Bound by a Dangerous Fate to my Student: The Prophecy

Sarah's pov

If love came with a refund policy, I would be the first to cash in. No, scratch that-I would kick down the door and demand every penny back, no questions asked.

Here I was, sitting in the darkest corner of the club, tucked away from the sweaty mess of bodies moving to the beat like it was their last night on earth.

But I wasn't here to dance. I sat with my third bottle of... honestly, I didn't even know what it was. The label didn't matter. The burn in my throat was nothing compared to the wildfire in my chest.

My mind kept dragging me back to that moment-Joshua, my fiancé, the man I swore my world revolved around, sleeping with another woman in the very bed that was supposed to be ours very soon.

Their moans still echoed in my head like a broken record I could not turn off.

They say, "Everything happens for a reason." Whoever came up with that lie deserves to have this bottle hurled straight at their head. If that saying is true, then I must be the exception. No way am I giving that cheating brat another second of my life.

That was why I left there unnoticed without a word, because there was nothing to say. No explanation would have mattered.

I loved him. Stupid, naive love that makes you think you are special just because he says so. He promised me the world, and I believed him like a fool. But love doesn't stand a chance against betrayal.

I took another swig, eyes fixed on the chipped edge of the table.

My vision blurred-not from the alcohol but from tears. They were older than tonight. They were the kind that had been waiting for an excuse to fall. And now, they had one.

"Well, well, someone looks like they need a little company."

The voice was slick, coated in arrogance, and close. Too close.

I glanced up to see a man leaning against the table, grinning. His eyes lingered on me like I was something to consume.

"Not interested," I muttered, turning away.

"Aw, don't be like that, sweetheart." His fingers trailed too close to my arm, and I yanked it away.

"Bet I can make you forget whatever's got you looking so sad." He added.

I clenched my jaw as he leaned in, his breath brushing against my ear.

"Bet you are a wild one when you are not acting all tough," he chuckled.

That was it.

Instinctively, my hand grabbed the cold glass in front of me, and before I knew it, the drink was in his face.

"You looked like you needed a shower," I snapped at him, a smirk playing on my face.

Gasps and laughter erupted around us as the man stumbled back, wiping his eyes and cursing.

His wet hair clung to his forehead, his face twisted in rage.

I stayed seated, my eyes locked on his, letting him feel every inch of the contempt I had for him.

His face twisted into a sneer, wiping the alcohol from his eyes.

"You just made a mistake, lady," he growled.

"And you'll regret it."

"You think you are tough now, huh? Watch your back, sweetheart. You'll regret this. I assure you that." He added.

He then stomped off, the crowd parting for him like waves around a storm.

Afterwards, I sat back, eyes straight ahead, letting the burn in my chest settle into something colder, harder.

The satisfaction of what I had done to him didn't even come close to easing the pain in my heart that I had planned to tonight as my mind kept drifting back to Joshua.

"You are so dumb to believe in 'forever' with any man or anyone in this city, especially after everything you've done." I cursed myself under my breath.

I had thought Joshua was different, especially after he promised to love me for who I am, despite my past-the same past that caused my mother to disown me and kept anyone from getting close in this city. But it was all a lie. I was so stupid to believe him. It was like I had just proven to myself that I didn't deserve anything good or any kind of excitement in life that made it worth living.

I was still lost in my thoughts when someone sat down beside me. I didn't notice at first, too consumed by the spiral of my own mind, until I felt a shift on the cushion that I glanced up.

I was surprised to see that the person was a boy, barely eighteen, with fluffy brown hair that looked soft like the kind you'd want to run your fingers through if you were not so tired of people.

Slowly, I scanned him from head to toe. His golden-brown eyes seemed to glow under the dim club lights, and I could not help but notice his muscular shoulders. He was wearing a black leather jacket over a plain white T-shirt, paired with jeans and black boots.

I hate to admit it, but any girl his age would probably fall for him-he was that good-looking.

"You are handling this all wrong," he said casually, like we were old friends, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I scrunched my face. "Excuse me?"

He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. "The guy you poured that drink on? Not worth it, honestly. You should have broken the glass on his head instead. That sounds a clearer message."

I blinked. "What?"

He ignored my confusion.

