Chapter 18

It's the things we love the most, that destroy us.

Chapter 18

Unlike most mornings, I didn't wake up tired today.

Rather then the deep desire of sleep, I'm filled with a pit of anxiety. Today is the day. The day I move in with my mate.

My alarm, which is set for seven, wasn't even what woke me up. Perhaps that's why I'm not as tired. I absolutely hate my alarm.

No, instead of that horrid noise, I was woken by the buzz of my phone.

It took me a few second before my eyes finally focused on my phone screen.

Apparently 'My strong sexy mate' is calling me. I should really change that...

"Hello?"

"Why aren't you up?"

"Hello Rose, so nice to talk to you on this fine morning." I bark out sarcastically.

Hunter ignores my sarcasm and repeats, "Why aren't you up?"

"What are you talking about? I'm talking to you, so clearly I'm up."

"Yeah, barely. I can nearly smell your bad morning breath from here."

"Hey! That's not even possible."

"Be ready in 20 minutes," Hunter immediately changed the subject.

"Okay, whatever, most of my things are pact anyways."

"That's fine."

"Oh and-" I was about to ask Hunter whether I would have to take my bed when he hung up.

Sighing, I got up and changed into the clothes I had already set out the night before. Last night, I had finished putting all my clothes and books into boxes and even taking them to the middle floor by the door. Now all I have to do is get ready.

By the time I was finished changing and eating breakfast, Hunter was knocking on my door.

Opening the door, I mutter, "Keep it down, will you! Soph and my mom are trying to sleep. We're not all crazy like you to wake up at 3am."

"I don't wake up at 3am," Hunter's appearance was blank from emotion.

"I was kidding." Hunter began picking up boxes from the floor and piling them on top of each other.

Does this guy not have a sense of humour or something?

"Umm are you sure you can handle all that?" Hunter lifted 4 boxes, almost blocking his vision.

Hunter scoffs then walks out towards his car.

"Hey, careful with those, all my books are in them." I take the last two boxes and follow him out.

"Why did you bring so many books? I know you're a nerd, you don't have to prove it."

I take that back. I guess he does have a sense of humor. A very, very corrupt one.

"Oh ha-ha, so funny. Call me a nerd, I don't care. I like reading."

"I did."

"You did what?" Hunter looked irritated by my question.

"You told me to call you a nerd, I already had. Although you're not smart like one." Hunter puts all my boxes in the back of his car, then proceeds to the drivers seat.

I  quickly jog to my house, close the door, then run back to his passenger side. It wasn't until we had reversed from my drive-way that the realization of him and I being alone in a car came to me.

Hunter didn't speak a word, and neither did I.

The silence became unbearably awkward, and it made me wonder how we would even last in the same house. Would we really just ignoring each other?

What if he has no food in his house? What if I starve?

"Welcome to your new home," Hunter's voice caught my attention.

Hunter's house wasn't huge, not like that pack house. It was the perfect size for a family.

We both walked up, boxes in hand. Without even taking off his shoes, Hunter took two steps at a time going up the stairs and entering one of the rooms.

I, on the other hand, put the boxes from my hands on the floor, slipped of my shoes, and then followed behind him.

"This will be your room, mines right across. Bathrooms in-between and you know where everything else is."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask dramatically.

"You've been here before, when you and your family came over for dinner, you should know  where the kitchen and dining rooms are."

"Right," I mutter, slightly embarrassed.

Hunter placed all the boxes on my bed, telling me to unpack them later. I was about to reply when I suddenly got really dizzy and stumbled some steps.

"Whoa, are you okay?" Hunter rushed to hold me up, his arm tightly gripping my waist.

Once I regained control, I pull myself away from him.

"Why do you even care?" The short look of worry was washed from his face, and instead he looked sad.

"I'm your mate. I'll always care."

Hunter left after that, stating that he had pack things to do. He also told me to stay here and not leave. Supposedly, I've been excused from all of my classes today.

When I had asked him how, he said said, don't worry about it. What ever that means.

I didn't know what to do anymore.

I love Greg, I really do, but things have been so complicated, I don't think we would work out. At least not for now.

And then there's Hunter, aside from his rude remarks, he's acting quite civilizes. Might I say, like a mate. Well, that's most mate-like Hunter can get.

