Page 68 of Wolf

“I got a full ride to Brown, you know. My parents were over the moon.” Her smile widens, and I can see the pride shining in her eyes.

I nod, taking another sip of wine. “That's impressive.” I pause, carefully considering my next words. “So, what made you choose Brown? It's a long way from home.”

Kali's expression shifts, a hint of sadness creeping in. “Well, to be honest, I needed to get away. My parents are amazing, but I felt like I was suffocating a little, you know? I wanted to spread my wings, to see the world beyond our little town.”

I can understand that desire for freedom. I've grappled with it my entire life, even if my path has been vastly different from hers. “And Brown gave you that chance,” I murmur, my gaze holding hers.

She nods, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass. “Yeah, it did. It was the perfect opportunity to start a new chapter and to become my own person. I'm grateful every day for the chance I've been given.”

I can't help but wonder what it must be like to have such support and encouragement, to know that there are people in this world who will stand by you, no matter what. Other than Thiago, I haven't had that, and our relationship can be strained at times. It's a foreign concept that I find myself both envious of and fascinated by.

As I watch Kali, I can't help but feel a pang of longing. She's so different from the broken, damaged people I'm used to dealing with. So different from me. There's a light in her that I find myself drawn to. A spark that I want to nurture and protect.

35

KALI

Ipace the small cabin, wringing my hands. It’s been five days since Matias whisked me away to this remote, secluded place, and I’m panicking. My classes at Brown are piling up, and I can’t keep telling my professors I’m sick.

“Matias,” I say, approaching him cautiously. He’s lounging on the bed, his eyes trained on a book. “I need to talk to you about something.”

He looks up, his brow furrowing. “What is it?”

I inhale deeply, steeling myself. “I’m starting to fall behind at school. I’ve told my professors I’m sick but can’t keep doing that. I need to go back.”

To my surprise, Matias sets the book aside and sits up, his expression unreadable. “I see,” he says, his voice low and thoughtful.

I blink, taken aback by his reaction. I thought he’d argue and insist that I stay here with him, but he’s listening.

“I’ll take you back today,” he says. “You can go to your classes tomorrow.”

I stare at him, my mouth hanging open. “You will?”

Matias nods, his eyes softening. “Yes, Kali. I want you to succeed in your studies. You’re important to me, and I don’t want to jeopardize your future.”

“Thank you,” I breathe.

He puts his hand on my cheek. “Of course, baby. Now, let’s pack you up and get you back to the city.”

He helps me pack my stuff and then leads me to the car. I can’t help but wonder what’s changed. Is this a glimpse of the real Matias, the one buried beneath the layers of darkness and violence?

The drive back to Providence is quiet, but there’s a newfound tension. I steal glances at Matias, trying to read his expression, but he remains focused on the road, his jaw set.

As we pull up to the apartment, Matias turns to me, his dark eyes burning with intensity.

“Kali,” he says, his voice low and rough. “I want you to stay with me, of your own will.”

“What are you saying?” I ask.

“I want you here by my side, but I won’t stop you if you truly wish to return to your friends.”

I stare at him, searching his face for any sign of deception. Still, I see a raw vulnerability I’ve never witnessed in him.

“Matias...” I hesitate, unsure of how to respond.

He crashes his lips against mine. I melt into him, my body betraying the conflict raging within me.

When he finally pulls away, his gaze is intense. “Stay with me, Kali. Let me show you I can be more than just a captor.”

---