chapter fourty five

Tammy's POV

"What's going on here?" Adam questions, his voice sharp and accusing.

Jackson's grip on my hand loosens, then slips away entirely. He turns, an unreadable look in his eyes, to face Adam.

I face Adam slowly, bracing myself for his reaction. The torn expression on his face makes my gut clench. I open my mouth to explain to him, but Jackson's voice cuts through first.

"Nothing serious, Adam," he replies, his tone casual.

"It looked pretty serious to me." Adam's intense gaze shifts to me. "Tammy? What's going on? I know we aren't okay at the moment, but I didn't expect this," he says, his voice low and strained.

"Adam, it's really not what you think it is. I swear," I plead, my voice trembling.

"Then? What is it I just saw?"

I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "Adam, please listen. Jackson and I... we were just talking and then he kissed me. I didn't kiss him back," my words tumbled out, desperate and rushed. "I didn't even expect it to happen. I had no control over the situation."

His brows furrow, as he stares at Jackson intently, a muscle in his jaw ticking. "Is that true, Jackson?"

Jackson remains silent, his gaze fixed on the roots of a nearby tree. Irritation crawls up my skin at the situation; Jackson's unwillingness to speak up, and Adam's distrust in me. I would have at least expected him to believe, even if it's a little.

I knew I shouldn't have trusted Jackson. I ignored all the warning signs in the trance. Now, I'm paying the price.

I click my teeth. "Why aren't you saying anything, Jackson?!" I gesture wildly towards Adam. "Tell him you forced yourself on me!"

The tension hangs heavily in the air as Jackson continues to remain silent. Frustration wells up in me as I want him to say something - anything - to prove my innocence.

Finally, he speaks, his voice barely above a whisper. "Adam, I didn't force myself on her. It was a moment of weakness, and I made a mistake. But Tammy is telling the truth, she didn't kiss me back." He avoids eye contact with both Adam and me, his guilt evident in his demeanor. "She was being kind to me, and I couldn't control myself. You know how hard it is to resist the pull, Adam."

Adam's gaze shifts between the two of us, his lips in a firm line. Jackson shifts his weight, his hands shoved deep into his pockets

I meet Adam's eyes, mine holding a plea that he believes me.

A heavy silence settles between us, each second feeling like an eternity. My heart aches as I see the pain reflected in his orbs. "Please, Adam," I whisper, reaching out for him but hesitating midway. "Believe me."

Adam's face softens, but I see the doubt still lingering in his eyes. "I do," he admits, and relief washes over me. "It's just so painful each time it flashes across my mind. I wish I could erase it."

"I already said I'm sorry. What more do you want?" Jackson interrupts, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "And it's not even like you own her. She's just a human you tricked into coming here, so stop acting like you care."

Adam takes a step forward, his eyes blazing. "I dare you to say that again."

"What? That you tricked her? She told me what happened. Really desperate move, Adam," he eyes him. "Even for you."

'What the fuck? I just told him that-'

I should have known from the way he was acting, that he was up to something. All this is my fault.

Adam's gaze meets mine, his eyes filled with questions. He must think I betrayed him.

I shake my head. "That's not what I told him."

"No need to lie, sweetheart. Don't be scared, just tell him what you told me." A cruel smirk plays on Jackson's lips.

"Adam, listen. I-I only said I discovered everything after coming here. That's all. I swear."

He stares a the ground, his jaw clenched. "I don't know if I should believe you or not."

His words feel like a physical blow to my chest. 'I shouldn't care, right? After all, he lied to me first. I don't care, I don't.'

I"Okay. Believe what you want then," I manage to say, my voice tight. "I don't care if you do, anyways."

A lie.

"I'm confused about what's going on right now, Tammy," Adam says quietly. "I want to believe you, but after hearing what he said, it's hard to do so."

Jackson makes a noise that turns our attention to him. "Why are you suddenly acting like you're in love with her or something?" He sneers.

"She's my mate," Adam replies through gritted teeth.

Jackson's eyes widen slightly. "I didn't know that, pal," he says, raising his hands. "Look. It's not as big of a deal as you make it. Everything happened in the spur of the moment. I felt the pull, got turned on, and the kiss happened. You should be glad it didn't even go further."

Adam lunges, a roar ripping from his throat. I try to grab him, but he shrugs me off, his eyes fixed on Jackson with murderous intent.

"Shut the fuck up, Jackson." I hiss. "Don't listen to him, he doesn't realize what he's saying."

"Don't stop him, Tammy. I know what I'm saying. Besides, you're a big girl, you can handle yourself," he mocks.

Adam's rage boils over as he struggles against my grip, his eyes fixed on Jackson with fury burning in its depths.

"Adam, please calm down," I plead with him, hoping he would see reason, but it almost seems futile.

The tension between the two men hangs heavy in the air, threatening to explode at any moment.

Jackson takes a step forward, his stance challenging. "Why aren't you doing anything?" he taunts. "Aren't you supposed to be the strong alpha's son? Don't tell me the curse is taking its toll on your family too?" he laughs, a harsh, grating sound. "Tammy would be better off with me."

Adam's face turns red with anger and he breaks free from my grasp, lunging towards Jackson.

His fists connect with Jackson's jaw, sending him stumbling backward.

I gasp, trying to intervene before Jackson lands his attack. The two of them pay no attention to me, becoming locked in a heated brawl. Their punches land hard and fast, each blow fueled by their own emotions.

I notice Jackson's punches getting sloppier with each throw, and I rush forward, trying to pull Adam away before he does something he will regret.

"Adam stop!" I pull at his shoulders. He shrugs out of my hold, his attacks relentless, blinded by anger. It's as if something different is in control of his body, his movements driven by a furious energy.

He stands, breathing heavily. I let myself calm down, thinking it's over. Then, my stomach drops, as he picks up a stone, about to strike Jackson with it.

"Adam!" I shout, horrified.

Suddenly, he tenses, his body stiffening. The stone slips from his grasp, clattering to the ground.

Adam's eyes, once filled with rage, now hold a bewildered, almost lost expression. He stumbles, then regains himself, his gaze falling on Jackson's bloodied form.

A flicker of confusion mixed with horror crosses his face. "Tammy… did I do that?"