Chapter 4

The moment I felt a pair of hands pull me into the dark room, my heart skipped a beat. The door clicked shut behind us, and I realized with that I was alone with whoever dragged me here in what looked like the janitor’s closet.

I wondered who pulled me here but as soon as I perceived his scent, I knew it was him.

Tyler.

The shadows softened his face, but there was no mistaking that familiar, scent or the presence that filled the small space.

“Hey,” he said softly.

My pulse quickened. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it. I couldn't help but feel nervous.

“H-hi,” I managed to say.

He looked down at me. His gaze was intense and unreadable, and I had to tilt my head to meet those intense brown eyes of his. He was so tall. He was easily twice my size. He looked like he could crush me if he really wanted to.

The smirk on his face was dangerous. I couldn’t help it—I stepped back. He followed, closing the distance with each step until my back hit the wall, trapping me completely.

I was helpless. Trapped. Completely at his mercy. He smiled as he leaned in. I couldn’t deny the warmth radiating from him, or the magnetic pull that had me captivated. His scent surrounded me, filling my senses. I couldn’t resist inhaling his sweet scent. My wolf howled in a way she hadn't done in years.

“What… what are you doing?” I asked.

I tried to ignore the electricity buzzing between us.

Tyler smiled, that charming almost wicked grin that could melt anyone’s heart “Do I really need a reason to see my mate?”

A shiver ran through me. He knew we were mates. Sparks flew between us, leaving my skin tingling. I fought the urge to reach out, to touch him, to feel his skin beneath my fingertips. Being near him felt so right, like we were two pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together. I could’ve stayed like this forever, wrapped up in his closeness, if only I could trust it to last.

“So beautiful,” he murmured. He stared at me intensely. “I’m so damn lucky.”

I blinked, struggling to believe this wasn’t some trick. Why would he ever want me?

“Just… reject me already,” I whispered. The words slipped out before I could stop them.

His expression softened, and before I could react, he raised his hand to my cheek, cupping it gently. I leaned into his touch without meaning to, and his thumb brushed gently along my skin, sending another wave of warmth through me. The sparks intensified between us.

“Now, why would I do that?” he whispered.

Before I could answer, he leaned down and his lips brushed against my neck. I couldn't help but moan. The touch was gentle, teasing, yet it sent my heart racing, leaving me breathless. I wanted more, but as his lips lingered on my skin, I had bad memories. I remembered the hurtful words Stephanie always told me. I remembered all the years of being ignored and bullied sometimes. I had always felt like I wasn't enough.

Someone like him shouldn't be with someone like me. He was way out of my league. I would never be good enough for him.

I pulled back, “I… I’m sorry, but I can’t do this,”

I pushed him away from him and ranout of the room. As I walked down the hallway, my vision was blurred with unshed tears.

---

Chemistry class felt like a blur after that. I sat at the back, keeping my head down as we prepared to mix solutions. The other students had begun pairing up. Laughter filled the room as they found friends. I didn’t even try to pair up with anyone or ask. I knew no one would choose me.

Then Tyler walked in, and everything froze. I felt his presence even before I looked up. My breath caught in my throat as he scanned the room. His eyes landed on mine. His smile made me feel all warm inside, even though I tried to fight it.

“Pick a partner,” the teacher instructed him.

“Hi, Tyler,” Stephanie cooed. She flashed a smile as she leaned toward him. “I don’t have a partner. You can be mine.”

Tyler’s eyes never left mine  “Thanks but I already have a partner.”

He crossed the room and took the seat next to me. My cheeks flushed as I tried to hide my smile. I couldn't believe he actually chose me.

Stephanie glared at me but I ignored it as best as I could. Tyler leaned close “Hey, beautiful.”

I fought the urge to laugh. “You don’t give up, do you?”

He grinned and kissed me cheek “When it comes to a gorgeous woman like you? Never.”

I rolled my eyes playfully “You’re so corny.”

“But I made you smile, didn’t I?” he teased.

We worked quietly. Our hands brushed sometimes as we mixed the solutions. I tried to focus on the task, but every time I looked up, he was watching me with those beautiful brown eyes.

“Beautiful and smart,” he murmured as I measured out a solution. “Where have you been all my life?”

“Please, stop,” I chuckled, shaking my head. “Just pay attention.”

We finished the experiment, and when the solution turned a bright pink, we high-fived, laughing together. I felt Stephanie’s stare from across the room, but for once, I didn’t care.

Class ended, and as we gathered our things, Tyler leaned over. “What plans do you have after school?”

“Just… things to do at home,” I replied. I was surprised by how much he seemed to want to be around me.

Before he could say more, Stephanie appeared.

“Hi, Tyler,” she said “I’m having a party this weekend. Want to come?”

Tyler glanced at me “Have you invited Catherine?”

Stephanie laughed bitterly “Catherine? No way. I don’t need losers at my party—it’s for elites only.”

I swallowed, packing my things quickly. My face burned with embarrassment. I wanted to disappear, to shrink out of sight. Tyler must think I was pathetic, just like she did.

“Hey,” I murmured, avoiding his gaze. “I should go.”

But before I could leave, he grabbed my hand.

“Why would you say something like that?” he asked Stephanie in a cold tone “That’s rude.”

Stephanie shrugged “You’ll see, Tyler. I’ll see you around.”

She shot me a triumphant look before walking off.

Tyler turned to me. His face was filled with concern.

“Catherine, why—”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I whispered.

I could barely hold back the tears. Before he could say anything else, I pulled my hand free and hurried out of the room.