you¡¯re scared he¡¯ll turn out just like everyone else.


    With that, she smiled and patted my head.


    Now eat, She signed again, going back to continue her washing and leaving me in a state of deep thought.

 We’re gonna miss our flight

    Jason Davenport


    I pretended not to know that Dad walked into my room. It was 6am. I would soon have to get up and get ready for school.


    But for now, I really didn¡¯t feel like seeing him or talking to him. So I pretended to be asleep.


    He stood at the side of my bed watching me. Sighing when he saw that I was asleep, he gently sat on my bed and buried his head in his hands.


    He looked tired and stressed out. Maybe he really was having a hard time. I wondered if maybe I was being too hard on him. . .


    But I banished that thought as quickly as it came. He deserved it. He was the one trying to rece Mom and change everything. We were great on our own before Ashley showed up.


    And still, he was too blind to see that the only thing she was doing was ruining our lives and our rtionship with each other.


    It¡¯de back to bite him in the ass. And for sure he¡¯d regret ever trying to rece my mother. Like he always did.


    The thought of letting Ashley rob him came to my mind, and for a moment I considered it. It¡¯d be the best way to show him what kind of person she truly was. And he¡¯d learn his lesson too.


    But no.


    I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that she might harm him. And as much as I hated to admit it, that thought was frightening.


    I¡¯d already lost one parent. I wasn¡¯t about to lose the other.


    Maybe I should stop him.


    But I knew he wouldn¡¯t listen to me. He¡¯d think I was only trying to ruin it because I hated Ashley.


    Not that I didn¡¯t. Because I did. I really did.


    I watched him sit there for minutes with his head in his hands. After a while, I decided that I¡¯d pretended for long enough.


    So I acted like I was just waking up, surprised to see him sitting there.


    ¡°Hey, buddy,¡± He said as he saw me getting up. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you to get up.¡±


    ¡°Morning Dad,¡± I murmured, getting up and walking to the bathroom.


    ¡°Your mom and I are leaving today,¡± He said after a while.


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± I wasn¡¯t really interested in what he had to say. I knew he was feeling guilty. And I was going to use it to my advantage.


    ¡°You gonna be okay?¡± He asked. I could hear the desperation in his voice.


    I deliberately wasted a lot of time to respond. ¡°No,¡± I answered gravely.


    ¡°I¡¯m grounded till graduation, I can¡¯t y video games, see my friends, or even have my car. And now I¡¯m going to spend two weeks alone in this huge house. Because this doesn¡¯t feel like a home.¡±


    For effect, I trudged into the shower and shut the door. I took my time showering, knowing that the more time I spent in the bathroom, the more time he had to feel bad. Ample time for the guilt to really seep in.


    After showering, I walked back into the room and started to change into my alreadyid out outfit for the day.


    Dad grabbed my arm as I proceeded to walk downstairs. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± He stated. ¡°I know it¡¯s hard for you, being all alone here. I promise that after your exams, we¡¯ll take a trip. Just the two of us.¡± He smiled, and I wondered if he really meant it. I hoped he did.


    ¡°You can have your car back,¡± He continued.


    Yes! I let out a breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding. Finally.


    ¡°And your video games too. But. . . you¡¯re still grounded.¡±


    I gave him a look.


    He shook his head. ¡°No, no. I mean it. I don¡¯t think you¡¯re spending time with the right people. I¡¯m trying to protect you.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said giving up.


    No point arguing.


    It¡¯s not like he¡¯d be here to monitor my movements anyway.


    He gave me a warm smile. ¡°We better go downstairs. Your mom is waiting.¡±


    As we got downstairs and sat down for breakfast, Dad tossed me the keys to my car.


    I would¡¯ve kissed the keys if I wasn¡¯t so determined to not show any emotions.


    So I only nodded-a gesture that showed I was grateful.


    Ashley grinned at me as I ate a spoonful of baked beans.


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna miss you, Jace,¡± She said, pouting.


    I nodded, trying to hide my scowl. No point causing drama today. After all, I wouldn¡¯t have to see her for two weeks. What more could I ask?


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry we¡¯ll be back before you know it!¡± She clung onto dad¡¯s arm. ¡°Right babe?¡±


    Please, not the pet names. I was this close to gagging.


    Dad nodded in affirmation, smiling and looking from me to Ashley.


    What was that?


    Did he think we were finally getting along? It was almostughable.


    I was only doing this because I needed Ashley to think I was warming up to her.


    And then she¡¯d make the mistake of letting her guard down. And I would catch her right where I should.


    So she better enjoy the peace. For now.


    ¡°Do you want anything from Paris?¡± Dad asked.


    I shrugged. I¡¯d been to Paris with Mom and Dad some years back. So there wasn¡¯t really anything special I could think of.


    ¡°Video games maybe?¡± I said, wanting the conversation to end.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Dad nodded.


    Ashley giggled. ¡°Look at us, having breakfast together peacefully for once,¡± She said.


    Dadughed and kissed her hand, reaching out for mine.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    I pretended to cough so I could remove my hand from his hold.


    After a while of eating in silence, Dad checked his watch.


    ¡°Shoot! Baby we have to go. We¡¯re gonna miss our flight.¡±


    Ashley let out a yelp, running round to grab her stuff as though the world wereing to an end.


    As they raced through the door, Dad called out. ¡°No parties, Jason!¡±


    Thest thing I heard was the echoingughter of Ashley as they raced down the stairs.

 I’m tired man

    Amelia Forbes


    I was determined to make everything go right today. Maybe not perfect. But just right.


    Hopefully, good enough to not get into trouble with anyone; Kimberly or Jason.


    I didn¡¯t think I could take any insults or bullying right now. I was weak; physically, mentally, emotionally. You name it. I needed a break from it all.


    Which was why I¡¯d rounded up the remainder of the project over the weekend. All that was left to do now was fill out Jason¡¯s project manual, as I had filled out mine already, and give him a summary of everything I¡¯d done in case we were required to present it in ss.


    As I walked through the hallway with the homework fromst week-we were asked to write an essay-I searched for Jason to hand his to him.


    Easiest way to stay safe from trouble with Jason? Find him before he found you.


    If he asked me for it first, it¡¯d only be another opportunity to pick on me. And that¡¯s exactly what I was trying to prevent.


    I checked all the ces he could be; the bleachers, empty ssrooms. Finally I found him in a stairwell, discussing with Adrian.


    I took in a sharp breath as I sighted Adrian. I hadn¡¯t talked to him since that day in the library. A part of me felt like I should apologize, especially after what Nana had said to me.


    But. . . it was best to stay this way as I didn¡¯t want any issues with Adrian.


    Breathing deeply, I approached them. Jason rolled his eyes and let out a sharp hiss as he saw me.


    Adrian, on the other hand, didn¡¯t betray any emotions he may have been feeling. His expression remained nk.


    I tried to control my beating heart as I handed Jason his homework. He scowled and snatched it from me.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± He muttered, forcing a smile.


    I froze for a second. Did Jason Davenport just thank me? I wondered in amazement. My eyes widened as I stared at him not believing it. What was he ying at?


    He red at me and nced at Adrian.


    Oh. I understood.


    He was trying to keep up appearances because Adrian was here.


    Of course, I thought, feeling stupid. His best friend didn¡¯t know that he made me do all his homework. I restrained from pping my forehead.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Why would Jason thank me?


    Gosh Mel, you¡¯re so stupid.


    I nodded, avoiding Adrian¡¯s eyes as I turned around and walked away.


    Jason Davenport


    I hid my surprise as Amelia walked away after handing me my homework. I¡¯d almost forgotten that it was due today.


    I wondered what was up. Amelia handing me my homework before I¡¯d asked for it? It was strange, yes.


    But what I¡¯d found even more interesting was the fact that Adrian hadn¡¯t said a word to her. He was usually always all smiles to see her. And he never forgot to say hi or ask how she was doing every time he saw her.


    Trouble in paradise? I almostughed, observing him carefully.


    I could see that Amelia was doing just as I¡¯d told her to; staying far away from Adrian and avoiding any form of conversation with him.


    Good. At least the bitch was learning how to obey orders.


    But Adrian? He was always on Amelia¡¯s side every single time something rted to her came up. So I found it weird that he suddenly decided to ignore her existence; hadn¡¯t even said one word to her.


    Trying to phrase it as casually as possible, I asked, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    He cocked an eyebrow, confused. ¡°With what?¡±


    ¡°You and Amelia,¡± I said, scrolling through my phone to avoid looking so interested.


    ¡°Nothing. Why?¡± He answered in the same tone.


    Why was he lying to me? It was obvious something was going on. And I wanted to know what it was.


    ¡°Well she was just here, and you didn¡¯t even say a word to her. It¡¯s weird that¡¯s all,¡± I shrugged, peeking at him from the corner of my eye to see his reaction.


    He onlyughed.


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, man. Why are you so interested anyway? I thought my friendship with her bothered you.¡±


    I hid a grin. I saw what he was doing. Posing a question to avoid answering mine.


    I could guess that Amelia had followed my orders, staying away from him as I¡¯d asked her to. And he probably felt slighted by it.


    I shrugged to avoid his question. ¡°If you say so, no issues,¡± Iughed, patting his back.


    He¡¯d get over it, I thought. And he¡¯d see that Amelia wasn¡¯t worth it. As a matter of fact, she wasn¡¯t worth anyone¡¯s time.


    And when Adrian realized that, he¡¯d be okay.


    I smiled at him and resumed our conversation saying, ¡°We should go look for the gang.¡±


    Adrian shrugged, not looking so keen.


    ¡°Come on,¡± I insisted, cing one arm on his shoulder and jogging down the stairs.


    Amelia Forbes


    The day had gone tolerably well. Well except for when Kimberly had dipped the ends of my hair in ck paint during art ss. By mistake, she imed.


    Well now, I had temporary highlights thanks to her. I should¡¯ve known that I couldn¡¯t escape Kimberly. She¡¯d always find a way to ruin my day.


    And I knew that the only reason why I¡¯d escaped Jason today was because he had spent nearly the entire day with Adrian by his side.


    Thank goodness for that. So I guess I could say that this was the most tolerable day I¡¯d had in a very long time.


    We¡¯d been given homework today. And as soon as I had free time, I¡¯d raced to the library and done Jason¡¯s, handing it to him as soon as I saw him and liking the confused expression on his face.


    He couldn¡¯t hurt me or do anything because I hadn¡¯t done anything wrong.


    If I could carry on like this for the remaining 165 days, I coulde out okay.


    I grabbed the books I would need for the project today.


    This might be thest day of the project because I¡¯d rounded up already.


    If I could get it all done today, I, wouldn¡¯t have to go to Jason¡¯s house anymore.


    And that sweet relief would be worth all the stress I was going through right now.

 She’s real eye-candy

    Jason Davenport


    Iy on a sofa in the living room. It¡¯d been a while since I¡¯ve had this much freedom. And it was nice.


    I¡¯d left school an hour ago, getting home a full hourter because I¡¯d decided to take my car for a spin.


    God, I missed this. Car, video games, leaving schoolte. . .


    And to top it all off, I didn¡¯t have to see Ashley¡¯s face for two whole weeks. What more could a guy ask for?


    All I needed now was alcohol and a good hard fuck.


    I started to n the party I was going to throw tomorrow, making a mental list of all the girls that¡¯d grovel if I asked them to my room.


    Girls that¡¯d be up for a good fuck without batting an eyelid.


    I felt my cock begin to harden in anticipation, and I wondered if it was toote to throw the party tonight instead.


    Reaching for my phone, I slid into Rory¡¯s DM, asking if it¡¯d be possible to throw a party tonight and still have lots of girls attend.


    As I was about to put my phone down, the doorbell rang.


    I was taken by surprise as I opened the door to a timid-looking Amelia and well, I found myself staring.


    And as much as I tried to do it as subtlety as I could, it¡¯d been a while since I had sex. My hormones were raging, and inasmuch as I¡¯d tried not to picture Amelia in that way, all I could picture as I stared at her was peeling off the thick fabric of the sleeveless dress she wore.


    I was jolted from my thoughts by Amelia saying my name repeatedly and waving a hand in my face, a confused expression on her face.


    ¡°Can Ie in?¡± She asked, unsure.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    My eyes traveled to her bare arms and I swallowed involuntarily.


    In reply, I opened the door wider to let her in.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time we were walking up the stairs, but it was the first time I noticed just how smooth and sexy her bare legs were.


    As we got to the living room, she stopped abruptly, almost bumping into the fly of my jeans.


    Almost. . .


    She stared wide-eyed from me to the chair, as if waiting for permission to sit. I only nodded as I was too busy trying to conceal the fact that I was staring.


    As she took her seat, I couldn¡¯t help but notice things. Her full thighs, small waistline, voluptuous hips. The perfect posture for a bouncing cowgirl position.


    I took the seat next to her, her strawberry scent attacking my senses and my arousal pushing against my jeans in protest.


    I watched her work, eyes glued to her books, contemting on whether it was a good idea to take her upstairs.


    Surely she¡¯s smart enough to figure out why I¡¯m taking her upstairs.


    Making my decision, I said, ¡°The gardener¡¯swn mowing is making a hell lot of noise. Let¡¯s go to my room.¡±


    She paused in the middle of her writing, looking up at me with a distrustful look in her eyes. But I only found the way her eyebrows puckered in curiousity sexy as hell.


    I swallowed deeply as she got up, books in hand, and began to walk up the stairs.

 Who cares?

    Jason Davenport


    As I banged the door behind me, I rested my back against it. My palms were very sweaty and I was breathing hard.


    Shit.


    What did I just do?


    There was a shitload of blood on the  sheets.


    I swallowed.


    What if something had happened to her? What if I¡¯d killed her?


    I¡¯d be in a lot of trouble if anyone found out. . .


    Guilt poked me hard in my chest. But I hurriedly brushed it aside, shaking my head vigorously.


    This was Amelia Forbes here. Whatever happens to her, she deserves it. After all it¡¯s her fault that my mother wasn¡¯t here today.


    So who the fuck cares if she dies anyway?


    Brushing my fingers through my hair, I smoothened it out. I was only overthinking all of this.


    I just needed a smoke to calm myself down. Then rx and enjoy the party. Amelia would take care of herself. After all this was her mess.


    Casting the unnecessary guilt aside, I got into my car, heading to Rory¡¯s to discuss the party.


    Amelia Forbes


    My head was spinning as I sat in the cab I had hailed. I remembered blubbering out the address to the driver. But I wasn¡¯t sure whether he¡¯d heard me or not.


    My tears had dried on my cheeks but now I was even more aware of the hole forming in my chest.


    My mind wandered to different things all at once until I began to feel dizzy. Only then did I realize that the taxi had stopped, and the driver was reaching into the open backseat, shaking me back to reality.


    I let out a scream, withdrawing sharply from his touch.


    I began to feel suffocated, banging on the left window for help.


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey, calm down,¡± He said, a look of rm on his face. ¡°You asked me to drop you off here, remember? Home?¡±


    ¡°Move away from the door please,¡± I blurted, feeling suffocated and ufortable. After making sure he¡¯d moved a good distance away from the door, I looked around to survey the environment.


    And Nana¡¯s small home stood right there, like it always had. The taxi was parked right next to it.


    I had nked out.


    Tears stung my eyes as I nced at the horrified looking taxi driver.


    ¡°I¡¯m-I¡¯m really sorry,¡± I whimpered as I handed him money and jumped out of the taxi.


    My hands shook as I struggled with the lock. Finally getting it open, I rushed it and secured the lock behind me.


    I didn¡¯t know what I was doing, what I was feeling. But I knew I needed to take off this dress.


    I walked to the bathroom and shut the door. Taking my dress off, I was suddenly aware that I didn¡¯t have any panties on. Anguish enveloped me as I remembered that Jason had. . .


    Breathing in sharply, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, ashamed of myself for what I saw.


    Tear stains, puffy eyes and a red nose. I sshed my face with cold water from the tap.


    I felt filthy, vited. Like trash; useless and forgotten.


    I shook my head as I stared at myself. This couldn¡¯t have happened to me. Maybe if I shut my eyes tightly enough, I¡¯d wake up. And realize it had all been a dream.


    I clutched the sides of the sink, willing myself to wake up from this nightmare.


    Wake up, Mel. Wake up. Please. It¡¯s just a dream.


    It¡¯s not real. It¡¯s not real. It¡¯s not-it can¡¯t be. . .


    ¡°Please,¡± I whispered, my voiceing out as a croak. My throat was sore. Sore because I¡¯d been screaming.


    I¡¯d been screaming less than an hour ago. It had all been real. All of it.


    Shaking, I sted the shower open, letting out lukewarm water. I grabbed my sponge,thering until it was soapy enough.


    And I scrubbed. My face, my arms, my thighs. Desperate to erase the marks, the memories, the feeling of Jason¡¯s hands on me.


    The thought of having to live with this for the rest of my life flooded my head.


    No. No. No.


    I scrubbed harder. I needed to remove every trace. Wash them away.


    A burning pain in my thigh prompted me to look down, and I saw that I¡¯d scrubbed so vigorously I¡¯d started bleeding.


    Good. Yes, I¡¯ll scrub all of it away. Till I feel clean. Till it¡¯s all gone.


    I clutched my sponge tighter, squeezing more soap into it. I scrubbed my arms, meticulously washing away the memory of him grabbing my arms. Pushing me onto the bed.


    A feeling of helplessness attacked me once more and I slumped to the floor, still scrubbing.


    Tears blurred my vision as I reached out tother on more soap. Pain bubbled in my chest as I let out a cry.


    I raised my head sharply, renewed energy bursting through me. ¡°Go away!¡± I screamed as I scrubbed harder. From my head down to my toes.


    By the time I walked out of the shower, I was red and bruised all over. But I didn¡¯t feel any pain. I was just. . . numb.


    I slowly changed into a long sleeved hoodie and joggers.


    Sleeves. I should¡¯ve worn long sleeves today. Maybe this wouldn¡¯t have happened. Maybe.


    I copsed onto my bed, burying myself deep into the duvet. I shut my eyes, willing sleep toe as an escape. But all I could see was white sheets stained with blood.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    I shut them tighter, sping my hands over my ears to block out the screaming that wouldn¡¯t stop ringing in my head.


    Then the tears came. Wetting my face and the sheets. Iy in a foetal position, hands on my ankles, rocking back and forth to a rhythm that contrasted to the beating of my heart. Hoping the irregr motion would distract me.


    I forced my eyes open, trying to remember what date it was. What day, what month, but nothing came. I shook my head, trying again.


    Giving up, I continued my back and forth motion, unaware of the time, till I finally cried myself to sleep.

 Who did she think she was?

    Jason Davenport


    My mind wandered as I leaned on a wall in the hallway.


    Rory and I had finally decided to throw the party at his ce instead, and it had been exactly what I needed. Yes, I¡¯d felt uneasy in the beginning, but after I¡¯d gone home and disposed of the bloodied sheets, I felt better.


    Better and ready to party. And so far, apart from a terrible hangover, everything was going really great.


    The project was due today, and we were each supposed to submit a written report about our experience working together.


    Of course Amelia would be writing for the both of us. But I hadn¡¯t seen the bitch today.


    I frowned, hoping she wasn¡¯t still sulking about the other day. God, that girl had to be the most dramatic one I¡¯d ever met in my entire life.


    And she better not have told anyone shit. What would she say anyway? I wondered, smiling. No one would believe her.


    As if she had been hiding in the corners waiting for me to think of her, she emerged from the hallway. She hadn¡¯t seen me yet, I could tell.


    Trudging to her locker, she took out two notes from her school bag before dumping it in the locker.


    She looked. . . tired, stressed, and so pale you¡¯d think she was dying. I resisted the urge to hiss. Must she seriously take it to heart? This bad?


    This was why I found girls annoying. Acting like they didn¡¯t enjoy the sex when obviously you know they did. It¡¯s not like she wouldn¡¯t fuck other guys anyway.


    Plus it was her first time. Everyone enjoys their first time. But of course, Amelia had to make it a big deal.


    Dramatic bitch.


    Heading towards ss, she finally sighted me. To my dismay and surprise, she didn¡¯t falter. As a matter of fact, she kept walking towards me, like I was invisible.


    Standing two steps away from me, she took out a leaflet from one of the notes she held in her right hand and handed it to me without a word.


    I snatched it from her, observing her curiously, a frown beginning to manifest on my face. I moved closer to her menacingly.


    ¡°Bitch, what did I tell you about making me wait?¡± I asked cracking my knuckles.


    She didn¡¯t cower in fear or re at me in defiance or anger. She just stood there. Looking in my direction but not at me. Like I wasn¡¯t even there.


    I cocked an eyebrow in disbelief. ¡°Answer me when I¡¯m talking to you. What the fuck is wrong with you?¡± I muttered under my breath, not wanting to cause a scene in the hallway.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    She didn¡¯t say a word, just kept staring into space. Her eyes were droopy and tired but expressionless. Without a word she walked away, leaving me staring after her in shock and simmering anger.


    Amelia Forbes


    I couldn¡¯t exin how I was feeling because I wasn¡¯t really sure.


    Yes, I felt tired. But I also felt like someone had punched my heart out. It was like I was in this emotional phase where I was just. . . nk. Not happy, not sad, just existing. Letting life take me wherever it deemed fit.


    I could count the amount of words that hade out of my mouth since that day. I was simply too tired to talk, too tired to be scared, too tired to care.


    When I¡¯d met Jason this morning, I thought I¡¯d be even more scared of him than I was before. But I guess I underestimated just how numb I felt. It didn¡¯t really matter if he bullied me or called me names or beat me up.


    What was there to be scared of when the worst had already happened?


    I didn¡¯t expect him to feel any remorse. I mean this was the same person that had med me for him raping me. But he acted like nothing had happened, and I could clearly see that the same event that traumatized me daily, was to him just another normal day.


    And as he¡¯d already forgotten about it, I¡¯d carry it with me for the rest of my life.


    So what did I have to be scared of?


    Nothing. Absolutely nothing.


    That terrible reality dawning on me for the second time in three days, I shook my head and opened my locker,  shoving the books I didn¡¯t need inside and grabbing the ones I needed for my next ss.


    As I was about to shut my locker, a figure approached me from the left. For sometime now, whenever someone approached me all of a sudden, a strange fear rumbles in my stomach, and I always feel like they¡¯re about to harm me.


    But I bit back a gasp-not wanting to cause a scene in school-and turned around, recognizing the figure as Benson.


    I slowly released the breath I¡¯d been holding. Okay, it¡¯s just Benson.


    Breathe, Mel. Breathe.


    ¡°Um, hey,¡± Benson said, ncing at me and then at his scruffy shoes.


    I honestly didn¡¯t have the energy to socialize. All I wanted was for everyone to just. . . leave me alone. I didn¡¯t feel like talking to anyone. I didn¡¯t feel like doing anything. I just wanted to sleep. . .


    ¡°You okay?¡± Benson asked, after I hadn¡¯t replied for a while.


    I only nodded, shutting my locker and hoping he¡¯d see that as a sign to leave.


    ¡°Are you sure? You look so pale. . .¡± He ced a hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± I didn¡¯t mean to yell. But it just came out that way.


    Luckily the hallway was nearly empty and no one was paying attention to us.


    ¡°Jeez, I¡¯m sorry Mel,¡± Benson whispered, a pained look on his face. ¡°I just wanted to know how you were doing. You look so pale and tired, I just-¡±


    ¡°Stop, please.¡± I didn¡¯t want to hear anymore. No one cared about me.


    ¡°Just stop, Ben. It¡¯s no use pretending like you care now. I told you it¡¯s toote for that now. Stop lying to me just to soothe your guilty heart. It¡¯s not fair.¡±


    This was the longest I¡¯d spoken in a while, and it was tiring me out.


    I nced up as Benson just as his eyes zed over. His lower lip shook as he muttered, ¡°I really am sorry.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to hear anymore, so I grabbed my books and walked away.

 In my feelings

    Jason Davenport


    I sat in my room staring at the ceiling. I was bored. And there was nowhere to go.


    I¡¯d yed every video game I had over and over again, I didn¡¯t have ser practice today, and I¡¯d been to Rory¡¯s and Greg¡¯s twice in thest few days.


    On top of all that, Dad wasn¡¯t back yet. Not that it¡¯d be anyfort if he was because he¡¯d probably be at work by now.


    Contrary to my better judgement, I texted Dad everyday to make sure he was still alive. To make sure he was okay. And so far, it looked like they were having fun.


    I frowned.


    Of course they were having fun. It was obvious from Ashley¡¯s Instagram page-she literally uploaded every minute, from their bedroom view to every meal they were having to PDA.


    It was actually starting to get annoying. I was out here worrying about dad getting hurt, and he was somewhere in Paris having fun.


    Was he even worth it? I wondered. It was a pretty selfish thing he did-abandoning me like this. But I wasn¡¯t so worried. When I exposed Ashley he¡¯d begin to see me, really see me.


    Sighing, I turned off my phone. Maybe I should visit Adrian. We could y basketball or something. Maybe just go out and have fun.


    I opened my phone, leaving him a text, then scrolled through my unread messages. My eyebrow shot up as I saw that I had one from Kimberly.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°What a surprise,¡± Iughed. Is this her crawling back? I wondered. Not that it¡¯d be such a surprise though. Had she finally realized that no one could fuck her as good as I could? Probably.


    I¡¯d make sure to ignore her at Rory¡¯s party thest time. She¡¯d showed up in a strappy, slutty dress, making her the center of attention, of course. But I¡¯d pretended not to notice her, wanting to walk all over her ego.


    It was obvious she was bothered by it as she¡¯d made subtle passes at me all night. But I¡¯d centered all my attention on Mika instead, even choosing to French kiss her instead of Kim when we yed truth or dare.


    So it was obvious she felt slighted. But I hadn¡¯t expected her to text me, though. Full of curiousity, I clicked on the message.


    ¡®U home?¡¯ The message said.


    I let out a loudugh in disbelief. Finally bringing Queen Kim to her knees, were we?


    I smirked. Well now, it¡¯s my time to y hard to get.


    ¡®Nahh why?¡¯ Iughed as I pressed send. That¡¯ll teach her.


    I saw that she was online as she¡¯d already started to type out a reply.


    ¡®Seriously?¡¯


    ¡®What dyou mean :(¡® I asked, adding the sad face for emphasis. I knew it would only irritate her.


    ¡®Ur such a dick Jason.¡¯


    ¡®At your service.¡¯ I typed, loving that I was in control now.


    ¡®We both know you¡¯lle running back,¡¯ She replied, before sending me a smirking emoji and going offline.


    I chuckled, exiting Instagram after seeing a notification that showed me that Adrian had agreed to hang out.


    Amelia Forbes


    I was snuggled under the covers in bed. I was almost always in bed all the time now. My phone sat lifeless on the dresser right beside my bed. I hadn¡¯t used it for a while.


    Frankly, I was too tired to engage in any form of socialization. So Iy in bed, day in day out, waiting for everything to finally be over.


    The sound of my door pushing open increased my heart rate by a notch and I clung to my sheets, programming my brain to remember that the only people in this house were me and Nana, and that no one was going to burst through the doors and hurt me.


    The reality of my life right now was so sad I could¡¯ve cried. But I was way too tired for that. . .


    Nana peeked in, her head sticking out. Seeing that she¡¯d gotten my attention, she signed, Can Ie in?


    I nodded, too tired to sign.


    She walked in with a te of food bnced carefully on a tray. She paused and stared in dismay when she saw that the chicken soup she¡¯d brought in for me this morning sat on the table, untouched.


    Worry clouding her eyes, she put down the tray and moved to my side, sitting and holding my shoulders gently.


    Are you okay, baby? She asked, her eyes roaming my face for any signs of illness.


    Her hold on my shoulders was gentle, but I couldn¡¯t help but flinch. She let go of my shoulders, her frown deepening.


    What¡¯s wrong? She asked again.


    I wanted to raise my hands, sign and tell her I was okay. But my hands wouldn¡¯t cooperate. They felt heavy. Way too heavy to carry.


    So I sat there. Either nodding or shaking my head in dissent. Burying myself deeper into the sheets when the image of bloodied sheets shed through my mind.


    Nana smoothened out my hair.


    Are you sure you¡¯re okay? She asked again, cing a hand on my forehead to determine my temperature.


    I nodded. Then managing to raise my hands I signed, I¡¯m just really tired and I need to sleep.


    As I put my hands down, I reflected on how exhausting that motion was. Everything was exhausting. . .


    Nana examined my face for a few moments, her white eyebrows drooping.


    Let me know if you need anything, okay? She signed, getting up and kissing my forehead.


    I didn¡¯t have the energy to nod so I didn¡¯t. She lurked for a few more minutes before moving to the table and taking away the cold chicken soup.


    I sat up, looking down at the tray she¡¯d brought in. Potato wedges, eggs and bacon that¡¯d usually have made my mouth water as I looked at them only made me feel nauseous.


    I took a sip of hot chocte, liking the pain I felt when it burned the tip of my tongue.


    The potato and bacon were tasteless in my mouth so I carefully moved the tray away and retreated under the covers once more, shutting my eyes as tightly as I could.

 Adrian likes me?

    Jason Davenport


    A knock interrupted me as I was about to start breakfast. Since Dad wasn¡¯t home I¡¯d started the habit of taking my food upstairs to my room. And I was really starting to like it.


    I could lie downzily on a chair, or even on my bed, my food in a tray, eating at my own pace and leisure.


    Dad would never had allowed me to do that. We always ate proper. Always on a dining table.


    But as I was alone, I¡¯d started to indulge in little things I¡¯d never done before.


    ¡°Come in!¡± I ordered, throwing a potato fry in my mouth.


    A servant walked in swiftly. ¡°Mr and Mrs Davenport are on their way from the airport. Mr Davenport said to inform you.¡±


    Oh. They were back. Finally.


    I breathed out slowly. Dad was okay. Nothing went wrong.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I responded, waving her away.


    She gave a short nod and walked out, clicking the door shut.


    I quickly downed the rest of my breakfast and jumped into the shower. I¡¯d also resorted to showering and eating whenever I felt like.


    As I turned on the shower, my mind raced. I needed to start nning as quickly as possible. Ashley might strike any time now. And I needed to prepare.


    First things first, find out what she¡¯s nning, follow her when she leaves the house at odd hours, or answers weird calls.


    I would get to the bottom of this if it¡¯s thest thing I do.


    Amelia Forbes


    I settled down on the cold, hard pavement a few metres from the bleachers.


    It was 5pm. I¡¯de back to school after sses were over. By then, sports teams and study groups were done with their sessions for today. And I could sit here all alone, letting my mind wander, and feeling the cool evening breeze on my face.


    This was exactly what I needed. Peace.


    I¡¯d sat enjoying the scenery for a while when I heard the footsteps of someone approaching. I was suddenly on guard, wondering who would be in school by this time. Well except security and the janitor.


    I narrowed my eyes, watching as Adrian came into view. He was too busy wiping sweat off his forehead to notice me.


    What was he doing in school, I wondered. There was no practice today.


    A few feet to where I sat, he sighted me.


    A look of surprise came over his face as he strolled towards me. I couldn¡¯t help but feel ufortable as I recited to myself.


    Rx, Mel. Breathe. He¡¯s not Jason. You¡¯re doing just fine.


    My fingers dug into concrete as he finally approached.


    ¡°Hey,¡± He murmured as he stood watching me. ¡°Can I sit here?¡±


    My heart pounded. Rx, Mel. Breathe.


    ¡°Yeah sure,¡± I whispered, scooting to the side.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    He gestured to himself. ¡°Well, I¡¯m really sweaty, I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    I didn¡¯t, really. So I shook my head.


    We sat like that for a while. No conversation. Just two people, each lost in their own thoughts. For a second, I wondered what demons Adrian had. Because as soon as he¡¯d sat, it was like he¡¯d been transported to another universe. He just sat there, gazing.


    ¡°What are you doing in school?¡± I asked, suddenly suspicious.


    He turned to me. ¡°Oh. I knew no one would be here, that¡¯s why I came. To y basketball and stuff. It helps me clear my head.¡±


    Oh. I suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. He was only here for the same reasons I was. And here I was, all up in his case.


    I turned away from him.


    ¡°Oh okay,¡± I replied, not knowing what else to say.


    ¡°Are you okay, Mel?¡± He asked, gently, carefully. As if he knew he might hit a nerve.


    I felt my jaw tic. ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m not?¡± I said, carelessly.


    Why couldn¡¯t everyone just leave me alone. . .


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say you weren¡¯t. I just want to make sure. You¡¯ve been looking pretty tiredtely. . .¡± He trailed off.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Adrian,¡± I said suddenly feeling angry. I don¡¯t know why I felt angry, as I knew there was no reason to. But the anger came notwithstanding. ¡°I don¡¯t need you or anyone else to y babysitter.¡±


    ¡°Mel,¡± He called gently. I refused to look him in the eyes.


    ¡°Mel, look at me,¡± He repeated.


    The assurance in his voice prompted me to face him, and when I did I could see the sadness in his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to y babysitter.¡±


    He reached for my hand. ¡°I really care about you, Mel.¡±


    My breath caught in my throat. And from the initial fear of him holding my hand to the warmth of his hand against mine, my eyes widened as I realized what he meant.


    Adrian Goldfield just admitted he liked me.


    Seeing the confusion in my eyes, he continued. ¡°Hey, I know it¡¯s a lot to take in, and it¡¯s kinda weird that I chose this moment to say this. But. . . I really do like you.¡±


    He paused.


    ¡°You¡¯re smart, funny, weird sometimes,¡± Heughed a little. ¡°But it¡¯s the most adorable thing about you. Your kindness. . . the way you are, it makes me strive to be a better person. And I know that we haven¡¯t spent a lot of time together but, I feel more like myself with you. I feel like. . . I can discuss anything, be who I really am, and not be scared of you judging me. And it¡¯s the most beautiful feeling.¡±


    He smiled at me, his eyes shining brightly. I felt something wet on my cheeks and I realized I¡¯d been crying.


    ¡°If you give me a chance, Mel, I¡¯d-¡±


    ¡°Stop,¡± I whispered. ¡°Please. . .¡±


    I felt like I was choking.


    Gently, I took my hand away from his. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Adrian. I-I can¡¯t do this.¡±


    My hand shook and I tucked it away safely in my hoodie. I looked up to see the hurt in Adrian¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I just-I have a lot going on-¡± I took a moment to calm down.


    ¡°I respect you, Adrian. I really do. And I respect our friendship.¡± My voice shook. ¡°But I-I¡¯m not sure I feel the same way.¡±


    I refused to let the broken look in his eyes stop me.


    ¡°Yes, I admire you. And I admit I kinda liked you, at least I thought I did. But now it¡¯s out there. . . I just realize that I like having you around. We flow in conversation more than I ever did with anyone. You¡¯re nice to me, and you don¡¯t bully me like the rest of your friends. And it¡¯s. . . great. But I don¡¯t think about you. . . in that way.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I swallowed, willing myself to continue.


    ¡°If I dated you now, it¡¯d only be because I¡¯m grateful to you, not because I like you. I mean, I do like you. But not. . . like that.¡± I added.


    Yes, that was part of the reason. I also didn¡¯t feel like I was ready to be in any rtionship with anyone. Not after what happened. I wouldn¡¯t be able to bear it.


