Chapter 04

Chapter 04

"Excuse me?" I voiced out harsher and bolder than I had intended. I didn't want them to think her words got to me.

Ariana only smiled. "Relax, I'm just joking"

I let out a sigh inwardly. I needed to calm my nerves. I can't make it seem like I was affected by her words.

Fortunately, mom came to join us at the table at that exact moment and everything else was just forks and spoons clanking against each other.

**

"So, do you think you'll be fine by tomorrow?" Ryan asked, his brows pinched together in uncertainty. He was worried.

I nudged in by the side. "Of course, I can walk around now. Come pick me up tomorrow, I'll be early this time around, no punishments" I smiled.

"Alright then, take care" He said, and then kissed my forehead, I was a bit taken aback but smiled anyways.

"See you tomorrow" He said as Aiden walked out of the house. I nodded with a smile.

Aiden stopped in front of me without a word. "Hi.." I tried saying but no words cake out. Ryan cleared his throat. "I'll be waiting in the car" He said, giving me a knowing look then mouthed "apologize" before walking away.

"So.."

"Take care of yourself" Aiden only said and was about to turn when I held his arm. I dropped his arm.

I fold my arms under my boobs. I saw his face react to that but it disappeared before I could decipher what it meant "So what? Are you mad at me cause I made us late or you're mad I almost died?" I shrugged.

He turned, with his brows lifted, his face squinted in disbelief like he couldn't believe what I had just said.

"Alright fine, I'm sorry" I threw my hands down.

"I was just.. you know, I just thought I could hold out, and now I've come to realize I can't, and I promise not to do it again" I said with a smile.

He only scoffed then looked away. I smiled as I slowly tiptoed up to him. "Come on, don't be mad at me" I nudged him, he looked down at me, it was then I realized I was in his arms, my head practically on his chest and my legs nudging his.

I startled and made to move when he pulled me closer and wrapped his arms around my back, caging me in his chest.

My cheeks shot off, reddening immediately. He was so close and I could feel and hear every breath he took. "You're so stubborn.. but cute" His eyes darkened as he said the last words and my stomach sank, my heartbeat went up, I could hear my heart beating really fast in my ears.

He smiled then pulled me away gently while I struggled to stand straight on my feet.

"Hmm" I cleared my throat as I finally got a grip on the floor. He only chuckled as he inserted his hands in his pockets, his eyes on me.

Okay, he was staring too intensely at me. "Um.." I tried to get him to look away but he didn't. He kept looking at me. "Yeah?" His brows lifted slightly.

"What?" I said, oblivious. "You wanted to say something?" He said with a shrug. "Um, no" I said, composing myself.

"Okay then, goodnight and take care, Ari. No staying in the cold" He got serious now. I nodded and watched as he turned and walked away.

I finally got a grip of myself. What was that? I shook my head and walked inside anyways.

I walked in and Ariana was on her phone, sitting on the couch. I proceeded to walk up the stairs when she stopped me. "Do you like him?"

My stomach sank to the pits of my bottom. I turned slowly. "What?" I asked unbelievably.

She raised her head and smiled. "Ryan. Do you like him?" She said.

"Um.. what?" My forehead smoothed, and my brows came down.

"I was just joking sissy, you take me too seriously" She said then went back to her phone like it was nothing.

I ascended the stairs slowly, making my way to my room. Was Ariana messing with me?

***

Our faces fell as we stared at the sign before us. "Seriously Ryan?" I beat Aiden to it. Aiden only chucked, and folded his hands on his chest.

"Come on, mateless wolves are practically roaming around here" He said with a groan, trying to convince us to follow him into an abandoned cave that looked like it was used to butcher virgin wolves.

"I'm not following you there" I said. He only raised his brows at Aiden who began walking in. My eyes widened. "What?.." couldn't escape my lips before Ryan pulled me off the ground and started carrying me there.

"Ryan.. what the fuck are you doing?! Are you trying to sacrifice me?! Ryan get me down this moment?!!" I yelled repeatedly, kicking my legs and every part of my body but it fell on deaf ears. He was too strong, of course he was strong, he's an alpha prince, and I was a lowly omega.

"Ryan!" I yelled and made to kick him when he finally put me down.

"You little devil, can't believe you tried to kick me down there again" He growled.

"You evil bitch!" I snarled.

"We're here" Aiden's voice pierced through our tantrums. My eyes widened as I stared at the scene before me.

The underground cave buzzed with energy—glowing mushrooms lit the rocky walls, casting eerie shadows. A crowded bar served strong drinks, while werewolves and other creatures gathered around a wrestling ring, cheering as two fighters clashed. The air was thick with smoke, sweat, and excitement, a hidden world thriving beneath the earth.

"Ryan, where are we?" I yelled, the loud music drowning my voice.

"Find Your Mate Coven" He said with a smile.

"What?" Aiden and I's face shot up.

"I found my mate here" He said with a smile.

"Really?" My face is straightened now.

"Yep.." Ryan said confidently. "And Aiden here, shall find his mate here tonight" He walked over to Aiden and nudged him with a smile.