Forbidden Mate

The News

~Jasmine~

My eyes fluttered open, my blurry vision gradually sharpening.

I groaned over my head groggily until my sense started to come back.

“Wait!!”

My eyes snapped wide open. I looked over my body, I was in my pyjamas.

A great relief washed over my body seeing I was surrounded by posters and pictures I hung on the wall of my room.

But… what happened? My head ached so badly, I could only recall vague pictures from last night, everything else to me was like a blur.

How did I even end up here?

The door pushed open, the gentle creak disturbing the silence.

The imposing figure of my mother stood in front of door, as she wore a gloomy face.

“Jasmine!! You're awake!” she yelled out, her tone laced with relief.

“What have I told you about drinking too much Jasmine? You should know better.” I could only listen to Mom as she ranted.

But what she was saying really didn't piece out.

I barely drank a cup of beer, I was sure I wasn't drunk last night.

“H-How did.. get home last night?” I asked my words stuttering.

“What?!!” Mom raised her voice more in disbelief.

“See you can't even remember how you got home last night.

Jasmine I can't believe right now. You should know better than to drink that much.

I found you barely conscious on the porch last night.”

Mom finally answered after her excessive rant.

But.. how did I get home? I remembered bleeding out my cloth, I was so weak.

I also saw something like a large dog, or a wolf. Maybe I was just dreaming.

The man!!

The image of a man appeared in my mind. I couldn't quite retrace his exact looks but I remembered him attending to me before I passed out.

He must have saved me.

If I see that man again, I'll give him a million thanks for saving my life.

“Now get up! Breakfast is ready. Don't think your skipping school today as well.”

Mom's stern voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I nodded in response as Mom left my room. I don't know how I got home, but I'm thankful I did, it could have gotten a lot worse.

I got up and went to take a shower.

I walked downstairs, the tingling aroma of Mom's favourite pancakes filled my nose. Nothing better to start off my day than with her pancakes.

Mom, well, Idris Farouk, is the only thing I've ever known as family.

I never really knew my dad. The only thing I knew was that he left when I was born. Mom always avoided the question of why.

I've grown to stop asking though. Whatever reason he left is on him.

But with me and mom, things really haven't been easy. She has to work two shifts to pay for bills and save enough for my tuition. I wish I could help but she always insisted that she got in under control.

“Honey have you heard the news?”Mom walked out of the kitchen holding her phone. “NO, why?”

I asked curiosly. Mom doesn't usually ask me this unless something bad happened.

“Three men were found dead last night, just a few buildings from where you held the party.”

What? My breath froze for a minute. Three men? Dead?

“Can i see it?” Mom handed me the phone. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Those were the three men from yesterday who tried to r**e me.

Could that man have possibly killed them? No.. It can't be.

I just need to forget about yesterday, it's in the past.

Whoever the man was I'm not sure I'll run into him again.

I quickly ate breakfast and was ready for school.

“Mom, I'm off!!”

“Okay sweetie.” mom walked up to me and gave me a warm kiss on my forehead.

And with that I waved her goodbye.

********

“Hey bestie!!” Alice's beautiful smile welcomed me to school.

“Hi. Alice”

“Girl I can't how much you missed last night. Did you really have to leave so early?” Alice continued to rant about last nights party till we were at the school hallway.

“... Alice I'll meet you in class.I have to see the Principal.”

“Principal? Why?” Alice asked a bit surprised. Not more than I was though.

I got an email this morning from the principal summoning me to his office.

“I don't know either, but it won't take long.” I said before turning away from Alice.

The narrow hallway leading to the principal's office felt oppressively quiet.

I stood in front of his door. His name ‘Princpal Edwin’ written bodly on it.

As I stood there, my stomach churned with uncertainty.

Why could the Principal want to see me of all students?

I knocked twice, my knuckles went in softly against his door.

“Come in.” I heard his voice from outside.

Inside, the office was plush, almost luxurious, with bookshelves lining the walls and a heavy oak desk dominating the space.

Principal Edwin, a man in his mid-fifties with a polished demeanor, stood as she entered, his smile warm.

“Jasmine, come in. Sit down,” he gestured to the chair opposite him, his voice smooth.

As I settled into the seat, I noticed the way his gaze lingered for way too long and his smile seemed too personal atleast for a principal.

He leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on the desk.

“You’ve been doing exceptionally well in your classes,” he began, his tone almost too casual. “It’s clear you’re bright, ambitious. Someone with... potential.”

I nodded swiftly.

I could feel something was off about his character. But then again, I never really knew him so..

Principal continued, his voice dropping to a murmur. “It’s not often I take a personal interest in students, but I see something special in you, Clara. I could... help you. Open doors for you. Give you opportunities most students only dream of.”

“Really sir? That'll be nice.” I answered.

Suddenly, his hands drifted across the desk to mine, and then I felt his touch on my exposed lands.

What?!

Panic surged through my heart.

“I will… But first come sleep with me!”