Chapter 3

Ava

Instinctively I got up from that bed and left the room of that unknown man, without even saying a thank you, since I believe he did some kind of spell or even had me drugged during dinner.

When I was back home, I got a call from my lawyer asking if everything was okay and said that the signing of the contract would be postponed until tomorrow and that Caleb would go to the company so we could talk.

I didn’t know what to do and so I agreed, so I could buy a little time until I met that man again.

I was already feeling better. It seemed that the proximity to the smell of that man hypnotized me and being a little distant made me better. However, although more peaceful, there were still many doubts in my head. I did not understand why I was so shaken by that man and most importantly: whose voice was the one that cried out in my mind those words? I know that wasn’t just a vivid thought. Was my mind being controlled by someone? As much as I did not like much, I knew of the existence of the supernatural world, after all, my father was a werewolf and I lived in a city where, although discreet, there were some witches.

I slept, as if it were a relief for my body, but soon dreams began to shake my rest. I dreamed I was running through a great valley, the wind swayed my hair and the scents of the field were strong, as if I had the ability to sniff like a... wolf? Damn! Now that I realized, I was a wolf and everyone who looked at me was amazed, suddenly I began to feel excruciating pain and when I could no longer stand it, I fell to the ground and continued to be hurt by people I did not know. Suddenly, I woke up. I was relieved to know that it was a dream, but my body hurt like it was real.

I got up and went to take a pool bath. I needed to dive in those warm and relaxing waters and did so until the day dawned and a shy sun invaded my eyes.

I didn’t have the strength to work, but I knew I had to. Anyway, if I didn’t show up at the company, Emily would be worried, and all I didn’t want to do was make any kind of fuss. I needed to know what was going on and there was no other way I wasn’t going to face it.

I got dressed and ended up doing a makeup, since I needed to hide the dark circles from the lack of having a decent night’s sleep.

When I arrived at the company, I soon locked myself in my office and asked my secretary to cancel most of my appointments and postpone the meeting with Caleb until the end of the day. I needed to buy time to find out as much information as possible.

After an exhaustive search, I found nothing to incriminate my future business partner, which left me somewhat disappointed, since I imagined that he was cheating to get closer to me and my company. However, everything seemed clean and right.

I didn’t even realize the time was up and it was time for my meeting with Caleb. Apparently I would have to face him to really know what was going on.

I imagined that I would be sick or faint again in front of Caleb, but to my surprise, when that man who exhaled and honey stood in front of me, I did not feel so disturbed as not to support my body. Finally that voice and inner restlessness were silent and I could regain control of the situation, at least for now.

"What are you doing here?" I told the man in front of me.

"As I recall, we have a meeting about a contract."

He looked at me with intense eyes and I knew there was something else behind that conversation.

"Whatever. My lawyers have already approved the contract, so if you agree, we’ll start the job as soon as possible."

The man then shaved his throat and waved to his lawyers to hand over the route of his already signed contract.

"If that’s all it is, it was a pleasure to do business with you. We will soon be in touch to deliver the project."

The man then looked at his lawyers and said harshly, but in a low tone:

"Get out of here!"

The men immediately obeyed and after he was without anyone from his team, he said to me:

"Do the same. Let them go. We need to talk."

I felt my body tremble, but for some reason, the curiosity to know what he really wanted eroded me and so I obeyed his order and in a short time we were alone.

"Now that I’m tied to you and your company, tell me what you really want."

"I want you to."

Unceremoniously and without looking directly into my eyes, he said it with a husky voice, as if it were not his will to say it.

"What kind of crazy are you? How dare you come here and make me this kind of proposal?"

I know I exalted myself, but when I saw an ironic smile accompanied by a look that judged me as a pathetic being, I understood that he was not interested in me, but that there was something else behind this story.

"Don’t get me wrong, little cousin, but I have orders to take you home. Our family is at war and you have to play their part, whatever it is."

"I don’t have a family anymore. She’s dead."

"I know you didn’t want to be having this conversation with me and I confess that I am also not satisfied with humiliating myself to a weak human, who in no way can contribute to our pack, but we cannot escape our destiny and yours is to return to the arms of Valgerd."

