Chapter 66

I've spent the last two days doing the same tedious routine. School, homework, supper, and so forth. In the evenings, Ryan occasionally stops around to teach Valeria, Paloma, and I some new routines and techniques. However, talking to Gabriel over the phone is the one thing that can make me smile. Today is the day he returns home, and I can't control the excitement building inside of me. First of all, he promised to return in two days but ended up delaying it for four. He assured me he would return home this evening when we spoke yesterday night.
Sweaty and worn out, I enter the home. Sadly, the coach had caught me skipping class once more and handed me a punishment. I had to play dodge ball with everyone in the gym. Kaden, who is in my class with me, was observed with me. While I ruthlessly beat Kelvin and Zach with the red balls, he spent the whole lesson reclining against the rear wall. I approached him and asked, "Why aren't you playing?" thinking that he must be getting bored by just standing there. He gave me a look in response, then grabbed the ball I was holding and threw it away. He pointed to it rolling away and stated as he stood up straight again. "Oh my, there it goes."
He is a grumpy person. I put my stuff on the nightstand in the bedroom, take a fast shower, and then spent the thirty minutes singing loudly in the bathroom. When I'm done, I exit the bathroom wearing a fluffy white towel and proceed to the closet to change into a pair of basic leggings along with a black blouse that I have to tie at the side. I huff as it exposes some of my flesh and make a promise to myself never to pick up a different size in a haste ever again. After blow-drying my hair, I neatly bun it and put on my black flats prior to actually leaving the room.
I took my time as I navigate the corridors and stairs, but I have to move quickly as my stomach begins to growl. I was in jail for lunch, and now I'm famished! I came downstairs to complete quiet. I wonder where everyone went. As I take the final step and continue walking, I ponder. I come to a halt and slant my head slightly forward to scan both sides, but no one is around. My waist is suddenly encircled by arms, and my neck's curve is skimmed by a nose. I can tell it's not Gabriel since there aren't any sparks or tingles. I wriggle out of the man's hold and turn to face Charlie. "Uh, where the heck is everyone else?" My heart is racing with terror as I stutter and retreat.
Although I had managed to avoid him at all costs, I didn't enjoy the expression in his eyes at the moment. He gives me a cruel smirk. "Along with the guards, I dispatched them to run a few errands. Sweetheart, we're all by ourselves now." You've got to be joking, I thought. Heard me tell him to keep away, but did he not listen? I gulp as I hit the back of a couch and gasp when he utilizes his speed to get closer to me and encircles me with his arms. He tosses me onto the sofa in bridal style and pulls me up quickly before trapping my wrists. I cry out, hoping that someone will open the door and enter.
Poor girl. What's with your screams? You need to rejoice that we are now alone ourselves. He grinned and leaned down, his lips pursed. When he cries out in pain, I shout, shove my knee up unto his area, and push him away. I leap from the couch and go for the door, only to then be pulled back by the hair as I scream in agony. As Charlie spins me round to face him, tears start to gather in the corners of my eyes. His eyes are entirely black, and his canines and claws, which are draining blood from my arm as a result of his tight hold, have grown longer.
Charlie can transform into his beast at whichever time since he and Gabriel share a genetic heritage, and just the idea of what he is capable of terrifies me. I scream "Charlie" as he pulls and flings me back onto the couch. "Y-You don't want to do this -" "You do not really want to do this, you say. "Oh, believe me, I do," he responds with a grin and a crazy expression. I've desired you since I first saw you at the that balcony, so why am I finding out that my cousin has you? How on earth are you his mate? Most likely, all he wants to do with you is screw you! He suddenly crouchs down, causing me to scream and move back in shock. Fortunately, I can hear a distant rumbling, and I'm hoping that the individual will hear me.C C-C'mon, Charlie. Let me go, please. He chuckles as he moves closer to me on the sofa. I won't let you go until I've finished dealing with you. In the end, you're going to be mine. When he jumps on me, I scream loudly while attempting to resist him with my clouded vision. He's unbelievably powerful, though, and I can't stand a chance against him. Every blow I receive and effort I make to flee are ineffective.
He grunts furiously and strikes me in the corner of the mouth, causing me to scream in agony and experience a metallic taste in my mouth. He grabs my chin then touches the side of my lip while his eyes show guilt, which to me feels phony. "Baby, I didn't intend to hurt you. Just allow me -" "You're seriously crazy" I cry, "Let me go," with tears streaming down my cheeks in resentment at my frailty. He stared down at me as his fingers grab my chin, causing me to yell in pain. "Amanda, that's not a polite statement to make to the man who will accept you as his.
Scream less; no one will hear you. Do you really believe Gabriel wants a pitiful person like you at his side? You'll benefit greatly by being my mate, and it will go place today. I won't let anyone stop me. When he leans in, I shut my eyes and turned my face, but that is a mistake because his claws swipe down my arm, piercing brutally into my skin. Gabriel's name escapes me as I shout it, wishing he were here now. Charlie is holding me as his horrible lips touch my neck's flesh. The anticipation of what will come next causes me to struggle more vehemently. I sob more and close my eyes tightly in an attempt to block out the scalding agony. It doesn't, though. He quickly turns away from me. Gabriel is severely beating him up as I glance over the sofa, which causes me to sob in relief. I reassure myself that he is present as I watch him fling his cousin's quickly bruised body about the room. I watch as he begins to transform into his beast as his shape is violently vibrating. His body changes into a more horrific shape as his nails get longer, fur replaces his skin, and so on. He lets out a loud scream, followed by the sound of Charlie's bones breaking and his sobs, and I immediately feel weak. I held on to the back of the sofa like my life relies on it. "How could you harm my mate?" Gabriel growls and kicks him in the side, throwing him into a wall and creating a massive crack as he collapses to the ground moaning. His ribs are fractured, of that I am confident. Gabriel takes him by the neck and begins to hit him repeatedly while growling expletives. Valeria, Paloma, Ryan, and a few of my guards burst through the doorway as my fuzzy vision catches them.