    I still flinched every time someone came twenty feet to me. I couldn¡¯t handle a rtionship.


    ¡°And it doesn¡¯t seem like the right reason to date you. . .¡± I trailed off. I felt like I¡¯d said enough.


    The pain in his eyes said all that he wasn¡¯t willing to. And so, I made up my mind.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably best we stay away from each other,¡± I said, getting to my feet and nting my hands deeper into my hoodie.


    ¡°Mel.¡± He said, surprise coating the pain in his voice.


    ¡°No,¡± I stopped him. ¡°It¡¯s my decision. You don¡¯t have a say in it-¡±


    ¡°Amelia you don¡¯t have to-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I stated, wiping the tears on my face furiously. ¡°Stay away from me, Adrian,¡± I said finally, turning away from him and walking away as quickly as I could.

 Something fishy going on…

    Jason Davenport


    Ashley was all smiles as she burst through the doors, clutching a huge pink shopping bag in one hand, and an oversize purse in the other.


    Dad walked in behind her, looking flushed. He shouted orders to the servants about the luggage in the limo.


    I examined Dad carefully to see if he showed any strange signs. Satisfied, I tore my gaze away and concentrated on my phone.


    ¡°Hey, Jason,¡± Dad said loudly, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°How¡¯ve you been?¡± He asked.


    Despite myself, I felt a warmth spreading through my chest. As much as I hated to admit it, I kinda missed him.


    ¡°Fine, dad. How was your trip?¡±


    He grinned a second time, handing me a huge box. From the weight I could tell it was video games. Tearing the box open, I procured video games and thetest yStation.


    My eyes widened in shock.


    My head shot up. ¡°Dad!¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°I knew you¡¯d like it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡± I engulfed him in a hug.


    ¡°A,¡± Ashley cooed from behind Dad, bringing me back to reality.


    I cleared my throat, moving away from dad. Yes, it was a great gift. But I wasn¡¯t about to get carried away. It doesn¡¯t mean I forgive him.


    It was best to let him have that in mind.


    Dad sighed loudly. ¡°I¡¯m famished.¡± He turned to Ashley. ¡°Honey, you said you were hungry too right?¡±


    I turned to Ashley, observing her. She was too busy replying a text to hear dad calling out to her. I craned my neck, trying to catch a glimpse of what was on her phone.


    ¡°Honey?¡± Dad repeated.


    She looked up in surprise, stashing her phone safely in her purse. ¡°Yes, yes, of course.¡±


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s eat.¡± Dad said, washing his hands in the tap and settling down on a chair.


    Her smile faltered. ¡°You go ahead. I have to go somewhere.¡±


    My ears prickled. But I pretended not to be interested. This was a great opportunity to find out what she was up to.


    Dad¡¯s eyebrows scrunched up together. ¡°We just got here. Where are you going?¡±


    Ashley dropped the shopping bag on a sofa and adjusted her dress. ¡°I got Marisa something from Paris. But she¡¯s leaving for the weekend and I really wanna give it to her before she leaves,¡± She pouted, for effect.


    Marisa. I¡¯ve never heard of her before, but she was probably one of Ashley¡¯s friends.


    Dad nodded, obviously whipped. ¡°Just be quick, okay?¡±


    Ashley let out a yelp and blew him a kiss, racing out the door.


    My mind ran fast. I should follow her. This is the first chance I¡¯ve had and I should make good use of it. Luckily, I was dressed to go out so I had a reasonable excuse.


    ¡°Gotta go, Dad. I¡¯m hanging out with Adrian.¡±


    He only nodded, concentrating more on the food in front of him.


    Quickly, I jumped into my car, driving at a reasonable distance from Ashley. I wondered where she could be headed. Was she really going to meet this Marisa person?


    I doubted it. Something fishy was going on. I looked down to make sure my phone was there. Seeing it lying there, I picked it up, clicking it open and setting my camera at the ready. In case I needed to take pictures for proof.


    Ashley drove, cutting through the Wayne County Park and finally arriving at Sally¡¯s.


    My eyebrows scrunched in confusion. What was she doing at Sally¡¯s? Literally no one goes to Sally¡¯s. It was the worst pastry shop in the whole of Wayne County.


    My eyes narrowed. For Ashley to be here, in this almost rundown shop, it was obvious she was here for funny business.


    She finally killed the engine of her car-parking a few blocks away from Sally¡¯s-and got out, walking into the shop.


    I made a detour, searching for a good ce to park my car. I finally found parking space across the road and proceeded to the shop, my phone clutched in my hand.


    Getting to the entrance, I pulled on the cap and sunsses I¡¯d brought along and walked inside as casually as I could.


    I sighted Ashley engaged in animated conversation with two people-a woman her age and an older looking guy.


    They looked familiar enough with each other and they were deep in conversation,ughing aloud at intervals.


    I suddenly felt foolish. Was this just a friendly meet with her friends? And I stood here like an idiot searching for nonexistent proof to incriminate her.


    I felt my jaw tic and I suddenly had the urge to break something. I shook my head. I wouldn¡¯t leave here empty handed.


    I refused to believe that Ashley was innocent after all. She couldn¡¯t be. She was a homewrecker, and I was going to prove it.


    I discreetly took a snapshot of the three of them sitting at the table. In case I needed to recall their faces.


    In anger, I moved to the counter and ordered a cup of ice cream. I needed to buy something so I wouldn¡¯t look suspicious.


    The face of the attendant at the counter lit up as I approached. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Obviously they wouldn¡¯t have any customers. Their pastries were terrible. And don¡¯t even get me started on the yogurt.


    I could almost throw up thinking about it.


    Trying to keep my face nk, I ordered chocte peanut butter ice cream.


    He chuckled a little as he scratched the back of his neck. ¡°Um, we don¡¯t have that vor, sir. Maybe banana instead?¡± He asked hopefully.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Chocte peanut butter and banana weren¡¯t even close. The only thing that helped me control my temper was the thought of smashing his head into a wall.


    I forced a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll take the banana then.¡±


    His face brightened as he packaged it to go. I slipped a twenty dor bill across the counter.


    ¡°Keep the change.¡±


    Not waiting to hear his words of thanks, I walked away, giving Ashley and her friends onest look.


    As I got outside, disappointment washed over me as I dumped the ice cream in the trash.


    Ashley just got lucky this time, I thought. I wasn¡¯t giving up. Never.


    One of these days she¡¯d slip. And I¡¯d be right there to catch her.

 Not in the mood

    Amelia Forbes


    I sat outside the principal¡¯s office waiting for my turn to go in. I¡¯d only ever been here once in my entire life. And that was when I¡¯d been summoned to inform me of a schrship I was eligible for.


    And now I was here again. Summoned my Mr Redmey-my English teacher. I didn¡¯t know what to expect so I waited.


    I just wanted everything to move by quickly so I could go. I let out a breath, slumping deeper into the very ufortable lobby chair.


    After a while of waiting, the office assistant walked out the door, her eyes roaming. There were about six students here-including me.


    She paused to put on her sses. ¡°Amelia Forbes?¡± She asked, twirling a pen in her hand.


    Slowly, I got to my feet. ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± I said, desperate for everything to be all over. This was not where I wanted to spend the rest of my day.


    A curious look came over my face as I walked into the office. The principal, Mr Redmey, Mrs Sandra, and basically all my teachers sat in a circle discussing.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    What have I done now?


    ¡°Oh Amelia,e in and have a seat,¡± Mr Redmey said as he sighted me. Wanting to be as far away from them as possible, I picked thest chair and lowered myself into it, waiting.


    The principal shut the files he was buried in and spoke up.


    ¡°Forbes, to go straight to the point, we¡¯re worried about you.¡± He gestured to the other teachers. ¡°All of us.¡±


    I had nothing to say so I kept quiet.


    Mr Redmey picked up from there. ¡°You¡¯re an exceptional student, Amelia. Buttely, your grades have been falling. So fast, it¡¯s very worrying.¡±


    Mrs Sandra nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯re a great student, Amelia. This isn¡¯t like you.¡± She paused to let it sink in.


    ¡°So we wanted to know, if there¡¯s anything wrong.¡±


    My ears burned as I stared at a spot on the table. I¡¯d began to underperform. My grades were dropping.


    My grades.


    The reason why I was still in school.


    I tried to remember thest topic I¡¯d learned in Mr Redmey¡¯s ss. I couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Your report from your project was badly written and you didn¡¯t even submit thest three homework assignments you were given.¡± The principal said, peering at me through his tiny sses.


    Homework? We had homework? I had no idea.


    I tried to recall being in ss for the past two weeks, but everything was a blur. All I remember was seeing blood stained sheets and panicking when a group of guys walked past me.


    I was failing.


    It suddenly felt like weights were resting on my chest and I found it difficult to breathe.


    I wanted to say something useful but I concentrated instead on controlling my breathing.


    ¡°Do you think extra sses would help?¡± Mr Redmey asked.


    I shot him a re. I¡¯m not a freaking dummy.


    But you¡¯re bing one, my mind said, poking me.


    You¡¯re bing a dummy, Mel.


    No. All of this. . . it¡¯ll pass. I¡¯m not dumb. . .


    Seeing the expression on my face, Miss Sarah, the guidance counselor, said, ¡°Or. . . if it¡¯s an emotional issue, something you¡¯re dealing with, you could always drop by my office and we could talk about it.¡±


    I shook my head vigorously. Thest thing I needed now was for someone to try and psycho evaluate me.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with me,¡± I muttered, not even believing myself.


    ¡°If you say so, Forbes. But you gotta sit up because if this goes on for much longer, we¡¯re gonna have to involve your grandmother.¡±


    Tears bubbled in my throat. It¡¯s not like she wasn¡¯t disappointed in me already.


    I only nodded. ¡°Can I go now?¡±


    The principal nodded.


    Slowly I got up, walking away from the tense atmosphere and the look of worry on their faces. Although it was obvious that the only thing they were worried about was losing the recognition they would gain if a straight A student from their school won the schrship.


    I didn¡¯t know where else to go as I walked out the office, so I retook my seat in the lobby slumping deeper this time.


    I shut my eyes, waiting for time to pass by. Right now, I was too drained to go to ss. I wasn¡¯t sure if I could handle it.


    ¡°Bad grades, huh?¡± Someone said from beside me.


    I gripped the sides of my chair in rm-rxing when I realized it was a girl-and looked up to see Dani Ryanne observing me curiously.


    Wasn¡¯t she in Kimberly¡¯s gang? Yeah she was the famous school tomboy. I remembered seeing her at that party.


    My eyebrows furrowed together. Please. Thest thing I needed right now was Kimberly trying to y a prank on me.


    I didn¡¯t respond and instead slumped deeper into the chair.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you use to be like really smart or something?¡± She asked again, obviously not getting the sign I was throwing.


    ¡°How¡¯s that any of your business?¡± I shot back. What was her problem?


    She grimaced, raising her hands in surrender, showing the tattoos on her wrist. ¡°Hey, hey, I¡¯m not trying to poke into your business or anything. I¡¯ve got bad grades too.¡±


    I refrained from pping my forehead and instead breathed deeply.


    After I rxed a little, I faced her. ¡°Look. I know how this works. You overhear something bad about me, then pretend to be interested, feel sorry for me, make me believe that you truly care or that I¡¯m making a new friend. Then you invite me to a party, or invite me to sit with you at lunch, where obviously it¡¯s going to blow up in my face. You and your friends already have a great prank nned out for me. So when I get there you all pretend to be nice to me. . . then boom.¡±


    I stared at her.


    ¡°So thanks, but I¡¯m good. I¡¯ve had enough pranks yed on me to know this. I¡¯m not in the mood.¡±


    Feeling even more drained than when I first got here, I pulled myself to my feet and stalked off.

 Not you too

    Jason Davenport


    I was still pissed as I scrolled through Ashley¡¯s instagram, as it reminded me of the failure I¡¯de to thest time I¡¯d followed her.


    Sighing, I clicked my phone off and shoved it on the sofa. I let out a sharp breath, wondering where Rory was.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I was at his house. His parents were on vacation so the house was free. Which was why we always chose Rory¡¯s house whenever we wanted to hang out, or throw a party. His parents were almost always gone.


    Rory had stepped out to get the pot and alcohol while we waited for the guys to arrive. I¡¯d texted Adrian an hour ago and he¡¯d said he was on his way.


    I groaned in agony. I hated waiting. And I really needed a cigarette right now. After a while, the sound of approaching guys talking andughing let me know that they were here already.


    Finally.


    Adrian walked in first, deep in conversation with Greg about something I honestly didn¡¯t care about.


    ¡°Where are the cigarettes?¡± I groaned.


    Rory tossed me a box which I gratefully caught, moaning in joy when I smelled the weed. Quickly, I lit one and began to smoke.


    ¡°Yo, man,¡± Adrian greeted me, settling down in the chair beside me. ¡°I¡¯m a littlete because I had stuff to take care of at home.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s cool man.¡±


    Greg groaned loudly, shaking his head like he always did when he wanted us to ask him what was wrong. As usual we indulged him.


    He took a drag of the cigarette, blowing out smoke dramatically.


    ¡°I fucked someone.¡±


    The confused silence that followed was broken by sudden roaringughter from everyone.


    ¡°Like you always do. Is that supposed to be some kind of revtion?¡± Adrian said, still chuckling.


    ¡°Bro why you making it sound like you just lost your virginity?¡± I asked, baffled like the rest of them.


    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Greg stated dramatically, blowing out smoke. ¡°It¡¯s different this time because of who I fucked.¡±


    Rory eyes widened. ¡°The girl from Matty¡¯s?¡± He asked, eyes twinkling.


    The boys ¡®ooh¡¯ed¡¯.


    Gregughed. ¡°Nahh. Someone we know.¡±


    My ears shot up. ¡°You finally hit Aneeka?¡±


    Greg had always had a thing for Aneeka since fifth grade. So I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they finally hit it off.


    He grimaced. ¡°Nah, man. Mika.¡±


    Rory gasped. ¡°No. Freaking. Way.¡±


    Greg made the peace sign, biting on his lower lip. ¡°Better believe it, boy. I told you I¡¯m the man,¡± Heughed, obviously loving the look of disbelief on our faces.


    I had to admit, I was kinda jealous. I¡¯d been trying to score Mika at one point too.


    This girl was fiery hot. Tall, cute smile, and curves in the right ces. Yeah, she was on the list of girls I¡¯d like to fuck.


    Raising my hands in surrender, I reached out to give him a handshake. ¡°You hit the jackpot bro. The real jackpot.¡±


    ¡°How was the sex?¡± Rory wiggled his eyebrows, attracting moreughter from the rest of us.


    Greg ced two fingers on his tongue then whipped them out, making pping motions in the air.


    Boisterousughter filled the air and Adrian nearly choked on his drink. ¡°You¡¯re an idiot,¡± Heughed, wiping the stain off his denim jacket.


    Before we knew it, an hour had passed. We¡¯d gone from trading anecdotes to ying video games to some kind of drinking game that was simr to truth or dare-just without the dares.


    As we listened to Greg vividly describe how he¡¯d gotten high once and nearly gotten into a fight with his dad, a beep sounded from my phone.


    I picked it up and swiped to open when I saw it was from Instagram.


    ¡®thereshleyy started a live video¡¯ shed through my phone and an irritated hiss escaped me, garnering the attention of the group.


    ¡°Yo,¡± Adrian was the first to speak up. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Did your dog die?¡± Greg asked, cackling.


    ¡°It¡¯s just my annoying stepmom,¡± I said still irritated.


    ¡°Ahh the evil stepmother,¡± Rory said in an overly dramatic voice, attractingughter from the guys.


    ¡°What¡¯d she do now?¡± Adrian asked, watching me carefully.


    I took a drag from my cigarette. ¡°She¡¯s obviously out to render my dad bankrupt. But he¡¯s too blind to see it, so I¡¯m keeping track of her movements to catch her red-handed.¡±


    Greg gave me a confused look. ¡°How are you so sure she¡¯s out plotting something? You just hate her that¡¯s all. Don¡¯t let it get to you, bro.¡± He gave me a pat on the shoulder.


    I felt my chest bubbling. ¡°No I¡¯m certain she is. I heard her talking on the phone the other day. . . something about my dad.


    Adrian frowned. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°Certain.¡±


    The group was silent for a few moments.


    ¡°Okay then. If there¡¯s any way we can help. Anything you want us to do, we¡¯re here.¡±


    Adrian and Rory nodded in agreement.


    I smiled. ¡°Okay so thest time, she was at Sally¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°Who the fuck goes to Sally¡¯s?¡± Rory burst outughing. ¡°Okay now I¡¯m starting to believe she¡¯s nning something.¡±


    I nodded vigorously. ¡°You see? So. . . if any of you pass through the area, maybe see her involved in something fishy, just let me know.¡±


    They all nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s see a pic of her. So we can recognize her if we see her,¡± Rory suggested.


    I nodded, clicking on Instagram and going to her profile. Getting there, I handed my phone over to them.


    ¡°Holy fuck!¡± Greg eximed.


    ¡°This is your stepmother?!¡± Rory screamed. ¡°She¡¯s fucking hot! Is she a model or something?¡± He asked, nearly drooling.


    I rolled my eyes. Of course. Was there anyone who didn¡¯t think Ashley was the hottest woman alive?


    ¡°Dude,¡± Adrian whispered in awe. ¡°She looks like a blonde Megan Fox.¡±


    I whipped around in surprise. ¡°You too?¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°I mean. . . look at her.¡±


    I did. And I still didn¡¯t see anything worth looking at.


    Greg tapped my shoulder. ¡°Boy why aren¡¯t you hitting that ass?¡± He asked, a pained look on his face.


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± I blurted in disbelief.


    ¡°I know right?¡± Rory shook his head sadly. ¡°She looks like that pornstar from Little Kittens. Imagine how good she¡¯d be in bed.¡± He looked like he would cry any minute now.


    Handing my phone back to me, he clicked on a pic of her in a bikini. ¡°Look at her ass. Glorious, man.¡±


    I sighed, snatching my phone away from him while they burst outughing at my expression.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll recognize that ass anywhere,¡± Rory promised, earning augh from everyone including me.


    Shaking my head, I turned my phone off and took another drag from my cigarette.

 Hello, stranger

    Amelia Forbes


    I¡¯d resorted to going out more often, as it was the only way to clear my head. I could feel myself give up more and more as the days went by, although I didn¡¯t want to.


    The school had emailed Nana about my grades and Nana and I had had a long talk about it. Her trying to find out if anything was wrong with me, me trying to concentrate on her words and not the pain from the hole in my chest.


    So here I was this evening, walking round the town for the fifth time this week and finallying to a stop in front of a liquor store.


    There was a free bench directly opposite the store so I sat there, watching people move in and out of store, while trying not to think about how messed up my life was.


    As I watched the store, a familiar looking girl walked through the doors-dressed in an oversized hoodie, simr joggers and a beanie-clutching a bottle of alcohol wrapped in brown paper in her left hand.


    A sigh escaped me as I saw that it was Dani.


    Please just keep walking, I begged.


    Unluckily for me, she saw me and walked directly to where I sat, lowering herself onto the bench right next to me.


    ¡°Hey.¡± She said, popping the bottle open and taking a sip.


    I shook my head. ¡°Please, I thought I told you already. I¡¯m not in the mood. We¡¯re not even in school but you guys still want to pick on me. Can¡¯t you just let me be?¡± I said, more tired than angry.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I could hear the surprise in her voice. ¡°I tried to exin it to you thest time. Yeah I hang out with them sometimes, but it doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re friends. And if bullying you is their idea of fun then they¡¯re a bunch of idiots.¡± She said, taking another huge gulp of beer.


    I still didn¡¯t trust her but that was enough for me, so I kept quiet.


    She passed the bottle to me, ¡°Want some?¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°No thanks.¡±


    After thest time at that stupid party, alcohol was a no for me. I¡¯m never doing that again.


    Dani let out a boisterousugh, gulping down thest of the alcohol and tossing the bottle into the trash can.


    Standing swiftly she asked. ¡°You ever ridden a motorbike before?¡±


    As I raised an eyebrow in confusion, still trying to figure out the best way to answer the strange question, she tugged on my arm, bringing me to my feet and leading me to a ck, shiny motorbike parked close by.


    I shook my head. ¡°No I haven¡¯t.¡±


    I hoped she wasn¡¯t about to make me. . .


    ¡°Well then get on,¡± She said, climbing on top and starting the engine.


    I hesitated. Was getting on a motorbike with a strange girl who might or might not be cohorts with your bullies a good idea?


    No.


    But I asked, ¡°What about helmets?¡±


    Daniughed loudly. ¡°The point of this, yeah? Is the thrill when the cool breeze hits you sharp in the face. Better than a fucking orgasm, trust me.¡±


    She held out her hand.


    I didn¡¯t trust her one bit, and the roaring of the engine was terrifying. But I grasped onto her hand and allowed her help me get on.


    I¡¯d gone through hell already, so what more could scare me?


    I held tightly onto her as she zoomed off.


    ¡°We¡¯re flying, Ammy!¡± She screamed as she swerved into a bend, making a circle as we got to a roundabout.


    I pretended not to hear the nickname, concentrating on the feeling on wind on my cheeks, wind in my hair.


    It was exhrating. It was as though the thoughts in my head were flying away with the wind. If I shouted or cried right now, no one would know. Not even Dani.


    So I let the weight on my chest fall, flying from the corner of my shoulders and into the wind. I let out a watery chuckle. I¡¯ve never felt so free.


    I let out an ecstatic yell, letting go of Dani¡¯s waist and letting my arms fly free.


    Dani turned around to look at me, whooping and smiling when she saw meughing.


    As she made another turn, we both screamed. It was like riding a rollercoaster.


    Like that, we made detours; the park, Matty¡¯s-where we got yogurt and had an impromptu pic behind an abandoned tow truck, where I learned that Dani was a bookworm too, but only when it came to novels-then the rest of the town, before heading back to the liquor store.


    We retook our position on the old bench we had sat in before.


    For a while we didn¡¯t speak. Then Dani broke the silence by letting out a light chuckle.


    Something poked me in the chest and I braced myself for her little speech where she¡¯dugh at me for being so stupid to think that she actually liked having me around.


    ¡°You¡¯re kinda fun, you know?¡± She said, still chuckling. ¡°And you¡¯re really smart too. It felt good to have a reasonable conversation for once.¡±


    She turned to me. ¡°Remind me why you don¡¯t have any friends again?¡±


    I only stared at her, not knowing what to say. I really wanted to trust someone for once. But more often than not, people were never nice to me without an ulterior motive.


    ¡°What do you really want, Dani?¡± I questioned her. I still didn¡¯t trust her.


    She faced me, taking off her beanie and letting her short, jet-ck hair fly free. ¡°I just find you really interesting,¡± She stated simply.


    When I didn¡¯t respond, she continued, ¡°I still don¡¯t get why they bully you. You¡¯re goodpany. Today proves it.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I swallowed.


    ¡°You know why I admire you even more? Right from the start?¡± She asked.


    The question didn¡¯t require an answer so I didn¡¯t give one.


    ¡°They¡¯ve been bullying you for more than a year now, but you know what¡¯s shocking? You¡¯re still here.¡± She smiled brightly.


    ¡°A lot of people would have given up, transferred to a different school, or even taken their own life. . .¡± She trailed off, gazing into space.


    ¡°But you,¡± Sheughed. ¡°You never miss school. Yeah, you cry in public sometimes. But you¡¯re still here, taking it all. If that¡¯s not courage, I don¡¯t know what is.¡± She finished, giving me a sad smile.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say. I¡¯d never thought of it like that. And now she mentioned it, I realized that no matter how scared I felt, I really never missed school as an excuse.


    Dani jumped up, stretching. ¡± I have to go now. See you at school?¡± She asked hopefully.


    Before I could answer she said, ¡°Let me rephrase that. I¡¯ll see you at school tomorrow, Amelia.¡±


    I let out augh without meaning to. Dani gave a short dramatic bow before getting on her bike.


    ¡°Want me to drop you off?¡± She asked, starting the engine.


    I managed to shake my head in dissent still unsure about everything. Still reflecting, I sunk into the bench and watched her speed off.

 I’m pregnant?

    Jason Davenport


    ¡°Can you stop that?¡± I snapped at the servant who kept adding more gel to my hair to make it fall backwards.


    Her fingers froze mid-air as she cupped another handful of gel in her hand. She stared at me wide-eyed, waiting for my next order. Unsurprisingly, it only annoyed me further.


    I tore the ridiculous bowtie off my neck and popped the first three buttons of the crisp white button-down I¡¯d been forced to wear.


    ¡°Well, get the fuck out!¡± I spat, ring at her.


    ¡°Oh!¡± She managed to yelp before dumping the blob of hair gel into the trash and practically running out of the room.


    I let out a groan as the door shut behind her. Dad had decided to throw a small party with rtives and friends to introduce his ¡°wife¡± to everyone. And now I had to dress up and smile and act like the child who¡¯s so d his dad had remarried.


    Furious, I barged into the bathroom and washed the thick, slimy product off, only stopping when I was sure it was all gone.


    I stared at myself in the mirror as I re-entered my room and watched the water drip off my hair. Sighing, I wiped it dry with a towel and grudgingly tugged the bowtie back on.


    Getting into the brand new loafers dad had ordered specifically for this asion, I willed my anger to stay in check and walked down the stairs into the lively living room.


    Soft music filled every corner of the house as people stood in groups, talking,ughing and gossiping.


    I tugged on my tie, feeling the irritation starting to creep in. A few feet ahead of me, Dad stood-Ashley¡¯s arm linked with his-making introductions with an uncle I remembered from the Christmas partyst year.


    I rolled my eyes, looking away and heading for the back of the house. Hopefully no one would notice I wasn¡¯t around, and maybe I¡¯d even find some nice alcohol to nick.


    As I got to the back of the house, I resisted the urge to smoke. It wouldn¡¯t go down well if someone saw me and reported it to Dad. So I left the cigarette and lighter safely tucked in my pants and instead buried my hands deep in my pocket.


    As I watched the middle-aged couple who stood a few feet away from me, I overheard one say, ¡°Did you see her?¡±


    My ears shot up and I moved back, deeper into the trees.


    ¡°Who didn¡¯t?¡± His wife replied. ¡°She¡¯s so young!¡±


    Her face wrinkled in disgust.


    ¡°My, my, Richard obviously isn¡¯t in the right state of mind.¡±


    The woman shook her head. ¡°Isn¡¯t she around the same age with the boy? Jared or something like that is his name.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I resisted the temptation to scream ¡°Jason¡± and concentrated on staying hidden.


    ¡°Lord have mercy on them all,¡± The main said sadly, shaking his head.


    At this point I walked out, deliberately giving them a long, hard look so they¡¯d know I¡¯d been listening.


    The woman yelped in surprise and her mouth hung wide open as she stared at me dumbfounded. Rolling my eyes, I stormed off and headed for my room to have a highly needed smoke.


    Amelia Forbes


    I curled up under the covers in my usual position, my head pounding and my eyes hurting. I¡¯d been lying here for hours, just staring into space and trying not to think.


    After the episode with Nana when the school had emailed her about my grades, she had been a little cold. I knew it was my fault and I desperately wanted to fix it. But. . . I didn¡¯t know how, nor did I have the energy to.


    Forcing myself up, I decided to at least make an effort. I dragged myself from my bedroom and down the stairs. Nana had already let me know she was makingsagna-my favorite-and I decided I was going to help.


    Getting into the kitchen, I sighted her and signed as soon as she faced me,  Hey can I help?


    Her stare softened and she nodded lightly, gesturing to the table.


    I tried to smile but my lips wouldn¡¯t cooperate.


    Please, Mel. Keep going. You can¡¯t stop now.


    My head spun as I plopped down in the nearest chair, trying to catch my breath.


    I let out a yelp as I realized I¡¯d sat on something, judging by the squishy sound I heard. Quickly I jumped up, only to see that I¡¯d sat on a tray ofsagna sauce.


    Nana stared at me-her eyes cold-and deep in them I could see just how disappointed she was.


    I was still unfocused and absentminded and this just proved it. Swallowing back tears, I mumbled an apology and ran up to my room to clean up.


    Shutting my bathroom door slowly, I stared at myself in the mirror andbed my fingers through my hair.


    What is wrong with you, Mel? Can you be anything more than a walking disappointment?


    Clutching the sink, I reached for a small towel and dipped it into water to clean myself.


    As my flipped my skirt to the back and began to wipe it down, my hands froze as I realized it looked like a. . . period stain.


    A period stain.


    I haven¡¯t seen my period in-I counted on my fingers, ignoring the tremor as my fingers shook-three weeks. . .


    My eyes widened in horror as a terrible exnation came into view.


    No. Please, God. No.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be-its not. . . possible,¡± I whimpered, feeling the tears beginning to roll down my cheeks.


    I heard someone let out a piercing scream and I pped a hand over my mouth as I realized it was me.


    No. I can¡¯t be pregnant. I¡¯m not.


    The fatigue. The nausea. I¡¯d been peeing a lottely. . .


    The tears in my eyes flew as I shook my head furiously. Slowly, I slumped to the bathroom floor-for the second time in one month, sobbing for the pain I didn¡¯t deserve.

 I despise Jason

    Amelia Forbes


    I shook my head vigorously over and over again as I stared at my reflection. I¡¯d been standing in the bathroom for more than thirty minutes-the pregnancy tester I¡¯d gotten from a store across the street clutched in my right hand.


    I remembered the nasty look thedy at the counter had given me as she tossed the tester into a stic bag, murmuring something about 16 year old sluts.


    I shook my head once more. I was just really tense. I can¡¯t be pregnant.


    Rx, Mel. It¡¯s just a false rm. The changes in your body are as a result of stress. Breathe.


    Already having previous information about what single and double lines meant, I settled down and peed on it.


    In the few minutes it took to show the result, I wiped my hands on my jeans. Maybe it¡¯s just a coincidence. A hormone thing.


    After a few minutes of waiting, I let out a shaky breath and looked down at the stic I held in my hand.


    ¡°No!¡± I screamed, feeling my throat constrict.


    ¡°This has to be wrong. It has to. . .¡± I shook my head. More furious now I took out the second one and peed again. A few minutester, the result was still the same.


    I let out a confused gasp apanied by hyperventtion and a stream of tears.


    ¡°What did I do to deserve all this?!¡± I screamed to the empty bathroom.


    ¡°It¡¯s bad enough that I got brutally raped by a bully who hates me for no reason. . .¡± I trailed off, the pain choking me. ¡°Now I¡¯m pregnant for him as well? Life is ying one hell of a prank on me!¡±


    I felt my shoulders fall as I slumped to the floor. It was getting harder to breathe.


    ¡°I wish I¡¯d died with Mom and Dad in the car that day.¡±


    I looked up at the ceiling, anger beginning to surge through me. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me die too!¡± The tears leaked from my eyes and down to the front of my shirt.


    With all the shit going on right now, I¡¯d be better off dead. I was going to have to live with this pain. . . this shame, for the rest of my life.


    The rest of my life.


    No.


    I was panicking now.


    I¡¯d rather die than let this burden Jason had forcefully ced on me grow. Carrying a baby fathered by Jason Davenport inside me.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    That heartless asshole.


    And I thought he¡¯d ruined my life already. I guess when ites to me bad things have a way of bing ten times worse.


    What would Nana say? Everyone who knew me? How would I exin this?


    Fresh tears began to fill my eyes.


    I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t. . .


    Exams wereing up really soon. If the school found out about this, I¡¯d be disgraced, shamed. They wouldn¡¯t even let me write my final exams.


    And Nana. I could already see the disappointment in her eyes. I took in a sharp breath and I began to cough heavily, tears soaking my cheeks.


    God, please. I need to wake up from this nightmare. I need to wake up.


    Sshing cold water on my face, my mind began to race. What I had to do right now, for my career, my future, for clean records, was to keep the baby a secret.


    Yes. No one should find out. It would ruin a lot of things for good.


    I wiped my eyes with my sleeves, beginning to run up a n in my head.


    ¡°I could get a job, save up, just enough to take me to a different state. Somewhere I could remove the baby. . .¡±


    Remove. Abort.


    Something heavy kicked in my chest.


    No, Mel. Pregnancy out of wedlock is the worst thing. And it¡¯s a rape. Removing the baby is probably the best thing to do.


    I nodded, desperate to convince myself. But with the way my hands were shaking I knew deep in my heart that I couldn¡¯t do it. I couldn¡¯t take an innocent life.


    I buried my head in my hands. I was scared, confused, but most of all, I was tired.


    For a second, I thought of telling Jason. It was his baby as well and he was supposed to take responsibility for it as well.


    But I knew it was no use. He didn¡¯t give two fucks about me so why would he care about a baby who for all he cared wasn¡¯t his.


    I used to be terrified of Jason, baffled about why he hated me so much. But now, all I felt was hate.


    Hate fueling on and on like a volcano.


    Someone like him who was supposed to be irrelevant to me was making such life-changing impacts on my life. He¡¯dpletely ruined my life. And I hated him for that.


    I straightened up and found my way back into my room, swinging my wardrobe open and rummaging through it for a clothing item.


    Finding it, I straightened out the corset-like tummy belt I¡¯d gotten a year ago because I¡¯d been insecure about my stomach but I¡¯d never gotten round to wearing.


    If I was going to keep this pregnancy a secret, I was going to have to do it right. I wasn¡¯t sure what I wanted to do with the babyter on. But for now, I needed to study and pass my exams, be free of high school with excellent grades and a clean record.


    And everything would be okay. Everything would be fine.


    Just 3 months and 5 days to go. And everything would be okay.


    I ran my hand through my abdomen as I fastened on the belt and observed myself in the mirror.


    A sudden surge of self hate flowing through me, I adjusted it even tighter.


    It has to be t enough. No one could know.


    Tighter.


    I let out a sharp gasp from the pain. Breathing deeply, I mentally reminded myself of why I needed to do the things I was doing right now. Take the pain.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be okay,¡± I whimpered, knowing fully well that I was lying to myself.


    I clutched the sides of my stomach right before I copsed into another pool of tears.

 Here comes trouble

    Jason DavenportN?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I sat talking with the guys over a couple of beers at Greg¡¯s. Rory¡¯s parents, surprisingly, had decided to show up unannounced this weekend. So we had moved to Greg¡¯s instead. Which wasn¡¯t a problem for me anyway. I just needed to get out of that house and chill.


    After the other day when Dad had thrown that stupid party, I couldn¡¯t stand being in the same room with him or his beloved wife.


    Bullshit.


    Introducing her to our rtives showed that he was really serious with her. It also meant that he was recing my mother.


    Officially.


    Fuck Ashley.


    But I knew I had to keep up my pretence so she wouldn¡¯t think I was onto her. That¡¯s why I had to leave. So I wouldn¡¯t do or say anything out of line.


    The only thing was that Greg-our supposed host-was nowhere to be found. He¡¯d suggested we hang out at his ce today on the group chat I¡¯d created for the guys. He¡¯d left Rory his key as they lived not too far from each other. We didn¡¯t know where he¡¯d disappeared to.


    ¡°You should try calling him,¡± Adrian suggested, downing a few gulps of his beer.


