The next few days were a blur for Riley. She tried to go about her normal routine at Crestwood Elite Academy, but the tension in the air was thick. Everywhere she turned, she felt eyes on her. People whispered behind their hands, their glances lingering just a bit too long. She couldn't escape the feeling that something was coming—something that would shatter her world completely.
Zayden had barely left her side since the encounter with Jericho, but even his presence didn't seem to ease the unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. There was a growing distance between them, something unspoken. He was more distant, more guarded, and though he continued to assure her that he would protect her, Riley couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he wasn't telling her.
One afternoon, Riley found herself walking through the school courtyard, her mind racing. She didn't know where she was headed—her legs just moved on their own. The weight of her thoughts was overwhelming. The supernatural world she had been thrust into was darker than she could have ever imagined, and every time she thought she was starting to understand it, something new would happen to knock her back down.
She paused by the fountain in the center of the courtyard, watching the water ripple gently as her mind spun with all the questions she had for Zayden. Her fingers twitched with the urge to call him, but she resisted. He was already under enough pressure, and she couldn't help him if she was constantly clinging to him.
"Riley."
The sound of her name broke through her thoughts, and she turned to find Zayden standing behind her, his eyes dark and filled with worry.
"I've been looking for you," he said, stepping closer. There was a trace of urgency in his voice, and Riley's heart skipped a beat.
"I've been right here," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. She studied him carefully, noticing the tense set of his jaw, the way his eyes flickered to the people walking around them as if he was on edge.
"Listen, we need to talk," he said, his voice low. "Something's happening, and it's not just about us anymore."
Riley's stomach churned. "What do you mean?"
"There's a rogue group of werewolves—other creatures—who've been targeting humans," Zayden said, his eyes locking with hers, full of determination. "And they're after you."
Riley felt a cold wave of fear rush through her, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Why? Why would they be after me?"
Zayden's gaze softened, but his expression remained grim. "Because you're my mate. You're connected to me. And they know that connection makes you vulnerable."
The world seemed to tilt around her as the weight of his words sank in. "So, I'm a target now?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Zayden nodded, stepping closer to her until their bodies were almost touching. "I won't let anything happen to you," he said fiercely, cupping her face with his hands. His touch was warm, grounding her as she fought to maintain control over her emotions.
But the fear... it was there, clawing at her chest, filling her with an unease she couldn't shake. She had been thrust into a world she never knew existed, and now that world was closing in on her, threatening to swallow her whole.
"I don't want you to get hurt," Zayden said, his voice softer now. "I can't lose you, Riley."
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away quickly. She couldn't cry, not now. She had to be strong for both of them. But it was hard to hold it all together when everything felt like it was falling apart.
"We'll figure this out," she said, her voice shaky but determined. "Together."
Zayden kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment before he pulled back, his eyes full of intensity. "Together," he echoed, his voice low and filled with resolve.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them seemed to rumble, and a loud roar pierced the air. Riley froze, her heart slamming against her chest. She looked at Zayden, her fear now palpable. He turned toward the sound, his expression hardening.
"They're here," he muttered, his voice cold.
Riley's pulse raced. "Who's here?"
Before he could answer, the courtyard exploded into chaos. Figures emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing an unnatural shade of red. They were faster than any human, moving like predators on the hunt. They wore no uniforms, no insignia, but the intent in their eyes was clear—they were here for her.
"Riley, run!" Zayden ordered, his hand grabbing her wrist with a strength that made her heart skip a beat. But she didn't move. She couldn't.
"Zayden, no!" she shouted, trying to pull back. "You have to fight!"
He turned to her, his eyes fierce. "I'll fight them, but you need to get out of here. They're after you. Go now!"
"I'm not leaving you!" she yelled, refusing to back down. "I'm not running anymore. I'll fight with you!"
Zayden's eyes softened for a moment, but then the tension returned, and he gave her no time to argue. With a swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, lifting her off the ground. Her heart raced, but the fear in her veins only seemed to fuel her determination.
"Trust me, Riley," he whispered, his voice low and commanding. "I'll keep you safe."
She swallowed her fear, nodding despite the doubts clouding her mind. Zayden wasn't going to let her go, and she wasn't going to let him fight alone.
With a final glance at the growing horde of enemies closing in on them, Zayden sprang into action, his movements swift and graceful. His muscles rippled beneath his shirt as he ran, his grip never loosening around Riley's waist. She held on tight, not knowing where they were headed, but knowing that wherever they went, it would be a fight for survival.
The world had just shifted on its axis, and Riley realized, with chilling clarity, that this was only the beginning.