Chapter 2. The Beginning

Silverado University, Silverado City, Astarlian Nation.

Loveth Jude sat alone in the bustling cafeteria, sipping her coffee and staring at her phone. She was lost in thought, her mind wandering to her mundane life in the city.

She had grown up in this city and it was practically her second hometown. Her parents were from Lorea, a city where werewolves and vampires battled for supremacy. Her father had been next in line to be Alpha, but due to him being married to a human, his position was shaky, and so in order to live a peaceful life, her parents brought her to the small city of Silverado. Loveth was a half-breed, and the bad news was that her human side took the major part of her gene, even other werewolves won't notice she's one, and to make matters worse, she couldn't shapeshift into a wolf. So her parents believed that Silverado was the best place for her. But life in Silverado had been boring. No friends, no neighbors, and no boyfriends.. not like she had ever fallen in love or had a crush on someone. Werewolves only fall in love with their soulmate, one whom their heart beats for.

Tsk! Not like that's gonna happen anytime soon.

Suddenly, she felt a strange tingling sensation, like a spark of electricity had passed through her body. She looked up to see a tall, brooding figure standing in line at the coffee machine. Their eyes met, and Loveth felt an inexplicable jolt of attraction.

Maximus Perch, a young werewolf who had come to the city of Silverado to avert certain events, was equally taken aback. He had been on edge since arriving in the city, his senses heightened due to the tension in his pack. But there was something about Loveth that drew him in. He couldn't explain it, but he felt an overwhelming urge to approach her.

As Maximus waited in line, his eyes never left Loveth's face. She seemed oblivious to the commotion around her, lost in her own thoughts. He sensed a kindred spirit, someone who understood the isolation he felt.

When it was his turn to order, Maximus asked for a coffee and made his way towards Loveth's table. His heart raced with anticipation, his palms growing sweaty. What was happening to him?

"Mind if I join you?" Maximus asked, his deep voice sending shivers down Loveth's spine.

Loveth looked up, startled, and nodded silently. Maximus sat down across from her, their eyes locking in a silent understanding.

"I'm Maximus," he said, breaking the silence. "Max for short."

"I'm Loveth," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Loveth Jude."

Maximus smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Loveth, that's a beautiful name. I've never heard it before."

Loveth's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her eyes drifting back to her phone.

"Thanks. I get that a lot."

Maximus leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

"I have to say, I'm intrigued. What's a beautiful woman like you doing in a place like this?"

Loveth raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Just trying to survive, I guess. You know how it is."

Maximus nodded, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I do. I really do."

They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound being the hum of the cafeteria. Then Maximus spoke up again.

"So, Loveth, what brings you to this fine establishment today?"

Loveth shrugged, her shoulders barely rising off the table.

"Just needed a break from classes, I guess. I'm a student here."

Maximus's eyes lit up.

"No way! I'm a student too. What's your major?"

And so the conversation flowed, easy and natural, like they had known each other for years. Loveth found herself opening up to Maximus in ways she never thought possible. And Maximus, well, he was captivated by her intelligence, her wit, and her beauty.

As they talked, the strange tingling sensation never went away. It only grew stronger, until Loveth could feel it pulsing through her veins like a heartbeat. Right then, a handsome but burly man came up to Maximus and whispered something in his ear. Maximus' expression changed into a frown, but he reverted back to his cheerful smile as he turned to Loveth.

Loveth watched as Maximus stood up and bid her farewell, his eyes apologetic. "I'm so sorry, Loveth, but I have to go. I promise I'll see you later, okay?"

Loveth nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Okay, sure. It was nice meeting you, Maximus."

Maximus smiled and nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Likewise, Loveth. Take care."

As he walked away, Loveth couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. She had never felt such a strong connection with someone before. She thought about his piercing blue eyes, his chiseled features, and his charming smile. She couldn't get him out of her head.

The man who had whispered in Maximus's ear lingered for a moment, his eyes fixed on Loveth. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he turned and followed Maximus out of the cafeteria.

Loveth sighed and gathered her things, her mind still reeling from the unexpected encounter. She couldn't concentrate on her studies, her thoughts consumed by Maximus and their chance meeting. She wondered if she would see him again, and what it would mean if she did.

As she walked out of the cafeteria, Loveth felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. She had no idea what the future held, but she knew that her life had just gotten a whole lot more interesting.

*

Maximus followed Golden White out of the cafeteria, his mind still reeling from the encounter with Loveth.

"Max, what are you doing?" Golden White asked, his voice low and urgent.

"You know we can't afford to draw attention to ourselves right now. Your brother is still out there, and he won't hesitate to kill you if he finds you."

Maximus sighed, knowing Golden White was right.

"I know, I know. It was just a chance encounter. I didn't mean to put us in danger."

Golden White's eyes narrowed. "That girl, Loveth, she's not one of us. She doesn't know what we are, what we're capable of. You can't trust her, Max."

Maximus felt a surge of defensiveness.

"I know that. But there's something about her...I can't explain it. I feel a connection with her, Golden."

Golden White's expression turned stern.

"You can't afford to have feelings right now, Max. Your priority is survival. You have to stay focused."

Maximus nodded, knowing Golden White was right. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he had just met someone special. "I promise, Golden. I won't see her again. I'll keep my distance."

Golden White's eyes searched his face, then nodded. "Good. Let's get out of here. We have a safe house to get to."

As they walked away from the cafeteria, Maximus's mind was already planning his next move. He couldn't stay away from Loveth, not now that he had met her. He would find a way to see her again, to spend time with her. He had to.

In his heart, he knew he had fallen in love with her. And he was willing to risk everything to be with her.