Chapter 19: Love and jealousy always go hand in hand

Beneath the shade of the tree, Ethan and Hope were still panting, their faces inches apart, their hearts beating in sync from the searing kiss they'd shared. The air around them felt charged with the energy of the moment, a mix of passion and something deeper, something that connected them in a way neither of them could fully explain. Hope still had her back against the tree trunk, Ethan's body holding her in place, but now the initial intensity had given way to a gentle calm, a moment of silent connection as they gazed into each other's eyes.

Ethan was the first to break the silence, his voice softer now, almost hesitant, as if he was processing everything that had just happened.

— Hope… I… I don't know what to say after that — he admitted, a shy smile appearing on his lips as he ran his hand through his hair, messing it up even more.

Hope sent back, her eyes shining with a mixture of tenderness and joy. She still felt the warmth of his kiss on her lips, his touch on her skin, and it made a slight blush rise to her cheeks.

"I don't think we need to say anything right now," she replied, her voice low but full of emotion. "Sometimes, what we feel… is enough."

Ethan nodded, his eyes still fixed on hers, as if he were trying to commit every detail of that moment to memory. He took a step back, finally giving her room to step away from the tree, but his hands were still holding hers, their fingers intertwined in a gesture that felt natural, as if they had been doing this for years.

"Are you okay?" he said, genuine concern in his voice. "I… I didn't hurt you, did I? I know sometimes I lose control a little when… when I'm around you."

Hope laughed softly, shaking her head.

"No, Ethan, I'm fine. More than fine, actually," she said, her smile widening. "You didn't hurt me. It was… it was amazing."

Ethan sighed in relief, his shy smile turning into something more confident, more like the Ethan she knew. He opened her hands slightly before letting go, running his hand over the back of his neck in a somewhat awkward gesture.

"I don't know what you do to me, Hope, but… I've never felt anything like this before," he confessed, his voice thick with sincerity. "You make me feel like I can be more than… than the monster I thought I was last night."

Hope's eyes softened, and she stepped forward, placing her hand on his arm in a comforting gesture.

— You're not a monster, Ethan. What happened yesterday… it doesn't define who you are. And I'm going to help you control this, remember? We're going to get through this together — she said, her voice firm, full of determination.

Ethan looked at her, gratitude evident on his face. He knew he didn't deserve the trust she placed in him, not after everything he had done the night before, but her words made him want to be better, to prove that he could be worthy of her support.

"Thank you, Hope. Really," he said, his voice firmer now. He hesitated for a moment before continuing, looking up at the sky, where the sun was shining high, indicating that it was around noon. "I think… we should go back to our rooms. It's lunchtime, and I don't want Alaric to come and blame me for missing it."

Hope laughed, the sound light and genuine, and nodded.

"You're right. Let's go," she said, falling into step beside him, their shoulders almost touching as they walked back toward the main building of the Salvatore School, the midday sun illuminating their path.

Back in her room, Hope closed the door behind her and let her body slide against the wood, a goofy smile playing on her lips. She was happy—genuinely, deeply happy—in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. Walking over to the bed, she threw herself onto the mattress, lying face down on the pillow. A muffled squeal of joy escaped her, and she began to kick her legs in the air, stamping her feet against the mattress in an almost childlike gesture, unable to contain the happiness bubbling up inside her.

As she shifted her legs, her mind flashed back to everything that had happened that day—the confrontation between Ethan and Landon, the way Ethan had taken her to that secluded corner, the way he had opened up about the imprint, his passionate declaration, and most of all, that kiss. The kiss that had made her feel like the entire world had disappeared, leaving just the two of them, connected in a way that was beyond anything she had ever experienced.

Hope laughed to herself, the sound muffled by the pillow, and turned her face to the side, staring at the ceiling of the room as a sigh escaped her lips. For the first time in a long time, she felt like a normal teenager—not the powerful trihybrid who carried the weight of her family's legacy, not the girl who always had to be ready to fight or protect others, but just an ordinary girl, living a moment of passion and happiness. And it was Ethan who made her feel that way. He made her feel light, alive, like she could simply be herself, without the weight of the world on her shoulders.

She closed her eyes, the smile still playing on her lips, and let her mind wander, imagining what the future held for them. For once, she wasn't afraid of what was to come—she was excited.

Meanwhile, Ethan walked down the hallway toward his room, his mind still reeling from everything that had happened. The kiss with Hope, the connection he felt with her, the way she made him feel like he could be more than his flaws—it all left him with a mixture of euphoria and determination. He knew he still had a lot to learn about himself, about his transformation, but for the first time, he felt like he didn't have to face it alone.

