Fated, Bound and Claimed by My Alpha: Read Chapters 1-5

That strange feeling you get when you know you won't see the place where you grew up again, the courtyard where you once played as a child. My room. I feel a certain nostalgia and sadness. Part of me doesn't want to leave, but another part of me screams that I shouldn't be selfish, my mom has been offered a very good job in the north of the country. I'll have to go to a new school, meet new people, leave ... Will, my ex-boyfriend.

As soon as I gave him the news, he got very angry and we broke up.

I think it was for the best.

I finished putting my suitcases in the car and opened the door, but before that, I gave one last look at my old home, it was a small two-story white house. There was a garden full of yellow flowers that mom had planted in her time, they were still there.

The day was sunny. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and got in.

"Ready?" Mom asked, in a whisper.

No, I'm not. This is too much for me. I don't want to leave.

"Yes." I lied.

She smiled and started the car, we had a lot of miles ahead of us. Today was Wednesday, which meant that tomorrow I would have to go to school.

God, I'm so nervous.

Mom was my height, we were about 1.69 meters tall, she had nice legs and was also blonde. Sometimes we were mistaken for sisters, it was really funny, but I guess they also do it because mom's way is not serious or anything like that, on the contrary, she is cheerful and fun. I am the complete opposite of her.

***

"Carolina, wipe that face off, we're not going to the lion's den." she tried to cheer me up, sent a shiver down my spine when she said that last part. "Look at this ..." she paused. "As a new adventure, you will meet new friends, maybe a boy." She smiled.

A boy? I don't want to meet any boy, I just broke up with Will not long ago and it still hurts.

I didn't respond, I just looked out the window at the forest, there was fog, it was really beautiful. The trees were very tall, we could see inside the forest... There were no animals or anything.

"We're almost there." She announced, pointing to the sign that indicated the name of this town. Its name was Lewiston.

I didn't get excited or anything, we had been traveling for eight hours and honestly my butt was numb. The houses started to appear, the people, the bars, the cinema, shops, and I also looked at the school. It was a huge two-story building.

"Look, that's your new school." She pointed to the huge building in front of us. There were some boys outside, maybe the ones who stay to hang out after school because it's already getting dark.

Mom kept driving until she took a road where there were no more houses, just trees.

"Where are we going?" I asked, looking out the window a bit anxious.

"To our house, didn't I tell you it was the only property available, the previous owners moved out a few months ago and it was left empty." She glanced at me quickly.

Great, I'll be stuck in this forest all by myself. Mom will be working all the time. I'm feeling a little scared, I don't know what kind of animals are in this forest, or worse, if they are wild.

"This is a very effective way to socialize." I said sarcastically.

She laughed and shook her head.

I'll be alone in the forest.

"Look." she called." after all, we're not the only ones living around here." She looked in the rearview mirror.

I turned to see, behind us were three cars, all expensive and black, the windows were dark so you couldn't see through them to see the supposed "neighbors". All that could be heard was the loud music they were playing.

"Great." I turned my gaze back to the front, forming my lips into a straight line.

Everything was going well, until we heard a noise coming from the engine. Oh no! This can't be happening.

"Don't fail me now..." murmured mom, doing her best to keep the poor car running. But it wasn't enough as the car slowly came to a stop until we were completely halted.

Damn car.

"Damn it!" Mom exclaimed, hitting the steering wheel hard but quickly rubbed the area with difficulty, grimacing in pain, I laughed in the process.

The cars behind us started honking desperately.

"I think we have to walk the rest of the way." She started to open her door. I opened my mouth in astonishment, I didn't want to walk." It's not far. "She reassured me as she got out of the car.

"It's getting dark..." I murmured.

"I know, so we better hurry. Help me with the suitcases, will you?" She closed the door and went to the back.

Reluctantly, I got out of the car too, closing the door behind me. The first thing I did was look at the three cars that were there, honking desperately. I reached mom who was looking for something in one of the bags, but I didn't pay much attention to her as my gaze was fixed on the car in front. Although I couldn't see the person driving, I could feel their gaze on me. It was one of those fancy, expensive closed trucks. It was black and in front it had the word Jeep in silver.

"Carolina, tell those people to stop honking, they're starting to annoy me." She ordered.

I frowned and looked at her. We didn't want to talk to them, we didn't know if they were friendly.

"I'll just get the suitcases." I refused, as I searched for my suitcases and put them on the ground.

Mom suspected and turned to look at those people.

