💘 HIS RELUCTANT MATE 💘 (Hate To Love You)

The Four

CHAPTER SEVEN >>>

_JARVIS'S POV_

“Hello again, Little Cat,” he said, his voice low and nasal as he stood up slowly.

“What are you doing in my room? Why are you even here and—”

“No one questions me,” he cut in smoothly. “I go where I want, do what I want. I have full authority here.”

He said it like it was law—like the world revolved around him.

A voice inside my head screamed run. He looked like trouble—no, like danger dressed in black.

But I didn’t move.

I hadn’t done anything wrong. There was no reason to back down. So, I stood my ground, even as he stepped closer… and closer.

Our eyes met again.

“You messed with the shower, didn’t you?” I asked, trying not to gag on the faint smell of smoke that clung to him. I hated that smell.

“Yes,” he replied shamelessly. “So?”

He smirked and took another step, his chest brushing mine.

“Get away from me!” I snapped, pushing him hard.

He didn’t move an inch.

Instead, he grabbed my wrists—firm, unshakable.

“I haven’t even started,” he said, his voice like ice. “But when I do… you’ll beg me to stop. I’m going to ruin you, and I won’t stop until I do.”

My heart pounded, but I kept my chin up.

“I’m guessing you’re the Jayden they warned us about,” I said, looking him over from head to toe with clear disgust.

He didn’t respond. He just watched me.

“You have no idea what I’m capable of, little human.” He said.

Little human?

It echoed in my mind. Like… he was something else. Something that's not human. But that was ridiculous, right? I pushed the thought aside.

“What could you possibly do?” I asked, voice sharp. “You’re just a messed-up guy looking for someone to take your anger out on. I’ve dealt with your type before. I don’t run.”

Then I smiled—slow, challenging.

“Bring it on, Jayden.”

For a second, something in his smirk faltered.

“Let’s hope you survive,” he muttered.

And just like that, he let go of my hands and walked out without another word. Not even a glance back.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

Stepping over to the chair he had used, I wiped it down like I could erase the memory of him just by scrubbing the surface.

“Who does he think he is?” I muttered.

Then I remembered the shower.

I rushed into the bathroom and twisted the handle—this time, water flowed like nothing had happened.

“Seriously?” I scoffed.

After a quick rinse, I dried my hair with the help of the hostel dryer and threw on a pair of bum shorts and a light chiffon camisole.

With a sigh, I grabbed my phone and left the room, texting Dorothy as I walked down the hall.

The corridor was starting to fill up with students, but my mind was still back in Room 20… replaying every word he said.

I was focused on my phone when I accidentally bumped into someone.

I looked up and saw an angry looking girl.

Her angry eyes locked on mine like lasers. I quickly stepped back and apologized.

She shoved me hard, nearly knocking me over.

Luckily, Dorothy appeared just in time and caught my arm before I fell.

"I said I was sorry. That push wasn’t necessary," I said, trying to stay calm.

Morgan scoffed, folding her arms. "How dare you talk back? Freshmen need to learn their place. Around here, respect for your seniors is the only way to survive."

She stepped toward me, her heels clicking sharply on the floor.

Before I could react, Scarlett stepped in front of me, blocking her path like a shield.

Morgan paused, narrowed her eyes, then rolled them and walked away without another word.

"Let’s go, girls," Scarlett said, linking her arms with mine and Dorothy’s as she led us away.

"That was Morgan. A Senior. Chemistry major. Also, a certified witch—no offence to witches. And her second, Clara, who's Just as nasty. Avoid them both if you want peace."

"You’re a final-year student?" I blinked in surprise.

"Yep. So is Nicole. We’re in the same department—Chemistry."

Dorothy grinned. "Guess we should start calling you big sis, then."

Scarlett laughed. "Call me that, and I’ll bury you in a lab flask. I feel ancient already."

We all burst out laughing as we continued our tour. Scarlett made every stop fun, adding random facts and jokes along the way. We checked out the swimming pool (huge), the laundry rooms (busy), the kitchen and cafeteria (smelled amazing), and even the mini library inside the hostel.

The place had everything.

We were still chatting in front of the library when a tall guy walked out.

My breath hitched.

It was him.

"Nikki!" Dorothy whispered, eyes wide. "Isn’t that one of the guys? The cute one!"

I nodded slowly, staring at him as he walked away.

"You’ve met THE FOUR already?" Scarlett asked with a knowing smile. "That’s Nikki Ronald. He’s kind of the golden boy around here. Most brilliant English major, super polite, super private."

I turned to her. "Wait… Nikki Ronald? Are you serious?"

Scarlett laughed. "Dead serious."

I nearly squealed. "Oh my God! He’s my favourite! I swear I didn’t recognize him yesterday. I searched everywhere online and couldn’t find a single picture of him!"

"Yeah, that’s Nikki. He’s low-key and mysterious. Doesn’t do social media. Keeps his private life locked tight," Scarlett said with a wink.

Just my type of guy.

Ugh—why did he have to be there when I lost it on that arrogant jerk?

Great. Now he probably thinks I’m some violent maniac. That’s definitely not the first impression I wanted to make on Nikki.

Damnit!

And damn that smug pr*ck for dragging me into all this in the first place.