After playing rounds of beer pong, Tyler and I went to a little quiet area and laid down under the moonlit sky.
Here, we managed to find solace from the party.
I giggled. I could still feel my eyes get a bit dizzy. I've never had alcohol before.
Tyler turned his head to me "What is it?"
I sighed happily "Oh nothing. I've never had this much fun before...except for our ice cream date, of course"
Tyler kissed my hand "I get what you mean. It's been a while since I've let loose like this"
I looked at him. It must be hard to be a teenager and an Alpha at the same time. I'm pretty sure he doesn't have time to do what kids his age do because he had a pack to take care of.
"What's it like?" I asked him "Being an Alpha this young"
"It's exhausting. I'll tell you that"
"I can imagine"
"People also underestimate me because of my age. That's why I have to prove myself time and time again during war. I put myself all out there so that people would respect me, at least. I have to read constantly to keep up with history. It's a lot, kitty"
I couldn't help but feel compassion for him. He looks happy but deep down, he must be going through a lot just like I am.
"My dad's sick" Tyler continued "It's hard to watch him fight for his life everyday. I have to live in constant fear because my mom is already dead. I can't lose another parent"
The pain he felt was evident in his voice. I squeezed his hand comfortingly.
"You won't lose your dad" I told him "Don't think that way"
"You think so?"
I smiled weakly "I know so"
In this moment, time seemed to stand still as we got lost in each other's presence. Tyler stared at the sky. I got captivated by his presence.
My heart raced with every word he spoke. His curly tousled hair fell gently over his forehead.
As we lay side by side beneath the twinkling stars, the world around (the whole party, as vibrant as it was) seemed to fade into the background. That happens a lot when we're together. When I'm with him, it seems as if we're the only people who exist. All I can focus on is him.
"I believe in parallel universes, you know" Tyler said.
"You do"
"I know it's crazy but I believe there is more to this world than we know it"
I can relate to what he's saying. I've thought about it several times too.
"So..you believe there's a world where you and I aren't mates and we hate each other?"
Tyler laughed "Not a chance"
I chuckled "But that's the whole point of a parallel universe"
"I know but things would be different for us"
"Why do you say so?"
"Nothing can ever make me hate you. In every universe, I'm pretty sure I'll find you, recognize you and still feel the same way about you, even in a parallel one. Nothing can change my feelings for you in this universe and in another one. I'm certain of it"
My heart swelled at his words. I could feel the tears sting at the back of my eyes. No one has ever said such sweet words to me before.
We both turned to look at each other at the same time. The moon's gentle glow illuminated his unique features. It added more sparkle to his beautiful brown eyes.
His smile lit up his face. I feel safe when I look at him. He gives me a sense of comfort and safety. I feel like a warm blanket covers me.
I traced the curve of his luscious lips with my eyes. They're so plump and pink.
Tyler whispered to me "Can I kiss you, Cathy?"
"You don't even have to ask"
In a split second, our lips met. His tender lips fit perfectly against mine. The kiss was sweet and passionate. Our tongues rolled together in harmony. His hands traced the curve of my hips while mine was pressed against his stone hard chest.
I moaned in pleasure as his tongue dominated mine. He tastes like wine. He tastes like love. He tastes like all the good things in life.
As we both pulled away, we were left breathless.
We stared at each other under the moonlight and smiled. We both knew one thing; None of us is going anywhere.
*
After the party, Tyler dropped me off at home.
We shared some kisses. I literally had to pull myself off him to sneak inside.
I managed to sneak in through the living room window. I tip toed, thinking everything was fine and everyone was asleep.
Suddenly, the light came on. My eyes squinted, getting adjusted to the light.
My dad and Ann stood there, glaring at me. At the sight of them, my heart dropped in my chest. I knew I was in trouble.
"Dad" I whimpered "I can explain"
"Explain what?" my dad's voice boomed "Where have you been?"
"Look at how she's dressed!" Ann shrieked 'Like a fucking whore"
Ann handed my dad a belt "I think you need this. I told you you would"
My dad looked furious already and Ann was making it worse. Only the moon goddess knows the nonsense she must have filled his head with when she noticed I was gone.
Tears filled my eyes as I got scared "Dad, I'm so sorry. I-"
"Where did you go?" my dad asked calmly. He seemed like he was trying to control his anger.
I gulped.
There's no use lying now. I'm already caught. I might as well say the truth.
"I went for a classmate's party" I said.
"Dressed like that?" Ann scoffed "I don't think so"
"I'm telling the truth"
"Why didn't you ask for permission then?" my dad asked as he took steps closer to me.
My whole body shook with fear "I was scared"
In less than a second, my dad raised the belt up and whipped me hard. I screamed as the leather made contact with my skin.
"On your knees now!" he told me.
I got on my knees "Please, dad"
He whipped me again. I cried out in agony. My whole back felt like it was on fire.
Suddenly, the door burst open and Tyler came in.
I could see his eyes darken "Step away from her!"
"Who are you?" my dad asked.
"Her mate"
Tyler rushed to me and raised me up. He stood in front of me, facing my dad.
"If you want to hit her, you'll have to go through me and trust me, you wouldn't want to do that"
"Tyler" I whimpered "How did you-"
"I felt your pain. I knew they were doing something to you"
"Step aside, boy" my dad told him "This is between me and my daughter"
"Over my dead body"
"That can be arranged"
Tyler opened his pals, revealing his long claws. His voice was a growl which means his wolf was threatening to come out.
My dad released his claws too.
I became even more scared at the sight of them. This definitely will not end well for anyone. They'll end up hurting each other.
"Tyler, go" I cried "Please"
"Hell no" Tyler growled "I'm taking you home with me"
Ann chuckled "How romantic"
"That's not possible" I cried "I have to take care of Logan. I don't want to get into trouble"
"I'm not leaving without you"
"Go, please. Do it for Logan"
Tyler looked at me "Are you sure?"
"Yes"
He glared at my father "This isn't over"
My dad succeeded in pushing Tyler out and locking the door.
"Dad, please" I begged him.
He pulled me all the way upstairs to my room and pushed me inside. I fell to the floor with a thud.
"I never want you to step foot outside till I say so"
After he said those words, he banged the door behind him and locked it with its key.