"But you are not really mad at him, are you? You've been sitting here too long for that. I've been observing you for a few minutes now. You are definitely mad at someone. You would not be trying to drown yourself in alcohol if you were not." He glanced at me like he already knew the answer.

"It's a man, isn't it?"

I didn't answer, though I was shocked by how he guessed it right.

"Yeah, it's a man," he said, a grin tugging at his lips.

"Only a man can wreck someone this bad."

I turned away.

I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of being right.

"Did he break your heart?"

My gaze snapped to him instantly. "Mind your business, kid!"

He sat back, his eyes never leaving mine. "But it is my business. Only fools break the hearts of women like you. People like that needs to be taught a lesson."

That caught me off guard.

I glanced at him, brows raised.

"What does he know about women like me?" I thought to myself.

"You are wasting emotions on a man who isn't even worthy of your anger," he murmured, leaning forward.

His breath was warm against my ear to snap me out of my thoughts.

"But if you tell me his name, I'll make him wish he never met you." He added, smirking.

I gave him a glare.

"What, so you can play hero?" I scoffed.

"Spare me."

He chortled.

"Hero? Nah." He chuckled.

"Since he broke your heart, I want to break him. I'm really good at destroying people. It's only fair, right?"

My breath caught in my throat immediately.

"Come on, just give me a name." He pressed.

"It's like writing his name on a birthday card. Except I'll be the one delivering the surprise."

I snorted, shaking my head. "Sure, kid. Run along and play with people your own age."

To my surprise, he leaned in closer again, his smile gone, replaced by cold eyes. "Tell me his name, and I'll make him bleed."

His voice dropped lower, sending shivers down my spine. "I'll give him nightmares that don't end when he wakes up. I'll tear him apart, limb by limb, piece by piece, until he begs for the pain to stop-so much so that even his reflection won't recognise him once I'm done with him."

My breath hitched as I stared at him in shock, my mind echoing, "What did he just say?!"

"Still not talking?" he said, sitting back again, eyes flicking over me like I was a puzzle he was halfway done solving.

"Well, I won't leave until you tell me his name." He insisted.

This boy is insane!

But I had had enough. I figured the alcohol was giving him the nerve to approach me, even though he didn't seem drunk at all. He probably thought his looks and cocky attitude would get him somewhere, since some women might have fallen for it.

I shot him a glare. "Listen, kid, go find your friends and go play somewhere else."

A kid like him should not even be allowed in here.

"Leave," I repeated, my voice firmer this time.

"I don't deal with underage kids."

His lips twitched, curling into a sly smile.

"Underage?" He chuckled.

"You think I'm underage?" He leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine.

"I turned eighteen two months ago. Besides,

I've done things grown men wouldn't survive," he smirked.

"Good for you," I shot back, my patience snapping.

"Still, you are not my age. Go celebrate with people your own age."

His voice dropped low. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Because you're mine and I'm yours," he replied when I asked him why.

My breath caught in my throat as my eyes widened in shock. "What did you just say?"

He sighed. "Let me just break it down for you."

"I'm your mate."

My heart stopped instantly.

"What?" I whispered in disbelief and in confusion.

Sarah's POV

I could not believe my ears as my mind transformed into a storm of conflicting thoughts. I had long given up on the idea of meeting my mate, even though it was believed that it was inevitable-that one way or another, fated mates would cross paths.

I was told that my mate would be the key to curing the chronic illness I had been living with since I was eighteen, according to a healer. However, the news came with a devastating prophecy: I would die within seven years if my mate didn't mark me. Now, I had only two years left. Two short years before the countdown to my death would hit zero-a fate I had already accepted. Until tonight.

Joshua didn't know any of this. This made me wonder sometimes if that made me selfish, knowing I would have left him a widower in the end. But I guess life spared him from that mess.

I should have been thrilled, since meeting my mate would change everything, right? But instead, all I felt was the sting of disappointment because the person who was supposed to save me turned out to be nothing more than a kid. And not just a kid, but a jokester.

"What?" He scoffed, our eyes still locked with each other as he snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Don't tell me you believe that."

My brows furrowed in confusion immediately by his utterance.

A smirk tugged at his lips. "Come on, I was just messing with you. I'm not even supernatural."

"And if I was-and somehow fated to you-then whoever's in charge of that must really hate me." He scoffed.

