Clay POV
I trudged wearily back to my apartment. The weight of my responsibilities hung heavy on my shoulders.
Earlier, Skade, had summoned me to review some footage captured by fellow hunters. Skade had insisted on personally discussing it with me, disrupting my first class. Now, he was holed up in a nearby hotel, his presence looming like a dark cloud over my thoughts.
Rumors had circulated that the werewolves we had been tracking in this area were members of the very pack Skade had been relentlessly pursuing. The same pack that had ruthlessly taken the lives of my family. And to make matters worse, one of the images captured a pack member, the very wolf I had seen trying to pass off as human alongside Emma in class today.
As I entered my apartment, frustration and anger surged through me like a raging river. With a violent thud, my fist collided with the wall, the sharp pain radiating up my arm. The room seemed to close in on me, suffocating me with its oppressive silence. I had always adhered to a strict rule of not getting emotionally involved with anyone, avoiding attachments that could lead to trouble. But Emma, with her enigmatic allure, had shattered that resolve.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I sat down to review the footage and accompanying notes. Each frame flickered on the screen, intensifying the anger burning within me. It was then that I realized the wolf seen with Emma was not just any member of the pack, but the next Alpha.
I had been still told to watch only, how did Skade really expect me to just stand by here when a beast like that was on the campus, yet he insisted I just watch like I was still a little child not capable of fighting. My orders were to see who the wolf associates with and report all info. Their pack is in this world, yet they have a way into the werewolf realm, the very place we want to destroy. Skade wants that way in, he said rumor had it there are a few royal creatures, ones with special powers or beasts, and that is what he wants right now, for he believes getting his hand on them would be the downfall.
I closed my laptop after reviewing the footage and leaned back in my chair for a moment. We had created a few new weapons, ones that should be far worse than the creatures' weaknesses already. Weapons that will allow us to capture even the strongest beast and lock them away. I pulled out a small box Skade had given me. In it was a few injections of one of the weapons. I only had it right now for protection. I slid it into my desk and then looked at my clock. The ticking filled the room, reminding me that time was slipping away. More time had passed than I thought, reviewing all the footage.
I got up and grabbed my bag. I did not want to be late to Mythology. Fact is, I can't get Emma out of my head. Even if relationships aren't allowed for me as it is a strict rule as a hunter, I have this strong feeling that I need to get to know her more. Skade sent me to this damn school, and one of the things he did tell me to do was to blend in. Well, if anyone questions me, that is what I am doing. Maybe if I hook up with her or she gives me some time alone with her, I'll finally get her out of my mind.
I left my apartment again and hurried towards the class. On my way there, even with all the students, luck was not on my side as I ran into Liz. "Clay, can we talk?" she asked me. Her voice was soft, barely audible over the commotion.
"Later," I muttered.
"Richard Jones," she said as I was about to leave, catching my attention.
He led another group of hunters."How do you know that name?" I asked, irritation lacing my voice. She motioned for me to follow her. We walked towards a towering oak tree, its rough bark rough against my fingertips as I leaned against it.
"He's my father, just as I know you were raised by Skade," she said, her tone serious. With a mischievous smirk on her face, she pulled out a letter and handed it to me. I opened it, my eyes scanning the words in disbelief.
"What the f**k is this?" I exclaimed, anger simmering within me.
"Just as it says, and Skade has signed off on it as well," she replied, her voice filled with confidence.
"You are to act as my boyfriend, a part of your disguise on this campus," she continued, her words dripping with authority. "You must attend all events I request, and you are forbidden to attach yourself to any other female, as it may be seen as you cheating on me."
Her words hung in the air, the silence broken only by the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I reached for my phone and dialed Skade's number. The sound of the ringing cut through the stillness like a sharp blade.
"Did you really make an agreement for me to act as Liz is my girlfriend?" I asked, my voice filled with frustration.
"Yes, we are now directly working with her group," Skade explained, his voice steady.
"Why was I not informed earlier today?" I demanded, my voice tinged with annoyance. The distant rustle of branches reached my ears, adding to the ambiance of the forest.
