Fated to a human

Melody POV  

First day of high school, and I was ready to make this work with Liam. I'd completed the spell to gain a wolf side just like his, but with one adjustment—I didn't want to hear my wolf in my head. 

 Her name was Chloe, but I used magic to split her from my mind. I didn't need distractions; I was here for one purpose. 

I went for a dark look: black top, black sneakers, and a white checkered mini skirt—the only thing not black. With a quick teleportation spell, I arrived just outside the school, making sure no humans saw me appear. 

I looked up at the towering grey walls and the sea of students swarming into the building, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. This was my first time going to high school, and I had to blend in. 

Finding my first class was a challenge in the maze of crowded hallways, but I managed. I soon realized I wasn't in the same class as Liam, though we were in the same grade. I'd hoped for an easier way to see him, but I wasn't about to give up. 

 After classes ended, I made my way to find the cheerleading squad. I knew they could help me get closer to him—if I could fit in. 

When I finally found the cheerleaders, I felt their stares as I approached. They were all blonde and polished, the complete opposite of my inked-up, edgy style. 

I could hardly believe it—I was now part of the cheer squad, dressed in a navy blue cheerleading outfit that was totally out of my usual style. 

The magic had worked better than I expected. I felt a little out of place, but this was all for Liam, and I kept reminding myself of that as we started practicing a few moves. 

Then, as if on cue, the football team jogged onto the field, and I spotted him. Liam looked incredible in his football gear, the way I'd imagined so many times. I focused on my routine, pretending not to notice him at first, but my heart was racing. 

I wanted him to see me, to notice the new girl who was now his fated mate. I was sure he'd sense me soon, feel the pull of our bond. 

When our eyes met, it was like time slowed down. He looked at me, surprise flickering in his expression, and I couldn't help but smile. That moment felt electric, and I knew he felt it too. I could see it in the way his gaze lingered, his lips parted slightly in surprise. It was everything I'd hoped for and more. 

I kept up with the routine, each move feeling like a message just for him. And the best part? He couldn't stop looking at me. 

Every glance he shot my way sent my heart racing, making me feel powerful, like I was already in his thoughts, already changing things between us. 

He was definitely thinking about me—I could tell by the way he looked at me. When practice ended, I started making my way to the changing room, but as I walked, I felt someone grab my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I turned around and found Liam standing in front of me, his brown eyes filled with questions. 

"You have my wolf mark on you," he said, sounding shocked. I took a deep breath, remembering the intense dream I had made him have of me. 

 And now, here he was, the same guy from that dream, standing before me. I swallowed hard, nervous. 

"You… you were the girl in my dream," he said, his voice filled with wonder. 

"I had that same dream too," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. 

 In that instant, his eyes widened, revealing the conflict within him, and I felt my own heart race as he stepped closer. 

 For a moment, I thought he might kiss me. Instead, he moved my ponytail to the side, tracing his fingers gently along my neckline, sending a wave of shivers through me. The sensation was intoxicating, and I struggled to resist the pull between us. Was this what it meant to have a fated mate? It felt surreal, as if we were connected on a whole new level. 

Nervously, I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. "You're my fated mate," I whispered, the words slipping out almost without thinking. 

His eyes searched mine, confusion and something deeper swirling in his expression. "How is this possible? I had a mate…" he murmured. 

A smile crept onto my lips as I answered, "I don't know, but I can feel our bond." 

Reaching up, I traced my fingers along his lips, feeling the warmth of his breath as he caught it in his throat. Then he spoke again, his voice barely a whisper, "Why did I dream about you?" 

I moved closer, until our eyes met, the world fading away around us. "I think," I said, my voice soft but certain, "we're supposed to be with each other." 

He seemed to struggle, his breath hitching as I leaned in and placed a soft, tentative kiss on his lips. But just as I thought I'd broken through, he pulled back, mumbling, "I can't." 

Confused, I watched him turn away, his expression troubled. "Sorry, but I have to go," he said abruptly, before storming off, leaving me standing there, bewildered. 

