I look around in a startle, fearing that someone has heard the explicit and loud — really loud — words Jasper used to refer to last night. I'm so frightened that my heart is beating frantically in my chest, threatening to rip it open and jump out.
“H- Hey, shut up!” I grit my teeth, pointing my finger in his direction. “Aren't you ashamed to say… those things?”
“Those things were truths, and you did all of them…. I must say, you did them so well that it's etched in my mind.”
“Then make an effort to forget them.” I'm harsh, and I know my tone has caused him a certain amount of displeasure, but I don't care.
All I want, what I really hope for the most, is to forget what happened yesterday… Forget seeing Bryan with Alice, and the fact that I lost my virginity with a complete stranger. At least, I wish it was really just a stranger, instead of the new student who just transferred into my class.
Argh! How unlucky can one person be?
“Forget?” He laughs low and leans toward me, causing me to flinch and lean my back against the chair. “I won't forget… because I don't want to forget.”
“You don't want to?” I ask, completely dumbfounded.
“It would be a waste to forget…” Jasper props his arms crossed on the table, leaning even closer toward me. “I mean, don't you think we're really a match in bed?”
“Wait-”
“Maybe I'm really bewitched. Even if I wanted to forget last night, Reddy, I don't think I could. I mean, the things you did to me…”
I quickly rise from my seat, leaning toward him, covering his mouth with my two trembling hands. The way his eyes sparkle with amusement makes me feel flushed. And somehow, I know he's smiling behind my hand…
However, I immediately freeze when feel something slip through my palm, leaving a wet trail.
Can't. Believe.
He just licked my hand!
“Jasper-”
“What the hell is this?” I hear a deep, incredibly angry voice slice through my words like a sharp razor.
And a shiver runs through my body, as I pull my hand away from Jasper's lips and immediately wilt, fearing to look at the owner of the voice and find him…
But it's in vain because, once again, his voice repeats harshly, “What does this mean?”
My eyes inevitably find him standing beside the table, with a rigid expression on his face and teeth clenched. It's Bryan. A furious Bryan.
“I asked what the hell this means, Scarlett.” Bryan asks rudely, looking at me with displeasure and a certain disgust. This makes me angry because if there's anyone who should be displeased, angry or disgusted here, it's me.
“That's not your problem anymore, Bryan.” I reply annoyed, sitting back in my chair again, wishing it was actually a portal to take me to another world. “It was you who cheated on me first… Or are you having a hard time remembering things?”
I watch as Bryan's face reddens, and I realize that we're still in a public place, with many people around. And if Jasper's shameless words about our fling didn't reach the ears or pique the interest of the students in the restaurant, Bryan's appearance and abruptness certainly did.
People are whispering and, thanks to my great hearing, I can understand a few words. They say things like, did Bryan had a thing with Scarlett Davis? But he's not Alice's boyfriend? Didn't Scarlett hit on Bryan?
Well, maybe he's unable to hear so precisely, but Bryan can guess what they're saying because his voice is quick to add with a sarcastic laugh, “I cheated on you? What are you talking about? My girlfriend is Alice, I have nothing to do with you!”
I feel my blood bubbling because he's with that cynical expression on his face. His voice is quivering, saying absurdities that I wouldn't want to hear to just hurt myself more — yet I can't forbid his next words from entering my ears with absurd clearness:
“Everyone knows that you tried to seduce me last night, at the club… And I thought I was being clear when I said that I wanted nothing to do with you.”
“How can you be so shameless, Bryan?” I slam my hand on the table and stand up, furious, feeling tears on the edge of my eyes, threatening to roll down my face along with all the resentment that, I know, is shining in my eyes.
I open my lips to throw truths in his face… to hurt him and make him feel at least some of the pain he's making me feel. But the words just won't come out. Just like me, they're too proud to give themselves away like this.
We used to be happy in the past. At least, that's what I thought. Seeing the way he lies so easily, how he doesn't mind hurting me like this, tarnishing my honor, making me look like a slut… It's narrowing my throat… It's making me almost drown in those unspoken words.
“I don't know why I felt sorry for you when the video of your shameless act was posted on the campus forum. I even said that you probably did what you did because you were drunk. But I see that you're really what they say… Only one day has passed, and you're already trying to seduce another man? Really, what a whore-”
“Hey, shut your mouth.” Jasper's voice sounds high and low, reverberating through my ears and bringing a sudden discomfort in my chest.
