Rejected bond

Chapter 3

The two friends answered in unison and walked away without saying goodbye.

What’s wrong with them? I thought, but I shook it off. What mattered more was getting that cute guy to fall in love with me. I walked to my car and drove off.

“I’m so sorry for what happened yesterday, Daciana,” Rudy apologized.

“It’s okay, and I’m also sorry for dragging you the way I did. How did you even manage to get away from Calista and her bodyguards?” I asked, genuinely concerned.

“One of the lecturers stopped her from hitting me. She got mad and walked away,” she replied.

“I’m so sorry for being such a complete jerk,” I said sadly, guilt settling in my chest. “I don’t know why I’m so weak. I hate myself for it. I wish I was strong like you… or even Calista.”

“You don’t have to sound like that. It’s not a big deal,” she said, holding my hand. “You may not be physically strong, but you’re the kindest and most thoughtful person I know.

That’s your strength, Daciana. You just need to learn how to use it.”

“Thank you for being such a good friend. I really appreciate your words,” I said quietly, trying to hold on to them like a lifeline.

“Oh, before I forget—here,” she said, pointing to something on my desk. “I found this outside your door when I was coming in.”

“Are you sure? Who could’ve dropped it?” I asked, taking the red card from her hand.

“Read it later. We’re already late for class, and you don’t want to mess with that mean lecturer.”

“Okay, let’s go,” I said, slipping the card into my bag. We held hands and walked to class together.

Unbeknownst to us, someone stood close to the door, listening to every word we said.

“The game is just getting started, Daciana. Don’t worry… I’ll help you find the strength buried deep inside you,” Tristan whispered to himself, a mischievous smile curling his lips before he vanished with werewolf speed.

Three hours later, class was finally over. I headed straight to the library, my mind still stuck on the red card Rudy picked up earlier.

I scanned the quiet room, found a private corner, and took the card out of my bag.

Goosebumps trailed down my arms as I read what was written inside:

“I can make you strong.

Find me.”

Who are you? I wanted to scream. How do I even find you when I don’t know who you are?

The words escaped my lips before I realized it. I covered my mouth in horror as people turned to stare.

Eyes locked on me with confusion and curiosity. Embarrassed, I grabbed my bag and stood up to leave—but someone stepped into my path.

My stomach sank.

It was Calista… and her two loyal shadows.

I let out a nervous chuckle. Rudy had once called them “his two little idiots,” and now the nickname fit perfectly.

But my smile faded the moment I met Calista’s furious glare.

“I’m warning you,” she hissed, loud enough for the entire library to hear. “Stay away from the new student. He’s mine now—mine and everyone else’s. Got that?”

I nodded automatically. It wasn’t even about me, but what else could I do? Nobody dared challenge her.

“Oh, and tell your stupid little friend not to cross my path again. She might not get so lucky next time.”

She turned and walked away, her minions trailing behind her like puppies. I nodded again and bolted from the room as soon as they were out of sight.

My heart pounded as I ran to my room and slammed the door shut.

I can’t do this. This is too much. I just want peace. I want to be left alone.

I leaned against the door, trying to breathe. I needed to lie down, to clear my mind. But then I saw it again—another red card on my desk.

My heart stopped.

I didn’t move for at least twenty minutes. I knew I’d locked the door before going to class. So how did it get in?

Finally, I forced myself to step forward. With trembling hands, I picked up the card.

“I can bring out the power in you.

Just obey the rules.”

My chest tightened.

Whoever this was, they weren’t playing fair. They were watching me—testing me. And I wasn’t sure whether to be afraid… or intrigued.

A hundred questions filled my mind.

What if they’re lying? What if it’s just a joke? What if it’s someone dangerous… or something not even human?

I reached for my phone to call Rudy. I even dialed halfway before hanging up. I didn’t want to bother her. She had already done enough.

I wish my mom was still alive. Or that I could talk to Grandma. Then maybe… maybe I wouldn’t feel so alone.

I shook the thought off. No more pity.

Whoever you are… I’ll find you. I whispered to myself, placing the card inside my closet before lying down to rest.

But I wasn’t alone.

From the shadows, Tristan watched me, a smirk dancing on his lips.

“Now the game—” he started, but his phone rang, cutting him off.

He checked the screen and his face darkened instantly. The smile disappeared.

Shoving the phone back in his pocket, he vanished again with his supernatural speed.

Seconds later, he arrived in front of a trembling guard.

“Why are you here?” he demanded.

“Your father asked me to check on you… and to find out if you’ve located the girl,” the guard said, eyes downcast.

Even the Alpha feared him when his red eyes darkened like they were now.

“Tell my father I’m working on it. I’ll send word when I find her. But don’t show your face here again—unless you want to test how far my patience can stretch.”

“Y-Yes, my prince,” the guard stammered before quickly vanishing.

Tristan turned back toward his room, muttering to himself with a bitter smile.

“Now, where were we… my little princess?”