"I'm so sorry..." she began to say." But my car died, if you want you can pass by! Thank you!" She finished, turning around and returning to our business.

The first car quickly started, passing by, while the others followed.

***

"This wouldn't have happened if that car wasn't a piece of junk!" I exclaimed, feeling my legs heavy. My outfit consisted of worn-out jeans, black Converse, and a white t-shirt. Not to mention my black jacket that I always wore.

We had been walking for over an hour, it was dark and the moon was already out. Only she illuminated us. Mom was ahead, I was falling a little behind, the two suitcases we were carrying were very heavy. The weather was cold, when I spoke, smoke came out of my mouth, I didn't know it was this cold in this town, and I only had short, loose clothes.

Don't blame me, in my city it was sunny. The only thing keeping me warm was my jacket. I had tied my hair in a loose bun but a few strands had come loose and were in my face.

"We're almost there!" Mom exclaimed from ahead.

As we walked, I looked at another path to the right, I suppose the people from the cars followed that path. But that path was dirt, the paved road ended here. I left the suitcases on the ground to rest a bit.

"God..." I murmured, taking a deep breath.

Unconsciously, I looked at the forest, the eerie forest that seemed to be calling me. I don't know why, but I felt watched. A new sensation.

"Carolina, hurry up!" Mom shouted.

I snapped out of my thoughts, grabbing my suitcases and running a bit to catch up with her.

"We made it!" She exclaimed, dropping the suitcases to the ground.

It was a slightly large two-story house, but it wasn't the house that caught my attention, it was the huge lake in front of it. The huge moon illuminated it, it looked so... Beautiful. Something good came out of all this. I walked to the small dock that was there and sat down. I took off my shoes so my feet could touch the water. It was a bit cold.

I looked at the moon, it looked so big and beautiful.

"Carolina, help me here!

I closed my eyes for a second. I can't even take a break. I stood up but something caught my attention. On the other side of the lake there was a house, it was also two stories. I would swear it's the same distance as mine. I guess the guys from the car live there. After all, we do have neighbors.

I was about to turn back to go back to where mom was, but a howl put me on alert, made my skin shiver, and filled me with fear.

Wolves? Are there wolves here?!

No way.

I walked quickly towards where mom was, she just needed to pack a suitcase.

"Did you hear that?" I asked, feeling a knot in my stomach.

Mom frowned.

"What?" She asked, walking to the front door.

Being inside the house is not a bad idea. I followed her and closed the door behind me, making sure nothing was left outside.

"A howl... "I murmured under my breath.

My mom turned to look at me with a frown. Apparently, she didn't hear it.

"Howl? I didn't hear anything." She replied.

Did I imagine it?

It can't be, it sounded very real.

" I heard it..., mom "I called her, she turned to look at me" There are wolves here.

She looked at me for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.

"Please, Carolina, I didn't mean it so literally when we were in the car. There are no wolves here, maybe what you heard was a... Dog. "She went up the stairs. "Get ready for tomorrow, you have school.

Damn it. Something tells me tomorrow will be a very long day. Mom and I had left our things in the rooms, tomorrow afternoon I would have to organize, this week would be a lot of work for us. The inside of the house was not bad at all. There was a large brown sofa and two small ones, in the center there was a table with nothing on top. There was a slightly large TV that, when looking at it, also looked out at the lake through the window right next to it.

***

The next morning I didn't want to get up but I did it anyway. Mom called a mechanic very early to check the car we had left in the middle of nowhere, fortunately he did and now it was as good as new.

I was finishing breakfast, I left the plate in the sink and went up to my room to brush my teeth, grabbed my backpack and went down the stairs. Mom was waiting for me in the car, today was her first day of work.

I went out and the smell of the forest was in the air. The only thing that could be heard around here was the sound of birds and the occasional animal. That's when I remembered the howl I heard, and yes, it was real.

"Carolina, you'll be late!" Mom urged me.

I snapped out of my thoughts and got into the passenger seat. My new school was waiting for me. Mom started the car, we had to drive a few kilometers.

We were halfway there, when the same cars from yesterday came out of the turnoff I had seen. Mom slowed down a bit to let them go ahead.

"Surely one of them will be your classmate. "She whispered, accelerating.

I just hope not.

After a while, we had arrived at the center of the town, people were starting to open their shops. Mom stopped in front of the huge building called school. I admit I'm a little nervous.

The cars in front of us parked in the school parking lot. But they didn't get out yet.

"See you later..." I said goodbye to her, getting out of the car and closing the door.

