Fated

Chapter XVI

Cassie

Past

Cassie cried out as she hit the ground. Her head bashed on the wall. She whimpered in pain, "Please, Ethan." 

Ethan growled, "You know you deserve this Cassandra. Why did you talk to him? I told you I didn't want you talking to any males." He tugged at her hand, pulling her up fully. Cassie's mid-section ached in protest. The force of his next slap made her head turn. "Why did you have to make me hurt you Cassandra? You know I hate hitting you."

Prying a swollen eye open with difficulty, Cassie mumbled. "He's the Alpha's son, Ethan! He just needed to know some directions. How can I ignore the Alpha's son?"

Ethan aimed a punch to her gut, supporting her as she doubled over. "You can't lie, little red wolf. A rule is a rule, Cassandra. You really must learn to adhere to it." Behind them the school bell rang. The hub-hub grew as children began to exit. Hidden in a nook near the back of the school, Ethan and Cassie ignored them. "Have you learnt your lesson, Cassandra? Please don't make me hit you again."

Cassie nodded feebly, as she used his support to straighten her feeble body up. Quietly, she stood next to him, tears escaping her eyes. 

Ethan groaned. "Please don't cry, Cassandra! Come on, baby, you know you made a mistake. Come, lets make it better with some ice cream. Do you want to eat some of your favourite choco-chip? I must have some at my home. You'll come over won't you?"

Cassie protested feebly. "Mom wants my help with -"

Ethan's eyes darkened. "I said, you'll come, my little red wolf. You know I love you so much."

Cassie nodded. She began to limp beside Ethan as they made their way to his car.

"What the fuck!"

Both wolves whirled around at the unexpected voice. Cassie's body cried out in protest a second later. She leaned heavily on Ethan, who put his arm around her to support her weight. He squeezed her shoulder three times. Cassie smiled slightly, this was how Ethan told her he loved her. 

She raised her eyes to meet the eyes of a blonde wolf who stood at the entry-way of the nook.  He appeared to be literally shaking with rage. Holding his hand, was another black-haired female. She was looking at Cassie with pity. 

Ethan grinned coolly, "What is it?"

"You son of a bitch! How dare you lay a hand on her? Fucking hell!"

Cassie flinched. She could feel Ethan's temper rise. Ethan stepped forward, removing his arm roughly. Without his support, Cassie fell to the ground as her legs gave away. Her head pounded. 

Ethan growled, "Leave us alone, wolf. Do you want to die before you become the beta?"

In response, Eden snarled, crouching low. 

Cassie's head swam. Her vision danced in black. 

In a flash, the black-haired female was by Cassie's side, supporting her head. Behind her, Cassie heard the tell-tale sound of wolf-shifting.

"It's going to be okay. What's your name?" The female whispered. "I'm Amor."

Cassie whimpered. "Cassandra." Her eyes blacked. "What will happen to my boyfriend?"

Amor's face went white with rage. "You'll be safe from him soon."

Cassie's eyes flew open in shock. "No! He loves me. It was my fault, really." Amor only looked at her in pity, her eyes unreadable. Cassie's head swam harder, she floated in and out of reality.