EPSILON

EIGHT

-ROBIN-

"ROBIN!"

A frown crept across my brow as I noticed Aric and Helena Spark waiting for me in the living room. I cleared my throat and plastered an awkward smile over my lips. "Uh, hi Mom and Dad."

My father flashed me an impassive look and pointed his finger at the sofa. "Seat. "We need to talk, kid."

My hand reached up to scratch my nape before my legs moved to the solitary sofa where I sat. I already had a notion of what he was going to say, but I opted to listen.

"Alpha Green's daughter phoned your mother just five minutes ago," my father replied in a firm tone. "I am deeply disappointed in you, son. What exactly is Alicia telling us? You're a goddamn homo!"

My eyes rolled, and I spoke in an upset tone, "Come on. Are you kidding me? You, of all people, have knowledge I am not! You know who I am, so stop overreacting to that foolishness!" I shot up and threw them a harsh look. "You know what, I'm so tired of this!" And with that, I bolted out of the living room and left them. I headed straight to my room, dumped my luggage on the floor, and hopped onto the mattress.

My fist squeezed the duvet as I buried my face in the soft mattress and mentally yelled.

Fucking crazy! Why do my parents have to be the ones to judge me? They were the ones who started everything, thus they knew the truth. Why are they making things more complicated?

I'm not freaking gay. I'm a woman. Again, I do not oppose homosexuality, but seriously! Have my mother and father developed amnesia, or have they simply hit their heads on something and forgotten who I am?

Oh, Moon Goddess!

Despite having the heart and strength of a man, I am still a 'real' woman. Unfortunately, I couldn't tell anyone that I had become trapped in that ludicrous gender conflict.

Numerous things would be jeopardized if my secret were revealed. All thanks to Aric Spark for putting me in that terrible situation. It wasn't easy walking on thin ice every day. I have always needed to be cautious. I couldn't have decent friends because I was afraid they would find out the truth.

I can't live the normal life that I have desired for so long. Can't they comprehend that?

That's what prompted me to flee five years ago. I wanted freedom and I was nearly there. Almost living the life I'd always wanted until they found me and brought me back to Spark Galore.

"Damn it." the tips of my fingers pressed into my eyes to keep the tears from pouring.

How I feel so isolated. Suffocated. I want to go back to the wilderness where my parents cannot reach me.

My eyelids drooped as I became consumed by those thoughts. I had fallen asleep without realizing it. When I awoke, a grimace formed on my face. I leaped up, only to find a dish of food on the side table, which I disregarded. I jumped out of bed and walked straight to the built-in closet to pull out fresh clothes.

A few minutes later, I jogged down the stairs and headed out in the cold. I strolled into the woods wearing a wife-beater under a hooded jacket, knee-length denim shorts, and sneakers, gazing at the moon. There was no need for a flashlight because the moon provided enough illumination to guide me. I came across some Epsilons making their rounds, and they offered me a simple nod.

I sensed guaranteed protection for the pack warriors securing the area. My lungs drew a deep inhalation as my feet advanced towards the east side of the territory. Czech counseled me not to go to the border, but that was the sole spot I was certain would help me clear my mind. I just couldn't stay in my room at that point since I couldn't breathe properly. I need air to dispel the fog in my head.

My speed increased, and within a minute, I reached the river.

Perfect.

The sound of the water running, the chattering of late-night birds, and the tranquil whistles of the wind instantly relaxed me. I approached the venerable old tree and slumped on the carpet-like grass.

My attention shifted to my watch, and I scowled when I realized it was already eleven in the evening. I hadn't noticed I had slept for more than four hours. With a long sigh, I leaned against the tree, retrieved my iPad from my pocket, and put my earbuds on.

Counting stars played perfectly into my ears, and my eyes closed, allowing the song to lure my mind away, but I was only at the beginning when I detected someone's presence. I didn't bother opening my eyes since I knew exactly who it was.

Czech Romanov.

So he is on duty, huh?

My hands curled up on my lap, and my jaw tensed. I could feel the chilly stare he was shooting at me at the time. I could feel his tremendous aura, which stressed my wolf.

The frickin' Epsilon.

Why is he affecting me to this extent? The last time I checked, he was the glacial beast who irked me to no end.

An arrogant jackass. But why am I drawn to him and becoming increasingly intrigued?

Is it because of what happened earlier in the day?

The warmth of his breath on my skin?

The intimate proximity and feel of his hands on me?

My eyes widened as I grunted and face-palmed. "s**t! This is utterly idiotic!" My hands moved away from my face. My gaze focused on the opposite part of the river and the familiar man who was wearing jersey shorts and stood among the bushes, watching me.

My throat became parched as I endured his piercing orbs looking straight into my soul. That didn't help my bewilderment because the rhythm in my chest was faster than usual. My head shook, and my palm gripped the left side of my chest as it cruelly twitched.

Fucking incredible.

A chuckle echoed in my throat.

I am doomed.