"Make lots of friends!" She exclaimed behind me.

For God's sake, I'm not in elementary school. I gave her a warning look, she just smiled and left.

The students started to arrive, the luxury cars were not far behind. Before entering through the main door, I observed the boy getting out of the car that was behind us yesterday. He was wearing black jeans, a white t-shirt, and his hair was messy. God, I ended up in a modeling agency. That boy was perfect.

His gaze met mine. It was deep, captivating. He had a black jacket in his hand and, without taking his eyes off me, he started putting it on. I looked away so he wouldn't think I was admiring his beauty. I bet he must be the typical popular guy here. I walked into the school. I could feel my heart racing. What I didn't miss was the strange sensation I felt inside me when we locked eyes.

I forgot about what happened and went in search of the principal's office. I needed to find my schedule. I turned down a hallway and there it was. I knocked on the door.

"Come in "came the voice from the other side.

I opened the door to find a lady in her forties, wearing glasses and her hair in a tight bun.

"Good morning, I'm new, I'm here for my schedule," I said.

She looked up.

"Yes, they said you would come today," she replied, searching through a folder for the papers and handing them to me.

I quickly took them.

"Good luck on your first day," she smiled before returning to her work.

"Um... Thanks," I hesitated. I left the office while reading my schedule. I had Spanish first and then history. Boring classes.

The hallways were filled with students, all chatting animatedly with their friends. I wondered if I would make any friends here. I looked around for the guy from the car but couldn't find him.

I climbed the stairs to the second floor and found my classroom.

5B. 5B. 5B. I found it. There were no students yet, which I appreciated. Lately, I had been seated in a corner by a huge window overlooking the parking lot. Then I saw him. There he was with his friends leaning on his car. There were girls around them. He had one beside him.

What did I expect? They were the most popular and probably the biggest players in this school. But he seemed lost in thought.

"Hello..." someone said behind me.

I turned around immediately, hand on my chest. I had been startled.

"You scared me," I said to the girl standing beside me.

"I'm sorry... You're new, right?" she asked.

"No, I've studied here all my life but apparently I'm invisible because no one, until today, had seen me," I replied sarcastically.

She laughed.

"I like your sarcasm. By the way, I'm Anne," she introduced herself.

Anne was slim, with brown hair and very pretty. I think she and I will get along well. I know because I have the gift of knowing who are good people and who are not. And Anne was shy and sincere. Although I could also sense some fear in her. Insecurity.

"I'm Carolina," I smiled.

The bell rang, signaling the start of classes. Students began to arrive, some looked at me sternly, others smiled, others didn't even bother to look at me.

***

It was time to go to the cafeteria. Anne and I were on our way when a girl pushed Anne, causing her to stumble.

"Hey, watch where you're going," I snapped.

The girl turned to me, as I suspected, she was one of those damn plastics who thought they were superior to others. I hated them. She was wearing a light pink thin fabric shorts and a white shirt tucked in, her blazer was also the same color as the shorts, and her blonde hair was loose. Her hair was long and straight, her airs obviously exuded greatness and specifically that typical smile that made others feel inferior. I couldn't help but notice her pearl necklace.

"Excuse me?" she crossed her arms.

I smiled.

"We excuse you, just don't do it again. Goodbye."

As we turned, we found three more girls blocking our way. One was tall and brunette, the other had black hair and was a bit shorter than the other. And the last girl was a bit older and seemed to be the center of the group. She was redhead and my height.

"Carolina, you shouldn't have said anything. These girls are dangerous," Anne whispered. She was scared.

But I wasn't. I wasn't afraid of them. The hallways were empty because everyone was in the cafeteria.

I turned to the older plastic.

"Can't you handle me on your own that you have to call your bodyguards?" I inquired.

She opened her mouth in shock. Apparently, she didn't expect that reaction.

"I haven't seen you around here, I suppose you're new," she approached a bit.

I raised an eyebrow and clapped.

"How smart of you," I mocked.

The girl became more furious.

"I see they haven't told you. I'm the one in charge here... And my boyfriend, of course, we are the most respected and you... You will learn to respect us."

She raised her hand and slapped my cheek, making my face turn.

I looked at her with boiling blood. She's going to pay for this.

I raised my hand and slapped her cheek as well. Damn, that hurt. She couldn't take it anymore and lunged at me, both of us falling to the ground.

