Never Been Kissed

Phoebe.

[I want my mate!]

I swiveled my head from left to right, searching for the origin of the voice that echoed in my mind. The words hung in the air, pulsating with an urgency that left me breathless. I waited for that voice to return, but it vanished as quickly as it had come. Just as I began to collect myself, my father nudged my leg, prompting me to pay attention to the man standing before us.

“This is Hayden Grey, the captain of the e-sports team you’ll be joining. I hope you both can work together to represent Livingstone.” Principal Hartman stood, his authoritative demeanor unwavering as he introduced Hayden, who seemed to tower over the room.

I extended my hand, eager to make a good impression, but to my surprise, Hayden hesitated, his chiseled features betraying no hint of warmth. He didn’t even bother to return my gesture, a slight frown etched on his face instead.

The tingling sensation returned, more intense than before, flooding my senses. I blinked rapidly, trying to grasp the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. I had never felt anything like this.

[I want him, Phoebe.]

“Stop it!” I blurted out, my voice sharper than I intended.

The three men around me froze, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. My father remained stoic, while Principal Hartman adjusted his glasses, seemingly taken aback. Hayden’s lips pressed together, annoyance flickering in his eyes.

What was wrong with me?

I bristled at his indifference. Why wouldn’t he shake my hand? I had tried to be friendly, yet he looked at me as if I were a mere inconvenience.

Fortunately, the tension broke when Hayden turned and exited the principal's office. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I accepted the key to our team’s dorm.

I stepped outside while reaching for my phone in my bag. Just as I stood on the threshold, I dropped my phone, startled by a voice. The voice annoyed me so much that my head instinctively lifted, meeting Hayden's gaze.

“Stay away from me, Mathews. I know you’re trying to use this opportunity to climb the social ladder. I won’t allow a he-wolf like you to join our ranks. One misstep from you, and I’ll kick you off the team. Do you understand?” His finger jabbed into my chest, each word a deliberate threat.

“Wow, so I’m dealing with an arrogant. Listen, Grey. I’m not afraid of your threats. I’ll make you regret those words. Move aside!” I stepped sideways, my resolve hardening.

Hayden raised his hand toward me, his demeanor shifting as if he were about to unleash something primal. But then, as if realizing something, he growled low and turned on his heel, leaving me trembling in the corridor. A surge of adrenaline coursed through me; I wanted to retaliate, to kick him where it hurt.

“Damn it! My phone is broken because of him. I’ll get back at him someday.”

[Foolish girl! You can’t hate him.]

“Who are you?” I demanded, my voice low but fierce.

[Persephone. I’m your wolf. Listen, Phoebe. Hayden is your mate. I want to submit to him.’]

“I don’t care.”

I mentally slammed the door on Isla, unwilling to entertain her infatuation with that arrogant man. No matter what happened, I refused to accept him as my mate.

My footsteps echoed angrily as I marched to the dorm, the key rattling in my hand. I unlocked the door and threw my bag to the floor, collapsing onto my bed.

The weight of Hayden’s words pressed down on me, suffocating. How could I share a team with someone so insufferable, someone who also happened to be our captain? I loathed today.

I had worked tirelessly to embody Phoenix, to shed my past skin, and now my life’s challenge had escalated with the looming presence of Hayden. I didn’t seek conflict, yet he had declared war with his very presence.

What was his issue with Phoenix?

Fatigue washed over me as I grappled with these thoughts, the day slipping through my fingers when I should have been reveling in my first day at Livingstone. I sat up and surveyed my new room. The masculine design, though appealing, felt stifling.

As I arranged my belongings in the closet, I moved the desk and chair closer to the window, craving a view that would inspire my studies. Livingstone seemed attentive to its students; I appreciated the private bathroom in my room, a small comfort in this chaotic world.

I decided to explore the dorm. Armed with the map Dad had given me, I opened it and examined each room’s layout. I would start on this floor.

I stepped out of my room and turned left. At the end of the corridor, two doors stood opposite each other. As I approached, the sounds of conversation reached my ears.

“Hey, you owe me 100 Lunar Inti. Oh Zion, come on—I want to buy a hero skin.”

“Later tonight, Finley. I have to go now—oh wow—Phoenix Mathews.”

The two guys, tugging at a jacket in front of me, suddenly stopped and stared. They had just emerged from the door on my right. One was a blonde with a delicate face, his brow furrowing as he scrutinized me. The other, taller and with brown hair, eyed me up and down.

“Hi,” I said, forcing a smile.

“New member of the scholarship winner. Aren’t you in the same Biology class as him, Finley?” The brown-haired guy elbowed his friend.

“Yeah. Zion, I’ll visit your room again tonight. I need to meet Principal Hartman.”

Finley’s gaze lingered on me, and for a brief moment, his eyes gleamed a striking yellow before he averted his gaze. I felt an odd jolt, a tingle similar to what I experienced with Hayden, but it was tinged with something else—something darker. Finley left us with a low growl, a warning.

Zion stepped closer, forcing my back against the wall. The wicked grin on his face made my stomach drop. A primal instinct flared within me, the hairs on my neck standing on end.

“Now it’s just us, Mathews. I can smell the strong scent from your body. Soon enough, you won’t be able to resist anymore. Don’t worry, I’m not your enemy. I’m just reminding you to keep your guard up. You’ve probably met Hayden. He’s annoying, but he won’t tolerate any defiance.”

“What do you mean, Zion? Your name is Zion, right?” I asked, my voice shaky.

“Be a good and obedient Phoenix Mathews,” he whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin.

My heart raced, pounding furiously as I locked eyes with Zion. The intensity in his dark gaze felt like a direct line to my soul, and for a moment, I lost myself in the depths of his stare. My thoughts clouded, and I struggled to breathe under the weight of his presence.

“Breathe, Mathews.”

I jolted, shaken by the proximity. His aura enveloped me, suffocating yet intoxicating. Once again, the tingling sensation surged through me, reminiscent of my encounter with Hayden, but this time, it felt dangerously electric.

I needed to regain control. This was spiraling out of hand, and one wrong move could unravel everything. I had to be cautious, lest my disguise be revealed.

Then, without warning, Zion pressed his lips against mine. The kiss was unexpected, searing, and left me utterly weak. Confusion enveloped me as I tried to process the surge of feelings.

When I finally pulled away, breathless and startled, I lifted my hand to slap him. But instead of anger, Zion grinned like a devil, reveling in my reaction.

“You slap like a girl. I can tell you’ve never kissed anyone before; your lips are so stiff.”

“What do you want, Zion?” I demanded, anger and confusion clashing within me.

“Of course, I want you, Mate.”