Page 11 of Traveler (Soulbound #1)

Aly

Vivianne and I are sprawled on our beds looking at the ceiling talking about everything going on recently, I filled her in on the meeting with Barrett. For some weird reason she thought the fact I’m mates with the dean absolutely hilarious. My tablet buzzes. When I look down, I see a message from Barrett.

I shoot back. Okay saying ‘usually ‘might be a stretch because let’s be real. Men suck. But he doesn’t need to know that. I 100% am going on that date and am not offended. Make him sweat a bit girl. Fuck them.

“Will there be any issue between me and Barrett being in a relationship? I mean, where I’m from, that kind of relationship is frowned upon.” I ask

“Here, rules like that go out the window when mate bonds are involved. Now, some things would be different. Say You have a professor as a mate, and that professor would either be unable to teach You or find another professor to grade Your work. All are easy fixes. Remember, you are here because mate bonds are considered rare in the population, so they try to accommodate the bonds that form. “

“Wait, but how would they know the bonds are real? Couldn't someone just say they have a mate bond to sleep with a student or something?” her eyes fly wide as if I’ve just said the most insane thing ever. I’ve heard of people doing more insane shit for sex.

“Absolutely not. Aly, being mates is more permanent than being married. There is no way to have a ‘fling’ with a mate. And no one worth a damn would try to fake it. Also, its less weird because you are all similar in age. Saul is only 26 and Barrett is 28. Not a huge age gap.”

My tablet buzzes again and it becomes apparent that I’m not good at making anyone sweat.

What the hell do I even say to that… cocky fucking asshole. I throw the tablet down taking a deep breath.

***

I was practically buzzing with excitement as I looked in the mirror. Vivianne had worked her magic, pulling together an outfit that felt like it was made just for me. She insisted I go for something simple but with a little flair, and I could n’ t have been happier with the result.

I was wearing a soft, form-fitting, deep emerald, green dress. just the right balance of elegant and casual, with a scoop neckline that was n’ t too daring but still showed just enough to feel confident. The fabric hugged my curves in all the right places and swayed lightly with every movement.

My hair was the real standout. Vivianne had spent what felt like hours curling it, pinning half of it up in a small braid, soft curls framed my face and cascaded down my shoulders. A few stray strands fell gently in front of my eyes, and I push some of them back tucking shorter pieces behind my ear

For shoes, I was in a pair of black, pointed-toe heels. They were comfortable enough to walk in.

The last thing I needed was to be worrying about sore feet. Vivianne had chosen them, too, saying they were the perfect balance of comfort and style. I was nervous, But also so excited. I was finally getting to go on a date! Believe it or not I’ve never been on one before. I know. Sad Now, all I needed was for the night to go well.

Just as finished me once over a notification rings out over the music. Picking up my tablet I see two messages. In a group chat?

Damn, these guys work fast. The second the clock hit’s 6:30 a knock at my door sounds through the room. Opening the door, I feel a smile stretch across my face.

“On the dot.” I snark.

A slow smile appears. His blue eyes sparkle briefly before he holds his hand out. “I don't like to be late. Are You ready?”

Grabbing his hand, I look over my room one more time to double check I’m not forgetting anything. “Ready?”