Chapter 5

Chapter 5

AIDEN

My welcome slash the freshman party was nothing but a noisy-filled hall.

Just seconds into the party and people circled me like they always did, some were talking, some were waiting for a chance, and others just staring. I could barely keep track of so many voices in one place. Shifting away from my position, I moved towards my best friend Ryan, but the crowd only followed, not getting the message I was trying to pass.

“Aiden, did you hear…” a voice started from the crowd, but suddenly it was cut off by the gasps that rose across the room.

A commotion had erupted,it wasn't loud at first, just a ripple in the crowd.

But then, a soft melodic voice pushed past the subtle noise of the commotion.

“Enough!”

I was instantly intrigued, taking a step forward. At first, all I saw were backs, people pressing closer, forming a circle like vultures sensing drama. Then I saw them first, and my jaw tightened in irritation.

Clarissa and Sasha, of course, it's always them. Those two had a talent for turning every event into their personal stage.

I moved further before I even realized it, pushing through the crowd with ease, as people parted instinctively, but by the time I got a clear view…

I froze, not because of her.

She stood there, right in front of Clarissa and Sasha, shoulders squared, chin lifted, eyes blazing with something fierce… something unshaken.

And for a second, everything else disappeared,I didn’t notice the music, didn’t hear the whispers, didn’t even register the tension in the air.

It was just her, a beauty I had never seen around this school before. Her purple eyes despite being fierce had a soft touch to them, her movements looked like the softest pair that could ever exist, her cheeks were so plump I wanted to hold them in my hand. She looked too perfect to be real, the way her hair fell on her shoulders, the way her dress fitted so… not forced, not trying too hard, just perfect. It was made with her in mind and nothing else. The black fabric hugged every soft curve of her body, tracing her shape in a way that felt almost hypnotic.

Her skin was literally glowing under the lights, looking so warm and smooth. I was taken aback, finding myself noticing the smallest details, the curve of her shoulders, the softness of her waist, the way her hips moved ever so slightly when she shifted her weight.

I couldn’t look away from her mesmerizing beauty. There was something raw about her, something real, no carefully crafted image, no fake confidence. Just pure, unfiltered courage standing in a place that would tear most people apart.

“…I was just thinking the same thing about your personality.”

A slow breath left my chest.

Did she just…A faint smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

So Bold, dangerously bold.

The crowd reacted, as gasps and murmurs filled the hall, but she didn’t flinch. Even when Sasha’s expression turned sharp, even when Clarissa stepped forward like she was about to…

It happened fast, a shove, followed by a stumble, and then a fall, and then a splash.

My jaws dropped, I blinked once, then let out a quiet, disbelieving huff of laughter.

She did that, and said “Grow the fuck up!”

My eyes darkened slightly, possession clawing at my chest, suddenly I didn't want anyone else looking at her, I wanted to protect her, to keep her from anyone and anything that would dare try to hurt her. This feeling was strange, unfamiliar… and unsettling.

Before I could move, before I could even think to step forward, she grabbed a girl's hand, probably her friend, and ran.

Just like that, she was out of sight, and the crowd erupted instantly.

“Did you see that?”

“She just stood up to the biggest bullies in AlphaBeta…”

“Clarissa got what she deserved.”

“Who even is she?”

Voices overlapped, excitement buzzing through the room like wildfire, but I wasn’t listening.

My gaze stayed fixed on the space she had just left.

“Yo, Aiden,” Ryan nudged me lightly, a grin already forming on his face. “You look like you just witnessed a miracle.”

I didn’t answer immediately, because for the first time in a long time…Something had actually caught my attention,it wasn't forced, it wasn't fake, it was real.

“She’s new,” someone nearby said. “Freshman, I think.” I exhaled slowly.

That kind of fire didn’t survive long in this place unless it was new… untouched. My jaws clenched as that possessive feeling returned to my mind.

“I need to speak to her,” I muttered to myself, already moving towards the door.

I arrived outside the school's premises, glancing at both sides,to try and figure out where I could find her.

“Aiden?” A voice called behind me and I swiftly turned, hoping it would be her…but it wasn't.

It was her friend. “Hi…I…I…”

“You didn't have to comfort me,I should have seen it coming. Trying to walk up and talk to you…” She said to my lack of understanding, and then suddenly she let out a soft sob, palming her face.

“Are you alright?” I asked, genuinely concerned, before I could think of my next word, she ran into my arms, sobbing against my chest.

“Hey, hey…calm down,” I whispered, patting her shoulder to soothe her.

She finally released me, wiping her face and sniffling, “I am sorry, tonight just didn't go right for me, being the target for the bullies just because I wanted to speak to you.”

Sasha and Clarissa didn't just attack her friend,they attacked her too. “Pay no heed to them,they were jealous of your beauty,” I said truthfully, darting my gaze around to catch sight of her friend.

“Thank you Aiden. I am really glad you came out here to comfort me.”

My eyes widened for a sec, but I was quick to brush off the surprised look on my face,the night had gone terribly, and I couldn't make it worse.

“I am Kiara, Alpha heir to Raven stone,I am a freshman.”

I stretched out my hand with a smile, “Welcome to AlphaBeta, Kiara. I am Aiden.” She smiled back, the dullness on her face disappearing.

“About your….”

“Aiden!” Ryan's voice stretched behind me and I turned to see him striding towards me.

“Is there something you want to ask? My number?”

“Huh?”

Ryan stopped before me, whispering into my ear, “We have to go, meeting with your father.”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “I will take your number,” I replied to Kiara, hoping I could use this medium to get that of her friend.

As soon as we exchanged numbers, I left with Ryan, my chest heavy over my failure to fund the one girl that captured my soul.