Primals (Reverse Harem 1)

“You know what I mean.”

“What? You think you’re like Theo and Sebastian?”

I shrug. “I don’t know, Kyle. I don’t know what I am, and a part of me is scared to find out.”

“I know you are.” He moves closer to me. “But hey, so what if you’re like them? I know Sebastian can sometimes be a jerk and Theo...well, sometimes, he’s in his own world, but they’re not that bad. They were especially cool when they took down that Cat.”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “Weren’t you the one who took down Noboru by splashing water on him?”

“My point is it’s not all bad. Think of all the things you could do with your superpowers. You would be so cool.”

“It’s not cool, Kyle!” I stand up, turning my back to him and clenching my fists. “Can’t you stop acting like a kid for a second? This is not some sci-fi movie. I’m not some superhero, okay? I’m a freak. I’m not even like Theo and Sebastian. Didn’t you hear? I’m different. I’m...artificially made. I may not even be real. Worse, I’m beginning to think it has something to do with my parents. My real parents. Did they really die in an accident? What if my father was...a Primal? What if he was killed for being with my mother? What if my parents died because of me? Do you still think that’s cool?”

I whirl around, finding Kyle silent, tears brimming in his eyes.

He’s too sensitive. I want to be angry at him for crying, but it’s me who’s to blame. What have I done?

“I’m sorry, Clarissa,” he says softly, bowing his head. “I didn’t mean...I was just trying to...”

“I’ll go out and get some air,” I cut him off, already knowing what he’s going to say and unable to bear hearing his apology when he’s done nothing wrong. Especially when I’m the one who should be apologizing because I let all my frustration out on him when he was just trying to cheer me up.

I put my shoes on and leave the room, sliding the door open and closed quickly. I lean on the closed door, drawing in a deep breath. Praying Kyle’s got enough sense to not follow me outside. I really need him...and everyone else...to give me some space right now.

Get a hold of yourself, Clarissa. You’re in enough of a mess as it is.

Taking another deep breath, I walk down the corridor, my hand over my forehead in frustration and my head bowed in remorse, which turns out to be a bad thing since I end up bumping into someone, stumbling back and falling down after feeling like crashing into a wall.

“Ouch.” I rub my backside.

“Oh...there you are.” Theo kneels in front of me, his big, dark brown eyes looking into mine. “Are you okay?”

Theo? No wonder it felt like crashing into a wall.

“I’m fine,” I tell him. “It’s my fault for not looking where I was going.”

“But...”

“Just help me up.”

I offe

r him my arm and he pulls me to my feet in one effortless gesture.

Standing in front of him, I become aware of what he’s wearing – just a robe that’s gaping around his chest, probably because it’s too small for him. His chest glistens, a drop of water trickling down the middle and disappearing beneath the fabric. I’m not even sure if he’s wearing anything underneath that.

My brain derails a moment as I think about that.

I look away, shrugging off my thoughts. I can’t afford to be distracted right now. And these half-naked men are constantly proving to be just that.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Theo asks, his eyes dark with concern.

I nod.

“You should try the hot spring bath,” he tells me. “It’ll melt your worries, soothe your soul and relax your muscles.” He yawns. “Now, I’m sleepy.”

“Go and take a nap.” I pat his arm. “I’ll just walk around.”

“Okay.”