Melody POV
The day hadn't gone as I'd planned at all. I could've kicked myself for slipping up. As I approached the house, I noticed my brother, JC, sitting on the porch. Just what I needed—my brothers, ready to comment on my mood.
The cold wind was enough of a reminder of what had gone wrong. "You don't look like a girl who's happy to be back in high school," JC commented with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes. Of course, it was that obvious I'd had a bad day. I walked over, sinking down next to him. "Half of happy," I muttered, dropping my school bag beside me. "I tried to be his fated mate, but instead, he chose her over me."
JC chuckled, and I frowned, irritated. "Really? You think this is funny?"
He shook his head, folding his arms as he looked at me. "No, not funny—just that maybe you need to give it a little time."
My frown deepened. "How? I was *this close* to kissing him, and he walked away."
