10

A R Y A

➳

My body froze to ice while I couldn't believe my eyes. Who on earth was this woman? Bitter bile rose in my throat as Xenos took a tad too long to push her away.

She beamed at him. “Didn't Joy tell you I asked about you?”

“Yes, Cecilia.” Xeno's hands closed around her waist and he gently but firmly pushed her away.

Cecilia snuggled up to Xenos again and pouted at him. “Why didn't you come to me straight away? Didn't you miss me?”

“Seems like he wasn't too keen on seeing you.” I arched a brow defiantly and anger shot through my body. Was he kidding me? Was he serious? He had had someone else all this time? I gritted my teeth to control my anger and not lash out in front of everyone. He wouldn't make me do that.

Cecilia's face turned sour.

“I had things to do.” Xenos interjected and his eyes flicked to me, at which point I pressed my lips into a line and ignored him, instead glancing at the stupid cow .

Cecilia looked me up and down critically while wrinkling her nose slightly. Oh that little brat! I lifted my chin and stood up, glaring at her. If she thought her pathetic performance might intimidate her, she had severely cut herself. “Is what? Or have you lost your tongue?”

“Who are you ?” she eyed me disparagingly.

“Careful, Cecilia.” Xenos growled softly and finally pushed her away. His eyes darkened and his face darkened. “Nobody talks to her like that.”

Even though my heart did somersaults, I refused to harbor any feelings for him. That all sucked. “I can bloody well speak for myself!” I countered him and if I were a wolf, my fangs would come out. 'You have no right whatsoever to defend me or anything. I'm none of your business, you're not my king.”

Xenos rose from his chair, his claws scraping across the table. His eyes glowed darkly. “Arya, stop it.”

I snorted and just looked away from him and stared at Cecilia. “I'm Arya. First Arrow, Retanis. And in case you still don't get it, let me repeat it again: Xenos would rather spend his time with me than with you.” Her gasps of indignation gave me a small measure of satisfaction. “Now, if you'll excuse me.”

“Arya.” Xenos growled and wanted to stop me, but I gave him a cutting look.

“Bite me.” with that I turned on my heels. With what little pride I had left, I headed for the exit without looking at him again. I murmured under my breath, knowing he could still hear it, “Crosswise.”

As soon as the door closed behind me, I ran. That idiot. All his words, all the feelings I thought I saw in his eyes. Everything was a lie. He had a mate. I stubbornly held back the flood of tears.

First I took the stairs, but soon I lost my bearings in this castle-like building.

With absolutely no idea where my room was, I ran blindly through the warehouse until I bumped into someone.

“ Teeruk . Damned.” I cursed and pushed myself off the ground.

“Arya, what are you doing here?” Georgie got up with me. “Would you like to go to your room?”

“Yes, exactly.”

Georgie smiled. “Did he put you in the west wing?”

I nodded, although I had no idea what she was talking about. I just wanted to be alone.

“Good. You just have to go up two floors and then take the corridor on your right. Then you should find it.”

“Thanks.” I was about to leave but stopped. “I changed my opinion. i will teach you At least while I'm here.”

Her face beamed and she hugged me briefly. “Thank you thank you thank you! I won't be a good student for you, I promise.”

“Um, yes. Good.” I stammered and then said goodbye quickly. I followed Georgie's instructions and made my way to my room without further collisions. I exhaled deeply. Suddenly it got so stuffy that I rushed to the window and threw it open. I breathed in the fresh night air with relief. What in Gaia's will had just happened? I narrowed my eyelids . I was so dumb! How could you be so stupid?!

Of course Xenos had a mate! I knew what it meant when a werewolf found its mate. I had seen Aramis and Zaira together before. Their love for each other surrounded them like a bright shower of sparks. Here I had my proof that I could never become anything between me and xenos. My hands clasped in front of my face while my body burned as if I felt all of his touches again. I could almost laugh at my own silly ridiculousness. Did I actually have hopes? Had I really been that miserable stupid? I bit the inside of my cheek to ignore the tug behind my chest and choke back the stinging tears. Father was right, I couldn't figure anything out. I couldn't even focus on a single mission without falling for the next soldier. What was wrong with me? Since I've been here, I've experienced a rollercoaster of emotions like never before.

That wasn't normal. Not at all.

And what would happen if I didn't find the pack? Nzuak certainly didn't give me up just like that, and certainly not after I'd hurt his ego and questioned his power. And father would be the last to defend me.

Suddenly everything was too much for me. The sweater was too hot, the pants too tight and uncomfortable. It was like the ceiling was collapsing on me and I couldn't get any oxygen. I gasped for air as my vision faded and my ears pounded. I had to leave here. Urgently away.

The delicate branches reached out to me to help, but I could not move. My hands were shaking and everything around me started spinning. My heart was racing in my chest while my breath was rattling. My legs gave out and I fell to the ground.

And then there he was.