five

Chapter 5 

Leena's Pov 

I walked out slowly, my hands wrung together, my teeth grinding against my lips. I was told to wait outside for Kevin and Avin, and I was doing just that, however, it seems that they were just making me wait for no reason. 

From where the both of them stood, talking to a female, they continued to glance at me, Kevin with a teasing smirk. Finally, after like ten hours, they came to me. 

“Are you having fun, Little Runaway?” Kevin asked. 

“No.” I muttered under my breath, “Why did you ask me to wait for you?” I questioned. 

“Here.” Kevin stretched his hands out, extending a badge to me. 

“What's this?” I took it, staring at it in confusion. 

“There will be a banquet in a few days, make sure to be there. It's to celebrate your coming as guardian of the pack. The servants would be there to dress you when it's time, and do not come late, the elders do not appreciate tardiness.” 

I sighed and nodded, not at all happy with this. The last time I was the center of attraction, something bad happened to me. 

I held the badge in my hands, the cold metal pressing against my palm. It felt heavy, not in weight, but in what it represented. Guardian of the pack? A banquet? It was all too much, and the teasing glint in Kevin’s eyes didn’t help.

“Is this some kind of joke?” I asked, my voice low as I looked between Kevin and Avin.

“It is not a joke.” Kevin said quietly, his voice steady. Unlike Avin, there was no humor in his expression, “It’s a tradition. You’ve earned this.”

I swallowed, unsure how to respond. Avin, of course, couldn’t let the moment be serious for too long.

“You better show up, Little Runaway.” He said with a smirk, “I won't listen to any excuses from you.”

“Don’t call me that.” I snapped, my frustration boiling over.

Avin raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my reaction, “Why not? It suits you.”

Before I could retort, Kevin stepped in. “Avin, that’s enough.”

Avin shrugged, his smirk softening into a grin, “Fine, fine. Just don’t forget, Leena. Be there.”

With that, they both walked away, leaving me standing there, the badge clutched tightly in my hand. 

It wasn’t until their figures disappeared around the corner that I let out a shaky breath and turned to leave. But as I rounded the corner myself, I came face to face with Ciara.

Kevin’s bonded mate.

Her icy blue eyes met mine, sharp and calculating, her lips curling into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She looked perfect as always, flawless skin, perfectly styled hair, and an aura of superiority that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

“Well, if it isn’t Leena.” She said, her voice dripping with false sweetness, “Fancy running into you here.”

“Ciara.” I greeted stiffly, trying to sidestep her, but she blocked my path.

“Leaving so soon?” She asked, tilting her head as she looked at me with disgust in her eyes, “I saw Kevin and Avin talking to you earlier. They seem to be quite taken with you.”

I stiffened, her words setting off alarm bells in my mind, “It’s nothing like that.” I said quickly.

Her smile widened, and I could feel the venom beneath it, “Oh, I’m sure. But let me give you a little advice, Leena. Be careful about getting too comfortable with them. Especially Kevin. You wouldn’t want to overstep, would you?”

Her words hit their mark, but I refused to show it, “I don’t know what you’re implying, Ciara. I have no interest in getting involved in your arrangements with Kevin.”

She stepped closer, her presence almost suffocating, “Good. Because you and I both know that there’s no room for someone like you in their lives. You might think you’re special, but trust me, you’re not.”

I clenched my fists, “I don’t have time for this, Ciara. You'll have to excuse me.”

With that, I pushed past her, my heart racing as I walked away. 

By the time I reached the quietness of my room, I felt like I was about to explode. I threw the badge onto the table and jumped onto the edge of the bed, my mind replaying the events of the day.

Why was everything so complicated? 

I didn’t know if I was ready to face the banquet, or anything else that came with it but one thing was clear, whatever was happening between Kevin, Avin, and their bonded mates, I was caught in the middle of it without me even knowing. 

“Why do they always come to look for me anyway? Does this have to do with the strange feelings of attraction I feel from the both of them? Can they feel it too?” I raised my hands to touch my chest. 

“I doubt it. They already have bonded mates, it's not possible. Ugh!” I groaned loudly, “Why do I have to deal with lovesick women when I don't even want to be anywhere near their men?! This is so unfair.” 

And just like that, the day for the banquet arrived and it was very hectic. I was being dragged to all directions and the day reached its boiling point when Serah, Avin's bonded mate and Ciara approached me under the guise of "helping" me prepare for the banquet.

“Leena.” Serah said sweetly, her eyes gleaming with malice, “You wouldn’t want to be late for the ceremony, would you? It’s such an important night for everyone, especially those who don’t belong to a bonded pair. You know how the elders feel about punctuality.”

I frowned, sensing her underlying intent but unable to call her out without proof, “Of course.” I replied cautiously.

Ciara chimed in with a laugh “Oh, don’t worry. We’ve arranged everything for you. Your dress, your accessories, even your ride.”

Their words felt off, but I didn’t have time to think about  it too much. The pack was bustling with activity, and I barely had a moment to breathe before I was swept up in preparations for what I would wear and how I would wear it. 

When the time came for me to leave, I discovered to my horror that the “ride” Serah had arranged was nowhere to be found. The rest of the pack had already left for the banquet, leaving me stranded. My only option was to walk all the way to the banquet. 

For the nth time that week, I groaned loudly, “The elders are so going to be angry.”