As he was about to turn the corner to the boys' dormitory, he spotted Rafael and Josie talking near one of the windows that overlooked the courtyard. Rafael was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, his arm still bandaged, while Josie spoke to him, her expression worried but gentle. Ethan hesitated for a moment, feeling a knot in his stomach as he remembered what he had done the night before. He knew that Rafael had been one of the ones he had hurt during his uncontrolled transformation, and the guilt weighed on his chest like a stone.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan made a decision. He couldn't keep running away from responsibility for what he had done. If he wanted to be better, if he wanted to be worthy of Hope's trust in him, he needed to face his mistakes and try to make amends. Squaring his shoulders, he walked toward the two of them, his expression serious but determined.

Rafael was the first to notice him, and his expression immediately darkened, a mixture of wariness and anger flashing in his eyes. Josie, noticing the change in Rafael's posture, turned to see Ethan approaching. She frowned, clearly surprised, but said nothing, waiting to see what he would do.

"Rafael, Josie," Ethan greeted, his voice firm but with a hint of humility. He stopped a few feet away from them, keeping a respectful distance. "Can… can I talk to you for a second?"

Rafael didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowed as he assessed Ethan. Finally, he nodded, his expression still tense.

"Speak," he said, his voice dry, almost challenging.

Ethan swallowed, feeling the weight of Rafael's gaze on him, but he didn't back down. He had to do this.

"Rafael, I… I came to apologize," he began, his voice lower now, full of sincerity. "For everything that happened last night. I know I hurt you, I hurt other werewolves, and I… I have no words to say how much I regret it. I don't remember much, but I know I lost control, and you didn't deserve to go through that. No one did."

Rafael blinked, clearly surprised by Ethan's words. He had expected anger, perhaps a taunt, but not such a direct and honest apology. He unfolded his arms, his posture relaxing slightly, but there was still a wariness in his gaze.

"You almost broke my arm, man," Rafael said, his voice calmer now, but still thick with emotion. "And that wasn't all. You scared everyone. I know you don't remember, but… it was tough."

Ethan nodded, his face twisted into a guilty expression.

— I know. And I can't undo what happened, but I promise I'll do everything I can to control this, to not let it happen again. I... I don't want to be a danger to anyone here, especially to you guys, who are my friends — he said, his voice firm.

Josie, who had been silent until then, stepped forward, her eyes softening as she looked at Ethan.

"That's very mature of you, Ethan," she said, her voice gentle. "What happened yesterday was scary, but… I trust you didn't mean to hurt anyone. And if you're willing to work on it, we can help you. Right, Rafael?"

Rafael hesitated, his eyes still fixed on Ethan, as if trying to decide if he could trust him. Finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Okay," he said, his voice lighter now. "I accept your apology, Ethan. But you need to prove that you mean it. I don't want to go through this again, and neither do the other werewolves."

Ethan nodded quickly, relief evident on his face.

"I'll prove it. I promise," he said, his voice full of determination. "Thank you, Rafael. And you too, Josie."

Josie smiled, and even Rafael let out a small smile, though there was still a hint of wariness in his expression. Ethan knew it would take time to fully regain their trust, but this was a first step, and he was willing to do whatever it took.

After saying goodbye to Rafael and Josie, Ethan headed to his room, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. He still had a lot to learn, a lot to fix, but for the first time, he felt like he was on the right path—and with Hope by his side, he knew he could handle anything. Before he did anything else, though, he decided to take a shower. It had been an intense day, and he needed a moment to relax and gather his thoughts, especially with the midday sun still shining brightly outside.

Stepping into the dorm bathroom, Ethan turned on the shower, letting the warm water cascade over his body, steam beginning to fill the small space. He closed his eyes, tilting his head back as the water ran down his shoulders, easing the tension in his muscles. But as he relaxed, his thoughts inevitably turned to Hope.

He couldn't get her out of his head. Her face—her bright eyes, her smile that seemed to light up everything around her—popped into his mind with almost magical clarity. He remembered her body, the way she'd fit perfectly against his as he pressed her against the tree, the soft curve of her waist beneath his hands. And then the taste of her—sweet, with a hint of something wild that made him hungry for more—invaded his senses, as if he could taste her right there, right now.

Closing his eyes tighter, Ethan let his imagination take over. He saw her there, naked, her skin glowing in the midday sunlight that filtered through the leaves of the tree, every detail of her etched into his memory with a precision that left him breathless. The sight hit him like a bolt of lightning, and he felt an intense heat rise through his body, an overwhelming desire that consumed him completely. His eyes, without him realizing it, began to glow a fluorescent green, the same glow that appeared in his werewolf form, reflecting the intensity of his passion and the primal part of him that Hope awakened.

He thought about the way she tasted, the way their tongues danced as they kissed, the urgency with which he explored her, as if he wanted to devour every inch of her. And then his mind went back to the moment his hands gripped her soft ass, the feel of her skin beneath his fingers, firm yet so soft, the way she arched against him, giving herself completely to the moment. Ethan let out a low, almost inaudible growl, the sound vibrating in his chest as desire took over him.

