Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 5: Mutual Feelings

As we left home and headed toward Bruce's place, I could feel a tense anticipation building inside me, though I couldn't quite pinpoint why. After picking up Bruce and his friends, we wandered through the town center, debating where to grab something to eat.

When we passed by Alya's café-a former classmate from high school-a tantalizing scent hit me out of nowhere. Strawberries, sweet and intoxicating, with a hint of warmth that seemed to weave itself directly into my mind, making me dizzy with want. My wolf surged inside me, equally captivated.

"That's her. Our mate," David urged, his voice low and insistent in my head. "Go to her-now."

My hands balled into fists. "Fine. But if she's not what I expect..." I growled back.

David's growl was soft but firm. "You won't regret this. Just don't mess it up."

I forced a casual tone. "Let's get some coffee here," I suggested to Julia, shrugging as if I couldn't care less.

"Whatever you want, Derek," Clara replied, latching onto my arm like she always did. I shook her off, rolling my eyes, and headed toward the café door, the others trailing behind me.

Inside, the scent wrapped itself around me even stronger. I scanned the café until I saw her: standing with her back to me, deep in conversation with Alya. Her blond hair, pulled into a sleek ponytail, barely reached her shoulders. She was tall, about 5'7", with a lean yet athletic build.

I knew she sensed me too-so why wouldn't she turn around?

---

Deniz's Story

"Derek?" Alya's eyes widened as she noticed the newcomers entering the café. She shot me a quick glance and then hurried toward them, smiling warmly. "Derek, Julia! Great to see you!"

"Hey, Alya!" they both chimed, pulling her into a friendly hug.

Slowly, I turned, finally letting my gaze fall on him. My breath hitched, and a sinking feeling clutched at my heart.

"This... can't be happening," I muttered, the words barely slipping out. I remembered joking about this very thing: "God help the girl who ends up tied to him!" And here he was-the person I was fated to be with.

Derya chuckled inside my head. "The curse of love, Deniz. Though I have to admit, he's quite the catch."

I snorted, bitterly. "Catch? More like a trap. He's annoyingly perfect, all muscle and ego." I wanted to slam my head into a wall for even noticing him.

He was laughing with Alya, clearly comfortable in this place. I realized, suddenly, how close they seemed. They must have been good friends back in school-a detail I'd overlooked. Just my luck.

His gaze swung to me, and I felt it like a jolt of electricity. Recognition flickered in his eyes, then hardened into something cold and calculating. He looked me over, and then, just as suddenly, turned on his heel and left the café without a word. I was left standing there, completely stunned.

---

Derek's Story

No. Not her. It couldn't be her. Not Deniz Brown.

I stormed out of the café, my hands trembling with rage as I clenched my fists, slamming one into the wall beside me.

"Why her?" I muttered, the words like venom. "Of all the people, why does it have to be the daughter of traitors?"

Memories surged back, sharp as knives. Her parents were responsible for my mother's death. At first, everyone believed they'd sacrificed themselves for her. But later, we learned the truth: they had betrayed her. They had leaked information to the rogue leader, leading to her demise.

After my mother's funeral, my father evicted their children on my insistence. They weren't worthy of our pack's protection. I never wanted to see any of them again. Ever.

Julia's voice jolted me back. "Derek? What's going on?" She reached for my arm, her face filled with worry.

"Nothing." I forced my expression to remain calm. "I'll handle it."

I stalked back into the café, my anger like a storm inside me. I barely registered the others as I made my way to the counter where Deniz was working.

She finally looked up, her green eyes meeting mine. The pull I felt was almost unbearable. But I held myself back. I had to stay strong.

"Come with me," I ordered, my voice a low growl. She didn't protest, following me outside, silent and watchful.

The moment we were alone, she whispered, "Alpha...?" Her voice, soft and uncertain, sent a thrill through me. I fought it down, speaking with a cold detachment.

"Yes, Alpha. That's all I am to you. Don't raise your expectations."

Her eyes narrowed. "I don't-"

"Quiet," I snapped, cutting her off. "Listen carefully. You're not worthy of being my mate. I'll choose someone else, someone stronger. Someone better."

I forced myself to meet her gaze, but her eyes were blazing. Her expression shifted from shock to anger, and I felt an odd satisfaction in seeing it.

"Let me make something clear," she replied, her tone icy. "You know nothing about me. I don't care about your title or your little commands. You don't know the first thing about strength."

It stunned me. No one-no one-had ever dared to speak back to me. I was the Alpha, and she was nothing more than the daughter of traitors. Yet she was standing here, challenging me. And with her words, a sharp ache stabbed at my pride.

"Then, I, Derek Garcia, Alpha of the Crescent Moon pack, reject you, Deniz Brown."

David growled furiously inside me, but I ignored him, bracing myself. I expected her to beg or plead. But she didn't.

Instead, she stared at me with a calm, resolute expression. "Then, I, Deniz Brown, accept your rejection." She spun around and strode back into the café, leaving nothing behind but her lingering, intoxicating scent.

David's voice seethed in my mind. "Are you satisfied now?"