_Ryder's POV_
I woke up to the sound of something crashing to the floor. I groaned in utter frustration when I opened my eyes to see a maid hurriedly picking up some plates from the floor. She noticed my deathly glare on her and raised her head up a bit to give me an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, sir," she said worriedly and looked like she wanted to tear up. “How stupid” I heard my wolf snort in disdain. I almost jerked out of the bed when I heard his gruff voice because I just had him a few hours ago. I turned 18 at the stroke of 12 midnight. The boys and I partied because I finally got my wolf. I only slept two hours ago and now awoke because of the damn plates the maid threw on the floor. How could she be so clumpy as to let that happen? Now thanks to her, I had to leave the sweet dream I was just having. "You can leave now." My voice came out harsher than intended, but I didn't care less, there was nothing I hated more than being awoken. She quickly cleaned up the mess and scarred off, her face depicting fear. I rolled my eyes at her reaction and went to take a shower. Coming back into the bedroom, I noticed that it was heavily heaping outside. I wondered how the hell this was possible. I expected it to be sunny and warm but much to my dismay it was cold and damp. I dressed up and had my breakfast which was already brought to my room by the maids. I sighed and laid down on my bed waiting for the rain to die down, this was frustrating, and the last thing I needed was this, I just wanted to get to school so that I could see her. Eventually, it stopped raining, I checked my watch and had 20 minutes remaining. I abruptly got up and began getting my things ready, "Why are we even going there?" My wolf grunted hating the aspect of going to learn. "Because she is there and I won't pass up an opportunity to see her." I always felt smitten by her, and never missed a day of school just to see her even when I was sick I'd always make sure to attend classes. "Who is this you're talking about, your mate?" He asked curiously. "I wish." I chuckled to myself because of his question, then quickly headed out before the rain decided to start again. "Then who is she?" He asked again, his curiosity knew no bounds. "She's my pretty teacher whom I like quite a lot," I stated. "Ooh, how interesting, I wish I awakened sooner." This caused me to shake my head at him. My drive was pretty slow because of the rain. Many cars were stuck on the road, and it was irritating. I needed to get to the college, and I needed to see her. Was it too much to ask for? I glanced outside the window watching the damp streets, some kids were running around in the streets, and others were jumping around in the rain puddles. It was cute, the children were so carefree, and it was an amazing superpower they possessed. Eventually, the cars started clearing up and I heaved a sigh of relief, and started my car, at this point I was surely going to be late for classes. I drove as fast as I could and barely made it in time, after parking my car I headed straight inside the building. The halls were empty and quiet rather than the usual buzz that's always there due to the fact that everyone was already in their lecture rooms, oddly enough I appreciated the silence. Since I was already late I decided to go and put my things into my locker in the boy's section. I was putting my stuff inside my locker when a whiff of raspberries and coffee hit my nose, it was so intoxicating, that I felt my wolf howl in delight, we found our mate on the day we turned 18, wow that was quick, I felt the urge and pull to follow the scent but for some reason, my feet were glued to the floor, a part of me was afraid of finding out who it was because deep down I wanted it to be Xena and no one else but what if it wasn't her. My wolf growled at my reluctance, "What are you doing, that's our mate, get going now?" He definitely was an alpha's wolf, his voice came out intimidating but I was going to be an alpha tonight so he didn't scare me in the slightest. "I'm on it, I just need to breathe a bit." I let out feeling slightly disoriented. I heard him grunt but there was nothing he could do since I was in control. Reluctantly, I started walking towards the smell, my steps were unhurried and hesitant, I kept on praying to the moon Goddess that She'd be my mate, I just wanted her no one else and if I were to find that it was someone else, I was going to reject her just like that. I had this crazy feeling in me that had my heart pumping faster and faster, my breath hitched as I saw the corner that led outside the locker room. For many reasons, I was afraid, afraid that it could be someone else, afraid that I would be disappointed, but I had to know I couldn't run from this. I eventually reached the corner and what I saw baffled me. How possible was it for someone to ask for something and it actually happened, because what I asked for was before me? Standing in front of me was Xena, she looked as beautiful as always, my eyes got lost in hers, they were so captivating and that amazing scent belonged to none other than her, she felt a look of surprise and disbelief, she probably wasn't expecting me. "Mate." I let out before I knew it, my wolf felt like mating her at that instant, I knew he would like her as soon as he saw her.*****Xena's POV***** Suddenly seeing Ryder and Renee on the dance floor made my heart feel a bit pained. I was dancing with Zachary, well I was surprised how he actually came directly to me. After I bumped into him in the hallway earlier, he just wouldn't stop smiling in my direction. If only he knew that I was his Alpha’s mate, he would never have dared to ask me out for a dance. Thankfully, Ryder would speak to his parents and we'll fix a date to break off the mate bond. “What are you thinking of, Xeny?” Zach called me by the same nickname Valkyrie always called me and for some reason, I didn't like the way it sounded. I had this urge to tell him to stop calling me that. “Nothing much.” I said with a small smile, occasionally stealing glances at Ryder and Renee. They were even smiling about something. “Stop staring at them as if you care.” Layla scoffed at my silly actions. I bit my lower lip and averted my gaze from them. I didn't care, so I wasn't supposed to stare