He wanted her like he'd never wanted anyone or anything else in his life. It was more than a physical desire—it was something deep, almost spiritual, as if she were the only thing that mattered in the world, the only thing he needed to feel complete. The water continued to fall on him, but Ethan barely felt it, lost in his thoughts, in his imagination, in Hope.

Finally, he opened his eyes, the fluorescent green glow slowly fading as he tried to compose himself. He took a deep breath, running his hands over his face, the water slipping through his fingers. He knew he had to control himself, that he couldn't let his instincts take over like this, but with Hope… it was nearly impossible. She drove him crazy, in ways he never imagined possible, and he didn't know if he would ever be able to get enough of her.

Turning off the shower, Ethan grabbed a towel and dried himself off, his mind still swirling with thoughts of Hope. He knew he needed to get ready for lunch, and a part of him—a part he could barely control—was eager to see her again, even if it was just to share a meal. As he dressed, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face. For the first time in a long time, he had something—someone—worth fighting for.

In the Salvatore School cafeteria, the buzz of students filled the air, the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the clinking of silverware against plates creating a lively atmosphere. The midday sun streamed in through the large windows, illuminating the room and highlighting the wooden tables where students gathered in groups. But despite the vibrant energy, there was a palpable tension in the air, especially when Ethan entered the cafeteria.

Eyes followed him as he picked up a tray and helped himself to some food—six ham and cheese sandwiches, four generous helpings of fries, and two glasses of juice. He was ravenously hungry, something he attributed to the transformation from the night before. Being a werewolf, especially one like him, seemed to burn energy in a way he'd never experienced before, and his stomach growled loudly enough that he didn't mind the curious stares as he piled his food onto the tray. He could feel the eyes of the other students on him, a mix of fear, curiosity, and distrust. The transformation from the night before was still fresh in everyone's minds, and rumors about the "monster" he'd become were spreading like wildfire. Ethan, however, didn't seem to mind too much. He'd expected this, and after apologizing to Rafael, he decided he wouldn't let the stares get to him. He just wanted to eat in peace.

Choosing a table in the corner of the cafeteria, away from the larger groups, Ethan sat alone, beginning to devour his sandwiches with impressive speed, the fries disappearing almost as quickly as he reached for them. He didn't want to draw any more attention than he already was, but it wasn't long before a few werewolves approached, led by Aiden, a tall, brown-haired werewolf who seemed to be the most confident of the group.

"Ethan, man… can we talk?" Aiden asked, his voice hesitant but full of curiosity. He was accompanied by two other werewolves, a boy named Theo and a girl named Maya, both of them with expressions that mixed wariness and fascination.

Ethan looked up from his plate, frowning, but nodded, swallowing a bite of sandwich before answering.

"Sure. About what?" he asked, his voice calm but with a hint of caution.

Aiden exchanged a glance with the others before speaking, clearly choosing his words carefully.

— About last night… what are you, man? Because… a werewolf doesn't look like that. You were… huge, like, a humanoid monster. You weren't a normal wolf like us. What are you really? — he asked, his voice thick with a mixture of fear and admiration.

Ethan sighed, placing his sandwich back on his plate. He had known this question was coming, but he didn't have all the answers yet.

"I'm a werewolf, Aiden. Just… not in the conventional way, I guess," he replied, his voice firm but with a hint of uncertainty. "To be honest, I don't even know what I really am. Alaric and Hope told me about my father, he was a different kind of werewolf, who was like me… humanoid, stronger, more… different. But I'm still trying to figure it all out."

Theo frowned, crossing his arms.

"So you don't know what it is? Isn't it kind of… dangerous?" he asked, his voice more defiant than Aiden's.

Ethan held his gaze, his eyes shining with an intensity that made Theo instinctively recoil.

"Maybe. But I'm working on controlling it. I don't want to hurt anyone again," Ethan said, his voice deep and determined. "If you're afraid of me, I understand. But I'm not a monster… or at least, I don't want to be."

Aiden nodded slowly, looking satisfied with the answer, though there was still a shadow of doubt in his gaze. Maya, who had been silent until then, stepped forward, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Whatever you are… it was impressive. Scary, but impressive," she said, a slight smile playing on her lips before she turned to leave with the others.

Ethan watched the werewolves walk away, returning to his food with a sigh. He didn't like the attention, but at least they didn't seem hostile—just curious. As he ate, he couldn't help but notice the stares of the other students, especially a few girls who stared at him from afar, whispering to each other. He knew what they were thinking—the heterochromatic eyes, the transformation from the night before, and, well, the fact that he wasn't exactly ugly all made him an intriguing figure at the Salvatore School. But Ethan didn't care one bit about that. His mind was elsewhere—or rather, someone else.