My head started pounding again, I could practically hear it.

I groan, realizing that I didn't even bring any Tylenol or Advil with me.

I make my way to the kitchen, and start looking through the shelves. Perhaps Hunter had some.

First shelf? Nope.

Second shelf? Nope.

Third shelf? Nope.

Last shelf? Oreos.

Wait, Oreos? All the other shelve were filled with spices, uncooked noodles, peanut butter, nutella, all those things.

But this shelf? 4 boxes of Oreos. Who just has four boxes of Oreos in their house, but god forbid they have any Tylenol.

I knew I couldn't rest until my head become somewhat bearable, so I grab my purse, and prepare to walk to the nearest store.

I really should have brought my car today. I mean, it would have saved Hunter the trip. He must have knew that anyways, yet he still came.

From the few times that I've come to Hunter's house, I was able to remember the Shoppers drug mart a few blocks away. If I walk fast, I should be able to get there in 10 minutes.

The air was chilly, but with a warm sweater like mine, you could barely feel it.

Reaching the store, I walk straight in and smile at the worker standing there. I then make my way to the pills section.

From there, I see rows and rows of different type of pills. Crouching down to the last level, I scan the shelf until I find Tylenol for head aches and pains. They were the last ones for headaches that were left.

I gasp, seeing the price. 15 dollars for a small container of pills, really? I swear they sell this at the Dollar store now.

Despite my cheapness, I grab it anyways.

Getting up, my head comes in contact with someone's chin, making me groan and move back.

"Ouch! Ugg my head." Rubbing my head, I look over to see the back of a stranger, complaining about their chin.

In my defense, he shouldn't have stood right beside me. I'm prone to disasters.

However, being the nice person I am, I apologize anyways.

"I'm so sorry, are you okay?"

"Oh yeah, it's all coo- Rose?"

"Greg?" My heart stopped at the sight of Greg.

His eyes stared at mine, but I was to transfixed on the bruises on his face. They were scattered all over, he had a black eye, a cut on his lip, a faint blue bruise on his left cheek, and a small bump forming on his chin.

"What happened to you?" Why on earth is he all bruised and battered up?!

"Nothing," He mutterers curtly then grabs the box of Tylenol from my hand.

"Hey! I was going to buy those."

Greg gives me a look, as if to say, 'I think I need them more then you.'

And he did.

"Did someone do this to you?" Greg tried to walk past me, but I just block his path.

When he realizes there was no way out but to push me aside, he did just that.

As he slid me over using his hand, I grab on to it for dear life.

"Rose, let go of me."

"Jack, I'll never let go." I hold on tighter.

"Rosalyn." He says sternly.

"Gregory." He looks at me annoyed.

"That's not even my name!"

" I don't care! Now tell me, did someone do this to you?"

"No, Rose, I just like punching myself in the face. Repetitively. Of course someone did this to me!" I couldn't help but notice how Greg was acting much more ruder than usual.

I don't blame him. The last time we spoke, I told him I didn't love him.

"Who did that to your face?" I ask, worry clear in my voice.

He laughs bitterly, "Oh it's not only my face, I've got two broken ribs, and bruises all over."

"Oh my god! Greg! Who the hell did that?"

He smiles harshly.

"None other than your infamous roommate."

"What? Hunter did that to you?" My voice wen't soft, I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Is there another?"

I don't realize that I dropped my grip on Greg, but he does as he makes his way to cash out.

I follow him.

"You should put on some bandages, you can get infections and I think your lip is still bleeding."

"It never stopped."

Greg quickly pays for the pills, then hurriedly walks out, with me in tow.

"Let me help you! It's hard to do that yourself."

"I thought you couldn't talk to me."

"No, I can't be with you, but I can talk to you." Although I shouldn't.

Then again, If Hunter did beat Greg up, then he's the one in the wrong. He said he wouldn't hurt him.

"Rose, you are making things too difficult."

"I'll fix things."

"How?"

"I'll talk to Hunter. I mean, he shouldn't have beat you up in the first place."

"Yeah, because that worked out so well the first time. And who says he'll listen to you, Rose? What makes you so special? And why did he want you to move in with you anyways?"

