Temptations

When I reached school, I didn't see Ian, Callie, or even Cole. I went to my locker and took out the books I would need when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Talia. My eyes widened in surprise before I felt suspicious. When I said my life couldn't get any worse, it wasn't a challenge.

“I’m not here for a fight.” She said before I could say anything, surprising me. “I just thought that we should talk. Okay look, I know I’m not the nicest person. Nobody has ever spoken to me the way you have and I realized that I was making enemies for no reason. What I said about Mallory was rude and I know I've said some pretty rude things to you, too. I think I need a friend like you who’d tell me reality instead of letting me create my own world where I’m always right. Trust me when I say I thought about it a lot.” She paused. “So, what do you say? Want to start over?”

I stared at Talia, blankly. My mind struggled to put together the words she just said in the order she said them and whenever I pressed ‘Enter,’ I always read ‘Error.’

People can change, though. I always believed in the motto ‘Forgive but never forget.’ Forgiving her and accepting her would be the right thing to do, but it would be foolish of me to believe everything she says because there’s a saying: Keep your friends close, and you enemies closer.’ If Talia applied it, so would I.

“I think that’s a good idea.” I finally said. The look of relief on Talia’s face was genuine. Did she really want to be my friend or had I misinterpreted her reaction? Don't trust her. 

“That’s great!” She said, happily. I smiled, surprised at how tolerable Talia had suddenly become when she was being…nicer? I still had a hard time taking that in. Ever since I moved here, Talia's face was the only face I saw when I imagined 'mean.' “I’ll see you around then!” She turned around and left, leaving me confused.

That was weird.

I closed my locker and started heading towards Mr. Heimlich’s classroom, keeping an eye out for Ian along the way. I knew that staying away was good for now, but I just wanted to see him. I felt a light vibration from my pocket, so I pulled my phone out, making sure to keep it hidden, and peeked at the screen.

One New Text Message!

It was from an unknown number, the kind that’s restricted and you can't call back unless you know the actual number. I opened it.

Unknown : Are you looking for me?

Whose number was this? I was looking for Ian. Was this Ian?

Eira : Who is this? How do you have my number?

I sent it and waited for a response, slowly moving forward. A second later, it buzzed again.

Unknown : Stalking you, princess.

My eyes widened when I read the message, so I reread it. I was just about to text back asking, no, demanding answers when I caught that last word: princess. I smiled.

Eira: Where are you? I’m looking for you.

I hit send.

Unknown : Take a step forward.

I looked around, but I didn't see him. I took a step forward.

Unknown : A little more. A small step, princess.

I obeyed, taking a small, tiny step forward. I still didn't see him.

Suddenly, the door to the janitor’s closet flung open and a hand reached out and grabbed me, yanking my body inside of the closet, too. I was about to scream when a hand covered my mouth, muffling my sounds.

I was scared.

“Good morning, Princess.” Ian’s voice whispered in my ear and I relaxed. He moved his hand from my mouth and I turned around to face him.

“You freaking scared me.” I snapped at him, angrily. He looked at me, amused. I stared at him for a second longer before I reached out and hugged him.

“Why the heck do I miss you so much?” I asked him, not letting go. I closed my eyes and just took in the comfort of being with Ian.

“It’s natural.” He responded. “You’re my mate. You’re bound to me by fate and you’re falling in love with me, too.” He said. I could visibly hear the smirk in his voice. I pulled away from him, and looked at him. Sure enough, he was smirking. 

“What do you mean? Isn't it the same thing?” I assumed it was only natural for a girl to love her mate. Why else would I be falling for Ian so quickly?