It was then that Hope entered the cafeteria, accompanied by Josie. The two were talking animatedly, and a beautiful smile formed on Hope's face, lighting up the room as if she were the sun itself. She was radiant, the happiness she felt still overflowing from every gesture, every look. When her eyes found Ethan, sitting alone in the corner devouring his mountain of sandwiches and fries, her smile widened even more, and she felt a warmth rise in her chest.

"Come on, Josie," Hope said, pulling her friend toward Ethan's table, never taking her eyes off him.

Josie arched an eyebrow, but followed Hope, curious to see what was going on. When they reached the table, Hope sat in the chair next to Ethan, while Josie sat on the other side, her eyes darting between them with an expression that said she knew something was up. Hope grabbed a plate with a salad and a small sandwich, while Josie opted for a slice of pizza and a soda, both of them starting to eat as they chatted.

"Hey, lone wolf," Hope said, her voice full of teasing tones, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she leaned slightly toward him. "Are you hiding in the corner, are you? Or are you just trying to devour the entire cafeteria?" she teased, pointing to the pile of sandwiches and fries in front of him.

Ethan looked up from his plate, an equally teasing smile appearing on his face at her tone. He leaned back in his chair, his heterochromatic eyes shining with a hint of amusement as he stared at her, swallowing a handful of fries before answering.

"I'm not hiding, Hope. Just… enjoying the view," he replied, his voice deep and flirtatious, making her heart race. He took another sandwich, taking a generous bite, his eyes never leaving hers, his smile widening. "But now that you're here, the view is much better."

Hope laughed, the sound light and genuine, but there was a glint in her eyes that showed she wasn't going to let it go. She leaned in even closer, resting her chin on her hand as she stared at him, the teasing smile never leaving her lips.

"Careful, Ethan. If you keep looking at me like that, I might end up giving you another reason to have that silly smile on your face," she said, her voice low, almost a whisper, but full of a promise that made the air between them feel heavier.

Ethan arched an eyebrow, his smile turning into something wilder, more dangerous, as he leaned toward her, closing the distance between their faces.

"Is that a promise, Mikaelson? Because I'm very good at collecting promises," he replied, his voice hoarse, his eyes shining with an intensity that made Hope feel a shiver run through her body.

Josie, who until then had just been watching the interaction while eating her pizza, finally couldn't hold it anymore and cleared her throat, catching the attention of both of them. She crossed her arms, an amused but curious smile appearing on her lips.

"Okay, you two, what's going on here?" she asked, her voice filled with suspicion, but also amusement. "Because this is starting to sound like a lot more than just a casual conversation."

Hope and Ethan straightened at the same time, exchanging a quick glance before Hope looked away, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She wanted to scream to the entire cafeteria that Ethan was her man, that he belonged to her, and that no one else should even think about getting close to him. Because as she teased Ethan, she couldn't help but notice the gazes of the other girls in the cafeteria—vampires, witches, and werewolves—who seemed to be eating Ethan up with their eyes.

And she could see why. Last night's transformation, which should have scared everyone, seemed to have had the opposite effect on some of them. Ethan's reputation as the only boy in Mystic Falls with heterochromatic eyes—one green, one blue, that seemed to hypnotize anyone who stared at them for too long—only added to the allure. That, coupled with the fact that he was, well, incredibly attractive, with a sculpted body and a presence that exuded power and mystery, made him the target of many stares. And yesterday's transformation, far from driving the girls away, seemed to have made Ethan even more famous, even more desired by those Hope, in her mind, called "sluts."

Hope felt a wave of jealousy mixed with pride rise in her chest. Ethan was hers—her man, her werewolf, her everything. And she wasn't going to let anyone forget it. But for now, she held back, turning her attention back to Josie with a smile that tried to look innocent but fooled no one.

"Nothing's going on, Josie. Just… a conversation between friends," Hope said, her voice too sweet to be convincing, as she cast a sidelong glance at Ethan, who just chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Friends, huh?" Josie asked, clearly not buying it but deciding not to press it for now. "Okay then. I'll pretend to believe it… for now."

As the three of them continued to eat their meals—Ethan devouring his third sandwich and another order of fries, Hope picking at her salad, and Josie finishing her pizza—a new presence approached the table, bringing with it an energy that was impossible to ignore. Lizzie Saltzman, with her confident demeanor and a mischievous smile on her lips, stood beside the table, a tray with a slice of chocolate cake and a soda in her hands.

"Look who's here! My favorite little wolf," Lizzie said, her voice full of playfulness as she sat down uninvited, placing the tray on the table. Her eyes were fixed on Ethan, and there was a teasing glint in them that made Hope frown instinctively. Then she turned to Hope, rolling her eyes in a dry tone. "Hope." And finally, she looked at Josie with a warmer smile. "And my little sister, of course."

