Fallen Love
Chapter 6

Esra.

Feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, I g*****d as I hid under the comforter while clinging to Em, who is strangely warm today. I’m sure she’s taken on another animal form, which is fine by me, as it’s rather pleasant to feel this soft foreign warmth. Having no idea what time it is, I reach out from under the blanket, feeling around on the bed for my cell phone to grab it, sighing wearily as I can’t find it behind me, I fumble around in front and come across something big, soft and firm.

What else has Em turned into? Still groping to recognize what she might have turned into, I suddenly hear a light laugh. I know it would have annoyed my reptile rather than made her laugh, but what’s wrong with her? My python is clearly not a morning person and annoying her is a pleasure, although I don’t do it often either, because she holds a grudge and it’s likely to come back to bite me. Pranks are rare enough, and what’s more, her vengeance is terrible.

Once I woke her up with a tickle, and she made dozens of mygales appear in the apartment. I can’t even begin to tell you how I screamed when half the building came rushing back, thinking I’d been attacked. That, I admit, was funny. To show that I wasn’t crazy and shouting for nothing, Em had taken on the shape of a big spider, which disgusted the neighbors, who were quick to run away from my place. Anyway, the thing’s still laughing, which is really weird.

– I don’t mind you groping me, but don’t pinch me, it tickles,” intervenes a hoarse voice.

Hmm, that’s not Em’s voice. What the hell? I open my eyes to discern a body close to mine, to which I’m glued. It takes me a few seconds to realize that I’m sleeping with a stranger practically naked against me. Then the smell of the comforter is definitely not that of home. OH MY GOD, WHERE AM I? Have I been kidnapped again? Please don’t.

Screaming, I jump out of bed, finding a far corner to stick myself in. The light dazzled me, preventing me from looking for a way out. I hear the sound of a comforter being pushed aside and someone approaches me.

– Hey Esra, it’s me Chris, don’t you remember, you slept over?

By the time her words have seeped into my brain and assimilated, the door swings open and I finally see Lisa coming towards me, standing next to Chris. She crouches down to my full height to reassure me.

– Esra, don’t worry, you’re at home,” she says.

– Boy, you’ve got a voice first thing in the morning,” said Nick, massaging his ears.

Gradually realizing things, I scratch my head and relax. Whew, I was f*****g scared. My eyes lift to Lisa, who stands up, crossing her arms with a smile, then turns to Chris in his boxers, looking worried. HE’S IN SHIT, shit I put my hand quickly over my eyes judging that I’ve seen and touched too much in a single morning. My God, I touched a boy’s body, and I didn’t even know it. Oh the interstellar shame. Kill me now. Lisa chuckled under her breath at my confusion, then took matters into her own hands.

– She’s fine,” she reassured them. The scare’s over, but Chris you’d better get dressed, you’re in for a shock.

– Oh uh, yeah yeah, I’ll get dressed,” replied the man concerned, disappearing into thin air.

Lisa took my hand to lead me out of the room, down the stairs and into the kitchen to get some breakfast, which was already ready, followed by Nick. She indicated a chair and brought me a glass of orange juice, her brother handed me the basket of croissants and I took one.

– Thank you,” I murmured, still embarrassed.

Winking at me, he starts breakfast too, while Lisa brings the carafe of coffee to the table and sits down opposite me. Nick is on my left, opposite him is Emmett – that guy never talks, it’s crazy – then the empty seat at the end of the table must be for Chris. He comes trotting up the stairs and I can’t help thinking that we slept together and that it was very pleasant, I haven’t forgotten that source of warmth enveloping me, like in a cocoon. Feeling a gaze on me, I turn my head to see Lisa staring at me, a teasing smile on her lips. I kick her under the table, causing her to jump, drawing the gaze of the three males around us. She really wasn’t expecting it.

Ah ah, well done.

– Lisa, what’s wrong? asked her brother.

I smiled back as the she-wolf searched for something to say, finally grumbling and cursing me inwardly, then sipped her orange juice. Holding back my laughter, I bite into my croissant. She’s going to sulk now, but unlike Em, Lisa doesn’t hold grudges and neither does Pixi.

– Esra?

Looking at Chris, I was pleased to see him a little embarrassed. Wondering what he wanted to tell me, I kept quiet, inviting him to speak, especially as I had to apologize for my attitude earlier. Screaming hysterically is a better way to wake up. Especially with their developed hearing, I must have shattered their eardrums. At the time, I was totally disorientated, which is normal given what’s happened to me in the past. It must be said that making me sleep with someone other than Lisa was double or nothing.