What just happened? I thought I had him right where I wanted, but something held him back. 

Haylie POV 

I was on my way outside when I spotted Liam, who looked unusually rushed, striding quickly toward the parking lot. My brows knitted together in confusion as I wondered where he was headed. He was supposed to be my ride back, after all. Quickening my pace, I called out, "Liam, wait up!" 

He didn't seem to hear me at first, so I raised my voice and called again. 

 This time, he stopped abruptly, turning around with an odd expression on his face. As I got closer, I noticed a look of confusion in his eyes, like he was trying to make sense of something he couldn't quite grasp. 

"Liam, are you okay?" I asked, searching his face. His brown eyes seemed blank, distant, and there was a deep frown etched across his forehead. 

The way he looked at me sent a chill down my spine, as if he were in some kind of trance. 

"Liam," I said gently, reaching out, but it was like I wasn't even there. Without a word, he turned and started walking away again, his strides urgent and mechanical, as though something invisible was pulling him along. 

My heart raced, a sense of unease settling over me. What was happening to him? 

Crescent Moon Town was miles away, and Liam was my only ride back. Panic set in as I watched him straddle his bike, slipping his helmet on without a single glance my way. Something was definitely wrong. 

"Liam, wait!" I shouted, breaking into a sprint, hoping he'd hear me. But he started the engine, the rumble drowning out my voice, and within moments, he sped off, leaving me in a cloud of dust and disbelief. 

I stood there, stunned and hurt, unable to shake the feeling that the Liam I'd kissed and spent the night with had somehow become a stranger overnight. 

 This wasn't like him at all; it was as though he were under some sort of spell, completely detached from reality—and from me. 

As I stared at the empty road, reality settled in. I was stranded, with no ride home and no one around to call for help. 

My day had officially taken a nosedive. Left stranded by Liam, I reached for my phone, only to discover the battery was completely dead. 

I sighed, frustration bubbling up—of course, on the one day I desperately needed my phone, it had to fail me. I wished I'd had my skateboard with me; it would've made this mess a little easier. 

 The only option now was to walk to my old house and find a charger there, even though I knew my aunt would disapprove. 

With no other choice, I slung my school bag over my shoulder and started walking. Claudine was too far away, and she was probably off with Titan, back in Crescent Moon Town. Besides, I was broke, so even if there was a cab nearby, I couldn't pay for it. 

The familiar sight of my old house loomed up ahead. 

 Anxiety gnawed at me as I approached, half-expecting my aunt's voice to echo in my head, warning me to stay away. But I had no choice. I scanned my surroundings, making sure it was safe before heading closer. 

Then, I froze. Parked just in front of the house was a sleek, black Lamborghini—a rare sight in this neighborhood. 

 And leaning casually against it was a young man, maybe in his twenties, watching me approach. My heart skipped a beat. He was strikingly attractive, with blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and an athletic build that his fitted jeans and white V-neck shirt emphasized. 

Dark ink covered his arms in intricate tattoos, adding to his allure. He noticed me coming and straightened up, his gaze sharp and curious. 

"You must be Haylie," he said, his voice deep and a little rough around the edges—a voice that sent shivers down my spine. 

I halted, forcing myself to keep my cool. "I am. Why do you ask?" 

He stepped away from the car, his eyes holding mine as he replied, "Because Liam asked me to come. He's truly sorry for leaving you like that, and I'll be the one to take you home." 

My heart skipped again at the mention of Liam's name. So, they knew each other? I swallowed, suddenly aware of my nerves. "How come I've never met you before?" I asked, trying to sound casual. 

The man walked up to me, his intense blue gaze holding me in place. He licked his lips, and I couldn't help but notice the warmth and softness of them. 

"I guess he never mentioned me," he replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "If you'd like, I can give you a ride home." 

Something about him made my pulse quicken, and I hesitated, my instincts battling with the pull of curiosity. 

