Chapter five: Your virginity

Alpha King POV 

“Are you sure she's your mate?” Tristan asked for the hundredth time that afternoon. “What if…”

“What if what?” I cut him off.

“It's the, you know?” He rolled his eyes. “Curse… Zane, desperate to find his mate. All that could contribute.” he whispered

“No, I am sure of it.” I said, as we entered the locker room. “She's my mate, but there's something about her.”

“What? What is it? Is it bad?” He asked frantically.

“No,” I replied, recalling everything. “The mate bond was faint… Like barely there, but I could feel it, and… There's something about her scent… She doesn't smell human…”

“What do you mean? Are you saying she's a wolf?”

“I don't know, T. She doesn't smell like a wolf either.”

“What?” He looked like he's about to pass out from shock. “Does something like that exist? I mean, except for the vampires. Do we have any more shape-shifters?”

“Vampires don't shapeshift. They’re dead.” I deadpanned.

“Tell me about it. Do you think the high priestess might have an idea?” 

“I don't know.”

A sharp wave of pain stabbed through my chest. I groaned, gripping my shirt. Something was wrong.

“Mate. Go, mate.” Zane growled, fighting to get out of his cage.

“Dude, your eyes.” Tristan whispers before pushing me into one of the shower rooms, “They are glowing. Is it happening?” He asked in panic.

“Go to our mate. She's in trouble.” Zane growled at me again.

“What?” 

Before the shock could even settle… What the fuck was my mate doing in college? 

Zane snapped.

He burst free, shoving my consciousness aside like a ragdoll.

I wasn't in control anymore. My hand curled into claws. 

He stormed the gym, and we saw what was happening. What that sick fuck said to our mate.

I was pissed. I would have ripped his head off.

He barely got his next words out before he hit the ground—and Zane was on him.

The entire gym screamed in terror.

Punch after punch. The sound of his bone cracking gave me a sickening satisfaction. Zane didn't stop.

I didn't try to either. That bastard needed to be taught a lesson he would never forget in his life.

***

I jolted up, almost face-planting. Tristan was at my side at lightning speed.

“Alpha. Are you alright? Do you feel any pain? Should I call the priestess?” He fires all at once.

The sharpness of his voice hit my brain cells. “Bring your voice down.” I commanded.

The scent of antiseptic, bleach, and disinfectant wipes hit me like a slap. “Where is she? And what the hell happened? Why am I here?” I asked, making my way to the door.

“She's at her dorm? She refused to come here with us. And…” He paused, looking at the door.

I followed his gaze, and it landed on Mr. Johnson. “Let's talk in my office.” 

“Not now, Mr. Johnson. I've got something to sort out first.” I didn't wait for his response and left.

“What the fuck is she doing in college? She's a stripper, for crying out loud.” I wondered out loud.

“Her name is Camilla. And from all the news I've gathered. She used to be Grimsonbach's little plaything, but he dumped her. He's dating the captain of the cheerleading team.” Tristan explained.

I bit back a growl. Zane was getting antsy inside, and I didn't want him to lose control again.

“And?” 

“They've been together since high school. Some said she's following him around because he's been helping pay off her mother's debt and sister's hospital bills. She works as a janitor part-time. It seems no one knows about her other identity,” he finished.

“Get me more information about her family.”

“Got it, Alpha.” He handed me a paper. “Here.”

“What is this?”

“Her dorm and her room number. I figured you might want to visit Luna.” He said, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Get lost.” 

“Aye, Alpha Captain.”

I studied the piece of paper for a few seconds before making up my mind.

***

I knocked hesitantly, and a small voice answered.

“Coming.” It was nothing like the confident voice from yesterday.

The door clicked open, her head poked out, and her eyes widened. Three different emotions passing through it.

Shock. Fear. Surprise.

She moved to shut the door, but I caught it with my foot.

 “I am just here to talk.” I whispered, careful not to tick her off.

She came out fully, hands akimbo, and looked me up and down. “I am all ears.” 

She looked beautiful with that cute pout.

We were getting weird stares from people. Hush whispers—that are not whispers—flying around.

My enhanced hearing picked up every single one of them. One stuck the most.

What's the new hockey captain doing with the janitor girl?

I was close to shifting if I didn't calm down. How dare they address my mate like that?

“Are you sure this is a good place?” 

She looked around, “Fine. Come in.”