I was on top of Paige, that's what this girl was called, I realized by how they were shouting her name in support. It could be said that the commotion caused everyone in the cafeteria to come to the fight. I pulled her hair strongly, causing her to let out a muffled scream. I made a quick move and now I was the one on top of her. I had her by the neck, I don't know but when I get very angry I can't control myself.

"Let me go...!" She screamed, while pulling my hair with her hands. We were in the same position, if she didn't let go, neither would I.

"I'll teach you to respect." I snapped through gritted teeth.

Arms wrapped around my waist, causing me to release Paige.

"Let me go!" I kicked.

But he didn't let go, he had me held.

I watched as the boy from the car helped Paige, while she cried rubbing her neck.

Suddenly we heard a very loud whistle that almost deafened us. There was absolute silence. The principal was coming in hot. Oh no. I think I'm in trouble.

"What's going on here?" She asked authoritatively. Then she looked at both of us." This is not a boxing ring for you to be throwing punches in the middle of the hallway.

I looked at Paige, she was looking at me. There was fury in her eyes, too much, I would swear they looked black, much darker than usual. She saw my confusion and drew a wicked smile that sent shivers down my spine.

"You two," she pointed to the boy holding me and the other holding Paige, who by the way looked furious, but he wasn't looking at me, he was looking at where the boy was holding me. "Bring them to my office," she ordered and turned around.

The other students returned to the cafeteria until only the four of us were left in the hallway. I struggled to get the boy to let go of me until he did. I turned to look at him and fixed my hair.

He was handsome, tall, had a very good body and from what I could feel he was strong. He was wearing a green t-shirt and black jeans. His hair was between messy and tousled, as if he had been messing it up himself. I looked into his eyes, they were also very deep. What's going on in this town?

"Come on, we have to go to the principal's office," he took my arm, delicately. I immediately pulled away.

I could hear Paige whimpering. The boy didn't pay much attention to her. I walked ahead, towards the principal's office. Shortly after, I heard footsteps behind me, and the boy who separated me positioned himself next to me.

"I hadn't seen you around here, are you new?" He asked, smiling.

"Another one..." I muttered more to myself. Damn, it's obvious that I'm new.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you," he objected, getting closer, putting his hand to his ear.

I took a deep breath.

"Yes, I'm new," I replied. "My name is Carolina, by the way."

He smiled.

"I'm Connor." He shook my hand. I took it.

We arrived at the principal's office and I sat in a chair, Paige sat in another one next to me. Connor and the other boy, whose name I still don't know, were standing.

"Alright, ladies, why was there a fight?" She asked, trying not to sound upset.

"She started..." we both said at the same time.

I got angrier.

"She pushed me as we were walking down the hallway and then slapped me for no reason," Paige told her.

I opened my mouth in shock. What a liar.

"That's not true," I told the principal. "You're such a liar." I looked at Paige.

The principal sighed.

"You know what? Since none of you is going to tell me the truth, I'll find out for myself." She turned around and typed something on her computer, some security camera footage came out of it." With these new cameras, I will finally bring order to the school.

The image of the hallway where we left was shown, she rewound it to the time the incident happened and played it. It showed the boys leaving, then it showed me with Anne, it showed where Paige pushed her, I defended her, she slapped me back, I retaliated and well... the fight.

The principal turned off the computer and looked at us.

"Your first day, Miss Lane." He looked at me." You will be suspended for today.

What?!

My mom is going to kill me.

"But, Principal...!" Paige squealed.

She shut her up.

I didn't say anything... What did I expect? A prize?

I snorted.

"Kayler." she addressed the boy behind Paige. So his name is Kayler." Take Carolina home, I understand you are neighbors. Take care of her, will you?

What?

Oh no, this can't be happening.

"Connor, take Paige." She finished and pointed us towards the exit.

I got up quickly and almost ran out of there, if I was lucky I could escape from Kayler and walk home alone. I don't want to be alone with him in a car, he intimidates me, his intense gaze makes me forget everything and stirs up a lot of things in me that, honestly, I don't want to deal with right now.

I know guys like Kayler, arrogant, manipulative, jealous, womanizers. I imagine Paige is his girlfriend. She even dared to say that she and he are the ones in charge at this school. They are ridiculous.

I was leaving the school when arms stopped me, his grip was strong, but not to hurt me.

"What's wrong with you, idiot?" I snapped, without looking at who it was.

I turned around. It was him. Kayler had a mocking smile on his face.

"Running away?" He inquired amused, raising an eyebrow.

I rolled my eyes.

