6. Your Worst Nightmare

Transferring schools was an easy feat when one knew the right people. Stalking one’s mate by having the same classes as hers was not that difficult either – one only needed to bribe the board into overlooking that and considering it normal.

And thus, the following week, when Aiden arrived at school, all excited to see his mate for a second time – well, not truly a second time since he had been following her around from afar like a lost puppy – he was hopeful for the new year.

Being the next alpha ultra in line made him a bit overconfident about his wooing skills… not that he had ever tried them on anyone.

Yes, Aiden was a virgin.

Even better – or worse? He couldn’t decide – he had never kissed a girl before. That would make everything he was to hopefully share with his mate his first… and that was the way it should be in his opinion. The big bad soon to be alpha ultra was a romantic at heart, and couldn't fathom the mate bond otherwise.

Let’s get this started, he said to himself as he killed the engine and got out of his car.

He attracted stares but he didn’t care. Being the center of the attention was something he would endure for Karen. His sweet Karen… just the thought of her made him smile.

And he heard a girl nearby sigh dreamily at that, “Isn't he handsome?”

He didn’t pay her any mind though, too focused as he was in the task he had given himself – wooing his mate and making her his as soon as werewolf-ly possible.

“Are you new here?” A busty brunette had enough guts to approach him, contrarily to her friends who were watching from the sidelines.

“I am,” he told her simply.

“Want me to show you around?” She offered kindly, even as she playing with a lock of her hair nervously… but it wasn’t genuine. Everything about her screamed fake. She wasn’t doing it out of the goodness of her heart or the desire to help, rather out of other carnal desires.

He dazzled her with a smile and brushed off the offer without offending her, “I can find my way around, thank you.”

And with that, he continued his way through the school building, uncaring of the whispers that followed him, and of the lustful stares.

He retrieved the school’s map and was then making a beeline to his first class. Already his wolf stirred at the idea of seeing his mate, of interacting with her, of possibly touching her if luck was on their side.

It was a sunny day in Fort Meyers, Florida, and Aiden had never felt so good.

He didn't know what awaited him yet. Otherwise, he wouldn't have such child-like excitement.

** ** ** ** **

Karen was laughing when Aiden’s eyes zeroed in on her form. She was beautiful. And her laugh was melodic. And he would have been totally head over heels for her if it weren't for one thing: His mate was laughing with another guy.

Rip the competition to shreds.

Aiden would have to admit he didn’t feel exactly opposed to the idea his wolf was suggesting. The guy’s blood tainting the walls, his insides spilling on the floor… he was sure he could make a beautifully gory art, given the chance.

All he allowed himself to do, however, was making a beeline to them – he didn’t want to call them a couple just yet seeing as he didn’t know that to be a fact. He stopped once only two feet separated him from the competition while glaring at the guy’s hand which was raising to caress Karen.

Aiden’s mate turned to him just as the guy’s hand landed on her bare shoulder in a friendly pat.

“You?” She asked in wonder as she unconsciously stepped closer.

“Hello to you too,” came his sarcastic greeting.

“Oh, hello,” she said, blushing. And Aiden, like the sucker he was for her, felt his anger dissipate at once.

He almost forgot about his rival – key word here being almost.

“Who’s your new friend, Karen?” The guy stepped closer. Aiden wondered what the guy was trying to prove, and wasn't the least bit amused.

Your worst nightmare, Aiden’s wolf sang-song.

“I’m Aiden,” he extended a hand out of politeness. “You are?”

“Mason. Nice to meet you.”

And then, they were shaking hands, sizing each other up.

Aiden had to squash down the urge to roll his eyes at the guy and also the urge to break his hand. It was a tough task, but he managed somehow, by inhaling deep whiffs of his mate’s scent.

He knew right then and there, the school year which he had been looking forward to would not be as enjoyable as he had hoped it would be… but then again, what was life without a few challenges thrown in?

Aiden smirked inwardly.