Unshaken Bond

My eyes snapped open, my heart racing like a wild beast. The darkness of my room seemed to suffocate me and for a moment I was back in the dream.

***

Trapped in a raging fire, my skin burned and I was screaming. I gasped for air until the familiar outlines of my bedroom came into view.

It was just a dream. Again.

I dream of a man screaming, the woman's face twisted in agony. The flames consuming everything.

Her tragedy is a nightmare that haunts me.

It's always the same dream. The same experience. No matter where I went, the nightmare followed me as it has always been since I started having them after the bloody accident that took my parents away from me, sparing only my worthless life.

My hands shook, and my eyes become heavy with tears as the memories of the accidents came to me. It's been 10 years, but it feels like it happened just yesterday.

I tossed off the sheets and jumped out of bed. Reality. I needed to anchor myself in reality.

Just then, my door creaked open, and my grandmother walked in, trying to hide her worry with a gentle smile, but I could see through her smile... she had probably heard my shouting from my sleep.

I tried to hide my now tears filled face from her, but it was too late.

"Carina..." her voice broke as she mentioned my name, I heard not my name but the heaviness in the words. "Another nightmare?"

I nodded.

Grandma Fiona sat beside me, stroking my back. We'll get through this. I will find a way to Make it stop.

But I knew better. The nightmares had haunted me since childhood, and no one knew their cause or how to end them.

Grandma Fiona's expression changed to a serious one. "Carina we need to talk. We are moving to a new town".

My eyes widened in shock. "What? Why?"

"It's for the best," she said firmly. A fresh start might help you.

I was feeling different emotions at a time. "I can't leave everything behind, my friends, my boyfriend,my school, my parent's house". No

"I can't accept it". I said, a spark of anger igniting within me.

Grandma Fiona's eyes softened. I know it's hard, but trust me, Carina. This is for the best.

My anger simmered, but I knew better than to argue with my grandmother. Her decision is final.

My frustration grew as I packed my belongings, my thoughts churned with a mix of sadness and resentment. Leaving my hometown, my friends and everything familiar was unbearable.

As I zipped my suitcase, my gaze lingered on the photo of my parents on my nightstand. Why did we have to move? Why does my life have to be this miserable? Many thoughts came rushing to me at once.

Downstairs, Grandma Fiona supervised the movers, her expression firm. I joined her, still musing.

"Grandma, can't we just stay?" I pleaded, one last time.

Her expression softened, but her voice remained firm. "No dear, this is for your own good".

The seven hours drive to the new town, Willow Creek, felt like an eternity. I stared out the window watching the urban landscape fading into distance, giving way to rolling hills and dense forests, their canopies a vibrant green.

As we entered Willow Creek, my uneasiness grew. A creeping mist swirled around me, shrouding everything in an eerie veil. Its residents casting curious glances on me, their piercing gazes seemed to bore into my soul. Towering ancient trees loomed over the streets, their branches like skeletal fingers.

My new home, a mini mansion, Rose before me. I felt a shiver run down my spine, it was beautiful, but exuded an aura of secrets and unease.

That night as I lay in my new bedroom, the shadow seemed to scrawl across the wall like the mad ramblings of a troubled mind.

I felt watched, the woman from my nightmares lingered in my mind, her eyes burning with sinister intensity.

__

I woke up on my bed, I was still dressed in last night's clothes, that shows how exhausted I was. My head aches but I don't remember taking any alcoholic drink the previous night. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

I got up and shuffled to the window, pulling back the curtain to reveal a radiant sunrise. The sun was shining so brightly, forcing me to squint until my eyes adjusted. At least the forest and my house were a good distance away so some animals won't come eating me up.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for my second day in Willow Creek. It was time to start exploring this new chapter of my life.

"How are you feeling?" It was my grandmother.

"I'm good".

"Breakfast is ready" she said

"Give me some minutes to freshen up" I said while hurrying into the bathroom.

Once I stepped out of my room, the smell of fresh bacon, waffles and pancakes filled my nostrils and my stomach was really grumbling.

Grandma Fiona's eyes widened in surprise as I devoured my breakfast. I was just as astonished by my own appetite.