“What did you say?” Bryan gives a sarcastic laugh, “Are you really going to defend this slut?”
“Bryan…” I don't have the strength to call him louder because my chest is aching, so tight that I seem unable to breathe. I flinch, feeling my legs weaken, but my pride won't allow me to sit up again.
“Who do you think you are, to get yourself into this?” Bryan crosses his arms so that his muscles bulge at his shirt… a way to show off, to maybe intimidate Jasper….
However, this doesn't work because Jasper also stands up, leaning one hand on the table, proving himself to be at least eight inches (20cms) taller than Bryan. His astonishing height of almost 6'3 feet (2 m) isn't the only thing that makes him stand out, but his broad back and arms are much bigger and stronger than Bryan's.
Still, Bryan doesn't seem intimidated… and well, I can understand why. He has always been very assured in his physique and the agility that makes him good at sports. But Jasper… he seems really intimidating. There's something about his presence that makes him menacing, more than the appearance and the expression on his face…. I can't explain it.
“Hah, you really think you're badass, don't you?” Bryan gives an incredulous laugh, then stretches his arm towards me, hooking his fingers around my arm and pulling me towards him abruptly, while saying, “Stay out of it, newbie, this is between me and this bitch…”
“DON'T TOUCH HER!” Jasper shouts… no, he growls — a growl from deep in his throat, hoarse, almost beastly, that reverberates through my skin and makes my legs finally weaken, making me sit up in the chair, completely stunned…
I hold the air in my lungs, feeling my heart beating frantically in my chest.
I saw his face become that of a beast — it was so quick that I doubted my eyes. Still, the image is seared into my mind; the shape of the long snout, the black fur and pointed ears, with intense yellow eyes and teeth so sharp that seemed to be no end at the gaping mouth.
Jasper…
Did I just see a wolf face on Jasper?
For a moment, I thought it was all just an illusion…. After all, it's impossible for humans to growl. Not like that, not with that intensity, as if there were a beast living beneath this skin and muscle, behind that angry countenance and those eyes that glow dangerously.There's no way that this is real…Yeah, there's no way any of it could be real.Yet… Bryan's fingers loosened their grip, and I was able to disentangle myself naturally as I fell back in my chair. And the expression on his face… Bryan is pale, so pale that he looks like a blizzard from a harsh winter day. His eyes are bulging, widened as if he doubts what he saw through it… as if he doubts his sanity as I do.Jasper's looks at me, and that's enough to wake me up… I finally got up from the chair, feeling a little more strength in my legs, and saw that, to my dismay, my movement had also awakened Bryan from his freeze. I’m attempting to leave, but Bryan reaches out to touch my arm again, but he stops midway, a few inche
Girlfriend? I feel my heart skip a beat and then flutter strongly against my chest. A strange feeling of happiness takes over me, and for a moment my lips open, tempted to accept his proposal, even if it's so sudden. But no words dare come out because I swallow them all. Jasper is what any girl would dream of. Tall, muscular, and incredibly handsome. Not only that, his kisses, his touch, his… Well, everything is absurdly perfect. Nothing's lacking, except for his flirty demeanor, which occasionally causes my annoyance to rise. Anyway, he knows how to make a girl blush and melt a heart. But… He's a constant reminder of Bryan's betrayal. A constant reminder of my broken heart. It has been only one day since my months-long relationship was shattered before my eyes. I'm not ready to start a new one, especially with someone I know nothing but the name. Besides… Alice's words are still hammering in my mind. I'm sick of dealing with playboys. That's why, even though my heart aches inexpl
ㅤ— JASPER ROOSEVELT (POV)ㅤWhen my father said that I should go to the Human Word to look for my mate, I confess that I couldn't hold my laugh. The idea seemed ridiculous. I honestly didn't worry about it, since I couldn't imagine the impact that my mate would have on my life… or the consequences of missing her. The effects didn't seem to be a problem until I started feeling them.During my wolf-shape, I noticed some instabilities that, gradually, were also affecting my human form. Small outbursts of anger and lack of control were something that was never really my character. I found out that if a wolf takes too long to find their mate, they will lose control. And to my bad luck, I haven't found mine in eighteen years.Since a wolf who can go crazy at any moment isn't suitable to be the heir to the pack, my father suggested this, which at first, I thought was absurd.But now… I'm really grateful that I listened to him.Especially when Scarlett looks so grumpy looking at her phone. E
