CHAPTER 5
1764 Words
Cassandra’s POV
He stopped and turned around, looking at me with one brow lifted as though asking what I wanted to say.
I took a deep breath and walked slowly towards him.
After making sure I was making eye contact with him, I asked, “Why do you help me?”
Lucien didn’t immediately answer. His expression tightened, the calmness from earlier slipping away just a little. He took a half step back, then looked me up and down.
He exhaled sharply, his gaze briefly drifting away, and I felt a knot form in my stomach. The silence stretched between us, thick and uncomfortable.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice quieter. “I don’t know. Maybe because I don’t like watching people get pushed around.”
Wow! So, Brittany was right.
“I’m your charity case then,” I muttered, forcing out a small smile to stop myself from looking hurt and even bursting into tears.
He quickly reached out to me, holding my hands between his. “No. Never. You mean much more than that to me.”
His words hit me harder than I expected. My chest tightened, and I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened just enough to keep me in place.
“You don’t even know me,” I said, voice shaky.
“I know enough,” he replied softly, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. His eyes were intense as if he were seeing right through me. “I know you don’t deserve any of this. Not the bullying, not the s**t they’ve thrown at you. And especially not this constant feeling that you're alone in school.”
The room seemed to get smaller, my heart thudding louder. I tried to focus on his words, but they scrambled my thoughts even more.
Was he just saying this to make me feel better? Or was there something more?
“I’m fine,” I said quickly, pulling my hands back gently. “I don’t need saving.”
Lucien didn’t let go. His grip didn’t tighten, but it was firm enough to keep me there.
“I never said you did. What you need is to have someone by your side. A friend. And I’m just trying to be that person.”
“Lucien—” I started, but he quickly placed a finger over my lips to silence me.
“I’m only trying to be your friend,” He explained.
Just before I could say something, he added, “For now.”
“Excuse me?” My brows wrinkled in confusion.
What does he mean? I wondered.
“There could always be room for more if you let it.” He paused, his voice a little quieter, almost hesitant. “If you want there to be.”
My breath caught in my throat. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words got stuck.
Was he talking about... more than just friendship? Was this guy crazy? He doesn’t even know me yet he wants us to be more than friends? Has he even forgotten he’s a werewolf and needed to at least wait for his mate?
The weight of his words hung in the air, making me feel dizzy.
I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady. “What are you talking about?”
Lucien’s gaze softened, and he stepped a little closer, his presence looming in a way I wasn’t used to. “I’m not going to force anything on you. I just... I don’t know what this is, but I can’t walk away from it. Not yet.”
I stared at him, feeling the rush of my pulse against my skin. Something in me told me I should be cautious and that I should pull away before things got too complicated. But the look in his eyes held me in place.
His words felt like a promise, one I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear.
“I don’t need anyone else messing with my life right now,” I said, my voice shaky, even though I didn’t mean it. “I’ve got enough on my plate.”
Lucien nodded slowly as if he understood. “I get it. But I’m still here, whether you like it or not.”
The corner of his mouth twitched like he was trying to hide a smile, but I wasn’t fooled. There was something more in his words, something unspoken.
“Why?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Because,” he said softly, almost to himself, “sometimes it’s not about what we need, but what we can’t walk away from.”
And just like that, I was left standing there, speechless, trying to figure out what the hell any of it meant.
Deciding not to dwell too much on that, I headed straight home. Thankfully, since my little sister, Lana, had after-school activities today, I didn’t need to pick her up.
Getting home, I quickly helped my mom tidy up the house and prepare dinner. Once it was ready, everyone gathered at the dinner table.
Dinner was awkward. Brian barely said a word, but his eyes were fixed on me like a hawk the whole time. Every move I made felt scrutinized.
The silence was unbearable and the tension was so thick that I could literally cut it with a pair of scissors.
Axel leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his sharp gaze moved between Brian and me.