"Carina, slow down! You are going to get choked up," Grandma laughed, her concern tinged with amusement.

I pushed back from the table, plate nearly clean, and let out a contented sigh. "I don't know what's gotten into me, Grandma. Thanks for the breakfast".

Grandma Fiona smiled knowingly. "Must be the country air agreeing with you".

I went upstairs to get ready for school. I was already enrolled in my new school before moving to Willow Creek.

Grandma Fiona honked at the car and I knew it was time to go. I study my look for the day in the mirror. "Carina, you got this. You are a brave and nice girl, this is just another school. You can do this". I encourage myself as much as I can.

My grandmother was not the patient type. She honked again and again until I came running out of the house.

Now the place is not dark like yesterday, I could see better now. Willow Creek was not that bad at all, just that the creeping feelings were still there. The school was not even 15 minutes away from my place.

"Ready?" I heard my grandma say, I turned to look at her and nodded. She stepped out of the car and I did the same.

As I entered the school, eyes flew towards me, I shrugged their stares away and made my way to the academic block.

"That's okay. It's normal" Grandma Fiona whispered to my ears.

" That's why I hate being the new girl". I scoffed.

After my grandmother left, Carla, the girl assigned to tour me around, took me to my history class.

Carla was just as adorable and talkative like my best friend back at my old home.

That reminds me, I haven't called Amy, my best friend since I got here. Jeez! I didn't even tell her I was relocating.

I immediately brought out my phone to call her. Just then, my phone buzzed, a text from an unknown number.

"Welcome to Willow Creek, Carina. You're exactly where you are meant to be".

Goosebumps spread across my skin. Who was this? How did they get my contact?

I spun around, but there was no one there. I couldn't shake off the feelings of being watched.

Carla noticed how uncomfortable I became and got worried but I assured her I was fine.

After my history class, Carla continued touring me around, good thing we were in the same department.

As we passed through every building, Carla told stories about them and warned on which to go and which not to go.

Carla pointed at four students, " they are known as the pillars of Ivory but are enemies". Nobody knows why they despise each other so much.

She started telling me their names and why I should avoid them.

Carla warned, "stay away from Zed Marcus, he's dangerous. Nobody really knows what he is".

"Watch out for Vito Reynolds, he is the vamp... she immediately paused and changed her words. He is trouble and a bully".

I wanted to ask her what she was trying to say at first but I just let it slide.

"Avoid Alora Walter, she is very close to Zed, nobody knows if she is his girlfriend or not".

"Lastly don't try to provoke Elena Blues, she is Vito's girlfriend and she kills any girl that goes closer to him and nobody dares to speak about it".

If you can avoid these four demons, then you are good to go. I have been avoiding them from my first year till now.

Just then, I felt a pull, a very strong one accompanied by an intoxicating scent. That scent I muttered under my breath but it immediately disappeared and I came back to reality.

Carla was already giving me a questioning look but I wasn't ready to answer because I didn't even know what that was.

The bell for the second class rang, Carla wasn't joining me this time.

I walked into the class, most of the seats were already occupied so I made my way to the back desk and took a seat. Most students were looking at me weirdly, while some were whispering, I just ignored them and brought out my writing materials.

Just then, a guy walked in, the aura he exuded was screaming power. I could feel it but I didn't have the courage to look up at him.

The next moment he was in front of me.

How did he do that? I thought

He cleared his throat and spoke up, "why are you seated here?"

For a moment, I couldn't find my voice. Jeez! His voice was so deep and it terrifies me.

"I'm talking to you, are you dumb?" He bellowed out.

"I...I didn't," I was trying so hard to form a sentence but he didn't even let me finish before speaking up again.

"This is your first time in this school, you would have asked if there's anyone sitting in that position, you don't just sit wherever you like".

I got really scared, I stood up immediately and packed all my books and meant to walk out when he stopped me.

"Where to?" He asked while walking closer to me but I couldn't form any words.

"Why are you leaving all of a sudden?" He whispered directly to my ear.

"Sorry I invaded here" I said while my face was down.

He was about to say something when we were interrupted by a teacher. " Vito let her be, she's new here".

"Did the teacher just say the name Vito? Oh no no, Carla warned me to beware of the guy named Vito".