I locked eyes with him instantly, jaw tight, fists clenched, my whole body brimming with barely contained rage.

I didn't say a word. Just hissed under my breath and stormed out of the club.

If I stayed, I knew I would lose control and cause a scene-something I had no intention of doing again.

"He's not even the one to blame. That was all on me." I muttered as I pushed through the crowd, bodies pressing in on all sides.

"How could I have been dumb enough to believe someone like him could be my mate?" I cursed myself.

But even as I reached a quiet, dimly lit corner near the bar, where the moonlight barely touched, I could not shake the anger burning in my chest. He had no idea how close he had come to pushing me past my breaking point.

I had no idea he was following me until I heard footsteps echoing behind me and turned to find out that it was him.

"What does this dumb kid want from me?" I muttered under my breath as I continued walking.

"His name, sweetheart," he said, like he had heard what I said.

"I'm not about to let him have his cake and eat it too," he added.

That was it. I had had enough of his nonsense.

I spun around, my face set in a cold glare-whether he could see it or not did not matter.

"If you don't back off and stop following me right now, you'll regret it." My voice was also cold.

However, his face gave nothing away, unreadable as ever as he stepped closer, closing the space between us. His hands slid casually into his pockets like he had all the time in the world.

A smirk curled on his lips. "I'd like to see you try, sweetheart."

"Fine," I muttered, ready to summon the power building in my chest.

My fingers tingled with energy, ready to strike. But before I could, a dangerous and low voice cut through the air.

"You really thought you'd just walk away after that? No one leaves my mark unpaid."

I was shocked to see that it was the guy I had thrown my drink on earlier.

He stepped out from the shadows like a predator with a menacing grin, from the same direction the boy and I had come from.

"Leave now. You are going to regret this if you don't." My voice was firm.

But he didn't stop. Instead, his grin widened unnaturally. His teeth then sharpened, jagged like shards of broken glass fused into fangs. His dull brown eyes flickered, shifting into a molten gold glow that pulsed with wild energy.

That was when it hit me that he was a panther shifter. That cocky arrogance should have tipped me off.

But instead of fear, a dark smile tugged at my lips. Panther shifters were not exactly the most difficult opponents to handle, unlike werewolves. If anything, this could be fun. A perfect way to work off the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

I was ready for action before a sudden metallic clang behind me made my heart jolt.

I whipped around, and there they were-two more panther shifters perched on the dumpsters behind me.

Their eyes gleamed with the same molten gold as their acquaintances, ready for action.

"I believe you all are gentlemen; why don't we solve this amicably and avoid violence? This beautiful lady clearly pissed one of you off, but come on, let's just pretend it didn't happen and move on, okay?" the boy said, curling his lips into a smirk.

I scoffed, biting back a laugh. He was clearly clueless about the danger he was in. Either he was high, drunk, or just plain stupid, because no human in their right mind would act this oblivious with panther shifters around.

Without a word, the panther shifters began to shift. Their faces stretched and twisted grotesquely, their noses elongating into sharp snouts as the sound of crunching bones filled the space.

But before they could fully shift, I clenched my fists, channelling every ounce of strength within me.

In one swift motion, my hands shot forward, sending the guy I had thrown the drink on flying to collide with his acquaintances, sending all three crashing to the ground.

Shock and disbelief were written all over their faces as I turned toward them.

"A witch?" One of them gasped, his golden eyes flashing with disbelief.

"No way," the other whispered.

A satisfactory smile plastered on my face because fear always made predators sloppy.

"You think you can handle me and my friends?" The guy I had poured drink on sneered.

"You are just a newbie witch," he added.

They snarled, their faces twisting as they began to shift again, this time completing the transformation.

But before they could make another move, I stopped them with a single thought. And with a snap of my fingers, I broke their necks in an instant, their bodies hitting the ground with a thud.

However, I didn't feel the satisfaction I thought I would. Instead, I turned to the boy.

I had expected to see fear in his eyes, but his expression was blank. He was not running or freaking out. He just stood there, staring at me, like he was trying to figure me out.

My brows furrowed. Did he not just care about what had happened?

"Earlier, you were all talk," I said, a mocking smile creeping onto my face.

