The Monster In Me

Chapter Seven

Nalea

I woke up the next morning, checking in the mirror, all of my external injuries were gone, but my ribs, the broken bone still felt somewhat fresh. 

I hope it'll ease by the end of the day.

I took a quick shower, loving the way my hair looked wet in the mirror, so I went for a wet curly style today, if I was going to have to suffer, I planned on doing it in style.

I wore a red turtle neck top and a pair of black leggings with sneakers, choosing comfort over style.

The apartment was less of a mess compared to last night, thanks to the fact that I wasn't able to get more than three hours of sleep.

I grabbed my bag off the couch and slid into a hoodie before leaving. I walked the streets, my mind wandering to my friend, it had been a while since I'd heard anything from Emily, so I sent her a quick text asking if she was okay.

I walked the path to the campus, walking and using my legs usually gave me a sense of freedom, I had my license and could very much drive, but this was good, it kept my blood pumping and my heart happy, and Willow seemed to enjoy them too.

I made my way to campus, there was barely anyone in the halls, I was late, I knew that much. I guess there was a first time for everything. I sighed, making my way to class.

The day went by smoothly, with no trouble, no glares or angry stares from Zaiden, in fact, he'd smiled at me twice today. But I mostly kept to myself, I wasn't looking to make any new friends.

"Hey," Zaiden sighed, hugging me. I winced at the contact, not because I didn't enjoy his touch, but because of the slight pain and soreness that came from my ribs. I hugged him back, feeling the electricity and warmth leaving him and flowing into me, the spark that rushed between us whenever we'd touch, it was addicting.

It didn't last long, he immediately pulled back from me. His brows now furrowed and a frown plastered on his face, "what's wrong?"

"What do you mean?" I questioned him, genuinely confused.

"You're in pain..." he tilted his head scanning me, not with lust but with concern. I didn't like it, I don't like it when people worried themselves with me, I shifted on my heels, trying to not look uncomfortable.

How did he even know? We haven't bonded, so how did he know I was in pain? "I'm fine." I really was fine, or better than I had been last night and earlier.

"Are you?"

Why did that make me feel like crying?

With him, I felt vulnerable, like hiding was next to impossible...hiding was my thing. Somehow a part of me liked that I couldn't hide from him, but how do I tell my wolf mate that someone had broken into my home? Wolves were more territorial and protective, that would anger him, make him feel the need to protect me. I didn't need it, not yet at least and I didn't need him getting hurt either.

"How'd you know- what made you think that I was in pain?" It was a valid question, how did he know?

"I- you really want to know?" he hesitated. What are you planning Zaiden?

"Yes." 

"Come on, we'll talk at the diner."

"With food? Food and conversation? Is this your way of getting me to go on a date with you?" I teased. I watched as his eyes went wide and his cheeks flushed, "I'm kidding."

He drove us to the diner, five minutes away from the campus, further away from my apartment, I sighed, least I get some exercise in. We sat opposite each other in one of the booths. Our faces were buried in the menus but I felt him looking at me occasionally.