The way he looked at me made my cheeks heat up, my heart racing like it never had before. Maybe it was that undeniable bad-boy vibe he had—the tattoos, the intense gaze, and that calm, confident energy. If Liam trusted him, I could too…right? 

"Okay, I'll go with you then," I said, my voice a little shaky with nerves. The man gave me a slight smile, then walked over and opened the passenger door for me. 

My heart fluttered at the small, gentlemanly gesture—who would've thought he'd be so sweet? I slipped into the car, taking in the luxurious feel of the leather seats and the unmistakable scent of newness that filled the air. 

He closed the door behind me, and I buckled my seatbelt, feeling my excitement and nerves blend together. 

 Soon enough, he got in on the driver's side, his hands expertly navigating the controls as he started the engine. The powerful rumble of the car sent a thrill through me; I couldn't help but smile, savoring the feeling of speed and control. Glancing at him, I noticed his smirk and the playful wink he threw my way before we set off. 

As the car glided smoothly down the road, I couldn't resist the question that had been nagging me since he'd first spoken. "I never got your name," I said, turning to him. 

He gave me a teasing look, a smile playing on his lips. "Do you really want to know my name?" 

I bit my lip, playing along. "Well, you are the guy taking me home." 

He chuckled, his gaze warm as he finally answered, "The name's Jacen, but my friends call me JC." 

The way he said it made my heart skip a beat, his voice low and inviting. 

There was something magnetic about him, and I couldn't ignore the pull I felt, as though this wasn't just a random encounter. Something about this felt… fated. 

I tried to push down the growing sense of attraction to JC and get my head straight. Liam was still my priority, even if he had forgotten me at school and left me stranded. But if Liam had sent JC to give me a ride, then maybe he was genuinely sorry, right? 

Taking a deep breath, I noticed we were approaching the town gates. The guards checked the car thoroughly before letting us through. 

 I couldn't quite understand the intense security measures, though it was probably just the town's way of maintaining order. As we drove in, JC glanced at me. "Where do you live?" he asked. 

I didn't know the street name offhand, so I replied, "I live in the red wooden house." If he knew Liam, he probably knew where it was, as it was the only red house on the street. 

A smile crept across his face. "Ah, the witch house—the only one. My mother used to practice there with Camelia and Amora back then." 

My heart skipped a beat, and I looked at him in surprise. "So, you know my Aunt Camelia?" 

His expression softened. "I do—through my mother, but that was a long time ago." 

It felt surreal. "So… your mother was a witch?" 

He glanced over at me, and his face grew a bit sad. "She was, but not anymore. My parents passed away when I was three." 

My heart sank at the pain I saw in his eyes. For the first time, I felt a connection that went deeper than his gorgeous looks; we shared the same sadness. I could feel it, almost like a bond. 

When I spotted my house, I pointed. "That's me," I said. He slowed the car, pulling up to the curb and cutting the engine. I unbuckled my seatbelt and turned to him, a warm feeling spreading through me. "Thank you for taking me home." 

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Anytime. I couldn't just let you walk home." 

As I opened the car door and slung my bag over my shoulder, I heard the other door open and turned to see JC getting out, calling after me. "Haylie, wait." 

I froze, gripping my bag straps tightly as he walked over and stopped in front of me. 

 His gaze was intense, and he looked a bit nervous. "I know this might sound crazy, but… I'd like to see you again." 

Nervous excitement bubbled up inside me. "Jacen, I—" I started, feeling flustered, but then his hand took mine, sending a shock of electricity through me, similar to what I felt with Liam but… different. 

This was intense, almost awakening something deeper in me. 

"Maybe you could leave your number, and I could call you," I said, but then realized my phone was dead. "Actually, let me give you my number, and you can reach out." 

He let go of my hand and reached into his jeans pocket, pulling out his phone. "Okay, what's your number?" he asked, his gaze sincere and focused. My heart softened a little—he was serious. I took his phone from him, carefully entered my number, and saved it under *Haylie* before handing it back. 

"We could grab coffee sometime," I suggested with a hopeful smile. 

