Page 5 of His Fated Luna

“Did you get hurt or something?”

I followed his eyes and realized he was staring at my dark red birthmark. Oh. That.

“Oh,” I mumbled, feeling a little self-conscious. “It’s… nothing. Just a birthmark. I usually don’t wear tank tops, so no one really sees it. But this outfit…”

I twirled in place, showing off the white silky tank top and black ripped jeans Erica had convinced me to wear. Black leather combat boots completed the look.

“Erica picked it out for me, and I couldn’t say no to her.”

Shit. I was rambling.

“I think that birthmark looks cool,” Jake said with an approving nod.

I grinned stupidly before attempting to school my features into what I hoped was a nonchalant smile.

“Thanks,” I said, quickly composing myself. Be cool, Rose. Be cool!

“So, well… see you.” Jake nodded, adjusting his backpack before heading toward the school with his friends.

“See you,” I said softly, even though he was already gone.

Smooth Rose. I let my head sink down into my hands. Had I made a total fool of myself just now?

Aiden’s POV

I stood back in the shadows of the high school, watching my mate talk to Jake. What the hell was my cousin doing in a human high school?

I was tall at 6’1, but had no trouble blending into the crowd loitering around the building. Maybe because I was only nineteen many people mistook me for a senior. A couple of girls walked by, their eyes lingering on me appreciatively. Typical. As an alpha and a werewolf, my frame was naturally more muscular and leaner than most of the human guys at this school.

But I didn’t care about them.

My focus was locked solely on Rose as she disappeared into the building.

There she was. The girl everyone claimed was supposed to be my luna. I didn’t even know her. And everyone expected me to pledge my life to her? I hadn’t foreseen this at all. I didn’t want some stranger as my luna. Lexia and I had only been dating forsix months. But atleast I knew who she was! At least Lexia wasn’t being thrust upon me like every other thing in my life since Dad had died!

My fists clenched as frustration boiled inside of me. The mate pull was there, but not so strong that I couldn't fight it.

What the hell was I supposed to do now?

I couldn’t just flip a switch and suddenly develop feelings for someone else… Could I?

Turning away, I pulled out my phone as I walked back to my car. My screensaver lit up—a picture of Lexia and me smiling at the camera, arms wrapped around each other. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with happiness. She had been there for me when Dad died.

I ran a hand through my dark brown hair as my chest tightened with guilt.

How could I leave her?

“I wish you were still here, Dad,” I muttered, lifting my gaze to the sky, as if expecting an answer.

As always, there was none.

Sighing, I slid into my car, started the engine, and drove away.

Rose’s POV

By the time the school day ended, I was exhausted and more than ready to get home. Erica followed me out to the parking lot.

“So, you didn't even talk to Hilda about our plan?” Erica asked with a frown.