I followed her in. “Nice room.” 

“Look, if you're here to apologize. You don't have to. I am fine, and thank you.” She said softly.

It took everything I had in me not to claim her mouth right there.

“But why is Mate acting like she doesn't remember us?” Zane's voice cut through my mind.

He has been quiet since I woke up. He wasn't much of a talker anyway. I ignored him.

“I don't apologize. I am here to see you.” I told her, “How are you doing?” 

A look of surprise crossed her face, but it was gone as soon. “Me? I… I'm fine… uhm. Just peachy. I guess.” 

I was tempted to ask if she doesn't remember me—but the way her heart rate picked up and still hasn't gone down told me otherwise. 

“So… we meet again. Stripper.” 

She stiffened. Her breath hitched.

“Didn't think I'd remember you, did you?” 

“I don't know what you're talking about,” she said, nonchalantly.

I stepped closer. Her heart was beating a thousand miles per hour now.

“You really thought a mask and some glitter could make me forget you?” My voice stayed calm. 

She shrank back until her back hit the closet. I put my hands on either side, locking her in.

She looked at me, eyes wide. “What do you think you are doing?” she said in a shaky voice.

I leaned down, taking a whiff of her delicious scent. Zane went crazy, panting and demanding I claim our mate right there.

“I don't forget a scent.” I murmured, her breath catching. “Especially not the scent of someone… that belongs to me.” 

Confusion, fear, and something else flash in her eyes. Her mouth opened and closed—no words came out.

Then she did something surprising. She knelt on her knees. “Please,” she whispered. “You can't tell anyone. If the school finds out. I'll lose everything I've worked so hard for…” 

“...My life would be ruined. I'm begging you. I'll do anything. Just tell me what. Are you failing classes? Do you need me to write your essay?” 

My chest tightened at the sight of her. I hated myself all of a sudden for making her kneel.

I jerked her up to her feet, angry that my mate would kneel for me. 

“Don't you… ever bow… to anyone. Not even… me.” I emphasize each word.

She seemed shocked by my actions but didn't make any comment. 

“So? You are not going to tell anyone?” she asked, looking hopefully. 

“Depends.” I teased. “If you tell me the reason. I might have a rethink.”

Her heart started pounding again. “I… I… I… what if you're a spy?. Did Danny send you?” 

“Ouch. The disrespect to think your little boyfriend sent me.” I faked a gasp, “He didn't. I just wanted to know.” 

“Alpha, I got everything you need.” Tristan’s voice came through the mindlink.

“Alright, I'll be right there.” I said and cut it off.

“See you soon.” I kissed her forehead and walked out of her room.

“What? You can't tell anyone.” She yelled after me.

“Mate have a nice voice.” Zane gushes as he continues to prance around.

“I know.”

***

I saw her just yesterday, but it felt like it's been a year since I saw her last. I had Mr. Johnson summon her to the dean's office.

I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to claim her as soon as possible—and the earlier she got to know me, the better.

“Professor. You called…” Her voice stuck in her throat when she saw him sitting in his chair.

“You?” 

“Me!” I shrugged. “We meet again.”

“What are you doing, sitting on the professor's seat? He's going to be mad.” 

“No, he won't. I called you.” 

“You did? Why?” 

“Remember when you said you'd do anything to keep your ‘secret’ safe?” 

Fear washed over me all of a sudden—and it hit me then. I could feel her emotions. Her pains on a deeper level.

“Yes.” She replied softly.

“Well, I have a proposal for you.” I pushed the file to her front. “If you say yes to it, then all your problems will be solved.” 

“What? I don't understand.” She looked at me and the file but didn't touch it. 

“I know about your sister's illness, your student loan, and your mother's debtors after you.” I started gauging her reaction. 

“I know she was supposed to get a heart today, but it didn't go as planned. I am ready to have my friend look at her condition and schedule a surgery immediately if you agree to my proposal.” 

Tension poured off her in waves until I got to the doctor part—and she started calming down.

This just made her more beautiful in my eyes.

“What's in it for you?” 

“Look at the file.” 

She gave me a skeptical look before opening the file. “My virginity?” She echoed, brows furrowed.

“Yes, your virginity.” I stood up and walked to her front. “That's what I want.” 

Her eyes narrowed. Then…

My head whipped to the side—before the pain registered with my brain. 

She just slapped me. For the second time. And stormed off.