It has been a week since the day he asked for me to give him a chance. Well, I have been giving him every chance he could have but all I get is disappointment. He is still the same Kendrick that I have known. Cold and aloof-at least for me.

I don’t know if he’s still going to keep up to his words but seeing him right now laughing with his friends, completely oblivious to my presence, I couldn’t help but think that we are not going to work out.

I stood from the table and walked out of the cafeteria. He didn’t even notice that I left. I rolled my eyes. What kind of mate is he?

“Mind to give me that?” Someone said that caught me by surprise.

I didn’t realize that I reached the locker section until someone spoke. And when I finally focused, I figured, it was Tyler, grinning like an idiot. He was leaning on a locker with his arms crossed. Had I known he was studying in this university too, I would’ve chosen another one. But it was too late.

I looked at the burger in my hand. I already lost my appetite when Kendrick totally ignored me after his friends came inside the cafeteria. I shoved it to Tyler. “You’re welcome.” I said sarcastically and pushed him aside since it was my locker he was leaning in.

He chuckled.

“What?” I muttered as I took my bag out of the metal box.

“It was not the burger I was referring to.” He said.

“And what is it?” I asked.

“I meant your body.” He whispered right beside my left ear which made me cringe.

“Will you stop that?” I hissed.

He just laughed.

I walked away rolling my eyes. “I will have you one of these days.” He shouted.

And Tyler is officially back.

…

I heard Kendrick’s car arriving. It was a good timing since I already set the table for dinner. I composed myself because just the sound of his footsteps got me out of my bearings.

“Dinner’s ready.” I said when he got in.

He just gave me a quick smile. “Nah, I ate already.” He said and walked straight into his room.

I stared blankly into the wall for a moment and then snapped out of it.

I noticed that he’s been lenient with his imposed rules. I can go out whenever I want to. I can talk to whomever I want to. It seems he doesn’t care anymore.

Just the thought of it, hurts. And every day, I notice that he is drifting away. And this scheme, this “living together” thing, is just some obligation he has to fulfill. I can’t blame him though. He doesn’t want this in the first place. He is just another werewolf stuck in a curse and the will of the moon. Maybe if Raven didn’t set a curse, Kendrick might have a different path and a different mate.

I know that even without this mate thing, I already have feelings for him. But to him, it’s only the mate bond that make him feel attached to me. Without it, I am just a mere individual of no particular use.

I stood from the table and put the untouched food in the fridge and decided to have a walk outside. After all the night is beautiful. I was only a few meters away when I felt that sensation in my chest again. I don’t have to look what it is. It only means one thing-Kendrick.

I rushed back into the house and saw him leaning on the door of his room. He was sweating a lot. Without a word, I grabbed his left hand and supported him back into his bed. The contact of our skin, made mine glow. And his expression seemed relieved.

“Thanks.” He muttered as he stared at me.

“It’s fine.” I said and looked away. After that session, I went out of the room immediately. I almost lost my control. My wolf is protesting. But I cannot let my feelings win over me. Because it would be even more painful if he rejects me again.

…

“Someone will ride with us today. Kendrick muttered as he descended the stairs that morning. “Is it okay if we will take a different route to the school?” He asked.

“No, it’s okay. I decided to have a walk today anyway.” I said and took my backpack.

“You sure you’ll be fine?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I said and put a smile for effect.

He just stared.

“So, I’ll go ahead.” I said and walked out the door. I just wanted to be alone. I want myself to get used without him. And this is a start.

I have been reading some books and figured that there is something that could break the curse. That way, Kendrick won’t suffer and won’t need me anymore. He could have a life of his own. And I could have mine. It is painful, I know, but it is better than living with him when it seems like I’m still alone and nothing but a healer.

“Figured I’d find you here.” Tyler said as he laid a blanket and sat beside me.

I didn’t bother looking down from the book I was reading. “Well, I was even hoping that you’ll never find me.” I said sarcastically.

