Thinking about the later meeting, I reminded Aurora, 'we'll be meeting Rhydian and Lucas later, so make sure you could keep calm.'

'I will be. He still could be our true mate.' She claimed. 'You need to keep calm.' She retorted.

'No, I'm not doing this.' I argued. 

'If he wasn't our true mate. He would know about the potion thing and would be trying to demonstrate that he's our mate.' She stressed. 

I know this is hard for her too. When we were tricked, I had to watch my wolf slowly deteriorate. It took her months to get back to normal. This time we need to be extremely careful. 

After the shower, I tried to look for clothes to wear. But it turned out that the room was in a mess and the suitcase was in shreds...I sighed, well...what am I supposed to wear now? 

Heading downstairs in search of my phone, I found my phone and bag were placed on the table. Good news, at least I didn't break them. I sighed and picked the phone up. 

I scrolled through my contacts until I reached Ria's number and then pressed the call button. I sat on the sofa while I waited for Ria to answer.

"Oh my god, Amaris! Are you ok? I heard about it yesterday when you got here. I've been trying to see you but Lucas said you needed space. Have you sorted things with Lucas?" She ranted on the other side. 

"Woah, chill." I laughed. "First of all, I need your help. I don't have any clothes." I admitted.

She chuckled, "Ok, I'll sort something for you. Where are you?" 

"Um, actually I have no idea." I groaned. 

"I'll ask Lucas, don't worry." She uttered. 

"Thank you, I'll see you soon." Hanging up the phone, I dropped it next to me on the sofa. I flopped backward and glanced around the room. On the wall above a stone fireplace, there was a photo of me and dad which took when I was younger.  I stood up and went towards the photo, staring at it. At my 16th birthday party, we had that photo taken. It was just before I met my so-called mate. But that's a story for another time. 

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I hurriedly made my way to the door. I stopped dead in my tracks as I reached the door because the scent of that person ouside hit me like a ton of bricks. It wasn't Ria. It was Rhydian. I quickly held my hand up, feeling for my necklace. Then, I breathed out a sigh of relief and opened the door. 

"Hi, ar-" He stopped as he eyed me up and down. I suddenly remembered I was wearing nothing but a towel. I was overwhelmed by the proximity of us and was frozen to the spot while he was still eying me up and down. "Um, eyes... eyes up... here." I spluttered. He jumped slightly and coughed. "Sorry." He murmured. 

He looked up and his eyes locked with mine. We just stood there, staring into each other's eyes. It was like I was locked in a trance, I couldn't look away. Even though there are signs proving that he’s the one. I've been cheated on this before, thanks to the potion. I admit, it feels pretty damn good. But I'm not falling for it... Not again.

I growled and stepped away. Rhydian shook his head and looked confused. Which confused me even more. "Why are you here?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. 

"Um, I can't remember," He replied, honestly, "I just kind of feeling dulled and then when I opened my eyes again, I’m already here". I rolled my eyes at him, he just stayed put. Didn't speak or move. 

"Are you coming or going?" I questioned, sarcastically. 

"Coming?" He raised his voice.  1

I rolled my eyes and shut the door on him. Falling back against the door, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Then, some knocked and the door vibrated against my back, making me flinched. I groaned and swung the door open, "What?" I snapped. 

Ria backed away a little and held her hands up defensively, "Don't eat me." She mocked. I rolled my eyes and giggled. Behind her in the distance, I saw Rhydian standing next to a tree watching us. I rolled my eyes again and dragged Ria inside. 

'He's not not like others, Amaris.' Aurora protested. 

'No, I know. But they probably learned their mistakes and find a new way to fool us.' I chided. She growled at me and then went further back into my mind. 

I led Ria upstairs and into my bedroom. "Oh my god, Amaris. Your bedroom is disgusting." She said, repulsively. 

I shrugged my shoulders and took the bag from her. "You wolfed out?" She asked, picking up a broken stool. I laughed and glanced over my shoulder, "Wolfed out? Well, that's a new one." I giggled and put on the sweatpants and hoodie she brought me. 

"Yep." I replied and sighed. Ria nodded her head and came over to me, "I missed you so much." She blubbered, slinging her arms around me. I squished her against me, "I missed you too. We have so much to catch up one." I murmured. 

She pulled me away and looked at me sadly. "I am so sorry about your dad." She said cautiously. I nodded my head slowly and leaned against the door. "So, how are you and Drew? I asked, winking. She blushed and giggled. "Oh my god, is Ria Heyes blushing?" I smirked. She shook her head and laughed. 

"He's amazing, Amaris." She cooed. 

I took a deep breath and calmed myself. I needed someone to talk to before I exploded.

"I need to tell you something but you need to promise not to say it out." I fretted. She nodded her head, "Of course, you can trust me."

I took a few deep breaths, my hands began shaking and I was struggling to say the words. Ria grabbed my hands gently, "Hey, calm down. You can tell me anything." She said softly.

"Ria, it's happening again," I whispered. She looked at me confused, not understanding me. "Rhydian is..." I started, and then took a deep breath. 

"Rhydian is what, Amaris?" She questioned. 

"My mate." I seethed.