Chapter 3

"Are you genuinely asking, or just trying to provoke something?" Luke asked, his tone light yet challenging, seemingly unfazed by Ethan and his 11-member gang, all armed to the teeth.

Ethan scowled and banged on the car with an air of arrogance, then stepped back, signaling for Lucas to get out. "I don't like your attitude. Out of the car, now!"

Luke, unfastening his seatbelt, prepared to confront Ethan. "You're going to wish you hadn't done that, kid."

"Stay in the car," I urged Luke, stepping out myself and weaving through the daunting, intimidating gang members who had a distinct odor of sweat about them to reach Ethan.

'Allowing these two stubborn men to confront each other could lead to a funeral soon. Why can't they just think logically instead of letting their egos drive? And yet, my simple dream remains unfulfilled – not one of these tough guys has ever thought to whisk me away to Paris and cover my travel costs.'

Confronting Ethan, I asked sharply, "What are you trying to do here?"

"Just sizing up the new guy," Ethan responded, his confidence slightly faltering. "And your connection with him?"

"It's none of your business! He's just my neighbor and the janitor at our school. We're heading in the same direction – what's wrong with sharing a ride?" I shot back.

"He could be trouble," Ethan suggested, not quite sure of himself.

"Really? You think there's someone in this town more threatening than you?" I challenged him, my eyes locked on his. Despite his youthful looks, with deep brown eyes and matching hair, Ethan was far from harmless. He was a well-known figure in the local underworld.

"How about I drive you to school every day instead?" Ethan proposed.

"And where's Selena?" I demanded.

"Who?"

"Selena, your girlfriend, you bastard.”

"We broke up a month ago," Ethan admitted.

"Ran out of people to chase after in town, have you?" I taunted, placing my hands on my hips. "Me on your bike would be the talk of the town, and it might just give my grandma a heart attack. I'm not some plaything for your entertainment." With that, I turned towards the car.

"I'm serious this time," Ethan called after me.

"Oh please, Ethan. We've known each other all our lives, I've watched you charm all my friends and the prettiest girls at school, but you never looked my way. For 20 fucking years! Why should I trust you now?" I responded.

"Aurora, you're not like the others," Ethan insisted. "You've always been special to me. I've thought about this for a long time, you're always on my mind. How can I show you my true feelings? I really do love you."

"Just step aside, Ethan. I can't be late, and if I am, I swear I'll never talk to you again!" I declared firmly. “And that's permanent!”

Reluctantly, Ethan gestured to his gang to move. He glared at Luke, yelling, "I'm watching you, pal!" The gang then dispersed amid noise and commotion.

As the car moved onward, I was deep in thought. 'Is Ethan truly interested in me now? Has he realized my worth all of a sudden? Did some divine intervention change his perspective?'

I pondered over my old affection for the rebellious Ethan, an affection that was never reciprocated. 'Why does he think he can just walk into my life now? Especially when someone like Lucas, a potential CEO who's fallen in love so deeply that he bought the house next door, is becoming a significant part of my life! What if Lucas changes his mind? What will become of my hopes and dreams then?'

"I think he has feelings for you," Luke remarked at a red light, watching as some people began to cross the road and observing the small shops nearby.

‘Imagine that!’

 "No, he doesn't. He's just lonely after his breakup with Selena and seeking a rebound. It would be foolish to entertain the idea," I quickly dismissed it. "He never saw me in that light, not then and certainly not now. He's just being a jerk."

"Why would you think that?" Lucas asked, gazing thoughtfully at me. "I find you very attractive."

'Really?'

I found myself reflecting on my own appeal. 'Am I really attractive? I don't remember any guy ever saying so. Throughout kindergarten, school, college – nobody ever boosted my confidence or made me feel charming. For 24 years, I've felt like I was always in the background, just like other omega, weak and not important.'

"I don't like that kind of remark," I said to Lucas, my tone firm. "Please, don't repeat it." I think a blush crept across my face.

This first compliment, I'll cherish privately but won't acknowledge openly! And damn, why did I reply with ‘don’t like it’? I must learn to be honest next time. But I don’t know how to react; this is my first time.

Lucas, eyes on the road, responded casually, "Just for the record, I do think you're attractive. Honestly."

'Another compliment, wow!'

"Stop it," I replied sharply, though I couldn't help but feel a flutter inside. 'Hearing things like that is so strange. If you find me attractive, keep it to yourself. If others heard, they'd think it's ridiculous. It is so embarrassing. But there, I've got two compliments in all my 24 years. Finally, some recognition.'

