Chapter 2 Chapter 2: A tempting offer
Milo
That night, I dreamed about Blake, that idiot. The dream left me completely aroused.
But soon, I'd never have to see him again.
Thank God.
When I stopped by the school to pick up a few things, I ran into Dolores.
"Oh my God, Milo! I was so worried. Are you okay?”
"Sure... How was prom?”
"Actually, it was pretty good. Blake and his friends barely showed up, so it was peaceful. But tell me about you?”
I had no idea what to tell her. What was I supposed to say? That Blake had cornered me, asked me strange questions, realised he was affecting me, and then what? He touched me... there? Even now, I could barely believe it myself.
Honestly, it must have been a hallucination.
But that wouldn’t be the strangest thing to happen that day.
The school counsellor called me into her office with news that left me completely stunned.
"What do you mean, a full scholarship?"
"Yes, apparently the college made a mistake, or one of the students withdrew. The point is, Milo, they are offering you a full scholarship that includes housing, and honestly, the benefits are almost too good to be true," she explained.
"But it is Grand Mountain College. I thought..."
She took my hand. She was one of the few people who had ever treated me kindly.
"I know, Milo. I know you wanted to leave this place behind, but the campus is still far from your home, and not many people from town go there. You’ll finally get a fresh start. And a degree from that school..." She smiled softly.
What else could I do?
That scholarship was more than I had ever dreamed of. I wouldn't have to work myself to death anymore, and the pre-veterinary program was incredible.
Camila was thrilled. I still couldn’t believe my luck.
"We'll be together!" she exclaimed.
"Together forever," I said, hugging her.
"Come over tomorrow after graduation! We’re going to celebrate properly!”
And when I got home and told my parents the news... I honestly expected something more.
"Good. That way, you’ll stay close enough to home that you won’t forget your responsibilities,” my father said, not looking away from the television.
My mother didn't even answer.
"It's still far away. I won’t be able to do everything I used to. I can’t help on the farm every day anymore.”
"You ungrateful boy! We worked our asses off building this place! We’re leaving you a successful farm and business, yet you’re still obsessed with getting a useless degree! You're always so weak and lazy!" he snapped.
I trembled and forced myself not to cry. I wanted to tell him that they hadn’t built anything. They had inherited the farm. I had worked nonstop since I was a child. Didn’t my effort matter, too?
But experience had taught me that it was better to stay quiet.
"You'd better come back often. Stop making that face. Stop acting like such a faggot. Men don't cry," he growled.
I went upstairs in silence and skipped dinner. I was unable to share my happiness with people who clearly didn’t care.
No matter what happened, I was determined to accept that scholarship.
I didn’t attend graduation, but the next day was my birthday, and Dolores and her family threw me a small celebration. We watched horror movies, and for a little while, I felt happy. It was incredible how people who weren't related to you by blood could love you more than your own family.
At midnight, I went out to the barn, where the animals always managed to calm me down. Morgan, my dog, was already there waiting for me. My family never allowed him inside, so most nights, I stayed out there with him.
I’ll admit it, I cried like an idiot.
I was a good student. I had done everything right.
Yet somehow, it still never felt like enough.
“What’s wrong, Morgan?” I asked when he suddenly started barking. "Is someone there?"
In the distance, I saw glowing, almost golden eyes, and fear curled in my chest.
“Do you think it’s a wolf?”
Morgan stepped protectively in front of me as if ready to defend me.
"Come on, let's close the door."
There were plenty of stories about wolves in the area, though I had never seen one up close.
It kept appearing during the following nights.
Sometimes, a familiar-smelling scent lingered nearby, but I always convinced myself that I was imagining things.
Last night, I dreamed of glowing eyes howling beneath the moon, calling and inviting me to run with them.
For the first time in a long while, I felt free.
When the day finally came to leave for college, I had to beg my parents to drive me. They agreed reluctantly.
The only thing I would miss at home was Morgan. For him alone, I promised I would come back someday.
"I would find a place for both of us someday," I told him as I said goodbye. He looked at me with sad eyes, almost as if he understood.
"You really got accepted here?" my mother asked in disbelief when we arrived at the university.
"Yes, Mom. Full scholarship.”
For the first time in my life, I thought I saw a flicker of pride in her eyes.
"Well, don't get into trouble. Remember, we expect you back to work. That cheese isn't going to make itself," my father muttered irritably.
My mother gave me a cold hug before they both left, not even helping me get settled into my room.
I carried my things upstairs and slowly began to realise how incredible the place was. The dorm building was enormous. There were fraternities, of course, but also quiet students, massive libraries, and endless hallways. This would be my home for the next few years.
My new home.
I prayed for a good roommate. Maybe we’d even take classes together. Perhaps I would finally make another friend. I could introduce him to Dolores, and the three of us could become inseparable.
The room itself was spacious and comfortable with a perfect view of the campus.
It was glorious.
But my heart nearly stopped when I walked inside.
My roommate was already there.
Unfortunately, it was someone I knew.
My school counsellor had been wrong. A few people from Wolf Valley had actually been accepted to this university.
But I couldn't believe it had to be him. His side of the room was completely set up as though he’d been living there for days: There was a computer and expensive speakers, everything a rich kid could want.
I couldn't stop noticing the sleeveless shirt stretched across his muscular body, exposing part of his chest.
Or maybe I wasn’t imagining it.
Maybe he really had gotten bigger. More muscular.
"No... It´s a mistake," I whispered in shock.
He was going to be my roommate.
The person I’d have to live with every single day.
My worst bully.
Apparently, I hadn’t gotten far enough away from home after all.
My life was about to become hell again.
“Hey, pretty boy…” Blake said with a crooked smile. "Miss me?"