– I’m sorry I scared you this morning.

– Oh, don’t apologize, I overreacted too, I said shyly.

– Then it was my idea to have you sleep in the same bed as him,” Lisa interjects.

– You know what I mean? I smiled. No need to apologize.

He nods with a smile and takes a seat at the end of the table. I continue eating until I see the time on the wall clock. Oh shit, ten fifteen, I’ve got class soon and I still haven’t done my shopping. Well, my Monday morning schedule’s falling apart, since the house hasn’t been cleaned and I haven’t consulted anything from my classes. It’s not serious, really, considering that the exams are fast approaching. Hastily, I get up and put my chair back, drawing everyone’s gaze to me. Wow, I’m not used to this. Lisa is, but the three boys aren’t, they were so fast I could almost feel dizzy.

– I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go home, I’ve got class at 12:30,” I panic to explain.

I don’t want to seem rude and run off like a freeloader. I wouldn’t have minded staying either.

– Don’t worry, Esra, we’re wide open,” Lisa says, not at all stressed.

– I’ve got to do my shopping Lisa, have you forgotten that I’ve got an empty fridge at home.

– Okay okay okay, I’ll take you home.

She gets up in turn and I apologize to the boys before following Lisa into her room. Flipping through the picture frames, I smile when I see the younger Lisa with her brother and their parent. All with big, beautiful smiles. Not lingering any longer, I join Lisa in her closet, taking what she hands me.

– Go shower in my bathroom, I’ll go to Nick’s to speed things up.

Lisa leaves quickly, her things in hand, and I hurry to her bathroom to wash up. I still take a few seconds to see what’s there. I see all the hair and make-up tools, making my eyes widen. I’ve seen the prices of certain items on TV or in magazines, Lisa must have put a lot of money into her beauty products, make-up and hairdressing tools.

I wash up in seven minutes and wrap myself in a large towel folded to one side, wring out my hair in a hurry before pulling my hair into a chignon, then dress in black slim-fit jeans with a white top under a blue shirt that I tie over my stomach. Of course Lisa has lent me a clean pair of panties, so my bra from yesterday should do the trick. There’s a knock at the door and Lisa quickly enters, leaving the door open, also dressed and almost ready. Seeing her reach for her hairbrush and a straightener, I point to her make-up paraphernalia.

– Do you mind?

– Sure, help yourself.

I thank her and start with a moisturizing face cream that I have at home too, since Lisa gave it to me, and I use mascara very carefully, not wanting to do it over and over again. I put powder on my cheeks to make my complexion more radiant and apply a touch of perfume before brushing my teeth with a new toothbrush that Lisa gave me. Once I’m presentable, I head outside, determined to wait for Lisa in the salon to let her get ready in peace. On my way downstairs, I hear voices and see the boys deep in conversation. Before I enter the living room, the conversation ends and Chris comes towards me.

It’s the first time I haven’t been bothered by someone coming up to me, but I’m a bit embarrassed to have slept with him and to have seen him half-naked, which doesn’t seem to worry him. I had a superb view, I admit, but it was unexpected and new to me; I’ve already slept with Lisa and Em but no one else, least of all an Alpha. A werewolf, I spent the night with a werewolf, the good thing being that he didn’t suspect anything, otherwise I wouldn’t have spent the night in his company, me the ugly witch.

On the negative side, I like him more and more, and spending the night with him didn’t help me erase him from my memory. But I have to, because a werewolf and a witch are the worst combination there is. I know that when I was little, we could mix, anyone could date any magical creature, but since the chaos, species can no longer mix for fear of having to kill each other’s mate.

Chris is now standing in front of me, staring at me with a scrutinizing gaze, damn I must have been in my thoughts for a moment. And being an Alpha, he must like to know everything, even if he thinks I’m human, not being able to read me must intrigue him, but my barriers work pretty well, which on the one hand makes me rather proud. It’s not everyone who can trick an Alpha. Even if I don’t like keeping my secret from him, I have no choice but to find out what he thinks of witches before telling him my true nature.

– What’s on your mind?

– Oh, lots of things,” I smile. So what do you have planned for today?

Well, I’m looking for something to talk about, but I clearly can’t tell him what I’m really thinking, he’d go crazy. And I don’t want to see that.

– I don’t have a fixed agenda, but I’ve got orders to place and business to manage.

– Well, if Lisa doesn’t hurry up,” I began, looking at my watch. I won’t be able to do my shopping before I start my classes, so my fridge will stay empty for another day.