A warm smile tugged at his lips. "I'd take you up on that coffee," he replied, his voice soft yet steady. That smile was almost mesmerizing, leaving my legs feeling slightly numb. 

"Okay, then. I'll see you around," I said, smiling back before turning toward the house. I needed to get inside because there was something about him I just couldn't figure out—it was magnetic yet a little mysterious. 

As I reached the front door, I glanced over my shoulder one last time. JC was still there, watching me, and as I met his gaze, he lifted his hand in a casual wave. I returned the wave with a soft smile and finally went inside, my mind still buzzing with the unexpected encounter. 

Liam POV  

As I pulled my bike up in front of the house, I removed my helmet, feeling the dampness of sweat clinging to my hair. 

 My mind was racing, replaying everything that had just happened. I'd left Haylie, innocent and alone, back at the school. I hadn't meant to—it was like I froze up, struggling to process that she was me fated mate. 

How was that even possible? I had no real feelings for her, yet there was this undeniable pull. 

"Because she is our mate, and her spirit is beautiful," my wolf chimed in, his voice steady and sure in my mind. 

I rolled my eyes internally, trying to brush him off, but the truth was there—I'd been a jerk for leaving her. She was probably mad, or worse, hurt by the sudden way I left. 

I pulled out my phone, unlocking it to call her. But her phone went straight to voicemail. Strange. She had mentioned being bad with phones, but still, why would it be off? The nagging feeling in my chest grew stronger. 

With a heavy sigh, I slid my phone back into my jeans pocket and pulled my helmet back on. I needed to find her, to make things right. Leaving Haylie like that wasn't an option—I couldn't bear it. She was the woman I loved, and I wasn't about to let her slip away. 

Starting the bike, I revved the engine, feeling the familiar roar beneath me, and headed straight back to the school. 

 But when I got there, she was nowhere in sight. Panic surged through me. I asked a few people if they'd seen her, but no one knew where she'd gone. Frustration built up in me, and I could feel my blood boiling. Where could she have gone? 

Reaching out to my wolf, I asked, *"Ace, can you use your senses to pick up Haylie's scent?"* 

Ace let out a small growl before answering, *"I can sense a faint trace, but it's not strong enough to follow."* 

Her scent was too faint, leaving me with nothing solid to go on. I checked the nearby skate park, thinking she might've gone there, but still, no sign of her—not even at the willow tree where we'd shared our first kiss. 

Anxiety clawed at me, and I felt my wolf stirring, restless. 

 I had to find her. If anything happened to her, I'd never forgive myself. Then, an idea flashed in my mind—the old house. Maybe she'd gone there? It was risky, off-limits, but I was ready to search anywhere. I raced over, my heart pounding, only to find the place silent and deserted. 

Slumping back onto my bike, frustration built inside me. She had to be on her way home by now, right? 

Suddenly, Ace's voice broke through my thoughts. *"Liam, she was here. I can still catch a faint trace of her scent lingering in the air."* 

Hope sparked in my chest, and I reached out to Ace. *"Can you tell which way she went?"* 

I took a deep breath, waiting, as I felt the bike hum to life beneath me. *"The scent is heading toward Crescent Moon Town,"* Ace replied. 

"Thank you, Ace," I murmured. I had to find her. I had to make sure she was safe—no matter what. 

Guilt gnawed at me for what had happened. The woman I'd met earlier, claiming to be my fated mate, had thrown me off balance and caused me to act like a jerk toward Haylie. 

 But that woman, whoever she was, didn't change how I felt. I still loved Haylie, deeply and fiercely. Nothing and no one could take that away from me. 

I brought my bike to a halt at the curb by the red wooden house. 

Taking off my helmet, I noticed the wind had picked up, and the sky was darkening quickly—a storm was coming. I'd have to make this quick. 

The cold wind bit at me as I climbed off the bike, setting my helmet down. This was my only chance, and I felt certain she was here; the faint scent of daisies lingered in the air. 

Taking a deep breath, I made my way toward the front door, breathing in the familiar floral scent mixed with the oncoming rain. 