"Of course not... Oh, and don't bother, I can walk home alone, I don't need anyone to take me. Goodbye." I turned to continue my way but he was faster and grabbed my arm again.

His touch was warm.

"I don't think you want to go alone... The forest is not very safe." He commented wrinkling his nose, as if he knew very well what was in it.

I crossed my arms.

"I don't care." I retorted.

His expression turned serious. He clenched his jaw a bit, at the same time I also noticed that he was clenching his fists. His gaze was darkening, just like I had seen Paige do a moment ago. It scared me, yes.

"I see you are untamable, you don't like to give in, right?" He inquired." But you, my dear Carolina, will come with me willingly or by force."

In the blink of an eye, I was floating in the air. Kayler was carrying me on his shoulder.

Damn it.

"Let me go!" I kicked. I heard the car door opening, then Kayler sent me into the co-pilot seat and put on my seatbelt. He closed my door and got into the driver's seat. This was the jeep I had seen yesterday. Its seats were sleek and almost new.

"I know those who are like you..." I muttered, as he started the car.

"Oh yeah?" He questioned mockingly, as if he found what I said amusing. He started the car and drove away from the high school.

I nodded without looking at him.

"They like people to do as they please. But I'm not like that, I don't like to obey anyone." I retorted." Your little girlfriend is proof of that."

He laughed.

"Alright, little Carolina, as you say." He didn't sound very convincing.

I looked at him with a furrowed brow, it's as if he didn't take what I say seriously. I remained silent, watching the forest, we were already entering it. I don't know why mom had to choose a house in the middle of the forest. It scares me a bit. The howl I heard yesterday comes to mind. A shiver ran down my body. To be honest, I'm scared to be alone at home.

"Why do you think you turned so pale?" The idiot next to me asked.

I closed my eyes for a second. I don't know if I should tell him about the wolf, but maybe he's separated if there is one or not, after all he has lived here longer than me.

"Do you... Do you know if there are wild animals in this forest?" I asked." Like wolves and stuff?"

I watched as he tensed and gripped the steering wheel a bit hard.

"I don't know... I've never seen one." He replied curtly. Would you be scared if there are?" He looked at me."

The answer was obvious.

"Yes, of course. I live alone in the middle of the forest, and knowing that I'm surrounded by wild wolves terrifies me." I confessed.

He fell silent for a moment, perhaps pondering what I had told him.

"It's logical." He whispered." But don't be scared, nothing can happen to you with me."

I admit I felt nice when Kayler said he was going to take care of me, under different circumstances I would have thanked him. This guy has a girlfriend and he's telling me he will always take care of me, I don't understand. Plus, I don't know him well, it's the first time we've talked, our eyes have only met but I can't maintain eye contact with him for long because his eyes are so deep, so... mesmerizing. One look from him and I feel like I've known him for years, I feel, as he said... protected.

His car stopped in front of my house, we stayed silent for a while.

"Well... Goodbye," I unbuckled my seatbelt and opened the door. Should I thank him for bringing me? In the end, he was the one who forced me into his car. But, hey, I'm not rude.

I opened my mouth to say something but he beat me to it.

"A 'thank you for bringing me' would be nice," he said.

"I was going to say it," I admitted.

I gave him a closed-mouth smile and closed the door. As I walked towards the door of my house, I heard Kayler's car engine turn off. I turned to look at him. He got out of his car and walked towards me with his hands in his front pockets.

"Where are you going?" I asked, frowning. I didn't invite him to my house.

He stood in front of me with a mocking smile that I would like to wipe off with a slap.

"I'll accompany you...," he crossed his arms, "If I were you, I'd be jumping with excitement. Do you know how many girls would kill for a look from me?" he said arrogantly. "Be thankful, Carolina, be thankful." He walked towards the door and opened it, entering as if he owned the place.

"But I'm not like those girls, idiot!" I snapped, walking behind him.

I found him inspecting every detail of my new house. I left my backpack on the couch and stood with my arms crossed, watching him. He stopped in front of the paintings that my mom hung up yesterday.

He furrowed his brow as if remembering something.

What is the annoying idiot thinking? I scanned him from head to toe, he looks much more handsome from the side. He is good-looking indeed. Too bad he's a jerk, a womanizer.

"Who is he?" he suddenly asked.

I shook my head and approached him. He was looking at a picture of me when I was little, I was smiling and the sparkle in my eyes only meant one thing, "total happiness." It was me, mom, and dad. And knowing that was the last picture we took before he died.

