The alpha gave us further instructions and then I learned that Kendrick and I will be together in the neighboring town for one year and will just visit Ravenwoods on important gatherings. It was, I think, five hundred miles away or so. Part of the package as well was to study together in the same University.

After the alpha had instructed, he and his wife went back to the Manor together. Loraine went to her pack house as well. Then it was Kendrick, me and Drake.

“We’re leaving now.” I muttered to Drake.

He just nodded although I could see the sadness in his eyes. In a fast motion, I grabbed Drake in his shoulders and kissed him in the cheek. “Bye.” I said. I didn’t know what has gotten into me but I just did it and it kind of felt good.

Well, he is definitely my crush.

It completely took him off guard and I just laughed, ignoring Kendrick. When I noticed that he was just staring at me, I looked away and said, “What are we waiting for?” I asked.

He silently get on his bike. I didn’t wait for him to tell me to hop in. I just did it and waved one more time to Drake. And if I wasn’t quick enough to grasp on to the seat, I would’ve fallen. Well, the douche who was driving the bike just sped up without saying a word.

I rolled my eyes.

I tried my hardest not to have body contact with Kendrick during the ride but it was hard given by the fact that the seat intended for me, was small enough also our back packs were placed on each side of the bike just behind leaving me little space and now I am stuck on Kendrick’s back. Yet I was trying my best to get away from it because I really feel the heat emanating from his body and it’s only a matter of time before I lose my self-control given by the fact that his hooded leather jacket didn’t even helped in enclosing his scent which was draping all over me.

For no particular reason, he suddenly stepped on the brakes that took me by surprise. Due to Newton’s first law, I was sandwiched between him and the backpacks. Good thing I was able to grab onto him otherwise, I would’ve flown from the bike and brushed over the concrete road with broken limbs.

I automatically distanced myself away. “What was that for?” I asked furiously. “If you want to die just let me know because I don’t have plans to die just yet. Or if you want me dead, you should have told me earlier so that we won’t bother getting here-“

“Shut up!” He snapped.

What the hell is wrong with him?

I disembarked from the bike. “You know what, I really don’t understand you. What is it with me that you are so angry of? I mean, you are so good to everyone but me. If you are so angry with me being gay then it’s not my problem anymore. And you are right, this whole thing won’t work. So let’s stop pretending and go back to Ravenwoods and stop wasting our time.” I said and grabbed my backpack and started walking back.

“Where the fuck are you going?” He asked angrily as he jumped off from his bike.

“I’m going home, don’t you see?” I answered sarcastically.

“Really? Are you really going home or you just want to stay with Drake? Is that it? Huh?” He shouted.

I spun around to face him. “So, it’s all about Drake?” I snapped. “You are so pissed off because I was with Drake. Is that it? You are mad because I didn’t follow your stupid condition?” I asked. “I don’t see any reason for you to tell me to stop seeing Drake. He is a good person, unlike you!”

“Damn it! Damn it all! You fucking kissed him!” I was caught off guard with his words.

I swallowed. “W-what is it with you?” I gaped at him. By the look on his expression, he is furious. “Did it disturb you? Well, it was just a goodbye kiss so there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“You kissed a man!” he snapped and walked towards me with heavy steps.

I willed myself not to, but my foot is so stubborn that it took a step back. Ugh. I should not be afraid of him. I should not! I placed my foot back on its original position and faced him. “So? I am single, I can do whatever I want. If you’re angry because it disgust you then it’s your problem, not mine.” I said.

“You are single?” He asked. “Let me remind you that your mate is standing in front of you.”

What?

“Excuse me?” I snapped. “Well, let me remind you too that you rejected me. So it simply means that I am free of whatever I wanted.” He’s bringing this up? Hah!

He grabbed a hold of my shoulders and the moment he touched me I shivered and then the pain followed. “Hey let go of me.”

He brought his face closer to mine. “What’s mine is mine.” He said every word full of indignation. He then pulled me back towards his bike.

