Chapter 179
[Ella’s POV]
Early, that Monday morning, the three of us headed back to campus.
Arthur and Liam decided to stay with me for the remainder of the weekend and honestly, I didn’t mind. They made it clear that after the shit Aaron pulled, neither of them was willing to let me out of their sight.
For all the insanity that it came with, I was glad that we were able to talk things out. My wolf certainly felt content, knowing that things between us were starting to mellow out. However, I was still feeling a bit shocked over hearing about this unexpected ability that came with my lineage.
After Arthur got through telling me everything that his grandfather had said to him, he even went on to express his skepticism.
“Something like this cannot be widely known,” he said. “I mean, if it were true, then more people would know about it. Hell, I’m sure it would even be taught to us in history since this pack’s bloodline ran all the way back to the Renaissance era.”
A small part of me would never get over the loss of those who had been taken out due to fear and bigotry. I could tell that Arthur was still a bit cautious around me like he was afraid of messing up.
Last night, I wrapped my arms around him and pulled me close. “Arthur, I promise that I’m not mad at you, nor do I hold you responsible for the actions that others in your family have committed.”
His brows drew together in a mix of anguish and shame. “I’m sorry, Ella. But this is something that I will always feel guiltly for.”
He told me that the Winslows were meant to represent strength and courage—but discovered that they were nothing but fearful and entitled pricks.
I felt compelled to ease his anger and suffering, knowing that this couldn’t be easy for him either. After all, this was his family. I lifted my hand to cup his face and brought his lips to mine in a reassuring kiss.
When we made it back to the dorm, I was eagerly greeted by an anxious-looking Bonnie.
“Are things...Better now?” she asked with hesitation.
I gave her a light-hearted smile and nodded my head. “Yes. We finally got to talk things out and now we’re all on the same page.”
Aside from talking about not wanting to keep secrets from one another, I was finally able to confront the issue with the two of them about how we all felt about this growing relationship.
Liam sheepishly admitted to becoming more open to the idea of having Arthur around. In the beginning, he was uncertain, but this weekend had proven a lot about Arthur’s character to him.
“He’s proven himself to be reliable and caring. He’s the one that picked up your scent from the scarf.”
Arthur actually blushed under Liam’s praise. “I have to say, I originally felt the same when I first discovered the double bond. I didn’t like the idea of having to share you. But, I feel as though I’ve gained a lot more than a mate in all of this.”
We were, in fact, finally on the same page...
Liam and Arthur share a look between themselves.
“Hold on, she knows?” they asked.
“Yes, I told her last week.”
“Bonnie, we would really appreciate it if you were to keep this piece of information to yourself for the time being,” Liam said.
“Of course,” she assured them. “But, am I allowed to ask why? I mean, this sort of connection is rare...Why hide it?”
“Things are very complicated when it comes to Arthur’s family,” I said lightly.
As the four of us got ready for classes, we were all startled by a sudden frantic knocking that came from the door. We all glanced around at each other before I went over to see who it was. My eyes widened when I saw a manic-looking Olivia trying to catch her breath.
“I think I know who’s behind the media account.”
“What? Seriously?” I felt myself light up with hopeful elation.
“Who is it, Olivia?” Arthur questioned.
She let out a long breath. “Alright, don’t be mad...I don’t exactly have her name—but, I do know what she looks like.”
“So you would be able to pick her out of a crowd is what you’re saying?” Liam noted.
Olivia chipperly nodded her head.
“How did you come to this striking revelation?”
“I was coming out of my friend's dorm last night and accidentally overheard a loud argument about a certain media page. I knew it had to be the one that’s been posting about you. So, I tried to listen in.”
An argument? But that would mean that there were two people involved in this. My mind drew back to those photos Aaron made me look at. I always found it strange that some of the photos were clearer than others...
It never fit with my stalker-photographer’s style.
One of the thoughts that plagued my mind was why this unknown photographer wasn’t able to make sure all of their photos were crisp and clear. The fact that some of them were almost too fuzzy to make out, gave off the impression that someone else may have taken them.
“So there really are two people working on his account.”
Olivia nodded.
“What was the argument about?”
“From what I could make out, she was yelling at this other person about some kind of missing picture...”
Bonnie and I gasped. “The post that was taken down!”
Things were getting weirder and more confusing by the minute.
“Okay, we don’t exactly have time to deal with this now. But after classes today, I’m going to confront this person.”
The group all agreed to meet with me after classes to confront this unknown girl.
...
Arthur and I were just about to head into English when he was stopped by someone from the Administration office.
“Mr. Winslow, we’ve been informed that your Mother, Mrs. Winslow is here and requests your presence at the office.”
My heart dropped in my chest while Arthur’s face contorted in displeasure.
“Now? Jesus Christ, what the hell does she want?”
“She merely said that the matter was of great importance that you were to meet with her as soon as possible,” they said stiffly.
Arthur turned to give me a reassuring look, telling me that it was going to be alright. While he headed off to the office, I turned into the classroom and took my seat. I took out the completed report Ben and I had been working so hard on.
Right as I turned my head, I noticed that Ben was just coming in to take his seat. He looked a bit tired and worn. I figured maybe it was because of midterms coming up.
He greeted me with a smile and joined me to turn in our project.
“Hey, how are things?” he asks.
“They’re better.”
As we headed back to our tables, I caught a strange scent coming from Ben. I thought it was just my senses acting up. But no.
The smell was the one that I’d been hunting and searching for.
Slightly stale musk and...Citrus.
