CHAPTER 4

Ayla's pov

I finish out my school day and head for my locker. Jace is my ride this week, we trade off, and it’s his turn to drive. I’m rearranging my books, trying to figure out which ones I’ll need for homework, when I feel someone step into my space.

I look up.

Ice blue eyes.

Kieran Vale.

Future Alpha of Moonridge.

Fantastic.

I rein in the instinctive aggravation that sparks in my chest. No good comes from picking a fight with the guy I’ll probably be bound to for life. Still, it’s hard to stay neutral when he doesn’t even recognize me. My parents literally bled for his family. My mother gave her life protecting his. My father lost everything fighting for theirs.

And Kieran Vale doesn’t even know my name.

I take a breath, keep my face polite. “Alpha,” I say evenly. “Can I help you?”

Kieran smiles like the world bends around him. “Hey there, beautiful. Don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

Seriously?

We’ve gone to the same schools since we were five. I stare at him for a second, trying to decide if he’s kidding. Nope. That smile is 100 percent sincere. He doesn’t have a clue who I am.

I return his smile with the fakest one I can manage. “I guess it’s hard to see past all your adoring fans.”

I shut my locker and lean against it, tilting my head and widening my eyes for effect. “You are an Alpha, right?”

His grin grows. “I am, sweetheart. Don’t let the aura get to you. I know it can be a little... overwhelming.”

Wow.

Artemis, my wolf, snorts inside my head. Please tell me he’s not serious.

Oh, he’s serious. Kieran Vale: walking ego in alpha skin.

The joke’s on him though. Guardians are immune to Alpha aura. Always have been. Alphas used to get too protective of their Guardians, pulling rank mid-fight. Too many Alphas ended up dead because they forced their Guardians to stand down. Eventually, nature fixed that flaw. Alpha command no longer works on us.

I still feel his aura, It hums at the edge of my skin, but it doesn’t touch me.

Not that he needs to know that.

I clutch my chest with mock awe. “Oh wow. It’s such an honor to meet you.”

Laying it on a little thick, aren’t we? Artemis Teases.

Maybe. But honestly, I want to see how long it takes this guy to realize I’m from his own pack.

Kieran holds out his Hand. “I’m Kieran Vale. Alpha heir of the Moonridge Pack. Maybe you've heard of me?”

I blink. Give him my best innocent look. “Oh! Wow. Nice to meet you.” I shake his hand and jolt.

It’s like static, but heavier. Electric. His hand grips mine a second too long. I look up. His expression has shifted. Briefly. A flicker of confusion. Did he feel it too?

He keeps holding my hand.

What’s he waiting for?

“It’s customary where I’m from to introduce yourself after someone gives you their name,” he says smoothly.

Ugh. Of course.

He thinks I’m starstruck.

Right on cue, Jace appears. “Hey, Ay,” I cut him off with a sharp look.

“Hey, Jace,” I say brightly, turning toward him. “Do you know Alpha Kieran?”

Jace looks confused for half a second, then catches on. “Of course. He’s our future Alpha.”

Kieran turns to Jace, nods with his usual arrogance. “Jace.”

“Alpha,” Jace replies, bowing his head slightly in respect.

Kieran looks back at me. “So, sweetheart, what’s your name and what pack are you from?”

My spine straightens. He’s really going with sweetheart again?

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jace wince. He knows exactly what’s coming.

I arch a brow. “What makes you think I’m not from your pack?”

He chuckles like I just asked where the moon goes during the day. “Because I know every member of my pack. And I don’t know you.”

Time to educate him.

I step into his space and press my palm to his chest. His very solid, warm chest.

Focus, Ayla.

I rise up on my toes, bringing my mouth close to his ear. “Well, obviously,” I whisper, “you don’t know every member.”

Then I step back.

“And my name isn’t Sweetheart.”

The sharp breath he takes tells me I landed the blow.

“Let’s go, Jace,” I call as I turn and head for the doors.

We’re halfway to my house when Jace finally breaks the silence.

“Okay, what the hell was that?”

I stare out the window, pretending to be calm. “What?”

“You pretended like you didn’t know him. Let him think you’re from some other pack.”

“I didn’t lie,” I say, voice steady. “He made the assumption.”

“Still, Ayla. Why not just tell him?”

I whip my head toward him. “Are you kidding me? He looked right at me, Jace. Looked me in the eye. And still didn’t know who I was.”

Jace stays quiet.

“I get that he doesn’t remember me from when we were five,” I continue. “But come on. My parents gave everything to their family. Everything. And I’m training every day to be his Guardian. He should know who I am.”

“He will,” Jace says gently. “Eventually.”

I sigh. “By then, it’ll be too late.”

He pulls onto the narrow road leading to our house. “I’m just saying... you’re probably going to be bound to him someday. Maybe don’t make him your mortal enemy before that happens.”

“He’d have to earn that kind of loyalty,” I mutter.

“And he is the Alpha heir.”

“I’m not scared of him.”

“I know.”

I glance out the window, chewing on the inside of my cheek. “If it ever came to a fight,” I add, “I could take him.”

Jace groans. “Don’t say things like that.”

“I’m serious. He may be strong, but I’m fast. I’m smarter. And Guardians don’t fight fair. You know that.”

Jace glances over at me, concern etched into his face. “Ayla... just be careful. If he finds out you’ve been playing him”

“I’m not playing him,” I snap. “I’m proving a point.”

He doesn’t say anything as we pull into the driveway.

I grab my bag and hop out. “Thanks for the ride. See you tomorrow.”

He watches me a beat longer, then nods. “Later.”

As I step inside, I shake off the last of Kieran’s cologne and attitude.

Time for training.

Dad’s waiting.

And I’ve got a lot to hit.