Chapter 5
The weather in Larkspur City was beautiful. As I stood in front of Northbridge University’s main building, I was filled with
emotion.
Walking across campus, I finally felt the reality of being given a second chance at life.
For my first month here, I threw myself into my law classes, soaking up new knowledge.
After class, I worked part–time at a restaurant on North Street. I was always exhausted, but for the first time, my life felt full of
hope.
But two months later, I saw Adrian on campus.
“Caroline! Why didn’t you go to Arlanta? Why did you write Hazel’s name on the registration form?” he demanded, furious.
I just scoffed. “I have no interest in being your fated mate when your heart belongs to someone else. Even my wolf can’t stand it.”
His anger only grew. “You’ve changed.”
I turned away, feeling my wolf snarl inside me as that familiar frustration bubbled up.
“Adrian, I just want to live my own life and focus on my studies now. You made your choice with Hazel, so don’t come looking for
me.”
He scrubbed a hand over his face, losing his temper. “Don’t be ridiculous! Hazel is my sister!”
I gave him a cold, hard stare. “Oh really? Since when do brothers hold their sisters like that?”
I saw it with my own eyes. He kissed Hazel’s forehead while she slept, his gaze so gentle it was like he was looking at his mate.
His face flushed. “Don’t twist things! Nothing ever happened between me and Hazel!”
“You’re disgusting. Stay away from me.” I walked off, leaving him standing there in silence.
My mind drifted back to the time right after my parents passed away.
Back then, I lived next door to the Westwood family. I spent every day shut in my room, barely touching any food after my
parents died.
One night, too hungry to sleep, I slipped outside and sat under the moonlight, hoping to draw in some energy.
That was when Adrian offered me a piece of jerky and said softly, “Don’t be sad. I’ll always be here for you.”
That was the moment I first fell for him.
In my previous life, I agreed to have the marking ceremony with him, even though I knew he didn’t love me.
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Chapter 5
Over the next few days, Adrian hovered around me at every turn.
I went out of my way to avoid him.
But I never thought he’d go so far as to reach out to my professor, Leonard Griffin, trying to force me to drop out.
When I was summoned to the office, Adrian was already there in the waiting area, looking as stern as I’d ever seen him.
“What right do you have to interfere in my life?” I demanded.
“I want you to come back to the pack,” Adrian said.
He stepped forward, reaching for me, but I immediately jerked away.
“So I can watch you flirt with Hazel right in front of me?”
He snapped, “Stop it! You’re my fated mate! Why did you run all the way up to Northlands?”
+25 Bonus
His words almost made me laugh. “Adrian, Hazel is your Luna now! Her name is on the registration form! She’s the one you want!”
He gritted his teeth. “It was all a misunderstanding! I can fix it! We can start over!”
I turned away, looking directly at Leonard. “Professor Griffin, I really want to stay and finish my studies here. Please let me
continue my education.”
Leonard studied me for a moment and then nodded. “Mr. Westwood, there is no mate bond between you two, and she is not the
Luna of your pack. You have no right to make this decision for her.”
I let out a sigh of relief.
Adrian opened his mouth but couldn’t find a single word to say.
Leonard simply gestured to the door. “If there’s nothing else, please leave.”
But of course, Adrian didn’t give up. He started showing up everywhere–outside my classes, even at my part–time job.
And then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, Hazel showed up too.
“Adrian, please, let’s go back and dissolve the mate bond. I didn’t mean it. I never wanted to ruin things between you and Caroline…” she sobbed, clinging to Adrian’s arm and making a scene in front of the crowd.
Adrian pulled her into his arms, his voice as gentle as ever. “Don’t cry, Hazel. It’s not your fault. I should have protected you better. Let’s just go home.”
Hazel was still gasping between sobs, but she made sure to say loudly enough for everyone to hear, “Caroline, you misunderstood. Don’t blame Adrian. If you want, I’ll do anything to make it right. Just please forgive me…”
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