Page 9

Kieran’s POV..
I hate you.
Those words were ringing in my head. It played over and over in my head, really getting to me. Tali’s voice was a bit intimidating. Her words burned a hole. Every time she cried, I flinched. She gave me a look that could kill. I could feel the pain radiating off her and my wolf was looking at me like I’d gone and done something wrong.
As those same three words repeated over and over in my head, I stood stock still. My hands were clenched into tight fists. I wasn’t angry at anyone, though. I was pretty annoyed with myself.
The cafeteria was dead silent, everyone’s eyes on me. Tali had just left, and now that she was gone, I felt cold. Just a minute ago, I got what I wanted. I wanted her to look at me with hatred. Now, I really regret it. All I wanted from her was to have my arms around her, to protect her, to have her eyes gleam at me with adoration. I wanted her lips on mine, her smile to brighten my day, her laugh to melt my heart. But I lost sight of that because I was too wrapped up in my own importance.
I did regret what I did, yes. I’ll admit that I’ve made a mistake. She was well within her rights to be angry with me. I wasn’t the one who was pathetic; she was. I was the only one at fault. I had one thing in common with Tali. I felt the same.
Then, out of nowhere, I heard footsteps behind me. “Oh baby, you’re so sexy when you’re angry,” said Jessica – or was it Janet? – purred in my ear. I felt pretty grossed out. I wanted no one but Tali. Janet must’ve thought her words were doing the trick because she ran her hands up my leg and inched her fingers closer to my crotch.
I jumped back and swatted her hand away. “Janet, we’re done,” I told her.
She sniffed, and it was all too much for her. I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at her vulnerability. After about five minutes of bawling her eyes out, she slapped my face, but it didn’t faze me. Tali’s punch was still pretty overwhelming.
“It’s Jenifer, you bastard.” Then she stormed off.
The Moonfire Pack surrounded me, so I stood up straight. I couldn’t be seen as weak, especially not to them. They all looked at me like I was a piece of trash, but I just gave them a casual stare. “Hey, Redford,” Luca said. “Quite the heartbreaker, huh?” I didn’t say anything. “You’re lucky we’ve agreed to stop fighting. Otherwise, you’d end up with a black eye and a few broken bones.”
“Forget the truce,” Brielle said, striding toward me. But Damien held her back, and she wriggled to get free. She looked really angry. “Damien, let me go. This guy doesn’t deserve any respect.”
“…” Chill out. One day, he’ll pay the price. He doesn’t deserve our respect, but his father does,” Luca said, still glaring at me. “Redford, heads up.”
I watched them retreat. I didn’t care what they had to say. At the end of the day, Tali was the only one who mattered to me. But I lost her, and it was my own fault.
Tali’s POV..-
“Elias?” I repeated louder this time. I jumped up from my seat and basically tackled him to the ground. “It’s really you! Am I dreaming?”
My brother laughed and pinched my arm. “Ouch, what the hell?” I shot him a dirty look.
“You asked if you were dreaming. You know, like in that saying, ‘pinch me if I’m dreaming’.
I gave him a playful look and a friendly punch on the chest. “What are you doing here?”
“I can’t come and visit my little sister?” He asked, putting on a hurt face.
“Hey Elias, it’s been ages since we last saw you. Seriously, why are you here?”
“First off, your dad dumped you, and I came to check up on you. It seems like it was a good thing for me to come.” His smile widened, and the dimple on his right cheek got deeper. “Second, I’m getting married!”
My smile reached from ear to ear and I jumped for joy. “You’re kidding me!” He’s been on the lookout for the one since he was fifteen. He wasn’t so sure about that. My parents’ divorce really upset him.
“Tasha, come in,” he called out. A pretty blonde came into the room. She had fudge brown eyes and a friendly smile. Elias put his arm around her and smiled down at her. “Talia, this is my fiancée, Tasha. Tasha, Talia.”
“Hi, I’m Tali,” I said, shaking her hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
“It’s all up to you,” she said.
“So, when’s the date?” Where is it? I’m free to help out if you need me.”
“23 November. Here, at the Pioneer Hotel.” Elias announced, clearly proud.
“Oh, I’m so happy for you two!” I let out a squeal of excitement. “But that’s in two months. How’s everything going to work in just two months?”
“We got it down, little sis. When have I failed?” I rolled my eyes. He’s exactly the same cocky guy I knew.
“Hm, let me think. I remember when you tried to sneak out once. Do you remember that time you put a lizard in Mrs Jones’s lunchbox? Oh, and that time…
“OK, you got your point across.” He said, annoyed. Tasha just laughed at him.
“I’m going to marry a failure?” She joked. I smiled at her. I was already a fan.
“Honey, isn’t that what you love about me?” Elias looked over at me. “Anyway, Tasha and I are taking you out. Be ready in thirty.”
Hey, just wanted to let you know that I’ve got the lowdown on the latest developments.
I’ve been busy shopping in three hundred different stores, trying on thousands of shoes, putting on multiple outfits, getting my hair cut, getting my eyebrows waxed, and getting to know Tasha. I was absolutely knackered. I just needed a bit of time to myself. I have to say, I was a bit grossed out watching Elias and Tasha making kissy faces at each other. I was happy for them, but it was pretty gross.
I looked up at the sky, and it was dark. The stars were scattered across the black sky, and the lamp post lit up the busy streets. I thought Shopping Street was great. It was one place my mum and I would always go to when I was feeling down.
Alright, so what film do you ladies fancy watching? Elias asked. He had his arm draped over Tasha’s shoulder. He bent down and kissed her on the cheek. I couldn’t stop thinking about them making out during the whole movie.
“To be honest, you two should just go on without me. I think you need some alone time with each other,” I offered eagerly.
Elias gave me a suspicious look. “But we took you out, and it’s all about you tonight.”
Yeah, right. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say this, but I thought they were making kissy faces at each other. How lovely.
“No, no, believe me, I’m enjoying myself and I really appreciate everything you two have done for me tonight. I have to stop by the bookstore for my essay that’s due next week,” I lied.
Elias gave me a look for a minute. He looked a bit suspicious, like he was trying to see if I was telling the truth. After a bit, he shook his head and gave up. “OK, but meet us at Zaraëlle’s in an hour.” Tasha and I are going to drop into one last store.”
“I won’t be long,” I said, smiling.
We finally went our separate ways, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I strolled down Shopping Street, making my way to the bookstore.
This part of Shopping Street was empty. To be honest, not many people spent much time in the education department. I actually found it quite calming, though. It just had a really peaceful atmosphere. There weren’t many people around and it was pretty quiet. I closed my eyes and savoured the feel of the night air on my skin.
The yellow lighting of the little bookstore spilled out onto the street. I started to walk towards it. But I stopped in my tracks when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned slowly, but there was no one there.
I just had a feeling something was off. My stomach felt all twisted and turned, and I was nervous. I was sweating like crazy. I carried on walking quickly. But I wasn’t quick enough.
Then, someone grabbed my arm from inside the alley. His hand was so grippy I thought I’d end up with bruises. Before I could scream, the stranger put his hand over my mouth.
I couldn’t make out his face, but I was pretty sure it was a guy. He was hidden in the dark shadows. I felt the tears start to well up, and I shook with terror.