Chapter 19
Aria
鍵
Lucas studies me for a moment, his frown deepening. “I’ll give you some time to think about it.”
Time? What for? I’ve already made up my mind, apparently in record–breaking poor judgment.
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“I don’t need to think about it. Let’s do it,” I say confidently, crossing my arms. “And no, you don’t have to worry about me. I’m not going to fall in love with you.”
Lucas scoffs, pinning me with that intense, all–consuming gaze of his. “Still, think about it.”
“I have a condition, though,” I counter, raising a hand to stop him from saying anything else. “We’re going to be exclusive. No screwing around with other people.”
“What?” He looks absolutely horrified, like I just told him I’m banning pizza forever. Did he seriously think I’d be okay with him sticking it to someone else while I sat around twiddling my thumbs?
He draws a long breath and stares at me. “I’ll think about it.”
I scoff so hard I nearly choke. Why did I forget what a manwhore Lucas is? Well, two can play at this game. I really want to teach him a lesson. Make him fall for me….head over heels, just so I can reject his arrogant ass. If only!
Lucas narrows his eyes at me suddenly and nods at my hair. “By the way, what’s with your hair?”
I run my fingers through the wavy blonde strands. “I decided to go back to my original color. It was Ethan who made me dye it black.”
He hums in response, and I arch a brow.
“You don’t like it?”
“And if I don’t?” He smirks, leaning back lazily. “Will you change it?”
“Not a chance. No guy’s ever going to dictate my hair color again. I’m done playing that way.”
Lucas laughs, a deep sound that sends a flutter through my stomach. “That’s the spirit.”
“So?” I press, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably. “Do you like it?”
He grins, that stupid, unfairly charming grin. “You’re one stubborn she–wolf, Aria. But yeah… I love it. You look fucking beautiful.”
A smile creeps onto my face despite my best efforts. Damn him for knowing exactly what to say.
But then his expression shifts, and his eyes narrow. “Don’t lose focus, Aria,” he warns, his voice taking on that low, commanding tone. “A real relationship between us will never work.”
“Wow. Great pep talk,” I mutter, rolling my eyes.
He just smirks. Of course, he does.
“Come on, let’s get you cleaned up,” he mutters with a resigned sigh, scooping up my torn panties like it’s the most natural thing in the world and stuffing them into his pocket.
My brain screeches to a halt. Why are my panties in his pocket? But before I can even process the absurdity of the situation, he’s leading me toward the restroom.
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He leans casually against the wall, waiting like some kind of brooding guardian angel. Meanwhile, It left wondering why I signed up for this emotionally chaotic rollercoaster,
When I’m done, Lucas washes his hands like some soap commercial model.too cool, too comport and then heads me outside. My friends are already waiting, looking more curious than concerned
“Aria!” Mia calls out, practically jogging toward me with Lily tagging along like her hype woman.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Mia fires off, her eyes scanning me like I’m a crime scene.
I let out an awkward laugh, silently praying they don’t notice anything off. But let’s face it, I reek of Laca. His scent is all over me, and judging by Mia’s narrowed eyes, she’s already picked up on it. Great
“What about the guy?” I blurt out, trying to divert their attention. My gaze darts to Damon a a few feet away like bodyguards auditioning for a nightclub.
“He’s gone,” Damon says flatly,
“What the hell?” My eyes widen, panic creeping into my voice.
neo, who see both sauding
“Relax.” Mia side–eyes Damon like she’s debating whether to smack him. “He’s at the medical center
“Jay’s fine,” Theo cuts in calmly. But the moment Jay’s name comes up, Lucas‘ jaw tightens. Oh no.
“Did you warn him?” Lucas asks sharply.
“Yes, Alpha,” Theo responds, nodding like he’s reporting to the Alpha King.
“Good.” Lucas doesn’t even glance at me before turning on his heel. “Let’s go guys”
“Go where?” The question slips out before I can stop myself.
“To practice,” he says simply, his face giving nothing away. “We’re not done.”
And just like that, he walks off, leaving me stunned. So, he dropped everything mid–training to check on me? My cheeks heat up at the thought, but before I can overanalyze, he throws a parting shot over his shoulder:
“And Aria… behave.”
Behave?! My face turns tomato–red as my friends stare at me, clearly itching for details.
.“Okay, spill,” Lily demands, hands on her hips. “What happened?”
“What…what do you mean?” I stutter, playing dumb, though I know exactly what she’s fishing for.
Mia crosses her arms. “Don’t play coy. You reek of Alpha Lucas, and your face is redder than a stop sign. Start talking.”
I sigh, giving in. “Fine. We…kissed. And there was, um, some foreplay.”
“Wait. WHAT?!” Mia’s voice shoots up a note.
“Aria, are you out of your damn mind? It’s supposed to be fake! Remember?”
“I know, okay?!” I groan, frustrated. “But I can’t help it. I want him so bad. And he-“I pause, taking a deep breath, *—he just wants to keep it casual. No strings attached. You know…fuck mates.”
Mia’s jaw drops. Lily blinks at me like I’ve just announced I’m moving to Mars.
“Casual sex?!” they yell in unison, practically bursting my eardrums.
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Chapter 19
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“I know, I know. I’ve lost it.” I rub my temples, feeling the weight of my idiotic decisions. “But maybe…maybe he thinks I’m not good enough for him.”
Mia scoffs so hard I’m surprised she doesn’t pull a muscle. “That’s bullshit, and you know it. You’re more than enough. In fact, we’re flipping the script.”
“What script?” I ask, squinting at her.
“We’re going to make him fall for you,” she declares, her grin turning downright evil.
“And how exactly are we pulling that off?” Lily and I say at the same time, both skeptical.
“We’re going to make you climb the social ladder,” Mia says, a mischievous glint in her eyes. alphas date?”
t off, what kind of girls do
“Daughters of alphas, betas, lunas, cheerleaders, warriors, and so on…” Lily starts. “And Aria is none of that.”
“Simple. Step one…” Mia dramatically pulls out a flyer from her pocket like she’s revealing a secret weapon. “Cheerleader trials. They’re happening right now.”
gape at her. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope.” She smirks.
Lily, meanwhile, looks like she just witnessed a murder. “Aria? A cheerleader? Vanessa’s gonna flip!”
“Who cares about Vanessa?” Mia waves her off. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it big.”
“I’m in,” I announce, surprising even myself. “If it helps Lucas see me differently, I’ll do it.”
Lily groans. “You’re seriously going through with this? You know she’ll eat you alive, right?”
“Let her fucking try,” Mia shoots back, dragging me by the arm. “Come on, Aria. It’s time to channel your inner mean girl.”
Gosh, I’ve officially lost my mind. How did I go from trying to make Ethan jealous to… this?
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