Chapter 2 Two

Seraph

For what seemed to be like ages, we both stood there. Did he just tell me to stay? The lights flickered, and something else flickered across his face - his wolf.I twisted my hand to get away, but he held tighter.

I was too terrified to speak. He pulled me along, out of the rink into the audience seat. He sat me down, eyes stern, figure imposing. "Who are you?" His voice was back to normal now. I hid my shaky hands under my cardigan, took a deep breath, and met his gaze. "I'm a Year 3 Botany student -"

"Seraph Cross?"

How did he know? I nodded quickly. "Y...Yes." The wolf flickered across his face again. This time I caught him clenching his fist, like he was holding himself back from doing something. He had always been mysterious, and this night wasn't an exception. I waited for him to speak, but nothing came.

"Can I leave now, Coach?"

I asked, bated breath. He groaned. But hesitated before "Hun." I got to my feet in no time ready to flee, but he held my hand again.

" Don't..." A groan."....go, mate" My breath snapped, seizing the ground under my feet.

"M...ate?" "You can...'." He collapsed onto the chair. I caught him, his head falling against my chest. His long golden hair smelled addictive. I forgot to breathe.I looked down at my wrists. A faint glowing line traced from his hand to mine.

Magically, I felt like I really belonged to this man. Why was today so messy? I wished I could ask someone - but who? Mates with the most dreaded Coach in school? "C..coach?" No response.

He had stopped groaning, like my presence was a stabilizer. "Is this true?" No response for a while. Then he leaned away and looked into my eyes. He was sick - I could tell from how color drained from his lips.

"Don't tell anyone, Cross. You would be in danger and...Arrgh" He coughed painfully. "Leave. Before I hurt you."

"But.."

"Leave here, Cross!" Tonight was already chaotic. Getting hurt would only make it worse. I took to my heels without a second thought and fled. The rest of the night. I battled mosquitoes in the classroom and listened to other students who wouldn't go back home after prom snoring.

Before daybreak, I left with them to prepare for the day. Mum wasn't at home when I got back.

Good. Jackson didn't show up to class either, but Jethro replaced him in my mind. He never looked at me. Never acted like something happened between us. The week passed, Mum didn't come home and didn't call me which I was happy about.

At least I had the whole house to myself. Jethro snubbed each time I tried to talk to him. Waking up on Saturday, I planned my day and booked a trip to the beach.

A holiday was the best remedy for a chaotic week. The screeching of packing tyre announced Mum's arrival. Anger and hatred for her surged from the bottom of my heart but I swallowed it.

I wouldn't let anything ruin this day. After getting dressed, I heard her coming and going into her room since our rooms were side by side. I waited until she was in her room before leaving mine.

No need to run into each other. I wasn't ready to forgive her. Not after everything she did. Six months ago, I saw her remove the oxygen mask from my half-dead father.

"I'm only freeing you from the pain," she'd said to him before he breathed his last. I'd chosen to keep quiet, hid what I saw for six good months. But now after what she did with Jackson..."I'm sorry Mum.

You don't deserve my forgiveness." I whispered as I hurried downstairs. I'd make sure I avoid her until my mind was ready. I stopped on my track.

Dad's photo frame wasn't in its spot. I blinked, rushing down to meet the whole room already parked - like we're moving out. Dad's things and his photo frame was in a big box. The sofa, and TV were covered. I held my breath, rushing towards the kitchen - everywhere sealed!

Was she moving out? I heard footsteps and I rushed to meet her. "Mum, what is happening?" She didn't look at me. "Go pack your bags, we're moving out." I paused. We were moving out of my father's house, out of nowhere? "Just like that, Mum?"

"I've already put the house on lease." she looked at me, Judging from the dark circles under her eyes - she was tired and hadn't slept properly. "I'm getting married. And you're having a new dad.

"Her words sounded crazy. I laughed dryly.

"Excuse me?" She resumed packing, humming to herself, ignoring me completely. Her attitude annoyed me to the core. All my efforts were futile. She got up, walked past me, and came back with my clothing box ready to pack it too.

I stopped her furiously. "What do you think you're doing? I'm not moving an inch!"

Mum's palm landed on my cheek before I could blink. "I regret the day I didn't abort you!" she declared venomously. "You're the biggest mistake of my life, and why I'm in this stage of life.

Pack your things and come with me now — while I'm still being nice. "My body became rigid and hot at her words. A mother telling her daughter she regretted not aborting her. Which means she felt no guilt about sleeping with my boyfriend.

I never mattered to her. I was her mistake. She finished packing quickly and looked at me again.

"Are you still standing there? If you don't want to come with me, fine. Go to your grandmother's in the suburbs," She shrugged. "She's always wanted you to quit school and come live a shitty village life with her anyway."

Her words hit my chest like a rock. If staying with mum was worse, going to grandma was hell. I had nowhere to go now. So I'd end up following Mum to her new husband's house. Tears stung my eyes but didn't fall. Looking at her, I felt nothing but hatred.

Why?"

Why?!" My rage leaked out, voice cracking "Why don't you have that abortion and save me from this horrible fate?

"She stood there silently. Then she sighed. "Some facts are better left unknown. Follow me or go to the suburbs.

The choice is yours. "I hated the words as it rolled out. "Fine." I'll follow you. But I will never forgive you. " For the sake of my future, I told myself I'd follow her- for now. And by the Goddess; I would make sure this marriage fell through."

"He will never be my father. And you - keep Dad's name off your lips." A smile played at the corner of her lips, but that didn't move. I turned to the stairs, about to leave, when the thought struck me.

"Who are you even marrying??"

"A friend from college. He was the Hockey captain back then - always the school star boy."

She fiddled with her phone, smiling like a fan girl "His mother arranged the marriage. I think it's best that we both stop living alone...."She extended the phone to me."

"Jethro Meyers, now a Hockey Coach-" I took the phone. My heart thumping for reasons I didn't understand. Then I saw who was on the phone. I gasped, the phone slipping off.

"He's your new husband?"

"Yes... Even though he's younger, I_"

"This marriage will not happen!" I wouldn't allow it. My body shook violently. Why was everything closing in on me? My teacher. My mate. Would he now be my stepfather?"I don't agree with this!"