His words left me flummoxed that I wasn’t even able to resist nor to react when he made me sat back behind him in his bike. He took my backpack and put it back in place.

What does he mean by that? Does he have feelings for me after all? Or was it just because I’m his personal healer that he doesn’t want me to be tainted with homo actions?

My heart was beating loud inside my chest as I stared at his head. His hood has fallen back because of our confrontation and his nape was in full view. Even in his back, he looks handsome. His broad shoulders are dependable.

Why are you so difficult to understand Kendrick?

I never noticed that we have arrived until he spoke which was rather unpleasant to hear, by the way. “Unless you still want to hug me from behind, you can get off now because we have arrived.”

My blood boils with his words. “Excuse me? I’m not even touching you? And if it wasn’t for the small space, I would not even try to get close to you.” I snapped and got off from his Ducati.

I rolled my eyes and turned my back from him. And for a moment, I forgot that I’m angry with Kendrick when my sight was caught by a large Victorian style house in front of me. It was huge with fence made of some foliage. And they’ve got cute flowers too.

Albeit the house needs repainting, it’s really beautiful as whole. It was situated in a place with large trees. There was even a small garden. The place is so peaceful but I could see few neighboring houses a hundred meters away.

Kendrick parked his Ducati inside and I followed him towards the main door. He produced a key and inserted it. I was welcomed with scent of oranges and wood when he opened the door. He stepped in but before I could follow he faced me and said “First rule, don’t leave this house.”

He stared at me. “Second rule, no shifting-“

“Wait, we’re having rules again?” I asked.

“My house, my rules.” He muttered.

“Your house?”

“Yes.” He said and turned to walked. He just a step but he turned to face me again. “Last rule, don’t talk to strangers.” He muttered.

I just rolled my eyes. I can’t believe this guy.

I was not able to admire the beauty of the house because Kendrick’s stupid rules ruined my mood. Does he want me to rot in here?

“That’s your room.” He pointed at the second room at the second floor. And without a word I headed there. I don’t want to talk to him for a moment.

The room was huge. Good thing it has plenty of books. A huge bed was alongside the wall and beside the side table was a huge window.

I slumped on the bed with exhaustion and frustration. So this is where I’m going to live with the douche Kendrick and it would seem like I’m going to be confined here for the rest of my life.

But thinking about it, it seemed okay. After all, Kendrick is my mate. I could live with that. On the other hand, I would just be in pain seeing my mate close yet so far. Unreachable.

I sighed.

I haven’t realized that I have fallen asleep until I heard a loud knock.

“Yes?” I said and then yawned.

“I’m heading out. There’s food in the fridge if you’re hungry and don’t go out.” He said on the other side and I could hear his steps moving away.

“Geez. How come he could go out and I couldn’t?” I stood and changed my clothes while muttering about the unfairness of Kendrick Immanuel Hayes.

I decided to go down and headed towards the dining room. I opened the fridge and found a sandwich. I grabbed one and was about to eat when I heard rustling outside.

I stood in silence and listened. It came again and I realized it came from the backyard. I opened the door and realized that there was a bunch of orange trees outside and standing beside one was a man pulling out fruits. By the looks of the fruits clutched by his left arm against his body, he seemed to have taken a plenty.

Clearly, he was surprised upon seeing that he was busted. He was absolutely stealing! And since it was already nightfall, I couldn’t make out his features yet added with the faint light coming from the inside.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to barge in.” The man spoke as he stepped closer into the light. “I thought nobody is still around here so I took the liberty of taking some of the oranges. I thought it’s a waste to just let them rot.” He explained then his face come into view.

Although it was clearly trespassing and stealing, he seemed to have a point and I would have told the man that it’s fine. But the moment I saw his face, I was stunned.

“Oh, I didn’t expect it to be you.” He said as he smiled and went closer.

I stepped back. “Well, I didn’t expect it to be you as well,” I swallowed, “Tyler.”