Silent Words

Chapter 6: Uncharted Feelings

*Athena's POV*

As I walked away from the encounter in the hallway, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. It was midday, and the sun cast long shadows across the bustling campus. The encounter with Evelyn and Riley had left me feeling like my world had shifted on its axis.

I had been on my way to another class when I had bumped into Evelyn and Riley. The shock of the physical contact, the brief moment when our eyes locked, and the inexplicable connection that surged between us—it had all left me feeling like my entire existence had changed.

Before that moment, I had harbored a deep-seated resentment toward Evelyn. I couldn't help but remember how she had once stood by silently while I and my friends bullied her. But now, it was as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes, revealing a new truth.

Evelyn was my mate.

The concept of mates was not lost on me. I had grown up hearing stories of soulmates, and the idea of finding the one person in the world who was meant for me had always seemed like a distant dream. Yet, here it was, a reality I couldn't ignore.

As days turned into weeks, I found myself unable to stop thinking about Evelyn. I watched her from a distance, my heart aching with a newfound longing. I yearned to speak to her, to explain the strange connection between us, but fear and uncertainty held me back.

One day, in the middle of the bustling campus at midday, Riley confronted me about my behavior. Riley was no ordinary college student; she was part of a secretive werewolf pack, just like me.

She had noticed my persistent presence around Evelyn, and her instincts as a fellow werewolf had told her that something was amiss. She blocked my path, her hazel eyes filled with concern.

"Athena," Riley began, her voice firm, "we need to talk."

I couldn't deny the apprehension that coursed through my veins as I met Riley's gaze. "What do you need Riley?"

Riley wasted no time getting to the point. "I've seen you following Evelyn, Athena. What's going on? Why are you so fixated on her?"

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to be honest. "Riley, I can't explain it fully, but there's something about Evelyn. Something that draws me to her."

Riley's expression softened, and she took a step closer to me. "Athena, do you know what a mate is?"

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. "Yes, I do. And I think... I think Evelyn might be mine."

Riley's eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a soft sigh. "Athena, you need to talk to her. If she's your mate, you can't keep this a secret. You need to explain everything to her."

I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of the truth. "I know, Riley. I just... I don't want to scare her away. I can't lose her."

Riley's gaze softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll figure this out, Athena."

I smile and nod to Riley, glad she isn't pissed that I am the person Evelyn is destined to be with. "Thanks Riley, I needed that... maybe soon I can tell her."

"Well at least the only thing that might scare Evelyn away is that she is mated to someone who bullied her." Riley joked to me. I look back at her in shock before replying. "What do you mean by that?"

Riley's response is somewhat smug. "We have been friends for years, my pack's territory is the town she grew up in. Even though she doesn't know we exist, she has always been fascinated by werewolves. Even before she became the way she is. Though she has yet to tell me what happened all those years ago..." I nod back to what she says and then my thoughts trail off as Riley returns to her time with Evelyn.

As the day wore on, I couldn't help but think about what Riley had said. I was torn between the fear of rejection and the overwhelming desire to be with Evelyn. It was a journey into uncharted territory, and I had no idea where it would lead. But one thing was certain—I was falling for Evelyn, and there was no turning back.

Earlier in the day, I had continued my discreet observation of Evelyn and Riley. I had followed them at a distance, careful not to be seen. I watched as they went about their day, sharing smiles, laughter, and occasional glances that spoke volumes.

The connection between the two friends was undeniable, and it tugged at my heart. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, knowing that I wanted to be a part of Evelyn's life in the same way.

As midday approached, I trailed behind them as they made their way back to their dorm room. I lingered in the shadows, hidden from their view, my heart heavy with the knowledge that I was keeping a monumental secret.

But as I watched Evelyn and Riley enter their dorm room, I knew that the time for secrets was running out. I needed to find the courage to speak to Evelyn, to explain the inexplicable bond between us, and to hope against hope that Evelyn would understand.

The next day, I decided it was time to face my feelings head-on. I couldn't keep following Evelyn and Riley from the shadows, hoping for a chance to be near her. It was time to reveal my true self and my true feelings.

As I walked through the bustling campus, my heart raced with anticipation. I knew that this would be one of the most important conversations of my life, and I couldn't afford to mess it up.

I approached the door to their dorm room, my hand trembling slightly as I raised it to knock. The seconds ticked by like hours, and when the door finally swung open, revealing Evelyn's surprised expression, I took a deep breath.

"Evelyn," I began, my voice filled with a mixture of nervousness and hope, "we need to talk."