One

Vespa 

When my best friend and roommate, Ria, rushed in, panting like a marathon runner, and slammed my textbook shut, I knew something was up.

"What are you doing? I'm trying to study."

"Has your boyfriend called you yet?"

My response was a blank stare."No, I've been trying to reach him all day."

"I saw him on campus.”

I found her statement disturbing. Donovan never hides stuff from me. “That's impossible; he’s not back from the werewolf pack. Are you sure you aren't mistaken?"

Ria arched her brow, staring me down. “Vespa, are you indirectly calling me blind? I saw him and even called out to him, but he pretended not to hear and hurried away. That's not all.”

My ears perked up. 

“He was buying flowers at the florist near the school gate. He also had a bottle of wine, and I swear that I saw a ring box in his hand—a ring box, Vespa. Do you know what that means?”

I halted, surprised. Then my heart lit with excitement and I shrieked, accompanied by a robust clapping. Ria shut her ears from the aggression. 

"Flowers, wine, and a ring box? Donovan must be planning a surprise proposal for me!" 

 "Are you sure? I mean, it seemed odd the way he avoided me and rushed away."

“Positive. He's planning something special. I've been dropping hints about wanting to get married early. How thoughtful of him. That explains his secretiveness and distance.”

Ria shook her head, politely opposing me and trying to hone on Donovan's flaws. "Vespa, you're just 21. Why the rush? And why on earth would you say yes to a werewolf? We're humans and those creatures hate us. You can't possibly consider fucking an animal and having his babies? That's bestiality."

She watched me rise off the chair. “Don’t be silly, Ria. I've told you countless times that Donovan isn't an animal. He has a human side, and I have no business with his wolf. Besides, he fucks better than most humans. You should bang a werewolf and see the light."

I burst into laughter at Ria's disgusted expression.

"I'm happy for you, but I'm scared,” she said flatly while I rushed to my closet to scour through my clothes. “What are you going to do? Get dressed and head over to his house without waiting to hear from him. What if he ran an errand for a friend.”

"Nah, the signs are glaring; that ring is for me.”

"Maybe you should call him first before you go to see him.”

Excited like a child on Christmas morning, I ignored Ria. My clothes cascaded onto the bed and floor as I searched for the perfect outfit.

I wasn't a dressy girl and preferred jeans on most occasions, but this was no ordinary day. I had to step out of my comfort zone and settle for a dark green sheath dress that had been tucked away for special occasions. The dark green color matched my skin tone, and the style enhanced my figure. 

A silver necklace and matching earrings added a shine to my outfit. My hair wasn't a problem as I was rocking an ash-blond pixie. I was too excited for makeup but Ria made me sit and

applied powder, nude eyeshadow, and lipstick the same shade as my lips.

I was confident and ready for the unexpected and I slipped into comfortable heels. Standing before the mirror, I became nervous. 

"Do you think I need to get my nails done? My natural nails are unattractive. Well, I guess I'll have to make do with them." I shrugged, dismissing the brief concern about my nails.

I grabbed my purse and keys and was rushing to the door when Ria stopped me. 

"Vespa, slow down. Let me come with you."

“Hurry,” I said, rushing downstairs to my car. Ria caught up with me and I drove off, whistling. 

She gave me a strained smile and I groaned.

“I didn't force you to come with me.”

“Pfft. I want to witness my best friend's grand proposal.”

I kept driving and didn't care about Ria’s warnings; all I cared about was getting to Donovan as fast as I could.

We got to his apartment but his door was locked. Glad that I had my keys, we got in. I bounced from foot to foot, excited because this was real.

Donovan wasn't here but the room was decorated with flowers, scented candles, wine, and two glasses. My heart raced and I smiled at the effort Donovan had put into the surprise.

Ria, however, was restless and I shot her a playful glare. "Don't ruin the moment, Ria”

We explored the decorated space and I couldn't wait to say yes. Thirty minutes passed and Donovan wasn't back yet. My initial excitement turned to restlessness. I checked my phone for any messages or calls, but there was nothing from him.

Ria, growing more impatient, placed her hands on her hips. 

 "Maybe he's just running late,” I said in Donovan’s defense. “Let's give him a bit more time."

 "I think we should head back to our dorm and wait for his call.”

"No, I'm staying; you can go,” I replied stubbornly. 

Just then, the door creaked open, and Donovan walked in, holding a green handbag. 

Donovan and I were in the journalism field. We met on campus last year at the start of the session. At that time, he was embarking on a master's degree journey, while I was in my junior year. He asked me for directions to the dean's office and the rest is history. 

"Surprise!" I exclaimed. 

Donovan turned around sharply and his eyes widened in shock. I winked mischievously while Ria sucked her teeth like an irritated snake. 

“Look behind you, Vespa. I told you this was going to suck badly.”

Donovan's face turned nervous like a little boy caught stealing and a ginger-headed young woman dressed in a yellow sun dress and green sneakers stood beside him glaring at me in the coldest way possible. 

I stopped breathing. 

"And who is she, baby? I'm guessing she decorated the room?" She asked with a sneer. 

Donovan swallowed hard without saying anything. Nobody slapped me on the cheeks but they stung. The redhead moved closer and despite my high heels, she was at least a foot taller than me.

"Hello, meatbag. I'm Nebula, Donovan's fianceé and the mother of his unborn baby."

My heart froze like a statue in a museum when several other people arrived on the scene. His girlfriend welcomed them and some of her friends threw nasty glares at me. 

“A human wants to snatch my mate from me. Isn't that unheard of?”

Speechless, I couldn't move. Ria hated public embarrassment and whispered that we leave. I felt betrayed and a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Donovan shot me a sympathetic glance and I couldn't tear my eyes off him.

More people arrived, and the atmosphere became charged with awkwardness and unspoken questions. I blinked to be sure that this wasn't a dream. I wasn't a weak or shy person but this caught me off guard and even when people began making videos I couldn't move. 

My body trembled like an aspen leaf and as I headed for the door, my vision was turning blurry. I had feelings for Donovan but the bastard paid me with this colossal embarrassment.

"This- this isn't over, "I managed to say to him, holding Ria to support myself. As soon as we stepped outside the door, I knew I was going to slump. 

From nowhere three male figures rushed towards me like I was the last candy in the store. The last thing I knew before blacking out was falling into one's arms.