Academy Of Mates novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Benedict.

That’s his name or at least that’s what I hear everyone else call him. Since his arrival, everyone has been whispering about him, telling his stories and mentioning his unrivaled beauty. There was no propaganda like newspapers for this Beta. He didn’t need it. Not with his reputation that I think Andrew would kill for.

This man.

This other worldly man.

His mere presence made me swallow from both nerves and surprise. He’s gorgeous.

Heavenly so.

The kind of man that will make you forget your own name.

He’s like a dream, unreal and, if touched, would disappear.

And so, when Andrew turns to face him and frowns, the name he calls Benedict is almost perfectly fitting. “Pretty boy Benedict has come out to play?”

They knew each other.

I can see it in their eyes.

And then I noticed the resemblance. Not a sibling or a relative… but from the same pack.

Now that I can see Beta Benedict closer, I realize how his features are very much like the richest packs who are famous for their fair light hair and bright colorful eyes.

Benedict, with his baby blue eyes and blonde hair, almost screamed of wealth and being born from it. He carried himself with such glamour that the resemblance to the richest pack is almost indistinguishable.

Yet there were those subtle hints of his new pack on him too- the ones that live in the far away mountains. His tough exterior, his roughness and intimidating stature, the hard glint in his eyes that showed he had seen much and beat whatever it was. The way his lips turned down with every uninteresting sight.

All of it was this perfect combination of gorgeousness that was untouchable.

Then again, his new pack has members from every pack, or at least, that’s what I heard. They were a collection of the strongest, the bravest, the most fearsome from all over the world.

Benedict smirked and it was not at all playful or kind. “I’m sure that scares you, Andy Poo~”

“Don’t. You. Dare. Do not call me that.” The other Beta growled out threateningly. “That

Chapter 10

was my nickname as a child by my mother and nothing more.”

A laugh suddenly bubbles up my throat and I can’t help but let it out, cackling like a child myself.

Seeing such a famous Beta angry at a mere nickname from his childhood was adorable and really cute.

Benedict’s eyes met mine, the blue sparkling with amusement and completely ignoring Andrew and his anger. “Hilarious, isn’t it? Much like the man turning purple because of it.”

And Andrew was in fact purpling with rage and hate. “Go back to your tent. Vareesa and I have plans.”

Benedict’s eyes shined once more but this wasn’t of amusement anymore. This was a challenge. “I’m afraid my Vareesa and I have made plans first. I’m not about to back

out from it.”

My Vareesa.

A chill goes down my spine.

He said my Vareesa- no. I shouldn’t give meaning to it.

3

Since they’re both Betas, Andrew doesn’t back down. “Shouldn’t you be serving your monster of an Alpha?”

“If you were smart, which I already know you aren’t, you would know that he’s not here and that he’s not coming.” Benedict answers back, completely unbothered by the term ‘monster’ used for his Alpha. “Never fear, lover boy, I can put you in your place as easily as he can.”

A staring match ensues between them, and I’m left to watch it happen.

Beta Andrew opens his mouth first, ready to verbally attack, but a call from

somewhere in the tents stops him. The voice is female but it’s so faint and airy I barely

catch it.

If it wasn’t for the fact that it came from an Alpha. I might have never heard of it.

Benedict grins widely. “It seems you’re the one who needs to serve your monster of an Alpha.”

Andrew glanced at the VIP tents, lips pressed thin. “Watch your back, pretty boy. I’ll be coming for you after.”

“Empty words.” Beta Benedict mocked, playfully. “I’m still waiting for your last threat.” Even more pissed off than he already was, Andrew purposely slams his shoulder into Benedict’s with the latter standing like a rock, unmoving and definitely unbothered.

I watched Andrew disappear into the tent, the flap smacking him on the back as he

Chapter 10 entered.

When I look back at the remaining Beta, he’s already looking at me, those blue eyes staring into my soul. “You looked like you needed saving. I know I would want to be saved from that douchebag.”

I wanted to tell him I didn’t need saving and that Andrew wasn’t really a bad person but I couldn’t help myself.

My cheeks go warm, blushing at the fact that I was alone with Beta Benedict. He really was just the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on and it was making me very

nervous.

But he seemed like he didn’t have a care in the world, leaning casually against the swing.

“So, Vareesa, are you planning to sulk here all day or are you coming to have lunch with me?”

He knows my name.

