Chapter 3 Amelia's pov

What do you mean I'm yours?" I asked, trying to sound braver than I felt.

Liam's gaze didn't waver. "You're my woman"

I swallowed hard, still trying to process the ease with which he killed my attackers than what he was saying about claiming me ."How did you...how did you do that?" I stuttered. Surely no one can snap a person's neck that hard

Liam's expression remained stoic. "My kind has been doing this for centuries."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "Your kind?" I repeated my voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's eyes seemed to bore into mine. "I'm a shifter, Amelia. A werewolf."

I stared at Liam, my mind racing. "You're a... Werewolf?" I repeated, trying to sound calm

Liam nodded, his expression serious.

I couldn't help it. I laughed nervously. "Well, I guess I've read too many paranormal romances. I didn't know they were recruiting from the pages of Twilight. Is that why you bought those books?"

Liam's expression didn't change. He didn't even crack a smile.

I trailed off, feeling awkward. "Wait, you're not kidding, are you?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly.

His eyes locked onto mine. "I'm not kidding, Amelia. Shifters are real. "

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "What? No, that's not possible. You're just messing with me."

My mind went blank. I couldn't process what he was telling me.

"So what does that mean for me" I asked squirming in my seat

"You are my mate"

I look at him to keep going but he doesn't

I stared at him, trying to process what he was telling me. "You're saying I'm your...mate?" I repeated, feeling a little silly.

He nodded, his eyes burning with intensity. "Yes, Amelia. You're my mate."

I shook my head, feeling a little overwhelmed. "I don't understand. What does that even mean?"

Liam's expression softened slightly. "As a human, you don't know much about our world, so allow me to guide you?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I shook my head again.

Liam took a deep breath. "Mates are...special. They're the ones we're meant to be with. And when we find them, we do everything to keep them safe."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. "And what does that mean for me?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

Liam's eyes locked onto mine. "It means you're mine now, Amelia. And I'll do everything to protect you but I need you to come with me."

I swallowed hard, feeling a little scared. "And what if I don't want to be yours?" I asked, trying to sound brave.

Liam's expression turned dominant. "You don't have a choice, Amelia. You're mine. And I'll wait for your decision to come with me, you have three days"

I felt a surge of fear mixed with something else...something that felt almost like excitement. "I...I don't know," I stammered.

Liam's eyes narrowed. "Don't make me come looking for you, Amelia. You won't like it, settle your issues within that time "

The finality in his tone left me speechless.

I hesitated, unsure of what to say. But then I remembered my friend's calls and texts. "I need to go home," I said firmly. "It's late, and my friend has been trying to reach me."

I showed him my phone, the screen filled with missed calls and texts from Eva. Liam's expression softened, and he nodded. "Fine. Go home. But think about what I said, Amelia. I'll be waiting to hear from you."

I nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. "Okay... I'll think about it."

I stood up to leave and he called my name "Amelia?" goddammit why does his voice affect me so much

I turned to look at him. "Yes?"

His eyes locked onto mine. "You are mine now. Don't forget that."

I hurry home as if it will give me the most protection and comfort, I walk in and see my door unlocked. Fuck common!! This is enough drama for one day. Another intruder?

I bring out my pepper spray and stealthily open the door planning to spray whoever the intruder was

But instead of a burglar, I was greeted by the sight of Eva, standing in my kitchen clad, wearing nothing but an apron, holding a pancake in her mouth and a glass of wine in her hand.

I dropped the pepper spray, relieved. "Eva, seriously? Why is the door unlocked?"

Eva pulled the pancake out of her mouth, grinning. "Oh, I waited for you! We were supposed to discuss the book club stuff, and I got bored, so I let myself in."

I raised an eyebrow. "You let yourself in?"

Eva shrugged. "Why not? Your house is my house, anyway."

I rolled my eyes. "Not really, Eva."

Eva pouted. "Fine, but I'm sleeping over tonight. I dumped that nerd, and I need some excitement in my life."

I sighed, too tired to argue. "Eva, I'm exhausted. Can we talk about this in the morning?"

Eva's expression changed from playful to concerned. "Girl, what's up? You don't look good at all."

I collapsed onto the couch, and Eva sat down beside me. "It's just been a really weird day," I said, taking a deep breath.

And then I told her everything - the attack, Liam, the whole wolf shifter thing. Eva listened, wide-eyed, as I spilled out the entire story.

When I finished, Eva looked at me like I'd lost my mind. "Girl, you need a drink." Eva offered me her signature cocktail but I refused

Eva's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Girl, you're telling me he's saying you should come with him in three days? That's some deep, dark romance right there. Follow him ASAP!"

I rolled my eyes, trying to be cautious. "Eva, don't say that. I don't even know him. How am I supposed to just follow a stranger?"

Eva chuckled. "Oh, come on. You're not going to let a little thing like caution hold you back, are you?"

I sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "Eva, this is serious. And what if I don't go with him? It feels like he's going to come and get me anyway."

Eva's grin faltered for a moment, but then she recovered. "Girl, you're so dramatic. If you don't want him, can I have him? I could use some spice in my life."

I threw a pillow at her. "Eva, you're not helping."

She laughed. "Sorry, sorry. Get some sleep, girl. We'll think about this tomorrow."

I nodded, feeling exhausted. As I walked to my room, I noticed a black rose on my bed. I frowned, wondering who could have put it there.

I picked up my phone and saw a text from an unknown number. I opened it, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Hey, Amelia. It's Arlo. I'm back in the country, and it's time we catch up. It's been far too long. Let's schedule a meet-up soon"I've missed you."

There was something about the text that felt...off. , the exhaustion is getting to me, I collapse on my bed and pass out deciding to reply to Arlo tomorrow.