Arwen glanced at the clock on the café wall, which showed that it was 10:30 a.m.
Half an hour before her shift ended, and there were still customers.
Her small hands, wrapped in plastic gloves, moved nimbly to prepare a regular customer's cappuccino order.
"Thank you for waiting," she said politely, placing the cup on the tray.
At 19 years old, Arwen was already used to this exhausting routine.
Arwen worked part-time at Lionel's family café to pay for her college tuition, even though the scholarship she received was enough to cover her educational expenses.
The long-haired girl strongly believed that every struggle must be rewarded with one's sweat.
The back door of the café opened, and Lionel entered with a relaxed gait. At first glance, the young man glanced at Arwen and smiled seductively.
The tall, athletic young man always caught the attention of many people, especially with his charming smile.
As the captain of the rugby team at their college, Lionel's natural charisma often made him the center of attention.
However, Arwen knew better who Lionel was. She saw another side of Lionel that was not so charming-his careless and overconfident attitude.
"Look who's been working hard today," said Lionel with a smirk, approaching Arwen at the cash register.
Arwen didn't respond. She just nodded briefly before returning her focus to the cash register.
"Lionel!" Mr. Donovan's deep voice echoed from the back room.
Arwen looked up. Mr. Donovan, Lionel's father and the café owner, was walking quickly toward her, his face red. He was carrying a small notebook in his hand.
"Come here now!" he ordered sternly.
Lionel, who had looked relaxed, suddenly stiffened. He followed his father into the back room, and a few seconds later, the sound of an argument could be heard.
"You think I don't know, Lion?!" Mr. Donovan shouted.
"What do you mean, Dad?" Lionel's voice sounded confused.
"Money is always missing from the cash register, and I know you took it! Some witnesses saw you!"
Arwen felt her body freeze. She knew the conversation had something to do with her.
A few days ago, Mr. Donovan had asked her to watch out for anything suspicious secretly.
Without meaning to accuse anyone, Arwen honestly said that she had seen Lionel take money without telling anyone.
However, she didn't expect that statement to cause such a conflict.
"Dad, you believe such slander? Who is the witness?" Lionel's voice sounded angry and demanding.
Arwen felt her heart beating faster. She glanced toward the kitchen, hoping the argument would end soon.
But the sound of heavy footsteps approaching made her jump. Lionel came out of the back room, his face red, and his eyes immediately fixed on Arwen.
He didn't say anything, just stared at Arwen with a sharp gaze that made the girl feel like she had been caught red-handed.
The sharp gaze made Arwen break out in a cold sweat. Accompanied by her heart beating rapidly.
A few moments later.
Arwen wiped the sweat from her forehead while tidying up the brown apron she had just taken off.
After three hours of part-time work at Mr. Donovan's café, Lionel's father, she was finally ready to go to campus.
The girl slung her backpack over her shoulder and stepped out of the café, saying a quick goodbye to her coworkers.
She walked quickly to the bus stop. In her mind, she was already preparing herself for a tiring day at college.
College wasn't easy for Arwen, especially with her status as a full scholarship recipient.
Every eye was on her, as if judging her for not belonging in a campus environment dominated by children from wealthy families. However, Arwen never faltered.
She had big dreams, and every insult only strengthened her resolve. She wanted to dedicate her success to her grandmother, who had raised her since birth without her parents.
When she arrived at the campus, it was already bustling with activity. Some students walked casually to class while others gathered in the park.
Arwen took a deep breath. She tried to ignore her fears and continue her day as usual. She didn't have time to think about anything other than her studies.
However, the campus was not a comfortable place for Arwen. She was used to being the center of attention because of her beauty and intelligence, but that attention was not always positive.
Arwen sighed deeply and headed to the library to prepare for her presentation.
But she stopped when she heard a girl's loud voice behind her.
Arwen stopped in her tracks and reflexively turned toward the source of the voice. And she immediately regretted it. She should have just kept walking without being curious.
Astrid and her friends were sitting on the steps of the campus building when Arwen passed by. Seeing Arwen, Astrid immediately stood up with a cynical smile.
"Oh, look who's here. The smart girl," Astrid teased in a sharp tone.
Arwen pretended not to hear. She turned around and continued walking, but Astrid blocked her way.
"Where are you going? It's rude to pass people without saying hello," continued Astrid, folding her arms across her chest.