    ¡°Done that,¡± I replied, sinking deeper into my chair. I needed a cigarette.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call him one more time,¡± Rory said, slipping his phone out of his jeans pocket.


    As he put the number on dial, we heard the front door open. And from the whooping sound the neer was making, we all knew it was Greg.


    ¡°Hey asshole,¡± Rory yelled from the living room.


    Greg waltzed into the living room doing some kind of weird dance step. When he saw we didn¡¯t give any reaction, he burst outughing.


    ¡°Looks like some certain people missed me,¡± He cooed, bringing his lips to a pout.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°No you idiot. We¡¯re just waiting for the weed,¡± I gestured to the paper bag he held in his right hand.


    The guys roared withughter as a look of false hurt came over Greg¡¯s face.


    Greg joined in, grabbing a chair and dragging it to the circle we had formed.


    He lowered himself onto the chair and passed the already rolled blunts round. To everyone except Adrian who didn¡¯t smoke.


    I suppressed a sigh. Adrian seriously needed to act his age. He was way too serious with nearly everything. But I didn¡¯t bring it up because he hated it whenever I did. And I wasn¡¯t ready for his smoking-doesn¡¯t-make-you-cool speech right now. So I settled down and focused on my cigarette.


    I watched as Greg and Rory engaged in an argument about a video game, which I wasn¡¯t particrly interested in so I scrolled through my phone instead.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Greg eximed all of a sudden. He froze, his eyes shining brightly. He quickly turned to me. ¡°I have to show you something, man.¡±


    I watched him curiously. Another hot girl, I suppose.


    Yeah. Greg could be really passionate about hot girls.


    ¡°Wait till you see this,¡± He said, whipping out his phone and tapping on his gallery. Finding it he scrolled through for something.


    After a while, he clicked on a picture and flipped his phone to show me.


    My eyes widened and I grabbed the phone from his grasp.


    Ashley.


    A picture of Ashley in what looked like a restaurant with the same guy from Sally¡¯s. I contained myself so I wouldn¡¯t whoop out loud.


    I was getting somewhere. This was another lead. Quickly, I transferred the photos from Greg¡¯s phone to mine and faced Greg. ¡°Tell me everything.¡±


    He smiled, obviously loving the attention.


    ¡°So,¡± He began, leaning backward in his chair. ¡°That¡¯s the old Chinese restaurant down the park close to the mall.¡±


    He gestured to the paper bag. ¡°I get out stuff from that old guy who works there. So Ie out of the inner room, and I see a very familiar looking ass.¡±


    Rory let out a cackle and Adrian facepalmed.


    I shot Greg a sharp re and he waved his hand in an apology and continued.


    ¡°I think they were sampling the food or something like that. Because they were trying a bit of everything.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°How were they together?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Greg asked looking confused.


    ¡°I mean, did they seem close?¡±


    ¡°Oh, well they seemed pretty cozy. They kept touching hands and she clung to his arm at some point.¡±


    I felt my face redden.


    That bitch.


    ¡°You think she¡¯s cheating?¡± Rory suggested, looking at me.


    I have no fucking idea.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Greg asked Adrian, passing the picture to him.


    I faced Adrian. Of course I wanted to know what he thought. I valued his opinion.


    After a while of studying the picture he said, ¡°From her bodynguage, it¡¯s obvious they¡¯re prettyfortable with each other.¡±


    Frowning, he handed the phone back to Greg.


    Turning to Greg I asked, ¡°You manage to catch any bits of their convo?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°Nope. The only thing I saw was that she kept onughing like a hyena, as though she was on a date with Kevin Hart.¡±


    This time I joined in theughter too. It was kind of funny.


    After looking at the picture one more time, I clicked my phone off and ced it into my pocket.


    ¡°Thanks, man.¡±


    Greg nodded. ¡°No problem. Keep an eye on your extremely hot stepmom. But be careful as well.¡±


    I chuckled and nodded.


    ¡°We need to dig up info about the guy.¡± I turned to Adrian. ¡°Can you take care of that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure,¡± He answered, cracking his knuckles. ¡°I¡¯ve been missing all the action anyways.¡±


    Everyoneughed.


    Rory let out a loud howl. ¡°Just look at us. Young detectives.¡±


    He wiped an invisible tear from his cheek, following with moreughter from the guys.


    This might be a bit of fun for them. But for me, it was about protecting my family.


    Jason Davenport


    Exams were fast approaching. As usual, Coach was overworking us and reminding us daily to kick up our grades and ace our exams so we would stand a chance to win a schrship.


    Not me though.


    I didn¡¯t need a fucking schrship. Dad could buy my way into any Ivy League without batting an eyelid. So I didn¡¯t need to struggle for anything.


    I groaned as I slipped deeper into my chair. The next period was Biology and we were all waiting for Mrs Sandra toe in.


    Two seats away from me, Kimberly and her girls sat gossiping. She sighted me and shot me a re. I pretended not to notice she was sitting there. She was obviously still bitter about thest time at the party.


    Well, good for her. As for me, I was going to y dumb for as long as possible.


    After a while of waiting, Mrs Sandra walked in. Groans from people who didn¡¯t expect her toe in today filled the air.


    She smiled, cing her books on the desk in front of her.


    ¡°Buckle up, people. We have a quiz today.¡±


    A series of ¡®No¡¯s¡¯ filled the air.


    Mrs Sandra acted deaf as she continued. ¡°An oral quiz.¡±


    I pped a hand over my forehead.


    Fuck no.


    ¡°Yes,¡± She continued. ¡°I¡¯m gonna ask questions in a random order. And anyone who answers right gets marks for it. Are we ready?¡±


    If there¡¯s anything I hated, it was answering questions in ss. I just hoped she wouldn¡¯t notice me because I really wasn¡¯t in the mood.


    Slowly, she circled the ss familiarizing herself with names, faces.


    ¡°Goldfield!¡± She said,ing to a stop. Everyone ¡®ooh¡¯ed¡¯.


    Adrian didn¡¯t look scared or bothered. He just stood.


    ¡°Life is driven by chemical reactions summed up in. . .?¡±


    ¡°Anabolism and catabolism,¡± Adrian answered without missing a beat.


    The ss cheered, girls sighing and throwing googly eyes his way.


    Mrs Sandra smiled in delight. ¡°5 marks.¡±


    More cheering.


    She continued her tour round the ss, peering at students through her sses.


    ¡°Fawkes!¡±


    Rory let out a groan, slowly getting to his feet.


    ¡°What acid is present in the stomach?¡±


    Rory raised an eyebrow. ¡°There¡¯s acid in the stomach?¡±


    Mrs Sandra pped her forehead, giving him a nk look.


    ¡°Okay, um, stomach. . . acid?¡±


    The ss roared withughter.


    Mrs Sandra rolled her eyes. ¡°Does anyone else want to im the 5 marks?¡±


    Aneeka raised her hand and stood when Mrs Sandra nodded.


    ¡°Hydrochloric acid,¡± She answered, flipping her hair in a sexy motion. The guys howled and showered her withpliments.


    ¡°5 marks!¡±


    Looking at her watch she said, ¡°Okay, one more person before I leave.¡±


    With the way she was looking at me, I suspected she was going to pick me. And I wasn¡¯t ready for that.


    ¡°Forbes!¡±


    I snickered. This was perfect. I turned to see Amelia sitting at the window. I frowned as I watched her stare outside the window. It was obvious she hadn¡¯t heard Mrs Sandra call out her name.


    The bitch had been acting the same way since the day she practically ignored me in the hallway. Nothing I said changed her mood now, and it irritated me to the core.


    Her eyes looked unfocused and red rimmed, and I bnced in my chair to watch the drama unfold.

 Tired of crying

    Amelia Forbes


    ¡°Forbes!¡± The shout from Mrs Sandra jolted me from my distracted stance. I looked up to see her watching me, hands nted on her hips.


    Oh no. I knew there was a quiz going on, but I¡¯d somehow lost focus in the middle of it.


    Slowly, I stood to my feet.


    ¡°Is there something interesting going on outside?¡± Mrs Sandra asked, the annoyed look still visible on her face.


    I shook my head rapidly, wanting to get through this embarrassment as soon as possible.


    ¡°I asked you a question. What¡¯s the gap between two contiguous teeth called?¡±


    My fingers rolled into a fist and I tried to think. But nothing wasing up.


    Some seats away from me Kimberly whispered something into her friend¡¯s ear and after a while I could hear murmurs.


    ¡°I heard her grades have been dropping.¡±


    ¡°The female Einstein has fallen.¡±


    ¡°Is she sick or something?¡±


    ¡°Dumb bitch!¡±


    I didn¡¯t turn to the sound of the voice but I knew it was Jason. Instead I racked my brain for an answer, ignoring the sneering from my ssmates. My hands, which were now sweaty, shook.


    Someone sitting beside me tapped me urgently but lightly.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I turned to see Benson scribbling something in his book, then opening the page for me to see.


    Facing Mrs Sandra, I said, ¡°Diastema.¡±


    She observed me curiously and then yelled, ¡°5 marks!¡±


    Picking up her books she said, ¡°You homework should be submitted first thing tomorrow morning.¡±


    With that she exited and I could feel my chest rxing. Giving Benson a grateful look, I grabbed my books and made my escape.


    Getting to my locker, I grabbed my backpack. I needed to get home. I was really tired.


    Absentmindedly, I ced a hand on my stomach. Anxiety and pain bubbling in my chest, I felt the urge to scream. But I held it back and proceeded to the doors.


    ¡°Hey, Mel!¡±


    I turned to see Benson running up to me. Yes, I was grateful for his help earlier but I didn¡¯t think it signified anything more.


    ¡°Wanna walk home together?¡± He asked, a hopeful look in his eyes.


    I breathed deeply. ¡°Look Benson, thanks for. . . earlier. I¡¯m really grateful. But that. . . it doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re friends again. It takes more than that, okay?¡±


    I gave him a sad smile and looked away, heading for the door.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    I paused.


    ¡°I-I know a lot has happened between us, and that I¡¯ve been a terrible friend. But I really want a second chance. Please, give me a chance. . . give us a chance. Let¡¯s just talk, please?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°This weekend?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± I nodded.


    All I hoped for was that he wouldn¡¯t hurt me yet again.


    Amelia Forbes


    My eyes hurt as I stared down at my notes, trying to study. I needed to sit up. It was crucial that I do now as I really needed to ace my exams.


    It was difficult as I¡¯d started feeling tired all the time now, and it felt like something was eating me up inside out.


    I shook my head and focused on my notes. I needed to finish my homework before noon so I could do something else.


    The sound of my door pushing open took my attention to it and I looked up to see Nana making her way into my room.


    As soon as I saw her, a certain shame filled me up and I couldn¡¯t bear to look at her.


    I was scared. Scared that she¡¯d look at me and see how much of a disappointment I really was. See that I¡¯d let myself be raped. See that I¡¯d somehow gotten pregnant at 18. The shame she¡¯d feel when people stared at me in the street, my stomach bulging out. The shame I¡¯d feel. . .


    She made her way to my bed, sitting on my bed and gently rubbing my arm.


    Are you okay? She signed, worry filling her eyes.


    I could see the heaviness in her eyes. The stress. She looked weak and tired. I was stressing her out.


    Guilt poked me sharply in the chest.


    I nodded, trying to force a smile.


    The look on her face showed that she clearly didn¡¯t believe me.


    She tightened her hold on my arm saying, You can talk to me about anything, baby.


    I lowered my eyes, not knowing what to say. I was exhausted.


    I¡¯m fine, I signed, gesturing to myself to prove my point.


    You look so sick, sweetheart, Nana said. Maybe we should go the the hospital?


    ¡°No!¡± I yelled, feeling my heart pounding in my chest. The doctor might run tests. I can¡¯t. . .


    I was struggling to breathe and I began to count numbers in my head to calm myself.


    Breathe, Mel. Breathe.


    See? You¡¯re not okay, Nana insisted, cing her hands on either sides of my face.


    I gently moved her hand away.


    I¡¯m fine Nana, just tired, I assured her.


    After a while of watching me write in my notes, she stood, leaving the cookies she had brought in on the table next to me.


    I thanked her and bent over my books, pretending to write in it.


    The first tear escaped my eyes as the door clicked shut. I watched it drop onto my book, soaking into the sheet.


    I let myself sob loudly,forted that at least Nana wouldn¡¯t be able to hear me. I cried for everything. My parents, my grades, my friendships, my life. . .


    ¡°I just-I just want to feel anything. . . other than worthless,¡± I could feel my head pound as the tears streamed down.


    I¡¯m so freaking tired. So tired. . .


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± I whimpered as the pen I held in my fingers dropped to the ground.


    I was so tired of crying. It was the only thing I could do.


    I didn¡¯t remember how to feel happy. What happiness felt like. I just wanted to stop feeling like. . . this.


    Wiping my eyes with a tissue, I pulled my damp hair into a ponytail and continued with my homework, hoping that someday, somehow, I¡¯d be okay.


    Amelia Forbes


    It was 5pm. 5 hours since Nana had left me alone to study. I had waited till Nana was asleep to leave the house quietly.


    I¡¯d made my way to the liquor store, taking my position on the bench across it. For some reason they were closed today. Not like I minded though.


    I didn¡¯t even know what I was doing here. All I knew was that I needed to have some fresh air and breathe.


    I slumped deeper into the bench, unbuttoning my cardigan and letting the cold air caress me. Sighing, I soaked it all in, liking the distraction and letting my worries fly away.


    A light tap on my shoulder jolted me awake and I looked up to see Dani staring at me, a confused look on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± She asked, taking a seat beside me.


    I shut my eyes tightly. ¡°How did you find me?¡±


    I just wanted to be alone right now.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. Ie here to chill sometimes, remember?¡±


    Oh.


    We sat in silence for a while, doing nothing but enjoying the serenity when Dani broke the silence.


    ¡°Wanna talk about it?¡± She asked softly, rubbing her right arm up and down.


    Was I that obvious? I wondered. And why did she even care. Were we friends now? I mean, I guess I liked her well enough. But could I let myself trust her?


    I wasn¡¯t sure.


    So I shook my head. She nodded in understanding and the silence took over again.


    ¡°So. . . exams areing up, yeah? And I realized I needed a study partner.¡± She turned to me. ¡°And I was wondering if you¡¯d be up for it.¡±


    I shook my head. I wasn¡¯t ready to start tutoring anyone.


    ¡°Please,¡± She begged. ¡°I¡¯m smart, I promise. I just need to study with the right person.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dani I can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°He hits us.¡± She said suddenly, quietly.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°My dad. He hits us. I¡¯d look for any reason to not spend so much time at that house.¡±


    Something squeezed in my chest as I watched her look away and stare into the distance.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Was the only thing I managed to whisper.


    Dani wiped her now wet eyes with the sleeve of her hoodie and let out a loudugh. ¡°Mehh, I¡¯m good.¡±


    After a while of racking my brain, the only thing I could do was reaching out to grab her arm. Then I squeezed, hoping it wouldmunicate to her all the things I couldn¡¯t say.


    For the first time in my life, aside from Mom and Nana, I enveloped a female in a real, genuine hug and let her cry on my shoulder.

 Dad why?

    Jason Davenport


    I clicked my Instagram off as I heard Dad walk towards my room. I knew it was him because he was the only one who trudged through the house noisily. Well, it was his house anyway.


    Ashley had gone to see her grandparents and stay over for the weekend.


    Or so she said.


    Of course I didn¡¯t believe her one bit. But I couldn¡¯t exactly follow her to Manhattan now, could I?


    It still annoyed me how much Dad believed her. Trusted her. Wasn¡¯t it obvious enough that she was lying? Refusing to let my day be ruined by thoughts of Ashley, I pushed the thought aside and resumed my original stance of pretending to be asleep.


    I could hear dad¡¯s heavy footsteps as he approached my bed and from where he stood at the foot of the bed, I could feel him staring at me.


    ¡°I heard you on your phone before I walked in, Jason. I know you¡¯re awake.¡±


    Grudgingly, I turned over on the bed and faced him. What was his problem now? I really wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk.


    ¡°Sit up, son.¡±


    I obeyed, straightening myself up and leaning up against the wall.


    ¡°What dad?¡± I asked, wanting this conversation to be over as soon as possible.


    He took a seat next to me on the bed. ¡°Well, we haven¡¯t talked in a while. You know, father and son time.¡±


    It took all I had in me not to scoff. Father and son time? Try that when an unwanted stepmother gets in the way and tell me how that goes.


    He¡¯d been spending a lot of time with Ashley that sometimes I wondered if he even remembered I existed. Now all of a sudden he was craving father and son time? Obviously because Ashley wasn¡¯t home. That¡¯s rich.


    I turned away from him and looked towards the wall. I refuse to get pissed over this same issue. After all, it¡¯s nothing new.


    ¡°How¡¯s school?¡±


    Of course. He¡¯s probably here to shame me about my grades, of course. Which, unfortunately for him, thanks to Amelia were spotless.


    Nice try, Dad.


    ¡°Good. Exams areing up soon,¡± I answered, looking unbothered.


    ¡°Yeah. Your school says you¡¯re doing very well. That¡¯s good.¡±


    I shrugged, waving off the praise.


    ¡°Coach says you¡¯re doing well too.¡±


    Obviously. I aced when it came to sports.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Dad smiled, reaching out to pat my back. ¡°Your mom would be proud.¡±


    I froze and I could feel my face harden. Why the hell did he have to bring mom up? He never honored my memory but he deemed it fit to bring her up when he wanted to shame or guilt trip me?


    I felt my jaw tic and I cleared my throat. ¡°Howe I haven¡¯t gotten my monthly allowance?¡± I asked, suddenly remembering that it was my turn to get the drinks when the boys and I hung out tomorrow night.


    Dad gave me a nk look and breathed out loudly. ¡°I did that on purpose. I wanted to have this conversation with you.¡±


    Great. Now deprivation too?


    I leaned into my bed and bnced a pillow on my thigh, cing my arms under my jaw for support.


    He cleared his throat. ¡°You do know you¡¯re 18, right Jason?¡±


    I frowned. What does that have to do with anything?


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I asked, finding the question unnecessary.


    ¡°Basically what I¡¯m saying is, you¡¯re a man now. And sooner than you probably expect, you¡¯ll have a ton of responsibilities to keep up with.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going with this, Dad?¡±


    He observed me for a while and sighed again. ¡°You can¡¯t expect monthly allowance from me for the rest of your life, son.¡±


    I felt a sudden surge of anger.


    ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is you don¡¯t wanna have to be responsible for me anymore right? I¡¯m that much of a burden now?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not something to get mad about, Jason. You can¡¯t be dependent on others for the rest of your life, even if they¡¯re your parents. You have to learn to be independent. To be able to take care of your needs without looking up for someone to give to you. Do you understand that?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± My face was contorted in anger and confusion. ¡°So you¡¯re throwing me away? I know it¡¯s because of Ashley! Why do you-¡±


    ¡°Jason.¡±


    The calmness in his voice forced me to quiet down. Why was he saying all of this?


    ¡°When I was your age, my father had it all. Enough money tost for the rest of my life and yours. But he made me find a job just so that I could learn to be independent. I hated him then for making me work while the rest of my friends fed off their parents¡¯ wealth without having to struggle. But as time went on, I began to see the usefulness of it, and I¡¯m eternally grateful to him for that lesson.¡±


    I looked on as he finished. I knew deep down somewhere that he was probably right, but I refused to let myself think about it.


    No.


    I couldn¡¯t see it. I couldn¡¯t see myself working or waiting tables like some kind of hobo. My blood ran cold as I thought of it.


    Never.


    I stared at Dad. What if this was just a n. A way to get me out of the house so that him and Ashley could have their privacy.


    Suddenly, I had a feeling that Ashley put him up to this.


    Of course, why didn¡¯t I think of this before?


    I had lost one parent already. Dad was supposed to take care of me and keep me safe. But no. Because of Ashley he was casting me aside instead.


    Pushing me out into the world to fend for myself. And it was the most hurtful thing.


    Irritated, I spoke up. ¡°I have homework now, Dad.¡±


    He nodded, standing up and patting my back before walking out the door.

 Adrian knows…

    Amelia Forbes


    I tried to concentrate as I sat in the practicalb at school. We were required to take off our protective masks to be able to answer questions about the different chemicals we were learning about.


    Earlier, I had sat at the front. But when Kimberly and her minions took a position right beside me, looking like they she was going to throw acid all over me, I¡¯d moved to the back.


    Better safe than sorry, right? Although Kimberly kept throwing me nasty nces at intervals.


    I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that she was nning something. Feeling safe that a teacher was present, I shook it off and concentrated on the lecture Mr Paulo was giving.


    ¡°Okay now everyone exchange partners and discuss what you just learned,¡± Mr Paulo said, waving his hand in a shuffling motion.


    The girl who I¡¯d been paired with moaned in joy, snatching her materials off the table and walking away as if I was the gue. I didn¡¯t mind anyway so I sat just sat there watching.


    My head was aching and I¡¯d been feeling sick all morning. I reached down and made sure my corset was in ce. I know I didn¡¯t need it yet as the bump hadn¡¯t even began to show, but I wanted to get used to the feeling first.


    I looked up as someone made their way towards me and took a seat beside me. I froze when I saw that it was Kimberly.


    Observing her, I saw that she held something in her right hand which she hid behind her, a smirk visible on her face.


    My eyebrows furrowed. ¡°What do you want now Kim-¡±


    Before I could finish, she procured a bottle filled with some kind of gas and ced it right under my nose. As I tried to move away, Malia and Aneeka held me firmly in ce from behind to stop my struggling.


    Thest thing I remembered was falling to the floor right before I cked out.


    Amelia Forbes


    My head spun as I struggled to open my eyes. The bright light from the fluorescent hurt my eyes and I peeked out, seeing nothing but white everywhere.


    As I finally opened them, realizing I was in a hospital bed, the first thing I saw was Adrian. He was bent over in a chair, fingers entwined in his hair, tapping his leg repeatedly in a nervous fashion.


    The bed creaked as I leaned up, attracting his attention. He immediately rushed to my side.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked, his voice coated in worry. ¡°You fainted. No one knew what was wrong with you. I had to bring you here. . .¡± He trailed off.


    I ced a hand behind my head. I think I had hit my head during the fall.


    Kimberly. That bitch. What kind of a monster was she?


    For the first time, I looked around. And it dawned on me that out of everyone that probably saw me copse, including the teacher, Adrian was the only one who even bothered to help me. Even after what had happened between us thest time.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I whispered, feeling like a terrible person.


    He just smiled. ¡°Hey, hey, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    He rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°I admit I was kind of hurt when you rejected me. But after a while I realized there was more to our friendship than wanting to date you. I honestly like being around you. Plus, you¡¯re better conversation than half the people I know,¡± Heughed.


    ¡°So. . . I¡¯d like to be your friend. If that¡¯s okay with you.¡±


    I felt something warm in my chest. So someone could actually like me with no strings attached. Someone liked me for me. It was strange and new to me and I was still trying to get used to it. Like with Dani.


    I smiled in reply and nodded, epting the side hug he got up to give me.


    ¡°Now get well soon. We have a lot of catching up to do.¡±


    I let out a wateryugh and offered him a grateful smile. I was about to say something when the doctor walked in.


    ¡°Ahh, you¡¯re awake,¡± He said, observing me. Coming to a stop at my bed side, he asked, ¡°How are you feeling now?¡±


    I swallowed. I didn¡¯t like the look on his face. My heart pounded in my chest. What if he. . .


    ¡°Well, Miss Forbes, I wasn¡¯t sure why you fainted. So we had to run a series of tests to determine why. And we found out that you¡¯re 3 weeks and 4 days pregnant.¡±


    My chest exploded. I couldn¡¯t hear anything but an extremely loud buzzing sound in my ears.


    No. Please, no.


    I looked over in fear to see Adrian staring at me, his eyes wide in disbelief.


    The first tear spilled down my cheeks as I shook my head without knowing why exactly. Everyone was going to find out.


    Adrian would think I was a slut. My hands shook vigorously and my head spun. I felt dizzy and nauseous all at once.


    ¡°Seeing as you aren¡¯t a minor, we¡¯ll leave it up to you if you want to inform your parents or guardian. But you¡¯re okay and healthy so you¡¯re free to go.¡±


    With that the doctor took his leave, leaving Adrian and I one once again. I couldn¡¯t bear to look at him. I felt ashamed and disgusted with myself. I knew there was nothing I could say that would change anything. So I, sat there, ignoring the lump in my throat.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°How?¡± Adrian asked after a while. I looked up in surprise. He was talking to me? I was surprised he was still here. Wasn¡¯t he disgusted enough already?


    I tried and failed to muffle the sob that escaped my lips.


    Adrian took a seat next to me on the bed.


    ¡°Mel, look at me.¡±


    I obeyed.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re not dating anyone, nor are you that kind of girl.¡±


    He hesitated.


    ¡°Did someone do this to you?¡±


    My entire body shook as I struggled to force of words. Anything at all. My lips quivered but nothing came out.


    He looked at me in concern, anger beginning to manifest on his face. ¡°Mel, you¡¯re quiet. Did someone do this to you?¡± He asked again. I could hear the tremor in his voice.


    ¡°You told me you don¡¯t have any friends as well. And I¡¯ve never seen you cozy with any guy. . .¡±


    He inhaled sharply. ¡°Except. . . except during the project,¡± His mouth fell open. ¡°With Jason.¡±


    I shivered even harder. This can¡¯t be happening right now.


    No, no.


    ¡°Did Jason. . .¡±


    I couldn¡¯t control the broken cry that escaped me as I ced my hands over my ears.


    ¡°No,¡± He whispered, raising his hands and cing them on his head. ¡°Jason, Jason couldn¡¯t have. Oh my God.¡±


    I sobbed into my pillow, feeling sorrier than ever for myself.


    Adrian rxed back into his chair and put his head into his hands as if he was thinking.


    After a few minutes of silence he stood, hatred visible on his face. For a moment I was afraid of what he would do.


    He approached me, giving me a tight hug. My eyes widened in surprise when I felt something wetnd on my shoulder.


    He was crying?


    I pulled away to look at him.


    ¡°Adrian-¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve any of this, Mel.¡±


    He wiped his eyes swiftly, and I couldn¡¯t even tell he¡¯d been crying a while ago.


    His face contorted in rage. ¡°I¡¯ll find someone toe stay with you,¡± He said as he began to walk away towards the door.


    My heart beat loudly in my chest. ¡°Adrian, where are you going?¡± My voice rose an octave.


    He shut the door behind him, leaving me worried and confused as I copsed in another round of tears.

 I missed him

    Amelia Forbes


    Thirty minutes after Adrian had stormed off, Benson peeked through the door of my ward, worry visible on his face.


    He walked in when he saw that I was awake. ¡°Mel, are you okay?¡± He asked, rushing to my side and cing a hand on my forehead and looking into my eyes for any signs.


    For a moment I was scared. What if Adrian had told him everything?


    I looked up at him again and I saw that he didn¡¯t know. I rxed once more.


    ¡°What happened?¡± He asked, squeezing my arm.


    I shrugged, trying to look as normal as possible. ¡°Nothing serious. The doctor said I¡¯m stressing myself out. I need to rest and eat healthier, that¡¯s all.¡±


    I finished, hoping the lie was believable.


    Benson¡¯s face dissolved into a look of relief.


    He sighed. ¡°You scared me.¡± He ran a hand through his blonde hair. ¡°I wanted to. . .e with Adrian to the hospital but I wasn¡¯t sure if you¡¯d want to see me,¡± He said, looking down at his feet.


    I felt bad about everything that happened between us, but I still wanted to be careful. I didn¡¯t want to put myself out there anymore. I didn¡¯t want to get hurt anymore.


    ¡°I miss you,¡± He whispered, looking up at me with sadness in his eyes.


    My chest constricted. ¡°I miss you too.¡± I was being honest now. ¡°But you really made me feel. . . like a loser. And I hope you understand why it¡¯s hard for me to risk going through that again.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start over.¡±


    I looked up. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start over. Let me. . . be a new Benson. A Benson you¡¯d be proud to call your friend.¡±


    The tears that stood in his eyes triggered mine and I let them fall, nodding in assent.


    Try. Let¡¯s try.


    Heughed, wiping his eyes and extending his arm for a handshake.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m Benson. But you can call me Ben,¡± He smiled. ¡°Your friend Adrian asked me toe stay with you till you feel better. How are you feeling?¡±


    I let out a watery chuckle, taking his hand.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m Amelia. But you can call me Mel. I¡¯m doing great thanks for asking.¡±


    We shook hands firmly and began to make light, friendly small talk. Like strangers do when they meet for the first time.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    And it felt nice.


    Jason Davenport


    I leaned on my locker, deep in conversation with the gang. We¡¯d gone from talk about exams to the small fiasco that had happened in Chem practical early this morning.


    Apparently Amelia had fainted during practicals for no apparent reason. I had a hunch she was just being dramatic as usual. For someone who acted like she hated attention, she sure loved a good show.


    Pretentious bitch.


    I shook my head and faced the gang, listening to Kimberly fawn over some guy she¡¯d met at a show she¡¯d attendedst weekend.


    All of a sudden she was cut off by someone grabbing her by the cor and shoving her hard into the locker.


    Kim let out a loud cry and I look up to see Dani, a murderous look on her face.


    ¡°You bitch!¡± Kimberly screeched. ¡°What the fuck is your problem.¡± She struggled to get out of Dani¡¯s tight grip.


    I leaned in deeper into the locker. This should be good.


    ¡°How does it feel now, being shoved around,¡± Dani spat, keeping her tight grip on Kimberly.


    ¡°What the fuck are you talking about!¡± Kimberly was breathing hard now. Students began to gather round.


    I suppressed a snicker. It wasn¡¯t everyday you saw the queen bee of Wayne County High being shoved around.


    ¡°I saw you. I saw what you did to Amelia.¡± Dani said tly, her expression daring Kimberly to deny it.


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking monster. How do you live with yourself you asshole. You could¡¯ve killed her!¡±


    With each sentence, Dani shoved her harder into the locker.


    ¡°Get a life, you empty headed bitch,¡± She spat, letting Kimberly loose from her grip.


    She turned to the rest of us. ¡°All of you! You see bullying Amelia as some kind of game. Quit being so fucking insecure about yourselves that the only way you can feel better is by picking on people because they can¡¯t stand up for themselves.¡±


    She raised a finger, pointing at each of us one by one.


    ¡°If I ever, ever see any of you try to hurt Amelia ever again, I¡¯ll make you regret the day you came into existence.¡±


    With that, she stormed off, leaving us staring after her in shock.


    What the hell just happened?

 Surprise, Jason

    Jason Davenport


    I watched Ashley share ¡°juicy gossip¡± with Dad from across the table. She had returned two days ago and since then had proceeded to bore us out of our minds with unwanted info.


    I still wasn¡¯t talking to dad. I was still bitter about thest time. It¡¯d be an embarrassment if I had to tell the boys I couldn¡¯t afford to pay for drinks this weekend. They¡¯d probably make fun of me and wouldn¡¯t let me forget it for the rest of my life.


    I frowned, downing my cup of hot chocte. I resisted the urge to scream as the very hot liquid burned my tongue. In order to not look stupid, I held it in and gulped down a cup of milk instead to help with the pain.


    Fucking hell.


    I was so frustrated with everything. And Ashley¡¯s babbling was really not helping.


    ¡°Babe, what do you think?¡± Ashley asked, her head tilted to the side.


    What had she asked him?


    ¡°Sure,¡± Dad replied. ¡°Am outing sounds good. It¡¯s 8pm and I¡¯m bored, so why not?¡±


    Ashley cheered, pping her hands together and bopping up and down in glee.


    I swear this bitch is high on something.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising anyway. She¡¯d jump at any chance to spend an unnecessary amount of dad¡¯s money.


    I rolled my eyes feeling irritated.


    Ashley jumped up. ¡°I¡¯ll go get ready,¡± She squealed, giving dad a kiss on the cheek and literally bouncing up the stairs.


    ¡°I just lost my appetite,¡± I murmured, getting up and going up to my room.


    A good long sleep should do the trick. For a second the thought of calling Kimberly over when they were gone crossed my mind.


    But I waved it off. Kimberly and I were over. Plus I really didn¡¯t feel like getting into any more trouble with Dad.


    As I got to the entrance of my room, I heard someone talking on the phone in very low tones. I ducked into a corner as I saw that it was Ashley.


    My heart started to race and I moved closer, flipping out my phone and turning on the recorder.


    ¡°Yes,¡± She whispered, sounding irritated. ¡°I convinced him already. How many times do you want me to confirm that?¡±


    As she waited for the person on the other line to respond, she ced one hand over her forehead quietly.


    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll park at the entrance but I¡¯ll go in first. . .¡±


    Silence. Then,


    ¡°Obviously he¡¯de in to look for me. . . Yes. You can strike from there.¡±


    Some silent moments passed and then she let out a quietugh. ¡°Rx, we¡¯ll be there soon.¡±


    She hung up, looking around carefully before walking into her bedroom to get changed.


    My hands shook in anticipation and I tried to calm my beating heart. So she really was nning something. I knew it.


    My chest ached. Her n was to get him kidnapped and then demand a huge amount of money.


    I leaned on the wall, thoughts and escape ns running through my mind.


    For a moment I felt bad for Dad. In his quest to rece Mom and heal his broken heart he was always meeting the wrong people.


    With the amount of love he showered on this bitch she still wanted to do something like this to him.


    In anger I barged into my room and started to get changed. I would follow them. I froze in the process of taking off my shirt. I didn¡¯t have a weapon. What would I do if the need for defence came up?


    I thought of calling the guys toe over and help. But I didn¡¯t want to put their safety at stake. For the first time in a while, I was afraid.


    But I shook it off. Ashley needed to be taken care of. And I would take responsibility for that. Throwing on a pair of joggers and a hoodie, I waited. Watching from my window for them to get into the car so I would follow them.


    As I sighted them I tiptoed down the stairs, stopping at the kitchen to grab a knife. Also, I had a baseball bat somewhere in my car. I hoped it would be sufficient.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    As they drove away I quickly got into my car and followed slowly a good distance behind them.


    I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel like I always did when I was nervous. In ast minute decision, I dropped a voice message exining what was going on in the guys¡¯ group chat. At least they¡¯d know if something happened.


    Putting my phone down, I followed Dad and Ashley out of town until they came to a stop in front of a gloomy looking building. There were no lights in the building. The only light source was the dim street light in the corner.


    My heart pounded faster and I clutched the steering tighter. Having parked a reasonable distance from them, I watched as Ashley got out of the car and walked into the building.


    It took about 15 minutes and then I saw the car door open.


    Please. Please don¡¯t get out.


    Dad got out, looking towards the building and then his phone. He was probably trying to call her. After a while of waiting he shut the car door and walked into the building.


    Heart racing, I tucked the knife I¡¯d taken safely into my hoodie and followed behind Dad. On closer inspection I saw that the building was actually a house.


    I waited until Dad walked in through the doors. Quickly, I jumped in after him just as a group of people screamed.


    ¡°Surprise!¡±


    For a few seconds I was still dazed by the bright lights. Then I looked around.