I looked up at him surprised, his piercing green orbs were mesmerizing, so deep and so mysterious. His ginger hair and thin lip makes him look so attractive. For a moment I forgot the trouble I was in and was drooling over him.

I was brought back to reality when he snapped his fingers forward.

Oh God! I don't want any trouble, I just want a peaceful life. All through the class, I couldn't concentrate because this so-called Vito was watching my every move.

In less than 20 minutes, the class was over, I immediately rushed out without looking back. My only mission was to stay as far away as I can from Vito.

I met up with Carla in the cafeteria, we got a quiet spot to sit and order our food. I was telling her about my encounter with Vito when my phone rang.

It was my best friend, Amy. God! I forgot to call her. The moment the line connected she started ranting.

"you left and you did not bother to tell me, our senior year is almost done, why now? Why didn't you just wait till next year". She wails.

"Remember when we went to the beach at midnight just to build that ridiculous sandcastle?" Amy asked.

"And I urinated on my pants when we saw that crocodile?" I seconded. We burst into laughter but our laughter turns into small sobs.

Now, everyone in the cafeteria was looking in my direction but I didn't care at all, I miss my old life.

"I miss you" she started sobbing again.

"Me too" I smiled through tears.

"Promise me that you will come back and text me everyday" she said like a child whose mother is traveling making me giggle.

"I will, I vowed. "We'll keep in touch, no matter what"

"Have you talked to your boyfriend since you moved?" She asked

"Not yet". I replied

"You better call him he's worried"

We talked some more before we said goodbye and the line went dead.

Carla spoke up, "wow! This has to be the sweetest best friends I would ever see" which made me chuckle.

"Amy is as lively as you. Someday I will invite her over, you will like her, I said.

We were still chatting, when the mighty Vito walked into the cafeteria. He was coming directly to our table, I got really scared if he had heard what I was talking about him.

"You were saying something right? Why did you stop talking?" He asked at once.

"I was just talking to my friend," I stammered.

"Fresh meat eh?" the girl beside him sneered.

I turned to look at her, only to be met by her red eyeballs looking at me dangerously.

I screamed, which attracted more eyes to us. I didn't know what else to do other than to run.

I ran as far away as possible, I wasn't even looking where I was going when my face collided with a hard chest. "God! Will this day ever get better". I screamed in my head.

I was about to say sorry when that intoxicating scent hit me again, I looked up and was met with the most gorgeous guy I have ever met in my life. If I thought Vito was handsome I guess, I was mistaken because this guy right here looked like a Greek-god.

His grayish blue eyes seemed to drown me like the ocean. If it was possible, then I would like to remain in that ocean because I somewhat found peace there. His thick eyebrows gave him a scary yet sexy look with a straight nose and sharp jawline. He has jet-black hair that was neatly styled, their subtle waves adding depth to his angular features. I caught a glimpse of his tattoo which was starting from his left shoulder and disappearing under his shirt.

I was still busy checking him out shamelessly, until he waved his hands at me.

"I am sorry," I muttered trying to look away from him.

"Mate," he whispered, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

I felt bored due to how the teachings were going. I excused myself and stepped out.

No one could stop me even if I didn't take permission.

As I stepped out, the sun's warmth on my skin was a welcome respite from the stifling classroom. The other students' envious glances followed me, I could hear their whispers, perks of having an alpha blood.

"Zed Marcus is always so stiff! I couldn't even relax. He was right beside me"

"Did you see his eyes? So cold..."

"He's the devil's incarnate."

They continued to whisper words they could never dare say in my presence.

I was accustomed to the fear they had for me. They trembled at the mere sight of me, and honestly, I couldn't care less. They should be afraid of me, afterall I'm the Alpha King Marcus's son. One of the strongest, fiercest and richest Alpha Kings to have ever lived-not that they or anyone else knew this. It was my aura that instilled fear in them, they think I'm a wizard or something.

The only mistake my father made was trusting vampires, which led to the end of him and the beginning of my mystery.

My fists clenched as I remembered the damage caused by the vampires. I could feel anger rising from my entire being. I had to go away from everyone and everything. Had to vent my anger somewhere. Anywhere.

