The Fade

Chapter 5 - A

"What if I need you?" I ask softly, worried about the heat attracting me to any and all males.

"I'll be nearby, get to the woods and I'll come for you." He says firmly, handing me his shirt in order to help with the heat if it starts.

Taking it I place the top inside my bag, nervous and a little on edge. It's been three days since anyone has seen me, and now that I know the truth, the last place I want to be is with my family. In two days I'll be eighteen, and in four months I'll graduate and be able to leave this place for good.

"Alright." I agree, still uncertain.

Severus isn't keen on intimacy, the only reason we're mated is due to the heat basically forcing it upon us. I've noticed he's never the one to make contact first, he keeps his hands to himself and doesn't touch unless I say. I suppose it's all very new, and kind of strange for us both, all we can do is try. We barely know each other, being mated means we're one now so I guess we'll have to figure it out.

Leaning over I quickly kiss the corner of his frowning lips. Pulling back I exit the car without a word, leaving him tense and briefly surprised, it makes me smile slightly knowing he's not used to physical contact. From what he's told me so far, his home isn't pleasant or welcoming. I suppose he doesn't talk much about himself.

Ignoring the stares and whispers, I keep my eyes one the ground as I enter the school, like always. People here tend to be pushy and sometimes violent, I've learnt that it's best not to give them motive. Even though I have the basic defence training.

"Ronnie? Where the fuck have you been?!" The sound of a very angry Alexander meets my ears as he comes storming down the hall.

Instantly people begin to stop and watch, whispering about what I've done to piss him off so much. Fact is, the only person that has the right to be pissed is me.

I bite my tongue, choosing not to fight with him, or even mention what I know. Maybe things can just be as they were?

"With a friend, im sorry I didn't call or text." I quickly embrace him, calming him down.

Usually I feel at peace when he's near, but now it feels all wrong. Like I shouldn't be hugging him, but rather Severus, he's my chosen mate. Plus Alexander isn't my brother, so it's possible that I'm the only one that's noticed the change. Maybe I've changed?

"What friend? I thought something bad happened to you. Mom and dad have been going out of their minds, you can't just vanish for three days, Ronnie!" He snaps angrily.

Lowering my eyes I nod my head, ignoring the anger filtering into my blood stream.

"I'm sorry, it wasn't planned. I'll talk to mom and dad, once school is out." I promise.

Mom and dad. Am I really going to keep calling them that after everything they've done?

"I have to get to class, we'll talk later." I say, hurrying off without waiting for a response.

"Ronnie!" He calls after me.

I ignore him, unable to look him in the eye and call his parents my own. I'm hurt, and angry that they've lied to me for so long. They had no intention to ever tell me the truth, not about my parents, not about myself or my heritage. They've lied to me so much that it makes me wonder what else they've lied about.