Esra
I trudged through the past few days, feeling like a ship without anchor. Seeing other couples together only made me feel more alone. I should have known better. Fate has a way of surprising you, and Derek finding his mate was inevitable. Her name was Claire, and she was the new obsession of everyone around me. Beautiful, slim, and blonde â the perfect package.
I let out a deep sigh and refocused on my work. I had a massive event to plan â a fundraising gala for Belhaven, with almost every business in attendance. The goal was ambitious: to raise enough money to renovate the city's orphanages and provide opportunities for the children. I spent hours on the phone, finalizing the decor and catering details.
After work, I headed to our favorite restaurant to pick up my order. As I entered, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me.
"Hi, I'm here to pick up my order. I ordered coffee." The lady behind the counter smiled and handed me my order.
Just as I was about to leave, my phone buzzed. Kathryn had texted me, telling me that the invitations were finalized and already sent.
Perfect. That was one thing out of the way.
I texted her back quickly, and just as I lifted my head up, I saw Derek and Claire were sitting by the window, smiling at each other. I quickly looked away, feeling a pang of jealousy.
Of all places, they just had to pick this café.
I turned to leave, hoping that by the time I reached the exit, they wouldn't notice me. However, I collided with someone on the way, spilling coffee all over them.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, without looking who he was, I grabbed a few serviettes from a nearby table and just as I was about to wipe the coffee on his shirt, I saw his face, and horror washed over me.
"It's been five years, Esra. Five years." Zade's voice was low and husky, sending shivers down my spine. A slight smirk touched his lips. "I didn't expect to meet you like this."
I stood frozen, unsure of what to do. Zade's eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me.
Derek appeared, his eyes flashing with anger. "Leave her alone, Zade."
Wait, what?
They knew each other?
Zade snapped at him. "You don't get to tell me what to do, Derek."
The air was thick with tension as the two men faced off. I took advantage of the distraction to make a quick exit.
But Zade was hot on my heels. "Where do you think you're going?"
I ran as fast as I could, my heart pounding in my chest. But I knew I couldn't outrun Zade. He was the pack's top hunter, and no one could escape him.
I stopped and turned around, and Zade was no where in sight. It was strange, but I took the situation for granted anyway, hurrying back home.
Maybe Carroll and Carter would help me. They weren't part of a pack which meant they didn't have to comply to Zade.
I reached the front door, opening it and entering. But the atmosphere felt different and I didn't like it.
"Carroll? Carter?"
No one answered, but I sensed they were in the living room. But when I went there, I couldn't believe my eyes.
"I thought I'd find you here?" Zade said, his arms crossed.
"How did you know where I live?" I glanced at Carroll and Carter, hoping that they'd provide me with some sort of information. But they kept quiet and avoided my eyes.
My eyes locking onto Zade's. "You're not taking me anywhere."
Zade's smile was menacing. "We'll see about that."
I slapped him across his face. "You're a piece of shit. You know that right?"
I was fuming at this point. If he thought he could force me to go anywhere with him, he was surely mistaken.
Without another glance at Carroll and Carter, I left. There was no where else that I could go, and calling the police was out of the question.
I didn't go far before three brown wolves emerged from the shadows. I gulped, knowing I was outnumbered.
Zade appeared behind me, his eyes seemed to gleam with excitement. "So, what's it going to be? Me, or them?"
I didn't hesitate. The answer was quite obvious right there and then.
I turned and ran, the wolves hot on my heels.
I darted into the nearby woods, my heart racing with fear. I knew I couldn't shift â if I did, Zade would have an easier time tracking me down.
I ran as fast as I could, my breath coming in ragged gasps. But I knew I couldn't keep this up for much longer.
Suddenly, I heard twigs snapping behind me. I quickly climbed a tree, hiding behind the branches and leaves.
The three brown wolves appeared, their eyes scanning the trees, Zade with them.
"Have you found her?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.
One of the wolves growled, and I knew they were mind linking each other.
Zade growled with irritation. "Carry on your search."
The wolves dispersed and Zade went in the opposite direction of them.
I relaxed a little, although I knew I wasn't safe. Not yet.
Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind me, grabbing my wrist. "Got you."
I screamed, trying to push the stranger away. The person pulled me down, and I realized it wasn't a stranger. It was Zade.
"You're never leaving my sight again."
I struggled against him, but he held me firm. "You can't keep me prisoner."
Zade's smile was cold. "You're not a prisoner. You're my mate."
"Carry on telling yourself that, but we all know how you cheated several times on me."
Zade's jaw set into place, and I could see how furious he was, but he chose not to react in any harsh way. Instead, he held me firmly as he and the three brown wolves escorted us back to Zade's car.
He shoved me in, shutting the door afterwards.
Zade started the engine, his eyes never leaving mine. "We're going home."
I didn't respond, my mind racing with thoughts of escape.
As if sensing my thoughts, Zade locked the door.
"We're going home." He repeated.
I didn't want to go home, but there was no point in arguing. Arguing with zade is like talking to a brick wall.
I sighed, staring out the window as we drove off. I didn't like accepting defeat, but for now, I just had to go with the flow until the moment was right.
Because right now, I was trapped.