Sadness engulfed me, a lump in my throat prevented me from speaking. But I took a deep breath and did it.

"He was my dad."

Kayler looked at me and, noticing that I was trying to be strong, he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a warm hug. I didn't push him away. I just let myself go.

I could smell his cologne, it was a comforting scent, it made me feel so good. His hand rubbed my back from top to bottom. Suddenly, I felt calm, I closed my eyes enjoying the moment.

But, hey, what's happening. I'm letting my enemy's boyfriend hug me. I quickly pulled away from Kayler and cleared my throat. He looked puzzled but then returned to his normal composure.

"I think I'll go," he said, walking towards the exit.

"Of course...," I whispered under my breath.

Something inside me didn't want him to leave. I heard the door close so I let myself fall onto the couch. I took a deep breath. Suddenly, the sound of a car driving away warned me that I was alone, maybe he's going back to school, there are still hours left before classes end, I don't even know what to tell mom, that I got suspended on the first day? That would give her a heart attack. My stomach growls, asking for food since I didn't have time to eat at school.

I don't know what happened to me today, I had never fought with anyone before, in that moment I felt powerful, strong, but Paige was even more so, it's not normal for a plastic girl like her to be... Strong, I could almost say we had the same strength, I don't consider myself weak but God! There were times when I thought she would defeat me, but she didn't. Something inside me woke up and that's when I squeezed her neck very tightly." I think there will be marks." But it was strange. Since I came to this town strange things have been happening.

I headed to the kitchen and made myself a sandwich, I opened the fridge and took out a glass of milk, I had left it in the morning, I didn't have a good breakfast because of nerves.

Kayler.

Why do I have to think about him? I have to stay away from him, guys like him only bring trouble and I don't want any. I don't know what will happen tomorrow with Paige, it's obvious that she will seek revenge, in fact, she must be planning it right now. But she won't come alone, no, something tells me I have to watch out for her and her group.

***

Night fell and mom still hadn't come, nor will she. She sent a message saying she would be a little late and not to wait up for her. I turned on all the lights in the house, somehow I felt more protected, but not completely. Everything would be different if this house had a fence or something around it so that no animal could cross.

I was in my room reading Pride and Prejudice, which had been recommended to me by a former classmate from my old high school, everything was silent, a silence that was scary. I couldn't concentrate, no matter how hard I tried. I felt something inside me, an anguish, a... Fear. Two knocks on the front door made me jump. Who could it be at this hour? It's past nine.

I left the book on the bed and went downstairs very cautiously. Two more knocks were heard, I got scared again.

"Who is it?" I asked a little loudly, feeling my voice fragile.

No one answered.

I approached the door and took the handle, turned it slowly and opened it. There was no one outside. I went out to the hallway to make sure, but there was no one. Suddenly I heard footsteps on the side of the house, as if someone had run past and made the leaves rustle. That really scared me. I carefully descended the two steps and walked slowly, feeling some sharp stones pricking my feet.

Silly, I should have put on shoes.

When I reached the left side of the house I realized there was no one there either. Are they playing a joke on me? If so, it's in very bad taste. I went back to the front of the house but before entering I was struck by the sight of the full moon. Its reflection shimmered in the lake. It was... Magical. I walked towards the small dock, forgetting that there might be a killer lurking around my house and simply stood there, watching.

I looked across the lake at Kayler's house, I knew he lived there, some lights were on. There wasn't much movement. Suddenly I heard footsteps to my left and to my left there was only forest. It was dark. Then I saw someone pass by very quickly and hide behind a tree, presumably so I wouldn't see him.

It's a person. And it seems like they're playing... I hope. I walked decisively towards where they seemed to be. Who would think of walking in the forest barefoot? Only me. I arrived at the spot where they were supposed to be but they weren't there.

Am I going crazy?

I was about to turn around to leave but a voice stopped me.

"Help me!" exclaimed.

I looked around for that voice. It seemed to be coming from deeper into the forest.

"Hello?"

I walked, venturing further and further into the forest until I reached a flat area. There's no one here... I must be imagining things. I sat on the ground to rest a bit. I was tired, after this I'll just go to sleep. I massaged my temple and closed my eyes for a few seconds. There was a bit of fog in the forest and it looked like it was going to rain.

Suddenly a growl behind me made me freeze, my body didn't react. Another growl made me finally turn my head.

I gasped as I saw the huge wolf in front of me, staring at me and licking its lips. I only knew one thing:

That it was my end.

