This banner is so simplistic and stunning, thank you so much ChosenbytheMoon for making this for me (:

Word Count: 1992

~Zayla

I couldn't pinpoint where this random overwhelming emotion came from. Or why.

It was if for once the one beneath my fingertips was real. Not someone playing games. Maybe I'm foolish for thinking that, but in this moment, I don't feel that way. I feel like the blatant attraction to him that I've had a block on since the first time he has kissed me. I've known something was there, I've just been too scared to admit it.

And not because a romance rising between us could be fatal, although that could be a possibility. But because I'm afraid that the person I'm kissing might not be who he says he is. And as much as that fear is still relevant, in this moment, it doesn't seem so likely.

I weave my fingertips into his hair, as if it might pull him even closer. His kiss no longer seems soft and delicate. It's not passionate and pressing.

I'm not sure if it was myself's cause or Fate's, but all of a sudden my back was on the bed.

My body is alight with overwhelming feelings, as if the dam that has been built has suddenly collapsed. I want all of Fate, and I don't want to stop until I get all of it. And he seems the same way, with the pace of the kiss and the way he pulls at the bottom of my shirt.

His hand is brilliantly warm as it slides under my shirt, his fingertips brushing across my skin. I hardly know how to react to it all, wishing I could touch all of him. He seems to catch on to my intentions, pausing only to remove his shirt before he resumes the kiss.

My mind is momentarily blown at the delightful events that might follow this kiss. The way his hands trace my skin so slowly and methodically, not missing an inch of me, I have an idea he is grasping at the same ideas.

However, something clearly shifts in his mindset, as his movements freeze. Right when my fingers brush against the hem of his pants.

"I can't do this."

I'm taken aback, as Fate pulls himself away from me, looking distraught by what just happened. He's on his feet in less than a second, dragging his fingers through his mussed hair. The sudden change leaves me stuck on this bed, unsure of what to do next. Or what is running through his head.

"Oh, okay," I say warily, drawing my knees up to my chest. I'm glad he hasn't undressed me further, otherwise I would be truly mortified.

"It's not you, trust me...I would do anything," he draws off, voice oddly strangled. I'm too shaken to look at him, keeping my gaze drawn to the floor. "I just...Things are difficult right now."

I close my eyes, sighing through my nose. "Is it because of my father? Because I was literally just crying? Because I'm fine."

When he doesn't reply, I glance up, curious about what is running through his head. He looks pained, staring at me with furrowed brows. HIs fists are clenched, as if he is holding himself back from doing or saying something he might regret. I can barely even look at him, embarrassed that I felt that way for those few moments.

"You would regret this, I'm sure of it."

"You don't know that," I say, although I wish I hadn't. The last thing I've wanted throughout this entire experience is for him to see any vulnerability. Months may have passed, but that hasn't changed. "You don't know me at all."

"I know you Zayla. But you don't know me," he explains, as if I wasn't already aware of that. "And that's why I'm not going to make you do that."

My teeth grit, as I turn my back on him. "Fine. Get out."

He lingers for a moment in my room, before I hear him finally sigh, and walk out, letting the door close behind him.

***

My stomach was the only reason I wandered out of my room the next day.

I hate myself for my weakness. I cried last night. Not just about Fate's very abrupt rejection, but also because of my father. I'm not sure if there is a way for me to forgive him anymore. He abandoned me and Zaid because he couldn't handle the pain. I may not have a mate right now, but I can't imagine how he could make such a decision.

Walking across the platform toward the beach, I shield my eyes from the midday sun. The table on the shore has been set, and Fate sits at the foot of it. I've never seen so much food laid out like this. Familiar food, too.

"What is this?" I question, once my feet touch the sand. Fate's plate is empty, indicating that he was waiting for me.

"Lunch. You didn't have breakfast so I'm assuming you're hungry," he mentions, pointing to where I usually sit. I'm wary of his intentions. The food on the table looks significantly bland and basic. A lot like the mortal food I grew up with. "Sit down, we have something to talk about."

I take my seat. I'm assuming this is his way of apologising. This food is special to me. It may not be as magnificent as certain immortal foods, but I know I'll eat as much of it as I can who. Who knows when Fate will next be feeling guilty.

"I hope it's about me getting out of here," I say pointedly, although I have a feeling it's not.

Fate watches me. "Partially. I also want to talk about last night."

