Chapter 15: ; Health Issue
"Matthew, stop joking!" Cheska exclaimed, sensing the seriousness of the situation.
"For heaven's sake, Cheska, I would never joke about a serious matter. In fact, I don't make fun at all," Matthew replied coldly.
"Then there's something wrong with me... because I'm not lying, I lost consciousness in the middle of our..." Cheska trailed off, feeling embarrassed and avoiding Matthew's gaze out of fear.
"You were fully present the whole time. Your body responded to every kiss and caress, so how can you not remember how it felt?" Matthew retorted, his neck veins bulging.
Cheska felt her face flush hot as she put her hand over her eyes, trying desperately to remember what happened. But the memories evaded her, leaving her feeling confused and unsure of what happened after she responded to Matthew's kiss.
As she thought about the possibility of having lost her virginity to Matthew, her heart pounded in her ears. But she didn't recall feeling any discomfort in her movements. Cheska signed to herself, trying to piece together the events of that night.
As Cheska gazed up at Matthew, her mind was still reeling from what had just happened. Her body was still trembling with the aftershocks of pleasure, and she couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if they hadn't been interrupted. Would Matthew have claimed her as his own? The thought sent shivers down her spine.
But Matthew's words brought her back to reality. "The only reason I didn't claim you is that someone came to the stream, so I needed to stop," he explained.
Cheska let out a sigh of relief. "You mean I'm still a virgin?" she exclaimed, feeling a sense of pride in her intact purity.
But Matthew's next words caught her off guard. "Cheska, yesterday when I felt you, you abruptly changed... Your heart beats faster as you become daring and impulsive. You instigate to deepen our intercourse," he asserted, clenching his fist.
The realization hit Cheska like a ton of bricks. Matthew had sensed her desire, her need for him. And he was warning her that the next time she made a move on him, he wouldn't hesitate to claim her, even in front of everyone.
As Matthew stood up and turned to leave, Cheska couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and excitement. She had never been wanted like this before, and the thought of being claimed by him sent a thrill through her body. But as the memories of what happened after she lost consciousness flooded back, Cheska couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
--*--
At the clinic.
After an hour of examination, the family doctor finally spoke. "Ms. Cheska, I still need to check on you, but from what you say, you are experiencing. There is a possibility you have a DID or dissociative identity disorder," he explained.
Cheska's mind was spinning. Dissociative identity disorder? What did that mean? Was it dangerous?
"It's a mental disorder in which a person has two or more distinct personalities, each with its own way of thinking and behaving. The thoughts, actions, and behaviors of each personality may differ completely from one another," the doctor answered her question.
Cheska's heart sank. Two or more personalities? It sounded like something out of a horror movie.
"Doctor, how did I get this problem?" Cheska asked in a low voice.
"Split personality is usually the result of sexual or physical abuse during childhood. Sometimes it develops in response to emotionally distancing oneself from a natural disaster or other traumatic event like combat," the doctor explained.
Cheska's mind raced as she tried to piece together what could have caused this. She had never experienced any traumatic events, at least not that she could remember. Could it be related to what had happened with Matthew at the stream? The thought made her skin crawl.
"What do I do now, Doctor?" Cheska asked, her voice shaking.
"We will need to do further tests and evaluations to determine the severity of your condition. Depending on the results, we may need to refer you to a specialist," the doctor replied.
Cheska nodded, feeling overwhelmed and scared. She had always thought she was in control of her mind and body, but now she wasn't so sure.
Cheska wrinkled her forehead in confusion. "But I never suffered from sexual or physical abuse," she remarked. Her childhood had been happy, especially when her father was alive.
"It's better to bring your mom here. Because there is no way you got it without triggering," the doctor suggested. "And we still need to know which cluster or group you belong to."
Cheska nodded, feeling a sense of unease. She had always thought she had a normal childhood, but now she wasn't so sure.
"Will I be cured?" she asked after a minute of silence.
"Ms. Cheska, the first thing we need to do is find the cause... That is why I need to talk to your mother about your youth," the doctor honestly replied.
Cheska left the doctor's office in shock, her mind racing with questions and fears. What could have triggered her dissociative identity disorder? And what did this mean for her future?
As she sat in her car, she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. "So, what did I do when my alter ego took over my body?" she asked herself. "Cheska Macbride, be strong!" she uttered before starting the engine and driving away.
——
As Cheska drove through the gate of her house, she felt an uneasy presence and saw a man standing at the side. She rolled down the window and addressed him.
"Excuse me, do you need anything?" Cheska asked, studying the man's appearance. He was dressed in a white shirt, faded jeans, and a leather jacket that couldn't hide his striking good looks. She couldn't help but think he was stunning.
"Is this the residence of the alpha of the Sapphire pack?" the man replied, removing his sunglasses to reveal a gorgeous pair of emerald eyes.
"Yes, this is Matthew De Silva's house. Mind telling me who you are and what you want from him?" Cheska asked, smiling at the man.
"I'm Edison Bridge, Is he here?" Edison asked, carrying a suitcase that caught Cheska's attention.
"I'm not sure, but you can come in," Cheska suggested, opening the gate for Edison.
"Thank you," Edison said, giving her a frugal smile.
"Please have a seat," Cheska said as she gestured towards the couch. "I'm Matthew De Silva's sister, Cheska," she introduced herself, placing her shoulder bag on the side table.
"Sister? Matthew never mentioned having a sister," Edison said as he took a seat on the couch. He looked around the room before turning his attention back to Cheska.
Cheska smiled and called for the maid to bring some snacks. "Maybe Matthew is ashamed, that's why he never mentioned me to you or anyone," she said as she sat down on the other side of the couch. She picked up her phone and dialed the Thunder pack office.
"I'm sorry, but Matthew isn't answering. He might be busy," Cheska apologized, feeling a bit shy.
"That's alright, I'm not in a rush to see him," Edison replied with a smirk.
A few minutes later, the maid arrived with a tray of snacks in hand. Cheska helped her and then asked, "Where is everyone?"
"The council invited Ms. Eunice for a picnic at the manor," the maid informed Cheska, pointing towards the distant manor.
"Is that so? And they didn't bother to inform me?" Cheska responded with a disappointed sigh.
"You had already left by the time they received the invitation, but I heard your mother saying that she would send you a message," the maid explained, scratching her head nervously.
"Really?" Although still upset, Cheska picked up her phone and checked her email.
"It seems like the daughter of my alpha is enjoying her stay in the city," Edison remarked.
Cheska quickly looked up and gave Edison a hard stare. "Wait, you're the Beta of the Shadow pack?!" she exclaimed, her eyes almost popping out in shock.