VII

I pull the hoodie over my head, further hiding my features. The sun is bright and slightly blinding. I adjust my aviators and push my hand deeper into my pocket. I made sure to cover my skin and any other identifying marks. I can’t risk being found out, but I really need to get some information about my mate. The more information that I have, the better plan I can make to end her existence.

I walk up behind her and drop my head so I can take in her scent, or act like I am. “Ahhh! You scared me.” She smiles at me and twirls her hair around her finger. I bet she thinks that this is alluring, but I’m not interested. She’s not even attractive, but she doesn’t need to know that she makes my skin crawl.

“Did I? I told you I would be right over. It was no coincidence that we ran into each other at the coffee shop. I wasn’t going to miss out on this opportunity.” Her bright blue eyes burn a hole through me. I watched her leave the building this morning and purposely ran into her. I need to get in the building, and picking the lock isn’t going to work this time.

During the day, someone is always watching the building’s entrance, and security personnel are present in the lobby. I need a way in so I can gain more information. She reaches up and places her lips on my cheek. I clench my jaw in an effort to keep my disgust at bay. She wraps her hand around my arm and leads me into the building. I follow her to the elevator and step inside behind her. She pushes the ‘3’ and my heart flutters. That’s precisely where I need to be, so this will be a lot easier. I just need to figure out how to get her off me.

The elevator rises, and she’s hugging me all over. She’s speaking to me, but I’m not listening. I need to be rid of her so I can get inside 325. The elevator stops moving, and a ding rings in the air. We step out of the elevator, and there’s a sign directly in front of us. The room I need is to the left. She steps toward the right, pulling me along. I cement my feet and pull my arm back. “Give me a moment, doll. I have to take this call. What room do I need to go to?”

“I’m in room 303. Don’t take long.” She kisses me again, and I feel my claws extend. I close my eyes and try to school my thoughts. I can’t afford to kill this bitch right now. I nod and watch her walk away, around the corner.

I hurry down the hall, looking for the room that holds the secrets to my fated mate. I stand in front of 325 and hone my ears. I listen for any noise or disturbance. There’s nothing there, not even breathing. I pull my tools out and attack the lock, keeping my eyes and ears open for anyone who could walk up on me.

The lock gives, and I hurry into the room, closing the door behind me. The air is still; there are no signs of life. Her scent is strong, almost choking me with its presence. I follow the smell beyond the common area to an open door.

I step inside to find the bed unmade and clothes strewn around the floor. It’s a good thing that my sights are already set on someone else; this woman is a mess. I can’t abide by that. I walk around the room slowly, taking everything in. I find the dresser and notice picture frames on top of it. I pull one and look at it.

My heart stops, and my mouth goes dry. I hastily put the frame back and pull the next one. Her face looks back at me, almost taunting me. There’s no mistaking it, this room belongs to my little flower. My fated mate is my little flower.

~Akia~

“AKIA?!” I turn to the voice, and butterflies erupt in my stomach. Matt’s hurrying up to me, and I’m starting to feel flustered. It’s been a long time since I’ve let myself feel something for someone. I’m still scared, but I’m going to take this chance.

“Hey, Matt.” I turn and start walking with Matt, falling easily into step with me. “How were classes?”

“They were okay. Maybe we can set up a study date soon.” I sneak a peek at him, and his eyes are on me. I quickly turn away, focused on the path in front of me. It doesn’t take long for warmth to spread across my shoulders. Matt has placed his arm around me, and I like it.

“We can definitely do that.” We continue to walk in silence, and it isn’t the uncomfortable kind. Matt stops walking and turns me to face him.

“Was I out of line last night? Did I make you uncomfortable?” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“No, you were great. It’s just that I’m a little gunshy when it comes to all of this. I do like you, though, Matt.” That earns me a big smile. He steps forward and wraps his arms around me. I breathe in his smoky scent and let myself settle against him. I think dealing with Matt will be good for me.

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The moment I walk onto my floor, I sense something is off. I look around, but there’s nothing out of the ordinary. There isn’t a strange scent in the air or anything, but something doesn’t feel right.

I open my door and quickly close it behind me. I look around the room, feeling like something’s out of place. I have no idea what that could be, but I feel something in the air.

After touring the room, I roll my eyes and plop on my bed. Clearly, I’m losing my mind. I suppose that discussing my past is causing my mind to short-circuit. I turn my head toward my dresser and immediately bolt into a sitting position. I slowly get off the bed and stand to my feet. I swear someone was in here. Someone moved my pictures.