Arwen sighed. She knew this wasn't going to end well. "Sorry, I'm in a hurry," she replied briefly.
"In a hurry? Are you afraid of losing your scholarship?" Astrid moved closer, making Arwen step back. "You think you're special? You're just a lucky poor kid."
Astrid's friends laughed, joining in the teasing. Arwen bit her lip, trying to hold back her anger.
"Stop, Astrid," she said softly but firmly. "Don't ever bother me again!"
"Oh, so now you're brave?" Astrid grinned. "You think you're better than me just because Lionel likes you?"
Arwen was surprised. The girl tilted her head slightly and looked at Astrid.
"What?"
"Don't pretend you don't know. You must be happy being the center of Lionel's attention, right?"
"I'm not interested in Lionel," Arwen replied honestly.
But her answer only made Astrid angrier.
"You're lying!" Astrid shouted. She pulled Arwen's bag roughly, scattering books and papers on the floor.
Arwen bent down, trying to pick up her things. But Astrid pushed her, almost knocking her over.
"You should know your place, Arwen," Astrid said coldly.
Arwen bit her lip, holding back tears. She wanted to fight back, but knew fighting Astrid would only worsen things.
Anger mixed with fear overwhelmed Arwen, not caring about Astrid or what she would do next. She hurriedly picked up her books.
Arwen quickly stood up and put the books in her bag. She glared at Astrid, making the bully even angrier.
Astrid raised her hand, as if to slap Arwen. But suddenly, her movement stopped.
Before her hand touched Arwen's face, something stopped her. It took Astrid by surprise.
"Enough."
The stern voice made everyone around her freeze.
Astrid froze, her face turning pale instantly. She turned her head with a look of surprise that quickly turned to fear.
Arwen could only see the shadow of a man standing behind Astrid, but it was enough to make the girl lose her courage.
Arwen tilted her head, trying to find out who had grabbed Jessica's hand and prevented her from slapping him.
It turned out to be Professor Zion.
The man, about thirty years old, stood between them with a cold, piercing gaze.
His black hair glistened in the sunlight, and his body was tall and sturdy, making anyone near him feel small.
His silvery-gray eyes stared at Astrid expressionlessly, but something in them made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.
"Take your hands off her!" Zion said in a deep, calm baritone, but it sounded like thunder in the middle of a clear sky.
Astrid swallowed hard. Zion still held her hands, and pain began to spread through her wrists. "Pr-Professor..." her voice trembled.
Zion slowly released his grip, but his gaze remained unchanging. "You should know better, Astrid," he said, this time sounding colder. "Whatever your problem with Arwen is, it's no excuse for being violent. This is a college, not a fighting ring."
Astrid felt her face flush, embarrassment spreading throughout her body. All of her friends fell silent, afraid of incurring the same wrath. "B-But, Professor..."
Zion raised an eyebrow, causing Astrid to decide not to continue her protest immediately.
His gaze was so intense, it seemed to pierce straight through her heart. Astrid bit her lower lip, then looked away.
Arwen just stood stiffly in place, not quite believing what had happened. Professor Zion... helped her? The man who had always been known as the cold figure in class intervened in a small matter like this?
Even though Professor Zio had directly taught her in his class.
However, news of his attitude and his female students' admiration spread throughout the campus.
Of course, this made Arwen feel flattered. She couldn't take her eyes off him as she looked at him up close. She began to feel strange feelings and a different scent on his body.
Zio turned his body slightly, looking at Arwen. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening.
Arwen nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, Professor. Thank you..."
Astrid glared at Arwen with hatred, then clasped her hands together.
"Let's go!" she shouted to her friends.
They hurriedly left the park, even though Astrid glanced back with a look of anger.
At that moment, Zion looked back at Arwen. "You don't need to worry anymore. If anyone bothers you, report it," he said flatly.
But there was something in how he looked at the girl, as if he was assessing something deeper.
Arwen felt her heart beating faster than usual. The gaze made her feel confused and... warm at the same time.
"Thank you, Professor," she said again, trying to calm the fluttering in her chest.
Zion didn't respond. He merely nodded slightly before turning away and leaving the garden.
However, as he walked away, Zion felt something unusual inside him. A strange feeling was welling up inside him, something he had never felt before. The bond was undeniable.
'She is my Mate,' he thought
to himself. His eyes narrowed sharply, his jaw hardened.
