Mila approached the school parking lot and spotted Zara leaning against her car, arms crossed and scanning the scene with her usual sharp gaze. Zara was impossible to miss—she had a bold, commanding presence that turned heads effortlessly. Her thick, jet-black hair was pulled into a high ponytail, cascading down her back and accentuating her sharp, defined cheekbones. Her striking amber eyes held a spark of mischief, framed by long lashes that only added to her intense, almost feline gaze.
Dressed in her usual edgy style, Zara wore a cropped leather jacket over a fitted black top, paired with ripped jeans and combat boots, giving her an air of confidence that bordered on defiance. Gold hoop earrings gleamed against her olive-toned skin, catching the light as she moved, and a small, silver nose ring added an extra edge to her look.
The moment Mila stepped into view, Zara's eyes lit up, and she pushed off the car, striding over with a sly grin already playing on her lips.
"Mila! You vanished with Luca last night!" Zara nudged her playfully, her voice carrying a hint of laughter.
Mila shot her a withering look. "You want to say that any louder? I don't think everyone in school heard you."
Zara just shrugged, rolling her eyes. "And? It's, what, the third time you've been with him? So… was he any good?" She waggled her eyebrows with a smirk.
"It's over." Mila's voice was flat, shutting down any curiosity before it could grow.
"Trouble in paradise?" Zara pressed, her grin turning curious.
More like Mr. Abs missed the fine print in the 'no-strings' clause, Lea huffed in her head.
Mila sighed, running a hand through her hair. "He… caught feelings."
Zara's eyes widened in amusement, then she sighed dramatically. "Oh no. The absolute horror." She looped her arm through Mila's, pulling her toward the school entrance. "Well, hopefully, it was worth it while it lasted."
As they walked, a blast of loud music suddenly filled the parking lot. Both girls turned to see Jace, Caleb, Logan, Eli, and Ash climbing out of one car, moving with the easy swagger that only pack members could pull off. Luca, Kian, and Aria stepped out of another, the trio drawing glances from everyone around. It looked like a scene straight out of a music video—boys laughing and jostling, the center of everyone's attention.
Mila's gaze landed on Kian, and her heart gave an involuntary flip. Tall and imposing, he had an effortless magnetism, his dark hair tousled as if he'd just rolled out of bed, yet somehow perfectly styled. His sharp jawline and high cheekbones gave him a sculpted, almost regal look, softened only by the hint of mischief in his piercing hazel eyes. The familiar scent of vanilla and raspberry clung to him, a scent that had haunted her dreams and always tugged at the invisible bond between them, pulling her focus toward him like a magnet.
But then she saw him pull Aria closer, his arm wrapped possessively around her, and reality came crashing back down.
Aria was every bit as striking as Kian, with an ethereal beauty that seemed crafted to catch the eye. Her long, platinum blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders like silk, shimmering in the sunlight and framing a flawless face with high cheekbones and soft, full lips. She had an aura of quiet confidence and elegance, her icy blue eyes keen and observant, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she leaned into Kian's embrace. She was dressed in a way that seemed effortless yet sophisticated, as if she'd just stepped off the cover of a magazine.
Mila felt the bond pulling at her, her heart squeezing painfully as she watched Kian press a gentle kiss to Aria's temple.
"Still feeling it?" Zara murmured, just loud enough for Mila's heightened senses to catch.
"Yeah… but it's getting easier," Mila replied quietly, her jaw tightening as she forced herself to look away.
They look like they're auditioning for a boy band, Lea scoffed in her head. Please, are they planning a concert or something?
Mila bit back a grin, but just as they were about to turn away, she caught Luca's gaze, his eyes meeting hers with a playful glint. He gave her a small smile, and to her annoyance, Ash caught him looking. Mila's face twisted into a grimace as she quickly turned, pulling Zara along.
"Looks like someone's got it bad for you," Zara snickered, not missing the exchange.
Mila rolled her eyes. "Who doesn't?"
Zara laughed, glancing Mila up and down. "The way you look right now, I'd say anyone with questionable judgment would fall for it." They both burst into laughter, making their way to their lockers to grab their books before heading to class.