"Lizzie, what do you want?" Josie asked, rolling her eyes in response, but with an amused smile, already used to her sister's outgoing manner.

"I just came to join the party, sis," Lizzie replied with a shrug before turning to Ethan, her smile widening. A slight blush crept into her cheeks, but she kept her tone sophisticated and teasing, with an air of flirtation that was unmistakable. "And, of course, to chat with our most… intriguing little wolf. Ethan, dear, I haven't been able to stop thinking about what I saw in that cabin last night. Let's just say you… well, you have a way of leaving a lasting impression, even without clothes on."

Lizzie laughed, the sound light and melodious, but with an undertone that made it clear she was flirting, though more elegantly and playfully than directly. The blush on her face deepened, showing that she was a little embarrassed by her own boldness, but the gleam in her eyes made it clear that she was enjoying the reaction her words would cause.

Ethan, who was about to take another bite of his sandwich, stopped in his tracks, a confident and slightly amused smile playing on his lips as he processed what Lizzie had just said. He didn't feel embarrassed—far from it. Instead, he arched an eyebrow, his heterochromatic gaze shining with a mix of amusement and challenge as he leaned back in his chair, exuding a commanding presence that seemed to fill the space around him. He thought about replying that he had company, but when he noticed Hope's gaze on him, he decided to tease her a little more, playing along with Lizzie's flirting.

"Is that so, Lizzie?" he replied, his voice deep, with a hint of provocation that made the blush on Lizzie's face deepen. "Then I guess I'll have to give you more reasons to remember me, huh? Maybe next time I'll invite you to see it again… from a better angle."

He gave Lizzie a mischievous smile, his tone clearly playful but loaded with a charm that made Lizzie laugh again, her face now completely red as she fanned her face with her hand, feigning dramatic exaggeration.

Hope, who was sitting next to Ethan, felt a wave of jealous fury rise in her chest with a force that caught her off guard. Her eyes burned with fury, like all jealous women, and she clenched her fists under the table, her heart racing as she tried to control the anger bubbling inside her. How dare he? Tease her like this, in front of her, playing along with Lizzie's flirtation as if she weren't even there? She knew Ethan was joking—or at least she thought he was—but that didn't lessen the pain she felt, the need to mark her territory and remind everyone that Ethan was hers.

Without a second thought, Hope instinctively let her magic flow, a subtle glow passing through her eyes as she muttered a barely audible spell under her breath. A small, almost imperceptible magical wind blew toward Lizzie, causing her chair to rock abruptly. Before Lizzie could react, the chair tipped backwards, and she fell to the floor with a yelp of surprise, the tray with the chocolate cake and soda falling with it, the soda spilling onto the floor and the cake shattering on her blouse.

— Ouch! What was that?! — Lizzie exclaimed, getting up from the floor with an expression of shock and indignation, while trying to clean the cake from her blouse, her face red with embarrassment and irritation.

Josie, who was watching everything, widened her eyes, but quickly covered her mouth to hide a laugh, immediately realizing what had happened. She glanced at Hope, who was pretending to be focused on her salad, but the glint of satisfaction in her eyes gave her away completely.

Ethan, on the other hand, realized what Hope had done and couldn't help but chuckle softly, shaking his head as he stared at her with a mixture of amusement and admiration. He knew the teasing had gone too far, but Hope's reaction—so full of fire and passion—only made him like her even more. He leaned toward her, his voice low, almost a whisper, but filled with a teasing tone that only she would understand.

"Jealous, Mikaelson?" he murmured, his heterochromatic eyes shining with a wild gleam as he stared at her, the mischievous smile still playing on his lips. "I didn't know you were so… possessive."

Hope glared at him, her eyes still burning with jealous fury, but now mixed with a blush rising to her cheeks as she realized he was enjoying this.

"Don't test my patience, Ethan," she said, her voice low, almost a growl, but filled with a promise that made the air between them feel heavier. "You won't like the outcome."

Ethan laughed again, the sound deep and genuine, as he leaned back in his chair, clearly pleased with her reaction. He knew he needed to make it up to Hope later—maybe with a more serious conversation or a moment alone where he could show her how much she meant to him—but for now, he couldn't resist teasing her a little more.

Meanwhile, Lizzie finally stood up, still grumbling as she tried to wipe the cake off her blouse, her face red with embarrassment and irritation.

"That wasn't funny, Hope!" she complained, shooting an accusing look at Hope, who just shrugged, a smile too sweet to be genuine appearing on her lips.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Lizzie. Maybe you should be more careful with your chair next time," Hope said, her voice falsely innocent as she went back to eating her salad as if nothing had happened.

Josie, who couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, finally let the sound out, covering her face with her hands as she tried to control herself. The cafeteria, which had already been filled with whispers because of Lizzie's comment, now seemed to explode in whispers and muffled laughter, the other students clearly entertained by the little drama unfolding at Hope and Ethan's table.

