Chapter 7

~Natalie~

“So where do we head first, Ev’s?” I asked, not knowing if we should grab a bite to eat or shop to build an appetite. 

“Let’s go to the Outlets, I wanna go to our favorite sportswear store and grab a couple of sporty pieces.” Evie beamed. She knows me so well.

“You're speaking my language, babes!” I exclaimed with glee, laughing as we fist-pump each other.

As we approached the parking lot, I noticed guys staring at us. Well, more like staring at my lioness. I decided to park far away from other vehicles because some jerks don’t know how to open doors without slamming into someone else’s car. Instead, I rolled my eyes and walked away, ignoring them.

“Let's grab some iced coffee,” I commented. We made our way to the entrance and stopped by the Café to get our fix. Afterward, we headed to Under Armour. 

We were there for what seemed like fifteen minutes checking out the new fall clothes when all of a sudden a presence was behind me. Whoever it was, had an intoxicating scent; light but there. Then in the most seductive, deep, and husky masculine voice, he says, “Hey, Natalie.”

My breath hitched. For some reason, the rich, delicious, thick voice made my body react feeling warm all over. I slowly turned around, finding the most vivid light green eyes staring right at me. Ivan Carter. He took my breath away and left me momentarily speechless.

I couldn’t respond and I guess I took too long because he cocked his head to the side and gave me the most panty-dropping grin I’d ever seen. 

‘Oh, crap.’ I clenched my thighs. “What a pleasure bumping into you, Natalie.” Damn, the way my name rolled out from his lips, had me throbbing. Wait…he knows my name?!

I was drawing blanks and my heart was beating rapidly. I was sure he could hear it.

“Babe, look what I found! These beauties are on–” Evie says until I hear her breath jerk.

From my peripheral vision, I can see Evie sporting a huge grin and in slow motion, she was about to aim at my side with her elbow, but I quickly slapped it down.

“Hey Ivan or should I say Alpha Ivan?” She asked coolly. Smooth Ev’s, smooth. 

He quickly glances at Evie to acknowledge her and then sets his sight right back on me, responding, “Ivan Carter…but you can call me Ivan. It’s Evie, right?” I’m still in shock staring at this guy who has this bad boy look from head to toe. Hell, even Zoe is in shock.

He looks like a dark angel fallen from heaven. I noticed his black diamond stud earring on the left ear and it gave him a rugged, edgy aesthetic look.

‘Say something, Natie!!! I won’t forgive you if you don’t say anything!’ Zoe roared, snapping me out of whatever trance I was in because instead, I responded for Evie.

“Yes, her name is Evie. Hello, Alpha Carter. I thought only certain people were allowed to call you by your given name.” I said composedly. ‘Atta girl,’ Zoe praised.

“Well technically, yes, but I'm not officially Alpha yet. I will be in a couple of months, so…you can call me Ivan. I don’t mind it.” He says with a sexy side smirk. I wanted to kiss that tiny, perfectly round indent that appeared on his cheek.

‘What the…! Dammit! What is going on with me!’ I scolded myself. 

I can’t help that his voice sounds deep and seductive. Fuuu*k, he is bloody gorgeous. ‘Should we shag here or shag later…’ Zoe mumbled.

I chuckled at Zoe’s remark. ‘Keep it in your pants, Zo!’

‘Speak for yourself!’ She yelled back.

“Oh, okay, in that case, you can call me, Natie. You know this is the first time we’ve spoken and I can’t help but wonder…why.” I replied, giving him a soft smile.

“True. I apologize for that. I don’t usually talk to anyone other than my friends. However, I have a feeling this time should be different, don’t you think?” There was an odd gleam in his eye as he said those words. I, however, was at a loss for words. “Are you ready for school? I know I am. Fingers crossed we have some classes together this year.”

What the actual f…! Did he just say he hopes to have classes together!?

“Hey Ivan, you ready…oh hey girls! What a pleasant surprise.” His Beta, Axel Miller says. 

I then noticed Jerry Scott behind him. Camila wasn’t behind them. Guess she didn’t come with them or she’s probably looking for clothes. I sneered at the thought.