    Lots of people stood in an extremelyrge room, Ashley in front.


    There were waiters serving, food, drinks. And in the middle of the room, a gigantic cake stood. Glitter decorations high up in the ceiling spelled out, ¡®Happy Birthday Baby¡¯.


    What the fuck is going on?


    Apparently no one noticed me yet. Ashley reached out for Dad and enveloped him in a tight hug after pecking his cheek.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d forget your birthday but I wanted it to be special. So I spent weeks nning everything out.¡± She smiled as dad held her tightly around the waist. ¡°And it¡¯s perfect,¡± She whispered, as he raised her off her feet and ced hungry kisses on her lips.


    The crowd cheered, whooped, wolf whistled, and broke into a birthday song led by Ashley.


    I staggered backwards. His birthday. It was dad¡¯s birthday. And in my journey to hunt down Ashley I¡¯dplete forgotten. We always celebrated his birthday together. But this time I¡¯d let him down.


    I felt. . . stupid.


    Maybe Ashley really did like him. I was so desperate to find something on her that I¡¯d forgotten my priorities. I¡¯d been chasing after something that was nonexistent.


    Bummed and feeling like an idiot, I slowly retraced my steps, dumping the knife into the bushes.


    Getting into my car, I drove slowly back to town, ignoring the wetness on my cheeks from the tears that stood in my eyes.

 This world is not for me.

    Amelia Forbes


    As I walked through the doors at school, I immediately knew something was wrong. Everyone I passed gave me weird looks and kept pointing at me.


    When I looked away they would begin to talk in murmurs about something I couldn¡¯t hear.


    My mind raced as I increased my pace. What could¡¯ve happened now?


    No. Please. It can¡¯t be.


    Adrian couldn¡¯t have. . .


    I clutched by books tightly to steady myself as I shook rapidly from head to toe. Why must everything bad happen to me? I refused to let the tears beginning to form in my eyes fall as I shoved my backpack into my locker and proceeded to look for somewhere to hide.


    As I hurried away I came across Jason, Kimberly and the rest of their gang leaning against the lockers.


    Kimberly eyed me as she sighted me.


    ¡°Slut.¡± Someone coughed.


    I pretended not to hear, turning away.


    ¡°Went to get yourself pregnant didn¡¯t you?¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    That stopped me in my tracks. No, no. I felt my anxiety begin to skyrocket. How did they know?


    ¡°I thought she was different.¡±


    ¡°Girls like her who pretend are the worst of them all.¡±


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe it.¡±


    ¡°Who do you think the father is?¡±


    Like that I kept hearing the murmurs, theughter, the sneering, the using looks. Tears pooled in my eyes. But I knew letting them fall would mean confirming their usations. So I kept my chin up and walked away.


    I searched for an empty ssroom where could I sit and catch my breath. Finding one I rushed in and shut the door behind me.


    Silently, I cried. Why would Adrian do this to me? I trusted him. Something still didn¡¯t sit right with me. It didn¡¯t seem like he would betray my trust.


    But he was the only one who knew about this.


    The sound of someone opening the door and walking in jolted me from my thoughts.


    Jason hissed when he saw that I sat there. On a second nce he smirked, walking up to me.


    ¡°Pregnant huh?¡± Heughed. ¡°I always knew you were a slut.¡±


    I stood to my feet in anger and faced him. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯d still find it funny when everyone finds out you¡¯re the father.¡±


    His face froze and he grabbed me, shoving me hard into the wall. ¡°I know what this is. You wanna be popr huh?¡± Heughed again. ¡°Unpopr nerd, pregnant for popr jock. Quick rise to poprity. You¡¯re so pathetic, Amelia.¡±


    Something exploded in my chest. He thought this was about poprity? A tear dropped from my eye. Jason was the cause of everything that was happening right now, my mess of a life, and this was all he thought of me?


    I was numb all over again. Laughing without knowing why exactly, I released myself from his grip and slowly walked away.


    Amelia Forbes


    I felt light as I walked down the empty hall two hours after school had closed for the day, not knowing where I was going.


    Someone held me by the shoulders and I looked up to see Adrian, rm written all over his face.


    ¡°Oh my God, Mel, I¡¯ve been looking all over for you. I thought you¡¯d gone home.¡±


    I was silent. A strange look came over his face as he sighed. ¡°You¡¯ve heard haven¡¯t you?¡±


    The nk look I gave him told him that I had and he ced a hand on my shoulder. ¡°Apparently the doctor that attended to you is a friend of Malia¡¯s dad who also works in the hospital. I think she overheard.¡±


    Oh. So it was her. The only thing I was grateful for was that it wasn¡¯t Adrian.


    I nodded, beginning to walk away. He stopped me by cing a hand on my shoulder.


    Swallowing with difficulty he whispered, ¡°D-d-did Jason. . . do this to you?¡±


    Confused and disoriented, I nodded nkly, not caring if he believed me or not.


    He inhaled sharply letting out a string of curses. Not wanting him to see me cry, I fled, knowing exactly where I was going.


    I stared down at the 6 feet pool, wondering how deep it was. Wondering how the water would feel against my skin.


    I couldn¡¯t breathe as the tears choked me. ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry, Nana. I love you so,  so much. I-I tried to stay strong but I¡¯m so tired.¡±


    I let myself sob openly. I was tired of the drama. The bullying. The self hate. The fear. I was tired of not being good enough.


    ¡°I can¡¯t keep living like this.¡± My now hoarse voice came out in a whisper.


    Zipping up my hoodie, I blew my nose and wiped my eyes.


    I walked to the edge of the pool, staring into space.


    And I jumped.

 He is sorry?!…

    Jason Davenport


    I sat on one of the old chairs at the pool after practice. I¡¯d wanted to take a swim as I was very sweaty, but I decided to sit and rx for a while.


    After all, there was no rush to head on home. After the incident regarding Dad and Ashley, I wasn¡¯t sure how I felt. I knew I felt a great deal of stupid. But mostly it was. . . pain.


    I¡¯d wanted to be right. I¡¯d needed to be right. Being right meant that Ashley would disappear from our lives and that Dad and I would have a chance to work on our rtionship. Being right meant that I¡¯d never have to regard anyone else as my mother. Being right meant that I wouldn¡¯t have to call anyone else ¡®mom¡¯ and have to experience the pain and anger that came with it.


    But I¡¯d been wrong.


    Ashley was weird and annoying and way too girly for my liking. Plus I hated the fact that she was a younger woman. It irritated the shit out of me. I wasn¡¯t sure I would ever ept herpletely. I still hated her for tearing dad and I apart.


    So I¡¯d begun to avoid her and dad. It¡¯d be less painful if I acted like they didn¡¯t exist. That way, the pain would be easier to manage. It was worse now that I realized that I didn¡¯t have a reason to hate her. I didn¡¯t know what reaction to give to that.


    But she liked him. Loved him, even.


    And I didn¡¯t know how to feel about that.


    I sighed. I needed to talk to Adrian. Speaking of, I hadn¡¯t seen him in two days now.


    Sprawling on the chair, my eyebrows furrowed as I saw a figure standing in front of the pool saying something I couldn¡¯t make out because I sat far away.


    Still watching, I tried to make out who it was. The blonde hair and thick hoodie kinda resembled Amelia¡¯s. But I wasn¡¯t too sure. When she started to sob audibly, bending over and cing her hands on her knees in a tired fashion, I realized that it was her.


    What the fuck is she doing here after school?


    I rolled my eyes. No one¡¯s around. There wasn¡¯t any need for her to start the crybaby nonsense.


    After some moments of sobbing, she walked to the edge of the pool and zipped up her hoodie.


    Before I could process what was happening, she had jumped. My breath caught in my throat and I stood. Waiting for her to resurface.


    After a few seconds of waiting without any sign of her, my chest exploded.


    Oh my God. She can¡¯t swim.


    Secondster I was racing down the steps, jumping three at a time till I got to the pool. As I got to the edge of the pool, I took a deep breath and dived in. Momentster I sighted her. She looked lifeless and unmoving. Quickly I grabbed her and carried her up to the surface, stopping to breathe when I¡¯d ced her on the floor.


    My hands shook in panic. Why would she do this?


    She wasn¡¯t moving.


    I pped her lightly with two of my fingers. ¡°Hey, wake up.¡±


    She didn¡¯t show any response. Blood rushed to my ears and all I could hear was the beating of my heart.


    I unzipped the heavy hoodie she had on, hoping it would relieve some of the weight. Still no reaction.


    I shook her harder now. ¡°Please Amelia, wake up.¡± My voice shook now.


    ¡°Oh my God. What do I do now?¡±


    Her lips had started to change color. And I didn¡¯t remember where my phone was. Dragging her away from the pool, I ced my knees on either side of her and proceeded to give her chestpressions the way I remembered, not sure if I was doing it right.


    My breaths came out loud and heavy as I persisted after the 12 times had passed and she stilly lifeless.


    Why would she try to kill herself? I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d be so sad that she¡¯d want to stop living.


    Still giving thepressions I watched her, eyes shut and mouth hanging open.


    I¡¯d hurt her.


    I¡¯d consistently hurt her.


    That means that all those times. . . she was being truthful.


    What have I done?Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Tears threatened to spill out my eyes as I continued giving thepressions.


    ¡°P-please just wake up. Don¡¯t die on me!¡±


    In the middle of giving the final one, her chest heaved and she let out a gurgle, releasing water from her lungs.


    I breathed out in relief, watching as she doubled over, coughing continuously and trying to survey her surroundings afterwards.


    She froze as she saw me. Looking from my face to my wet clothes, her face wrinkled in anger.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± She yelled, rising to her feet.


    ¡°You jumped. On purpose,¡± I said, still staring at her in disbelief. ¡°Why would you try to kill-¡±


    Before I could finish she let out a piercing scream and rushed towards me, grabbing me by the neck and shaking me with a strength I didn¡¯t think she possessed.


    ¡°You fucking asshole! Why must you try and control every aspect of my life. You practically controlled my life, now you want to control my death too? It¡¯s my life! And I decide when I want to stop living!¡±


    Her eyes shone with anger and her breath was heavy.


    And I realized something. She¡¯d really wanted to die.


    I felt confused and guilty. My emotions were on a rollercoaster.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Amelia,¡± I whispered.


    Her eyes widened. Before I could say something else she had violently pushed me to the floor.


    ¡°You¡¯re sorry?!¡± She let out a disbelievingugh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see. I lost both my parents on the same day, at the same time. No one, and I mean no one showed any sympathy for me. I was broken, tired, lonely. Instead, as school resumed, I was greeted with bullying out of nowhere from you. Everyday I wondered what I¡¯d possibly done to deserve it.¡±


    Sheughed again.


    ¡°After all I¡¯d just lost my parents. You picked on me, pushed me around, hit me. You made me feel like a loser. Like I was a nobody. And I believed you. I started to feel like I deserved to be alone, like I deserved to die. Like I was a worthless piece of trash. The only thing that kept me going was my grandma.¡±


    ¡°When I thought I¡¯d seen the worst, you raped me!¡± She stifled the sob that escaped her lips with her hand.


    ¡°You raped me. You med it on me. You got me pregnant.¡±


    My eyes widened in shock. She was actually pregnant? She hadn¡¯t been lying for the attention? My mouth fell open.


    ¡°And now, I decide to end it all. End this life because I¡¯d rather die than live like this, than have your child. And you decide it¡¯s your right to control that too? You¡¯re sorry? Fuck you, Jason Davenport.¡±


    She burst into tears, raising both her hands with a confused look on her face. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing here!¡± She screamed, looking up to the sky and turning in circles. The pain on her face stirred something in my chest.


    I¡¯d been so busy thinking about my pain and my loss that I hadn¡¯t realized how much she was hurting.


    I¡¯d lost my mom; my best friend and my favorite person. But she¡¯d lost her mom and dad.


    I still had Dad. And it was obvious that he¡¯d give anything for me.


    She really was all alone. For the first time I tried to ce myself in her shoes. And I knew I wouldn¡¯t have been able to bear it if I¡¯d lost Dad as well.


    I¡¯d been so selfish. I¡¯d med her for mom¡¯s death, deciding to be oblivious to the fact that she¡¯d lost the most significant people in her life.


    And I¡¯d brutally raped her. She was pregnant.


    For me.


    I staggered backwards, tears filling my eyes.


    What would mom say?


    ¡°Amelia, I-I¡¯m s-so sorry. I didn¡¯t know-¡±


    She raised a hand. ¡°Just stay the fuck away from me!¡± She spat, wiping her face and walking towards the exit.


    I stood her, watching her walk away, not knowing what to do.

 You’re a monster

    Jason Davenport


    It took a while to process everything that had just happened.


    Amelia had attempted suicide.


    Amelia was carrying my child.


    Still dazed, I sat on the still cold floor in my wet clothes, my back resting against a raised tform, and I forced myself to think.


    Think of the times when I still had mom. Think of the times when Amelia and I had been. . . friendly.


    Friendly.


    Something cold pumped through me. It felt wrong saying that. Thinking like that. A part of me just couldn¡¯t bring myself to ept that fact. To me it felt like betrayal.


    And betrayal meant that I was making peace with the cause of mom¡¯s death. That I was epting it, embracing it. And that was something I couldn¡¯t do.


    I felt helpless and confused.


    The reason why I hated Amelia so much was because she was the cause of mom¡¯s death. Maybe she wasn¡¯t the direct cause, but she was thest remnant of it. Her parents had killed my mom.


    My hands were shaking now.


    Why the fuck should I care if she decided to kill herself. Why should I be scared? Why should I feel guilty?


    Why would I. . .


    The picture of me close to tears some minutes ago when I thought Amelia was dying shed through my mind. Why had I reacted like that?


    ¡°I-I hate her. . .¡± I stuttered, not reallyprehending everything that was going through my head.


    Hating Amelia gave me something to hold on to. And I realized that if I stopped hating Amelia, stopped bullying her. . . it felt like my life would be purposeless.


    Subconsciously, I¡¯d resolved to avenge mom¡¯s death in any way I could. And it hurt to even look at things from Amelia¡¯s point of view, to ce myself in her shoes.


    I knew I had hurt her.


    The pain in her eyes. The bitterness in her voice when sheughed.


    I was sorry.


    But I didn¡¯t want to be.


    Running my fingers through my hair, I let out a sigh. I was exhausted. And for the first time in my life, I didn¡¯t know what to do.


    Resisting the urge toy down by the pool all day, I got up slowly, surveying the environment and trying to summon enough energy to drive back home.


    As I looked to the entrance, Adrian barged through the doors and walked briskly in my direction when he saw me.


    Finally. I really needed someone to talk to right now.


    I walked half the distance to meet him. ¡°Hey, man, I was about to call-¡±


    I was cut off by Adrian¡¯s fist connecting to my face as hended a sharp punch to my jaw.


    Letting out a muffled groan in pain, I whipped my head up after I¡¯d recovered. ¡°What the fuck, man!¡±


    He responded by punching me a second time, this time to my nose. I staggered to the floor from the impact.


    Shaking with rage now, I hurried to my feet and shoved him backwards roughly making him flinch in pain.


    He followed up with a second punch to my nose. I gurgled and fell to the floor as dark red blood gushed from my nose.


    ¡°What the fuck is up with you!¡±


    I pressed my left hand to my nose in an attempt to stop the blood but to no avail. I looked up to see Adrian breathing hard and fast, his fists curled up.


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking monster!¡± He yelled. ¡°I knew you could be a dick sometimes, but this. . . this is inhumane. Why the fuck would you do something like that?¡±


    My mind and heart raced as I tried to figure out what he meant.


    I froze.


    Had he found out about Amelia?


    He threw me a look of disgust. As if something ran through his head again he let out a groan and grabbed me off the floor, throwing punches all over my face.


    When he had had enough he let me slump to the floor.


    ¡°You raped someone, Jason,¡± He whispered in disbelief. ¡°I would¡¯ve bet my life on it being a lie if someone told me you¡¯d do something like that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so fucking disappointed. I never understood why you hate her so much. Yes, I get it. You lost your mom and went through the trauma thates with that. But that¡¯s no excuse to treat someone like a fucking animal!¡±


    My chest was heaving now and I felt dizzy. I could feel the blood dripping from my nose. I wanted to say something. Something to justify what I felt.


    Maybe if he understood that she was the cause of mom¡¯s death. . . maybe he¡¯d understand. I was only trying to avenge my mother. . .


    ¡°Adrian, listen to me please. . .¡± I managed to choke out.


    He threw me a disgusted look. But he didn¡¯t make any other move so I took it as a sign to continue.


    I tried to control my wheezing, using my shirt to press my nostrils together.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry she¡¯s hurting. But she. . . her parents killed my mother. Don¡¯t you understand? How am I supposed to live knowing that-¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re dead too, you fucking idiot! Her parents are dead. That¡¯s why it¡¯s called an ident!¡±


    ¡°Adrian-¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°Just shut the fuck up.¡±


    Giving me onest look he said, ¡°Stay the fuck away from Amelia, and away from me.¡±


    I saw his jaw tic.


    ¡°I could never be friends with a fucking rapist.¡±


    With those words, he walked away, shutting the doors furiously behind him.


    What have I done?


    Shaking, Iy in the same position till the blood dried on my face. Suddenly, I was filled with a surge of anger.


    ¡°Everything I¡¯ve ever done was for you, mom!¡±


    It was for mom. If Adrian couldn¡¯t see that then probably he was a bad friend. Maybe I didn¡¯t need Adrian after all. A good friend would see.


    I didn¡¯t do anything wrong.


    I didn¡¯t do anything. . .


    I carried on the chant in my head till I felt the first drops of tears begin tond on my cheek.


    Jason Davenport


    I staggered out of my car as I killed the engine, trying to steady myself to walk up the stairs. I still wasn¡¯t sure how I had managed to drive all the way home. My head had been pounding furiously and I could feel the nausea, the dizzinessing up.


    Using the car door to steady myself, I bent over and threw up all over the grass. I clutched my jeans with sweaty palms, my vision beginning to blur.


    With all the strength I could muster, I brought myself to my feet and stumbled up the stairs to my room. I¡¯d never been so tired in my entire life.


    I heard someone gasp as I pushed my bedroom door open. Slowly, I turned to see Ashley, a horrified look on her face. I shut my eyes tight and walked into my room. I really didn¡¯t want to see her. We hadn¡¯t had any contact since the birthday surprise thing with Dad.


    The fact that I didn¡¯t catch her doing anything to harm Dad and the possibility that she could actually love him only made me resent her more.


    Dumping my backpack on the floor, I peeled off my jacket and copsed in the bed willing sleep toe.


    I heard Ashley race noisily into my room. As she neared my bed, she tapped my shoulder lightly and turned me over. I groaned in pain as my broken nose rubbed against the sheets. Angrily, I pped her hand away.


    ¡°What the fuck is your problem?¡±


    She didn¡¯t flinch. cing her hand on my shoulder and taking out a cotton ball and antiseptic from the first aid kit she held in her hand, she gently wiped the dried blood around my nose.


    Was she deaf now?


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking touch me,¡± I spat, fighting the fatigue that enveloped me from head to toe.


    ¡°Oh my God, Jace. Rx for one second and let me help,¡± She said, still gripping onto my shoulder in a surprisingly firm hold.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I watched her wipe my face, astonished. Was she acting deaf on purpose? I didn¡¯t know what I needed right now, but it definitely wasn¡¯t this shit. Enraged now and struggled to my feet, pping her arm away forcefully.


    ¡°If you think that this shit you¡¯re trying to pull off qualifies you as a mother then you have another thinging. Trying to suck up to me isn¡¯t going to change anything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to rece any-¡±


    ¡°Stop fucking ying dumb. I see what you¡¯re doing here.¡±


    I moved closer to her.


    ¡°No matter how hard you try you¡¯ll never, evere close to being a mom. So it¡¯d be better for everyone if you pick your things and go back to the ghetto. Fucking gold digger.¡±


    Her zed eyes giving me the reply I needed, I pulled her out my bedroom and shut the door behind me, making sure the lock was secure.

 The gist is out.

    Amelia Forbes


    The first thing Adrian did when he saw me at school today was to envelope me in a tight bear hug. I didn¡¯t know how to react at first but as seconds passed and I realized how much I actually needed the hug, I melted into his embrace.


    As he reached up to pat my head he  whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so so sorry, Mel.¡±


    I gave him a small smile and nodded. I knew he was apologizing for everything that had happened with Jason. And I was. . . fine with it. He¡¯d proved to be a good person and a good friend. And that was enough for me.


    We both avoided the conversation that was lurking in the air and instead talked about our uing exams and study sessions we needed to have.


    As we walked through the hallway together, I could hear the sneering and muttering of ¡°slut¡± every now and then. Gripping my backpack tighter, I tried to ignore all of it and instead focused on my conversation with Adrian.


    ¡°Why, someone¡¯s preggo,¡± A sandy haired boy in corduroy pants and a strange haircut muttered as we walked past him.


    Adrian stopped in his tracks, whipping around and grabbing him by the cor.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    For someone who looked like he was about to spit fireballs, his voice was weirdly calm. Almost like they were having a conversation about the weather.


    It made me see Adrian from a different perspective. He sure can be intimidating when he wants to be.


    Sandy hair squeaked in fear and began to mutter a series of apologies. Adrian held him in the same position for a while and gestured to me. Getting the message Adrian was trying to pass, Sandy hair turned to me, his lips quivering.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please, it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    He looked back to Adrian who looked him over for a few seconds and then released his grip. Striding back to my side, he continued our conversation as though nothing had happened.


    I couldn¡¯t control the small smile that crept up on my face. Adrian didn¡¯t notice me staring because he was too busy trying to exin how textbooks should really be written.


    My life was falling apart. Literally. But here I was, smiling at the smallest of things. Like how Adrian stood up for me and tried to protect. Like the fact that it was at the lowest point of my life that I¡¯d begun to meet and make friends. Real friends. That cared about me with no ulterior motives.


    And it was. . . nice.


    I let myself smile openly now. If I deserved anything, it was to enjoy this moment.


    And so I did.


    Amelia Forbes


    As my final exams drew nearer, my phobia was getting worse. I began to be more and more aware of my stomach. It had not begun to show but I still felt insecure. Everywhere I went, I felt like everyone was watching me, seeing my secret. Like they all knew I was pregnant.


    With Nana it was worse. The only reason why I wasn¡¯t so worked up about her was because she couldn¡¯t hear me retching every morning. She would¡¯ve figured it out by now.


    Whenever I was changing, I checked the lock nearly a million times before I undressed. I¡¯d gotten a better corset. This one was stronger, more adjustable. And it made me feel safe.


    I ran a hand over my stomach as I secured the corset and adjusted it to the tightest.


    I let out a gasp in pain.


    For a second I wondered if it was hurting the baby.


    That¡¯s good, maybe it¡¯d die off then, a part of me thought.


    Shut up, Mel, I chided myself. Stop having thoughts like that.


    Trying to calm down and get it together and took a deep breath and stared at my reflection.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing great, you freaking queen.¡±


    Saying it aloud made me feel moreposed, rxed. So I said it again. And again. Willing it to stick in my brain.


    I let out a yelp as my gaze fell on my wall clock. Quickly, I pulled down my t-shirt and grabbed my backpack. The bus was here already. I greeted Nana at the kitchen and raced to the door, hoping I hadn¡¯t missed it already.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Colour me brave

    Amelia Forbes


    I had gotten to the bus on time. And now I was in second period trying not to fall asleep as Mr Redmey droned on and on about something.


    An hourter the ss was over. I nearly cried out loud in joy, grabbing my books. For some reason I felt very sleepy, but I¡¯d been fighting to control myself. Was it the baby? Or was the ss just really boring?


    I ced a finger on my temple, willing my thoughts to go away. As I got up and trudged to the door, Mr Redmey called out, ¡°Amelia?¡±


    I turned around in surprise and walked to his table. I secretly prayed it wasn¡¯t another debate he wanted me to participate in. I honestly had no energy for that.


    ¡°You have a meeting with Principal Harris in. . .¡± He looked at his watch. ¡°Thirty minutes.¡±


    I concealed my frown. What was this about now? My grades? They¡¯d gotten better since then, so what was it.


    Knowing he wouldn¡¯t be able to answer me, I nodded and proceeded to the principal¡¯s office. To pass time, I solved the homework assignments that were due tomorrow.


    When it was time, I got up and knocked on the office door. I walked in as soon as he asked me toe in. I wanted to get over this as quickly as possible.


    As soon as he saw me, he hurriedly dropped the files he was looking through.


    ¡°Oh, erm, Miss Forbes. Have a seat,¡± He gestured to the chair opposite his.


    My eyes narrowed. He was acting very strange. Principal Harris was always strict and straight to the point. Why was he stuttering all of a sudden? Still observing, I settled down and made myself asfortable as was possible.


    He spent the first few minutes trying to get around his words and scratching the back of his neck. When it became unbearable I cut in.


    ¡°What¡¯s this really about, sir? It¡¯s been five minutes now,¡± I said as gently as I could without iting off as rude.


    He cleared his throat.


    ¡°Well, you know sometimes things happen. . . there have been talks going round, all over the school,¡± He scratched his head again. ¡°So I, err, thought it was best to talk to you directly.¡±


    Oh.


    This was about the rumors? It had gotten to the principal too? My palms were sweaty now and I wiped them on the hem of my skirt. Did he believe the rumors? Was I going to be kicked out of school? My head pounded with questions and I began to feel dizzy.


    Rx, Mel. Breathe. Think.


    I took a deep breath. Okay he thinks they¡¯re just rumors, which is why he wanted to see me. He¡¯s not sure. Plus he¡¯s literally blushing and can¡¯t look me in the face.


    I could use that.


    Wiping my palms onest time, I ced them on the desk in front of me.


    ¡°Oh, the ones about me being pregnant?¡± I asked, hoping my voice was as steady as I needed it to be.


    Principal Harris wiped his face with a handkerchief.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been at this school for nearly six years. I was bullied for four. You never heard anything about that did you?¡±


    He opened his mouth to say something but I beat him to it.


    ¡°They beat me up, yed pranks on me, spread rumors about me. The teachers saw, of course. But no one ever did anything about it. But it¡¯s all good. You know what I find sad though? That you would believe those rumors spread about me, but you¡¯ve never asked me how I felt. And that¡¯s because you don¡¯t give a shit about the mental health of your students.¡±


    I paused.


    ¡°Excuse mynguage, sir.¡±


    He looked on, clearly not knowing what to say.


    ¡°You even had to call me here, to query me. You see me just like everyone else here does; a waste of space.¡±


    Principal Harris whipped up his head.


    ¡°No, no, of course not. The rumors have been spreading quite a lot. And I thought the only way to erm, straighten things out was to, erm, speak to you.¡±


    He ced a hand on his forehead. ¡°You¡¯re right, Amelia. And I¡¯m very embarrassed, and very sorry for the inconvenience,¡± He breathed out loudly.


    He never called anyone by their first names. That was new. And he actually looked sorry.


    My hands were shaking. Making him feel guilty had certainly worked. I felt bad for doing it but it was the only way I would be allowed to write my final exams and leave high school with clean records.


    He let out a string of apologies and promised to do something about the rumors, assigned a personal counselor to me which I politely declined because that definitely wasn¡¯t what I needed.


    As I walked out the door and shut the door, I released the breath I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d been holding.


    Amelia Forbes


    ¡°Fuuuckkk,¡± Ben groaned as he fell onto my bed. ¡°Now I¡¯m gone for sure.¡±


    Dani gave a loud cackle, cing a palm over her mouth when I shot her a death re. Turning to Ben, I said, ¡°Now you¡¯re just exaggerating, Ben.¡±


    ¡°Yeah Benny,¡± Dani chirped from across the room, innocently flipping through the pages of my calculus textbook.


    I red at her. I knew she was just teasing Ben. That was just how their friendship was and I was still trying hard to get used to it. Although sometimes it could be hrious.


    Well, I was thankful they were friends at least. The introduction was. . . well, quite awkward.


    No.


    Very, very, awkward.


    Imagine introducing your once ex best friend to your newest friend who¡¯s almost like a best friend to you.


    Now get this.


    Your newest friend is mad at your ex best friend for ¡°treating you like shit¡± and your ex best friend is mad that your newest friend used to roll with the group of people who bullied you.


    Yeah. Pretty awkward.


    I had to clear the air and correct these impressions. Then kinda let them just. . . be. I knew there were things you just couldn¡¯t force. And friendship was one of them.


    So you can imagine just how d I felt when they started getting along in this good but strange way. I can¡¯tin can I?


    ¡°You guys are supposed to be supportive y¡¯know,¡± Ben exhaled heavily, cing a pillow over his face.


    ¡°Really?¡± Dani asked, a confused expression on her face. ¡°I didn¡¯t see that in my. . .¡± She peered at a page in my textbook. . . ¡°job description.¡±


    I tried toote to disguise theughter that escaped me as a cough.


    It was Ben¡¯s turn to shoot me res.


    I waved my hands in the air. ¡°Okay, everybody rx, breathe. Ben, you¡¯re one of the smartest people I¡¯ve ever met. Fine, maybe you didn¡¯t perform as well as you expected on the calculus exams, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just the exam stress that¡¯s doing it. I¡¯m pretty sure you did great,¡± I smiled trying to reassure him.


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    I nodded.


    When he inhaled and exhaled deeply, I knew he was good so I faced Dani. ¡°And as for you. Stop being a-¡±


    ¡°Bitch?¡± Ben offered.


    ¡°Ben?¡± I warned.


    Dani shut her eyes and shook her head dramatically, ¡°¡®Tis fine. I shalt turn thy other cheek.¡±


    Oh my goodness, I facepalmed. Apparently God didn¡¯t see it fit to bless me with serious friends.


    The frown on my face must have roused Dani because she immediately stood.


    ¡°Okay, Benny. Your first exam was horrible, we get it. Sometimes-¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t HORRIBLE. It was just-just. . . not good enough.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Ahh. . .?¡± Dani questioned. ¡°So it wasn¡¯t THAT bad then.¡±


    ¡°It-I was-no. No it wasn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Dani winked and fell back into her previous position.


    ¡°What the. . . you tricked me!¡±


    ¡°For the love of God, you guys.¡± My head was spinning.


    ¡°Okay Ben, why don¡¯t you maybe call Katie and y¡¯know maybe spend quality time with her. It might make you feel better?¡± I offered, giving him a big smile and ignoring the snorting sound from Dani.


    He only shrugged.


    I cocked an eyebrow, walking to him and plopping down next to him on the bed. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°We broke up,¡± He muttered with a straight face.


    My eyes widened. No. Freaking. Way.


    ¡°How? Why? When? Where?¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Dani put in. ¡°How¡¯s that even important?¡±


    ¡°Good to know that¡¯s all you got from the conversation,¡± Ben fired back.


    I was starting to worry about the fights. I hoped they were truly teasing each other and not actual enemies.


    As I was about to prod Ben further, Nana walked in.


    Ben rushed up from the bed to give her a hug which she weed with a strange look in her eyes. She narrowed her eyes at me and I knew she was asking when Ben and I had made up. I gave her a sign to keep the story tillter.


    Satisfied, she turned to Dani who had straightened up and shut my calculus textbook.


    I swallowed.


    I don¡¯t know why I was nervous. I desperately wanted Nana to approve of her. Dani had an aesthetic tomboy vibe to her which was usually not appreciated by elderly people. So I guess I was kind of worried Nana wouldn¡¯t like her.


    I¡¯d given Dani previous information about Nana. So she knew she was hearing impaired and my only family. And due to the fact that people usually acted weird around my Nana I¡¯d already asked Dani to befortable.


    Who¡¯s your friend, Nana signed, ncing at Dani and back to me.


    As I began to sign a reply, Dani walked up to Nana, offered her hand for a handshake, and began tomunicate with Nana in signnguage.


    Ben and I stared on, mouth agape. Well, I didn¡¯t know about this.


    ¡°Of course, she understands signnguage,¡± Ben grumbled to no one in particr, folding his hands and staring at them both.


    I might haveughed if I wasn¡¯t so focused on how swiftly Dani¡¯s hands were moving.


    Ben had tried to learn ASL lots of times but it just wouldn¡¯t stick, he said. So he¡¯d given up.


    So we sat in my bed and watched Dani and Nana discuss about the different ways to make pot pie.


    Huh.


    I didn¡¯t peg Dani as the type who¡¯d like to cook. Nevertheless I watched them. And I could see that Nana really liked her.


    And I was d that I got to have one day to rx and hang out with my friends and not have to think about anything else.


    Exams had started today and I still needed to fit studying and tutoring into my schedule without having aplete mental breakdown.


    But not right now.


    Not now.

 Gonna miss them.

    Jason Davenport


    It had been a while since I¡¯d hung out with the gang, especially with everything going on. Exams had started a few days ago and surprisingly, calculus had been pretty easy.


    Good.


    I didn¡¯t need Dad breathing down my neck and reminding me to study. Even though we both knew he could pay my way into any college. Speaking of college, the gang kept having conversations about their ns for college, Rory and Greg more interested in the hot girls they were going to meet.


    Smiling, I wondered if they would ever change. What if they did? Would we still be friends? These thoughts had been running through my head over and over again and I couldn¡¯t bring myself to answer them. Maybe because I already knew the answer to them.


    I resisted the urge to hiss. Suddenly everything was annoying to me. I needed to stop thinking and enjoy thest days I had with my friends. So I rejoined the conversation.


    ¡°Whatcha gonna wear for prom?¡± Rory was asking Kimberly wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.


    Kimberly flipped her hair backwards. ¡°You should know I never disappoint,¡±She winked. ¡°Plus, I¡¯ve got to look the part as prom queen.¡±


    The guys ¡®ooh¡¯ed¡¯, cheering her on. I rolled my eyes. We still weren¡¯t friends, but we were kinda cool. It was as if I¡¯d just begun to see her arrogant she could be sometimes. Prom queen my ass.


    And as for prom, I honestly didn¡¯t feel like attending. With the way I¡¯d been feeling and with everything that was happening right now, I don¡¯t think I was in the mood to dress up in a fancy suit and go to a party.


    ¡°Hey, Jason, we should all shop for our suits together. What do you think? Might be fun,¡± Greg suggested, looking to Rory for assent.


    ¡°Yeah, man. Don¡¯t know how much time we have left.¡±


    I looked at them both, trying to make up my mind. ¡°Well, uhh, okay cool.¡±


    Rory whooped, patting me painfully on the back. ¡°We going tuxedo shopping, baby!¡±


    ¡°Okay, a little bit too enthusiastic Rory,¡± I wheezed, pushing him off me.


    Everyone burst into a round ofughter. After a few moments, I joined in. I really was going to miss these guys.


    ¡°Too bad Adrian isn¡¯t here,¡± Malia sighed.


    I sucked in a breath. Why did this bitch have to ruin the moment? I turned to her. ¡°If you miss him so much just fuck off and go look for him,¡± I spat.


    Her face reddened.


    ¡°Jason!¡± Kimberly yelled angrily. ¡°What the fuck is your problem.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with her, bringing up my ex best friend when she obviously knows we¡¯re not friends anymore.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t expect the whole world to know you broke up with Adrian?!¡±


    ¡°Broke up?¡± Greg put in, his voice close to a snigger.