“Hmm. This school grounds might be wide enough and studded with people, but remember this, I will always find you.”

That made me peeked at him. Then I saw him staring at me.

I took a deep sigh. “Tyler. Whatever your problem is, please leave me out of it.”

“Oh Allen,” He spoke rather comically and then gestured to the air, “all of my problems are gone whenever I’m with you.”

I rolled my eyes. “Really.” I muttered. “Why?”

“Seems like it still does not sink into your mind. But I will never get tired of telling you.” He grinned then immediately got serious. “I love you Allen, that’s why.”

If only.

I laughed at him.

“Fine, laugh at me. But one day, you will realize that you need me too.” He said.

“Okay then, I’ll give you a chance. Only if you do whatever I want you to do.” I said. I figured if I only think of Kendrick I’ll get stressed every time. Why not have some fun? Right?

Tyler’s face was so funny to look at. If I only had a camera.

“R-Really?” He stammered.

So even guys stammer huh?

“You don’t want it?” I asked.

“Of course I want it!” He said. “Only if you let me kiss you every time you-”

“Never mind.” I said, cutting his words then packed my things and started walking towards the old hallway.

“What? No way. No taking back.” He protested while packing his things quickly.

“I was just joking.” I said biting my lip trying to suppress a laugh. I’ve gone evil here.

And I saw Tyler frowning, and my laughter came out. But it was a mistake to laugh. I forgot, who Tyler was. He was my bully. And I forgot how he pressed me against the locker and harassed me. I forgot how strong he was.

In a swift motion, he pulled me close to him with his left arm around my waist and his right, cupping my face. He is so close that I could feel his breaths against my face; he is so close that I could see the tiny pores in his skin; he is so close that I noticed when his lips slightly parted; he is so close that his gaze felt intense.

“Now, say it again.” He demanded with a low voice.

I swallowed. Dang, why did I get into this in the first place? “T-The what?” Arrgh. And it’s my turn to stutter. Now it’s a lesson for you Allen.

“About giving me a chance.” He said then tighten his hold around me. And I am actually pressed against him now.

“I was just joking.” I said and looked away.

He tilted my head. “Look at me.” He muttered.

“No. And please let go of me now.” I said.

He took a deep breath then suddenly, he gave me a kiss in the cheek-no he gave me a kiss in the left corner of my lips that surprised me.

“Next time, don’t joke like that. Because I would never hesitate to do it.” He said then released me.

I walked ahead. “Sorry.” I muttered.

I heard him sighed. “By the way,” he started, “when did your eyes become blue? Or was it blue in the very beginning?” He asked.

“It was…I was wearing contact lenses during high school because I got an eye problem. And now, it’s fine so no contact lenses.” I lied.

“Really?” He asked when he kept up with me. “I thought I knew everything about you. I never knew you wore contacts.”

“So you were memorizing every detail of me during high school?” I asked.

“Kind of.” He shrugged then laughed. “If you just knew my struggle.”

I looked at him. “Struggle? You don’t know how I struggled every day because of you.”

He scratched his head. “Well, it was the only way to get close to you.”

“Well you could just ask.” I said. If you did, you might have found out that I have the same feelings for you too.

But that was back then when Kendrick’s path never crossed with mine.

…

I was getting dragged. And no matter how hard I try to break free, his grasp gets tighter.

“No. Please. I need to see him.” I kept pleading. But he doesn’t seem to hear me. He was angry.

He opened the chamber door and threw me inside. “No!” I shouted while tears began to fall.

“Stay here until you realize that all of it is wrong!” He said in a deep tone, full of authority.

“But father, please. I love him!” I shouted. “I cannot live without hi-“ my words were cut with a loud slap in my face. It was painful. I can’t believe my father hit me.

He took a deep breath. I knew he was restraining himself. He turned around without another word and left, slamming the door after him.

And I was enveloped in darkness.

All I could do was cry.

And a loud howl reverberated around the village. Raven. My heart leaped.

