7

Heather applied a touch of nude lipstick before observing the result. Her makeup was light, yet sophisticated, just what she wanted. She sprayed a touch of perfume in the hollow of her breasts and inside her wrists before giving a satisfied smile.

But suddenly, a doubt assailed him. Why had she agreed to go out with this werewolf? What would his parents say if they found out? And what would James think? He had nothing against them, but still. They were supernatural beings, therefore more formidable than humans and therefore dangerous.

Then Ben's smiling face appeared in his mind. She tried to imagine a joke he could pull on her, but couldn't. She had accepted, because she liked him. Despite being a werewolf, Ben was adorable, funny and very attractive. He seemed to like her and was flirting with her, even though she suspected it was to annoy her. Refusing to go to the movies with him seemed completely stupid to him.

Heather heard a car horn and couldn't help but smile. Ben had arrived. She slipped a leather jacket over her short black dress to the point of forcing him to wear black tights and then descended. She grabbed her leather shoulder bag before putting on her silver pumps.

She left her house. Ben was waiting for her in a black sedan. Heather was impressed, but didn't show it. She boarded the vehicle which smelled of leather, as well as a wonderful smell that the young girl could not identify. He took a deep breath, reveling in the scent.

- Hi, Ben whispered.

He seemed uncomfortable. Heather gave him a smile before buckling her seatbelt.

- Hi. Spruce up your cash register.

- She belongs to my Alpha.

Heather straightened up and put her hands on her knees.

- He's not going to blame you for taking it from him? she asked, worried.

And especially to feel that you have taken a human, she refrained from saying. She understood that the Alpha was a nice guy, but werewolves in general are very possessive when it comes to their stuff.

- Nah, he's not like that, Aiden, he reassured her.

She felt less tense, but she was still uneasy. She didn't like the fact that Ben got yelled at for his fault.

- So, what kind of film are you going to show me?

- A zombie movie! The Beta enthused.

Heather couldn't help but burst out laughing, he seemed so happy. His good humor must have been contagious, because the young man joined his laughter to hers. The rest of the journey was made in this atmosphere of good humor. Ben kept talking about that movie they were going to see and Heather listened to him without saying a word.

- I'm going to get the tickets, do you want some popcorn? Ben asked.

Heather watched the werewolf with a smile.

- Yes, but I'll get them. I'm not going to wait here idly for you.

Ben complied and left her alone. Heather walked over to the popcorn stand. She took a huge pot, because with Ben's build, she imagined it was the least she could do. When she turned around, the huge pot in her arms, she almost hit a girl her age.

- Rogue?

Her classmate gave her an embarrassed smile. She hadn't expected to see her here at all.

- Hi Heather. Are you also going to see this new zombie movie?

- Yes, Ben is impatient.

Rogue chuckled before rocking to her feet.

- It's true that you two are dating.

Heather looked at her, stunned before shaking her head.

- We're not together.

Rogue glanced over her shoulder.

- You're kidding ? He literally devours you with his eyes. There are many girls who would like to be in your place.

Heather turned around and saw Ben standing a few feet away from her. He was blushing. Heather stood dumbfounded. Ben, this werewolf who was not cold in the eyes and who always made advances to him while joking, blushed! The young girl then understood that despite the distance, he had heard their conversation. He therefore had overdeveloped hearing.

- No, I think you're wrong. We're friends, that's all.

Rogue shrugged before wishing him a good evening. Heather joined Ben who made no comment, then they entered the darkened room.

* *

*

Aiden patiently watched his mother pace across his desk. Her bobbed hair caressed her shoulders with every step she took. His hazel eyes had a hint of annoyance. Finally, she put both her hands on the desk.

- You should never have agreed! How does he dare ?

She was holding herself back from screaming, but her face contorted with anger left no doubt that she wanted to smash everything.

- I thought of the good of the pack. Dad would have done the same.

Her mother's expression changed from anger to pain.

- I know. Know that you are not your father. You are Aiden yourself and you don't have to bond with the daughter of a dirty little...

- Mom ! He cut her off, shocked. I had to bond anyway, the pack needs it. If I want my power to grow, I must have a Luna by my side.

- Aiden... Couldn't you just give up? I don't want you to make a lifelong commitment to someone you don't like.

Aiden chuckled before shaking his head. His mother sighed before running a hand through her hair.

- Love? Mom, please. I need a Luna, not a girlfriend.

- Well, you're the Alpha. You order, I respect your choice. Just know that I don't like this girl, she doesn't inspire confidence in me.

- I know. Can you just prepare a room for her, please?

Once alone, he passed a hand over his face. He was exhausted and this affair with Roderick's daughter only made his headache worse. He picked up his phone and scrolled through the names. He called his friend, he needed his advice or his jokes to decompress. Ben picked up after a few rings.

- Aiden? How's it going buddy, are you home?

The Alpha smiled. His Beta had a way of putting him in a good mood.

- Yes. Could you come now? I have many things to tell you.

- Oh... Uh... It's not going to be possible there... I have an appointment...

Aiden remained speechless. He wasn't used to Ben saying no to him. He could have used his Alpha voice to coerce his friend into coming, but he didn't want to act like a child.

- Oh. Have fun then.

- Thanks buddy, see you tomorrow.

Ben hung up and Aiden put his cell phone in front of him. A timid scratching of the door snapped him out of his reverie.

- Come in, he growled.

Alicia poked her head in before walking in completely and closing the door behind her. Her long red locks were pushed back. Alicia smoothed her long skirt.

- Alpha Aiden, I... I would have liked to spend some time with you, if you don't mind.

She lowered her head in shame. Aiden watched her. Alicia was small, her baggy clothes hiding her body. Her chubby face was dotted with freckles. His dark green eyes seemed unable to look him in the face, it annoyed him.

- I have a lot of work.

His voice was harsher than he would have liked. Alicia seemed to curl up on herself. Aiden felt guilty. She had nothing to do with it. Roderick was solely responsible. She had already turned her back on him and put her hand on the handle when he interrupted her.

- In fact, you know what? I think I really need to relax. How about watching a movie with me?

Alicia gave him a beaming smile and then nodded.