CHAPTER 137: I WOULD PERFORM AT THE FUNDRAISER

Andria’s POV

Liara hesitated, then sighed. "I don’t know. It’s like I’m standing between two cliffs. One side is everything I should want: duty, fate, and the bond.

The other is everything I feel, anger, disgust and betrayal. I feel like I would be betraying my friendship just by being his mate."

"The bond doesn’t define who you are. You do, so you have to choose which side favors you," I said.

Liara’s eyes softened as she looked between us. "You three really are the worst influence."

Becca grinned. "And best friends."

"Let’s get back to our dorms now, shall we?" I said, standing up from my seat.

The cafeteria was nearly empty by now. Deep within me, I knew precisely where Zade walked off to, and Athena wanted to go over to the duel hall where he could be, to find out how he felt.

But Andria wasn’t having it. He could suffer the worst for all she cares.

I think I would be performing that day," Liara finally admits

"Me too, I want to dance peculiar to my pack, my mom taught me when I was little," Michaela added.

Her words stung me. I never had a beautiful memory with my family, and every day I longed for just the slightest of their affection, but I never received any.

"Wow, that’s great, I’ll make sure to compile your names," I said, waving off the feeling of sadness.

The remaining walk to our dorm was silent. We parted at the crossroads, and I was left to my thoughts again.

It was such a scene in the cafeteria, the Alpha successors made sure to make me the headline of this week’s Ashwood gossip.

I got to the door, searched for my keys and opened it. Since the series of attacks on me, Mel and I have become more security-conscious.

Even though we are in the house, we don’t leave the door unlocked.

Mel was seated on the sofa, more joyful than I had seen her in weeks, watching a series on television.

"What’s the excitement about?" I asked, dropping my backpack on the armrest and sliding next to her.

"The fundraising, of course, my idea was accepted," she squealed.

I still didn’t understand why she was so excited about a kissing booth, but I didn’t want to kill her excitement, so I didn’t ask her any further questions.

"I feel maybe, I might meet my mate there, maybe I’ve not crossed paths with him, but I’ll eventually," she said, batting her lashes at me.

"Oh, I see, I hope you find them," I said, taking my backpack and heading towards my room.

Didn’t know what this mate bond fuss was all about until I was mated to the Alpha successors.

Although I hated them at first, their presence warmed me up.

I let my thoughts drift me off to sleep.

*******************************

It was the weekend after the exams, the only time we were allowed to leave the walls of Ashwood in preparation for the after-exam activities.

The student council will purchase the items for decoration. Macy and I were nominated to go for the purchase.

I was excited for the trip in a way I never expected.

I was awake earlier than usual, had my bath and got on the call with Macy to find out if she was ready.

Me: "Macy, are you up?"

Macy: Just woke up a few minutes ago, about to hit the shower.

Me: I’m almost ready, dressed up already," I said, combing my hair to style.

Macy: What’s the rush about?.

Her question hit me. I had to come up with a brilliant answer instead of admitting that I was excited to be in charge of marketing for the first time as student council president.

Me: We have to get to the market on time, so we can exhaust the list before it is too late.

Macy: "I see, I’ll be ready soon," she paused a little before continuing. "I’ll call you when I’m done."

Me: Let’s meet at the student council room. I’ll be there soon.

Macy: Ok, I think that’s better.

I hung up the call and walked out of my room.

Mel was already having breakfast. "Ari, I haven’t thanked you for your assistance during the exams. Thank you so much, you are the best," she said with food in her mouth.

"You should swallow your food before speaking, so that you wouldn’t choke."

"Who cares?" she responded, rolling her eyes playfully at me.

I was happy that the Mel I once knew was back. "Where are you dressed for, Ari?"

"I’m heading to the supermarket, I need to get some stuff to set up the booth and stage for the fundraiser," I stated, heading towards the door.

"Won’t you have breakfast?" she asked, a slight look of concern etched on her face.

"Don’t worry about me, I’ll find what to eat," I replied, winking at her.

She let out a sigh of relief, and I walked out the door, shutting it behind me.

Meanwhile, I haven’t been by myself; I have bloodlust in the morning, making it hard to eat breakfast.

I only enjoyed lunch after the bloodlust had subsided.

One time in the locker room, a student had mistakenly hurt herself, and there was blood coming out of her hands; I almost couldn’t control the intense hunger to drink her blood.

I dashed out from the locker room to the restroom to cool off from the sight.

And since then, I have avoided the locker room whenever I notice a lot of students in there. I didn’t want any of them finding out.

I got to the student council room and there was no sight of Macy yet. I took a seat on my chair and went over the materials we were to purchase in the market today.

That was when he walked in.

"Ari," Kaelric’s voice echoed in the empty room. "I knew I would find you here."

The way he said my name, like he owned me, sent delicious sensations down to my core.

And once again, we were alone, in an empty room.