Nightmares at Everglade Falls

20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Gabriel

I walk into Alpha Leadership class with Owen. The room is buzzing with energy, filled with alphas and vampires. Professor Blackwood is already at the front, his imposing presence demanding attention.

“Alright, everyone, settle down,” he says, his voice deep and authoritative. “Today, we’re discussing territorial management and conflict resolution. It’s crucial for alphas to understand how to handle disputes within and between packs.”

Owen nudges me as we take our seats. “You look tense. What’s up?”

I glance around, making sure no one is listening. “My dad showed up yesterday.”

Owen raises an eyebrow. “Oh? What did he want?”

I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “To tell me I’m making a huge mistake. He basically forbade me from being with Ophelia.”

Owen’s eyes widen. “Seriously? Why?”

“He thinks I’m compromising my future. Says I should be focusing on the family business, maintaining our alliance with the Lacroix. Apparently, my breakup with Isabella is a big deal.”

“Damn,” Owen mutters. “That’s intense.”

Professor Blackwood starts explaining a scenario involving two rival packs, but my mind is elsewhere. I can’t stop thinking about the conversation with my father.

“He threatened to cut me off from the pack,” I continue in a low voice. “Like he did with my uncle.”

Owen’s expression turns serious. “Your uncle? The one who—”

“Yeah, him. He defied the family, got cut off, and now he’s a mess. Addicted, homeless. My dad thinks that’s what’ll happen to me.”

“That’s harsh, man. What are you gonna do?”

I shrug, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. “I don’t know. I told my dad what he wanted to hear, that I’d end things with Ophelia. But I can’t do it. I love her.”

“Have you told her that?”

“ Man, I haven’t even told her about the ‘mate’ thing, Owen! I don’t know. She has been through too much. There is no way I am dropping this on her right now.”

Owen gives me a sympathetic look. “Sounds like you’re caught between a rock and a hard place.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter.

Professor Blackwood calls on me to explain how I’d resolve a territory dispute. I stand, trying to focus on the lesson. “I’d call a meeting with the other alpha. Open communication is key. We’d outline our boundaries clearly and agree on a neutral mediator if needed.”

“Good, Gabriel,” Professor Blackwood nods. “Diplomacy first, force as a last resort.”

I sit back down, Owen leaning in. “So, what’s your plan?”

“I need to talk to Ophelia. Tell her everything. Maybe we can figure it out together.”

Owen nods. “Makes sense. And what about Isabella? You think she’s the one who told your parents?”

“Definitely. She’s been avoiding me ever since the breakup.”

“Figures,” Owen says, shaking his head. “Well, whatever happens, I’ve got your back.”

“Thanks, man,” I say, feeling a bit lighter. “I appreciate it.”

Professor Blackwood wraps up the class, assigning us a conflict resolution project. As we pack up, Owen claps me on the shoulder. “Good luck with Ophelia. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will,” I say, smiling despite the turmoil inside.

I head out of the classroom, my mind racing. I need to find Ophelia, tell her the truth, and figure out what comes next. My father’s words echo in my mind, but my heart tells me I can’t give up on her.

I spot Ophelia by her locker, talking to Aurora. She looks up, our eyes meeting, and I feel a surge of tenderness towards her.

I can’t give her up!

We sit together for lunch, the four of us finding our usual spot in the corner of the cafeteria. Aurora is practically glowing, her usual effervescence dialed up a notch as she chats with Owen.

“Why are you skipping blood, Owen?” Aurora asks, her tone playfully accusatory.

Owen shrugs, looking nonchalant. “I’m okay, really.”

Aurora rolls her eyes and then offers her wrist to him. “Come on, you need to feed.”

I watch as Owen’s eyes darken slightly, the hunger evident. He takes her wrist, and I can smell the arousal on both of them. Feeding is such an intimate thing. Ophelia watches, her curiosity piqued.

“What does it feel like?” Ophelia asks, her voice soft but eager.

Aurora’s breath hitches as Owen’s fangs sink into her wrist. “It’s...intense. A mix of pain and pleasure.”

Ophelia’s cheeks flush, and I feel a surge of possessiveness. She turns to Owen. “Can I try it out?”

Owen chuckles, pulling back from Aurora. “Sorry, Ophelia, but I can’t. It’s not just about the bite. There’s a bond that forms during feeding. It’s...intimate.”

Ophelia blushes deeper and looks at me, her eyes full of wonder. I lean in close, my voice low. “If you want pain and pleasure, we can talk about that after class.”

She laughs, a light sound that sends a thrill through me. “I have a witchcraft class in the next ten minutes.”

I groan internally, but then she surprises me by leaning in and kissing me. It’s brief, but enough to feel my erection press into my trousers. She pulls back, her eyes twinkling. “See you later, Gabriel.”

She leaves, and I can barely focus on anything else. Owen’s feeding, Aurora’s soft gasps, none of it compares to the way Ophelia’s kiss lingers on my lips.

“You’re one lucky guy,” Owen says, his voice breaking through my thoughts.

“Yeah,” I mutter, still watching Ophelia’s retreating form. “I know.”

Aurora looks between us, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “So, Gabriel, you ready for that discussion after class?”

I smirk, knowing exactly what she means. “Oh, definitely.”

The rest of lunch passes in a blur. We finish up, and soon, it’s time for classes again. As I walk to my next class, I can still feel the ghost of Ophelia’s kiss, her laugh echoing in my ears. She’s so fucking hot, and I can’t wait for our discussion later.