Cursed

The Breakup

Scarlett

I woke up on time today despite the lack of sleep. My appearance in the mirror confirmed that everything that happened yesterday was not a dream. Dried blood splattered across my cheeks, and twigs tangled in my hair. I cringed at the dark bags under my eyes. After trying to make myself look more presentable, I headed downstairs where my mother and Scott sat eating breakfast. 

Scott had just turned thirteen a couple of weeks ago. He had shifted like every other wolf of his age, his wolf was a beautiful fawn colour. They looked very similar, with Scott having the same shaggy hair as his wolf's coat. His soft brown eyes warmed as he saw me, turning away from whatever he and our mother had been discussing. 

"I heard the news. I'm happy for you, Scar." Scott's voice had just started to break, deepening at the end of the sentence. I smiled at him and ruffled his hair. My mother rose to her feet, striding towards us. 

"I am sorry if I was harsh on you yesterday, my dear. It was hard to hear that he was your mate. But if you accept him, then we shall try too." I nodded, clenching her hand in mine. There was a natural warmth to her, those chocolatey eyes. I pulled both of them into a hug, squeezing them close.

"Sam is going to be here soon," I trailed off. My mother's features softened into sadness. They both knew what I was trying to say. This was going to be hard on both of us, but the sooner I told him, the better. 

The sound of a car horn pulled me from my thoughts. I quickly gathered my bag and sent a small smile to my family. They both smiled encouragingly as I headed towards the pickup truck. 

Sam sat slouched in his seat, his elbow resting on the window. He sent me a big smile, which slackened when he saw my appearance. It then completely dropped when I didn't lean in to give him the usual kiss. He started the car. We drove in silence to the school car park. The nerves coiled within me. Sam parked the car and faced me, concern clouding his features.

"What's wrong, babe?" His voice was soft as he reached out to me. I moved away from his hand, my wolf not wanting his touch. He quickly withdrew his hand and frowned. 

"Sam, something has happened." I started slowly, buying myself time to figure out the right way to word this. I had to break up with him and warn him I would start dating one of the many people he disliked. I cleared my throat, twisting my hands together in my lap. 

"I don't think we can do this," I motioned between us. My heart was beating rapidly in my chest as my throat burned. Sam shook his head.

"Scar, I don't think you mean that." His voice cracked slightly. I winced. I hadn't meant it, not really. If I had it my way, I would stay with Sam. My wolf growled at that thought, but I pushed her away.

"I'm sorry, Sam, but things have changed. I've changed." A stray tear fell down my cheek. I roughly wiped it away. Sam said nothing, his gaze blankly landing on my face. I was about to continue when Sam seemed to snap.

"Are you leaving me for someone else, Scarlett?" His voice was dark, but that didn't hide the pain I was causing him. Shock bolted through me. I didn't want to answer that question because it was true. I was leaving him for someone else, for someone I was destined to be with. 

"Yes," I whispered the one word. Sam sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes falling. I wanted to reach out to comfort him, but I couldn't. I had to let him go. This was best for both of us. At least that is what I told myself. 

"I should've known." He paused, "Get out of my car." Sam's voice was sharp and full of hatred. I withdrew, the venom in his voice striking hard. I hadn't meant to do this to him, and I never would've cheated. Yet there was no shock when I gave my answer. As if he had always known. That stung. He had thought lowly of me, and I had proved him right. 

I left his car as quickly as I could. My hands reached up to wipe the tears that flowed down my cheeks. I had a few minutes to pull myself together before class. As I walked between parked cars, drying the rest of my tears, a hand grabbed me. Sparks exploded where my skin made contact with his, my wolf purring contentedly. I turned to face Cole, his green eyes darkening as he took in my blotchy face. 

"Who upset you?" He growled out. Long, sharp claws brushed my skin. I froze slightly, afraid of what he would do to Sam. Cole released my wrist to wipe away the last tear. As he noticed my fear, he gained some control over his wolf. His eyes lightened ever so slightly. 

"Unbelievable." Sam's voice snaked towards me. I flinched, turning to see him glaring at me. Now he knew exactly who I had left him for. I wanted so badly to tell him that I didn't want this. That I had always wanted him, but that wasn't meant to be. I whimpered at the disgust in his eyes. Coles' hands grasped my shoulder, pulling me into his hard chest. I stiffened. He was making a point, showing Sam that he no longer had me. I wanted to protest, but the fight had left me. Instead, I stay buried in Cole's chest waiting for the bell to ring.