Serena's POV.

He held my face, his touch firm yet gentle, and asked again, "Serena... are we mates?"

I shoved Richard away, my senses snapping back into focus

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," I chanted, frantically gathering my scattered clothes.

Richard's voice cut through my panic.

"What happened? Did I say something wrong?"

But I ignored him, my hands shaking as I dressed. I turned to flee, but Richard's voice stopped me.

"Serena!" he yelled, but I didn't look back. I ran towards my truck, my heart racing.

I yanked open the door and leapt inside, but the engine refused to start. "Seriously? Now?" I hissed,...