(Brave’s POV)

I followed her line of sight. Her hazel eyes were fixated on that professor’s back with such intensity that it made me uncomfortable. ’Does she like that Fabian guy? Is that why she kept staring at him?’ Raw commented, scowling. ’No, this can’t happen. She is our mate, and we can’t let her fall for anyone else.’

’Mate or not, this cannot happen. We cannot let her fall for someone close to the vampires. We cannot let her fall into a pit of danger,’ I replied. I stepped right in front of Myra, obstructing her vision. Then I noticed her hair, they were slightly messed up from Fabian’s earlier mussing. I extended my hand, trying to fix them, but when I tried, she flinched instinctively and shut her eyes, scrunching them tightly.

My hand halted midway as I looked at her scared expression. In that instance, my heart ached. Was it because of the sequela of the recent kidnapping incident, or was it because she was still frightened of me? I don’t know. But it can’t go on like this. I need to ease her worries and show that I won’t do anything to her. That I won’t harm her in any way. Not even in my dreams.

Carefully, deliberately, my fingers came in contact with her wavy, golden bronze locks as I smoothened them. She must have realized what I was doing because the next second, she peeked and our eyes met. I murmured, my voice came out a lot raspier than normal, "I’ll fix it for you."

I saw something flickering in those orbs, but she did nod, giving her permission. I couldn’t help but smile; the butterflies in my stomach were a flying mess. I haven’t felt like this in a long, long time. The last time I did was with~ ... it was with the love of my life, Hannah. She was the only one who had made my heart flutter. But~ ... why am I feeling those kinds of emotions once again?

Hannah is my love, she will always be~ .... but Myra, she is~ .... I like her, but it is not love. So, is it because of the mate bond Raw keeps talking about? But nothing is certain yet. In this day and age, fated mates are rare. A second chance, mate, is even rarer. And to add on it, a Lycan and a human being fated, that has never happened before. Is it even possible? There might be some sort of connection between us, but I still don’t fully believe that I and Myra~ .... that Myra and I, we are supposed to be destined mates.

But if she is nothing special to me, then why does my heart skip a beat whenever I am in her presence? Why do my eyes linger in her direction when she is close by? Why can’t I see her with someone of the opposite sex? Why do I keep searching for her?

All these questions are swamping my brain. And for the first time, I don’t have any answer for any of it. I should probably ask Myra some questions on our way. Maybe it would give me some clarity.

’Rave, let’s not think too much and try to go with the flow. Everything, every knot will be entangled when it needs to. Don’t stress too much.’

I fixed each strand of her hair meticulously, and my hand kept brushing her cheek ever so slightly. Whenever it did, I could feel her peach fuzz standing on its end; her face was turning flushed a bit too.

"All done," I said, clearing my throat.

"Thank you," she spoke, her voice soft, her lashes fluttering. I took a step back and stretched out my hand, "We should go as well."

She nodded, and after a second, placed her hand in my palm. Her hand was warm and soft. Not cushy or velvety, but mild and soothing, giving me tingles all over. I could hear Raw squealing inside me like a teenager.

I sighed as we walked side by side, hand in hand. I tried to maintain a slow pace as the pathway was made up of stones. Then I recalled something, "Uhh~ ... Nora told me about the video on the forum last night," I started. "Are you alright?"

She hummed.

"What are you going to do now? What’s the plan?" I inquired, trying to know her next move.

"What else? I’ll be filing a formal complaint against all the perpetrators," she replied confidently. "I won’t let a single one go like this. Criminals like them deserve no mercy. And they will get none from me."

"As you should. Wise decision. I will accompany you to the police station," I suggested. Then I quickly added, "If you need me to." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"If I need your help~ ... I will tell you," she said. At least, unlike before, she didn’t outright reject my words. That’s some progress.

As we reached my car, I saw someone already there, and my face turned cold with annoyance. ’What is he still doing here?’

"Gunnar, didn’t you return with Chairman Larson and company earlier? What are you still doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even.

He replied, his tone professional, "I was ordered by the master to drive you two back, safe and sound." Saying this, he opened the back door and stood aside, gesturing us to get inside, "Mr. Everests, Ms. Miracle~ .... please~ ..."

Myra let go of my hand and swiftly settled inside the vehicle, thanking him. I exhaled an exhausting breath and followed her. ’I guess I can’t talk about any personal matter today.’ Raw scowled, ’Ughhh~ .... just when I thought we could get some alone time with her. These nosy vampires had to interrupt.’

(Author’s POV)

"Secretary Shadow, I called and texted you several times in the past few days. Why didn’t you reply to any of those?" Fabian questioned, looking at Chris, his gaze sharp.

Chris, who was in the driver’s seat, replied nonchalantly, "I was trekking on a mountain to look for master’s medicine. My phone’s battery had died on the way, so I couldn’t tell. I apologize, young master."

"You should have told me once you were on the plane," Fabian said.

"Ok, okay~ ... stop. He is back, and I have already taken the medicine," Jacob said, resting his head on the back. "I am feeling much better now. Cut some slack, Fabian."

"But~ ... grandfather~ ... *sigh*" Fabian hooked a finger and loosened his tie, frustratingly. If he had known Chris was returning in advance, he would have scheduled things in a better way.

Now, neither has he confessed his feelings to Myra, nor has he driven with her. If not for his quick thinking and Gunnar’s presence, that Lycan wolf and Myra~ .... They would be driving back alone for around three hours.

Even the thought of it was unsettling.

To Be Continued . . . . . . . .