Jade's POV
"Why is Andrew coming to me?" I wondered as I saw Andrew walking towards me.
I swallowed hard as he neared me and I could see a sweet smile adorning his handsome face.
My heart skipped a beat. My eyes locked onto his, and I felt like I was melting into their warm, gentle gaze. A soft blush crept up my cheeks, and a shy smile played on her lips as she drank in the sight of him. It was as if the entire room had faded away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a moment of sparkling possibility.
I must confess, that smile of his was doing something thrilling to my body and heart.
"Hey, beautiful. You look absolutely breathtaking!" I heard Andrew say to me as he stood before me.
That was surprising. I opened my mouth slightly and quickly closed it. Although it was unexpected, the compliment pleased me. All the doubts that I had earlier about not fitting in, amongst the female guests, disappeared and I felt beautiful.
"Thank you, Andrew. And happy birthday once again." I replied him. And I noticed he looked so happy.
"Come dance with me." He requested. My eyebrows rumpled in confusion.
And I had inquired about Sophia. I wanted to know why he would ask me to dance with him when his girlfriend was around.
When he replied that he chose me over Sophia for the dance, I was annoyed that he had said that maybe because he thought I was easy and he could ask me for things he was supposed to ask his girlfriend.
But the response he gave me made me look at him like he had suddenly grown more heads.
"Because you are my mate!" He had wrapped his arms around me, drawing me closer to his body and whispered into my ear, huskily.
That sent shiver down my spine but I was bewildered at the same time.
"Did he just say I am his mate? Mate? Are we in a fantasyland where shapeshifters exist?" I wondered, looking bewildered.
However, he was unbothered. It was as if he had expected that reaction of mine, because he just smiled down at me and tightened his hold on my waist. Like he was telling me he had access to it.
"You have very beautiful eyes. I think they are my favorite things to look at, now." He muttered to me.
I blinked. I was flustered.
"What has gotten into him, today? Why is he being expressive in a sweet and loving manner, towards me?" I wondered inwardly.
But I could utter a word in response to what he was saying. His cologne was rendering me senseless.
It was a masterful blend of earthy vetiver, smooth sandalwood, and a hint of dark chocolate, creating a scent that was both grounding and indulgent. The aroma was subtle yet persistent, like the gentle hum of a bass guitar in the background of a jazz club.
Since he had kept me close to his body, the fragrance seemed to deepen, revealing nuances of tobacco and amber that added a sense of warmth and intimacy. The overall effect was a scent that was both rugged and refined, like a well-worn leather armchair in a luxurious study.
His breath fanned my forehead and I enjoyed the warmth, greatly.
I looked up at him and realized he hadn't looked at anything else apart from my face.
His gaze was intense. It was as if was looking for letters hidden in my eyes, on my nose, on top of my lips... Everywhere on my face.
If it were to be someone else staring at me like that, I would freak out and label them a creep, but since it was Andrew, I felt so relaxed under his gaze.
It was as if his eyes were giving me the comfort and warmth I needed at that moment.
"You are so beautiful. Everything about you is perfect." He said to me, his voice laced with emotion.
I gulped.
"Does he have an idea of what he is doing to me?" I asked myself inwardly but the knowing smirk he had on, told me he heard what I just asked myself.
Did he really hear that?
Before I could ponder on that further, Sophia appeared by my side, with scowl on her face.
"Baby, what are you doing?" She asked him and deliberately brushed her shoulder against mine, roughly.
Without being told verbally, I slipped out of Andrew's hold and walked away immediately.
"Jade, wait up!" I could hear Andrew said behind me but I didn't bother to look back.
"What was I even thinking, dancing with him?" I asked myself, chidingly.
I knew I got lost in the spur of the moment and I had his handsome face, alluring fragrance and enchanting smile to blame for that.
I was trying to get away when I bumped into one of my coursemate, Thomas.
"Hey Jade!" He said to me, all smiles.
"Hey, Thomas! Enjoying the party?" I asked him, softly.
"Not really, but I think I would if I can get a dance with a beautiful lady." He stated.
"Sure! There are lots of beautiful ladies out there. Go and shoot your shot." I replied him and wanted to leave but he held my hand, surprising me.
"I don't need to do that, as I have a beautiful lady in front of me, already. Dance with me, Jade. Please!" He requested politely.
I was taken aback. The guy hardly talked to me in class so him wanting to dance with me, was a surprise. He was one of the handsome guys in class that earned almost all the girls' attention, effortlessly but not me, since I had eyes only for Andrew.
I weighed my options. I could say no to his request and go into my room where I would just crawl in my bed, thinking of what Andrew was doing with Sophia or accept Thomas's hand to dance and have a bit of fun, just like every other person.
"Okay, let's dance." I had made up my hand and took his hand.
We had just started to dance when I heard a noise that seemed to shake the ground beneath our feets.
A growl?