Finally deciding to help get rid of the tense atmosphere, my dad asked, “How was school, sweeties?” His eyes peered at me.
“School was fine,” I said quickly, trying to avoid any conversation.
“Fine?” Draven echoed, raising an eyebrow. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “That’s all we’re getting?”
I shrugged, pushing a piece of broccoli around my plate. “Not much to say.”
Dad cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. “Well, I’m glad to hear that. And you, Brian? Anything exciting happening today?”
Brian didn’t look away from me. “No,” he said flatly.
Axel snorted, shaking his head. “Wow, thrilling updates from everyone. Dinner conversation is just top-notch.”
Draven shot him a look before turning his attention back to me. “You sure you’re okay, Cass?”
“I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile.
Draven didn’t seem convinced, his gray eyes narrowing. “You don’t look fine.”
“Drop it,” Brian said suddenly, his voice low but firm.
Draven blinked, surprised. “Excuse me?”
“I said drop it,” Brian repeated, his tone making it clear there was no room for argument.
Axel straightened in his seat. “Since when do you decide what’s dropped or not?”
“Since now,” Brian snapped.
“Alright, that’s enough,” Alpha Ravenscroft, their dad, said, raising his hands. “Let’s all calm down and eat.”
The tension didn’t ease. Draven muttered something under his breath, and Axel leaned back, crossing his arms. Brian didn’t say another word but kept his eyes on me.
“Cassie, you really look tired. Maybe after dinner, you should rest. Your dad and I will sort out the dishes.” Mum suggested, finally uttering a word since we started dinner.
“But—” I tried to object.
“Listen to your mom,” Dad ordered with a pointed look, interrupting me.
By the time dinner ended, I practically ran for the stairs. I could feel Brian’s stares at me, and it just felt creepy. I wanted to look back to be sure he was the one staring, but I dared not.
What I definitely couldn’t understand was why he was paying keen attention to me. Shouldn’t he be… maybe avoiding letting our parents find out he’s my latest bully?
Once in my room, I shut the door, leaning against it. My chest tightened, my thoughts racing. What had just happened? And why did Brian’s gaze feel like it was peeling away every layer of my defences?
I sat on my bed, scrolling through my phone for hours, trying to get distracted. Then, a message from Lucien popped up on the screen.
“I meant what I said. Watch your back. Brian is no good, and his brothers aren’t saints either.”
I stared at the message, my heart pounding.
What did he know? Did he find out Brian now lives in my house? Why was he so worried?
I understand he claims to have feelings for me, but let’s be realistic. The moment he finds his mate, I’ll be a piece of rag he’d just discard without batting an eye.
But wait! I did have issues with Brian, but Axel and Draven had never actually bullied me. And if I keenly thought about it, they actually help me out indirectly.
A knock at the door startled me, and I jumped. I immediately locked my phone and shoved it under my pillow. I stood up and opened the door, my pulse quickening.
“You!” I gasped in shock. “What are you doing here?” I whisper-yelled, trying to be as quiet as possible so as not to grab my parent’s attention.
Brian stood there, his expression unreadable. My breath caught in my throat.
“No need whispering. They all went out for a run.” Brian said casually.
“What?” I yelled out in shock.
“We‘re home alone. Enough time for me to get my answers and drill into your head that no matter where you are, you’re mine to torment.” His voice was dangerously low as he leaned closer.
“I—”
“You’ve been talking to him,” Brian said tartly, his hazel eyes boring into my soul.
I knew there was no saving me today. The last time he cornered me, I could at least draw strength knowing that my parents were home. But, now…
I swallowed hard, words stuck in my throat. “What?”
He stepped closer, and I instinctively stepped back in fear.
His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching as he watched me closely. “Lucien. Care to explain what he wants with you?”
My mind raced, but I didn’t have an answer. Or, more like, I felt there was no need to tell him what Lucien told me.
But what was with Brian and always butting into my life? If bullying me wasn’t enough, now he wants to completely lord over my life?
- Writer
