Academy Of Mates novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“Can I help you with something?” I asked politely, hoping it masked my uncertainty.

I wasn’t used to being approached like this. Not openly. Not without reason. Wolves like him didn’t stop for wolves like me. Werewolves like me were meant to be in the background.

Something you passed by without noticing, without remembering and always an afterthought if being thought of at all.

He can’t blame me for feeling nervous about his approach and his expression shows it. “I’m sorry to startle you. It wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to make sure you’re alright.”

His face finally registered with me and it hit me with a wave of disbelief. I’ve seen him in newspapers that the city pack sometimes sends to us-propaganda, the Alpha would say before burning the newspaper in the fire.

All news of their glory and wealth.

All centering on their amazing lives.

It was a way for the rich pack’s from the city to let everyone know who was on top, which we clearly weren’t.

I’ve seen his face a couple of times, his storyline is always the same. Handsome Beta saved this, handsome Beta destroys that, handsome Beta brings more wealth by whatever it is he does there.

Our Alpha tells us differently. With all his strength and distinction, he is known for one thing and one thing only: he is a womanizer. Too famous for his many affairs with at least half of the women in the entire werewolf race, his love for the fairer sex is a little too much and if rumors are correct, he has several children already.

Was that why he was here?

Werewolves like him didn’t give things away for free. Especially not kindness. Especially not interest. There was always a reason. I just hadn’t figured it out yet.

Was I another girl he was adding to his collection?

Or was he here for Kelcey and he was using me to get to her?

Neither option was something I would like to entertain.

“So, are you alright?” He asks, taking me out of my thoughts.

“Oh, yes. Perfect. I’m having the time of my life.” The smile that comes to my lips is easy, normal and not at all false desuccessfully

ly unlocked stellar day.

fan

The Beta tilted his head to the side, eyes sparkling with… interest? That can’t be. “What’

Chapter 9

s your name?”

I waited a few seconds. Usually, this is the time they walk away, but he stays where he is, eyes still on mine and never wavering. He doesn’t look down on my wrist to check my rank nor does he sniff me for any hints of where I’m from.

It was strange.

It was really strange.

I kept waiting for it.

The look of dismissal. The subtle shift in temperament. The moment his interest vanished the second he realized who I was.

It never came.

That unsettled me more than if it had.

He also didn’t act sleazy at all like I had expected from him.

“Vareesa.”

He beamed like he had just won an award. “Vareesa.”

The way he repeats my name makes me swallow.

“It’s nice to meet you.” He continues softly. “I’m Andrew.”

I know. I almost said. I’ve read about you. Instead I say, “And you, Beta.”

And much like his voice, his response is as smooth as butter. “Just Andrew, beautiful

Vareesa.”

No one has ever called me beautiful in my life. Never. Not ever. This dries my throat, making my heart beat against my chest uncontrollably. In the same way, it eased the tightness of loneliness there.

For the first time, I felt something other than disappointment and pain. I felt happy. I felt hopeful.

But then I remember who he is again and the feeling goes away. He didn’t feel right. There was something wrong with him. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

Or was I just being too suspicious of someone- the only one being nice to me?

I became painfully aware of how close he was standing. Of how easily I could step back. Of how easily I didn’t.

Part of me was already bracing for disappointment. The other part hadn’t learned yet and was ready to risk it all.

My gut said to stay away, but the loneliness that crept under my skin hummed. Two feelings pulled at me at the same time and I didn’t know what to do.

I suddenly remember the wait, the night and day that passed. I suddenly remember

Chapter 9

how I was left to die, my fingers holding the tree root tightly. I suddenly remember the feeling of wanting to give up but the hope that there was some explanation.

Loneliness was a funny thing. It had a way of making you reckless.

It whispered that maybe this time would be different. That maybe this person wouldn’t leave. That maybe this wasn’t another lesson waiting to happen.

I had listened to that voice before.

I remembered how it ended.

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