"You wanted to be my hero by avenging my broken heart. But when it comes to actually saving my life when it matters, you could not even move. A hero, huh?" I chortled.

But he didn't flinch nor say anything. He just stood there like he was waiting for something.

I stared at him, disbelief gnawing at my insides. "You better run. You don't want to be here when they wake up because they will be, very soon."

Immediately, I turned to leave, my steps quickened as I left him there, rooted to the spot like a fool.

He didn't call after me nor move.

That stillness was the last thing I saw before I rounded the corner. But I swear, I felt his eyes on my back long after he should have been out of sight.

Well, it seemed like he had made up his mind to be death's prey tonight, and my warning was not enough to change that. And honestly, I could not care less.

I cursed myself under my breath for thinking he was my mate again as I quickened my step.

But one thing was certain: the search to put an end to my impending death continues.

But little did I know that the events of tonight would change everything for me.

Anderson's POV

For the first time in six years, I actually slept peacefully. Usually, every full moon brought back the same horrific nightmare-reliving my first shift when I lost control and slaughtered everyone at the orphanage except Lucas.

He nearly died by my hands too, but somehow survived, which was how I turned him into a lycan and became my closest friend.

Unlike any other lycan in history, who lived their normal lives on every full moon, I had to fight these memories every full moon. They would leave me drenched in sweat, sometimes waking up screaming.

But last night was different, and I could not help wondering if it had something to do with meeting my mate at the club as I woke up.

I had kept this struggle hidden from everyone, even my adoptive family in the Shadowpine pack in another city. Whenever my screams woke them up, I would brush it off as nothing. Even Lucas didn't know about it.

After realising these nightmares followed a pattern-happened every full moon-I tried avoiding sleep altogether. But even the briefest doze would trigger them, so I had learnt to live with it.

I knew about mate bonds and how marking your mate could cure certain conditions or problems. But I had never connected that to my situation-never thought my nightmares could be solved that way.

The thought of "mate" tasted like ash in my mouth because loyalty, devotion, and everything that came with it were shackles I refused to wear.

Alpha Wayne of the Shadowpine Pack, my adopted father, was a perfect example. He's so buried in pack duties and family responsibilities that he's basically sacrificed his own happiness.

While werewolves might see these obligations as making them stronger, I saw them as vulnerabilities. They're just ways to make yourself an easy target for enemies. But for lycans like me, this whole mate system is ridiculous and should never have existed in our world in the first place. It was the reason I lied about the lady at the club last night being my mate.

Yes, I was into her. But it was just pure lust. If anything happens between us, it'll be nothing more than a hookup. No strings, no feelings, just sex. Nothing else.

"Anderson, you awake, man? We're gonna be late!" Lucas' voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Okay, sir. I'll be out of here very soon," I chuckled.

I heard his footsteps fading away.

"Seriously, we can't be late on our first day." He added.

I could not help but smile because he was always trying to act like my big brother whenever he got the chance.

While in the shower, I started thinking about another recurring dream since the day I turned eighteen that was about this city-the very reason Lucas and I relocated.

"Could it be connected to her? Is she the reason behind these dreams so that I can meet her?" I laughed it off, totally sceptical of the whole idea.

"Whatever, let's see what happens," I muttered to myself, feeling that spark of excitement about potentially tracking her down later in the day.

After grabbing a quick breakfast, Lucas and I hit the road in my blue Lamborghini Aventador.

"Seriously, this car is totally going to blow our cover," he complained for what felt like the hundredth time.

He had been going on about my dad's orders to keep a low profile since we started driving, and I had been completely tuning him out.

"Chill out. People will just think I'm some trust fund kid showing off his parents' money." I told him.

"You know this will totally attract attention, right?" He pressed.

"Especially from girls. And that kind of attention could bring other... complications."

I rolled my eyes and shot him a look of pure disgust before turning back to the road.

"You don't expect me to pretend like I come from a wretched family, do you? Come on, man!" I chuckled.

"You know I can't-"

Just a few kilometres from school, I spotted her-my mate-looking all flustered by the curb.

"No way," I chuckled.

The universe was definitely playing games because the moon goddess was definitely playing matchmaker.

"What's so funny?" Lucas asked but I ignored him completely.

I was not planning on sharing it with anyone-not even her.