*
In the garden behind the main building, Astrid hurriedly walked with a red face, her anger still boiling from what had happened earlier.
"Why did Professor Zion have to interfere? Does he think Arwen is special?" she muttered, stepping on the grass with her high heels.
She couldn't accept that Professor Zion, the man she had admired and often tried to approach, was defending the girl she hated the most.
As she approached the sports field, she saw Lionel sitting on the bleachers, twirling a rugby ball in his hands.
His face looked calm, but his lips were curled into a meaningful smile, as if he was planning something.
Astrid approached him without hesitation. "You won't believe what just happened," she said, folding her arms.
Lionel glanced at her casually, his mischievous smile still plastered on his face.
"What's the problem this time? You're wasting too much energy on unimportant matters."
Astrid glared. "Unimportant? It's about Arwen! You know, Professor Zion is protecting her. He even humiliated me in front of everyone!"
Lionel put the ball beside him, now paying full attention to Astrid. "Zion? You mean Professor Zion? That man hardly ever pays attention to anyone on this campus. "
Astrid sighed in frustration, slumping down next to Lionel." I know! But today, he appeared out of nowhere and stopped me when I was about to beat Arwen up. You should have seen how he looked at her, as if she were a fragile porcelain doll that needed protection."
Lionel chuckled, a hint of sarcasm evident in his voice. "You're jealous of Arwen? That's funny."
Astrid hit Lionel's shoulder in exasperation. "This isn't a joke, Lion. Arwen is annoying enough with her intelligence and how she draws attention to herself. And now Zion is on her side?"
Lionel just shrugged. "Well, if that's true, maybe she has a certain appeal. Some people like Arwen's type-quiet, smart, a little mysterious."
Astrid glared, her face growing redder. "Don't tell me you're interested in her too."
Lionel smiled, teasingly. "Interested? Maybe. But not to have. A girl like Arwen is fun to play with. She's too serious, too stiff. Seeing how she reacts when someone approaches her just for fun would be fun. "
Astrid was silent for a moment, deep in thought. Then an idea popped into her head, making her smile slowly widen." Then why don't we work together?"
Lionel furrowed his brow. "Work together? For what?"
Astrid leaned forward, her eyes full of mischief. "There's going to be a big campus party soon. Everyone will be there, including her. We can use that opportunity to trap her. You can approach her and make her believe you're interested in her.
Then we can humiliate him in front of everyone. "
Lionel was silent for a moment, thinking about Astrid's suggestion. Then he laughed softly, a low laugh that told Astrid he liked the idea." You're dangerous. But I like the way you think."
Astrid smiled smugly. "So, you're in?"
Lionel nodded, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Of course. But you know, I have my way of making sure Arwen comes to the party. Let me handle that."
Astrid leaned back in her seat, feeling satisfied with their plan.
"What's your plan?"
Lionel stood outside Arwen's apartment right next to his luxury car.
"I'll make sure you won't be able to refuse, and tonight will be unforgettable," Lionel muttered as he stepped into the simple apartment building.
Arriving on the seventh floor, where Arwen's room was, Lionel patiently knocked on the door. When the girl opened the door, the man grinned widely.
"You look beautiful even in just a sweater, Arwen. But you'll look even more charming at the party."
Arwen sighed heavily. "I don't want to go, Lionel. I'm not comfortable with this."
Lionel put on a disappointed look, but his tone turned sharp.
"Arwen, I already bought this party dress for you. You know it's not cheap. You have to wear it and come with me. Besides, if you don't come, I'm not sure my father will hire you again."
The threat silenced Arwen. She desperately needed her job at the cafe to pay for her college tuition. With a heavy heart, she nodded.
"Does that sound like a threat?" Arwen asked with a bit of courage.
"Tsk..." Lionel smiled crookedly as he clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"It's not a threat, but a fact and a warning." Lionel sneered, "That is, if you understand what I'm saying."
Arwen thought hard, her eyes seeming to assess the young man's expression in front of her. However, she thought again about her fate.
"Okay, I'll come," said Arwen, whom Lionel had been waiting for.
The young man finally smiled triumphantly. Spontaneously, Lionel touched Arwen's chin. However, the girl quickly backed away.
"Excellent decision. I'll pick you up later tonight."
Lionel handed Arwen a paper bag. He winked at the girl before turning around and leaving the apartment.
