I Am not His to Claim

Chapter Nine

As the words left Tristan's lips, I couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue and curiosity wash over me. He is right, how would I know him, if in the first place, I do not have the intentions to know him. Despite our brief interaction, there was something undeniably charming about him, something that drew me, a connection that I felt first with Mason.

I remember his face again when he touches my face and claimed me…

Ugh. What the hell is wrong with you Elena. That man just caused you trouble, the reason why you want to change school!

With a tentative smile, I nodded in agreement, allowing Tristan to lead the way to a quaint little café just a few blocks away from Eldoriana High Shcool. The atmosphere inside was warm and inviting, with the smell of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the aroma of baked goods. “I thought you said lunch? Why bring me in this coffee shop?” I asks Tristan when he pulled the chair for me to sit. He look at me and smiled. “I promise that the menu in here are worth it. Gives you a pleasant taste of lunch.”

As he was talking, I couldn’t help but found him a little bit enigmatic but at the same time, dynamic. His square jawline was adorned with a neatly trimmed beard, adding a touch of ruggedness to his otherwise boyish features. The beard framed his face, accentuating his strong jawline and giving him an air of sophistication. Despite his young age, the beard lent him an aura of wisdom and experience, hinting at a life lived fully. Beneath a mop of tousled chestnut hair, his eyes sparkled with a mischievous twinkle, their warm hazel hue drawing you in with their depth and intensity. There was a kindness in his gaze, a gentleness that belied the strength of his convictions. His eyes seemed to hold a world of secrets, inviting you to unravel the mysteries hidden within.

His smile was infectious, lighting up his face and filling the room with warmth. It was a smile that reached his eyes, crinkling the corners and revealing the genuine joy he found in every moment. There was a playful charm to his grin, a sense of mischief that hinted at a penchant for adventure and spontaneity.

Dressed in a simple yet stylish ensemble of jeans and a fitted shirt, Tristan exuded effortless confidence and style. His clothes hugged his athletic frame, emphasizing his toned physique without being ostentatious. There was an understated elegance to his fashion choices, a reflection of his refined taste and appreciation for the finer things in life.

I didn’t realize that I am staring at him that he tried to call my name many times, but couldn’t hear him just because I am focus on looking at his features. “You seem distracted.” He said when he finally got my attention. “Sorry.” was the only thing that came out of my mouth. “Is it because you are trying to examine if I am a good guy, or I am just like Mason Mones?” he said. “I can be like Mason depends on the mood and situation, but I can be a good guy, like Iam showing you right now.” He added.

I know his type, and he is right. Just based on my judgement to him, the first time I saw him, up until he brought me here in this cafe, I know he has a touch of heart, but his heart isn’t always light.

“Or you are remembering something.” I almost choke on my own breathe when I hinted what he was talking about. “Stop it! I already forgot it.” he laugh, a laugh that gave me a chills, right onto my bone.

He wass talking about me seeing him fully naked.

The waiter arrive and gave us the menu and we starts to pick what we want to order, and I almost stop picking when I see the prices of the foods in here. “Just ppick whatever you want. I’ll pay.” He initiated. “But it is expensive.” I argue with him. “So? I brought you her,e means I am responsbile for whatever you will be eating. Or if you do not want to feel guilty, I’ll pick what you’ll eat.” And just even before I agree, he started to pick me a food from the menu.

“You’re rich. How come you don’t study in Eldoria Academy?”

“Eldoria Academy is not the place for me, or for the others. Doesn’t mean you are rich, means you need to study there.”

“Yeah.. I am not rich, but I was put there.”

“Do you know the reason why?”

From the tone of his voice, I could tell that he wants to get something out from me, or he already has something, but want to confirm it.

“I don’t… Do you?”

He smirked. And that is his enigmatic side. The serious one. The one that I saw from him that night.

“In Eldoria town, you think you know everything, but you don’t. This town keeps secret from us, only the founder, the richest family in the town knows its’ secret.” He said. “And you know it too.” I added. “And I know it too…” He agreed. “Does that mean you belong to the rich family?” I asks him… The tension between us is becoming deeper and deeper, making me intrigue about this town, about my mother’s town.

I have a lot of questions I want to ask to him. Like how come I witnessed him transform from wolf to his human form. Like is he a werewolf? Does Werewolf even exist? How come he knows Marissa too. And why did he said I will become Marissa too? Will I die?

“My family is not rich. But we are part of the secret that the founders are keeping from everyone.”