Chapter 231
Walking home with my family, I could hardly focus on anything other than the memory of Adam’s kiss on my cheek. It was such a strange, surreal moment.
It had happened right in front of his family, my family, and even though it was chaste at best, the whole world had seemed to stop for a second. The way he leaned in, the warmth of his lips—everything had felt so intense. I couldn’t believe it actually happened. I still couldn’t believe his audacity.
I sighed now as I remembered the looks that had overtaken the faces of the people around.
Adam’s brothers had looked aghast. Daniel had been boiling with anger, for one. The same was Claire’s situation. But that had been expected. Only Naomi had seemed pleased, if the tiny smile on her lips had been any indication.
I wondered now though, if she ever thought of Maya, if she ever thought that she was betraying Maya, by supporting the motion of Adam and I dating.
The other person who had seemed pleased was Levina. But that was quite expected, since she didn’t know much about the triplets, about our history.
But my family had been so shaken, like I had been, to react in time, to maybe destroy Adam, for crossing an unseen boundary. They had gotten back to themselves, however, when he had walked out of the tent. Peter had tried to pursue after him, but Laura had called him back. She hadn’t seen the use. I hadn’t complained; and she had seen that.
I glanced at them now. My family. Peter’s jaw was clenched, and I could see he was trying to keep his anger in check. I wasn’t sure if the anger was directed at me, or at Adam, or at the Lycan’s family as a whole, or at the Queen and her injustice. We hadn’t spoken a word to each other since we had left for home. It was safe to say that there was tension.
Laura looked worried but was trying to stay calm. Diana was the same. But I could see the impatience that kept gliding past her small face at intervals. Just like me, she couldn’t wait for the adults to say something.
The thick silence was finally broken by Peter, a few miles away from home. “So, Maya,” he said, his voice low but edged with frustration, “when did you and Adam become so chummy p>
His anger was directed at Adam then… and maybe me. But I understood why. And it made me happy that he was looking out for me, like a father should.
But I could feel my cheeks burning. “Peter, it’s not like that,” I began, trying to keep my voice steady. “It was just a friendly gesture p>
Laura chimed in, her voice softer. “But why would he do that, Maya? What’s going on between you two? I thought he was supposed to disgust you. Have you forgiven me? Surely, there must be some change in dynamics, for him to drop a kiss on your cheek p>
I hesitated, searching for the right words. “It’s complicated,” I said finally. “We’ve been talking more lately, but it’s not anything serious. I was surprised by the kiss too. It was just too sudden p>
Peter cut in before I could say more. “Complicated? Maya, you know who Adam is. Even if he’s a handsome prince, it doesn’t change the fact that he’s bad news, that he is a brute, that he had beaten you to almost death. He will always be that hard hearted, like his father. So, what are you doing talking to him? Old feelings p>
I sighed, knowing this was coming. “Peter, he’s trying to change. People can change, right p>
I sounded hollow even, to myself. Change? Why was I defending Adam? Because we were friends? I was beginning to doubt my intentions?
Peter shook his head, clearly upset. “It’s not just about change. It’s about who he is, what he represents. He’s got a reputation, Maya. A prince or not, he’s got a history that you shouldn’t ignore. You both have a personal history! Are you going to forget about that too p>
Laura, seeing the tension rise higher than before, put a hand on Peter’s arm, trying to calm him. “Maybe we should give Maya a chance to explain. It’s clear she’s thinking things through. She’s an adult after all p>
But Peter wasn’t convinced. “Explain what? That she’s getting involved with someone who’s not worth her time? Maya, you deserve someone who respects you and doesn’t play games p>
I felt a lump forming in my throat. “Adam is my friend now. I have chosen to forgive him. And he’s trying to make things right. He’s not perfect, but he’s not the same person he used to be p>
For all our sakes, I hoped it was true.
Laura glanced at Peter, then back at me. “Look, honey, we just want what’s best for you. We don’t want you to get hurt. Friend or not, if he’s not right for you, we don’t want you to get caught up in something that could be dangerous p>
Peter’s voice was still firm, but there was a trace of sadness in it. “We’ve seen too many people get hurt by trusting the wrong people. We don’t want that for you p>
I nodded, feeling the weight of their concerns. “I understand. I really do. I’ll be careful. I can handle Adam. I’m not the same person as I was when he met me as Maya p>
We continued walking in silence, and I could tell that my parents were still worried. I felt torn between wanting to defend Adam and wanting to respect their wishes. I knew they were just looking out for me, but their words weighed heavily on me.
Diana, surprisingly, hadn’t said a word. But by the set position of her jaws, I could tell that she was very angry with me. Was I stupid trusting Adam for the second time? Diana seemed to think so.
A few minutes later, as we turned into the last bend that would lead us home, the familiar crunch of gravel beneath our feet was suddenly overshadowed by an unsettling feeling. It was as if someone—or something—was watching us. I couldn’t shake the sensation, and it made me feel uneasy. I glanced around, but all I saw were the usual trees and houses bathed in the fading light of evening.
“Is everything okay, Maya?” Laura asked, her voice tinged with concern.
I shook my head, trying to brush off the feeling. “I’m not sure. I just have this weird feeling, like someone is watching us.” Read full story at.net
I finally dropped another secret I had withheld from them.
Peter’s brow furrowed. “Watching us? Are you sure you’re not just imagining things p>
“No,” I insisted, “it feels too real to ignore. I know it sounds strange, but I’ve been feeling this way for a while now p>
They looked worried then. Even Diana.
“Have you noticed anything unusual? Any signs that might explain this?” Laura asked
I shook my head again. “I don’t know actually. But it’s like there’s someone out there, keeping an eye on us. It’s making me really anxious p>
Laura took a deep breath and turned to me with a determined look. “I can use a bit of magic to try and sense if there’s anything unusual around us. It might help p>
She began murmuring a few words under her breath, her hands moving in intricate patterns as she cast a spell to detect any magical or otherworldly presence. Her face was focused, and for a moment, I hoped that the spell would reveal something that could explain the feeling.
After a few moments, she finished the spell and looked around with a puzzled expression. “I don’t sense anything out of the ordinary. There’s no magical presence or hidden threats nearby p>
Peter looked relieved but still concerned. “So, it’s not magical, but you’re sure you’re feeling this, Maya? It’s not just stress or imagination p>
I nodded, feeling frustrated. “I’m sure. It’s a strong feeling, like someone is observing me, and it’s been bothering me for days p>
Laura put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I believe you, Maya. It’s just that there doesn’t seem to be any immediate danger. Maybe it’s something we can’t detect right now p>
Peter started walking again, and we followed, the tension dissipating from the air. “Let’s keep moving,” he said. “We’ll get home and make sure everything is secure. It’s probably best not to dwell on it too much until we know more p>