"He- umm I-.. Can we talk about this somewhere else? I'll answer all your questions,m if you answer mine." Greg gives it some thought, then agrees.

"My cars over there." I nod, and follow him.

"Did you drive or walk?"

"Walk."

I awkwardly get into his car, and wait for him to turn it on.

"We can go to my house, my cars there and I needed to pick it up. Plus, I have a bunch of medical stuff that my mom brought from the hospital. We can clean out your cuts."

"I can handle myself."

"I know, but I want to." If Hunter hurt Greg, then it's no doubt because of me. The least I can do is help Greg in return. Oh, and yell at Hunter. But I'll leave that for later.

When we reached my house, I was surprised to find it unlocked. Usually either Soph or my Mom locks it before leaving.

"You can sit on the couch, I'll go get the first aid kit."

Grabbing the kit, I make my way back to Greg.

Opening it up, I take out some alcohol wipes.

"Is that necessary?"

"Don't be a baby," I tease.

He frowns, but doesn't complain when I reach to wipe at his face.

"I can do it-" Greg's hand reaches out to grab the napkin from my hand, but I pull it back before he can reach it.

"No, just let me do it. It's easier If I do it."

"Fine," He grumbles.

As the alcohol touches his wounds, I can see Greg's mussels tighten.

"So Hunter really did all this to you?"

"Most of it. The rest was random people from the pack forcefully bumping into me."

"Why would they do that?"

"Just because you believe me, Rose, doesn't mean they do as well."

"People still think you killed that girl? Wouldn't they think otherwise since Hunter let you go?"

"Hunter let me go, but he didn't tell the Pack that I was innocent. He only told them that I was not to be killed."

"That wasn't part of the deal!" I shout angrily.

"Yeah well, it's a monster your dealing with, what do you expect?" I knew It shouldn't have bothered me, but the fact that Greg called Hunter a monster left me with a feeling of distaste.

It's hard to hear someone you care about hate on someone else you care for as well. Although, by the marks on Greg's face, that goes both ways. Hunter wen't too far this time.

I put up with his part of the deal. He should have put up with his. Greg doesn't deserve any of this. It was never his fault.

A small part of me suggested that perhaps if I stayed away from Greg, then things will get better. But the bigger part of me found that ridiculous. I shouldn't summit to Hunter because I've given up. I can't give up.

"Okay. All done." Greg says a quiet thanks, in which I shrug and pack up.

"So.. first question?" I ask.

"Why does Hunter care so much for you?"

"He doesn't-"

"Don't deny it. I see the way he looks at you, and why else would he demand for you to live with him. Plus, he beat me up because I'm your mate. That must be why he's doing all this. But why?"

"Okay, see the thing is.. Hunter thinks I'm his mate."

"What? How is that possible? You only get one mate, and I'm your mate."

"I know, It's crazy."

"Do you have a pull with him."

Instead of lying, I tell his the truth.

"Yes."

"Is it stronger then what you feel with me?" Yes, very much.

But I don't say that. Because if I did, then I knew for a fact that Greg could break. He's already on the edge.

"It's- It's the same."

"So, both me and Hunter are your mate?" No.

"Yes."

I loved Greg, I really do. But Hunter's my one and only mate and for that, I'm in love with him.

But Greg's special. I love him when I shouldn't. It should be impossible for me to love anyone other then my Mate, and family of course.

"So that's what it is. You love the both of us, but he's Alpha, so you chose him. I mean, I get it. He's stronger, richer, more powerful, and I'm just pathetic."

"No, Greg it's not like that! I wanted to be with you, I still do, but Hunter wouldn't allow that. I mean, why else would I go out with you from the bigining?"

"You chose me?" I asks, a genuine smile forming on his lips.

"I did."

"Any other questions?"

"Will you wait for me?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't want you to be with him." As Greg said the word 'him' with so much vile, it made me scared.

"I-" I didn't know what to say.

"But I understand. He's making it so easy for you to be with him, and away from me."

"Greg, I-"

"Shh, let's just change the subject."

I smile and nod in relief. I didn't how to reply to his request, because I didn't know what the future held. Maybe just maybe, some way I will end up with Hunter. Maybe.

"Would you like to watch a move?" Greg asks while picking up the remote.