Of course, he heard it from Andrew, but the fact that he’s calling me this as if we’re friends is just… is just something else, especially since he’s a powerful Beta from an even more powerful pack. The fact that he’s even speaking to me is already a miracle in itself.

“I, uh, thank you for helping me.” I managed to say. “But you don’t have to do that.”

“Do what?” He squinted and even that was gorgeous.

My lips parted but no words came. I didn’t know how to word out how I didn’t want to be much of a bother. That I didn’t want to take up more of his time. He’s here to find a mate and he’s obviously not going to find her by being with me.

Beta Benedict reads my nervousness like it was written for him. “You don’t want to eat with me? Why not?”

My reply is instant and without needing thought. “I do, I just,”

“That’s all I need to hear.” He smiles, genuine and amused. “I know you already ate, I saw you, but I think you haven’t had dessert yet. You feel like eating that with me?”

He saw me.

Does that mean he was watching me?

And if he was… what does that mean?

Nothing. It probably means nothing. He must just be very observant.

That’s what Betas do.

They keep watch of everything and if he’s rivals with the other Beta… it makes sense.

Chapter TO

I showed him my wrist, my identifier near his nose. “Beta, you must be very confused. I’ m of low blood ranking. The lowest. I’m from the poorest pack with nothing to offer. I don’t know if you can smell it, but I am worth nothing to you or to anyone. I simply don’ t want you to waste your time with me.”

He pauses and I fear he will leave me like everyone else has, but he doesn’t. “I’m not confused.”

And that was all he said before walking back to the crowd, his hand on my wrist, gripping my identifier like it didn’t bother him one bit. Another wave of affection fed through my loneliness.

“I hear there’s an unhealthy amount of chocolate somewhere.” He says, but I can’t focus enough to understand what he’s saying. His hand was warm, rough from calluses but gentle in its grip. “Let’s find it.”

I could feel everyone staring, their eyes burning holes in my face and all over me.

They all asked the same question I was wondering myself: Why me? Why the poor girl from an even poorer pack?

“Two Betas were talking to her!” The girls shouted, making me hide behind Benedict more. “What is this? Are they choosing her?”

“That can’t be!”

And I have to agree.

That can’t be.

He won’t be choosing me. This is fun, nothing more.

Or to get back at the other Beta.

“Is this your first year, Vareesa?” Benedict asks through the loud whispers that he ignores.

I nodded, forcing a smile to hide the way my heart was beating erratically. “It is. What about you?”

“My first year too, but our pack doesn’t usually go to these things.” He tells me, but I already know this.

Still, I want to ask. “I thought it was a requirement?”

Beta Benedict laughs, hand tightening around my wrist. Warmth seemed to explode in my stomach. “We don’t follow requirements.”

And I believe him.

Who could tell them otherwise?

No one comes close to their strength.

Chapter 10

We made it to the tables of food again with him unapologetically shoving people out of the way. It’s hard to ignore how he keeps close to me, his hands always close enough to touch. “Then why come this year?”

“Hmmm,” He looked up to the sky for a moment, deep in thought. “Our Alpha thought it best to mock this wretched tradition.”

My eyes were on the hunt for some chocolate- purely to distract myself from him and his piercing blue eyes. “You don’t like the Academy?”

Benedict finds the chocolate first, staring down a hopeful looking girl that was in the way before she ran in fright. “It’s purely propaganda, Vareesa. The School of Love isn’t really about love. It is about money. It is about power. It is about everything but love. And the only people that can actually participate and play these stupid games are the ones that have money and power.”

“Except you. You’re not playing.” I mused, hands already finding the biggest fudge bar.

Benedict smiled again, his eyes lighting up and butterflies seemed to swoop in my belly at the mere action. “We shall see about that.”

I didn’t know exactly what he meant and I didn’t ask him about it further because I know I’m already blushing and I know I’m already getting my hopes up for something that will never happen.

The reality should never be forgotten.

And the reality is a Beta can never choose someone like me.

We fill our plates until they can’t possibly hold anymore. All the while, watchful eyes following our every move. When we smiled, they stared. When he says something, they lean closer to listen. And when he holds me, small touches here and there- mostly to guide me, they nearly faint.

If I’m being honest, I feel a little faint too. He’s too good to be true. His touches feel too good to be true and when he smiles, I find myself swallowing at the mere sight of it.

Whatever this was, I’m just glad to experience it.

Even if just for a short time.

“Let’s stay by the far gardens.” He pointed towards the high flowery walls. “Away from these prying eyes.”

He must not want to be seen with me.

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