Biology was as dull as ever, the teacher droning on about plant anatomy with barely enough energy to stay awake himself. Mila zoned out, her pen idly tapping on her notebook as she half-listened to the lecture.
If the teacher knew you can't keep a plant alive for more than a week, he'd probably just fail you on principle, Lea chimed in, her tone wry.
Hey, I've got better things to worry about than plants, Mila shot back, suppressing a grin.
True, Lea replied smoothly. Good thing you've got other talents—unless he asks you to babysit a fern.
A small laugh escaped Mila before she quickly composed herself, glancing out the window as she waited for the class to end.
As the next few classes blurred by, Mila spotted Zara by the lockers, waving a folded letter with dramatic flair.
"Got another one," Zara announced, her tone playful, but Mila could see the irritation simmering under her smile.
"That's why I dress like this," Mila replied dryly, tugging at her understated outfit.
Zara huffed, stuffing the letter into her bag. "Maybe I should find someone to scare these guys off. Or just start borrowing your hoodies."
Laughing, they linked arms and headed to the cafeteria, exchanging playful nudges. The moment they stepped inside, they were met with a lively buzz—students clustered in groups, animatedly chatting, some waiting in line while others dug into their meals, the air thick with laughter and conversation.
Mila grabbed a tray and moved down the line, Zara beside her, when a familiar scent hit her—one she'd scrubbed off that morning. Her posture stiffened as she felt a presence behind her.
"Hey," Luca greeted, his voice smooth but weighted. Mila kept moving, ignoring him as she reached for a plate.
"Ignoring me now?" he asked, sounding slightly wounded.
With a sigh, Mila finally turned to him, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "How can I help you?"
"I was wondering—" he began, but she cut him off before he could finish.
"No."
He frowned, caught off guard. "You didn't even let me finish. How do you know what I was going to ask?"
"Considering that my brother's going out tonight, you probably wanted to invite me to join your group." Mila raised an eyebrow, her expression making it clear she'd already heard this line before.
Luca shrugged, his confidence wavering just a bit. "Well, it would be a good excuse for us to hang out."
Mila felt Ash approaching before she even saw him. Keeping her voice low, she spoke firmly. "I said no. Whatever happened between us is over."
Right on cue, Ash sidled up next to Luca, his attention flicking between his sister and his friend. "What's on the menu today, bro?" he asked casually, though his eyes betrayed a hint of curiosity about the conversation he'd walked in on.
Oh, is this the part where I get to say 'I told you so?' Lea chimed in, a smug satisfaction filling her tone.
Mila rolled her eyes at her wolf's remark and turned to Zara instead. "So… Wolf's Den tonight?"
Zara grinned, but before she could answer, Ash cut in, his voice dripping with disapproval. "You are not going to that place."
Mila shot him a look, unfazed. "I already have one father, Ash. Don't need a second."
"Father wouldn't—" he began, but she raised a finger, stopping him mid-sentence.
"Already got his approval," she replied matter-of-factly. "Besides, I'm a straight-A student, top of my class. I think I can handle myself. It's not like the school's hanging out there, anyway."
Ash sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly in defeat, though his expression still held a hint of frustration. Sensing the tension, Zara jumped in, trying to lighten the mood.
"I'll pick you up at eight?" she offered, grinning.
Mila shook her head. "Nope, we're heading straight to your place first."
Zara's face lit up as she did a quick, excited bounce. "Girls' night out! Now we're talking!"
Mila smirked, enjoying the brief respite from the drama, while Ash could only shake his head, muttering something under his breath as he watched them head off, clearly knowing he'd lost this round.
They quickly finished their food and breezed through the remaining classes, which Mila and Zara happened to share. They spent most of it mind-linking each other, stifling their laughter to avoid getting caught by the teacher. When the final bell rang, they gathered their things and headed toward the parking lot.
But as they neared the exit, a familiar scent of vanilla and raspberry filled Mila's senses, making her stop short. She frowned, her eyebrows knitting together, and a few steps later, she spotted Kian in one of the empty classrooms. He was leaning against a desk, his gaze fixed on her, silently beckoning her over.
