KASMINE.
My brother couldn't have meant all he said to me in my room. He must have said those things to get me further scared of having anything to do with any man until I have my mate.
All through the drive to the pack, I sat quietly in the car, replaying his words in my head. Thankfully, he was in another vehicle with June. He always traveled with his driver and a small convoy for security reasons.
He was becoming even more protective.
"27th, Kasmine. 27th of August..." I kept reassuring myself every day since my life became a misery.
"I'm already running late, mum. It's almost ten," I said to my mum when we arrived at the packhouse.
I didn't miss the subtle glare Kester shut my way, but I ignored him.
"You'll be back in time to have lunch before you leave, right?" She asked, patting my head lovingly as she planted a small kiss on my forehead.
I narrowed my brows. What was she talking about?
"I'll be staying the weekend, mum. Remember?" I stated with an eye roll.
"No, you're not," I heard Kester say from my side. I turned my attention to him, a subtle frown of confusion on my face.
"What?" I asked, hoping I didn't hear him correctly.
"We are going back home tonight," He announced like he owned my fucking life.
"Babe? Why? I thought we were staying the weekend. I brought everything I'd be needing..." June was saying, but Kester coldly cut her off.
"I changed my mind. We are going back tonight. I have some pressing matters I'd like to attend to," He emphasized, and I looked at my mum, waiting for her to say something.
Why wasn't she saying anything?
"Then you'll go. I'll return after the weekend," I glared at him.
"No, honey..." Mum said softly, "It's not safe. That's one of the reasons your brother is here. The pack is under some threats. And it might lead to a war if not handled properly. You can't be left to go alone after the weekend."
Wow. This was the longest my mum had ever spoken to me without any distractions in a long time.
Should I be happy? Yes.
Was I happy? No.
It felt so strange hearing her speak without distractions.
"Why do you sound like we are a small pack without guards, drivers, soldiers, name it! I'll stay the weekend, and the guards will escort me back to Kester's." I crossed my arms on my chest.
"My word is final, Kasmine," Kester's tone was biting, and the look in his eyes scared me, "You will go to school, finish up with the reason you are here, and return in time for us to go back home."
His tone was so cold that it sent shivers skittering down my spine. I turned to see my mum saying nothing, silently agreeing with what Kester had just said.
Casting a final glare at Kester, I turned around and stomped out of their presence without saying another word.
***
The soft rustle of leaves above us swayed gently in the late morning breeze, the tree providing the perfect shade as Jake and I sat beneath it.
He leaned back against the trunk, his arms draped casually over his knees, his shirt slightly rumpled but still managing to make him look effortlessly handsome.
I sat cross-legged beside him, absently picking at a stray blade of grass after I broke the news to him.
"This wasn't the plan, Kasmine," Jake said.
We had planned to spend some quality time together during the weekend. Perhaps he would have officially asked me out this weekend.
But my asshole of a brother wouldn't let that happen.
"I am sorry, Jake. My brother... He..." I was saying, but he cut me off.
"Your brother is becoming too much of a concern. You are no longer a baby. You are a big girl. Why can't he let you do certain things yourself?" Jake asked, unable to hide his frustration.
Jake was a cool guy. Almost never angry. But this? This was surely getting on his nerves, but he did well to control it.
"I have an idea. I could skip going to the office on some days. You could come home and see me when my brother goes to the office, and I'm home alone. That could be a routine," I suggested happily.
He was reluctant at first but later agreed to it. See why I can't help but fall in love with Jake, right? He was too sweet and understanding.
"You know... if your brother keeps this up, he's going to scare off anyone brave enough to get close to you." He said in a light voice.
I laughed softly, "You're not scared, though. Right?"
He reached out and gently tugged the blade of grass from my hand, replacing it with his fingers. "Nope. Terrified," he teased, his grin boyish and warm.
I rolled my eyes, nudging him playfully with my shoulder. "You're ridiculous."
"Maybe," he said, his voice softening. "But I mean it, Kasmine. You can't let him keep making decisions for you. You deserve to live your own life."
The sincerity in his tone brought a lump to my throat. I swallowed it down, my fingers tightening around his. "I know," I murmured. "But it's not that simple. Kester is… Complicated. He thinks he's protecting me, but sometimes it feels like he's just suffocating me."
Jake shifted, turning to face me more fully. "Then let me help. We'll figure this out together. I don't care what it takes or how stubborn your brother is. I know he is our Alpha. But you don't have to face this alone."
The way he looked at me at that moment made my heart ache. I smiled, leaning forward to press my forehead lightly against his. "You're too good for me, you know that?"
He chuckled, his breath warm against my skin. "Nah. You're just lucky I'm hopelessly in love with you."
My cheeks flushed at his words. Did he just admit that he loved me? Oh, my world! It meant so much to me!
I was about to respond when it hit me—a sudden, almost tangible shift in the air. The breeze seemed to still, the sounds of the schoolyard fading into an eerie quiet. My skin prickled as if someone were watching me.
I pulled back, my smile faltering as I glanced around. "Do you feel that?" I whispered.
Jake frowned, his hand tightening around mine. "Feel what?" He asked, also glancing around.
My gaze darted through the clearing, scanning the environment.
And then I saw him.
Kester.