To be honest, I had never thought about death before. All I believed was that I would grow old and die next to the person I love. But it seems that death is right in front of me. The huge wolf growls with hatred, as if it has me. Behind him, three more wolves appear. Desperation, fear, terror invade me. I will die, it's obvious, and I will be torn apart by four wolves. There is no worse way to die than this. I am still sitting on the ground, cornered.

My breathing quickens and I feel like I'm running out of air.

"Please, no..." I murmured, as if that wolf would listen to me. He approaches me with determination until he is in front of me. His eyes are black, very black, and I could swear I've seen them before. But where?

The three wolves behind also approach growling. Maybe I should find something to defend myself, a branch, something... I can't make it easy for them.

The wolf in front of me walks, circling me. I searched for something on the ground with my hand, a stake or something, and I find it. I grip it tightly to me to be ready. I don't even know the way back.

He positions himself in front of me again. I crawl away from him, which only angers him more and he growls louder. I stop, now he is determined to do something to me.

Strength, Caro, you can do it, you just have to stab him with the stake and run. I listen to my mind and, as soon as the wolf approaches, I stab him in the shoulder and run away. I could hear him lamenting and the other wolves howling behind. Surely calling for more wolves or lamenting for their friend.

I ran, ran, and ran. I don't know where I am, my feet hurt and I'm getting tired, I don't hear anything following me so I stop to catch my breath, there is silence around me, only my exhausted breathing is heard.

"Help..." I mumble, knowing that no one will hear.

Suddenly, footsteps behind me put me on alert, I turn around to find one of the wolves standing in front of me, but this one is not coming to do the same as the other, he ran determined to throw himself at me but, as he jumped, another black and much larger wolf pushed him forcefully. The other wolf cried out in pain and stood up. The black wolf positioned himself in front of me as a shield, growling at him.

The other wolf gave me one last look and left. Okay, one less, now I just have to find a way to escape from this one. The wolf turns around to look at me.

I can't believe they are fighting over me, they all want to eat me. I must not taste good.

"Please..." I pleaded. Maybe he will understand me, maybe he will see my terrified look and let me go. Maybe he's not a carnivorous wolf, maybe he's a vegetarian.

What crazy things I say.

The wolf approaches me, to my face, and wipes away a solitary tear running down my cheek. He's savoring me, I know it. I hope I smell bad so he won't want to eat me.

I looked into his eyes... They are black, but they don't provoke fear in me like the other wolf, no, this one gives me a sense of being protected. I think.

"Let me go," I whispered.

My heart is racing, my breathing is shallow, and tears threaten to fall. The wolf turns around and walks away. Relief washes over me. Not entirely, I have to get out of this forest. Before turning around, the wolf looks back at me and nods his head, as if he wants me to follow him.

Obviously I won't, I don't know if he will take me to his favorite place to kill me or take me to his wolf friends to share me or... The wolf growls again and makes the same gesture with his head.

"Alright..." I murmured, walking cautiously towards him and standing beside him.

We start walking, everything is silent. I admit I am scared to death and super nervous, there is not a moment when I don't look at the wolf, at any moment he could pounce on me. But for some reason he hasn't, however, this wolf gives me security... Peace. I feel calm being with him.

Maybe he is my guardian.

We walked several kilometers until we arrived in front of my house. What a relief. But I still can't breathe easy knowing that I have a wolf beside me... Maybe he gave me a chance to say goodbye to my things, to my mom, before mercilessly killing me.

I walked cautiously to the porch of the house and turned to see the huge wolf looking at me with... sadness? Maybe he felt sorry for me and that's why he lets me live. He turns around and starts walking towards the darkness of the forest.

"Thank you..." I whispered, knowing he wouldn't hear. Somehow I have to thank him for saving me and letting me live.

When he is far enough away, I hear him howl. A howl that reached my heart. As if he wanted to tell me something with that. I stood there, watching where he went until I remembered that there are wolves wanting to kill me and I entered the house, locking the door. I closed the windows and back doors. I went up to my room and stayed there, sitting on my bed, waiting for my mom.

I heard an annoying noise, I tossed and turned in my bed and buried my face in the pillow to avoid hearing it, but it's not enough.

The damn noise comes from my alarm so I opened my eyes slowly and the sunlight invaded me.

Is it already morning? I fell asleep all night. At least I am more calm now for everything that happened yesterday. I wrinkled my face remembering that it's Friday and I have to go to school. I walked to the bathroom, took off my clothes and let the water run over my body, but I let out a muffled scream when I felt it was super cold.

