Chapter 7: ; Tension

"Cheska Macbride, you look stunning!" Her reflection in the mirror elicited a smile, and she couldn't resist praising herself. She had donned a billowing fit and flare dress with a white and blue print that swayed as she walked. The dress featured three-quarter sleeves and a v-neck, adding elegance and uniqueness to her look. However, to make a bold statement, she paired the outfit with a deep red shade of lipstick.

"I am determined to prove my worth to the pack through my actions. I am not just a pretty face; I am intelligent too," she whispered to herself as she picked up her shoulder bag before casting one last glance in the mirror.

As she made her way down the hallway, she was greeted by Eunice, who was still in her nightie. "Good morning, Cheska! You look lovely today," Eunice exclaimed.

"Good morning, Eunice. It seems like you didn't get enough sleep," Cheska observed, noticing the dark circles under her friend's eyes.

"Matthew and I didn't get much sleep last night," Eunice replied, stifling a yawn.

Cheska was left speechless as Eunice walked away, her shoes clicking on the floor. She didn't know how to react to the situation, but one thing was certain - she was disgusted and wanted to strangle Matthew until he stopped breathing.

"I should have rejected that crazy bastard," Cheska muttered as she marched down the stairs.

"Cheska, you look different today," Liam remarked as he sat down for breakfast.

"What do you mean by different? Do I look strange?" Cheska retorted, giving her younger brother a stern look.

"You look hideous," Matthew whispered in her ear, causing Cheska to jump in shock.

"How is it possible that I didn't hear his footsteps or smell his scent?" Cheska wondered to herself as she quickly walked away from Matthew. She needed to check her senses as they seemed to be failing her.

"Hey, I thought we were leaving early. Why aren't you ready yet?" Cheska snorted, noticing a shirtless Matthew.

"We're leaving at nine," Matthew replied, opening the fridge to grab a bottle of water.

"That's not early! And could you please wear something when you leave your room? Let me remind you, a woman lives here!" Cheska exclaimed, sitting beside Liam.

"Cheska, I also wear boxers when I go out. Why aren't you getting mad at me?" Liam innocently asked.

"Perhaps my little Cheska looks at me differently," Matthew added with a suggestive wink at Liam.

"The nerve of you! My mind is pure, so I will never look at you like that," Cheska retorted, her tone indignant.

She didn't get a chance to finish her sentence as Matthew walked towards her with a threatening look in his eyes.

"What are you doing? Don't you dare!" Cheska stuttered, feeling a strange sense of fear.

"If you say you don't see me as a man, you will be humiliated because I can prove right here and now that you're lying," Matthew whispered as he leaned in closer to her.

"Good morning, guys!" Eunice's arrival in the kitchen drew Matthew's attention away from Cheska.

Thank goodness, Cheska thought to herself, relieved to have been rescued from Matthew's intimidating presence. She smiled at Eunice, who looked fresh and lovely in a floral top and shorts.

"Morning, Ms. Eunice," Liam greeted her.

"Matthew, are you bullying Cheska? It's too early for that," Eunice commented, gently pulling Matthew towards her.

"I'm not bullying anyone. I just want to bet against my little Cheska's statement," Matthew replied, glaring at Cheska.

"What bet?" Eunice inquired, her eyes fixed on Cheska.

Cheska forced a smile and decided not to answer Eunice's question since she couldn't reveal the real nature of the bet. However, Matthew had his own plan and announced the topic of their bet.

"My little Cheska says she will never see me as a man, so I'm challenging her!" he declared.

"You devil! Everyone knows that the woman who looks at you with unmixed lust has never been born!" Eunice flirtatiously asserted with a smile.

"Did you hear that? You better prepare yourself for how you can escape me," Matthew said. He left Cheska with a grin before departing.

"That guy is crazy!" Cheska gasped in disbelief, shifting her gaze to catch Eunice staring at her suspiciously. The suspicion in Eunice's eyes quickly disappeared, replaced by a sweet smile.

Cheska quickly finished her breakfast and decided to wait for Matthew outside. She felt a sudden shift in the way Eunice looked at her and decided it was better to avoid her.

---

"What took you so long?" Cheska greeted Matthew with a frown.

"Why are you in such a hurry? The meeting won't start without the presider," Matthew replied, unfazed. He approached her and took the car keys.

"Hey! I'll drive! You don't even have a license!" Cheska blurted out skeptically.

"Get in or I'll leave you," Matthew said, ignoring Cheska's protest.

Cheska didn't have much of a choice as Matthew started the engine. She reluctantly got into the passenger seat, lengthening her snout in frustration.

"What are you waiting for?" she asked, impatiently tapping her foot when the car didn't move.

"Cheska, don't forget to click your seatbelt. It's for your own safety. As I recall, we're powerful with quick recovery, but we're not immortal," Matthew reminded her as he adjusted her seatbelt.

Cheska's heart was pounding so loudly she feared Matthew would hear it. "Oh god, please stop this loud throbbing," she silently pleaded. She didn't want Matthew to find out about her racing heart as they got closer. She was afraid he would do something she couldn't handle.

A wave of dizziness washed over Cheska as Matthew intently stared into her eyes, warning her not to speak at the council without his permission.

Dear Lord, how could he be so unfair? How could she resist Matthew De Silva when his midnight gray eyes bore into hers, revealing her soul?

"Cheska Macbride, do you understand?" Matthew asked again, noticing her lack of response.

"Huh?" Her response was barely audible. "Yes, I understand," Cheska replied, her eyes shifting away from his gaze in an attempt to hide her inner thoughts.

"Before I forget, one more thing," Matthew's voice was stern as he continued, "Don't look at me like that, or I'm not sure I can hold back," he added with a tender nip on her nose.

Cheska's eyes widened in surprise, and she covered her face in embarrassment while Matthew laughed out loud.

Meanwhile, in Eunice's bedroom, her face darkened as she watched Matthew's every move towards Cheska.

"You're mine! I won't allow anyone to take you away from me!" Eunice exclaimed while clenching her fists in anger.