I return to the packhouse with the recent events lingering in my mind. Searching for Nina, I find Flint and Josie in the living room instead.
'Nina is in her room, in case you are wondering,' Flint informs me.
Josie, her expression empathetic, adds, 'She said she wants to be left alone and will have dinner in her room tonight.'
I nod in acknowledgment and head into the hallway. Just then, May storms toward me, presumably ready to voice her disapproval. Anticipating her reaction, I speak up first.
'May, can I talk to you privately for a moment?' I ask softly.
She comes to a halt with confusion, quickly replaced by a glimmer of hope. 'Yes, I think we are overdue for a private moment,' she smiles, misinterpreting my intentions.
We step outside into the courtyard, seeking privacy away from prying eyes and ears. I gaze at May with a solemn expression. 'May, I want you to know that neither Nina nor Claire is my fated mate.'
'What? How'd you know that?' she asks, taken aback.
'Remember, my wolf arrived early. I can sense my mate now,' I explain, my brows furrowed.
'But wait, that means I'm not your mate either, am I?' she says, her lips trembling.
I nod sadly. 'I'm sorry, May. I never meant to hurt you, and I never meant to hurt Nina. I will be breaking up with Claire tomorrow at school, and she's also going to be hurt by it. Today in the lake that was all me. That wasn't Nina's fault, and it was unfair of you to attack her like that. Just as I owe you an apology, you also owe Nina one,' I assert.
May sighs, looking away in thought. 'You're right. Jealousy got the better of me. I wouldn't be surprised if Nina wishes I was dead after the way I've been to her all these years. I've always been so mean to her because I saw the longing in her eyes every time she stared at you,' May confesses.
'Nina loves you, May. She would never wish that upon you. She even tried to protect you against Claire that day you got into a fight, remember?' I remind her.
May wears a regretful expression. 'You're right. I don't deserve Nina's forgiveness,' she says quietly.
I place my hand on May's shoulder. 'Leave that for Nina to decide,' I advise, offering a comforting smile.
May wipes the tears from her eyes with the back of her hands. 'Thanks, Magnus,' she says, grateful for my words.
I don’t want to go to school today knowing I have to end things with Claire. Sometimes, I have to wonder if it’s me who has the curse. Everyone who seems to care for me ends up hurt.
Dragging myself out of bed, the impending breakup with Claire makes me anxious and worried. I have to wonder if it’s me who has the curse. Everyone who seems to care for me ends up hurt.
I force my feet out of bed, knowing what I need to do. I get dressed, wash my face in the basin, and reluctantly go downstairs for breakfast. Everyone is already halfway through their breakfast when I enter. I must have slept in.
Greeted by familiar faces, I notice Nina's distant gaze fixed on her cereal, her mind seemingly a universe away. Her eyes, distant and lost in thought, betray an underlying turmoil as she mechanically swivels her spoon through her breakfast. I take my seat, and as if on cue, she stands up, schoolbag in hand, ready to leave.
'In a hurry?' Leon, her father asks.
'I'm meeting up with Moss so we can walk to school together,' she replies, her voice betraying little emotion.
'Okay, honey. You have a great day,' Leon wishes her well with a hint of concern.
'Thanks, Dad,' she replies and rushes out the door.
With Zak, May, and Josie prepared to leave for school, I grab my bag and join them, my mind wrestling with the task of ending things with Claire.
I turn to May, my thoughts on Nina. 'Have you talked to Nina yet?' I ask, my voice cautious.
'No, last night I went to her room, but she ignored me and wouldn't open the door,' May replies. I can see the sadness in her eyes.
'Nina has gone through a lot. She needs some time, and then I'm sure she will hear you out,' I tell her reassuringly.
'I hope so,' May sighs with a guilt-ridden expression.
As we arrive at the school, the familiar surroundings do little to ease my turmoil. Making my way to my locker, I hear Claire's voice calling out my pet name she likes to call me. 'Boo-boo, I missed you,' she says with a smile, leaning in for a kiss. However, I take a step back, a starting point for the difficult conversation ahead.
'Claire, we need to talk,' I say, my tone serious.
'What's the matter, Boo-boo?' She asks, her expression tinged with uncertainty.
'There is something I need to tell you, and I'd prefer to tell you privately,' I convey, glancing around at the bustling school corridor.
'Whatever you have to say, you can say it here. I'm sure it's not that bad, whatever it is,' Claire insists.
'Fine, if you insist,’ I ask her.
‘I do insist,’ she replies adamantly.
‘Claire... you know how I have my wolf now?' I begin, choosing my words carefully.
'Yes,' she responds, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of the conversation.
'Well, that means I can sense and feel my mate, and I don't feel the mate bond with you,' I tell her gently.
Claire gasps loudly, drawing the attention of those nearby. 'What are you saying, Magnus?' she says, attempting to act shocked.
'What I'm saying is you're not my mate. So, our relationship needs to end. You're only going to get hurt if we stay together and I find my fated mate,' I explain, trying to soften the blow.
'You're dumping me in front of everyone at school?' She shrieks.
'I made it clear I wanted to tell you privately, but you insisted here was fine,' I retort.
Claire bursts into tears. 'How dare you break up with me! No one breaks up with me!' She shouts.
'Claire, I'm sorry, but it's over,' I say casually, taking my textbook from the locker and heading to English class.
Claire doesn't sit in her usual spot next to me in English class but a few rows away, sobbing throughout the class. The teacher, noticing the disturbance, addresses her. 'Your crying is rather distracting. Do you need to see the school nurse?' She asks.
'No, I'm upset because Magnus broke up with me,' Claire blurts out, crying even louder.
All the while, the girls in the class exchange whispers and smiles in my direction.
As the bell rings, I head to my next class with a dozen girls following closely behind, vying for my attention. Ignoring the commotion, I walk into the science room.
Nina sits at our wonky table in silence.
Approaching cautiously, I decide to break the ice. 'Hey, Nina,' I greet her softly.
'Hey,' she responds quietly, focusing solely on the textbook's notes.