We walked through the hallways of the school, making our way to the principal's office. Aria was quiet, but I could feel her nervous energy beside me. Once inside, the principal—a middle-aged woman with stern but kind eyes—handed Aria her new uniform. The sight of the neatly folded clothes seemed to stun her, her hands trembling slightly as she took it.
"You're being admitted to the final year, Ms. Winters," the principal said with a smile. "It's quite rare for us to enroll someone so late in the school year, but given the circumstances, we're more than happy to accommodate you."
Aria nodded slowly, still processing everything. I stayed by her side, watching her closely as she clutched the uniform to her chest like it was the most precious thing she'd ever received. For her, maybe it was. This was more than just a school uniform—it was a symbol of a future she thought she'd lost.
After the formalities were done, we were taken to see her classroom. The teacher, a sharp-looking woman with glasses, greeted us warmly. She explained a bit about the curriculum, but I could tell Aria wasn't listening anymore. Her eyes were wide, taking in the desks, the students who had gathered in groups, the lively chatter that filled the room. She was like a child seeing something magical for the first time.
"This is your class, Aria," I said softly, placing a hand on her back. "You'll be here to finish your studies."
Her gaze flickered up to mine, and for a moment, she looked as though she might cry. But instead, she smiled. A real, genuine smile that made her whole face light up.
"I… I can't believe this," she whispered. "I never thought I'd be here again."
"You deserve this," I replied, my voice low. "And much more."
Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Fergus' name flashed across the screen. He rarely called unless it was urgent. I stepped aside to take the call, still keeping an eye on Aria as she wandered through the classroom.
"Fergus, what is it?" I asked.
"There's a situation with the Pack," he said, his tone serious. "I need you to come back and deal with it."
I frowned, glancing at Aria. I couldn't leave her alone, not here, not when she was just beginning to trust me.
"Handle it for now," I said curtly. "I'll return when I can."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Fergus replied before hanging up.
I slid the phone back into my pocket, but my mind was already racing with thoughts of the Pack. There were always issues to deal with—rivalries, disputes, problems that only a king could settle. But right now, my focus was on the woman standing a few feet away from me, running her fingers over the edge of a desk like it was something fragile and precious.
I knew I had to do something more for her. I wanted to see her truly happy.
"Aria," I called softly, stepping up behind her. She turned, her eyes still filled with wonder.
"Yes?" she asked, looking up at me with those big, innocent eyes that made my chest tighten.
I reached out and took her hand, leading her out of the classroom. "There's something else I want to show you."
She followed without question, her trust in me evident. As we walked down the hallway, I could feel her excitement building, though she didn't know what I had planned. We stepped outside, the warm sun bathing us in light as I led her toward a small courtyard behind the school. It was quiet, peaceful, with a fountain in the center and flowers blooming along the edges.
"Magnus, this is beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
But that wasn't the surprise.
I gestured toward a large stone bench near the fountain, and as we approached, Aria gasped. A brand-new backpack, filled with supplies—everything she would need for school—sat waiting for her.
"For me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"For you," I confirmed, watching her eyes well with tears.
She didn't hesitate. In an instant, she threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around my neck and burying her face in my chest. I froze for a moment, stunned by the sudden affection, but then she did something I hadn't expected. She jumped up, wrapping her legs around my waist, holding on to me as if I were the only thing keeping her grounded.
I swallowed hard, feeling her small, warm body pressed against mine. She had no idea what she was doing to me, how her innocent touch made the beast inside me roar with need. I could feel my wolf stirring, wanting to claim her, to mark her as mine. Every inch of my body was screaming for her, but I held myself back. She was too innocent, too pure to understand the effect she had on me.
"Magnus, thank you," she whispered into my ear, her voice sending shivers down my spine.
I gritted my teeth, my hands gripping her waist tightly as I fought the urge to do something I shouldn't. "You're welcome, Aria," I managed to say, my voice strained.
I wanted her. I wanted to mark her, to make her mine in every way. But I couldn't rush this. She wasn't ready, and I wouldn't take advantage of her innocence.
Slowly, I pulled her off me, setting her back on her feet. She looked up at me, her cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with joy. She had no idea how close I was to losing control.
"You should check your new things," I said, my voice a little hoarse as I nodded toward the backpack.
Aria blinked up at me, then smiled. "Okay," she said, turning to grab the backpack.
I watched her, my heart pounding in my chest. This woman—my mate—was testing every bit of restraint I had. But I would wait. I would be patient, because when the time came, I would claim her. Completely.
And when that day came, she would be mine forever.