43. Making me belive it's all about you.

**Eve**

Eve woke up alone, the bed beside her felt cold. She knew Eros didn't spend the night next to her. Wherever he was, he must have a reason for his absence. After checking her phone, Eve noticed a couple of missed calls from her best friend. She did miss Claudia, but it was also hard for her to accept the person she had turned in. Eve bit her lip, debating whether she should give her a call, or would it be better if she ignored her former friend. Her phone buzzed again, Claudia's number popping up on the screen. Now, Eve had to decide. She answered the phone, placing it to her ear with a shaky hand.

"Hello?" Eve’s voice was barely audible. She was not sure why she feared the phone call. Was it regret for ever being friends with Claudia? Was it fear to face someone who betrayed her so shamelessly? Were those insecurities to blame for the fear growing within her?

"Eve, are you alright? Are you safe? Oh God, I've been so worried about you! Have you seen how many voice messages I left? I thought something serious had happened to you. I even went to your parent's house, and they kept telling me that they haven't seen you around. What's wrong with you? Is it because a shifter chose you? Is he keeping you caged, or are you feeling better than your former friends and family?" Claudia whisper-yelled. Each word grew ruder and made her sound more irritated.

"Claudia, calm down, please. I've been quite busy and, honestly, I haven't had the time or even thought to check my phone. The reason why I haven't visited my parents yet is the same. I know you're used to calling me whenever you want and I'll always answer your calls. Not anymore. I have a mate now, we just started living together, and I don't have time to follow you like a dog. Enough is enough, Claudia," Eve was surprised by her words, never in a million years had she thought she would grow strong enough to stand up to her former friend.

"I never intended to offend you, Eve. I didn't, please. I know I made a tremendous mistake by slapping you and losing control. I'm so sorry, Eve. I never intended to. It's just that I couldn't accept him wanting you, while I was the one who dreamed about being chosen and you never desired to be. I'm the worst friend ever. Yell at me, curse me, do whatever you need to but, please, forgive me. I miss our friendship more than anything," Claudia nearly broke down in tears. She sounded desperate and pathetic. For all those years Eve had known Claudia, she had never shown any sign of weakness. They used to share everything they had. Claudia was her shoulder to cry on, and Eve always looked up at her. They were like sisters most of the time, often telling people they were blood-related. Eve couldn't say that she didn't miss Claudia, despite all her actions. The woman had been by her side for way too long to drop their friendship without trying to talk about their problems.

"I understand, Clau. Everything changed so fast, the things I knew, suddenly became non-existent, a whole new world opened to my eyes. It's been a rough time for me, and I didn't want to worry my parents with little things- like arguments Eros and I have. I missed you, I think I still do, but I'm not sure I can forgive you so fast. You attacked me, both mentally and physically, for things I had no power over. Don't you think that the outcome of that evening shocked me as much as it shocked you?" She wanted to drop everything in front of Claudia. Eve hoped that her former friend would start seeing the facts, rather than coming up with her own "truth."

"Can we meet somewhere? I miss hanging out with you. This conversation is not one to be had over the phone. Please, Eve, give me one last chance to fix things. I still want to be your friend," Claudia kept talking, she didn’t sound like she cared about anything Eve had said. It didn't surprise her though; Claudia and Claudia’s needs were always her priority.

"Yeah, I guess so," Eve sighed. She wanted to find out why Claudia decided to apologize so suddenly. She never did; she never admitted her fault or wrongdoings. She never recognized anything she did incorrectly. They spoke on the phone for a couple more minutes. Eve got dressed and headed out, leaving a note for Eros. She didn't want him to worry, so she wrote down where he might find her. That is, if he showed up before Eve got back home. She approached the little cafe down the road. Claudia was nowhere to be seen. Eve knew she would be late, as always. This time she didn't feel bothered by that. The music from headphones calmed her down. Eve nearly jumped when a hand was placed on her shoulder. She turned around, noticing Claudia grinning at her. A deep sigh left her parted lips. At first, neither knew how to act or what to talk about. Both women ordered the same drinks, sat near the window, and looked around.

"This place hasn't changed much," Claudia mumbled, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"Yeah, it does look the same as the last time we came here. Do you remember when that was?" Eve decided that her best strategy would be asking questions rather than answering them. As much as she wanted to believe that Claudia genuinely wanted to be friends again, she couldn't. The betrayal still hurt, waving goodbyes to someone Eve considered a friend for so long, wasn't a simple thing to do.

"Shortly before mating games, I believe," Claudia spoke casually, resembling the same strong and independent woman Eve knew and adored.