"It was requested that she be the one to inform you," Skade replied, his voice echoing through the phone. "Tonight, the two of you will be attending a party, where multiple werewolves are expected. Act the part as requested."
The call ended abruptly, leaving me with a mix of emotions. Liz giggled, her laughter grating on my nerves. She leaned against me, her body warmth seeping through my clothes. We walked together towards the campus, the sounds of students chatting and laughter filling the air.
"Walk me towards classes, and once we're out, come get me," she demanded, her voice filled with authority. "We must be seen together to make this look real."
"I have plans," I stated firmly, my voice cutting through the noise of the surroundings. "I'm meeting Emma to catch up on what I missed in my last class."
"Well, cancel them," she sneered, her voice dripping with condescension. "You aren't to talk with that girl moving forward."
I couldn't help but laugh, the sound echoing through the campus. "I'll do my part in acting, but you are not my boss," I declared, my voice carrying a hint of defiance.
Liz tugged on my arm, her nails digging into my skin. "You have to act the part," she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
I reluctantly grabbed onto her and looked into her eyes. "Fine," I muttered.
I leaned in to kiss her. I took my time, hoping that this display of affection would satisfy her, even though kissing her only served to ignite my anger. Finally, I pulled away, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I hurriedly made my way to class, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.
Entering the classroom, the familiar sights and sounds greeted me. Emma sat at the front, her face pale and eyes filled with sadness. The creaking of chairs and rustling of papers filled the room as students settled into their seats. I couldn't help but notice Emma's unease as our eyes met. Had she seen me with Liz? My gaze kept drifting towards her throughout the first portion of the class, observing her lack of focus compared to her usual attentive self.
Finally, the professor announced that it was time to work on the group assignment. I stood up, the screeching of the chair against the linoleum floor piercing my ears. Determined, I walked towards Emma and her group. "Hey, Clay," Emma greeted me, her voice filled with a wounded and broken tone.
As we discussed the assignment, the room became filled with the sound of voices intermingling, each person expressing their thoughts and ideas. Kris's voice rang out, explaining the importance of the assignment and the need for everyone to contribute their best effort. Meanwhile, my attention kept flickering back to Emma, her troubled expression not escaping my notice. "You okay?" I asked her, my voice filled with genuine concern.
"All good," she replied, her voice lacking conviction. I could sense that she wasn't being truthful.
We continued to discuss the assignment, allocating parts and agreeing on times to meet outside of class. As the class came to an end, Emma abruptly stood up."Ready to go to the library?" I inquired, hoping to spend more time with her. However, she shook her head, her voice filled with hesitation. "Sorry, Clay, but can we actually do it another time?" she requested.
"No problem," I assured her, offering a small smile. "Here, give me your phone. I'll give you my number, and you can contact me whenever you're free."
Emma handed me her phone. I refrained from pushing for her number, respecting her boundaries. "Are you heading back to the apartments? Want me to walk you?" I offered, hoping to spend a little more time with her.
"I'm good, thanks though," she replied simply, her words tinged with a hint of sadness. Just as Liz appeared at the classroom door, calling out my name in an annoying tone, Emma took the opportunity to slip away. Melody and Kris followed suit, leaving the classroom in a hurry.
"Why were you with Emma?" Liz sneered, her voice dripping with jealousy. I felt my patience wearing thin, the annoyance evident in my tone.
"Class project, and again, none of your business," I snapped back, my voice laced with frustration.
Liz's words lingered in the air as she mentioned the plans for tonight, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and possessiveness. "Party starts at 8 pm tonight. You know where to find me. Don't be late," she said, her voice trailing off.
I stormed out of class, my mood a storm cloud ready to burst. The halls echoed with the sound of chattering students, their voices a cacophony in my ears. As I walked, I could feel the weight of my task pressing down on my shoulders, like a burden I couldn't shake off.
I reminded myself that this was just a job, a means to an end. I had a goal, a mission to eradicate those who had stolen my family from me. I couldn't afford any distractions. The thought of having to fake a relationship and put on an act was irritating, but I knew it was necessary to gather information and blend in. Fun was not on the agenda. I had to keep reminding myself of that. Emma was a distraction I couldn't afford, so perhaps it was for the best that something was now pulling me away from her.