Chapter Ten
1035 Words
TYLER'S POV
I threw my basketball absentmindedly to the wall.
The basketball thudded against the wall, bounced back into my hand, and immediately, I threw it again. It was a repetitive motion, one I used to stop my thoughts from spiraling out of control. Over and over, the ball hit the same spot on the wall, but no matter how hard I threw it, it couldn’t drown out the images from earlier today.
I couldn't stop seeing her.
Catherine seemed like she was in a bad mood today. What was wrong with her? Was she going through something?
It hurt me to know that my mate had problems and she didn't want to share them with me. I gripped the basketball tighter as I threw it again, harder this time.
I stopped throwing the ball and ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. I wanted to protect her, shield her from everything she had to endure, but how could I? She wouldn't let me in.
But it didn’t stop me from worrying.
A smile crossed my face when I thought about how happy she was during our ice cream date. For a brief moment, she’d seemed so free, so happy. Her laugh had been soft, but it lit up my entire world. I smiled at the memory, but then my thoughts turned to the strange mark I’d glimpsed on her back that day.
It was unique—a circle with two dots inside. Something about it seemed familiar to me but I couldn’t place it.
Was it a tattoo? A birthmark? It felt significant, though I couldn’t explain why.
A knock on my door broke through my thoughts.
"Yeah?" I called out.
"Can I come in?" It was my dad.
"Sure, come in," I said, tossing the basketball onto the bed.
He stepped inside with a warm smile on his face. "Hey, son. Just checking in. You doing okay?"
No, I wasn’t. Not even close. But I forced a nod.
"Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks."
"Good," he replied, though his eyes lingered on me a moment longer, as if he didn’t quite believe me.
As he turned to leave, a thought struck me. If anyone would know about that mark, it was my dad. His love for history and all things supernatural often bordered on obsession.
"Hey, Dad," I called after him. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course. What’s up?"
"What does it mean if someone has a circle as a birthmark?"
"Just a circle?"
"No. With two dots inside?"
His brows furrowed, and I could tell he was searching his mental archives. "A circle with two dots… That’s a mark from the Akyle Clan."
I blinked. "The Akyle Clan?"
"Yes. They were one of the most powerful packs in history, known for their strength and how magical they were. But..." He hesitated. "That clan was wiped out centuries ago. Every single member."
The room seemed to tilt slightly as his words sank in. How could that be possible? Catherine had that same mark.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Absolutely. Why do you ask?"
I shook my head. "No reason. Thanks, Dad."
He gave me a curious look but didn’t press further. Without another word, he left my room.
If the Akyle Clan was extinct, then how could Catherine bear their mark?
---
The next morning, school felt emptier without her. I scanned every hallway, looked into every classroom, but she was nowhere.
Where could she be? I was worried about her. It felt like a part of me was missing.
I spent the day in a daze. My thoughts were filled with Catherine. Her smile, her laugh, the pain in her eyes—everything about her lingered in my mind. My worry pulledat me, relentless. I had to see her, even if it meant sneaking out of school.
After my last class, I barely noticed Stephanie falling into step beside me. Her high-pitched voice got on my nerves.
"Hey, Tyler!" she chirped, practically bouncing beside me.
"Hi," I muttered, not bothering to look at her.
"I haven’t seen you all day," she said with an exaggerated pout.
Probably because I’ve been avoiding you, I thought.
"I’ve been busy," I replied..
"Well, I wanted to ask if you’d be my date to the party tomorrow!"
I stopped walking and turned to her. I didn't have time for this. My patience was already hanging by a thread. I needed to be left alone.
"No, thanks."
Her pout deepened. "Why not? Is it because of Catherine?"
"Yes,".
Her face twisted in irritation. "I don’t even want her at my party!"
"Then I won’t come either," I snapped, brushing past her.
"Wait!" She grabbed my arm, but I pulled away.
"Fine," she huffed. "She can come—but only if you promise we’ll have some alone time."
I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"Sure, whatever," I muttered.
I was desperate to end the conversation. At least, she'd leave me alone now.
She grinned and kissed my cheek before walking away.
---
By the time I reached Catherine’s house, the sun was setting. I parked a safe distance away, not wanting to draw attention, and watched.
There she was, tending to the plants under her a woman's watch. Even from here, I could see the exhaustion in her every movement.
Who was this woman? And why did she stand in front of Catherine under the sun?
This must be her step mother.
I focused on Catherine, sending her a message through our mate link.
"Look in front of you." I said.
She turned. Her eyes scanned round until they landed on my car.
"Don’t come here," she sent back.
I became even more worried "Why not? I just wanted to make sure you were okay"
"She’ll kill me if you interfere. Just go."
Her fear stabbed through me like a blade. I could feel how scared she was through our link. My fists clenched as I watched her work under the hot sun. She wiped her brow, her shoulders sagging, and I felt utterly helpless.
I had to find a way to help her. But how?
For now, all I could do was watch and wait.
- Writer
