Chapter 36

Nina Valentine was killed by rogues, who are volatile werewolves, according to William and Chris. For a brief period, we were both overcome with grief as I remembered how she died defending me one night as men burst into the vacation home where we were all residing a few years ago. With all the new knowledge swirling around in my head, I nod in agreement. "What is the significance of Linda's strange Kelvin around her neck?" Is that a tattoo or something related to your life?" As I sat there, perplexed, both men laugh. "Yes, this has to do with our planet, honey, but you willl need to ask your partner about it."
"I don't think I'll ever be prepared to lead beside him." I sigh, relieved to be free of this burden. "Amanda, you're not the only one going through this. Your companion will always be by your side, assisting you." Chris gives me a comforting look before kneading across from me. "Isn't he giving you some time to think about it? That demonstrates his desire to assist you in comprehending your future." "I wished I had much more time," she says. I mutter something and run my hand over my hair. "Simultaneously, I would like to see him again."
"The mate bond is what enables mates get acquainted to one another." We can't, however, prevent the King from seizing what is rightfully his. After they've found each other, mates normally stay with their mates." Chris explains, and I nod in agreement. For a while, I sit quietly, hearing the sound of kitchenwares clanking in the distance and Linda and Elizabeth conversing. I groan as I hear my and Gabriel's names mentioned in their talk. "What if a partner isn't interested in you?" "I'm curious," I say, widening their gaze. "I'm not denying that I want to be around him! Calm down!"
"That's not a good idea, Amanda." Mates must give each other the benefit of the doubt. Many wolves might reject their partners, only to regret later and go mad when their other half went on or, worse, died." William responds regretfully, which surprises me.
"Amanda," he says, taking my hands in his and forcing me to gaze up at him. "Don't let your doubts derail your relationship with the boy. You'll never feel the same way about a human as you will about Gabriel. You were picked for him for a reason, and I'm sure everyone can see what that purpose is."
"I'm not sure what you're talking about." I grimace and shake my head.
"Amanda, I can see he's moving in a positive direction." Do you not notice his expression when he stares at you? It's as if you're his entire universe, and he'd go to any length for you."
Just as Elizabeth summons everyone for dinner, Chris helps me up from the dirt. As I entered the dining room, I take a seat across from Chris and Linda. But, while everyone else is talking, my thoughts are elsewhere.
I've made up my mind. My happiness comes first, regardless of what others say.

*********

I haven't seen Gabriel in over a week since I've been swamped with class tests, providing me no time to do anything besides than studying. Whenever I had a break, however, I began reading literature about werewolves. I read through all those books like a nerd on fire because I enjoy reading. I sigh as I take my books for another lesson and close the door, screaming as I see Max and Kayla on each side of me. "Please, God, don't do it!" I take a deep breath and put my palm on my chest to help calm my rapid heartbeat.
"You're so easily scared, Amanda." As he wraps an arm around Kayla's shoulders, Max chuckles. "Hey, it's not my fault!" Kayla shoves him off, complaining, and I chuckle. They, like me, are made of flesh and blood. Yes, my other pals are wonderful, but I always feel a little out of sorts when I'm among them. I feel more at ease when I'm around Kayla and Max; when we were partnered together for a science experiment, we instantly became friends. Max is a skinny man with black hair and beautiful brown eyes. Since he sat next to me, I first approached him when I needed notes.
Kayla has piercing blue eyes and brown hair that is now tinted lavender. She stands a couple of inches taller than I am and she's the most extroverted female I've ever met. Because of her boisterousness, she is quite popular at school and can quickly make friends. We ran into each other in the gym after I was caught skipping and she was being reprimanded on not kneeing a student in the testicles whenever she was furious. Max asks, lifting his rucksack higher on his shoulder, "What course do you guys have now?" ''Math.'' Kayla rests her head upon my shoulder as we both groan.
"You guys are hopeless!' Max grins as he steps back. "Nerd, it's simple for you to say!" Kayla mutters to herself as she drags me towards our lesson. As we both sprint to our classroom, he waves and goes away. When we snuck in, the bell just rung, and we breathed a sigh of relief. She takes her allotted seat, and I take a seat next her, Kelvin on my right. I smile at him as I pull out my belongings and begin taking down the notes that have already been posted on the board. Kelvin pushes in closer to me about halfway through the lecture. "Can you tell me when you're going to meet Gabriel?"
"I have lots of tests tomorrow, therefore I really can not found the time." With a small anxiety in my voice, I shake my head and drag my bottom lip through my teeth. What if he mistook my quiet for something else? "I literally can not believe he hasn't already broken down your door." When our teacher, Mr. Richards, turns around, Kelvin chuckles and leans back swiftly. "How do you mean?" I frown, puzzled as to why he would smash down my door.
"Alphas are naturally protective and dominant men, especially when it comes to their mates," he adds, widening my eyes. "He's probably controlling himself so that his wolf does not take over and pull you back to his house." I remain silent, unsure of what to do. I'm aware I should really go tell him what I've decided, but school always gets in the way. The one and only option I'd want to take when I got home is sleep. "I'll go tomorrow," I say calmly, my gaze finding his. ''Good! " Kelvin smirks, and I grin as I slap his arm.
"Amanda and Kelvin," Mr. Richards exclaims from the front of the classroom, "Do you mind explaining why you're not trying to take down my notes?" "Because your notes are obviously full of shit," he mutters, causing me to put my hand over my lips in an attempt to suppress the rising laughter. "Mr. Youngblood, I heard that!" He smirks at our dislocated mouths and says, "You both, detention after school!"