My heart is about to fail, I know it. I know because, as I'm turning on my heels and walking quickly down the hallway, I have to swallow the crying and the words that I wish I could shout to the world. I had to swallow the hurt, the disappointment, and this jealousy that's eating me up inside…. A jealousy that shouldn't be here, shouldn't be… I shouldn't feel this, none of this! “Scarlett!” I hear Jasper call my name. Heavens, I'm already able to recognize his voice and each of his sounds even from a distance! But I don't dare look back or stop my quick steps… I don't dare because I know that, even as I swallow all of this, the tears are still threatening to rise to my eyes. I don't have anything to do with this. It doesn't matter if Jasper is with Alice, or with any other girl. It shouldn't matter… Then why am I running away like this? Why am I so, so sad? “Wait!” Suddenly, my wrist is held, and I feel my body freeze in place. I wish I had the strength to disengage myself fro
My lips twitch and for a moment I think about answering that yes, I'll watch this damn Basketball Competition, after all, it's a big event. But then… I remember that they're competing for Alice. I remember Jasper kissing her… And just like that, my courage just shatters.“No, I won't.” I reply quickly, turning my back on her. But I can feel Lily's eyes burning into my skin.“What?” Lily sighs deeply, “Scarlett, you know how important this event is, don't you?”Of course, I do, but…“Are you really not going to watch them? Bryan and Jasper are fighting over you in this competition, you know? Don't be heartless.” Lily says with a sly tone.“Stop saying things like that, Lily. This isn't about me.” I snort, feeling a chill in my stomach because again, the scene I saw between Alice and Jasper returns to my mind, bothering even in my dreams. It's funny how this made me more upset than when I saw Bryan with her at the club.“If it's not about you, who else?” She moves closer to me, placing
Jasper's girlfriend?I can't help but let out a small incredulous laugh because I'm certainly hearing things. Did she say she's Jasper's girlfriend?Maybe my reaction didn't please her because I see her expression shuts even more, with her eyebrows frowning and an angry look taking over her eyes that, now I see, are blue.“Did I say something funny?” She asks snidely, clearly impatient.No, it's not funny… yet I'm about to laugh.It's not funny, not in the least. After all, there's no way it's funny that he asked me to be his girlfriend when he already has one.And Amber? What's his deal with names inspired by colors?Honestly, I don't know if I want to laugh or cry, or just explode, overflowing this anger and conflicting feelings. I don't know how to feel, how to order these thoughts. I'm at a complete loss for words.“Girlfriend?” Lily's voice sounds equally harsh, and I feel like I can finally breathe, thanks to her words.I cast a brief glance at my friend's face, and notice that
I open my lips to answer him, but no sound comes out, although my eyes probably speak for me. And to my relief, the bell rings loudly, rousing everyone from this delight. Jasper points with his head towards the Sport Hall, and puts his hands in the pockets of his baggy pants, while encouraging me to follow him with short steps. I just follow, my eyes locked on the floor, as my feet practically drag. Everyone is heading for the entrance, but just as we reach Lily and Amber, who are staring at each other with not the least bit of a friendly expression, Jasper stops. I stop next to Lily, still at a loss for words. “So… are you going to watch my competition with Bryan?” Jasper's voice is soft, and draws my fearful eyes, which hover over his face again. “Yes, of course we will!” Lily steps forward, with a huge smile on her face. “I hope you'll scream my name very loud…. So, I can hear you cheering for me.” He says with his suggestive tone, his eyes locked on mine — and I can't help b
“Are you-” I hear the low, slightly worried voice, so I open my eyes startled, and then I notice that not only I fell over Bryan's chest, but his hands are also on my waist, holding me.I quickly retreated and, thank God, Lily helped me get up, but I'm still slightly dazed. I look around, searching for the person who pushed me; however, my eyes quickly return to Bryan, who is getting up, stretching his neck. He's already in his black and gray College uniform, which shows off the players' strong arms and built calves muscles.I see how he looks at me with a conflicted expression, and I could swear his eyes glisten at the sight of me. This gives me a distressing feeling, and as I don't want to sustain his gaze, I turn my face away.However, he indeed saved me from a fall that would probably hurt badly, my body and proud, so I couldn't help but look at him fearfully again, saying with hesitation, “Thank you…”His eyes widen slightly, and he opens his lips to answer me, but…“YOUR WHORE!”