 Anxiety churned in my stomach as I knocked firmly twice on the heavy wooden door, whispering a small prayer that she would answer. 

After a few tense moments, the door opened, and there she was—Haylie, looking up at me with those brilliant emerald-green eyes. "Liam," she said softly. 

 My heart raced, and without thinking, I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her tightly. 

"You have no idea how glad I am to see you," I murmured, holding her as if I might lose her again. 

Reluctantly, I pulled back, meeting her gaze. "I'm such a jerk for leaving you like that at school earlier," I admitted, guilt washing over me as her big green eyes searched mine. "I'm really sorry for the way I've been acting today." 

Haylie bit her lip, looking at me with concern. "You haven't been yourself all day, Liam. What's going on?" 

I took a step back, struggling to find the words. How could I explain this to her, to tell her about the woman who'd claimed to be my fated mate? Haylie's voice cut through my hesitation. 

"At least tell me the truth," she insisted, her gaze unwavering. 

I let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I... I met my fated mate today," I confessed, regretting the words as soon as they left my mouth. 

I watched as the color drained from her face, her lips parting in shock. 

"You... you met your mate?" Her voice was barely a whisper. 

I nodded, feeling my stomach twist painfully. "She... she has my mark on her neck." 

Ace's regretful moan echoed in my mind, but it was too late. Haylie's expression turned cold, her vibrant green eyes hardening as the shock settled into something harsher. My heart twisted painfully as I watched the hurt spread across her face. What was I thinking? 

"Well," she said, her voice brittle, "then why are you here? You should be with your fated mate." 

My eyes widened. She didn't mean that—did she? She was the one I wanted to be with, not that other woman who claimed to be my mate. 

Before I could say anything, Haylie turned abruptly, walking down the sidewalk. 

"Haylie, wait!" I called after her, desperation in my voice. 

She glanced back over her shoulder, her face a mixture of sadness and anger. "Go be with your true love, Liam," she said, before continuing to walk away. 

I ran my hands through my hair, feeling the weight of my mistake. I'd blown it. I couldn't let her go like this. I had to stop her. 

Without thinking, I ran after her, the words of my wolf ringing in my head. *Way to go, Liam.* I wasn't in the mood for Ace's reproach, so I blocked him out, focusing on catching up to Haylie. 

 She was fast, determined to get away from me, but I finally managed to reach her. Gently, I grabbed her wrist to make her stop. 

 She turned around, tears brimming in her eyes as she looked at me. My heart broke seeing the pain I'd caused her. 

Everything around us felt like it faded away, leaving only the two of us standing there in the cold wind. 

"I don't care if she's my fated mate or whatever she's supposed to be," I said, my voice raw and shaky. "I want you, Haylie." 

Her gaze softened, but I could see the silent tears trailing down her cheeks. "But... she's your fated mate, Liam," she murmured, her voice barely audible. 

I lifted my hand to her cheek, wiping away her tears with my fingertips, feeling the warmth of her skin against my touch. "I don't care what she is," I replied, searching her eyes. "I love you, Haylie." 

My voice was thick with emotion, the words slipping out as my heart took over. "You are my everything, and I want to be with you—the woman I love." 

As I watched her absorb my words, I could see the disbelief flicker in her eyes, like she was struggling to accept it. 

The words had slipped out so naturally, and I was as surprised as she was by the depth of my own confession. Haylie was the first person I'd ever truly loved, the only one who'd ever touched my heart in such a powerful way. 

"You… love me?" she whispered, as if testing the words, as if they were fragile. 

Gently, I tilted her chin up, meeting her gaze before leaning closer. My lips found hers, soft and trembling, tasting the salt of her tears. 

Slowly, I deepened the kiss, pouring every ounce of feeling I had into it. My hands cupped her face, and I kissed her with a passion that I hoped would tell her everything—how much I loved her, how much I wanted her to know that nothing and no one else mattered. 

In that moment, I knew I'd found the one I wanted to be with. I was kissing the woman I loved, and I never wanted to let her go.