– I’ll take you home if you like.

– No, that’s very kind, but don’t change your schedule for me.

Well, it’s clear that his proposal would help me a lot, I wouldn’t be late and I’d be able to do my shopping as well as spend time with him, but I don’t want to take advantage. He let me sleep beside him, have breakfast and wash up in his house. No, I’m really not used to people wanting to help me without any ulterior motive, and besides, I never ask anyone for anything, wanting to manage on my own. Honestly, all I’d have to do is teleport and the matter would be settled, but I can’t do that here. Chris moves over to put on his jacket and pick up some car keys. I stand in front of him so he doesn’t leave the house.

– Really, Chris, it’s nice of you, but don’t bother.

– I don’t mind Esra and then I have an excuse to leave the work to Nick and Emmett.

He smiles at me and just as I’m about to say something else, I decide against it. Grabbing my bag from the sofa, I head for the exit with Chris, we see Nick and Emmett chatting, I thank them for their welcome and head for Chris’s car whose passenger-side door is already open for me.

– Esra,” he invites me in.

– Thanks, Chris.

I close the door while he settles in on his side, then raise his sunglasses in front of his eyes. He starts off, then as we cross the territory, I respond to the pack’s wave. We leave their little town and get back on the road. I’m not sure what subject to broach, not wanting to make any werewolf-related gaffes. So I prefer not to say anything. It’s better that way.

– How late do you have class? Chris asked, trying to start a conversation.

– Eighteen-thirty, I think.

– That’s a long afternoon.

– Yes, but exams are coming up soon, and after that, four months’ vacation to relax.

We remain silent until we reach town.

– Do you have a particular store you’d like to go to?

– No, not particularly.

So he parks in front of a fairly large store and we get out of the car, I take a cadi and as soon as we’re inside the store, female eyes are directed to my left. Yeah, well, you meet a dark-haired guy every day, but men with such an imposing face and build don’t go unnoticed, and he’s a werewolf, so he’s bound to give off a lot of testosterone. I don’t appreciate being looked at as a rival. Frankly, no words have been exchanged and I feel uncomfortable. Finally, my decision to be alone is a good one too. As I step back to leave having changed my mind, Chris grabs the cadi and leads me through the front doors. Ignoring the women, Chris turns to me.

– So, what do you need?

– Food, mainly, but after that it’ll be gluttony.

– Let’s go then.

As I don’t know this store, I visit each aisle, a little nervous about the situation and see some stuff in a corner. I pick up an orange dress from a rack and turn to Chris holding the dress in front of me. He looks at me a little, then shakes his head.

– No, it doesn’t go with your eyes.

– And what dress goes with blue and green at the same time?

He froze at my question and looked around for a garment. When he moved I wondered what he was going to take and was secretly delighted to see a little black dress with red flowers on the straps, very pretty. Joining him, I took a size M and held it against me.

– Perfect, it suits you.

– Are you sure you’re not a stylist?

– Sure, but you know living with Lisa, you’re bound to know a thing or two about fashion.

Yeah, we’ve been dating for over two years now and I haven’t learned much. I laugh as I put the dress in the caddy, then continue shopping for cakes, drinks, meats, hygiene and household products…. I take advantage of having a car today so as not to take just for a week. Surprisingly, I find Chris’ presence pleasant, I’m happy to walk around with him, talking like good friends who’ve known each other for many years. I get the impression that he’s not unhappy about my presence either.

I can see him looking at me like he wants to eat me, but I think his wolf has something to do with it. Going to the checkouts, he gets a call and lets me go first, when it was my turn I put my purchases on the conveyor belt and look up to see where Chris is, I see him coming back towards me but a pretty blonde stands in front of him. I stop myself from reaching out to listen but just catch Chris’s glance before quickly looking away, hoping he hasn’t noticed. But even without magic, I can clearly hear him saying in a cold voice.

– Excuse me, but I don’t need any company, I’ve got something much better just a few steps away.

He moves around the shocked blonde to my side, getting a little too close so that his mouth touches my forehead. His hands encircle my waist and I shudder. Oh, by the Goddess of Nature, I’m flushed, my ears are ringing and my body feels hot.

Is that blushing? Oh too bad.

– Please, play along or I’ll never get out of this,” he says borderline pleadingly.