    We both ignored him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t know, Kim. And if you did obviously she would too. So why the hell did she bring it up?¡±


    Kimberly gasped. ¡°You are acting like a child now!¡±


    ¡°Yeah I learned that from you.¡±


    Everyone else ¡®ooh¡¯ed¡¯ but stopped when Kimberly began to shoot eye daggers around.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t even care? Can¡¯t you see that Malia¡¯s upset?¡±


    ¡°Who the fuck cares?¡±


    At this point Malia stormed out, looking like Hurricane Katrina. Fuck if I care.


    ¡°You are a such a dick, Jason.¡±


    I only shrugged.


    ¡°Of course you won¡¯t say anything now,¡± Sheughed. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why Adrian stopped being friends with you. ¡®Cause you¡¯re the biggest dick that ever lived.¡±


    ¡°You mean, I have the biggest dick that ever lived?¡± I sneered.


    Greg and Rory burst outughing like hyenas.


    ¡°You know what? You¡¯re all dicks. I¡¯m out of here.¡± With that, she grabbed her extremely pink purse off the table and stormed off.


    ¡°Oh Kimmy, don¡¯t go,¡± Greg called out after her. ¡°It¡¯s just a little misunderstanding. Come back.¡±


    She stopped and turned momentarily at the door to give him the finger.


    Silence followed for a few minutes and then Greg lit a smoke and passed it round. I rejected it, still trying to figure out why I had gotten so angry.


    ¡°Look J,¡± Rory started. ¡°We your boys, you know that. And we won¡¯t let you look stupid especially in front of bitches right? But that right there? That wasn¡¯t cool.¡±


    Greg nodded in agreement. ¡°And you never really did tell us what happened with Adrian.¡±


    I raked my fingers through my hair. My head was spinning. I still didn¡¯t know why I got so mad. Maybe it was the stress of everything.


    ¡°Thanks for having my back,¡± I swallowed. They both nodded, reaching out to pat my back, painfully of course. It almost felt like they were beating me up.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°I was having a bad day that¡¯s all.¡±


    Rory peered at me. ¡°You sure?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I¡¯m stressed out y¡¯know. The exams and college and my dad. Everything¡¯s happening all at once.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I feel you man. I feel the exact same way. And I don¡¯t even have anyone else to talk to. My parents are never home so. . .¡±


    I looked up at Rory, smiling sadly. I never pegged him as someone who could get lonely. Which was actually stupid,e to think of it. I guess everyone had their own issues.


    We all looked at each other, letting a few seconds pass. Then we burst into a round ofughter without knowing exactly why.


    ¡°Let¡¯s never speak of this again. Can¡¯t have anyone know about this sob story shit,¡± Roryughed.


    Another round ofughter.


    Okay I¡¯m beginning to think it¡¯s the weed that¡¯s doing it.


    ¡°I love you guys!¡± Greg yelled to the heavens.


    Okay definitely the weed.


    I blew out smoke, looking from Greg to Rory as they burst into a song I¡¯d never heard in my life.


    And I knew I was going to miss them.

 Why so serious?

    Amelia Forbes


    ¡°You never told me you knew ASL,¡± I said to Dani as we sat side by side on my bed.


    She only shrugged. ¡°It never came up.¡±


    Sheughed when I pushed her sideways onto the bed. ¡°Easy, Ammy. Why so serious?¡±


    When I didn¡¯t change my expression, she sighed. ¡°Fine. I wanted to surprise you.¡±


    My face dissolved. ¡°Really?¡±


    She nodded, smiling.


    Something warm filled my chest. Having people do nice things for me still felt very weird. Plus, I was really beginning to like Dani, which was scary because it meant that I was left in permanent fear of wondering if she was going to leave me, let me down, hurt me. And I didn¡¯t like that. I was meaning to talk to her about it but there was no time yet.


    Inhaling deeply, I smiled at her and murmured a ¡°thank you¡±.


    ¡°So. . .¡± She began. ¡°You think Nana likes me?¡±


    I froze. She had called my grandma ¡®Nana¡¯. Everyone else referred to her as ¡®your Nana¡¯ but Dani called her Nana. I figured and hoped it meant that she considered her family. Considered us family. I smiled so wide I thought my lips would break.


    ¡°Of course she likes you. She made chicken porridge. She only makes chicken porridge for special people ya know?¡±


    Daniughed loud. ¡°Well, I¡¯m honored then.¡±


    ¡°As you should be.¡±


    As theughter began to die off, Adrian and Ben walked in carrying a tray of Nana¡¯s chocte chip cookies and another tray of milk.


    God, my grandma was great.


    As Adrian put down the trays on the table, he signed ¡®thank you¡¯ to Nana.


    Benson gaped openly. ¡°You know ASL too?¡±


    Adrianughed. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve been taking lessons.¡±


    Dani cackled at the expression on Ben¡¯s face.


    Ben ignored her.


    ¡°So. . . are any of you attending prom?¡± As he spoke, he signed to enable Nana be part of the conversation.


    Nana threw me a look. You didn¡¯t tell me about prom, she signed. Of course you¡¯re going to attend.


    I shook my head. I really didn¡¯t feel like it. I just wanted to take my exams, graduate and never have to cross the walls of Wayne County High ever again. I don¡¯t know why they chose to have the prom before graduation this year.


    Daniughed out loud, looking to Nana. ¡°She¡¯s just joking. Of course she¡¯s going.¡±


    Ben nodded. ¡°Yeah, Mel. We don¡¯t have much time to spend together. We should make the most of it.¡±


    From Ben and Dani finally agreeing on something to the encouraging look in Adrian¡¯s eyes, I just couldn¡¯t say no.


    They all cheered when I nodded.


    ¡°So, first things first. What are you wearing?¡± Ben giggled, opening my wardrobe and gasping at the ¡°hideous outfits¡± inside.


    ¡°No, no, no. We have to go shopping.¡±


    Dani cringed when she ran her fingers through a red dress in my closet. ¡°I¡¯m this close to tears,¡± She said, biting into a cookie.


    It was probably the shock of them agreeing on something a second time that made me say yes.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°I¡¯m going shopping with my mom this afternoon so maybe you cane along?¡± Ben offered.


    I was about to say yes when I remembered something.


    My stomach was a small bulge now. I couldn¡¯t try out dresses in front of anyone. Even if Ben didn¡¯t notice, his mother surely would.


    I swallowed, beginning to panic. ¡°Um, I. . .¡±


    ¡°She can go with my mom and I instead. My mom¡¯s in fashion. So I think she¡¯ll be able to pick out the right dress for Mel.¡±


    I looked up at Adrian, grateful but surprised. How did he know?


    ¡°Wow. A fashion guru picking out Mel¡¯s outfit,¡± Ben echoed, a hungry look in his eyes.


    The rest of us burst intoughter and after a while Ben left with Dani-bickering as usual- as they were leaving in the same direction while Adrian and I left the house after saying goodbye to Nana.


    Guess I¡¯m going to prom then.


    Yay me.

 Dad is not so bad

    Jason Davenport


    I didn¡¯t reply when I heard the knock on my bedroom door. I didn¡¯t feel like seeing anyone. And from the heavy sound, I knew it was dad knocking.


    After knocking twice without a response, he walked in. Surprisingly, he didn¡¯t get mad when he saw that I was awake and on my phone. Instead he only took a seat next to me.


    I sat up and put my phone down. ¡°If you¡¯re here to talk about the thing with Ashley, I really don¡¯t feel like it.¡±


    Dad¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°What thing with Ashley?¡±


    I searched his face for any sign that he was denying it. But he really was baffled.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    She didn¡¯t tell him?


    Usually she¡¯d jump at any chance to report me to my dad.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m not here to talk about Ashley.¡±


    I folded my arms.


    ¡°Lately, we¡¯ve been disagreeing a lot. Fighting over things we shouldn¡¯t be. And it¡¯s putting a strain on our rtionship. We¡¯re supposed to be there for each other, especially since mom isn¡¯t here anymore.¡±


    I still didn¡¯t say anything. I just stared at him. And for the first time, I noticed how he was beginning to age. And it was scary.


    A few minutes passed by without a word between us and then I just kind of lost it.


    ¡°You caused everything, Dad.¡±


    He swallowed.


    ¡°Why did you have to bring all those women into everything? We were doing so well our own. Yeah I missed mom, but I was d that I still had you. But no, you began to bring different women into the equation. That¡¯s when we began to fall apart. If you really cared you¡¯d have known.¡±


    I stopped to catch my breath. I was really angry now.


    ¡°So it¡¯s not just about Ashley, Dad. It¡¯s about you. It¡¯s always been you. You put a strain on our rtionship.¡±


    I felt my throat tighten and I knew I¡¯d rather die that cry in front of him so I got up and left.


    Jason Davenport


    I took onest look in the mirror before my limo would arrive. The boys had arranged for us to arrive in style-with no dates. That way, all the girls would have their eyes on us. It would be up to them topete for our attention.


    Iughed. The ideas those guys came up with sometimes.


    I felt good. And I sure as hell looked it too. Instead of the traditional ck suit and tie, I¡¯d opted for white on white, paired with a crisply ironed button-down shirt-a few buttons open-and a pair of white ankle sneakers.


    Why?


    Because they matched my eyes. Duh.


    A maid had done my hair. And this time I¡¯d allowed her to pack as much gel as she deemed necessary. She¡¯d also let a few tendrilse undone in the front and so they fell across my eye in azy but sexy fashion.


    Breathing out, I straightened the front of my jacket, although I didn¡¯t need to. Ashley had put out a rose for me to pin on the pocket. But I wasn¡¯t going to. I didn¡¯t need anything from her.


    Just then, Dad walked in with a gift box in his hand. I pretended not to notice as I sat on my bed and began to scroll through my phone.


    This time Dad didn¡¯t sit beside me. He just stood there, head bent over.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± He whispered, after some moments of silence.


    As I whipped my head up to stop the discussion, he shook his head. ¡°Just hear me out. Please.¡±


    I fiddled with the tiny cross pendant I wore around my neck and nodded a little.


    ¡°You were right. I¡¯m so selfish. I should¡¯ve understood that you needed more time to heal from the loss of your mother. I should¡¯ve used the time to build on our rtionship instead of seeking some kind of. . . sce.¡±


    His voice was shaky.


    ¡°I only thought about myself, my pain, instead of yours. I should¡¯ve been more alert, more attentive. But instead I forced these women on you and expected you to be cool with having a new mom. I was bitter, authoritative, and I never gave you a listening ear.¡±


    He buried his head in his hands. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Jason. I let you down.¡±


    My throat tightened. I didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°I guess. . . I felt kinda. . . abandoned.¡± Saying it out loud made me realize how true it was.


    He lowered himself onto my bed and held my left hand in his. ¡°I-I miss her so much. . .¡± He broke down.


    For the first time in my entire life I saw my dad¡¯s eyes well up with tears. I always thought he was tough and strong and that he never cried. But here he was. My eyes filled up with tears.


    ¡°I was so desperate to heal myself that I went after women who I didn¡¯t even care for,¡± He wiped his face with one palm.


    ¡°A-and with you, I don¡¯t know what happened. Being a parent is so-so difficult. I never know what to do. And I¡¯m always scared I¡¯m gonna mess it up.¡±


    He sniffled again, his eyes red rimmed and muttered apologies for crying in front of me.


    The first tear dropped from my eye and I wiped it away hurriedly. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    He looked up at me once more. ¡°With Ashley. . . I really do love her. And I wanted you to as well. But forcing it on you was wrong. I should never have done that. You don¡¯t have to call her mom, or tolerate her anymore. But. . . it would mean a lot to me if you could give her a chance. Try to really see her.¡±


    I could admit that much that Ashley honestly liked him as much. And it hurt. But today, I¡¯d seen just how much he was struggling and how hard it must¡¯ve been to admit he was wrong in front of me. And it was the bravest thing ever. So I¡¯d try. Not for Ashley, but for him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jason. I¡¯m sorry for failing you. But I promise, if you give me another chance, I¡¯ll be better.¡±


    I nodded vigorously, prompting the welled up tears to fall.


    Dad gave a wateryugh. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Cool beans,¡± Dad said, giving me a thumbs up.


    I facepalmed, my shoulders shaking withughter. ¡°Please, never ever say that again.¡±


    Dad had the guts to look confused. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you teenagers say?¡±


    I fixed him a nk stare. ¡°Yeah, if you¡¯re in 1996.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh.¡± He looked thoughtful. ¡°That¡¯s woke.¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°Okay, leave my room now. Thanks foring.¡±


    ¡°I heard this teenage girl say that in a storest week.¡±


    ¡°Okay good to know,¡± I gently prodded him towards the door.


    ¡°Wait one more thing.¡±


    I paused.


    ¡°You look great.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Dad.¡±


    I smiled as I faced the mirror once more.


    Opening the box Dad had handed me, I gasped as I procured a diamond studded Rolex.


    Without wasting time I pped it on my wrist, marvelling at how good it looked.


    A notification from my phone alerted me that the limo was here. I smoothened out my jacket and my shoes onest time and hurried to the door.


    On second thought I picked up the rose and pinned it on my jacket.


    For some reason, I had a good feeling about today.

 He really is nice

    Amelia Forbes


    I sucked in my breath as Benson finally took off the piece of cloth he had used to cover Nana¡¯s full length mirror.


    If I wasn¡¯t consciously present, I wouldn¡¯t have believed that the girl I was staring at right now was me.


    As I slowly twirled, my mouth fell open. I knew the dress Adrian¡¯s mom had picked out for me was nice but I didn¡¯t think it was THIS hot.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Well fuck,¡± Dani whistled, as she walked in. ¡°I just had an orgasm from staring at you.¡±


    I whipped around, my eyes wide. ¡°Dani! Stop being so nasty.¡± I covered my eyes with my hands.


    She replied with a loudugh and did a once-over in the mirror. She wore a baggy, all ck suit that fell around at the ankles.


    Duh.


    Dani was the only person I¡¯d ever met that could rock a baggy suit and make it look hot.


    ¡°Oh shush. You look good, girl,¡± She winked at me.


    Turning to Benson she said, ¡°You did a great job on her hair and makeup y¡¯know. It¡¯s awesome.¡±


    I held my breath hoping it would end well.


    Ben smiled widely. ¡°Thanks! You know my mom-¡±


    ¡°Please no. I don¡¯t need the details,¡± Dani winked at him and walked off.


    ¡°Oh, I hate her,¡± He muttered under his breath.


    ¡°No you don¡¯t,¡± I said in a singsong voice.


    He rolled his eyes as a reply and cleared his throat. ¡°Let¡¯s finish up quickly. Adrian just texted, he¡¯ll be here soon. I¡¯m gonna go change.¡±


    He ran off, leaving me alone with my thoughts.


    I stared at my reflection, running my fingers over the fabric. Adrian¡¯s mom had picked out a midnight blue dress with a halter neck, which billowed out from my midsection and curved at the back in a kind of fishtail so it flowed behind me. The prettiest thing about the dress were the tiny crystals that peeked through the folds at the bottom of the dress every time light hit it.


    The back of the dress was exposed in a crisscross fashion and the only piece of jewelry I wore was a silver bracelet Nana had gifted me. Ben had styled my hair in a high topknot, but let a few tendrils fall in ringlets at the front of my ears. He had also done a light natural makeup, swiping some wine colored lipstick over my lips. And I had on the silver heels Adrian¡¯s mom had gifted me for prom, and a small silver purse that was just sufficient to fit my phone.


    ¡°Adrian¡¯s here!¡± I heard Ben yell as he walked back into the room.


    I whistled as I looked him over. ¡°Damn!¡±


    He grinned. ¡°How do I look?¡± He asked doing a 360.


    ¡°Like a piece of heaven,¡± I responded, taking out my phone to take some shots of him. He looked amazing in a dark green suit paired with a tan colored turtle neck shirt and simr colored ankles shoes.


    I smiled and whistled repeatedly as I took shots of him. Ben sure knew how to rock his blue eyes and sandy hair.


    As I positioned myself to take onest shot, he grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the door. ¡°Adrian¡¯s hereee.¡±


    We walked out to Nana, Adrian and Dani in an animated conversation. Adrian froze, mouth agape, as he sighted me. ¡°Mel. . .¡±


    Suddenly I became too shy to look him in the eyes. The admiration in them were pretty obvious.


    Nana hurried to me, embracing me in a tight hug. As she held me by the shoulders and looked me through, a tear dropped from her eyes and she wiped it quickly.


    You look amazing, baby, she signed as she gave me another hug.


    Quickly, she had us pose for a group picture. And of course, Dani and Benson wouldn¡¯t stop making meugh so hard, I was sure I looked like a hyena in all the pictures.


    Adrian and I posed for a picture together too. And we kinda looked like a couple. As Nana took our picture, she wiggled her eyebrows at me in a mischievous fashion. I onlyughed and waved it off.


    As we all hurried down to the limo Adrian had hired for today, he kept staring at me as if in a trance.


    And I wasn¡¯t sure I¡¯d ever felt this shy before. He straightened out his jacket and opened the car door for me to get in. He looked amazing as well dressed in a light blue suit that did wonders for his eyes. And his tousled hair stood in soft, messy ck curls. I could already imagine just how many girls¡¯ lives would be destroyed when they saw him today.


    The thought made meugh out loud. Adrianughed along although he didn¡¯t know why I wasughing.


    We all got in the limo, talking,ughing and talking about what we envisioned prom to be like.


    And it felt nice.

 What the frack is wrong with me?!

    Amelia Forbes


    The first group of people we saw when we stepped out of our limo was Kimberly and her minions. I swallowed nervously, trying to keep my head high.


    During thest few weeks of exams, the principal had made a public announcement concerning the rumors about me being pregnant. Hisst verdict was that anyone caught talking about it would be expelled.


    That helped in keeping them all quiet for a while. So I hadn¡¯t really crossed paths with her since.


    I didn¡¯t want any snidements to ruin my day.


    You can do this, Mel. That phase of your life is over. The bullying, everything. She¡¯s got nothing on you.


    With the small pep talk and thefort of having the three people who really cared about me by my side, I knew I could do it.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Malia saw us first.


    She did a double take. Then looked away and reverted her gaze back to us. As recognition hit her, her jaw fell open and she tapped Kimberly urgently.


    Kimberly looked annoyed at being interrupted but she froze once she saw me.


    ¡°Is that Amelia Forbes?!¡± The guy Kimberly was talking to eximed in shock. ¡°No. Fucking. Way.¡±


    He gently pushed Kimberly out of the way, his jaw still wide open, and approached me.


    Adrian put a hand out to block him and looked at me for approval. I gently nodded and he slowly let the guy through.


    ¡°Can-can I take a picture with, umm, you?¡± He stammered, his eyes filled with awe.


    I nodded, still confused as Ben took a shot of us with the guy¡¯s phone.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± He gushed as he stared at the picture. ¡°You look AMAZING.¡±


    Okay. What just happened? It¡¯d been a while since I had that much attention showered on me. And honestly, it felt kind of weird.


    Adrian hooked my arm with his as we walked past a still shocked Kimberly and through the entrance of the school.


    The best thing about all of this was the look on Kimberly¡¯s face.


    As if on cue, we all burst outughing.


    Jason Davenport


    I felt a wave of nostalgia as I saw Adrian walk into the hall with a girl by his side. He looked great like always. All the girls were already throwing googly eyes his way and practically drooling at his feet.


    He looked happy enough talking andughing with his partner. For a second I felt jealous. That should¡¯ve been me right there. We should¡¯ve arrived at prom together, just like we always talked about when we were younger.


    I breathed in deeply. I was supposed to enjoy today. I would clear my head and enjoy the party. So I resumed my conversation with the guys.


    But I couldn¡¯t stop myself from ring at Adrian and his girl. And looking around, I could see I wasn¡¯t the only one staring. They were the centre of attention.


    I could see Kim from across the hall shooting daggers at the girl. My brows furrowed. Since when did Kimberly have a thing for Adrian? Or was it the girl. . .


    Taking a closer look at the girl, I tried to see if I knew her. Come to think of it, Adrian had no time for girls. So who was this date?


    Just then she looked in my direction, a wide smile still on her face, and it felt like I had the wind knocked out of me.


    My eyes widened in shock.


    Amelia?


    No way.


    When the smile on her face died as she saw me, I knew it was her. She held my gaze for a few seconds, anger shing briefly in her eyes, and then she looked away and continued her conversation with Adrian.


    Fuck.


    She was a vision. Literally.


    Greg nearly choked on his punch. ¡°Is that Amelia? The girl you hate so much?¡± He asked, eyes wide as saucers.


    I could only nod.


    ¡°Fuck me! She¡¯s so fucking hot. Howe I never noticed her before.¡±


    Yeah. Howe.


    He pped my back determinedly. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go talk to her.¡±


    That stopped me. I looked from him to Amelia to Adrian and then Rory, and then Rory and I burst outughing.


    ¡°Save yourself the embarrassment, dude,¡± Rory said still cackling.


    ¡°I could try at least. I mean, look at her face, her shoulders, her fucking lips.¡± He swallowed. ¡°How am I supposed to let that pass me by?¡±


    ¡°The same way you let it pass you by for six years?¡± Roryughed. ¡°Plus, it¡¯s obvious she and Adrian are pretty cozy,¡± He added in a singsong voice.


    I swallowed. Were they?


    At that moment the announcement for prom king and queen came up. As per tradition, the votes were cast on the day of prom after the nominees-which were kept a secret till the big reveal-were set.


    Students would go through the curtain one at a time and vote for whoever they liked in the list of nominees. And then the results were announced.


    We walked toward the curtain to cast out votes.


    ¡°Who are you voting for as prom queen?¡± I asked, already knowing it¡¯d be Kimberly.


    ¡°Uhh, Amelia. Duh,¡± Rory said like it was obvious.


    ¡°Huh? I assumed it¡¯d be Kimberly.¡±


    They both stared at me as if I¡¯d said something silly.


    ¡°A little birdie told me Amelia¡¯s name was added on the list of nominees today. Plus, she looks to die for today, trashing the whole nerd look and revealing THAT,¡± He motioned to her. ¡°So obviously we¡¯re voting for her.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what to say so I didn¡¯t say anything.


    I looked back again to see her and Adrian deep in conversation, their arms still intertwined.


    Something bubbled through my chest and I felt the sudden urge to take her away from him.


    I wanted to talk to her. I wanted to talk to him as well.


    But I didn¡¯t like seeing them together.


    Was the fuck is wrong with me?

 Guess who won prom queen?!

    Amelia Forbes


    I was beyond confused when my name was called out as this year¡¯s Prom Queen. At first I thought it was an expensive joke, courtesy of Kimberly and Jason. But it was called out again. And the spotlight was turned on me.


    Everyone was pping and cheering me on. And all of a sudden, everyone wanted to take selfies with me, talk to me. Some dude even tried to hug me.


    Since Adrian was Prom King, we walked up the stage together. Secretly, I was d Jason hadn¡¯t won. Because I sure as hell wouldn¡¯t have stood on the same stage with that bastard. He¡¯d been stealing nces at me all day when he thought I wasn¡¯t looking. Seeing his face today, brought on a lot of unwanted memories. But I was trying hard to stay on track.


    When Adrian and I were crowned, the middle of the stage was cleared for us to have our dance.


    Surprisingly, Adrian turned out to be quite a good dancer. ¡°Is there anything you aren¡¯t good at?¡± I stage whispered, shaking my head in mock disbelief.


    Heughed, tightening his hold on my waist, and whispered, ¡°At all.¡±


    I let out a loudugh, pping his arm yfully. ¡°Talk about cocky.¡±


    He only shrugged.


    As other couples began to join us on the dancefloor, Jason Davenport abandoned the girl he was dancing with and approached us. Adrian pulled me closer to him, using himself as a shield between me and Jason.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± His voice was dangerously low.


    ¡°I just. . . wanted to say hi, man,¡± Jason muttered, scratching the back of his neck.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Adrian spat. ¡°Now get the fuck out.¡±


    Jason nodded, fixing me with a soft stare. ¡°Umm, Amelia, I was also wondering if. . . maybe, we could talk?¡±


    I could feel my chest heaving. This fucking asshole. My hands rolled into fists. How dare he even walk up to me?


    I was breathing hard now. In anger, I tore myself from Adrian¡¯s protective hold and stalked off to the girls¡¯ bathroom.


    As I rxed against a faucet in the bathroom, I couldn¡¯t help feeling like today was a mistake. I was tired, traumatized and pregnant. Why the fuck did I even thinking here would be helpful? The only reason everyone was being nice to me was because I looked pretty today. I looked hot. Relevant enough to be noticed by them. But instead of making me d, it only made me sick.


    A tear slid down my cheek and I carefully wiped it away to avoid ruining my makeup.


    Just then Kimberly and her minions walked in. They stopped talking as soon as they saw me and silently began to touch up their makeup in the mirror. Determined not to break down in front of them, I grabbed my lipstick from my purse and retouched my lips.


    As I was about to leave, they waid me. I tried my best to look unbothered and irritated as I motioned for them to move away so I could pass.


    Kimberly moved closer to me. And after some moments, she extended her arm. ¡°Congrattions on winning my title.¡±


    I hid my surprise. Of course it wasn¡¯t shocking that she believed the title was hers, but congratting me? Now THAT was shocking.


    When I didn¡¯t respond she continued. ¡°And, you don¡¯t look so bad. Too bad. If I¡¯d known you were this pretty I might have taken you in and brushed you up to be part of the elite.¡± She finished, folding her arms and sweeping my dress with admiration filled eyes.


    Ahh.


    So all it took to be in Kimberly¡¯s good graces was a pretty dress and a makeover. The part of me that still hungered for validation melted in joy. Finally they had epted me, just like I always wanted. Now I could be one of the cool kids. . .


    But I looked her in the eyes. And I knew I was a much better person than bullying, taunting and picking on other people to feed my esteem. The right people had seen me, epted me, and I¡¯d realized that there was more to me than wanting to be part of the cool crowd.


    So I smiled at her.


    ¡°No thanks I¡¯m good. And as for the title?¡± I motioned to myself. ¡°I earned it.¡±


    The shock on their faces was worth it as I pushed past them and walked to the door.


    Pausing, I added, ¡°And oh? Grow up, Kimberly.¡±


    With onest smile, I shut the door behind me and walked out to fresh air.


    Getting to the exit, I sighted Adrian, Benson and Dani cluttered at the door with worried looks on their faces. They groaned in relief as they saw me.


    Ben enveloped me in a tight hug while Dani kept asking who she had to beat up. Laughing, I reassured them that I was fine.


    ¡°Ready to go?¡± Adrian asked.


    ¡°Go?¡± I checked the time. ¡°It¡¯s only been two hours.¡±


    ¡°Yeah we know. Prom is boring. We¡¯re going to Adrian¡¯s ce,¡± Ben spoke rapidly. Well, he sure was excited.


    ¡°No parents,¡± Dani said dramatically.


    ¡°Movies,¡± Ben put in, wiggling his eyebrows.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Lots and lots of junk. Which include pizza, ice-cream, and a lot more,¡± Adrian whispered, walking around me in a circle.


    Iughed so hard my stomach hurt. ¡°Fine, fine. But what about our clothes?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t imagine we¡¯d befortable in the clothes we had on.


    ¡°Well Adrian, unlike some people,¡± She innocently looked in Ben¡¯s direction, ¡°had the sense to provide more casual clothes for everyone in case something like this happened. We went shopping together.¡±


    I smiled widely.


    I had the best friends ever.


    With all the bad things that had happened this school year, they were the only thing, asides from having Nana around, that kept me going.


    They had shown me that I was worth more than I thought. And I actually began to see that I deserved way better in life. And for that, I was eternally grateful.

 What is this feeling?

    Jason Davenport


    ¡°I have an announcement,¡± Greg stated, a few minutes into the small party we were having.


    It was a small thing we¡¯d decided to have, just the three of us. Kind of like an after graduation party.


    Graduation had taken ce a week after prom. Dad and Ashley had been there. It¡¯d been nice. I¡¯d seen Amelia as well, Adrian standing loyally beside her the entire day, except when she had to give her valedictorian speech.


    As I watched her afterwards taking pictures with her friends and grandma, I knew I owed her an apology. And I really wanted to. But my legs wouldn¡¯t budge.


    I knew I had been unfair, a monster infact, but I didn¡¯t know how to make it right. My heart broke as I thought of how disappointed Mom would be if she were here.


    And I couldn¡¯t even tell the guys about it because they¡¯d be disappointed. Just like Adrian had been. And I wasn¡¯t sure I could handle losing anyone else close to me. So I kept it to myself.


    I knew that the biggest thing holding me back was the pregnancy. I didn¡¯t want a baby. I mean, that¡¯s a huge responsibility.


    Thinking about it made a shiver run through my spine. I couldn¡¯t be a dad at eighteen. I could barely take care of myself, how was I supposed to take care of a baby?


    ¡°Spill it,¡± Rory said, downing his second bottle of beer. He¡¯d obviously begun to get a little tipsy.


    ¡°I got epted,¡± He announced with a wide grin, spreading both arms wide in a pose of victory.


    Rory and I nced at each other, and then back to him, still nk.


    He facepalmed. ¡°Bluestone University? I applied there weeks ago.¡±


    Oh. So he was leaving? For some reason I started to feel gloomy. Everything seemed so real now. High school was over and done, my friends would soon leave for college. Fear of what came after high school began to dawn on me. And I realized just how lost and afraid I felt.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°Well shit,¡± Rory said, after a few minutes of silence. ¡°That¡¯s. . . great.¡±


    Greg¡¯s face fell. ¡°You guys are supposed to be happy for me. . .¡± He trailed off.


    ¡°We are. Of course we¡¯re happy for you, man,¡± Iughed patting his back.


    Rory nodded, forcing a smile. ¡°We just feel kinda sad y¡¯know. Soon, we¡¯re all gonna go our separate ways.¡±


    ¡°I feel the same way y¡¯know. But we can still talk, catch up-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll never be the same,¡± I said, knowing how true that really was.


    There was silence for a while then Rory raised his third bottle of beer in the air. ¡°Well, to ourst days together, then.¡±


    We all shared a sad smile and drank to that.


    ¡°Okay enough of this sad shit,¡± Iughed downing my bottle and dumping it in the trash. ¡°Let¡¯s get high.¡±


    Greg burst into his signature hyenaughter and began to pass the weed round.

 Am A failure?

    Amelia Forbes


    The days that followed after graduation were miserable for me. There was no school to attend, no sses to keep me busy, and no studying to distract me at all.


    I had nothing to keep myself busy with. So all I did was think. So much that I began to overthink, which meant I started to worry a whole lot more, about every little thing. My anxiety level shot up. And soon, I refused to leave my room.


    I was three and a half months pregnant, and inevitably I had begun to show. The corset was too tight to befortable and I had to stop wearing it.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do. Every time I saw Nanaing in my direction, I would duck into my bedroom and attempt to conceal my stomach with my duvet or nket.


    Soon, she would notice. If she hadn¡¯t already. What would I say to her? How would I exin this. . .


    I couldn¡¯t talk to Dani or Benson about it. They wouldn¡¯t understand. And I hadn¡¯t seen Adrian since graduation. I wanted to text him, but I felt like a bother, a burden.


    I looked down at the small bulge.


    I also noticed I was adding some weight. It was scary. What would the townspeople say? My high school ssmates? My teachers? Everyone would know that the rumors were true. Would it affect my records from school?


    How would I exin? Would I say I was raped? Nobody would believe me.


    A single tear dropped from my eye as I clutched the sheets.


    I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t deal with this.


    I was shaking all over now.


    ¡°Please go away,¡± I whispered, anxiously rocking back and forth as tears streamed down my face.


    As I heard Nana¡¯s footsteps approach my door, I quickly wiped my tears, making sure to bunch my duvet up to my stomach.


    I forced the widest smile as Nana peeked in through the door, signing to ask if she coulde in.


    I nodded in affirmation, patting the space next to me. Smiling, she slowly approached my bed and took a seat beside me.


    The first thing she did was envelope me in a tight hug.


    I¡¯m so proud of you, baby, she signed touching my cheeks and kissing them in turn.


    Really? I asked, faking augh.


    Yes you made me so proud. I can¡¯t wait for you to get into college. Your parents would be so proud.


    She wiped her eyes, giving me another hug.


    I can¡¯t wait too, I signed, struggling to contain myself.


    I¡¯m making chicken porridge. You¡¯ll have some right? She asked, getting up probably to check the food.


    I nodded.


    As she left, I let myself break down.


    Soon I¡¯d have to tell her that there was no college for me. Because I was carrying a child. And I dreaded having to look her in the face, as I revealed just how much of a failure I really was.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

 Still something fishy.

    Jason Davenport


    I shut my eyes tight as Ashley knocked at my bedroom door. It stood wide open so obviously, she could see that I was awake.


    I turned over in my bed, hoping she would take a hint and go away. But instead she knocked a second time.


    ¡°Do you have a minute?¡± She asked in her tinkly voice.


    I wanted to yell out a huge ¡®no¡¯ but I wasn¡¯t in the mood to quarrel with her. So I sat up and motioned for her toe in.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    She didn¡¯t sit, instead she folded her hands behind her and cleared her throat.


    ¡°Look, I know you don¡¯t want to see me or talk to me, but I have something to say.¡±


    I have her a nk stare.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying. I¡¯m trying so hard. And I know you don¡¯t see it, or refuse to see it. But it¡¯s fine, I understand why.¡±


    I cocked an eyebrow at her, folding my arms in front of me.


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who. . .¡± She trailed off, tucking a strand of her blondish pink hair behind her ears and fiddling with the hem of her sweater. ¡°I-I pressured your dad.¡±


    My eyebrows furrowed in a frown. I knew it. Dad would never act the way he did if she didn¡¯t. So she really was a fraud.


    As if she heard my thoughts, she raised a hand, ¡°Let me finish. Please.¡±


    I shrugged, leaning back into the bed.


    ¡°I asked him to bring me here, introduce us. I wanted you to, I dunno. . .¡± She gave a hollowugh. ¡°. . . learn to like me, ept me.¡±


    She hung her head, rubbing her arm in an up and down motion.


    ¡°I always knew there was something shady about you,¡± I spat.


    She didn¡¯t respond so I continued.


    ¡°If you feel this bad then leave.¡±


    Her head shot up in surprise.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I continued. ¡°Go away. Leave us in peace. Everything will sort itself out when you¡¯re gone.¡±


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t do that,¡± She stated gently. ¡°I love your dad.¡±


    I gave a loud snort. ¡°You love him, or you love his money.¡±


    I saw disbelief sh in her eyes as she stared at me. ¡°Why would you say that? Of course I love him. His wealth has nothing to do with that.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, getting up and pulling her gently toward the door. ¡°When you¡¯re ready to talk, like honestly talk? Then you cane in.¡±


    Without waiting for a reply, I shut the door behind me.


    Amelia Forbes


    I was five months gone. My stomach wasn¡¯t as big as the women¡¯s I¡¯d seen at five months. The inte said it was because I was a first-time mom.


    Nana had begun to be even more suspicious. Especially with me staying in bed all day and feeling sick. I¡¯d also begun to crave weird kinds of food, but I¡¯d had to control myself in order not to arouse her suspicion.