At the nearby tables, the girls who had already been whispering about Ethan now had a new reason to talk. Emma, ​​the vampire, leaned toward Sophia, the witch, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Did you see that? Hope knocked Lizzie off her chair!" Emma whispered, barely able to contain her excitement.

— I knew she was jealous! I bet she and Ethan are really together — Sophia replied, fanning her face with her hand, clearly enjoying the drama.

Ethan, noticing the new wave of whispers, ran his hand through his hair, messing it up even more, and let out an exasperated sigh.

— This will bring more problems for me... great — he muttered, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and resigned humor, as he tried to ignore the looks and whispers around him.

Hope, however, had reached her limit. Jealousy still burned in her chest, and Ethan's provocation, even if playful, had made her furious. She didn't want to stay here any longer, listening to the whispers or dealing with Lizzie's presence and Ethan's attitude. She gave him one last look, her eyes still burning with a mixture of anger and vulnerability, before turning her face away with a sharp movement, huffing loudly.

"Humph!" she exclaimed, her voice thick with irritation as she stood up from her chair, grabbing her tray in one swift motion. "Come on, Josie, let's get out of here."

Josie, who was still chuckling softly, widened her eyes at Hope's sudden change in mood, but quickly picked up her tray and stood up, following her friend without question. She gave Ethan a sideways glance, an amused smile playing on her lips as if to say, "You're in trouble," before following Hope out of the cafeteria, leaving Ethan and Lizzie at the table.

Ethan stood there, watching Hope and Josie walk away, the mischievous smile still playing on his lips, but now mixed with a hint of regret. He knew he had gone too far with the teasing, and Hope's dramatic exit made it clear she wasn't willing to deal with it right now. He sighed, passing a hand through his hair again, while thinking about how to make amends with her later.

Lizzie, who was still cleaning the cake off her blouse, looked at Ethan with an expression that mixed irritation and curiosity. She sat down again, now in a different chair, and crossed her arms, staring at him with an inquisitive look.

— Okay, lobinho, explain one thing to me — she said, her voice carrying a tone that mixed provocation and genuine curiosity. — What's going on between you and Hope for her to get so jealous like that? Because, seriously, she almost killed me with that spell just because I was teasing you.

Ethan let out a low laugh, shaking his head as he picked up another sandwich, taking a bite before responding. He knew Lizzie wouldn't let the matter drop easily, and although he didn't want to go into details, he decided to give an answer that would satisfy her curiosity—at least for now.

"Let's just say Hope… cares about me more than she cares to admit," he replied, his voice deep, with a hint of amusement, but also a softness that made it clear how much he valued Hope's feelings. "And I probably shouldn't have teased you in front of her. She didn't take kindly to that."

Lizzie raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand.

"Didn't like it very much? Ethan, she threw me to the ground!" she exclaimed, her voice full of dramatic exaggeration, but with a glint of amusement in her eyes. "You two are together, aren't you? Because that was girlfriend jealousy, not friend jealousy."

Ethan smiled, but didn't answer directly, just shrugged as he continued eating his sandwich. He wasn't going to confirm or deny anything to Lizzie—not until he talked to Hope and cleared things up with her. But Lizzie's question made him wonder even more about Hope's feelings, and he knew he needed to find her soon to apologize and show her that she had no reason to feel insecure.

"You'll have to figure that out for yourself, Lizzie," he finally said, his voice carrying a teasing tone but with a firmness that made it clear he wasn't going to elaborate. "But yeah, I'm probably in trouble. Wish me luck, huh?"

Lizzie chuckled, shaking her head as she grabbed a napkin to continue cleaning her blouse.

