Chapter 5: Possession or Protection?

After that, Caleb was different. Always nearby. A constant shadow.

Instead of avoiding me, he was always around. Comforting? Or terrifying? I couldn’t decide.

He ate with me, ran next to me during training. His arm brushed mine—casual, but deliberate.

Whenever there was a team task, he’d throw an arm around my shoulders. Possessive. Marking me as his.

Even insisted we sleep together. I protested, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

He looked up, dark eyes boring into me. “I’m worried you’ll faint again. As your roommate, I have to keep an eye on you.” Matter-of-fact. But his gaze lingered.

“Oh…” My voice was small, but inside, my heart fluttered. Confusion. Maybe hope.

In the dark, I stared at the veins in Caleb’s neck. Swallowed hard. The urge to bite—overwhelming.

So tempting. His scent made me restless. My body tensed, hunger rising like a tide.

Just as I was about to lose control, Caleb spoke. “Little pervert, if you want to lick, just do it.” A challenge. Daring me.

I couldn’t hold back. I leaned in. My tongue flicked out, tasting his skin. Salt and heat.

I licked him. Sparks shot down my spine.

Caleb didn’t stop me. His hand hovered at my neck, ready to pull me back.

I nibbled at a spot on his neck, savoring it. The urge to bite—almost unbearable. But I held back.

Caleb moved. His big hand landed on the back of my head. “Leave a mark and I’ll beat you.” Firm grip, not cruel.

I flinched. The warning was clear, but I couldn’t help myself.

I eased up, but still left a bright red mark on his neck. Oddly proud—a secret sign.

The next day, all the cadets stared at me. Weird looks. Whispers followed me down the hall—curiosity and jealousy.

With so many hunters watching, I stiffened my back. Forced myself to walk tall. No fear.

Damn. Why are they all looking at me? My cheeks burned. I kept my head high.

Back in the dorm, Caleb watched me even closer. His eyes followed me—sharp, unreadable.

He even pressed against the bathroom door when I showered, breath hot on my ear. “Want to shower together?” Panic. And something else.

I clutched my freeze-dried blood in my towel, blushing, panicking. Heart racing—fear and excitement tangled.

Was he testing me because the others noticed something? I tried to read his face. Nothing.

Not sure what he was thinking, I answered. “Better not.” My voice shook.

Above me, Caleb chuckled low. Dark, amused. A little dangerous.

“Even little perverts get shy.” Teasing. But his eyes softened.

I hurriedly pushed him out. Hands shaking, but I managed to close the door.

After locking the door, I sighed in relief. My body sagged. Tension drained away.

Carefully, I took out my freeze-dried blood and chewed. Bland, but better than nothing.

Being undercover with Caleb was stressful. Every day—a new test, a new risk.