Page 37 of His Fated Luna

A suddenthumpagainst the car startled me. I turned to find Aiden standing at the passenger door.

“That was fast,” I muttered, unlocking the door.

“Werewolf speed,” he said, slipping inside. His gaze flickered over me, lingering on my skirt briefly. Did this man not likeskirts or something? Every time he looked at mine, he looked like he wanted to sue the creator.

“You have class today?” I asked, surprised.

“Something like that,” he replied vaguely. Then, after a beat, his eyes snapped back to my face. “Have you been crying?”

“No.” I turned away quickly, but he reached out, his touch sending shivers up my arm.

“Look at me,” he said firmly.

I swallowed hard, shaking my head.

“I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong,” he pressed.

“I don’t need your help!” I snapped, turning to glare at him, chest rising and falling sharply. He raised his hands in surrender.

“Tell me, Alpha—”

“Aiden,” he interrupted gently. “My name is Aiden.”

“Alpha,” I repeated coldly. “When was the last time you went to a college party?”

His brows knitted together. “A few weeks ago. I can’t just abandon my alpha duties to get drunk. But I go when I feel the need to socialize and unwind. Why?”

I took a deep breath. “I’ve never been.” My voice cracked. “I’m in my last semester of undergrad, and I’veneverbeen to a party. I haven’t been on more than a handful of dates. I can’t leave on spring break because I can’t leave pack territory. I…” I brushed away a tear. “I’m just a girl whom boys are only interested in when they need help.”

Aiden’s expression darkened. “Where is this coming from, Rose?”

“You’re suffocating me with your rules, Alpha. Ican’tdo this anymore.” My voice trembled. “I have a right to live my life. I’m tired of being caged. I’m notinterestingenough.”

My voice was small. But I meant every word.

“Interesting enough?” Aiden repeated, his voice hollow.

"I'm just a boring girl with a boring life!" I burst out. "I don’t go anywhere, I don’t socialize! No, wait, maybe a better word iscan’t. I can’t go anywhere, and I can’t socialize unless it’s pre-approved by you or my father! Goddess forbid I stay out late at a college party or hang out with friends after class off campus!" My frustration boiled over into my voice, making it shake.

"It’s for your own safety," Aiden responded patiently. I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off. "Look... I don’t know what’s going on here but..." He sucked in a deep breath before exhaling slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Do you want to go… with me?"

"With you?" I asked incredulously.

"I get invited to all the frat parties," he said with a grin. "Do you want to go with me? At least then you can’t say you’ve never been to a college party because of me." His voice was light, teasing almost.

"It’s not just about parties," I mumbled weakly. "It’s everything. I’m sick of all these stupid rules.”

"Let’s start small, Princess," Aiden replied, giving me a smile that made his eyes crinkle.

I bit my bottom lip, missing the way his gaze darkened as it zeroed in on my mouth.

"Look..." He cleared his throat. "I have some things to take care of. I’ll message you tonight with the details."

I watched him get out of my car, and I caught him shaking his head.

"Interesting enough?"His mumbles reached my ears."I’d say she’s plenty interesting for the both of us. Silly Rose."

I twirled in front of my mirror. "How do I look?" I asked Auntie Hilda. I smoothed my hands over my tight leather skirt and black V-neck halter top. It was entirely backless, save for a thin strap running across my lower back. "My legs don’t look chunky in this, right?"