*****Ryder's POV***** I saw Xena take a right turn to the corner and a small smile spread across my lips. Was she trying to run from me? It wasn't as if I would make an attempt on her. I came with a date tonight, that date being Renee. I only brought Renee to the party in order to make Xena Jealous, but there she was running away like I sent fire after her. Renee clunged unto me like a leech as she greeted some guests who came to show respect the moment I walked into the room. She kept acting like the Luna, making I and Jeremy laugh our heads off. Renee would never be the Luna no matter what she does. “Alpha Ryder, it's good to see you here.” I suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind and turned to see the celebrant, Zachary Woodrow, brother to Caiden Woodrow as he extended a hand for a hand shake. I received his hand with a smile as I greeted. “Hello Zach, happy birthday.” “Happy birthday, Zach.” Renee butted in as she waved at him with a smile. Zachary glanced a
*****Xena's POV***** Valkyrie sized me up again with her gaze and went back to resting her head on the couch she sat on. “Val, I'm sorry.” I went ahead to apologize again for the untenth time. Valkyrie was stubborn and hard to please, I still wondered just how we both became best friends again. “Keep your damn apology, Xena!” She let out as she groaned. “Fuck! I shouldn't have drank too much.” She cursed, rubbing her forehead again. Apparently, Valkyrie had gone clubbing the previous night and had the famous wolf alcohol which was highly prohibited for anyone with a strong wolf. Even a sip wasn't even allowed. Valkyrie had a very strong wolf and she ended up drinking three bottles of wolf Alcohol. I watched as she tossed and turned every now and then before she sighed and ran a hand through her hair. “Why are you here?” She asked without looking at me and I bit my lower lip. “To apologize.” I said, watching her for any reaction. She gave nothing out and just replied,
*****Xena’s POV***** The school bell rang and the final lessons ended. I stepped out of class, feeling exhausted after the day's lesson. Just when I took a turn to the other hallway, the boy from earlier, the one who's brother was having a party, called out to me and I turned to look at him. “Hello, Miss Xena.” He smiled cheekily and I smiled back softly. “What's your name?” I asked, not knowing what to call him. “Oh, I'm Caiden, Miss.” He replied with a sheepish smile. The boy looked adorable and he looked the same age as Ryder. “I came to remind you of the birthday party tomorrow, ma'am. It's the weekend, and it's tomorrow, " he said, and I bit my lower lip. Would I be able to attend? I did promise him, though. Before I could give a response, someone spoke from behind. “Caiden, you couldn't even give your Alpha a special invite?” We both turned to the source of the voice and saw Ryder standing there with the girl from before. She had a lollipop in her mouth as she a
*****Xena's POV***** The cold from earlier disappeared without a trace and warmth enveloped the space. I felt much better, compared to the time I returned home. A sweet scent mixed with the pure warmth in the room made me frown and moan at the same time. I frowned because it never smelled like that in my room, then I moaned because the smell was intoxicating. My eyes fluttered and I opened them to the always bright light in my room, dimmed. I frowned at that. I was always very scared of the dark, that was why I always left my lights turned on. But seeing it dim now made me almost run out of my room. I tried to get off the bed to turn on the lights, and that was when I realized something. Someone was holding me and keeping me wrapped in their arms. I blinked as panic began to set in, who the hell had me in their arms? I slowly reached out a hand to turn on the bedside lamp, then turned around when I heard a growl from the figure that held me. My heart was banging as I turned
*****Ryder's POV***** When I arrived at Xena's place, the rain had already begun to fall in torrents. I felt uneasiness in my chest that proved that Xena wasn't fine. I just hoped she wasn't in such bad shape. I packed my car in her driveway and realized that her car was nowhere in sight. It seemed like my thoughts were right about her car being faulty. I made a countdown before highlighting from the car. I ran off to her porch, shielding myself from the heavy downpour. I sighed as I thankfully stood before her front door. I turned to ring the doorbell, taking in deep breaths and waiting for her to come lash out at me as usual. But after several rings, there was still no sign of Xena opening the door. I tried to unlock the door, but it was locked from the inside. I frowned in confusion, was she not at home yet? "She might not be at home," Jeremy said, but I shook my head. "She has to be at home," I said to him, "Check her balcony," Jeremy said and I blinked. Why didn