"Good luck, little wolf. You're going to need it," she said, her voice full of humor as she looked at him, clearly amused by the situation.

~~~~~~

After finishing lunch and dealing with the little drama in the cafeteria, Ethan decided he needed some time to himself. The tension with Hope was still weighing on his mind, and he knew he needed to find her to apologize, but for now, he wanted a moment of calm to gather his thoughts. Around 2:30 p.m., he walked to the Salvatore School field, a large, green space that sat at the back of the main building, surrounded by tall trees that swayed gently in the breeze.

The weather was pleasant, with a cool breeze blowing in his face, relieving the heat of the day. The sun, although still warm, was beginning to lose strength, casting a golden light over the lawn, indicating that the afternoon was advancing. Ethan found a wooden bench under the shade of a tree and sat down, stretching his legs out in front of him as he looked out over the field. He took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill his lungs, and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to relax.

But the tranquility didn't last long. The field began to fill with students, especially girls, who seemed to have decided to use the afternoon to exercise or simply socialize. Many of them wore skimpy clothing—short shorts, tight tops, some even bikinis, as if they were ready for a dip in the nearby lake. Ethan opened his eyes, watching the commotion with a distant gaze, but he couldn't help but notice the glances some of the girls gave him, whispering to each other as they passed him.

A group of boys playing soccer a few feet away also seemed more interested in the girls than in the game. They were laughing loudly, making comments that Ethan could clearly hear even from a distance. One of them, a tall boy with blond hair, pointed at a group of girls approaching from the opposite side of the field.

"Look at those girls over there, guys!" the boy said, his voice full of mocking tone as he nudged his friend next to him. "Those girls are fucking hot. Look at the size of that ass!"

His friend, a shorter boy with brown hair, laughed out loud, nodding in agreement.

— True, but look who's coming over there... Hope Mikaelson — he said, pointing to the approaching group. Hope was walking next to Josie and another girl, a witch named Penelope, who was laughing at something Josie had said. — My God, look at the size of those breasts! What I wouldn't do to have a chance with her... Just imagine what I would do with her one night.

The other boys laughed loudly, making vulgar gestures as they continued to talk about Hope, each comment more disrespectful than the last. Ethan, who had been listening in silence until now, felt a wave of anger rise in his chest with a force that caught him off guard. His eyes narrowed, and a low, almost animalistic growl escaped his throat, the deep, menacing sound echoing across the field.

— Grrr… — Ethan's growl was identical to that of a wolf, filled with a primal fury that made the boys turn to him, their faces immediately filled with fear.

"Fuck, it's Ethan," the blond boy stuttered, his eyes wide as he and his friends backed away, clearly startled by the intensity of the sound and the dangerous glint in Ethan's eyes.

Ethan declared from the bench, fists clenched at his sides, anger still bubbling inside him. He took a step forward, his voice deep and sharing a threat that made the boys freeze in place.

— Tsk, you bunch of idiots. Who do you think you are to say that about my girl? — he growled, his eyes now glowing a fluorescent green, the same glow that appears in his werewolf form, reflecting the fury and possessiveness he felt for Hope.

The boys didn't need any more encouragement. They exchanged frightened looks and, without a word, ran off the field, tripping over each other in their haste to get away from Ethan. He watched them go, the growl still vibrating in his chest, but slowly he began to calm down, taking deep breaths to control his anger.

It was then that he turned his attention to Hope, who was still walking with Josie and Penelope, oblivious to what had just happened to the boys. Ethan took a closer look at her, and what he saw made his heart race in a way he hadn't expected. Hope looked… breathtaking. She was wearing a form-fitting outfit that hugged every curve of her curvy body—a black tank top that accentuated her tiny waist and short shorts that showed off her long, toned legs. Her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, and the sunlight seemed to make her skin glow, as if she were a vision straight out of a dream.

Ethan couldn't look away. There was no doubt in his mind: Hope was by far the hottest girl in the place. Every move she made, every detail of her appearance, seemed designed to hypnotize him, and he felt an intense heat rise through his body, the same overwhelming desire that had taken over him in the shower earlier that day. Without him realizing it, her eyes had once again glowed a fluorescent green, the wild glow reflecting the intensity of his feelings for her.

As he stared at her, a few girls who had been running across the field passed him, their laughter echoing as they made a circuit around the grass. They noticed him immediately, and when their eyes met his, the fluorescent green glow made them freeze in place, stopping their running abruptly. Their gazes fixed on Ethan, mesmerized by the intensity of the glow, which seemed to carry an almost magnetic energy.

"Oh my God, did you see his eyes?" one of the girls, a vampire named Chloe, whispered to her friend next to her, her eyes wide with fascination.

"They're… mesmerizing," the other, a human named Mia, replied, fanning her face with her hand as if trying to cool herself. "He's so… intense."

They exchanged glances, chuckling softly as they continued to talk about Ethan, clearly drawn to him. After a moment, they resumed their jog, but not without stealing sidelong glances at him, the fascination evident on their faces. However, as they passed closer to Hope, Josie, and Penelope's group, their voices were still audible, and Hope stopped talking abruptly upon hearing what they were saying.

"Seriously, Chloe, those green eyes… I've never seen anything so mesmerizing," Mia said, chuckling softly as she adjusted her ponytail, sweat glistening on her forehead. "He was looking the other way, but oh my God, I almost forgot how to run!"

— I know! He's like… a real wolf, right? I'm starting to see why everyone's talking about him — Chloe replied, fanning her face with her hand, her tone full of fascination. — I bet he looks amazing up close.

