Cursed

Walk Home

Scarlett

I sat alone at lunch today. Cole had eyed me from his usual seat, just staring as I grabbed a tray of food and settled into the corner where Sam and I usually sat.  Part of me hoped he'd invite me to sit with him. I waited for a few minutes, mulling over the idea of going to him. No matter how many different ways I picture going to him, I couldn't do it. So I sat in the corner, slowly eating the food before me. The burn of betrayal rushed through me the longer I sat alone. My wolf snarled in my head.

How dare they! She growled and snapped. Her voice was still melodic despite the anger rolling off of her. Her anger wasn't just at Cole but at his wolf. I revelled in her anger, allowing us both to simmer together. Based on a few glances, other wolves were giving, they could also smell our anger. 

Cole didn't come near me at all during lunch. He spent most of his time staring at me. The entire time, his face was blank, his green eyes slightly glazed over. Despite facing my direction, I wasn't sure he was looking at me. 

After lunch had ended, I went to my final lesson. I couldn't say what lesson that was as I didn't listen. My anger was controlling my thoughts. I imagined ways to hurt Cole, to make him feel the betrayal I had felt. Even my wolf joined in, whispering ways he can suffer. I was initially surprised that she joined in. Wolves generally didn't wish ill on their mates, but she had been so angry she needed to do something to feel better. So we spent the entire lesson doing just that. When the final bell rang, I bolted from my chair and stormed from the classroom. 

I didn't bother looking at any of the students I barged into. They muttered under their breath at me, but I pushed forward. My wolf was itching to get outside. As soon as the fresh air hit my face, we both relaxed. My wolf sinking back into my mind. I moved towards Sam's pickup. My feet are carrying me to their usual destination after school. I managed to stop just feet away, staring at the empty truck. Sam's smell grew stronger as he approached. I turned away.

"Hey Scarlett." He called out. I paused, facing him, but not moving closer. Same rubbed the back of his neck, one hand firmly in his pocket.

"I hope he makes you happy." His words startled me. I didn't have time to reply as he got into his truck and pulled away. I was standing there, my mouth hanging slightly open as I watched him leave the car park. It then dawned on me. Sam was my ride home. 

I quickly made my way back to the school entrance, avoiding the students who had just learnt to drive. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, ready to call my mother, but it didn't turn on. I groaned. This was just my luck. I shoved the useless thing back into my pocket. The only option was to walk. 

I walked out of the car park and along the main road before turning down a quiet road lined with woodlands. I could cut across the woods, which would almost half my walk time. But I didn't want to risk getting lost. Plus, I needed some time to think. 

I was only ten minutes into my over-an-hour walk when a blacked-out car slowly trailed behind me. My body went rigid as I picked up my step. The familiar taste of fear lingered on my tongue. I glanced back, unable to see the driver. The car stayed a couple of metres behind me as I picked up my pace. My wolf was on edge as my fear spiked. The car had stopped. I was about to run when a familiar scent washed over me. Cinnamon. 

My head snapped in the direction of Cole. He stood next to his car, hands stuffed in his pockets. I wanted to admire him, take in the clear muscle definitions under his shirt. But my fear had twisted into an anger, the feeling I had just started to dissipate from earlier. I felt my wolf push forward and the colour leave my eyes. She carried us forward faster than I had expected until we stood toe to toe with Cole. I glared up at him, my body tense. Yet he was so relaxed, merely peering down at us. 

My finger jammed into his chest. "Did you find that funny?" My voice was sharp. This time, my wolf wasn't melodic and silky; she was raging. Cole smirked at us, his eyes turning black. Now it was our wolves interacting. I didn't fight for control, allowing her to argue this out with our mate. 

"Are you scared, little wolf?" His voice was rich. If I weren't infuriated, I would've found it captivating. My wolf was unaffected by his presence. 

"You are not worthy of us." She spat her words at him, dripping in venom. I flinched at her defiance of an alpha wolf. Coles' face softened as he reached for my wrist, pulling it away from his chest. I ignored the sparks on my skin. My wolf snatched our wrist from his grasp. 

"I tried to tell him to see you earlier, but he assured me you were fine." That velvety voice reached out to me again. My wolf snarled defensively.

"Do better." That was the final words from my wolf before she melted back into her mind. The anger within me calmed slightly. Coles features tightened, displeased with the lack of submission. I wanted to dip my head and bare my neck, but my wolf held my head strong, refusing to submit. I waited for anger and violence, but none came. 

"I am sorry for causing you pain, little one." Coles' eyes returned to their vibrant green as he apologised. I nodded, accepting his apology. My wolf snarled lowly. I ignored her, trying not to argue any further. 

"Let me drive you home." I hesitated. My wolf was silent on the matter, leaving me to make the decision alone. I hadn't wanted to walk home, but I also wasn't sure I wanted a lift from Cole. But there was a long way left of my walk. So reluctantly, I agreed to Coles' offer.