My life has become a shadow of itself. I never imagined a day like this would ever come in my life... where I'd have to live pretending to be someone else. Only a few know who I am, my most trusted ones to be precise.

After living a life full of pain and suffering, I learned that having emotions like love and compassion were nothing but weakness and will get me killed. That's why I vowed never to entertain such nonsense.

My aura intimidates, a palpable force that commands respect.

Teachers hesitate to discipline me or even question my choices.

Students keep their distance.

But I'm not interested in their fear.

All I seek is revenge and reclaiming my throne. And I must accomplish it no matter the cost.

I wander, lost in thought. I had nowhere in mind but I felt like walking around.

Suddenly, a scent caught my nostrils. It was sweet, yet tangy. Familiar, yet unknown.

My instincts snapped to attention.

My heart rate quickened.

That scent, it was like a strong force. I followed the scent only to realize it belonged to a weak human girl, who just hit me.

Electricity sparked through me, igniting every nerve.

I looked up to meet her eyes. Goddess! She was beautiful, her dark green eyes and ginger hair drew me in. Her tight dress was clinging to her hour-glass figure and was giving a slight view of her cleavage and round shape of her bum.

Time froze.

The world narrowed to a single point .

My inner wolf stirred.

No! It can't be.

But the truth hit me like a ton of bricks.

She's my mate.

My initial excitement was replaced by concern.

Why will the moon goddess bless me with a weak mate?

This weak human girl was no match for me, neither my world.

Vampires, werewolves and witches lurked in every shadow.

Not to say, she would be a very big distraction to my perfect plan of revenge.

To keep her safe and for my own good, I knew what needed to be done.

Pretend indifference, act cold and push her away.

The thought tortured me, as I watched her locked eyes with mine.

I waved my hands before her dazed eyes, breaking the spell. "Snap out of it", I growled, my voice colder than I wanted it to be.

Her gaze faltered laced with embarrassment, and I seized the moment to scold her and drive her away.

"What's wrong with you?" I spat, my tone devoid of warmth. "You just hit me and yet you are standing there, staring at me like a fool".

"Why are you being so harsh on her jerk". My inner wolf, Alex said.

"Because we don't need a weak mate". I replied.

"But I need her, she might not be as weak as you think and besides you will train her." Alex implores.

"No!! she will only make us weak or worse, she might be used as bait by our enemies to get us.

"She won't," Alex pleaded.

"I just told you to forget about her, so shut your mouth already," I snapped, causing my wolf to retreat into the back of my mind.

I took a deliberate step back, creating a distance between us. My eyes hardened, suppressing any hint of emotion.

"Why are you still here, leave," I commanded, my voice dripping with disdain.

Her eyes widened, fear flashing across her face but she remained unmoved.

"Damn it!" Why is she not moving? I was already losing it.

"Go," I barked while gesturing my hand towards the stairs.

I watched, unyielding, as she climbed the stairs speedily.

I'm just going to try to keep my distance away from her from now on. But I feel so empty now, it's as if a part of me fled with her.

"Moon goddess please I'm not ready for this, I'm not ready for the mate bond". I hope she will hear my prayer.

I couldn't stay in the school anymore, with a curse, I turned away, walking out into the forest.

Later that evening, I gathered my small group of trusted werewolves in a secluded clearing to hold a meeting.

"We've received intel, Zed,"

Damon, my beta reported, his voice low and urgent. "The vampire king is capturing werewolves, convinced they're behind the recent attacks."

My instincts snarled in protest. Something didn't add up.

"I don't believe it," I growled, pacing before my pack. "He's not just capturing them to kill them. There's more to it."

I remember when my father was alive, a few werewolves vanished without a trace, whispers of suspicion pointed to the vampire king but my father never believed it.

Thinking about it now, I realize he was responsible for those werewolves' disappearance.

My gaze locked onto Damon's. "Find out what he's really after. What's his true motive?"

Damon nodded, determination etched on his face.

As the meeting dispersed, my mind raced with dark possibilities. What sinister purpose drove the vampire king to capture my kin?

Was he harnessing their powers? Experimenting on them?

I needed to find out urgently because I knew that whatever he was trying to achieve with these werewolves wasn't going to be good.