Chapter 6

I tried everything to get some sleep, but I ended up tossing and turning all night. His scent was so intoxicating it drove me crazy.

I know that he doesn’t want me. He made that perfectly clear. He might as well have thrown a cold glass of water in my face. I just wish he would have told me what I did wrong.

I want to hate him for making me feel like this, but I’m confused more than anything. Why would he put us in a room together if he didn’t have intentions of doing anything? Why did he act like he cared for my safety? This car ride has been painfully quiet. Thank the goddess, we will be to Moonlight soon.

I glanced over at Creed, but he just kept his eyes on the road. I felt so bad this morning that I gave in and let him drive. I’m not in the mood for anything. We made a little small talk but didn’t say a word about that amazing kiss or anything else.

I slightly shook my head and looked back out my window. Maybe this is what the guys have been protecting me from. That kiss was amazing. I can’t even explain the way it made me feel or how strongly I felt connected to Creed. Unfortunately, being pushed away from him brought on entirely different feelings. Miserable feelings.

I feel like a fool. Embarrassed and humiliated doesn’t even begin to describe these feelings. One thing I know for sure is that I will never make that mistake again. Once we get to Moonlight, it will all be over. 

I’ll say my goodbyes to Creed and let him formally reject me. Hopefully, I will never see him again. It’s going to be painful, but I’m prepared for it. There’s no point in dragging it out. 

I could feel Creed's eyes on me as I stared out the window, “We’re only about 30 minutes from Moonlight. Do you want to stop to get a drink or something to eat before we get there?” 

“No, I just want to get there and get out of this car.” Tears were starting to form in my eyes as I thought about what was about to happen. I couldn’t even look at him when I answered him. I just want to get this over with.

I was so excited about going to Moonlight, but now that we were almost there my stomach is in knots and my palms are sweaty. I don’t know if I’m more nervous about a fresh start in life or about the impending rejection. Maybe it's both.

Creed turned down a road that looked like it was leading back out of town. There is nothing in sight but tall trees on both sides of the road.

“Are you sure you’re going the right way?”

Creed turned his head and smiled at me, “Hold on firecracker.”

“What do you mean?” I asked him as I kept looking out my window.

I noticed a small section of the trees on the right side of the road looked a little blurry, and I could feel magic.

“I mean hold on,” Creed said as he let out a little laugh. He took a sharp right turn and whipped the car off the road. I smiled and grabbed the handle as he drove straight through the blurry trees. 

I smirked back at him, “You can’t scare me, I saw the barrier.”

I kept my eyes straight ahead as I took in the view. Once we got past the tree line, we could see the full campus. Creed parked the car, and we both took a few minutes to take in the view.

The classroom building looked like a castle, and it was front and center on the campus. There are three different dormitory buildings off to the right. It looks like there are four stories each. On the left side of the classroom building there is the cafeteria, and a separate coffee shop. 

The garden and pathways in between the buildings is where most of its beauty comes from. The flower gardens are gorgeous and there are random park benches set up along the pathways. I could also see a small section of the training grounds out behind the classroom building and the dormitories.

I could feel Creed’s eyes on me, and I knew we had to get this over with.

“What dorm are you in?” I turned toward him and tried to hide how upset I was feeling.

“Excuse me, why does it matter to you?”

“I was just asking, calm down firecracker. I’m in Raven room 410.”

“I’m in Avalon. I don’t mean to be rude, but we have had plenty of time for small talk. Please just reject me and get it over with. I’ll accept your rejection.”

I watched the smile fall from Creeds lips. “Why do you want me to reject you?”  He reached over to grab my hand, but I pulled it away.

“You made it perfectly clear last night that you didn’t want me. Don’t drag it out, it will just hurt more.”

“Bella, I don’t want to reject you.” Creed looked out his window and ran his hand through his hair before turning back toward me.

“There are things about me that I can’t tell you yet, and there are reason’s I can’t complete the bond with you.” 

He slowly shook his head, “I don’t know if we ever can, but I also can’t reject you yet. Please just give me some time to figure things out. I like you, firecracker. I promise this has nothing to do with you. Can we just take some time to get to know each other better before we do anything we both regret?”

I just stared at him. I don’t even know what to say. “Pop the truck please.” Creed stared back at me for a minute before he nodded and popped the trunk.

“Take all the time you need, but I can’t guarantee I’ll wait for you.” I got my suitcases out of the trunk and started walking toward the check-in location without looking back.

I’m pathetic. Something is seriously wrong with me. I know Creed is right. We both have secrets we can’t reveal, and we should move slow. For some unknown reason, I couldn’t bring myself to tell him that he’s right, and I’m still mad. What kind of person am I? 

I'd never even kissed anyone before Creed, and I’m mad that he wouldn’t sleep with me on the first night we met. It’s got to be the bond. No man has ever made me want him the way I want Creed. His sexy green eyes, bulging muscles, and how does he even smell that good? OMG stop Bella. The bond, this has got to be the bond. No one else has ever made me feel this crazy.

After checking in, I made my way up to my room. I smiled at the sign next to the door. Room 410, what a coincidence. Creed didn’t need to know. When I opened the door, I was met with the sound of hip-hop booming through the speakers, and a small red head standing on her bed. Trying to hang up a string of lights.

“Hi, you must be my new roommate. I’m Jacie,” She jumped off her bed and put her hand out for me to shake.”

“Hi, I’m Bella,” I gave her a small smile.

“You don’t look too excited to be here,” She smiled but gave me a concerned look.

“Oh, I’m fine. It’s just been a long drive here, and I’m a little stressed.”

“Hmm, don’t worry, I have our stress relieve.” She smiled and opened her suitcase to pull out a bottle of Vodka and shook it side to side.

“Let’s get this party started. Rumor has it the ground floors of these dorms are apartments set up for the fraternities. The one in our building is hosting a party tonight. I fully intend to relax and enjoy every minute of college.” Jacie gave me an evil smile. She is looking to get us both in trouble tonight, and I think a little trouble is just what I need.