    After the fourth month, I¡¯d had toe up with an excuse for staying indoors all day so I told Nana that I¡¯d gotten an online job that needed me to work twenty hours a day. Of course, she didn¡¯t look like she believed me, so I had to convince her.


    After a while she started to believe me. But once in a while she brought up college. And then I had to lie about sending out applications so she¡¯d be at rest.


    Keeping up with the lies was a lot of stress, but in between crying myself to sleep, pretending to be okay and suicidal thoughts, I¡¯d managed to stay on track.


    Adrian visited once in a while as he was busy applying to colleges and hoping to bag a schrship. I sensed that he was having trouble at home, maybe a family issues. But he denied it and refused to say anything else. He came over twice a week-first texting me to ask what I was craving, then bringing it with him. We¡¯d talk for hours, maybe y a few games. And as usual he¡¯d make meugh so hard I thought the baby would pop out.


    Once he had asked me how I would exin the pregnancy to Nana. The more I thought about it the more I decided I didn¡¯t know.


    Would she believe me if I told her the truth?


    I wasn¡¯t sure.


    So for now I¡¯d keep up with the lies then when I was ready, I¡¯d tell her everything.


    I swallowed, not wanting to know how that would go down. I wasn¡¯t sure I could even express myself and exin the situation in signnguage. I¡¯d be too nervous. All of a sudden, I wished Nana could hear. Because if she could, surely she¡¯d be able to talk as well. Seeing as she¡¯d be able to hear the sound of her own voice. Then, talking about this would be easier. It would make for bettermunication.


    I shook my head vigorously.


    Shush, Mel. Why are you even thinking like this?


    Rubbing my forehead, I rxed back into my bed and began to cram potato chips into my mouth.

 Nana knows…

    Amelia Forbes


    I had begun to feel sicker and sicker. I was throwing up more, stressing out more, and I felt tired all the time. In summary, I felt like crap. Nothing wasfortable anymore and I kept having recurring mood swingsughing one minute and crying the next. Thankfully, Nana had resumed her volunteer work, so she was seldom home. Looking toward my table clock, the time showed that she would¡¯ve left the house by now.


    Good.


    I needed to eat something. But I couldn¡¯t do that if she was home. As gently as possible, I got down from my bed and bumbled into the kitchen.


    After opening and closing a few drawers-not finding anything appetising to eat-I finally decided to go with cereal. Grabbing the biggest bowl we had, I emptied nearly half the box. It was as though I just realized how hungry I was. Popping the fridge open, I decided to go with yogurt instead of milk as I¡¯d been craving it.


    I paused as I was about to empty the yogurt into the bowl. I felt like drinking from the carton instead. So I tucked it under one arm, grabbed my bowl of cereal, and began to make my way to my room.


    The sound of the front door opening stopped me dead in my tracks, and in shock I let the yogurt drop from underneath my arm, spilling it everywhere on the floor.


    My breathing was ragged now. What do I do? Where do I hide?


    I looked toward my bedroom, but I knew I wouldn¡¯t make it in time. So I stood there, shocked confused, not knowing what to do.


    As I raced to duck back into the kitchen, Nana came into view, a sack of groceries in her hand. Confused, she looked from my sweaty face to the big bowl of cereal in my hand. As her eyes got to my stomach-which was very visible in the tank top I was putting on-the grocery sack dropped to the floor as her hands flew to her mouth in shock.


    What is this? She signed, moving closer and motioning to my stomach.


    Nausea ran through me and I felt bile rise in my throat. In fear, I moved backwards, shaking my head.


    ¡°I can exin, Nana. Please just let me. . .¡± I trailed off, feeling tears rush down my face.


    She stared at me, and I could see the disappointment clearly written on her face. My chest was pounding. I felt tired, weak, and I wasn¡¯t sure I could take any of it anymore.


    Slowly, I slumped to the floor, crying so hard I thought my heart would explode. I just wanted to be happy, to be okay. I didn¡¯t ask for any of it. I don¡¯t deserve it.


    I felt Nana move closer to me. In anger she grabbed me up and made me stand upright.


    Who did this to you? Her hands shook as she signed.


    I wanted to respond but no sound came out.


    She shook me hard as if to bring me to my senses. As I looked her in the eyes I realized I¡¯d never seen her so angry before.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I wailed, not knowing what else to say. I wanted to sign, but my hands wouldn¡¯t cooperate.


    Slowly, Nana let me drop to the floor.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯m so disappointed in you. Your parents would be too. I thought I was bringing you up to be a responsible young woman, but apparently I¡¯d been wrong.


    As she signed, I saw teardrops fall to her cheeks.


    But I was mad now. This was unfair.


    I stood to my feet carefully and faced her. ¡°Why would you say that about me? Why would you think less of me? You know I¡¯m not the kind of girl that sleeps around so why?¡±


    As I spoke, I signed. Yelling would help me express all the pent-up emotion.


    Motioning to my stomach, I screamed, ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for this! I don¡¯t want it, I never did.¡± I felt a breakdowning up but I willed myself to continue.


    ¡°I was raped, okay!¡±


    Nana froze, her eyes widening as she shook her head repeatedly.


    ¡°Yes!¡± My voice broke. ¡°I was raped by Jason, during our project. I was vited, Nana. I felt useless, filthy, I felt like trash.¡± My voice came out as a cry.


    ¡°Some weeks after, I found out I was pregnant. I was helpless and I had no one to talk to! I didn¡¯t tell you because I wasn¡¯t sure you would believe me. You¡¯d think I was a disgusting slut, just like everyone else. And now. . .¡±


    I let out a strangled cry as I paused to wipe the torrents of tears flowing on my cheeks.


    I touched my stomach. ¡°I wanted to remove it, have an abortion. But I couldn¡¯t bring myself to do it. So I kept it a secret.¡±


    I looked up at her. ¡°So don¡¯t think less of me, or me me for anything. I¡¯m the one who has to carry this burden. And I already me myself. So don¡¯t-¡±


    I couldn¡¯t speak anymore so I let myself slump to the floor as I broke down. I let myself cry openly. This year had been the worst in my entire life. And it was all because of one person. He ruined my lifepletely. I didn¡¯t deserve to live like this.


    The day of the assault shed through my head and all I could see were bloody sheets and bruised thighs. I shook feverishly as I remembered the day I¡¯d found out I was pregnant. My breath came out in sharp gasps as I clutched the material of my joggers, willing myself to forget.


    Breathe, Mel. Please.


    Iy in a foetal position, my hands ced firmly on my ears, trying to block out my screams from that day.


    After a while, I felt Nana¡¯s warm hands wrap around me in a tight embrace.


    I¡¯m so sorry, She signed, as she pulled away from me to look me in the eyes.


    Her shoulders racked with sobs as she gently wiped my face with a napkin she had procured from her bag. I pried the napkin from her fingers and began to wipe her face.


    Sobbing, she embraced me once more.


    After a few moments, I felt her grow limp in my arms. Quickly I withdrew from the embrace and searched her face for any strange signs. My heart began to pound. Nana had had heart issues in the past. I desperately hoped the news hadn¡¯t triggered her.


    As I gently helped her to her feet with the intention of helping her get on the sofa, I looked up to see Dani and Adrian standing a few feet away from us.


    I felt my heart stop.


    Dani¡¯s face was nk and expressionless and I couldn¡¯t tell what she was feeling. I didn¡¯t know how long they¡¯d been standing there.


    But from the rmed look on Adrian¡¯s face, I suspected it was long enough.


    Wordlessly, Adrian moved to help me ce Nana on the sofa, while Dani stood in the same position, staring at my bulging stomach.


    AUTHOR¡¯S NOTE: Hello, dear readers, I am so very sorry to have kept you guys waiting. While it may seemed I abandoned this book, I did not, rather I had some writer¡¯s block and it was hard toe up with a chapter for you guys. I have been seeing you guy¡¯sments, I know that most of you are not happy, neither am I, but this book will bepleted before the end of January, I assure you that. By God¡¯s grace. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.


    Meanwhile, as we await mepleting this book, I have another book I was writing during the holidays, Seducing The Billionaire Boss, please do check it out. Thank you guys! Happy new year pple!

 She’ll do something crazy

    Amelia Forbes


    I could feel the rapid pounding of my heart as I watched Dani stare me down. I couldn¡¯t read her expression, couldn¡¯t tell what she was feeling. My tongue hung on the roof of my mouth, dry.


    My lips parted but I didn¡¯t know what to say. Beside me, Adrian gently helped Nana onto a sofa and handed her a ss of water.


    ¡°How long did you n on keeping this a secret?¡±


    I looked up at Dani. I¡¯d been praying for her to say something all this while but now that she did I didn¡¯t know what to say. Her eyes were ssy and cold. I shivered a little, the thought of her hating me now freezing up my insides.


    ¡°Dani, I¡­¡± I managed to blurt out. ¡°I didn¡¯t know how..¡±


    My voice shook with each word. Adrian gave me a reassuring nod and ced a hand on Dani¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Amelia is going through a really tough time right now-¡±


    ¡°You knew?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    The usation in her voice chilled me to my bones and I could feel the tears forming in my eyes.


    Dani stood there, chest heaving, looking from my stomach to my tearstained face.


    Thest thing I heard was the anger in her voice as she screamed, ¡°That asshole!¡±


    In less than 5 seconds she had stormed out of the door. My eyes widened in realization. She was going to confront him.


    The now familiar taste of bile rose in my throat as I screamed after her. ¡°Dani it¡¯s no use!¡±


    She ignored me, the sound of her motorbike informing me she was already on her way to the Davenports. I staggered to my feet, helpless.


    I have to go after her. Confronting Jason wouldn¡¯t solve anything. Family wealth and status could get him out of anything. There was no point.


    Tears streaming down my face, I began to limp to the door. Adrian¡¯s firm hand stopped me in my tracks.


    ¡°No!¡± I screamed, snatching my hand away. ¡°She¡¯ll do something crazy.¡±


    ¡°Breathe, Mel. Breathe,¡± He cooed, rubbing my shoulders in small circles. When I was calm he led me to a chair. ¡°Stay here. Take care of Nana. I¡¯ll go after Dani.¡±


    I nodded feverishly, trying to steady my breathing.


    Nana¡¯s soft touch admist the tears on both our faces calmed me down as I watched Adrian race out the door and into his car.


    Jason Davenport


    A loud banging on the front gate brought me out of my reverie. Looking at the time, I frowned. It was 8 in the morning. Who would be knocking like that?


    Irritated, I rang one of the servants. ¡°Go take care of whatever that irritating noise is. Right now.¡±


    I rxed back onto my bed as he bowed and left.


    I sighed. Lately I¡¯ve been so tired. All the time. Sighing again, I looked toward my TV to see what video game would take off all the stress right now.


    As I bent to pick one up, I heard Dad scream my name. It sounded more like a roar. I frowned deeply. He never called me out this loud. What the hell was happening?


    Still frowning at the interruption, I made my way downstairs. I stopped dead in my tracks as I came face to face with a fuming Dani Daniels.


    All of a sudden, my breathing quickened. Dani defended Amelia against Kimberly. Dani was friends with Amelia.

 Tell me it’s not true

    Looking towards dad, I wiped my sweaty palms on my hoodie.


    ¡°This girl who keeps disturbing our peace and knocking like a mad woman ims she¡¯s here to see you. So?¡± He gestured to Dani. ¡°Do you know her?¡±


    ¡°I d-don¡¯t recognize-¡±


    ¡°You fucking asshole!¡± Dani screamed so loud the servants had to hold her back. ¡°You monster!¡± She continued, seemingly oblivious to the tight hold on her shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll strangle you with my bare hands when I get my hands on you, you fucking piece of shit!¡±


    Dad¡¯s face reddened. Youe into my house, disturb our peace, and threaten my son?!¡± He bellowed. Ashley gently ced her hand on his, tapping on it in a distracting motion.


    Dani stood, unfazed. ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask ¡®your son¡¯ what he did to my friend!¡± She spat, anger visible on her features. She met my eyes, anger and pain dancing in them. ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell them? Tell them how you singlehandedly ruined Amelia¡¯s life.¡±


    Dad¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. He questioningly looked from Dani to me. ¡°What is she talking about?¡±


    His voice was calm. Collected. Maybe if I tread carefully I could¡­ Maybe I could exin¡­


    My hands shook in fear.


    ¡°Go on, Jason. Tell them.¡± Dani continued. Everyone¡¯s eyes were on her now. ¡°Tell them how you took advantage of a defenceless girl. How you raped her.¡±


    Ashley¡¯s sharp gasp was the only sound that could be heard in the room.


    ¡°Your usations are absurd, youngdy!¡± Dadshed out. ¡°One more warning and you¡¯ll end up in a cell,¡± He growled.


    Dani only gestured to me. ¡°Ask him yourself then. Let¡¯s see him deny it.¡±


    For a few moments there wasn¡¯t a sound. Dad slowly turned to face me, unsure. ¡°What is this about?¡±


    This time his voice was cold, disbelieving. There was a tiny hint of distrustfulness in his eyes, almost like he was willing me to deny everything so we could move on.


    But I couldn¡¯t.


    In fear, I hung my head, waiting for time to pass.


    As I raised to head to look back up, a sharp pain spread over my cheeks and it took me a few seconds to realise that Dad had pped me.


    ¡°What is this about?!¡± He boomed. I kept my head low wishing for everything to pass.


    A sound by the door distracted everyone as we all looked up to see Adrian. Dad¡¯s eyes widened as Adrian walked up to Dani and extricated her from the hold of the servants.


    ¡°Adrian, you-you know this girl?¡± Dad stammered, looking from Adrian to me in disbelief.


    The first tear dropped from my eyes just as Adrian pulled Dani safely behind him.


    Jason Davenport


    ¡°Deny it,¡± Dad said. His voice was low, cold.


    My shoulders shook with fear. I stared at h wide-eyed, my breathing out as shallow sounds.


    ¡°I said, deny it,¡± This time his voice was louder.


    Adrian gave me a disappointed stare as he shook his head and pulled Dani to the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    She shook her head vehemently. ¡°He¡¯s gonna pay, Adrian. He¡­ he has to.¡± Her voice broke. ¡°She was already going through a lot, Adrian. And now this?!¡±


    Adrian pulled her toward him in a hug as a reply and together they began to walk away.


    ¡°Adrian!¡± I heard Dad call out. Beside him Ashley held onto him even tighter reassuringly.


    Adrian paused but didn¡¯t look back.


    ¡°Why did you stoping over?¡±  Dad managed to croak out. I could hear the desperation in his voice.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather be dead than be friends with a rapist,¡± Adrian replied simply. And like that he was gone.


    The servants were quiet. Ashley was quiet. Dad was quiet.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting a second p, but it came.


    Dad growled, grabbing me roughly by the shoulders. ¡°Whose son are you?!¡± He screamed.


    A tear fell from my eyes as a response. ¡°D-dad, I¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± I managed to whimper. ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking-¡±


    The third p came.


    Tears filled my eyes. Dad never hit before.


    ¡°Babe!¡± Ashley screamed. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    No one paid any attention to her.


    I could see the disappointment in dad¡¯s eyes as he let me fall to the floor. ¡°Your mother would be so disappointed in you,¡± He whispered coldly. ¡°I¡¯d rather not have a child that have one like you!¡±


    It hurt. The words hurt. Then I started to wish he was hitting me than saying these things.


    Straightening up, he boomed. ¡°Get out!¡±


    I looked up at him and didn¡¯t speak. Slowly I scrambled to my feet and began to make my way toward my room. Dad grabbed my arm and shoved me to the door.


    ¡°I said, get out! You¡¯re a man now. You can disrespect everyone and manhandle people. So it¡¯s obvious you¡¯re trying to assert your authority, right?¡±


    ¡°So get out! You¡¯re a bloody criminal. The only reason the cops aren¡¯t is for your mother¡¯s sake.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I stared in disbelief. ¡°What?¡± My voice came out as a croak. ¡°Dad, please I-¡±


    Without letting me finish, he shoved me to the door and out the gate. And he was gone.


    My breath caught in my throat. Dad couldn¡¯t possibly, he wouldn¡¯t kick me out.


    No. He can¡¯t.


    My fingers tore at my hair as I tried to keep myself from crying.


    He¡¯d let me in.


    He¡¯s just angry right now.


    He wouldn¡¯t.


    Those thoughts warming up my head, I slumped to the floor and let sadness, remorse, guilt, wash over me.

 A silent sigh

    Amelia Forbes


    I watched Dani and Ben slice vegetables in the kitchen silently. For once they weren¡¯t bickering. But they weren¡¯t talking to each other, or to me.


    I gave a silent sigh. Ben had found out about everything from Dani when he came over. It took both Dani and Adrian to stop him from storming off to the Davenports. Afterwards he had screamed his lungs off at me, asking why I could keep something like that from him.


    Then he¡¯d cried a little. We¡¯d all cried together. Nana included.


    But there was still a sad kind of tension in the air. No one was talking to each other. They¡¯d even agreed on what to make for dinner for once without arguing.


    Adrian, Ben and Dani were a part of my small family now. They were constantly arounding over early in the morning and leaving prettyte at night, although they slept over most nights.


    And me? I was exhausted. I was still a bit scared from Nana¡¯s dizzy spell from earlier. But I felt relieved too. The people I truly cared about and who cared about me knew everything now. They knew the truth, knew I was pregnant.


    But they didn¡¯t judge me or doubt me. They believed every single word I¡¯d said. They didn¡¯t think I was a slut. They cried with me, supported me. Always. And it was the best feeling. I didn¡¯t have to hide anything from them again. Ever. And I knew that as long as I had them, everything would be okay. I¡¯d be okay.


    Absentmindedly, I smiled.


    Getting up, I cleared my throat loudly. ¡°I have an announcement!¡±


    They paused and looked my way. ¡°Well, hurry up. These veggies won¡¯t chop themselves,¡± Dani snapped.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I felt like she was more hurt than the others. So I walked to to her and wrapped my arms in her torso.


    ¡°I. Love. You. Guys.¡± I enunciated each word, meaning it from the bottom of my heart.


    Dani ignored me and kept on chopping.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I wailed, walking up to them one after the other and embracing them.


    Dani turned around, knife in hand and faced me. ¡°If you keep anything from me ever again, I¡¯ll slice your boobs off.¡±


    Adrian choked on his soda, giving a loud bellyugh.


    Theughter continued as Dani gave into my embrace, dragging Ben with her.


    And we were okay.


    Jason Davenport


    After I¡¯d slept outside in the rainst night, I knew dad had really kicked me out.


    I was on my own.


    He meant everything he¡¯d said.


    My body racked with sobs as I realized I had no one to call, no where to go. I waspletely alone.


    I breathed in sharply as a tear dropped into the cut on my cheek. I sobbed loudly as I remembered how I¡¯d gotten it. The only possessions I carried was my phone and a wallet. And they¡¯d been taken from me forcefully from mest night.


    I waspletely helpless.


    And it was all my fault.


    After a few minutes of crying in my damp clothes, I stumbled to my feet and began to think of my next move.

 Exhausted

    Jason Davenport


    I was exhausted as I walked through the doors of the fourth convenience store I¡¯d been to today. I was trying to find a job. I didn¡¯t know what that entailed, nor had I ever had one before, but I was determined to make an effort. And getting a job was a first step.


    I timidly walked to the counter, conscious of my damp clothes that had begun to give off a weird kind of smell.


    The salesclerk ignored me until I cleared my throat loudly. He paused in his typing and red at me, scrunching his face as the stench hit his nose. Holding a napkin briefly to his nose he snapped, ¡°What can I do for you?¡±


    My fists clenched at his snarky tone. How dare he disrespect me? People like him were my servants!


    My anger slowly began to dissipate as I realized it was past tense. I was a nobody now.


    Trying my best to ignore the attitude I said, ¡°I¡¯m looking for a job?¡±


    Loud guffaws from the other salesclerks ran through the air and I felt the back of my neck begin to heat up.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t employ homeless people?¡± A clerk that annoyingly reminded me of Kimberly giggled loudly.


    ¡°When¡¯s thest time you showered?¡± She continued, sighing and picking up a can of air freshener. Deliberately, she sprayed it in the area where I stood.


    ¡°Not enough but it has to do,¡± She humph¡¯ed and returned to her position.


    A round ofughter rented the air.


    I felt my jaw tic. How dare these middle ss people disrespect me?


    ¡°Do you even know who I am?¡± I roared, anger coursing through my veins.


    I ignored the ¡°yeah, a homeless person¡± I heard from someone.


    ¡°I¡¯m a Davenport. Jason Davenport. I could ruin your life, you pieces of nothing!¡±


    I was pissed. Never had I been disrespected so much.


    The Kimberly replica put a pen to her temple in mock thought. ¡°How do they say that again? Oh, right. From grace to grass?¡±


    Her co-workers giggled, obviously enjoying this.


    ¡°I know y¡¯all,¡± A new character put in. ¡°Cocky pieces of shit. Thinking you own the world,¡± Heughed. ¡°Well if you¡¯re so influential, what are you doing here looking like some hobo. He throw you out?¡±


    The smirk on his face was thest straw. I turned swiftly on my feet in shame and embarrassment and walked out, trying to block the familiar snarkyughter.


    The same kind ofughter my friends and I gave when we bullied people,ughed at their status, their posture, their faces, their hair.


    That was me in that store. It was all me.


    And all at once I felt even more disgusted with myself than I ever had.


    Amelia Forbes


    I sat in my room, cramming potato chips in my mouth. For some reason I¡¯d started craving salty potato chips more often. Dani was sprawledzily on the other side of the bed, a book in her hand. Adrian wasn¡¯t here today and Ben was on his phone, probably scrolling through Instagram or something.


    Speaking of social media, I hadn¡¯t been on there for months. And surprisingly, I was unaffected. Maybe social media was toxic for me at this stage. It felt good.


    I wasn¡¯t seeing any nastyments about me, or wailing at my appalling constant number of followers. I wasn¡¯t worried about how I wasn¡¯t as pretty as those Instagram models or why no one was following me. I feltfortable and more like myself.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Benson squealed, sitting upright on the bed.


    ¡°What is it now?¡± Dani groaned. She hated being interrupted while she was in her ¡®zone.¡¯


    ¡°You guys need to see this!¡± He raced to the bed and squeezed himself between Dani and I.


    Disying his phone in front of us, he urged us to watch a video. I squinted a few times and steadied his hand so I could watch without getting dizzy.


    My eyes widened as I recognized the two figures in the video. Kimberly and¡­


    ¡°Mr Perez??!!¡± I screamed, a hand flying to my mouth in shock.


    ¡°Holy fuck!¡± Daniughed wickedly, snatching the phone from my hand to watch more closely. ¡°Fuck! They¡¯re fucking? They¡¯re actually fucking?!¡±


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± I managed to croak.


    ¡°What a slut!¡± Dani spat, scrolling down to read thements.


    ¡°Shit, 902 shares?¡± Her eyes widened.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Benson sighed, shaking his head. ¡°The video has gone viral. Literally.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so disappointed in Mr Perez,¡± I frowned. ¡°He¡¯s a teacher for crying out loud. Jeez!¡±


    Benson scrolled through his phone, reading morements and after a while he put it off and sighed.


    ¡°Looks like Kimberly has singlehandedly ruined her own future. The video went viral, all her college applications were rejected, and her dad got fired because it made hispany look bad.¡±


    ¡°Well, shit. I feel sorry for her dad, having to bear the brunt of her stupidity. But for all she¡¯s done, I don¡¯t feel sorry for her.¡± Dani finished, grabbing her book and resuming her position on the bed.


    I sighed, not knowing what to say. Kimberly was one of the worst things that happened to me in high school. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d ever forgive her for those things. But I still kinda felt sorry for her.


    Oh well, I sighed a second time, rxing into my bed.


    Maybe this was the universe giving her a taste of her own medicine.

 Who do I talk to now?

    Jason Davenport


    I sat on a bench outside a small supermarket. It was my second night sleeping in the streets. To me it still felt like a dream. I¡¯d gotten angry, cried, begged my mother for forgiveness, but still nothing.


    The tiny hope I¡¯d harbored that Dad woulde looking for me has dissipated. And now I waspletely hopeless, helpless. I had nowhere to go, no one to talk to.


    No one in town wanted to employ me because ¡°my family acted like we owned the world¡±.


    I¡¯d never felt so tired in my entire life. And deep down I knew it was all my fault. Who do I talk to now?


    Maybe if mom was alive¡­


    No, I stopped myself. This was all on me.


    I sighed, wiping the tears that stood on my cheeks.


    Maybe if I made an effort, maybe if I proved myself, showed everyone that I was truly remorseful. Maybe dad would take me back. Maybe mom would stop being disappointed in me. Maybe Amelia would forgive me. Maybe Adrian would be friends with me again.


    I let myself sob quietly for a while and then I stood. As I looked to the road ahead, the road out of town, I decided. If no one in this town was going to employ me, I¡¯d look for work outside of town.


    I¡¯d get a job.


    I¡¯d work hard.


    As I stood, trying to gain enough courage to leave town, a woman with a baby cot and groceries in her other hand walked out of the store.


    My eyes were glued to the cot. It was beautiful.


    I tried to calcte when Amelia would be due for delivery in my head but nothing came up.


    Walking up to the woman while maintaining a safe distance, I asked, ¡°How much did you get the cot for.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± I added, swallowing. I¡¯d never had to address anyone with respect. But it was a start.


    Thedy smiled. ¡°It¡¯s only 300.¡±


    I gulped. I had no money on me.


    Feeling rejuvenated, I smiled and thanked her.


    I¡¯d get a job. Make enough money to afford a beautiful cot, then I¡¯d gift it to Amelia. Maybe she¡¯d see then that I was truly sorry.


    Amelia Forbes


    ¡°Someone here to see you, Mel,¡± Dani muttered, sour-faced and took a seat next to Nana.


    I sat up, wondering who it could be.


    Had the neighbors found out about me?


    My heart skipped a beat.


    What if word went out and everyone thought I was a slut? Would I have to deal with the same fate as Kimberly? Eternal shame and stigma.


    Trying to calm myself, I wiped my hands on the sofa just as Jason¡¯s dad and stepmom walked through the doors.


    I rxed a bit but I was still suspicious. What did they want now? I guess their big fat ego couldn¡¯t take the p to their reputation.


    For a while they both stood there awkwardly not uttering a word. Then Nana stood.


    What do you want? She signed.


    She looked angry and I was scared she¡¯d have one of her spells again. As I was about to inform them that my Nana was hard of hearing, Mr Davenport began to sign a response.


    Dani and I shared a looked while Benson cocked an eyebrow. Well that was a surprise¡­


    After getting Nana¡¯s permission to talk to me, Mr Davenport moved closer to me. Adrian ced himself protectively in front of me and I offered him a grateful smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry about what happened with Jason.¡± Mr Davenport started. ¡°I had no idea.¡±


    I stiffened as the mention of Jason¡¯s name. Why couldn¡¯t everything about him just be as far away from me as possible?N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°There is no excuse for what he did to you¡­¡± He gestured to my stomach. ¡°None at all. Pausing all your life ns at this age, ruining everything, hurting you.¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t even¡­¡± He trailed off, running a finger through his hair in exasperation.


    I sat quietly. I just wanted them to leave.


    Just leave.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re angry, and you gave every right to be. And maybe you¡¯d think of pressing charges¡­ But, I, just please, we don¡¯t want it to get to that. He did a stupid, unforgivable thing and I-¡±


    ¡°Just stop!¡±


    I was mad now.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Iughed bitterly. ¡°Why did I think you were here because you were truly sorry. All you care about is your stupid reputation,¡± I spat.


    ¡°You don¡¯t care that I have to deliver, raise and take care of a baby on my own. At 18!¡±


    I gave a hollowugh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯re not pressing charges. What difference would it make anyway, right? You could always pay off the judge.¡±


    I ignored the hurt look that shed in his eyes. He was just like his son, I thought. Selfish.


    ¡°Just get out!¡± I screamed.


    Ashley moved toward me. ¡°Amelia, please-¡±


    I backed away from her. ¡°I said get out. Both of you.¡±


    Her eyes zed over as she scurried back to her husband¡¯s side.


    Mr Davenport looked at me, a sad unfamiliar expression in his eyes and outstretched his hand. ¡°Here¡¯s my card. If you ever need anything-¡±


    I pped his hand away.


    ¡°Money can¡¯t solve everything. Now I know where Jason gets his attitude from.¡±


    With those words, I walked upstairs as quickly as my bulging tummy would let me, leaving everyone staring sadly after me.

 Cold chilling my bones

    Jason Davenport


    The only time I¡¯d ever left Wayne¡¯s county was during the holidays, on trips with Dad and mom. Now I was all alone in a strange town. I¡¯d been spending nights cooped up in dark alleys and abandoned cars, still unsessful at finding a job.


    Close to death, I¡¯d scavenged through a trash can behind a small restaurants to pick out leftovers for myself.


    Today I couldn¡¯t find any abandoned cars to sleep in so I was squeezed in an alley, hands deep in the pockets of my hoodie.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I shivered, the cold chilling my bones. Trying to think happy thoughts I finally managed to doze off.


    I woke up to someone shaking me roughly. Instinctively, I backed pushed the figure away, getting prepared to run for my life. These leftovers were myst. I didn¡¯t need anyone trying to steal it from me.


    ¡°Hey, hey, calm down boy. I¡¯m not here to hurt you,¡± The figure spoke reassuringly, raising both hands as if in surrender. ¡°I was just passing through.¡±


    I squinted, seeing that it was daylight already. The figure was a shabby looking old man. He looked harmless so I rxed a little. But I was still suspicious.


    ¡°Holy smokes,¡± He eximed, peering more closely at me. ¡°You¡¯re just a kid. What on earth are you doing sleeping on the streets?¡± He frowned.


    I backed away, lowering my head. Thest thing I needed was someone getting me into trouble.


    I looked up at the old man. For the most part he looked concerned. Maybe he could help me. I contemted on whether to tell him about my situation.


    Taking a deep breath, I muttered, ¡°I was kicked out. I did something terrible and I was kicked out. I¡¯ve got nowhere to go now and I¡¯ve been trying to get a job,¡± I finished, my eyes glued to the floor.


    I didn¡¯t want to see the judgement in his eyes.


    After a few moments the old man cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯m not gonna ask you what you did. You woulda told me if you wanted to. So I won¡¯t ask.¡±


    I offered him a grateful look.


    ¡°It¡¯s unlikely you¡¯ll get yourself a job ¡¯round here though, looking like that,¡± He gestured to my clothes.


    He scratched his head, thinking.


    ¡°Well, I got a small farm a few blocks away and I¡¯ve been searching for someone to help around with some work. I¡¯m getting old ya see?¡±


    I gulped. A farmhand?


    ¡°So if you¡¯re interested, youe right on with me. If not, then goodluck in your search. But let me warn you though, the pay isn¡¯t worth shit. But it¡¯s all I can afford.¡±


    I thought fast and hard.


    I¡¯d never worked on a farm before. I wasn¡¯t sure I was cut out for that. But I had no choice now. Taking a chance, I asked. ¡°How much is the pay?¡±


    ¡°Two dors.¡± He replied simply.


    I frowned deeply. Two dors per hour was almost no pay at all.


    ¡°A week,¡± He added.


    ¡°What?!¡± I nearly staggered to the floor. ¡°Two dors per week?!¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    I red at him, hoping he was pulling my legs. But he looked pretty set on. My hope began to dete. I wouldn¡¯t be able to save up enough to get the cot before Amelia was due.


    ¡°Hurry up and make your decision, boy. I haven¡¯t got all day.¡±


    I tried again. ¡°Five dors. Sir.¡±


    The farmer gave loud guffaw. ¡°If I could afford to pay you that much I wouldn¡¯t be here. Still on two dors, son. And right now, you need me more than I need you so¡­¡±


    Nodding and quickly bending to grab my leftovers, I wiped a stray tear and followed quickly behind him.

 Helpless, scared, tired

    Amelia Forbes


    ¡°I despise colleges and their stupid interviews,¡± Dani groaned as she slumped onto my bed.


    I gave a smallugh. ¡°How¡¯d it go?¡±


    ¡°Pretty stupid.¡±


    ¡°Dani?¡± I warned,ughingly.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°What? Why would they ask why I applied for their college? Uhh, ¡¯cause I want a degree?¡±


    I giggled. ¡°You¡¯re silly.¡±


    She only shrugged.


    ¡°How did your day go?¡± She asked, throwing a chip into her mouth.


    I shrugged. I was tired as hell like always. I just wanted to take this thing out of me. Groaning, I grabbed my chips from her and began to chomp.


    ¡°Oh that reminds me,¡± Dani started, moving closer to me on the bed.


    She whipped out her phone and shoved it toward me when she opened a picture.


    I stared at it and shook my head. ¡°What am I looking at exactly?¡±


    Dani nearly choked on her potato chips. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I said too!¡±


    After she had gulped down a cup of juice she continued. ¡°That¡¯s the one and only Jason Davenport.¡±


    What?


    I stared at the picture again, searching for some sign of recognition.


    His eyes.


    My eyes widened. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± I asked Dani.


    ¡°Turns out his dad kicked him out.¡±


    I considered that for a moment. ¡°Really? How long ago?¡±


    ¡°Two weeks. The day he found out about everything. Rumor has it he¡¯s been going around looking for a job. Meaning, he¡¯s homeless and smells like a skunk. That¡¯s how these pictures were taken.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± I breathed out.


    He looked helpless, scared, tired. He looked like he was going through a lot.


    But I really didn¡¯t care. All I felt when I looked at the picture was surprise. But I didn¡¯t feel sorry for him.


    ¡°He deserves all he¡¯s goting at him,¡± Dani hissed.


    I nodded.


    He did.


    He really did.


    Maybe now he¡¯ll know how it feels.


    As Dani resumed her ount of how her day went, my mind wandered to Mr Davenport. I was surprised, to say the least. I didn¡¯t know what to think of him now. Especially now that I¡¯d found out he¡¯d kicked Jason out days before he hade here to see me.


    Maybe he was as disgusted of Jason as I was too. Kicking him out showed that. A fleeting feeling of warmth flowed through me. Jason didn¡¯t get his attitude from his dad. His dad has something he didn¡¯t; empathy, honesty, remorse.


    I imagined it must¡¯ve been difficult for him as well, kicking his only son out. Left to wonder and hope he was okay, hope he wasn¡¯t sick of worse still, dead.


    I remembered the sadness in his eyes when I¡¯dshed out at him and I felt guilty. Maybe he didn¡¯t mean bad after all.


    Suddenly the thought of raising a child began to scare me again. epting your flesh and blood no matter what crime theymitted. I never wanted to be in that position.


    And it scared me.


    Jason Davenport


    I screamed out in pain as termites attacked my hand. Racing to the tap, I pped them off with the sting cold water. Exhausted, I slumped to the dirt, resisting the urge to scream out in frustration.


    I¡¯d been working on the farm for two weeks. So far I¡¯d only umted six dors. Bill-my employer-had increased my sry to three dors per week when he saw how hard I was working. The small tips I¡¯d gotten from selling vegetables at Bill¡¯s store on the weekends totalled to four dors. So in total I had ten dors.