Mila glanced at Zara, who gave her a knowing look. "I'll be waiting by my car," she said, rolling her eyes before walking ahead.
Mila nodded and entered the classroom, closing the door behind her. Kian's jaw was set, his expression unreadable but clearly simmering with irritation. She crossed her arms, waiting for him to speak, but he stayed silent, just staring at her as if trying to figure something out.
After a few beats, she sighed. "Zara's waiting for me," she said, turning to leave, but before she could take a step, he reached out, gripping her wrist. A jolt of electricity shot through her at his touch, the familiar mate bond sending warmth through her, pulling her instinctively toward him.
"What's going on with you and Luca?" he demanded, his tone cold, as if their bond meant nothing to him.
Mila raised an eyebrow, yanking her arm free from his grasp to shake off the intoxicating effect of his touch. "And what exactly does that have to do with you?" she replied, her voice laced with annoyance.
"Luca is Jace's younger brother. I don't want him getting any ideas about you," Kian said, his gaze intense, his voice low.
"Getting ideas?" She scoffed, placing her hand on her hip defiantly. "It's not like I'm anyone's girl, Kian."
At her words, he let out a low growl, his eyes flashing red as his wolf surfaced, simmering with possessiveness. "You're mine," he snarled, barely holding himself back.
"Yours?" Mila's tone was mocking, amusement flashing in her eyes. "Does Aria know about this little claim of yours?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"It's complicated," he replied, the frustration evident in his tone.
His answer made her laugh—a cold, sharp laugh that filled the silence between them. "Maybe it's complicated for you, but not for me. You should just reject me, save yourself the trouble."
For a moment, a flash of hurt flickered in his eyes, but it was quickly masked by his usual steely expression. "If you had the ability to reject me…" he began, his voice a challenge.
"I'd do it in a heartbeat," she finished for him, her words slicing through the air like a blade.
In a burst of anger, he slammed his hand against the wall beside her head, leaning close enough that his scent overwhelmed her senses, making it difficult to focus. "You're mine, Mila. Whether you want it or not."
"Not," she replied firmly, pushing him away as his scent grew unbearable, weakening her resolve. "Let me give you the same advice I gave Luca: stay away from me, or I'll tell my brother about this little secret we've been keeping."
She held his gaze for a long, tense moment, then turned on her heel and left, her footsteps echoing down the hallway as she put distance between herself and Kian. As she stepped outside, the fresh air felt grounding, though her pulse was still racing with frustration.
Ash stood a few yards away, arms crossed, his gaze sharp as it zeroed in on her. The moment he noticed Kian exiting the school behind her, his expression darkened, a flicker of anger flashing across his face. He didn't need words—his entire stance conveyed the protective fury simmering beneath the surface.
Mila caught Ash's silent question in the arch of his eyebrow, but she shook her head slightly, signaling that this wasn't the time to explain. Taking a deep breath, she walked over to Zara's car, slipping into the passenger seat, exhaling sharply.
"All good?" Zara asked, watching her friend with concern.
"Same bullshit as always," Mila replied, still fuming. "Let's get wasted tonight. It's the weekend tomorrow, anyway."
I swear, the Goddess must have a twisted sense of humor, Mila thought to herself, knowing Lea would hear her. Of all the people to be bonded to… him.
It's like we're on some kind of supernatural reality show, Lea scoffed. I don't like him, you don't like him—it's almost comedic at this point.
Honestly, if he's so torn, he should just reject me and get it over with, Mila replied, exasperation seeping through her thoughts. Two years of this back-and-forth, and he still hasn't made up his mind? The second he marks Aria, the bond will disappear, and we'll finally be free.
Please, he's probably convinced he's living in some epic love triangle, Lea retorted. I can just picture it—dramatic speeches, a soundtrack, maybe a rain scene…
He'd love that, Mila thought, rolling her eyes. But for me? The most romantic thing he could do is finally let me go.
Mila turned up the music, trying to drown out her thoughts. As Zara started singing along at the top of her lungs, Mila felt her frustration ease, a smile creeping onto her face. Joining in, she sang with Zara, letting herself relax and laugh, determined to enjoy tonight and let loose. Tonight, all she needed was a bit of freedom and fun.