I stood and went to the door. And suddenly I heard screams. I tried to shift but it’s no use. They did something to me that separated me from my wolf. If I could only shift, I will be able to get out of here.

I heard another howl. It’s Raven, he was looking for me.

Wait for me. I tried kicking the door. And it didn’t even budge.

You have to get out of here Arthur. Think! Think!

I tried to hit the door again but still no luck and yet I kept on doing it even if my shoulders hurt.

Arthur. Arthur, where are you?

I heard another howl. He was calling me.

“I am here.” I screamed. “I am here Raven!” I screamed again and tears fell again. But I have to be strong.

“At all cost, do not let him get near the chambers!” I heard my father screamed followed by a loud growl.

He knew that I am here. I have to get out. I have to.

“Please. I just wanted to be with him.” He pleaded to my father.

“A person like you don’t deserve to be an alpha, much more a werewolf. You brought this madness in our pack. You poisoned the mind of my child, and you have the nerve to come here?”

“Arthur is my mate and I love him!” Raven said desperately.

“Preposterous!” My father exclaimed and I heard a slap. I knew he hit Raven with the back of his hand just like what he did to me.

Then I heard my father said. “Kill him.”

I gasped with what I heard and I took every strength I had and the door flung open as it was thrown a few meters away

I saw Raven in his human form, kneeling.

“Dad! No!” I screamed.

My father saw me. “Hold him!” He ordered his sentinels who immediately rushed towards me and held me. I tried to break free but they are just too strong.

“No!” I screamed again. And Raven looked up. Our eyes locked.

“Arthur.” He uttered and started to stand.

“What are you waiting for? Kill him!” My father shouted at one of his sentinels who was holding the quicksilver coated spear.

“But alpha,” The sentinel was reluctant. “He’s the heir of the-“

“You coward!” my father snapped and took the spear then raised it to hit Raven.

“No! Raven, run!” I screamed.

“You have no place here.” My father, with one swift motion, struck the spear towards Raven.

My heart beat was so loud. I have to break free.

I just heard myself let out a lout growl and I ran as fast as I could towards Raven.

But I didn’t make it.

I fell. The pain is just so unbearable. I shifted back into human form and I cannot move.

I lay there naked with the spear pierced at my back. Everyone was so silent. I can’t hear a thing and my vision is getting blurry.

And suddenly, a cry of pain coming from Raven reverberated throughout the forest of the south.

“Arthur!” He ran through me. “No. Please stay with me.” He said as he pulled me towards him and then he cupped my face. He was crying.

I managed to smile. “I-I’m g-glad you’re safe.” I said and found it hard to speak. It’s as if, something is blocking my throat. And I coughed. Then I realized it was blood.

“No. Don’t say that. Stay with me, please.” He said as he got his face closer to mine.

And then I heard another cry. It was my mother. “Arthur!”

But I cannot even move now to look at where she was. I coughed another time.

“R-Raven, I love you.”

“I love you too, Arthur. Don’t leave me, please.”

I smiled. “Live on.”

…

Someone was shaking me and I woke up from the bad dream.

“Hey. You’re dreaming.” I figured it was Tyler.

I stared at him then I was taken aback when he cupped my face. I never knew I was crying until he thumbed my tears away.

“Hush now.” He uttered as he pulled me towards him.

When I finally recovered. I pulled myself away from him. “Thanks.” I muttered.

“A very bad dream huh.”

“Yeah.” I sighed. I stared around and found out that I fell asleep at the couch waiting for Kendrick to get home so we could eat dinner together.

He’s still not here huh. I sighed. “How did you get inside?” I faced Tyler with a questioning look.

“Uh, your backdoor is open so..”

“So you took advantage?”

“Um, it’s not like that. But hey, if I haven’t got it, you might still be having that nightmare.” He said.

He’s right. I sighed again. I stared at the food above the table. “Will you eat with me?” I asked him.

And he’s smile was so wide. “It would be my pleasure.”

Tyler isn’t so bad after all.