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CHAPTER 2 Mate

LEAH'S POV

I got home and slumped on my bed.

Phewww… what a day.

I sighed as I looked at the sealing. My mind went to how I got myself into all this…

When I turned 18, I felt like I was on top of the world. I thought my life was about to change for the better when the Moon Goddess blessed me with the identity of my mate.

I was sure I'd be paired with someone just as naive and new to the world as I was. But then I learned my mate was Aiden, a guy known for his looks and his popularity.

Everyone at school was crazy about him. I felt like the luckiest girl alive when he agreed to be my mate, but I didn't realize I was falling for a playboy.

I remember that day so well...

As the rain tapped gently on the café window, I found myself sitting across from Aiden, my heart pounding in my chest.

I had asked Aiden to meet me there, but now that he was sitting in front of me, I couldn't find the right words.

The memory of asking about his ex-girlfriend, Caroline, lingered in my mind, and I knew that our conversation was about to take an unexpected turn.

Aiden's gaze met mine, his eyes revealing a mix of vulnerability and attraction.

"You know, Caroline and I are no longer together," he confessed, his voice soft yet tinged with sadness.

I felt a flutter of hope rose within me, the connection we had growing stronger by the moment. "I'm sorry to hear that," I replied, my heart yearning to console him.

He smiled faintly, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. "It's alright. Sometimes things don't work out the way we want them to."

The courage to speak up finally mustered within me, and I took a deep breath.

"Aiden, there's something important I need to tell you," I began, trying to steady my voice.

His gaze intensified, his curiosity evident. "What is it?"

With a deep breath, I mustered the courage to let my feelings spill out. "I've been drawn to you since the first day we met. Your confidence, your charm, they make it impossible for me to resist you."

"I believe you're my damn mate, the one the Moon Goddess herself has freakin' blessed me with," I said, trying to sound cool and confident.

He looked taken aback but intrigued, raising an eyebrow. "Your mate, huh? Well, ain't that somethin'," he murmured, his fingers casually drumming on the table.

I smirked, feeling the adrenaline rush through my veins.

"Yeah… I feel this crazy connection whenever I'm around you. Don't you sense it too?" I asked, giving him a playful nudge.

Aiden leaned in, a sly grin playing on his lips.

"Oh, believe me, I've felt that same electric buzz," he admitted, his intense gaze still locked onto mine, sending wicked shivers down my spine.

"There's this damn magnetic pull between us that's impossible to ignore."

"So... what should we do about it?" I asked, feeling the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

The moment was pure dynamite, and I found myself standing on the edge of a life-changing decision. Aiden's suggestion hung in the air, tempting me like a wicked dare.

"Let's forget about the freakin' world for a moment," he purred, his voice low and seductive, "and just soak in this insane moment together."

"Really?" I asked.

"Yeah…"

The idea of throwing caution to the wind and diving headfirst into the wild unknown with Aiden was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. But the thrill of it all took over, and I couldn't help but flash him a mischievous grin,

"You know what? Screw it. Let's be rebels and leap whatever this batshit crazy connection leads us."

"Yeah, you go, girl!" he exclaimed, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"So, we're officially dating now, right?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies in my stomach.

"Hell yeah!" he replied, a wide grin spreading across his handsome face.

"Sweet," I said, feeling a rush of relief wash over me.

I couldn't believe it. The guy I'd been dreaming about, who turned out to be my mate, had officially accepted me as his mate. He didn't reject me; he freaking accepted me! How cool was that? I felt overwhelmed by the moment, trying to keep my composure in check.

But then, like a record scratch, he mentioned a tiny problem.

"What's that?" I asked, hoping it was nothing serious.

"We're dating, no doubt, but I don't want everyone at school to know about it," he said, his tone suddenly serious.

I was taken aback, feeling a mix of confusion and disappointment. "Wait... why not?" I questioned.

He hesitated for a moment before answering, "Nothing, really. I just don't want people poking their noses into our business. Let's be cool secret lovers, ya know? It'll add some spice and adventure to our relationship. What do you say?"

Honestly, I wasn't cool with it. I wanted the whole freaking school to know that I'd finally met my destined mate, and he turned out to be the coolest guy around. But here he was, suggesting we keep it hush-hush. It wasn't what I planned or wanted, but the foolish part of me was still happy that Aiden was my mate. And, without thinking it through, I agreed.

"Yeah, alright. Let's be sneaky lovebirds," I replied, trying to sound more enthusiastic than I felt.

"Now, that's what I'm talkin' about, my girl," he said with a playful wink.

I couldn't believe how foolishly I had agreed to be his secret lover, but I guess I was just too scared of losing him. He was the most handsome man I knew, and now he was my freaking mate. The thought of him slipping away terrified me.

"So, let's get outta here and find somewhere quiet," he suggested, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Where to?" I asked, trying to sound cool and nonchalant.

"It's a secret, babe. You get it, right?" he replied, giving me a mysterious smile.

I sighed, knowing that this was going to be the new norm – sneaking around and keeping our love hidden from everyone. "Sure, whatever," I accepted, trying to suppress the disappointment in my voice.

We left the café, and he led me on a wild goose chase through the city. It was thrilling and kind of fun, but a part of me couldn't help but feel like I deserved better than being someone's secret. Yet, whenever I looked at him, all those thoughts vanished, and I found myself falling for him even more.

As we arrived at the secret spot he had in mind, hidden away from prying eyes, I couldn't deny the excitement coursing through my veins. Being with him was electrifying, and I couldn't resist his charm and allure.

Just as I was still processing the intensity of the moment, he turned to me…

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