    I sighed. It wasn¡¯t even half the price of the cot yet. I wiped the beads of sweat that stood on my forehead. The sun was terrible and my skin was overly tanned.


    After a few moments of feeling sorry for myself, I stood and resumed my work. This week, Bill wanted me to renovate the animal shed, change the termite infested wood and clean the chicken coop.


    He¡¯d spent four days teaching me how to use a hammer, and now I¡¯d gotten the hang of it he¡¯d let me do it myself.


    As I carried the second batch of wood outside, I sighted a sleek looking car beginning to drive away from the farm.


    I paused. I didn¡¯t remember thest time I¡¯d seen something that expensive. Stopping myself, I headed back into the shed and resumed my work.


    Amelia Forbes


    I watched Ashley unpack the shopping bags she¡¯de with. They¡¯d been visiting more often for weeks now and I¡¯d slowly began to warm up to them. Ashley was even more excited for the baby. It was as if she was the mom herself. She had been going on shopping sprees for the baby.


    I¡¯d asked my gynaecologist to keep the sex of the baby a secret for now. I wasn¡¯t ready for that information at the moment.


    So Ashley shopped for both genders. Various colours, and various sizes for each month as the baby grew. Watching her was the most adorable thing. Plus, she made really nice conversation.


    As she began to gush over a chew toy, the doorbell rang. Adrian opened the door to reveal Mr Davenport. He quietly walked in looking downcast.


    Ashley rushed to his side. ¡°Babe, look what I got for the baby.¡±


    He forced a smile and showeredpliments on it.


    Ashley frowned. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    In response he faced me. ¡°Amelia pleasee with me. I want to show you something.¡±


    Almost immediately, Dani and Adrian formed a protective wall around me.


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe for Mel to take any trips in this condition. She¡¯ll be due soon and she needs to rest,¡± Adrian said.


    Dani nodded in agreement.


    I gulped.


    What could he want to show me? I wondered.


    Ashley touched her husband¡¯s arm. ¡°Honey, what is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll exin. Just pleasee with me. It¡¯s important.¡±


    I licked my lips. ¡°Only if theye with,¡± I gestured to my friends.


    He nodded in assent. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Together, we trooped to the car. I was curious now. Dani and I exchanged looks and we both shrugged.


    I guess we¡¯d find out.

 Just take me home please

    Amelia


    Mr Davenport had driven us out of town. I felt a bit sleepy but curiousity kept me awake.


    Finally we came to a stop at a small farm. It was located in a partly lonely area. There weren¡¯t a lot of houses or people around.


    The car was quiet, waiting for what he wanted to show us.


    Surveying the farnd carefully, we finally did.


    A tanned, tired looking, young man dressed in torn denim shorts and a grey vest stood chopping wood with an obviously blunt axe. As he chopped wood, he simultaneously tried to keep an eye on the grazing cows a few feet away from him.


    I sucked in a deep breath when I realized that the young man was Jason.


    Ashley let out a small cry and tightened her fingers around her husband¡¯s arm.


    Dani only raised an eyebrow. I caught the surprise shing in her eyes before she quickly covered it up.


    Adrian betrayed no emotion.


    I didn¡¯t say a word. I just watched him.


    The beads of sweat running down his face and neck, the obvious difort he felt from the flies swarming to the cow dung.


    He wiped his brows with a sweaty arm and slumped to the floor, using the axe as support. He looked malnourished.


    Something stabbed me in the chest and as I watched him, I realized that I felt sorry for him.


    Was this his way of paying for his sins?


    ¡°He¡¯s been working here for two weeks,¡± Mr Davenport¡¯s voice broke into my thoughts. ¡°I secretly met with his employer; some guy called Bill. He receives three dors a week.¡±


    What? I shivered.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Dani and Ashley blurted out at the same time.


    I hid my surprise at Dani showing any interest at all.


    Finally I decided it was time to speak up. I masked any pity I felt and turned to Mr Davenport.


    ¡°Is that why you brought me here? So I could feel sorry for him? Is that it?¡±


    He shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m a father you know? No matter how hard I try, I¡¯d neverpletely stop caring about my boy. So I began to search for him.¡±


    He paused.


    ¡°And I found him here. I didn¡¯t bring you here so you could start to feel sorry for him or even forgive him.¡±


    ¡°Then why?¡± Adrian spoke up.


    I turned to him. This were the first words he¡¯d spoken since we got here. I tried to read him. He didn¡¯t sound angry. But he didn¡¯t sound happy either.


    Mr Davenport gave a sad smile. ¡°I¡¯m only hoping that you see how much he¡¯s struggling, and how he¡¯s changing. Learning to fend for himself, take responsibility for his actions. And I hope that you consider that.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    There was silence for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask him toe home next week,¡± Mr Davenport finally said. ¡°Not because I forgive him or because I feel sorry for him. It¡¯s because I think he¡¯s earned it.¡±


    Beside him, Ashely squeezed his hand.


    I took onest look at Jason and then I leaned back into my seat.


    ¡°Just take me home. Please.¡±


    Amelia Forbes


    Nana reacted the same way as Adrian when I told her about today; she betrayed no emotion.


    I slumped into my bed, tired. I just wanted to stop thinking for one freaking second.


    Adrian and Dani peeked through the door. ¡°Can wee in?¡± Dani asked.


    I nodded, too tired to exin that I felt like being alone. We sat in silence for a while and then Adrian asked, ¡°You okay?¡±


    I nodded weakly.


    ¡°We¡¯re just hoping you weren¡¯t swayed from what you saw today,¡± Dani added quietly.


    I whipped around and faced her. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Jason?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Rx guys, I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°He hurt you, Mel. Whatever he¡¯s getting now, he merited. We need you to remember that. We¡¯re not trying to-¡±


    I put my hands to my ears. ¡°Okay!¡± I screamed. ¡°I hear you. Can you just stop talking about it now?¡±


    Adrian raised an eyebrow in rm. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mel. I didn¡¯t mean to upset you. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Just stop.¡±


    Silence rented the air.


    Adrian stood up awkwardly. ¡°Um, I have to go now. I have to do something at home.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle with,¡± Dani added, rushing to his side.


    I only nodded, watching till they left. Breathing out in exasperation, I wished Benson were here. He would get it.


    What the hell, Mel? I chided myself.


    Adrian and Dani were nothing but supportive. I wasn¡¯t supposed topare my friends. Shaking the thought out of my head, I rxed onto the bed.


    Ben had been going to the college¡¯s he¡¯d applied to, taking exams and interviews. So he was pretty busy.


    College.


    My heart wrenched in pain. That was a long lost dream for me, I thought smiling bitterly. Trying not to fall into my pit of self pity, I drained the ss of now cold milk by my drawer.


    As I put the ss down, a knock sounded on my door and I heard Mr Davenport asking if he coulde in. I gave a hoarse ¡°yes¡± in response and smoothened out my bed.


    ¡°Can I sit?¡± He asked.


    I nodded and scooted to the side so he could make himself morefortable.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± He muttered.


    I looked at him in surprise but didn¡¯t utter a word.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about everything. I¡¯m sorry for offering help, money, the first time. I¡¯m sorry for taking you to that farm today. I know now how it must¡¯ve looked to you; like I was trying to gain your favor in my son¡¯s interest. It honestly wasn¡¯t my intention.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what to say so I stared at my hands instead.


    ¡°I guess, I guess I just feel guilty about everything.¡±


    My throat felt dry but I managed to ask. ¡°Why?¡±


    He sucked in a deep breath. ¡°Ever since Jason¡¯s mother died, I became distant. I travelled a lot more, employed a bunch of servants to take care of him. Once in a while I¡¯d pop in and bribe him with thetest video game.¡±


    He paused, cing a finger to his temple.


    He looked so sad, so small.


    In that moment, his wealth didn¡¯t matter. He was showing me who he truly was. And he was just a scared, tired parent.


    I swallowed.


    ¡°Jason used to be so happy, so full of life.¡±


    My mind travelled back to middle school. Jason and I had even been friends once.


    But I didn¡¯t say anything. I just listened.


    ¡°The nightmares started when his mom died. He¡¯d wake up crying, asking for her. And I-I was never there. I was too busy drowning my sadness in alcohol. I didn¡¯t realize how sad and withdrawn he was bing.¡±


    His voice broke.


    ¡°Then he turns 18, and I realize, that I¡­¡±


    ¡°I realize that he¡¯s got all this pent up anger inside him, this fury. I realize he¡¯s apletely different person. I¡¯d been living under the same roof with him and I¡¯d never really seen him.¡±


    ¡°I should¡¯ve been there. I should¡¯ve¡­ talked to him, asked how he was doing, spent time with him. And now, when I say I¡¯m ashamed of the man he¡¯s be, I¡¯m also ashamed of the kind of parent I was. The kind of parent I still am.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re young, and innocent and you have a long way to go in life. But now this..¡± He gestured to my belly. ¡°I-I¡¯m so sorry, Amelia.¡±


    Unashamedly, he wiped the tears that dropped to his cheeks.


    ¡°You might think I¡¯m making up this sob story just to get to you. But I mean it, all of it.¡±


    ¡°So if you¡¯re going to hate Jason, like he deserves, hate me too. I yed a major part in all this. Just please¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t-I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    Slowly I ced a hand on his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. About everything. I truly am. I won¡¯t say anything about Jason but I see and I believe how guilty you really feel about everything. And I need you to know that it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s fine to feel like a failure.¡±


    I thought of all those times when I¡¯d felt like aplete failure. ¡°I do too, sometimes. But it¡¯s okay. The most important thing is that you realize your mistake, and even if things never go back to the way they were, you tried your hardest. And that¡¯s the bravest thing of all.¡±


    I gave him a reassuring smile and wiped my wet face with my shirt.


    ¡°Wow,¡± He gave a tearyugh. ¡°You sound more like an adult than I do.¡±


    Smiling a little, I handed him a box of tissues and watched him wipe his face.


    He looked just as vulnerable as I felt and I knew that he meant every word. There and then I knew that I¡¯d let go of any grudges I held against him.


    So I cleared my throat and asked, ¡°Would you, Mr Davenport, be a grandfather to my child?¡±

 Keep working

    Jason Davenport


    I let out a victorious yelp as I fixed thatst nail in the shed. It¡¯d taken nearly a week to round everything up. I couldn¡¯t count how I¡¯d dismantled everything and started all over. And finally I was through. I stood to the side not believing I¡¯d done it all on my own. Bill stood by my side, congratting me, patting my back and cheering me on.


    ¡°Good job, Jason,¡± He smiled. ¡°She¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    I beamed, looking down at my callused palms. I¡¯d done this all alone. For the first time in my life I¡¯d achieved something without help from anyone.


    I quickly swiped the tears that were beginning to form away and dug my hand into my back pocket. I¡¯d managed to scrap up a hundred dors in total. It still wasn¡¯t enough to get a cot but I was proud of myself. I would keep working. I¡¯d work until I could afford to get the baby a good present.


    I carefully cleaned up the chicken coop and reintroduced the animals into the new shed. Quickly, so I could run up to the store. The tips I got from there were almost three times my sry.


    And I scrambled up the hill and toward the fence, I saw the sleek, ck car I had seen the other day.


    I frowned.


    Was I being watched?


    Wanting to avoid any trouble, I pulled my sun hat even lower and walked quickly in the direction of the store.


    ¡°Jason.¡± Dad¡¯s voice stopped me dead in my tracks.


    I turned, dazed. ¡°Dad?!¡±


    Squinting to make sure it was him, I watched as he gave me a sad smile. When I saw Ashley move to stand at his side, my eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°Dad!¡± I yelled, running toward him and enveloping him in a bear hug.


    He held me fast, not minding that I smelled terrible.


    I sobbed openly, realising how much I truly missed him. I thought he never wanted to see my face again. I thought he hated me. But he was here. And he was smiling. Everything was okay.


    Jason Davenport


    Dad had driven to a small restaurant nearby, and as I sat eating, I realized how hungry I was. I¡¯d been living on fruits and potatoes and it wasn¡¯t much.


    Dad watched me eat without a word. asionally he would say something to Ashley I couldn¡¯t quite make out and they would share a sad smile.


    After I was done eating, I told dad everything that had happened right from the first day, right up to today. As I recounted my experience, his face betrayed no emotion.


    To my surprise, he smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, Jason. I don¡¯t know how to exin or say everything I want to, but I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    ¡°We both are,¡± Ashley added timidly. She hadn¡¯t said a lot since they got here and I guessed she was still walking on eggshells around me. Guilt poked me in the chest but I ignored it.


    ¡°Thanks Dad,¡± I whispered, cing my hand on his.


    We all sat in silence for a while.


    ¡°I want you toe back home, Jason,¡± Dad said.


    I paused, staring at him to see if he was serious.


    He smiled at me and continued. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you for two weeks. I¡¯ve seen you struggle, cry, work hard and still stand your ground. And I are how hard you¡¯re trying to make up for everything and be a better person. And that, is the kind of son I¡¯d be honoured to have.¡±


    ¡°Wow,¡± I breathed. I wasn¡¯t sure what to say.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you see me that way, dad. And that¡¯s what I¡¯ve been striving for. For you, and everyone else to see that I mean every word when I say I¡¯m sorry. And I¡¯m d that you do now.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    He beamed, his eyes zing over.


    I took a deep breath.


    ¡°So I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t. I can¡¯te back home. Not yet.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± His face fell. ¡°Jason-¡±


    ¡°No, dad. I mean it.¡±


    And I did.


    ¡°I wanna work. Hard. Make enough money so that Amelia could see that I care enough. That I care enough to work to provide for my child. Even if it hurts, even if I¡¯m tired.¡±


    Dad¡¯s features rxed. ¡°You don¡¯t have to prove anything to me, Jason.¡±


    I gave a small smile. ¡°I know. But I want to. You deserve that son who you can be proud of. The son who¡¯s not a criminal. I wanna be a better person. I wanna work for what I have and get what I need. I want to grow, dad.¡±


    ¡°And yeah it¡¯s extremely hard, and sometimes I want to give up and run back home. But that¡¯s not how you and mom trained me; to be a coward. I want to prove it to you and to myself. Let me. Please,¡± I begged.


    Dad let out the first realugh I¡¯d heard from him in years. Turning to Ashley he said, ¡°That¡¯s my boy, Ash. That¡¯s my boy.¡±


    Ashley timidly outstretched her arm to touch mine. ¡°I know you don¡¯t particrly like me and that I¡¯m not your mom, nor will I ever be, and I may not have any right to say this, but I¡¯m proud of you, Jace. I¡¯m so proud of you,¡± She smiled and gave my arm a small squeeze.


    It was after a few moments that I realized that her calling me ¡®Jace¡¯ didn¡¯t tick me off this time.


    How could I change so much in weeks? I didn¡¯t know the answer to that. But I liked this new Jason and I knew I wanted him to stay.


    I just needed to work extra hard so I could prove myself and really earn the forgiveness of those I¡¯d wronged so much.

 My water broke

    Amelia Forbes


    I literally could not fit into any of my clothes anymore. Dani and Adrian had to go on a shopping spree for maternal clothes while Benson kept mepany.


    Benson was back, finally. He was exhausted and awaiting the results from the colleges he had applied to. At the moment, he was helping massage my neck and shoulders. Thank gracious.


    I felt ugly and bloated and by now I¡¯d decided that pregnancies were the worst things to exist. I felt like an elephant, too big to stand on my own. And it was really annoying.


    As the day of my delivery drew closer, I feltzier, more and more exhausted, irritated about everything. And the muscle aches were the worst part, hence the massage.


    I was due in two weeks ording to my doctor, and I was nervous. I¡¯ve read bad things about childbirth;plications like breech births. There was even one where the umbilical cord would wrap around the baby¡¯s neck and strangle it to death.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I shuddered as I thought about it.


    ¡°Are you cold?¡± Benson paused, giving me a worried look.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I lied. I knew he¡¯d scold me if he knew what I was thinking.


    He grabbed a duvet from the sofa and wrapped it around me. ¡°Better?¡±


    I nodded weakly.


    ¡°Good,¡± He muttered, resuming the neck massage. ¡°So¡­ he started,¡± I could hear the mischief in his voice.


    ¡°A lot happened while I was away, huh?¡±


    I shrugged.


    He pped me lightly on my shoulder.


    ¡°Ben?!¡± I groaned. ¡°What?¡±


    He turned my chair so I could face him. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend like you don¡¯t know the exact thing I¡¯m talking about,¡± He wiggled his eyebrows.


    I frowned.


    Now I was really confused. What was he talking about?


    ¡°Ugh, Mel. Don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t notice. So this is what happens when you¡¯re pregnant huh?¡±


    I gave him a hard kick in the shin.


    ¡°Ow!¡± He jumped up and down like a yo-yo.


    I smirked. ¡°You were saying?¡±


    He rolled his eyes again. ¡°Adrian and Dani?¡± He whispered, wiggling his eyebrows.


    My frown deepened. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, Mel! The chemistry. Don¡¯t you see?¡±


    Oh.


    It dawned on me what he meant now.


    Dani and Adrian? It seemed unlikely. I shook my head. Nope. Ben was misreading it.


    ¡°They¡¯re not a thing, Ben. Chix.¡± Iughed.


    ¡°If you say so,¡± He continued in an annoying singsong voice. ¡°They literally always together now.¡±


    As my eyes widened in realization, Benson caught on. ¡°Mm hmm. Think about it. They even go home together,¡± Heughed. ¡°Gosh, they¡¯re so adorbs.¡±


    Something poked me in the chest. I wasn¡¯tpletely sure what it was. Jealousy?


    I scoffed.


    Jealous of what?


    I stopped Ben¡¯s dilligent hands, sighing. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go get some rest. I feel tired.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Ben muttered. ¡°Okay then.¡±


    As I stood to my feet, I felt warm liquid run down my legs and to the floor.


    Ben and I exchanged horrified looks.


    ¡°I think my water just broke.¡±

 For all its worth

    Jason Davenport


    I¡¯d heard from dad that Amelia was due in two weeks. I was a little worried because I still hadn¡¯t saved up enough to get that cot. But I believed that I would have before two weeks.


    Bill had hired a second farmhand and assigned me to train him. So I was at the store more now. Meaning more tips. And more tips meant more money.


    I smiled, knowing that I could finally afford the cot soon.


    As my shift drew to am end, my phone began to ring. It was a cheap one I had paid Bill a few bucks for. At least it works.


    My brows puckered as I saw that it was dad that was calling. He usually only called in the evenings when he knew I¡¯d be off work. Quickly I picked up.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I put the phone to my ear.


    ¡°Jason.¡±  Dad¡¯s voice was frantic.


    My heart skipped a beat. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± He reassured me. ¡°Amelia just went intobour.¡±


    I nearly fell of my seat. ¡°What, when?¡±


    ¡°I just drove her to the hospital.¡±


    When I didn¡¯t respond, he continued.


    ¡°Hey, buddy. Don¡¯t panic. Just breathe. I¡¯ll text you the address. Come whenever you want to.¡±


    I nodded although I know he couldn¡¯t see him.


    And then the line went dead.


    I took a few deep breaths and raced all the way to the farm to inform Bill that I¡¯d be leaving.


    Although I promised him that I¡¯d be back, he insisted on paying me off. ¡°Just take it. I have a feeling,¡± He said and smiled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about your past, Jason. But you¡¯re a good kid. Go on,¡± He ced something in my hand and winked.


    With that he waved me off and I stood, staring at the one grand in my hand.


    Jason Davenport


    ¡°What is he doing here?¡± Dani Daniels asked dangerously when she saw me walk into the waiting room.


    I swallowed.


    After thest time, I might be a little scared of her.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to cause any trouble, Dani-¡±


    ¡°Take my name out your filthy mouth,¡± She spat, moving closer to me and sizing me up.


    ¡°If you do anything stupid, you won¡¯t make it out of this room alive,¡± She whispered in my ear and walked back to her seat.


    Adrian watched me from across the room, a sour expression on his face, but didn¡¯t utter a word.


    My heart ached. I had a lot I wanted to say to him. But for now, we were here for Amelia.


    I turned round as I felt someone staring at me, and I came face to face with Amelia¡¯s grandmother. I couldn¡¯t read her expression but it was enough to make guilt wash over me.


    I remembered everything I had said to Amelia about her grandma and I felt like disappearing into the earth.


    I held back the sob that threatened to escape my lips and said a small prayer for the presence of my father.

 It’s a girl!

    Jason Davenport


    Everyone in the waiting room stood to their feet when the doctor walked in.


    The only thing I could hear was the beating of my heart as I waited for the doctor to update us.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    He nced at each of us and then cleared his throat. ¡°Who¡¯s the father?¡±


    Before any one could protest, I moved forward. ¡°I am.¡±


    The death stares from Adrian and Mel¡¯s friends pierced my back but I held my ground. No one uttered a word.


    The doctor finally took off his mask and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a girl!¡±


    Everyone gave a sigh of relief in unison, which quickly turned into a cheer. Amelia¡¯s grandmother slumped into her chair and began to sob. Adrian signed some words to her which probably made her feel better because she began tough.


    ¡°Would you like to see the baby?¡± The doctor asked me.


    I wiped my sweaty palms. I was going to face Amelia again after so many months. I didn¡¯t know what I was going to say.


    But I nodded.


    The others were too busy talking to notice me leave. As I got to Amelia¡¯s ward, the doctor motioned towards the door and gave me privacy.


    For a split second I wanted to call him back, tell him toe with me because I was scared. But I held myself. I took a few deep breaths. This was it.


    Slowly, I turned the handle of the door and peeked in.


    I sighted Amelia with the baby beside her. She didn¡¯t look happy. But she didn¡¯t look sad either. It was as though she was trying to decide what emotions she was feeling at the moment.


    The expression on her face made me want to turn back, run away in shame. I had no right to be here after all that had happened. After all I did.


    She looked so frail and tired. What if seeing me triggered her and caused someplications? Was she healthy? Did she even want to see me?


    Shutting my eyes and taking one more deep breath, I braced myself and walked in.


    Amelia Forbes


    I was exhausted.


    Childbirth was pure pain. And I thought my period cramps were painful. If I wasn¡¯t so tired I would¡¯veughed.


    I looked at the baby girlid next to me. She had his sandy brown hair. And my eyes.


    His hair.


    My eyes.


    I was unsure about how I felt. I didn¡¯t feel angry. I wanted to.


    But every time I looked at the baby, I just couldn¡¯t. All I felt was the urge to protect her from everything that had hurt me, every thing I had been through.


    I hadn¡¯t touched her yet. I was scared to. One part of me was looking at her as the reason why my life had stoppedpletely. The reason for my crushed dreams; my dreams for a schrship and college.


    And the other part looked at her as the brightest thing that hade out of my dark, gloomy life.


    I still wasn¡¯t sure.


    More exhausted than before, I breathed out and ced a hand on my forehead just as the door of my ward swung open.


    I held my breath as I faced Jason.


    At first I felt nothing. I just stared at him. I¡¯d been right. He was malnourished. I hid my surprise at his much weight he¡¯d lost over the few months. He looked older, and not in a good way.


    He stood rooted to the floor without a word, as if he was waiting for my permission.


    ¡°May Ie in?¡± He finally said, fidgeting at where he stood.


    Jason Davenport was fidgeting?


    Again, if I wasn¡¯t so tired I might¡¯veughed.


    I nodded once.


    Yes I hated him. But this child was his too. I couldn¡¯t stop him from seeing the baby.


    He walked slowly, deliberately to my bedside where the baby was ced. He outstretched his arms to pick her up and then quickly withdrew them.


    ¡°May I?¡±


    I wanted to say no. I didn¡¯t want himying a finger on her. What if he hurt her. Silently, I calmed myself down.


    I nodded and turned away, pretending not to see how callused his palms were, or how dirty his nails were.


    Carefully, he picked the baby up and gave a wide smile, pinching her cheeks lightly and looking her over.


    ¡°She¡¯s so beautiful,¡± He whispered, almost inaudibly.


    I couldn¡¯t tell if he was talking to himself or to me.


    After he had cooed her for a while, be turned to me. ¡°Have you picked a name yet?¡±


    I attempted to re at him but my facial muscles were so weak. So I kept quiet.


    ¡°Mel-¡±


    This time I red at him.


    ¡°Amelia, I mean.¡±


    I looked away.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about everything,¡± His voice broke.


    ¡°I was a stupid, hate filled child. I-I just¡­ what I did was the most disgusting thing. And I¡¯m willing to spend my entire life trying to make up for it in any way I can.¡±


    I kept my poker face.


    ¡°And honestly, Amelia, guilt is not the only reason why I¡¯m here. I just¡­ I truly want to be a part of her life¡­¡± He looked at the baby.


    ¡°If you¡¯d let me, of course. But I really want to try-¡±


    ¡°Cut it out, Jason,¡± I snapped. ¡°She¡¯s your daughter. You don¡¯t need my permission to be in her life. So cut it out.¡±


    Talking was painful. I needed to save up all my strength.


    ¡°Just leave, please.¡±


    Nodding, he handed the baby back to me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± He whimpered. ¡°I really am.¡±


    As he said those words, the baby began to cry. Try as much as I could, she wouldn¡¯t stop crying.


    Jason stretched his arms to take her and I reluctantly let him.


    Almost immediately, she stopped crying.


    I suddenly felt an unnecessary pang of jealousy. So she liked her dad better? Okay.


    I sighed silently, knowing I was only sulking.


    As I watched Jason coo the baby, I couldn¡¯t help the smile that creeped up my face.

 Go!

    Jason Davenport


    As soon as I heard that Amelia would be discharged that afternoon, I rushed to the closest convenience store I could find.


    I needed to buy the cot today so I could gift it to Amelia. I smiled as I remembered the feeling of holding the baby in my arms. She was the most precious thing I¡¯d ever seen. And this time I was determined to do things right.


    Grateful for the money Bill had given me, I hopped into a convenience store and bought an even more beautiful cot, some diapers, and a few toys. In total, everything cost about four hundred dors.


    Satisfied, I began to make my way back to Amelia¡¯s house, knowing she¡¯d be home by now.


    Taking a deep breath, I hailed a taxi and said a silent prayer.


    Amelia Forbes


    I hated the stench of hospitals. It made me feel sicker than I already did. Which exins why I was grateful to leave when the doctor discharged me today.


    I couldn¡¯t wait to get home, sleep on my own bed, eat real food. A strange kind of sadness came over me as I thought about my room.


    It was too small now. Too small for two. Sighing, I waved the thought away and tried to think of something else.


    Beside me, Ben intertwined both our hands and let me lean on him as we all walked to Mr Davenport¡¯s car.


    ¡°So¡­ how do you feel?¡± He asked quietly.


    I didn¡¯t know how to answer that so I only shrugged.


    Sensing that I didn¡¯t feel like talking, he squeezed my arm reassuringly and let me sit undisturbed in my seat.


    I watched Nana hold the baby with admiration and joy in her eyes. This was the happiest I¡¯d seen her since she¡¯d found out about the pregnancy so it was relieving to watch.


    Soon I let myself drift away and the voices of everyone around me blurred.


    Amelia Forbes


    The knock on the door didn¡¯t go unnoticed by any one. All conversation ceased and it was as if we all sensed the drama that was about to ensue.


    It could be none other than Jason because everyone else was already here.


    Adrian stood to open the door and I immediately wished everything could end before it even started.


    Benson quietly carried the baby and withdrew to my room upstairs.


    I braced myself for the worst as the door swung open.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Adrian asked coldly without giving him a chance to talk.


    Jason came into view, two boxes in his hands I guessed were gifts.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want any trouble. I just want to give these to Amelia, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Adrian clenched his fingers. ¡°What for? I remember you clearly telling Amelia to ¡°better abort the baby¡±, so why do. you care all of a sudden?¡±


    I rubbed my temple.


    This was thest thing I needed.


    Jason stared at the floor. He looked so small, so vulnerable. And somehow it was satisfying to watch. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry about everything. I just want to-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wee here, Davenport. So it¡¯s best you leave,¡± Adrian growled dangerously.


    I could sense the worst about to happen. I didn¡¯t need all this drama.


    Not now.


    Slowly I began to count from one to ten to calm myself down.


    Jason stood firm. ¡°Can you at least me see the baby and drop these off her her?¡±


    In one swift motion, Adrian shoved Jason backward, making both Jason and the box of gifts crash to the floor.


    I could see Me Davenport flinch at the impact, but if he was concerned, he didn¡¯t show it. He just stood, watching.


    ¡°What is your problem?¡± Jason yelled. ¡°She¡¯s my daughter! And I have every right to-¡±


    He was cut off my Adrian¡¯s fist connecting to his jaw just as Ashley let out a small scream. She moved toward them but was stopped by her husband gripping her arm and giving her a small shake of his head.


    With fear still in her eyes, she held back, tightening her hold on his arm and kept watching.


    Jason who had sprawled to the floor from the impact carefully arranged the gifts on the floor and stood, rage filled in his eyes.


    With anger, he swung his arm, catching Adrian on the jaw.


    I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± I screamed.


    Almost immediately both guys let their raised hands drop to the side. I walked up to Jason, shoving him out the door.


    ¡°So you think you can waltz in here whenever you want because for some reason you feel guilty about everything? It doesn¡¯t work like that! Youe in here with all the audacity, you even dare to fight my friend. Who the hell do you even think you are?!¡±


    Picking up the gifts I shoved them in his face. ¡°Get out! Now. And I don¡¯t ever want to see you again.¡±


    I banged the door in his face and waited to catch my breath.


    When I heard his retreating footsteps, I turned to Adrian. ¡°How dare you?!¡±


    He stared at me in surprise and I ignored the look Dani threw my way.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re my friend and I know you¡¯re only looking out for me but please, stop trying to control my life. Stop trying to make decisions for me.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I stated firmly as I saw him part his lips to retort.


    ¡°Yes he did something terrible and he shouldn¡¯t even be here in the first ce, but why fight him? Why would you even hit him? I am exhausted from the delivery and Nana¡¯s not feeling too well either. Why would you start this? You could¡¯ve taken the gift from him and then asked him to leave. Why cause so much drama?¡±


    I waspletely fed up.


    I threw the door open. ¡°Go.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    A hurt look shed through his eyes.


    ¡°Go,¡± I repeated. ¡°Think about what you¡¯ve done Adrian. Yes I took your side in front of him, but that was because I didn¡¯t want him getting the wrong ideas. So leave.¡±


    As he shut the door behind him, I slumped into a sofa and tried not to think about anything.

 What was he trying to prove?

    Jason Davenport


    I ran my fingers through my dry hair as I sat in the abandoned car I had found a few blocks from Amelia¡¯s house.


    For the hundredth time, I med myself for what had happened.


    Why did I react? Why did I fight back? Everything Adrian had said was true. I deserved the treatment he was giving me.


    So who was I to think I had the right to throw punches? I should¡¯ve stood there. I should¡¯ve taken all the punches. Why did I raise my hand.


    I felf deted. It felt like all my efforts from thest few weeks had gone down the drain. Feeling more disappointed in myself, I decided to go back.


    Yes.


    I¡¯d go back tomorrow.


    I¡¯d beg and apologize, take whatever they threw at me. I do everything. Till Amelia lets me see the baby.


    Making my decision, I fell into a fitful sleep.


    At 9am the next morning, I was at her front door. I¡¯d taken the gifts back to the store and paid for them to be repackaged.


    After I pressed the doorbell twice with no response, I decided to wait until someone came to the door.


    Amelia Forbes


    I was digging into a bowl of chicken soup Nana had prepared when Dani walked in.


    ¡°Guess who¡¯s at the door?¡±


    To be honest, I was even more surprised that she¡¯d spoken to me. Since the spat with Adrian she¡¯d been kind of cold toward me.


    Now I had started to believe what Benson had said about them both being an item. But that was a question for another day.


    ¡°Who?¡± I asked, getting up to go look out the window.


    I let out a tired sigh as I saw Jason, boxes in hand, standing at the doorstep.


    ¡°Ignore him,¡± I said weakly and went back into my room.


    Why couldn¡¯t he just go away? I wondered. Was this some kind of curse? I just needed one day, just one day, to rx and not have anyone ruin my day. Sighing, I dug into my chicken soup and plugged my earphones in.


    An hourter, a light tap from Dani interrupted my reading. I put down the magazine and turned to face her.


    ¡°Ammie,¡± She sighed. ¡°He keeps pressing the doorbell and won¡¯t leave. I¡¯ve threatened his entire generation but he won¡¯t even budge,¡± She sighed and slumped into a chair.


    I resisted the urge tough. I¡¯d never seen Dani look so defeated. And I couldn¡¯t me her. Her threats usually worked.


    Sighing, I walked downstairs and swung the front door open.


    Jason looked up in surprise but he quickly recovered. Carefully, he outstretched his arm, handing the gifts to me. ¡°I¡¯m here to see the baby,¡± He said, clearing his throat.¡±


    I shot him a sharp re.


    ¡°If you¡¯d let me, of course,¡± He added quickly.


    I looked suspiciously at the packaged and finally outstretched my hand to receive it.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I muttered, and began to shut the door.


    ¡°Amelia, wait.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    I was getting tired.


    ¡°May I see the baby?¡±


    I stared at him. ¡°No,¡± I replied simply.


    ¡°Please I-¡±


    ¡°I said no, Jason. Just, go home.¡±


    As I turned to leave, I heard him mutter quietly. ¡°No.¡±


    I whipped round in surprise. ¡°What?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I saw him swallow with difficulty. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving until you let me see her. No matter what you do to me.¡±


    I was tempted to get angry but he didn¡¯t look defiant, he just looked determined.


    ¡°Suit yourself then,¡± I replied and banged the door in his face.


    I put down the gifts in the living room and made my way back to my room. He¡¯d get tired of being strong headed and he¡¯d leave.


    I shook my head, wondering what he was trying to prove.

 Unable to resist

    Amelia Forbes


    ¡°Ammie!¡± I heard Dani yell from outside my door. My first thought was that something bad had happened to the baby.


    I raced to the door and from the look on her face I realized she¡¯d been calling me for a while.


    ¡°Were your headphones in?¡± She asked.


    I shook my head.


    It was raining heavily. I couldn¡¯t hear her over the pattering sound on my roof. ¡°What happened?¡± I asked. My initial fearing to memory.


    She only grabbed my arm gently and led me to the window.


    I peered down, trying to see through the swishing rain, and gasped when I saw Jason, still standing at the door step.


    My eyes roamed to the wall clock. It was 9pm. And it had been raining since 6.


    What was wrong with him? I wondered, infuriated.


    Dani nodded as if she could hear my thoughts. ¡°I don¡¯t know. He¡¯s been standing there since morning.¡±


    It was silent for some time and then she said. ¡°I don¡¯t think we should let him in. It¡¯s his choice to stay there so let him.¡±


    I nodded, wondering why he was being so darn stubborn. Why couldn¡¯t he just leave and end the drama. In anger, I pulled the blinds and proceeded to Nana¡¯s room to check up on the baby.


    A few hourster, I¡¯d fed the baby, put her to sleep, and given Nana her medicine.


    Dani and I sat in the living room, sipping hot chocte and watching a movie.


    Suddenly we heard someone sneeze.


    Dani froze, grabbing a ss vase as protection.


