chapter 4

Emma's pov*

I clenched my fists, who did he think he was, making such remarks about ladies like that?

" He is one of them! He probably saw ladies for just pleasure!"

"See you later," He said and turned, walking towards my direction. I hid in a corner but he got closer and closer. That's it, I swiftly extended my foot when he came into view, he didn't expect it at all causing him to trip him and fall.

"Let's go!" He had grabbed onto my arm, pulling me down with him. We both tumbled to the ground in an embarrassing heap of limbs and uniforms.

"Oops," I muttered sarcastically, shooting him a withering look as we struggled to untangle ourselves.

My heart pounded in my chest as I lay there, entwined with him. My nose sniffled all of his scent, absorbing it all caused the little electric-like feel to travel down to my spine faster, instantly arousing me.

Unconsciously, my body rolled toward him, and I found myself on top of him. His strong hands slid sensually around my waist, he pressed my body closer to him.

My lips quivered with a desire to taste his, the heat within me increased and his firm grip on me didn't help matters.

I was mesmerized as I watched as a droplet of his sweat trickled down, landing on my skin. So refreshing, his scent filled my senses, making my head spin with desire.

But I didn't need to make the first move; his hands tightened around me, pulling me closer with a firm yet gentle grip. Beads of sweat formed on my face. He didn't move either, he laid there with my face mere inches from his.

"Mate..." His lips moved. As he spoke those words to my face he pulled me towards him. I impulsively leaned in, our lips crashing together in a passionate kiss.

But then, a gasp shattered our intimate bubble. We broke apart, and there she was with a hand covering her mouth, staring at us in shock.

"Julie" Ryan said as he swiftly stood up, not pulling me along. I was jolted back into my senses. I gently stood up and dusted my clothings. For the first time I felt feminine when I was cuddled by him. who wouldn't feel elated to be finally approved by someone.

"What?" I shot her a firm, unapologetic look, frustration brewing inside me. What did she want? She could have just walked away. Had there been some romantic history between her and him?

I shrugged my shoulders,' if they had ever been, it was in the past'. A subtle smirk tugged at my lips; I felt overly attracted to him, 'where have you been mate? Was the question that pounded on my mind.'

He stepped forward with a stern expression as he gripped her wrist and pulled her closer, his voice low and commanding, "Julie, you can't breathe a word about this. It's important."

I stood there, stunned, as he left me bewildered as his words hung in the air, I couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and confusion. It seemed they didn't have a romantic connection, at least not anymore.

'But… Why was he reacting so fiercely? What's the need for secrecy?'

Before I knew it he had pulled her and walked away, not even looking back at me.

"Hey!" I called, I didn't even know his name. Muffled sounds of footsteps approached from behind, I didn't know what to do at all. Should I chase him? Why did he leave suddenly with her? Why did he want this to be a secret? Who is she? I had to think of this before I chased him.

A loud screeching sound from the speakers followed by a commanding voice echoes through the hall. "Everyone, gather in the grand hall for the orientation and welcome ceremony!" It was repeated it twice and went dead.

Everyone had heard it and in the next moment, youths with similar clothings went towards a direction. I quietly followed the flow.

"Wow?" The grand hall!l I gasped in awe. It was nothing short of magnificent. The hall was arranged like a massive stadium, with rows of seats ascending upwards, converging toward a central podium.

I chose a seat at a far angle blending into the crowd. Droves of youths poured in, filling the vast space within the five-minute time frame, which only highlighted the immense size of the hall. It was a breathtaking sight.

The microphone screeched, and a lady climbed the podium. "I hope you all have an enjoyable year ahead," she said with a reassuring smile.

"Now, for our opening speech, we have one of our esteemed special students. Let's welcome Ryan Conner!"

The moment his name left her lips, the hall erupted into a crescendo of excitement. Girls' voices filled the air with delighted squeals, and the energy in the room soared. My eyes darted to Julie, who seemed equally thrilled by the announcement, but I brushed it off with a nonchalant, "Whatever."

Amidst the uproar, I spotted him – the boy from earlier, my mate, Ryan. He stood out in the crowd with his chiseled features framed by black hair.

The lady on the podium continued, "Ryan Taylor, the Alpha prince, will now take the stage." I was suprised was there another Ryan? It wasn't him right?

The realization hit me like a lightning bolt. He was not only my mate but also the Alpha prince. My eyes widened in resentment as I heard those words, "A-l-p-h-a." The words 'Alpha' and 'Alpha prince' reverberated in my mind, and my heart raced in response.

But then it dawned on me – he was not just the Alpha prince; he was also my mate!

"This is my third mate!"

"I can see you. You do know that?" A voice said in my head startling me, he was the one!

"Why did you look at me that way," his telepathic voice tugged on my mind.

"Were you watching me all along?" I frowned.

"What? you mean nothing to me! I can as well reject you!

"Reject me... why?" I could feel it he was the mate with the strongest bond!