"The last time here ended in disaster," Eve giggled, remembering the things that had happened. That evening, Claudia was treated like the only woman alive, and some stranger accidentally spilled a drink on her. All those men, who had tried to flirt with her, disappeared faster than the rabbit jumped into its cave. Eve thought about the events from that day. The stranger was dressed in black, tall, and extremely bulky. He hid under an enormous hood, and after spilling the drink on Claudia, he didn't apologize, just turned around and left. Eve's heart skipped a beat, was it possible for that stranger to have been Eros? How long had he known about her existence, waiting for that dreaded evening?

"Hello, Earth to Eve? Do we have a signal there?" Claudia waved her hand in front of Eve's eyes, dragging her out of her thoughts.

"Sorry, I zoned out a bit. Happens," Eve giggled uncomfortably. What happened the last time they met had left a significant impact on their friendship. Eve felt awkward around Claudia; her gut kept yelling for her to run and never look back. Deep down, Eve hoped that Eros would arrive home soon and see her note. If she knew him well, he would head out to look for her. Eros was not one to play with, and if he were around Eve- nothing would harm her.

"So, how's life with a shifter? Enjoying yourself so far?" Claudia leaned towards Eve, a slight smile growing on her lips.

"It's okay, I guess," Eve shrugged, sipping on her tea. She didn't want to give out any details, especially knowing that those might be used against her.

"Come on, don't hold back the juicy details. We're friends, Eve, you've known me for years, have I ever told anyone the secrets we shared?" Claudia kept pushing her; she needed to find out more. It wasn't just her curiosity; it was a part of her plan. Eve would tell her everything about life with shifters; sooner or later, Claudia would seduce Eros, and by then she would have enough information to keep the man by her side.

"It's okay. Besides moving and learning how to live under one roof with someone who growls- nothing has changed," Eve grinned, she wasn't the same little, innocent girl she used to be. Despite the desperate need for Eros to be near, she knew that he couldn’t always be around to protect her. This was a time for her to fight her demons.

"As if!" Claudia said, leaning back in her chair. "I don't understand, you used to tell me everything, and now you're acting like a stranger. I'm trying, but you keep pushing me away," she added, trying to guilt-trip Eve.

"Exactly, I used to, until you decided to attack me. I have done nothing wrong; I've been the best friend I could be. Who was there for you when your parents got divorced? Who was there for you whenever you broke up with the next boyfriend? That's right, me. And what have you done for me? Completely nothing. Let's face the facts, you never wanted to see me happy. You made me believe that it was all about you; I was just an accessory, for times when it got rough for you," Eve snapped.

"You're right; this is useless. Let me walk you home and I'll leave your life for good," Claudia stood up, extending her hand towards Eve, as if making a deal. Eve didn’t take her hand, she stood up and nodded, motioning to the exit. As they walked back to the bar, both women were silent. Claudia had a smirk plastered on her lips, making Eve suspicious. There must be something more, no way in Hell would Claudia let her off so easy. Unfortunately, Eve was right; she was grabbed by her waist and pulled into an alley, a palm landing on her mouth, silencing her screams. Someone held her from behind, Eve's back tightly pressed against a firm chest. The panic grew, tears streaming down her cheeks as she tried to fight against her captor. Claudia stood in front of Eve, grinning like a madwoman.

"I knew you might have found courage, so I had to get some backup," she spat out, grabbing a knife out of her bag. Eve's eyes grew wider; Despite everything, she couldn't believe that Claudia could be so cruel. The knife blade pressed against Eve's throat, nearly cutting her skin.

"What do you think, might it hurt if we play a little?" Claudia laughed, sending cold shivers down Eve's spine. How could someone be so wicked after being given a chance to fix things? How could Eve be so stupid, to trust one who hurt her?

"I'm down, she smells good," said the stranger who held her. His lips landed on Eve's neck, traveling down to mark left by Eros. Eve felt sick; she had to get out of there; at this point she was ready to kill, just to get back home in safety.

"Hold the fuck up; you never told me she was marked," the stranger yelled at Claudia. The woman didn't react; she shrugged her shoulders and dropped the knife.

"Have fun; you know where to find me," she blew a kiss at him and left the alley, leaving Eve with her partner in crime. Eve kept struggling against his hold, hoping that she could escape while he was distracted.

"Hold still, and this won't hurt," he whispered in her ear, in a seductive tone. Eve nearly vomited in her mouth, disgusted by his words.

"I agree, hold still, and this won't hurt, even a bit," another voice, coming from the shadows, sounded throughout the alley.