eroom's stifling environment and Ethan's intense stare. The sounds of his taunting

ted by the soft murmur of the gymnastics area. In that space, illuminated by the so

ng in heavy gasps. Annie noticed her immediately

f concern and surprise. "What's wron

er her forehead, her voice unsteady

ether. "Ethan? Who is Ethan?

erself. "He cornered me in the boy's lockeroom. "I

k evident on her face. "Are yo

seem logical. But the bond... It was unmistak

Cecilia. This person, you just met isn't someone you can trust. If he is

pine. "I don't think Ethan is like him," she said, though

n exerting control and instilling fear." If he detects vulnerabi

ecollection of Ethan's piercing

lia. Her resistance fascinated him, her existence awakened emotions he hadn't experienc

He had never trusted in second chances, much less in second-chance mates.

n exit. His lips turned up into a smirk, but his eyes revealed a hi

seated on a bench near the gymnastics

next?" Annie asked

to confront him, demand answers. But another part

re you insane? You don't really know him that m

I'll keep my distance," she said finally. "Bu

for the time being, let's conce

teps caused Cecilia to become tense. She looked to find Ethan at the entrance, his silhouett

uickly," he said, his tone laced with i

osture stiff. "What

nce commanding the room. "

ow why you ran.

, though her voice wavered slig

"You wanted to leave? Funny, It's not

him intimidate her. "Whatever you feel is ir

, his voice becoming more quiet. "And you

ot. But I can decide how to deal with it. "And at thi

an answer, she wal

her, he whispered quie

the chilly night breeze sharply contrasting

" Annie asked

er mind was a whirlwind

and. "Remember what

small smile. "I wi

Ethan's words held more meaning than just a warning-they carried a promise. For the firs

knock on her window surprised her. She stood still, her heart pounding. Gradually

ha

ttempted to rise, but her body felt weighted as if anchored down. Ethan

o scream or react, a sudd

?" Annie's voice called

flooded back to her. She blinked quickly, looking around h

dr

ttempting to dispel the persistent fear. Yet the dream

ocked again, this t

egs over the side of the bed, her feet landing on the chilly floor. As