    I frowned. ¡°That didn¡¯te from inside the house.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what if..¡±


    We exchanged looks.


    I gasped. ¡°It can¡¯t be,¡± I checked the time. ¡°It¡¯s 2am in the morning.¡±


    At once we raced to the window and my eyes widened when we saw a drenched Jason still standing determinedly at the doorstep.


    Jason Davenport


    My throat felt like the desert as I slowly opened my eyes. I shivered as the cold air hit my skin and I remembered that I¡¯de down with a cold.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Thest thing I remember fromst night was Amelia and Dani helping me into the house and wrapping some hot towels around me to warm me up.


    Afterwards Amelia had offered me a mug of hot cocoa while her friend stood to the side, clearly disapproving of the whole thing.


    Needless to say, I had felt better thanks to Amelia. I didn¡¯t want to get ahead of myself as I knew that she had helped me out of pure empathy. But all the same, I was grateful.


    I stumbled to my feet, grabbing the tumbler of water I sighted on the dining table. My throat was grateful for the moisture and and so I downed some more.


    I didn¡¯t know the time but I could tell that it was early. And I knew I had to leave before everyone else woke up. But I was still determined to see the baby. I¡¯de backter today, I decided. And I was ready to spend the entire day at the doorstep until she let me see the baby.


    Grabbing my things, I began to make my way toward the front door when I heard the soft cry of a baby.


    It stopped me in my tracks. I shut my eyes tightly.


    I wasn¡¯t supposed to see the baby without Amelia¡¯s permission. But the crying grew louder and I couldn¡¯t stop myself. Slowly, I walked to the direction of the cry.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile when I peeked through a half opened door and saw the baby awake in her cot.


    Unable to resist, I picked her up and began to hum a luby.

 Was he singing?

    Amelia Forbes


    I woke up to the soft cry of my baby girl. We¡¯d moved her from Nana¡¯s room to the room that used to belong to my parents.


    Careful not to wake anyone up, I tiptoed to the room and received a startle when I saw Jason cradling her in his arms.


    My first thought was to go in and snatch her away from him.


    If he hurt her, I swear.


    But I waited. And I watched.


    I watched her stop crying as soon as he picked her up. I watched him coo her, kiss her cheek and began to hum a tune.


    Was he singing? I wondered, my mouth agape.


    What had happened to the Jason Davenport from high school? And who was this softie? Was this all an act? To gain my forgiveness?


    But he knew everyone was asleep. So why would he act when there wasn¡¯t an audience.


    I don¡¯t know how long I stood there for. But i watched them, a wide smile permanently stered on my face. He knew just how to hold her. How to rock her back and forth so she would fall asleep.


    How?


    What changed?


    Why did he be caring all of a sudden?


    And why had I started to feel so sorry for him?


    Deciding I¡¯d watched long enough, I gave a loud cough to grab his attention.


    On sighting me, he dropped the now sleeping baby girl into her cot carefully and quietly made his way to the door.


    As he closed the door behind him, careful not to make a sound, he faced me. ¡°I am so sorry. I know I shouldn¡¯t have touched her or gone in there without your permission but I heard her crying and I wanted to leave but I just couldn¡¯t leave her there all alone,¡±He rambled.


    Probably realising he was rambling, he stared at the floor. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll just leave.¡±


    ¡°Stay,¡± I blurted out.


    Jason stopped in his tracks, staring at me wide-eyed. ¡°What?¡± His voice was hoarse and disbelieving.


    ¡°Stay,¡± I repeated, hoping my tremor I felt stayed out of my voice. ¡°You still have a cold. You should have something to eat and get some rest.¡±


    He opened his mouth twice in an attempt to say something but shut it. I guess he was speechless.


    As soon as he muttered a small ¡°thank you¡±, I immediately regretted my decision.


    What hade over me? I wondered, resisting the urge to facepalm.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Why had I asked him to stay?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± He sighed, after a few minutes of awkward silence.


    I didn¡¯t respond but I knew exactly what he was sorry for. And I refused to acknowledge it.


    Jason Davenport


    I breathed a sigh of relief and approached Dad for a badly needed hug as he and Ashley came over to see the baby.


    Dad swiftly hid his surprise on seeing me and struck up a conversation with Amelia.


    Dani walked in with a tray of lemonade and ¡®mistakenly¡¯ spilled mine all over me.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± She gasped. ¡°Didn¡¯t see you there.¡±


    I quietly began to wipe my shirt with a napkin as Ashley scooted over to sit beside me.


    I stiffened, hoping she didn¡¯t notice.


    We hadn¡¯t had a real conversation since thest time Ished out at her in my room. These days, whenever I saw her I felt incredibly guilty for some reason.


    I was trying to adjust and really see the good in her but I knew it¡¯d take a while.


    ¡°How you holding up?¡± She asked, bringing her ss to get lips.


    ¡°Great,¡± I muttered, gesturing to my lemonade stained shirt.


    Ashley gave a tinklyugh as she stopped halfway through taking a second gulp. ¡°Good to know you haven¡¯t lost your sense of humor,¡± She winked.


    We shared a smile, which didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Dad. He smiled briefly in our direction and carried on his conversation with Amelia.


    Determined to make an effort, I asked Ashley about her life for once. And surprisingly she had a lot of stories to tell.


    For the two hours she and dad spent there, I wasn¡¯t bored at all.


    And it felt nice.


    It felt like progress.

 All over

    Amelia Forbes


    ¡°I got in.¡±


    Dani walked into my room beaming, a white envelope in hand.


    And although I knew what she held-a college eptance letter, I asked, ¡°Into what?¡±


    She rolled her eyes at me andughed. ¡°Bloustone College?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± I finally managed to mutter after a while.


    Dani stared at me in disbelief. ¡°Really? That¡¯s all you¡¯re gonna say? I¡¯ve been working my ass off for this and that¡¯s all you¡¯re gonna say?¡±


    She was right. I did sound kind of selfish.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dani. I didn¡¯t mean it like that,¡± I pleaded. ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy for you. It just.. it took me by surprise, that¡¯s all. You know how hard I¡¯ve been rooting for you.¡±


    She gave me a small smile and wrapped her arms on my shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Ammie. I¡¯ll miss you too.¡±


    My throat tightened.


    I was going to miss her. Even more than she thought. She was one of my best friends. She¡¯d been there for me when no one else had. She¡¯d practically forced her way into my life.


    I giggled as I remembered that night at the liquor store.


    ¡°Remember when we-¡± I started.


    ¡°Liquor store?¡± Daniughed.


    In between unexinable giggles I nodded. Weughed without knowing exactly why and before I knew it I had started to tear up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget me,¡± I sobbed as I cried into her denim jacket.


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± She promised, as she enveloped me into a tight hug.


    It was all scary for me.


    Adrian already had a football schrship and would leave soon, Dani had gotten epted, Benson was awaiting his. All my friends were leaving one after the other. And I was scared.


    I couldn¡¯t have been able to handle all that life had thrown at me if didn¡¯t have then by my side.


    I suppressed a sob, not wanting Dani to see me cry anymore.


    As she helped me wiped my tears away, I remembered something I¡¯d been meaning to ask her.


    ¡°Hey, Dani,¡± I stopped her moving hands. ¡°Is there something going on-¡±


    The sound of the doorbell interrupted me and as quick as lightning, Dani had raced to open up.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I contained my curiousity. Was she hiding something?


    Shaking my head, I headed downstairs to Dani already leaving and Adrian cradling the baby in his arms.


    Jason Davenport


    I watched from the dining table as Amelia and Adrian made up and struck up a conversation.


    I watched them talking andughing while cooing and cradling the baby and all of a sudden I felt raw jealousy beginning to build up within me.


    That should be me.


    That¡¯s my child. My daughter.


    Why did they look more like a happy family than Amelia and I would ever be?


    I felt sad and cheated and without thinking, I walked up to them.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to hold my baby now, Adrian.¡±


    They both exchanged looks and thus infuriated me further.


    He had what I never would; Amelia¡¯s love.


    With growing sadness, I quieted the voice in my head that said I didn¡¯t deserve it nor would I ever receive it.


    My own behaviour was surprising to me.


    Why do I care so much about Amelia now?


    At first I¡¯d only wanted to be part of my daughter¡¯s life. But the more time I spent with Amelia, the more I saw just how good and kindhearted she was.


    A good mother, a good friend, a good granddaughter.


    A good person.


    I cursed myself countless times for letting my misced hatred shut my eyes to all of this.


    And I knew it was my fault.


    And that I had no right to fall in love with her¡­


    I¡¯m in love with her.


    I¡¯m in love with Amelia.


    Admitting this only makes me realize how true it is.


    After everything that had happened between us, there was still a huge piece of empathy in her towards me. She shouldn¡¯t even want to hear my voice, see my face, be around me. But she tolerated me.


    She brought me out of the cold. She warmed me up, she gave me a ce to sleep. She gave me food when I was hungry. She let me hold my daughter although I had no right whatsoever to do so.


    After everything I had done. The pain, the bullying, the torture, the insults.


    She had remained human.


    She¡¯s a better person than I¡¯d ever dream to be, even in my dreams.


    And I didn¡¯t deserve the mercy, the empathy, the sympathy.


    That¡¯s why I fell in love with her.


    I¡¯ve never met anyone with such a big heart. Someone so full of love admist all the pain she carries in her soul. Why did I break her?


    No.


    I tried to break her.


    And I almost seeded.


    But she fought me with everything in her. And now, here we are.


    I love you, Amelia.


    It took me a few seconds to realise that I¡¯d been crying. Amelia and Adrian stared at me in shock, and in one terrifying moment, I realized I¡¯d been talking out loud. I¡¯d been facing Adrian, and I¡¯d been talking.


    I opened mouth to exin but nothing came out. I couldn¡¯t move.


    After a few moments of silence, Adrian ced the baby back in the cot and quietly made his way upstairs.


    Amelia and I stared each other down until she finally reacted by swinging a palm to my cheek. It stung where she had hit me but I stood firmly.


    She let out a strangled cry andnded a second p to my cheek.


    A single tear dropped from my eyes but I still stood.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I whimpered without looking up. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± She yelled. ¡°Just shut up!¡±


    She began to sob rapidly as shended ps upon ps on my cheeks. But I didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    Wiping tears with the back of her hand she grabbed my sleeve and shoved me toward the door.


    ¡°Get out!! I never want to see your face ever again. Just leave.¡±


    ¡°Amelia, please,¡± I begged.


    ¡°You can go to hell for all I care,¡± She screamed as she shut the door in my face, still sobbing.


    And just like that, it was all over.

 Tired of the begging

    Jason Davenport


    As Amelia pushed me out into the sting rain, I realized something.


    I was exhausted.


    I was tired.


    I was tired of the crying, tired of the begging.


    I knew I deserved everything that was happening right now and then some more, but I was tired.


    This was what I¡¯d also be. The rapist. The criminal. No matter how hard I tried. No one would ever see the good in me.


    And it was all my fault.


    I showed the good in me toote. Way toote. Sote that everyone would stand waiting for me to draw the curtains and prove to them that it was all an act.


    I¡¯d always be the asshole. The monster. The beast.


    I looked up at the sky and sobbed. ¡°Are you disappointed in me too, mom? This is what your boy turned out to be. A useless piece of shit.¡±


    I slumped to the floor, my chest feeling like it was about to explode. ¡°I¡¯m a criminal, mom. I lost every-every thing. My friends, my family, my dignity. This is what I¡¯ve be.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°Nobody wants me m-mom,¡± I let out a sadugh. ¡°No one will ever want me. No one wants a friend, a coparent, a son, who¡¯s a rapist. I ruined myself, mom. I ruined everything.¡±


    ¡°This is what I turned out to be.¡±


    I suddenly had a thought.


    Was this how Amelia had felt when she jumped into that pool?


    The memory resurfaced and I broke down in sobs. She felt rejected, useless, worthless. And I caused it.


    Now I understood what could push anyone to want to end their own life.


    Slowly, I stood to my feet, the tears in my eyes blinding me.


    What was the point? No one would ever believe that I had changed. No one would ever look at me without fear or anger in their hearts. I wouldn¡¯t be able to see my daughter.


    What was the point of living?


    And Dad.


    I loved him. But I was only a hindrance to a happy life with Ashley. All I did was ruin things, ruin people.


    My sobs were lost in the sounds of the rain as I made my decision.


    Straightening up, I blindly walked toward the busy road and nted myself firmly in the way of an iing truck.


    The pain from the impact threw me off bnce.


    And thest thing I remember was floating through the air.


    Amelia Forbes


    I wiped the tears that were strewn on my face as I shoved Jason out the door. It took a while to control my sobbing.


    I was scared.


    Back there he¡¯d been talking, to himself. And he hadn¡¯t even realized.


    Those things he¡¯d said..


    I swallowed, not wanting to think about it anymore.


    Love.


    The tears on his face.


    I looked out the window. It was raining heavily. And I thrown him out without a second thought.


    Without thinking, I grabbed two umbres and raced out the door to find him.


    He couldn¡¯t have gone far, I reasoned. I was barely five minutes away. I didn¡¯t know where to look but I made my way towards the main road. As I approached, I sighted a group of people huddled together.


    Without knowing why, I ran faster to the scene.


    No.


    No. Please.


    I pushed past a few people to see Jason lying lifeless on the floor, blood coating nearly half of his face.


    I let out a small scream but it was lost in the rain. I started to dial 911 but stopped when I heard sirens of an ambnce.


    Someone had called an ambnce already. Still shaking, I dialed Mr Davenport and gave him the details of everything.


    Wordlessly, I followed in the ambnce as they drove at breakneck speed to the hospital.

 What did I just do?

    Amelia Forbes


    I sat fidgeting in the waiting room. It¡¯d been three hours since we arrived at the hospital and everyone was seated, quietly.


    The truck driver had given a clear description of what had transpired. No one said a word.


    Tears flowed down my cheeks.


    He has attempted suicide.


    The thought broke me down more than I thought it could. I felt sad, guilty. I med myself for pushing him out in the rain and saying such hard words to him.


    I guessed those few weeks had put him into some deep state of depression. He was in such a state that he had seen suicide as the only option. It was then that I realized that he¡¯d been honest the whole time.


    He¡¯d been sincere. All the effort he¡¯d been putting.


    I stifled a sob.


    What if something happened to him?


    My heart pounded in my chest.


    What would I do? I couldn¡¯t take care of a child alone. I couldn¡¯t¡­


    And he was so good with her. He¡¯d be such a good dad. I couldn¡¯t¡­ I couldn¡¯t lose him.


    I buried my head in my hands.


    Just wake up. Please. Please be okay.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I¡¯ll forgive you. Just wake up.


    I let out a small whimper and let Ashley still me as my body racked with sobs.


    Amelia Forbes


    Three days.


    That¡¯s how long Jason had been in aa.


    A lot had happened since then. Nana had fallen so sick and the only resort was to take her to a special needs elderly home. It wasn¡¯t the easiest thing to do. But it was best for her.


    Before she¡¯d gone, I¡¯d exined the situation with Jason and we¡¯d had a long talk about everything. Finally, Nana had decided to go with any decision I chose to make. And that was the only reassurance I¡¯d need.


    With Nana gone, the house felt cold and lonely. Benson and Dani had gotten into college so they¡¯d already left for their registrations.


    I¡¯d updated them both on the situation at home and they¡¯d chosen not to say anything until they got back.


    Ashley had offered toe stay with me for the mean time and I was grateful for thepany. We talked to pass time but we were both very worried about Jason.


    . I lived in fear and I couldn¡¯t concentrate on anything.


    Some hourster, Adrian had driven me to the hospital for my daily check up on Jason. He didn¡¯t approve of it at first but when he found out that it was an attempted suicide, the sadness on his face was visible and he stopped saying anything altogether.


    I took a seat beside Mr Davenport as we awaited the doctor. Finally, the doctor appeared, a file in his hand.


    ¡°Here for Jason Davenport?¡±


    We both nodded.


    He flipped through a file and then looked up with a smile. ¡°He¡¯s awake.¡±


    Before I could stop myself, I was racing to the door of Jason¡¯s ward. I pushed the door open and swarmed an unsuspecting and very surprised looking Jason into a tight hug.


    I let myself sob openly on his shoulder for a few moments and then I looked up at him in rage.


    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± My voice shook. ¡°Leave me?¡±


    Realizing what I¡¯d just said, I added, ¡°And our daughter?¡±


    The corner of his eyes crinkled in sadness. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mel,¡± He croaked, still regarding me with shock.


    I wiped my eyes quickly and nodded. ¡°Just get better soon.¡±


    Without giving him a chance to reply, I flew out the door.


    What did I just do?

 The best day ever

    Jason Davenport


    I still wasn¡¯t sure what miracle had ured while I was unconscious.


    At first when I woke up, my first feeling was that of disappointment. I was disappointed that I had survived. Once again I¡¯d proved that I¡¯d always be a failure.


    But when Amelia had barged into my ward, a crying mess, and enveloped me in a hug, I thought I was dreaming.


    I still couldn¡¯t wrap it around my head but I was d for it. Whatever had happened, I prayed that it would stay that way.


    As I rxed my pounding head onto the pillow, my door swung open and I swallowed as I saw Adrian walk in.


    He stumbled awkwardly and took a seat beside me on the bed.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    For a while we sat there, not uttering a word to each other.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you do it?¡± Adrian finally whispered.


    I didn¡¯t need to ask to know what he was talking about.


    I took my time to gather myself. ¡°I guess¡­ I guess I was just tired of being such a failure¡­¡± I trailed off.


    Saying it brought fresh tears to my eyes but I was determined to not let them fall.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°You know,¡± Adrian started, sucking in a deep breath. ¡°Up until three days ago, I thought I hated you. I wanted you to go away, stop ruining the lives of everyone around you. At one point, I thought I wouldn¡¯t even care if you died.¡±


    A few moments of silence passed between us.


    ¡°And I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I looked up at him in surprise. ¡°What?¡± I breathed in disbelief.


    I really began to suspect I was actually dreaming. All of this couldn¡¯t possibly be happening, could it?


    ¡°I-I just¡­ we used to be best friends once. I knew you were struggling with PTSD because of your mom and all. I knew you were struggling, man¡­¡± He trailed off.


    ¡°Yeah, you did a terrible thing. I was shocked, angry, disappointed, and even a bit terrified of you. I never expected you to do such a terrible thing, Jason.¡±


    ¡°But then¡­¡± His voice broke. ¡°I watched you. I watched you struggle to be the person you are now. I watched you learn the ept all your mistakes, all your ws. That day when your dad took us out to that farm and I saw you¡­¡±


    Dad had done that?


    ¡°¡­ I felt so much respect for you. I¡¯d never seen you work for anything in your entire life. And there you were, working, sweating, earning to survive. And that was enough reason to show that you were changing.¡±


    ¡°That day when you came to Amelia¡¯s with those gifts. Those gifts you¡¯d bought with your hard earned money. I was¡­ I was startled. I was jealous.¡±


    I whipped my head up.


    Jealous?


    ¡°Yeah,¡± He nodded. ¡°I was envious of the man you were bing. I¡¯d never had to work for anything in my life. And you¡­ you didn¡¯t care that you were shabbily dressed, or that you smelled. You just want to right all your wrongs.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get into a fight with you just because I was sticking up for Amelia, it was also because you were everything I¡¯d dreamed of being; independent, strong, resilient. And I¡¯d gotten used to be the good boy. The better man, the gentleman, the sweet, mature one between us. And I was jealous.¡±


    ¡°I should have stuck up for you. I should¡¯ve acknowledged the fact that you were struggling. But I didn¡¯t. I looked on like an outsider. And Jason, I¡¯m so sorry-¡±


    Without letting him finish, I wrapped him in a hug. ¡°I was jealous of you, man. You were always so calm and easygoing. I wanted to be you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Adrian let out a guffaw in between sobs.


    I nodded,ughing. ¡°I was jealous of you and Amelia. Of everything. And I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    After we had sobbed quietly together, Adrian straightened up. ¡°I have to go now.¡±


    I could only nod.


    He wiped his tears with the back of his hoodie and gestured between our teary faces. ¡°This never happened.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I yed along.


    He shared a smile as he staggered up from the bed and out of the ward.


    Today was really the best day I¡¯d had in a truly long time.

 There’s something I have to tell you

    Jason Davenport


    It¡¯d been five days since I was discharged from the hospital. My head still hurt, but I¡¯d never felt better.


    Dad had convinced me toe back home and I¡¯d agreed, on the condition that I¡¯d keep working until I could afford to pay for college. And it¡¯d been going great.


    My friendship with Adrian was still a bit shaky but we were working things out. We¡¯d resumed our weekly hangout at my house to y either basketball or video games and it felt nice. Sometimes Amelia popped in to check on me but she never stayed for too long.


    ¡°Hey?¡± I shook Adrian as we both sat on my bed.


    He quickly tried to put his phone away and I eyed him suspiciously. ¡°Who are you texting?¡± I asked.


    He blushed. ¡°Um, no one?¡±


    I patted his back. ¡°Tell me everything, my friend.¡±


    An hourter, Adrian had narrated the love story that had sprung between himself and Dani Daniels and I stared at him in shock.


    ¡°Dani?!¡± I stage whispered, putting a hand to my mouth. ¡°Holy shit.¡±


    ¡°Wait, is she straight?¡± I whispered.


    Adrian shot me a death re. ¡°No! She¡¯s bisexual.¡±


    ¡°Ohh,¡± I nodded in understanding. ¡°Well it¡¯s great news. Why are you being so shady about it then?¡±


    He groaned and fell to the bed. ¡°We haven¡¯t told Mel about it yet. Although I have a feeling Benson might¡¯ve told her already.¡±


    I frowned.


    ¡°And Mel knowing is a problem?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Exin then.¡±


    Adrian rolled his eyes and shut them in thought. ¡°You know when two of your really good friends start dating? And then you start to feel weird and like a third wheel?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Well we don¡¯t want Mel to feel like that.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± I thought it through for a moment. ¡°So what if you¡¯re right, and Benson has actually told her already. What if she feels hurt? Thinking you guys are keeping it all a secret?¡±


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± He facepalmed. ¡°I never thought of it like that.¡±


    I patted his back. ¡°Just don¡¯t take too long to tell her, okay?¡±


    He nodded weakly as I shoved the controller into his hand and resumed our game.


    It was starting to get more and more lonely at home than I cared to admit. With Jason back, Ashley had to go back home and I was left alone with the baby.


    I dropped by once in a while check yo on Jason, but I never stayed long. I was still embarrassed about what I had said to Jason at the hospital the other day.


    I also noted that Jason and Adrian were back on track. It was nice to see. And surprisingly, it didn¡¯t hurt. Jason really needed a friend at this time and I guessed they finally talked it all out.


    As if on cue, Jason and Adrian walked down the stairs snickering about something.


    Jason offered me a small smile as our eyes met and without thinking, I returned it.


    What was wrong with me? I scolded myself. Maybe I needed to stoping here altogether.


    As if he could read my thoughts, Jason, took a seat beside me.


    ¡°Hey,¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I croaked, trying my best to avoid eye contact.


    ¡°Adrian told me about your Nana. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    I only nodded. Talking about it was upsetting for me.


    After a few minutes, he faced me again.


    ¡°So I was thinking, what so you think abouting here. To live with us?¡±


    What?


    I stared at him.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Everyone else had heard because they all stopped talking.


    For some reason I felt defensive. ¡°Why would I do that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Well, for the baby. It¡¯s not safe to be all alone.¡± He added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want your charity,¡± Ished out, still not exactly sure why I was angry.


    ¡°Amelia,¡± Ashley cooed. ¡°He¡¯s right. Plus you still haven¡¯t recovered from the stress of everything. It¡¯d be helpful to have some help around.¡±


    Adrian nodded, giving me a reassuring smile.


    ¡°And if you¡¯re notfortable after you get better, then¡­ then you can leave.¡±


    I looked at Jason. ¡°And you won¡¯t try to stop me?¡±


    I watched him struggle to swallow and then say, ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure why I felt a pang of disappointment when he said that but I only nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll move in then.¡±


    Ashley squealed, rocking back and forth.


    She quickly grabbed my arm. ¡°We¡¯ll have so much fun together.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t resist her contagious smile as Iughed along with her.


    I faded into the background as I watched Ashley run up the stairs to prepare my room, and Mr Davenport begin to n a feast for tonight.


    And for the first time in a while, I felt at peace.


    Involuntarily, I smiled.


    Maybe this wouldn¡¯t be so bad after all.


    As I rxed deep into thefortable furniture, I saw Adrian hesitate, contemting on whether to walk up to me or not. When he finally made up his mind, he walked up to me and took a seat beside me.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He asked.


    I knew he was only stalling but I yed along.


    Shrugging, I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet. I guess I¡¯ll just watch and see where it takes me.¡±


    He nodded, squeezing my hand reassuringly.


    We sat in silence for a while and then he asked, ¡°How¡¯s Nana?¡±


    I resisted the urge to re at him.


    He knew exactly how she was. We¡¯d both visited her yesterday afternoon. But still I yed along. ¡°She¡¯s doing great.¡±


    He nodded.


    I shot him a sideways nce. ¡°And how are you?¡± I asked, watching him carefully.


    He gave an unsteadyugh. ¡°Me? Um, yeah of course.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    Silently, I watched him struggle and fidget for about thirty minutes. And then I knew what I had to do.


    Rising to my feet, I smiled. ¡°I have to go now, I¡¯m really tired.¡±


    He regarded me silently, running his tongue over his bottom lip.


    ¡°Bye.¡±


    I counted to three in my head as I began to walk away.


    One.


    ¡°Mel!¡±


    I turned around innocently. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something I have to tell you.¡±

 You and the baby

    Amelia Forbes


    It had been a while since I¡¯d had the baby now. Two months precisely.


    I had so many dreams I had wanted to realize after high school, so much I wanted to do. But all that was gone now. At least for a while. In the beginning it had saddened me deeply. But now, all I wanted was to make sure my baby got everything she deserved, and then some more.


    Being a mother changes a lot. Everything, in fact. And I really love my baby, but in she¡¯s always crying, and it¡¯s even worse at night now. We finally went to the doctor a week ago and realized it was colic. Thank God.


    I said a silent prayer. If I¡¯m being honest, I don¡¯t think I could¡¯ve handled it alone. Especially with Nana gone.


    The thought of her brought tears to my eyes. She had passed away peacefully at the elderly home. And I missed her a lot. Every day I would imagine all the beautiful words she would¡¯ve used if she could talk.


    I thought of those times when she really was the only thing that kept me going most days. She was always so supportive of me, reminding me of strong woman I didn¡¯t realize I was, letting me know daily that whatever I was going through wasn¡¯t my fault,  and that the child I carried in my womb was going to be a blessing.


    Iughed out loud as I remembered that we still hadn¡¯t given her a name yet. Everyone just referred to her as ¡®The Baby¡¯.


    I guess I still haven¡¯t quite found the perfect one. After all, I didn¡¯t exactly n for this. Besides Jason doesn¡¯t want to suggest one, no matter how many times I asked him to. It was probably because he feels he might be intruding. But I think I would consider his suggestion. After all, he is the father.


    Living with the Davenports had turned out to be a lot nicer than I¡¯d anticipated. And with Nana gone, I truly had nowhere to go.


    But none of them everined. Mr Davenport had been nothing but kind to me and the baby. And Ashley was literally her second mother. I¡¯d grown to like Ashley quite a lot. And I¡¯d realized that there was more to her than just pink outfits and expensive stuff.


    Also, it was quite different living in a mansion. Unending lists of things to eat, so many rooms to tour, servants at your beck and call. Sometimes it got pretty tiring.


    Everything wasn¡¯t exactly perfect yet but Jason had been putting in so much effort into making sure I¡¯mfortable.


    He always said goodbye to me and the baby before he left for work in the morning. Sometimes he came back earlier than nned to make dinner for me.


    And he always made out time to spend with the baby whenever he could.


    Jason was usually gone most of the day these days. He had finally epted his dad¡¯s offer to work at the firm, on the condition that he got paid just like everyone else and without any special treatment.


    He had really stepped up his game, earning a sry and all, and I couldn¡¯t help but be proud of him.


    Some days, the thought of what happenedes into my head and then I can¡¯t help but be a little bitter and harsh toward him. He never takes it personally. I guess he understands that it¡¯ll take a lot of time for things to bepletely normal.


    I hoped we¡¯d eventually get there. For the baby¡¯s sake at least.


    Our therapist gives us a few exercises to try, and usually, it helps a little. But Jason and I both know it¡¯s going to take a lot more than talking to get things back to normal.


    After the kiss we shared in the kitchen, he¡¯d asked me out on a date, and casting my caution to the wind, I¡¯d said yes.


    We were actually going on the date this evening, and to be honest I was nervous. The thought of that first fake date he had taken me on shed through my head, but I tossed it, determined to enjoy bit of tonight.


    Admittedly, I was kind of nervous. Jason had only increased my anxiety when he sent a dress and a note to my room earlier today.


    It was an exquisite red dress. I grimaced. I¡¯m sure I¡¯d never worn anything this expensive before.


    And how did he know red was my favorite color?


    I suspected Benson though.


    The note, which was the most tension building part about everything, was torn open as soon as I got my hands on it.


    It read, ¡°you and the baby are everything to me¡±.


    I didn¡¯t hide the smile that creeped up my face this time.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

 Our forever has only just begun

    Amelia Forbes


    The day had gone by so fast and it was  already about time for our dinner date. Dani came over to help me get dressed. She and Adrian were open about their rtionship status now and they looked so good together I thought I would cry.


    She did my makeup too. I didn¡¯t look perfect because I still had a little bit of my tummy showing after the delivery, but Jason didn¡¯t care.


    Dani enveloped me in a tight hug as she saw me off to the limo.


    ¡°You look amazing, Ammie,¡± She whispered. ¡°Off you go. Be a good girl now.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I whipped around, eyes widening in embarrassment. But she only winked at me and stalked off.


    God, I loved to hate her.


    I didn¡¯t know where we were going, and no matter how many times I¡¯d asked, Jason wouldn¡¯t tell.


    Finally we arrived. He had set something up at one of the spots on the hill. There were lights and food, and even someone to y the violin.


    Again, how would he know I loved the violin?


    Benson.


    After about an hour of his weird jokes and a few stares both ways across the table, he asked me to walk with him.


    We approached the side of the hill, and whilst I was busy staring at the breathtaking sight, he held my hand and got down on both knees.


    My eyes widened in surprise.


    What was happening?


    I tried to control my breathing.


    Steady, Mel. Steady.


    ¡°Amelia,¡± He whispered, his eyes zing over. ¡°I don¡¯t deserve you, I really don¡¯t. And I¡¯m still not sure if you believe me, but I love you, with every fiber of my being. And it¡¯d be a dreame true to spend the rest of my life raising her. With you.¡±


    ¡°So please, if you would have me, marry me Amelia.¡±


    I stood speechless. I didn¡¯t know what to say. I was scared, worried, surprised. I didn¡¯t know how to react.


    But as I looked at Jason, bent on one knee and eyes zed over, I realized that we had more inmon than I thought. We had both been through a great deal of pain. And we¡¯de out stronger, braver than we¡¯d ever thought possible.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I whimpered.


    Jason stared at me in disbelief, the tears in his eyes encouraging mine. ¡°Yes?¡± He asked, still in disbelief.


    I gave a wateryugh. ¡°Yes. Yes I¡¯ll be your wife. Yes I¡¯ll have you, by my side, for the rest of my life. With our daughter.¡±


    Jason stared at me and buried his head in his hands. And for the first time, I saw him cry openly. Heart wrenching sobs emanated from his chest as he ced both hands above his head in disbelief.


    He quickly scrambled to his feet. ¡°You said yes?¡±


    I let out a loudugh and watched him dance around me in circles. His happiness was contagious.


    Finally he put the ring on my finger and kissed it.


    Now it was my turn to cry.


    Slowly, he tucked me in a bear hug and moved his hands to the back of my head, gently drawing me in and pressing his warm lips against my forehead head in a kiss.


    And for the first time in a long time, I actually felt something. Like I was whole again, like a part of something now. Suddenly, I had a family again, a child, and the future didn¡¯t seem so bleak anymore.


    ¡°I love you, Jason,¡± I whispered into his chest, not sure if he could hear me.


    The sharp intake of breath from his lips told me he¡¯d heard me, and I pretended not to notice as his chest heaved up and down in quiet sobs.


    I melted into his embrace and for a while, we stood there inpanionable silence.


    Daring myself to, I leaned in for a kiss.  Jason looked up wide eyed in surprise but he didn¡¯t pull away.


    His lips melded against mine in the first heated kiss we¡¯d ever shared. He swallowed and withdrew himself.


    ¡°Mel,¡± He whispered. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    I nodded.


    I was ready.


    Hungrily, he recaptured my lips between his, making me moan in pleasure when he ran his tongue over my bottom lip.


    When my left hand finally located the fly of his jeans, I squeezed his throbbing arousal, enjoying the wild, throaty sound that escaped his lips.


    In one swift motion, heid me down on the soft grass and began to caress me with his lips, his feathery touch sending tingles down my spine.


    My breath quickened as he trailed soft kisses from my cheeks down to the side of my neck.


    With his free hand, he slowly began to unzip my dress.


    My breath caught in my throat but I urged him on when he stopped, looking to me with concern filled eyes.


    I promised myself I wouldn¡¯t let any bad memories ruin this perfect day.


    Seeing the doubt in his eyes, I intertwined my fingers in his hair and pulled him to me, guiding his hand down my zip and into the dress.


    My body spasmed in pleasure when his big hands cupped my breasts. Gently, he squeezed, molding, teasing me.


    I arched my back when he began to withdraw his hand. ¡°Please,¡± I begged. ¡°Please don¡¯t stop.¡±


    ¡°Shhh,¡± He cooed, peeling the rest of my dress off. ¡°I¡¯m never hurting you again. I promise.¡±


    I could only nod.


    When he had taken every piece of clothing off me, he stared at me, his face worshipful.


    ¡°God, you¡¯re so beautiful,¡± He whimpered, leaning over and proceeding to kiss every inch of me.


    My center was soaked by the time he was through and this time I begged, my voiceing out in small sobs.


    I helped peel off his clothes as he spread my legs wide with lust filled eyes.


    I felt myself explode as he slowly entered me, thrusting gently, until I was wide enough to amodate him.


    The initial pain and fear faded as he took thrust after thrust, till he began to form a rhythm.


    I moaned deliciously in pleasure as I had my first orgasm, my body racking with tiny shocks as Jason simultaneously released, holding onto me for support.


    When it was over wey in the grass, hands intertwined and stared up at the moonlight. I told Jason about my dreams of going to space when I was a little girl, and he told me about the telescope his mother had gifted him once.


    We sat in sweet silence for sometime, ying with our fingers, and then Jason nudged me.


    ¡°Hey,¡± He smiled. ¡°I think Kam would be a beautiful name for our daughter.¡±


    Kam.


    I liked the sound of that.


    And so I nodded. ¡°I think Kam is perfect.¡±


    As we relinked our fingers, staring at the stars and wondering aloud what they could possibly mean, I realized that our forever had only just begun.


    THE END!


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!