Truths & Tensions
991 Words
Rita POV
“Ken didn’t tell you about my history?” she asked coolly. “Then I guess you two aren’t that close.”
Her words sliced through me like broken glass.
“I’m a bastard child,” she continued without hesitation. “Born out of wedlock. My mother was a home-wrecker—she destroyed a happy family, and I was the result. She died while giving birth to me. My father disowned me. My aunt hates me. The only person I have is Ken… who still believes I’m his family. I’m his uncle’s daughter, by the way.”
She took a slow sip from her glass as if she had just described the weather and not shattered an entire room with her truth.
“He is the only family I have,” she added, her eyes locking onto mine with warning sharp enough to cut. “So if anyone hurts him… or even plans to hurt him, I will not spare them.”
Her phone vibrated again. Without another word, she excused herself and walked away to take the call.
Silence crashed over the table like a heavy fog.
My chest felt tight. How could I ever explain that I would never hurt him—only shatter his world with a truth he could never imagine?
Ken cleared his throat and looked at me apologetically.
“I’m sorry about her. Sometimes she goes out of control,” he said. “But she’s a good person. She just doesn’t trust people easily. Please… give her time.”
I nodded, though my heart was in chaos.
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Kiya POV
Marco’s call dragged me back to my room. He needed urgent files, and within minutes I was buried in codes and encrypted folders again.
Marco was my college friend—an exchange student from Italy. Like me, he lived inside machines more than among people. I preferred online classes, online jobs… online everything.
My Nana’s late husband had made some smart investments. After Nana passed away, the monthly income was transferred to me. It covered my rent and education—but everything else, I handled on my own. I didn’t owe anyone anything. And I didn’t want to.
My thoughts slipped back to the breakfast table.
I hadn’t meant to hurt Rita.
But I was angry—angry that they were hiding things. Angry that no one would give me straight answers. And yes… angry that she stood so close to my brother with eyes full of feelings.
She wasn’t like his ex. I could see that clearly.
And that’s exactly why she scared me.
A knock interrupted my thoughts.
Rita stood at my door.
“Can we talk?” she asked softly.
I nodded and closed my laptop, giving her my full attention.
“At the table, you said… if I planned to hurt your brother,” she began hesitantly. “I just want you to know—I really like him. I would never hurt him. I understand if you don’t like me, but… can I know why? We just met.”
“I do like you,” I replied honestly. “You’re nothing like his previous girlfriend. She was a manipulative b***h who only loved herself. She used my brother like a wallet. But you…”
She waited silently.
“The way you look at him,” I continued, “you care for him. Not his money. Him. You’re falling for my brother, Rita.”
Her cheeks flushed pink.
“Then why don’t you trust me?” she asked softly.
“Because you’re hiding something,” I said.
Her eyes fell to the floor.
“I’m sorry about what I said earlier,” I added quietly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
She smiled gently. “It’s okay.”
“I was going to show everyone around. Want to come?”
“I’ll pass for now. I’ve got work to finish. I didn’t plan this trip.”
“In the evening then?” she asked.
“Yes. That’s fine.”
After she left, I finished my work and wandered downstairs. The house was silent except for the maid in the kitchen.
Curiosity pulled me through a long hallway lined with paintings. At the very end stood a large wooden door.
Unlocked.
I slipped inside.
It was an office—dark furniture, spotless desk, towering bookshelves. Everything was perfectly in place. Unlike my chaos.
I pulled out a random old book.
“Moon Goddess.”
Intrigued, I opened a page.
The Moon Goddess chooses a soulmate for every werewolf.
The bond is sacred and unbreakable—unless rejected.
But rejection comes with unbearable pain… for both souls.
A shiver crept over my skin.
“You shouldn’t sneak around in my office.”
I jumped, the book slipping from my hands.
Logan leaned against the door, arms crossed, a slow smirk playing on his lips. His white shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing a glimpse of inked skin and dangerous perfection.
My heartbeat thundered.
“I wasn’t sneaking,” I muttered. “I didn’t know this was your office.”
I placed the book back on the table and moved toward the door—straight into his space.
“I can show you around,” he offered lazily, closing the door behind us.
“No need,” I said quickly. “I don’t want to explore anymore.”
He took one step forward.
Then another.
Until he was right in front of me.
His fingers slid under my chin, tilting my face up to meet his burning gaze.
“Are you sure you don’t want to?” he whispered near my ear.
A shiver raced down my spine. My breath hitched.
“Yes,” I whispered back.
For a second, something dark and amused flickered in his eyes.
Then he stepped away.
And walked off without looking back.
Leaving my heart pounding like I had just survived a storm.
- Writer
