Page 92 of His Fated Luna

“Where’s Lexia?” I asked when I met up with Aiden for the ride back home later.

“Not with us,” he replied coolly, like we were talking about the weather. But I saw the way he ran a hand through his hair.

He was upset, but I didn’t push.

I was in a meeting with my academic advisor to finalize my application to graduate and I was caught completely off guard when he slid a med-school pamphlet across the desk.

“I think you’re a shoo-in,” he said, practically beaming. “Your grades are spotless. You should apply once you’ve finished up your internship with Dr. Danvers. You’ll have to apply for next spring.We’ll award you your degree, and then you can jump into the pack-doctor program in New York. Three years of coursework and one year of residency to get your M.D. in werewolf medicine. Werewolf medicine isn’t too complex. You can finally chase your dream.”

He kept going on about how competitive the program was and how few slots there were.

And suddenly, everything started to fall into place. A painkiller for when Aiden touches Lexia, a fresh start in another city, and a reason to leave that wouldn’t raise eyebrows. I’d still technically be Aiden’s “luna” to the outside world. After four years, I could return and help the pack...or disappear altogether. By then, Aiden could be happy with Lexia. Maybe even have children.

The thought made my throat tighten.

With trembling hands, I tucked the pamphlet into my folder. It was time to start making plans.

“What’s with you today?” Jake asked. We were having one of our last study sessions before finals began. All we had left now was the exam next week.

I shook my head, keeping quiet as we walked to the library to study for our lab test.

“Planning on taking summer classes?” he asked, switching the subject.

I nodded.

“Are you doing a vow of silence or something?” Jake teased, making me smile as we settled into a private study room he’d booked.

“I was just thinking how much I’ll miss being here,” I said. It wasn’t the whole truth, but it was close enough.

“You’re not quitting college, are you?” he asked, horrified. He looked like he’d seen a ghost. “Don’t tell me Aiden’s asking you to leave school.”

“What? No!” I almost leapt from my chair. “Why would you even think that?”

He visibly relaxed. “It’s just—your mating ceremony is in August. My mom already got her invite.”

Oh. That’s right. Josie had been planning everything. I’d been so caught up in everything else, I’d told her to do whatever she wanted. Because, really, none of it mattered. It wasn’t real. Not like Aiden actually cared...

“So I figured he might want you to drop out,” Jake continued, but I only caught the end of it.

“No, Jake… I’m not quitting school,” I said quietly. “But I might leave. For med-school. In New York.” I figured I could at least tell him that much.

“Wait—Aiden agreed to that?” Jake asked, incredulous. “He’s okay with his Luna living six hours away? Alphas don’t usually do long-distance, you know. That’s a pretty big deal.”

I hesitated, then reached into my bag and pulled out the vial. I rolled it between my fingers before holding it up.

“Do you know what this is?”

Jake’s eyes widened. “It’s still in testing. It dulls the pain from...intimacy, right? If your mate is with someone else.” He leaned forward, brows furrowed. “Who gave it to you?”

“Lexia.”

“What?!” Jake practically shot out of his seat. “Why the hell would she— Is he still with her?” he hissed, fists clenched.

“No,” I said quickly. “But I think she’s trying. Maybe they’re kissing?”

“Have you felt it? Felt them kiss?” he growled.

“No,” I said. “In hindsight, I think I would’ve felt it. Tony said I’d be able to sense it—especially now, with how close I am to Aiden. Our bond’s growing. Sometimes, I even pick up on his emotions... especially when they’re really strong.”