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

"Why not? Hunter would never know, if that's what your worried about. And it's only a movie. I don't really have any other plans tonight."

"Okay, why not. There's Netflix, we can pick something from there."

After arguing over what to choose, we settle for Catching fire. It's been a while since I've seen it, and Greg has never watched it.

"That's so stupid, why do they have to kill each other? Why can their only be one winner?"

"Because, Greg, that's just how life is."

We both got settled into the couch, our arms nearly grazing each other.

"Life's Is just killing everyone until you're the last one alive?" Greg turned to look at me as he spoke, making me realize how close we were to each other.

"Shut up and watch." Greg laughs but still stays silent as the movie starts.

So.. does that mean he forgives me? Doubt it. Greg can have mood swings. Sometimes he's nice, sometimes he's mean.

Most times it's my fault, rarely it isn't.

*        *        *

It is the second time today that I have been woken by 'my sexy strong mate'.

Although I don't even remember falling asleep, or when my head stopped hurting.

When I woke, I was still on my couch, the T.V off, and my phone ringing in my pocket.

Greg was already gone, I didn't mind however. It's easier if Soph doesn't come home to see him here.

Light peered from all the windows, the clock on the wall reading 2pm. Soph must still be at school.

"Hello?" I answer.

"Where the hell are you?"

"Can you ever just start with a hello? Is that to much to ask for?"

"Hello, Rose, two people were just found dead in the forest. Now, WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?"

"Wait, two people or wolves?"

"Wolves. But they died in human form. Now, I'm not going to ask again, where are you, Rosalyn Maria Edwards?"

"I'm at home. What do you mean human form? Were they murdered?"

"Don't lie to me," Hunter sneered. " I was just at the house and you were not there."

"What are you talking about? I'm still here. I was just sleeping before."

"Rose, I just left my house and didn't find your scent anywhere."

"Oh! You thought I was talking about your house. Yeah.. I should have mentioned it earlier, but I'm at my house. Like my house house, the one my Mom lives in."

"And how did you get there?"

"I-er I walked."

"That's a lot of walking."

"I didn't walk, I ran. In wolf form."

"You're a horrible liar, and I hate liars. Don't lie to me, Rose, you don't want to get me angry at a time like this."

"What- I'm not.. I.. Just... I'm mad at you, okay! I can't believe what you did. You're despicable."

"What on earth did I do?"

"Something really bad." I didn't want to just say it, I feared that he would go after Greg first.

"And what was that?"

"Look, we'll talk about that later. Now about the dead people?"

"Oh shit." Hunter began shouting things out at me, his words coming out so fast I couldn't understand any of it.

"Rose? Rose? Are you listening to me right now?"

"I'm trying! Talk slowly, I can't understand."

"You need to get out of your house."

My breath hitched as I recognized his words.

"Why?"

"Because the two wolves were found dead a few feet from the woods by your back yard."

"What? How? I mean.. how close?"

"Pretty damn close, now you need to get out now. Do you still have your car with you?"

"Y-yes."

"Good, go in your car and drive towards my house. I'll meet you there. Just- just get out of your neighbour house. Get out of your house Rose!"

"Okay." Feeling much more cautious of myself, I slowly walk towards the stairs. Why did I have to leave my keys in my room!

"I'm safe. Don't worry." I felt like I was reassuring myself more.

"Besides, they wouldn't go to my house out of all of them."

"You don't  understand, Rose, If someone knows that you're my mate, they can attack you. I need to know your safe. Did you leave yet?" I could actually hear the Panic in Hunter's voice, and that was what made me run the rest of the way to my room.

My room was lit by the light outside, and my drapes were swaying by the wind outside.

I already knew that my window was closed this morning. I also knew that the chance of my Mom, Jake, or Soph opening it is possible yet too coincidental.

Just as I grab my keys from the table, I hear the creak of a door opening. I freeze, not moving, not even breathing.

I made sure to lock the front door when I came in. Maybe it's Soph, she has a key after all.

I hear loud steps walking below me, far too heavy to match Soph's or even my mothers.

Unlike those stupid people in horror movies, I don't call out, 'Who's there?' only to out myself to the killer.

Although I cross my fingers that this isn't the killer.