I can’t help laughing and look up at him, smiling. His mouth moves down to mine and his lips land on my cheek. Is it possible to get even redder? Well, I can tell you that it is possible. My first k**s, well not on the mouth but it’s a first all the same. Chris must have noticed my face but refrains from commenting. Without saying a word and still as red as a tomato, I pay for my purchases, put them in bags I’ve bought and we carry them to the car. I still haven’t said anything, it’s just made things a bit awkward between us. He’s a wolf, he’s an Alpha, I mustn’t let myself go with him and as luck would have it, he’s the only guy I like. I’m cursed.

Once in the car, I breathe in to give myself courage and break the tension.

– Uh …. Je…. Sorry…, I stammered.

– No, it’s me, I should have asked your permission.

– It’s not that, but uh… I’m not used to it.

He glanced at me after he’d started, and while I was expecting several questions, I was surprised that he simply asked for my address, and not for more information on that point. A twenty-four year old girl telling him she’s not used to physical contact and blushing like a teenager must intrigue him. On the way he tells me about his parents going on a cruise around the world with Lisa’s parents, which completely changes the subject and I appreciate the gesture. Arriving in front of my building, I hesitate, then turn to him.

– Do you want to come up for a drink? I ask nervously.

– I’d love to.

Glad he agreed, I grabbed my groceries – with his help – and my bag and entered my building, followed by Chris.

– Em, get rid of all traces of magic, I’m coming with Lisa’s Alpha.

– Yes, boss,” she replies.

Relieved, I climb the stairs (there’s no elevator) and enter the fourth floor. Holding the door open for Chris to pass through, I see him looking up and down. Already the crystals were gone, which would have tipped him off. He examines everything around him, then moves on to the few frames I have, the only ones left being those with me and Lisa, the ones with Melinda and Em having disappeared with the crystals. I put the groceries on the kitchen table and watch him move around my house, studying everything in his path.

– Don’t you have a photo of your parents? he asks, placing his bags on the table.

I shake my head, thinking of the house that burned down before my eyes, with my parents’ bodies inside, along with all the memories of us. I put the groceries away so I don’t have to dwell on the subject, then prepare two sandwiches, one bigger than the other. I put glasses and water on the counter and give him his meal in a hurry.

– I’m sorry to give you this, but I don’t have time to do anything more.

– Don’t worry, we’ll get another chance,” he says, sitting down opposite me.

I squint, trying to think about what he’s saying, but the clock is ticking, so I quickly finish my snack and go and get my class stuff ready for the afternoon. I brush my teeth before joining Chris in the living room, he’s putting our dishes in the sink, I’m going to stop his hand going to turn on the tap to clean up. No way, since when does a guest wash the dishes when I haven’t even cooked a decent meal. My God, what to do, I don’t know how to react.

– Please don’t wash the dishes.

– But there’s hardly anything.

– I’ll do them later.

– As you wish,” he complies, wiping his hands with the tea towel to his right.

Phew, he’s not trying to insist and fortunately, I’m terribly embarrassed. I never have guests and when Lisa’s here, we both wash the dishes together, but I’m not ready to take that step, however ridiculous it may be, with another person. What’s more, a boy, an Alpha, the guy I’m attracted to, no, he’s really the worst person to try it with. After that, we leave my place and I’m relieved that this episode is over, because I’ve realized that my social life – which I’ve chosen, I realize – is so shitty.

– Do you want a lift? he suggests.

– That’s nice of you, but the college is next door and I don’t have long to walk, so don’t bother.

– It’s up to you.

He puts his hands in his trouser pockets and approaches me, bending down to my full height. His nose brushes mine and already a warmth rises to my cheeks, he flashes a too-cute smile as he stares at me. Shit, this wolf is having an effect on me that I know nothing about and that scares me a little, because when it comes to boys, I’m a total virgin. Oh, it’s a good thing he doesn’t know, I mean, I’m shy, yes, it shows, but that’s about it. He’s still facing me and I’m lost in his blue eyes.

For a moment I think I’m seeing his wolf eyes, but I think I’m hallucinating since I know his true nature, and seeing another side of him doesn’t scare me that much. It’s as if I trust him when he’s supposed to be my enemy, but I hope he’ll react like Lisa, accept me for who I am and know that I’m not evil. Embarrassed, I take a step back, but one of his hands on my back stops me.

– You know, Esra, I really like you,” he whispers.

Red with confusion, I analyze his words, taking them seriously for the first time. Of course, I’ve had statements made to me before, but they were all said by humans, which didn’t interest me in the least, and I found them all uninteresting and insipid. How can I tell you that this is the complete opposite of what usually happens? I’m hot, very hot, with a dry mouth and sweaty hands. I must be pathetic.