Arwen stood before her apartment door, clutching a small party dress bag. Her expression was troubled, her mind torn between anger and helplessness.
She had never liked parties. The crowds, loud music, and noise only made her feel more isolated.
However, Lionel's threat left her with no choice.
***
The party was held at a luxurious villa owned by their friend, the son of a wealthy family.
Sparkling lights decorated the spacious yard, which had a swimming pool in the middle. Loud music blared, and college students mingled with drinks in their hands.
Arwen stepped out of the car hesitantly. She was wearing Lionel's dress-a light blue dress that was too revealing for her taste.
Her body felt stiff, and she felt like a small fish thrown into the vast ocean.
Lionel put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Relax, Arwen. Enjoy the night."
However, the opposite happened. Arwen felt like she was being watched. The glances from Astrid and her friends from the corner of the room made her even more uncomfortable. They spoke in whispers, but the small laughs that followed were directed at her.
Lionel left Arwen in the middle of the crowd, saying he wanted to talk to someone.
"I'll be right back, wait here," he said as he walked away.
Arwen stood awkwardly, not knowing what to do. A waiter came with a tray of drinks.
"Drinks, miss?"
Arwen shook her head, but the waiter smiled kindly. "Just juice, for those who don't drink alcohol." Hesitantly, Arwen took the glass.
From a distance, Astrid smiled slyly as she watched. "Good, she drank it," she muttered to her friends.
Arwen felt dizzy instantly. Her vision blurred, and her body felt light, as if floating.
She tried to find Lionel, but her steps faltered. The party was getting more confusing, and laughter and music echoed in the distance.
Suddenly, she felt a rough push on her back. "Oops, sorry, Arwen," said Astrid mockingly, greeted by laughter from her friends.
Arwen tried to keep her balance, but her weak body caused her to fall into the pool.
Cold water welcomed her, submerging her body. She struggled, but her strength was gone. Her vision grew dark.
Before she completely lost consciousness, she felt someone pulling her to the surface.
Lionel patted Arwen's pale cheeks. "Arwen, wake up," he said in a slightly panicked tone. The girl's body was soaking wet and trembling.
Astrid approached with a concerned look on her face. "What happened? I just saw her too close to the pool earlier."
Lionel lifted Arwen into his arms and carried her into the villa. "I'll take her to one of the rooms. She needs to rest."
Astrid smiled slightly behind him. "Make sure you help her, Lionel. Don't let anyone know."
***
Arwen woke up in a spacious room with thick curtains. Her body was still weak, and her head felt heavy.
The girl saw Lionel sitting on a chair near the window, staring at her with an ambiguous smile.
"Are you okay? You almost drowned earlier," asked Lionel.
Arwen tried to get up, but her body felt heavy. "What happened? I feel strange."
Lionel approached her and sat on the edge of the bed. "You just need to rest. I'm here to watch over you."
However, there was something in his tone that made Arwen feel uncomfortable.
"Lionel, stop," Arwen pleaded weakly. She was still affected by whatever had been mixed into her drink earlier.
"Arwen, don't be a hypocrite! You're going to enjoy my touch!" Lionel insisted, touching her more intensely.
Lionel's rough palms began to uncover Arwen's thighs, tracing every curve of her lower body.
Arwen fearfully tried to push the young man's hands away. "I said stop!"
Lionel touched her shoulders and tried to tear her clothes in that area. However, the young man pressed Arwen's weak body even harder until the girl was back in bed.
"You think you can escape my grip, hhm?" Lionel looked even more violent. The young man even lowered his face, trying to kiss her by force.
Arwen continued to fight even though she was almost out of strength. The drink was blurring her vision.
"Help! Anyone, help me!" Arwen's scream was stuck in her throat.
SMACK!
There was a loud slap. "Scream all you want, but no one will come to help you!"
Arwen let out a loud sob. Perhaps that night she began to accept her fate. It wasn't just her body that was in pain. Her heart hurt even more.
But before Lionel could do anything else to Arwen, the window suddenly opened violently.
A cold wind blew in, shaking the curtains. Then the sound of breaking glass was heard, and a large wolf jumped inside.
Its yellow eyes stared intently at Lionel. Its sharp teeth were visible, and its growls filled the room.
Suddenly, Lionel was thrown away from Arwen's body, and the young man was slammed roughly onto the floor of the room.
With a pale face and a body that ached, Lionel slowly got up. "What the hell is this?!"