I was getting angry about that story. Even if I was crazy I wouldn’t follow that man. My father’s family rejected us and he made sure to keep me away from them. The only thing I want from them is distance. So, decided what to do I got up from my CEO chair and said:

"If that’s the only reason you’re here, you can leave. I’m not going with you. Like I said, my family is dead."

"You cheeky human! Don’t make me get dragged out of here. The head of our family sent me to fetch you and I will do so, even with the use of my strength."

He then got up from his chair, loosened the neat knot of his tie, as if he was getting choked and with an impatient look, approached me and in a sudden movement, held my arm, while saying:

"Listen here, spoiled girl, I said you’ll have to obey me..."

I was ready to start an argument. That man who claimed to be my cousin was thinking he had some control of my life, but he was very mistaken, because I learned to be strong and would not be intimidated so easily.

However, the fighting atmosphere gave room for another tension, but now silent, however, as intense as the feelings of a few seconds ago. Caleb, who was holding my arm, stopped talking and directed his eyes at mine. I felt again another presence within me, however, unlike the other times, which left me restless and agitated, now she was completely silent and quiet, but still present, since it was impossible not to feel that existence.

After looking at me for a long time, Caleb let go of my arm and took a few steps back, as if in front of a ghost.

"Why didn’t you say you were not a human, but a werewolf?"

"Simple, because I’m not. I thought that was clear." - said with some impatience.

"It’s all very clear and clear, but I suppose I’m not seeing clearly. I need you to talk to our grandfather. He needs to see you."

"I said I have nothing with those people, do not insist."

"Pack your things and tell your employees you’ll be gone for ten days. Tomorrow we’ll take off for home."

"Damn it, Caleb! Looks like you’re not listening to what I’m saying. I’m not leaving here to meet your people."

He then approached again and this time I was no longer immune to his smell of mint and honey. My heart started racing and my legs lost their strength, yet I stood. He held my chin and brought his lips closer to mine, with a minimum distance, which seemed to kill me, for he did not want to be anywhere but there. However, he advanced a little further, coming close to my ear and said:

"You’re not just a human. My wolf cries out for his wolf, which by the way, even you don’t know of its existence. If your father told you how things work, you know if I leave you, you’ll weaken and go crazy. You’re my predestined companion, but I’m sure Grandpa will take care of that, because I’d rather die than be involved with a human."

I was in shock at those words. I was 100% human, at least that’s what I thought and when I was about to send my cousin to hell, a deafening scream took over my mind:"

"MATE, SAVE ME!"

I was in total silence, trying to understand what was that voice in my mind. A totally desperate voice, begging for help and the slightest possibility of whoever she was suffering, left me annihilated, then, looking at Caleb, who was as bewildered as I was, said:

“All right. Give me a few hours. I’ll pack up some loose ends here at the company and then go home and pack.”

Caleb still looked at me suspicious and said:

“Give me your keys and address. I’ll wait for you at your house.”

Ava wanted to say that it was not necessary and that it was inappropriate, but she was so wildly distressed that she did not question and did what her cousin asked.

Caleb took the keys and headed to Ava’s house. But once he was alone, all his imposing posture was over, and he eased the tension from his shoulders. He didn’t understand how that woman could be his mate, if she could barely smell his wolf. His mind was confused, but anyway, he had a single certainty, that he did not want to get involved with a half-human, but he knew that he would have to fight hard to get rid of the bond of companion, because just remembering the smell of it, his body shuddered.

“Damn! What does the Moon goddess want from me? Do I not have too much trouble?”

After a few hours, Ava was finally home, and they stood facing each other again. They were alone inside the house, so Ava, who seemed clearly shaken, said to Caleb:

“I’ll go with you, but you have to promise me you’ll make it stop.”

“What do you want to stop, Ava?”

Ava then approaches Caleb, standing a few inches away, and responds with a little embarrassment:

“I want you to stop this uncontrolled urge to make me yours.”

Caleb had to control himself not to take it right there, so with a nod he said:

“I will do my best to make it happen.”