Chapter 59
"What are you talking about?" I asked, scrunching my eyebrows in confusion.
Jake's grip on my waist was firm, though not painful, as he pulled me closer. His eyes blazed with frustration, a fire that was becoming all too familiar lately.
"What the hell were you doing down there by yourself?" he demanded, his voice low, laced with barely-contained anger.
I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "So, this is what it’s about," I muttered. "I just needed some fresh air, so I decided to explore."
"Explore?" He scoffed, shaking his head like I’d just said something incredibly foolish. "For a hybrid, you’re quite stupid."
I glared at him, insulted by his words. "Excuse me?"
Before I could say more, he cut me off. "You’re a witch, Prisca. The most hated species in this entire clan. You have no idea what you're dealing with. My people haven't forgotten what your ancestors did—nearly wiping out our entire race. You’re only alive because of me. But that doesn’t mean you can just wander around freely like some almighty god."
His words stung. They hit deeper than I wanted to admit. I wasn’t just a witch. I was part werewolf too. "So what? I’m supposed to sit here, locked up like a prisoner for the rest of my life? These people are my people too, Jake. I’m not just a witch—I’m one of them. I’m one of you."
Jake’s jaw clenched, his face hardening as he struggled to keep his voice steady. "You will never be one of us, Prisca. You’re different. I’m different too, but the crucial difference is that my kind didn’t try to annihilate an entire race. You need to understand that my people will never forget that. They don’t trust you. They fear you. You have to be careful—for our child’s sake."
His words softened as his hand gently brushed against my growing belly. A flicker of warmth passed between us, but it was overshadowed by the cold reality of our situation. He was right. I had to be careful, not just for myself, but for the life inside me.
I nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But you can’t keep me locked up forever, Jake. I need to build real connections with these people, especially if I’m going to live among them."
His face softened for a moment, and his grip on my waist loosened. "I know," he said quietly. "But one step at a time. You can’t rush this."
We stood there for a moment, our eyes locking, a silent understanding passing between us. It wasn’t just about us anymore. There was so much more at stake now, and we both knew it.
"I’ll leave you to your work then," I said, breaking the tense silence. I took a step back, and he released me, allowing me to go.
"Just don’t get yourself into any more trouble," he warned, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
I smiled back, rolling my eyes. "It’s not like I go looking for it, Jake."
"Well, try not to attract it either," he grinned, and for a fleeting moment, it almost felt like old times. Before everything became so complicated.
As I walked out, I was immediately flanked by two guards. I groaned inwardly. Great. Now I had babysitters.
Just as I reached the door to my room, Fatima came barreling toward me, throwing her arms around me in a crushing hug. I wrinkled my nose—she smelled like Chris.
"Oh my God, Prisca!" she exclaimed, her wide eyes filled with concern. "Chris told me you got attacked. I was freaking out! He only just let me come see you."
I smiled at her, gently pulling away from her suffocating embrace. "Come inside," I said, leading her into my room and shutting the door behind us. At least the guards couldn’t follow me in here.
Fatima bounced onto my bed, exhaling dramatically. "Tell me everything!" she demanded, clearly eager for all the details.
I wasn’t in the mood to relive the attack, so I dodged the subject. "How about you tell me why you’re all cuddly and lovey with Christopher?"
Her eyes went wide, and her face turned crimson, a reaction I had rarely seen from her. "How...how did you know? Did he tell you?" she stammered. "God, that man can’t keep a secret to save his life!"
I laughed softly. "Relax, Fatima. He didn’t tell me anything. I can smell him all over you."
She exhaled in relief, but her blush deepened. "Right...I forgot you’re one of them now. Well...we kissed. That’s all."
I raised an eyebrow, giving her a knowing grin. "Just kissed? I thought you hated him. I thought you hated our kind."
Fatima sighed heavily, leaning back on the bed. "I did. I do. I don’t know what happened, Prisca. One minute we were arguing, and the next...I slapped him. I thought he was going to tear my head off, but instead, we were...well, making out. Like some hormone-crazed teenagers."
I couldn’t help but laugh, but I quickly sobered. Fatima was still human, and there were things she didn’t understand about this world. Sitting next to her, I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"It’s going to be okay," I assured her. "It’s normal to feel confused. It’s okay to hate what we are and still care for someone. I went through the same thing. I hated myself for what I was, for what I became. But I learned to accept it. You will too."
Fatima looked at me, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I wish I had been there for you earlier. I wish you hadn’t been so alone when you found out you were different...when Jake started acting like a complete jerk."
I grinned at her. "You get used to it. You get used to the monsters, the lies, the betrayals, the hate...and eventually, you learn how to survive. In this world, it’s either you live or you die weak."
Her face paled. "That sounds terrifying. I’m just human, Prisca. How the hell do I survive here? I’m practically dead meat."
I squeezed her hand. "You’re stronger than you think, Fatima. And I’ll be here to protect you. You don’t have to worry about vampires or werewolves tearing you apart. They barely even notice you."
Fatima forced a laugh, though it was tinged with fear. "I guess you’re right. At least I won’t have to worry about getting drained by vampires."
I frowned, sensing something was still bothering her. "What else is on your mind?"
She hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty before she finally spoke. "You."
My frown deepened. "Me? What about me?"
She moved closer, her face suddenly serious. "I know I have a mate, but...that fate wasn’t my choice. My whole life, I’ve been fighting for the right to make my own decisions. My parents controlled everything—my education, my career, even my body. I got my PhD because that’s what they wanted. I’ve never even had sex because they wanted me to be this perfect, pure girl. I finally took control of my life, but now I have a mate...someone chosen for me by a force I don’t even understand."
Her words hit me hard. I understood her pain, the suffocating pressure of being bound by expectations. "It’s okay," I whispered. "You’ll be okay."
Fatima shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "No, I won’t. Because I’ve always loved you, Prisca. And now, with this mate...there’s no chance for us."
Before I could react, she leaned forward and kissed me. It happened so fast, I didn’t even have time to process it. The shock of her lips on mine left me frozen, my mind spinning as emotions crashed into me like a tidal wave.
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