Hope, who was chatting with Josie and the other girl, felt a pang of jealousy as she heard the girls' comments about Ethan's eyes, but this time, it wasn't anger that she felt. Her day had been crazy—in the morning, she had shared her first kiss with Ethan, a moment that had blown her mind, and now, in the afternoon, she had already "fought" with him in the cafeteria over his prank on Lizzie. But instead of being angry, Hope was more… amused. She knew that Ethan didn't have serious intentions with Lizzie, and her dramatic exit from the cafeteria had been more of a way of marking her territory than a sign of genuine anger. Now, hearing the girls' comments about him, she decided it was time to return the provocation—and she was going to do it her way.

Her eyes narrowed, and she turned, searching the field for Ethan, her gaze sweeping the grass until she finally found him, sitting on the bench beneath the shade of the tree a few feet away. When their eyes met, Hope felt a shiver run down her spine. Ethan was staring at her with an intensity she knew all too well—a pure, almost primal desire that seemed to burn in his fluorescent green eyes. He wasn't just looking at her; he was devouring her with his gaze, every detail of her figure absorbing him as if she were the only thing in the world. The gleam in his eyes, combined with the way he was biting his bottom lip without even realizing it, made it clear how much he wanted her at that moment.

Hope felt her heart race, her jealousy of the other girls mixing with a deep satisfaction at the effect she was having on him. In her mind, she thought: If he thinks he can tease me with that cafeteria prank, then I'm going to show him what real teasing is. I'll drive him crazy, but he won't touch me—not until I decide he deserves it. A mischievous smile played across her lips, and she turned to Josie—another girl named Cassie—her voice filled with false casualness.

"I'm going to stretch a bit, girls. My legs are feeling a little tight," she said, her tone light, but with a glint in her eyes that Josie immediately recognized as a sign that Hope was up to something.

Josie arched an eyebrow but said nothing as Hope walked away from the group. She jogged lightly across the field, joining a few other girls who were approaching near where Ethan sat, but she made sure not to look directly at him. Instead, she stopped a few feet from the bench, her back to him, and began to stretch deliberately, each movement calculated to provoke him.

Hope leaned forward, stretching her arms down to her feet, her short shorts riding up even higher, highlighting the curves of her legs and the outline of her ass. She turned to the side, stretching her arms upward, the tight top highlighting her tiny waist and the shape of her curvy body. Each movement was slow, almost sensual, and she knew exactly what she was doing. Even though she pretended to concentrate on the stretch, Hope could feel Ethan's gaze burning into her skin, and it filled her with a mischievous satisfaction. This is because of your playtime with Lizzie, Ethan, she thought, the mischievous smile still playing on her lips as she continued to stretch. You can look all you want, but you're not touching me—not until I say you can.

Ethan, on the other hand, was losing his mind. He tried to look away, tried to control himself, but it was impossible. The sight of Hope stretching, her body moving so provocatively, was more than he could bear. The desire that had been consuming him since the moment he'd seen her on the field now seemed to explode inside him, and he felt heat rise through his body, his heart racing as he clenched his fists against his thighs. Her fluorescent green eyes glowed with even greater intensity, and a low growl escaped his throat, barely audible but filled with frustration and desire.

Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. Leaning forward, he muttered in a low tone, but loud enough for Hope to hear, his voice hoarse and filled with a tension he could barely contain.

— Hope, I can't stand watching all this anymore... you're killing me — he said, his words filled with genuine desperation that made Hope's smile widen.

Hope, who still had her back to him, pretending to stretch, couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips. The sound was light, almost teasing, and she straightened slowly, turning her face just enough to give Ethan a sideways glance. Her eyes were bright with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction, and she shrugged, her tone falsely innocent as she answered.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Ethan," she said, her voice sweet but full of a teasing tone that only drove him crazier. In his mind, she laughed: You're not touching me today, Ethan. This is just the beginning of your lesson.

Without another word, Hope turned and began running back to the group of girls, but not before making a point of swaying as she ran, her movements exaggerated and clearly aimed at Ethan. She knew he was watching, and the thought of frustrating him even more filled her with mischievous satisfaction. As she ran, she tossed her hair to the side, casting one last glance over her shoulder at Ethan, the mischievous smile still playing on her lips.

Ethan stood there, his eyes still glowing fluorescent green, his breathing heavy as he watched her walk away. He ran a hand through his hair, messing it up even more, and then suddenly, a low laugh escaped his lips. The sound was genuine, filled with a mixture of frustration and amusement as he shook his head, accepting Hope's teasing. He knew he deserved it—after all, he hadn't made it clear to Lizzie in the cafeteria that he was with Hope, and now she was getting back at him in a way that drove him crazy but that he couldn't help but admire.

She's impossible, he thought, the smile still playing on his lips as he leaned back in his seat, his eyes following Hope until she joined the group of girls. He'd made the first move today—the kiss that morning, the connection they'd shared under the tree—and now, with this tease, he felt like it was all just beginning. Things were only going to get more interesting from here on out, and he couldn't wait to see what came next. If this is what she does when I tease her, then I guess I'm going to have to get used to losing my temper more often, he mused, the tone of his internal chuckle laced with amused acceptance and a hint of excitement for what the future held.