Three

EMILY

I was both abhorred but low-key excited by his lustful requests. His constant begging and hovering around me made me pretty uncomfortable and panicky at first, but later on, I relaxed, and gave into his demand for a few nights, because I thought he was only lusting after me and it was going to end soon but every time I looked into his eyes, I wasn't sure anymore.

This was wrong, so wrong, but I couldn't stop myself from falling deeper into this mess, especially knowing we felt the same way.

Five days after our first night, I travelled to my aunt’s house and I couldn't stop thinking about all that had happened in that time frame. The wild parties Gretchen and I threw with the hopes that the chaos would help me forget about Chase, but it only made things worse. I stepped out of the car, hearing the gravel crunch under my feet. It felt good to be back, but he would find me here. I'd seen the way he looked at me, the heat in his gaze that made my skin tingle. It was both thrilling and terrifying.

My aunt, Mrs. Sabrina, welcomed me but even as I stepped inside and was reminded of the honey smell of cookies baking in the oven, and the cosy furniture, there was still this knot in my stomach twisting tighter as I imagined Chase stalking around the woods, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. I tried to shake off the thought, but the feeling of being watched lingered.

Two days later, just as I was about to grab a drink from the fridge, my phone buzzed with a message, and my heart dropped when I saw his name.

"I'll come by later. We need to talk."

The panic flooded my chest as I stared at the message. "No, no, no," I whispered to myself. I didn't want to see him, I didn't want to feel that pull, that insane desire that drove me crazy.

"Everything okay?" Aunt Sabrina asked, her brows furrowing as she noticed my expression.

"Yeah, just some stuff with friends," I lied, forcing a smile. "I'm fine."

I tried distracting myself by helping her with dinner but I could barely concentrate. My mind kept going back to Chase and his relentless desire. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. I knew it was him before I even opened it. He was standing outside with his trademark smirk.

"Hey," his smile was beautiful and his voice was smooth. I crossed my arms, trying to project confidence, despite the butterflies in my stomach. "What do you want, Chase?"

"I just wanted to see you, it's been too long." I rolled my eyes. "It's been two days. I thought we were done. You said you'd give me space."

"I can't can't ignore what's between us, Emily. You know that."

"Maybe I don't want to know," I shot back, my voice shaking.

He took another step closer, and the urge to wrap those lips around mine returned. "You can't pretend it doesn't exist. You feel it, too."

"Doesn't matter. I don't want to get involved with you." I tried sounding strong.

"Why? Because of Gretchen," his tone had shifted.

I swallowed hard, not wanting to think about my best friend. "This isn't just about her. You're my best friend's dad, Chase. It's messy."

He stepped closer. "I can't let you go." I felt my heart race as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Chase… please."

"Just let me kiss you," he murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Just one time."

---

The next day, Gretchen burst into the house looking so excited. "Emily, you won't believe what just happened. So, some guy asked me to go out with him tonight. You have to come with me!"

I tried to smile but my stomach churned. "I don't know, Gretchen. Maybe you should go alone."

"Come on! I need you there! It will be fun!" She insisted, her eyes sparkling.

"Fine, but I'm not promising anything."

That night, I couldn't focus. I had a feeling he was somewhere here.

"Hey, are you okay," Gretchen asked as she noticed how distracted I was.

"Yeah, just... thinking." I replied, forcing a smile. Thankfully, she bought it and didn't ask any more questions.

That's when I looked around the room, and my heart dropped when I saw Chase standing near the bar, staring at me. He smirked, and I felt my cheeks heat up. I quickly turned away, trying to ignore him, but I soon realised he was ruining my chance to have fun with this new guy, Jake, who had been trying to flirt with me all night. I went home feeling terrible. I never imagined there was this version of Alpha Chase.

Then came my 20th birthday- a day I had been looking forward to, but now felt burdened by the weight of my choices. Gretchen had insisted on throwing me a party.

"This is going to be epic!" She squealed, tying a ribbon around the kitchen table.

"Thanks, Gretchen." I replied, forcing a smile as I helped her set up. But inside, I feared Chase would show up and ruin everything. I loved him, yes, but the last thing I wanted was for Gretchen to find out. That would single handedly destroy our friendship. It wasn't long before the guests began to arrive.

I answered the doorbell each time, and just like I had predicted, Chase came by. He stood there with a bouquet of flowers and a charming smile. My heart raced as he stepped inside, never tearing his gaze away from me.

"Happy birthday, Emily."

"Thanks," I managed to reply, my stomach twisting when my wolf suddenly began whining.

"MATE! MINE!" I stared at him in shock, but Gretchen's loud voice snapped me back.

"You came! This is awesome!"

I couldn't believe we were mates, which explained why he'd always been possessive. I tried to ignore him that night, but it was impossible, not with the mate bond tugging at relentlessly.

At one point, he cornered me by the snack table. "You look beautiful tonight."

"Thanks. You didn't have to come."

"Why not?" He pressed, getting closer. "You're my mate, Emily. I waited for you to find out."

"I'm not ready for any of this. I can't do this..." The rest of the words sunk back in as he kissed me. It was deep, and rough, like I'd disappear if he let me go. "Chase..."

He took my lips again, and I couldn't help but wrap my hands around his neck. That was the moment the door swung open, and Gretchen rushed in. We immediately pulled apart, but she'd seen us, and the light died out of her face instantly. Chase stepped forward.

"It's not what you think, Gretchen."

"What do you mean it’s not what I think? Are you trying to tell me you two were just not kissing? Because that's exactly what it looked like!"

The guests were gathering.

"Can we talk about this later," I pleaded, glancing between them.

"No, I want to talk about it now! You can't just kiss my dad and act like it's okay!"

"I'm not your dad's property!"

"Then why are you acting like it's not a big deal? You know how messed up this is?"

"Yeah, I fucking do. You don't act like you care about what I do when you did the same to me."

"Don't even try to change the subject."

"Like how you stone Sean from me!" The words flew out before I could stop them. Her eyes widened in shock.

"That's not fair, Emily! I told you he drugged me. It was a mistake."

"A mistake? You don't think finding my boyfriend in bed with you was a mistake?" I spat. "You acted like you were my best friend, but the moment I left, you jumped on him!"

"That's not how it happened! You're being unfair!"

"Unfair? You think I'm being unfair? You're the one who got my heart broken! You're the one who ruined everything for me!"

"I didn't mean to! Sean was a jerk! You know that!"

"Doesn't matter, you still hurt me. And I'm never getting over it. I'm not going to let you pretend that it's all okay just because you're upset with me now." Her face crumpled and in that moment, I felt a rush of power. "You're mad at me for kissing your dad? You should be mad at yourself for what you did to me!"

I stormed out after that, so angry as the memories returned. It was one of the darkest days of my life, and even though I'd decided to move on, that day still haunted me. A part of me wanted revenge, and with Gretchen lashing out at me for getting involved with her father, I accepted my mate bond with Alpha Chase, to get back at her.