"It's freezing..." I murmured.

The pipe where the hot water passes must have been damaged. I grabbed the soap and ran it over my body and then put shampoo in my hair. I gave myself gentle massages and then rinsed off. I covered my body with a towel and left the bathroom.

I searched my closet for something comfortable to wear, chose some jeans, a short shirt that showed my belly button, and cotton boots that reached almost to my knees. I grabbed my coat that reached below my thighs and put it on. I brushed my hair leaving it loose, lined my eyes, and finally put on lip gloss.

I was ready. I grabbed my backpack and then went downstairs to have breakfast.

There was no one in the kitchen, then I heard footsteps behind me.

"Carolina, are you ready?" Mom approached, sleepy.

I sat in the chair and rested my elbows on the table.

"No, this is how I always wake up," I replied sarcastically.

Mom rolled her eyes and I laughed. She doesn't like my sarcastic way, but sometimes they ask questions that are not relevant.

"Aren't you going to work?" I asked, noticing that she was still in her bathrobe.

"Yes, but I go in the afternoon. I came home very late yesterday, so they gave me the morning off today."

I nodded.

Mom gave me my cup of coffee along with my toast. She sat next to me and started to eat. I took a sip of coffee.

"By the way, I met one of the neighbors yesterday," she said, looking at me.

I almost choked on my coffee.

"Neighbor? Who?"

I just hope it's not Kayler.

"I think his name is Kayler," she replied. "Nice guy."

I raised an eyebrow at the last thing she said.

If only she knew he's an idiot, arrogant, womanizer.

"Yeah, sure," I whispered.

She gave me a questioning look.

"Do you already know him?" she inquired.

I shook my head, downplaying it.

"Somewhat."

I don't need to know him much to realize the kind of person he is. I hate that he's my neighbor, I would have preferred Paige as a neighbor, I just hope not to run into him today. Arrogant.

"Last night he helped me with the car. If it weren't for him, I would have walked here, the car broke down halfway, luckily he was passing by and he revived it," she said with a relieved expression.

I furrowed my brow as much as I could. Is that Kayler? Really? Because I don't think so. And what was he doing so late on those lonely roads? That boy is really strange.

"Well... Lucky, right?" I lied. I don't want my mom and him to have to see each other. And I will try my best not to get close to him.

Kayler means trouble and that's something I don't want to have.

"Yes, in fact, he offered to take you to school today."

I spat out the coffee I had just sipped, and it landed on my mom's face.

I opened my mouth, amused.

"I'm sorry..." I covered my mouth, trying not to laugh.

She glared at me.

"Carolina!" she scolded. "Look what you did."

She grabbed a cloth and wiped her face.

"Tell me you didn't accept..." I asked, referring to Kayler's offer.

She thought about it for a moment.

"Yes, I accepted," she whispered. "Look, he's arriving."

She looked out the window. And then the sound of a car warned me that, indeed, Kayler had arrived.

This day won't be nice either.

"Mom!" I groaned.

I can't believe I said yes to stupid Kayler to give me a ride to school. I honestly can't believe it. She just shrugged and went to open the door. I just stood there with my arms crossed. The front door opened, revealing a smiling Kayler, as always, with his airs of grandeur.

"Kayler, dear, come in," my mom said. I gave my mom a dirty look when she called him "dear." Oh, God.

"Good morning, Mrs.," he smiled.

He was wearing black jeans, a t-shirt that fit his body very well, and a black leather jacket. His hair was, as always, messy, making him look sexier than usual. How could he be so good-looking.

"I'm not going to school with him," I replied, not taking my eyes off Kayler.

He just looked at me playfully and winked.

"Come on, Carolina, you don't want to walk, do you?" he questioned. "We don't know what kind of animals are in the forest. Besides, I feel safer if you go with Kaylersito."

I almost laughed at "Kaylersito." Kayler was the same. And yes, if there are animals... And wild ones to be exact. To think that last night I was about to die, but thanks to that wolf that took pity on my poor life, I am alive. Although, to be honest, I wouldn't want to see him again.

I thought about it for a moment. If I arrive at school with Kayler, all eyes will be on us, and, to be honest, I don't like to attract attention. And I can't imagine how Paige will react if she sees us arriving together. I don't want more problems. But I also don't want to go alone, maybe I'll ask him to drop me off a little before we get to school. Yes, I think that will help.

The two people in front of me are waiting for my answer.

"Fine."

Mom smiled and Kayler did too.