Chapter 14

Laura POV
Flashback: years back

"Laura, take this," Alpha Damian said, his voice low and gentle. "It's for you. I wouldn't want anything to hurt you while you're under my care." He handed me a crystal necklace in the shape of a moon, placing a star-shaped necklace alongside it. The two pendants glimmered in the light, a symbol of our connection.

I gazed at him speechlessly, my mind racing with what to say. "I can't accept this, Alpha Damian," I protested finally. "It's too expensive."

Alpha Damian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "It's a small token of my appreciation for your friendship," he said. "Besides, I want to make sure you're protected at all times."

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words, but I couldn't deny the sincerity in his eyes. Maybe, just maybe, I could accept this gift and the protection that came with it.

"I threw my arms vigorously around Alpha Damian's, twirling like Cinderella in excitement. Later, I settled down to clench the pendant to my neck. A light shone like a sparkle, and my eyes widened in shock. But I was distracted by the blue light blinking on the star pendant around his neck.

'You're my mate, Laura!' he muttered, smiling sheepishly. He moved closer, his eyes locked on mine, and merged the pendants together.

'Are you sure?' I asked, my gaze naive and questioning.

The pendants glowed brighter, and a strange energy pulsed through me. Alpha Damian's eyes never left mine, and I saw the conviction in them. I felt a strange connection forming between us, like our hearts were beating as one."

"But I'm numb," I said, breaking the connection between us. My words snapped Alpha Damian back to reality.

"What do you mean you're a numb werewolf?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, I'm numb. And there's no answer to the question you just asked, Alpha." I spoke huskily, noticing the mix of concern and intrigue on his face.

Alpha Damian's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing through mine. "What happened to you, Laura?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something in his eyes made me trust him. "I don't know," I admitted, my voice cracking. "I just feel... empty. I feel like a part of me is missing."

"His hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me close to himself. His warm breath caressed my skin, blowing my lashes upward like a gentle gust of wind. 'Hey, don't blow my lashes off with your breath, please, Damian!' I teased, covering my face shamefully. My cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and delight.

Alpha Damian chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. 'Sorry, my mate,' he whispered, his breath tickling my ear. 'I couldn't help myself. You're so captivating.'

I giggled, my face still hidden behind my hands. 'You're such a charmer, Alpha.'"

END OF FLASH BACK

"'I'm so sorry about everything, Laura,' Valerie said, her voice startling me. I felt a lump form in my throat, and I struggled to hold back tears.

'The rejection?' Valerie asked, her eyes filled with concern.

I took a deep breath and snapped my fingers, counting out the words. 'That's a story for a thousand years to come,' I said, forcing a smile. 'Let's just say it's a long and complicated tale, and I'm not ready to relive it just yet.'"

Valerie nodded understandingly, her eyes filled with empathy. "I'm here for you, Laura. Whenever you're ready to share your story, I'll listen."

I smiled gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Thanks, Valerie. That means a lot to me."

"The bed sank deep beneath our weight, and Valerie's enthusiastic jumping caused it to creak loudly. Her extra weight and energetic movements made the bed frame groan, and I felt my waist strain under the pressure.

'What the heck was that noise?' Valerie asked, her eyes wide with concern, as soon as she heard the sound of my bones creaking in protest from the waist area.

I laughed, rubbing my sore waist. 'Just my bones complaining about your acrobatics, Valerie!' I teased, trying to downplay the discomfort. Her face turned bright red as she realized her jumping had caused the commotion. 'Oops, sorry about that!' she exclaimed, trying to contain her giggles."

I chuckled mockingly, my eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, I think we've had enough excitement for one day. Why don't we get some rest, and we can discuss Laura's condition in the morning?"

Valerie nodded, still looking a bit sheepish, and we all settled in for the night. As I snuggled under the blankets, I felt her eyes on me, her gaze burning with an intensity that made my heart race.

"Can we go for a workout tomorrow before heading out?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart. The thought of running into Clara or Frank in class made my pulse thunder with embarrassment.

Valerie raised an eyebrow, noticing my distraction. "Class? What's wrong, Laura? You're not thinking of skipping out, are you?"

My gaze fixed on the nightstand, where I began tapping the alarm clock, the ticking sound echoing through the room. "I won't be attending classes tomorrow, Valerie," I said firmly, trying to hide my anxiety.

Valerie's expression turned concerned. "Hey, what's going on? You can tell me. Is it because of... everything that's been happening?"

"The cold breeze swept in, and I burrowed deeper into my duvet, pulling it up to my neck. I tried to escape Valerie's probing questions, but she wasn't having it. She swiftly pulled the duvet off me and rushed to flip the light switches, flooding the room with brightness. I blinked rapidly, my eyes struggling to adjust to the sudden light.

Valerie's voice was laced with anger and sympathy. 'You're scared of Clara, huh?' she asked, her tone softening. 'I had no idea it was this bad, Laura. You're shaking like a leaf.'"