I wondered if his perception of my beauty was what drew him so close to me.

Stealing a glance at Lucas, I admitted, 'He's quite good-looking too, but it'll take more than a simple compliment to impress me. I'm not easily won over by flattery. I'm not that easily swayed. I'm not going to say yes to a person I've only known for less than a month. It would make me feel cheap, wouldn't it? Am I wrong... Oh, I don’t know... I want to say yes right now, but will it be okay?'

'Try harder, Lucas. I might just allow you into my otherwise mundane life, especially if you keep being sweet and considerate. Drop another compliment when you can; I'll genuinely appreciate it. Keep pursuing me. I will say yes, yes, yes, yes….'

'If you have the courage to push me down and, even after I say 'no,' while trying to gently push you away, just pretending, but you persist because you truly want and desire me, I'll make you my first boyfriend without waiting too long. Will you? When will you make your move? I am ready anytime. Just fuck me up.'

As we neared the school gates, the car drew curious glances and pointing fingers, we spotted three individuals seemingly awaiting our arrival

"Alpha Nathan," I whispered, noticing a handsome figure watching us.

"Alpha again?" Lucas questioned, puzzled by my terminology, as he parked the car.

"I'm referring to the leader of our local community," I clarified, stepping out of the car to meet the school dean, Nathan, and a student. They looked serious.

"Is that man, Lucas, accompanying you?" Nathan asked with piercing dark eyes, glancing over my shoulder.

"Yes, he is. Is there an issue?" I responded, as Lucas quickly approached us.

Nathan, with his impressive yellowish-dark hair and tall frame, radiated a commanding presence. His eyes met Lucas's. "I'm Nathan. Do you recognize this student?" he inquired, gesturing towards a 17-year-old beside him.

Lucas glanced at the young man and acknowledged, "Yes. He's one of the troublemakers."

"On what basis did you confront him?"

"He and his friends were harassing a fat student, trying to extort money. I intervened to prevent them from doing wrong," Lucas explained. “No need to thank me for guiding them towards better behavior.”

"That's not true," the teenager objected. "We were just messing around until this janitor attacked us without reason."

“I have been waiting for this time,” Lucas calmly presented his smartphone to us.

The video on Lucas's phone revealed the scene. "Give me your money, fatso. Want me to hit you again?" the teenager's voice echoed from the recording, clearly showing three youths intimidating a larger student.

"Please, I don't have any more money," the student pleaded in the video.

"Do you want to get hurt? Do you want to be killed!"

The recording stopped there.

The dean immediately addressed the teenager. "You're coming with me to the office. We need to talk about your behavior."

As the dean escorted the pale face youth away, Nathan's gaze stayed locked on Lucas. "However, I don't agree with your methods here."

"Why not?" Lucas retorted, his stance becoming more defiant. He positioned himself dominantly, refusing to show any signs of weakness.

"The town has its own rules. If there's a problem at the school, it should be reported. Physical involvement isn't necessary." Nathan adjusted his posture too, adopting a commanding stance, prepared for any confrontation.

'These overinflated egos... do they always have to clash with those who disagree with them?' I wondered, still unable to grasp the male psyche. 'Isn't it all a bit excessive? Grow up, men!'

"What if I'm defending myself? Is that not allowed?" Lucas retorted. “I politely asked them to leave, yet they tried to attack me. You should inquire with them before leveling accusations at me. You're not exactly exhibiting good leadership by asking me not to retaliate when attacked. Are you supporting the bullies of the nation?”

"You have a way with words," Nathan replied sternly, adjusting his jacket to reveal a weapon. "But let's be clear, you're not exactly welcome in this town."

Lucas replied with a touch of sarcasm, "Attempt to drive me out, and watch how I react, not just to you but to this entire town." With a subtle movement, Lucas adjusted his clothes, allowing the handgun on his waist to become visible.

"I am the one who maintains order here," Nathan asserted, clearly displeased.

"If you're unable to force me out, I might just establish a new order here," Lucas responded with confidence. “I could become the new Alpha of this town, if you're fond of such terms.”

"Are you challenging me?" Nathan asked, his muscles tensing noticeably, the air thick with tension.

"I am," Lucas replied with a laugh, mirroring Nathan's muscular tension. ”Do you want to know my real job? Beating stupid Alpha like you!”