– Mer….Thank you,” I stammered.

Of course, you’re an idiot. I’m not used to stuttering, let alone in front of a boy. The only good thing is that he seems to share my thoughts and likes me. But I’ve never been on that level and it sucks because I’d like to say something but I’m far too embarrassed to articulate a word properly.

– I’m not going to jump on you, don’t worry, I just wanted you to know,” he adds to reassure me.

– I look… Silly, don’t I?

– No,” he decided. You weren’t expecting it, were you?

I shook my head, proving him right. I’d never thought he’d be attracted to me, the moment in the store was out of context as he was simply looking to get rid of a clingy girl. And what the hell, he’s an Alpha and I’m a witch, how much trouble am I in? This is the worst scenario that could have happened to me. My parents must be rolling over right now with everything that’s happening to me.

I wish I had a female role model to lean on or to help me know how to react. But I’m alone in this awkward moment and I don’t know how to get out of it. Melinda and I didn’t talk about boys, and we’ve never dabbled in that area. I can’t think of anything better to do than keep looking at him, which doesn’t bother me in the least, since I love looking at him and he never takes his eyes off me. Trying to step back again to avoid drowning in his irises, I clear my throat and stare at the floor.

– I’m going to be late,” I whisper.

– Yes, of course, we’ll be seeing a lot of each other now.

I nod and before we start down the path, Chris comes close to me again to k**s my cheek as he pulls back a smile floods his lips while I… blush. Yes, again.

– Good afternoon, he says.

– To … you too.

He pulls back for good, so I take off walking faster than I’d like, needing to put some distance between us for my mind to function properly. I arrive at the college in record time and look around for Lisa, but remember that she’s not due to start for another two hours. I’m careful to plug in my Dictaphone, because I’m likely to be somewhere else during my two-hour neurology class. No sooner does the teacher open his mouth than my brain wanders off to some forest where an Alpha lives. Why am I interested in a werewolf?

It’s not as if I’m necessarily looking for someone, I’m not asking for anything on that front, so why now, and especially a wolf who’ll want my hide as soon as he knows my true nature. He’ll hate me, him and his pack, and I’ll have to leave if I don’t want to get killed. Although she tells me she’s on my side, I know that Lisa won’t be able to defy her Alpha, it’s her family, her nature to be with them and not with a witch who would put her in constant danger. I wonder what my parents would have wanted for me, the choices they would have advised me to make to get ahead. Even if it was boring up until now, my life has become more complicated since Chris entered it. He’s filled it too, since I feel different, in a good way but different nonetheless. I’ll talk about it with Lisa and with Em, even though she’s a snake, she knows a lot and could help me make the right choice.

First thing, he likes me and I like him on that we agree but I’m a witch and just that detail already ruins everything that could have happened.

If Chris finds out, and he will at some point, I’ll be worthless to him. Werewolves don’t mix too well with humans, but even less so with a witch, especially after everything that happened years ago, he’d never want to stay close to me like we are now.

Secondly, I know about his wolf nature and in my opinion, my not saying anything won’t help my case as long as I keep it a secret, but I can’t say anything. Humans aren’t supposed to know, which means I should tell him about my nature too. I can muddle along for as long as I like, but sooner or later he’ll find out, and when he does, I’m not giving up. So I might as well not start anything with him.

And finally, his territory is a mess, the black witches are starting to attack the pack and ally themselves with other wolves, I don’t know what that means but it’s bound to lead to a massacre. If there’s the slightest problem, I’ll intervene as I did last time, but I can’t always be invisible, as it requires too much magic and energy. At some point I’ll have to intervene in broad daylight. It’ll happen and my secret will be out, but maybe by protecting the pack, the pill will go down better?

Honestly, I don’t know what to do. Either way, I’m screwed, Chris will find out who I am and want to kill me. Of course, I won’t let him, but I’m dreading the confrontation. I understand, killing a creature of evil is the most obvious thing to do, except that I’m not on the side of evil, I do good and always have. Some people won’t believe me and will sacrifice me in any case, without even giving me the benefit of the doubt.

If I p…. A hubbub snaps me out of my thoughts and I see all the students leaving the lecture hall. Lisa sends me a message saying that she won’t be there after all and that we’ll see each other tomorrow. I hesitate to call her to make sure nothing serious is going on, but change my mind, thinking that our conversation might be monitored. Resigned, I head for my next class, this time trying to concentrate.