25

I'm in the shower, trying to wash off the smell of blood from my body. I even have blood under my nails. It all disgusts me; I feel dirty. Recent events keep replaying in my mind. This is the first time I've faced something like this: Riley, the wolf, that name, and finally, the black wolf that saved me. There's something strange about all of this. But Riley is the most involved in this. If I had told Dad that she was behind all of this, I'm sure he would have gone to find her in his patrol car and put her in jail. But that's not what I want for Riley right now. She has something strange and mysterious about her. Not just her, many guys here. Including Kessler.

When I finished cleaning myself and finally felt clean, I stepped out of the shower in a towel. As soon as I set foot in the room, a silhouette at the window startled me.

"Relax, it's me," Kessler appeared in the darkness of my room.

"Kessler, you scared me to death," I reproached, giving him a pat on the shoulder.

"I'll make sense of what happened," he said, giving me a hug. "I'm sorry for not being there and protecting you. Are you okay? Did they do anything to you?"

"I'm fine," I pulled away from him. "Where were you?"

"I had to go to the town hall; my mom needed me."

I nodded, not believing him much. Kessler doesn't even tell me the truth; deep down, I feel like he's lying, and that no longer gives me confidence. I looked into his eyes to see his reaction. Kessler acted as if nothing was wrong, he only seemed worried.

"Don't you believe me?"

"I believe you. If you say it's like that, then it is," I passed by him, walking towards my wardrobe. I need to find some pajamas. Kessler approached from behind, pressing his member against my buttocks.

"If anything happens to you, I'll die," he said, embracing me from behind.

"If you say so..." I murmured.

"It's the truth," he turned me around to face him. "You act as if you don't trust me, Eva. I don't like you thinking that way," he said sternly. "I do everything to protect you, you have no idea. I just ask that you trust me."

"It's just that sometimes I feel like I don't know you and that you're not sincere with me," I admitted, not liking to beat around the bush.

"Please, trust me, Eva. At some point, we'll talk and share our secrets," he kissed my forehead and hugged me. I felt his genuine embrace. I let my guard down, my walls down, and I hugged him back. I'm getting attached to this guy, and I don't know if that's a good thing.

"I just want you to be honest with me," I requested. "I'm sure that if you tell me your secrets, I'll be able to understand you. You have to know that I don't tolerate being deceived, especially when I'm being very sincere with you. I'm giving myself to you completely."

"I know," we separated to look at each other. "And I love that. Believe me, my heart belongs to you and only you," he smiled. My eyes sparkled at the sight of him. He's so handsome, so attractive, and he's mine. I kissed him; it was a shy and beautiful kiss. Kessler responded with a more sensual kiss, filled with passion. He caressed my thighs, brought me closer to the bed, and made me lie down there. "Did you close the door?" he asked me.

"Yes," I whispered in response.

"Perfect," Kessler took off all his clothes, and I dropped the towel. Kessler kissed my neck, moved down to my belly, and stopped at my intimate area. He licked me, teased me with his tongue, and kissed me. I felt like I was in heaven.

Kessler and I made love again.

•

The next morning, I woke up feeling a hand around my waist. I smiled because this time Kessler woke up by my side and hadn't left like the other days. I snuggled closer to him to observe him closely. Kessler felt my gaze and slowly opened his eyes.

"Good morning," he said. "How did you sleep, love?"

"Fine," I smiled, embracing him.

"Did you have any nightmares?"

I shook my head.

"If I had slept alone, I think I would have dreamed about those wolves," I recalled, sitting up in bed. "I forgot to tell you what happened."

"What are you talking about?"

"There was a black wolf, huge and intimidating. That wolf saved me," I looked at him to gauge his reaction. Kessler didn't seem surprised, although he tried to pretend.

"He saved you? How is that possible?" he asked, furrowing his brow.

"The truth is, I was very afraid that the gray wolf would harm Dad, so I stood between them. That wolf, Kessler, that wolf came for me. She ordered them to do it. Riley. The wolf was only after me, to hurt me. Then, just when I thought all was lost, this wolf appeared and fought with it. It was incredible. The wolf didn't harm us."

"Well, now you know that not all wolves are bad," he said.

"That particular wolf scared me; I always saw it lurking around here. It just looks so big and strong that anyone would be terrified just by looking at it," I admitted. Then my expression turned serious, and he noticed.

"What's wrong?"

"Last night, I was about to kill one. Actually, I managed to hurt it. I'm sorry, Kessler, but when it comes to protecting my family, I'm capable of anything," I confessed. Kessler remained thoughtful for a moment. "Will you come with me to the cemetery?" I asked, as they would bury the bodies of the fallen officers today. I felt pity and sadness for Dad; he must be devastated.

"We'll go," he kissed me on the lips. "If it weren't for your father and brother, I'd make you breakfast," he teased, poking my nose.

"Hmm, don't tease me like this," I pouted. "But you can invite me for breakfast at your place."

Kessler narrowed his eyes as if trying to make sure I was serious.

"Do you want to go?"

I nodded.

"Then let's not waste any more time," he took my hand and made me get out of bed. We headed to the window. "This tree leads to my window, so all we have to do is cross here."

"Looks easy," I shrugged, taking the initiative to be the first one to cross.