"There's nothing to talk about," I say firmly. He is only going to make me feel worse about being so forward with him. I don't need any more regret if I want to make it through this day. "I just want out of here, and I would appreciate it if you could help me with that. Or is this all some never ending game to you that's going to last forever-"

"Calm down. You will leave soon. But the last thing I require you to do for me involves use of your power," Fate tells me smoothly.

While I consider his proposal, I pick up a piece of bread and begin assembling a sandwich on my plate. I don't see a single problem with wanting to control my power. It's another thing I can have on my side, and not Fate's. Plus, if that's what's going to get me out of here, then it's a win situation for me.

"Alright fine."

"I think it will be good with you. After what happened the other day, you clearly have power that you don't have enough control over. I want to spend a week going over some things in order for you to handle it better," Fate explains. I ignore him, focusing on the lettuce I add to my lunch.

"Okay, I get it."

There's a silence. Fate isn't touching any of the food. I don't blame him. It is hardly on the level he is used to. The kind gesture he is trying to inforce on me will not be noted. Not after what he did.

"I'm sorry about last night. I truly didn't mean to upset you," he says softly. I quirk my eyebrow, but don't say a word. "I just didn't want to do that to you."

I pick up my sandwich in my hand, shrugging at him. "Oh don't worry, I got that loud and clear. You don't want me, that's fine."

"You don't know me, Zayla. And I'm concerned that if you did, you wouldn't feel the same way. I respect you too much to do something intimate with you, that you may regret in the future," he explains.

A part of me wants to believe him.

I can hear the regret in his voice, as much as I hate admitting that. His reasoning is genuine, but I'm still hurt. However, I know this is a chance for me to try find things out about Fate that I'm not already aware of.

"That would be a great excuse," I say ariely, eyeing him suspiciously. "If you even try share a little of your past with me."

"I'm very old. My past is complicated and drawn out."

"Then tell me about your beginning. Who are your parents? How did you become Fate? Did you have a name before?" I question. I put my lunch down for this, curious about the information he might reveal. If he does so, I'm sure I may be one of the few that ever gets to hear about his past.

"I don't know my true parents anymore," he says dismissively, waving his hand in the air. "They are long since forgotten."

I roll my eyes at him. "I don't believe you. What happened to them?"

"I think we could share a little more about each other this week. If you succeed in controlling your powers, perhaps I'll allow you more information on my past," Fate offers. I'm sure he already knows my life like the back of his hand, so this will only reap benefits for me.

Although it does make me wonder why he is willing to be so honest.

"Alright," I tell him, a smile that I thought had long since disappeared was creeping back onto my face. I do however, want to know a little something. "But at least tell me your name."

"My life was laid out when I was born. My birth name is Fate," he explains.

It's too late, my curiosity has gotten to me, and now I want to know as much as I can about him."Who was around in the beginning? Like, how could this place exist without Fate, or Time?"

"Well, there were slaves created by the Moon. Their one mission was to birth immortals who the Moon would grant with impossible powers. This was so mortals could grace the ground," he tells me. It sounds somewhat familiar to what we had been taught in school. That we exist because of the immortals. After meeting them, it's hard to imagine that.

"Was it lonely at the start?"

"It was. It's why I like company so much now," he tells me softly, eyes as gentle as his words. "But I have you now."
My breath catches in my throat. The walls suddenly feel as though they are about to close around me. Does this mean he is going to keep me here forever? Is this all a game to him? Am I going to be stuck as his slave, being teased and taunted for the rest of my waking immortal life.

"But you are going to be letting me free though. Right?" I ask shakily.

"Oh of course," he says. It's almost too quick. As if he couldn't believe what he has just said. "If that's what you chose."

I frown. "It is. I'm going to be going home."

But as I say that, surveying the look on his face, I have a feeling Fate has other ideas.

🦋••🦋

Fate is available ten chapters ahead of Wattpad at all times on Radish! If you're interested, head over to my Radish account @Midika (The name is set under Sophie, which is my first name)

Buy the Alpha Series on Amazon now!!

Send in a pic of you to my Snapchat or Instagram to be featured!

Snapchat: Midikacrane
Instagram: Sophie_Midika

I now have a new project on Radish which is an extended storyline from Alpha Malik including the characters Fate, Aria and Malik (among others)

Check it out, it's called Aria's Fate! (:

💎••💎

Finally I've recovered from my sickness so I'm pretty happy. Hope you guys are doing well!

~Midika 💜🐼