Chapter Two First Impressions
1154 Words
Ethan Mallory couldn't shake off the image of the girl from the gas station. Her scent had hit him like a strong blow – vanilla body mist and something uniquely her own.
"You look distracted," Elias observed as they walked through the forest that bordered their territory.
"Just thinking."
"About?"
Ethan hesitated but finally spoke. "I felt something today. At the gas station."
Elias stopped walking. "What kind of something?"
"A pull. It was strong." Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "There was this girl."
"Human?"
"Yes."
Elias's expression changed. "Ethan, you know the rules. We don't bond with humans."
"I know the damn rules," Ethan snapped. "I have enforced them for centuries."
"Then why are we even talking about this?"
"Because this was different." Ethan struggled to find the words. "It felt like... like she was mine."
Elias's eyes widened in disbelief. "You think she is your mate? A human?"
"I don't know. Maybe." Ethan started walking again. "I need to see her again to be sure."
"And how exactly are you planning to do that? Wait for her at the gas station again?"
"I will figure something out."
Elias sighed. "Just be careful. The pack needs their Alpha focused, especially with Raoul's rogues roaming freely."
Ethan nodded.
“I’m serious Ethan. You should find a proper mate, not a human.’’
Ethan didn’t respond.
“You’re not saying anything.’’ Elias insisted.
“I will be careful.’’
Elias looked at him intently, still not convinced Ethan heard him. But they had a lot of work to do so he let it slide.
Back at the university, Antonia's first week ran through like an electric train. By Friday, she felt like she was finally settling in, thanks to Maxine.
"Any plans for this weekend?" Maxine asked as they left their last class.
"Just unpacking. You?" Antonia replied.
"There's a bonfire tonight at Crescent lake tonight. You should come."
Antonia hesitated. "I don't know..."
"Come on! It'll be fun. It’s just a small get-together, mostly students."
"Will there be drinking?"
"A little. But you don't have to. Please? I promise I won't leave you all by yourself."
Antonia sighed. "Fine. What time?"
"I'll pick you up at eight. Text me your address."
“Alright then.’’ Antonia agreed.
At home, Antonia was scrambling through her closet. "What do you even wear to a bonfire?" she asked herself.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Maxine: "Pick a jacket. It gets cold by the lake."
She settled for jeans, boots, and a cozy sweater. Her dad was working late, so she left a note for him on the fridge.
Maxine arrived at exactly eight, honking from the driveway. "Ready for some fun?" she asked as Antonia entered into her car.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Antonia replied with an excited smile.
The drive to Crescent lake took them through a thick forest. The moon was half full, shining its silver light through the trees.
"It's beautiful out here," Antonia said as they drove through the forest.
Maxine smiled.
"Wait till you see the lake under moonlight. It's magical."
When they arrived, about twenty people were already there. A large bonfire was burning near the shore, and music played from someone's bluetooth speaker.
"Hey! Maxine's here!" someone called.
"Come on," Maxine said, taking Antonia's arm. "Let me introduce you to everyone."
Antonia met several other students, drinking a soda while Maxine took a beer. The night air was cold,but the fire's warmth felt good.
"So how are you liking Ashwood so far?" a guy named Tyler asked her.
"It's different. Smaller than where I'm from, but nice and the people here are friendly."
"I’m sure you’ll like it better here," he replied with a smile. "Especially once you get to know everyone."
Antonia was about to respond when the group suddenly went. She turned and saw what caught their attention.
Three men had appeared at the edge of the shore. The one in front was familiar–the stranger from the gas station.
He was even more handsome when she saw him up close. He carried himself with confidence, and his eyes, when they found hers in the crowd, were intense.
"Who invited them?" someone whispered.
Maxine grabbed Antonia's arm. "That's Ethan Mallory," she said quietly. "And his friends."
"Who is he?"
Before Maxine could answer, Ethan was already in front of them.
"Maxine," he nodded. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Just showing my friend around," Maxine replied, her tone was respectful. "This is Antonia. She and her father just moved into town."
Ethan's eyes shifted to Antonia. "We've met. Haven’t we?."
"At the gas station," Antonia confirmed. "I didn't get your name then."
Ethan smiled. “You didn’t ask.’’
“I didn’t get the chance to.’’ Antonia replied.
"Ethan Mallory." He extended his hand. "Welcome to Ashwood."
When their hands touched, Antonia felt an unexpected jolt. She pulled back immediately, confused.
"Sorry," he said quickly. "Didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable."
But the look in his eyes suggested something else entirely.
"What brings you out tonight?" Maxine asked, breaking the tension.
"Patrol," one of Ethan's companions answered. The tall, stern-looking one.
Ethan looked at him with the who asked you to talk face. "We were just passing by. We heard the music."
"Well, feel free to join us," Maxine offered,but she didn't sound sincere.
"Maybe another time," Ethan replied, his eyes still on Antonia. "Enjoy your evening, ladies."
As they walked away, Antonia released a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. "What was that about?"
Maxine shrugged. "Ethan is kind of a big deal around here. His family owns half the valley."
"He seems intense."
"Yep he is.’’ Maxine replied. “Come on, let's get closer to the fire." She added.
As the night continued, Antonia found herself repeatedly watching the trees, wondering if Ethan was still nearby.
There was something about him that made her uneasy – not in a frightening way, but in a way that made her heart race.
Later that night, as they drove home, Maxine was unusually quiet.
"Is everything okay?" Antonia asked.
"Yeah, just thinking."
"About what?"
Maxine hesitated but spoke. "It's just weird that Ethan showed up tonight. He usually keeps to himself."
"Maybe he just wanted to see the bonfire."
Maxine hissed. “Please Ethan is never interested in things like this trust me.’’
“You know him well?’’
Maxine shrugged. “Acquaintances, you know. We are just town folk.’’
Antonia didn’t say anything.
"Did you notice how he looked at you?" Maxine changed the subject
Antonia blushed. "What do you mean?"
"Oh come on, He couldn't take his eyes off you."
"You're imagining things."
"Trust me, I know what I saw." Maxine looked at her. "Just... be careful around him, okay?"
"Why? Is he dangerous or something?"
"No, not dangerous. Just... complicated."
Antonia wanted to press further, but they had arrived at her house.
- Writer