“Hello there!” Jerry chimed looking at us both, but I noticed his stare lingered more on Evie. Jerry stretched his hand out to her and she reached out to grip it, but suddenly let out a loud gasp. They both quickly released each other’s hand.

What the heck was that?! Evie quickly looked away and glanced at me. She wanted to say something but didn’t; not even mind-link me. I could tell something was going on in that head of hers. She’s not the silent type and her heart was beating rapidly.

“Hello,” I replied to both of them.

I then turned my head to look at Ivan and to my surprise he was staring right at me, making me a little nervous but kept my stoic poise.

“I…yeah I’m looking forward to it. It would be nice to have you in a class or two.” I tried saying nonchalantly but lost because his smoldering green gaze was arousing and bemusing me at the same time. 

“Well, we’re gonna go ahead and take our leave. I’m famished,” I said, rubbing my tummy. Even though we had just gotten there, it was time to leave. Being in the same room with him had my entire body flushed with heat.

Ivan sees the action and grins widely. ‘Oh, those sexy dimples.’

“We’re thinking about going to get a bite too. You beautiful ladies wanna join us?” He licks his lips and runs a hand through his beautiful inky black hair. It looked a bit longer than usual, if anything it made him look more ravishing.

“No, it’s okay, Evie and I still have to stop at other stores before we eat. How ‘bout a raincheck?” I replied, trying not to sound nervous. I won’t be able to eat in his presence and I love to eat.

A strange expression flashed in his eyes, but he quickly masked it and then stunned me by reaching and grabbing my hand. I gasped when electrifying tingles ran through my veins. ‘What the?’

Did he feel them? If he did, it didn’t he didn’t show it. Then, he did the unexpected…he pulled it towards his lips and kissed the back of my hand. I tensed, took a sharp breath, and gulped. I felt as if I was getting swept up in the electrifying magnetic pull he was eliciting. If any other guy had tried grabbing my hand, I probably would have snatched it away quickly, but I was frozen by his action and the touch of his lips. The tingles crawling in my veins made me feel alive and wanting more than just a gentle touch. 

He softly released my hand and I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. I was so confused.

“Bummer, would have loved to sit and chat with you, but I understand. Perhaps, we can meet up one of these days and hang out.” He says, pulling out his phone from his pocket and unlocking it. 

“Can I have your number so we can agree on a date?” I almost choked. Ivan Carter is asking for my number. ‘Hurry up woman, what are you waiting for?! Give it to him before he changes his mind!’ Zoe yelled impatiently.

I gave him a soft smile and calmly said, “Sure, let me see your phone.” I extended my hand and he handed it to me. I quickly keyed in my number and gave it back to him. He looked down and styled a boyish grin. Goddess, this man is gorgeous.

‘I can not believe I just did that!’ I screamed inside.

‘You did!’ Zoe said cheerfully. 

‘Zo, what happened to not getting close to him!? I thought we agreed on no Alphas, remember?!’ I yelled internally. 

‘Meh, YOLO.’ She retorted, not giving a damn.

He looked up slowly, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. I may not have shown it, but I was a nervous wreck. I didn’t want this conversation to end and by the looks of it, as confused as I was, he looked like he didn’t either.

“So…I guess we’ll see each other soon or at school then,” I said, not trying to sound too eager. 

He grabbed the back of his neck with one hand and the other went into his pocket, “Yes definitely, Natie. Don’t be a stranger. It was a delight seeing you and I’m glad I finally got to speak to you.” 

I can’t express how confused I am right now. I’m in utter shock by his words. Why didn’t he ever attempt to talk to me before? I wanted to ask him, but this being our first meeting, I didn’t want to sound desperate. My incoherent thoughts were driving me crazy.

“It was nice seeing and talking to you too, Ivan. I…umm, gotta go. See ya and…” I glanced at the guys, “It was nice seeing you two.” They gave a slight nod and Ivan smirked. I didn't miss how his friends both grinned at Ivan as I was about to turn around.

I quickly grabbed Evie’s hand while she was waving bye. Her gaze lingered on Jerry in such a way I couldn’t explain. As we made our way to my car, she wasn’t acting like her joyful and chatty self. I was becoming anxious by the second.

I needed to know what was going on in that head of hers and I needed to vent as well because, for the first time in years, I spoke to the one person who made my insides feel like jelly.