Page 65 of Alpha Mates

“You okay, Jewels? You’ve been really quiet,” Aiden asks, concern etched into his features.

How lovely of him to remember his mate after half an hour spent barely speaking to me. I nod, nevertheless, but then I notice the little drop of syrup occupying the corner of his mouth.

I already regret this. I already hate myself for it. But I’m also already moving towards him like a bee drawn to pollen.

“I’m fine,” I promise as I lean over the table, drawing far closer than necessary.

Peering through his dark lenses, I find Aiden’s eyes and dare him to look at anything but me as I drift my hand to his lips. His quiet huff of breath brushes against my fingers as I swipe my thumb across the length of his bottom lip. I guide it to my own lips and suck it clean as I ease myself neatly back into my seat.

Aiden gulps, his throat bobbing when I pop the finger out, and I can already scent his arousal in the air.

“You had a little,” I say in way of explanation.

Aiden nods like a bobble head, and his cheeks warm while I glance to Emitt, whose jaw hangs so low that it might as well be touching the floor.

Smiling, I return to my own meal, and yeah—win, win,win.

Chapter 13

Aiden

“Meet for lunch?”

Julian’s brow rises as he glances at me over the roof of the car. “Will you actually come this time?”

“Ouch.” I chuckle, placing a hand over my heart before falling against the car with a grunt. “You’re out for blood today, Jewels.”

Julian’s unrelenting scowl weans slightly. “I’m always out for blood.”

My canines ache behind my smile, struggling to stay tucked away and concealed, like the emotions roaring inside me.

“I know I don’t have the best track record right now, but I’ll be there,” I promise as I cross a finger over my heart and raise my hand. “Scouts honour.”

That gets me a full smileanda groan.

“Alright,” he concedes, and I beam as I watch him back away, heading towards the pair waiting for him at the bottom of the steps. “We usually eat in the cafeteria. Find us there.”

“I will.”

Julian’s eyes linger on me for a moment longer, glowing behind his contacts with that same fire that scorched his eyes at breakfast. It tempts me to do something that’ll likely demolish the concept of appropriate PDA. I’m fully contemplating doing it anyway, but then Emitt steps into the space at my side, drawing Julian’s focus.

The flame is immediately snuffed out as Julian’s lips flatten into a firm line. He turns on his heel and marches inside his beloved school with all the priss of a late nun.

My smile follows suit. I’d been hoping to tease him a little—maybe circlethe car and do something to bring that blush back—but he’d stomped off before I’d had the chance, taking with him the more playful version of my mate who’d made me pop wood in a public diner.

Goddess, just thinking about it has my cock stirring.

Maybe school makes him pissy? Or maybe it’s just people in general? Julian was an introvert, after all. Also just… Julian.

Tossing the thought away for my future self to deal with, I head towards the cement building for youth torture with Emitt at my side. I don’t give two shits about this place and usually survive it with the help of Emitt’s rambling, but today he’s quiet. Which is beyond strange.

Emitt never stops talking—ever. Half the time, he’s like a Pomeranian on crack. I mean, even when he’s upset or sad, the words still manage to flow.

“What’s up with you?” I ask.

Emitt jerks at my voice. “Nothing,” he says, but I see the way his grip tightens on his bag straps.

“Don’t bullshit me. You know I can tell when you’re lying,” I give him a nudge. “What’s wrong?”