"Rose?" I forgot that I still had Hunter on the line.

"Hunter?" I whisper.

"Why are you whispering?"

"Are you in my house?"

"No. Why would you ask me that? Is someone in your house? Why are you still in your house! I told you to get out."

"Where are you?"

"I left my house two minutes ago, I can pick you up but I'd take too long. Get out of your house!"

"I am, I'm joking. Umm got to go, can't talk and drive." Hanging up, I slip the phone in my pocket.

Hunter couldn't help me. I'm probably exaggerating. Maybe it's the milk man.

Wait.. they don't have milk men anymore. Stupid Rose.

The sound of glass shattering reaches my ears, and I swear I almost peed my pants.

The intruder starts swearing, but I can't recognize the voice very well.

I walk gently town the stairs, a comb in my hand for protection.

I don't know how a comb would protect me, but it was the first thing I saw so I grabbed it.

When I reached the floor level, I could hear the steps coming from the kitchen. It was walking towards me.

I knew it was now or never, so without thinking, I jumped out and threw my comb. My ears were filled with glass once again hitting the floor.

"Rose, what are you doing?"

"Jake!"

"Why did you just throw a comb at me?" Jake was standing there, a black bag of glass now on the floor.

"Umm misunderstanding? Did you break something?"

Jake looks away sheepishly.

"Maybe."

I laugh at his reply and out of relief. And here I thought I was about to die.

"What's up kiddo? Shouldn't you be at school?"

"Maybe."

"You're not skipping, are you?" Jake suddenly became very serious.

"No, well not technically. I think Hunter talked with the school and let me off today. Today was when I had to move all my stuff and everything.. so yeah."

"Oh, makes sense. Are you going now?" He asks, gesturing to the keys in my hands.

"Umm, yeah, I need to go. Did you hear about the two wolves?"

A frown formed Jake's face.

"Unfortunately, yes. I can't believe it happened right under our nose. But the pack warriors cleared the area. Who ever did it is gone now. No suspects, well not that I know of."

"Oh. I wish they could find out who is the monster who did all this."

"You and me both."

"Will you be okay here, alone?" I ask, preparing to leave.

"Of course, I can handle myself very well. I was an Alpha at one point, or did you forget already?" Jake teases.

"Yeah, yeah. Well, I better be on my way. I'll talk to you later, bye!"

*         *         *

Hunter kept calling me while I was driving. It was annoying. So annoying that I ended up putting it on silent and letting him suffer with curiosity.

The second my car was parked, and I was out of it, I feel my body being crushed by another.

"Oh thank god you're okay." Hunter had be tight against him, his face in my hair.

"Umm.. Hunter.. Can't.. breathe.."

Hunter let's me go, scratching the back of his neck, embarrassed.

"Sorry, I just needed to be near you. My wolf was going crazy."

"Right."

"What was all that nonsense before, anyways?"

"Oh.. that. Nothing. I was joking."

"Well, don't joke like that."

"Wow, I didn't think you cared that much."

"How many times do I have to tell you, I'm your mate. I care about you."

"What ever floats your boat." I walk past Hunter and towards the house.

"Are you coming?" I ask when Hunter doesn't move from his previous position.

"I have to make a call first. I'll be in, in a sec."

I nod, then carry on towards my new room.

It was so weird to say that. New room.

New house.

Will I ever be able to call this place a home? Although the better question would be how long will I even live here.

Who knows, maybe Hunter will get tired of me and kick me out.

Walking to my room, I see that all my boxes are lined in a row on the floor, against the wall.

Hmm that's strange. Did Hunter move them from the bed?

I guess I should have known by now that my life isn't that simple.

No, because replacing the boxes, was a piece of paper.

I didn't bother bracing myself before reading it. You could never be ready for something like this.

And I was right. I wasn't ready.

Not at all.

Roses are Red. Violets are Dead. Roses are Bleeding, Violets exceeding.

Roses are lying.

People are dying.

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Thank you so much for helping this book reach 200K reads!! Even in my dreams, I never imagine this would happen so thank you so much!

I hope you liked the chapter and that it didn't creep you out too much.

Next chapter will discuss more about how the two people in the forest died.

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XOXO-Jada