Chapter 22 22
Jenna's POV:
I actually thought Samuel would be the first to notice the change in Caesar because he was the closest to him. But instead, it ended up being Jerry. Dragging myself back to the present, I crossed my arms, sighed and narrowed my eyes at him.
“And what exactly do you think I could’ve possibly blackmailed him with?
Jerry let out a sharp breath, pacing once before stopping in front of me again. “I don’t know.” He said, voice strained with frustration. “I don’t know what it is, but something’s off, and you’re at the center of it.”
I stared at him. “Jerry, listen to yourself. You sound insane.”
“I sound sane.” He shot back. “Because that’s not the Caesar I grew up with who barely let girls get close to him. Suddenly he’s glued to your side? He looks at you like you hung the moon which could only mean that you must've compelled him to be with you.”
My eyebrows shot up. “So now it’s a crime for your friend to have feelings?”
“Not when those feelings come out of nowhere!” He argued. “Not when he suddenly abandons his friends, ignores everyone, and slices off half his personality to follow you around like a lost puppy. That’s not normal.”
My patience was thinning. “Jerry…” I said slowly. “It’s the mate bond.”
“Don’t give me that.” Jerry snorted. “I’ve seen plenty of mates and they don’t act like this, they don’t act obsessed.”
“Maybe their bond wasn’t like ours.” I countered. “Maybe ours is different because Caesar feels it more intensely…”
“Bullshit!” He cut me off. “I know him and I know what his ‘intense’ looks like. This isn’t intensity, this is obsession and blind devotion.”
I recoiled at his wording. “You’re being dramatic.”
“I’m being realistic.” He said. “I am 100% sure that there's something going on with Caesar because he wouldn't just act like this.”
I clenched my jaw. “People change.”
“Not overnight.”
“Bonds snap things into place.” I argued. “Isn’t that what every Elder explains? One moment you’re fine, the next, you’re hit with it. Maybe it’s overwhelming him and he’s still adjusting.”
Jerry stepped closer, glare sharp. “Adjusting? Jenna, he’s not adjusting, he’s unrecognizable. That’s why I’m asking you, what are you doing to him?”
My mouth fell open. “Nothing! For goddess’ sake, I’m not doing anything!”
“Then why is he like this?” Jerry demanded.
“Because of the bond!” I shouted. “Because that’s what happens when two people are meant for each other…”
“That’s not how it works!” He yelled back. “I’ve watched my people around me find their mates and none of them acted like Caesar. They were affectionate, yeah. Protective, sure. But they didn’t turn into this.”
I remained silent for a second debating whether to tell him the truth because he seemed to really be concerned about Caesar, but Nathan made me swear not to ever tell anyone regardless of their relationship with Caesar and he must have a reason why, so I will just stick to the plan.
“You are saying nonsense.” I managed, turning around but he held me back and said. “Caesar, Jackson, Samuel and I have all walked past you several times either at the canteen or in the hallway. So why didn't the bond between the both of you snap all these while? Why did it suddenly snap when he was at a gala event all alone?”
I frowned, struggling against his grip. “Excuse me?”
“What do you want from him, Jenna?” He asked, still gripping my hand tightly.
“Nothing.” I answered.
Jerry shook his head. “You’re hiding something.”
“I’m hiding nothing.”
“I’m going to find out.” He snapped. “I don’t care how long it takes but I know that something is going on, and I’m going to prove it.”
I chuckled, dryly. “You’re threatening me now?”
“I’m warning you.” He corrected me. “If you’re manipulating him, blackmailing him, enchanting him, whatever it is, stop. Because I won’t let you ruin him.”
I leaned closer, staring into his eyes. “Stop imagining stories in your head, Jerry. I’m not doing anything to Caesar.”
He held my gaze stubbornly. “I still believe something is
going on.”
“Then keep believing your fiction.” I said flatly. “I don’t care.” Without another word, I yanked his hand away then turned around and walked back to the table refusing to give him a final glance.
Samuel and Jackson were still talking when I sat down beside Caesar who leaned in as soon as I sat down beside him. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I murmured. “But I want us to leave soon.”
“Sure.” He said softly.
Just then Jerry arrived and sat in his previous seat. “So, what were you guys talking about?”
Jackson answered casually. “We were just asking Caesar when he’d resume racing with us.”
Jerry’s eyes flicked to him. “And did he give you a response?”
“No.” Jackson replied. “We had just asked him when Jenna came back, and then you showed up.”
“Oh.” Jerry leaned back.
Samuel, unfazed, turned to Caesar. “So? When are you riding again?”
“I don’t know yet.” Caesar sighed lightly. “Luna Elsa told Jenna to make sure I don’t get on my motorbike. So… I can’t really race anytime soon.” As he spoke, I kept my gaze fixed on Jerry, who was still glaring at me like I’d personally offended him.
“That’s fine.” Samuel said. “We can still hang out, with or without bikes.”
“Yeah.” Jackson nodded. “Actually, we’re going to a party next week, you should come. It's been forever, man.”
Samuel added. “Seriously. After you left for the gala and spent days there saying you’d return with your mate to introduce her, you just… vanished and now that you are back, you don't indulge us anymore.”
I nudged Caesar gently under the table and he sighed. “Alright. I’ll go. But for now, we need to head back to the packhouse.”
“Sure, bro.” Samuel said. Jackson echoed it as Caesar called the waitress over.
He tried to pay using his scan code, but when she told him they only accepted cash or card, I reached behind my phone, slid out my debit card, and handed it to her. She processed it quickly, and after a round of farewells, we headed out.
Outside, I tossed Caesar the keys. “You drive. I’ve got a slight headache.”
He nodded and we got into the car. He pulled out of the parking lot, then onto the road. I rested my head against the window, letting the air hit my face. Then suddenly his speed increased.
“Caesar?” I turned and froze.
He was sweating, and trembling with his jaw clenched tight as he groaned, fingers gripping the steering wheel hard. “Caesar! Slow down!” I yelled.
He didn’t, the car just kept accelerating, so I snapped.
“STOP!”
Suddenly, he slammed the brakes and my body lurched forward violently, my forehead cracking against the dashboard. Pain exploded behind my eyes as I groaned and sat back, feeling blood trickle down the side of my face.
“Caesar?” I whispered, breath shaky.
He was panting heavily, chest rising and falling like he’d just run miles. I reached toward him, but before I could speak, he turned his head sharply toward me. “Jenna… have we ever been shot at before?” He asked, and my blood ran cold.