I had only dropped a subtle hint to her last night, just to mess with her and see her reaction. And she had responded exactly how I had expected.

Pulling up next to her, I could see the confusion wash over her face.

However, the moment she realised I was the one driving, she scrunched up her face in total annoyance.

"Hey, sweetheart. Miss me?" I smirked, letting my eyes roam over her.

Her white shirt and black skirt hugged her body in all the right places. Damn!

She rolled her eyes. "Shocked you are still breathing. Looks like you actually listened to me. Good boy."

I chuckled. "Hop in. Let me give you a ride. You are clearly in need of one."

"No, thank you. I'm expecting a ride." She declined.

"Aren't you running late to wherever you are heading to? Come on! I clearly can't harm you. You and I both know that." A smirk played on my lips.

"That's none of your concern," she retorted.

Her gaze hardened. "And I suggest you stay away from me. This will be my last warning."

"Have you forgotten we have unfinished business, sweetheart?" I countered.

Her brows furrowed in confusion.

"The name." I reminded her.

I shrugged. "Never mind. We'll meet again very soon."

She scoffed. "You wish."

After waving my hand at her, a sly grin crept onto my face. Then, I rolled up the window, gripped the wheel, and pulled away from the curb.

"Okay. What the hell was that about?" Lucas asked me, his voice rising with curiosity.

"You don't need to know. It's not your business." I shot back, keeping my eyes fixed on the road.

He was not ready to back down and let out a frustrating chuckle. "I... I don't understand, man. We got into this city two days ago, and you are already caught up with somebody? A woman clearly older than you, for crying out loud! This is exactly why I told you not to hit the club last night. That's obviously where you met her. What happened to keeping a low profile, huh?"

My patience snapped as my grip tightened on the steering wheel.

"Lucas, please, just stop." My voice dropped low.

"If I knew you'd be like this... a pain in the ass, I wouldn't have let you tag along no matter my father's persistence. Just chill. I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm not a kid anymore."

The silence that followed was exactly what I wanted.

By the time we pulled into the wide, open grounds of Green Haven, I could feel the shift in the air as heads turned. Students stopped mid-stride, eyes tracking the car as if they had never seen one before. I caught sight of some guys elbowing each other, eyes squinting to figure out who had just rolled in.

"This is exactly what I was talking about." Lucas bemoaned, but I ignored him.

Whispers moved with us like a shadow as we stepped out. I took my time to let them watch. I was used to it-the eyes, the curiosity and the low hum of admiration from ladies. It was part of being that guy-the one that made knees weak, lips bite, and hearts race.

I ran a hand through my hair as I glanced around, locking eyes with a group of girls nearby. They froze, giggling behind their hands, sneaking glances like I would not notice.

Then I strutted up to them.

"Hey, angels. Can someone point me to the principal's office?" I asked, flashing my signature smile.

One of them, a short brunette with glossy curls, practically jumped to answer.

"Oh! It's down that hall, second left, then right after the big notice board," she said breathlessly.

Her friends nudged each other, all of them smiling way too hard.

"We can show you," another one added quickly, already taking a step forward.

But before I could answer, the P.A. system crackled to life. "All students, please proceed to your classes. The commencement of classes will begin shortly."

Their faces fell, disappointment clear as day.

I gave them a grin.

"Catch you later, then," I said, turning away, hands sliding into my pockets as I walked off.

Lucas shook his head beside me, muttering, "You just can't help yourself, huh?"

I shrugged, barely hiding my smirk. "They offered, and I obviously have to accept."

We reached the principal's office and went through the usual formalities.

He then laid out the rules to us.

"No tardiness. No fights. No trouble." His voice was as firm as stone, and his eyes locked on mine a moment longer than necessary, as if he knew exactly who he was talking to.

I nodded, offering a smile that did not quite reach my eyes. "Understood, sir."

He gave us our class schedules and instructions on where to go.

"A senior student will meet you at break to give you a tour of the school and to tell you the important rules to help you get settled properly," he added before dismissing us.

Lucas and I parted ways, heading to our respective classes.

Seconds later, I walked into my assigned classroom, and there she was. My mate!

From the way she stood at the front of the class, it was clear she was the teacher.

"This is going to be interesting." A smile spread across my face as I thought inwardly.